A treatise of growth in grace in sundry sermons / preached by that lately eminent servant of Jesus Christ, Samuel Slater ...
         Slater, Samuel, d. 1704.
      
       
         
           1671
        
      
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             A treatise of growth in grace in sundry sermons / preached by that lately eminent servant of Jesus Christ, Samuel Slater ...
             Slater, Samuel, d. 1704.
          
           [4], 335, [1] p.
           
             Printed for R. Boulter ...,
             London :
             1671.
          
           
             Error in paging: p. 44-45 misprinted 43-44.
             Errata: p. [1] at end.
             Imperfect: pages cropped, faded, and stained, with some loss of print.
             Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Grace (Theology) -- Sermons.
           Sermons, English -- 17th century.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           TREATISE
           OF
           Growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           IN
           SUNDRY
           SERMONS
           :
           Preached
           by
           that
           lately
           eminent
           Servant
           of
           JESUS
           CHRIST
           ,
           
             SAMUEL
             SLATER
          
           ,
           late
           of
           St.
           KATHERINES
           near
           the
           TOWER
           .
        
         
           
             Psal.
             92.
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             
               The
               righteous
               shall
               flourish
               like
               the
               Palm
               tree
               ;
               he
               shall
               grow
               like
               a
               Cedar
               in
            
             Libanon
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           
             Hosea
             14.
             5.
             
          
           
             
               I
               will
               be
               as
               the
               dew
               unto
            
             Israel
             ;
             
               he
               shall
               grow
               as
               the
               Lilly
               ,
               and
               cast
               forth
               his
               roots
               as
            
             Lebanon
             .
          
        
         
           
             Heb.
             13.
             7.
             
          
           
             
               Remember
               them
               which
               have
               the
               rule
               over
               you
               ,
               who
               have
               spoken
               unto
               you
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               ,
               whose
               faith
               follow
               ,
               considering
               the
               end
               of
               their
               conversation
               .
            
          
        
         
           London
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             R.
             Boulter
          
           ,
           at
           the
           
             Turks
             Head
          
           in
           Cornhil
           ,
           over
           againgst
           the
           Royal
           Exchange
           ,
           1671.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           
             READER
             ,
          
        
         
           THE
           Subject
           of
           this
           Book
           is
           
             Growth
             in
             Grace
          
           ,
           a
           noble
           Subject
           ,
           yea
           the
           most
           noble
           ;
           for
           what
           is
           more
           excellent
           and
           desirable
           than
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Growth
           in
           it
           ?
           Thereby
           our
           Election
           ,
           likeness
           unto
           God
           ,
           union
           with
           Christ
           ,
           inhabitation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           ripeness
           and
           readiness
           for
           Glory
           ,
           are
           clearly
           evidenced
           unto
           us
           .
           This
           is
           therefore
           the
           principal
           Argument
           wherewith
           a
           
             gracious
             Soul
          
           should
           be
           taken
           ,
           and
           lay
           out
           the
           principallest
           of
           its
           time
           and
           strength
           in
           getting
           thereof
           ,
           and
           growing
           therein
           :
           It
           argues
           ignobleness
           of
           spirit
           to
           set
           any
           limit
           or
           measure
           to
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           shorter
           than
           what
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             God
          
           it self
           hath
           
           set
           ,
           
             viz.
             The
             measure
             of
             the
             stature
             of
             the
             fulness
             of
             Christ
          
           ;
           whoso
           doth
           it
           ,
           blunts
           the
           edge
           of
           desires
           and
           endeavours
           ,
           and
           will
           sit
           down
           content
           with
           one
           grain
           of
           Grace
           .
           The
           
             Reverend
             ,
             laborious
          
           and
           
             judicious
             Preacher
          
           of
           these
           Sermons
           ,
           whose
           
             Growth
             in
             Grace
          
           was
           well
           known
           ,
           would
           have
           you
           ,
           not
           only
           gracious
           ,
           but
           
             eminently
             gracious
          
           ,
           Cedars
           ,
           not
           shrubs
           ,
           which
           will
           tend
           to
           your
           
             greater
             advantage
          
           than
           can
           be
           express'd
           :
           Be
           pleased
           therefore
           to
           read
           ,
           and
           seriously
           consider
           ,
           what
           is
           herein
           tendred
           unto
           you
           ,
           and
           you
           will
           find
           your
           hearts
           so
           warm'd
           thereby
           ,
           that
           you
           will
           be
           of
           the
           Authors
           mind
           ,
           concerning
           the
           great
           Duty
           of
           
             growing
             in
             Grace
          
           ;
           which
           that
           you
           may
           be
           ,
           and
           so
           do
           ,
           is
           the
           Prayer
           of
           him
           who
           desires
           your
           Perfection
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           SERM.
           I.
           
        
         
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             But
             grow
             in
             Grace
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             knowledg
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ
             :
             To
             him
             be
             Glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             ,
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           WHen
           the
           Apostle
           had
           cautioned
           the
           holy
           persons
           that
           he
           deals
           withall
           concerning
           their
           stedfastness
           ,
           and
           stability
           ;
           he
           subjoyns
           ●…in
           the
           words
           that
           I
           have
           read
           )
           a
           further
           duty
           ,
           and
           brings
           it
           in
           with
           a
           but
           ;
           importing
           that
           it
           was
           not
           enough
           for
           them
           for
           to
           keep
           their
           stedfastness
           ;
           not
           sufficient
           to
           the
           discharge
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           lost
           no
           ground
           ,
           that
           they
           did
           not
           go
           back
           ,
           that
           there
           were
           not
           a
           retrograde
           motion
           :
           But
           they
           must
           look
           onward
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           you
           must
           be
           careful
           that
           you
           do
           not
           fall
           from
           your
           stedfastness
           .
           I
           but
           that
           's
           not
           all
           ,
           you
           must
           not
           only
           be
           sted●…st
           ,
           and
           setled
           in
           your
           condition
           and
           state
           ,
           but
           you
           must
           be
           upon
           your
           advances
           ;
           you
           must
           be
           careful
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           grow
           ;
           not
           only
           that
           you
           do
           not
           decay
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           increase
           :
           not
           only
           that
           you
           do
           not
           abate
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           do
           advance
           :
           not
           only
           that
           you
           hold
           your
           own
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           get
           more
           and
           more
           of
           the
           Grace
           which
           you
           are
           already
           partaker
           of
           .
           A
           great
           duty
           ,
           which
           I
           would
           speak
           something
           to
           :
           and
           the
           point
           is
           clearly
           and
           plainly
           from
           the
           Text
           this
           ,
        
         
         
           Doctr.
           That
           they
           that
           are
           called
           to
           be
           partakers
           of
           Grace
           ,
           must
           be
           careful
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           They
           that
           have
           Grace
           (
           have
           it
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           it
           )
           must
           not
           rest
           in
           that
           ;
           No
           ,
           they
           must
           not
           :
           but
           their
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           Now
           will
           you
           consider
           a
           little
           this
           burden
           of
           duty
           :
           It
           is
           properly
           to
           be
           laid
           upon
           the
           shoulder
           and
           back
           of
           a
           Saint
           .
           It
           is
           a
           duty
           properly
           belonging
           to
           such
           as
           have
           Grace
           to
           perform
           .
           It
           were
           a
           vain
           thing
           for
           to
           perswade
           a
           man
           that
           hath
           no
           life
           in
           him
           ,
           for
           to
           look
           to
           his
           health
           ,
           to
           the
           improvement
           of
           his
           strength
           .
           It
           is
           as
           vain
           a
           thing
           for
           to
           perswade
           a
           man
           that
           's
           dead
           in
           sins
           and
           trespasses
           ,
           that
           is
           a
           stranger
           to
           Grace
           ,
           to
           perswade
           him
           to
           abound
           in
           Grace
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           There
           must
           be
           Generation
           ,
           before
           there
           can
           be
           Augmentation
           :
           there
           must
           be
           life
           before
           there
           can
           be
           growth
           .
           And
           therefore
           that
           which
           is
           properly
           to
           be
           urged
           upon
           such
           as
           have
           no
           Grace
           ,
           is
           that
           they
           would
           look
           about
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           far
           as
           may
           be
           get
           in
           with
           God.
           Though
           it
           's
           true
           ,
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           any
           person
           that
           is
           a
           stranger
           to
           Grace
           ,
           to
           perform
           any
           act
           of
           Grace
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           partaking
           of
           Grace
           :
           but
           we
           must
           wait
           upon
           God
           ,
           using
           exhortations
           ,
           and
           see
           how
           the
           Lord
           will
           please
           to
           come
           in
           ,
           and
           set
           them
           home
           upon
           the
           heart
           .
           But
           such
           ,
           it
           's
           their
           duty
           ,
           whether
           they
           can
           do
           it
           or
           no
           :
           It
           's
           their
           duty
           to
           look
           out
           after
           Grace
           ,
           to
           have
           it
           ,
           that
           so
           having
           it
           ,
           they
           may
           increase
           in
           it
           .
           But
           otherwise
           ,
           for
           increase
           and
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           's
           not
           a
           duty
           so
           properly
           to
           be
           charged
           upon
           persons
           that
           are
           strangers
           to
           it
           :
           And
           let
           such
           consider
           with
           themselves
           ,
           how
           sad
           their
           condition
           is
           :
           Such
           as
           have
           no
           Grace
           at
           all
           ,
           how
           sad
           their
           condition
           is
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           That
           they
           are
           not
           in
           a
           capacity
           for
           to
           have
           
           such
           a
           duty
           imposed
           and
           charged
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           But
           secondly
           ,
           Consider
           that
           this
           duty
           of
           growing
           in
           Grace
           :
           It
           is
           most
           properly
           belonging
           to
           them
           to
           perform
           ,
           that
           are
           already
           partakers
           of
           Grace
           :
           That
           have
           sparks
           stricken
           by
           God
           ,
           their
           duty
           is
           that
           they
           nourish
           and
           cherish
           their
           sparks
           ,
           and
           do
           labour
           to
           bring
           it
           up
           to
           a
           flame
           .
           Grace
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           seed
           of
           Gods
           casting
           into
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           it
           is
           very
           inconsiderable
           as
           to
           the
           bulk
           and
           magnitude
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           like
           a
           grain
           of
           Mustard-seed
           :
           I
           but
           it
           ●…mproveable
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           incumbent
           upon
           them
           that
           have
           this
           Seed
           cast
           into
           them
           ,
           to
           improve
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           grow
           up
           to
           a
           great
           tree
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           duty
           .
           It
           's
           most
           true
           also
           that
           it
           is
           a
           priviledg
           .
           It
           is
           the
           priviledg
           of
           a
           Saint
           and
           Believer
           ,
           that
           he
           shall
           grow
           .
           They
           that
           are
           planted
           in
           the
           house
           of
           the
           Lord
           (
           as
           we
           had
           it
           in
           the
           Psalm
           that
           we
           sung
           )
           ,
           they
           shall
           flourish
           in
           the
           Courts
           of
           our
           God
           :
           They
           shall
           spring
           ,
           flourish
           as
           the
           Palm-tree
           ,
           grow
           as
           the
           Cedars
           in
           Lebanon
           .
           This
           is
           the
           priviledg
           :
           this
           is
           one
           branch
           of
           the
           Covenant
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           with
           his
           people
           .
           I
           but
           you
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           these
           priviledges
           they
           are
           not
           granted
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           be
           careless
           and
           sloathful
           ,
           but
           rather
           to
           quicken
           us
           up
           to
           diligence
           in
           duty
           :
           And
           indeed
           our
           duties
           do
           lye
           much
           in
           priviledges
           ;
           that
           which
           is
           a
           priviledg
           ,
           is
           also
           a
           duty
           :
           As
           to
           instance
           ,
        
         
           It
           's
           the
           priviledg
           of
           a
           believer
           ,
           that
           he
           shall
           be
           kept
           through
           the
           power
           of
           God
           through
           Faith
           unto
           unto
           Salvation
           .
           But
           it
           is
           withal
           ,
           the
           duty
           of
           a
           Believer
           to
           keep
           himself
           .
           He
           that
           is
           born
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           keepeth
           himself
           ,
           and
           the
           wicked
           one
           toucheth
           him
           not
           :
           And
           Gods
           keeping
           of
           his
           Saints
           ,
           is
           by
           the
           means
           of
           their
           care
           and
           diligence
           for
           to
           keep
           themselves
           .
        
         
         
           It
           is
           the
           priviledg
           of
           a
           Believer
           ,
           a
           Covenant
           priviledg
           ,
           that
           he
           shall
           not
           depart
           from
           God.
           I
           will
           put
           my
           fear
           into
           their
           hearts
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           depart
           from
           me
           :
           But
           it
           is
           also
           the
           duty
           of
           a
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           do
           his
           utmost
           indeavour
           ,
           and
           to
           use
           his
           greatest
           diligence
           and
           care
           ,
           that
           he
           never
           do
           depart
           from
           God
           :
           And
           by
           that
           care
           of
           his
           ,
           not
           to
           depart
           from
           God
           ,
           God
           doth
           bring
           over
           to
           him
           the
           comfort
           and
           benefit
           of
           the
           Covenant-priviledg
           ,
           that
           he
           shall
           not
           depart
           from
           him
           .
           And
           truly
           we
           cannot
           reckon
           upon
           the
           comfort
           and
           benefit
           of
           ●…e
           priviledg
           ,
           any
           further
           than
           we
           are
           careful
           to
           answer
           to
           our
           duty
           .
           God
           will
           be
           true
           to
           his
           promise
           ;
           and
           he
           discovers
           his
           faithfulness
           in
           performing
           his
           promise
           of
           working
           up
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           people
           to
           a
           care
           of
           doing
           their
           duty
           .
           So
           far
           this
           particular
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           the
           priviledg
           of
           a
           Saint
           ,
           that
           he
           shall
           grow
           :
           Shall
           he
           ?
           I
           but
           it
           s
           his
           duty
           to
           grow
           :
           God
           hath
           made
           it
           both
           a
           priviledg
           and
           a
           duty
           ▪
           and
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           shall
           have
           the
           comfort
           of
           the
           priviledg
           ,
           we
           must
           make
           Conscience
           of
           performing
           the
           duty
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           our
           business
           from
           day
           to
           day
           to
           be
           growing
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
             ,
          
           ]
           Truly
           it
           is
           a
           strange
           kind
           of
           Riddle
           ,
           and
           I
           do
           profess
           I
           would
           be
           seriously
           minded
           in
           what
           I
           speak
           now
           ,
           speaking
           to
           a
           point
           that
           doth
           very
           nearly
           concern
           all
           that
           do
           pretend
           to
           Grace
           and
           holiness
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           speaking
           to
           a
           point
           which
           I
           think
           is
           as
           misterious
           ,
           one
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           mo●…
           that
           concern
           practical
           godliness
           .
           And
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           think
           there
           is
           as
           little
           of
           judiciousness
           discovered
           in
           the
           part
           of
           Godly
           persons
           ,
           of
           those
           that
           are
           truly
           godly
           ;
           as
           little
           of
           judicial
           observance
           discovering
           it self
           about
           this
           thing
           ,
           as
           about
           any
           one
           
           thing
           that
           concerns
           practical
           Godliness
           .
           
             Growth
             in
             Grace
          
           ;
           our
           Consciences
           are
           able
           to
           witness
           with
           us
           ,
           or
           against
           us
           ,
           whether
           we
           study
           this
           matter
           ,
           whether
           we
           bestow
           any
           serious
           thoughts
           about
           it
           ,
           yea
           or
           no
           :
           whether
           we
           understand
           it
           ,
           and
           know
           what
           belongs
           to
           this
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           are
           able
           to
           give
           any
           good
           account
           of
           it
           :
           I
           doubt
           there
           are
           many
           who
           are
           right
           in
           the
           main
           ,
           that
           are
           at
           a
           very
           great
           loss
           conc●…rning
           the
           right
           understanding
           of
           this
           matter
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           able
           to
           give
           any
           comfortable
           account
           ;
           a
           judicious
           account
           concerning
           themselves
           ,
           and
           how
           far
           they
           are
           responsible
           to
           God
           concerning
           this
           thing
           :
           Judg
           in
           your selves
           whether
           this
           be
           not
           the
           heighth
           of
           your
           godliness
           ,
           and
           your
           utmost
           reach
           in
           your
           profession
           .
           You
           have
           solicitous
           thoughts
           about
           Grace
           about
           the
           in-being
           ,
           indwelling
           ,
           implantation
           of
           Grace
           in
           you
           .
           You
           may
           have
           ,
           and
           must
           have
           ,
           if
           you
           be
           gracious
           ,
           such
           solicitous
           thoughts
           .
           Exercise
           your selves
           with
           serious
           considerations
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           :
           My
           soul
           ,
           is
           there
           any
           grace
           of
           God
           in
           thee
           ,
           or
           art
           thou
           a
           stranger
           to
           it
           ?
           Is
           there
           any
           saving
           work
           upon
           thee
           yea
           or
           no
           ?
           I
           know
           this
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           that
           hath
           a
           saving
           impress
           upon
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           will
           be
           exercising
           himself
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           and
           labour
           to
           understand
           himself
           concerning
           this
           matter
           ,
           whether
           he
           have
           Grace
           yea
           or
           no.
           But
           as
           to
           this
           duty
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           alas
           how
           few
           are
           there
           that
           busie
           their
           heads
           about
           it
           ,
           or
           are
           able
           judiciously
           to
           manage
           and
           perform
           a
           search
           into
           themselves
           concerning
           it
           ,
           or
           to
           give
           a
           good
           account
           about
           this
           mat●…er
           .
           I
           shall
           speak
           more
           to
           that
           afterwards
           ,
           God
           assisting
           :
           Now
           I
           give
           a
           hint
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           do
           speak
           this
           the
           rather
           ,
           because
           it
           being
           given
           us
           in
           Commission
           to
           preach
           this
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           to
           press
           this
           duty
           .
           I
           
           speak
           the
           rather
           in
           this
           sort
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           have
           more
           serious
           thoughts
           concerning
           that
           which
           I
           have
           to
           assert
           from
           this
           Text
           ,
           and
           to
           press
           upon
           you
           as
           a
           duty
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           And
           to
           settle
           this
           upon
           your
           apprehensions
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           as
           much
           a
           duty
           for
           persons
           to
           increase
           in
           Faith
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           for
           to
           have
           Faith
           :
           't
           is
           as
           much
           a
           duty
           for
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           for
           to
           press
           after
           Grace
           ,
           though
           it
           may
           be
           we
           do
           not
           so
           reckon
           upon
           it
           .
           But
           I
           can
           tell
           you
           ,
           the
           same
           God
           that
           hath
           commanded
           the
           one
           ,
           hath
           commanded
           the
           other
           :
           We
           are
           under
           as
           strong
           an
           obligation
           that
           we
           may
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           to
           use
           our
           diligence
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           be
           made
           partakers
           of
           Grace
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           duty
           for
           those
           that
           have
           Grace
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           it
           .
           What
           's
           the
           meaning
           of
           that
           ?
           It
           s
           true
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           metaphor
           in
           the
           phrase
           ,
           it
           s
           taken
           from
           living
           things
           ,
           that
           having
           life
           ,
           so
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           .
           Dead
           things
           cannot
           grow
           ,
           straws
           ,
           sticks
           ,
           and
           stubble
           ,
           these
           things
           they
           are
           dead
           things
           ,
           and
           they
           cannot
           grow
           .
           But
           there
           must
           be
           a
           supposition
           of
           life
           where
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           .
        
         
           Now
           
             to
             grow
          
           ,
           what
           is
           it
           ?
           Why
           plainly
           thus
           ;
           when
           you
           hear
           this
           is
           a
           duty
           that
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           you
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           you
           must
           not
           only
           be
           good
           ,
           but
           very
           good
           ,
           be
           better
           and
           better
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           exceed
           your selves
           .
           Good
           to
           day
           ,
           better
           to
           morrow
           :
           Gracious
           this
           year
           ,
           far
           more
           gracious
           the
           next
           year
           :
           Acquainted
           with
           God
           now
           ,
           more
           than
           acquaintance
           with
           God
           in
           process
           of
           time
           .
           Grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           excell
           your selves
           :
           Not
           only
           be
           better
           than
           others
           ,
           better
           than
           others
           that
           have
           no
           Grace
           ;
           nay
           ,
           better
           than
           others
           that
           have
           Grace
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           go
           beyond
           them
           :
           and
           know
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           go
           beyond
           
           your selves
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           be
           more
           in
           Faith
           ,
           more
           in
           Repentance
           ,
           more
           in
           Love
           ,
           more
           in
           holiness
           ,
           more
           in
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           go
           from
           strength
           to
           strength
           :
           that
           you
           may
           
             Mutare
             vires
          
           ,
           as
           the
           phrase
           is
           in
           the
           40.
           
           Isai.
           They
           that
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           they
           shall
           renew
           their
           strength
           :
           they
           shall
           change
           their
           strength
           :
           they
           shall
           go
           from
           strength
           to
           strength
           ;
           from
           one
           strength
           to
           another
           :
           this
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           To
           be
           as
           good
           for
           God
           ,
           as
           good
           for
           heaven
           ,
           as
           possibly
           we
           can
           ;
           reckoning
           upon
           this
           ,
           we
           can
           never
           be
           too
           fit
           for
           heaven
           ,
           we
           can
           never
           be
           too
           holy
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           the
           inheritance
           that
           is
           incorruptible
           ,
           undefiled
           ,
           and
           that
           fadeth
           not
           away
           :
           this
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           you
           that
           are
           the
           subjects
           of
           grace
           .
           Such
           of
           you
           as
           God
           hath
           bestowed
           any
           grace
           upon
           ,
           this
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           grace
           .
           And
           that
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           ,
           it
           appears
           all
           along
           in
           Scripture
           .
           How
           often
           are
           we
           called
           upon
           to
           increase
           with
           the
           increase
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           increase
           more
           and
           more
           ;
           to
           abound
           ,
           and
           be
           upon
           our
           advancements
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           press
           upon
           us
           very
           much
           .
        
         
           And
           it
           's
           a
           duty
           with
           respect
           to
           Grace
           :
           Not
           only
           with
           respect
           to
           Gifts
           :
           It
           's
           true
           indeed
           ,
           such
           as
           have
           the
           gifts
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           they
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           them
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           abound
           in
           knowledg
           ,
           and
           in
           utterance
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           .
           Not
           only
           in
           gifts
           ,
           for
           that
           's
           a
           duty
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           gifts
           ,
           in
           knowledg
           ,
           and
           in
           utterance
           :
           but
           especially
           to
           grow
           in
           grace
           .
        
         
           And
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           that
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           all
           that
           are
           gracious
           :
           They
           that
           are
           Babes
           ,
           they
           must
           grow
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           come
           to
           be
           strong
           men
           .
           They
           that
           are
           strong
           men
           ,
           they
           must
           grow
           still
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           come
           to
           be
           stronger
           and
           stronger
           ;
           that
           the
           
           feeble
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           expression
           in
           the
           12th
           of
           Zechariah
           ,
           may
           be
           as
           David
           ,
           and
           that
           David
           may
           be
           as
           the
           Angel
           of
           God
           :
           this
           is
           that
           that
           is
           required
           of
           us
           .
           Weak
           Believers
           ,
           they
           must
           grow
           ,
           grow
           strong
           Believers
           :
           Strong
           Believers
           must
           labour
           to
           grow
           still
           ,
           grow
           stronger
           and
           stronger
           in
           their
           believing
           .
           Christians
           ,
           Professors
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           strong
           in
           grace
           ;
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           Ministers
           ,
           the
           dispensers
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           s
           as
           much
           their
           duty
           ,
           as
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Professors
           ,
           to
           be
           upon
           their
           growth
           in
           grace
           .
           
             Give
             diligence
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           to
           Timothy
           1
           Ep.
           1.
           4.
           
           
             Give
             attendance
             to
             Reading
             ,
             to
             Exhortation
             ,
             to
             Doctrine
             ;
             that
             thy
             profiting
             may
             appear
             to
             all
             .
          
        
         
           But
           what
           are
           the
           requisites
           of
           this
           growth
           ?
           That
           I
           shall
           speak
           to
           in
           a
           few
           words
           ,
           what
           a
           growth
           it
           must
           be
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           It
           must
           be
           a
           perceivable
           growth
           :
           It
           should
           be
           so
           .
           The
           growth
           of
           a
           Saint
           in
           grace
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           a
           perceivable
           growth
           ,
           a
           visible
           growth
           ,
           a
           growth
           that
           may
           be
           perceived
           and
           apprehended
           ,
           a
           Judgment
           may
           be
           made
           upon
           it
           :
           Such
           a
           growth
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           in
           that
           place
           I
           mentioned
           .
           Give
           attendance
           to
           these
           and
           these
           courses
           ,
           that
           thy
           profiting
           may
           appear
           to
           all
           .
           Why
           truly
           the
           growth
           or
           a
           Believer
           in
           grace
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           that
           it
           may
           be
           a
           perceivable
           growth
           :
           As
           a
           man
           by
           observation
           can
           say
           ,
           I
           set
           such
           a
           plant
           in
           my
           Garden
           or
           Orchard
           ,
           and
           I
           do
           perceive
           that
           within
           such
           a
           time
           it
           is
           grown
           so
           much
           higher
           ,
           and
           stronger
           .
           And
           so
           for
           children
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           perceivable
           growth
           in
           them
           ;
           you
           may
           observe
           how
           they
           grow
           in
           process
           of
           time
           .
           Such
           a
           growth
           we
           should
           endeavour
           after
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           perceived
           by
           others
           ,
           by
           our selves
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           as
           David
           
           speaks
           ,
           
             In
             the
             day
             whereon
             I
             did
             call
             uprn
             thee
             ,
             thou
             didst
             answer
             me
             ,
             and
             thou
             didst
             strengthen
             me
             with
             strength
             in
             my
             soul.
             
          
        
         
           2.
           
           As
           a
           perceivable
           growth
           so
           it
           should
           be
           a
           proportionable
           growth
           .
           If
           we
           will
           approve
           our selves
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           our
           growth
           in
           grace
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           a
           proportionable
           growth
           ;
           proportionable
           to
           time
           which
           God
           affords
           us
           .
           What!
           so
           long
           under
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           profession
           of
           godliness
           so
           long
           standing
           ;
           proportionable
           to
           the
           time
           of
           our
           standing
           ,
           should
           be
           our
           increases
           .
           Why
           then
           we
           should
           be
           of
           a
           greater
           growth
           than
           others
           that
           are
           but
           of
           a
           later
           Plantation
           .
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           to
           that
           purpose
           in
           Heb.
           5.
           
           
             For
             the
             time
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             you
             might
             have
             been
             teachers
             of
             others
             ,
          
           you
           might
           have
           come
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           have
           been
           fit
           to
           feed
           upon
           stronger
           meat
           .
           But
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             you
             had
             need
             to
             be
             taught
             the
             very
             first
             principles
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             fed
             nith
             milk
             .
          
           And
           this
           he
           speaks
           to
           their
           shame
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           way
           of
           blame
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           secondly
           ,
           A
           proportionable
           growth
           there
           must
           be
           in
           grace
           ,
           proportionable
           to
           the
           means
           that
           God
           hath
           been
           pleased
           to
           afford
           :
           Such
           and
           such
           large
           allowances
           ,
           and
           not
           answer
           them
           :
           Why
           it
           will
           turn
           to
           the
           shame
           and
           reproach
           of
           a
           Professor
           ,
           let
           him
           be
           what
           he
           will
           〈◊〉
           ,
           if
           his
           improvements
           do
           not
           hold
           some
           proportion
           to
           his
           enjoyments
           :
           If
           he
           do
           not
           in
           some
           measure
           answer
           his
           growth
           ,
           to
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           the
           means
           ,
           it
           turns
           to
           his
           dishonour
           .
        
         
           And
           Thirdly
           ,
           If
           it
           be
           right
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           a
           fructifying
           growth
           ,
           a
           growth
           with
           fruit
           :
           so
           as
           still
           we
           must
           grow
           more
           and
           more
           fruitful
           ;
           fruitful
           in
           all
           the
           duties
           of
           godliness
           ;
           that
           as
           we
           get
           more
           in
           saith
           ,
           more
           in
           love
           ,
           increase
           more
           in
           holiness
           ,
           and
           in
           spiritual
           strength
           ;
           so
           we
           are
           the
           more
           in
           spiritual
           
           fruitfulness
           ,
           do
           more
           for
           God.
           Would
           it
           be
           to
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           an
           Orchard
           Planter
           ,
           to
           have
           a
           tree
           ,
           that
           when
           it
           was
           young
           ,
           and
           of
           lesser
           growth
           ,
           bring
           forth
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           twenty
           Apples
           in
           a
           year
           ,
           and
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           of
           seven
           years
           growth
           more
           ,
           to
           bring
           forth
           no
           more
           Apples
           ;
           this-will
           not
           be
           to
           his
           satisfaction
           .
           So
           for
           a
           Christian
           that
           is
           but
           of
           a
           younger
           Plantation
           ,
           to
           bring
           forth
           such
           and
           such
           fruit
           ,
           and
           then
           when
           he
           hath
           been
           seven
           and
           seven
           years
           longer
           in
           the
           profession
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           to
           vi●…ld
           as
           little
           ,
           nay
           it
           may
           be
           less
           fruit
           to
           God
           then
           he
           did
           in
           his
           beginning
           :
           Truly
           this
           is
           not
           well
           ,
           there
           must
           be
           fruitfulness
           ,
           and
           a
           growth
           in
           fruitfulness
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           it
           must
           be
           a
           lasting
           and
           continuing
           growth
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           think
           of
           it
           how
           we
           will
           ,
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           well
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           must
           grow
           as
           long
           as
           we
           are
           on
           this
           side
           Heaven
           ,
           but
           that
           indeed
           is
           no
           place
           of
           growth
           .
           Mark
           that
           ;
           when
           once
           a
           Saint
           comes
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           he
           comes
           to
           his
           perfection
           ,
           he
           comes
           to
           have
           a
           consistency
           :
           then
           he
           shall
           be
           as
           good
           as
           God
           would
           have
           him
           to
           be
           ,
           and
           as
           good
           as
           his
           heart
           can
           desire
           to
           be
           :
           But
           while
           we
           are
           on
           this
           side
           Heaven
           ,
           there
           must
           be
           growing
           ,
           or
           else
           it
           is
           not
           right
           with
           us
           .
        
         
           You
           see
           I
           have
           endeavoured
           with
           as
           much
           plainness
           as
           possibly
           I
           can
           to
           settle
           this
           upon
           your
           hearts
           ,
           concerning
           growth
           in
           grace
           ;
           That
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           :
           Of
           what
           interpretation
           it
           is
           :
           And
           what
           a
           growth
           it
           is
           that
           God
           requires
           .
           Now
           for
           the
           Reasons
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
          
           :
           Why
           it
           must
           needs
           be
           so
           .
           Why
           Brethren
           how
           else
           will
           God
           be
           glorified
           by
           us
           ;
           how
           can
           persons
           that
           have
           grace
           ,
           think
           that
           they
           can
           glorifie
           God
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           not
           grow
           in
           it
           ?
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           Believers
           and
           Saints
           ,
           they
           are
           Gods
           children
           ;
           they
           
           are
           children
           of
           Gods
           begetting
           ;
           they
           are
           begotten
           of
           an
           immortal
           seed
           through
           the
           Word
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           
           Why
           now
           consider
           ,
           is
           it
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           a
           Father
           ,
           to
           have
           a
           child
           begotten
           by
           him
           that
           proves
           a
           very
           dwarf
           ;
           abides
           and
           continues
           in
           the
           same
           proportion
           and
           stature
           that
           he
           was
           born
           in
           :
           there
           's
           no
           increase
           ,
           either
           in
           understanding
           ,
           or
           in
           stature
           ,
           or
           in
           strength
           ,
           but
           a
           poor
           creature
           ,
           a
           very
           Babe
           ;
           so
           born
           ,
           and
           so
           continues
           .
           Is
           it
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           to
           have
           such
           kind
           of
           children
           ?
           To
           beget
           children
           to
           himself
           by
           Grace
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           them
           stand
           at
           a
           stay
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           no
           growth
           .
           Believers
           are
           the
           planting
           of
           the
           Lord
           :
           Observe
           that
           place
           in
           the
           61.
           of
           Isai.
           ver
           .
           3.
           
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             God
             is
             upon
             me
             ,
             &c.
             
             And
             he
             hath
             anointed
             me
             ,
             To
             appoint
             unto
             them
             that
             mourn
             in
          
           Zion
           ,
           
             to
             give
             unto
             them
             beauty
             for
             ashes
             ;
             the
             Oyl
             of
             Joy
             for
             mourning
             ;
             the
             garment
             of
             praise
             for
             the
             spirit
             of
             heaviness
             ;
             that
             they
             might
             be
             called
             Trees
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             The
             Planting
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             Glorified
             .
          
           Mark
           here
           ,
           they
           are
           the
           planting
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           plants
           being
           planted
           ,
           there
           is
           such
           a
           course
           taken
           with
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           come
           to
           grow
           to
           bulky-trees
           :
           That
           they
           may
           be
           Trees
           of
           Righteousness
           ,
           that
           God
           may
           he
           glorified
           :
           That
           God
           may
           have
           the
           honour
           of
           his
           Plantation
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           This
           Plant
           I
           set
           in
           my
           Vineyard
           ;
           It
           was
           little
           ,
           and
           slender
           ,
           and
           small
           ,
           at
           the
           first
           Plantation
           ,
           but
           see
           how
           it
           s
           grown
           ,
           grown
           up
           to
           a
           bulky
           Tree
           .
           This
           is
           his
           glory
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           glory
           of
           the
           Planter
           ,
           to
           see
           his
           Plant
           growing
           up
           ,
           and
           becoming
           bulky
           ,
           a
           Tree
           of
           Righteousness
           .
           What
           honour
           is
           it
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           have
           a
           Professor
           planted
           ,
           and
           continuing
           a
           poor
           slender
           twig
           ,
           and
           nothing
           of
           strength
           ,
           or
           stature
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           Our
           Duty
           is
           to
           grow
           ;
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           Why
           Breth●…en
           ,
           Grace
           is
           not
           worthily
           dealt
           withal
           ,
           nor
           do
           we
           answer
           the
           purpose
           of
           God
           in
           bestowing
           it
           upon
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           grow
           in
           it
           .
           Why
           it
           s
           given
           as
           a
           stock
           to
           Trade
           withal
           .
           Five
           Talents
           given
           to
           one
           ;
           to
           what
           purpose
           ?
           That
           he
           might
           imploy
           them
           ,
           and
           improve
           them
           ;
           that
           he
           might
           grow
           in
           his
           state
           ;
           and
           so
           two
           Talants
           .
           And
           it
           was
           to
           the
           prais
           .
           and
           honour
           of
           the
           servants
           that
           they
           were
           able
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           their
           Improvement
           .
           Grace
           is
           given
           as
           a
           stock
           to
           trade
           withall
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           such
           a
           stock
           as
           is
           Improvable
           to
           most
           blessed
           purposes
           .
           Grace
           hath
           an
           aptitude
           to
           grow
           ,
           and
           we
           deal
           unworthily
           wi●…h
           the
           Grace
           of
           God.
           Faith
           is
           vesy
           apt
           to
           grow
           ;
           Love
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           every
           Grace
           ,
           very
           apt
           to
           grow
           :
           And
           if
           we
           keep
           this
           Grace
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           advance
           in
           it
           ,
           we
           walk
           most
           unworthily
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           then
           consider
           further
           ,
           That
           this
           is
           the
           very
           scope
           and
           purpose
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           which
           God
           hath
           appointed
           in
           his
           Church
           .
           One
           of
           the
           main
           Intents
           and
           purposes
           of
           God
           in
           setting
           up
           a
           Ministry
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           is
           ,
           Not
           only
           that
           people
           might
           be
           planted
           and
           brought
           over
           to
           Grace
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           might
           grow
           and
           increase
           unto
           a
           goodly
           stature
           .
           Observe
           that
           passage
           in
           Ephes.
           4.
           
           The
           Apostle
           gives
           us
           a
           clear
           account
           to
           this
           purpose
           :
           
             He
             gave
             some
             Apostles
             some
             Prophets
             ,
             some
             Evangelists
             ,
             some
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             ;
             for
             the
             perfecting
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             for
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Ministry
             ,
             for
             the
             edifying
             of
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             ;
             till
             we
             all
             come
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Faith
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             knowledg
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             unto
             a
             perfect
             man
             ,
             unto
             the
             measure
             of
             the
             stature
             of
             the
             fulness
             of
             Christ.
          
           This
           is
           the
           scope
           of
           the
           Ministry
           .
           Judg
           now
           what
           a
           strange
           apprehension
           that
           is
           which
           
           some
           have
           had
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           have
           still
           ;
           That
           now
           they
           are
           above
           Ordinances
           :
           They
           are
           come
           to
           such
           a
           pitch
           ,
           as
           they
           need
           give
           no
           more
           attendance
           to
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           when
           as
           this
           is
           the
           very
           scope
           of
           them
           ,
           Till
           we
           come
           to
           the
           fulness
           of
           the
           stature
           .
           So
           that
           I
           say
           ,
           this
           is
           one
           special
           end
           of
           God
           in
           giving
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           that
           Grace
           being
           wrought
           ,
           it
           might
           be
           improved
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           might
           be
           an
           increase
           ,
           and
           an
           advance
           in
           it
           .
           And
           Brethren
           ,
           what
           shall
           we
           think
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           provided
           that
           there
           should
           be
           Precept
           upon
           Precept
           ,
           Line
           upon
           Line
           ,
           Sermon
           after
           Sermon
           ,
           Sabbath
           after
           Sabbath
           ;
           Ordinance
           after
           Ordinance
           ,
           in
           the
           succession
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           all
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           that
           his
           people
           might
           hold
           their
           own
           only
           ,
           and
           stand
           at
           a
           stay
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           a
           jot
           the
           better
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           And
           then
           let
           us
           consider
           thus
           with
           our selves
           ,
           Truly
           the
           times
           are
           such
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           will
           appear
           to
           be
           more
           and
           more
           such
           ,
           that
           as
           touching
           converting
           work
           ,
           truly
           we
           see
           little
           of
           that
           ;
           as
           if
           God
           had
           upon
           the
           matter
           his
           number
           :
           Nothing
           to
           what
           hath
           formerly
           discovered
           it self
           in
           the
           way
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           Gospel
           Ministry
           :
           Alass
           what
           should
           we
           do
           with
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           if
           while
           there
           is
           little
           or
           nothing
           of
           converting
           work
           ,
           there
           be
           nothing
           of
           increasing
           work
           ;
           what
           should
           we
           do
           Preaching
           ?
           You
           will
           say
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           you
           are
           converted
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           brought
           over
           to
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           .
           Well
           ,
           if
           you
           will
           rest
           in
           this
           condition
           ,
           and
           look
           no
           further
           ,
           and
           press
           no
           higher
           ,
           and
           not
           endeavour
           after
           increase
           ,
           what
           should
           we
           continue
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           for
           what
           purpose
           should
           God
           continue
           his
           servants
           and
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           Ordinances
           to
           a
           people
           ,
           if
           they
           will
           not
           mind
           their
           growth
           ?
           And
           what
           encouragement
           can
           we
           have
           to
           attend
           this
           service
           ,
           if
           we
           Preach
           ,
           
           and
           Preach
           ,
           and
           Preach
           ;
           and
           still
           you
           continue
           what
           you
           were
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           then
           withal
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           Head
           ,
           a
           glorious
           Head
           ,
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           hold
           some
           proportion
           to
           the
           Head
           ;
           to
           come
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           stature
           of
           the
           fulness
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           And
           then
           consider
           ,
           That
           this
           Life
           is
           not
           the
           time
           of
           perfection
           .
           God
           requires
           we
           be
           perfect
           ,
           
             Be
             perfect
             as
             your
             heavenly
             Father
             is
             perfect
             .
          
           Are
           we
           come
           to
           perfection
           ?
           then
           indeed
           we
           may
           discharge
           our selves
           of
           the
           Duty
           ;
           but
           till
           we
           come
           to
           be
           perfect
           ,
           truly
           we
           had
           need
           be
           pressing
           on
           ,
           and
           be
           still
           upon
           our
           growth
           .
        
      
       
         
           SERM.
           II.
           
        
         
           I
           Shall
           now
           proceed
           further
           in
           this
           Argument
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           And
           before
           I
           come
           to
           make
           use
           of
           this
           point
           ,
           I
           think
           it
           very
           requisite
           to
           give
           you
           some
           account
           of
           the
           Reasons
           which
           this
           Chapter
           (
           besides
           what
           might
           be
           drawn
           up
           from
           the
           whole
           Epistle
           )
           which
           I
           have
           spent
           so
           much
           time
           upon
           .
           The
           Reasons
           that
           it
           holds
           forth
           unto
           you
           ,
           and
           with
           respect
           unto
           which
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           give
           this
           in
           charge
           ,
           and
           thus
           require
           of
           Professors
           ,
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           And
           if
           the
           things
           be
           but
           well
           weighed
           ,
           truly
           we
           shall
           find
           that
           there
           are
           very
           pressing
           Reasons
           and
           Arguments
           to
           be
           drawn
           from
           this
           very
           Chapter
           ,
           to
           promote
           this
           cause
           ,
           and
           to
           quicken
           Professors
           to
           diligence
           and
           
           care
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           answer
           this
           ,
           though
           that
           is
           laid
           upon
           them
           .
           And
           be
           pleased
           now
           to
           take
           a
           brief
           account
           of
           some
           of
           the
           particulars
           which
           lye
           before
           us
           in
           the
           Chapter
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           the
           last
           dayes
           ,
           ver
           .
           4.
           
           He
           intimates
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           dayes
           which
           shall
           be
           the
           terminating
           dayes
           of
           time
           .
           Dayes
           which
           shall
           put
           an
           end
           (
           by
           their
           expiration
           )
           to
           time
           .
           And
           so
           it
           shall
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           time
           shall
           be
           no
           more
           ;
           there
           are
           the
           last
           dayes
           .
           And
           forasmuch
           as
           this
           charge
           that
           is
           given
           here
           ,
           To
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           doth
           in
           a
           special
           manner
           refer
           to
           such
           times
           and
           dayes
           ,
           which
           shall
           be
           the
           last
           dayes
           ,
           the
           concluding
           dayes
           :
           Truly
           there
           is
           very
           great
           reason
           that
           Professors
           that
           are
           reserved
           for
           these
           last
           dayes
           ,
           should
           look
           well
           to
           their
           growth
           .
           Alass
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           the
           Corn
           be
           not
           of
           a
           considerable
           growth
           ,
           if
           the
           Harvest
           is
           near
           at
           hand
           ,
           when
           the
           growing
           time
           comes
           to
           beat
           an
           end
           ,
           what
           hope
           is
           there
           to
           be
           had
           concerning
           it
           .
           If
           so
           be
           that
           Professors
           that
           have
           the
           last
           dayes
           coming
           upon
           them
           ,
           shall
           not
           be
           found
           to
           be
           in
           a
           growing
           condition
           ,
           and
           be
           careful
           to
           answer
           their
           duty
           this
           way
           ,
           how
           will
           they
           be
           able
           to
           comport
           with
           these
           last
           dayes
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           Apostle
           intimates
           to
           us
           ,
           That
           in
           these
           last
           dayes
           there
           shall
           come
           scoffers
           .
           (
           You
           must
           understand
           that
           these
           things
           refer
           to
           these
           latter
           ages
           ,
           and
           this
           latter
           time
           of
           the
           world
           that
           we
           are
           fallen
           into
           )
           .
           There
           shall
           come
           scoffers
           ,
           that
           shall
           do
           what
           they
           can
           to
           scoff
           others
           out
           of
           their
           Religion
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           very
           mock
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           and
           upbraid
           the
           Servants
           of
           God
           with
           their
           hopes
           and
           expectations
           .
           Now
           upon
           this
           account
           it
           is
           most
           rational
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           should
           thus
           give
           in
           charge
           ,
           That
           Professors
           look
           to
           their
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           
           able
           ,
           being
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           Grace
           that
           is
           bestowed
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           enabled
           to
           bear
           up
           against
           all
           the
           scorns
           ,
           and
           scoffs
           ,
           and
           derisions
           that
           they
           may
           meet
           withal
           from
           men
           of
           prophane
           spirits
           ;
           lest
           otherwise
           ,
           through
           want
           ,
           or
           weakness
           in
           Grace
           ,
           they
           bedasht
           out
           of
           countenance
           ,
           and
           so
           either
           desert
           their
           cause
           ,
           or
           act
           unworthily
           in
           the
           management
           of
           it
           :
           that
           's
           a
           second
           thing
           .
           Truly
           it
           s
           a
           great
           tryal
           ,
           the
           tryal
           of
           mocking
           and
           scoffing
           ;
           When
           men
           shall
           meet
           with
           such
           kind
           of
           dealing
           at
           the
           hands
           of
           prophane
           wretches
           ;
           when
           they
           shall
           flout
           and
           jeer
           at
           them
           for
           their
           profession
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           hopes
           that
           they
           bear
           upon
           ;
           truly
           its
           a
           great
           tryal
           ,
           and
           it
           requires
           a
           considerable
           strength
           of
           Grace
           to
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           under
           such
           a
           tryal
           .
           Well
           may
           the
           Apostle
           therefore
           charge
           this
           upon
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           ,
           that
           they
           look
           to
           their
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           because
           there
           are
           last
           times
           ,
           and
           because
           there
           will
           come
           scoffers
           in
           those
           last
           times
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           this
           withall
           ,
           That
           these
           scoffers
           ,
           they
           are
           such
           as
           shall
           walk
           after
           their
           own
           lusts
           :
           And
           Lusts
           they
           are
           violent
           ,
           where
           they
           have
           their
           predominancy
           ,
           and
           carry
           on
           in
           a
           very
           sharp
           impetuous
           manner
           ;
           and
           if
           so
           be
           there
           be
           not
           a
           considerable
           improvement
           in
           Grace
           ,
           an
           advance
           in
           Grace
           ,
           Professors
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           but
           weaklings
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           well
           able
           to
           stand
           before
           the
           violence
           of
           ungodly
           men
           ,
           that
           are
           under
           the
           power
           of
           their
           own
           lusts
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Consider
           ,
           That
           in
           these
           last
           dayes
           there
           shall
           be
           scoffers
           ,
           walking
           after
           their
           own
           Lusts
           ,
           that
           shall
           ingage
           to
           a
           dispute
           against
           that
           great
           Promise
           of
           the
           coming
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           That
           Promise
           which
           is
           one
           of
           the
           main
           foundations
           whereupon
           Believers
           have
           to
           bottome
           ,
           and
           found
           their
           hope
           and
           confidence
           towards
           God.
           Ho
           :
           disputes
           there
           
           are
           against
           the
           promise
           of
           the
           coming
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           and
           there
           will
           be
           an
           endeavouring
           to
           invalidate
           the
           promise
           ,
           and
           to
           shake
           the
           hope
           ,
           and
           the
           faith
           ,
           and
           confidence
           of
           Believers
           concerning
           this
           promise
           of
           his
           coming
           .
           Now
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           (
           in
           the
           next
           place
           ,
           )
           It
           is
           most
           rational
           that
           the
           Apostle
           should
           press
           upon
           Believers
           ,
           a
           care
           of
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           be
           able
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           that
           Grace
           which
           they
           have
           received
           ,
           and
           which
           is
           well
           improved
           in
           them
           ,
           to
           hear
           up
           against
           all
           the
           shakings
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           may
           be
           able
           for
           to
           break
           the
           force
           of
           whatsoever
           Argument
           may
           be
           urged
           against
           this
           blessed
           promise
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Apostle
           gives
           us
           an
           account
           concerning
           most
           stupendious
           providences
           ,
           stupendious
           and
           amazing
           providences
           that
           should
           be
           ordered
           out
           :
           For
           ,
           saith
           he
           ;
           The
           Heavens
           shall
           pass
           away
           with
           a
           noise
           ,
           the
           Elements
           shall
           melt
           with
           fervent
           heat
           ;
           and
           the
           Earth
           ,
           with
           the
           works
           therein
           ,
           shall
           be
           burn'd
           up
           .
           Now
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           properly
           chargeable
           upon
           Believers
           ,
           that
           they
           look
           to
           their
           Grace
           ,
           and
           to
           their
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           that
           being
           corroborated
           and
           well
           strengthened
           in
           the
           Grace
           which
           they
           have
           received
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           inabled
           to
           bear
           up
           under
           the
           most
           astonishing
           and
           stupendious
           providences
           :
           that
           when
           others
           shall
           say
           ,
           (
           as
           Balaam
           speaks
           )
           
             Alas
             ,
             who
             shall
             live
             when
             God
             doth
             this
             ?
          
           who
           shall
           live
           !
           why
           ,
           a
           Believer
           ,
           a
           Saint
           of
           God
           ,
           being
           well
           grown
           ,
           having
           his
           Grace
           well
           improved
           ,
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           doubt
           it
           not
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           help
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           I
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           ,
           and
           lift
           up
           my
           head
           with
           joy
           ,
           and
           stand
           with
           boldness
           before
           God
           ,
           when
           others
           may
           fall
           under
           deepest
           despondences
           ,
           and
           be
           under
           the
           
           power
           of
           astonishment
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           such
           stupendious
           providences
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           I
           add
           ,
           That
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           an
           account
           concerning
           a
           promise
           ,
           which
           shall
           be
           assuredly
           performed
           in
           due
           time
           ;
           of
           having
           new
           heavens
           ,
           and
           a
           new
           earth
           ,
           wherein
           dwelleth
           righteousness
           :
           And
           forasmuch
           as
           there
           is
           such
           a
           promise
           ,
           which
           is
           of
           surest
           accomplishment
           ;
           truly
           it
           is
           very
           requisite
           ,
           that
           Believers
           that
           were
           planted
           under
           the
           hope
           and
           expectation
           of
           having
           such
           a
           promise
           performed
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           look
           unto
           their
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           they
           come
           to
           be
           so
           improved
           in
           their
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Godliness
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           carry
           a
           suitableness
           unto
           such
           a
           time
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           state
           as
           that
           :
           That
           they
           may
           be
           able
           for
           to
           bear
           up
           under
           the
           contemplation
           of
           the
           Glory
           that
           shall
           shine
           forth
           from
           these
           new
           heavens
           ,
           and
           this
           new
           earth
           ,
           wherein
           dwelleth
           Righteousnes
           .
           You
           must
           think
           ,
           that
           a
           little
           ,
           small
           ,
           inconsiderable
           portion
           of
           Grace
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           so
           answerable
           unto
           such
           a
           time
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           state
           ,
           as
           God
           hath
           by
           promise
           ingaged
           himself
           for
           to
           advance
           his
           people
           to
           ;
           so
           that
           ,
           in
           that
           respect
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           most
           fitly
           press
           this
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           God
           ,
           though
           he
           have
           made
           promises
           of
           his
           coming
           ,
           and
           his
           coming
           to
           make
           a
           new
           heaven
           ,
           and
           a
           new
           earth
           ,
           wherein
           Righteousness
           shall
           dwell
           ;
           yet
           notwithstanding
           he
           hath
           put
           a
           long
           date
           upon
           these
           promises
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           long
           before
           such
           time
           as
           these
           promises
           shall
           have
           their
           accomplishment
           :
           Why
           ,
           God
           is
           not
           slack
           concerning
           his
           promise
           ,
           but
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           he
           takes
           a
           long
           date
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           appears
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           now
           about
           1600
           years
           since
           this
           Epistle
           was
           written
           ,
           and
           these
           things
           communicated
           to
           the
           Churches
           and
           Saints
           ,
           for
           the
           benefit
           of
           
           their
           souls
           .
           Now
           ,
           in
           this
           regard
           ,
           well
           might
           the
           Apostle
           require
           ,
           on
           the
           part
           of
           Believers
           and
           Saints
           ,
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           inabled
           patiently
           to
           wait
           upon
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           run
           through
           all
           the
           varieties
           of
           providences
           which
           should
           be
           ordered
           out
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           undergo
           all
           the
           difficulties
           and
           hardships
           which
           they
           were
           or
           are
           to
           be
           put
           upon
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           injoyment
           of
           the
           promises
           which
           God
           hath
           made
           ;
           which
           will
           not
           well
           be
           done
           without
           a
           considerable
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           so
           that
           ,
           let
           that
           be
           considered
           of
           ;
           that
           this
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           properly
           chargeable
           upon
           Believers
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           pleased
           for
           to
           take
           a
           long
           day
           ,
           and
           to
           hold
           his
           people
           long
           in
           expectation
           of
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           the
           promises
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           .
           And
           then
           ,
        
         
           8.
           
           I
           add
           this
           ;
           That
           ,
           as
           in
           all
           times
           ,
           there
           have
           been
           ,
           so
           there
           will
           be
           in
           these
           latter
           times
           ,
           such
           as
           shall
           have
           their
           errors
           ,
           dangerous
           errors
           ,
           errors
           that
           are
           proper
           for
           wicked
           men
           ,
           
             Errors
             of
             the
             wicked
          
           :
           by
           means
           of
           which
           errors
           ,
           the
           Saints
           may
           be
           brought
           into
           great
           danger
           of
           falling
           from
           their
           own
           steadfastness
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           also
           express
           ,
           towards
           the
           latter
           end
           of
           this
           Chapter
           ,
           and
           as
           I
           have
           discours'd
           largely
           upon
           .
           There
           will
           be
           errors
           of
           the
           wicked
           ,
           which
           will
           indanger
           the
           Saints
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           steadfastness
           ;
           and
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           most
           fitly
           injoyn
           this
           duty
           of
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
           So
           that
           now
           ,
           these
           8
           things
           being
           duly
           weighed
           and
           considered
           of
           ,
           we
           may
           clearly
           see
           how
           properly
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           in
           the
           close
           of
           this
           Epistle
           ,
           give
           this
           in
           charge
           unto
           the
           Saints
           and
           Believers
           ,
           that
           they
           look
           to
           their
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
           These
           things
           I
           do
           subjoyn
           to
           the
           Discourse
           I
           maintained
           the
           last
           day
           .
        
         
         
           Applic.
           And
           now
           I
           shall
           come
           to
           the
           Application
           of
           all
           .
           Truly
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           great
           latitude
           wherein
           I
           might
           proceed
           .
           I
           might
           have
           proceeded
           in
           the
           Doctrinal
           part
           ,
           and
           so
           might
           in
           the
           Application
           ,
           and
           Use
           making
           of
           this
           point
           :
           but
           I
           shall
           contract
           my self
           as
           much
           as
           I
           can
           .
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           we
           may
           gather
           from
           hence
           ;
           That
           ,
           forasmuch
           as
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           charged
           upon
           those
           that
           have
           Grace
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           We
           may
           infer
           from
           the
           premises
           ,
           that
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           are
           not
           perfect
           at
           once
           ;
           they
           have
           not
           their
           perfection
           in
           a
           moment
           .
           The
           womb
           of
           Gods
           decrees
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           promises
           ,
           do
           not
           bring
           forth
           perfect
           births
           ,
           that
           are
           perfect
           at
           once
           .
           A
           Nation
           may
           be
           born
           in
           a
           day
           ,
           a
           Saint
           may
           be
           born
           in
           a
           moment
           ;
           but
           he
           is
           not
           born
           a
           perfect
           Saint
           in
           a
           moment
           :
           Believers
           have
           not
           their
           perfection
           at
           once
           .
           It
           is
           otherwise
           in
           the
           second
           Creation
           than
           it
           was
           in
           the
           first
           ;
           Adam
           was
           created
           a
           perfect
           man
           ,
           perfect
           in
           righteousness
           and
           holiness
           at
           the
           first
           :
           't
           is
           not
           so
           in
           the
           second
           Creation
           ,
           't
           is
           not
           so
           in
           the
           Regeneration
           .
           In
           the
           first
           Generation
           it
           was
           thus
           ;
           God
           makes
           the
           womb
           to
           travel
           and
           bring
           forth
           ,
           and
           the
           births
           were
           perfect
           births
           ;
           't
           is
           not
           so
           in
           the
           Regeneration
           :
           Perfect
           births
           there
           are
           ,
           though
           they
           are
           such
           as
           shall
           be
           brought
           in
           due
           time
           to
           their
           perfection
           .
           It
           's
           a
           saying
           of
           one
           ,
           No
           man
           is
           perfectly
           wicked
           at
           first
           ;
           so
           ,
           no
           man
           is
           exactly
           and
           perfectly
           godly
           at
           once
           :
           Grace
           ,
           it
           comes
           into
           the
           soul
           by
           Gradatem
           ,
           by
           degrees
           :
           now
           a
           little
           ,
           and
           then
           a
           little
           :
           the
           light
           of
           a
           Saint
           ,
           it
           's
           like
           the
           light
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           that
           breaks
           out
           more
           and
           more
           ,
           untill
           it
           comes
           unto
           the
           perfect
           day
           ;
           thus
           it
           is
           in
           Grace
           .
           But
           take
           this
           withal
           ,
           we
           speak
           of
           Grace
           as
           it
           is
           inherent
           ,
           Grace
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           a
           quality
           implanted
           in
           the
           soul.
           
           There
           is
           this
           difference
           to
           be
           put
           between
           Justification
           and
           Sanctification
           ,
           and
           so
           between
           Adoption
           and
           Sanctification
           .
           Justification
           ,
           perfect
           in
           a
           moment
           ;
           it
           doth
           not
           admit
           of
           degrees
           ;
           a
           man
           is
           not
           more
           justified
           at
           one
           time
           than
           another
           :
           It
           's
           true
           ,
           a
           Believer
           may
           be
           more
           clear
           in
           the
           apprehension
           of
           his
           Justification
           ,
           he
           may
           come
           to
           have
           more
           comfortable
           assurance
           of
           his
           Justification
           at
           one
           time
           than
           another
           .
           But
           Justification
           ,
           it
           is
           once
           ,
           and
           together
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           perfect
           :
           A
           justified
           man
           is
           as
           much
           justified
           upon
           the
           first
           act
           of
           believing
           and
           closing
           with
           Christ
           ,
           as
           ever
           he
           shall
           be
           all
           his
           daies
           ,
           though
           his
           justification
           is
           not
           so
           fully
           manifested
           .
           —
           And
           so
           Adoption
           ,
           a
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           be
           made
           partaker
           of
           the
           Adoption
           ;
           he
           is
           as
           truly
           a
           child
           of
           God
           at
           first
           ,
           as
           in
           process
           of
           time
           .
           But
           it
           is
           not
           so
           as
           touching
           Sanctification
           ,
           Sanctification
           it
           comes
           in
           in
           a
           gradual
           way
           :
           sanctified
           a
           Believer
           ●…s
           ,
           and
           is
           more
           and
           more
           sanctified
           ;
           he
           is
           made
           more
           holy
           ,
           he
           is
           brought
           to
           Faith
           ,
           and
           comes
           to
           have
           his
           improvement
           in
           Faith
           :
           And
           so
           it
           's
           true
           of
           all
           other
           the
           inherent
           Graces
           ,
           they
           are
           brought
           on
           by
           degrees
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           infer
           thus
           ,
           That
           if
           it
           be
           the
           duty
           of
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           this
           is
           a
           duty
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God.
           Then
           certainly
           ,
           't
           is
           no
           duty
           to
           grow
           in
           sin
           ,
           but
           rather
           the
           contrary
           ;
           we
           have
           Gods
           allowance
           ,
           and
           his
           command
           for
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           Why
           ,
           it
           's
           contrary
           then
           unto
           the
           will
           and
           command
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           any
           person
           should
           grow
           in
           sin
           :
           you
           have
           no
           command
           for
           that
           :
           nay
           ,
           there
           's
           no
           allowance
           for
           men
           to
           be
           any
           thing
           in
           sin
           :
           it
           is
           the
           will
           of
           God
           that
           we
           be
           not
           sinful
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           express
           command
           of
           God
           that
           we
           do
           not
           sin
           :
           then
           certainly
           ,
           we
           must
           reckon
           
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           altogether
           contrary
           to
           the
           will
           and
           command
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           persons
           should
           grow
           in
           sin
           :
           and
           yet
           ,
           alas
           ,
           how
           much
           is
           there
           of
           such
           a
           monstrous
           ,
           hellish
           growth
           in
           the
           World
           ?
           We
           may
           observe
           how
           men
           grow
           from
           bad
           to
           worse
           ;
           they
           grow
           bigger
           and
           bigger
           ,
           and
           more
           bulky
           in
           their
           wickednesses
           and
           prophanenesses
           from
           day
           to
           day
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Apostle
           fore-tells
           in
           the
           last
           daies
           ,
           2.
           
           Tim.
           3.
           
           
             Evil
             men
             and
             deceivers
             shall
             wax
             worse
             and
             worse
             :
          
           They
           are
           bad
           enough
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           at
           the
           lowest
           ;
           and
           yet
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           not
           sufficient
           ,
           they
           must
           be
           upon
           their
           advancings
           and
           improvements
           in
           wickedness
           ;
           thus
           it
           is
           with
           many
           .
           A
           woful
           growth
           ,
           to
           see
           men
           shooting
           up
           a-pace
           in
           wickedness
           ,
           increasing
           in
           their
           ungodliness
           ,
           growing
           up
           in
           pride
           and
           prophaneness
           ,
           and
           coming
           up
           to
           a
           height
           in
           impiety
           .
           Thus
           it
           is
           ,
           but
           woe
           be
           to
           them
           who
           are
           found
           to
           be
           persons
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           grow
           in
           sin
           ,
           that
           grow
           most
           strong
           to
           act
           their
           impieties
           ,
           and
           to
           carry
           on
           their
           mischievous
           designs
           ,
           and
           bear
           up
           in
           waies
           of
           ungodliness
           .
           As
           touching
           such
           ,
           I
           say
           this
           ,
           That
           they
           will
           know
           in
           time
           ,
           that
           their
           growth
           is
           stinted
           ,
           and
           their
           measure
           is
           determined
           .
           Grant
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           fill
           up
           the
           ephah
           ,
           they
           shall
           do
           no
           more
           than
           so
           〈◊〉
           and
           when
           the
           ephah
           is
           once
           full
           ,
           the
           talent
           of
           lead
           shall
           be
           surely
           laid
           upon
           it
           ,
           to
           sink
           it
           down
           into
           everlasting
           destruction
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           this
           ,
           It
           is
           a
           duty
           charged
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           especially
           such
           as
           are
           partakers
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           Let
           us
           now
           reflect
           upon
           our selves
           ;
           especially
           such
           of
           us
           ,
           concerning
           whom
           it
           may
           be
           presumed
           ,
           and
           hoped
           ,
           that
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           is
           in
           them
           .
           Truly
           it
           is
           a
           great
           duty
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           that
           that
           God
           expects
           the
           performance
           
           of
           from
           us
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           that
           which
           I
           am
           sent
           this
           morning
           for
           to
           deal
           with
           you
           about
           :
           you
           that
           are
           the
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           Grace
           ,
           you
           that
           are
           partakers
           of
           the
           Calling
           of
           God
           according
           to
           his
           purpose
           :
           it
           is
           that
           which
           lies
           upon
           you
           ,
           to
           bethink
           your selves
           concerning
           this
           matter
           ;
           't
           is
           a
           duty
           clearly
           lying
           before
           you
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           't
           is
           requir'd
           of
           you
           ;
           God
           hath
           given
           it
           in
           charge
           ,
           that
           you
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           You
           are
           as
           much
           bound
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           you
           are
           bound
           to
           have
           Grace
           :
           it
           is
           as
           much
           requir'd
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           increase
           in
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           be
           in
           the
           Faith
           :
           it
           is
           as
           much
           requir'd
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           endeavour
           perfecting
           of
           holiness
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           be
           partakers
           of
           holiness
           ;
           this
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           doth
           in
           his
           word
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           require
           at
           your
           hands
           .
           Then
           consider
           ,
           you
           that
           are
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           presumed
           and
           hoped
           for
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           Grace
           ;
           (
           as
           I
           was
           saying
           ,
           )
           Let
           me
           beseech
           you
           ,
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           you
           would
           but
           bethink
           your selves
           ,
           and
           consider
           ;
           Do
           you
           perswade
           your selves
           in
           your
           consciences
           ,
           and
           have
           you
           some
           good
           ground
           to
           be
           so
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           is
           in
           you
           ,
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           God
           hath
           kindled
           a
           spark
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           a
           plantation
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           some
           impress
           upon
           your
           spirits
           ;
           are
           you
           so
           perswaded
           ?
           Will
           you
           then
           consider
           with
           your selves
           ,
           that
           this
           duty
           lies
           upon
           your
           hand
           ;
           it
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           you
           ,
           you
           are
           charged
           with
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           grow
           ,
           that
           you
           do
           not
           rest
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           a
           spark
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           improve
           it
           to
           a
           flame
           ;
           that
           it
           be
           not
           only
           a
           plantation
           ,
           but
           that
           it
           be
           an
           augmentation
           :
           this
           is
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           is
           required
           of
           you
           .
           The
           Father
           that
           hath
           begotten
           you
           by
           Grace
           ,
           and
           begotten
           
           you
           to
           Grace
           ,
           hath
           begotten
           you
           ,
           not
           that
           you
           should
           alwaies
           be
           babes
           in
           Grace
           ,
           no
           ,
           he
           hath
           not
           ;
           he
           would
           have
           you
           to
           be
           upon
           your
           growth
           ,
           and
           increase
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           may
           increase
           with
           all
           the
           increase
           of
           God
           ;
           this
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           and
           you
           cannot
           deny
           it
           ,
           you
           must
           acknowledge
           it
           ,
           the
           text
           doth
           charge
           it
           upon
           you
           ,
           (
           besides
           many
           other
           Scriptures
           )
           that
           you
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           I
           ,
           but
           is
           it
           so
           ?
           can
           you
           give
           a
           good
           account
           of
           it
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           consider
           whether
           your
           consciences
           have
           not
           this
           to
           blame
           you
           for
           ,
           and
           to
           use
           very
           sharp
           discipline
           upon
           you
           ,
           in
           regard
           ,
           in
           that
           of
           a
           truth
           ,
           you
           do
           not
           much
           intend
           this
           matter
           ,
           you
           do
           not
           much
           mind
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           Truly
           ,
           I
           am
           very
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           many
           professors
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           who
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           and
           we
           may
           comfortably
           hope
           they
           are
           sound
           in
           the
           main
           ,
           have
           the
           root
           of
           the
           matter
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           yet
           entertain
           very
           little
           thoughts
           of
           the
           matter
           concerning
           their
           growth
           .
           The
           great
           business
           that
           they
           ingage
           themselves
           unto
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           labour
           to
           make
           as
           sure
           work
           as
           they
           can
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           the
           truth
           of
           Grace
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           the
           root
           of
           the
           matter
           ;
           that
           there
           be
           a
           spark
           from
           Heaven
           struck
           into
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           all
           .
           Consider
           now
           whether
           that
           be
           not
           justly
           chargeable
           upon
           us
           ;
           if
           we
           can
           but
           make
           it
           out
           that
           there
           is
           a
           change
           wrought
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           something
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           us
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           quickening
           power
           that
           hath
           been
           put
           forth
           upon
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           passed
           from
           death
           to
           life
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           wholly
           under
           the
           power
           of
           darkness
           ;
           but
           that
           we
           have
           got
           an
           escape
           from
           under
           that
           black
           regiment
           under
           which
           we
           were
           held
           before
           ,
           and
           which
           we
           belong'd
           unto
           :
           if
           we
           can
           but
           make
           this
           out
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           that
           all
           is
           well
           
           enough
           :
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           can
           but
           find
           that
           we
           have
           a
           Faith
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           but
           as
           a
           grain
           of
           mustard-seed
           ;
           if
           we
           have
           but
           a
           Faith
           of
           adherence
           ,
           that
           we
           can
           but
           hang
           upon
           Christ
           for
           life
           and
           salvation
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           please
           our selves
           in
           that
           condition
           ,
           and
           not
           driving
           on
           for
           increasing
           and
           ▪
           improvements
           in
           the
           Grace
           that
           we
           have
           .
           Truly
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           matter
           that
           would
           be
           seriously
           weighed
           ;
           and
           I
           speak
           now
           of
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           many
           may
           be
           found
           that
           are
           studious
           of
           a
           growth
           in
           gifts
           ,
           very
           much
           set
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           make
           advances
           in
           their
           knowledge
           ,
           in
           their
           parts
           ,
           and
           abilities
           ;
           that
           they
           may
           be
           accomplished
           for
           such
           and
           such
           services
           ,
           and
           for
           discourses
           ;
           and
           maintain
           controversies
           ,
           and
           disputes
           ,
           according
           as
           immergent
           occasions
           may
           ingage
           them
           :
           But
           ,
           as
           for
           this
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           O
           consider
           whether
           this
           be
           not
           chargeable
           upon
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           so
           much
           mind
           that
           ,
           nor
           do
           not
           commune
           with
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           and
           enter
           into
           a
           serious
           search
           with
           our selves
           ;
           O
           my
           soul
           ,
           how
           is
           it
           with
           thee
           ?
           Thou
           pretendest
           to
           be
           brought
           over
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           a
           plantation
           into
           Christ
           ,
           and
           thou
           reckon'st
           upon
           so
           long
           standing
           in
           Christianity
           ;
           thou
           hast
           been
           so
           long
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           brought
           over
           to
           Holiness
           :
           O
           but
           my
           soul
           ,
           what
           progress
           hast
           thou
           made
           ?
           what
           advances
           are
           there
           ?
           what
           increases
           are
           there
           ?
           what
           account
           canst
           thou
           give
           this
           way
           ?
           O
           ,
           do
           we
           thus
           commune
           with
           our
           own
           hearts
           ?
           What
           am
           I
           better
           this
           year
           than
           I
           was
           the
           last
           ?
           I
           have
           lived
           so
           long
           under
           such
           and
           such
           precious
           ,
           powerful
           ,
           and
           plentiful
           means
           ;
           God
           gives
           me
           the
           showers
           and
           dews
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           from
           Sabbath
           to
           Sabbath
           ,
           distilling
           and
           dropping
           down
           upon
           me
           :
           I
           have
           precept
           upon
           precept
           ,
           and
           line
           upon
           line
           ;
           but
           where
           's
           my
           growth
           ?
           what
           am
           I
           
           the
           better
           ?
           how
           do
           I
           credit
           the
           means
           and
           ordinances
           that
           I
           do
           attend
           upon
           ,
           by
           my
           prosiciency
           ?
           Truly
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           consider
           well
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           serious
           matter
           ,
           and
           that
           that
           we
           should
           be
           very
           solicitous
           about
           ,
           and
           so
           as
           persons
           that
           may
           be
           able
           to
           give
           a
           good
           account
           of
           our selves
           :
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           low
           spirit
           ,
           a
           spirit
           not
           so
           well
           becoming
           a
           Saint
           in
           Christ
           ,
           one
           of
           the
           called
           of
           God
           according
           to
           his
           purpose
           ;
           for
           to
           be
           contented
           (
           as
           I
           have
           had
           occasion
           sometimes
           to
           speak
           )
           with
           
           Ruben's
           blessing
           :
           I
           allude
           to
           that
           passage
           of
           Moses
           concerning
           Reuben
           ,
           in
           the
           33
           
             Deut.
             Let
          
           Reuben
           
             live
             ,
             and
             not
             dye
          
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           should
           say
           ,
           It
           was
           a
           judgement
           indeed
           upon
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           not
           excell
           ,
           because
           he
           had
           gone
           up
           to
           his
           Fathers
           couch
           ;
           he
           should
           have
           been
           the
           excellency
           of
           dignity
           ,
           and
           the
           excellency
           of
           power
           ;
           but
           he
           miscarried
           ,
           and
           prejudiced
           himself
           with
           respect
           to
           his
           advancement
           :
           but
           yet
           that
           blessing
           he
           hath
           ,
           That
           he
           shall
           live
           ,
           and
           not
           die
           :
           And
           so
           many
           ,
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           They
           can
           be
           content
           to
           set
           down
           with
           
           Reuben's
           blessing
           ,
           so
           they
           can
           but
           live
           ,
           and
           may
           not
           dye
           ,
           and
           damn
           :
           If
           they
           can
           but
           make
           it
           out
           that
           they
           have
           so
           much
           Grace
           as
           will
           secure
           them
           from
           eternal
           perishing
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           go
           down
           to
           hell
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           passed
           from
           death
           to
           life
           ,
           and
           shall
           never
           come
           into
           condemnation
           .
           If
           they
           can
           but
           make
           it
           out
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           something
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           never
           so
           small
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           put
           upon
           the
           left
           hand
           in
           the
           great
           day
           ;
           this
           is
           all
           they
           look
           after
           .
           A
           low
           spirit
           ,
           unbecoming
           a
           Saint
           of
           God
           ,
           unbecoming
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Grace
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           called
           unto
           the
           fellowship
           of
           ,
           which
           doth
           so
           strictly
           and
           solemnly
           charge
           upon
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           be
           upon
           our
           improvement
           :
           O
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           as
           if
           
           so
           be
           that
           this
           were
           a
           spirit
           becoming
           a
           Saint
           of
           God!
           To
           look
           no
           further
           than
           this
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           securing
           from
           hell
           ,
           and
           from
           eternal
           perishing
           ;
           whereas
           we
           should
           set
           our
           hearts
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           only
           have
           so
           much
           Grace
           as
           may
           distinguish
           us
           from
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           by
           which
           we
           may
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           we
           are
           not
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           but
           we
           should
           labour
           according
           to
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           be
           so
           advanced
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           carry
           on
           the
           cause
           of
           Godliness
           in
           an
           honourable
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           crediting
           way
           .
           We
           should
           labour
           after
           so
           much
           Faith
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           Love
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           of
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           go
           on
           strenuously
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           be
           found
           to
           praise
           and
           honour
           ,
           and
           credit
           the
           cause
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           may
           not
           shame
           the
           ordinances
           that
           we
           attend
           upon
           ,
           and
           are
           admitted
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           :
           O
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           thing
           altogether
           unbecoming
           the
           spirit
           of
           a
           Saint
           .
           When
           men
           are
           at
           this
           point
           ,
           if
           they
           have
           but
           enough
           to
           keep
           life
           and
           soul
           together
           ;
           if
           they
           have
           but
           bread
           to
           eat
           ,
           and
           clothes
           to
           put
           on
           ,
           though
           the
           fare
           be
           mean
           ,
           and
           the
           clothing
           be
           course
           ;
           yet
           ,
           if
           they
           have
           but
           enough
           of
           that
           ,
           but
           so
           much
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           as
           will
           keep
           life
           and
           soul
           together
           ,
           they
           can
           be
           content
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           such
           a
           spirit
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           approved
           on
           :
           When
           we
           can
           be
           contented
           with
           a
           lower
           portion
           here
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           this
           is
           commendable
           in
           respect
           of
           a
           worldly
           state
           here
           :
           But
           ,
           as
           to
           a
           state
           of
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           it
           is
           that
           which
           is
           no
           way
           to
           be
           approved
           of
           ;
           that
           persons
           that
           have
           something
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           should
           rest
           contented
           in
           their
           lower
           measures
           :
           Truly
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           which
           we
           have
           cause
           to
           be
           deeply
           humbled
           for
           :
           O!
           how
           
           many
           (
           to
           their
           shame
           may
           it
           be
           spoken
           )
           are
           indeed
           the
           shame
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           be
           said
           of
           them
           quite
           contrary
           to
           that
           which
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           concerning
           the
           Woman
           of
           
             Canaan
             ,
             O
             Woman
             ,
             great
             is
             thy
             Faith.
          
           Truly
           Brethren
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           said
           of
           many
           of
           us
           ,
           O
           man
           ,
           O
           woman
           ,
           Great
           is
           thy
           unbelief
           .
           Great
           is
           thy
           faith
           ;
           nay
           ,
           Great
           is
           thy
           unbelief
           .
           Great
           is
           thy
           holiness
           ;
           nay
           truly
           ,
           thy
           holiness
           is
           very
           little
           ;
           thy
           love
           it
           s
           very
           low
           .
           This
           is
           that
           we
           have
           cause
           to
           be
           deeply
           humbled
           for
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           more
           in
           our
           improvements
           and
           advances
           of
           Faith
           and
           Godliness
           ,
           sutable
           to
           the
           command
           that
           is
           here
           given
           ,
           that
           we
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           And
           yet
           further
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           which
           I
           would
           say
           ,
           It
           were
           not
           altogether
           so
           much
           to
           be
           lamented
           if
           this
           were
           all
           ,
           though
           there
           is
           cause
           enough
           of
           being
           humbled
           and
           abased
           before
           God
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           more
           upon
           our
           advancement
           .
           But
           alass
           ,
           how
           much
           sadder
           is
           it
           ,
           when
           we
           shall
           find
           persons
           upon
           their
           declining
           and
           decaying
           ,
           instead
           of
           growing
           in
           Grace
           ;
           truly
           it
           may
           be
           feared
           concerning
           such
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           rather
           upon
           their
           decayings
           in
           Grace
           ;
           not
           the
           men
           and
           women
           that
           once
           they
           were
           ,
           for
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           for
           zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           delight
           in
           Ordinances
           ,
           breathings
           after
           Christ
           ,
           delighting
           in
           Communion
           of
           Saints
           ,
           close
           walking
           with
           God.
           O
           these
           retrograde
           motions
           !
           these
           backward
           motions
           !
           (
           that
           's
           the
           meaning
           of
           the
           word
           )
           these
           drawings
           back
           and
           declinings
           ;
           O
           these
           are
           to
           be
           deeply
           laid
           to
           heart
           !
           When
           this
           shall
           be
           said
           concerning
           one
           that
           seem'd
           to
           be
           full
           of
           light
           ,
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           zeal
           ,
           and
           resolution
           for
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           shall
           come
           to
           be
           upon
           his
           abatements
           ,
           and
           not
           look
           like
           the
           person
           that
           he
           seemed
           once
           to
           be
           .
           When
           the
           account
           
           rises
           up
           concerning
           a
           Soul
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           in
           the
           Parable
           of
           the
           unjust
           Steward
           ;
           He
           takes
           an
           account
           ,
           How
           much
           owest
           thou
           ?
           fourscore
           ;
           put
           down
           fifty
           .
           When
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           such
           a
           falling
           in
           the
           account
           ;
           when
           we
           cannot
           make
           out
           such
           a
           state
           as
           once
           we
           could
           ;
           when
           there
           is
           (
           Ephesus-like
           )
           a
           falling
           off
           ,
           a
           decaying
           in
           our
           first
           Love
           ,
           a
           cooling
           in
           our
           zeal
           for
           God
           ;
           O
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           not
           to
           answer
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Text
           :
           The
           Text
           requires
           growing
           in
           Grace
           .
           O
           how
           shall
           we
           be
           able
           to
           stand
           before
           this
           charge
           ?
           when
           Conscience
           shall
           witness
           to
           us
           that
           we
           are
           rather
           upon
           our
           declining
           ?
           Truly
           these
           things
           would
           be
           seriously
           thought
           of
           ,
           especially
           in
           such
           a
           day
           ,
           wherein
           we
           had
           never
           more
           need
           to
           look
           to
           our
           condition
           and
           state
           God-ward
           ;
           not
           knowing
           what
           times
           we
           may
           fall
           into
           ,
           what
           tryals
           we
           may
           be
           put
           to
           .
           O
           we
           had
           need
           to
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           charge
           that
           was
           given
           to
           Ephesus
           ,
           to
           Repent
           ;
           do
           our
           first
           works
           to
           recover
           our selves
           ,
           and
           labour
           not
           only
           to
           hold
           our
           own
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           upon
           our
           improvements
           .
           And
           therefore
           that
           's
           the
           main
           thing
           I
           would
           drive
           at
           ,
           and
           which
           I
           would
           conclude
           this
           Discourse
           withal
           .
           I
           would
           deal
           with
           you
           in
           a
           way
           of
           perswasion
           and
           exhortation
           ,
           and
           press
           it
           with
           as
           much
           earnestness
           as
           .
           I
           could
           ,
           that
           as
           many
           of
           you
           that
           are
           the
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           can
           give
           any
           good
           account
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           that
           is
           in
           you
           ;
           that
           there
           is
           the
           true
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           you
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           is
           the
           true
           Grace
           of
           God
           wherein
           you
           stand
           ;
           that
           you
           would
           conscientiously
           apply
           to
           your
           duty
           ,
           and
           remember
           that
           this
           is
           the
           charge
           that
           God
           hath
           laid
           upon
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           and
           that
           you
           be
           still
           endeavouring
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           be
           better
           and
           better
           ,
           that
           's
           the
           interpretation
           that
           I
           gave
           of
           the
           
           Text
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           duty
           :
           That
           you
           be
           still
           upon
           your
           advancings
           ;
           if
           you
           have
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Love
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Meekness
           ;
           and
           if
           you
           have
           any
           thing
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           that
           you
           would
           labour
           to
           have
           more
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           not
           be
           alwaies
           weaklings
           in
           Grace
           :
           Oh
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           we
           should
           set
           our
           hearts
           upon
           .
        
         
           And
           doth
           not
           the
           very
           thing
           it self
           invite
           you
           to
           it
           ?
           Why
           ,
           Brethren
           ;
           can
           you
           have
           too
           much
           of
           God
           ?
           can
           you
           have
           too
           much
           of
           Christ
           ?
           can
           you
           have
           too
           much
           of
           Faith
           and
           Holiness
           ?
           you
           may
           have
           too
           much
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           but
           you
           can
           never
           have
           too
           much
           of
           God
           and
           Grace
           ,
           till
           you
           come
           to
           such
           a
           pitch
           of
           godliness
           ,
           that
           you
           need
           not
           make
           any
           further
           advances
           :
           It
           was
           otherwise
           with
           Paul
           ,
           and
           he
           gives
           another
           account
           of
           himself
           ;
           though
           ,
           alas
           ,
           how
           far
           short
           are
           we
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           of
           that
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           that
           was
           attained
           by
           him
           ?
           Yet
           he
           professes
           ,
           though
           he
           was
           not
           behind
           the
           chiefest
           Apostles
           ,
           yet
           he
           saith
           this
           concerning
           himself
           ;
           that
           he
           did
           not
           account
           himself
           to
           have
           attained
           ;
           but
           he
           forgets
           what
           is
           behind
           ,
           and
           he
           reaches
           to
           that
           which
           is
           before
           ,
           and
           presses
           towards
           the
           mark
           ,
           for
           the
           prize
           of
           the
           high
           calling
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           —
           I
           said
           before
           ,
           I
           say
           again
           ,
           you
           can
           
             never
             be
             too
             good
             for
             God
             ,
          
           you
           can
           never
           be
           too
           good
           for
           Christ
           ,
           you
           can
           never
           be
           too
           ripe
           for
           Heaven
           :
           when
           you
           come
           to
           the
           issue
           and
           close
           of
           all
           ,
           you
           will
           find
           that
           you
           have
           no
           more
           than
           needs
           must
           :
           the
           wise
           Virgins
           ,
           they
           found
           that
           they
           had
           nothing
           of
           their
           oyle
           to
           spare
           ;
           when
           the
           foolish
           Virgins
           came
           to
           them
           ,
           O
           ,
           let
           us
           buy
           of
           you
           ,
           and
           be
           supplied
           by
           you
           :
           no
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           lest
           we
           be
           at
           a
           loss
           for
           our selves
           .
           When
           you
           have
           gotten
           as
           much
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           strength
           
           and
           holiness
           ,
           by
           the
           means
           and
           ordinances
           that
           you
           do
           attend
           ,
           you
           will
           find
           all
           little
           enough
           :
           And
           therefore
           ,
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           should
           make
           us
           set
           on
           with
           diligence
           and
           care
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           answer
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           and
           be
           upon
           our
           Increasings
           ,
           and
           Growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
      
       
         
           SERM.
           III.
           
        
         
           THere
           must
           not
           only
           be
           life
           ,
           but
           growth
           in
           Christianity
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           burden
           which
           the
           Text
           laies
           upon
           us
           ;
           That
           we
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           letting
           pass
           the
           things
           that
           were
           insisted
           upon
           ,
           shall
           we
           buckle
           to
           this
           ,
           as
           our
           business
           at
           present
           .
           My
           endeavour
           shall
           be
           to
           drive
           home
           this
           Exhortation
           ,
           and
           to
           fasten
           it
           as
           a
           nail
           in
           a
           sure
           place
           :
           If
           you
           will
           but
           give
           due
           regard
           unto
           that
           which
           shall
           be
           charged
           upon
           you
           ,
           and
           urged
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           :
           Is
           so
           be
           that
           you
           will
           but
           labour
           to
           stand
           convinced
           of
           this
           as
           your
           duty
           ,
           and
           upon
           convincement
           set
           up
           the
           conscientious
           practice
           of
           it
           ;
           undoubtedly
           ,
           this
           labour
           this
           morning
           will
           not
           be
           in
           vain
           .
           —
           And
           that
           the
           thing
           which
           shall
           be
           spoken
           ,
           and
           pressed
           upon
           you
           ,
           may
           be
           the
           more
           succesful
           ;
           I
           would
           beseech
           you
           to
           consider
           what
           a
           lovely
           duty
           it
           is
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           what
           a
           becoming
           thing
           it
           is
           ,
           for
           men
           and
           women
           that
           are
           called
           to
           the
           fellowship
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           to
           be
           most
           vigorous
           in
           endeavouring
           
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           upon
           their
           growth
           .
           We
           love
           to
           see
           our
           children
           grow
           ;
           the
           husband-man
           loves
           to
           see
           his
           corn
           spring
           up
           ;
           and
           grow
           ;
           men
           ,
           in
           the
           course
           of
           their
           trading
           ,
           they
           set
           their
           hearts
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           grow
           upon
           their
           estates
           ,
           more
           big
           and
           bulky
           .
           Why
           ,
           is
           there
           any
           thing
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           wherein
           a
           growth
           is
           more
           lovely
           to
           see
           ,
           than
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           is
           ?
           What
           a
           sad
           thing
           is
           it
           ,
           to
           see
           poor
           creatures
           take
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           pains
           ,
           and
           are
           frequent
           in
           their
           attendance
           upon
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           it
           ;
           there
           's
           not
           an
           opportunity
           that
           they
           can
           well
           take
           hold
           of
           ,
           but
           they
           do
           ;
           yet
           to
           see
           them
           in
           a
           kind
           of
           withering
           state
           ,
           lean
           ,
           pale
           ,
           and
           ill-favoured
           ;
           in
           a
           languishing
           condition
           ,
           and
           little
           or
           nothing
           appearing
           of
           any
           proficiency
           ,
           of
           any
           spiritual
           growth
           ?
           Indeed
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           thing
           that
           would
           be
           laid
           to
           heart
           by
           professors
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           able
           to
           give
           a
           better
           account
           of
           their
           improvements
           in
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           ;
           that
           there
           should
           be
           so
           much
           Preaching
           ,
           such
           frequent
           hearing
           Sermons
           ,
           they
           are
           eaten
           up
           (
           and
           't
           is
           well
           if
           so
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           eaten
           ,
           )
           and
           one
           would
           think
           well
           digested
           ,
           and
           yet
           still
           leanness
           appears
           ;
           one
           corruption
           or
           other
           eats
           out
           the
           strength
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           keeps
           poor
           creatures
           under
           .
           Truly
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           sad
           consideration
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           hear
           Sermon
           after
           Sermon
           ,
           and
           injoy
           Ordinance
           after
           Ordinance
           ,
           and
           yet
           come
           to
           look
           upon
           professors
           ,
           even
           concerning
           whom
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           a
           well-grounded
           confidence
           ,
           that
           the
           heart
           is
           right
           in
           the
           main
           ,
           and
           yet
           still
           in
           a
           kind
           of
           withering
           condition
           ;
           lean
           ,
           poor
           ,
           and
           bare
           ,
           little
           more
           (
           as
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           )
           than
           skin
           and
           bone
           .
           Truly
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           should
           be
           laid
           to
           heart
           :
           And
           alas
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           do
           but
           think
           seriously
           ,
           to
           what
           purpose
           is
           it
           to
           attend
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           bettered
           
           by
           them
           :
           you
           would
           think
           it
           a
           sad
           condition
           ,
           for
           a
           person
           to
           feed
           every
           day
           ,
           feed
           to
           the
           full
           ,
           with
           large
           provision
           ,
           varieties
           set
           before
           him
           to
           partake
           of
           ;
           and
           yet
           after
           all
           his
           full
           feedings
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           of
           strength
           and
           fatness
           ,
           and
           growth
           ,
           and
           increase
           ;
           no
           bettering
           by
           their
           provisions
           ;
           Surely
           ,
           surely
           ,
           this
           should
           set
           close
           upon
           our
           hearts
           ,
           to
           think
           thus
           ,
           Lord
           ,
           why
           is
           it
           thus
           with
           me
           ?
           I
           hear
           many
           a
           Sermon
           ,
           and
           attend
           Christ
           in
           Ordinances
           ,
           have
           many
           blessed
           opportunities
           for
           spiritual
           advantage
           ;
           and
           yet
           I
           have
           got
           little
           or
           nothing
           ;
           others
           see
           it
           not
           ,
           I
           can
           give
           no
           account
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           as
           much
           kept
           at
           an
           under
           ,
           by
           my
           pride
           ,
           by
           my
           passion
           ,
           by
           one
           corruption
           or
           other
           ,
           as
           apt
           to
           be
           over-powered
           by
           every
           temptation
           ,
           as
           if
           I
           did
           not
           give
           any
           attendance
           upon
           God
           ,
           in
           any
           of
           his
           Ordinances
           .
           This
           meditation
           I
           desire
           may
           settle
           upon
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           would
           be
           communing
           with
           our selves
           about
           this
           matter
           :
           as
           Rebecca
           said
           upon
           occasion
           of
           the
           strugling
           in
           her
           womb
           ;
           
             If
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             why
             am
             I
             thus
             ?
          
           If
           it
           be
           so
           that
           there
           is
           such
           allowance
           given
           ,
           such
           a
           provision
           made
           in
           so
           ample
           a
           manner
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           Lord
           ,
           why
           am
           I
           thus
           ?
           why
           am
           I
           not
           more
           in
           Faith
           ?
           why
           am
           I
           not
           more
           in
           love
           to
           thee
           ?
           O
           ,
           Christ
           ,
           and
           waies
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           why
           am
           I
           not
           more
           in
           spiritual
           strength
           ?
           why
           am
           I
           not
           able
           to
           give
           a
           better
           account
           ?
           what
           do
           I
           make
           hearing
           ,
           the
           end
           of
           hearing
           ?
           and
           duty
           ,
           the
           end
           of
           duty
           ?
           and
           do
           I
           rest
           in
           Ordinances
           ?
           Are
           not
           the
           Ordinances
           given
           to
           profit
           withal
           ,
           and
           to
           improve
           by
           ?
           This
           is
           proper
           for
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           deal
           truly
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           concernments
           of
           our
           souls
           :
           this
           indeed
           ,
           is
           proper
           work
           for
           you
           and
           me
           to
           be
           upon
           the
           daily
           performance
           of
           .
           This
           I
           speak
           now
           in
           more
           general
           manner
           ,
           and
           to
           this
           
           purpose
           ,
           that
           you
           might
           give
           the
           more
           due
           regard
           unto
           the
           things
           that
           I
           am
           further
           to
           communicate
           to
           you
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Duty
           of
           the
           Text.
           
        
         
           Now
           this
           is
           that
           which
           I
           have
           to
           press
           upon
           you
           ,
           That
           you
           would
           reckon
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           duty
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           with
           Conscience
           and
           care
           apply
           it
           .
           Set
           your
           hearts
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           grow
           ;
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
          
           .
           I
           think
           (
           as
           I
           said
           before
           )
           it
           will
           be
           the
           properest
           course
           that
           I
           can
           take
           for
           to
           speak
           to
           some
           particulars
           ;
           and
           I
           will
           speak
           especially
           to
           the
           main
           Grace
           ,
           the
           Captain-Grace
           ,
           the
           Leading-Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith.
           Think
           thus
           ,
           that
           when
           you
           are
           called
           upon
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           to
           be
           sure
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           mind
           and
           meaning
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           you
           should
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           you
           should
           set
           your
           hearts
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           having
           Faith
           ,
           you
           may
           increase
           in
           it
           :
           This
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           even
           a
           duty
           incumbent
           upon
           every
           one
           that
           hath
           any
           thing
           of
           true
           saving
           Faith
           in
           him
           ,
           to
           do
           his
           utmost
           that
           he
           may
           come
           to
           have
           a
           growth
           in
           that
           Faith
           :
           O
           that
           this
           might
           be
           considered
           of
           by
           you
           that
           are
           Believers
           !
           Have
           you
           Faith
           ?
           't
           is
           good
           for
           to
           make
           an
           inquiry
           ,
           and
           to
           search
           into
           your selves
           ,
           whether
           you
           have
           Faith
           ye
           or
           no.
           Have
           you
           ,
           look
           to
           the
           growth
           of
           it
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           child
           of
           Gods
           begetting
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           child
           that
           's
           committed
           to
           your
           trust
           to
           see
           to
           the
           nourishing
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           well
           nursed
           by
           you
           .
           Hath
           God
           given
           you
           Faith
           in
           the
           spark
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           to
           look
           to
           it
           that
           it
           be
           improved
           to
           a
           flame
           .
           Is
           it
           a
           seed
           that
           God
           hath
           sown
           in
           your
           hearts
           ,
           suppose
           it
           be
           but
           as
           a
           grain
           of
           Mustard-seed
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           that
           lies
           upon
           you
           to
           look
           well
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           this
           little
           grain
           ,
           this
           seed
           that
           is
           sown
           ,
           be
           attended
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           be
           an
           improvement
           of
           it
           .
           This
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           
           that
           having
           Faith
           ,
           you
           increase
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           due
           improvement
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           ,
           not
           only
           Babes
           in
           Faith
           ,
           but
           strong
           men
           in
           Faith
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           which
           (
           I
           say
           )
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           and
           this
           I
           would
           press
           upon
           you
           .
        
         
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
          
           :
           Grow
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           :
           And
           this
           I
           would
           have
           you
           to
           consider
           ,
           that
           all
           other
           growth
           in
           the
           other
           Graces
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           dependance
           upon
           this
           growth
           in
           Faith.
           If
           Faith
           be
           in
           well-liking
           ,
           other
           Graces
           will
           be
           in
           a
           good
           condition
           .
           Truly
           I
           think
           it
           is
           mostly
           thus
           ,
           that
           the
           Christian
           is
           as
           his
           Faith
           is
           :
           If
           his
           Faith
           be
           in
           good
           plight
           ,
           his
           other
           Graces
           will
           be
           so
           too
           .
           If
           there
           be
           a
           flourishing
           Faith
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           a
           flaming
           Love
           ,
           and
           there
           will
           be
           an
           abounding
           ,
           and
           an
           increase
           in
           other
           Graces
           .
           Faith
           ,
           it
           hath
           an
           influence
           upon
           all
           other
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           :
           Grow
           in
           that
           ,
           and
           grow
           in
           all
           .
        
         
           Now
           if
           you
           ask
           ,
           But
           how
           would
           you
           have
           us
           to
           grow
           ,
           or
           to
           what
           pitch
           and
           proportion
           would
           you
           have
           us
           to
           arrive
           ?
           You
           perswade
           us
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           what
           growth
           is
           it
           that
           you
           press
           us
           to
           ?
           Will
           you
           now
           but
           a
           little
           weigh
           these
           things
           that
           I
           have
           to
           communicate
           .
        
         
           I
           tell
           you
           thus
           ,
           your
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           you
           will
           answer
           your
           duty
           ,
           it
           must
           first
           be
           a
           growth
           ,
           practically
           answering
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           Faith
           ,
           that
           you
           come
           up
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           to
           as
           high
           a
           degree
           of
           Faith
           as
           you
           can
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           in
           a
           practical
           way
           you
           may
           answer
           the
           testimonies
           that
           are
           given
           of
           Faith.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           That
           in
           a
           practical
           way
           you
           may
           answer
           the
           eminent
           and
           signal
           examples
           and
           patterns
           of
           Faith.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           That
           in
           a
           practical
           way
           you
           may
           perform
           the
           acts
           ,
           and
           express
           the
           fruits
           and
           effects
           of
           Faith
           ;
           all
           
           this
           in
           a
           practical
           way
           .
           And
           then
           shall
           you
           answer
           the
           duty
           ,
           and
           approve
           your selves
           to
           be
           such
           as
           are
           persons
           of
           a
           well
           grown
           Faith.
           
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           when
           I
           perswade
           you
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           ,
           interpret
           thus
           ;
           That
           every
           believing
           soul
           is
           to
           look
           unto
           ,
           and
           to
           press
           after
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           there
           may
           be
           an
           attainment
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           Faith
           in
           the
           degrees
           of
           it
           ;
           Thus
           ,
           we
           distinguish
           of
           a
           weak
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           strong
           Faith
           :
           We
           distinguish
           of
           a
           Faith
           of
           Adherence
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           Faith
           of
           Evidence
           and
           Assurance
           .
           We
           speak
           of
           Believers
           ;
           some
           that
           are
           poor
           in
           Faith
           ,
           others
           that
           are
           rich
           in
           Faith
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           expression
           in
           
             James
             ,
             The
             poor
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             rich
             in
             Faith.
          
           We
           distinguish
           of
           a
           living
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           lively
           Faith.
           We
           distinguish
           of
           a
           combating
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           conquering
           Faith.
           Of
           a
           conflicting
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           triumphing
           Faith
           ;
           such
           distinctions
           there
           are
           .
           Now
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           press
           after
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           in
           the
           advancing
           ,
           and
           come
           up
           to
           the
           highest
           degree
           that
           we
           can
           attain
           unto
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           complained
           of
           the
           Disciples
           ,
           
             O
             ye
             of
             little
             Faith.
          
           Importing
           thus
           much
           ,
           that
           their
           duty
           was
           for
           to
           be
           much
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           a
           great
           Faith
           ,
           a
           well
           grown
           Faith
           ;
           such
           a
           Faith
           as
           the
           Woman
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           (
           of
           whom
           I
           shall
           speak
           )
           
             O
             woman
             ,
             great
             is
             thy
             Faith.
             
          
        
         
           There
           are
           that
           are
           poor
           in
           Faith
           ,
           they
           have
           but
           a
           poor
           degree
           and
           measure
           of
           Faith
           ,
           but
           even
           as
           much
           of
           it
           as
           will
           keep
           life
           and
           soul
           together
           (
           as
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           )
           all
           that
           they
           can
           do
           is
           but
           to
           keep
           in
           life
           .
           I
           but
           now
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           look
           after
           an
           inrichment
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           live
           like
           rich
           men
           ,
           live
           at
           a
           high
           rate
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           spend
           ,
           and
           spend
           very
           largely
           .
           This
           is
           our
           duty
           .
        
         
         
           That
           we
           have
           a
           lively
           Faith
           ,
           a
           Faith
           so
           improved
           ,
           as
           that
           its
           quick
           ,
           and
           active
           ,
           and
           nimble
           ,
           and
           can
           put
           on
           vigorously
           ,
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           Grace
           and
           holiness
           ;
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           .
        
         
           To
           grow
           from
           one
           degree
           to
           another
           ,
           to
           be
           stronger
           and
           stronger
           ;
           to
           proceed
           from
           Faith
           of
           Adherence
           ,
           unto
           Faith
           of
           Assurance
           .
           Not
           only
           to
           have
           the
           Faith
           of
           Recumbency
           ,
           that
           we
           can
           hang
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           and
           roul
           our selves
           upon
           him
           for
           Salvation
           ;
           but
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           have
           a
           Faith
           of
           Confidence
           :
           that
           we
           may
           not
           only
           be
           perswaded
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           Promises
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           may
           be
           perswaded
           of
           our
           personal
           interest
           and
           propriety
           in
           Promises
           .
           And
           that
           we
           are
           not
           only
           perswaded
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           of
           our
           title
           to
           them
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           not
           only
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           ,
           
             This
             is
             a
             faithful
             saying
             ,
             that
             Jesus
             Christ
             came
             into
             the
             World
             to
             save
             sinners
          
           ;
           but
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           by
           Faith
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           and
           this
           Jesus
           
             came
             to
             save
             me
          
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           any
           other
           sinners
           in
           the
           World.
           That
           we
           may
           not
           be
           only
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           
             He
             loved
             his
             People
          
           ,
           and
           
             gave
             himself
             for
             his
             people
          
           ;
           but
           we
           may
           be
           able
           by
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           to
           say
           ,
           yea
           ,
           
             he
             loved
             me
          
           ,
           and
           
             he
             gave
             himself
             for
             me
          
           .
           Thus
           could
           Paul
           say
           ,
           such
           was
           Pauls
           Faith.
           
        
         
           A
           Faith
           of
           Assurance
           ,
           when
           we
           cannot
           only
           reflect
           with
           fears
           and
           difficulties
           ,
           but
           we
           can
           trample
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           triumph
           over
           them
           ,
           and
           say
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             I
             am
             perswaded
             ,
             that
             neither
             heighth
             ,
             nor
             depth
             ,
             nor
             length
             ,
             nor
             Principalities
             ,
             nor
             Powers
             ,
             nor
             things
             present
             ,
             nor
             things
             to
             come
             ,
             shall
             be
             able
             to
             separate
             me
             from
             the
             love
             of
             God
             that
             is
             in
             Christ.
          
           Such
           a
           growth
           we
           should
           have
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           towards
           God
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           know
           whom
           I
           have
           believed
           ,
           and
           I
           know
           that
           my
           Redeemer
           liveth
           .
           We
           know
           ,
           
           that
           if
           this
           Tabernacle
           were
           dissolved
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           building
           of
           God
           ,
           a
           house
           not
           made
           with
           hands
           ,
           eternal
           in
           the
           Heavens
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           ,
           a
           Faith
           of
           such
           a
           size
           as
           this
           ;
           of
           such
           a
           proportion
           as
           this
           ,
           and
           not
           rest
           contented
           with
           this
           ,
           That
           we
           can
           hang
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           (
           though
           its
           a
           great
           Mercy
           to
           have
           the
           least
           degree
           of
           Faith
           )
           yet
           this
           we
           should
           be
           pressing
           to
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           a
           holy
           confidence
           towards
           God.
           This
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           and
           that
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           be
           of
           such
           a
           grown
           Faith
           :
           that
           's
           the
           first
           thing
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Our
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           answer
           the
           high
           ,
           and
           honourable
           ,
           and
           glorious
           testimonies
           that
           are
           given
           of
           Faith
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           give
           in
           our
           Justification
           of
           such
           testimonies
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           thus
           and
           thus
           is
           Faith
           testified
           of
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           true
           testimony
           ,
           I
           am
           able
           to
           prove
           it
           ,
           I
           am
           able
           to
           speak
           it
           out
           of
           my
           own
           person
           ,
           and
           from
           my
           own
           experience
           .
           It
           s
           our
           blessed
           Sayiours
           speech
           ,
           
             Wisdome
             is
             justified
             of
             her
             children
             :
          
           If
           we
           will
           approve
           our selves
           to
           be
           the
           children
           of
           Wisdome
           ,
           we
           should
           look
           after
           this
           in
           a
           special
           manner
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           justifie
           the
           sayings
           of
           Wisdome
           .
           Now
           what
           are
           the
           sayings
           of
           Wisdome
           concerning
           Faith
           ,
           the
           testimonies
           that
           are
           given
           of
           it
           .
           Mark
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           in
           the
           11th
           chapter
           of
           his
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Hebrews
           ,
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           That
           
             Faith
             is
             the
             substance
             of
             things
             hoped
             for
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             evidence
             of
             things
             that
             are
             not
             seen
             .
          
           Is
           this
           a
           true
           testimony
           ?
           It
           may
           be
           you
           will
           say
           ,
           you
           believe
           this
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           a
           truth
           concerning
           Faith.
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           of
           that
           ,
           Is
           it
           a
           truth
           in
           you
           ?
           Is
           your
           Faith
           such
           a
           Faith
           ?
           Are
           you
           able
           to
           subscribe
           to
           this
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           yea
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           I
           can
           speak
           this
           from
           my
           
           own
           experience
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Faith
           is
           to
           me
           the
           substance
           of
           things
           that
           are
           hoped
           for
           ;
           Faith
           is
           in
           me
           ,
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           that
           are
           not
           seen
           .
           If
           so
           be
           that
           your
           Faith
           be
           not
           grown
           up
           to
           such
           a
           pitch
           and
           proportion
           ;
           truly
           ,
           you
           are
           not
           come
           into
           the
           stature
           that
           you
           should
           attain
           unto
           .
           You
           have
           a
           Faith
           that
           looks
           to
           promises
           ,
           and
           lives
           upon
           the
           expectation
           that
           begets
           a
           kind
           of
           hope
           in
           you
           ,
           that
           such
           and
           such
           things
           shall
           be
           done
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           can
           you
           say
           that
           your
           Faith
           is
           the
           substance
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           your
           Faith
           is
           the
           evidence
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           substance
           ?
           Why
           ,
           your
           Faith
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           so
           improved
           unto
           such
           a
           strength
           ,
           that
           things
           that
           are
           but
           in
           expectation
           ,
           they
           are
           to
           your
           Faith
           ,
           as
           if
           so
           be
           that
           they
           were
           in
           actual
           execution
           .
           Your
           Faith
           is
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           (
           I
           am
           sure
           it
           should
           be
           so
           )
           that
           it
           giv●…s
           a
           being
           to
           things
           that
           are
           not
           in
           being
           :
           it
           is
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           uses
           the
           word
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           substance
           ,
           or
           the
           subsistence
           of
           things
           that
           are
           hoped
           for
           .
           Why
           ,
           this
           is
           to
           my
           Faith
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           in
           actual
           being
           .
           As
           God
           made
           a
           promise
           to
           Abraham
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           have
           a
           son
           ,
           Abraham
           believes
           the
           promise
           :
           it
           was
           long
           before
           that
           promise
           was
           performed
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           yet
           
           Abraham's
           Faith
           did
           give
           a
           hearing
           to
           this
           promise
           ;
           Abraham
           went
           on
           in
           that
           confidence
           ,
           he
           staggered
           not
           at
           the
           promise
           ,
           through
           unbelief
           ,
           but
           his
           Faith
           was
           in
           that
           strength
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           had
           been
           a
           birth
           already
           ;
           his
           Faith
           gave
           a
           being
           to
           the
           promise
           .
           God
           made
           a
           promise
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           come
           to
           the
           Land
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           should
           be
           their
           inheritance
           .
           Now
           ,
           the
           Faith
           of
           
             Abraham
             ,
             Isaack
          
           ,
           and
           Jacob
           ,
           was
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           it
           gave
           a
           being
           to
           the
           promise
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           had
           it
           while
           they
           
           liv'd
           :
           the
           actual
           possession
           of
           the
           promised
           Land
           ,
           they
           ,
           and
           their
           seed
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           
             the
             evidence
             of
             things
             that
             are
             not
             seen
             .
          
           I
           see
           not
           ,
           and
           yet
           I
           injoy
           ;
           I
           see
           not
           ,
           and
           yet
           I
           see
           .
           Faith
           ,
           where
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           ,
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           that
           are
           not
           seen
           :
           Things
           not
           seen
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           are
           as
           if
           they
           were
           before
           mine
           eyes
           .
           
             Things
             not
             seen
          
           ;
           Nay
           ,
           when
           the
           contrary
           is
           seen
           ,
           as
           now
           ,
           a
           man
           hath
           destruction
           before
           his
           eyes
           ,
           and
           yet
           his
           Faith
           makes
           him
           to
           see
           Salvation
           ;
           according
           to
           that
           eminent
           instance
           in
           Moses
           ;
           when
           they
           came
           to
           the
           Red-Sea
           ,
           and
           there
           was
           nothing
           but
           death
           ,
           
             Fear
             not
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             stand
             still
             ,
             and
             see
             the
             salvation
             of
             God
             :
          
           See
           it
           ,
           why
           ,
           there
           was
           nothing
           to
           be
           seen
           ,
           but
           destruction
           before
           their
           eyes
           ;
           and
           yet
           ,
           by
           Faith
           ,
           Moses
           comes
           to
           see
           the
           Salvation
           of
           God.
           It
           is
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           that
           are
           not
           seen
           :
           O
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           it
           's
           a
           poor
           Faith
           ,
           a
           poor
           beggerly
           Faith
           ,
           (
           if
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           of
           any
           degree
           of
           Faith
           ;
           )
           for
           Faith
           ,
           in
           the
           lowest
           degree
           ,
           is
           better
           than
           all
           the
           jewels
           and
           diamonds
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           to
           be
           mentioned
           with
           it
           :
           but
           ,
           compared
           with
           a
           due
           improved
           Faith
           ,
           truly
           ,
           it
           's
           but
           a
           poor
           beggerly
           Faith
           ,
           that
           depends
           upon
           sense
           .
           This
           I
           would
           see
           ,
           as
           Thomas
           ;
           what
           ,
           saith
           Thomas
           ,
           you
           report
           to
           me
           ,
           that
           Jesus
           ,
           my
           Lord
           and
           Master
           ,
           is
           risen
           from
           the
           dead
           ;
           but
           ,
           for
           my
           part
           ,
           unless
           I
           may
           see
           him
           ,
           and
           feel
           the
           print
           of
           the
           nails
           ,
           and
           put
           my
           hand
           into
           his
           side
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           believe
           .
           O
           ,
           it
           was
           an
           ignoble
           Faith
           ,
           a
           poor
           beggerly
           Faith
           :
           they
           will
           believe
           no
           further
           than
           they
           can
           see
           .
           Truly
           ,
           such
           persons
           will
           hardly
           believe
           to
           the
           saving
           of
           their
           souls
           ;
           and
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           he
           deals
           with
           him
           about
           it
           :
           O
           ,
           
             Thomas
             ,
             Thomas
          
           ,
           thou
           hast
           seen
           ,
           and
           believed
           ;
           but
           ,
           I
           tell
           thee
           Thomas
           ,
           
           they
           are
           the
           blessed
           persons
           that
           have
           not
           seen
           ,
           and
           yet
           believe
           .
           Why
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           noble
           Faith
           ,
           for
           to
           give
           a
           man
           the
           evidence
           of
           that
           that
           he
           doth
           not
           see
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           .
           I
           see
           nothing
           that
           hath
           a
           tendency
           to
           such
           or
           such
           a
           mercy
           ,
           I
           see
           nothing
           ,
           but
           rather
           the
           contrary
           :
           as
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Ioseph
           ,
           there
           's
           a
           promise
           concerning
           his
           advancement
           ,
           he
           saies
           nothing
           that
           hath
           any
           tendency
           in
           it
           ,
           but
           rather
           the
           contrary
           ;
           he
           is
           cast
           into
           Prison
           ,
           and
           irons
           enter
           into
           his
           soul
           ;
           he
           is
           brought
           into
           a
           miserable
           condition
           ,
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           his
           Faith
           was
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           not
           seen
           ;
           he
           could
           see
           a
           Golden-Chain
           ,
           that
           afterwards
           he
           came
           to
           wear
           ;
           he
           could
           see
           a
           Golden-chain
           in
           a
           chain
           of
           Iron
           ;
           the
           iron
           entred
           into
           his
           soul
           ,
           and
           yet
           the
           chain
           of
           Gold
           is
           about
           his
           Faith
           ;
           Faith
           puts
           it
           about
           the
           neck
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           :
           A
           Faith
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           evidence
           to
           us
           the
           things
           that
           are
           not
           seen
           .
           Now
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           when
           we
           can
           give
           an
           account
           of
           such
           a
           testimony
           ,
           and
           come
           in
           with
           the
           justification
           of
           experience
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           It
           's
           thus
           testified
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           it
           's
           a
           true
           testimony
           ;
           for
           my
           Faith
           is
           so
           to
           me
           ;
           my
           Faith
           is
           the
           substance
           of
           things
           hoped
           for
           ,
           my
           Faith
           is
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           that
           are
           not
           seen
           :
           God
           hath
           made
           a
           promise
           concerning
           a
           new
           heaven
           ,
           and
           a
           new
           earth
           ,
           wherein
           dwelleth
           righteousness
           :
           He
           hath
           made
           a
           promise
           of
           new
           Ierusalem
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           come
           down
           from
           heaven
           ,
           as
           a
           Bride
           made
           ready
           for
           her
           husband
           :
           Now
           ,
           I
           see
           nothing
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           I
           see
           nothing
           but
           confusion
           ;
           and
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           I
           can
           see
           Glory
           ;
           I
           can
           see
           Glory
           in
           all
           the
           confusion
           of
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           Again
           ,
           consider
           ,
           Secondly
           ,
           This
           is
           the
           testimony
           that
           's
           given
           of
           Faith
           :
           
             I
             ,
             this
             is
             t●…e
             victory
             that
             overcomes
          
           
           
             the
             World
             ,
             even
             your
             Faith.
          
           The
           Apostle
           gives
           this
           testimony
           of
           Faith
           ;
           1
           Epist.
           of
           Ioh.
           5.
           he
           useth
           these
           words
           ,
           
             This
             is
             the
             victory
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             that
             overcometh
             the
             World
             ,
             even
             your
             Faith.
          
           Why
           ,
           now
           consider
           ,
           what
           growth
           it
           is
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           in
           believing
           ;
           our
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           ;
           and
           to
           grow
           to
           such
           a
           point
           and
           proportion
           ,
           that
           our
           Faith
           may
           be
           our
           victory
           :
           
             our
             Faith
          
           ,
           why
           ,
           you
           will
           say
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           conflict
           :
           we
           have
           a
           conflicting
           Faith
           :
           I
           ,
           bu●…
           your
           Faith
           is
           your
           victory
           ;
           and
           your
           Faith
           should
           be
           so
           improved
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           give
           this
           account
           of
           it
           ;
           my
           Faith
           is
           my
           victory
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           more
           than
           a
           Conqueror
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           in
           Rom.
           8.
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             separate
             ,
             tribulation
             ,
             distress
             ,
             persecution
             ,
             famine
             ,
             nakedness
             ,
             peril
             ,
             sword
             ?
          
           Why
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             In
             all
             these
             things
          
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           say
           ,
           after
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           but
           ,
           in
           all
           these
           things
           ;
           
             in
             persecution
             ,
             in
             tribulation
             ,
             in
             distress
             ,
             in
             famine
             ,
             in
             nakedness
             ,
          
           what
           ,
           
             in
             sword
          
           !
           yea
           ,
           in
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           we
           are
           more
           than
           Conquerors
           .
           This
           is
           a
           marvellous
           thing
           ,
           but
           yet
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           testimony
           that
           's
           given
           of
           Faith
           :
           and
           this
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Believer
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           duly
           improved
           ,
           will
           spring
           up
           to
           ,
           to
           make
           the
           believing
           soul
           more
           than
           a
           Conqueror
           :
           and
           ,
           
             in
             all
          
           these
           things
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           victory
           .
           —
           The
           victory
           ;
           why
           ,
           before
           the
           battel
           be
           done
           ,
           before
           the
           fight
           be
           finished
           ,
           and
           ended
           ?
           yet
           ,
           notwithstanding
           ,
           that
           's
           a
           victory
           that
           a
           believing
           soul
           may
           ,
           by
           the
           strength
           of
           his
           Faith
           duly
           improved
           ,
           he
           may
           cry
           ,
           Victoria
           ,
           even
           while
           they
           are
           in
           the
           fight
           ;
           yet
           .
           Victory
           ,
           Victory
           :
           In
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           more
           than
           Conquerors
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Victory
           :
           so
           is
           a
           well
           improved
           Faith
           ;
           and
           such
           should
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Believer
           be
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           
           it
           should
           be
           his
           Victory
           .
           I
           am
           hampred
           with
           lusts
           ,
           corruptions
           ,
           temptations
           ,
           and
           heavily
           prest
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           miserably
           yoked
           ;
           and
           the
           poor
           soul
           cryes
           out
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ;
           O
           wretched
           man
           that
           I
           am
           ;
           what
           a
           tedious
           ,
           wearysome
           life
           have
           I
           of
           it
           ?
           I
           cannot
           be
           quiet
           not
           a
           day
           to
           an
           end
           ,
           and
           yet
           triumph
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           I
           thank
           God
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           so
           sing
           ,
           Victoria
           :
           this
           is
           the
           Faith.
           These
           things
           may
           seem
           to
           be
           somewhat
           hard
           things
           for
           Faith
           :
           and
           alas
           ,
           poor
           creatures
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           startle
           at
           such
           kind
           of
           measures
           ,
           and
           statures
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           propounded
           to
           us
           thus
           to
           press
           after
           .
           But
           this
           is
           the
           account
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           such
           an
           improvement
           to
           be
           made
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           such
           an
           improvement
           ▪
           we
           should
           endeavour
           after
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           we
           may
           come
           to
           this
           :
           to
           have
           Faith
           to
           be
           our
           Victory
           ;
           my
           Faith
           is
           my
           Victory
           ,
           and
           I
           see
           my
           Victory
           in
           every
           stroke
           I
           strike
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           growth
           that
           we
           should
           propound
           to
           our selves
           .
        
         
           Shall
           I
           tell
           you
           yet
           further
           ?
           I
           am
           signifying
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           our
           Faith
           should
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           the
           substance
           of
           things
           hoped
           for
           ,
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           not
           seen
           ;
           that
           it
           may
           be
           the
           Victory
           that
           overcomes
           the
           World
           ;
           while
           the
           World
           seems
           to
           trample
           us
           down
           under
           feet
           ,
           with
           the
           scorns
           ,
           and
           reproaches
           ,
           and
           hard
           usages
           of
           it
           ;
           yet
           ,
           a
           Believer
           can
           say
           ,
           I
           thank
           God
           ,
           I
           have
           the
           World
           more
           under
           feet
           a
           thousand
           times
           ,
           than
           I
           am
           under
           it
           :
           it
           seems
           to
           trample
           upon
           me
           ,
           but
           I
           trample
           upon
           it
           :
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           to
           that
           purpose
           ;
           I
           Glory
           in
           the
           Cross
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           by
           which
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           am
           crucified
           to
           the
           World
           :
           I
           ,
           and
           the
           World
           is
           as
           much
           crucified
           unto
           me
           ,
           as
           I
           am
           to
           it
           ,
           for
           its
           heart
           ;
           and
           I
           can
           set
           as
           
           light
           by
           it
           ,
           as
           it
           sets
           by
           me
           :
           I
           can
           scorn
           the
           scorns
           ,
           and
           despise
           the
           despisings
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           this
           our
           Faith
           will
           come
           to
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           be
           not
           a-wanting
           to
           our selves
           ,
           I
           would
           say
           this
           to
           the
           weakest
           Beleever
           in
           the
           Congregation
           ;
           his
           Faith
           will
           ,
           and
           shall
           come
           to
           this
           ,
           To
           be
           the
           evidence
           of
           things
           not
           seen
           ,
           To
           be
           the
           Victory
           that
           overcometh
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           Yet
           further
           ,
           I
           add
           this
           ,
           This
           is
           the
           report
           and
           testimony
           that
           's
           given
           to
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           :
           By
           Faith
           ,
           there
           hath
           been
           the
           subduing
           of
           Kingdoms
           ,
           working
           righteousness
           ,
           obtaining
           promises
           ,
           quenching
           violence
           of
           fire
           ,
           growing
           strong
           out
           of
           weakness
           ,
           turning
           to
           flight
           the
           Armyes
           of
           aliens
           ,
           opening
           of
           heaven
           ,
           binding
           up
           of
           heaven
           ;
           what
           not
           ?
           O
           ,
           the
           mighty
           things
           that
           are
           testified
           to
           be
           within
           the
           power
           of
           Faith
           ,
           to
           be
           obtained
           !
           This
           is
           the
           testimony
           that
           's
           given
           of
           Faith.
           Now
           ,
           our
           Faith
           should
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           and
           so
           improved
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           justifie
           these
           testimonies
           in
           our
           own
           experience
           .
        
         
           By
           Faith
           ,
           they
           subdued
           Kingdoms
           ,
           so
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Heb.
           11.
           
           What
           Kingdoms
           did
           Moses
           and
           Joshua
           subdue
           by
           Faith
           ?
           A
           Beleevers
           Faith
           should
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           may
           subdue
           Kingdoms
           .
           Truly
           ,
           he
           that
           can
           subdue
           a
           kingdom
           of
           the
           Devil
           within
           him
           ,
           may
           be
           able
           to
           subdue
           all
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           the
           World
           in
           a
           spiritual
           way
           .
        
         
           Subdue
           Kingdoms
           ,
           and
           vanquish
           Armies
           ;
           saith
           David
           ,
           Though
           10000
           should
           encamp
           against
           me
           ,
           in
           this
           will
           I
           be
           confident
           .
           Such
           a
           Faith
           as
           that
           ,
           it
           will
           do
           wonders
           ,
           work
           miracles
           ;
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           hath
           a
           kind
           of
           omnipotency
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           can
           do
           all
           things
           through
           God
           in
           Christ
           :
           my
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           
           is
           that
           ,
           whereby
           I
           am
           able
           to
           do
           all
           things
           :
           Now
           ,
           such
           a
           Faith
           we
           should
           labour
           to
           grow
           to
           ,
           as
           may
           have
           such
           a
           mighty
           arm
           and
           power
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           able
           to
           carry
           all
           before
           it
           .
           That
           's
           the
           second
           thing
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           there
           may
           be
           an
           answering
           in
           a
           practical
           way
           ,
           unto
           those
           eminent
           examples
           of
           persons
           that
           have
           been
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith.
           Consider
           what
           patterns
           there
           are
           .
        
         
           Abraham
           ,
           he
           was
           a
           man
           of
           Faith
           ;
           and
           what
           was
           his
           Faith
           ?
           what
           was
           his
           pitch
           ,
           and
           stature
           ,
           and
           proportion
           ?
           I
           gave
           you
           something
           of
           account
           before
           ,
           but
           shall
           further
           express
           it
           .
           Abraham
           ,
           he
           was
           a
           man
           of
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           God
           testified
           concerning
           him
           :
           O
           ,
           Abraham
           ,
           he
           beleeved
           God
           ,
           and
           it
           was
           accounted
           to
           him
           for
           Righteousness
           .
           When
           he
           had
           all
           the
           difficulties
           and
           discouragements
           that
           could
           be
           from
           resting
           upon
           the
           promise
           that
           God
           had
           made
           ;
           yet
           ,
           saith
           the
           Text
           ,
           He
           beleeved
           God.
           God
           promiseth
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           have
           a
           son
           ,
           though
           his
           body
           was
           dead
           ,
           and
           Sarahs
           body
           was
           dead
           ;
           and
           ,
           according
           to
           nature
           ,
           there
           was
           no
           possibility
           that
           things
           should
           be
           brought
           to
           pass
           :
           yet
           Abraham
           ,
           he
           considers
           neither
           one
           thing
           nor
           another
           ,
           but
           he
           doth
           eye
           the
           promise
           ;
           hath
           God
           said
           it
           ?
           It
           shall
           be
           done
           ,
           I
           shall
           have
           a
           son
           ,
           because
           God
           hath
           promised
           me
           a
           son
           :
           and
           ,
           though
           I
           am
           100
           years
           old
           ,
           and
           Sarah
           90
           years
           old
           ,
           yet
           ,
           God
           hath
           said
           it
           :
           there
           's
           death
           in
           the
           body
           ,
           but
           there
           's
           life
           in
           the
           promise
           ,
           and
           I
           rest
           upon
           it
           .
           It
           's
           the
           promise
           of
           a
           faithful
           God
           ,
           I
           will
           trust
           his
           word
           .
           Abraham
           beleeved
           God
           ,
           and
           staggered
           not
           at
           the
           promise
           through
           unbelief
           ,
           but
           was
           strong
           in
           Faith
           ,
           giving
           Glory
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           he
           becomes
           the
           friend
           of
           God
           ;
           he
           would
           believe
           
           any
           thing
           that
           God
           speaks
           ;
           and
           he
           would
           perform
           any
           thing
           that
           God
           did
           require
           ;
           and
           so
           discovered
           himself
           in
           the
           way
           of
           his
           Faith
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           friend
           of
           God.
           Now
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           such
           a
           Faith
           was
           Abrahams
           ;
           and
           what
           should
           hinder
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           should
           be
           of
           such
           a
           Faith
           ;
           Surely
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           to
           be
           as
           good
           as
           Abraham
           was
           :
           what
           should
           hinder
           ?
           why
           ,
           have
           not
           we
           as
           good
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           good
           Ordinances
           ,
           as
           precious
           means
           as
           ever
           Abraham
           had
           ?
           And
           ,
           what
           should
           hinder
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           should
           be
           of
           as
           good
           a
           Faith
           as
           Abraham
           was
           ?
           Such
           a
           Beleever
           was
           he
           ,
           as
           you
           heard
           of
           ,
           startled
           at
           nothing
           that
           God
           had
           promised
           ;
           but
           he
           would
           beleeve
           him
           ,
           and
           take
           him
           at
           his
           word
           .
        
         
           Such
           a
           Beleever
           was
           Moses
           ,
           that
           (
           as
           I
           told
           you
           )
           he
           could
           stand
           up
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           concerning
           his
           Salvation
           ,
           when
           there
           was
           nothing
           but
           destruction
           before
           his
           eyes
           :
           
             Fear
             not
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             fear
             not
          
           ;
           why
           ?
           there
           's
           nothing
           but
           matter
           of
           fear
           before
           us
           .
           
             Stand
             still
          
           ,
           why
           ?
           if
           we
           stand
           still
           ,
           our
           enemies
           will
           be
           upon
           the
           back
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           confound
           us
           :
           The
           Egyptians
           are
           come
           out
           ,
           and
           are
           pursuing
           us
           with
           all
           the
           spight
           and
           rage
           that
           may
           be
           ,
           
             And
             see
             the
             Salvation
             of
             God
          
           ;
           why
           ,
           we
           can
           see
           nothing
           but
           destruction
           before
           us
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           saith
           Moses
           ,
           Salvation
           is
           before
           your
           eyes
           ,
           and
           you
           may
           ,
           by
           Faith
           ,
           see
           ,
           and
           behold
           it
           .
           Here
           was
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           and
           to
           this
           pitch
           should
           we
           grow
           .
        
         
           O
           ,
           What
           a
           Faith
           did
           the
           woman
           of
           Canaan
           discover
           ?
           when
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           discouragements
           that
           she
           had
           from
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           one
           and
           another
           ,
           concerning
           the
           cause
           she
           was
           then
           in
           management
           of
           ;
           yet
           ,
           notwithstanding
           ,
           she
           sticks
           to
           him
           .
           O
           ,
           when
           Christ
           told
           her
           he
           
           was
           not
           sent
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           lost
           sheep
           of
           the
           house
           of
           Israel
           ;
           and
           it
           was
           not
           meet
           to
           take
           the
           childrens
           bread
           ,
           and
           cast
           it
           to
           dogs
           ;
           and
           she
           might
           reckon
           upon
           her self
           ,
           as
           a
           dog
           :
           why
           ,
           I
           am
           come
           for
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           lost
           sheep
           of
           the
           house
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           thou
           art
           a
           Canaanite
           ;
           and
           what
           hast
           thou
           to
           do
           to
           make
           application
           to
           me
           ?
           Yet
           ,
           notwithstanding
           ,
           she
           sticks
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           holds
           her
           own
           ,
           and
           is
           resolved
           she
           will
           not
           give
           over
           till
           she
           hath
           a
           blessing
           .
           —
           Now
           ,
           mark
           the
           testimony
           that
           Christ
           gives
           of
           her
           ;
           
             O
             woman
             ,
             great
             is
             thy
             Faith.
          
           Now
           ,
           here
           's
           a
           pattern
           for
           us
           ,
           that
           nothing
           of
           discouragement
           should
           beat
           us
           off
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           might
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           :
           and
           ,
           wherefore
           are
           these
           things
           written
           ?
           but
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           write
           after
           these
           Copies
           .
           But
           we
           stick
           in
           principles
           ,
           and
           rest
           in
           lower
           measures
           ;
           and
           it
           's
           a
           shame
           we
           are
           not
           more
           in
           advances
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           answer
           Scripture-testimonies
           ,
           nor
           answer
           Scripture-patterns
           and
           examples
           .
        
         
           I
           might
           instance
           to
           you
           in
           the
           
           Thessalonian-Church
           ,
           a
           Scripture
           that
           formerly
           I
           spent
           much
           time
           about
           ;
           O
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           thank
           God
           for
           you
           ,
           Brethren
           ;
           for
           your
           Faith
           ,
           it
           grows
           exceedingly
           ;
           it
           is
           an
           over-grown
           Faith
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           Thus
           now
           should
           it
           be
           with
           us
           .
        
         
           But
           then
           there
           is
           a
           fourth
           thing
           ,
           which
           will
           take
           up
           more
           time
           than
           all
           the
           rest
           .
           We
           should
           endeavour
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           a
           practical
           way
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           not
           only
           answer
           the
           degrees
           of
           Faith
           ,
           nor
           the
           testimonies
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           examples
           and
           presidents
           of
           Faith
           ;
           but
           fourthly
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           have
           such
           a
           
           Faith
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           might
           produce
           the
           acts
           ,
           and
           the
           effects
           of
           it
           .
           And
           here
           sundry
           particulars
           there
           are
           .
        
         
           Such
           a
           Faith
           we
           should
           have
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           our
           Faith
           should
           be
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           have
           clear
           sights
           and
           apprehensions
           of
           God
           :
           to
           say
           ,
           he
           is
           an
           Invisible
           God
           and
           who
           can
           behold
           him
           ?
           and
           an
           Infinite
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           at
           an
           infinite
           distance
           ,
           and
           who
           can
           injoy
           him
           ?
           —
           Who
           ?
           —
           why
           ,
           a
           man
           of
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           may
           live
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           in
           heaven
           .
           The
           Saints
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           have
           had
           their
           Faith
           well
           improved
           ,
           have
           given
           proof
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           able
           to
           give
           a
           justification
           of
           it
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           this
           ,
           that
           Faith
           is
           capable
           of
           such
           an
           improvement
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           may
           live
           in
           heaven
           while
           he
           is
           upon
           earth
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           daily
           converses
           with
           God
           ;
           see
           him
           ,
           behold
           him
           ,
           and
           talk
           with
           him
           ,
           as
           a
           man
           would
           talk
           with
           his
           friend
           :
           Faith
           may
           come
           to
           this
           ;
           as
           't
           is
           said
           of
           Moses
           ,
           he
           saw
           him
           that
           was
           invisible
           .
           Enoch
           ,
           by
           his
           Faith
           ,
           could
           walk
           with
           God
           every
           day
           ,
           as
           a
           man
           with
           his
           friend
           .
           And
           so
           a
           Believer
           may
           walk
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           converse
           with
           God
           ,
           even
           in
           the
           management
           of
           his
           worldly
           affairs
           ;
           he
           may
           run
           up
           to
           heaven
           ,
           and
           speak
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           holy
           familiarity
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           have
           sweet
           thoughts
           of
           God.
           O
           ,
           comfortable
           thoughts
           ,
           the
           meditation
           of
           God!
           O
           ,
           sweet
           unto
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           in
           the
           104
           
             Psal.
             my
             meditations
             of
             him
             shall
             be
             sweet
             .
          
           He
           is
           a
           terrible
           God
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           I
           can
           
             meditate
             terror
          
           .
           The
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           duly
           improved
           ,
           and
           being
           of
           a
           light
           growth
           ;
           it
           will
           make
           him
           able
           to
           meditate
           terror
           ,
           and
           to
           think
           of
           the
           terrible
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           terrible
           acts
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           terribleness
           of
           Gods
           Majesty
           :
           Indeed
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           
           terribleness
           in
           Gods
           Majesty
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           being
           duly
           improved
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           due
           growth
           ;
           it
           will
           be
           able
           to
           meditate
           terror
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           hath
           the
           expression
           ,
           in
           Isa.
           39.
           and
           so
           to
           injoy
           sweet
           communion
           with
           God
           in
           every
           daies
           course
           :
           it
           is
           ,
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           distance
           ,
           but
           heaven
           and
           earth
           were
           in
           a
           very
           contiguity
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           just
           neer
           ,
           close
           together
           ;
           there
           is
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           but
           a
           wall
           between
           heaven
           and
           earth
           .
           O
           ,
           he
           can
           be
           ,
           as
           a
           man
           would
           be
           with
           his
           next
           neighbour
           ,
           that
           ,
           knock
           at
           the
           wall
           ,
           and
           your
           neighbour
           hears
           you
           ,
           and
           you
           can
           talk
           together
           day
           and
           night
           .
           And
           so
           ,
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           is
           capable
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           he
           may
           come
           to
           enjoy
           God
           ,
           and
           sweet
           communion
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           And
           so
           ,
           of
           Christ
           ;
           when
           we
           make
           him
           not
           only
           the
           object
           of
           our
           desires
           ,
           but
           the
           object
           of
           our
           claim
           :
           he
           is
           my
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           as
           much
           mine
           ,
           as
           any
           mans
           in
           the
           World.
           We
           should
           not
           only
           breath
           out
           after
           Christ
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           may
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           bold
           claim
           of
           interest
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           I
           am
           my
           beloveds
           ,
           and
           my
           beloved
           is
           mine
           .
           I
           bear
           upon
           it
           ,
           I
           challenge
           an
           interest
           in
           him
           ;
           and
           I
           will
           dispute
           the
           case
           with
           any
           that
           shall
           come
           in
           in
           a
           way
           of
           opposition
           to
           me
           .
           He
           loved
           sinners
           ,
           He
           loved
           the
           World
           ,
           He
           loveth
           me
           .
           He
           gave
           himself
           for
           sinners
           ,
           He
           hath
           given
           himself
           for
           me
           ;
           He
           is
           as
           much
           my
           Christ
           as
           any
           mans
           in
           the
           World.
           This
           is
           the
           well-grown
           Faith.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           IV.
           
        
         
           LOok
           to
           your
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           you
           be
           not
           weak
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           let
           it
           appear
           this
           way
           :
           See
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           so
           improved
           ,
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           at
           once
           to
           appeal
           from
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           ridged
           exacter
           ,
           and
           yet
           to
           apply
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           gracious
           ,
           wise
           ,
           and
           holy
           director
           .
           When
           Faith
           comes
           to
           be
           planted
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           therefore
           planted
           ,
           that
           the
           heart
           should
           ,
           upon
           the
           coming
           in
           of
           Faith
           ,
           turn
           head
           against
           the
           Law
           :
           No
           ,
           not
           against
           the
           Law.
           Indeed
           ,
           it
           was
           never
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           Beleevers
           ,
           that
           are
           brought
           off
           from
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           covenant
           of
           works
           ,
           and
           are
           dead
           to
           it
           ,
           by
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           ,
           should
           have
           their
           hearts
           set
           against
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           rise
           up
           in
           opposition
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           be
           possest
           with
           prejudices
           against
           it
           :
           No
           ,
           God
           forbid
           it
           should
           be
           so
           .
           I
           speak
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           considered
           as
           a
           covenant
           of
           works
           .
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           carries
           him
           from
           the
           Law
           ;
           so
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           rest
           upon
           it
           ;
           so
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           seek
           righteousness
           by
           it
           ;
           but
           yet
           withal
           ,
           while
           it
           doth
           make
           an
           appeal
           from
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           ridged
           exactor
           ,
           and
           was
           made
           ,
           before
           Grace
           appeared
           ,
           to
           tremble
           and
           quake
           at
           the
           consideration
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           a
           fiery
           Law
           :
           while
           he
           looks
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           most
           severe
           ,
           and
           ridged
           exctor
           ,
           and
           quits
           it
           ,
           appeals
           from
           it
           ;
           yet
           ,
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           duly
           improved
           ,
           will
           own
           the
           same
           Law
           ;
           as
           it
           is
           a
           wise
           ,
           righteous
           ,
           and
           holy
           director
           .
           And
           that
           Law
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           which
           out
           of
           the
           hand
           of
           Faith
           was
           ,
           and
           would
           have
           been
           a
           stinging
           Serpent
           ,
           as
           the
           ●…od
           of
           ●…ses
           ,
           when
           it
           was
           out
           of
           his
           hand
           ,
           a
           stinging
           ●…pent
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           would
           make
           a
           man
           to
           flye
           from
           the
           presence
           of
           ,
           in
           regard
           
           of
           its
           stinging
           power
           :
           yet
           ,
           the
           very
           same
           Law
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           a
           rule
           of
           Righteousness
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           rod
           in
           the
           hand
           ,
           and
           of
           precious
           use
           :
           and
           this
           is
           that
           wherein
           the
           growth
           of
           Faith
           will
           discover
           it self
           ;
           when
           we
           can
           thus
           jadiciously
           manage
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           appeal
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           to
           apply
           to
           it
           :
           To
           rejoyce
           in
           a
           freedom
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           from
           its
           severity
           ;
           and
           yet
           rejoyce
           in
           holding
           a
           complyance
           ,
           and
           correspondency
           with
           it
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           a
           gracious
           ,
           holy
           rule
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           given
           us
           to
           conform
           unto
           .
           And
           this
           is
           another
           thing
           which
           I
           offer
           to
           you
           ,
           to
           be
           judiciously
           considered
           of
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           shew
           forth
           the
           growth
           of
           your
           Faith
           in
           this
           way
           .
        
         
           Yet
           further
           ,
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ;
           and
           how
           shall
           it
           appear
           ?
           —
           Thus
           ,
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           so
           as
           ,
           that
           while
           you
           remember
           former
           guilts
           ,
           deep
           and
           dreadful
           guilts
           ,
           that
           have
           been
           contracted
           upon
           you
           ;
           while
           ,
           upon
           review
           of
           former
           cursed
           carriages
           and
           practices
           ;
           upon
           review
           ,
           and
           upon
           reflection
           :
           you
           can
           remember
           deep
           contracted
           guilt
           upon
           your
           consciences
           ,
           under
           which
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           you
           labour
           ,
           as
           under
           an
           unsupportable
           burden
           :
           yet
           ,
           at
           that
           very
           time
           ,
           when
           the
           remembrance
           of
           former
           dreadful
           guilt
           contracted
           ,
           is
           reviv'd
           ;
           yet
           you
           can
           ,
           at
           the
           very
           same
           time
           ,
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           towards
           God
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           that
           rich
           and
           glorious
           Grace
           which
           hath
           appeared
           by
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           —
           while
           with
           freedom
           ,
           and
           as
           becomes
           a
           Gospel-spirit
           of
           ingenuity
           ,
           you
           can
           draw
           up
           a
           charge
           against
           your selves
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           I
           was
           a
           Persecuter
           ,
           (
           as
           Paul
           speaks
           )
           I
           was
           a
           Blasphemer
           ,
           I
           was
           Injurious
           ,
           I
           was
           a
           notorious
           Drunkard
           ,
           I
           was
           a
           prophane
           ,
           cursed
           
           Swearer
           ,
           I
           was
           hellishly
           vitious
           ;
           thus
           and
           thus
           I
           was
           ,
           and
           thus
           and
           thus
           I
           do
           acknowledge
           :
           I
           remember
           well
           how
           the
           case
           stood
           with
           me
           ,
           what
           a
           cursed
           course
           I
           took
           ,
           and
           how
           I
           run
           on
           in
           the
           rode
           to
           hell
           &
           destruction
           ,
           without
           any
           fear
           &
           controul
           ,
           &
           how
           fast
           I
           was
           ripening
           sor
           hell
           and
           destruction
           :
           I
           remember
           this
           ,
           and
           yet
           I
           can
           remember
           it
           without
           despondency
           ;
           I
           can't
           remember
           it
           without
           a
           breaking
           and
           bleeding
           soul
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           ever
           I
           should
           carry
           it
           so
           towards
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           yet
           withal
           ,
           I
           can
           bear
           up
           in
           a
           rejoycing
           spirit
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           super-abounding
           Grace
           .
           While
           you
           can
           charge
           your selves
           so
           ,
           as
           it
           may
           be
           none
           in
           the
           World
           can
           make
           the
           like
           charge
           upon
           you
           :
           Yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           you
           can
           make
           a
           bold
           challenge
           ,
           and
           say
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           8.
           who
           shall
           lay
           any
           thing
           to
           my
           charge
           ?
           This
           is
           an
           excellent
           thing
           ,
           and
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           well-improved
           ,
           and
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           this
           :
           and
           indeed
           ,
           it
           is
           no
           other
           than
           a
           Faith
           of
           good
           growth
           ,
           that
           will
           inable
           to
           this
           .
           Poor
           weaklings
           in
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           to
           remember
           their
           former
           cursed
           carriage
           ;
           O
           ,
           how
           apt
           to
           fall
           under
           deepest
           despondencies
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           possest
           with
           horror
           and
           astonishment
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           disputing
           against
           themselves
           ,
           and
           concerning
           their
           estate
           ;
           and
           ready
           to
           conclude
           ,
           alas
           ,
           how
           is
           it
           possible
           ,
           that
           ever
           such
           a
           miserable
           misereant
           as
           I
           ,
           should
           find
           Grace
           to
           releeve
           〈◊〉
           ?
           favour
           with
           God
           ,
           forgiveness
           of
           sins
           ?
           Surely
           ,
           this
           burden
           will
           sink
           my
           soul
           ;
           this
           guilt
           will
           press
           me
           down
           to
           hell
           ,
           such
           deep
           and
           dreadful
           guilt
           ;
           O
           ,
           such
           stains
           upon
           my
           conscience
           ,
           what
           can
           fetch
           them
           out
           ?
           what
           plaister
           broad
           enough
           to
           cover
           such
           sores
           ?
           what
           price
           great
           enough
           to
           say
           such
           debts
           ?
           A
           poor
           weakling
           in
           Faith
           ,
           is
           apt
           
           to
           argue
           thus
           ,
           to
           the
           sinking
           ,
           and
           over-whelming
           of
           his
           spirit
           .
           But
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           Faith
           that
           is
           well-grown
           ,
           that
           will
           inable
           the
           soul
           at
           this
           same
           time
           ,
           eying
           guilt
           ,
           and
           eying
           Grace
           ;
           seeing
           the
           Plague
           ,
           and
           seeing
           the
           plaister
           ;
           and
           taking
           knowlodge
           of
           the
           super
           abundance
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           above
           his
           contracted
           guilt
           ;
           for
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           I
           said
           before
           )
           to
           charge
           ,
           and
           challenge
           ;
           to
           charge
           it self
           ,
           and
           yet
           challenge
           the
           accuser
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           who
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           lay
           any
           thing
           unto
           my
           charge
           ?
           I
           know
           whom
           I
           have
           beleeved
           ,
           I
           know
           whither
           I
           have
           sled
           for
           refuge
           ,
           I
           know
           where
           I
           have
           anchored
           ,
           I
           know
           upon
           what
           foundation
           I
           have
           built
           my
           hope
           and
           confidence
           upon
           ;
           here
           's
           the
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           a
           Faith
           which
           will
           give
           the
           greatest
           Glory
           to
           God
           :
           When
           a
           man
           can
           look
           upon
           all
           the
           evils
           that
           ever
           were
           committed
           by
           him
           ,
           with
           a
           melting
           ,
           dissolving
           soul
           ;
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           bear
           up
           with
           boldness
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           I
           know
           ,
           that
           not
           any
           thing
           of
           this
           ,
           shall
           ever
           be
           laid
           to
           my
           charge
           ;
           and
           ,
           I
           know
           whom
           I
           have
           believed
           .
           Will
           you
           but
           weigh
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           consider
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           know
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           which
           we
           are
           to
           press
           after
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           ,
           (
           which
           follows
           upon
           the
           former
           )
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           should
           we
           press
           after
           ,
           as
           that
           ,
           while
           we
           see
           the
           corruptions
           that
           are
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           sadly
           complain
           of
           the
           pressures
           under
           which
           we
           lye
           ,
           and
           how
           miserably
           we
           are
           yoked
           while
           we
           do
           so
           ;
           and
           see
           cause
           to
           cry
           out
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           O
           wretched
           man
           that
           I
           am
           ;
           —
           by
           reason
           of
           what
           ?
           —
           by
           reason
           of
           a
           law
           in
           my
           members
           rebelling
           against
           the
           law
           of
           my
           mind
           :
           O
           miserable
           wretch
           !
           what
           darkness
           is
           in
           my
           understanding
           ?
           what
           
           perversness
           in
           my
           will
           ?
           what
           inordinacy
           in
           my
           affections
           ?
           what
           a
           crabbed
           ,
           perverse
           nature
           have
           I
           ?
           O
           ,
           what
           a
           rebelling
           soul
           is
           there
           in
           me
           ?
           when
           I
           would
           do
           good
           ,
           evil
           is
           present
           ;
           and
           so
           the
           poor
           soul
           labours
           ,
           and
           makes
           sad
           complaints
           and
           moans
           in
           the
           ears
           of
           God
           :
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ,
           can
           say
           ,
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ;
           but
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           thus
           ,
           yet
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           I
           thank
           God
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           though
           I
           serve
           ,
           with
           my
           flesh
           ,
           the
           law
           of
           sin
           ;
           yet
           ,
           with
           my
           spirit
           ,
           I
           serve
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           though
           there
           be
           a
           rebelling
           law
           ,
           yet
           I
           find
           another
           law
           ,
           a
           law
           in
           my
           mind
           ,
           that
           makes
           opposition
           to
           that
           rebelling
           law
           ;
           and
           I
           find
           principles
           of
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           acting
           most
           vigorously
           in
           opposition
           to
           those
           principles
           :
           And
           ,
           though
           they
           tugg
           ,
           and
           wrestle
           ,
           and
           struggle
           with
           me
           ,
           yet
           I
           am
           utterly
           set
           against
           complyance
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           am
           resolv'd
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           I
           will
           never
           make
           any
           league
           with
           them
           ;
           but
           I
           'll
           do
           the
           utmost
           I
           can
           for
           to
           ruine
           them
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           death
           of
           them
           :
           I
           thank
           God
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ.
           This
           is
           now
           the
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           thus
           bear
           up
           with
           courage
           and
           resolution
           ;
           and
           while
           we
           see
           our
           own
           blemishes
           ,
           yet
           we
           can
           rejoyce
           ,
           to
           think
           what
           a
           beauty
           is
           upon
           us
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ.
           We
           can
           see
           blemishes
           ,
           and
           yet
           we
           can
           see
           perfection
           of
           beauty
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           made
           comely
           ,
           through
           the
           comelyness
           which
           by
           Grace
           is
           put
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           Then
           again
           ,
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           press
           after
           ,
           and
           to
           endeavour
           to
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           am
           never
           more
           fearful
           to
           sin
           against
           God
           ,
           than
           when
           I
           am
           least
           fearful
           for
           to
           be
           condemned
           by
           God.
           O
           ,
           it
           's
           a
           blessed
           proof
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ;
           and
           such
           a
           Faith
           should
           we
           endeavour
           
           to
           ;
           and
           a
           Faith
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           say
           ,
           Through
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           can
           say
           ,
           I
           am
           most
           fearful
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           's
           displeasing
           to
           God
           ;
           —
           and
           when
           so
           ,
           —
           O
           ,
           especially
           then
           ,
           when
           I
           am
           least
           fearful
           to
           be
           punished
           ,
           and
           plagued
           for
           it
           .
           The
           less
           I
           have
           of
           the
           fear
           of
           hell
           and
           damnation
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           I
           have
           of
           a
           holy
           confidence
           towards
           God
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           be
           everlastingly
           saved
           ;
           the
           more
           am
           I
           fearful
           with
           a
           holy
           ,
           filial
           fear
           ,
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           may
           be
           displeasing
           to
           my
           God
           ;
           here
           's
           the
           well-grown
           Faith
           ;
           and
           it
           argues
           much
           feebleness
           in
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           and
           it
           gives
           occasion
           to
           ,
           sometimes
           to
           question
           the
           truth
           of
           it
           :
           When
           persons
           ,
           upon
           the
           apprehension
           of
           their
           justified
           state
           ,
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           take
           liberty
           to
           sin
           .
           You
           know
           how
           the
           Apostle
           argues
           against
           this
           ;
           Shall
           we
           continue
           in
           sin
           ,
           because
           Grace
           hath
           abounded
           ?
           God
           forbid
           .
           Nay
           ,
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           well
           improved
           ,
           will
           fortifie
           his
           spirit
           against
           such
           a
           temptation
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           assaults
           of
           the
           Devil
           and
           corruption
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Seeing
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           hath
           appeared
           to
           me
           ,
           and
           magnified
           it self
           upon
           me
           in
           a
           pardoning
           way
           ,
           in
           a
           renewing
           way
           ;
           that
           Grace
           I
           reckon
           upon
           ,
           as
           that
           that
           shall
           abide
           upon
           me
           ,
           and
           shall
           ingage
           it self
           to
           perfect
           all
           the
           concerns
           ,
           Justification
           ,
           Sanctification
           ,
           everlasting
           Salvation
           :
           this
           makes
           a
           holy
           fear
           to
           flourish
           in
           my
           soul
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           not
           in
           any
           thing
           carry
           it
           unbecomingly
           ,
           and
           unsutably
           to
           such
           a
           state
           .
           This
           is
           the
           well-grown
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           .
        
         
           Yet
           further
           ,
           when
           I
           press
           you
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           especially
           ,
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           ;
           thus
           you
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           it
           .
           We
           should
           endeavour
           to
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           ,
           whatsoever
           
           Grace
           is
           implanted
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           what
           degree
           soever
           ;
           whatsoever
           our
           accomplishments
           are
           in
           the
           renewed
           state
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           new
           creature
           ,
           whatsoever
           there
           is
           of
           inherent
           Grace
           ,
           and
           of
           gracious
           abilities
           ;
           yet
           we
           can
           so
           look
           upon
           our
           inherent
           Graces
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           Abilities
           ,
           as
           to
           keep
           off
           from
           placing
           any
           confidencee
           in
           them
           ,
           but
           still
           keep
           a
           full
           relyance
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           This
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           that
           whatsoever
           is
           of
           Grace
           inherent
           in
           us
           ,
           yet
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           not
           trusted
           unto
           ,
           Grace
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           is
           but
           a
           creature
           ;
           't
           is
           one
           of
           the
           best
           pieces
           indeed
           of
           all
           Gods
           creation
           that
           ever
           were
           made
           by
           him
           ;
           yet
           it
           is
           but
           a
           creature
           ,
           and
           being
           a
           creature
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           trusted
           :
           A
           man
           must
           not
           trust
           in
           his
           trust
           ;
           he
           must
           trust
           with
           his
           Faith
           ,
           but
           he
           must
           not
           trust
           to
           his
           Faith
           :
           he
           must
           not
           trust
           to
           any
           spiritual
           strength
           or
           abilities
           that
           he
           hath
           in
           him
           ,
           but
           still
           keep
           a
           dependence
           upon
           Christ
           :
           reckon
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           strength
           that
           will
           be
           sufficient
           for
           him
           .
           It
           was
           the
           answer
           that
           was
           given
           to
           Paul
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           under
           those
           sore
           buffetings
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           Paul
           ,
           My
           Grace
           is
           sufficient
           for
           thee
           .
           
           Paul's
           Grace
           was
           not
           sufficient
           any
           further
           ,
           than
           it
           was
           made
           sufficient
           by
           Christ's
           Grace
           .
           It
           is
           not
           the
           water
           in
           the
           Cistern
           ,
           that
           will
           serve
           the
           turn
           ,
           but
           the
           water
           in
           the
           Fountain
           :
           dependance
           upon
           the
           Cistern
           ,
           will
           be
           found
           to
           be
           a
           vain
           thing
           ;
           the
           Cistern
           may
           be
           exhausted
           ,
           but
           the
           Fountain
           cannot
           .
           You
           know
           how
           it
           was
           with
           Adam
           ,
           when
           he
           had
           the
           Grace
           of
           Creation
           ,
           it
           fail'd
           him
           .
           Peter
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           strong
           in
           himself
           ,
           you
           know
           what
           his
           confidence
           in
           himself
           issued
           in
           ;
           and
           therefore
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           such
           confidences
           ,
           even
           in
           our
           own
           Graces
           ,
           are
           to
           be
           accursed
           :
           the
           Lord
           rejects
           such
           confidences
           ,
           and
           so
           should
           we
           .
           We
           
           should
           use
           our
           Graces
           ,
           but
           trust
           not
           to
           them
           ,
           but
           still
           keep
           a
           dependance
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           charge
           to
           
             Timothy
             ,
             Be
             thou
             strong
             in
             the
             Grace
             that
             is
             in
             Christ
             Iesus
             :
          
           And
           truly
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           will
           not
           be
           performed
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           :
           when
           we
           can
           thus
           do
           ,
           see
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           us
           ,
           prize
           it
           ,
           bless
           him
           for
           it
           ;
           imploy
           it
           ,
           make
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           keep
           hands
           off
           from
           it
           ,
           from
           trusting
           upon
           it
           ;
           and
           keep
           a
           full
           dependance
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           's
           another
           thing
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           't
           is
           your
           duty
           ;
           —
           and
           to
           what
           purpose
           ?
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           that
           while
           we
           do
           ,
           and
           perform
           duties
           with
           greatest
           delight
           ,
           as
           indeed
           ,
           Faith
           will
           carry
           us
           to
           that
           ;
           it
           will
           make
           a
           man
           delight
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           waies
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           performance
           of
           holy
           duties
           ,
           account
           it
           meat
           and
           drink
           to
           be
           in
           the
           practice
           of
           them
           ;
           yet
           ,
           while
           we
           are
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           duty
           ,
           that
           even
           then
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           to
           lay
           them
           by
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           this
           is
           not
           my
           foundation
           ,
           O
           Lord
           ,
           I
           have
           done
           thus
           and
           thus
           .
           It
           may
           be
           ,
           much
           in
           preaching
           ,
           much
           in
           prayer
           ,
           much
           in
           alms
           ,
           much
           in
           acts
           of
           mortification
           ,
           much
           in
           such
           and
           such
           services
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           Lord
           ,
           when
           I
           have
           done
           all
           ;
           I
           do
           profess
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           done
           nothing
           to
           purpose
           ,
           nothing
           to
           my
           justification
           ;
           I
           so
           do
           duties
           as
           if
           I
           were
           to
           be
           justified
           by
           them
           ;
           yet
           I
           so
           trust
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           as
           if
           I
           were
           not
           to
           meddle
           with
           my
           duty
           at
           all
           :
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           precious
           Faith
           ,
           and
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           when
           we
           can
           do
           service
           and
           duty
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           yet
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           done
           all
           ,
           we
           can
           take
           off
           from
           all
           ,
           lay
           all
           at
           the
           foot
           of
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           O
           Lord
           ,
           this
           shall
           never
           be
           my
           Righteousness
           ;
           I
           will
           endeavour
           to
           be
           as
           righteous
           ,
           and
           
           holy
           ,
           and
           gracious
           as
           I
           can
           ;
           but
           ,
           Lord
           ,
           when
           I
           have
           done
           all
           I
           can
           ,
           I
           am
           resolved
           to
           lay
           all
           by
           ,
           and
           will
           make
           mention
           of
           thy
           righteousness
           ,
           and
           of
           thine
           only
           ;
           and
           ,
           I
           am
           resolved
           ,
           I
           will
           never
           plead
           any
           righteousness
           of
           my
           own
           ,
           any
           duties
           and
           services
           of
           my
           performance
           ,
           I
           will
           never
           plead
           them
           before
           thee
           ,
           as
           my
           Righteousness
           ;
           I
           may
           plead
           them
           as
           evidences
           ,
           as
           Hezekiah
           doth
           ;
           
             Remember
             Lord
             ,
             how
             I
             have
             walk'd
             before
             thee
             in
             truth
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             perfect
             heart
          
           ;
           but
           I
           will
           never
           plead
           them
           as
           my
           righteousness
           ,
           which
           I
           will
           stick
           to
           ,
           and
           bear
           upon
           them
           before
           the
           tribunal
           of
           God
           ;
           no
           ,
           I
           will
           throw
           them
           all
           away
           ,
           when
           they
           offer
           themselves
           to
           come
           in
           upon
           such
           an
           account
           .
           Alas
           poor
           ,
           weak
           Beleevers
           !
           O
           ,
           how
           apt
           are
           they
           to
           keep
           hands
           upon
           their
           duties
           and
           services
           ;
           and
           when
           a
           day
           of
           temptation
           ,
           and
           dissertion
           ,
           and
           perplexity
           begins
           to
           seize
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           begin
           to
           turn
           their
           eyes
           to
           what
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           done
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           its
           due
           growth
           ,
           will
           otherwise
           carry
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           to
           keep
           its
           dependance
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           especially
           in
           Faith
           ;
           and
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           while
           you
           give
           attendance
           upon
           an
           Ordinance
           ,
           you
           can
           see
           the
           authority
           of
           God
           stamp'd
           upon
           it
           ;
           and
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           that
           authority
           which
           is
           stamp'd
           ,
           you
           give
           the
           attendance
           ,
           and
           you
           reckon
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           blessed
           expedient
           which
           God
           hath
           provided
           for
           your
           souls
           advantage
           ;
           and
           you
           reckon
           upon
           gracious
           communications
           from
           God
           by
           it
           ,
           as
           by
           such
           an
           expedient
           of
           his
           own
           appointment
           ;
           you
           reckon
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           it
           with
           such
           a
           perswasion
           ;
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           Gods
           appointing
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           way
           hath
           he
           
           ordered
           that
           I
           should
           wait
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           I
           know
           his
           appointments
           are
           not
           in
           vain
           ;
           therefore
           I
           rest
           not
           in
           the
           Ordinance
           ,
           but
           look
           to
           the
           God
           of
           the
           Ordinance
           ;
           and
           I
           follow
           after
           the
           injoyment
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Ordinances
           :
           't
           is
           nothing
           to
           me
           to
           have
           the
           word
           preached
           ,
           other
           Ordinances
           dispenced
           ,
           they
           are
           nothing
           to
           me
           ,
           without
           the
           injoyment
           of
           God
           :
           I
           look
           upon
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           I
           expect
           a
           blessing
           from
           God
           by
           them
           :
           truly
           ,
           this
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith.
           Alass
           poor
           weaklings
           that
           we
           are
           ,
           we
           come
           in
           a
           formal
           manner
           ,
           (
           too
           commonly
           so
           )
           and
           with
           too
           much
           of
           a
           carnal
           frame
           of
           spirit
           ,
           too
           much
           in
           a
           complemental
           way
           ,
           look
           upon
           an
           Ordinance
           as
           if
           there
           were
           no
           more
           to
           be
           reckoned
           to
           it
           ,
           than
           what
           of
           strength
           ,
           and
           duty
           ,
           and
           benefit
           of
           man
           can
           put
           upon
           it
           ,
           look
           to
           the
           instrument
           ,
           &
           have
           not
           an
           eye
           to
           God
           :
           O
           ,
           without
           question
           ,
           Beloved
           ,
           our
           preaching
           would
           be
           to
           better
           purpose
           ,
           and
           our
           hearing
           and
           praying
           ,
           and
           our
           eating
           and
           drinking
           at
           the
           Lords
           Table
           ,
           would
           be
           to
           better
           purpose
           ,
           and
           with
           more
           fruit
           and
           benefit
           .
           If
           we
           could
           look
           more
           to
           God
           in
           an
           Ordinance
           ,
           and
           come
           with
           such
           a
           thought
           as
           this
           ,
           O
           Lord
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           way
           that
           thou
           hast
           laid
           out
           for
           me
           to
           wait
           upon
           thee
           in
           ,
           these
           are
           the
           means
           that
           thou
           hast
           appointed
           to
           do
           my
           soul
           good
           by
           ,
           and
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           thy
           appointments
           ;
           I
           apply
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           expect
           benefit
           and
           profit
           by
           them
           .
           Now
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           when
           we
           manage
           our
           attendance
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           we
           are
           then
           in
           the
           fairest
           way
           to
           have
           the
           fruit
           and
           benefit
           of
           them
           :
           and
           how
           will
           this
           be
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ?
           &
           the
           truth
           on
           't
           is
           ,
           the
           strength
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           growth
           and
           increase
           of
           Faith
           ,
           will
           very
           much
           discover
           it self
           this
           way
           .
           When
           we
           come
           to
           appear
           
           before
           God
           in
           Ordinances
           ,
           we
           have
           such
           a
           Faith
           as
           carries
           us
           to
           God.
           Why
           ,
           I
           have
           been
           with
           God
           this
           day
           ,
           I
           have
           been
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           look
           upon
           these
           Ordinances
           as
           the
           blessed
           Symboles
           of
           his
           presence
           ,
           and
           uppon
           that
           account
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           I
           attend
           them
           ,
           and
           expect
           from
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           I
           press
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           would
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           grow
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           :
           —
           why
           ,
           what
           growth
           would
           you
           require
           ?
           —
           such
           a
           growth
           as
           this
           ;
           that
           your
           Faith
           may
           come
           to
           be
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           not
           be
           staggered
           concerning
           the
           promises
           of
           God
           ,
           how
           cross
           soever
           that
           providences
           seem
           to
           run
           to
           them
           :
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           proof
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith.
           You
           know
           ,
           that
           its
           an
           ordinary
           thing
           with
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           course
           of
           his
           dealings
           and
           dispensations
           ,
           when
           he
           hath
           made
           a
           promise
           ,
           and
           put
           his
           people
           upon
           the
           hopes
           ,
           and
           expectation
           of
           having
           it
           performed
           ,
           to
           order
           out
           so
           in
           the
           course
           of
           his
           providence
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           would
           quite
           null
           his
           promise
           :
           the
           providences
           seem
           to
           speak
           flat
           contradiction
           to
           the
           promise
           .
           It
           was
           Abrahams
           case
           ;
           a
           promise
           he
           had
           of
           a
           son
           ,
           but
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           ordered
           it
           out
           ,
           that
           he
           runs
           out
           till
           he
           be
           100
           years
           old
           ,
           and
           Sarah
           was
           old
           to
           ;
           so
           that
           there
           was
           an
           impossibility
           ,
           as
           to
           nature
           ,
           that
           ever
           there
           should
           be
           such
           a
           thing
           brought
           to
           pass
           ;
           and
           here
           was
           now
           the
           temptation
           :
           Now
           ,
           if
           Abraham
           had
           been
           but
           of
           a
           weak
           Faith
           ,
           how
           apt
           had
           he
           been
           to
           be
           staggering
           ,
           and
           sorely
           shaken
           ,
           as
           touching
           the
           promise
           ;
           surely
           ,
           this
           will
           never
           be
           ;
           I
           ,
           bat
           being
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           testifies
           of
           him
           ,
           he
           considered
           not
           his
           own
           body
           ,
           nor
           the
           deadness
           of
           Sarahs
           womb
           ;
           he
           staggered
           not
           at
           the
           promise
           through
           unbelief
           ,
           but
           being
           
           strong
           in
           Faith
           ,
           he
           gave
           Glory
           to
           God.
           —
           So
           the
           Lord
           dealt
           with
           Joseph
           ;
           but
           the
           word
           of
           the
           Lord
           tries
           him
           ,
           and
           while
           it
           tries
           him
           ,
           he
           trusts
           upon
           it
           :
           the
           irons
           enter
           into
           his
           soul
           ,
           and
           by
           that
           providence
           :
           O
           ,
           what
           a
           seening
           contradiction
           was
           there
           to
           the
           promise
           ?
           he
           that
           was
           designed
           to
           wear
           a
           chain
           of
           Gold
           about
           his
           neck
           ,
           must
           go
           with
           chains
           of
           Irons
           about
           his
           legs
           ,
           and
           those
           irons
           must
           enter
           into
           his
           soul.
           What
           doth
           this
           speak
           ,
           but
           the
           vanity
           of
           the
           promise
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           was
           a
           thing
           not
           to
           be
           reckoned
           upon
           ,
           no
           account
           to
           be
           made
           of
           it
           ?
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           he
           being
           of
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           under
           all
           these
           cross
           providences
           ,
           that
           spake
           contradiction
           to
           the
           promise
           ;
           yet
           he
           keeps
           in
           a
           humble
           dependance
           upon
           God.
           And
           while
           the
           word
           of
           the
           Lord
           tried
           him
           ,
           he
           trusts
           the
           word
           ;
           he
           did
           not
           try
           the
           word
           ,
           but
           he
           trusted
           the
           word
           ,
           and
           so
           being
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           he
           bears
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           towards
           God
           ,
           as
           touching
           the
           things
           that
           he
           had
           promised
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           likewise
           ,
           promises
           concerning
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           more
           blessed
           injoyment
           that
           Saints
           shall
           have
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           God
           hath
           ingaged
           himself
           by
           promise
           very
           much
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ;
           and
           providence
           :
           do
           seem
           to
           give
           the
           lye
           to
           the
           promise
           ;
           〈◊〉
           things
           are
           ordered
           out
           ,
           as
           if
           such
           things
           ●…uld
           never
           be
           brought
           to
           pass
           :
           Now
           ,
           a
           poor
           ,
           ●…ak
           Beleever
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           give
           all
           for
           naught
           ,
           and
           to
           conclude
           ,
           as
           David
           did
           ,
           I
           said
           in
           my
           haste
           ,
           all
           men
           are
           lyars
           ;
           these
           are
           but
           vain
           words
           :
           we
           speak
           of
           this
           and
           that
           ,
           of
           a
           new
           Ierusalem
           coming
           down
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           as
           a
           Bride
           made
           ready
           for
           her
           husband
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Church●…
           Glory
           and
           beauty
           ,
           and
           of
           Babilons
           downfal
           ;
           and
           
           yet
           Babilon
           sits
           as
           a
           Queen
           ,
           and
           saith
           ,
           I
           shall
           never
           see
           sorrow
           nor
           widowhood
           :
           Now
           ,
           a
           poor
           ,
           weak
           Beleever
           ,
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           give
           up
           the
           account
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           We
           must
           never
           look
           for
           these
           things
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           a
           strong
           Beleever
           ,
           it
           bears
           up
           the
           soul
           in
           a
           holy
           confidence
           towards
           God
           :
           well
           ,
           let
           God
           take
           what
           course
           he
           will
           ,
           I
           am
           sure
           that
           the
           womb
           of
           the
           promise
           shall
           never
           be
           sound
           to
           be
           a
           miscarrying
           womb
           ;
           that
           's
           another
           thing
           .
        
         
           Yet
           further
           ,
           I
           press
           you
           to
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           particularly
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           not
           ,
           upon
           every
           occasion
           ,
           be
           cast
           into
           a
           discomposure
           of
           spirit
           ,
           upon
           every
           occasion
           of
           trouble
           that
           you
           meet
           withal
           :
           when
           there
           are
           such
           providences
           ordered
           out
           ,
           as
           are
           startling
           ,
           and
           amazing
           ,
           and
           astonishing
           ;
           such
           a
           Faith
           you
           are
           to
           press
           to
           :
           that
           when
           sinners
           in
           Zion
           are
           afraid
           ,
           and
           fearfulness
           surpriseth
           the
           hypocrites
           ;
           —
           and
           likewise
           ,
           when
           poor
           ,
           weak
           Beleevers
           are
           apt
           to
           tremble
           and
           quake
           ,
           and
           at
           a
           loss
           ,
           and
           know
           not
           what
           to
           do
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           say
           ,
           my
           heart
           is
           fixed
           ,
           I
           trust
           in
           God
           ,
           these
           things
           move
           me
           not
           :
           this
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ;
           when
           we
           are
           not
           upon
           every
           occasion
           of
           any
           sudden
           fears
           ,
           in
           a
           discomposure
           of
           spirit
           ,
           yet
           well-grown
           Faith
           will
           bring
           a
           fixedness
           .
           I
           ,
           it
           's
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           Faith
           not
           well
           improved
           ,
           and
           not
           of
           so
           good
           a
           growth
           as
           it
           should
           be
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           upon
           ,
           every
           occasion
           ,
           surprised
           with
           fear
           ,
           and
           horror
           ,
           and
           astonishment
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           scatter
           this
           way
           and
           that
           way
           ,
           and
           know
           not
           what
           to
           do
           .
           I
           refer
           to
           that
           passage
           in
           the
           107
           Psal.
           his
           heart
           is
           fixed
           ,
           trusting
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           he
           shall
           not
           be
           moved
           for
           any
           evil
           tidings
           ;
           when
           a
           man
           can
           say
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           in
           the
           Psalm
           ,
           which
           is
           reckoned
           to
           Luther
           ,
           because
           of
           his
           making
           so
           much
           use
           of
           it
           :
           God
           
           is
           our
           refuge
           and
           strength
           ,
           a
           present
           help
           in
           the
           time
           of
           trouble
           ;
           we
           will
           not
           fear
           ,
           though
           the
           mountains
           be
           troubled
           ,
           and
           though
           all
           things
           be
           in
           a
           confusion
           ;
           the
           Lord
           of
           Hosts
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           God
           of
           Jacob
           is
           our
           refuge
           :
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           ,
           and
           Faith
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           we
           should
           press
           after
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           in
           a
           day
           of
           affliction
           and
           tribulation
           ,
           we
           may
           live
           ;
           I
           ,
           and
           live
           cheerly
           and
           comfortably
           ,
           I
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           full
           condition
           .
           The
           just
           shall
           live
           by
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           just
           shall
           live
           in
           fulness
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           Faith
           be
           but
           of
           a
           due
           growth
           .
           I
           am
           come
           ,
           that
           ye
           might
           have
           life
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           might
           have
           it
           more
           abundantly
           :
           and
           the
           more
           we
           improve
           in
           Faith
           ,
           the
           more
           abundantly
           we
           shall
           live
           ,
           and
           at
           a
           higher
           rate
           .
           Be
           full
           in
           emptiness
           ,
           —
           be
           rich
           in
           poverty
           ,
           —
           be
           strong
           in
           weakness
           ,
           —
           be
           free
           under
           restraint
           ;
           and
           let
           the
           condition
           be
           what
           it
           will
           ,
           by
           having
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           we
           shall
           but
           seem
           to
           be
           afflicted
           ;
           when
           others
           reckon
           upon
           it
           that
           we
           are
           most
           really
           afflicted
           .
           O
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           notable
           passage
           ,
           that
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           2
           Cor.
           6.
           saith
           he
           ,
           we
           are
           as
           unknown
           ,
           and
           yet
           well
           known
           ;
           —
           as
           dying
           ,
           and
           behold
           we
           live
           ;
           —
           as
           chastened
           ,
           and
           not
           kill'd
           ;
           —
           as
           sorrowful
           ,
           yet
           alwaies
           rejoycing
           ;
           —
           as
           poor
           ,
           yet
           making
           many
           rich
           ;
           —
           as
           having
           nothing
           ,
           and
           yet
           possessing
           all
           things
           .
           I
           confess
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           most
           wonderful
           thing
           ,
           and
           yet
           this
           is
           that
           that
           a
           well-gro●…
           Faith
           will
           inable
           to
           .
           That
           when
           a
           child
           of
           〈◊〉
           in
           the
           lowest
           condition
           ,
           and
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           judgement
           of
           others
           ,
           the
           most
           really
           miserable
           man
           (
           mark
           what
           I
           say
           )
           that
           can
           be
           in
           the
           World
           :
           Yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           he
           can
           give
           this
           account
           ,
           I
           am
           but
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           thus
           and
           thus
           :
           this
           is
           the
           noble
           act
           of
           Faith.
           Sorrowful
           ,
           O
           ,
           you
           are
           a
           
           company
           of
           sorrowful
           ,
           poor
           creatures
           ;
           nay
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           ,
           as
           sorrowful
           :
           O
           ,
           you
           are
           
             miserably
             poor
             ,
             and
             beggerly
          
           ;
           nay
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           mistake
           not
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           ,
           as
           poor
           :
           indeed
           ,
           we
           are
           rich
           :
           you
           take
           us
           to
           be
           the
           most
           sorrowful
           ,
           and
           poor
           miserable
           creatures
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           we
           are
           indeed
           as
           such
           ,
           we
           seem
           to
           be
           so
           ,
           and
           you
           take
           us
           to
           be
           so
           ,
           you
           take
           us
           to
           be
           such
           
             as
             have
             nothing
             ,
             as
             having
             nothing
             ,
          
           and
           yet
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             we
             possess
             all
             things
          
           .
           Why
           ,
           what
           a
           wonderful
           thing
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           should
           carry
           to
           this
           ?
           and
           yet
           this
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           will
           inable
           to
           ;
           and
           by
           this
           we
           are
           to
           discover
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           well-grown
           Faith.
           Saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             I
             have
             learned
             in
             every
             estate
             ,
             therewith
             to
             be
             content
             ;
             I
             can
             be
             full
             ,
             and
             be
             hungry
             ;
             I
             can
             abound
             ,
             and
             suffer
             want
             :
          
           Suffer
           want
           !
           I
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           can
           reckon
           of
           a
           fulness
           in
           my
           
             want
             !
             I
             have
             all
             ,
             and
             abound
             :
          
           what
           a
           blessed
           thing
           was
           this
           ?
           And
           O
           ,
           how
           much
           preciousness
           is
           there
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           !
           and
           such
           a
           Faith
           should
           we
           endeavour
           to
           attain
           to
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           bear
           up
           with
           rejoycing
           hearts
           in
           tribulation
           ;
           in
           all
           tribulations
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           want
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           make
           our
           boast
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           with
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           in
           Hab.
           3.
           
           Though
           the
           Figg-tree
           shall
           not
           blossome
           ,
           and
           the
           labour
           of
           the
           Olive
           shall
           fail
           ,
           no
           Calves
           in
           the
           stall
           ,
           no
           Grass
           in
           the
           field
           ,
           nor
           Corn
           in
           the
           ground
           ,
           no
           Money
           in
           the
           purse
           ,
           no
           Bread
           in
           the
           cubbord
           ,
           every
           Brook
           is
           dry
           ,
           and
           every
           Prop
           and
           Pillar
           is
           pluck'd
           away
           ;
           yet
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           this
           ,
           I
           will
           rejoyee
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           I
           will
           joy
           in
           the
           God
           of
           my
           Salvation
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           V.
           
        
         
           SAints
           and
           Beleevers
           ,
           are
           called
           
             Trees
             of
             Righteousness
             :
             The
             Planting
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             be
             glorified
             .
          
           (
           I
           wish
           that
           this
           word
           may
           not
           only
           sound
           in
           our
           ears
           ,
           but
           sink
           into
           our
           hearts
           ;
           are
           they
           the
           planting
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           glorified
           ?
           How
           is
           it
           ever
           like
           ,
           that
           God
           should
           be
           glorified
           by
           such
           a
           plantation
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           his
           planted
           ones
           stand
           at
           a
           stay
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           make
           some
           considerable
           growth
           ,
           answerable
           to
           time
           ,
           and
           means
           ,
           and
           opportunities
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
           We
           are
           therefore
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           as
           much
           our
           duty
           for
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           to
           be
           made
           partakers
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           been
           speaking
           to
           you
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ;
           but
           what
           was
           delivered
           ,
           I
           shall
           less
           pass
           ,
           having
           some
           further
           addition
           to
           make
           :
           something
           yet
           further
           this
           morning
           to
           offer
           out
           unto
           your
           consideration
           ;
           which
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           be
           pleased
           to
           accompany
           with
           his
           Grace
           ,
           and
           the
           working
           of
           his
           mighty
           spirit
           ,
           will
           be
           beneficial
           to
           us
           ,
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           this
           cause
           that
           I
           now
           am
           ingaged
           in
           .
        
         
           You
           that
           are
           Beleevers
           ,
           that
           have
           the
           Faith
           of
           Gods
           Elect
           ;
           your
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Faith
           :
           Now
           ,
           do
           bat
           weigh
           ,
           and
           consider
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           ,
           that
           a
           deceived
           heart
           do
           not
           turn
           us
           aside
           .
           It
           will
           appear
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           growing
           in
           Faith
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           have
           a
           large
           capacity
           for
           the
           entertaining
           of
           the
           Gospel-mysteries
           ;
           when
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           comes
           to
           stand
           in
           its
           
           proportion
           ,
           in
           our
           hearts
           and
           understandings
           ;
           when
           we
           have
           our
           hearts
           widened
           ,
           and
           inlarged
           ,
           to
           take
           in
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           we
           have
           not
           only
           some
           weak
           ,
           low
           apprehensions
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           a
           smaller
           measure
           of
           Faith
           will
           inable
           to
           ;
           but
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           have
           a
           comprehensiveness
           of
           heart
           ,
           so
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           can
           expasiate
           and
           inlarge
           our selves
           in
           our
           meditations
           ,
           of
           the
           glorious
           mysterie
           ,
           which
           ,
           by
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           made
           known
           unto
           us
           :
           When
           we
           come
           to
           walk
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           in
           the
           length
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           breadth
           of
           this
           mysterie
           ;
           we
           can
           come
           to
           view
           ,
           and
           surveigh
           all
           that
           glorious
           workmanship
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           wrought
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           salvation
           of
           poor
           souls
           :
           we
           cannot
           only
           darkly
           apprehend
           ,
           but
           clearly
           behold
           the
           infinite
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           Grace
           ,
           that
           hath
           appeared
           to
           us
           in
           the
           contrivance
           of
           this
           great
           design
           ,
           concerning
           the
           salvation
           of
           sinners
           .
           Truly
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           a
           clear
           proof
           ,
           and
           demonstration
           of
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ;
           when
           our
           Faith
           takes
           in
           much
           of
           God
           ,
           much
           of
           Christ
           ,
           much
           of
           the
           mistery
           ;
           that
           we
           can
           discourse
           of
           it
           judiciously
           ,
           and
           affectionately
           ,
           and
           solace
           our selves
           in
           the
           contemplation
           of
           it
           ;
           we
           can
           with
           open
           face
           behold
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           it
           shines
           in
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           ;
           we
           can
           walk
           up
           and
           down
           in
           the
           length
           and
           breadth
           of
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           blossed
           proof
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           found
           to
           be
           so
           ,
           of
           a
           souls
           improvement
           ,
           and
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           in
           Grace
           :
           Will
           you
           but
           consider
           of
           this
           ;
           when
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           mysterie
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           mysterie
           of
           Election
           ,
           Redemption
           ,
           Justification
           ,
           Reconciliation
           of
           a
           sinner
           to
           God
           ;
           the
           mysterie
           of
           Grace
           as
           it
           stands
           in
           opposition
           to
           the
           works
           of
           the
           L●…
           ;
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           ,
           which
           is
           ordered
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           sure
           ;
           when
           
           it
           is
           not
           penn'd
           up
           ,
           but
           hath
           scope
           in
           our
           understandings
           ;
           when
           we
           can
           take
           in
           this
           mysterie
           of
           the
           new
           Covenant
           in
           the
           proportions
           of
           it
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           business
           of
           Faith
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           that
           which
           will
           not
           be
           performed
           to
           any
           good
           purpose
           ,
           unless
           there
           be
           some
           considarable
           improvement
           ,
           and
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           doth
           so
           earnestly
           pray
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Ephesus
           ,
           in
           Eph.
           1.
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             I
             cease
             not
             to
             give
             thanks
             for
             you
             ,
             making
             mention
             of
             you
             in
             my
             prayers
             ,
             that
             the
             God
             of
             〈◊〉
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Father
             of
             Glory
             ,
             may
             give
             〈◊〉
             y●…
             the
             spirit
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Revelation
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             bl●…
             ;
             the
             eyes
             of
             your
             understandings
             being
             inlightned
             ,
             that
             y●…
             may
             know
             what
             is
             the
             hope
             of
             his
             Calling
             ,
             and
             what
             the
             〈◊〉
             of
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             inheritance
             in
             the
             Saints
             ;
             and
             what
             is
             the
             exeeceding
             greatness
             of
             his
             power
             to
             us
             ward
             ,
             who
             beli●…e
             according
             to
             the
             working
             of
             his
             mighty
             power
             .
          
           O
           ,
           how
           earnest
           was
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           the
           behalf
           or
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           and
           Chap.
           3.
           ver
           .
           14.
           s●…th
           he
           ,
           
             I
             b●…v
             my
             knees
             to
             the
             Father
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             that
             he
             could
             grant
             unto
             you
             according
             to
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             to
             be
             strengthened
             with
             might
             by
             his
             spirit
             in
             the
             inward
             man
             ,
             that
             Christ
             may
             dwell
             in
             your
             hearts
             by
             Faith
             :
          
           and
           saith
           he
           )
           
             that
             you
             may
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             with
             all
             Saints
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             breadth
             ,
             and
             length
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             height
             ;
             and
             to
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             passeth
             knowledge
             that
             you
             might
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             the
             fulness
             of
             ●…d
             :
          
           Two
           passages
           they
           are
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           are
           most
           proper
           for
           beleeving
           souls
           to
           be
           well
           studied
           in
           :
           that
           part
           which
           I
           read
           to
           you
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           first
           Chapt.
           and
           this
           in
           the
           third
           :
           I
           say
           ,
           they
           are
           of
           some
           proper
           cognisance
           ●…r
           men
           and
           woman
           ;
           that
           being
           brought
           over
           to
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           are
           studious
           of
           approving
           themselves
           unto
           the
           Father
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           they
           may
           answer
           their
           duty
           concerning
           these
           things
           that
           are
           here
           made
           mention
           of
           ;
           that
           there
           might
           be
           (
           not
           only
           as
           I
           said
           before
           )
           a
           weak
           ,
           and
           dim
           ,
           and
           dark
           apprehension
           of
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           mysterie
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           hope
           of
           Glory
           ;
           but
           ,
           that
           there
           might
           be
           a
           comprehension
           ;
           that
           the
           mysterie
           may
           stand
           full
           ,
           and
           as
           much
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           compleat
           in
           us
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           proportions
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           the
           Gospel
           might
           not
           be
           streightned
           in
           our
           understandings
           .
           Truly
           friends
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           great
           matter
           ,
           if
           you
           would
           but
           set
           your
           hearts
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           seriously
           weigh
           ,
           and
           ponder
           what
           I
           drive
           now
           .
           Alas
           ,
           how
           little
           is
           there
           of
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           our
           hearts
           have
           already
           received
           ?
           how
           little
           of
           it
           ?
           And
           by
           this
           means
           ,
           God
           is
           scanted
           ,
           and
           shortened
           in
           the
           love
           ,
           praise
           ,
           and
           honour
           ,
           that
           is
           due
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           which
           our
           hearts
           would
           be
           inlarged
           to
           yield
           up
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           but
           more
           careful
           to
           answer
           our
           duty
           this
           way
           .
           I
           do
           profess
           ,
           this
           morning
           ,
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           are
           partakers
           of
           the
           Faith
           of
           Gods
           Elect
           ,
           that
           are
           able
           to
           give
           any
           account
           of
           any
           saving
           work
           upon
           your
           hearts
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           have
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           in
           you
           :
           I
           do
           profess
           here
           ,
           and
           testifie
           to
           you
           ,
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           this
           doth
           more
           neerly
           concern
           you
           for
           to
           look
           unto
           ,
           that
           these
           two
           Scriptures
           may
           be
           better
           answered
           by
           you
           ;
           that
           you
           do
           not
           please
           your selves
           in
           that
           streightness
           of
           spirit
           that
           is
           in
           you
           ,
           and
           discovers
           it self
           ;
           but
           ,
           that
           you
           be
           so
           heightned
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           such
           an
           inlargement
           of
           heart
           in
           believing
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           take
           in
           the
           mysterie
           in
           the
           Glories
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           else
           you
           will
           not
           so
           duly
           answer
           that
           which
           is
           required
           of
           you
           ,
           as
           touching
           
           your
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Grace
           :
           Think
           what
           you
           will
           of
           it
           ,
           this
           I
           am
           sure
           is
           a
           duty
           that
           lyes
           upon
           Beleevers
           to
           perform
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           of
           comprehensive
           spirits
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           labour
           to
           work
           out
           to
           a
           more
           inlargedness
           of
           heart
           ;
           that
           they
           may
           be
           so
           inabled
           to
           comprehend
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           Saints
           ,
           the
           height
           ,
           and
           depth
           ,
           and
           breadth
           ,
           and
           length
           ,
           or
           else
           you
           will
           never
           be
           able
           to
           give
           that
           glory
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           honour
           to
           Christ
           ;
           never
           be
           so
           much
           in
           admirings
           of
           the
           glorious
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           otherwise
           you
           would
           .
           I
           would
           you
           would
           a
           little
           think
           of
           this
           point
           ;
           and
           ,
           for
           my
           part
           ,
           I
           do
           profess
           ,
           I
           know
           nothing
           that
           is
           more
           proper
           for
           a
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           a
           Dispencer
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           more
           earnest
           in
           pressing
           ,
           and
           urging
           upon
           Beleevers
           ,
           than
           this
           very
           thing
           is
           :
           But
           alas
           ,
           how
           low
           spirited
           are
           most
           Beleevers
           .
           Beleevers
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           have
           got
           as
           much
           Faith
           as
           wil
           secure
           them
           from
           Hell
           ,
           and
           bring
           them
           to
           Heaven
           :
           But
           ,
           as
           for
           the
           mysteries
           in
           the
           glories
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           dimentions
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           latitude
           of
           it
           ;
           O
           ,
           how
           uncapable
           of
           a
           due
           apprehension
           of
           it
           :
           Will
           you
           therefore
           but
           consider
           of
           this
           ?
           this
           is
           one
           thing
           ,
           I
           ,
           it
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           that
           which
           doth
           mainly
           concern
           those
           that
           have
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           in
           them
           ,
           for
           to
           be
           very
           solicitous
           about
           ,
           and
           studious
           to
           be
           answerable
           to
           .
           I
           leave
           it
           with
           you
           ;
           but
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           hath
           laid
           this
           burden
           upon
           you
           and
           me
           this
           morning
           :
           As
           many
           of
           us
           ,
           as
           are
           able
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           laies
           this
           burden
           upon
           you
           this
           morning
           ,
           that
           you
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           comprehensiveness
           of
           spirit
           concerning
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           which
           is
           Christ
           
           in
           you
           ,
           the
           hope
           of
           Glory
           .
           And
           so
           I
           let
           it
           pass
           ;
           I
           leave
           it
           with
           you
           ,
           to
           be
           studied
           ,
           and
           pondered
           upon
           ;
           and
           as
           you
           will
           answer
           it
           to
           Christ
           another
           day
           .
           Take
           heed
           ,
           that
           this
           particular
           ,
           among
           the
           rest
           ,
           be
           not
           slightly
           passed
           over
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           and
           Faith
           ,
           and
           so
           will
           you
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           you
           do
           grow
           .
           When
           you
           come
           to
           have
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           is
           not
           only
           a
           living
           Faith
           ,
           but
           a
           lively
           Faith
           ,
           an
           active
           ,
           stirring
           Faith
           within
           you
           ;
           when
           you
           come
           to
           have
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           do
           not
           only
           live
           by
           it
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           live
           richly
           by
           it
           :
           there
           's
           many
           a
           man
           that
           lives
           ,
           and
           gets
           a
           livelyhood
           ;
           he
           hath
           bread
           for
           the
           day
           ,
           he
           hath
           to
           supply
           his
           necessities
           ,
           but
           he
           lives
           at
           a
           low
           ,
           poor
           rate
           ;
           he
           is
           not
           able
           to
           rise
           up
           to
           those
           expences
           that
           others
           are
           able
           to
           b●…ar
           .
           So
           there
           are
           (
           I
           say
           )
           many
           Beleevers
           ;
           they
           live
           ,
           they
           g●…t
           bread
           for
           the
           day
           ;
           they
           get
           a
           subsistence
           by
           their
           Faith
           ;
           but
           they
           live
           poorly
           ,
           at
           a
           low
           rate
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           keep
           a
           good
           house
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           spend
           like
           rich
           men
           .
           There
           are
           that
           are
           rich
           in
           Faith
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           uses
           the
           expression
           ,
           in
           the
           second
           Epist.
           of
           James
           ,
           that
           are
           
             rich
             in
             Faith
          
           ;
           that
           's
           it
           that
           we
           should
           press
           to
           ,
           to
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           live
           like
           rich
           men
           ,
           keep
           a
           good
           hoase
           ,
           and
           maintain
           a
           full
           table
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           feed
           highly
           from
           day
           to
           day
           :
           there
           is
           mention
           of
           the
           rich
           man
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           was
           clothed
           in
           Purple
           ,
           and
           fared
           deliciously
           every
           day
           :
           thus
           it
           might
           have
           been
           and
           yet
           the
           man
           not
           culpable
           ,
           if
           he
           had
           fared
           thus
           with
           a
           heavenly
           mind
           ,
           and
           had
           not
           set
           his
           heart
           upon
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           the
           only
           portion
           for
           souls
           to
           sit
           down
           satisfied
           withal
           .
           No
           doubt
           ,
           God
           doth
           allow
           persons
           ,
           that
           have
           a
           larger
           portion
           of
           the
           World
           than
           others
           have
           ,
           to
           go
           better
           
           clad
           ,
           and
           to
           feed
           at
           a
           higher
           rate
           than
           others
           do
           ,
           that
           have
           not
           such
           estate
           .
           This
           man
           ,
           it
           's
           said
           ,
           he
           was
           clothed
           in
           Purple
           ,
           and
           fared
           deliciously
           every
           day
           :
           why
           ,
           truly
           Brethren
           ,
           there
           are
           such
           Beleevers
           to
           be
           found
           ,
           though
           ,
           I
           think
           ,
           the
           number
           of
           them
           is
           very
           small
           :
           there
           are
           such
           ,
           of
           whom
           it
           may
           be
           thus
           testified
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           an
           honourable
           testimony
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           clothed
           in
           Purple
           ,
           in
           Scarlet
           ,
           and
           they
           fare
           deliciously
           every
           day
           ;
           they
           go
           clothed
           in
           Princely
           Robes
           ,
           they
           are
           clothed
           in
           the
           Scarlet
           Robe
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           Robe
           of
           Righteousness
           ,
           which
           hath
           been
           died
           in
           his
           own
           blood
           ;
           and
           they
           walk
           like
           Princes
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           ,
           and
           they
           fare
           deliciously
           every
           day
           ;
           they
           keep
           a
           continual
           feast
           ,
           feed
           upon
           the
           marrow
           and
           fatness
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           they
           rejoyce
           in
           hope
           of
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           :
           these
           are
           the
           persons
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           their
           honour
           so
           to
           be
           ;
           thus
           they
           live
           :
           Thus
           to
           bear
           up
           in
           pomp
           and
           state
           ,
           to
           live
           like
           Kings
           children
           ,
           and
           for
           to
           spend
           largely
           ,
           knowing
           that
           their
           estate
           will
           bear
           them
           out
           .
           They
           have
           such
           a
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           as
           will
           bring
           in
           sufficient
           to
           defray
           their
           expences
           from
           day
           to
           day
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           never
           be
           at
           a
           loss
           ,
           they
           have
           that
           which
           will
           make
           a
           supply
           to
           them
           :
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           ,
           and
           these
           are
           the
           persons
           that
           are
           rich
           in
           Faith.
           Now
           ,
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           press
           after
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           live
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           may
           live
           at
           a
           high
           rate
           ,
           feed
           fully
           ,
           and
           largely
           ,
           and
           be
           feasted
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           feasted
           upon
           the
           Promises
           ,
           the
           blessings
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ;
           feeding
           upon
           the
           hope
           of
           the
           Glory
           that
           shall
           be
           revealed
           ,
           feeding
           to
           the
           full
           ,
           without
           any
           fear
           of
           a
           surfe●…
           :
           This
           is
           the
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           Brethren
           and
           Friends
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           press
           after
           .
        
         
         
           Such
           a
           Faith
           is
           not
           only
           a
           conflicting
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           a
           conquering
           ,
           and
           a
           triumphing
           Faith
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           well
           grown
           Faith
           ;
           that
           they
           may
           not
           only
           be
           able
           to
           give
           this
           account
           of
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           a
           Faith
           which
           inables
           them
           to
           sight
           with
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           lusts
           ,
           and
           to
           grapple
           with
           Principalities
           ,
           and
           Powers
           ;
           but
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           inables
           them
           to
           bear
           up
           in
           a
           triumphing
           way
           ;
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           In
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           in
           tribulation
           ,
           in
           distress
           ,
           in
           persecution
           ,
           in
           famine
           ,
           in
           nakedness
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           said
           in
           a
           former
           Exercise
           :
           )
           In
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           we
           are
           more
           than
           Conquerors
           ,
           through
           him
           that
           hath
           loved
           us
           .
           When
           we
           can
           say
           ,
           with
           the
           Apostle
           rejoycingly
           ,
           O
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           as
           in
           2
           C●…
           .
           〈◊〉
           .
           that
           maketh
           us
           alwaies
           to
           triumph
           in
           Christ
           ,
           such
           a
           Faith
           we
           should
           press
           after
           ,
           that
           may
           inable
           us
           to
           bear
           up
           ,
           to
           live
           at
           a
           high
           rate
           ,
           and
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           holy
           Rejoycings
           and
           Triumphings
           in
           God.
           Such
           a
           Faith
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           ,
           in
           1.
           
           Pet.
           1.
           having
           not
           seen
           ,
           you
           love
           him
           ;
           and
           beleeving
           ,
           you
           rejoyce
           with
           joy
           unspeakable
           ,
           and
           full
           of
           Glory
           .
           Will
           you
           consider
           of
           this
           now
           ,
           as
           a
           further
           addition
           to
           all
           the
           rest
           ?
           Grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           so
           grow
           ,
           as
           that
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           may
           stand
           in
           its
           full
           proportion
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           comprehend
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           Saints
           ,
           the
           height
           ,
           and
           depth
           ,
           and
           length
           ,
           and
           breadth
           ,
           that
           the
           Gospel-mysterie
           may
           not
           be
           streightned
           in
           your
           spirits
           .
           —
           So
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           may
           live
           high
           ,
           and
           may
           maintain
           your self
           in
           an
           honourable
           ,
           and
           creditable
           manner
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           live
           like
           the
           child
           of
           the
           great
           King
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           feed
           upon
           delicacies
           every
           day
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           filled
           by
           beleeving
           ,
           with
           all
           joy
           ,
           and
           peace
           ,
           and
           comfort
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           suck
           ,
           and
           be
           satisfied
           
           with
           the
           breasts
           of
           Consolation
           :
           This
           is
           the
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growing
           in
           .
        
         
           I
           add
           yet
           further
           ;
           you
           that
           are
           partakers
           of
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           and
           Faith
           ;
           and
           so
           shall
           it
           appear
           that
           you
           do
           ,
           when
           you
           can
           bear
           up
           with
           fixed
           ,
           and
           established
           ,
           and
           well-setled
           spirits
           ,
           under
           the
           most
           amazing
           ,
           and
           stupendious
           providences
           that
           are
           ordered
           out
           :
           and
           whatsoever
           difficulties
           you
           meet
           withal
           ;
           whatsoever
           discouragements
           there
           are
           before
           you
           ,
           you
           may
           be
           inabled
           to
           hold
           on
           in
           your
           way
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           over-powred
           by
           them
           :
           this
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           when
           nothing
           beats
           us
           off
           ;
           
             Let
             him
             kill
             me
          
           ,
           saith
           
             Iob
             ,
             I
             'll
             trust
             in
             him
             still
             .
          
           The
           woman
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           whatsoever
           discouragements
           there
           were
           seeingly
           ,
           she
           resolved
           upon
           it
           ,
           not
           to
           let
           her
           hold
           go
           ,
           not
           to
           susfer
           her
           suit
           to
           fall
           :
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           ,
           and
           of
           such
           a
           proportion
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           ;
           so
           to
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           nothing
           may
           drive
           us
           from
           our
           hold
           ,
           nor
           make
           us
           to
           fall
           under
           discouragements
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ;
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           less
           selfish
           ,
           and
           more
           for
           God
           ;
           more
           pure
           in
           your
           aims
           at
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           Truly
           ,
           this
           will
           evidence
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           so
           evidenced
           ,
           that
           you
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           .
           It
           is
           usual
           with
           poor
           Beleevers
           ,
           in
           their
           f●…rst
           setting
           out
           upon
           the
           way
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           beleeving
           ,
           't
           is
           usual
           with
           them
           ;
           and
           truly
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           gracious
           indulgence
           of
           God
           towards
           them
           ,
           he
           bears
           with
           them
           in
           it
           :
           It
           is
           usual
           (
           I
           say
           )
           with
           poor
           ,
           weak
           Beleevers
           ,
           at
           
           their
           first
           beginning
           ,
           to
           be
           mainly
           solicitous
           about
           their
           own
           Salvation
           ;
           they
           stand
           under
           convictions
           of
           their
           obnoxiousness
           unto
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           curse
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           have
           some
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           dreadful
           condition
           of
           the
           damned
           in
           Hell
           ,
           and
           what
           it
           is
           to
           be
           eternally
           separated
           from
           God
           ,
           everlastingly
           excommunicated
           from
           fellowship
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           people
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           think
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           O!
           what
           shall
           become
           of
           me
           to
           all
           eternity
           ?
           what
           a
           miserable
           wretch
           shall
           I
           be
           ,
           if
           I
           should
           live
           and
           dye
           out
           of
           the
           favour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           reconcil'd
           unto
           him
           by
           his
           Christ
           ?
           if
           so
           be
           that
           guilt
           should
           lye
           upon
           my
           conscience
           ;
           if
           so
           be
           that
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           should
           still
           abide
           upon
           me
           ;
           O!
           what
           a
           cursed
           wretch
           shall
           I
           be
           to
           all
           eternity
           ?
           O!
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           escape
           this
           curse
           ,
           and
           condemnation
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           be
           made
           partakers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Salvation
           that
           is
           by
           him
           ?
           This
           is
           usually
           at
           the
           first
           the
           work
           of
           a
           poor
           soul
           ,
           beginning
           now
           to
           look
           out
           after
           Christ
           ,
           and
           pursuing
           after
           an
           interest
           in
           the
           grace
           and
           blessing
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           the
           blessing
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           much
           what
           the
           souls
           acting
           is
           upon
           a
           selfish
           account
           :
           Fain
           would
           it
           be
           secured
           ,
           as
           touching
           its
           estate
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           should
           be
           kept
           from
           eternal
           perishing
           ;
           and
           this
           doth
           very
           much
           sway
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           poor
           ,
           weak
           Beleever
           ,
           that
           he
           doth
           not
           so
           much
           mind
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           exaltation
           of
           the
           grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           :
           but
           fain
           would
           he
           be
           said
           ,
           as
           the
           poor
           Gaoler
           ,
           when
           he
           came
           to
           be
           convinc'd
           ;
           O
           sirs
           ;
           he
           comes
           trembling
           and
           quaking
           before
           Paul
           and
           Sylas
           ;
           O
           sirs
           ,
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           to
           be
           saved
           ?
           how
           shall
           I
           do
           to
           escape
           the
           wrath
           to
           come
           ?
           Men
           and
           Brethren
           ,
           say
           the
           people
           ,
           in
           Acts
           2.
           when
           they
           were
           
           pricked
           at
           their
           hearts
           ,
           upon
           the
           convincement
           that
           they
           lay
           under
           ,
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           had
           contracted
           the
           guilt
           of
           his
           blood
           upon
           their
           consciences
           ;
           O
           sirs
           ,
           what
           shall
           we
           do
           ?
           I
           feel
           a
           load
           of
           guilt
           upon
           me
           ,
           and
           I
           see
           a
           hell
           before
           me
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           in
           danger
           to
           sink
           down
           into
           the
           bottomless
           lake
           ;
           O
           sirs
           ,
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           ?
           O
           pitty
           ,
           pitty
           a
           poor
           soul
           ,
           in
           danger
           of
           being
           swallowed
           up
           in
           destruction
           :
           these
           are
           the
           workings
           of
           a
           poor
           Beleever
           ,
           that
           's
           taken
           up
           mainly
           with
           solicitousness
           about
           his
           own
           safety
           .
           And
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           to
           deal
           very
           favourably
           with
           this
           poor
           creature
           :
           and
           indeed
           ,
           God
           doth
           allow
           this
           ,
           that
           his
           people
           should
           be
           solicitous
           about
           their
           own
           Salvation
           :
           Self-love
           ,
           upon
           such
           an
           account
           ,
           doth
           not
           fall
           under
           Gospel-condemnation
           .
           But
           now
           ,
           this
           is
           not
           the
           advanced
           Faith
           ,
           the
           improved
           Faith
           ,
           this
           doth
           not
           argue
           so
           much
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           as
           when
           a
           soul
           comes
           to
           this
           ,
           for
           to
           pursue
           life
           and
           salvation
           ,
           and
           to
           follow
           after
           a
           portion
           in
           the
           Glory
           that
           is
           to
           come
           ;
           —
           upon
           what
           account
           ?
           —
           why
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           this
           ;
           —
           By
           my
           Salvation
           ,
           God
           shall
           be
           eternally
           glorified
           ,
           by
           my
           being
           one
           of
           his
           pardoned
           ones
           ,
           his
           reconciled
           ones
           ;
           the
           Grace
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           shall
           be
           exalted
           ,
           by
           my
           being
           delivered
           from
           the
           curse
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           condemnation
           of
           Hell
           :
           by
           my
           being
           delivered
           ,
           I
           shall
           come
           to
           stand
           as
           a
           living
           ,
           and
           a
           lasting
           monument
           of
           free
           Love
           ,
           of
           glorious
           Grace
           :
           and
           this
           is
           the
           rejoycing
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           escape
           the
           vengeance
           of
           Hell
           ,
           the
           wrath
           to
           come
           ,
           and
           everlasting
           condemnation
           ,
           and
           so
           be
           with
           the
           Saints
           and
           Angels
           in
           Heaven
           for
           ever
           ,
           to
           sound
           forth
           the
           praises
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           ascribe
           Honour
           ,
           and
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           
           Blessing
           ,
           and
           Dominion
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           to
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           that
           lives
           for
           evermore
           :
           Ah
           ,
           here
           's
           the
           well-grown
           Faith
           ;
           when
           a
           soul
           comes
           to
           work
           off
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           from
           self
           ,
           it
           looks
           not
           so
           much
           upon
           self
           ;
           my
           Salvation
           ,
           O!
           what
           's
           my
           Salvation
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ?
           why
           ,
           God
           shall
           be
           Glorified
           in
           my
           being
           eternally
           saved
           .
           If
           I
           should
           perish
           ,
           and
           go
           to
           Hell
           ,
           what
           !
           I
           should
           be
           tormented
           there
           ;
           is
           that
           all
           ?
           —
           Nay
           ,
           God
           will
           be
           dishonoured
           :
           Hell
           is
           a
           place
           that
           knows
           no
           love
           ,
           knows
           no
           subjection
           ,
           knows
           no
           fear
           of
           God
           ;
           it
           's
           a
           place
           where
           God
           is
           continually
           blasphemed
           ,
           and
           shall
           be
           to
           all
           eternity
           .
           O
           ,
           I
           would
           not
           come
           there
           ,
           nor
           go
           to
           Hell
           ,
           upon
           any
           tearms
           ;
           not
           so
           much
           ,
           because
           I
           would
           not
           be
           tortnented
           there
           ,
           but
           rather
           thus
           ,
           I
           would
           not
           perish
           ,
           and
           damn
           ,
           because
           I
           would
           not
           have
           God
           dishonoured
           by
           me
           :
           I
           would
           not
           be
           like
           those
           damned
           souls
           ,
           and
           those
           damned
           devils
           ;
           I
           would
           not
           be
           among
           them
           that
           hate
           God
           ,
           and
           will
           hate
           him
           to
           all
           eternity
           ,
           and
           do
           nothing
           but
           curse
           him
           ,
           and
           blaspheme
           him
           ,
           and
           speak
           dishonourably
           of
           him
           :
           O
           ,
           I
           would
           not
           go
           to
           Hell
           ,
           because
           of
           Blasphemies
           there
           :
           I
           would
           go
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           exalting
           ,
           and
           magnifying
           ,
           and
           blessing
           of
           God
           there
           .
           When
           a
           soul
           comes
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           have
           Faith
           to
           be
           so
           improved
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           eyes
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           more
           than
           his
           own
           Salvation
           :
           and
           this
           you
           are
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           Gods
           Glory
           is
           the
           ultimate
           end
           of
           all
           his
           actions
           ,
           all
           his
           purposes
           and
           decrees
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           providential
           dispensations
           .
           The
           Glory
           of
           God
           is
           that
           ,
           which
           (
           I
           say
           )
           is
           the
           ultimate
           end
           :
           God
           hath
           this
           in
           design
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           eternally
           glorified
           in
           the
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           damnation
           both
           of
           men
           and
           Angels
           .
           Now
           ,
           that
           that
           is
           Gods
           utmost
           end
           ,
           should
           be
           our
           utmost
           
           end
           ;
           and
           the
           Faith
           which
           is
           of
           due
           growth
           ,
           will
           inable
           to
           this
           ;
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           would
           be
           saved
           principally
           ,
           that
           God
           may
           be
           Glorified
           :
           I
           would
           not
           be
           damned
           ,
           principally
           ,
           because
           I
           would
           not
           have
           God
           to
           be
           dishonoured
           .
           When
           self-interest
           ,
           and
           self-concernment
           begins
           to
           wear
           off
           ,
           and
           Gods
           Glory
           stand
           fully
           in
           our
           eye
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           are
           upon
           this
           design
           ,
           that
           God
           may
           be
           Glorified
           in
           our
           eternal
           well-being
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           a
           proof
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith.
           
        
         
           Further
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ;
           't
           is
           your
           duty
           ;
           and
           thus
           should
           you
           grow
           ,
           to
           this
           point
           ,
           and
           proportion
           ;
           That
           you
           ,
           by
           being
           exercised
           in
           Godliness
           ,
           may
           come
           to
           mind
           the
           well-fare
           of
           others
           more
           than
           ever
           you
           did
           .
           At
           the
           first
           beginning
           ,
           when
           God
           first
           sets
           in
           with
           a
           soul
           ;
           alas
           ,
           it
           hath
           scarce
           any
           charity
           to
           spare
           from
           it self
           :
           it
           's
           love
           ,
           and
           charity
           ,
           and
           care
           ,
           will
           searce
           look
           without
           doors
           ,
           scarce
           step
           over
           the
           threshold
           ;
           but
           altogether
           solicitous
           about
           its
           own
           concernments
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           well
           with
           it self
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           ,
           when
           Faith
           comes
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           then
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           an
           eving
           of
           others
           ;
           What
           shall
           I
           do
           to
           be
           saved
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           ,
           that
           
             my
             Brother
          
           may
           be
           saved
           ?
           my
           Sister
           saved
           ?
           my
           Wife
           ?
           my
           Husband
           ?
           that
           my
           Friends
           and
           Acquaintance
           may
           be
           saved
           ?
           O!
           now
           God
           hath
           given
           me
           some
           hope
           ,
           that
           Hell
           shall
           never
           be
           my
           portion
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           not
           go
           down
           to
           destruction
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           if
           my
           Brother
           should
           go
           to
           Hell
           ,
           and
           I
           go
           to
           Heaven
           ?
           what
           if
           my
           Husband
           should
           go
           do●…
           to
           Eternal
           Vengeance
           ,
           and
           I
           get
           into
           Glory
           ?
           
           O
           Lord
           ,
           what
           will
           become
           of
           such
           a
           neer
           relation
           ?
           Alas
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           enough
           to
           me
           now
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           secure
           ,
           as
           touching
           my
           eternal
           estate
           ,
           and
           that
           I
           have
           hope
           towards
           God
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           escape
           the
           vengeance
           to
           come
           :
           But
           now
           ,
           I
           begin
           to
           think
           with
           my self
           ;
           O
           ,
           such
           a
           soul
           lies
           in
           the
           gall
           of
           bitterness
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           bonds
           of
           iniquity
           :
           Such
           a
           child
           ,
           such
           a
           one
           in
           neer
           relation
           ,
           that
           is
           wallowing
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           his
           own
           soul
           :
           O!
           what
           shall
           become
           of
           him
           ?
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           to
           be
           saved
           ?
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           ,
           that
           my
           Brethren
           may
           be
           saved
           ;
           and
           that
           my
           Relations
           may
           escape
           the
           vengeance
           to
           come
           ?
           The
           
             woman
             of
             Samaria
          
           ,
           when
           she
           came
           to
           have
           some
           comfortable
           communion
           with
           Christ
           ,
           she
           begins
           to
           be
           solicitous
           about
           her
           neighbours
           ,
           and
           goes
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           saith
           ,
           O
           ,
           I
           have
           met
           with
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           ,
           
             come
             ,
             see
             a
             man
             that
             hath
             told
             me
             all
             that
             ever
             I
             did
             ;
             is
             not
             this
             the
             Christ
             ?
          
           Truly
           Brethren
           ,
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           be
           of
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           be
           alone
           in
           his
           mercy
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           eat
           his
           morsels
           alone
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           go
           to
           Heaven
           without
           company
           :
           and
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           well-improved
           Faith.
           When
           our
           Faith
           it
           goes
           abroad
           ,
           our
           solicitousness
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           only
           for
           our selves
           ,
           but
           others
           ;
           when
           our
           Charity
           goes
           out
           of
           doors
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           now
           projecting
           ,
           and
           casting
           about
           how
           we
           may
           promote
           others
           eternal
           welfare
           :
           when
           Paul
           could
           say
           ,
           I
           am
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           neither
           Height
           ,
           nor
           Depth
           ,
           nor
           Angels
           ,
           nor
           Principalities
           ,
           nor
           Life
           ,
           nor
           Death
           ,
           nor
           things
           present
           ,
           nor
           things
           to
           come
           ,
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           separate
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           :
           when
           Paul
           comes
           to
           this
           Plerophoria
           ,
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           be
           thus
           improved
           in
           his
           Faith
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           9.
           
           Brethen
           ,
           I
           would
           have
           you
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           
             I
             say
             the
          
           
           
             truth
             in
             Christ
             ,
             I
             lye
             not
             ,
             my
             Conscience
             also
             bearing
             me
             witness
             in
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             great
             heavyness
             ,
             and
             continual
             sorrow
             in
             my
             heart
             :
          
           —
           Why
           ,
           what
           man
           !
           Did'st
           thou
           not
           write
           but
           just
           now
           ,
           that
           thou
           wast
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           neither
           Death
           ,
           nor
           Life
           ,
           nor
           Angels
           ,
           nor
           Principalities
           ,
           nor
           Powers
           ,
           &c.
           should
           be
           able
           to
           separate
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           our
           Lord
           :
           Why
           ,
           Paul
           ,
           will
           you
           speak
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           as
           this
           then
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           great
           heaviness
           ,
           and
           continual
           sorrow
           in
           your
           heart
           ?
           Why
           ,
           you
           should
           be
           full
           of
           joy
           :
           who
           should
           rejoyce
           in
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           not
           ,
           nor
           should
           not
           ,
           that
           have
           a
           confident
           perswasion
           that
           they
           shall
           go
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           be
           eternally
           blessed
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           live
           in
           everlasting
           communion
           with
           him
           ?
           Do
           you
           say
           you
           have
           great
           heaviness
           ,
           and
           continual
           sorrow
           in
           your
           heart
           ?
           Why
           ,
           the
           business
           of
           Faith
           ,
           is
           to
           fill
           the
           soul
           with
           joy
           and
           peace
           in
           beleeving
           ;
           and
           ,
           do
           you
           talk
           of
           sorrow
           and
           heaviness
           in
           your
           heart
           ?
           —
           why
           ,
           what
           should
           be
           the
           matter
           ?
           —
           O
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           he
           had
           now
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           his
           Faith
           was
           improved
           exceedingly
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           now
           sure
           that
           all
           was
           well
           between
           God
           and
           him
           ;
           he
           was
           sure
           to
           go
           to
           Heaven
           himself
           ,
           and
           that
           nothing
           should
           be
           able
           to
           separate
           .
           And
           now
           his
           heart
           begins
           to
           turn
           upon
           his
           poor
           Brethren
           ;
           I
           have
           great
           heaviness
           ,
           and
           continual
           sorrow
           in
           my
           heart
           .
           I
           profess
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           could
           set
           down
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           it
           might
           be
           without
           sinning
           against
           God
           ;
           yea
           ,
           I
           could
           be
           contented
           ,
           to
           be
           cut
           off
           from
           the
           comfortable
           and
           rejoycing
           part
           of
           Salvation
           ;
           I
           could
           be
           contented
           ,
           even
           to
           be
           cut
           off
           from
           the
           comfortable
           communion
           ,
           not
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           be
           in
           a
           state
           of
           guilt
           and
           sin
           ,
           and
           wrath
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           hatred
           of
           God
           :
           But
           ,
           I
           could
           be
           contented
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
           to
           be
           even
           cut
           off
           from
           that
           sweet
           injoyment
           that
           Saints
           have
           in
           their
           glorified
           estate
           ,
           for
           my
           Brethrens
           sake
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           flesh
           .
           Now
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           it
           's
           the
           sorrow
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           while
           I
           am
           full
           of
           joy
           and
           comfort
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           my
           own
           condition
           ;
           I
           am
           full
           of
           heaviness
           ,
           and
           continual
           sorrow
           there
           is
           upon
           me
           ;
           that
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           seed
           of
           Abraham
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           strangers
           to
           this
           Grace
           ,
           and
           like
           to
           be
           shut
           out
           from
           the
           Salvation
           which
           I
           am
           now
           sure
           of
           ;
           and
           then
           is
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           solicitous
           of
           others
           wellfare
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           those
           that
           are
           brought
           over
           to
           Faith
           ,
           but
           are
           weaklings
           in
           Faith
           ;
           when
           there
           is
           a
           bearing
           with
           their
           weaknesses
           ,
           and
           infirmities
           ,
           a
           studying
           to
           please
           them
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           for
           their
           profit
           ,
           and
           a
           friendly
           deportment
           ;
           when
           there
           is
           not
           a
           gr●…ng
           upon
           them
           ,
           nor
           a
           galling
           of
           them
           by
           any
           unbecoming
           carriage
           :
           Saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           15.
           
           
             We
             that
             are
             strong
          
           ,
           that
           are
           strong
           in
           Faith
           ,
           
             ought
             to
             bear
             with
             the
             infirmities
             of
             the
             weak
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             please
             our selves
             :
             for
             ,
             let
             let
             every
             one
             of
             us
             please
             his
             neighbour
             ,
             for
             his
             good
             to
             edification
             :
             for
             even
             Christ
             pleased
             not
             himself
             ,
             but
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             written
             ,
             The
             reproaches
             of
             them
             that
             reproached
             thee
             ,
             fall
             on
             me
             .
          
           We
           that
           are
           strong
           ;
           we
           that
           come
           to
           have
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           we
           should
           look
           with
           a
           tender
           ,
           and
           com●…
           eye
           ,
           and
           heart
           ,
           upon
           tender
           Brethren
           ,
           〈◊〉
           not
           so
           much
           insist
           upon
           what
           will
           be
           to
           the
           ●…ing
           of
           our selves
           ,
           but
           what
           will
           be
           to
           the
           plea●…
           of
           our
           weak
           Brethren
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           is
           consistent
           〈◊〉
           their
           profit
           ,
           and
           the
           edification
           of
           our
           souls
           .
           〈◊〉
           thus
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           it
           should
           be
           thus
           with
           〈◊〉
           this
           will
           be
           a
           proof
           of
           our
           growth
           in
           Faith.
           
        
         
         
           Further
           ,
           our
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           to
           grow
           in
           Faith
           ;
           and
           such
           a
           growth
           should
           we
           press
           after
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           for
           to
           use
           ,
           and
           enjoy
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           things
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           heavenly
           minds
           ;
           so
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           come
           to
           value
           our selves
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           by
           what
           we
           are
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           by
           what
           we
           are
           in
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           by
           what
           estate
           we
           have
           in
           the
           Covenant
           :
           not
           to
           make
           so
           much
           matter
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           able
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           such
           and
           such
           an
           estate
           in
           Land
           ,
           and
           Houses
           ,
           and
           worldly
           Possessions
           ;
           but
           to
           valew
           our selves
           upon
           this
           accout
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           able
           for
           to
           make
           out
           an
           estate
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           that
           all
           our
           outward
           enjoyments
           are
           held
           by
           a
           Covenant
           ;
           and
           that
           's
           it
           that
           gives
           us
           the
           comfort
           of
           our
           enjoyments
           :
           Such
           an
           estate
           I
           have
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           I
           have
           it
           by
           a
           spiritual
           title
           ;
           Christ
           is
           mine
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           Christs
           ,
           and
           so
           all
           things
           become
           mine
           ;
           I
           have
           a
           spiritual
           title
           ,
           and
           I
           hold
           all
           by
           virtue
           of
           a
           Covenant
           in
           Christ.
           I
           would
           not
           valew
           the
           World
           ;
           I
           would
           not
           value
           my
           outward
           condition
           ,
           my
           riches
           ;
           if
           they
           be
           thousands
           ,
           and
           ten
           thousands
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           I
           should
           look
           upon
           them
           but
           as
           a
           beggerly
           portion
           ,
           if
           I
           had
           them
           not
           upon
           a
           spiritual
           account
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           :
           O
           ,
           God
           that
           hath
           given
           me
           Christ
           ,
           he
           hath
           given
           me
           with
           him
           ,
           all
           these
           things
           .
           When
           a
           man
           can
           look
           upon
           his
           estate
           ,
           be
           it
           never
           so
           large
           and
           copious
           ;
           to
           look
           upon
           it
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           his
           heart
           would
           be
           dead
           to
           :
           if
           it
           were
           not
           ,
           that
           he
           could
           look
           upon
           these
           things
           that
           he
           doth
           injoy
           ,
           as
           upon
           a
           Covenant
           Conveyance
           .
        
         
           And
           when
           a
           soul
           comes
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           use
           the
           World
           with
           a
           heavenly
           mind
           ,
           manage
           the
           affairs
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           with
           dependance
           upon
           God
           :
           When
           a
           
           man
           in
           the
           way
           of
           his
           Calling
           ,
           and
           management
           of
           his
           affairs
           here
           below
           ,
           goes
           on
           with
           diligence
           and
           care
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           with
           a
           humble
           dependance
           upon
           God
           :
           and
           ,
           while
           he
           doth
           his
           duty
           ,
           he
           can
           trust
           God
           with
           the
           success
           .
           Let
           the
           times
           be
           hard
           ,
           and
           trading
           dead
           ,
           and
           little
           in-comes
           ,
           no
           matter
           ,
           I
           'll
           open
           my
           shop
           ,
           and
           I
           'll
           attend
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           whether
           little
           or
           much
           come
           in
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           solicitous
           about
           that
           ;
           I
           am
           resolved
           upon
           this
           ,
           I
           will
           do
           my
           duty
           ,
           and
           wait
           upon
           God
           ;
           and
           I
           know
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           his
           blessing
           must
           be
           the
           portion
           for
           me
           to
           live
           upon
           :
           And
           it
           is
           not
           the
           in-come
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           I
           set
           my
           heart
           so
           much
           upon
           ;
           but
           I
           'll
           do
           my
           duty
           ,
           and
           leave
           the
           success
           to
           God.
           —
           —
           There
           are
           two
           or
           three
           things
           more
           ,
           but
           ,
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           only
           weigh
           what
           hath
           been
           said
           ;
           and
           consider
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           been
           speaking
           to
           you
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           that
           you
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           of
           Faith
           ,
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           :
           —
           —
           And
           ,
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           as
           that
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           everlasting
           Gospel
           stand
           fast
           in
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           comprehend
           with
           all
           the
           Saints
           ,
           the
           height
           ,
           and
           depth
           ,
           and
           length
           ,
           and
           breadth
           :
           —
           —
           That
           you
           may
           grow
           up
           to
           such
           a
           Faith
           ;
           no
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           not
           only
           live
           by
           it
           ,
           but
           live
           at
           a
           high
           rate
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           not
           only
           live
           by
           it
           ,
           but
           live
           honourably
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           fare
           deliciously
           every
           day
           .
           —
           —
           Such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           is
           not
           only
           a
           conflicting
           ,
           but
           a
           conquering
           ,
           and
           triumphing
           Faith.
           —
           —
           Such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           brings
           you
           off
           more
           from
           self
           ,
           and
           makes
           you
           seek
           God
           more
           ,
           his
           Glory
           more
           .
           —
           —
           Such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           makes
           you
           to
           be
           studious
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           your
           own
           eternal
           wellfare
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           well-fare
           of
           others
           .
           —
           —
           Such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           makes
           you
           to
           value
           your selves
           ,
           not
           according
           
           to
           your
           worldly
           injoyments
           ;
           but
           that
           you
           value
           what
           you
           injoy
           ,
           according
           to
           a
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           your self
           according
           to
           that
           account
           .
           And
           this
           way
           truly
           ,
           you
           may
           give
           good
           proof
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           persons
           that
           answer
           the
           duty
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           requires
           ;
           That
           we
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           —
        
      
       
         
           SERM.
           VI.
           
        
         
           I
           Shall
           only
           add
           a
           Particular
           or
           two
           about
           Growth
           in
           Faith.
           
        
         
           Your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           to
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           
             meditate
             Terror
          
           .
           It
           is
           one
           thing
           for
           to
           be
           possest
           with
           terror
           ,
           to
           be
           apprehensive
           of
           terror
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           amazed
           and
           astonished
           through
           terror
           upon
           us
           ;
           another
           thing
           to
           be
           able
           to
           make
           terror
           the
           matter
           of
           our
           meditation
           :
           One
           thing
           for
           to
           be
           apprehensive
           of
           that
           which
           is
           matter
           of
           terror
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           affrighted
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           sink
           under
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           it
           :
           another
           thing
           ,
           for
           to
           have
           not
           only
           the
           apprehensions
           ,
           but
           to
           have
           the
           heart
           bearing
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           ,
           without
           being
           in
           the
           least
           discomposure
           ;
           to
           have
           a
           fixedness
           of
           soul
           ,
           a
           setledness
           of
           heart
           ;
           and
           not
           to
           be
           startled
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           ready
           to
           run
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           that
           way
           and
           even
           to
           be
           at
           our
           wits
           ends
           ,
           not
           knowing
           in
           the
           World
           what
           course
           to
           take
           .
           Now
           ,
           this
           is
           one
           of
           the
           great
           priviledges
           which
           belongs
           to
           Beleevers
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Saints
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           able
           to
           meditate
           terror
           ;
           
           you
           have
           the
           expression
           in
           Isa.
           33.
           18.
           
           There
           it
           's
           held
           forth
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           a
           Saints
           and
           Beleevers
           priviledge
           ;
           that
           hearts
           shall
           meditate
           terror
           :
           And
           it
           is
           not
           every
           Faith
           that
           will
           bring
           a
           Saint
           into
           the
           actual
           possession
           of
           free
           usage
           of
           this
           priviledge
           .
           (
           I
           would
           you
           would
           labour
           to
           have
           a
           fixed
           heart
           now
           upon
           what
           I
           speak
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           a
           due
           composure
           .
           )
           I
           say
           this
           ,
           It
           is
           not
           every
           degree
           of
           Faith
           ,
           that
           will
           bring
           the
           soul
           into
           the
           actual
           and
           free
           possession
           ,
           and
           usage
           of
           this
           priviledge
           that
           I
           now
           speak
           of
           :
           For
           ,
           to
           make
           that
           which
           is
           matter
           of
           terror
           and
           amazement
           ;
           that
           which
           is
           apt
           to
           sink
           and
           swallow
           up
           the
           hearts
           and
           spirits
           of
           others
           ,
           to
           make
           it
           the
           matter
           of
           our
           joyful
           and
           comfortable
           meditation
           ;
           't
           is
           not
           every
           Faith
           ,
           every
           degree
           of
           Faith.
           'T
           is
           true
           indeed
           ,
           every
           Faith
           in
           the
           lowest
           degree
           ,
           hath
           a
           tendency
           to
           it
           :
           every
           Faith
           doth
           more
           or
           less
           ,
           make
           proposition
           to
           a
           carnal
           and
           slavish
           fear
           .
           But
           it
           is
           found
           in
           experience
           ,
           that
           where
           Faith
           is
           but
           low
           and
           weak
           ,
           it
           is
           apt
           to
           be
           over-top'd
           ,
           and
           over-powred
           ,
           by
           base
           ,
           carnal
           ,
           slavish
           fear
           ;
           it
           is
           found
           in
           common
           experience
           .
           But
           it
           must
           be
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           a
           Faith
           well
           grown
           ,
           that
           inables
           the
           soul
           to
           bear
           up
           boldly
           and
           resolutely
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           matter
           of
           fear
           before
           it
           .
           The
           Prophet
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           112.
           concerning
           the
           righteous
           man
           ,
           That
           he
           hath
           his
           heart
           fixed
           ;
           he
           is
           so
           advanced
           in
           his
           Faith
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           is
           come
           to
           a
           fixedness
           ;
           
             his
             heart
             is
             fixed
             ,
             trusting
             in
             the
             Lord.
          
           —
           And
           then
           it
           follows
           ,
           
             He
             shall
             not
             be
             afraid
             for
             any
             evil
             tydings
          
           ;
           that
           that
           is
           matter
           of
           terror
           and
           astonishment
           to
           others
           ,
           he
           can
           with
           a
           sweet
           composure
           of
           spirit
           ,
           meditate
           of
           ,
           muse
           upon
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           the
           thoughts
           of
           ;
           this
           is
           a
           great
           matter
           ,
           and
           a
           lovely
           priviledge
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           we
           should
           set
           our
           
           hearts
           upon
           :
           Such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           after
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           meditate
           terror
           .
           —
           —
           There
           is
           a
           terribleness
           in
           God
           ,
           —
           in
           his
           Name
           ,
           —
           The
           Lord
           is
           of
           terrible
           Majesty
           ,
           —
           Terribleness
           in
           his
           presence
           ;
           when
           that
           Proclamation
           was
           made
           ,
           in
           Isa.
           6.
           
           
             Holy
             ,
             holy
             ,
             holy
             ,
             Lord
             God
             of
             Hosts
          
           ;
           the
           Prophet
           cryes
           out
           now
           ,
           
             Woe
             is
             me
          
           .
           When
           there
           was
           a
           Proclamation
           of
           God
           upon
           
             Mount
             Synai
          
           ,
           in
           thunder
           and
           lightning
           :
           When
           there
           was
           that
           dreadful
           voice
           ,
           O
           ,
           the
           people
           cry
           out
           ,
           let
           us
           hear
           no
           more
           the
           voice
           of
           God
           ,
           left
           we
           die
           .
           Now
           ,
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           will
           be
           able
           for
           to
           meditate
           of
           this
           terror
           ,
           I
           ,
           and
           to
           dwell
           with
           that
           God
           in
           holy
           meditation
           ,
           and
           to
           converse
           with
           that
           God
           that
           is
           of
           such
           terrible
           Majesty
           :
           
             Who
             shall
             dwell
             with
             devouring
             fire
             ?
             who
             shall
             dwell
             with
             everlasting
             burnings
             ?
          
           that
           is
           ,
           as
           terrible
           as
           devouring
           fire
           ,
           as
           dreadful
           as
           everlasting
           burning
           ;
           who
           shall
           dwell
           with
           him
           ?
           who
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           at
           the
           thoughts
           of
           him
           ?
           why
           ,
           a
           soul
           that
           is
           well
           improved
           in
           his
           Faith
           ,
           will
           be
           inabled
           so
           to
           do
           :
           Such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           of
           such
           a
           growth
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           after
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           thus
           to
           meditate
           the
           terror
           of
           God
           ;
           not
           be
           affraid
           of
           him
           .
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           that
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           us
           ,
           to
           have
           our
           hearts
           in
           a
           holy
           awe
           ,
           but
           withal
           ,
           to
           bear
           up
           in
           a
           holy
           boldness
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           swallowed
           up
           with
           fear
           ,
           upon
           the
           manifestations
           of
           the
           terribleness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           So
           there
           is
           a
           terribleness
           in
           the
           Law
           ,
           in
           the
           Covenant
           of
           works
           that
           God
           made
           ,
           and
           which
           he
           made
           a
           dreadful
           discovery
           of
           upon
           Si●…ai
           :
           A
           fiery
           Law
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           so
           called
           ,
           in
           Deut.
           33.
           
           It
           's
           a
           terrible
           Law
           ,
           that
           flashes
           fire
           and
           vengeance
           in
           the
           face
           of
           an
           ungodly
           sinner
           ,
           of
           a
           guilty
           wretch
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           ,
           
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           well
           improved
           ,
           will
           inable
           him
           for
           to
           meditate
           with
           sweet
           composure
           of
           spirit
           ,
           upon
           this
           terrible
           Law
           ;
           and
           with
           a
           rejoycing
           spirit
           ,
           think
           of
           the
           ridgedness
           ,
           and
           sevear
           requiries
           of
           it
           ;
           knowing
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           taken
           sanctuary
           at
           a
           Covenant
           which
           is
           full
           of
           mercy
           and
           comfort
           ,
           and
           doth
           sweetly
           revive
           and
           succour
           the
           soul
           ,
           under
           the
           dreadfullest
           representations
           that
           can
           be
           made
           to
           it
           of
           its
           own
           guilt
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           terribleness
           in
           Death
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           called
           the
           
             King
             of
             Terrors
          
           :
           And
           how
           many
           are
           there
           ,
           that
           are
           not
           able
           to
           bear
           the
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ?
           not
           able
           to
           stand
           before
           the
           thoughts
           of
           their
           dying
           ?
           I
           ,
           how
           many
           are
           there
           ,
           poor
           creatures
           ,
           that
           ,
           when
           the
           thoughts
           of
           Death
           do
           but
           arise
           in
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           be
           swallowed
           up
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           they
           do
           all
           that
           ever
           they
           can
           to
           fortifie
           themselves
           against
           those
           thoughts
           ;
           as
           't
           is
           a
           common
           thing
           for
           persons
           to
           do
           :
           they
           cannot
           indure
           to
           be
           put
           upon
           the
           serious
           consideration
           of
           their
           dying
           day
           ,
           and
           having
           a
           dissolution
           made
           between
           soul
           and
           body
           .
           Whence
           is
           this
           ?
           but
           either
           from
           the
           total
           want
           ,
           or
           a
           very
           great
           weakness
           that
           is
           in
           their
           Faith
           ?
           —
           either
           their
           want
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           none
           at
           all
           ,
           and
           then
           ,
           no
           marvel
           ,
           that
           the
           thoughts
           of
           Death
           be
           terrible
           to
           them
           ;
           why
           ,
           they
           are
           under
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           they
           must
           go
           to
           Hell
           when
           they
           dye
           .
           O
           ,
           it
           's
           a
           sad
           thing
           ,
           and
           I
           would
           there
           might
           be
           a
           fixedness
           of
           heart
           upon
           this
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           sad
           thing
           to
           think
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           nothing
           but
           a
           little
           breath
           between
           a
           poor
           creature
           and
           eternal
           destruction
           ;
           and
           if
           that
           be
           but
           with-held
           for
           a
           quarter
           of
           an
           hour
           ,
           the
           soul
           goes
           down
           to
           eternity
           :
           if
           God
           take
           away
           their
           breath
           ,
           they
           dye
           ,
           and
           return
           to
           dust
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           dye
           ,
           they
           dye
           in
           a
           state
           of
           guilt
           ,
           and
           so
           damn
           
           to
           eternity
           :
           Now
           ,
           no
           marvel
           ,
           that
           such
           persons
           cannot
           indure
           to
           meditate
           such
           terror
           .
           —
           —
           And
           then
           others
           ,
           that
           are
           weak
           in
           their
           Faith
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           comfortably
           setled
           in
           their
           confidence
           concerning
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           their
           reconciled
           state
           :
           No
           marvel
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           shaken
           and
           perplexed
           about
           it
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           to
           have
           the
           thoughts
           of
           death
           .
           Now
           ,
           Faith
           improved
           to
           a
           good
           degree
           ,
           will
           inable
           a
           soul
           to
           meditate
           this
           terror
           ,
           to
           think
           of
           it
           ,
           I
           ,
           with
           a
           holy
           rejoycing
           ,
           and
           content
           :
           to
           think
           that
           a
           day
           will
           come
           ,
           that
           will
           make
           a
           dissolution
           between
           the
           soul
           and
           body
           ,
           that
           so
           upon
           that
           dissolution
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           a
           more
           full
           injoyment
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Phil.
           1.
           
             having
             a
             desire
          
           .
           I
           desire
           to
           depart
           ;
           when
           a
           mans
           Faith
           will
           inable
           the
           soul
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           look
           upon
           death
           ,
           as
           a
           thing
           to
           be
           desired
           :
           not
           only
           as
           that
           which
           there
           is
           a
           necessity
           lying
           upon
           the
           creature
           to
           undergo
           ;
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           necessity
           lies
           upon
           me
           ,
           it
           being
           enacted
           ,
           so
           that
           a
           soul
           dies
           out
           of
           a
           necessity
           ,
           he
           cannot
           help
           it
           ;
           if
           he
           could
           help
           it
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           glad
           with
           all
           his
           heart
           ,
           to
           keep
           off
           the
           stroke
           of
           death
           ;
           but
           he
           dyes
           out
           of
           choice
           :
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           that
           ,
           that
           Faith
           well
           improved
           ,
           will
           inable
           to
           meditate
           this
           terror
           ,
           and
           to
           bear
           up
           under
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           it
           ;
           reckoning
           upon
           this
           ,
           That
           ,
           
             as
             to
             live
             ,
             is
             Christ
             ,
          
           so
           ,
           
             to
             dye
             it
             will
             be
             gain
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ;
           and
           therefore
           he
           professeth
           ,
           that
           he
           has
           a
           desire
           rather
           to
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           with
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           best
           of
           all
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           terribleness
           in
           judgement
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           called
           ,
           in
           2
           Car.
           5.
           
           The
           terror
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           the
           day
           which
           is
           appointed
           ,
           wherein
           God
           will
           judge
           the
           World
           in
           Righteousness
           ,
           by
           that
           
           man
           whom
           he
           hath
           ordained
           ,
           even
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           And
           all
           the
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           of
           Adam
           ,
           that
           ever
           were
           ,
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           to
           the
           time
           of
           that
           appearing
           of
           his
           ,
           shall
           all
           be
           convented
           ,
           and
           made
           to
           stand
           before
           his
           Judgement-seat
           :
           and
           we
           ,
           that
           are
           here
           this
           morning
           ,
           shall
           all
           stand
           before
           this
           Judgement
           ;
           and
           shall
           give
           an
           account
           to
           God
           of
           our
           preaching
           ,
           and
           bearing
           ,
           and
           how
           we
           have
           carried
           our selves
           in
           the
           Assemblies
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           dispensations
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           when
           there
           shall
           be
           an
           appearing
           before
           the
           great
           Judge
           of
           all
           the
           World.
           Truly
           ,
           this
           day
           is
           a
           terrible
           thing
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           called
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           said
           )
           The
           terror
           of
           the
           Lord.
           Now
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           terror
           that
           a
           Faith-less
           soul
           will
           not
           be
           able
           to
           meditate
           ,
           he
           is
           not
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           under
           the
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           therefore
           doth
           all
           that
           it
           can
           to
           drive
           them
           away
           ,
           black
           ,
           melancholy
           thoughts
           ,
           thoughts
           of
           death
           ,
           and
           of
           judgement
           :
           Such
           thoughts
           as
           these
           cannot
           be
           indured
           to
           set
           a
           foot
           over
           the
           threshold
           ,
           nor
           to
           come
           under
           the
           roof
           of
           the
           house
           :
           no
           ,
           we
           will
           have
           nothing
           to
           do
           with
           such
           black
           thoughts
           .
           —
           —
           And
           then
           ,
           those
           that
           are
           weak
           in
           Faith
           ,
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           be
           startled
           at
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           this
           :
           It
           's
           a
           terror
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           think
           of
           a
           day
           of
           Judgement
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           a
           well-improved
           Faith
           ,
           a
           Faith
           that
           is
           of
           a
           good
           growth
           ,
           it
           will
           inable
           to
           meditate
           this
           terror
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           the
           soul
           to
           the
           free
           usage
           and
           possession
           of
           this
           blessed
           priviledge
           that
           belongs
           unto
           Beleevers
           .
           A
           person
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           will
           be
           able
           to
           think
           of
           this
           with
           joy
           and
           gladness
           :
           be
           glad
           to
           think
           of
           the
           day
           wherein
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           shall
           appear
           in
           flaming
           fire
           ,
           to
           render
           vengeance
           to
           them
           that
           know
           not
           God
           ,
           and
           obey
           not
           the
           Gospel
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           A
           
           man
           of
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           ,
           will
           be
           able
           to
           meditate
           this
           terror
           ,
           and
           to
           rejoyce
           at
           the
           thoughts
           of
           it
           :
           It
           is
           the
           day
           of
           his
           gladness
           ,
           therefore
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           saith
           ,
           when
           these
           and
           these
           things
           shall
           come
           ,
           do
           you
           lift
           up
           your
           ●…eads
           :
           When
           mens
           hearts
           shall
           fail
           them
           with
           looking
           after
           those
           things
           that
           shall
           come
           upon
           the
           earth
           ;
           and
           when
           others
           shall
           cry
           out
           with
           
             Balaam
             ,
             Alas
             ,
             who
             shall
             live
             ?
          
           what
           will
           become
           of
           us
           now
           ?
           It
           is
           an
           amazing
           thing
           to
           think
           ,
           when
           the
           Heavens
           shall
           be
           raised
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           shall
           appear
           with
           his
           mighty
           Angels
           ,
           to
           think
           what
           startling
           there
           will
           be
           ,
           and
           running
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           that
           way
           !
           O!
           what
           a
           dreadful
           day
           is
           this
           ?
           I
           am
           not
           able
           to
           stand
           before
           this
           Judge
           of
           all
           the
           World.
           O
           ,
           it
           's
           an
           amazing
           thing
           to
           think
           ,
           what
           skreeking
           and
           crying
           there
           will
           be
           on
           the
           part
           of
           ungodly
           sinners
           ,
           that
           are
           strangers
           to
           Christ
           and
           Grace
           !
           But
           ,
           a
           poor
           soul
           ,
           that
           is
           well
           improved
           in
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           boldness
           :
           and
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           to
           that
           purpose
           ;
           when
           mens
           hearts
           shall
           fail
           them
           ,
           and
           grow
           dead
           as
           a
           stone
           within
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           be
           fall
           of
           astonishment
           ,
           upon
           the
           appearing
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           Then
           lift
           up
           your
           heads
           with
           joy
           ,
           the
           day
           of
           your
           Redemption
           draweth
           nigh
           :
           So
           that
           this
           is
           another
           thing
           that
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           will
           inable
           to
           .
           To
           meditate
           terror
           ,
           the
           terror
           of
           God
           ,
           —
           The
           terror
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           —
           The
           terror
           of
           Death
           ,
           —
           The
           terror
           of
           Judgement
           .
           O
           beloved
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Faith
           that
           we
           should
           press
           to
           ;
           and
           this
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           inabled
           to
           have
           the
           free
           usage
           of
           this
           blessed
           priviledge
           ;
           and
           that
           when
           others
           shall
           be
           over-whelmed
           in
           their
           spirits
           ,
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           comfort
           .
           You
           hear
           of
           this
           ,
           as
           that
           wherein
           we
           are
           to
           evidence
           a
           
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           able
           to
           meditate
           Terror
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           This
           I
           would
           only
           say
           ,
           such
           a
           Faith
           we
           should
           press
           to
           ,
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ;
           and
           that
           we
           may
           be
           a●…
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           look
           for
           ,
           but
           to
           long
           after
           the
           serious
           appearing
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           follows
           upon
           the
           former
           .
           O
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           every
           Faith
           that
           will
           inable
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           be
           in
           holy
           longings
           after
           the
           coming
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           :
           
             Y●…u
             come
             behind
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           )
           
             in
             no
             gift
             ,
             waiting
             for
             that
             coming
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           waiting
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           
             hastening
             to
             it
          
           :
           It
           is
           that
           which
           a
           well-grown
           Faith
           will
           inable
           to
           ;
           and
           such
           a
           degree
           of
           Faith
           ,
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           endeavour
           after
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           with
           the
           Spouse
           ,
           
             even
             so
             come
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             come
             quickly
             .
          
           And
           thus
           I
           have
           spoken
           to
           you
           concerning
           Faith
           ,
           when
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           upon
           us
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           I
           have
           prest
           the
           duty
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           this
           particular
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           :
           and
           this
           know
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           said
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           discourse
           ,
           )
           That
           truly
           ,
           the
           growth
           of
           other
           Graces
           ,
           doth
           very
           much
           depend
           upon
           the
           growth
           of
           Faith
           :
           and
           the
           reason
           why
           we
           are
           so
           low
           and
           poor
           in
           other
           Graces
           ,
           it
           is
           ,
           because
           our
           Faith
           is
           not
           better
           improved
           ,
           and
           raised
           up
           to
           a
           higher
           pitch
           .
        
         
           But
           yet
           ,
           I
           would
           speak
           something
           concerning
           two
           or
           three
           other
           Graces
           ;
           and
           so
           endeavour
           to
           fasten
           this
           charge
           of
           the
           Apostle
           upon
           you
           .
           Your
           duty
           is
           ,
           (
           if
           you
           have
           Grace
           )
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           do
           but
           think
           of
           it
           seriously
           ,
           and
           study
           to
           answer
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Text
           ;
           Grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           Grow
           in
           Faith.
           
        
         
           I
           ,
           and
           know
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           your
           duty
           to
           grow
           in
           Love
           ;
           In
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           Love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           in
           Love
           to
           the
           Truth
           ,
           in
           Love
           to
           the
           Saints
           ,
           in
           Love
           with
           Heaven
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           that
           you
           should
           set
           your
           hearts
           
           unto
           .
           Have
           you
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           in
           you
           ?
           If
           you
           know
           that
           ;
           it
           's
           your
           duty
           to
           improve
           in
           that
           Love
           ,
           as
           you
           are
           taught
           of
           God
           to
           Love
           ;
           so
           you
           are
           taught
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           increase
           ,
           and
           abound
           in
           Love.
           If
           there
           be
           a
           spark
           of
           Love
           in
           you
           to
           God
           ,
           you
           should
           labour
           to
           bless
           God
           for
           that
           ;
           but
           labour
           withal
           ,
           that
           that
           spark
           may
           be
           blown
           up
           into
           a
           flame
           .
        
         
           Are
           you
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           with
           Peter
           ,
           if
           the
           question
           should
           be
           put
           to
           you
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           to
           him
           ;
           
             Simon
             ,
             Son
             of
             J●…nah
             ,
             Lovest
             thou
             me
             ?
          
           You
           should
           be
           thinking
           with
           your selves
           ,
           if
           Christ
           should
           put
           such
           a
           question
           to
           you
           ;
           such
           a
           one
           ,
           
             Thomas
             ,
             John
          
           ,
           Brother
           ,
           Sister
           ,
           dost
           thou
           love
           me
           ?
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           without
           check
           of
           conscience
           ;
           
             Yea
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             knowest
             that
             I
             love
             thee
             .
          
           It
           were
           very
           good
           for
           every
           one
           of
           us
           ,
           to
           be
           putting
           this
           question
           to
           our
           own
           hearts
           ;
           O
           my
           soul
           ,
           dost
           thou
           love
           God
           indeed
           ?
           art
           thou
           able
           to
           make
           a
           bold
           profession
           of
           thy
           love
           to
           God
           ?
           Doth
           not
           thy
           conscience
           tell
           thee
           ,
           that
           thou
           lyest
           ,
           when
           thou
           sayest
           thou
           lovest
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           his
           waies
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           indeed
           love
           him
           ?
           If
           we
           can
           say
           with
           boldness
           ,
           and
           without
           check
           ,
           and
           controul
           of
           conscience
           ;
           Lord
           ,
           thou
           knowest
           that
           I
           love
           thee
           .
        
         
           Then
           I
           would
           say
           this
           to
           thee
           ;
           Dost
           thou
           love
           him
           ?
           O
           ,
           labour
           to
           love
           him
           more
           and
           more
           ;
           to
           love
           him
           with
           a
           more
           intire
           love
           ,
           with
           a
           more
           intensive
           love
           .
           Love
           him
           with
           such
           a
           love
           ,
           that
           whatsoever
           duties
           he
           requires
           of
           thee
           ,
           thou
           mayest
           cheerfully
           apply
           to
           them
           .
           O
           Lord
           ,
           I
           love
           thee
           ,
           and
           I
           so
           love
           thee
           ,
           that
           I
           think
           nothing
           too
           much
           to
           do
           for
           thee
           ;
           so
           love
           thee
           ,
           as
           that
           I
           think
           nothing
           too
           much
           to
           suffer
           for
           thee
           .
           If
           thou
           call
           me
           to
           duty
           ,
           
           O
           Lord
           ,
           I
           love
           thee
           so
           dearly
           ,
           that
           I
           stick
           at
           nothing
           of
           duty
           .
           O
           Lord
           ,
           I
           love
           thee
           with
           such
           an
           intire
           ,
           and
           an
           intensive
           love
           ,
           that
           I
           think
           nothing
           too
           much
           to
           suffer
           for
           thee
           :
           such
           a
           love
           we
           should
           press
           to
           ,
           and
           improve
           to
           such
           a
           flame
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           all
           this
           is
           come
           upon
           us
           ,
           (
           as
           the
           Church
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Ps.
           44.
           )
           yet
           have
           we
           not
           departed
           from
           thee
           ,
           no●…
           have
           we
           dealt
           falsely
           in
           thy
           Covenant
           :
           this
           is
           the
           Love
           ,
           a
           flaming
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           Christ
           ,
           to
           the
           Truth
           ,
           to
           waies
           of
           Holyness
           ;
           such
           a
           Love
           ,
           as
           no
           waters
           may
           be
           able
           to
           quench
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           thirdly
           ,
           Grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           —
           in
           what
           Grace
           ?
           O
           Christians
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           you
           have
           any
           Fear
           of
           God
           in
           you
           ,
           look
           to
           it
           that
           that
           fear
           be
           a
           growing
           Fear
           :
           I
           speak
           now
           of
           a
           holy
           fear
           ,
           a
           child-like
           fear
           ,
           a
           fear
           of
           Reverence
           ,
           a
           fear
           that
           is
           consistent
           with
           love
           :
           The
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Grace
           which
           you
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           ;
           that
           it
           may
           be
           said
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           Fear
           God
           ;
           I
           ,
           you
           fear
           God
           above
           many
           .
           It
           's
           an
           excellent
           testimony
           that
           's
           given
           concerning
           one
           ,
           in
           the
           book
           of
           Neh.
           The
           testimony
           is
           given
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           feared
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           feared
           God
           above
           many
           .
           Now
           ,
           such
           a
           fear
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           go
           beyond
           others
           in
           their
           fear
           :
           others
           have
           a
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           such
           or
           such
           a
           degree
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           the
           fear
           in
           such
           a
           one
           ,
           is
           far
           passing
           the
           fear
           of
           others
           :
           —
           —
           Such
           a
           fear
           of
           God
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           come
           to
           ,
           that
           when
           a
           temptation
           comes
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           it
           comes
           with
           the
           greatest
           advantages
           ,
           (
           consider
           of
           it
           )
           and
           we
           have
           the
           fairest
           opportunities
           to
           commit
           the
           sin
           that
           we
           are
           tempted
           to
           :
           such
           a
           fear
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           be
           possest
           withal
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           break
           the
           force
           ,
           and
           power
           of
           the
           temptation
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           not
           ,
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           fasten
           upon
           us
           .
           Such
           a
           fear
           there
           was
           in
           
           Ioseph
           ,
           when
           the
           temptation
           was
           upon
           him
           só
           strong
           ,
           and
           comes
           upon
           him
           with
           so
           much
           advantage
           ,
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           was
           so
           strong
           upon
           his
           heart
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           inabled
           to
           bid
           defiance
           to
           the
           temptation
           ,
           and
           to
           quit
           himself
           in
           an
           honourable
           manner
           .
           —
        
         
           Such
           a
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           improved
           ,
           and
           grown
           up
           to
           such
           a
           degree
           ,
           that
           when
           there
           are
           difficult
           duties
           before
           us
           to
           perform
           ;
           and
           such
           duties
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           be
           in
           danger
           by
           performing
           of
           them
           ,
           to
           fall
           into
           deep
           and
           dreadful
           sufferings
           :
           Such
           a
           Fear
           ,
           as
           ,
           let
           the
           danger
           be
           what
           it
           will
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           expose
           my self
           to
           ,
           in
           case
           I
           perform
           the
           duty
           ;
           yet
           ,
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           is
           so
           strong
           upon
           my
           heart
           ,
           as
           that
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           danger
           ,
           the
           duty
           shall
           be
           done
           .
           This
           was
           the
           case
           of
           Obadiah
           ;
           there
           was
           a
           duty
           incumbent
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           which
           he
           had
           opportunity
           to
           perform
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Prophets
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           He
           takes
           100
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           gets
           them
           into
           a
           Cave
           ,
           and
           there
           he
           feeds
           them
           by
           50
           in
           a
           Cave
           ;
           this
           was
           a
           very
           difficult
           ,
           and
           a
           dangerous
           duty
           ;
           it
           was
           as
           much
           as
           his
           life
           amounted
           to
           ,
           in
           case
           that
           Iezabel
           should
           have
           come
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           it
           .
           I
           ,
           but
           notwithstanding
           the
           difficulty
           ,
           and
           the
           danger
           ;
           such
           was
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           in
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           inabled
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           this
           duty
           ;
           and
           therefore
           he
           could
           speak
           boldly
           to
           Eliah
           ,
           in
           1
           Kin.
           18.
           
           
             I
             ,
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             fear
             the
             Lord
          
           ;
           and
           that
           with
           such
           a
           fear
           ,
           thot
           when
           Iezabel
           slew
           the
           Prophets
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           I
           hid
           100
           of
           them
           by
           50
           in
           a
           Cave
           .
           —
        
         
           Such
           a
           fear
           we
           should
           labour
           to
           be
           possest
           withal
           ,
           as
           that
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           insnared
           ,
           and
           inslaved
           by
           the
           fear
           of
           men
           ,
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           may
           break
           the
           force
           of
           that
           fear
           .
           
           Solomon
           tell
           us
           ,
           In
           the
           fear
           of
           man
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           snare
           ,
           and
           how
           apt
           are
           people
           to
           be
           ensnared
           by
           it
           ?
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           ,
           if
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           were
           but
           well
           improved
           ,
           it
           would
           break
           the
           snare
           ,
           and
           swallow
           up
           the
           fear
           of
           man.
           
             In
             the
             fear
             of
             man
             there
             is
             a
             snare
          
           ;
           But
           ,
           
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             there
             is
             strong
             confidence
             :
          
           these
           are
           two
           Proverbs
           that
           are
           worthy
           of
           our
           meditation
           :
           now
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           fear
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           .
           As
           in
           the
           case
           of
           the
           three
           Children
           ,
           that
           were
           required
           ,
           upon
           pain
           of
           being
           cast
           into
           a
           Fiery
           Furnace
           ,
           they
           must
           fall
           down
           ,
           and
           worship
           the
           Golden
           Image
           :
           there
           was
           the
           fear
           of
           the
           King
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           there
           was
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           so
           improved
           upon
           their
           hearts
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           not
           be
           inslaved
           ,
           nor
           insnared
           by
           the
           Kings
           fear
           .
           And
           so
           the
           Disciples
           of
           our
           Lord
           ,
           when
           the
           charge
           was
           given
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           preach
           no
           more
           in
           this
           Name
           ;
           they
           laboured
           to
           put
           them
           into
           a
           Fear
           ,
           and
           to
           over-awe
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           let
           their
           cause
           fall
           ,
           and
           appear
           no
           more
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           Jesus
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           mark
           how
           their
           spirits
           are
           kept
           up
           ,
           having
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           strong
           upon
           their
           hearts
           ;
           they
           were
           inabled
           to
           break
           the
           snare
           ,
           and
           to
           go
           on
           in
           the
           way
           of
           their
           duty
           .
           Such
           a
           Fear
           of
           God
           we
           should
           labour
           to
           be
           possest
           withal
           ,
           to
           grow
           up
           to
           such
           a
           degree
           ,
           that
           dutyes
           ,
           though
           difficult
           and
           dangerous
           ,
           may
           be
           performed
           ;
           —
           and
           sins
           may
           be
           resisted
           ;
           —
           and
           that
           the
           fear
           of
           man
           may
           be
           conquered
           .
           Such
           a
           fear
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           as
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           ,
           of
           Love
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           ;
           So
           our
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Holyness
           .
           It
           is
           a
           mercy
           to
           have
           the
           least
           impress
           of
           Holyness
           upon
           our
           spirits
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           our
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Holyness
           :
           If
           we
           be
           holy
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           
           be
           more
           holy
           ;
           according
           to
           that
           ,
           in
           Rev.
           22.
           
           
             Le●…
             him
             that
             is
             Righteous
             ,
             be
             Righteous
             still
          
           ;
           let
           him
           be
           more
           Righteous
           :
           
             Let
             him
             that
             is
             Holy
             ,
             be
             Holy
             still
             :
          
           Let
           him
           be
           holy
           ,
           and
           holy
           ,
           and
           more
           and
           more
           holy
           ;
           and
           let
           him
           labour
           to
           better
           his
           Holyness
           ,
           and
           to
           grow
           up
           to
           a
           higher
           degree
           .
           We
           are
           not
           only
           to
           look
           to
           the
           beginning
           of
           Holyness
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           progress
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           increases
           of
           it
           ;
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Apostle
           charges
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           7.
           
           
             Having
             these
             promises
             ,
             let
             us
             cleanse
             our selves
             from
             all
             pollution
             of
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             .
          
           Is
           there
           some
           filthyness
           cleansed
           away
           ?
           I
           ,
           but
           see
           that
           you
           cleanse
           your selves
           from
           all
           filthyness
           of
           flesh
           and
           spirit
           .
           Is
           there
           Holyness
           begun
           in
           you
           ?
           I
           ,
           but
           see
           that
           you
           perfect
           Holyness
           in
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           :
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           thus
           to
           grow
           in
           Holyness
           ;
           I
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           be
           holy
           ,
           even
           as
           God
           is
           holy
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Lord
           requires
           :
           not
           ,
           that
           we
           can
           come
           to
           such
           a
           perfection
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           state
           of
           a
           creature
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           be
           holy
           ,
           as
           God
           is
           holy
           .
           As
           he
           is
           holy
           ,
           as
           a
           God
           ;
           so
           ,
           we
           should
           labour
           to
           be
           holy
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           state
           and
           measure
           of
           a
           creature
           .
           We
           should
           endeavour
           after
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           Holyness
           .
        
         
           Grow
           in
           Holyness
           ,
           and
           to
           such
           a
           pitch
           of
           Holyness
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           may
           be
           said
           of
           us
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           of
           the
           Spouse
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             all
             fair
             ,
             my
             Love
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             spot
             in
             thee
             .
          
           Our
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           after
           such
           a
           degree
           of
           Holyness
           ,
           as
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           no
           blemish
           ;
           but
           that
           we
           may
           be
           presented
           before
           God
           ,
           at
           last
           ,
           with
           exceeding
           joy
           .
        
         
           Such
           a
           Holyness
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           press
           after
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           least
           measure
           of
           corruption
           :
           where
           there
           is
           but
           a
           little
           
           Grace
           ,
           corruptions
           and
           lusts
           ,
           in
           the
           stirrings
           of
           them
           ,
           are
           not
           so
           easily
           perceived
           :
           But
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           most
           Grace
           ,
           there
           is
           most
           life
           ;
           and
           where
           there
           is
           most
           life
           ,
           there
           is
           most
           spiritual
           sense
           and
           feeling
           :
           and
           there
           are
           none
           so
           sensible
           of
           corruption
           ,
           and
           stirrings
           of
           lust
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           have
           the
           most
           Grace
           in
           them
           :
           there
           are
           secret
           motions
           of
           sin
           and
           corruption
           ,
           which
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           a
           person
           that
           hath
           but
           a
           lower
           measure
           and
           degree
           of
           Grace
           and
           Faith
           ,
           will
           not
           take
           any
           great
           notice
           of
           ;
           The
           motions
           ,
           and
           inward
           boylings
           of
           lusts
           and
           corruptions
           ;
           the
           lust
           of
           Uncleanness
           ,
           or
           of
           Pride
           ,
           or
           Covetounsess
           :
           There
           's
           many
           a
           stirring
           lust
           ,
           that
           a
           soul
           ,
           that
           either
           is
           in
           total
           want
           of
           Grace
           ,
           or
           hath
           but
           Grace
           in
           a
           lower
           measure
           or
           degree
           ,
           takes
           no
           great
           knowledge
           of
           .
           I
           ,
           but
           when
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           to
           a
           good
           degree
           ;
           O
           ,
           then
           every
           stirring
           of
           lust
           and
           corruption
           ,
           will
           be
           perceived
           ,
           and
           the
           soul
           will
           be
           up
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           a
           suppressing
           of
           it
           .
           Such
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           and
           Holyness
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           a
           sense
           of
           every
           lust
           and
           corruption
           ;
           a
           lust
           cannot
           stir
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           but
           the
           soul
           is
           upon
           the
           back
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           endeavours
           to
           use
           all
           severity
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           Such
           a
           growth
           in
           Holyness
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           most
           cordially
           complyant
           with
           all
           the
           Counsels
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           the
           will
           of
           God
           is
           manifested
           ,
           and
           made
           known
           to
           us
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           delight
           in
           it
           :
           the
           more
           it
           is
           made
           to
           appear
           in
           the
           latitude
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           strictness
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           more
           our
           hearts
           are
           upon
           complyance
           with
           it
           .
           Such
           a
           Holyness
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           press
           after
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ;
           there
           is
           a
           ●…ecret
           heart
           rising
           against
           every
           bubling
           of
           corruption
           .
        
         
         
           Such
           a
           Holyness
           we
           should
           press
           after
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           can
           take
           the
           greatest
           delight
           in
           communion
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           Such
           a
           Holyness
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           can
           long
           after
           .
           Heaven
           ;
           and
           that
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           Holyness
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Such
           a
           degree
           of
           Holyness
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           we
           are
           even
           weary
           of
           living
           here
           in
           this
           lower
           World
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           lusts
           ,
           and
           prophaneness
           ,
           and
           abominable
           impieties
           that
           are
           committed
           here
           .
        
         
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Holyness
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           ;
           such
           a
           degree
           of
           Holyness
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           made
           every
           day
           more
           and
           more
           suitable
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           fitted
           to
           hold
           communion
           with
           the
           blessed
           God
           :
           For
           this
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           more
           Holyness
           ,
           the
           more
           conformity
           to
           God
           ;
           —
           and
           the
           more
           Holyness
           ,
           the
           more
           fitness
           for
           the
           most
           intimate
           communion
           with
           God.
           And
           thus
           ,
           in
           these
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           Graces
           ,
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           gorw
           ;
           according
           to
           the
           charge
           of
           the
           Apostle
           here
           ;
           
             But
             grow
             in
             Grace
          
           .
           I
           have
           thus
           been
           labouring
           with
           you
           ,
           according
           to
           my
           ability
           ,
           and
           pressing
           upon
           you
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           ,
           a
           growth
           in
           Love
           ,
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           a
           growth
           in
           Holyness
           ,
           and
           so
           in
           other
           Graces
           ,
           which
           I
           might
           insist
           upon
           .
           But
           I
           shall
           satisfie
           my self
           ,
           in
           having
           thus
           dealt
           with
           you
           ,
           concerning
           these
           particulars
           .
        
         
           And
           in
           the
           General
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           expression
           of
           the
           Text
           ;
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           your
           duty
           ;
           you
           that
           are
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           Grace
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           duty
           that
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           you
           ,
           and
           which
           is
           required
           of
           you
           :
           —
           You
           that
           l●…ave
           Grace
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           sin
           may
           be
           almost
           quite
           gone
           out
           of
           you
           :
           thus
           it
           is
           ,
           so
           much
           as
           you
           have
           of
           Grace
           ,
           so
           much
           there
           is
           of
           a
           riddance
           of
           sin
           ;
           so
           much
           as
           there
           is
           a
           remaining
           of
           sin
           ,
           so
           much
           there
           is
           of
           the
           want
           of
           Grace
           .
           Now
           ,
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           that
           there
           may
           be
           much
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           but
           little
           of
           sin
           ;
           that
           the
           house
           of
           David
           may
           grow
           stronger
           and
           stronger
           ,
           and
           may
           appear
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           by
           the
           house
           of
           Saul
           ,
           its
           growing
           every
           day
           weaker
           and
           weaker
           .
        
         
           Oh
           Christians
           ,
           so
           should
           you
           labour
           to
           grow
           ,
           and
           to
           grow
           to
           such
           a
           degree
           ,
           to
           such
           a
           measure
           and
           proportion
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           Truly
           ,
           the
           case
           stands
           so
           with
           me
           ;
           heretofore
           it
           stood
           thus
           with
           me
           ,
           that
           I
           could
           scarce
           tell
           how
           to
           do
           a
           duty
           ,
           and
           to
           turn
           my
           hand
           upon
           any
           holy
           duty
           ;
           but
           now
           ,
           through
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           blessing
           upon
           the
           means
           I
           have
           used
           ,
           I
           am
           come
           to
           that
           pass
           now
           ,
           that
           I
           can
           scarce
           tell
           now
           how
           to
           commit
           a
           sin
           :
           this
           is
           the
           growth
           we
           should
           press
           after
           :
           I
           can
           do
           nothing
           against
           the
           truth
           ,
           I
           could
           do
           little
           for
           the
           truth
           ;
           I
           can
           do
           little
           or
           nothing
           against
           the
           truth
           :
           I
           had
           strength
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           I
           was
           very
           weak
           to
           duty
           ,
           weak
           for
           prayer
           ,
           and
           weak
           for
           beleeving
           ,
           and
           weak
           for
           conflicting
           with
           corruptions
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           Grace
           is
           so
           improved
           in
           me
           ,
           that
           now
           I
           am
           able
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           ,
           I
           am
           able
           to
           do
           all
           things
           ,
           through
           Christ
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           Grace
           in
           me
           :
           I
           cannot
           sin
           for
           my
           heart
           ,
           as
           once
           I
           could
           :
           this
           is
           the
           growth
           that
           we
           should
           press
           after
           .
        
         
           I
           ,
           such
           a
           growth
           in
           grace
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           may
           be
           ,
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ,
           commanded
           by
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           by
           Scripture-arguments
           
           and
           reasons
           ,
           and
           swayed
           with
           them
           ,
           whatsoever
           arguments
           come
           to
           the
           contrary
           .
           Truly
           ,
           this
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           a
           soul
           well
           improved
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ;
           when
           Gods
           arguments
           will
           bear
           sway
           with
           it
           ,
           all
           other
           arguments
           ,
           they
           signifie
           little
           or
           nothing
           ;
           but
           an
           argument
           drawn
           from
           the
           Command
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           from
           Grace
           ;
           such
           an
           argument
           will
           prevail
           .
           I
           shall
           sin
           against
           God
           ,
           if
           I
           neglect
           this
           duty
           ;
           —
           if
           I
           commit
           this
           ,
           I
           shall
           dishonour
           Gods
           ;
           —
           I
           shall
           offend
           my
           Brother
           ;
           —
           I
           shall
           wound
           my
           Conscience
           ;
           I
           shall
           walk
           unsuitably
           to
           the
           Name
           that
           's
           call'd
           upon
           me
           ,
           to
           my
           holy
           Profession
           ;
           —
           I
           shall
           walk
           unanswerably
           to
           the
           Grace
           that
           I
           am
           planted
           under
           :
           when
           such
           arguments
           as
           these
           are
           of
           a
           prevailing
           power
           ,
           it
           's
           an
           argument
           that
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           is
           come
           with
           power
           into
           our
           souls
           ,
           when
           Christs
           arguments
           are
           the
           swaying
           ,
           and
           the
           prevailing
           arguments
           with
           us
           .
           Thus
           now
           ,
           I
           have
           been
           driving
           this
           business
           ;
           for
           my
           own
           part
           ,
           I
           profess
           to
           you
           ,
           (
           and
           the
           Lord
           help
           us
           to
           consider
           wisely
           of
           it
           ,
           )
           I
           hope
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           implanted
           ,
           it
           doth
           as
           much
           concern
           me
           ,
           as
           any
           one
           of
           you
           ;
           that
           I
           press
           on
           you
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           it
           's
           as
           much
           my
           duty
           as
           yours
           ,
           and
           as
           much
           your
           duty
           as
           mine
           ;
           and
           it
           will
           be
           a
           woful
           account
           that
           we
           shall
           give
           another
           day
           ,
           if
           you
           and
           I
           shall
           appear
           before
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           shall
           have
           this
           charged
           upon
           us
           :
           you
           preach'd
           indeed
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           you
           that
           were
           the
           hearers
           ,
           you
           heard
           concerning
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           but
           neither
           Preacher
           nor
           Hearer
           ,
           set
           your selves
           to
           answer
           your
           duty
           .
           Now
           ,
           ow
           shall
           we
           give
           account
           of
           this
           ?
           if
           you
           will
           go
           away
           with
           meer
           notions
           ,
           and
           rest
           in
           this
           ;
           for
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           
           great
           deal
           of
           danger
           that
           you
           lye
           open
           to
           ,
           in
           passing
           over
           Sermons
           of
           this
           nature
           ,
           making
           no
           great
           matter
           of
           them
           .
           You
           have
           heard
           the
           Discourse
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           called
           upon
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
          
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           please
           your selves
           with
           this
           conceit
           ;
           well
           ,
           it
           matters
           not
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           mysterious
           thing
           ,
           we
           know
           not
           what
           to
           think
           of
           the
           matter
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           such
           a
           growth
           as
           is
           spoken
           of
           ;
           we
           will
           look
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           see
           that
           there
           be
           Grace
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           so
           put
           off
           the
           matter
           of
           growth
           :
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           dangerous
           .
           We
           must
           ,
           as
           we
           will
           approve
           our selves
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           walk
           worthy
           of
           the
           provision
           he
           hath
           made
           to
           us
           ;
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           that
           as
           we
           have
           received
           Christ
           Jesus
           the
           Lord
           ,
           so
           ,
           to
           walk
           in
           him
           ,
           grow
           up
           in
           him
           that
           is
           the
           head
           ,
           and
           increase
           with
           the
           increase
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           hold
           some
           proportion
           to
           time
           ,
           and
           means
           ,
           and
           ordinances
           ,
           and
           pains
           that
           God
           takes
           with
           us
           ;
           and
           that
           our
           profiting
           may
           appear
           unto
           all
           men
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           VII
           .
        
         
           IT
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           as
           you
           have
           heard
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           and
           so
           to
           grow
           ,
           that
           our
           profiting
           may
           appear
           unto
           all
           :
           And
           it
           is
           that
           which
           concerns
           both
           Preachers
           and
           Hearers
           ,
           and
           all
           sorts
           of
           Professors
           of
           Godlyness
           ;
           that
           they
           endeavour
           this
           ,
           that
           their
           profiting
           may
           appear
           ,
           appear
           to
           themselves
           ,
           appear
           one
           to
           another
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           you
           will
           ask
           me
           how
           we
           shall
           make
           it
           to
           appear
           that
           we
           do
           profit
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           an
           improvement
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           how
           shall
           we
           make
           it
           appear
           ?
           —
           supposing
           that
           there
           is
           a
           willingness
           ,
           and
           the
           heart
           is
           brought
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           made
           to
           appear
           ,
           you
           may
           ,
           without
           any
           great
           difficulty
           ,
           attain
           to
           a
           resolution
           this
           way
           .
        
         
           Do
           not
           you
           know
           how
           men
           make
           it
           appear
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           more
           strength
           of
           body
           than
           others
           ?
           they
           make
           it
           appear
           by
           greater
           activities
           ,
           and
           by
           doing
           more
           ,
           and
           greater
           services
           .
        
         
           You
           know
           how
           men
           make
           it
           appear
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           richer
           than
           they
           were
           ;
           that
           they
           are
           increased
           in
           their
           estates
           ;
           why
           ,
           they
           will
           ,
           (
           if
           they
           be
           ingenious
           ,
           and
           be
           not
           base
           ,
           and
           sordid
           ,
           and
           slaves
           to
           their
           injoyments
           ,
           )
           make
           it
           appear
           in
           a
           suitableness
           in
           their
           deportment
           ,
           and
           carriages
           ,
           and
           expences
           ,
           and
           layings
           out
           :
           they
           will
           fare
           better
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           go
           better
           apparelled
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           be
           more
           ready
           to
           give
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           drive
           greater
           trades
           :
           you
           know
           this
           as
           well
           as
           I
           ,
           and
           better
           to
           ;
           you
           know
           how
           men
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           they
           are
           richer
           men
           ,
           
           of
           more
           able
           estates
           :
           —
           why
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           you
           know
           how
           you
           may
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           you
           are
           better
           men
           in
           Christ
           ?
           that
           you
           are
           better
           in
           Godlyness
           ?
           that
           you
           have
           more
           Grace
           than
           you
           had
           ?
           Surely
           ,
           you
           cannot
           but
           reach
           this
           apprehension
           ,
           and
           know
           how
           you
           may
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           you
           are
           so
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           better
           in
           Faith
           and
           Godlyness
           .
           Wicked
           men
           ,
           they
           do
           make
           it
           clearly
           to
           appear
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           worse
           than
           once
           they
           were
           ;
           they
           will
           act
           more
           vigorously
           for
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           in
           opposition
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           waies
           of
           Godlyness
           :
           Wicked
           men
           ,
           they
           make
           it
           clearly
           to
           appear
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           grow
           worse
           and
           worse
           ;
           they
           are
           more
           prophane
           ,
           more
           proud
           ;
           they
           discover
           themselves
           so
           to
           be
           ,
           by
           rising
           higher
           and
           higher
           in
           their
           impieties
           ,
           and
           insolencies
           against
           God
           ;
           and
           discovering
           themselves
           without
           shame
           ,
           and
           any
           check
           ,
           without
           any
           startling
           at
           it
           ,
           discovering
           themselves
           that
           they
           are
           resolv'd
           upon
           it
           ,
           for
           to
           go
           on
           with
           a
           high
           hand
           in
           their
           evil
           way
           .
           —
           Why
           now
           ,
           cannot
           you
           tell
           ,
           you
           that
           are
           the
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           have
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           you
           ,
           the
           Truth
           in
           you
           ,
           and
           whose
           duty
           it
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ?
           Cannot
           you
           tell
           how
           you
           may
           make
           it
           appear
           that
           you
           do
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ?
           you
           should
           shew
           your
           growth
           ,
           manifest
           it
           to
           others
           ,
           and
           to
           your selves
           ,
           by
           being
           more
           active
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           for
           Godlyness
           ;
           —
           speak
           more
           for
           God
           ,
           —
           plead
           more
           for
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           —
           be
           more
           spiritual
           in
           your
           discourses
           when
           you
           meet
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           that
           others
           may
           find
           ,
           that
           certainly
           there
           is
           a
           good
           stock
           of
           Grace
           within
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           such
           large
           expence
           without
           .
           When
           you
           shall
           come
           to
           be
           more
           in
           holy
           discourses
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           and
           labouring
           to
           help
           one
           another
           heaven-ward
           ;
           and
           be
           communicating
           
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           furtherance
           of
           one
           another
           in
           the
           waies
           of
           Godlyness
           ;
           strengthen
           the
           hands
           one
           of
           another
           in
           God.
           When
           you
           shall
           come
           to
           make
           it
           appear
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           more
           courage
           ,
           and
           boldness
           ,
           and
           resolution
           for
           waies
           of
           Holyness
           ;
           when
           you
           are
           more
           fruitful
           in
           the
           duties
           of
           Godlyness
           ,
           and
           frequent
           in
           them
           .
           Thus
           you
           should
           endeavour
           to
           make
           it
           appear
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           persons
           ,
           that
           of
           a
           truth
           do
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           give
           occasion
           ,
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           to
           say
           ,
           with
           rejoycing
           hearts
           ;
           now
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           that
           such
           a
           one
           comes
           on
           a-pace
           ,
           shoots
           up
           a-main
           ,
           grows
           up
           to
           a
           goodly
           stature
           :
           this
           is
           that
           that
           we
           should
           set
           our
           hearts
           unto
           .
        
         
           What
           can
           I
           speak
           that
           is
           more
           proper
           for
           to
           be
           spoken
           to
           those
           that
           are
           called
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           O
           ,
           let
           not
           these
           words
           which
           I
           have
           spoken
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           let
           them
           not
           pass
           away
           ,
           as
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           were
           discoursing
           of
           a
           very
           fable
           .
           Ah
           consider
           !
           that
           I
           am
           speaking
           about
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           and
           about
           the
           making
           of
           this
           growth
           visibly
           to
           appear
           ;
           that
           it
           may
           appear
           to
           God
           ,
           —
           appear
           to
           others
           ,
           —
           appear
           to
           our selves
           ;
           that
           our
           Consciences
           may
           be
           able
           for
           to
           witness
           with
           us
           ,
           that
           of
           a
           truth
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           :
           This
           is
           your
           duty
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           my
           business
           this
           morning
           ,
           in
           part
           ,
           thus
           to
           press
           upon
           you
           ;
           not
           doubting
           ,
           but
           that
           I
           speak
           to
           such
           as
           have
           received
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           truth
           .
           Consider
           ,
           that
           this
           Text
           doth
           charge
           it
           upon
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           look
           to
           your
           growth
           .
           And
           thus
           you
           have
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           Expression
           ,
           you
           have
           (
           and
           no
           more
           than
           needs
           )
           precept
           upon
           precept
           ,
           and
           line
           upon
           line
           ,
           here
           a
           little
           ,
           and
           there
           a
           little
           ;
           and
           I
           have
           done
           thus
           ;
           I
           am
           dropping
           ,
           and
           di
           
           stilling
           in
           you
           ,
           and
           working
           as
           I
           can
           ;
           but
           the
           Lord
           work
           ,
           and
           transmit
           it
           from
           your
           ears
           to
           your
           hearts
           ,
           this
           word
           which
           doth
           speak
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           manifest
           a
           growth
           .
        
         
           If
           so
           be
           that
           you
           ask
           me
           now
           ;
           I
           but
           what
           course
           shall
           we
           take
           ?
           what
           may
           we
           do
           in
           order
           to
           this
           ?
        
         
           I
           would
           you
           were
           well
           ripened
           by
           virtue
           of
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           already
           performed
           in
           managing
           of
           this
           argument
           :
           I
           would
           to
           God
           that
           your
           hearts
           and
           minds
           were
           well
           ripened
           for
           the
           giving
           in
           of
           some
           directions
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           :
           And
           I
           wish
           with
           all
           my
           heart
           ,
           that
           you
           and
           I
           had
           but
           our
           hearts
           brought
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           conscientious
           improvement
           of
           what
           we
           do
           already
           know
           :
           for
           I
           cannot
           but
           think
           ,
           concerning
           many
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           have
           been
           long
           hearers
           of
           Sermons
           ,
           and
           professors
           of
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Gods
           Grace
           ;
           that
           you
           ,
           having
           heard
           often
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           why
           ,
           such
           an
           expedient
           hath
           been
           over
           and
           over
           ,
           time
           after
           time
           propounded
           to
           me
           ;
           I
           have
           had
           such
           a
           direction
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           direction
           .
           I
           cannot
           but
           be
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           able
           to
           suggest
           to
           your selves
           what
           course
           is
           to
           be
           taken
           in
           order
           to
           spiritual
           growth
           ;
           but
           all
           the
           matter
           is
           this
           ,
           to
           make
           improvement
           of
           what
           we
           know
           ,
           and
           to
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           suffer
           our
           knowledge
           to
           lye
           dead
           upon
           our
           hands
           :
           but
           that
           which
           is
           the
           mischief
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           doth
           us
           the
           greatest
           spoyl
           in
           Religion
           ,
           is
           this
           ;
           That
           when
           we
           hear
           Sermons
           ,
           and
           have
           Gods
           directions
           given
           ,
           and
           Wisdoms
           Counsels
           concerning
           a
           course
           to
           be
           taken
           for
           our
           souls
           good
           ;
           when
           we
           come
           to
           hear
           these
           things
           ,
           we
           let
           them
           lye
           dead
           upon
           our
           hands
           ,
           and
           never
           
           set
           our selves
           to
           make
           a
           business
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           resolve
           our
           Religion
           and
           Godlyness
           into
           a
           meer
           formality
           ,
           or
           mostly
           do
           ;
           and
           do
           not
           set
           our selves
           in
           good
           earnest
           about
           the
           business
           that
           God
           calls
           for
           at
           our
           hands
           .
           Let
           me
           ask
           you
           now
           these
           Questions
           ,
           being
           that
           I
           am
           to
           give
           you
           some
           directions
           how
           you
           may
           come
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           Did
           you
           never
           hear
           that
           this
           hath
           been
           an
           expedient
           that
           hath
           been
           propounded
           ,
           a
           means
           prescribed
           ,
           that
           you
           should
           take
           heed
           of
           worldly
           intanglements
           ,
           of
           setting
           your
           hearts
           upon
           the
           World
           ,
           of
           loving
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           the
           World
           ?
           Did
           you
           never
           hear
           that
           this
           hath
           been
           a
           means
           propounded
           to
           you
           ?
           I
           am
           perswaded
           that
           you
           have
           been
           taught
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           if
           you
           would
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           you
           must
           take
           heed
           of
           setting
           your
           heart
           upon
           the
           World
           ,
           of
           loving
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           I
           ,
           but
           consider
           now
           ,
           what
           will
           your
           Consciences
           answer
           ?
           Have
           I
           been
           careful
           to
           walk
           according
           to
           this
           direction
           ?
           have
           I
           set
           my
           heart
           upon
           this
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           for
           to
           keep
           as
           loose
           as
           I
           can
           ?
           use
           it
           ,
           but
           not
           set
           my
           heart
           upon
           it
           ?
           Truly
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           proper
           thing
           for
           to
           look
           to
           .
           Alas
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           if
           you
           have
           not
           known
           it
           to
           purpose
           ,
           labour
           to
           know
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           World
           is
           a
           great
           enemy
           both
           to
           the
           plantation
           ,
           (
           the
           World
           I
           mean
           ,
           when
           the
           heart
           comes
           to
           close
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           things
           of
           it
           ,
           )
           it
           is
           a
           very
           great
           enemy
           both
           to
           the
           plantation
           ,
           and
           likewise
           to
           the
           augmentation
           of
           Grace
           :
           It
           hinders
           Grace
           from
           taking
           root
           ,
           and
           it
           hinders
           Grace
           after
           't
           is
           rooted
           ,
           from
           springing
           up
           :
           'T
           is
           a
           very
           great
           enemy
           to
           increase
           ,
           and
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
         
           And
           this
           know
           ,
           It
           is
           a
           very
           hard
           matter
           to
           find
           a
           man
           that
           grows
           very
           rich
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           the
           same
           man
           doth
           grow
           very
           rich
           in
           Grace
           :
           It
           is
           possible
           so
           to
           be
           ;
           but
           I
           profess
           ,
           I
           do
           think
           it
           is
           a
           very
           rare
           thing
           to
           find
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           that
           grows
           exceeding
           rich
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           is
           very
           eagerly
           set
           to
           advance
           in
           his
           worldly
           state
           ;
           that
           that
           man
           ,
           though
           he
           may
           have
           Grace
           in
           truth
           ;
           yet
           ,
           it
           's
           rare
           to
           find
           such
           a
           man
           to
           grow
           up
           to
           any
           considerable
           pitch
           of
           Grace
           and
           Godlyness
           .
           Therefore
           ,
           let
           that
           be
           considered
           .
           —
        
         
           And
           then
           secondly
           ,
           Will
           you
           but
           do
           this
           ?
           If
           there
           be
           but
           a
           desire
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           am
           sure
           there
           is
           cause
           for
           it
           ,
           )
           will
           you
           but
           set
           your
           hearts
           to
           this
           ;
           take
           heed
           there
           be
           not
           any
           secret
           corresponding
           with
           ,
           and
           favouring
           of
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           sensual
           and
           naught
           .
           Take
           heed
           of
           any
           lust
           ,
           not
           only
           of
           a
           willing
           allowance
           ,
           but
           of
           any
           favour
           ,
           any
           friendly
           respect
           unto
           it
           ;
           for
           truly
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           great
           enemy
           to
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
           Take
           heed
           of
           favouring
           your self
           in
           any
           corruption
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           Pride
           ,
           or
           Covetousness
           ,
           or
           Self-love
           ,
           or
           Uncleanness
           ,
           or
           a
           passionate
           spirit
           ;
           take
           heed
           of
           bearing
           the
           least
           favour
           to
           these
           ;
           but
           be
           as
           severe
           against
           them
           as
           you
           can
           ;
           use
           as
           strict
           discipline
           upon
           your
           lusts
           and
           corruptions
           as
           you
           can
           .
           O
           ,
           't
           is
           this
           that
           doth
           do
           us
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           mischief
           ,
           and
           doth
           very
           much
           prejudice
           the
           soul
           ;
           that
           there
           is
           not
           a
           more
           through
           repenting
           ,
           and
           breaking
           off
           our
           corruptions
           and
           lusts
           .
           
           Amnon's
           lustful
           love
           to
           his
           Sister
           Thamar
           ,
           it
           made
           him
           look
           lean
           from
           day
           to
           day
           :
           (
           I
           allude
           to
           it
           ,
           )
           O
           ,
           saith
           he
           to
           him
           ,
           why
           do'st
           thou
           ,
           being
           the
           Kings
           Son
           ,
           look
           lean
           from
           day
           to
           day
           ?
           O
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           love
           my
           Sister
           Thamar
           .
           Why
           are
           Christians
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           Kings
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           ,
           
           lean
           from
           day
           to
           day
           ?
           O!
           there
           's
           something
           amiss
           !
           something
           lyes
           within
           !
           some
           lust
           and
           corruption
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           fully
           subdued
           !
           This
           is
           that
           that
           causeth
           leanness
           in
           their
           faces
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           thirdly
           ,
           have
           not
           you
           been
           directed
           to
           this
           ?
           That
           you
           would
           take
           heed
           of
           entertaining
           conceits
           of
           your
           own
           perfection
           ;
           that
           you
           would
           take
           heed
           of
           swelling
           thoughts
           ,
           of
           what
           you
           have
           already
           attained
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           fancy
           to
           your selves
           a
           perfection
           .
           Keep
           your
           hearts
           in
           this
           apprehension
           ,
           as
           Paul
           doth
           ;
           I
           have
           not
           yet
           attained
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           yet
           perfect
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           so
           good
           as
           I
           should
           be
           ;
           and
           I
           am
           not
           so
           good
           as
           I
           am
           resolved
           to
           be
           ;
           and
           thereupon
           you
           will
           ,
           by
           Grace
           ,
           come
           to
           this
           resolve
           as
           Paul
           did
           .
           I
           have
           not
           yet
           attain'd
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           yet
           perfect
           ;
           why
           then
           ,
           I
           will
           forget
           what
           is
           behind
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           reach
           to
           that
           which
           is
           before
           .
           Your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           take
           knowledge
           of
           whatsoever
           Grace
           you
           have
           already
           received
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           so
           take
           notice
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           be
           thankful
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           do
           not
           rest
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           it
           is
           enough
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           look
           after
           no
           more
           :
           But
           so
           bless
           God
           for
           what
           is
           already
           bestowed
           upon
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           still
           be
           pressing
           on
           for
           a
           larger
           supply
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           more
           and
           more
           improved
           in
           the
           Grace
           that
           is
           begun
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           I
           would
           add
           this
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           your
           growth
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           do
           according
           to
           your
           duty
           ;
           you
           and
           I
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           Will
           you
           but
           seriously
           propound
           this
           to
           your selves
           ,
           make
           it
           your
           business
           ,
           and
           resolve
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           will
           do
           your
           utmost
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           every
           day
           better
           and
           better
           ?
           Natural
           growth
           ,
           that
           comes
           on
           ,
           whether
           we
           mind
           it
           or
           no.
           The
           child
           that
           's
           conceived
           in
           the
           womb
           ,
           it
           minds
           not
           its
           growth
           ;
           —
           when
           it
           s
           born
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           infancy
           ,
           it
           minds
           not
           its
           growth
           ;
           
           I
           ,
           but
           yet
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           ,
           and
           nature
           carries
           it
           on
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           not
           so
           in
           Grace
           .
           Growth
           in
           Grace
           must
           be
           minded
           ,
           and
           it
           must
           be
           attained
           ,
           and
           we
           must
           propound
           it
           to
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           grow
           .
           And
           truly
           ,
           I
           am
           perswaded
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           Christians
           would
           but
           go
           to
           work
           like
           rational
           creatures
           ,
           like
           men
           that
           understood
           themselves
           in
           a
           religiously
           rational
           way
           ;
           if
           so
           be
           that
           they
           would
           but
           go
           to
           work
           as
           those
           that
           do
           with
           religious
           reason
           weigh
           and
           consider
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           their
           duty
           to
           grow
           ;
           and
           propound
           it
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           their
           design
           ,
           and
           resolve
           upon
           it
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           business
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           I
           am
           very
           consident
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           would
           be
           better
           growth
           :
           You
           know
           whether
           this
           be
           propounded
           by
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           better
           in
           your
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Love
           ,
           and
           Holyness
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           have
           more
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           Christ
           ,
           more
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           ,
           more
           of
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           be
           more
           in
           expressing
           these
           things
           :
           Your
           Consciences
           can
           tell
           you
           whether
           you
           propound
           these
           things
           to
           your selves
           ,
           whether
           you
           can
           say
           ;
           Truly
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           so
           good
           as
           I
           would
           be
           ;
           I
           would
           be
           better
           ,
           and
           ,
           by
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           will
           be
           better
           ;
           I
           will
           endeavour
           to
           better
           my
           condition
           ,
           and
           to
           express
           more
           of
           the
           in-dwelling
           of
           Christ
           in
           me
           .
           Undoubtedly
           ,
           if
           you
           would
           but
           resolve
           to
           make
           it
           a
           business
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           better
           with
           you
           than
           it
           is
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           If
           you
           desire
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           do
           but
           study
           what
           Grace
           is
           ,
           and
           if
           you
           have
           it
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           in
           you
           ;
           why
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           a
           lovely
           thing
           ?
           Do
           you
           know
           what
           Grace
           is
           ?
           a
           dramn
           of
           it
           is
           worth
           a
           10000
           Worlds
           !
           O
           ,
           a
           little
           Faith
           ,
           a
           little
           Love
           ,
           a
           little
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           more
           precious
           than
           all
           the
           p●…arls
           and
           jewels
           in
           the
           whole
           World
           ;
           
           there
           's
           nothing
           comparable
           to
           it
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           you
           have
           a
           little
           of
           this
           precious
           commodity
           ,
           why
           should
           not
           your
           hearts
           be
           set
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           have
           more
           of
           it
           ?
           And
           truly
           ,
           this
           would
           be
           a
           good
           conducement
           to
           the
           raising
           up
           of
           your
           hearts
           to
           an
           endeavour
           this
           way
           :
           why
           ,
           this
           Grace
           is
           a
           precious
           thing
           ;
           a
           little
           I
           have
           gotten
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           so
           precious
           ,
           that
           I
           will
           not
           be
           contented
           with
           this
           little
           ,
           but
           I
           will
           labour
           to
           have
           as
           much
           of
           it
           as
           I
           can
           :
           more
           love
           ,
           O
           ,
           more
           love
           !
           never
           ,
           never
           ,
           never
           too
           much
           of
           that
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           If
           you
           would
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           look
           to
           your
           union
           with
           Christ
           ;
           He
           is
           the
           head
           ,
           and
           you
           are
           the
           members
           ,
           if
           you
           are
           Beleevers
           :
           Now
           ,
           the
           body
           grows
           by
           influence
           from
           the
           head
           .
           Truly
           ,
           our
           growth
           ,
           it
           springs
           up
           from
           union
           with
           Christ
           ;
           
             If
             you
             abide
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             words
             abide
             in
             you
             ,
          
           then
           it
           shall
           be
           well
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           you
           hold
           the
           head
           :
           'T
           is
           an
           excellent
           expression
           you
           have
           in
           2
           Collos.
           the
           Apostle
           useth
           that
           expression
           ,
           
             of
             holding
             the
             head
          
           ;
           by
           vertue
           of
           which
           holding
           the
           head
           ,
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           an
           increasing
           with
           all
           the
           
             increase
             of
             God
          
           :
           When
           thou
           art
           well
           skilled
           in
           this
           mysterie
           of
           holding
           the
           head
           ,
           in
           a
           dependance
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           drawing
           every
           day
           from
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           not
           contenting
           himself
           with
           what
           he
           hath
           received
           ,
           but
           is
           still
           drawing
           and
           sucking
           from
           Christ
           ,
           the
           breasts
           of
           Christ.
           He
           is
           in
           the
           proper
           way
           of
           proficiency
           ,
           and
           improvement
           in
           Grace
           .
           These
           are
           not
           empty
           notions
           ;
           no
           ,
           they
           are
           the
           things
           of
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           spirit
           of
           Wisdom
           doth
           suggest
           them
           to
           you
           ,
           and
           therefore
           let
           them
           be
           accordingly
           regarded
           and
           heeded
           by
           you
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           ,
           and
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           In
           order
           to
           that
           ,
           I
           will
           tell
           you
           what
           will
           be
           a
           a
           good
           conducement
           ;
           labour
           to
           make
           it
           sure
           that
           you
           
           have
           Grace
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           be
           very
           much
           in
           that
           inquiry
           into
           your selves
           ;
           so
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           may
           be
           clear
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           the
           true
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           you
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           the
           true
           Grace
           of
           God
           wherein
           you
           stand
           .
           This
           is
           a
           good
           conducement
           to
           proficiency
           ,
           and
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           when
           you
           come
           to
           know
           that
           there
           is
           a
           work
           begun
           :
           For
           mark
           you
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           a
           man
           be
           about
           a
           building
           ,
           and
           do
           question
           whether
           the
           foundation
           be
           well
           laid
           yea
           or
           no
           ;
           truly
           ,
           he
           can
           never
           go
           on
           so
           clearly
           ,
           and
           so
           dexterously
           in
           the
           carrying
           on
           of
           the
           building
           .
           But
           if
           so
           be
           that
           he
           be
           well
           perswaded
           ,
           sufficiently
           satisfied
           concerning
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           foundation
           is
           well
           laid
           ;
           this
           will
           strengthen
           his
           hands
           for
           to
           go
           on
           in
           the
           work
           .
           —
           If
           so
           be
           that
           a
           man
           be
           upon
           a
           journey
           ,
           and
           question
           whether
           he
           be
           in
           the
           right
           way
           or
           no
           ;
           he
           hath
           begun
           the
           journey
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           doubting
           whether
           he
           be
           in
           the
           right
           way
           yea
           or
           no
           ;
           this
           will
           put
           him
           to
           a
           puzzel
           ,
           and
           make
           him
           to
           be
           fluctuating
           ,
           and
           hesitating
           ;
           had
           I
           best
           go
           on
           ,
           I
           doubt
           whether
           I
           be
           in
           the
           right
           way
           yea
           or
           no
           ?
           this
           will
           cause
           slackness
           of
           his
           motion
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           be
           sure
           that
           he
           is
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           much
           to
           the
           incouraging
           of
           him
           to
           make
           a
           further
           progress
           .
           So
           if
           I
           find
           ,
           and
           am
           sure
           that
           this
           be
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           Grace
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           it
           ;
           this
           will
           cause
           us
           to
           labour
           after
           the
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           Eighthly
           ,
           You
           are
           to
           be
           upon
           the
           Faithful
           and
           diligent
           exercise
           of
           what
           you
           have
           :
           The
           reason
           why
           we
           have
           no
           more
           Faith
           is
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           not
           more
           upon
           the
           exercise
           of
           that
           Faith
           which
           we
           have
           :
           We
           speak
           of
           trusting
           in
           God
           ;
           Alas
           ,
           how
           few
           are
           there
           of
           us
           ,
           that
           do
           any
           thing
           to
           purpose
           in
           the
           exercise
           of
           our
           trust
           ,
           and
           beleeving
           ?
           
           exercising
           Faith
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           Covenant
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           concerning
           pardon
           of
           sin
           ,
           sanctification
           :
           why
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           exercising
           what
           Grace
           we
           have
           already
           received
           ;
           w●…
           improve
           no
           more
           ;
           —
           the
           promise
           is
           a
           faithful
           promise
           ,
           and
           God
           will
           be
           true
           to
           it
           ;
           
             He
             that
             hath
             ,
             to
             him
             shall
             be
             given
             :
          
           He
           that
           hath
           ,
           —
           what
           's
           that
           ?
           he
           that
           hath
           ,
           and
           useth
           ;
           for
           we
           must
           needs
           understand
           it
           in
           that
           sense
           :
           He
           speaks
           of
           the
           man
           that
           had
           the
           Talent
           ,
           and
           had
           imployed
           it
           ,
           had
           gain'd
           five
           talents
           ;
           he
           had
           imployed
           his
           talent
           ,
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           give
           him
           the
           other
           talent
           ;
           for
           to
           him
           that
           hath
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           hath
           ,
           and
           doth
           use
           ,
           and
           imploy
           what
           he
           hath
           ,
           to
           him
           shall
           be
           given
           .
           If
           we
           would
           now
           but
           set
           our selves
           seriously
           ,
           and
           consideringly
           upon
           this
           business
           ,
           and
           exercise
           ,
           and
           imploy
           what
           Grace
           God
           hath
           given
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           confident
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           come
           in
           with
           the
           inlargeings
           of
           his
           spirit
           .
        
         
           Ninthly
           ,
           Our
           duty
           is
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           to
           be
           constant
           in
           our
           attendance
           upon
           such
           means
           which
           God
           hath
           appointed
           for
           such
           a
           purpose
           ;
           Word
           ,
           and
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           other
           Gospel-ordinances
           ,
           as
           we
           lye
           fair
           for
           the
           injoyment
           of
           them
           .
           Truly
           ,
           these
           means
           are
           provided
           for
           this
           very
           purpose
           ,
           that
           Christians
           may
           grow
           :
           God
           hath
           set
           up
           a
           ministry
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           bring
           persons
           ,
           that
           were
           strangers
           to
           Grace
           ,
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           it
           ;
           but
           that
           ,
           being
           brought
           to
           partake
           of
           Grace
           ,
           they
           may
           come
           to
           be
           increased
           in
           Grace
           :
           Christ
           ascended
           up
           on
           high
           ,
           and
           gave
           gifts
           unto
           men
           ,
           for
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           for
           the
           planting
           of
           the
           Saints
           :
           and
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           sound
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Gospel
           upon
           our
           hearts
           ,
           to
           bring
           us
           from
           
           darkness
           to
           light
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           power
           of
           Satan
           to
           God
           ;
           When
           we
           have
           found
           the
           efficacy
           of
           the
           ordinances
           to
           begin
           Grace
           ,
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           attend
           them
           still
           ;
           that
           that
           Grace
           being
           begun
           ,
           may
           by
           the
           same
           means
           ,
           be
           increased
           unto
           the
           day
           of
           perfection
           .
           This
           is
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           we
           may
           be
           confident
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           when
           Christians
           come
           to
           Gods
           means
           ,
           propounding
           Gods
           ends
           ,
           (
           mark
           what
           I
           say
           )
           and
           accordingly
           ,
           wisely
           ,
           judiciously
           ,
           and
           conscientiously
           applying
           to
           the
           means
           ,
           to
           such
           ends
           and
           purposes
           ;
           they
           may
           be
           confident
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           come
           in
           with
           a
           blessing
           :
           for
           God
           doth
           delight
           to
           crown
           his
           own
           means
           ,
           to
           prosper
           his
           own
           prescriptions
           ;
           he
           loves
           to
           see
           his
           meat
           that
           he
           gives
           his
           children
           ,
           to
           prove
           their
           nourishment
           ,
           their
           physick
           to
           promote
           their
           health
           ;
           God
           loves
           to
           see
           his
           means
           that
           he
           provides
           for
           the
           good
           of
           souls
           ,
           to
           see
           them
           succesful
           .
           Consider
           ,
           can
           you
           think
           so
           dishonourably
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           the
           most
           blessed
           God
           ;
           that
           he
           should
           provide
           a
           Ministry
           ,
           continue
           it
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           continue
           his
           people
           in
           their
           attendance
           upon
           it
           ?
           what
           ,
           meerly
           that
           they
           might
           keep
           on
           in
           a
           formalizing
           course
           ,
           and
           be
           never
           the
           better
           .
           Or
           ,
           can
           we
           think
           so
           dishonourably
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           go
           and
           tye
           us
           to
           hear
           ,
           and
           attend
           the
           Ministry
           of
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           Grace
           ,
           and
           withhold
           his
           blessing
           ,
           while
           we
           do
           conscienciously
           and
           judiciously
           apply
           our selves
           to
           such
           means
           ?
           —
           Can
           we
           think
           so
           dishonourably
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           will
           suspend
           his
           working
           ?
           Ah
           Brethren
           !
           the
           Lord
           delights
           to
           meet
           them
           with
           his
           blessing
           ,
           that
           remember
           him
           in
           his
           waies
           :
           Do
           but
           think
           of
           that
           passage
           in
           Isa.
           64.
           and
           look
           that
           Text
           full
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           and
           hear
           what
           it
           speaks
           to
           you
           ;
           
             Thou
             meetest
             him
             that
             rejoyceth
             ,
             and
             worketh
             righteousness
             ;
             those
          
           
           
             that
             remember
             thee
             in
             thy
             waies
             :
          
           mark
           it
           ,
           Thou
           meetest
           them
           ;
           —
           to
           what
           purpose
           ?
           —
           why
           ,
           to
           prosper
           them
           ,
           to
           command
           thy
           blessing
           upon
           them
           .
           I
           ,
           undoubtedly
           ,
           if
           we
           did
           but
           propound
           this
           to
           our selves
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           attend
           the
           Ordinances
           ;
           think
           thus
           with
           our selves
           ,
           why
           God
           hath
           set
           up
           this
           Ministry
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           his
           peoples
           souls
           might
           prosper
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           thrive
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           grow
           rich
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           improve
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Holyness
           ,
           and
           Love
           ,
           (
           and
           the
           like
           ;
           )
           God
           hath
           given
           this
           ,
           that
           there
           might
           be
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           the
           perfecting
           of
           my
           Soul.
           I
           go
           to
           this
           means
           ,
           I
           attend
           this
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           attend
           in
           expectation
           of
           a
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           it
           ;
           I
           will
           wait
           upon
           God
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           expect
           his
           blessing
           ,
           and
           reckon
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           for
           these
           means
           ;
           't
           is
           God's
           means
           ,
           and
           he
           loves
           to
           be
           found
           in
           his
           own
           way
           ,
           and
           to
           bless
           and
           prosper
           his
           own
           appointments
           .
           Oh
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           would
           conduce
           exceeding
           much
           to
           proficiency
           in
           Faith
           and
           Godlyness
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           but
           go
           this
           way
           to
           work
           .
           But
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           Friends
           ,
           our
           formality
           spoyls
           us
           ;
           it
           's
           a
           most
           lamentable
           thing
           to
           consider
           ,
           what
           formalizing
           spirits
           many
           of
           us
           have
           :
           Will
           you
           but
           mind
           this
           that
           I
           say
           ?
           I
           would
           I
           might
           not
           have
           that
           occasion
           that
           sometimes
           we
           have
           in
           the
           way
           of
           our
           preaching
           ,
           to
           speak
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ;
           people
           come
           together
           ,
           and
           profess
           to
           pray
           ,
           (
           as
           that
           's
           one
           part
           of
           our
           publick
           ministry
           ;
           )
           yet
           ,
           how
           many
           are
           there
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           scarce
           ever
           close
           with
           one
           petition
           in
           a
           whole
           prayer
           ;
           your
           eyes
           are
           wandering
           ,
           and
           thoughts
           are
           roving
           .
           Do
           not
           your
           consciences
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           of
           a
           truth
           ,
           you
           make
           nothing
           of
           this
           duty
           ?
           but
           you
           can
           gaze
           ,
           and
           wander
           ,
           and
           look
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           that
           way
           ,
           and
           
           discover
           to
           others
           an
           unfixed
           heart
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           mind
           not
           the
           business
           that
           you
           are
           transacting
           .
           What
           's
           this
           ,
           but
           formalizing
           ?
           as
           if
           we
           came
           to
           set
           out
           a
           prayer
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           bear
           a
           part
           in
           prayer
           .
           —
           —
           And
           so
           for
           hearing
           ;
           with
           what
           a
           formalizing
           spirit
           are
           we
           many
           times
           ?
           we
           can
           hear
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           not
           at
           all
           concerned
           in
           any
           thing
           that
           's
           spoken
           ;
           never
           considering
           of
           the
           ordinances
           in
           reference
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           that
           that
           hath
           the
           stamp
           of
           his
           Authority
           upon
           it
           :
           O
           this
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           be
           not
           the
           more
           merciful
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           the
           ruine
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           
             This
             Plague
             Formality
          
           .
           We
           have
           got
           a
           course
           of
           going
           to
           Church
           ,
           (
           as
           you
           use
           to
           say
           )
           and
           keep
           on
           a
           course
           ,
           and
           go
           in
           account
           for
           prosessors
           ;
           but
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           the
           heart
           little
           with
           God
           ,
           if
           any
           thing
           at
           all
           ,
           not
           raised
           up
           to
           God
           ,
           not
           set
           to
           injoyment
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           holding
           communion
           with
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           never
           come
           to
           settle
           upon
           this
           thought
           ;
           why
           ,
           this
           is
           Gods
           means
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           provided
           for
           my
           improving
           in
           Faith
           and
           Godliness
           .
           I
           do
           profess
           ,
           for
           my
           own
           part
           ,
           I
           do
           not
           know
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           what
           to
           speak
           more
           to
           the
           purpose
           ,
           as
           touching
           this
           Agument
           ,
           which
           is
           an
           Argument
           ,
           that
           doth
           most
           neerly
           concern
           all
           that
           are
           partakers
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           for
           to
           look
           after
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           Your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           Now
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           do
           so
           ,
           I
           would
           offer
           this
           to
           your
           consideration
           ;
           (
           Do
           but
           rationally
           weigh
           these
           things
           that
           I
           now
           offer
           to
           you
           ;
           )
           You
           that
           have
           Grace
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           That
           you
           may
           do
           so
           ,
           study
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           the
           Glory
           that
           is
           to
           be
           revealed
           :
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           I
           look
           upon
           it
           ,
           as
           that
           that
           is
           beyond
           all
           controversie
           ,
           that
           well
           raised
           apprehensions
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           the
           Glorious
           estate
           there
           ,
           will
           
           make
           us
           to
           put
           spurs
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           set
           on
           with
           diligence
           and
           care
           .
           If
           we
           did
           but
           know
           the
           interpretation
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           what
           Heaven
           is
           ;
           we
           get
           a
           notion
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           but
           know
           not
           what
           it
           is
           ;
           what
           it
           is
           to
           be
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           to
           injoy
           God
           in
           Glory
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           to
           be
           with
           Christ
           and
           Angels
           ,
           what
           it
           is
           to
           be
           in
           the
           possession
           of
           those
           blessed
           mansions
           above
           !
           If
           we
           did
           but
           study
           Heaven
           more
           ,
           certainly
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           us
           put
           on
           with
           more
           diligence
           ,
           look
           about
           us
           ,
           and
           set
           us
           upon
           a
           vigorous
           performance
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           increase
           in
           it
           .
           Consider
           a
           little
           ,
           —
           you
           that
           have
           Grace
           ;
           you
           are
           entituled
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           't
           is
           your
           inheritance
           ,
           the
           portion
           which
           your
           Father
           hath
           set
           out
           for
           you
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           this
           Inheritance
           ?
           —
           It
           is
           an
           inheritance
           incorruptible
           ,
           undefiled
           ,
           that
           fadeth
           not
           away
           .
           —
           There
           is
           in
           Heaven
           the
           vision
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           most
           Glorious
           God
           ;
           —
           There
           is
           a
           Communion
           ,
           an
           everlasting
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           a
           following
           of
           the
           Lamb
           for
           evermore
           .
           —
           There
           is
           the
           injoyment
           of
           sweetest
           communion
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           with
           Angels
           ,
           and
           glorified
           Saints
           :
           —
           There
           is
           such
           Glory
           ,
           as
           eye
           hath
           not
           seen
           ,
           ear
           hath
           not
           heard
           ,
           it
           cannot
           enter
           into
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           to
           conceive
           :
           It
           is
           an
           amazing
           thing
           ,
           what
           the
           state
           of
           Heaven
           is
           !
           what
           the
           Glory
           that
           is
           there
           to
           be
           injoyed
           !
           —
           There
           is
           fulness
           of
           joy
           ,
           and
           pleasures
           for
           evermore
           !
           If
           so
           be
           that
           a
           man
           would
           but
           think
           of
           this
           ;
           O!
           is
           Heaven
           such
           a
           place
           !
           such
           a
           holy
           ,
           pure
           place
           !
           is
           there
           so
           much
           of
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           appearing
           there
           !
           This
           will
           make
           a
           man
           to
           argue
           thus
           with
           himself
           ;
           Good
           Lord
           ,
           what
           manner
           of
           person
           should
           I
           be
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           be
           fit
           for
           to
           come
           there
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           be
           fit
           to
           set
           ●…y
           foot
           upon
           that
           holy
           Ground
           !
           O
           ,
           what
           manner
           
           of
           person
           ought
           I
           to
           be
           !
           how
           shall
           I
           endeavour
           to
           be
           purged
           ,
           and
           cleansed
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           in
           the
           1
           Epist.
           Joh.
           3.
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             He
             that
             hath
             this
             hope
             in
             him
             ,
             he
             purifies
             himself
             ,
             as
             God
             is
             pure
             .
          
           Such
           and
           such
           a
           thing
           is
           Heaven
           ,
           there
           is
           such
           glory
           and
           beauty
           there
           ,
           such
           glorious
           objects
           to
           behold
           ,
           and
           such
           delights
           and
           pleasures
           to
           be
           injoyed
           !
           what
           manner
           of
           person
           ought
           I
           to
           be
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           be
           meet
           to
           be
           partaker
           of
           the
           inheritance
           of
           the
           Saints
           in
           light
           ?
           Certainly
           ,
           the
           thoughts
           of
           Heaven
           being
           well
           digested
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           to
           set
           on
           ,
           and
           be
           a
           conducement
           to
           an
           advance
           in
           Grace
           and
           Holiness
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           Lastly
           ,
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           Suppose
           you
           have
           it
           in
           the
           beginnings
           of
           it
           ;
           O
           ,
           bless
           God
           for
           what
           you
           have
           ;
           but
           withal
           ,
           pray
           that
           you
           may
           have
           more
           :
           
             Prayer
             doth
             net
             obtain
             the
             first
             Grace
             :
          
           You
           do
           not
           ●…et
           the
           first
           Grace
           by
           prayer
           ;
           for
           a
           man
           cannot
           pray
           ,
           to
           speak
           of
           prayer
           according
           to
           the
           proper
           use
           of
           it
           ;
           there
           's
           no
           man
           can
           pray
           till
           he
           have
           Grace
           .
           There
           may
           be
           something
           done
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           a
           common
           conviction
           ;
           a
           person
           ,
           that
           's
           convinc'd
           of
           his
           cursed
           estate
           ,
           and
           terrified
           upon
           the
           conviction
           and
           apprehension
           ;
           he
           may
           come
           to
           send
           out
           some
           kind
           of
           desires
           ;
           O
           ,
           I
           would
           it
           were
           better
           with
           me
           for
           all
           that
           ;
           I
           see
           my
           condition
           is
           very
           bad
           ,
           and
           sad
           ,
           and
           naught
           :
           But
           a
           true
           desire
           after
           Grace
           ,
           cannot
           be
           ,
           till
           there
           be
           something
           of
           Grace
           in
           truth
           ,
           The
           first
           Grace
           ,
           it
           comes
           not
           upon
           our
           prayer
           ;
           but
           to
           be
           sure
           ,
           the
           after
           Grace
           is
           to
           be
           fetch'd
           in
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           means
           of
           prayer
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           are
           to
           ply
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           exhorts
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             ●…me
             boldly
             to
             the
             Throne
             of
             Grace
          
           ;
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           to
           the
           God
           of
           Grace
           ,
           
             that
             we
             may
             obtain
          
           
           
             mercy
             ,
             and
             find
             Grace
          
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           find
           more
           Grace
           ,
           Heb.
           4.
           
           O
           Lord
           ,
           thou
           hast
           stil'd
           thy self
           a
           God
           of
           Grace
           ;
           and
           thou
           hast
           made
           a
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ;
           and
           thou
           hast
           ordered
           out
           thy
           Son
           ,
           as
           a
           Fountain
           full
           of
           Grace
           ;
           and
           thou
           hast
           made
           promises
           of
           Grace
           :
           O
           Lord
           ,
           bestow
           more
           Grace
           ;
           O
           Lord
           ,
           hold
           not
           thy
           hand
           :
           the
           Disciples
           ,
           they
           cry
           out
           ,
           
             O
             Lord
             ,
             increase
             our
             Faith
             :
          
           the
           poor
           man
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           breaks
           out
           with
           tears
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             I
             believe
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             help
             my
             unbelief
             .
          
           Lord
           ,
           I
           have
           a
           little
           love
           to
           thee
           ,
           O
           ,
           let
           my
           love
           increase
           ;
           Lord
           ,
           let
           my
           Faith
           increase
           ;
           Lord
           ,
           let
           my
           Holiness
           be
           more
           and
           more
           increased
           ;
           Lord
           ,
           let
           there
           be
           more
           and
           more
           :
           You
           have
           a
           promise
           ,
           
             Open
             thy
             mouth
             wide
             ,
             I
             will
             fill
             it
             .
          
           These
           things
           now
           I
           have
           suggested
           to
           you
           ,
           and
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           commend
           them
           in
           as
           pressing
           a
           way
           as
           I
           can
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           perform
           your
           duty
           ,
           as
           touching
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           I
           would
           now
           have
           spoken
           something
           by
           way
           of
           encouraging
           Arguments
           ;
           only
           thus
           at
           present
           .
        
         
           I
           would
           have
           you
           to
           consider
           what
           a
           mercy
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           make
           this
           the
           matter
           of
           your
           duty
           ;
           you
           ,
           that
           are
           gracious
           persons
           ,
           upon
           whom
           he
           hath
           bestowed
           any
           Grace
           :
           what
           a
           mercy
           of
           God
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           make
           this
           one
           of
           your
           duties
           ,
           and
           require
           this
           of
           you
           as
           a
           point
           of
           duty
           ,
           that
           you
           should
           grow
           in
           Grace
           :
           as
           if
           a
           great
           man
           should
           say
           to
           a
           poor
           ,
           one
           that
           he
           hath
           set
           his
           love
           upon
           ,
           Friend
           ,
           I
           have
           freely
           given
           thee
           100
           l.
           as
           a
           stock
           to
           begin
           the
           World
           ,
           now
           ,
           go
           thy
           waies
           ,
           and
           imploy
           this
           100
           l.
           and
           see
           what
           improvement
           thou
           canst
           make
           of
           it
           :
           and
           I
           require
           this
           of
           thee
           ,
           that
           thou
           do
           advance
           in
           thy
           estate
           ;
           and
           if
           thou
           needest
           100
           l.
           more
           ,
           or
           three
           or
           four
           hundred
           pound
           more
           ,
           
           come
           to
           me
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           supply
           thee
           still
           ;
           for
           I
           would
           have
           thee
           to
           grow
           rich
           :
           you
           would
           think
           this
           were
           a
           high
           act
           of
           courtesie
           and
           kindness
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           should
           do
           so
           :
           Friend
           ,
           I
           charge
           you
           ,
           see
           that
           you
           grow
           rich
           ;
           you
           have
           so
           much
           in
           stock
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           supply
           you
           still
           with
           more
           and
           more
           :
           but
           only
           do
           you
           look
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           grow
           rich
           .
           Thus
           God
           doth
           in
           respect
           of
           Grace
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           deal
           thus
           with
           us
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           World
           :
           there
           are
           many
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           rich
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           decree
           ,
           and
           resolve
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           be
           rich
           ;
           I
           ,
           sometimes
           ,
           whether
           God
           will
           or
           no.
           They
           carry
           the
           matter
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           would
           be
           rich
           whether
           God
           will
           or
           no.
           They
           would
           be
           rich
           ,
           rich
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           have
           no
           warrant
           ,
           for
           God
           hath
           not
           required
           this
           of
           any
           man
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           grow
           rich
           in
           the
           World
           :
           He
           requires
           they
           should
           do
           their
           duty
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           will
           come
           in
           with
           a
           blessing
           ,
           so
           ;
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           thankful
           :
           but
           he
           doth
           not
           command
           them
           to
           be
           rich
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           but
           there
           are
           ,
           that
           will
           be
           rich
           ,
           and
           resolve
           to
           be
           rich
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           run
           themselves
           into
           snares
           and
           temptations
           ,
           and
           many
           hurtful
           and
           noysome
           lusts
           ,
           that
           drown
           mens
           souls
           in
           destruction
           .
           I
           ,
           but
           here
           's
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           to
           his
           poor
           servants
           ;
           His
           will
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           rich
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           he
           doth
           encourage
           thereunto
           ,
           by
           promising
           that
           he
           will
           prosper
           you
           in
           your
           way
           :
           He
           hath
           given
           you
           such
           a
           stock
           ,
           he
           will
           give
           you
           more
           ,
           provided
           that
           you
           do
           but
           your
           duty
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           his
           mercy
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           it
           the
           matter
           of
           your
           duty
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           And
           then
           reckon
           upon
           this
           for
           your
           encouragement
           ,
           and
           the
           quickening
           of
           you
           in
           your
           endeavours
           this
           way
           :
           To
           be
           sure
           ,
           grow
           as
           much
           
           as
           you
           can
           ,
           you
           will
           never
           grow
           too
           good
           for
           God
           ;
           you
           can
           never
           have
           too
           much
           Grace
           ,
           you
           can
           never
           have
           too
           much
           Faith
           ,
           nor
           Love
           ,
           nor
           Holiness
           ;
           Godliness
           knows
           no
           bounds
           :
           You
           can
           never
           have
           too
           much
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Holiness
           .
           When
           the
           foolish
           Virgins
           saw
           themselves
           at
           a
           loss
           ,
           as
           touching
           their
           oyle
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           the
           wise
           ,
           to
           buy
           of
           them
           ;
           nay
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           spare
           us
           there
           ,
           we
           have
           none
           to
           part
           withal
           ,
           we
           will
           keep
           what
           we
           have
           gotten
           ,
           lest
           we
           should
           not
           have
           enough
           for
           us
           and
           you
           .
           And
           so
           make
           account
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           when
           you
           have
           grown
           as
           high
           in
           Grace
           as
           you
           can
           ,
           you
           will
           have
           no
           over-pluss
           ,
           you
           will
           have
           none
           to
           spare
           .
        
      
       
         
           SERM.
           VIII
           .
        
         
           IT
           is
           God's
           great
           mercy
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           any
           in
           the
           World
           which
           have
           any
           Grace
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           should
           make
           such
           a
           pleasant
           and
           precious
           plant
           to
           take
           root
           ,
           and
           spring
           up
           in
           such
           a
           soyl
           as
           the
           soul
           is
           ,
           so
           barren
           of
           all
           good
           ,
           and
           so
           unapt
           to
           receive
           any
           good
           .
           Now
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           God's
           mercy
           that
           any
           have
           Grace
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           their
           duty
           that
           have
           it
           ,
           for
           to
           grow
           in
           it
           :
           and
           this
           duty
           you
           have
           been
           over
           and
           over
           charged
           with
           .
           But
           I
           shall
           now
           come
           to
           what
           remains
           to
           be
           spoken
           concerning
           this
           Argument
           ,
           which
           I
           shall
           give
           a
           brief
           account
           of
           ;
           and
           then
           come
           to
           what
           follows
           in
           the
           Text.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           further
           encouragements
           unto
           the
           lively
           and
           vigorous
           prosecution
           of
           this
           matter
           ;
           a
           strenuous
           
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           the
           incouragements
           ,
           they
           are
           very
           great
           ;
           and
           I
           desire
           that
           you
           may
           know
           the
           force
           ,
           and
           power
           ,
           and
           vertue
           of
           them
           in
           your
           own
           hearts
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           If
           so
           be
           that
           you
           do
           indeed
           make
           it
           your
           business
           ,
           and
           do
           endeavour
           this
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           shall
           do
           so
           ,
           (
           as
           you
           are
           very
           like
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           if
           you
           endeavour
           after
           it
           ,
           )
           you
           will
           have
           this
           advantage
           ,
           you
           will
           not
           be
           altogether
           so
           apt
           to
           be
           unsetled
           in
           your
           apprehensions
           concerning
           your
           state
           ;
           you
           will
           not
           be
           so
           much
           upon
           the
           questioning
           point
           concerning
           the
           truth
           and
           reality
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           you
           ,
           as
           many
           are
           :
           when
           you
           come
           to
           be
           of
           some
           considerable
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           when
           you
           come
           to
           have
           much
           Faith
           ,
           and
           much
           Love
           ,
           and
           much
           Holyness
           ,
           much
           of
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           you
           will
           not
           be
           so
           apt
           to
           be
           questioning
           the
           point
           ,
           and
           fluctuating
           in
           your
           souls
           concerning
           your
           Grace
           ;
           but
           you
           will
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           against
           temptations
           of
           that
           kind
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           make
           your
           confident
           avouchments
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           if
           you
           be
           questioned
           about
           your
           
             Faith
             ;
             Yea
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             knowest
             I
             do
             believe
             .
          
           —
           Be
           questioned
           about
           your
           Love
           ,
           as
           Peter
           was
           ,
           Simon
           ,
           lovest
           thou
           me
           ?
           
             Yea
             Lord
             ,
             th●…u
             knowest
             I
             love
             thee
             .
          
           And
           truly
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           great
           advantage
           that
           will
           come
           over
           to
           us
           by
           improvement
           in
           Grace
           ;
           for
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           soundness
           of
           Grace
           ,
           it
           doth
           appear
           by
           its
           growth
           :
           it
           is
           a
           clear
           demonstration
           that
           a
           plant
           lives
           ,
           w●…n
           it
           grows
           :
           it
           may
           live
           ,
           and
           yet
           there
           be
           no
           discovery
           of
           its
           growth
           ;
           but
           when
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           plain
           demonstration
           ,
           that
           the
           plant
           is
           alive
           :
           and
           this
           benefit
           will
           come
           over
           ,
           by
           growing
           in
           Grace
           .
           And
           ,
           while
           poor
           weaklings
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           are
           of
           low
           attainments
           ,
           and
           are
           apt
           to
           please
           
           themselves
           in
           their
           lower
           measures
           ,
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           be
           shaken
           by
           every
           wind
           of
           temptation
           ,
           and
           be
           put
           upon
           the
           questioning
           point
           upon
           every
           occasion
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           any
           Grace
           in
           them
           ,
           yea
           or
           no.
           They
           that
           have
           but
           a
           little
           Faith
           ,
           a
           little
           Grace
           ;
           they
           will
           be
           apt
           ever
           and
           anon
           ,
           to
           be
           fluctuating
           in
           their
           spirits
           ,
           and
           doubting
           within
           themselves
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           any
           thing
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Grace
           in
           them
           .
           Well-grown
           Christians
           ,
           will
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           a
           holy
           confidence
           ,
           that
           of
           a
           truth
           ,
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           is
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           This
           incouragement
           we
           have
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           God
           will
           be
           the
           more
           glorified
           ,
           Christ
           will
           be
           the
           more
           magnified
           ,
           the
           Gospel
           will
           be
           the
           more
           credited
           ;
           the
           more
           we
           have
           of
           Grace
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           quit
           our selves
           honourably
           in
           our
           way
           of
           duty
           ,
           in
           our
           way
           of
           ,
           suffering
           :
           Herein
           is
           our
           Father
           Glorified
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           much
           fruit
           ,
           and
           bring
           forth
           much
           fruit
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           God
           will
           glory
           in
           such
           ,
           and
           make
           his
           boast
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           of
           Iob
           ;
           Do'st
           thou
           not
           see
           my
           servant
           Iob
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           not
           a
           man
           like
           him
           in
           the
           earth
           ,
           an
           upright
           ,
           and
           a
           perfect
           man
           ,
           one
           that
           seareth
           God
           ,
           and
           escheweth
           evil
           ?
           The
           Lord
           doth
           make
           a
           holy
           boast
           of
           his
           eminent
           servant
           ,
           that
           was
           so
           raised
           up
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           Holyness
           :
           And
           you
           know
           what
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           concerning
           the
           woman
           of
           
             Canaan
             ;
             O
             woman
             ,
             great
             is
             thy
             Faith
             !
             be
             it
             unto
             thee
             ,
             even
             as
             thou
             will.
          
           Truly
           ,
           there
           is
           very
           much
           in
           that
           to
           consider
           of
           :
           men
           and
           women
           of
           advanced
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           ;
           O!
           how
           Christ
           doth
           Glory
           in
           them
           !
           and
           what
           is
           it
           that
           he
           can
           deny
           them
           
             Be
             it
             unto
             thee
             even
             as
             th●…u
             wilt
          
           ;
           draw
           
           thy
           requests
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           under-write
           them
           ,
           I
           will
           say
           amen
           to
           them
           :
           what
           ,
           can
           God
           deny
           a
           soul
           that
           is
           improved
           in
           Grace
           ?
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           such
           are
           like
           to
           have
           the
           highest
           communications
           from
           God
           :
           for
           this
           we
           may
           well
           think
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           order
           out
           his
           communications
           of
           mercy
           and
           comfort
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           capacities
           ;
           the
           larger
           the
           vessel
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           liquor
           it
           takes
           in
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           ,
           the
           more
           shall
           there
           be
           communicated
           unto
           it
           .
           Narrow
           hearts
           are
           like
           to
           have
           but
           little
           ,
           because
           they
           can
           receive
           but
           little
           ;
           they
           are
           little
           in
           capacity
           ,
           and
           are
           like
           to
           be
           accordingly
           ;
           but
           little
           in
           the
           communication
           that
           shall
           be
           made
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           This
           will
           be
           our
           encouragement
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           we
           shall
           by
           this
           means
           credit
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           credit
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           encourage
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           strengthen
           the
           hands
           of
           those
           that
           are
           faithful
           in
           their
           work
           ;
           whose
           ambition
           should
           be
           to
           see
           those
           that
           wait
           upon
           God
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Ministry
           ,
           to
           be
           improving
           ,
           and
           thriving
           ,
           and
           growing
           Heaven-ward
           :
           O
           ,
           how
           much
           is
           it
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           credit
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           encouragement
           of
           the
           servants
           of
           Christ
           ;
           when
           they
           can
           see
           those
           that
           wait
           upon
           God
           in
           their
           way
           ,
           to
           be
           upon
           an
           improvement
           .
           It
           's
           the
           comfort
           of
           a
           Nurse
           ,
           to
           see
           the
           child
           thrive
           and
           prosper
           ;
           it
           's
           the
           comfort
           of
           a
           Minister
           ,
           to
           see
           the
           people
           that
           wait
           upon
           his
           Ministry
           ,
           to
           be
           increased
           with
           the
           increase
           of
           God
           ;
           better'd
           by
           every
           Sermon
           ,
           better'd
           by
           every
           Ordinance
           that
           is
           dispenc'd
           unto
           them
           :
           Surely
           ,
           if
           Paul
           were
           on
           earth
           ,
           and
           had
           to
           deal
           with
           such
           kind
           of
           persons
           ,
           that
           were
           good
           proficients
           ,
           he
           would
           glory
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           make
           his
           boast
           of
           them
           :
           so
           he
           doth
           of
           the
           Thessalonians
           ,
           
           in
           the
           2
           Epist.
           1
           Chap.
           where
           having
           spoken
           of
           them
           ,
           of
           their
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Charity
           ;
           we
           glory
           in
           you
           ,
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           in
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           7.
           
           Consider
           thus
           for
           incouragement
           ,
           for
           an
           endeavouring
           after
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           such
           persons
           are
           not
           so
           likely
           to
           be
           startled
           and
           affrighted
           ,
           and
           unsetled
           upon
           occasion
           of
           amazing
           ,
           terrifying
           ,
           and
           astonishing
           providences
           :
           and
           when
           there
           are
           frowns
           in
           the
           face
           of
           providences
           ,
           which
           others
           are
           not
           well
           able
           to
           behold
           ;
           improved
           souls
           ,
           such
           as
           are
           well
           underlaid
           with
           Grace
           ,
           and
           are
           of
           a
           considerable
           growth
           ,
           they
           are
           of
           all
           others
           ,
           the
           most
           likely
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           courage
           and
           confidence
           ,
           and
           holy
           resolution
           ,
           and
           to
           out-face
           all
           difficulties
           and
           dangers
           ;
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           as
           the
           three
           Children
           ,
           O
           King
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           careful
           to
           answer
           thee
           in
           this
           matter
           .
           When
           poor
           weaklings
           are
           apt
           to
           flye
           before
           an
           enemy
           ,
           and
           to
           shrink
           at
           the
           sight
           of
           a
           trouble
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           their
           hearts
           desponding
           ,
           and
           fall
           down
           within
           them
           ;
           well
           improved
           souls
           ,
           that
           are
           advanc'd
           in
           Grace
           ,
           they
           are
           likely
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           courage
           and
           confidence
           ,
           and
           to
           behave
           themselves
           as
           Caleb
           did
           :
           when
           others
           of
           the
           searchers
           were
           sent
           to
           see
           the
           Land
           ,
           their
           hearts
           begin
           to
           fail
           them
           at
           the
           sons
           of
           Anack
           ;
           Come
           ,
           saith
           Ioshua
           ,
           let
           not
           us
           fear
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           bread
           for
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           feed
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           shall
           do
           us
           no
           hurt
           ,
           their
           strength
           is
           departed
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           to
           work
           out
           salvation
           for
           us
           .
           Such
           a
           man
           is
           one
           that
           God
           would
           glory
           in
           ,
           that
           will
           not
           startel
           at
           troubles
           when
           they
           fasten
           on
           him
           ,
           but
           bears
           up
           with
           resolution
           of
           spirit
           ;
           and
           such
           are
           like
           to
           do
           so
           ;
           that
           are
           well
           improved
           in
           Grace
           ,
           as
           Caleb
           was
           .
        
         
         
           8.
           
           Consider
           this
           ,
           that
           if
           you
           do
           grow
           ,
           and
           increase
           ;
           you
           are
           likely
           ,
           when
           you
           come
           to
           dye
           ;
           to
           dye
           with
           the
           greatest
           comfort
           ,
           and
           joy
           ,
           and
           boldness
           towards
           God.
           Truly
           ,
           we
           may
           well
           think
           ,
           that
           those
           that
           have
           the
           greatest
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           greatest
           Love
           ,
           and
           the
           greatest
           measure
           of
           Holyness
           ,
           they
           are
           like
           to
           dye
           with
           the
           greatest
           comfort
           and
           triumph
           .
           I
           do
           not
           say
           that
           it
           is
           alwaies
           so
           ;
           God
           may
           ,
           and
           doth
           ,
           it
           's
           like
           ,
           sometimes
           ,
           for
           ends
           and
           purposes
           best
           known
           to
           himself
           ,
           suffer
           some
           of
           his
           most
           eminent
           Saints
           for
           to
           dye
           ,
           and
           pass
           away
           ,
           not
           altogether
           with
           that
           splendor
           ,
           and
           with
           those
           clear
           apprehensions
           of
           his
           Love
           ;
           sometimes
           he
           is
           pleased
           so
           to
           order
           out
           for
           holy
           purposes
           .
           But
           we
           may
           well
           think
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           probability
           ,
           they
           that
           have
           gotten
           the
           most
           Grace
           ,
           are
           like
           to
           have
           the
           greatest
           comfort
           in
           the
           day
           of
           death
           ;
           and
           according
           to
           their
           sowing
           ,
           so
           shall
           their
           reaping
           be
           :
           they
           having
           sown
           plentifully
           ,
           when
           the
           Harvest
           comes
           ;
           truly
           ,
           they
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           reap
           plentifully
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           Consider
           this
           ;
           That
           whereas
           it
           's
           said
           ,
           that
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           day
           of
           Judgement
           ,
           will
           come
           to
           be
           admired
           in
           all
           them
           that
           do
           believe
           :
           Surely
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           most
           of
           all
           admired
           in
           them
           that
           have
           been
           most
           in
           their
           beleeving
           of
           him
           ;
           —
           he
           will
           be
           most
           admired
           in
           them
           that
           have
           done
           most
           in
           their
           advances
           and
           improvements
           in
           Faith
           and
           Godlyness
           .
           And
           truly
           ,
           these
           things
           being
           duly
           considered
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           well
           reckoned
           upon
           as
           so
           many
           incentives
           and
           provocations
           to
           this
           duty
           which
           we
           are
           charged
           withal
           in
           the
           Text
           ;
           that
           we
           do
           endeavour
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           .
           And
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           any
           that
           are
           able
           to
           give
           any
           good
           account
           of
           their
           improvement
           ,
           and
           increasing
           ,
           through
           
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           them
           ;
           if
           any
           of
           you
           can
           find
           that
           you
           have
           been
           made
           to
           increase
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           you
           may
           know
           it
           ,
           and
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           thankful
           acknowledgement
           of
           it
           :
           As
           David
           doth
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           138.
           
           
             In
             the
             day
             when
             I
             cried
             ,
             thou
             answered'st
             me
             ,
             and
             strengthened'st
             me
             with
             strength
             in
             my
             soul.
          
           Truly
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           willing
           and
           free
           to
           acknowledge
           the
           incomes
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           increases
           of
           God
           in
           us
           ;
           and
           how
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           for
           to
           bring
           us
           on
           from
           a
           lower
           measure
           to
           a
           higher
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           us
           an
           advance
           in
           Faith
           and
           Godlyness
           .
           Truly
           ,
           we
           should
           take
           knowledge
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           be
           free
           to
           make
           acknowledgement
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           and
           praise
           of
           Him
           that
           is
           the
           giver
           of
           all
           .
           And
           for
           such
           of
           you
           as
           are
           above
           ,
           that
           are
           of
           a
           higher
           stature
           than
           others
           of
           your
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           are
           better
           grown
           Christians
           ,
           more
           improved
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           in
           Faith
           ,
           in
           Holyness
           ,
           in
           Love
           ,
           in
           Godlyness
           ,
           and
           Grace
           ;
           to
           such
           of
           you
           ,
           I
           have
           only
           this
           to
           say
           :
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           consider
           ,
           that
           all
           you
           have
           ,
           is
           of
           free
           donation
           ;
           your
           first
           Grace
           ,
           and
           your
           second
           Grace
           ;
           the
           first
           degrees
           ,
           and
           the
           after-degrees
           ;
           they
           are
           all
           of
           Grace
           ;
           and
           therefore
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           to
           attribute
           nothing
           to
           your selves
           ,
           but
           to
           give
           the
           Glory
           of
           all
           to
           God
           :
           
             By
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             I
             am
             that
             I
             am
             ,
          
           saith
           Paul.
           If
           so
           be
           that
           I
           have
           more
           Faith
           than
           my
           Brother
           ,
           more
           Grace
           ,
           more
           Knowledge
           ,
           more
           Holyness
           ;
           I
           have
           no
           reason
           to
           boast
           of
           it
           ;
           I
           have
           much
           reason
           to
           bless
           God
           for
           it
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           boast
           ;
           for
           what
           have
           I
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           not
           received
           ?
           I
           have
           received
           the
           first
           Grace
           :
           and
           my
           endeavours
           have
           been
           used
           ,
           &
           put
           forth
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ;
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           so
           much
           to
           be
           reckoned
           to
           
           my
           endeavour
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           my
           endeavours
           ;
           and
           so
           God
           in
           all
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           glorified
           ;
           in
           all
           ,
           and
           for
           all
           ;
           for
           the
           first
           Grace
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           after
           Grace
           ;
           for
           the
           beginnings
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           increases
           of
           Grace
           :
           O
           ,
           the
           God
           of
           Grace
           is
           to
           be
           magnified
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           to
           carry
           it
           very
           humbly
           ;
           to
           take
           heed
           of
           any
           proud
           swellings
           of
           heart
           ,
           because
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           above
           your
           Brethren
           ,
           taller
           than
           they
           by
           head
           and
           shoulders
           :
           do
           not
           over-look
           weaker
           Brethren
           ,
           but
           carry
           it
           humbly
           ,
           and
           tenderly
           towards
           them
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             We
             that
             are
             strong
             ,
             ought
             to
             bear
             with
             the
             infirmities
             of
             the
             weak
             ,
          
           this
           is
           a
           becoming
           thing
           for
           a
           well-grown
           Saint
           ,
           to
           carry
           it
           with
           all
           meekness
           and
           tenderness
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           lowlyness
           of
           mind
           towards
           those
           that
           are
           his
           inferiors
           ,
           and
           short
           of
           him
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           spiritual
           stature
           in
           Christ
           :
           Despise
           not
           ,
           O
           ,
           despise
           not
           the
           small
           things
           in
           others
           ;
           if
           God
           have
           given
           you
           a
           larger
           measure
           of
           his
           Spirit
           and
           Grace
           ;
           but
           rather
           improve
           your
           strength
           for
           them
           that
           have
           not
           come
           to
           your
           pitch
           :
           if
           so
           be
           that
           you
           be
           stronger
           than
           they
           ,
           let
           them
           have
           the
           benefit
           of
           your
           strength
           ,
           knowing
           that
           they
           have
           an
           interest
           in
           your
           Graces
           ;
           and
           they
           should
           have
           the
           fruit
           and
           benefit
           of
           them
           together
           with
           you
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           withal
           ,
           such
           as
           may
           be
           improved
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           good
           growth
           ,
           let
           such
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           not
           rest
           in
           that
           which
           they
           have
           attained
           ;
           but
           still
           (
           as
           Paul
           professeth
           concerning
           himself
           )
           be
           forgetting
           what
           is
           behind
           ,
           and
           reaching
           out
           to
           that
           which
           is
           before
           ,
           pressing
           towards
           the
           mark
           ;
           because
           whatsoever
           you
           have
           ,
           yet
           you
           may
           have
           more
           ;
           and
           till
           you
           be
           perfect
           in
           Christ
           ,
           you
           must
           never
           cease
           your
           endeavours
           ,
           but
           be
           still
           pressing
           
           on
           after
           larger
           measures
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           your
           perfection
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           full
           stature
           that
           you
           are
           appointed
           to
           in
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           withal
           ,
           reckon
           upon
           this
           as
           your
           duty
           ;
           such
           as
           are
           well
           grown
           in
           Grace
           and
           Godlyness
           ;
           do
           not
           reckon
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           will
           now
           have
           freedom
           from
           temptations
           ;
           nay
           ,
           rather
           look
           for
           the
           greater
           temptations
           ,
           because
           that
           God
           doth
           usually
           lay
           the
           greatest
           burthens
           upon
           the
           strongest
           shoulders
           ,
           Weaker
           Christians
           ,
           they
           shall
           have
           their
           temptations
           proportionable
           to
           their
           strength
           :
           men
           of
           greater
           strength
           and
           abilities
           in
           Grace
           ,
           must
           reckon
           upon
           it
           to
           be
           put
           the
           harder
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           the
           greater
           tryals
           ,
           considering
           that
           they
           have
           received
           a
           greater
           measure
           of
           Grace
           than
           others
           have
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           Beloved
           ,
           I
           have
           done
           with
           this
           point
           ,
           wherein
           I
           have
           been
           somewhat
           large
           ,
           and
           have
           laid
           out
           the
           best
           of
           my
           endeavour
           ,
           that
           I
           might
           be
           so
           discours'd
           of
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           might
           come
           to
           be
           the
           more
           benefited
           by
           what
           I
           have
           had
           to
           speak
           .
           —
        
         
           You
           have
           heard
           ,
           that
           they
           that
           have
           Grace
           ,
           it
           is
           required
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           charged
           upon
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           upon
           their
           growth
           .
           Now
           remember
           ,
           O
           remember
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           the
           charge
           of
           God
           upon
           you
           ;
           you
           ,
           that
           are
           the
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           are
           called
           of
           God
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           Grace
           ,
           remember
           that
           this
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           and
           God
           doth
           require
           it
           of
           you
           .
           O
           now
           ,
           shall
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           preached
           to
           you
           from
           one
           morning
           to
           another
           ,
           pass
           away
           ?
           Let
           me
           but
           put
           it
           to
           your
           Consciences
           now
           ;
           truly
           ,
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           carrying
           on
           of
           this
           Discourse
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           there
           
           are
           some
           of
           you
           ,
           how
           many
           ,
           I
           know
           not
           :
           But
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           have
           had
           some
           convincement
           upon
           your
           Consciences
           ;
           and
           that
           you
           may
           have
           cause
           to
           smite
           upon
           your
           hearts
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           O
           wretch
           that
           I
           am
           ,
           that
           I
           should
           be
           no
           better
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           my
           estate
           in
           Grace
           should
           be
           so
           low
           !
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           had
           some
           touches
           upon
           your
           spirits
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           ;
           —
           and
           that
           withal
           ,
           you
           have
           been
           upon
           some
           resolves
           to
           set
           upon
           the
           business
           ,
           and
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           to
           a
           higher
           degree
           ;
           and
           that
           you
           may
           be
           better
           Christians
           than
           you
           have
           been
           .
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           had
           some
           movings
           upon
           your
           hearts
           ;
           hath
           it
           been
           so
           ,
           and
           will
           you
           let
           the
           cause
           fall
           again
           ?
           will
           you
           please
           your selves
           ?
           nay
           ,
           dare
           you
           please
           your selves
           in
           your
           lower
           measure
           ,
           having
           been
           convinc'd
           ,
           and
           awakened
           ,
           and
           made
           to
           apprehend
           what
           a
           blessed
           thing
           it
           is
           ,
           to
           be
           upon
           increases
           with
           the
           increase
           of
           God
           ?
           Hearing
           so
           much
           incouragement
           ,
           what
           incouragement
           there
           is
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           dare
           you
           let
           this
           matter
           fall
           down
           again
           ,
           and
           your
           hearts
           flag
           within
           ,
           and
           not
           set
           to
           it
           with
           all
           your
           might
           ;
           that
           you
           might
           come
           to
           be
           improved
           Christians
           ?
           I
           beseech
           you
           ,
           consider
           well
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           know
           ,
           that
           God
           ,
           he
           takes
           notice
           of
           every
           message
           that
           he
           sends
           unto
           you
           ,
           of
           every
           Sermon
           that
           he
           provides
           to
           be
           preached
           unto
           you
           :
           And
           ,
           O
           that
           this
           were
           but
           well
           considered
           ,
           that
           the
           Great
           God
           ,
           and
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           they
           have
           an
           eye
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           observe
           how
           we
           carry
           our selves
           after
           we
           have
           heard
           such
           a
           Sermon
           ,
           such
           a
           duty
           ;
           God
           takes
           notice
           whether
           we
           walk
           in
           any
           suitableness
           to
           what
           is
           urged
           ,
           and
           charged
           upon
           us
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           not
           be
           Complemented
           withal
           ;
           
           O
           ,
           will
           we
           make
           it
           a
           matter
           of
           meer
           complement
           ,
           to
           come
           early
           in
           a
           morning
           ,
           and
           hear
           a
           Sermon
           ,
           and
           when
           we
           have
           heard
           it
           ,
           go
           away
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           have
           had
           our
           task
           set
           us
           ,
           never
           set
           about
           it
           .
           Truly
           ,
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           say
           this
           to
           you
           ;
           you
           that
           are
           Masters
           and
           Mistresses
           ,
           you
           would
           not
           very
           well
           like
           a
           servant
           ,
           if
           he
           should
           only
           give
           you
           the
           hearing
           ;
           when
           you
           come
           ,
           and
           lay
           him
           out
           his
           work
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           my
           servant
           ,
           this
           business
           I
           would
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           that
           business
           I
           would
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           your
           servant
           is
           present
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           gives
           you
           very
           patient
           hearing
           ,
           and
           doth
           privately
           attend
           to
           your
           charge
           ;
           but
           when
           you
           have
           given
           your
           command
           ,
           and
           laid
           your
           charge
           upon
           your
           servant
           ,
           and
           said
           ,
           I
           require
           this
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           do
           such
           a
           piece
           of
           service
           at
           such
           a
           time
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           work
           of
           this
           day
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           have
           given
           you
           the
           hearing
           ,
           they
           go
           away
           ,
           and
           never
           set
           about
           their
           business
           ,
           nay
           ,
           scarce
           ever
           ,
           think
           of
           it
           after
           ;
           I
           know
           you
           would
           not
           like
           well
           of
           such
           a
           servant
           ,
           but
           think
           him
           more
           fit
           to
           be
           turned
           out
           of
           your
           service
           ,
           for
           to
           go
           and
           slight
           all
           that
           you
           require
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           charge
           upon
           them
           in
           way
           of
           duty
           and
           service
           .
           Why
           ,
           can
           you
           think
           in
           your
           Consciences
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           take
           content
           in
           such
           kind
           of
           servants
           that
           come
           to
           attend
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           receive
           his
           charge
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           signification
           made
           to
           them
           of
           their
           duty
           ;
           as
           our
           Saviour
           saith
           ,
           you
           call
           me
           Lord
           and
           Master
           ,
           and
           you
           say
           well
           ,
           for
           so
           I
           am
           .
           Now
           ,
           you
           come
           here
           ,
           and
           hear
           the
           will
           of
           your
           Lord
           ;
           and
           among
           other
           things
           ,
           he
           requires
           this
           of
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           set
           upon
           this
           great
           work
           ,
           of
           growth
           in
           Grace
           :
           Now
           ,
           if
           you
           come
           to
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           hear
           what
           his
           good
           will
           and
           pleasure
           is
           concerning
           Faith
           ;
           and
           when
           you
           go
           away
           ,
           never
           
           regard
           what
           your
           duty
           is
           ,
           nor
           what
           your
           Master
           requires
           of
           you
           ;
           but
           you
           let
           all
           alone
           ,
           and
           rest
           in
           your
           hearing
           ,
           and
           never
           go
           about
           the
           work
           and
           business
           that
           is
           required
           of
           you
           ;
           do
           you
           think
           that
           God
           and
           Christ
           will
           be
           well
           pleased
           with
           this
           ?
           O
           ,
           is
           it
           likely
           that
           Christ
           will
           say
           to
           you
           ,
           in
           the
           great
           day
           of
           account
           ;
           Well
           done
           ,
           good
           and
           Faithful
           servant
           ,
           faithful
           servant
           ,
           faithful
           servant
           ?
           why
           ,
           this
           was
           all
           ,
           thou
           gavest
           me
           the
           hearing
           ,
           but
           thou
           did'st
           not
           go
           about
           my
           business
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           our
           Preaching
           will
           come
           in
           as
           a
           witness
           against
           you
           ;
           and
           your
           hearing
           will
           be
           to
           your
           greater
           condemnation
           :
           And
           therefore
           I
           beseech
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           would
           not
           receive
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           vain
           .
           And
           so
           I
           have
           given
           now
           a
           dispatch
           unto
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           which
           concerns
           Growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           The
           next
           thing
           that
           follows
           to
           be
           considered
           of
           ,
           is
           this
           ;
           
             
               Grow
               in
               Grace
               ;
               And
               in
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               our
               Lord
               and
               Saviour
               Jesus
               Christ.
               
            
          
        
         
           Here
           we
           have
           to
           consider
           of
           a
           further
           Inquiry
           ,
           a
           further
           Command
           :
           Grow
           in
           Grace
           ;
           Grow
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           And
           truly
           ,
           I
           am
           apt
           to
           conceive
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           dependance
           of
           one
           upon
           the
           other
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           order
           unto
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
           Christians
           and
           Beleevers
           are
           required
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           This
           I
           conceive
           is
           intended
           in
           this
           conjunction
           ,
           and
           connexion
           of
           these
           two
           Requiries
           :
           As
           if
           the
           Apo●…le
           should
           have
           said
           ,
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
          
           ;
           and
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           so
           do
           ,
           
             Grow
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             our
             Lord
          
           
           
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ.
          
           Now
           ,
           before
           I
           come
           to
           the
           second
           observation
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           question
           ,
           which
           ,
           I
           think
           ,
           may
           be
           very
           properly
           moved
           ,
           upon
           occasion
           of
           these
           two
           Requiries
           ,
           thus
           ordered
           out
           in
           the
           Text.
           This
           Question
           (
           I
           say
           )
           I
           conceive
           ,
           may
           be
           very
           fitly
           moved
           .
           When
           the
           Apostle
           requires
           that
           there
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           then
           he
           comes
           to
           require
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           It
           may
           be
           questioned
           from
           hence
           ;
           Is
           not
           
             Knowledge
             Grace
          
           ?
           and
           doth
           not
           the
           Apostle
           require
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           when
           he
           requires
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ?
           why
           should
           he
           make
           this
           a
           distinct
           requiry
           from
           the
           former
           ?
           May
           not
           we
           conceive
           that
           Knowledge
           is
           a
           Grace
           ;
           and
           then
           requiring
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           he
           requires
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ?
        
         
           A
           little
           to
           answer
           this
           :
           First
           ,
           I
           would
           say
           thus
           ,
           That
           it
           's
           not
           to
           be
           questioned
           ,
           but
           that
           Knowledge
           is
           a
           Gift
           ,
           and
           a
           gift
           that
           is
           very
           highly
           to
           be
           accounted
           of
           :
           But
           every
           Gift
           is
           not
           a
           Grace
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           every
           Grace
           is
           a
           Gift
           ;
           but
           every
           Gift
           is
           not
           a
           Grace
           :
           understanding
           by
           Grace
           (
           as
           usually
           it
           is
           to
           be
           taken
           )
           that
           Grace
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           fruit
           and
           effect
           of
           Election
           ;
           a
           fruit
           and
           effect
           of
           special
           Love
           ;
           understanding
           by
           Grace
           ,
           sanctifying
           ,
           and
           saving
           Grace
           :
           so
           every
           Gift
           is
           not
           a
           Grace
           :
           every
           Gift
           may
           be
           called
           a
           Grace
           in
           this
           sense
           ,
           as
           it
           comes
           from
           Grace
           ,
           from
           common
           Grace
           :
           it
           's
           a
           common
           Grace
           ,
           that
           God
           doth
           bestow
           meat
           and
           drink
           upon
           us
           ;
           it
           's
           a
           common
           Grace
           and
           favour
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           gives
           us
           meat
           to
           eat
           ,
           cloathing
           to
           put
           on
           ;
           that
           he
           gives
           us
           the
           use
           of
           Reason
           ,
           that
           he
           gives
           us
           common
           Understanding
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           carry
           our selves
           like
           men
           ,
           like
           rational
           creatures
           ;
           this
           is
           a
           common
           Gift
           ,
           a
           common
           Gràce
           :
           And
           so
           for
           knowledge
           ,
           it
           
           is
           a
           Gift
           ;
           I
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           Gift
           that
           comes
           from
           common
           Grace
           ,
           and
           a
           common
           Grace
           it
           may
           be
           reckoned
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           But
           ,
           if
           we
           speak
           of
           special
           Grace
           ,
           a
           distinguishing
           Grace
           ,
           Grace
           that
           is
           to
           Salvation
           :
           Truly
           ,
           so
           every
           Gift
           is
           not
           a
           Grace
           .
           And
           it
           's
           true
           concerning
           Knowledge
           ;
           Knowledge
           is
           a
           Gift
           ;
           and
           yet
           speaking
           of
           Grace
           strictly
           ,
           Knowledge
           is
           not
           a
           Grace
           .
           But
           only
           we
           must
           distinguish
           of
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           more
           common
           Knowledge
           ;
           there
           is
           a
           notional
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           an
           inlightned
           understanding
           ,
           eradi●…ated
           by
           the
           common
           light
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           by
           a
           common
           work
           of
           the
           spirit
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           not
           a
           Grace
           :
           this
           (
           as
           you
           shall
           hear
           )
           may
           be
           had
           ,
           and
           yet
           persons
           may
           perish
           for
           all
           this
           ,
           and
           damn
           eternally
           :
           they
           may
           go
           down
           well
           accomplish'd
           (
           as
           to
           their
           Knowledge
           )
           to
           hell
           .
        
         
           But
           then
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           only
           a
           
           brain-Knowledge
           ,
           but
           a
           
           heart-Knowledge
           ;
           
             I
             will
             give
             them
             a
             heart
             to
             know
             me
             .
          
           Truly
           ,
           there
           's
           Grace
           there
           :
           to
           be
           sure
           ,
           if
           the
           Knowledge
           be
           not
           Grace
           ,
           yet
           there
           's
           Grace
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Knowledge
           :
           When
           God
           gives
           a
           man
           a
           heart
           to
           know
           him
           ,
           that
           's
           a
           Covenant-blessing
           ,
           and
           of
           Covenant-conveyance
           ;
           and
           it
           's
           a
           conveyance
           to
           none
           but
           those
           that
           have
           a
           special
           favour
           :
           but
           otherwise
           ,
           Knowledge
           in
           it self
           considered
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           a
           Gift
           ,
           yet
           not
           a
           Grace
           :
           For
           ,
           mark
           you
           ;
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           you
           have
           had
           many
           knowing
           persons
           (
           as
           I
           was
           saying
           )
           that
           were
           never
           partakers
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           true
           ,
           saving
           Grace
           .
           Balaam
           prophecies
           of
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           the
           man
           whose
           
           eyes
           were
           opened
           ,
           and
           he
           knew
           the
           visions
           of
           God
           ;
           Balaam
           speaks
           it
           of
           himself
           ,
           he
           was
           a
           man
           that
           had
           very
           much
           insight
           in
           the
           mysteries
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           that
           concern
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           enemies
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           and
           yet
           a
           wretch
           ,
           a
           covetous
           wretch
           ,
           that
           perished
           in
           his
           way
           of
           covetousness
           ,
           and
           did
           discover
           a
           madness
           of
           spirit
           ;
           the
           madness
           of
           his
           heart
           was
           eager
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           the
           waies
           of
           unrighteousness
           :
           Thus
           Balaam
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           knowing
           man
           ,
           his
           eyes
           were
           opened
           ,
           he
           saw
           the
           visions
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           was
           acquainted
           with
           the
           counsels
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           very
           wretch
           ,
           and
           fell
           at
           length
           under
           damnation
           .
           What
           was
           he
           the
           better
           for
           his
           Knowledge
           ?
        
         
           Persons
           may
           know
           much
           ;
           I
           ,
           they
           may
           have
           
             all
             Knowledge
          
           ,
           and
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           without
           Charity
           ,
           without
           Love
           :
           so
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           1
           Cor.
           13.
           saith
           he
           ,
           Though
           I
           speak
           with
           the
           tongues
           of
           Men
           and
           Angels
           ;
           and
           ,
           
             though
             I
             have
             all
             Knowledge
          
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           Love
           ,
           I
           am
           nothing
           ,
           it
           profits
           me
           nothing
           .
           Now
           ,
           by
           this
           it
           appears
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           is
           another
           thing
           than
           Grace
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           consider
           ,
           that
           Knowledge
           is
           that
           which
           a
           man
           may
           have
           ,
           and
           be
           swelled
           ,
           and
           puffed
           up
           with
           it
           ;
           so
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           8.
           
           We
           know
           that
           we
           have
           all
           Knowledge
           ;
           Knowledge
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             puffeth
             up
          
           ;
           Charity
           edifies
           ;
           now
           ,
           Grace
           doth
           not
           do
           so
           ,
           Grace
           doth
           not
           puff
           up
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           persons
           may
           have
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           all
           their
           Knowledge
           ,
           after
           that
           they
           have
           escaped
           the
           pollutions
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           they
           may
           come
           to
           be
           intangled
           again
           in
           their
           former
           corruptions
           ,
           be
           brought
           again
           into
           their
           former
           woful
           bondage
           ,
           and
           the
           latter
           end
           of
           them
           
           may
           be
           worse
           than
           ever
           their
           beginning
           was
           ;
           so
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           saith
           he
           ,
           If
           after
           they
           have
           escaped
           the
           pollutions
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           
             through
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           (
           the
           best
           knowledge
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           )
           they
           had
           this
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           escaped
           the
           pollutions
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           intangled
           again
           ,
           and
           overcome
           ;
           the
           latter
           end
           is
           worse
           with
           them
           than
           the
           beginning
           ;
           for
           it
           had
           been
           better
           with
           them
           not
           to
           have
           known
           the
           way
           of
           righteousness
           ,
           than
           after
           they
           have
           known
           it
           ,
           to
           turn
           from
           the
           holy
           Commandement
           delivered
           unto
           them
           .
           Here
           's
           clearly
           now
           ,
           (
           according
           to
           this
           account
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           )
           held
           forth
           ,
           that
           persons
           may
           have
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           they
           may
           come
           to
           have
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           ,
           whereby
           they
           escape
           the
           pollutions
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           may
           come
           to
           be
           intangled
           ,
           and
           overcome
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           may
           be
           worse
           with
           them
           than
           ever
           it
           was
           before
           .
        
         
           They
           may
           know
           the
           way
           of
           Righteousness
           ,
           and
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           turn
           from
           the
           holy
           Commandement
           delivered
           to
           them
           ;
           and
           so
           become
           like
           the
           Dog
           ,
           to
           his
           vomit
           ;
           and
           like
           the
           Sow
           ,
           to
           her
           wallowing
           again
           in
           the
           mire
           .
           By
           all
           this
           (
           I
           say
           )
           it
           appears
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           knowledge
           of
           the
           best
           things
           ;
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           ;
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           persons
           may
           perift
           ,
           and
           perish
           the
           more
           dreadfully
           .
        
         
           And
           I
           add
           that
           place
           in
           Heb.
           10.
           where
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             If
             we
             sin
             wilfully
             after
             we
             have
             received
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             truth
             ;
             there
             remaineth
             no
             more
             sacrifice
             for
             sin
             ,
             but
             a
             certain
             fearful
             looking
             for
             of
             Iudgement
             ,
             and
             fiery
             Indignation
             ,
             which
             shall
             devour
             the
             adversaries
             .
          
           
           There
           may
           be
           a
           receiving
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           wilful
           sinning
           ,
           and
           so
           a
           fearful
           expectation
           ,
           and
           nothing
           but
           that
           remaining
           for
           them
           ;
           a
           fearful
           expectation
           of
           Judgement
           ,
           and
           fiery
           Indignation
           .
           Now
           ,
           all
           this
           considered
           ,
           —
           Knowledg
           ,
           I
           ,
           and
           knowledge
           of
           the
           best
           things
           ,
           —
           it
           may
           be
           had
           ;
           and
           yet
           persons
           under
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Devil
           ;
           —
           persons
           ,
           that
           after
           their
           escape
           from
           worldly
           intanglements
           ,
           may
           be
           brought
           again
           into
           sorer
           bondage
           ;
           their
           latter
           end
           worse
           than
           their
           beginning
           ;
           and
           they
           may
           fall
           under
           the
           deep
           and
           more
           dreadful
           damnation
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           the
           improvement
           that
           we
           are
           to
           make
           of
           this
           ,
           is
           only
           thus
           ;
           O
           ,
           let
           us
           take
           heed
           of
           resting
           in
           our
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           bearing
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           knowing
           men
           ,
           and
           knowing
           women
           ,
           able
           to
           discourse
           of
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           mysteries
           of
           Religion
           :
           O
           ,
           take
           heed
           of
           this
           ,
           considering
           what
           hath
           been
           now
           spoken
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           have
           a
           great
           measure
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           yet
           be
           meer
           strangers
           unto
           saving
           Grace
           :
           far
           be
           it
           from
           me
           ,
           to
           speak
           a
           tittle
           to
           the
           disparagement
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           but
           rather
           most
           vigorously
           to
           press
           your
           pursuance
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           endeavour
           after
           it
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           shall
           perform
           to
           that
           purpose
           afterwards
           )
           know
           ,
           that
           
             it
             is
             not
             good
             that
             the
             mind
             be
             without
             knowledge
             ,
          
           saith
           Solomon
           ;
           nay
           ,
           the
           heart
           cannot
           be
           good
           without
           Knowledge
           ;
           you
           cannot
           believe
           without
           Knowledge
           ,
           you
           cannot
           pray
           without
           Knowledge
           ,
           you
           cannot
           live
           without
           Knowledge
           ;
           you
           must
           have
           Knowledge
           ,
           or
           else
           you
           will
           never
           be
           sav'd
           :
           O
           Ignorance
           !
           it
           is
           of
           it self
           a
           damning
           sin
           :
           —
           only
           thus
           ,
           —
           rest
           not
           in
           your
           Knowledge
           ;
           rest
           not
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           a
           light
           in
           your
           head
           ,
           but
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           Grace
           in
           your
           hearts
           —
        
         
         
           Look
           to
           this
           that
           you
           know
           ,
           and
           know
           to
           love
           ;
           —
           —
           and
           know
           so
           ,
           as
           that
           you
           may
           believe
           ,
           —
           —
           and
           live
           :
           if
           you
           know
           these
           things
           (
           saith
           our
           SAVIOUR
           )
           happy
           are
           ye
           if
           you
           do
           them
           .
           If
           you
           know
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           know
           it
           in
           truth
           of
           heart
           ,
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           )
           
             Since
             ye
             know
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             truth
             ,
          
           know
           it
           to
           be
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           know
           it
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           your
           hearts
           :
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           we
           should
           mind
           .
        
         
           Truly
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           know
           for
           practice
           ;
           and
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           you
           know
           no
           more
           to
           purpose
           ,
           than
           you
           know
           to
           practice
           .
           And
           it
           is
           of
           sad
           consideration
           ,
           that
           which
           I
           have
           now
           to
           speak
           unto
           you
           :
           it
           is
           of
           sad
           consideration
           ,
           that
           that
           knowledge
           which
           men
           and
           women
           attain
           to
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Gospel-mysteries
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           it
           be
           not
           reduc'd
           to
           practice
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           not
           a
           due
           improvement
           of
           it
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           a
           Science
           ,
           and
           not
           Conseience
           :
           a
           Science
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           Conscience
           to
           make
           use
           of
           the
           knowledge
           :
           it
           is
           of
           sad
           consideration
           ,
           that
           that
           I
           have
           now
           to
           say
           .
        
         
           The
           day
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           all
           the
           Knowledge
           that
           you
           have
           gotten
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           knowledge
           will
           turn
           upon
           you
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           to
           your
           everlasting
           torment
           :
           O
           ,
           tremble
           at
           the
           thought
           of
           it
           !
           This
           is
           the
           torment
           ,
           and
           will
           eternally
           be
           the
           torment
           of
           the
           damned
           in
           Hell
           ,
           that
           they
           had
           knowledge
           ,
           great
           measures
           of
           knowledge
           ;
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           did
           not
           improve
           their
           knowledge
           ,
           did
           not
           reduce
           it
           to
           practice
           :
           they
           
           had
           light
           ,
           but
           did
           not
           live
           up
           to
           their
           light
           :
           they
           knew
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           O
           ,
           but
           they
           were
           not
           conscientiously
           careful
           to
           perform
           and
           do
           the
           will
           of
           God.
           O
           this
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           the
           torment
           ;
           the
           Conscience
           of
           a
           man
           will
           be
           an
           eternal
           fury
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           everlastingly
           torment
           him
           ;
           when
           it
           shall
           tell
           him
           ,
           Did'st
           not
           thou
           know
           ,
           that
           Christ
           was
           given
           to
           save
           sinners
           ,
           and
           to
           save
           from
           sin
           ?
           Did'st
           not
           thou
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           brings
           Salvation
           ,
           it
           did
           teach
           to
           deny
           all
           ungodlyness
           ,
           and
           worldly
           lusts
           ?
           thou
           knowest
           this
           :
           thou
           knowest
           that
           it
           was
           thy
           duty
           to
           live
           thus
           and
           thus
           ;
           to
           walk
           with
           God
           ,
           —
           to
           deny
           thy self
           ,
           —
           to
           cross
           thy
           corruptions
           :
           it
           was
           thy
           duty
           to
           study
           to
           approve
           thy self
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           a
           clear
           Conscience
           ;
           —
           It
           was
           thy
           duty
           to
           own
           Christ
           in
           an
           hour
           of
           temptation
           ;
           did'st
           not
           thou
           know
           this
           to
           be
           thy
           duty
           ?
           Conscience
           will
           thus
           charge
           upon
           thee
           ;
           and
           then
           you
           shall
           know
           it
           .
           O!
           how
           did
           this
           torment
           Iudas
           on
           this
           side
           Hell
           ,
           before
           he
           came
           there
           ?
           Oh!
           I
           know
           my
           Master
           was
           an
           innocent
           person
           ;
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           contrary
           to
           my
           knowledge
           ,
           I
           went
           ,
           and
           betrayed
           him
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           sinners
           .
           —
           —
           O
           ,
           how
           did
           this
           torment
           Esau
           on
           this
           side
           Hell
           ?
           he
           knew
           that
           the
           Birth-right
           ,
           and
           the
           Blessing
           ,
           were
           things
           to
           be
           highly
           valued
           :
           the
           temptation
           comes
           upon
           him
           ,
           he
           was
           a
           little
           pinch'd
           with
           hunger
           ,
           and
           Iacob
           takes
           the
           advantage
           (
           there
           was
           a
           mysterie
           of
           Providence
           in
           it
           )
           of
           his
           exigence
           ,
           and
           gets
           away
           his
           Birth-right
           from
           him
           :
           But
           when
           the
           time
           comes
           that
           the
           Blessing
           was
           gone
           ;
           then
           Esau
           knows
           .
           
           O
           ,
           this
           knowledge
           torments
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           knew
           the
           Birth-right
           ,
           what
           it
           was
           ,
           and
           how
           it
           ought
           to
           be
           accounted
           of
           ;
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           he
           past
           it
           away
           for
           a
           trifle
           :
           O
           ,
           Conscience
           will
           torment
           another
           day
           :
           when
           a
           man
           shall
           come
           to
           have
           his
           knowledge
           set
           a
           work
           ;
           I
           know
           that
           Christ
           was
           a
           precious
           Christ
           ;
           —
           that
           Grace
           ,
           it
           was
           better
           than
           Gold
           ;
           I
           had
           conviction
           upon
           my
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           I
           chose
           the
           World
           rather
           than
           Christ
           ;
           I
           preferred
           my
           lusts
           and
           corruptions
           before
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           :
           I
           knew
           this
           to
           be
           my
           duty
           ,
           but
           I
           made
           no
           conscience
           of
           performing
           my
           duty
           .
           Well
           ,
           the
           Lord
           set
           these
           things
           home
           upon
           every
           one
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           be
           wise
           for
           our
           souls
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           of
           resting
           in
           what
           we
           know
           ;
           but
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           is
           accompanied
           with
           Grace
           ;
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           is
           sanctified
           to
           us
           by
           Grace
           .
           And
           this
           now
           I
           speak
           upon
           occasion
           of
           this
           Question
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           IX
           .
        
         
           
             2
             Pet.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             And
             in
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
        
         
           THree
           things
           seem
           to
           lye
           in
           the
           Text.
           First
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           God's
           will
           ,
           and
           Saints
           duty
           ;
           As
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           so
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           it
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           special
           Knowledge
           wherein
           Saints
           and
           Beleevers
           ought
           to
           grow
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           They
           that
           mind
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           must
           in
           order
           thereunto
           ,
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           good
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           Saints
           duty
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           .
           God
           would
           have
           his
           people
           to
           be
           a
           knowing
           people
           ,
           a
           well-knowing
           people
           :
           God
           doth
           take
           no
           pleasure
           in
           a
           people
           that
           pretend
           to
           Him
           ,
           and
           profess
           his
           Name
           ,
           and
           are
           yet
           under
           a
           black
           vail
           of
           ignorance
           ;
           they
           are
           not
           a
           people
           for
           His
           purpose
           .
        
         
           Beleevers
           ,
           they
           are
           said
           to
           be
           light
           ;
           you
           were
           sometimes
           darkness
           ,
           but
           now
           are
           ye
           light
           in
           the
           Lord.
           The
           light
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           a
           growing
           light
           ;
           he
           should
           be
           like
           the
           Sun
           ,
           that
           shines
           out
           more
           and
           more
           unto
           the
           perfect
           day
           .
           
           It
           is
           not
           enough
           to
           know
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           
             follow
             on
          
           to
           know
           :
           you
           have
           that
           expression
           in
           Hos.
           6.
           
           
             Then
             shall
             we
             know
             ,
             if
             we
             follow
             on
             to
             know
          
           the
           Lord.
           It
           's
           not
           enough
           to
           begin
           to
           know
           ,
           to
           set
           foot
           upon
           the
           way
           of
           knowledge
           ;
           but
           we
           must
           
             travel
             on
          
           in
           that
           way
           ;
           
             follow
             on
          
           to
           know
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           This
           was
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           Paul
           doth
           earnestly
           pray
           for
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Collos
           .
           Chap.
           1.
           ver
           .
           9.
           
           
             That
             they
             might
             be
             filled
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             his
             will
             ,
             in
             all
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             spiritual
             understanding
          
           ;
           and
           
             that
             they
             might
             be
             fruitful
             ,
             and
             walk
             in
             all
             well-pleasing
             ,
             increasing
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God.
          
           This
           is
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           a
           Saint
           ,
           and
           Beleever
           .
        
         
           I
           speak
           of
           
             growth
             in
             Knowledge
          
           ;
           you
           will
           understand
           it
           to
           be
           meant
           of
           Divine
           Knowledge
           ,
           Religious
           Knowledge
           .
           There
           is
           a
           knowledge
           of
           humane
           things
           ;
           a
           knowledge
           of
           Arts
           and
           Sciences
           ;
           knowledge
           and
           skill
           in
           mysteries
           and
           trades
           ;
           knowledge
           in
           civil
           affairs
           ;
           a
           knowledge
           that
           concerns
           worldly
           negotiations
           ,
           and
           transactions
           of
           affairs
           in
           Kingdoms
           and
           Nations
           here
           below
           .
           But
           this
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           a
           useful
           knowledge
           in
           its
           kind
           ;
           yet
           this
           is
           not
           the
           knowledge
           that
           we
           have
           now
           under
           consideration
           :
           but
           it
           is
           a
           Divine
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           Scripture
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           concern
           Religion
           :
           and
           in
           such
           Knowledge
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           .
        
         
           And
           it
           may
           very
           well
           be
           required
           of
           those
           that
           do
           know
           ,
           that
           they
           still
           know
           more
           and
           more
           ;
           that
           they
           that
           have
           any
           Knowledge
           ,
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           that
           Knowledge
           :
           in
           general
           ,
           this
           reason
           may
           well
           pass
           for
           it
           .
           We
           do
           know
           
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           when
           we
           know
           at
           the
           most
           :
           when
           we
           have
           the
           most
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           yet
           alas
           ,
           how
           little
           is
           it
           that
           we
           know
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           what
           is
           to
           be
           known
           ?
           I
           remember
           there
           is
           an
           expression
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           in
           Iob
           ,
           how
           little
           a
           matter
           is
           known
           of
           God
           ?
           and
           of
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ?
           Ah!
           Oh
           little
           ,
           that
           truly
           gracious
           souls
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           be
           much
           in
           sad
           complaining
           ,
           that
           they
           know
           so
           little
           as
           they
           do
           .
           I
           find
           the
           holy
           man
           ,
           in
           Prov.
           30.
           complaining
           there
           ;
           O
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             I
             have
             not
             in
             me
             the
             understanding
             of
             man
             ;
             I
             have
             not
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             attained
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             holy
             :
             So
             foolish
             was
             I
             ,
          
           (
           saith
           another
           )
           
             and
             ignorant
             ,
             I
             was
             even
             as
             a
             beast
             before
             thee
             .
          
           Such
           complaints
           holy
           men
           have
           powred
           out
           before
           the
           Lord
           :
           therefore
           ,
           being
           we
           know
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           such
           an
           inconsiderable
           part
           that
           we
           have
           of
           knowledge
           ;
           that
           truly
           ,
           it
           may
           well
           be
           required
           of
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           .
           —
           —
           But
           I
           shall
           offer
           to
           you
           ,
           (
           and
           yet
           but
           briefly
           ,
           because
           I
           drive
           at
           the
           next
           things
           most
           specially
           )
           some
           further
           considerations
           ;
           which
           ,
           if
           you
           do
           but
           well
           and
           seriously
           ponder
           ,
           you
           will
           see
           strong
           reason
           to
           indear
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           (
           besides
           the
           general
           account
           that
           I
           have
           given
           you
           ,
           that
           we
           know
           but
           in
           part
           :
           but
           now
           thus
           more
           particularly
           ;
           )
           The
           more
           that
           we
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           shall
           we
           resemble
           God
           ;
           for
           God
           is
           a
           God
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           that
           's
           the
           title
           that
           is
           given
           him
           ,
           in
           1
           Sam.
           2.
           
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             a
             God
             of
             Knowledge
          
           ;
           and
           he
           then
           accounts
           his
           people
           to
           be
           in
           a
           due
           resemblance
           of
           him
           ,
           
           when
           they
           come
           to
           be
           a
           knowing
           people
           :
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           consistent
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           Righteousness
           ,
           and
           Grace
           .
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           concerning
           the
           
             renewing
             of
             the
             mind
          
           ,
           which
           is
           renewed
           after
           God
           ,
           in
           Knowledge
           ;
           and
           we
           never
           come
           to
           resemble
           God
           as
           we
           ought
           ,
           unless
           we
           come
           to
           be
           a
           people
           well
           furnished
           with
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           add
           this
           further
           ;
           it
           may
           well
           be
           required
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           a
           part
           of
           the
           rich
           treasure
           which
           is
           laid
           up
           in
           Christ
           ,
           for
           the
           inrichment
           of
           the
           souls
           of
           his
           redeemed
           ones
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             in
             Christ
             are
             hid
             all
             the
             treasures
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Knowledge
          
           ;
           so
           that
           Knowledge
           is
           one
           part
           of
           the
           rich
           treasure
           which
           is
           hid
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           we
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           larger
           share
           we
           have
           in
           that
           rich
           treasure
           that
           is
           in
           Christ.
           Reason
           then
           there
           is
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           an
           endeavouring
           of
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           then
           add
           yet
           further
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           able
           shall
           be
           to
           discern
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           judgement
           upon
           that
           .
           How
           often
           are
           those
           things
           that
           are
           no
           sins
           ,
           judged
           to
           be
           sins
           ;
           and
           those
           things
           that
           are
           sins
           ,
           judged
           to
           be
           none
           at
           all
           ?
           And
           whence
           is
           it
           ,
           but
           through
           a
           defectiveness
           in
           Knowledge
           ?
           Sometimes
           ,
           and
           often
           it
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           tender
           Consciences
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           due
           light
           ;
           tender
           and
           scrupulous
           Consciences
           ,
           they
           are
           wonderful
           apt
           for
           to
           make
           those
           things
           to
           be
           sins
           ,
           which
           God
           and
           his
           Law
           never
           makes
           .
           And
           so
           sometimes
           with
           hypocrites
           ,
           as
           in
           our
           Saviours
           time
           ;
           O
           ,
           what
           a
           matter
           was
           it
           among
           the
           Pharises
           ,
           to
           eat
           with
           unwashen
           hands
           ,
           which
           was
           no
           sin
           ?
           and
           to
           drink
           in
           unwashen
           
           cups
           ;
           and
           this
           and
           that
           ?
           Thus
           it
           is
           sometimes
           with
           hypocrites
           :
           and
           I
           might
           instance
           in
           sundry
           particulars
           .
           —
           And
           so
           in
           the
           case
           of
           scrupulous
           Consciences
           ;
           how
           many
           are
           there
           that
           are
           apt
           to
           reckon
           those
           things
           to
           be
           sins
           ,
           and
           startle
           at
           ,
           which
           indeed
           are
           no
           sins
           ?
           As
           now
           ,
           many
           ,
           through
           tenderness
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           are
           fearful
           to
           take
           that
           liberty
           in
           meats
           and
           drinks
           ,
           which
           Christ
           hath
           purchased
           for
           them
           .
           How
           many
           ,
           out
           of
           a
           tenderness
           ,
           and
           scrupulousness
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           though
           necessity
           have
           required
           it
           ,
           have
           been
           afraid
           to
           take
           any
           bodily
           refreshing
           ,
           in
           the
           day
           wherein
           they
           were
           to
           partake
           of
           the
           supper
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           before
           they
           have
           eaten
           at
           that
           table
           ,
           afraid
           ,
           lest
           they
           should
           sin
           against
           God
           ,
           in
           taking
           something
           for
           necessary
           refreshing
           of
           the
           body
           :
           a
           sin
           in
           their
           account
           ,
           which
           is
           no
           sin
           in
           it self
           at
           all
           ?
           So
           I
           might
           instance
           in
           sundry
           particulars
           .
           —
           So
           ,
           on
           the
           contrary
           ;
           How
           many
           are
           there
           ,
           that
           reckon
           those
           to
           be
           duties
           ,
           which
           are
           very
           dreadful
           provocations
           of
           the
           Great
           Majesty
           of
           Heaven
           :
           Mark
           what
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Iob.
           16.
           the
           begin
           .
           
             They
             shall
             cast
             you
             out
             of
             the
             Synagogues
          
           ;
           they
           shall
           excommunicate
           you
           :
           
             I
             ,
             the
             time
             will
             come
             ,
             when
             they
             that
             kill
             you
             ,
             will
             think
             they
             do
             God
             service
          
           ;
           so
           far
           from
           looking
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           sin
           ,
           to
           revile
           ,
           reproach
           ,
           excommunicate
           ,
           imprison
           ,
           and
           kill
           the
           Servants
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           those
           that
           bear
           ,
           and
           hold
           forth
           his
           name
           ;
           so
           far
           from
           reckoning
           these
           things
           to
           be
           sin
           ,
           that
           they
           look
           upon
           them
           as
           
             good
             service
          
           to
           God.
           
             Say
             we
             not
             well
             ,
             that
             thou
             art
             a
             Samaritan
             ,
             and
             hast
             a
             Devil
             ?
          
           Why
           ,
           they
           were
           so
           far
           from
           reckoning
           it
           to
           be
           a
           sin
           ,
           that
           they
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           duty
           .
           Now
           ,
           whence
           is
           this
           ,
           but
           through
           ignorance
           :
           Sometimes
           indeed
           it
           is
           through
           wilful
           
           ignorance
           ,
           but
           mostly
           through
           gross
           ignorance
           ▪
           and
           our
           Saviour
           gives
           this
           reason
           ;
           
             These
             things
             shall
             they
             do
             ,
             because
             they
             know
             neither
             the
             Father
             nor
             me
          
           ;
           they
           know
           us
           not
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           know
           who
           are
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ;
           they
           will
           reckon
           you
           to
           be
           the
           base
           spawn
           of
           Hell
           ,
           the
           childern
           of
           the
           Devil
           ;
           though
           themselves
           are
           so
           ,
           yet
           they
           will
           reckon
           you
           to
           be
           so
           :
           they
           reckon
           upon
           you
           to
           be
           the
           scumm
           ,
           and
           off-scowring
           of
           the
           World.
           Now
           ,
           because
           they
           know
           not
           me
           ,
           nor
           my
           Father
           ,
           therefore
           they
           will
           do
           these
           things
           ;
           and
           they
           reckon
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           God
           very
           good
           service
           .
           And
           this
           was
           the
           case
           of
           
             Paul
             ;
             I
             verily
             thought
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             That
             I
             ought
             to
             do
             many
             things
             contrary
             to
             the
             Name
             of
             Jesus
          
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           thought
           it
           was
           my
           duty
           to
           cry
           down
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           cry
           down
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           cry
           down
           the
           Professors
           of
           the
           Gospel
           of
           Christ
           :
           I
           verily
           thought
           with
           my self
           ,
           that
           I
           ought
           to
           do
           these
           things
           :
           I
           did
           not
           look
           upon
           these
           things
           to
           be
           sin
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             I
             was
             a
             Persecuter
             ,
             and
             a
             Blasphemer
             ,
             and
             Injurious
          
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           I
           did
           not
           know
           that
           it
           was
           persecution
           ,
           and
           blasphemy
           ,
           and
           injury
           ;
           I
           did
           these
           things
           ignorantly
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           it
           was
           for
           want
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           I
           was
           not
           laid
           in
           with
           Knowledge
           as
           I
           should
           have
           been
           ,
           that
           I
           did
           these
           things
           :
           So
           that
           we
           had
           need
           then
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ;
           for
           the
           more
           we
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           able
           shall
           we
           be
           to
           make
           a
           judgement
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           a
           judgment
           of
           Graces
           :
           The
           more
           we
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           better
           shall
           we
           be
           to
           make
           a
           judgment
           of
           Graces
           .
           Alas
           ,
           how
           many
           are
           there
           ,
           that
           through
           want
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           not
           being
           duly
           informed
           and
           improved
           in
           their
           
           knowledge
           ,
           they
           do
           run
           upon
           most
           gross
           and
           dangerous
           mistakes
           ;
           take
           that
           to
           be
           saving
           Grace
           ,
           which
           indeed
           is
           nothing
           so
           ;
           and
           that
           to
           be
           Holiness
           ,
           which
           is
           nothing
           else
           but
           a
           very
           shew
           and
           resemblance
           of
           Holiness
           ;
           that
           to
           be
           love
           of
           God
           and
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           faith
           in
           God
           ,
           which
           is
           nothing
           so
           .
           O
           the
           dangerous
           mistakes
           which
           poor
           souls
           do
           run
           upon
           ;
           they
           do
           verily
           think
           that
           they
           do
           Believe
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           have
           Repented
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           trust
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           bear
           a
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           bear
           a
           love
           to
           Godliness
           ;
           they
           are
           strong
           in
           that
           perswasion
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           run
           upon
           dangerous
           mistakes
           ,
           and
           all
           because
           there
           is
           a
           deficiency
           in
           their
           Knowledge
           :
           They
           are
           not
           so
           duly
           improved
           in
           knowledge
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           be
           able
           to
           make
           a
           judgment
           of
           Sin
           and
           of
           Grace
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           for
           Duties
           .
           We
           had
           need
           to
           indeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           Duties
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           Duties
           ,
           performed
           according
           to
           God.
           Alas
           ,
           how
           many
           think
           they
           perform
           Duties
           in
           most
           acceptable
           manner
           to
           God
           ,
           when
           they
           do
           no
           other
           than
           offer
           the
           Sacrifice
           of
           fools
           :
           They
           think
           they
           pray
           ,
           and
           pray
           pleasing
           ;
           and
           hear
           ,
           and
           hear
           in
           a
           right
           manner
           ;
           come
           to
           the
           Table
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           think
           they
           do
           excellent
           good
           service
           to
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           he
           will
           accept
           of
           ,
           when
           in
           the
           mean
           while
           they
           do
           profane
           his
           Name
           ,
           and
           offer
           indignity
           to
           him
           ;
           they
           wound
           him
           again
           ,
           they
           Crucifie
           him
           ,
           they
           become
           guilty
           of
           his
           very
           Body
           and
           Blood
           ,
           and
           yet
           all
           the
           while
           they
           think
           that
           they
           quit
           themselves
           in
           a
           very
           fair
           ,
           commendable
           and
           comely
           manner
           ,
           and
           all
           because
           of
           a
           want
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           they
           do
           not
           understand
           the
           mystery
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           and
           of
           Gospel-worship
           ;
           they
           do
           not
           understand
           the
           way
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           therefore
           in
           that
           regard
           there
           
           is
           great
           reason
           that
           Christians
           should
           indeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           I
           add
           yet
           further
           :
           Well
           it
           may
           be
           required
           of
           Believers
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           by
           their
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           they
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           manage
           their
           affections
           and
           passions
           .
           Alas
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           we
           may
           know
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           do
           in
           sad
           experience
           ,
           what
           unruly
           things
           affections
           and
           passions
           are
           ,
           and
           how
           apt
           ,
           like
           untamed
           Horses
           ,
           to
           ride
           over
           Hedge
           and
           Ditch
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           kept
           within
           no
           due
           bounds
           —
           and
           why
           this
           —
           For
           want
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           not
           the
           bridle
           of
           Knowledge
           and
           Understanding
           to
           rein
           the
           affections
           and
           passions
           .
           As
           now
           to
           instance
           :
           Alas
           ,
           how
           many
           are
           there
           that
           are
           inordinate
           in
           their
           Love
           ?
           In
           their
           love
           to
           Creatures
           ,
           to
           Children
           ,
           Husbands
           ,
           Wives
           ,
           and
           all
           for
           Want
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           they
           do
           not
           know
           the
           true
           state
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           how
           their
           love
           ought
           to
           be
           managed
           —
           And
           so
           for
           Fear
           :
           O
           ,
           how
           apt
           is
           our
           Fear
           to
           go
           beyond
           its
           bounds
           —
           And
           our
           Desires
           ;
           how
           apt
           are
           we
           ,
           how
           irregular
           and
           inordinate
           in
           them
           —
           And
           so
           in
           our
           Zeal
           ;
           Zeal
           like
           fire
           ,
           that
           is
           very
           useful
           while
           it
           's
           kept
           in
           its
           place
           ;
           but
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           break
           up
           to
           the
           top
           of
           the
           House
           ,
           that
           threatens
           firing
           of
           all
           .
           Now
           all
           this
           is
           for
           want
           of
           the
           due
           knowledge
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           state
           of
           things
           about
           which
           our
           affections
           are
           exercised
           and
           imployed
           ;
           and
           therefore
           you
           shall
           find
           this
           ,
           That
           God
           doth
           require
           in
           his
           Word
           ,
           that
           our
           affections
           should
           be
           managed
           with
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           judgement
           .
           —
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           the
           best
           love
           ,
           is
           a
           judicious
           love
           ;
           a
           love
           with
           knowledge
           :
           and
           therefore
           you
           shall
           find
           ,
           in
           1
           Phil.
           the
           Apostle
           praies
           ,
           and
           requires
           ,
           that
           their
           love
           might
           ab●…nd
           
             it
             all
             knowledge
          
           ,
           and
           in
           
             all
             judgement
          
           .
           
           Why
           ,
           it
           is
           nothing
           for
           a
           man
           to
           have
           an
           ignorant
           blind
           love
           ,
           an
           injudicious
           love
           ;
           God
           doth
           not
           value
           such
           a
           love
           :
           It
           is
           the
           knowing
           Love
           ,
           the
           well
           created
           Love
           ,
           the
           Love
           that
           a
           man
           can
           give
           a
           reason
           of
           ,
           the
           judicious
           Love
           ;
           that
           is
           the
           Love
           which
           God
           values
           :
           
             That
             your
             Love
             may
             abound
             in
             all
             Knowledge
             .
          
        
         
           And
           so
           likewise
           Zeal
           ;
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           concerning
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           
             They
             have
             a
             Zeal
             of
             God
             :
          
           O
           ,
           they
           are
           mighty
           hot
           and
           zealous
           !
           But
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Their
             Zeal
             is
             not
             according
             to
             Knowledge
          
           —
           And
           so
           for
           Desire
           .
           Truly
           ,
           by
           having
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           is
           well
           grown
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           manage
           these
           affections
           of
           
             Love
             ,
             Zeal
             ,
             Delight
             ,
             Desire
             ,
             Fear
          
           and
           Joy
           ;
           all
           the
           Affections
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           the
           better
           ordered
           ,
           in
           case
           that
           our
           Knowledge
           be
           well
           improved
           :
           And
           that
           's
           another
           Reason
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Again
           ,
           Well
           may
           it
           be
           required
           of
           Christians
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           by
           their
           growing
           in
           Knowledge
           they
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           for
           to
           order
           their
           Words
           ,
           Speeches
           and
           Discourses
           .
           O
           ,
           what
           irregularities
           are
           there
           in
           the
           Tongue
           !
           
             The
             Tongue
             is
             an
             unruly
             evil
             ,
             full
             of
             deadly
             poyson
             .
          
           I
           ,
           but
           from
           hence
           it
           comes
           very
           much
           ;
           it
           's
           for
           want
           of
           a
           well
           digested
           knowledge
           ;
           apt
           we
           are
           to
           sin
           and
           offend
           in
           wanton
           speeches
           ,
           lustful
           ,
           lascivious
           speeches
           ,
           and
           by
           language
           of
           swearing
           (
           and
           the
           like
           .
           )
           O
           ,
           the
           manifold
           evils
           that
           break
           out
           from
           the
           Tongue
           !
           And
           truly
           much
           what
           upon
           that
           account
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           not
           knowledge
           to
           regulate
           the
           Tongue
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           understand
           what
           is
           fit
           Language
           for
           us
           to
           speak
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           Well
           may
           it
           be
           required
           ,
           that
           we
           indeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ;
           for
           the
           more
           Christians
           
           grow
           in
           knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           fit
           will
           they
           be
           for
           to
           judge
           of
           Gods
           providential
           Dispensations
           .
           Alas
           ,
           how
           often
           do
           we
           misinterpret
           God
           and
           his
           dealings
           ,
           and
           pass
           very
           hard
           and
           sharp
           censures
           upon
           them
           ?
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           do
           so
           ,
           and
           to
           deal
           very
           dishonourably
           with
           God
           concerning
           his
           dealings
           and
           Dispensations
           —
           And
           why
           —
           It
           is
           for
           want
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           
             It
             is
             a
             people
             that
             do
             err
             in
             their
             heart
          
           ;
           they
           were
           ever
           and
           anon
           quarrelling
           with
           God
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           passage
           that
           you
           have
           in
           Psal.
           45.
           
           
             Forty
             years
             long
             was
             I
             grieved
             with
             this
             Generation
             ;
             they
             tempted
             me
             ,
             proved
             me
             ,
             and
             saw
             my
             works
          
           ;
           and
           they
           were
           censuring
           me
           for
           this
           and
           that
           ,
           because
           I
           brought
           them
           out
           of
           Egypt
           ,
           and
           carried
           them
           into
           the
           Wilderness
           .
           And
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             It
             is
             a
             people
             that
             do
             err
             in
             their
             heart
             :
          
           And
           the
           reason
           is
           this
           ;
           
             They
             have
             not
             known
             my
             wayes
             .
          
           It
           is
           through
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           for
           want
           of
           a
           due
           Information
           concerning
           me
           ,
           that
           they
           run
           upon
           these
           dangerous
           wayes
           .
           And
           this
           was
           
           Job's
           case
           ,
           though
           other
           wayes
           a
           knowing
           man
           ,
           yet
           not
           altogether
           so
           compleated
           in
           his
           Knowledge
           as
           he
           should
           have
           been
           :
           But
           the
           Lord
           comes
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           expestulates
           the
           case
           with
           him
           ;
           
             Who
             is
             that
             that
             darkneth
             counsel
             by
             words
             without
             knowledge
             ?
          
           Words
           ,
           I
           words
           ,
           hard
           words
           ,
           censorious
           passages
           drop
           from
           his
           mouth
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           
             words
             without
             knowledge
          
           .
           That
           's
           another
           thing
           ;
           we
           shall
           be
           better
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           Providences
           ,
           though
           they
           be
           very
           mysterious
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           our
           Knowledge
           concerning
           God
           ,
           whose
           wayes
           are
           in
           the
           Sea
           ,
           and
           whose
           paths
           are
           in
           the
           great
           deeps
           ;
           and
           by
           knowing
           aright
           concerning
           God
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           be●…
           able
           to
           make
           a
           judgment
           of
           his
           Dispensations
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Well
           may
           it
           be
           required
           of
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           ,
           
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           because
           that
           by
           growing
           in
           knowledge
           they
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           for
           to
           manage
           all
           those
           Places
           ,
           and
           Conditions
           ,
           and
           Relations
           which
           they
           are
           planted
           under
           —
           As
           now
           ;
           Those
           that
           are
           Fathers
           ,
           Mothers
           ,
           Masters
           ,
           Servants
           ,
           Husbands
           ,
           Wives
           ,
           there
           is
           very
           much
           lyes
           upon
           them
           to
           do
           ,
           each
           in
           their
           place
           ,
           station
           and
           relation
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           beautifie
           them
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           them
           in
           those
           Relations
           under
           which
           they
           are
           planted
           .
           There
           is
           very
           much
           lyes
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           I
           beseech
           you
           consider
           well
           of
           it
           :
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           much
           of
           the
           power
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           it
           lyes
           in
           the
           well
           managing
           of
           our
           particular
           Places
           and
           Relations
           ;
           when
           men
           are
           godly
           ,
           as
           Husbands
           ,
           as
           Wives
           ,
           as
           Masters
           ,
           as
           Servants
           ,
           as
           Parents
           ,
           as
           Children
           ;
           much
           of
           Godliness
           doth
           lye
           in
           the
           well
           managing
           of
           these
           Relations
           :
           And
           when
           we
           are
           conscientiously
           careful
           to
           fill
           up
           these
           Relations
           ,
           truly
           we
           then
           beautifie
           them
           ,
           and
           we
           adorn
           our
           holy
           Profession
           —
           I
           ,
           but
           how
           shall
           this
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           unless
           that
           we
           be
           a
           People
           of
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ?
           Alas
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           know
           our
           Duties
           in
           our
           Places
           ,
           what
           belongs
           to
           me
           as
           a
           Husband
           ,
           as
           a
           Wife
           ,
           as
           a
           Father
           ,
           as
           a
           Child
           ,
           as
           a
           Master
           ;
           if
           I
           have
           not
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           concerning
           my
           Duty
           in
           my
           Relation
           ,
           I
           shall
           never
           be
           able
           to
           perform
           it
           .
           Truly
           thus
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           therefore
           you
           shall
           find
           that
           the
           Apostle
           in
           1
           Pet.
           3.
           he
           requires
           this
           on
           the
           Husbands
           part
           ,
           
             That
             he
             should
             dwell
             with
             the
             Wife
             as
             a
             man
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
          
           that
           he
           may
           know
           how
           to
           go
           in
           and
           out
           before
           his
           Yoke-fellow
           ,
           and
           before
           his
           Family
           .
           And
           so
           a
           Wife
           ,
           a
           Woman
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           she
           may
           carry
           her self
           towards
           her
           Husband
           in
           a
           becoming
           manner
           ,
           and
           towards
           her
           Family-A
           Master
           ,
           a
           man
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           understand
           w●…
           is
           his
           
           Duty
           as
           a
           Master
           ,
           and
           carry
           it
           accordingly
           —
           A
           Servant
           ,
           a
           man
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           woman
           of
           Knowledge
           —
           And
           so
           a
           Father
           ,
           a
           Child
           ;
           they
           should
           labour
           after
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           Duties
           in
           their
           Places
           and
           Relations
           ,
           that
           accordingly
           they
           may
           carry
           themselves
           :
           So
           that
           now
           ,
           lay
           all
           these
           several
           Particulars
           that
           I
           have
           propounded
           to
           you
           together
           ,
           and
           truly
           you
           cannot
           but
           stand
           convinc'd
           surely
           of
           this
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           God's
           will
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           Saints
           Duty
           ,
           and
           well
           may
           it
           be
           required
           of
           them
           as
           their
           Duty
           ,
           that
           they
           endeavour
           to
           indear
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           their
           Knowledge
           :
           I
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           is
           it
           which
           firstly
           I
           have
           been
           sent
           to
           communicate
           unto
           you
           ,
           That
           your
           Duty
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           upon
           all
           these
           accounts
           ;
           —
           upon
           the
           account
           that
           you
           know
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           and
           it
           's
           but
           a
           little
           part
           :
           —
           And
           then
           ,
           the
           more
           you
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           you
           have
           of
           the
           Image
           of
           God.
           —
           The
           more
           you
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           will
           you
           have
           of
           that
           rich
           Treasure
           that
           's
           laid
           up
           in
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           And
           then
           ,
           the
           more
           you
           grow
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           more
           fit
           will
           you
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           sins
           ;
           what
           are
           sins
           ,
           and
           what
           are
           not
           sins
           :
           —
           The
           more
           able
           will
           you
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           Graces
           ;
           what
           are
           such
           ,
           and
           what
           are
           not
           :
           —
           The
           more
           able
           will
           you
           be
           to
           judge
           ,
           of
           Duties
           ;
           what
           are
           Duties
           ,
           and
           when
           duly
           managed
           :
           —
           The
           more
           able
           will
           you
           be
           to
           manage
           your
           passions
           and
           affections
           ,
           which
           for
           want
           of
           Knowledge
           are
           many
           times
           inordinate
           and
           exorbitant
           :
           —
           The
           more
           able
           will
           you
           be
           to
           rule
           your
           tongues
           and
           speeches
           :
           —
           The
           more
           able
           will
           you
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           the
           Providences
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           carry
           it
           becomingly
           under
           them
           :
           —
           The
           more
           able
           will
           you
           be
           to
           manage
           those
           Places
           and
           Relations
           under
           which
           you
           
           are
           planted
           .
           Now
           ,
           do
           but
           weigh
           these
           things
           well
           ,
           and
           you
           will
           see
           reason
           to
           seek
           out
           for
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           if
           you
           know
           ,
           yet
           you
           had
           need
           to
           follow
           on
           to
           know
           more
           and
           more
           :
           But
           that
           's
           not
           all
           .
        
         
           I
           propound
           2ly
           .
           That
           as
           it
           is
           a
           Duty
           incumbent
           upon
           a
           Christian
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ;
           so
           especially
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Oh
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           growth
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           which
           is
           especially
           to
           be
           endeared
           ;
           and
           a
           growth
           wherein
           is
           in
           special
           manner
           to
           be
           endeavoured
           !
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           however
           it
           be
           in
           respect
           of
           other
           knowledge
           ;
           yet
           that
           Knowledge
           you
           had
           need
           look
           to
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           Profi●…ionts
           in
           .
        
         
           Why
           ,
           First
           of
           all
           (
           that
           I
           may
           convince
           you
           now
           of
           this
           ;
           )
           If
           it
           be
           the
           good
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           come
           under
           the
           power
           of
           an
           effectual
           convincement
           as
           to
           this
           ,
           That
           this
           Knowledge
           you
           are
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           ,
           I
           may
           very
           fitly
           make
           use
           of
           that
           which
           I
           gave
           in
           the
           former
           Doctrine
           .
           —
           I
           told
           you
           ,
           that
           we
           know
           but
           in
           part
           :
           O
           Brethren
           ,
           we
           know
           Christ
           but
           in
           part
           ;
           as
           we
           know
           little
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           touching
           his
           infinite
           glorious
           Essence
           and
           Being
           .
           O
           ,
           we
           know
           but
           little
           of
           Christ
           ;
           O
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           Mysterie
           .
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           is
           a
           Mysterie
           ;
           Oh
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           hidden
           Mysterie
           ,
           it
           was
           kept
           hid
           from
           Ages
           and
           Generations
           :
           Oh
           ,
           it
           's
           a
           Mystery
           which
           God
           was
           pleased
           to
           keep
           secret
           in
           his
           own
           bosom
           for
           many
           thousands
           of
           years
           ;
           some
           little
           whispering
           there
           was
           of
           it
           upon
           the
           fall
           of
           Man
           ,
           
             The
             seed
             of
             the
             woman
             shall
             break
             the
             serpents
             head
             :
          
           And
           what
           a
           pittance
           was
           here
           ?
           Though
           infinite
           mercy
           appeared
           in
           making
           this
           little
           appearance
           ,
           
             The
             seed
             of
             the
             woman
             shall
             break
             the
             serpents
             head
             :
          
           Then
           afterwards
           a
           little
           more
           of
           this
           ;
           but
           a
           Mysterie
           ,
           and
           still
           a
           Mysterie
           ,
           
           and
           an
           unsearchable
           Mysterie
           ;
           a
           Mysterie
           which
           they
           that
           are
           most
           insighted
           in
           ,
           will
           have
           cause
           to
           say
           ,
           Alas
           ,
           how
           little
           a
           thing
           is
           known
           of
           him
           ?
           and
           what
           a
           depth
           is
           here
           ?
           and
           how
           scant
           and
           short
           is
           our
           line
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           able
           to
           fathom
           the
           depth
           ?
           O
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           that
           all
           those
           Dimensions
           are
           most
           properly
           reckoned
           to
           it
           ;
           heights
           ,
           and
           depths
           ,
           and
           breadths
           ,
           and
           lengths
           ;
           and
           yet
           it
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           passeth
           knowledge
           :
           Such
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           We
           had
           need
           then
           to
           be
           endeavouring
           a
           growth
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           resolve
           thus
           ;
           I
           have
           not
           attained
           ,
           nor
           know
           nothing
           as
           I
           ought
           to
           know
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           yet
           sufficiently
           skill'd
           in
           this
           Mysterie
           ;
           If
           Paul
           that
           was
           such
           a
           knowing
           man
           were
           alive
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           still
           pursuing
           after
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           account
           is
           to
           be
           given
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           be
           so
           set
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           it
           ▪
           Consider
           (
           besides
           )
           that
           that
           I
           have
           now
           spoken
           as
           touching
           the
           smallness
           of
           that
           measure
           attained
           .
           Consider
           yet
           further
           :
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           There
           is
           great
           reason
           that
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           :
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           the
           most
           excellent
           Knowledge
           that
           ever
           was
           discovered
           to
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           you
           have
           the
           Apostles
           word
           for
           it
           ,
           who
           was
           able
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           Knowledge
           and
           Knowledge
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           8.
           
           O
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           do
           here
           give
           my
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           This
           is
           my
           standing
           Judgment
           :
           I
           am
           an
           Hebrew
           of
           the
           Hebrews
           ,
           of
           the
           seed
           of
           Abraham
           ;
           I
           am
           an
           Israelite
           ,
           of
           the
           Tribe
           of
           Benjamin
           ;
           as
           touching
           the
           Law
           ,
           a
           
             Pharisee
             :
          
           —
           And
           he
           was
           a
           man
           that
           could
           speak
           with
           Tongues
           more
           than
           all
           the
           Apostles
           :
           —
           And
           
           he
           was
           a
           man
           of
           profound
           Knowledge
           ;
           
             Though
             I
             be
             rude
             in
             speech
             ,
             yet
             not
             in
             knowledge
             .
          
           Why
           ,
           he
           had
           a
           vast
           portion
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           yet
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           compare
           one
           thing
           with
           another
           ,
           For
           my
           part
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             I
             account
             all
             things
             but
             loss
             and
             dung
             ,
             for
             the
             excellency
             of
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Christ
             Iesus
             my
             Lord.
          
           All
           but
           l●…ss
           and
           dung
           ,
           such
           an
           excellency
           there
           is
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           truly
           ,
           all
           other
           knowledge
           may
           well
           be
           lookt
           upon
           as
           inconsiderable
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           Injoyments
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           but
           even
           accounted
           as
           loss
           and
           dung
           ,
           compared
           with
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Consider
           the
           Subject
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           Christ
           himself
           .
        
         
           Consider
           him
           in
           his
           Person
           ;
           The
           brightness
           of
           his
           Father's
           Glory
           ,
           the
           express
           Image
           of
           his
           Person
           ;
           one
           that
           was
           in
           the
           Form
           of
           God
           ,
           thought
           it
           no
           robbery
           to
           be
           equal
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           Consider
           him
           ,
           yet
           ,
           notwithstanding
           this
           account
           of
           him
           ,
           as
           one
           that
           hath
           a
           transcendent
           love
           to
           his
           Father
           ,
           love
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           most
           willing
           to
           comply
           with
           his
           Fathers
           pleasure
           ,
           in
           taking
           upon
           him
           the
           nature
           of
           Man
           :
           The
           Lord
           ,
           to
           become
           a
           Servant
           ;
           the
           
             Prince
             of
             Life
          
           ,
           to
           become
           subject
           to
           Death
           .
           O
           ,
           the
           blessed
           and
           only
           Potentate
           ,
           to
           be
           made
           a
           Curse
           ;
           —
           he
           that
           knew
           no
           sin
           ,
           becomes
           willing
           to
           be
           made
           sin
           ;
           —
           he
           that
           was
           the
           Lord
           of
           all
           ,
           to
           become
           a
           Servant
           of
           all
           .
           What
           shall
           I
           say
           ?
           The
           consideration
           of
           the
           subject
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           it
           commends
           it
           to
           us
           as
           the
           most
           excellent
           Knowledge
           that
           ever
           was
           communicated
           to
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           consider
           but
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           in
           his
           Person
           ,
           so
           in
           his
           Qualifications
           ;
           in
           his
           Love
           ,
           in
           his
           Meekness
           ,
           in
           his
           Fatience
           ,
           in
           his
           Humility
           ,
           in
           his
           Gentleness
           ,
           in
           his
           Holiness
           and
           Righteousness
           ,
           in
           every
           respect
           .
        
         
         
           Consider
           him
           in
           his
           Office
           ;
           such
           a
           Priest
           ,
           such
           a
           Prophet
           ,
           such
           a
           King
           ,
           as
           the
           World
           never
           had
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           Consider
           him
           in
           his
           Actions
           and
           Performances
           ;
           consider
           him
           in
           his
           miraculous
           Actions
           ,
           in
           his
           moral
           Actions
           ;
           consider
           him
           in
           his
           military
           Actions
           and
           Performances
           ,
           such
           a
           Saviour
           ,
           of
           such
           wonderful
           power
           :
           And
           of
           such
           A●…chievements
           and
           Accomplishments
           ,
           as
           the
           like
           was
           never
           heard
           of
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           that
           he
           should
           rout
           Hell
           it self
           ,
           all
           the
           Devils
           in
           Hell
           :
           It
           was
           a
           great
           matter
           in
           David
           to
           come
           into
           the
           Camp
           ,
           and
           to
           get
           the
           Victory
           over
           a
           Gyant
           ,
           a
           Goliah
           ,
           that
           was
           yet
           but
           a
           man
           :
           But
           for
           this
           Captain
           ,
           this
           noble
           Souldier
           ,
           to
           come
           into
           the
           Camp
           ,
           and
           to
           ingage
           against
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           Hell
           and
           Darkness
           ,
           all
           the
           Devils
           in
           Hell
           ,
           that
           were
           all
           of
           them
           in
           Arms
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           yet
           he
           routs
           them
           ,
           and
           makes
           a
           spoyl
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           leads
           them
           ,
           a
           company
           of
           base
           slaves
           ,
           after
           him
           ;
           he
           makes
           a
           shew
           of
           them
           openly
           ,
           and
           triumphed
           over
           them
           in
           his
           Cross
           ,
           he
           gets
           a
           Conquest
           .
           This
           is
           the
           most
           noble
           Captain
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           worthy
           Souldier
           that
           ever
           the
           World
           had
           .
           Consider
           him
           (
           I
           say
           )
           in
           those
           military
           Performances
           ,
           —
           moral
           Performances
           ,
           —
           miraculous
           Performances
           ;
           the
           wonderful
           cures
           that
           he
           wrought
           ,
           such
           a
           Physitian
           that
           the
           World
           never
           had
           the
           like
           ;
           could
           Cure
           with
           a
           look
           ,
           with
           a
           word
           ,
           with
           a
           touch
           ;
           he
           could
           cure
           Bodies
           ,
           Souls
           .
           There
           's
           never
           a
           Physitian
           in
           the
           World
           could
           purge
           a
           sin
           out
           of
           a
           mans
           Conscience
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           Christ
           can
           purge
           the
           Soul
           from
           sin
           .
           Now
           Brethren
           ,
           I
           can
           at
           present
           but
           name
           these
           things
           ;
           and
           then
           to
           come
           to
           tell
           you
           what
           an
           excellent
           Knowledge
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           .
        
         
         
           As
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           subject
           of
           it
           ,
           so
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           benefit
           and
           usefulness
           of
           it
           ;
           never
           any
           knowledge
           in
           the
           World
           will
           profit
           like
           unto
           this
           knowledge
           .
           Here
           I
           have
           many
           things
           to
           say
           ;
           but
           I
           only
           at
           present
           give
           you
           but
           a
           little
           touch
           of
           them
           :
           —
           —
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           O
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           most
           profitable
           ,
           and
           useful
           ,
           and
           beneficial
           Knowledge
           .
           Mark
           ,
           
             by
             the
             Law
             ,
             comes
             the
             knowledge
             of
             sin
             :
          
           So
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           7.
           
           I
           had
           not
           known
           sin
           ,
           except
           the
           Law
           had
           said
           thus
           and
           thus
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           when
           a
           man
           comes
           to
           know
           his
           plague
           ,
           and
           disease
           ,
           what
           is
           he
           the
           neerer
           ,
           if
           he
           doth
           not
           know
           his
           remedy
           ?
           If
           you
           should
           now
           be
           tryed
           ;
           as
           indeed
           it
           is
           necessary
           you
           should
           ,
           if
           you
           have
           not
           been
           brought
           to
           it
           .
           If
           you
           should
           be
           brought
           to
           know
           what
           vitious
           natures
           you
           have
           ,
           what
           cursed
           corruptions
           ,
           made
           to
           see
           what
           deep
           and
           dreadful
           guilt
           you
           have
           contracted
           upon
           you
           ;
           if
           you
           should
           come
           to
           have
           the
           discovery
           made
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           God
           hath
           a
           favour
           to
           :
           they
           have
           such
           dis●…overies
           made
           to
           them
           ,
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           comes
           〈◊〉
           as
           a
           convincing
           spirit
           :
           if
           you
           should
           come
           to
           have
           the
           knowledge
           of
           your
           sins
           ;
           O
           ,
           now
           I
           am
           made
           to
           see
           ,
           and
           know
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           a
           vile
           ,
           damned
           wretch
           !
           I
           come
           to
           know
           my
           sin
           ,
           and
           I
           know
           no
           more
           ;
           I
           see
           I
           am
           a
           most
           plaguie
           creature
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           you
           should
           know
           no
           more
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           way
           to
           become
           stark
           mad
           ,
           and
           to
           fall
           under
           most
           dreadful
           despair
           ,
           as
           Iudis
           did
           ;
           and
           you
           know
           what
           course
           hetook
           .
           But
           now
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           the
           knnowledg
           that
           relieves
           us
           concerning
           the
           knowledg
           of
           sin
           :
           O
           ,
           I
           know
           my
           plague
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           by
           my
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           I
           come
           to
           know
           my
           plaister
           :
           I
           know
           my
           disease
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           I
           come
           to
           know
           my
           remedy
           .
        
         
         
           The
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           I
           will
           tell
           you
           what
           a
           knowledge
           it
           is
           :
           It
           is
           a
           heart-breaking
           knowledge
           ;
           —
           a
           soul-humbling
           knowledge
           ;
           —
           it
           is
           a
           sin-killing
           knowledge
           ;
           —
           it
           is
           a
           Grace-quickening
           knowledge
           ,
           —
           O
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           love-flaming
           knowledge
           ;
           —
           and
           it
           is
           such
           a
           knowledge
           ,
           as
           will
           draw
           out
           the
           heart
           to
           Christ
           ;
           —
           such
           a
           knowledge
           ,
           as
           will
           make
           men
           willing
           to
           do
           any
           thing
           ,
           to
           suffer
           any
           ▪
           thing
           for
           the
           name
           and
           sake
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           O
           ,
           't
           is
           excellent
           knowledge
           ,
           precious
           knowledge
           ,
           useful
           knowledge
           ,
           the
           most
           beneficial
           knowledge
           .
           The
           Apostle
           professeth
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           said
           before
           ,
           )
           that
           he
           accounted
           all
           things
           but
           loss
           and
           dung
           ,
           for
           the
           excellency
           of
           this
           knowledge
           .
        
         
           The
           inlargement
           of
           these
           things
           I
           cannot
           give
           you
           ;
           nor
           come
           to
           Application
           ;
           but
           only
           thus
           ;
           —
           Will
           you
           but
           set
           your
           hearts
           to
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           the
           things
           that
           have
           been
           spoken
           ?
           Certainly
           ,
           〈◊〉
           ●…ou
           have
           but
           an
           ear
           to
           hear
           ,
           and
           a
           heart
           to
           un●…tand
           ,
           and
           consider
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           how
           rationally
           you
           are
           required
           to
           grow
           in
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           especially
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           if
           you
           do
           but
           weigh
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           account
           given
           ,
           why
           we
           should
           endeavour
           such
           a
           growth
           ;
           you
           will
           be
           able
           to
           conclude
           what
           is
           for
           you
           to
           do
           :
           —
           not
           to
           slight
           this
           knowledge
           ,
           but
           to
           endeavour
           after
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           you
           may
           know
           Christ
           ,
           know
           him
           in
           his
           Name
           ,
           and
           Nature
           ,
           and
           O●…ices
           ;
           —
           and
           know
           him
           ,
           not
           only
           (
           for
           that
           's
           the
           thing
           that
           I
           would
           close
           up
           withal
           )
           with
           an
           historical
           and
           notional
           knowledge
           .
           Peradventure
           you
           may
           say
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           :
           We
           have
           all
           knowledge
           ;
           I
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           so
           ;
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           knowledge
           there
           may
           be
           in
           the
           head
           ,
           and
           yet
           
           nothing
           of
           true
           saving
           knowledge
           in
           the
           heart
           :
           but
           it
           is
           not
           a
           notional
           knowledge
           ,
           but
           a
           heart-knowledge
           ,
           an
           in-working
           knowledge
           ;
           such
           a
           knowledge
           as
           is
           opperative
           to
           such
           purposes
           as
           I
           have
           hinted
           to
           you
           .
           This
           is
           the
           knowledge
           that
           we
           should
           pursue
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           X.
           
        
         
           I
           Would
           add
           to
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           spoken
           of
           ;
           this
           to
           be
           further
           considered
           .
        
         
           The
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           most
           excellent
           knowledge
           ;
           it
           is
           such
           a
           knowledge
           ,
           as
           the
           Angels
           ,
           the
           Glorious
           Angels
           ,
           are
           exceedingly
           devoted
           to
           the
           inquiring
           into
           ;
           they
           are
           very
           much
           set
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           come
           to
           understand
           this
           knowledge
           concerning
           Christ.
           The
           Apostle
           Peter
           ,
           in
           his
           1
           Epist.
           Ch.
           1.
           gives
           you
           this
           account
           concerning
           them
           ;
           speaking
           there
           of
           the
           Revel
           .
           ver
           .
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           The
           spirit
           did
           testifie
           before-hand
           ,
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Glory
           which
           should
           follow
           ,
           unto
           whom
           it
           was
           revealed
           ,
           that
           not
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           but
           unto
           us
           ,
           they
           did
           minister
           the
           things
           which
           are
           now
           reported
           unto
           you
           ,
           by
           them
           that
           have
           preached
           the
           Gospel
           unto
           you
           ,
           which
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           sent
           down
           from
           Heaven
           ;
           
             Which
             things
          
           (
           mark
           you
           ,
           )
           
             the
             Angels
             desire
             to
             look
             into
             .
          
           Do
           but
           consider
           that
           ,
           which
           things
           of
           the
           Gospel
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           his
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Angels
           desire
           to
           look
           into
           ;
           they
           are
           very
           close
           Students
           in
           this
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           most
           strongly
           set
           to
           be
           acquainted
           with
           these
           mysteries
           ;
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           A
           knowledge
           therefore
           ,
           that
           our
           hearts
           shoud
           ●…e
           very
           strongly
           set
           to
           increase
           in
           ,
           and
           for
           to
           get
           more
           acquaintance
           with
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           I
           vvould
           further
           say
           ;
           that
           fo●…●…e
           Apostle
           Paul
           ,
           vvho
           vvas
           a
           man
           of
           excellent
           parts
           ,
           and
           of
           very
           great
           knovvledge
           ;
           a
           man
           of
           much
           
           learning
           ;
           and
           vvas
           as
           able
           to
           make
           a
           judgement
           of
           knovvledge
           ,
           as
           any
           man
           ,
           and
           for
           to
           discern
           betvveen
           knovvledge
           and
           knovvledge
           .
           The
           Apostle
           Paul
           ,
           he
           vvas
           (
           as
           I
           hinted
           before
           )
           very
           high
           in
           his
           esteem
           of
           this
           knovvledge
           ;
           and
           if
           so
           be
           that
           it
           had
           been
           convenient
           for
           him
           to
           have
           boasted
           ,
           truly
           ,
           he
           vvould
           have
           made
           his
           boast
           of
           his
           knovvledge
           in
           the
           mysterie
           of
           Christ
           :
           Though
           I
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           be
           rude
           in
           speech
           ,
           yet
           not
           in
           knovvledge
           ;
           and
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           I
           vvould
           have
           you
           to
           knovv
           my
           knovvledge
           in
           the
           mysterie
           of
           Christ.
           So
           in
           Eph.
           3.
           vvriting
           that
           Epistle
           to
           them
           ,
           he
           expresseth
           himself
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           
             Whereby
             ,
             when
             you
             come
             to
             read
             ,
             you
             may
             understand
             my
             knowledge
             in
             the
             mysterie
             of
             Christ.
             
          
        
         
           Further
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           knovvledge
           that
           vve
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grovv
           up
           in
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           most
           beneficial
           and
           profitable
           knovvledge
           :
           it
           is
           the
           most
           beneficial
           knovvledge
           in
           all
           the
           World
           ;
           —
           It
           is
           a
           heart-humbling
           knovvledge
           ;
           —
           It
           is
           a
           sin-killing
           knovvledge
           ;
           —
           It
           is
           a
           conscience-quieting
           knovvledge
           .
        
         
           And
           here
           I
           might
           add
           sundry
           other
           particulars
           ,
           that
           you
           might
           come
           to
           knovv
           hovv
           to
           value
           the
           knovvledge
           of
           Christ
           :
           and
           so
           ,
           hovv
           much
           it
           concerns
           us
           to
           endeavour
           after
           a
           grovvth
           and
           increase
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           svveetning
           knovvledge
           ;
           it
           svveetens
           a
           mans
           spirit
           under
           all
           the
           bitterness
           that
           it
           may
           meet
           〈◊〉
           ●…al
           :
           —
           It
           svveetens
           afflictions
           ;
           —
           it
           svveetens
           temptations
           ,
           and
           vvhatsoever
           may
           be
           to
           the
           im●…ering
           of
           a
           mans
           spirit
           .
           O
           ,
           the
           knovvledge
           of
           〈◊〉
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           !
           it
           vvill
           bring
           the
           ▪
           soul
           into
           a
           condition
           to
           relish
           svveetness
           ,
           in
           it
           !
        
         
         
           And
           then
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           sanctifying
           knovvledge
           ;
           it
           's
           a
           knowledge
           that
           sanctifies
           the
           understanding
           .
           There
           is
           another
           knowledge
           which
           men
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           lifted
           up
           through
           the
           attainment
           of
           ,
           and
           lifted
           up
           with
           ;
           which
           is
           a
           knowledge
           ,
           that
           doth
           rather
           tend
           to
           the
           corrupting
           ,
           and
           depraving
           of
           the
           understanding
           :
           but
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           doth
           sanctifie
           the
           understanding
           ,
           —
           and
           perfects
           the
           understanding
           :
           —
           it
           sanctifies
           all
           other
           knowledge
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           attain
           unto
           .
           And
           much
           might
           be
           spoken
           to
           that
           purpose
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           add
           yet
           further
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           stand
           the
           more
           fully
           convinced
           of
           our
           duty
           this
           way
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           Consider
           thus
           ;
           Beleevers
           ,
           they
           are
           most
           strongly
           bound
           to
           place
           their
           whole
           trust
           and
           confidence
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           order
           to
           their
           being
           everlastingly
           saved
           :
           
             Blessed
             are
             all
             they
             that
             trust
             in
             Christ.
          
           It
           is
           He
           (
           I
           say
           )
           upon
           whom
           a
           Beleevers
           trust
           and
           confidence
           is
           to
           be
           placed
           in
           the
           fullest
           strength
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           other
           confidences
           than
           what
           are
           plac'd
           in
           any
           but
           in
           Christ
           ,
           God
           will
           curse
           them
           ,
           and
           confound
           them
           :
           
             Cursed
             be
             the
             man
             that
             trusteth
             in
             man
             ,
             and
             maketh
             flesh
             his
             arm
             :
          
           but
           ,
           blessed
           is
           the
           man
           whose
           trust
           is
           in
           Christ.
           It
           is
           Christ
           whom
           we
           are
           to
           trust
           with
           our
           lives
           ,
           —
           with
           our
           souls
           ,
           —
           with
           our
           consciences
           ,
           —
           with
           our
           peace
           ,
           —
           with
           our
           comforts
           ,
           —
           with
           our
           eternal
           concernments
           :
           Thus
           it
           is
           ,
           —
           it
           is
           Christ
           that
           we
           are
           to
           trust
           upon
           for
           Righteousness
           unto
           Justification
           ,
           and
           everlasting
           life
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           Christ
           upon
           whom
           we
           are
           to
           place
           our
           hope
           and
           confidence
           towards
           God.
           
        
         
           It
           is
           Christ
           who
           is
           the
           foundation
           ,
           upon
           whom
           we
           are
           to
           lay
           the
           whole
           weight
           of
           our
           souls
           for
           
           eternity
           .
           Now
           then
           consider
           ,
           how
           strongly
           the
           Argument
           will
           grow
           up
           from
           hence
           :
           if
           so
           be
           that
           Believers
           be
           so
           much
           bound
           ,
           to
           place
           their
           trust
           in
           Christ
           ;
           to
           pitch
           ,
           and
           fix
           their
           confidence
           upon
           Christ
           ;
           they
           had
           need
           know
           him
           well
           :
           this
           will
           follow
           upon
           it
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           you
           had
           need
           to
           know
           (
           reason
           will
           suggest
           this
           to
           you
           )
           that
           man
           well
           ,
           whom
           you
           trust
           your
           lives
           withal
           ;
           all
           your
           estates
           ,
           and
           worldly
           interests
           withal
           ;
           lest
           ,
           putting
           your
           confidence
           in
           an
           unfaithful
           man
           ,
           or
           one
           that
           will
           not
           be
           responsible
           to
           you
           concerning
           the
           trust
           you
           place
           in
           him
           ,
           you
           be
           utterly
           undone
           ,
           and
           fall
           under
           sad
           and
           shameful
           disappointments
           .
           Will
           you
           trust
           your selves
           ,
           in
           case
           of
           sickness
           ,
           with
           one
           that
           you
           never
           knew
           ,
           or
           have
           but
           little
           knowledge
           of
           ;
           do
           not
           know
           whether
           he
           have
           proportionable
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           understanding
           ,
           and
           skill
           to
           manage
           such
           an
           undertaking
           as
           your
           health
           ,
           and
           recovery
           from
           some
           deadly
           disease
           amounts
           unto
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           you
           will
           say
           ,
           I
           will
           know
           him
           well
           ,
           before
           I
           will
           trust
           him
           with
           such
           a
           concernment
           .
           —
           —
           If
           so
           be
           that
           you
           have
           a
           Suit
           in
           Law
           ,
           which
           your
           whole
           Estate
           depends
           upon
           the
           well
           issuing
           of
           ;
           you
           will
           endeavour
           this
           ;
           to
           know
           him
           well
           whom
           you
           trust
           your
           Cause
           with
           ,
           lest
           it
           should
           miscarry
           ,
           by
           means
           of
           his
           ill
           management
           of
           it
           :
           this
           we
           all
           will
           yield
           unto
           ,
           as
           a
           rational
           thing
           .
           Why
           now
           ,
           I
           pray
           consider
           ;
           you
           are
           bound
           to
           trust
           Christ
           with
           your
           lives
           ,
           with
           your
           souls
           ;
           they
           are
           wofully
           diseased
           ,
           and
           He
           must
           be
           your
           Physitian
           ;
           and
           you
           are
           bound
           to
           make
           your
           application
           unto
           him
           for
           health
           and
           cure
           .
           Truly
           ,
           you
           had
           need
           to
           know
           him
           ;
           it
           's
           your
           duty
           to
           be
           well
           acquainted
           with
           him
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           come
           with
           the
           more
           boldness
           ,
           to
           place
           your
           trust
           and
           confidence
           in
           Him
           ,
           
           and
           to
           say
           ;
           Well
           ,
           I
           dare
           venture
           my
           life
           in
           his
           hand
           ;
           I
           know
           him
           well
           ;
           I
           know
           his
           wisdom
           ;
           I
           know
           his
           skill
           ;
           I
           am
           so
           well
           acquainted
           with
           his
           sufficiency
           ,
           that
           ,
           if
           I
           had
           a
           thousand
           lives
           ,
           I
           would
           put
           them
           all
           into
           his
           hand
           .
           —
           —
           You
           are
           to
           trust
           him
           for
           your
           eternal
           inheritance
           ,
           and
           for
           to
           plead
           your
           Cause
           ;
           to
           answer
           all
           the
           Suits
           that
           are
           to
           be
           commenc'd
           against
           you
           by
           the
           Devil
           ,
           by
           your
           Consciences
           ;
           it
           is
           He
           that
           must
           plead
           your
           Cause
           ;
           you
           are
           bound
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           trust
           Him
           with
           your
           Cause
           .
           Now
           ,
           it
           stands
           you
           upon
           much
           therefore
           ,
           to
           know
           him
           well
           ,
           and
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           your
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           :
           forasmuch
           as
           you
           are
           to
           commit
           the
           cause
           of
           your
           souls
           to
           Him.
           
        
         
           Consider
           further
           ;
           You
           are
           bound
           to
           place
           your
           most
           intire
           and
           intensive
           love
           upon
           Christ
           :
           this
           is
           the
           bond
           the
           Lord
           sets
           upon
           every
           beleeving
           soul
           ;
           to
           love
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           in
           sincerity
           ,
           and
           to
           love
           him
           with
           the
           most
           intire
           and
           intensive
           love
           .
           Consider
           this
           ;
           you
           are
           bound
           to
           love
           him
           above
           your
           lives
           ,
           above
           your
           souls
           ;
           you
           are
           bound
           to
           love
           him
           more
           than
           you
           love
           your
           Father
           ,
           your
           Mother
           ,
           your
           Wife
           ,
           your
           Children
           ,
           your
           Estates
           ,
           every
           thing
           in
           the
           World
           that
           is
           most
           neer
           and
           dear
           unto
           you
           :
           this
           obligation
           and
           bond
           ,
           the
           Gospel
           puts
           Beleevers
           under
           ;
           —
           they
           are
           bound
           (
           I
           say
           )
           to
           love
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           with
           a
           supream
           love
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           this
           account
           of
           themselves
           ;
           such
           as
           the
           Prophet
           doth
           of
           himself
           ,
           in
           Ps.
           33.
           
           O
           Lord
           ,
           
             Whom
             have
             I
             in
             Heaven
             but
             thee
             ?
             and
             whom
             is
             there
             on
             earth
             ,
             that
             I
             love
             ,
             and
             desire
             in
             comparison
             of
             thee
             ?
          
           This
           is
           your
           duty
           ,
           the
           duty
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           for
           to
           have
           the
           strength
           of
           his
           love
           let
           out
           upon
           Christ.
           —
           —
           It
           's
           our
           duty
           to
           love
           him
           with
           a
           
           
             Conjugal
             love
          
           ;
           love
           him
           so
           ,
           as
           to
           own
           him
           for
           our
           Beloved
           ,
           and
           to
           refuse
           all
           other
           beloveds
           in
           comparison
           of
           him
           :
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           .
           Now
           ,
           mark
           you
           ;
           Will
           not
           then
           the
           Argument
           flow
           strongly
           from
           hence
           ,
           we
           have
           reason
           then
           to
           know
           him
           well
           ,
           and
           labour
           to
           improve
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           him
           :
           Christ
           doth
           not
           care
           for
           a
           blind
           love
           ,
           He
           doth
           not
           make
           much
           account
           of
           the
           love
           that
           is
           set
           upon
           him
           by
           those
           that
           know
           him
           not
           :
           it
           is
           a
           judicious
           love
           that
           Christ
           makes
           account
           of
           .
           Now
           therefore
           ,
           it
           concerns
           you
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           knowing
           him
           well
           ,
           our
           hearts
           may
           break
           out
           ,
           and
           burn
           in
           love
           to
           him
           ;
           and
           that
           so
           he
           may
           come
           to
           have
           the
           strength
           of
           our
           affections
           let
           out
           upon
           him
           .
           There
           's
           never
           a
           wise
           woman
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           will
           let
           out
           her
           love
           upon
           a
           man
           that
           she
           knows
           not
           ,
           or
           hath
           little
           knowledge
           of
           ;
           I
           will
           know
           him
           well
           ,
           whether
           he
           be
           a
           proper
           object
           for
           me
           to
           place
           my
           love
           upon
           .
           Now
           ,
           thus
           the
           case
           stands
           between
           Christ
           and
           a
           beleeving
           soul
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           had
           need
           endeavour
           an
           improvement
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           come
           to
           have
           our
           hearts
           the
           more
           free
           to
           let
           out
           our
           love
           upon
           him
           ;
           and
           say
           ,
           O
           ,
           I
           know
           him
           ,
           I
           know
           him
           so
           well
           ,
           that
           no
           beloved
           for
           my
           purpose
           ,
           besides
           himself
           :
           Choose
           him
           ,
           I
           will
           choose
           him
           above
           all
           the
           World.
           This
           was
           the
           course
           that
           the
           Daughters
           of
           Jerusalem
           took
           ,
           in
           Cant.
           2.
           
           When
           the
           Spouse
           was
           giving
           in
           charge
           to
           them
           concerning
           her
           Beloved
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           
             What
             is
             thy
             beloved
             more
             than
             another
             beloved
             ?
          
           Why
           ,
           saith
           she
           ,
           
             My
             beloved
             is
             white
             and
             ruddy
             ,
             the
             chiefest
             among
             ten
             thousand
             :
          
           she
           speaks
           as
           one
           that
           had
           a
           full
           knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           upon
           
           that
           account
           her
           heart
           was
           so
           strongly
           drawn
           out
           to
           him
           :
           thus
           it
           was
           with
           her
           .
           Now
           ,
           in
           Chap.
           6.
           having
           obtained
           the
           knowledge
           of
           her
           Beloved
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           so
           choice
           and
           precious
           a
           one
           ;
           their
           hearts
           begin
           to
           flame
           out
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           in
           love
           with
           him
           :
           
             O
             ,
             whither
             is
             thy
             Beloved
             gone
             ;
             O
             thou
             fairest
             among
             women
             ;
             whither
             is
             thy
             beloved
             gone
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             seek
             him
             with
             thee
             ?
          
           for
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           thy
           Beloved
           ;
           so
           shall
           he
           be
           our
           Beloved
           :
           now
           we
           come
           to
           know
           more
           of
           him
           ,
           now
           are
           our
           hearts
           inflamed
           with
           the
           love
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           our
           desires
           carried
           out
           more
           strongly
           after
           him
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           we
           had
           need
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Whereas
           they
           are
           bound
           to
           trust
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           their
           love
           upon
           him
           ,
           so
           they
           are
           under
           this
           obligation
           ,
           for
           to
           captivate
           their
           judgements
           to
           him
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           yield
           up
           themselves
           in
           all
           obedience
           and
           duty
           to
           be
           at
           his
           beck
           and
           bidding
           ,
           and
           to
           comport
           with
           him
           in
           all
           his
           requiries
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           whatsoever
           he
           commands
           them
           ,
           without
           disputing
           his
           commands
           :
           this
           is
           a
           Beleevers
           duty
           :
           Whatsoever
           he
           requires
           of
           them
           ,
           without
           any
           more
           ado
           ,
           to
           follow
           him
           resolvedly
           in
           every
           way
           that
           he
           leads
           them
           into
           :
           If
           any
           man
           will
           be
           my
           Disciple
           ,
           let
           him
           deny
           himself
           ,
           and
           follow
           me
           ,
           and
           hearken
           to
           my
           commands
           ;
           such
           service
           and
           duty
           every
           beleeving
           soul
           stands
           bound
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           .
           Now
           consider
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           one
           will
           go
           ,
           and
           bind
           himself
           to
           such
           a
           Master
           ,
           whose
           will
           he
           must
           follow
           ,
           whose
           commands
           he
           must
           obey
           ,
           and
           with
           whose
           requiries
           he
           must
           comport
           :
           truly
           ,
           he
           had
           need
           to
           know
           him
           well
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           such
           a
           one
           ,
           as
           will
           require
           nothing
           but
           that
           which
           is
           just
           and
           righteous
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           is
           fit
           for
           
           him
           to
           comply
           withal
           .
           Now
           ,
           the
           case
           stands
           thus
           between
           Christ
           and
           a
           Beleever
           :
           therefore
           he
           had
           need
           endeavour
           to
           be
           well-knowing
           of
           Christ
           ,
           what
           a
           one
           he
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           most
           righteous
           and
           just
           in
           all
           his
           requiries
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           will
           put
           us
           upon
           no
           service
           but
           what
           is
           for
           his
           honour
           ,
           and
           for
           our
           benefit
           ;
           that
           so
           knowing
           what
           a
           one
           he
           is
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           the
           more
           free
           to
           yield
           up
           our selves
           unto
           ,
           and
           without
           any
           further
           dispute
           ,
           to
           apply
           to
           his
           counsels
           and
           commands
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           I
           add
           this
           further
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           that
           lies
           upon
           Beleevers
           ;
           as
           to
           place
           their
           trust
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           their
           love
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           yield
           up
           themselves
           in
           duty
           and
           obedience
           to
           Christ
           ;
           so
           likewise
           ,
           to
           incourage
           themselves
           to
           suffering
           for
           Christ
           ,
           let
           the
           suffering
           be
           what
           it
           will
           ;
           to
           suffer
           loss
           ,
           suffer
           shame
           ,
           suffer
           pain
           ,
           any
           thing
           that
           Christ
           doth
           call
           them
           out
           to
           the
           suffering
           of
           ;
           they
           are
           bound
           for
           to
           comport
           with
           him
           in
           ,
           and
           to
           yield
           up
           themselves
           unto
           ;
           the
           bearing
           of
           whatsoever
           burden
           he
           laies
           upon
           them
           :
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             be
             my
             Disciple
             ,
             let
             him
             deny
             himself
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             his
             cross
             :
          
           let
           the
           Cross
           be
           what
           it
           will
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ,
           truly
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           taken
           up
           ;
           this
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           every
           Beleever
           ,
           as
           his
           duty
           ;
           startle
           at
           nothing
           of
           difficulty
           ,
           danger
           ,
           and
           sufferings
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           put
           upon
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Willing
           to
           suffer
           the
           spoyling
           of
           Goods
           ,
           the
           loss
           of
           our
           Estates
           ,
           to
           suffer
           shame
           for
           his
           Name
           ,
           to
           suffer
           death
           ,
           if
           he
           call
           us
           to
           it
           .
           Now
           ,
           consider
           then
           ,
           how
           strongly
           the
           Argument
           will
           rise
           from
           hence
           :
           truly
           ,
           it
           's
           to
           good
           purpose
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           Truly
           ,
           I
           had
           need
           look
           well
           to
           it
           ,
           whom
           I
           suffer
           for
           ;
           if
           so
           be
           that
           I
           know
           ,
           that
           if
           I
           will
           ingage
           in
           such
           a
           
           Relation
           ,
           either
           as
           a
           Wife
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           Servant
           ,
           I
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           undergo
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           suffering
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           the
           Relation
           under
           which
           I
           pass
           :
           truly
           ,
           I
           had
           need
           well
           to
           know
           the
           persons
           ,
           on
           whose
           sake
           ,
           and
           behalf
           ,
           and
           account
           ,
           I
           am
           like
           to
           suffer
           so
           much
           ;
           whether
           I
           shall
           not
           have
           cause
           to
           be
           ashamed
           of
           my
           suffering
           .
           Now
           ,
           in
           this
           regard
           ,
           it
           concerns
           the
           Saints
           and
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           after
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           that
           so
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           to
           suffer
           for
           his
           Name
           ,
           and
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           waies
           ,
           they
           may
           bear
           up
           with
           confidence
           and
           boldness
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           ashamed
           ;
           and
           say
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           (
           and
           it
           's
           an
           excellent
           passage
           to
           this
           purpose
           )
           2
           Tim.
           1.
           
           
             I
             suffer
             these
             things
          
           ,
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             but
             I
             am
             not
             ashamed
          
           :
           I
           suffer
           as
           an
           evil
           doer
           ,
           unto
           bonds
           ,
           and
           I
           undergo
           these
           and
           these
           reproaches
           and
           scorns
           ,
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Christ
           :
           I
           suffer
           these
           things
           ,
           but
           I
           am
           not
           ashamed
           ;
           O
           ,
           I
           know
           in
           whom
           I
           have
           believed
           ,
           I
           know
           who
           it
           is
           for
           whom
           I
           suffer
           ;
           I
           suffer
           on
           the
           behalf
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           such
           a
           one
           ,
           as
           will
           make
           up
           all
           to
           me
           ;
           I
           shall
           never
           have
           cause
           to
           be
           ashamed
           of
           the
           shame
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           pain
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           reproaches
           and
           scorns
           that
           I
           undergo
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           No
           ,
           this
           was
           that
           that
           made
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           in
           Acts
           5.
           to
           go
           away
           from
           the
           Councel
           rejoycing
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           accounted
           worthy
           to
           suffer
           shame
           for
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           And
           truly
           Brethren
           ,
           in
           these
           regards
           now
           ,
           there
           is
           very
           great
           reason
           that
           B●…leevers
           should
           study
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           labour
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           it
           ;
           —
           and
           that
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           their
           trust
           ,
           —
           and
           of
           their
           love
           ,
           —
           and
           of
           their
           duty
           ,
           —
           and
           of
           their
           suffering
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           to
           resolve
           upon
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Jesus
           
           Christ.
           Alas
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           madness
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           put
           their
           trust
           ,
           and
           place
           their
           confidence
           in
           those
           things
           which
           they
           have
           no
           knowledge
           of
           :
           they
           have
           no
           knowledge
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           be
           responsible
           to
           them
           ,
           nor
           answer
           their
           expectation
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           is
           the
           dishonour
           of
           men
           ;
           as
           it
           was
           in
           the
           case
           of
           the
           Israelites
           ;
           they
           would
           put
           their
           trust
           and
           confidence
           in
           Egypt
           ,
           a
           broken
           reed
           ;
           they
           knew
           not
           Egypt
           ,
           they
           knew
           not
           what
           disappointments
           were
           in
           Egypt
           .
           It
           is
           the
           dishonour
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           pass
           their
           love
           ,
           and
           place
           their
           affections
           upon
           those
           things
           they
           know
           not
           ,
           do
           service
           to
           those
           things
           they
           know
           not
           ,
           be
           willing
           to
           suffer
           for
           those
           they
           know
           not
           :
           Did
           men
           know
           what
           vain
           things
           ,
           riches
           ,
           pleasures
           ,
           worldly
           interests
           were
           ,
           and
           what
           little
           account
           there
           is
           to
           be
           made
           of
           them
           ;
           did
           they
           but
           know
           them
           within
           and
           without
           ,
           through
           and
           through
           ;
           they
           would
           never
           carry
           it
           towards
           them
           as
           they
           do
           ;
           never
           place
           their
           trust
           ,
           and
           set
           their
           hearts
           so
           much
           upon
           them
           .
           And
           it
           is
           that
           that
           will
           be
           the
           shame
           and
           confusion
           of
           worldly
           minded
           persons
           (
           the
           Lord
           give
           us
           wisdom
           to
           consider
           of
           it
           in
           time
           )
           at
           last
           ;
           when
           they
           shall
           come
           to
           see
           what
           the
           object
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           plac'd
           their
           trust
           ,
           and
           set
           their
           hearts
           upon
           .
           O
           beast
           !
           O
           mad
           wretch
           that
           I
           was
           ,
           that
           I
           should
           go
           and
           put
           my
           trust
           in
           a
           thing
           that
           cannot
           profit
           me
           ,
           that
           can
           stand
           me
           in
           no
           stead
           !
           I
           trusted
           in
           my
           uncertain
           riches
           ;
           uncertain
           they
           were
           ,
           and
           altogether
           irresponsible
           to
           the
           confidence
           that
           I
           placed
           in
           them
           :
           I
           set
           my
           love
           upon
           this
           and
           that
           ;
           this
           base
           and
           beggerly
           lust
           :
           O
           ,
           it
           's
           base
           things
           ,
           and
           worthy
           to
           be
           hated
           :
           I
           spent
           my
           time
           ,
           and
           laid
           out
           my
           strength
           for
           such
           and
           such
           things
           ;
           I
           thought
           they
           would
           be
           very
           contentful
           
           in
           the
           enjoyment
           :
           But
           ,
           alas
           !
           I
           find
           I
           have
           laid
           out
           my
           money
           for
           that
           I
           see
           is
           no
           bread
           ,
           and
           for
           that
           will
           yield
           me
           no
           profit
           at
           all
           .
           This
           will
           be
           the
           consutation
           of
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           Yet
           further
           ,
           That
           we
           may
           stand
           the
           more
           fully
           convinc'd
           of
           this
           as
           our
           Duty
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           The
           very
           Knowledge
           it self
           ,
           or
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           doth
           exceeding
           strongly
           and
           loudly
           bespeak
           a
           Believers
           endeavour
           this
           way
           .
           The
           subject
           matter
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           I
           told
           you
           before
           ,
           That
           Christ
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           ;
           and
           that
           speaks
           the
           excellency
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           .
           —
           But
           now
           ,
           besides
           ,
           The
           subject
           matter
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           duly
           weighed
           and
           considered
           ,
           it
           doth
           bespeak
           a
           Believers
           endeavours
           after
           the
           Improvement
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           .
           For
           consider
           ,
           —
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           Knowledge
           in
           a
           Mysterie
           ;
           and
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Mysterie
           ,
           as
           hath
           heights
           ,
           and
           depths
           ,
           and
           breadths
           ,
           and
           lengths
           ;
           it
           hath
           all
           dimensions
           :
           I
           ,
           and
           beyond
           comprehension
           .
           That
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           in
           the
           carrying
           on
           of
           this
           Discours●…
           ,
           I
           may
           have
           occasion
           to
           give
           you
           a
           more
           full
           account
           of
           than
           now
           I
           can
           ;
           but
           I
           hint
           at
           it
           now
           upon
           the
           account
           that
           I
           am
           speaking
           :
           In
           Eph
           3.
           
           The
           Apostle
           prays
           ,
           
             That
             they
             might
             comprehend
             with
             all
             the
             Saints
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             height
             ,
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             breadth
             ,
             and
             length
             :
          
           And
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             That
             you
             may
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             which
             passeth
             knowledge
             .
          
           There
           is
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           heights
           ,
           and
           depths
           ,
           and
           breadths
           ,
           and
           lengths
           ,
           and
           particularly
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           his
           Love
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Love
           as
           passeth
           Knowledge
           .
           Now
           ,
           do
           but
           argue
           thus
           :
           Is
           there
           such
           a
           Mysterie
           ?
           Are
           there
           such
           depths
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           ?
           T●…n
           certainly
           we
           
           had
           need
           to
           set
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           endeavour
           for
           to
           grow
           up
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           as
           comprehensive
           of
           it
           as
           possible
           we
           can
           ;
           this
           is
           our
           Duty
           :
           As
           now
           to
           instance
           in
           some
           Particulars
           .
        
         
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           concerning
           this
           Mysterie
           ,
           in
           Col.
           1.
           speaking
           there
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           ;
           Which
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             is
             Christ
             in
             you
             ,
             the
             hope
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           O
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           do
           you
           know
           the
           meaning
           of
           this
           ?
           It
           may
           be
           you
           think
           you
           do
           ;
           but
           I
           say
           (
           I
           am
           sufficiently
           warranted
           to
           say
           )
           If
           any
           man
           think
           he
           knoweth
           any
           thing
           ,
           he
           knows
           nothing
           as
           he
           ought
           .
           Do
           you
           know
           the
           interpretation
           of
           this
           ,
           
             Christ
             in
             you
             ,
             the
             hope
             of
             Glory
             ?
          
           This
           is
           the
           Mysterie
           ;
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           it
           so
           :
           You
           may
           be
           apt
           to
           think
           you
           can
           reach
           the
           bottom
           of
           this
           ;
           Christ
           ,
           and
           
             Christ
             in
             you
          
           ;
           and
           Christ
           in
           you
           ,
           
             the
             hope
             of
             Glory
          
           .
           Alas
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           put
           our selves
           off
           with
           a
           little
           sip
           of
           the
           Cup
           ;
           we
           go
           as
           it
           were
           with
           the
           top
           of
           the
           lip
           ,
           and
           give
           a
           touch
           upon
           that
           which
           would
           cover
           head
           and
           shoulders
           and
           all
           ;
           we
           might
           stand
           under
           these
           waters
           they
           are
           so
           deep
           :
           Such
           a
           word
           as
           this
           ,
           it
           bespeaks
           our
           search
           ,
           and
           disquisition
           ,
           and
           inquiry
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           in
           with
           God.
           O
           ,
           but
           Lord
           ,
           What
           's
           the
           meaning
           of
           this
           ,
           
             Christ
             in
             you
          
           ,
           and
           Christ
           in
           you
           
             the
             hope
             of
             Glory
          
           ?
           This
           bespeaks
           our
           endeavour
           after
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Here
           I
           might
           fall
           upon
           sundry
           other
           Particulars
           ,
           as
           this
           belongs
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Apostles
           account
           ,
           in
           Eph.
           3.
           he
           speaks
           there
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           which
           was
           kept
           secret
           from
           Ages
           and
           Generations
           :
           And
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           Was
           not
           so
           made
           known
           as
           it
           is
           now
           to
           his
           holy
           Apostles
           and
           Prophets
           by
           the
           Spirit
           .
           —
           What
           's
           this
           Mysterie
           ?
           That
           the
           Gentiles
           should
           be
           fellow-Heirs
           of
           the
           same
           Body
           ,
           partakers
           of
           his
           Promise
           in
           Christ
           by
           the
           
           Gospel
           :
           That
           is
           a
           Mysterie
           ;
           and
           this
           bespeaks
           our
           endeavour
           after
           a
           growth
           in
           knowledge
           ,
           even
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           for
           this
           belongs
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           Christ
           will
           be
           considered
           as
           mystical
           Christ
           ;
           he
           will
           be
           made
           up
           of
           Jew
           and
           Gentile
           ,
           the
           middle
           Wall
           being
           broken
           down
           ;
           a
           Mysterie
           hidden
           from
           Ages
           and
           Generations
           ;
           but
           it
           's
           made
           known
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           how
           little
           a
           thing
           is
           known
           ,
           even
           of
           this
           ?
        
         
           And
           then
           I
           add
           withal
           ,
           The
           Mysterie
           ;
           it
           was
           the
           mysterie
           concerning
           the
           Gentiles
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           come
           in
           to
           be
           fellow-Heirs
           .
        
         
           It
           's
           
             the
             Mysterie
          
           ,
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           Iews
           :
           So
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           it
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           11.
           
           This
           Mysterie
           I
           would
           not
           have
           you
           ignorant
           of
           ,
           lest
           you
           should
           be
           wise
           in
           your
           own
           conceits
           ,
           that
           blindness
           in
           part
           is
           happened
           to
           the
           Iews
           ,
           until
           the
           fulness
           of
           the
           Gentiles
           come
           in
           ,
           and
           then
           all
           Israel
           shall
           be
           saved
           :
           Here
           's
           a
           Mysterie
           .
           Now
           ,
           these
           Mysteries
           bespeak
           our
           serious
           endeavour
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           —
           the
           Administration
           of
           it
           ;
           —
           the
           delivery
           of
           it
           ,
           upon
           the
           Administration
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           the
           Father
           .
           The
           Apostle
           holds
           forth
           these
           Mysteries
           :
        
         
           The
           Mysterie
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ;
           the
           new
           Heavens
           ,
           and
           the
           new
           Earth
           ,
           wherein
           dwelleth
           Righteousness
           ,
           which
           belongs
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           the
           delivering
           up
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           to
           the
           Father
           ,
           that
           God
           may
           be
           All
           in
           all
           ,
           when
           Christ
           hath
           performed
           the
           Administration
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           .
           Now
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           these
           are
           Mysteries
           belonging
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           
           Christ
           ,
           which
           do
           all
           of
           them
           loudly
           bespeak
           our
           most
           sedulous
           endeavours
           after
           a
           growth
           in
           this
           blessed
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           And
           to
           add
           no
           more
           ,
           consider
           that
           passage
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           1
           Tim.
           3.
           the
           latter
           end
           ,
           
             Great
             is
             the
             mysterie
             of
             godliness
             :
          
           —
           What
           's
           that
           ?
           
             God
             was
             manifest
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             iustified
             in
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             seen
             of
             Angels
             ,
             preached
             to
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             believed
             on
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             received
             up
             into
             Glory
             .
          
           Have
           we
           comprehended
           ?
           have
           we
           attained
           ?
           The
           Apostle
           Paul
           was
           far
           from
           thinking
           so
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           account
           of
           him
           ;
           
             N●…
             as
             if
             I
             had
             already
             attained
             ,
             or
             were
             already
             perfect
             .
          
           What
           ,
           have
           we
           got
           to
           the
           bottom
           of
           these
           Mysteries
           ?
           Are
           we
           able
           to
           fathom
           the
           depth
           of
           them
           ?
           O
           ,
           how
           little
           a
           thing
           do
           we
           know
           of
           these
           things
           .
           It
           was
           a
           good
           saying
           of
           one
           of
           the
           Ancients
           ;
           
             Many
             things
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             customary
             mentioning
             of
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             slighted
             ,
             which
             if
             they
             were
             but
             seriously
             weighed
             would
             cause
             admiration
             to
             astonishment
             .
             God
             manifested
             in
             the
             flesh
             :
          
           Why
           ,
           it
           's
           a
           Mystery
           that
           we
           may
           bestow
           a
           whole
           Age
           of
           a
           thousand
           years
           in
           studying
           ,
           and
           never
           be
           able
           to
           come
           to
           the
           full
           understanding
           of
           :
           Angels
           desire
           to
           look
           into
           these
           things
           .
           Now
           ,
           upon
           these
           accounts
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           may
           well
           be
           required
           of
           Believers
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           their
           utmost
           endeavour
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           I
           shall
           close
           up
           for
           the
           present
           only
           with
           this
           one
           Argument
           further
           :
           It
           is
           the
           Saints
           duty
           to
           endeavour
           a
           Knowledge
           in
           the
           growth
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           for
           otherwise
           ,
           truly
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           answer
           the
           provision
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ;
           we
           walk
           unworthy
           of
           the
           Goodness
           and
           Grace
           of
           God
           which
           hath
           discovered
           it self
           this
           
           way
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           such
           a
           growth
           .
           For
           ,
           mark
           you
           ;
           In
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           upon
           the
           fall
           of
           Adam
           ,
           the
           Gospel
           it
           was
           but
           whispered
           :
           Whisper
           ,
           there
           was
           something
           darkly
           ,
           secretly
           ,
           and
           couchantly
           (
           if
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           )
           was
           hinted
           out
           ;
           
             The
             seed
             of
             the
             Woman
             shall
             break
             the
             Serpents
             head
          
           ;
           here
           was
           all
           the
           Gospel
           was
           given
           out
           at
           first
           :
           Afterwards
           there
           began
           to
           be
           a
           little
           more
           discovery
           made
           of
           it
           to
           
             Abraham
             ,
             Isaac
          
           and
           Iacob
           :
           —
           Afterwards
           in
           Moses
           time
           ,
           and
           in
           Moses
           days
           ,
           there
           came
           to
           be
           a
           little
           more
           full
           explanation
           :
           —
           afterwards
           in
           the
           times
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           clearer
           &
           clearer
           discoveries
           .
           —
           But
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           when
           Christ
           came
           ,
           then
           the
           
             Day
             star
          
           arises
           ,
           nay
           ,
           the
           
             Sun
             of
             Righteousness
          
           breaks
           out
           ,
           and
           now
           we
           have
           clearer
           and
           clearer
           discoveries
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           —
           And
           mark
           you
           ,
           when
           Christ
           goes
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           he
           sends
           a
           token
           of
           his
           love
           to
           his
           Church
           and
           People
           ,
           a
           Book
           of
           Mysteries
           ,
           of
           Mysteries
           concerning
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           himself
           ;
           and
           provides
           this
           very
           Book
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           come
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           Now
           ,
           consider
           this
           ;
           For
           as
           much
           as
           the
           Lord
           hath
           in
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           out
           of
           his
           rich
           bounty
           hath
           been
           pleased
           thus
           to
           provide
           and
           to
           order
           out
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           such
           means
           and
           helps
           for
           our
           Improvement
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           truly
           we
           walk
           unworthy
           of
           this
           provision
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           put
           on
           with
           all
           industriousness
           ,
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           God.
           Let
           me
           but
           express
           my self
           thus
           ;
           If
           so
           be
           you
           have
           a
           Vessel
           moving
           upon
           the
           waters
           ,
           if
           the
           water
           be
           shallow
           ,
           and
           it
           be
           a
           low
           water
           ,
           the
           Vessel
           is
           ready
           to
           touch
           upon
           the
           ground
           ;
           but
           if
           so
           be
           the
           water
           grow
           higher
           and
           higher
           ,
           and
           the
           Tyde
           comes
           in
           
           and
           springs
           up
           ,
           then
           the
           Vessel
           rises
           higher
           and
           higher
           :
           So
           should
           it
           be
           with
           the
           souls
           of
           Believers
           ,
           being
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           a
           stream
           come
           in
           more
           strongly
           ,
           and
           the
           Tyde
           to
           rise
           higher
           (
           as
           he
           hath
           done
           )
           in
           the
           course
           of
           holy
           Scripture
           ;
           truly
           the
           endeavour
           of
           a
           Christian
           should
           be
           sutable
           to
           such
           provision
           ,
           he
           should
           endeavour
           to
           be
           upon
           his
           Improvements
           ,
           and
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           These
           things
           being
           thus
           accounted
           to
           you
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           your
           convincement
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           I
           should
           now
           come
           to
           tell
           you
           ,
           what
           this
           Knowledge
           is
           ,
           for
           the
           nature
           of
           it
           :
           I
           must
           tell
           you
           this
           ,
           That
           truly
           there
           are
           many
           have
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           are
           grown
           up
           to
           a
           great
           measure
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           their
           Knowledge
           will
           be
           their
           confutation
           at
           last
           .
        
         
           I
           must
           tell
           you
           this
           ,
           That
           howsoever
           we
           may
           be
           apt
           to
           lift
           up
           our selves
           in
           high
           conceits
           of
           our
           Knowledge
           ,
           yet
           the
           very
           Devils
           are
           exceeding
           much
           in
           their
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           :
           
             We
             know
             thee
             ,
             who
             thou
             art
             ,
             The
             holy
             one
             of
             God.
          
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           There
           's
           never
           a
           Devil
           that
           's
           now
           under
           the
           chains
           of
           darkness
           ,
           but
           they
           can
           speak
           most
           learnedly
           concerning
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           concerning
           his
           Person
           ,
           —
           concerning
           his
           Nature
           ,
           —
           concerning
           his
           Office
           :
           And
           how
           many
           learned
           men
           are
           there
           that
           are
           able
           to
           discourse
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           concerning
           his
           Incarnation
           ,
           and
           concerning
           his
           Death
           ,
           and
           Resurrection
           ,
           and
           Ascension
           ,
           and
           this
           and
           that
           ,
           and
           are
           able
           to
           inlarge
           themselves
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           do
           (
           many
           of
           them
           )
           go
           down
           with
           their
           Knowledge
           to
           Hell
           :
           Therefore
           it
           is
           necessary
           for
           us
           to
           be
           well
           instructed
           in
           this
           Point
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           know
           what
           this
           Knowledge
           
           is
           .
           —
           I
           would
           have
           spoken
           something
           to
           it
           ;
           only
           thus
           :
        
         
           It
           is
           not
           a
           notional
           Knowledge
           :
           Take
           heed
           of
           a
           notional
           historical
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           you
           attain
           unto
           meerly
           by
           common
           report
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           common
           eradiation
           of
           the
           Understanding
           ;
           but
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           a
           Heart-knowledge
           ,
           a
           cordial
           Knowledge
           ,
           —
           a
           practical
           Knowledge
           ,
           —
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           is
           a
           transforming
           Knowledge
           :
           For
           the
           truth
           on
           't
           is
           ,
           If
           any
           man
           think
           he
           knows
           any
           thing
           of
           Christ
           ,
           he
           knows
           nothing
           as
           he
           ought
           to
           know
           ,
           if
           his
           Knowledge
           don't
           transform
           him
           .
           This
           is
           the
           ruine
           of
           souls
           ,
           They
           know
           much
           of
           Christ
           ,
           they
           are
           able
           to
           discourse
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Justification
           ,
           and
           Sanctification
           ,
           and
           of
           Adoption
           ,
           and
           other
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           all
           lies
           floating
           in
           the
           brain
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           nothing
           of
           its
           effectual
           operation
           upon
           the
           heart
           and
           conscience
           of
           a
           sinner
           .
           This
           is
           that
           that
           I
           would
           a
           little
           further
           speak
           to
           you
           about
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           not
           mistake
           our selves
           ,
           and
           go
           with
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           lies
           dead
           upon
           our
           hands
           ,
           and
           so
           come
           to
           fall
           under
           the
           deep
           and
           most
           dreadful
           ruine
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XI
           .
        
         
           I
           Was
           speaking
           concerning
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           for
           the
           kind
           of
           it
           :
           Now
           I
           would
           strengthen
           this
           cause
           I
           have
           in
           hand
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           I
           would
           strengthen
           the
           cause
           what
           I
           could
           ,
           and
           I
           shall
           do
           my
           best
           endeavour
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           as
           fully
           convinc'd
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           How
           much
           it
           concerns
           Believers
           and
           Saints
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Besides
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           already
           spoken
           to
           the
           purpose
           ,
           which
           indeed
           doth
           carry
           very
           convincing
           light
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           is
           beyond
           all
           gain-saying
           .
           There
           is
           besides
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           already
           spoken
           ,
           some
           things
           further
           to
           be
           held
           forth
           unto
           you
           ,
           whereby
           you
           may
           yet
           stand
           more
           fully
           convinc'd
           of
           it
           ,
           That
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           we
           should
           vigorously
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           and
           Improvement
           in
           .
        
         
           As
           now
           to
           instance
           .
           Having
           spoken
           the
           last
           time
           of
           things
           that
           concern
           us
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           Christ
           ;
           so
           I
           shall
           now
           further
           communicate
           those
           things
           to
           you
           that
           concern
           this
           matter
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           our selves
           .
           If
           so
           be
           we
           be
           but
           that
           we
           profess
           to
           be
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           such
           as
           have
           the
           faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           are
           planted
           under
           the
           hopes
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           truly
           ,
           it
           doth
           very
           much
           concern
           us
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           our selves
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           vigorously
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           these
           several
           respects
           ,
           which
           I
           would
           intreat
           you
           seriously
           to
           weigh
           and
           consider
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           Our
           Duty
           is
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           th
           ▪
           
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           we
           may
           be
           men
           and
           women
           of
           more
           able
           Judgments
           ,
           be
           more
           Judicious
           and
           able
           to
           manage
           our
           Judgment
           of
           things
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           we
           may
           have
           the
           more
           benefit
           and
           comfort
           of
           our
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           with
           respect
           to
           our
           consciences
           ;
           our
           duty
           is
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           With
           respect
           unto
           Gospel-grace
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           may
           be
           an
           increase
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           With
           respect
           unto
           Gospel-priviledges
           ,
           and
           Benefits
           ,
           and
           Comforts
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           With
           respect
           to
           Gospel-duties
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           With
           respect
           unto
           a
           Gospel-conversation
           .
           In
           the
           general
           ,
           these
           things
           I
           now
           do
           further
           offer
           to
           your
           consideration
           ,
           and
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           give
           some
           insight
           into
           them
           ,
           and
           what
           they
           do
           import
           ,
           that
           so
           if
           the
           Lord
           will
           please
           to
           prosper
           my
           endeavours
           among
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           set
           on
           more
           strenuously
           ,
           with
           strength
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           after
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Consider
           first
           ,
           It
           is
           required
           of
           us
           (
           such
           as
           profess
           Godliness
           and
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           )
           that
           they
           be
           a
           wise
           ,
           judicious
           and
           understanding
           People
           .
           
             Be
             not
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             unwise
             ,
             but
             understanding
             what
             the
             will
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             .
          
           'T
           is
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           earnestly
           prayed
           for
           .
           So
           
             David
             ,
             Thy
             hands
             have
             made
             me
             ,
             and
             fashioned
             me
             ,
             give
             me
             understanding
             .
          
           —
           How
           earnest
           was
           Solomon
           in
           that
           behalf
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           give
           him
           a
           wise
           and
           an
           understanding
           heart
           ?
           How
           earnest
           was
           Paul
           with
           God
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           the
           Ephesians
           ,
           That
           their
           understandings
           might
           be
           enlightned
           ?
           —
           God
           would
           have
           
           his
           People
           to
           be
           like
           himself
           ;
           he
           is
           a
           judicious
           God
           ,
           a
           God
           of
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           he
           would
           have
           his
           People
           to
           be
           an
           understanding
           and
           judicious
           People
           ,
           of
           discerning
           spirits
           ,
           able
           to
           make
           a
           right
           Judgment
           of
           persons
           and
           persons
           ,
           of
           things
           and
           things
           :
           This
           is
           the
           Will
           of
           God.
           —
           Now
           consider
           ,
           There
           is
           no
           Knowledge
           in
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           contributes
           so
           much
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           be
           a
           wise
           ,
           understanding
           and
           judicious
           People
           ,
           as
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           doth
           .
           I
           remember
           what
           Moses
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Deut.
           4.
           
           That
           they
           should
           be
           acknowledged
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           those
           Laws
           ,
           and
           Statutes
           ,
           and
           Testimonies
           which
           were
           given
           them
           ;
           they
           should
           be
           acknowledged
           to
           be
           a
           wise
           and
           an
           understanding
           People
           .
           Why
           ?
           Truly
           they
           were
           of
           high
           accomplishment
           ,
           as
           touching
           their
           wisdom
           and
           understanding
           ,
           and
           judgment
           ;
           and
           that
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           those
           Revelations
           that
           God
           did
           make
           to
           them
           .
           O
           ,
           but
           how
           much
           higher
           will
           the
           advance
           be
           of
           a
           People
           ,
           in
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           understanding
           ,
           and
           judgment
           ,
           that
           are
           well
           instructed
           in
           ,
           and
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           that
           are
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           him
           .
           Consider
           now
           ,
           What
           was
           the
           teaching
           of
           the
           Old
           Testament
           ,
           to
           the
           teaching
           that
           was
           to
           be
           had
           under
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           the
           Gospel-teaching
           ;
           when
           the
           time
           came
           that
           the
           Mysterie
           which
           had
           been
           kept
           secret
           ,
           from
           Ages
           and
           Generations
           ,
           should
           be
           broken
           open
           ,
           and
           laid
           out
           to
           the
           full
           of
           it
           ?
           Oh
           ,
           what
           an
           advantage
           was
           there
           then
           ,
           for
           a
           People
           to
           come
           to
           good
           judgment
           and
           understanding
           !
           No
           Knowledge
           in
           all
           the
           World
           (
           I
           say
           )
           contributes
           so
           much
           to
           the
           purpose
           ,
           of
           making
           Men
           and
           Women
           wise
           and
           judicious
           ,
           as
           doth
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
         
           By
           this
           Knowledge
           well
           improved
           (
           for
           I
           speak
           of
           that
           )
           I
           speak
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           considered
           as
           well
           improved
           ,
           when
           there
           is
           a
           considerable
           growth
           and
           increase
           in
           it
           :
           I
           speak
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           in
           the
           improvement
           and
           increase
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           most
           pretious
           Knowledge
           ,
           most
           beneficial
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           for
           to
           accomplish
           men
           and
           women
           for
           being
           a
           judicious
           understanding
           People
           ,
           of
           discerning
           spirits
           .
           Consider
           ,
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           By
           the
           means
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           make
           a
           judgment
           of
           ourselves
           ,
           our
           persons
           ,
           and
           conditions
           ,
           and
           states
           .
           Alas
           ,
           beloved
           ,
           What
           woful
           mistakes
           are
           we
           apt
           to
           run
           upon
           ,
           concerning
           our
           conditions
           God-ward
           !
           How
           many
           are
           there
           that
           think
           themselves
           to
           be
           something
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           nothing
           at
           all
           ;
           judge
           themselves
           to
           be
           of
           a
           right
           Gospel-spirit
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           nothing
           so
           at
           all
           ?
           —
           How
           many
           are
           there
           that
           account
           themselves
           to
           be
           right
           in
           point
           of
           Religion
           and
           Godliness
           ,
           well
           accomplisht
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           are
           such
           as
           will
           pass
           in
           account
           with
           God
           ,
           for
           good
           ,
           and
           sound
           ,
           and
           upright
           men
           ,
           right
           in
           the
           Mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           whom
           God
           will
           reject
           and
           protest
           against
           ,
           and
           profess
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           no
           pleasure
           in
           them
           ?
           —
           Then
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           There
           are
           many
           poor
           souls
           that
           pass
           a
           very
           sad
           judgment
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           and
           are
           apt
           to
           give
           themselves
           for
           stark
           naught
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           to
           be
           accounted
           of
           with
           God
           ,
           that
           have
           deserved
           rather
           to
           be
           rejected
           of
           him
           ;
           when
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           they
           are
           in
           his
           account
           ,
           no
           other
           than
           noble
           Vines
           ,
           a
           holy
           ,
           a
           right
           seed
           ;
           as
           the
           Prophet
           Jeremiah
           useth
           the
           expression
           .
           Now
           ,
           the
           reason
           of
           these
           mistakes
           ,
           in
           point
           of
           Judgment
           ,
           concerning
           our selves
           and
           Estates
           ;
           it
           must
           needs
           arise
           ,
           e●…pecially
           ,
           either
           from
           the
           total
           want
           ,
           or
           
           from
           a
           great
           deficiency
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           For
           ,
           mark
           you
           ;
           You
           must
           know
           that
           we
           are
           never
           so
           well
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           the
           Writing
           ,
           as
           when
           we
           are
           well
           knowing
           of
           the
           Copy
           after
           which
           the
           Writing
           is
           to
           be
           drawn
           :
           We
           can
           never
           so
           well
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           the
           fashion
           of
           a
           thing
           ,
           unless
           we
           know
           the
           due
           pattern
           after
           which
           it
           is
           to
           be
           cast
           ;
           they
           that
           see
           the
           Copy
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           the
           Writing
           that
           is
           to
           be
           drawn
           after
           the
           Copy
           ;
           they
           that
           understand
           the
           state
           of
           the
           Mold
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           the
           Vessel
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           right
           cast
           and
           fashioned
           ,
           sutable
           to
           the
           Mold
           .
           Now
           ,
           consider
           thus
           :
           Our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           Copy
           after
           which
           a
           Believer
           ,
           a
           Christian
           is
           to
           be
           drawn
           up
           :
           He
           is
           the
           Mold
           into
           which
           a
           Christian
           is
           to
           be
           fashioned
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           8.
           
           That
           
             those
             whom
             God
             hath
             predestinated
             ,
             he
             hath
             predestinated
             to
             be
             conformed
             to
             the
             Image
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             the
             first-born
             among
             many
             brethren
             .
          
           Thus
           it
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           great
           design
           of
           God
           concerning
           all
           his
           People
           that
           he
           will
           own
           ;
           that
           they
           be
           conformed
           and
           fashioned
           according
           to
           Christ
           :
           And
           such
           as
           is
           the
           constitution
           of
           Christ
           ,
           such
           must
           be
           the
           constitution
           of
           a
           Christian
           .
           Now
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           know
           ,
           and
           to
           know
           to
           good
           purpose
           ,
           the
           things
           that
           concern
           Christ
           ;
           when
           we
           come
           to
           be
           made
           able
           to
           answer
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           what
           a
           Christ
           he
           is
           ,
           of
           what
           a
           make
           and
           constitution
           .
           (
           Pray
           consider
           well
           :
           )
           The
           more
           we
           know
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           better
           able
           shall
           we
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           to
           escape
           those
           dangerous
           mistakes
           concerning
           our
           condition
           and
           state
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           run
           upon
           ;
           when
           we
           come
           to
           know
           ,
           and
           to
           know
           
           to
           some
           good
           degree
           what
           Christ
           is
           ;
           what
           he
           is
           for
           his
           Nature
           ,
           and
           Disposition
           ,
           and
           Qualifications
           ,
           and
           Constitution
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           is
           not
           made
           after
           the
           Law
           of
           a
           carnal
           Commandment
           ,
           but
           after
           the
           power
           of
           an
           endless
           Life
           :
           That
           he
           is
           constituted
           a
           Priest
           after
           such
           a
           manner
           ;
           and
           so
           a
           Prophet
           ,
           a
           King.
           When
           we
           come
           to
           know
           this
           to
           some
           purpose
           ,
           the
           Constitution
           of
           Christ
           ,
           what
           make
           he
           is
           of
           ,
           how
           God
           hath
           ordered
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Pattern
           and
           the
           Copy
           after
           which
           a
           Christian
           is
           to
           be
           drawn
           up
           ;
           the
           more
           we
           understand
           and
           know
           of
           this
           ,
           the
           better
           able
           shall
           we
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           our selves
           and
           states
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           compare
           our selves
           with
           our
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           when
           we
           can
           find
           ,
           that
           as
           in
           the
           Print
           ,
           there
           is
           letter
           for
           letter
           ,
           there
           is
           Grace
           for
           Grace
           ;
           there
           is
           stamp
           for
           stamp
           ,
           Impression
           for
           Impression
           ;
           when
           we
           can
           find
           this
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           know
           the
           original
           Copy
           ,
           and
           then
           come
           to
           compare
           our selves
           with
           the
           Copy
           ,
           the
           Writing
           that
           is
           drawn
           up
           in
           our
           own
           hearts
           ;
           —
           when
           we
           come
           to
           understand
           what
           Constitution
           Christ
           is
           of
           ,
           and
           understand
           that
           to
           some
           purpose
           ,
           and
           then
           come
           to
           consider
           how
           it
           is
           vvith
           our selves
           ;
           then
           shall
           vve
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           our
           condition
           and
           state
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           knovv
           that
           my
           heart
           is
           right
           ,
           I
           knovv
           that
           my
           state
           is
           good
           ,
           I
           am
           able
           to
           avouch
           it
           ,
           I
           can
           give
           a
           Judgment
           of
           my self
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           because
           I
           find
           the
           conformity
           to
           Christ
           my
           Head
           ;
           I
           see
           there
           is
           an
           ansvvering
           to
           the
           Copy
           ,
           and
           that
           I
           am
           dravvn
           up
           according
           to
           the
           Pattern
           .
           O
           Brethren
           ,
           consider
           vvell
           of
           this
           :
           We
           are
           said
           to
           be
           made
           Kings
           and
           Priests
           unto
           God
           our
           Father
           .
           Why
           ,
           novv
           ,
           Kings
           and
           Priests
           ?
           vve
           are
           such
           as
           Christ
           ,
           vvho
           vvas
           a
           King
           and
           a
           Priest
           ;
           not
           after
           the
           Lavv
           (
           as
           I
           said
           
           before
           )
           of
           a
           carnal
           Commandment
           ,
           but
           after
           the
           power
           of
           an
           endless
           Life
           ;
           when
           we
           come
           to
           find
           the
           power
           of
           an
           endless
           Life
           in
           us
           ,
           a
           sutableness
           unto
           Christ
           ;
           when
           it
           's
           otherwise
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           a
           pretence
           .
           As
           it
           may
           be
           said
           according
           to
           that
           ,
           in
           Rev.
           2.
           
           
             They
             say
             they
             are
             Iews
             and
             are
             not
             ;
             they
             are
             of
             the
             Synagogue
             of
             Satan
          
           ;
           and
           so
           will
           many
           be
           found
           to
           be
           so
           ,
           that
           do
           not
           correspond
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           answer
           Christ
           as
           the
           Pattern
           .
           This
           is
           that
           therefore
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           to
           know
           and
           consider
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           necessary
           that
           Believers
           and
           Saints
           should
           be
           well
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           because
           by
           that
           Knowledge
           we
           are
           to
           regulate
           our
           Judgments
           concerning
           our
           own
           persons
           .
           And
           so
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           in
           Rev.
           2.
           before-mentioned
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           again
           ,
           The
           like
           is
           to
           be
           said
           concerning
           Doctrines
           ,
           and
           concerning
           Worships
           ;
           concerning
           the
           Doctrines
           that
           are
           held
           forth
           ,
           and
           concerning
           the
           Worships
           that
           are
           performed
           .
           Why
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           there
           are
           many
           Doctrines
           preach'd
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           are
           no
           better
           than
           chaff
           to
           the
           Wheat
           ;
           and
           no
           other
           than
           dross
           to
           the
           Gold.
           
             What
             is
             the
             chaff
             to
             the
             wheat
             ?
          
           as
           the
           Prophet
           Ieremiah
           speaks
           :
           
             And
             what
             is
             the
             dross
             to
             the
             Gold
             ?
          
           Now
           ,
           how
           should
           we
           judge
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           help
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ?
           The
           more
           we
           improve
           in
           that
           Knowledge
           ,
           the
           better
           able
           shall
           we
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           Doctrines
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           likewise
           of
           Worships
           :
           Such
           Worships
           as
           shall
           have
           acceptance
           vvith
           God.
           Why
           ?
           they
           must
           be
           Worships
           that
           are
           according
           to
           Christ
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           vve
           improve
           in
           the
           Knovvledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           more
           able
           shall
           vve
           be
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           these
           things
           .
           O!
           
           Christ
           ,
           he
           is
           a
           spiritual
           Christ
           :
           
             Though
             we
             have
             known
             him
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           )
           
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             yet
             henceforth
             know
             we
             him
             so
             no
             more
             :
          
           He
           was
           made
           after
           the
           power
           of
           an
           endless
           Life
           ,
           and
           not
           after
           the
           Law
           of
           a
           carnal
           Commandment
           ;
           and
           his
           Worship
           is
           drawn
           up
           ,
           not
           after
           the
           Law
           of
           a
           carnal
           Commandment
           ,
           but
           after
           the
           power
           of
           an
           endless
           Life
           ,
           sutable
           to
           himself
           .
           O
           ,
           consider
           of
           this
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           of
           carnal
           hearts
           ,
           and
           of
           carnal
           Services
           ,
           that
           hold
           no
           correspondency
           with
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           so
           that
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           you
           may
           see
           and
           stand
           convinc'd
           of
           it
           ,
           That
           it
           concerns
           us
           very
           much
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           and
           increase
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           because
           by
           the
           means
           of
           that
           Knowledge
           ,
           we
           are
           inabled
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           Churches
           ,
           and
           their
           Constitutions
           ;
           —
           we
           are
           inabled
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           of
           Doctrines
           and
           of
           Worships
           ,
           which
           are
           to
           be
           performed
           .
        
         
           〈◊〉
           Yet
           further
           .
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           ,
           and
           that
           as
           with
           respect
           unto
           their
           Judgments
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           come
           to
           be
           well
           accomplisht
           ,
           and
           to
           become
           a
           judicious
           People
           .
           So
           likewise
           2ly
           .
           In
           regard
           of
           their
           Conscience
           :
           Conscience
           ,
           truly
           it
           is
           a
           great
           word
           ,
           and
           I
           wish
           that
           the
           interpretation
           of
           it
           were
           better
           known
           .
           The
           interpretation
           of
           Conscience
           ;
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           That
           every
           man
           and
           woman
           hath
           a
           Conscience
           within
           them
           ,
           and
           this
           Conscience
           is
           either
           his
           cordial
           Friend
           ,
           or
           it
           will
           be
           his
           dreadful
           Enemy
           ;
           it
           will
           either
           be
           a
           Friend
           or
           a
           Fury
           ;
           either
           his
           best
           Friend
           on
           earth
           ,
           or
           his
           greatest
           Enemy
           on
           earth
           ;
           Conscience
           will
           be
           a
           Friend
           if
           it
           be
           right
           ,
           but
           God
           is
           a
           greater
           Friend
           ;
           Conscience
           will
           be
           an
           
           Enemy
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           God
           is
           a
           greater
           Enemy
           :
           
             If
             our
             heart
             condemn
             us
          
           ,
           faith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             God
             is
             greater
             than
             our
             heart
             ,
             and
             he
             knows
             all
             things
             .
          
           —
           But
           ,
           on
           earth
           ,
           there
           is
           not
           a
           greater
           Friend
           ,
           nor
           is
           there
           a
           greater
           Enemy
           than
           a
           man's
           Conscience
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           this
           ,
           That
           your
           Consciences
           ,
           when
           you
           come
           to
           know
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           acquainted
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           when
           they
           come
           to
           be
           awakened
           and
           set
           on
           work
           ,
           your
           Consciences
           will
           either
           create
           a
           Heaven
           within
           you
           ,
           or
           else
           they
           will
           create
           a
           Hell
           within
           you
           .
           Truly
           ,
           Conscience
           will
           do
           thus
           ;
           It
           will
           either
           make
           your
           life
           to
           be
           a
           Heaven
           ,
           or
           else
           it
           will
           make
           it
           to
           be
           a
           Hell.
           I
           'le
           give
           you
           two
           Instances
           ,
           and
           I
           think
           that
           more
           remarkable
           Instances
           cannot
           be
           given
           .
           —
           To
           instance
           in
           Paul
           and
           Iudas
           :
           There
           was
           never
           man
           (
           I
           think
           )
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           was
           able
           to
           speak
           more
           from
           experience
           concerning
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           how
           it
           befriended
           him
           ,
           than
           Paul
           was
           ;
           never
           man
           better
           studied
           in
           Conscience
           ;
           never
           man
           more
           befriended
           by
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           he
           knew
           the
           benefit
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           was
           exceedingly
           rejoyced
           in
           it
           :
           And
           there
           was
           never
           man
           that
           was
           more
           terrified
           by
           his
           Conscience
           (
           I
           think
           )
           than
           Iudas
           was
           ,
           and
           no
           man
           more
           able
           to
           speak
           to
           the
           terror
           of
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           than
           he
           was
           .
           Paul
           makes
           his
           boast
           of
           his
           Conscience
           :
           
             This
             is
             our
             rejoycing
             ,
             The
             testimony
             of
             our
             Conscience
             .
          
           And
           ,
           
             Men
             and
             brethren
             ,
             I
             have
             lived
             in
             all
             good
             Conscience
             :
          
           And
           still
           upon
           every
           occasion
           ,
           
             My
             Conscience
             bears
             me
             witness
          
           .
           O
           ,
           this
           Conscience
           of
           Paul
           ,
           it
           sung
           within
           his
           bosom
           ,
           like
           a
           bird
           of
           Paradise
           !
           O
           ,
           this
           good
           Conscience
           of
           Paul
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           troubles
           and
           persecutions
           he
           meets
           with
           ,
           his
           Conscience
           befriends
           him
           ,
           and
           doth
           keep
           him
           up
           in
           heart
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           cheered
           with
           it
           ,
           under
           all
           the
           troubles
           and
           disquietments
           that
           he
           meets
           with
           in
           this
           World.
           
           Thus
           it
           was
           with
           him
           ,
           as
           to
           his
           Conscience
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           for
           Iudas
           ,
           his
           Conscience
           was
           a
           Fury
           within
           him
           ,
           when
           he
           came
           to
           be
           awakened
           and
           had
           the
           guilt
           of
           blood
           upon
           him
           :
           O
           ,
           how
           Conscience
           rages
           !
           it
           creates
           a
           Hell
           within
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           in
           Hell
           before
           he
           comes
           there
           ;
           as
           many
           are
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           ,
           when
           God
           comes
           to
           awake
           their
           Consciences
           .
           Now
           ,
           thus
           it
           was
           with
           Iudas
           ,
           and
           he
           was
           so
           hurried
           ,
           and
           agaster'd
           ,
           and
           amazed
           ,
           and
           afrighted
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           a
           Magor-missabib
           ,
           a
           terror
           to
           himself
           .
           Thus
           it
           was
           with
           Iudas
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           reason
           of
           his
           awakened
           Conscience
           ,
           labouring
           under
           the
           guilt
           of
           his
           iniquities
           and
           impieties
           that
           he
           had
           committed
           .
           Well
           ,
           this
           is
           Conscience
           ,
           the
           best
           friend
           on
           Earth
           ,
           or
           the
           greatest
           and
           dreadfullest
           enemy
           on
           Earth
           .
           A
           man
           had
           better
           have
           all
           the
           World
           against
           him
           ,
           than
           have
           his
           Conscience
           against
           him
           ;
           and
           if
           all
           the
           World
           be
           against
           a
           man
           ,
           yet
           ,
           if
           his
           Conscience
           be
           for
           him
           ,
           if
           his
           Conscience
           will
           befriend
           him
           ;
           it
           will
           inable
           him
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           comfort
           notwithstanding
           .
        
         
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           consider
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           by
           the
           well-improvement
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           it
           is
           by
           the
           well-improvement
           of
           that
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           by
           endeavouring
           an
           advance
           ,
           and
           a
           growth
           and
           increase
           in
           that
           :
           this
           is
           the
           thing
           that
           I
           drive
           at
           ;
           it
           is
           by
           this
           means
           ,
           and
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           that
           the
           Conscience
           comes
           to
           be
           set
           to
           rights
           ,
           and
           is
           inabled
           to
           do
           the
           part
           of
           a
           dear
           and
           cordial
           Friend
           ,
           which
           it
           will
           never
           do
           upon
           other
           tearms
           .
           I
           'll
           tell
           you
           what
           ,
           your
           Consciences
           will
           never
           do
           the
           part
           of
           a
           friend
           to
           you
           to
           any
           purpose
           ,
           but
           rather
           storm
           against
           you
           ,
           and
           make
           you
           to
           become
           as
           Magor-missabibs
           ,
           terrors
           to
           your selves
           ;
           unless
           you
           be
           well
           instructed
           in
           the
           
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ.
           Men
           and
           women
           may
           daub
           with
           their
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           sooth
           up
           themselves
           ,
           and
           lay
           their
           Conscience
           upon
           a
           pillow
           ,
           when
           it
           's
           sick
           ,
           and
           distemper'd
           ,
           and
           ill
           at
           ease
           ,
           and
           would
           be
           breaking
           out
           :
           men
           may
           take
           this
           and
           that
           course
           to
           still
           their
           Conscience
           for
           a
           little
           while
           ;
           O
           ,
           but
           there
           will
           never
           ,
           never
           be
           any
           true
           quieted
           peace
           ,
           nor
           any
           kindly
           settlement
           of
           it
           ,
           nor
           any
           friendlyness
           of
           it
           to
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           not
           well
           understanding
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ.
           It
           is
           clearly
           by
           the
           advancement
           that
           we
           make
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           we
           come
           to
           have
           our
           Consciences
           set
           right
           ,
           and
           to
           perform
           the
           office
           of
           a
           dear
           and
           cordial
           friend
           to
           us
           .
           Alas
           Brethren
           ,
           consider
           thus
           ;
           men
           and
           women
           may
           have
           gone
           on
           in
           a
           fair
           and
           plausible
           profession
           of
           Christianity
           for
           many
           years
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           in
           good
           account
           for
           Christians
           ,
           and
           have
           had
           friendly
           respect
           from
           the
           Godly
           :
           but
           when
           they
           come
           to
           fall
           under
           a
           temptation
           ,
           an
           awakening
           and
           stinging
           temptation
           ;
           or
           when
           they
           come
           to
           lye
           upon
           their
           death-beds
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           representation
           made
           to
           them
           of
           their
           condition
           and
           state
           ,
           they
           are
           in
           a
           most
           restless
           condition
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           know
           what
           in
           the
           World
           will
           become
           of
           them
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           like
           unto
           the
           raging
           Sea
           :
           and
           this
           is
           like
           to
           prove
           the
           condition
           of
           many
           poor
           creatures
           ,
           that
           make
           a
           fair
           profession
           :
           the
           Lord
           give
           them
           wisdom
           to
           look
           into
           it
           ,
           they
           are
           in
           a
           restless
           condition
           ,
           like
           unto
           the
           raging
           Sea
           ,
           that
           casts
           up
           mire
           and
           dirt
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           quiet
           .
           O
           ,
           it
           's
           true
           ,
           I
           have
           had
           a
           profession
           ,
           and
           have
           had
           a
           name
           for
           a
           Christian
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           b●…n
           installed
           in
           Church-priviledges
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           ●…t
           and
           drank
           with
           the
           
           Saints
           ,
           and
           walk'd
           in
           communion
           with
           them
           ;
           but
           now
           all
           this
           ,
           and
           a
           great
           deal
           more
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           may
           be
           accounted
           ,
           will
           not
           quiet
           the
           spirit
           ;
           and
           the
           poor
           creature
           cannot
           tell
           where
           to
           rest
           ,
           but
           tumbles
           and
           tosses
           ,
           and
           rouls
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           and
           knows
           not
           what
           in
           the
           World
           will
           become
           of
           it
           .
           Thus
           it
           will
           be
           ;
           therefore
           we
           had
           need
           look
           about
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           consider
           wisely
           of
           it
           .
           —
           Why
           ,
           what
           's
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           why
           truly
           ,
           principally
           upon
           this
           account
           ;
           because
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           was
           not
           better
           studied
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           was
           not
           pursued
           more
           eagerly
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           true
           state
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           Conscience
           was
           not
           duly
           principled
           with
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           so
           likewise
           ;
           there
           are
           others
           ,
           Godly
           persons
           ;
           the
           Godly
           persons
           ,
           concerning
           whom
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           very
           comfortably
           hoped
           ,
           that
           their
           hearts
           are
           right
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           have
           the
           root
           of
           the
           matter
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           yet
           ,
           in
           a
           day
           of
           temptation
           ;
           at
           a
           great
           loss
           ,
           and
           tossed
           with
           tempests
           ,
           and
           wofully
           shattered
           and
           broken
           ;
           and
           do
           not
           know
           where
           to
           rest
           the
           sole
           of
           their
           foot
           :
           poor
           souls
           ,
           that
           are
           roving
           ,
           and
           tossed
           from
           post
           to
           pillar
           ,
           and
           cannot
           tell
           how
           to
           have
           any
           quiet
           injoyments
           :
           —
           what
           's
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           O
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           a
           special
           manner
           to
           be
           reckoned
           to
           the
           want
           of
           a
           due
           information
           in
           the
           mysterie
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           not
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ.
           But
           the
           poor
           creature
           is
           principled
           much
           ,
           what
           with
           principles
           of
           Legality
           ,
           with
           Legal
           principles
           ,
           which
           will
           never
           settle
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           nor
           never
           bring
           any
           solid
           peace
           unto
           the
           Conscience
           .
           This
           is
           the
           reason
           why
           many
           poor
           creatures
           are
           so
           shattered
           
           and
           broken
           as
           they
           are
           ,
           and
           cannot
           have
           a
           comfortable
           day
           ;
           pass
           a
           long
           from
           time
           to
           time
           ,
           and
           upon
           every
           occasion
           ,
           they
           are
           under
           woful
           perplexities
           .
           —
           What
           's
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           —
           because
           of
           Legal
           principles
           in
           their
           Conscience
           ;
           by
           occasion
           whereof
           ,
           the
           Conscience
           is
           ever
           and
           anon
           rising
           up
           ,
           and
           presenting
           matter
           of
           terror
           to
           the
           poor
           creatures
           ;
           and
           it
           knows
           not
           what
           to
           do
           ,
           nor
           how
           to
           have
           any
           comfortable
           injoyment
           of
           it self
           :
           —
           upon
           this
           account
           it
           is
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           not
           well
           studyed
           in
           the
           mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Iesus
           Christ.
           Thus
           it
           is
           ;
           We
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           knowledge
           concerning
           God
           ,
           considered
           out
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           an
           Infinite
           Glorious
           Being
           ;
           as
           he
           is
           a
           God
           of
           Infinite
           Sovereignty
           ,
           of
           Infinite
           Power
           ;
           as
           he
           is
           a
           God
           that
           is
           Perfect
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           in
           Holyness
           ,
           and
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           :
           all
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           —
           and
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           God
           in
           the
           works
           of
           his
           Creation
           ;
           —
           and
           the
           Knowledge
           that
           we
           have
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           state
           wherein
           we
           were
           created
           .
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           under
           which
           we
           were
           planted
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Creation
           :
           —
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Sovereignty
           of
           that
           :
           All
           this
           knowledge
           will
           but
           raise
           up
           terror
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           make
           the
           Conscience
           to
           rage
           and
           storm
           ;
           nothing
           of
           this
           Knowledge
           that
           is
           able
           to
           calm
           and
           quiet
           the
           Conscience
           .
           No
           ,
           let
           a
           man
           present
           to
           himself
           never
           so
           fully
           ,
           all
           his
           moralities
           ,
           and
           duties
           ,
           and
           services
           ,
           whatsoever
           he
           can
           account
           concerning
           himself
           :
           notwithstanding
           this
           ,
           Conscience
           rages
           still
           ;
           there
           's
           nothing
           of
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           Conscience
           :
           Conscience
           is
           still
           all
           this
           while
           like
           the
           raging
           Sea
           ,
           and
           casts
           out
           mire
           and
           di●…t
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           quiet
           .
           —
           
           Why
           ?
           —
           Why
           because
           it
           hath
           nothing
           to
           rest
           upon
           ;
           nothing
           that
           it
           knows
           concerning
           God
           ,
           his
           Infinite
           Majesty
           ,
           Glory
           ,
           Purity
           ,
           and
           Holyness
           ,
           that
           gives
           a
           bottom
           for
           the
           Conscience
           to
           rest
           upon
           ;
           but
           the
           Conscience
           rather
           comes
           the
           more
           to
           ra●…e
           and
           storm
           ;
           O
           ,
           he
           is
           a
           Holy
           God
           ,
           and
           my
           Conscience
           tells
           me
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           a
           filthy
           ,
           loathsome
           ,
           polluted
           creature
           :
           He
           is
           a
           Righteous
           and
           Just
           God
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           a
           rebellious
           wretch
           ,
           that
           have
           provoked
           Him
           most
           dreadfully
           :
           I
           have
           the
           representations
           before
           me
           ,
           of
           such
           and
           such
           moralities
           ,
           and
           services
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           the
           Law
           is
           a
           strict
           Law
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           not
           answered
           it
           in
           any
           thing
           that
           I
           have
           done
           .
           Now
           ,
           it
           is
           only
           by
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Savlour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Myste●…
           which
           was
           kept
           secret
           from
           Ages
           and
           Generatio●…
           〈◊〉
           is
           only
           by
           the
           knowledge
           of
           that
           Mysterie
           ,
           that
           the
           Co●…
           comes
           to
           be
           quiet
           ,
           it
           comes
           to
           find
           a
           bottom
           there
           :
           when
           this
           Knowledge
           comes
           ,
           there
           's
           a
           plank
           cast
           out
           after
           the
           Ship-wrack
           .
           O
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           comes
           to
           hear
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           sent
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           Saviour
           ,
           to
           make
           satisfaction
           to
           his
           Justice
           ,
           by
           the
           offering
           up
           of
           himself
           a
           sacrifice
           ;
           that
           he
           hath
           shed
           blood
           ,
           and
           the
           blood
           of
           attonement
           ,
           an
           available
           blood
           :
           when
           the
           Conscience
           comes
           to
           know
           this
           ,
           and
           this
           knowledge
           comes
           to
           be
           wrought
           in
           a
           soul
           ;
           then
           Conscience
           begins
           to
           be
           quiet
           .
           The
           Apostle
           argues
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           in
           Heb.
           10.
           
           
             The
             Law
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             having
             a
             shaddow
             of
             good
             things
             to
             come
          
           ;
           for
           it
           had
           its
           worldly
           Sanctuary
           ,
           and
           its
           Priesthood
           ,
           a
           pompous
           Priesthood
           ,
           and
           the
           Sacrifices
           ,
           and
           the
           blood
           of
           Bulls
           ,
           and
           Goats
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           These
           were
           never
           able
           to
           purge
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           the
           comers
           thereunto
           perfect
           ;
           
           to
           give
           them
           peace
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           the
           injoyment
           of
           rest
           ;
           they
           could
           find
           no
           rest
           here
           ;
           For
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           they
           had
           been
           available
           ,
           then
           would
           they
           not
           have
           ceased
           to
           be
           offered
           ,
           because
           the
           comers
           to
           these
           sacrifices
           ,
           being
           once
           made
           perfect
           ,
           should
           have
           had
           no
           more
           Conscience
           of
           sins
           ;
           their
           Consciences
           no
           more
           labouring
           under
           the
           apprehension
           ,
           and
           the
           representation
           of
           their
           former
           sins
           ,
           they
           would
           have
           been
           made
           perfect
           ,
           and
           would
           have
           had
           no
           more
           Conscience
           of
           sin
           .
           But
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           every
           time
           they
           come
           to
           offer
           these
           Sacrifices
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           remembrance
           of
           sins
           :
           —
           Why
           ?
           —
           Why
           because
           the
           knowledge
           of
           all
           this
           ,
           the
           performance
           of
           all
           this
           ,
           would
           not
           answer
           the
           exigency
           of
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           lay
           a
           foundation
           for
           the
           Conscience
           to
           bottom
           upon
           .
           But
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           Christ
           ,
           He
           comes
           in
           ,
           and
           He
           ,
           by
           one
           offering
           of
           Himself
           ,
           by
           the
           shedding
           of
           his
           own
           blood
           once
           ,
           He
           hath
           perfected
           for
           ever
           ,
           them
           that
           are
           sanctified
           ;
           and
           now
           the
           Conscience
           comes
           to
           be
           quiet
           .
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           knowledge
           will
           quiet
           the
           Conscience
           .
           Therefore
           now
           ,
           judge
           with
           your selves
           ,
           whether
           there
           be
           not
           infinite
           cause
           ,
           that
           professors
           that
           mind
           their
           souls
           ,
           and
           the
           peace
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           and
           the
           comfort
           of
           their
           Consciences
           ;
           whether
           it
           doth
           not
           infinitely
           concern
           them
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           an
           increase
           and
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           :
           That
           so
           ,
           when
           Conscience
           would
           be
           upon
           stirring
           ,
           and
           startling
           ,
           and
           stumbling
           ;
           the
           soul
           being
           well
           versed
           in
           the
           mysterie
           ,
           and
           understanding
           to
           good
           purpose
           what
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           ,
           the
           soul
           may
           be
           able
           to
           relieve
           it self
           :
           Well
           ,
           be
           it
           what
           it
           will
           ;
           let
           Devils
           charge
           ,
           and
           let
           men
           charge
           ,
           let
           them
           charge
           to
           the
           full
           ;
           I
           bless
           God
           ,
           I
           have
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           
           Christ.
           I
           understand
           the
           mysterie
           concerning
           my
           Lord
           Jesus
           :
           I
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           make
           a
           good
           progression
           in
           this
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           to
           accommodate
           it
           to
           my
           purpose
           .
           I
           know
           who
           Christ
           was
           ,
           what
           a
           Priest
           he
           was
           ,
           and
           what
           blood
           he
           shed
           ,
           and
           what
           a
           sacrifice
           he
           offered
           ;
           and
           I
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           Infinite
           Justice
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           able
           to
           make
           any
           exception
           against
           this
           sacrifice
           and
           blood
           .
           God
           hath
           rescued
           me
           ,
           well
           may
           my
           Conscience
           rescue
           me
           :
           God
           is
           satisfied
           ,
           well
           may
           my
           Conscience
           be
           satisfied
           .
           Well
           now
           ,
           for
           my
           part
           ,
           I
           know
           not
           what
           in
           all
           the
           World
           to
           preach
           to
           you
           ,
           that
           is
           more
           material
           and
           momentous
           than
           these
           things
           .
           And
           these
           two
           things
           that
           I
           have
           laboured
           about
           this
           morning
           ;
           —
           as
           touching
           a
           Christians
           accomplishment
           ,
           for
           being
           wise
           ,
           and
           judicious
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           a
           due
           improvement
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           And
           likewise
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Conscience
           ;
           and
           how
           that
           comes
           to
           be
           rectified
           ,
           and
           set
           to
           rights
           ,
           and
           to
           stand
           a
           mans
           Friend
           in
           every
           time
           of
           need
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           may
           sweetly
           injoy
           himself
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           have
           a
           Rock
           to
           repose
           upon
           in
           a
           storm
           and
           tempest
           ;
           how
           a
           soul
           may
           come
           to
           find
           a
           rest
           for
           it self
           in
           all
           the
           tossings
           and
           turmoylings
           in
           the
           World
           :
           and
           that
           it
           is
           the
           knowledge
           ,
           or
           improving
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           I
           say
           ,
           these
           are
           momentous
           things
           ,
           and
           we
           should
           well
           consider
           of
           it
           ;
           that
           of
           all
           knowledge
           ,
           there
           is
           none
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           and
           increase
           in
           ,
           as
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XII
           .
        
         
           I
           Shall
           now
           proceed
           unto
           some
           other
           things
           ,
           which
           will
           yet
           more
           fully
           evidence
           it
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           it
           doth
           very
           much
           concern
           beleeving
           souls
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           thing
           ,
           according
           to
           this
           order
           ,
           which
           I
           propound
           ,
           is
           ,
           That
           by
           growth
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           advantaged
           for
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
           It
           seems
           ,
           and
           to
           me
           ,
           it
           more
           than
           seems
           ,
           to
           be
           implyed
           in
           the
           Conjunction
           of
           these
           two
           Requiries
           :
           
             Grow
             in
             Grace
          
           ,
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           It
           seems
           to
           imply
           thus
           much
           ;
           as
           if
           so
           be
           the
           Apostle
           should
           have
           said
           ,
           Grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           may
           do
           so
           ;
           see
           that
           you
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           They
           are
           never
           like
           to
           come
           to
           any
           eminency
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           any
           considerable
           advance
           〈◊〉
           Grace
           ,
           that
           make
           little
           or
           no
           progress
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           And
           they
           ,
           that
           in
           uprightness
           of
           soul
           ,
           do
           make
           it
           their
           business
           to
           incease
           ,
           and
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           they
           are
           the
           most
           likely
           persons
           for
           to
           make
           the
           most
           considerable
           advantage
           in
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God.
           There
           is
           something
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           the
           ministry
           of
           his
           Apostle
           Peter
           ,
           should
           propound
           these
           two
           requiries
           in
           this
           Conjunction
           one
           with
           another
           .
           Require
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           and
           in
           
           order
           thereunto
           ,
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           —
           Now
           here
           ,
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           I
           shall
           speak
           a
           little
           more
           generally
           ;
           and
           that
           ,
           but
           in
           a
           touch
           :
           —
           —
           And
           then
           ,
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           evince
           this
           ,
           by
           giving
           an
           account
           of
           this
           in
           a
           more
           particular
           way
           .
        
         
           You
           are
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           first
           plantation
           of
           Grace
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           is
           made
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           means
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           communicated
           to
           the
           soul
           through
           the
           Spirit
           :
           there
           can
           be
           no
           Grace
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           no
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           It
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Gospel-mysteries
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           by
           the
           means
           whereof
           ,
           Grace
           comes
           to
           be
           planted
           in
           the
           soul.
           The
           Prophet
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           19.
           gives
           us
           this
           account
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           a
           perfect
           Law
           ,
           converting
           the
           soul.
           —
           What
           Law
           is
           this
           ?
           —
           —
           understand
           it
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           and
           Faith
           :
           Not
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Works
           :
           and
           there
           by
           Law
           ,
           you
           are
           to
           understand
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           God
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           Prophets
           and
           Apostles
           .
           And
           he
           saith
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           this
           Law
           of
           Faith
           ,
           this
           Gospel-Law
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           blessed
           Instrument
           of
           converting
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           Before
           Conversion
           ,
           there
           's
           no
           Grace
           ;
           when
           Conversion
           is
           wrought
           ,
           then
           Grace
           takes
           place
           in
           the
           heart
           :
           an
           unconverted
           person
           ,
           is
           a
           graceless
           person
           ,
           let
           him
           be
           what
           he
           will
           for
           his
           moralities
           ,
           and
           plausible
           conversation
           :
           when
           once
           Conversion
           is
           wrought
           ,
           then
           Grace
           comes
           to
           be
           in
           the
           soul
           :
           and
           this
           Conversion
           is
           not
           brought
           about
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           holds
           forth
           unto
           us
           ,
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Let
           a
           
           man
           preach
           moral
           Duties
           never
           so
           clearly
           and
           plainly
           ;
           moral
           Duties
           ,
           all
           the
           Duties
           of
           the
           moral
           Law
           ,
           considered
           as
           it
           holds
           forth
           a
           Covenant
           of
           Works
           ;
           as
           it
           holds
           forth
           a
           Duty
           to
           God
           ,
           Duty
           to
           Man
           :
           I
           say
           ,
           let
           a
           man
           preach
           never
           so
           clearly
           and
           plainly
           man's
           Duty
           ,
           he
           will
           never
           be
           able
           to
           convert
           the
           soul
           ;
           that
           is
           not
           the
           converting
           Ministry
           ,
           no
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           ;
           't
           is
           not
           the
           quickning
           Ministry
           .
           I
           remember
           how
           the
           Apostle
           argues
           to
           the
           
             Galatians
             ;
             Received
             ye
             the
             Spirit
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           which
           Spirit
           is
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Grace
           ,
           
             by
             the
             works
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             hearing
             of
             Faith
             ?
          
           That
           is
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Faith.
           Why
           ?
           saith
           he
           ,
           you
           did
           never
           receive
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Grace
           ,
           by
           the
           works
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           hearing
           of
           the
           Law
           ;
           but
           you
           received
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           the
           hearing
           of
           Faith
           ,
           by
           hearing
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Faith
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           concerning
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           made
           known
           unto
           you
           ;
           in
           that
           way
           the
           Spirit
           came
           ,
           and
           the
           Spirit
           with
           the
           Grace
           of
           it
           .
           It
           is
           ,
           therefore
           ,
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           blessed
           instrumental
           means
           whereby
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           the
           first
           plantation
           of
           Grace
           in
           the
           Soul.
           
        
         
           I
           ,
           this
           that
           brings
           men
           to
           believe
           ,
           it
           's
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           men
           will
           never
           believe
           to
           the
           saving
           of
           their
           souls
           ,
           till
           they
           come
           to
           know
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           They
           will
           never
           repent
           with
           a
           Repentance
           to
           salvation
           ,
           till
           they
           come
           to
           know
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           All
           the
           knowledge
           in
           the
           World
           will
           never
           bring
           over
           a
           soul
           to
           Faith
           and
           Repentance
           ,
           to
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           When
           men
           come
           once
           to
           know
           the
           Mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           know
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           to
           know
           the
           Mysteries
           concerning
           the
           Salvation
           and
           Redemption
           of
           the
           World
           by
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           this
           will
           bring
           
           them
           to
           Faith
           (
           if
           any
           thing
           will
           )
           this
           will
           bring
           them
           to
           Repentance
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           instrumental
           means
           whereby
           they
           come
           to
           have
           their
           hearts
           warmed
           with
           the
           Love
           of
           God.
           The
           preaching
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           Covenant
           of
           Works
           ,
           moral
           Duties
           ,
           and
           pressing
           of
           them
           ,
           without
           the
           line
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ;
           without
           reference
           to
           that
           ,
           this
           will
           but
           rather
           provoke
           and
           stir
           up
           the
           corruption
           of
           a
           man
           :
           The
           Law
           worketh
           wrath
           against
           a
           man
           ,
           works
           wrath
           in
           a
           man
           ;
           it
           raises
           up
           wrath
           ,
           it
           irritates
           those
           cursed
           corrupt
           Principles
           that
           are
           in
           him
           .
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           Mysterie
           that
           we
           should
           be
           well
           acquainted
           withal
           .
        
         
           O
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           :
           This
           is
           that
           that
           breaks
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           makes
           the
           heart
           to
           work
           out
           after
           God.
           Never
           shall
           we
           begin
           to
           love
           God
           ,
           nor
           to
           love
           Christ
           ,
           till
           such
           time
           as
           we
           come
           to
           know
           the
           Doctrines
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           I
           would
           with
           all
           my
           heart
           that
           every
           one
           of
           you
           were
           but
           well
           studied
           in
           this
           Mysterie
           ,
           that
           now
           I
           am
           speaking
           to
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           means
           and
           instrument
           to
           plant
           Grace
           ,
           to
           make
           the
           first
           Plantation
           of
           it
           in
           the
           Soul.
           As
           ,
        
         
           2ly
           .
           Know
           ,
           That
           as
           it
           is
           the
           means
           of
           its
           first
           Plantation
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           the
           means
           and
           instrument
           of
           its
           Augmentation
           :
           I
           am
           speaking
           according
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           concerning
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           This
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           is
           brought
           about
           by
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           the
           more
           we
           know
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           shall
           believe
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           shall
           repent
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           shall
           love
           ,
           the
           more
           holy
           shall
           we
           be
           (
           as
           I
           
           shall
           shew
           you
           ,
           God
           assisting
           .
           )
           I
           think
           this
           Point
           will
           take
           up
           a
           little
           more
           time
           than
           other
           Particulars
           will
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           be
           time
           well
           spent
           .
        
         
           Now
           yet
           further
           ,
           to
           clear
           up
           this
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           increase
           in
           that
           ,
           which
           doth
           promote
           an
           increase
           in
           Grace
           .
           You
           shall
           find
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           truly
           it
           is
           worthy
           your
           consideration
           (
           to
           my
           apprehension
           )
           that
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           put
           for
           all
           Grace
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           considerable
           thing
           ,
           that
           when
           God
           will
           make
           a
           promise
           of
           all
           grace
           ,
           he
           doth
           epitomise
           that
           promise
           thus
           :
           
             I
             will
             give
             them
             an
             heart
             to
             know
             me
             .
          
           When
           God
           comes
           to
           make
           a
           promise
           to
           his
           People
           concerning
           Grace
           ,
           he
           puts
           it
           into
           this
           Form
           ,
           
             I
             give
             them
             an
             heart
             to
             know
             me
             .
          
           O
           how
           much
           is
           there
           complicated
           in
           that
           expression
           ,
           
             I
             will
             give
             them
             an
             heart
             to
             know
             me
             !
          
           He
           doth
           not
           say
           ,
           an
           Head
           to
           know
           me
           .
           Indeed
           that
           's
           a
           Gift
           ,
           but
           Knowledge
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           is
           a
           Grace
           :
           It
           is
           the
           beginning
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           contributes
           to
           all
           the
           Graces
           ;
           an
           
             heart
             to
             know
             me
          
           .
           To
           
             know
             me
          
           ;
           —
           with
           what
           a
           kind
           of
           Knowledge
           ?
           with
           a
           
             fidelial
             Knowledge
          
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Trust
           ,
           and
           an
           
             affectionate
             Knowledge
          
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Love
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Desire
           ,
           and
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Submission
           ;
           
             I
             will
             give
             them
             an
             heart
             to
             know
             me
             .
          
           And
           you
           shall
           find
           likewise
           to
           this
           purpose
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           ,
           Joh.
           17.
           3.
           
           
             This
             is
             life
             eternal
          
           .
           Why
           ,
           This
           is
           life
           eternal
           ,
           
             To
             know
             thee
             the
             only
             true
             God
             ,
             and
             Jesus
             Christ
             whom
             thou
             hast
             sent
             .
          
           Mark
           it
           ,
           This
           is
           eternal
           life
           in
           the
           Causes
           of
           it
           ;
           this
           is
           eternal
           life
           in
           the
           
             way
             and
             means
          
           of
           it
           ,
           
             To
             know
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             him
             whom
             thou
             hast
             sent
             :
          
           To
           know
           
             God
             in
             Christ
          
           ;
           this
           is
           eternal
           life
           .
        
         
           Then
           surely
           it
           imports
           Faith
           ,
           and
           it
           imports
           
           Love
           ,
           and
           it
           imports
           Holiness
           ;
           for
           eternal
           Life
           doth
           not
           come
           over
           to
           a
           soul
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Believing
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Love
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           way
           of
           all
           the
           Graces
           :
           So
           that
           I
           say
           ,
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           ,
           as
           under
           which
           is
           comprehended
           the
           Graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           :
           And
           truly
           this
           is
           a
           consideration
           of
           weight
           in
           order
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           be
           more
           in
           our
           indearings
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           more
           in
           our
           endeavourings
           after
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           make
           this
           yet
           more
           fully
           to
           appear
           ,
           by
           an
           induction
           of
           Particulars
           ;
           so
           as
           that
           you
           may
           stand
           convinc'd
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           way
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           is
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Consider
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           That
           by
           growth
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           are
           most
           happily
           advantaged
           for
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith
           and
           Believing
           ;
           it
           is
           very
           considerable
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           commend
           it
           to
           you
           to
           be
           seriously
           weighed
           ,
           That
           as
           Knowledge
           is
           put
           for
           Faith
           ,
           for
           justifying
           Faith
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           remarkableScripture
           that
           you
           have
           in
           Isa.
           53.
           where
           the
           Lord
           speaks
           to
           this
           purpose
           by
           the
           Prophet
           ;
           
             By
             his
             knowledge
             shall
             my
             righteous
             servant
             justifie
             many
             .
          
           Now
           ,
           do
           but
           weigh
           that
           passage
           ,
           and
           observe
           this
           expression
           :
           This
           is
           spoken
           concerning
           Christ
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           .
           And
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             By
             the
             knowledge
             of
             him
             shall
             my
             righteous
             servant
             justifie
             many
             .
          
           —
           Why
           doth
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           justifie
           ?
           —
           Why
           the
           Devils
           know
           him
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           are
           not
           justified
           ?
           Carnal
           Professors
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           are
           not
           justified
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           that
           is
           such
           a
           kind
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           that
           have
           it
           ,
           shall
           be
           justified
           :
           
           And
           Christ
           ,
           by
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           him
           shall
           justifie
           many
           —
           —
           Now
           ,
           what
           Knowledge
           is
           this
           ?
           —
           I●…
           must
           needs
           be
           understood
           of
           a
           fiducial
           Knowledg
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Faith
           ;
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Dependance
           ,
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           Recumbency
           and
           Relyance
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           There
           's
           no
           other
           Knowledge
           whereby
           Christ
           can
           justifie
           souls
           ,
           but
           by
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           this
           :
           And
           so
           I
           say
           ,
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           it
           is
           put
           for
           Faith
           ,
           and
           is
           used
           to
           be
           set
           forth
           unto
           us
           ,
           The
           faith
           whereby
           souls
           are
           justified
           ,
           and
           so
           everlastingly
           saved
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           yet
           more
           fully
           to
           clear
           up
           this
           ,
           That
           by
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           a
           prosperous
           and
           happy
           growth
           in
           Faith.
           
        
         
           We
           will
           consider
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           What
           there
           is
           belonging
           unto
           a
           well-grown
           and
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           then
           you
           will
           be
           able
           clearly
           (
           if
           so
           be
           that
           there
           be
           any
           spiritualness
           of
           understanding
           )
           to
           see
           how
           this
           Knowledge
           duly
           improved
           ,
           doth
           draw
           out
           the
           saith
           of
           a
           Believer
           ,
           and
           how
           it
           doth
           most
           happily
           influence
           his
           Faith
           ,
           and
           is
           as
           the
           pouring
           out
           of
           water
           upon
           a
           Plant
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           root
           of
           a
           Tree
           ,
           which
           makes
           the
           Plant
           to
           thrive
           ,
           and
           grow
           ,
           and
           prosper
           ,
           and
           shoot
           up
           a
           main
           .
           This
           will
           appear
           that
           this
           benefit
           comes
           over
           to
           us
           by
           our
           having
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           advantaged
           in
           us
           .
           Now
           ,
           consider
           what
           doth
           properly
           belong
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           It
           is
           requisite
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           a
           due
           improvement
           and
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           he
           be
           known
           as
           touching
           his
           Person
           ,
           
           That
           he
           is
           God
           blessed
           for
           evermore
           ,
           God
           with
           God
           ,
           in
           full
           equality
           with
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           accounts
           it
           no
           robbery
           to
           claim
           such
           an
           equality
           ;
           as
           Great
           as
           the
           Father
           ,
           as
           Good
           as
           the
           Father
           ,
           as
           Holy
           as
           the
           Father
           ,
           as
           Mighty
           as
           the
           Father
           .
           Thus
           it
           is
           ;
           He
           is
           God
           with
           God.
           —
           And
           2ly
           .
           That
           he
           is
           not
           only
           God
           with
           God
           ,
           but
           he
           is
           God-Man
           ;
           that
           he
           might
           be
           both
           fit
           to
           deal
           with
           God
           for
           Man
           ,
           and
           with
           Man
           for
           God.
           That
           's
           the
           first
           thing
           that
           I
           propound
           :
           I
           shall
           make
           the
           accommodation
           of
           them
           by
           and
           by
           ;
           and
           having
           propounded
           the
           things
           that
           belong
           to
           this
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ,
           then
           I
           shall
           come
           to
           offer
           it
           to
           your
           Consideration
           ,
           how
           the
           Grace
           of
           Faith
           is
           most
           happily
           influenced
           by
           this
           Knowledge
           thus
           improved
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ,
           for
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           this
           Christ
           ,
           God-Man
           ,
           is
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           only
           begotten
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           by
           an
           act
           of
           eternal
           Generation
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           's
           requisite
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ,
           That
           souls
           do
           know
           and
           understand
           ,
           that
           this
           Christ
           ,
           God-Man
           ,
           the
           eternal
           Son
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           the
           Son
           of
           his
           dearest
           Love
           ,
           and
           did
           from
           all
           eternity
           lodge
           in
           his
           blessed
           bosom
           ,
           that
           his
           heart
           is
           infinitely
           set
           upon
           him
           .
           And
           then
           ,
        
         
           4.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           That
           souls
           do
           understand
           ,
           that
           this
           Christ
           ,
           God-Man
           ,
           the
           eternal
           Son
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           the
           dearly
           beloved
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           is
           such
           as
           he
           doth
           take
           infinite
           complacency
           and
           contentment
           in
           ;
           he
           is
           pleased
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           delighted
           in
           him
           ;
           upon
           this
           very
           account
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           willingness
           which
           he
           hath
           manifested
           to
           appear
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           poor
           Souls
           .
           
             This
             is
             my
             beloved
             Son
             ,
             in
             whom
             I
             am
             well
             pleased
          
           ;
           he
           in
           whom
           my
           soul
           delights
           .
        
         
         
           5.
           
           It
           is
           requisite
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           That
           we
           understand
           ,
           that
           by
           an
           eternal
           Decree
           ,
           God
           hath
           chosen
           ,
           and
           appointed
           ,
           and
           designed
           ,
           this
           Son
           ,
           God-Man
           ,
           this
           Beloved
           ,
           this
           Person
           so
           much
           delighted
           in
           ;
           That
           he
           hath
           chosen
           him
           according
           to
           an
           eternal
           purpose
           and
           Decree
           ,
           for
           to
           be
           the
           great
           Mediator
           between
           God
           and
           Man.
           This
           is
           necessary
           likewise
           to
           be
           known
           ,
           that
           so
           there
           may
           be
           a
           due
           improvement
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             declared
             the
             decree
             ,
             Thou
             art
             my
             Son
             ,
          
           and
           I
           have
           appointed
           thee
           :
           He
           hath
           decreed
           him
           ,
           and
           designed
           him
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           decree
           ,
           in
           Isa.
           42.
           
           Behold
           (
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           )
           
             my
             servant
             whom
             I
             uphold
             ,
             mine
             elect
             ,
             in
             whom
             my
             soul
             delighteth
             :
          
           He
           is
           the
           chosen
           of
           God
           from
           all
           Eternity
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           This
           is
           necessary
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           it
           be
           known
           and
           understood
           ,
           that
           this
           Christ
           ,
           God-Man
           ,
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           the
           Beloved
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           the
           Person
           that
           he
           delights
           in
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           choice
           of
           ,
           is
           likewise
           most
           fully
           commissioned
           by
           the
           Father
           ,
           for
           to
           perform
           the
           Office
           of
           a
           Mediator
           ,
           to
           all
           those
           intents
           and
           purposes
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           such
           wayes
           ,
           wherein
           he
           may
           accomplish
           that
           great
           Design
           concerning
           the
           Redemption
           and
           Salvation
           of
           poor
           Souls
           .
           God
           hath
           commissioned
           him
           ,
           he
           hath
           chosen
           him
           ,
           called
           him
           ,
           and
           sent
           him
           into
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           sealed
           him
           up
           ,
           according
           to
           Scripture
           expression
           ,
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             God
             is
             upon
             me
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             anointed
             me
             to
             preach
             good
             tydings
             :
             —
             Him
             hath
             God
             the
             Father
             sealed
             .
          
           As
           in
           Ioh.
           6.
           he
           hath
           a
           full
           commission
           from
           God
           sealed
           up
           unto
           him
           ,
           for
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
           —
           He
           is
           commissioned
           of
           God
           ,
           being
           the
           great
           Prophet
           ,
           to
           teach
           and
           instruct
           his
           
           People
           in
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           his
           Will
           :
           
             A
             Prophet
             shall
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             raise
             up
             unto
             you
             ,
             like
             unto
             me
             .
          
           He
           is
           commissioned
           of
           God
           to
           be
           a
           Priest
           ,
           and
           God
           hath
           sworn
           concerning
           him
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           110.
           
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             sworn
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             repent
             ,
             Thou
             art
             a
             Priest
             for
             ever
             ,
             after
             the
             order
             of
             Melchisedech
             .
          
           —
           And
           ,
           then
           he
           hath
           commissioned
           and
           sealed
           him
           up
           to
           be
           a
           King
           :
           The
           King
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           to
           rule
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           and
           to
           ruine
           his
           Enemies
           .
           This
           belongs
           to
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ,
           That
           we
           come
           to
           know
           and
           understand
           that
           this
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           God-Man
           ,
           is
           thus
           commissioned
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           thus
           commissioned
           ,
           sent
           and
           sealed
           of
           God
           to
           all
           these
           intents
           and
           purposes
           ;
           so
           likewise
           he
           is
           accomplisht
           by
           God
           every
           way
           ,
           most
           compleatly
           accomplished
           for
           to
           bring
           about
           the
           Design
           that
           he
           is
           commissioned
           for
           .
           The
           great
           God
           hath
           impowered
           him
           ,
           and
           accomplisht
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           most
           full
           manner
           that
           possibly
           can
           be
           ;
           God
           hath
           not
           given
           him
           the
           Spirit
           by
           measure
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           given
           him
           the
           fulness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           he
           hath
           given
           him
           all
           fulness
           :
           
             It
             pleased
             the
             Father
             ,
             that
             in
             him
             should
             all
             fulness
             dwell
             .
          
           Fulness
           of
           Wisdom
           ,
           fulness
           of
           Grace
           ,
           all
           fulness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           he
           hath
           all
           fulness
           in
           him
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           We
           are
           to
           Consider
           ,
           That
           this
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ;
           that
           these
           accomplishments
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           this
           provision
           that
           is
           made
           in
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           ordered
           unto
           Communication
           ;
           he
           is
           the
           great
           Trustee
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           :
           
             He
             ascended
             on
             high
             ,
             and
             he
             r●…ived
             gifts
             for
             men
             .
          
           Why
           ,
           he
           received
           them
           as
           their
           great
           Trustee
           ;
           God
           hath
           committed
           to
           him
           a
           trust
           ,
           for
           the
           benefit
           and
           behoof
           of
           poor
           Souls
           .
           This
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           
           in
           Christ
           ,
           That
           all
           the
           fulness
           that
           is
           in
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           for
           Communication
           ,
           that
           poor
           Souls
           might
           be
           the
           better
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           That
           there
           be
           a
           due
           understanding
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           Christ
           was
           from
           the
           beginning
           most
           willing
           to
           comply
           with
           the
           Counsel
           of
           God
           concerning
           him
           ;
           and
           that
           it
           was
           the
           joy
           of
           his
           heart
           to
           ingage
           himself
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           poor
           sinners
           ,
           to
           make
           reconciliation
           to
           God
           as
           their
           Peace
           ;
           to
           satisfie
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           he
           was
           most
           willing
           ,
           and
           it
           was
           the
           delight
           of
           his
           Soul
           to
           be
           put
           upon
           this
           thing
           .
           This
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           ,
           to
           understand
           ,
           that
           Christ
           had
           no
           reluctancy
           of
           spirit
           ,
           when
           this
           matter
           was
           propounded
           to
           him
           ;
           and
           when
           the
           matter
           was
           in
           debate
           ,
           Christ
           came
           in
           with
           no
           Negatives
           ,
           made
           no
           Objections
           ,
           but
           answered
           thus
           :
           O
           my
           Father
           ,
           't
           is
           thy
           Will
           ,
           't
           is
           my
           joy
           ;
           it
           pleaseth
           thee
           to
           design
           me
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           O
           my
           Father
           ,
           thy
           will
           be
           done
           ,
           my
           heart
           delights
           in
           it
           :
           Thou
           hast
           prepared
           me
           a
           body
           ;
           O
           ,
           I
           come
           into
           the
           World
           with
           that
           body
           ,
           and
           I
           delight
           to
           do
           thy
           Will
           ;
           Though
           I
           fore-apprehend
           all
           the
           sorrow
           ,
           all
           the
           smart
           ,
           all
           the
           shame
           ,
           all
           the
           sufferings
           ,
           all
           the
           burden
           ,
           all
           those
           pressures
           that
           I
           must
           undergo
           in
           the
           managing
           of
           this
           great
           and
           glorious
           work
           and
           service
           ;
           yet
           I
           stick
           at
           nothing
           :
           O
           ,
           Father
           ,
           it
           's
           meat
           and
           drink
           to
           me
           ;
           I
           go
           about
           this
           work
           and
           service
           with
           as
           much
           content
           and
           complacency
           of
           soul
           ,
           as
           ever
           a
           hungry
           man
           went
           to
           eat
           his
           meat
           .
           And
           then
           ,
        
         
           10.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           we
           know
           and
           understand
           ,
           that
           according
           to
           this
           Design
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           sutably
           to
           his
           accomplishments
           ,
           and
           sutably
           to
           his
           willing
           ingaging
           of
           himself
           ,
           he
           hath
           laid
           
           out
           himself
           to
           the
           utmost
           ;
           in
           a
           way
           of
           doing
           ,
           in
           a
           way
           of
           suffering
           ;
           —
           in
           a
           way
           of
           doing
           ,
           fulfilling
           all
           righteousness
           in
           an
           active
           way
           ,
           in
           the
           course
           of
           his
           life
           ,
           and
           conversing
           here
           in
           the
           world
           :
           —
           In
           a
           way
           of
           suffering
           ;
           by
           the
           offering
           up
           of
           himself
           a
           Sacrifice
           unto
           God
           ,
           he
           hath
           made
           an
           Attonement
           ,
           he
           hath
           satisfied
           infinite
           Justice
           ,
           he
           hath
           pacified
           infinite
           Wrath
           ,
           he
           hath
           paid
           the
           Debt
           to
           the
           utmost
           farthing
           :
           That
           now
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           doth
           make
           Declaration
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           fully
           satisfied
           in
           what
           hath
           been
           performed
           by
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           This
           is
           belonging
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           .
           That
           now
           which
           Christ
           said
           upon
           the
           Cross
           ,
           
             It
             is
             finished
          
           ,
           God
           from
           Heaven
           declares
           in
           the
           Gospel
           :
           O
           ,
           I
           have
           full
           satisfaction
           ,
           I
           have
           nothing
           to
           object
           against
           those
           poor
           Souls
           ,
           that
           my
           Son
           hath
           ingaged
           for
           ;
           I
           have
           a
           full
           payment
           ,
           to
           the
           very
           utmost
           farthing
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           we
           understand
           this
           :
           That
           having
           performed
           all
           that
           Justice
           could
           require
           ,
           in
           a
           way
           of
           doing
           ,
           —
           or
           in
           a
           way
           of
           suffering
           ,
           —
           That
           he
           rose
           from
           the
           dead
           ,
           ascended
           into
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           hath
           given
           him
           preferment
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           given
           him
           the
           highest
           preferment
           ,
           upon
           his
           obedience
           and
           satisfaction
           to
           his
           Justice
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           performance
           of
           this
           great
           Work
           and
           Service
           that
           he
           was
           designed
           unto
           ;
           God
           hath
           advanced
           him
           to
           the
           highest
           top
           of
           Honour
           ,
           he
           hath
           given
           him
           a
           name
           above
           every
           name
           ;
           he
           hath
           set
           him
           at
           his
           own
           right
           Hand
           ,
           above
           all
           Principalities
           and
           Powers
           .
        
         
           12.
           
           It
           belongs
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           we
           know
           how
           Jesus
           
           Christ
           ,
           thus
           advanc'd
           on
           High
           ,
           and
           thus
           raised
           up
           to
           a
           top
           of
           preferment
           ,
           how
           he
           doth
           improve
           that
           preferment
           :
           He
           is
           now
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           he
           is
           at
           God's
           right
           Hand
           ,
           he
           is
           in
           fullest
           Glory
           .
           How
           doth
           he
           improve
           this
           Glory
           and
           Honour
           that
           is
           conferred
           upon
           him
           ?
           —
           Improve
           it
           ;
           —
           He
           sets
           his
           heart
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           an
           Improvement
           of
           all
           the
           interest
           that
           he
           hath
           in
           God
           ;
           all
           that
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           Dominion
           that
           he
           is
           now
           invested
           withal
           ;
           he
           sets
           his
           heart
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           improve
           this
           for
           the
           benefit
           and
           behoof
           of
           his
           People
           here
           upon
           Earth
           :
           He
           makes
           it
           his
           continual
           work
           and
           business
           to
           be
           negotiating
           with
           God
           for
           poor
           Souls
           ,
           for
           whom
           he
           hath
           shed
           his
           blood
           ,
           and
           on
           whose
           behalf
           he
           hath
           made
           satisfaction
           to
           infinite
           Justice
           ;
           he
           doth
           continually
           appear
           in
           Heaven
           before
           God
           ,
           to
           make
           intercession
           for
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           do
           but
           lay
           all
           this
           together
           ,
           and
           here
           's
           the
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           endeavoured
           thus
           to
           knit
           up
           together
           in
           this
           compass
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           out
           before
           you
           :
           And
           here
           's
           the
           great
           Mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           lying
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           held
           out
           this
           morning
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           the
           next
           thing
           to
           do
           is
           this
           ,
           To
           let
           you
           see
           how
           all
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           ou●…
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           in
           every
           part
           and
           parcel
           of
           it
           ,
           doth
           draw
           out
           the
           heart
           and
           soul
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           and
           doth
           most
           happily
           influence
           it
           ;
           so
           that
           all
           this
           Knowledge
           is
           as
           a
           fatning
           water
           that
           doth
           nourish
           a
           Plant
           :
           Faith
           being
           planted
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           this
           water
           of
           Gospel-Knowledge
           ,
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           being
           thus
           poured
           upon
           it
           ,
           why
           as
           a
           fatning
           water
           ,
           it
           makes
           the
           plant
           of
           Faith
           to
           grow
           and
           shoot
           up
           amain
           .
           There
           is
           never
           an
           experienced
           Christian
           ,
           that
           
           knows
           what
           believing
           means
           ,
           and
           is
           upon
           the
           exercise
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           hath
           set
           his
           heart
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           make
           an
           Improvement
           of
           his
           Faith
           ;
           there
           is
           never
           an
           experienced
           Beleever
           but
           is
           able
           to
           set
           to
           his
           Seal
           ,
           Oh
           ,
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           thus
           wrought
           out
           ,
           and
           thus
           spread
           forth
           before
           me
           ,
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           my
           Faith
           lives
           ,
           and
           thrives
           ,
           and
           prospers
           ,
           and
           swims
           up
           and
           down
           with
           all
           delight
           ,
           as
           the
           Fish
           in
           the
           water
           .
           You
           may
           easily
           apprehend
           now
           ,
           how
           a
           Believers
           Faith
           will
           grow
           and
           increase
           ,
           and
           receive
           strength
           and
           nourishment
           ,
           and
           shoot
           up
           amain
           ,
           upon
           the
           due
           consideration
           of
           these
           things
           that
           I
           have
           suggested
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           As
           now
           ,
           When
           a
           poor
           Beleever
           shall
           think
           thus
           with
           himself
           ,
           Why
           do
           I
           hesitate
           ?
           Why
           have
           I
           a
           fluctuating
           heart
           ?
           why
           is
           not
           my
           heart
           setled
           and
           fixt
           ,
           and
           come
           to
           be
           full
           of
           confidence
           in
           God
           ?
           Why
           I
           consider
           thus
           ,
           That
           that
           Jesus
           which
           is
           the
           object
           of
           my
           Faith
           ,
           he
           is
           God
           over
           all
           ,
           blessed
           for
           ever
           ;
           would
           I
           have
           a
           more
           able
           Saviour
           than
           a
           God
           :
           It
           is
           not
           an
           Angel
           that
           I
           am
           commanded
           to
           place
           my
           trust
           in
           ;
           no
           ,
           it
           is
           God
           ,
           blessed
           for
           ever
           ,
           he
           that
           was
           God
           with
           God
           ,
           from
           all
           Eternity
           ,
           as
           great
           as
           God
           ,
           as
           good
           as
           God
           :
           Why
           should
           I
           flag
           in
           my
           spirit
           ?
           why
           should
           I
           faint
           ?
           why
           should
           I
           have
           any
           miss-givings
           ?
           Have
           not
           I
           a
           God
           to
           trust
           upon
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           And
           then
           ,
           He
           is
           God
           ;
           I
           ,
           He
           is
           God-man
           :
           where
           can
           I
           promise
           my self
           pitty
           ,
           bowels
           ,
           compassion
           ,
           if
           not
           from
           a
           man
           ;
           a
           man
           that
           is
           in
           union
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           union
           with
           God
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           that
           he
           might
           be
           accomplish'd
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           be
           every
           way
           most
           compassionate
           ,
           and
           suitable
           to
           such
           an
           undertaking
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           This
           Jesus
           is
           the
           Son
           ,
           the
           
           Son
           of
           the
           Father
           ;
           where
           can
           I
           place
           my
           trust
           and
           confidence
           so
           freely
           ,
           as
           upon
           the
           King
           of
           Heaven's
           Son
           ?
           He
           is
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           Father
           ;
           nay
           ,
           he
           is
           his
           
             dearly
             Beloved
          
           Son
           ;
           the
           Father
           loves
           him
           ,
           delights
           in
           him
           ,
           he
           delights
           to
           hear
           his
           Prayer
           ,
           he
           pleased
           him
           in
           all
           things
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Nay
           ,
           why
           should
           not
           I
           be
           strong
           in
           my
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           ;
           forasmuch
           as
           this
           Jesus
           ,
           this
           Son
           ,
           this
           beloved
           Son
           ,
           this
           delightful
           Son
           ,
           is
           the
           person
           that
           the
           Great
           God
           hath
           chosen
           and
           design'd
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ?
           and
           it
           is
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           every
           poor
           soul
           should
           fly
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           have
           its
           recumbency
           upon
           him
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           then
           again
           ;
           when
           I
           consider
           that
           this
           Christ
           is
           commissioned
           by
           the
           Father
           ,
           he
           is
           sent
           into
           this
           World
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           save
           ,
           and
           make
           reconciliation
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           And
           then
           ,
           he
           is
           every
           way
           accomplish'd
           :
           if
           he
           were
           a
           deficient
           Christ
           ,
           there
           were
           something
           to
           make
           my
           spirit
           to
           flag
           ;
           but
           he
           is
           most
           fully
           accomplish'd
           ;
           all
           power
           is
           given
           to
           him
           ;
           he
           is
           able
           to
           save
           to
           the
           utmost
           ,
           all
           that
           come
           unto
           God
           by
           him
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           And
           then
           when
           I
           come
           to
           consider
           ,
           and
           ponder
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           meat
           and
           drink
           to
           Christ
           ,
           to
           do
           the
           will
           of
           his
           Father
           ;
           and
           he
           ,
           with
           the
           greatest
           content
           of
           heart
           ,
           performed
           this
           work
           ,
           and
           made
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           ,
           so●…
           poor
           sinners
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           And
           then
           when
           I
           come
           to
           consider
           ,
           that
           this
           Jesus
           is
           now
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           at
           Gods
           Right-hand
           ;
           God
           the
           Father
           hath
           given
           him
           Glory
           and
           Honour
           :
           O
           what
           incouragement
           have
           I
           to
           come
           to
           him
           ?
        
         
           9.
           
           And
           then
           when
           I
           consider
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           trust
           that
           is
           committed
           to
           him
           ,
           all
           the
           treasure
           that
           is
           
           laid
           up
           in
           him
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           benefit
           and
           behoof
           of
           poor
           souls
           ;
           why
           should
           not
           I
           then
           be
           incouraged
           to
           let
           out
           my
           heart
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           the
           strongest
           confidence
           ,
           that
           I
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           for
           him
           ?
           I
           tell
           you
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           all
           this
           knowledge
           doth
           strongly
           influence
           the
           Faith
           of
           a
           Beleever
           :
           therefore
           ,
           well
           may
           the
           Apostle
           require
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ;
           and
           in
           particular
           ,
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Faith.
           I
           would
           only
           give
           in
           that
           instance
           ,
           in
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           
           It
           's
           a
           Text
           that
           doth
           fully
           suit
           our
           present
           purpose
           :
           saith
           he
           ,
           You
           by
           him
           believe
           in
           God
           ,
           that
           raised
           him
           up
           from
           the
           dead
           ,
           and
           gave
           him
           Glory
           ,
           that
           your
           Faith
           and
           Hope
           might
           be
           in
           God
           :
           —
           Pray
           do
           but
           weigh
           this
           ,
           
             you
             believe
             in
             God
          
           ,
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             who
             raised
             Iesus
             from
             the
             dead
          
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           had
           so
           done
           ,
           
             he
             gave
             him
             Glory
          
           :
           He
           preferr'd
           him
           to
           the
           greatest
           Honour
           and
           Dignity
           ,
           set
           him
           at
           his
           own
           Right-hand
           :
           —
           and
           wherefore
           this
           ?
           
             That
             your
             Faith
          
           ,
           (
           in
           knowing
           this
           )
           that
           he
           that
           was
           your
           great
           undertaker
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           travell'd
           in
           the
           greatness
           of
           his
           strength
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           accomplish
           the
           work
           of
           Redemption
           and
           Salvation
           .
           This
           Jesus
           ,
           after
           he
           had
           done
           his
           work
           ,
           and
           suffered
           what
           he
           was
           to
           undergo
           here
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           God
           did
           raise
           him
           again
           from
           the
           dead
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           had
           raised
           him
           ,
           he
           takes
           him
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           gives
           him
           Glory
           there
           ;
           sets
           him
           at
           his
           own
           Right-hand
           ,
           advances
           him
           to
           the
           highest
           top
           of
           Honour
           :
           —
           And
           wherefore
           thus
           ?
           
             That
             your
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             might
             be
             in
             God
          
           ;
           that
           you
           might
           come
           to
           him
           with
           the
           fullest
           confidence
           ,
           and
           rely
           upon
           him
           .
           —
           Now
           ,
           all
           this
           that
           I
           have
           accounted
           to
           you
           concerning
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           in
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           it
           doth
           exceeding
           liberally
           contribute
           
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           Beleevers
           Faith
           and
           Grace
           .
           And
           ,
           because
           I
           can
           proceed
           no
           further
           now
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           any
           souls
           ,
           that
           are
           strangers
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           will
           you
           but
           drink
           of
           these
           waters
           ?
           O
           ,
           set
           your
           hearts
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           drink
           of
           this
           blessed
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           see
           whether
           these
           waters
           will
           not
           warm
           your
           hearts
           ,
           and
           make
           you
           to
           sparkle
           out
           in
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           in
           longings
           after
           Christ
           !
           —
           And
           for
           you
           ,
           that
           are
           called
           out
           to
           the
           participation
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           Faith
           of
           God
           begun
           in
           you
           :
           O
           ,
           as
           ever
           you
           desire
           to
           grow
           up
           in
           the
           Faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           labour
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           O
           ,
           dwell
           upon
           the
           meditation
           of
           these
           Mysteries
           that
           I
           have
           given
           you
           this
           morning
           a
           hint
           of
           .
           If
           ever
           you
           desire
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           your
           Faith
           ;
           it
           must
           be
           ,
           by
           your
           being
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XIII
           .
        
         
           I
           Shall
           now
           proceed
           to
           what
           remains
           ;
        
         
           What
           hath
           been
           spoken
           concerning
           Faith
           ;
           and
           how
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           duly
           improved
           ,
           is
           to
           the
           growth
           of
           that
           .
           The
           same
           may
           be
           spoken
           concerning
           Gospel
           -
           hope
           ;
           The
           
             hope
             of
             the
             Righteous
          
           ,
           which
           is
           called
           ,
           
             a
             Tree
             of
             Life
          
           :
           —
           compared
           to
           an
           
             Anchor
             ;
             Sure
             ,
             and
             steadfast
             ,
             entring
             within
             the
             vail
             ,
             whither
             the
             forerunner
             hath
             entered
             .
          
           Now
           ,
           by
           improving
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           Hope
           will
           grow
           up
           to
           a
           goodly
           stature
           ;
           Hope
           will
           come
           to
           be
           as
           an
           Anchor
           ,
           fixing
           very
           fast
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           keep
           the
           ship
           of
           the
           soul
           safe
           and
           secure
           ,
           whatever
           the
           storms
           and
           tempests
           are
           that
           may
           arise
           upon
           it
           .
           The
           more
           we
           know
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           more
           shall
           our
           Hope
           be
           strengthened
           in
           us
           :
           and
           one
           special
           reason
           why
           we
           hope
           no
           more
           with
           an
           unshaken
           hope
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           not
           more
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           The
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           speaks
           concerning
           this
           blessed
           Hope
           that
           Believers
           are
           begotten
           to
           :
           and
           they
           are
           begotten
           to
           it
           ,
           (
           he
           tells
           us
           )
           
             by
             the
             Resurrection
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             from
             the
             dead
             .
          
           The
           more
           we
           are
           judiciously
           apprehensive
           of
           Christ
           ,
           of
           the
           Resurrection
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Glory
           which
           he
           is
           advanc'd
           unto
           ;
           the
           more
           will
           the
           hope
           of
           a
           Beleever
           be
           strengthened
           in
           him
           .
           And
           that
           Scripture
           which
           I
           clos'd
           with
           the
           last
           day
           ,
           it
           serves
           us
           to
           this
           very
           purpose
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           
           It
           's
           said
           ,
           that
           God
           the
           Father
           hath
           given
           Honour
           and
           Glory
           to
           his
           Son
           ;
           that
           our
           Faith
           ,
           and
           our
           Hope
           ,
           might
           be
           in
           God.
           
           And
           therefore
           must
           needs
           be
           inferr'd
           ;
           that
           the
           more
           we
           know
           ,
           and
           understand
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Glory
           that
           he
           is
           now
           advanc'd
           unto
           ;
           the
           more
           will
           there
           be
           of
           growth
           in
           the
           hope
           of
           a
           Beleever
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           By
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           there
           will
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           godly
           Repentance
           .
           Repentance
           ;
           there
           is
           such
           a
           thing
           ,
           though
           it
           's
           little
           known
           ,
           and
           less
           practised
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           true
           Gospel-nature
           and
           state
           of
           it
           :
           But
           ,
           such
           a
           thing
           there
           is
           ,
           as
           Repentance
           towards
           God
           :
           a
           precious
           Grace
           ,
           which
           God
           works
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           people
           ;
           those
           that
           he
           hath
           a
           purpose
           to
           save
           .
           It
           is
           of
           necessary
           participation
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           a
           Grace
           of
           necessary
           exercise
           :
           for
           our
           Saviour
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             except
             we
             repent
             ,
             we
             shall
             all
             perish
          
           ;
           there
           is
           a
           necessity
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           yet
           alas
           ,
           how
           many
           are
           meer
           strangers
           to
           it
           ;
           know
           nothing
           of
           the
           Grace
           ,
           know
           nothing
           of
           the
           Practice
           of
           it
           ?
           And
           ,
           how
           many
           of
           those
           that
           have
           any
           sense
           ,
           or
           share
           in
           it
           ;
           yet
           ,
           that
           are
           very
           little
           in
           their
           Repentance
           ,
           have
           but
           a
           very
           low
           measure
           and
           degree
           ,
           know
           little
           of
           heart-meltings
           ,
           and
           soul-breakings
           before
           God
           ;
           much
           what
           strangers
           unto
           that
           sweet
           frame
           of
           spirit
           by
           which
           
             Ephraim
             is
             set
             forth
             unto
             us
             ,
          
           as
           a
           blessed
           pattern
           and
           example
           ,
           in
           Jer.
           31.
           18.
           where
           we
           have
           this
           account
           of
           him
           ;
           
             Thou
             hast
             established
             ●…e
             ,
             and
             I
             was
             chastised
             ;
             as
             a
             Bullock
             unaccustomed
             ●…o
             the
             yoke
             :
             Turn
             thou
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             shall
             be
             turned
             :
             after
             that
             I
             was
             converted
             ,
             I
             repented
             ,
             and
             I
             sm●…
             upon
             my
             thigh
             .
          
           This
           was
           
           Ephraim's
           frame
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           upon
           Record
           for
           our
           imitation
           .
           But
           alas
           ,
           how
           little
           do
           we
           attain
           to
           of
           this
           Gospel-Repentance
           ?
           how
           little
           do
           we
           express
           mostly
           of
           such
           a
           
           temper
           and
           frame
           of
           spirit
           ?
           Can
           sin
           freely
           ,
           but
           repent
           very
           hardly
           .
           How
           little
           doth
           there
           appear
           to
           God
           of
           any
           kindly
           workings
           ,
           and
           breakings
           of
           heart
           before
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           sense
           of
           all
           that
           we
           daily
           commit
           of
           sin
           and
           trans●…ion
           ,
           in
           a
           way
           of
           disobedience
           ,
           and
           loose
           walking
           before
           the
           Lord.
           Why
           truly
           ,
           I
           may
           be
           bold
           〈◊〉
           ,
           that
           if
           so
           be
           there
           were
           any
           ,
           place
           for
           Repentance
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           though
           indeed
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           a
           ●…ce
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           but
           of
           joy
           ,
           and
           everlasting
           rejoycing
           .
           Yet
           ,
           if
           Heaven
           were
           a
           place
           of
           Repentance
           ;
           I
           am
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           very
           few
           of
           those
           that
           some
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           would
           not
           ●…ll
           upon
           the
           work
           and
           business
           there
           ;
           and
           that
           ,
           because
           they
           repented
           so
           little
           as
           they
           did
           while
           they
           were
           here
           on
           earth
           :
           if
           there
           were
           any
           place
           of
           repentance
           there
           ,
           it
           would
           go
           to
           the
           hearts
           of
           many
           ,
           that
           they
           did
           not
           take
           it
           more
           deeply
           into
           consideration
           ,
           their
           evil
           dispositions
           ,
           and
           sinful
           conversations
           ,
           while
           they
           were
           in
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           And
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           reason
           that
           Repentance
           (
           that
           blessed
           Grace
           )
           is
           not
           more
           largely
           shared
           in
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           not
           more
           expressed
           to
           the
           life
           of
           it
           :
           —
           why
           we
           may
           with
           much
           confidence
           conclude
           upon
           〈◊〉
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           one
           of
           the
           special
           reasons
           ;
           because
           we
           〈◊〉
           not
           more
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           〈◊〉
           Jesus
           Christ.
           〈◊〉
           B●…en
           ,
           if
           Christ
           ,
           o●…
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           were
           better
           known
           ,
           and
           the
           knowledge
           of
           him
           better
           digested
           ;
           I
           know
           this
           ,
           that
           there
           would
           be
           more
           soul
           meltings
           ,
           and
           heart-breakings
           ,
           〈◊〉
           kindly
           manner
           before
           God
           ,
           than
           ever
           otherwise
           there
           ●…like
           to
           be
           .
           Consider
           what
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           ,
           i●…
           ●…ech
           .
           12.
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             They
             shall
             look
             upon
             him
             whom
             they
             have
             pi●…ed
          
           and
           what
           then
           ?
           
             They
             shall
             look
             upon
             him
          
           ,
           they
           shall
           mind
           Christ
           ,
           
           study
           Christ
           ;
           they
           shall
           fix
           their
           serious
           thoughts
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           upon
           him
           ,
           
             a●…
             one
             whom
             they
             have
             pierced
             :
          
           and
           what
           will
           follow
           ?
           
             Then
             shall
             they
             mourn
             over
             him
             ,
             as
             one
             who
             mourneth
             for
             an
             only
             Son
             ;
             and
             be
             in
             bitterness
             ,
             as
             one
             that
             is
             in
             bitterness
             for
             his
             first-born
             .
          
           This
           will
           raise
           up
           the
           sorrow
           ;
           this
           will
           break
           the
           heart
           .
           When
           persons
           come
           for
           to
           know
           ,
           and
           consider
           ,
           and
           seriously
           ponder
           upon
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           consider
           of
           his
           dying
           ,
           and
           dreadful
           suffering
           ,
           and
           woful
           breakings
           and
           bruisings
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           undergo
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           poor
           sinners
           ;
           and
           then
           ,
           their
           hearts
           will
           break
           within
           the●…
           .
           What
           was
           that
           which
           made
           the
           Converts
           in
           Acts
           2.
           for
           to
           fall
           into
           such
           a
           melting
           frame
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           pricked
           at
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           to
           mourn
           and
           lame●…
           deeply
           ?
           Why
           ,
           Peter
           had
           been
           pre●…ching
           to
           them
           the
           Doctrine
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           endeavouring
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           him
           whom
           they
           had
           crucified
           :
           You
           have
           crucified
           the
           Prince
           of
           Life
           ;
           you
           have
           been
           the
           murtherers
           and
           betrayers
           of
           him
           :
           they
           were
           pricked
           then
           at
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           cryed
           out
           ;
           O
           ,
           men
           and
           〈◊〉
           ,
           what
           shall
           we
           do
           ?
           O
           miserable
           wretches
           ▪
           When
           a
           soul
           shall
           set
           it self
           to
           know
           ,
           and
           understand
           the
           mystery
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           that
           the
           Eternal
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           that
           was
           in
           the
           form
           of
           God
           ,
           thought
           it
           no
           robbery
           to
           be
           equal
           with
           God
           ,
           he
           that
           was
           from
           all
           eternity
           ,
           the
           delight
           of
           his
           Father
           ;
           he
           that
           was
           holy
           ,
           and
           unblamable
           ,
           knew
           no
           sin
           ,
           never
           was
           guile
           found
           in
           his
           mouth
           ;
           the
           spotless
           Lamb
           ▪
           That
           he
           should
           be
           hanged
           as
           a
           malefactor
           !
           that
           he
           should
           be
           put
           to
           the
           greatest
           shame
           and
           ignominy
           that
           could
           be
           !
           that
           he
           should
           be
           under
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           wrath
           of
           his
           Father
           !
           that
           his
           precious
           
           soul
           should
           be
           in
           such
           an
           agony
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           should
           be
           constrained
           to
           cry
           out
           ,
           
             My
             God
             ,
             my
             God
             ,
             why
             hast
             thou
             forsaken
             me
             ?
          
           That
           he
           should
           undergo
           such
           breakings
           ,
           and
           bruisings
           ,
           and
           woundings
           !
           that
           he
           should
           sweat
           drops
           ,
           and
           clods
           of
           blood
           !
           that
           his
           soul
           should
           be
           exceeding
           sorrowful
           and
           heavy
           ,
           unto
           the
           very
           death
           !
           And
           yet
           this
           blessed
           Jesus
           ,
           one
           that
           never
           sinned
           ;
           no
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           as
           in
           a
           Thought
           :
           yet
           ,
           that
           all
           this
           should
           be
           undergone
           by
           him
           !
           —
           —
           And
           ,
           when
           a
           soul
           shall
           come
           to
           consider
           ,
           that
           it self
           hath
           been
           accessary
           to
           this
           horrid
           murther
           !
           it self
           should
           have
           a
           hand
           in
           this
           bloody
           business
           !
           that
           it self
           should
           be
           a
           party
           to
           this
           prodigious
           impiety
           !
           that
           it self
           should
           stabb
           Christ
           to
           the
           very
           heart
           !
           when
           this
           comes
           to
           be
           considered
           ;
           when
           a
           soul
           comes
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           deep
           ,
           and
           dreadful
           ,
           and
           dolorous
           sufferings
           ;
           this
           must
           needs
           give
           an
           advance
           to
           the
           Grace
           of
           Repentance
           :
           Why
           ,
           it
           would
           argue
           a
           heart
           harder
           than
           an
           Adamant
           ,
           that
           would
           not
           ,
           upon
           such
           well
           digested
           apprehensions
           as
           these
           ,
           be
           in
           meltings
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           a
           crucified
           Christ.
           This
           is
           that
           ,
           which
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           but
           well
           known
           ,
           and
           studied
           ,
           and
           seriously
           pondered
           upon
           ,
           would
           give
           an
           advance
           (
           I
           say
           )
           unto
           Repentance
           .
           But
           ,
           the
           reason
           why
           we
           are
           no
           more
           in
           the
           lively
           practice
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           no
           more
           studied
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           I
           would
           this
           were
           considered
           of
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           put
           to
           the
           proof
           ,
           whether
           you
           would
           not
           find
           it
           so
           in
           experience
           ,
           that
           this
           would
           make
           your
           hearts
           to
           break
           before
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
         
           4.
           
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           a
           kindly
           growth
           in
           it
           ;
           will
           conduce
           very
           much
           ;
           as
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Hope
           ,
           and
           Repentance
           ;
           so
           of
           Love
           ;
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           love
           one
           to
           another
           .
           The
           complaint
           may
           justly
           enough
           be
           taken
           up
           concerning
           this
           ,
           as
           concerning
           the
           other
           Graces
           :
           we
           are
           little
           in
           one
           and
           other
           :
           and
           truly
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           expected
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           much
           advanc'd
           in
           Love
           ,
           that
           are
           not
           advanc'd
           in
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Hope
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           Repentance
           towards
           God.
           But
           thus
           it
           is
           ;
           alas
           ,
           that
           Love
           that
           should
           be
           in
           us
           in
           the
           flame
           ,
           it
           is
           mostly
           but
           in
           the
           spark
           :
           we
           have
           some
           little
           glowings
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           but
           not
           those
           kindly
           burnings
           of
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           Love
           to
           Christ
           ;
           those
           inlargements
           of
           heart
           that
           we
           should
           make
           discovery
           of
           :
           —
           and
           what
           's
           the
           reason
           ?
           Why
           ,
           we
           may
           reckon
           it
           very
           much
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           more
           improved
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           For
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Christ
           ,
           well
           advanc'd
           ,
           well
           grown
           ,
           and
           improved
           ,
           as
           a
           most
           strong
           and
           effectual
           conducement
           to
           the
           growth
           in
           Love.
           When
           the
           Daughters
           of
           Jerusalem
           had
           been
           well
           instructed
           concerning
           the
           Spouses
           Beloved
           ,
           when
           they
           had
           had
           an
           account
           of
           him
           ,
           their
           hearts
           were
           exceedingly
           taken
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           then
           they
           would
           seek
           him
           with
           her
           :
           
             Whither
             is
             thy
             Beloved
             gone
             ;
             O
             thou
             fairest
             among
             women
             ?
             Whether
             is
             thy
             Beloved
             gone
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             seek
             him
             with
             thee
             ?
          
           Thus
           it
           is
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           knew
           more
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           would
           be
           more
           in
           the
           Love
           of
           Christ.
           Truly
           ,
           the
           motions
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           they
           will
           answer
           the
           sanctified
           light
           of
           the
           understanding
           .
           Now
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           but
           little
           light
           
           and
           Knowledge
           ,
           't
           is
           not
           to
           be
           expected
           that
           there
           should
           be
           very
           much
           heat
           .
           Did
           we
           but
           know
           more
           of
           Christ
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           of
           the
           loveliness
           of
           Christ
           ,
           what
           an
           amiable
           person
           he
           is
           .
           Did
           we
           but
           throughly
           know
           what
           a
           lovely
           Christ
           he
           is
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           account
           that
           's
           given
           of
           him
           in
           the
           
             Canticles
             ,
             He
             is
             the
             chiefest
             of
             ten
             thousand
             ,
             altogether
             lovely
             :
          
           Take
           him
           all
           over
           ,
           you
           will
           see
           nothing
           but
           loveliness
           in
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           he
           is
           lovely
           for
           his
           Name
           ,
           for
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Grace
           ,
           all
           those
           incomparable
           excellencies
           that
           discover
           themselves
           in
           him
           ;
           consider
           but
           of
           that
           :
           O
           he
           is
           the
           most
           lovely
           Person
           that
           ever
           was
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           ever
           visibly
           conversed
           with
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Consider
           him
           in
           his
           loveliness
           ,
           so
           in
           his
           loveingness
           (
           I
           distinguish
           so
           )
           his
           loveliness
           ;
           the
           loveliness
           of
           his
           Person
           ,
           and
           the
           lovingness
           of
           his
           Person
           ;
           the
           most
           loving
           Christ
           ,
           of
           the
           most
           loving
           disposition
           that
           ever
           was
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           never
           any
           to
           be
           compared
           to
           Christ
           for
           Love
           ;
           as
           full
           of
           love
           to
           poor
           souls
           as
           ever
           his
           heart
           could
           hold
           ,
           next
           to
           the
           love
           that
           he
           bare
           from
           all
           Eternity
           to
           his
           Father
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           who
           are
           co-essential
           ,
           and
           co-equal
           ,
           co-eternal
           with
           him
           ;
           next
           to
           the
           love
           that
           he
           bears
           them
           ,
           his
           love
           is
           set
           upon
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           ;
           he
           takes
           delight
           in
           the
           habitable
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           account
           that
           's
           given
           of
           him
           ,
           in
           Prov.
           8.
           where
           Christ
           is
           set
           forth
           unto
           us
           under
           the
           term
           and
           notion
           of
           Wisdom
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           was
           my
           Fathers
           delight
           ,
           and
           I
           came
           into
           the
           habitable
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           my
           delights
           were
           with
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           :
           He
           had
           his
           delights
           from
           all
           Eternity
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           and
           yet
           notwithstanding
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           come
           out
           of
           the
           bosom
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           
           and
           to
           take
           up
           his
           delights
           within
           the
           habitable
           parts
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           :
           And
           what
           a
           condition
           did
           he
           find
           them
           in
           ?
           A
           company
           of
           ill-looking
           and
           unlovely
           creatures
           ,
           as
           ever
           eye
           could
           behold
           .
           I
           saw
           thee
           when
           thou
           wast
           in
           thy
           blood
           ,
           cast
           out
           ,
           to
           the
           loathing
           of
           thy
           person
           ;
           and
           yet
           that
           time
           was
           the
           time
           of
           love
           .
           I
           loved
           thee
           ,
           and
           I
           gave
           a
           demonstration
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           doing
           so
           and
           so
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           is
           exprest
           ,
           E●…
           .
           16.
           
           Why
           thus
           it
           is
           :
           —
           
             God
             so
             loved
             the
             world
             that
             he
             gave
             his
             only
             begotten
             Son
             ,
          
           his
           only
           beloved
           Son.
           —
           God
           the
           Son
           ,
           he
           so
           loved
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           he
           gave
           himself
           for
           a
           wicked
           damned
           world
           ;
           a
           company
           of
           wretches
           that
           had
           no
           love
           to
           him
           ,
           yet
           he
           loves
           them
           ;
           and
           he
           was
           out
           of
           love
           to
           them
           ,
           willing
           for
           to
           lay
           down
           his
           life
           for
           them
           .
           And
           
             greater
             love
             hath
             no
             man
          
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
             than
             th●…t
             a
             man
             lay
             down
             his
             life
             for
             his
             friend
             .
          
           For
           his
           Friend
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           a
           love
           was
           this
           then
           ,
           That
           one
           should
           come
           and
           lay
           down
           his
           life
           for
           those
           that
           were
           Enemies
           ?
           When
           we
           were
           enemies
           we
           were
           reconciled
           ,
           and
           when
           we
           had
           no
           strength
           ,
           Christ
           came
           and
           shed
           his
           blood
           ;
           and
           that
           by
           the
           shedding
           of
           his
           blood
           ,
           he
           might
           wash
           away
           the
           guilt
           of
           his
           Peoples
           iniquities
           :
           What
           a
           love
           was
           this
           ?
           O
           well
           might
           the
           Apostle
           fall
           upon
           admirings
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           Eph.
           3.
           he
           prayes
           that
           they
           might
           comprehend
           the
           heights
           ,
           and
           depths
           ,
           and
           lengths
           ,
           and
           breadths
           ;
           and
           that
           they
           might
           know
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             passeth
             knowledge
          
           .
           Weigh
           these
           things
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           let
           them
           not
           pass
           away
           in
           a
           slight
           manner
           ,
           That
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             you
             might
             know
             the
             heights
          
           .
           Why
           there
           are
           heights
           ,
           and
           depths
           ,
           and
           breadths
           ,
           and
           lengths
           in
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           such
           a
           love
           as
           
             passeth
             knowledge
          
           ;
           when
           we
           have
           known
           all
           we
           can
           of
           it
           
           yet
           it
           will
           transcend
           our
           knowledge
           ;
           why
           such
           a
           love
           Christ
           hath
           imprest
           .
           Now
           consider
           ;
           O
           ,
           the
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           to
           poor
           sinners
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           stick
           at
           nothing
           to
           do
           for
           them
           ,
           to
           suffer
           for
           them
           ,
           to
           forego
           for
           them
           ,
           to
           undergo
           for
           them
           :
           When
           the
           business
           was
           under
           consideration
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Redemption
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           when
           it
           was
           propounded
           to
           him
           ,
           My
           Son
           ,
           wilt
           thou
           undertake
           for
           a
           damned
           World
           ,
           to
           save
           a
           company
           of
           poor
           souls
           ,
           that
           are
           like
           to
           perish
           eternally
           ,
           unless
           that
           help
           come
           in
           ?
           Wilt
           thou
           undertake
           for
           them
           ?
           Father
           ,
           I
           will
           do
           it
           ;
           I
           love
           them
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           do
           them
           all
           the
           good
           I
           can
           .
           —
           I
           ,
           but
           Son
           ,
           If
           thou
           wilt
           undertake
           their
           cause
           ,
           thou
           must
           bear
           their
           guilt
           ,
           thou
           must
           undergo
           their
           curse
           ,
           thou
           must
           be
           put
           to
           shame
           for
           them
           ,
           thou
           must
           suffer
           and
           dye
           ,
           and
           shed
           thy
           blood
           for
           them
           .
           —
           Father
           ,
           I
           am
           willing
           ;
           Father
           ,
           I
           delight
           to
           do
           thy
           Will
           ;
           thy
           Law
           ,
           O
           Father
           ,
           is
           in
           my
           heart
           .
           —
           Why
           what
           a
           heart-breaking
           love
           is
           this
           ?
           He
           sticks
           at
           nothing
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           ingage
           to
           a
           dispute
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           say
           thus
           :
           Why
           should
           I
           undergo
           this
           smart
           ,
           and
           pain
           ,
           and
           torment
           ,
           for
           a
           company
           of
           wretches
           :
           Let
           them
           damn
           and
           perish
           ,
           let
           them
           reap
           the
           fruit
           of
           their
           own
           evil
           doings
           :
           Father
           ,
           what
           hast
           thou
           to
           object
           against
           me
           ?
           I
           never
           offended
           thee
           ;
           Why
           should
           I
           be
           made
           an
           Offering
           and
           a
           Sacrifice
           for
           sin
           ?
           —
           Not
           a
           word
           of
           this
           ,
           but
           a
           most
           willing
           complyance
           with
           the
           Counsel
           of
           God
           ,
           concerning
           the
           saving
           of
           poor
           souls
           ,
           and
           redeeming
           them
           from
           going
           down
           into
           the
           pit
           .
           What
           love
           was
           here
           ?
           O
           admirable
           love
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           !
           —
           Why
           now
           do
           but
           consider
           this
           then
           :
           This
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           loveliness
           of
           his
           Person
           ,
           and
           the
           lovingness
           of
           his
           nature
           and
           disposition
           ;
           
           and
           what
           an
           inlarged
           heart
           of
           love
           ,
           as
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           to
           poor
           sinners
           .
           —
           And
           consider
           ,
           what
           delight
           he
           takes
           to
           manifest
           his
           Love
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           what
           longings
           there
           are
           in
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           have
           all
           his
           People
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           know
           to
           the
           full
           ,
           that
           dear
           love
           that
           he
           hath
           born
           to
           them
           from
           all
           Eternity
           .
           Why
           ?
           If
           these
           things
           were
           better
           known
           and
           digested
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           not
           only
           slip
           and
           away
           ,
           but
           dwell
           upon
           the
           Meditation
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           unquestionably
           it
           would
           contribute
           most
           largely
           unto
           the
           promoting
           of
           love
           ,
           we
           should
           not
           be
           so
           dead-hearted
           unto
           Christ
           as
           we
           are
           ;
           our
           fire
           of
           love
           would
           burn
           out
           more
           unto
           God
           ,
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           than
           ever
           it
           's
           like
           to
           do
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           were
           but
           more
           improved
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           I
           commend
           these
           things
           with
           much
           confidence
           ,
           to
           the
           Consciences
           of
           every
           one
           of
           you
           ,
           whether
           that
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           this
           blessed
           Knowledge
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           but
           more
           pursued
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           had
           but
           more
           advancement
           in
           it
           ,
           whether
           it
           would
           not
           more
           improve
           our
           Faith
           ,
           improve
           our
           Hope
           ,
           improve
           our
           Repentance
           ,
           improve
           our
           Love
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           of
           one
           to
           another
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           The
           like
           we
           may
           speak
           concerning
           humility
           and
           meekness
           of
           Spirit
           ;
           for
           it
           comes
           to
           my
           thoughts
           ,
           that
           Proverb
           of
           Solomon
           ,
           to
           make
           use
           of
           it
           here
           ,
           upon
           occasion
           of
           this
           account
           that
           I
           give
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Solomon
           speaks
           of
           a
           gift
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           which
           prospers
           which
           way
           soever
           it
           turns
           .
           Truly
           ,
           so
           is
           this
           gift
           of
           Knowledge
           ;
           w●…re
           it
           's
           given
           of
           special
           Grace
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           not
           a
           notional
           Knowledge
           ,
           but
           a
           
           heart-Knowledge
           ,
           for
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           I
           speak
           of
           ;
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           the
           Covenant
           
           of
           God's
           Grace
           makes
           a
           conveyance
           of
           :
           For
           alas
           ,
           I
           and
           others
           may
           preach
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           light
           into
           your
           heads
           ,
           and
           you
           may
           come
           to
           have
           the
           notions
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           be
           never
           the
           nearer
           ;
           but
           we
           speak
           of
           a
           
           heart-Knowledge
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Covenant
           makes
           conveyance
           of
           (
           as
           I
           said
           :
           )
           And
           I
           say
           thus
           ;
           That
           where
           there
           is
           heart
           knowledge
           given
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           gift
           as
           prospers
           which
           way
           soever
           it
           turns
           ,
           O
           the
           blessed
           benefit
           that
           comes
           over
           by
           the
           heart-knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           especially
           when
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           a
           due
           improvement
           of
           it
           ;
           as
           in
           the
           other
           respects
           ,
           so
           in
           respect
           of
           meekness
           ,
           &
           humility
           of
           spirit
           .
           Alas
           ,
           meekness
           and
           humility
           ,
           it
           's
           a
           lovely
           Grace
           ;
           but
           where
           doth
           it
           appear
           ?
           we
           are
           lofty
           ,
           and
           are
           far
           from
           a
           disposition
           that
           way
           ,
           which
           should
           discover
           it self
           .
           What
           's
           the
           reason
           ?
           —
           Because
           of
           a
           defect
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           For
           thus
           :
           Had
           we
           but
           more
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           there
           would
           not
           be
           that
           frowardness
           ,
           and
           perversness
           ,
           and
           unto
           wardness
           ;
           and
           swelling
           of
           heart
           that
           commonly
           discovers
           it self
           ,
           if
           we
           had
           but
           a
           well
           improved
           ,
           and
           a
           well
           digested
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           For
           consider
           :
           —
           What
           is
           there
           to
           ●…e
           known
           of
           Christ
           ?
           —
           Why
           ,
           he
           is
           another
           manner
           of
           Christ
           than
           we
           take
           him
           to
           be
           ,
           than
           we
           know
           him
           to
           be
           ,
           or
           have
           a
           mind
           to
           know
           :
           we
           do
           not
           know
           what
           a
           Christ
           he
           is
           ,
           he
           is
           another
           manner
           of
           Christ
           than
           you
           think
           he
           was
           :
           He
           was
           not
           a
           proud
           Christ
           ,
           he
           was
           not
           a
           lofty
           spirited
           Christ
           ;
           he
           was
           meek
           ,
           and
           gentle
           ,
           and
           lovely
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           most
           humble
           frame
           of
           a
           most
           graciously
           condescending
           spirit
           :
           
             Learn
             of
             me
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           Mat
           :
           11.
           
           
             I
             am
             meek
             and
             lowly
          
           :
           And
           ,
           he
           gave
           most
           convincing
           proof
           and
           demonstration
           of
           it
           all
           along
           ,
           in
           his
           course
           and
           conversation
           in
           the
           
           World.
           Did
           we
           but
           know
           this
           ,
           and
           had
           but
           a
           more
           through
           knowledge
           of
           what
           a
           kind
           of
           Christ
           he
           is
           ,
           it
           would
           conduce
           to
           the
           meeking
           and
           humbling
           of
           our
           hearts
           and
           spirits
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           to
           argue
           thus
           :
           What
           a
           meek
           and
           humble
           Christ
           ,
           and
           I
           a
           proud
           swelling-hearted
           Wretch
           ▪
           —
           why
           ,
           how
           will
           this
           consist
           with
           my
           Profession
           ?
           I
           profess
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           discover
           little
           or
           nothing
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           Surely
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           would
           conduce
           much
           to
           the
           meekning
           and
           humbling
           of
           our
           hearts
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           for
           Patience
           ,
           That
           's
           another
           Grace
           ,
           which
           we
           should
           not
           only
           have
           ,
           but
           have
           it
           in
           the
           increases
           and
           the
           improvements
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           yet
           how
           littl●…
           discovers
           it self
           ;
           how
           proud
           ,
           and
           passionate
           ,
           and
           waspish
           ,
           and
           froward
           are
           we
           ?
           —
           What
           's
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           —
           Because
           we
           know
           no
           more
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           this
           heart-knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           such
           a
           degree
           as
           we
           should
           press
           after
           .
           Did
           we
           but
           know
           what
           a
           patient
           Christ
           he
           is
           ▪
           O!
           when
           he
           was
           reviled
           ,
           he
           reviled
           not
           again
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           was
           reproached
           he
           bore
           it
           patiently
           ;
           and
           he
           was
           led
           as
           a
           Lamb
           before
           the
           Shearer
           ,
           dumb
           ,
           and
           opened
           not
           his
           mouth
           .
           Why
           ,
           did
           we
           but
           advance
           more
           in
           the
           hearty
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           it
           would
           conduce
           very
           much
           to
           the
           working
           of
           our
           hearts
           to
           patience
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           good
           degree
           of
           Patience
           .
           This
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           it
           would
           influence
           the
           Grace
           of
           Patience
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           be
           more
           conformable
           to
           Christ.
           And
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           Heb.
           12.
           he
           propounds
           this
           very
           consideration
           in
           order
           thereunto
           :
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             ●…n
             with
             patience
             the
             race
             that
             is
             set
             before
             us
             :
          
           And
           that
           we
           may
           do
           so
           ▪
           
             Let
             us
             look
             unto
             Iesus
             ,
             the
             Author
             and
             finisher
             of
             our
             Faith
             ;
             who
             for
             the
             joy
             that
             was
             set
             before
             ,
             him
             indured
             the
             Cross
             &
             despised
             the
          
           
           shame
           :
           He
           indured
           the
           contradiction
           of
           sinners
           against
           him
           ,
           Lest
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             you
             be
             wearied
             and
             faint
             in
             your
             minds
             .
          
           Look
           to
           this
           Jesus
           ,
           know
           the
           temper
           of
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           what
           a
           patient
           Christ
           he
           was
           ,
           and
           what
           a
           heavenly
           Spirit
           he
           discovered
           :
           And
           so
           I
           say
           ,
           That
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           would
           contribute
           most
           strongly
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           And
           so
           for
           Heavenly-mindedness
           .
           What
           's
           the
           reason
           that
           we
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           dote
           upon
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           upon
           these
           lying
           and
           vexing
           vanities
           here
           below
           ?
           —
           Why
           ,
           because
           we
           know
           no
           more
           of
           Christ
           :
           If
           we
           were
           but
           more
           advanced
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           ●…ch
           helped
           against
           earthly-mindedness
           ,
           and
           improve
           more
           in
           a
           heavenly
           frame
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           live
           above
           the
           World.
           Why
           ,
           do
           not
           you
           know
           what
           a
           Christ
           he
           was
           ?
           what
           a
           heavenly
           Spirit
           he
           had
           ?
           how
           he
           lived
           in
           the
           World
           as
           a
           stranger
           ?
           He
           set
           not
           his
           heart
           upon
           this
           and
           that
           pleasure
           and
           profit
           ,
           but
           minded
           his
           business
           ;
           and
           he
           had
           an
           eye
           to
           the
           glory
           that
           was
           to
           be
           revealed
           ,
           and
           so
           he
           made
           it
           his
           great
           design
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           improve
           his
           time
           ,
           and
           honour
           his
           Father
           :
           And
           he
           was
           at
           length
           able
           to
           give
           this
           account
           ,
           Ioh.
           17.
           
           
             Father
             ,
             I
             have
             glorified
             thee
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             I
             have
             finished
             the
             work
             thou
             gavest
             me
             to
             do
             .
          
           And
           now
           further
           ,
           
             Glorifie
             me
             with
             thine
             own
             self
             ,
             with
             the
             glory
             which
             I
             had
             with
             thee
             before
             the
             world
             was
             .
          
           Father
           ,
           I
           have
           liv'd
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           by
           choice
           ,
           as
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Duty
           ;
           and
           my
           heart
           is
           with
           thee
           ,
           and
           my
           longing's
           after
           Heaven
           :
           Father
           ,
           glorifie
           me
           with
           thy self
           ,
           and
           bring
           me
           to
           thy
           Glory
           ;
           and
           thus
           Christ's
           heart
           was
           carried
           out
           .
           Now
           ,
           had
           we
           but
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           this
           ,
           it
           would
           contribute
           much
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           heavenly
           mind
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           to
           think
           with
           
           our selves
           ,
           Do
           I
           know
           this
           to
           have
           been
           the
           gracious
           frame
           and
           spirit
           of
           my
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           whom
           I
           make
           a
           Profession
           of
           ?
           And
           doth
           it
           not
           concern
           me
           to
           endeavour
           conformity
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           express
           the
           like
           heavenly-mindedness
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           did
           ?
           —
           I
           might
           yet
           speak
           of
           other
           Graces
           :
           As
           ,
        
         
           8.
           
           Fear
           and
           Reverence
           of
           God.
           It
           's
           a
           precious
           Grace
           ,
           which
           receives
           much
           increase
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Let
           me
           but
           give
           an
           instance
           of
           that
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           2.
           where
           there
           is
           an
           account
           given
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           God
           the
           Father
           hath
           set
           his
           Son
           upon
           his
           holy
           hill
           of
           Sion
           ;
           That
           he
           hath
           given
           the
           Heathen
           for
           his
           inheritance
           ,
           the
           utmost
           parts
           of
           the
           earth
           for
           his
           possession
           ;
           That
           he
           hath
           given
           him
           a
           rod
           of
           iron
           ,
           with
           which
           he
           will
           break
           in
           pieces
           his
           rebellious
           enemies
           ,
           like
           a
           Potters
           vessel
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           This
           Knowledge
           ,
           when
           persons
           come
           to
           be
           well
           advanced
           in
           ,
           and
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           a
           due
           improvement
           of
           it
           ,
           will
           contribute
           very
           largely
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           holy
           Fear
           and
           Reverence
           of
           God
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           which
           follows
           ;
           
             Be
             wise
             now
             therefore
             ,
             O
             ye
             Kings
             ,
             be
             instructed
             ye
             Iudges
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             serve
             the
             Lord
             with
             fear
             ;
             rejoyce
             ye
             with
             trembling
             ,
             Kiss
             the
             Son.
          
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Princes
           ,
           and
           great
           Men
           ,
           are
           very
           apt
           to
           forget
           themselves
           ;
           as
           if
           so
           be
           that
           there
           were
           none
           above
           them
           ,
           as
           if
           so
           be
           there
           were
           none
           to
           check
           and
           controul
           them
           .
           You
           know
           how
           Pharaoh
           carryed
           himself
           ;
           
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
          
           ?
           Ah!
           but
           there
           is
           a
           Lord
           above
           all
           Lords
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           King
           above
           all
           Kings
           ,
           even
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whom
           God
           hath
           set
           to
           be
           King
           upon
           his
           holy
           hill
           of
           Sion
           .
           And
           the
           right
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           well
           improved
           
           and
           advanced
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           will
           promote
           a
           holy
           fear
           ,
           and
           awe
           ,
           and
           reverence
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           who
           hath
           constituted
           and
           appointed
           him
           Lord
           and
           King.
           I
           might
           speak
           largely
           to
           this
           Particular
           ,
           but
           I
           'll
           pass
           it
           by
           .
           Thus
           I
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           make
           it
           appear
           to
           you
           in
           these
           Particulars
           ,
           How
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           well
           improved
           ,
           how
           it
           doth
           contribute
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           .
        
         
           I
           would
           now
           tell
           you
           this
           further
           ,
           That
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Knowledge
           as
           is
           most
           beneficial
           to
           us
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           Gospel-Duties
           and
           Services
           ,
           and
           doth
           contribute
           very
           much
           to
           the
           lively
           management
           of
           them
           :
           And
           therefore
           ,
           it
           may
           well
           be
           required
           of
           Christians
           and
           Believers
           ,
           that
           they
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           upon
           this
           very
           account
           ,
           Because
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           more
           we
           know
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           more
           shall
           we
           advance
           in
           the
           lively
           performance
           of
           Gospel-worships
           ,
           and
           Duties
           ,
           and
           Services
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           requires
           of
           us
           .
           Alas
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           it
           is
           that
           which
           may
           well
           be
           matter
           of
           shame
           and
           mourning
           ,
           to
           think
           how
           low
           we
           are
           ;
           as
           in
           Graces
           ,
           so
           in
           gracious
           Performances
           ,
           and
           in
           holy
           Services
           .
           What
           's
           the
           account
           that
           is
           to
           be
           given
           of
           our
           daily
           Services
           that
           we
           perform
           ,
           Sabbath-worships
           and
           Duties
           ?
           Alas
           ,
           what
           kind
           of
           Sabbaths
           do
           we
           keep
           ?
           and
           what
           kind
           of
           Prayers
           do
           we
           perform
           and
           offer
           up
           to
           God
           ?
           what
           kind
           of
           Worships
           are
           they
           that
           we
           present
           before
           the
           Lord
           ▪
           O!
           if
           we
           would
           but
           take
           an
           account
           of
           our selves
           ,
           we
           might
           see
           cause
           enough
           to
           fall
           a
           weeping
           over
           every
           D●…
           we
           perform
           :
           When
           we
           come
           to
           attend
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           our
           Service
           to
           God
           ,
           it
           appears
           by
           mens
           carriages
           ,
           what
           a
           loosness
           of
           spirit
           
           there
           is
           ,
           an
           unfixedness
           of
           spirit
           on
           God
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           not
           the
           breathing
           after
           the
           enjoyments
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           his
           Ordinances
           :
           —
           And
           so
           for
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           other
           Services
           :
           What
           may
           be
           the
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           We
           may
           well
           reckon
           upon
           this
           ,
           It
           is
           because
           we
           are
           not
           more
           advanc'd
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           heart-Knowledge
           so
           duly
           improved
           as
           it
           should
           be
           ,
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           For
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           〈◊〉
           that
           we
           should
           know
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           That
           his
           heart
           was
           upon
           his
           Work
           and
           business
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           prayed
           ,
           he
           prayed
           as
           one
           that
           was
           in
           Heaven
           .
           And
           ,
           O
           ,
           what
           wrestlings
           of
           spirit
           was
           there
           on
           his
           part
           with
           God!
           He
           prayed
           most
           earnestly
           ,
           and
           ,
           O
           how
           intent
           upon
           the
           Duty
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           when
           he
           had
           to
           do
           that
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           was
           to
           Preach
           ▪
           O
           with
           what
           intention
           of
           soul
           was
           that
           Service
           performed
           !
           And
           !
           when
           he
           had
           the
           last
           〈◊〉
           to
           keep
           ▪
           O
           with
           desire
           have
           I
           desired
           to
           keep
           this
           Pass●…
           ,
           O
           Father
           ,
           it
           is
           meat
           and
           drink
           to
           〈◊〉
           to
           do
           thy
           W●…
           Thus
           it
           was
           with
           Christ
           ▪
           Now
           ,
           if
           we
           had
           but
           a
           well-digested
           Knowledge
           of
           this
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           us
           ashamed
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           put
           on
           with
           more
           activity
           and
           vigour
           of
           spirit
           ,
           thinking
           with
           our selves
           ,
           what
           a
           pattern
           we
           have
           in
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           if
           we
           did
           but
           consider
           ,
           That
           Christ
           is
           the
           great
           High-priest
           of
           our
           holy
           〈◊〉
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           hath
           ingaged
           himself
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           both
           to
           procure
           their
           acceptance
           ,
           and
           to
           vou●…hsafe
           them
           assistance
           .
           Now
           ,
           consider
           but
           this
           ;
           And
           these
           things
           we
           ought
           to
           know
           concerning
           Jesus
           our
           Lord
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           his
           undertaking
           to
           procure
           acceptance
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           assistance
           ;
           for
           now
           he
           hath
           all
           power
           in
           his
           hands
           ,
           The
           power
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           to
           give
           strength
           to
           his
           People
           ,
           to
           inable
           them
           to
           make
           
           their
           prayers
           and
           supplications
           ,
           and
           to
           perform
           their
           Worships
           and
           Services
           ;
           I
           will
           strengthen
           thee
           ,
           I
           will
           help
           thee
           ,
           I
           will
           uphold
           thee
           with
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           my
           righteousness
           ;
           my
           Grace
           is
           sufficient
           for
           thee
           .
           Thus
           Christ
           hath
           signified
           concerning
           himself
           ,
           for
           the
           comfort
           and
           incouragement
           of
           his
           People
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           withal
           ,
           this
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           That
           he
           appears
           in
           Heaven
           before
           his
           Father
           ,
           to
           promote
           their
           acceptance
           ,
           and
           to
           plead
           their
           Cause
           ;
           and
           (
           as
           the
           High-priest
           )
           to
           present
           their
           Services
           ,
           and
           to
           sprinkle
           them
           with
           his
           own
           blood
           ,
           and
           to
           desire
           the
           Fathers
           acceptance
           of
           them
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           this
           were
           but
           duly
           known
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           and
           we
           had
           but
           a
           well
           improved
           and
           digested
           Knowledge
           concerning
           this
           ,
           that
           now
           I
           give
           you
           an
           account
           of
           ,
           O
           ,
           how
           much
           would
           it
           conduce
           to
           the
           quickning
           up
           our
           hearts
           to
           a
           lively
           performance
           of
           our
           Services
           ,
           when
           we
           shall
           consider
           what
           an
           example
           we
           have
           in
           Christ
           ,
           of
           Duty
           and
           Service
           to
           God
           :
           And
           then
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           undertaken
           to
           afford
           assistance
           ,
           and
           to
           procure
           acceptance
           ;
           this
           would
           make
           us
           go
           on
           with
           more
           life
           and
           vigour
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           Godliness
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           I
           would
           have
           told
           you
           farther
           ,
           That
           there
           is
           all
           the
           reason
           in
           the
           world
           Christians
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           Because
           ,
           as
           this
           Knowledge
           well
           improved
           ,
           conduces
           to
           a
           judiciousness
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           well
           ordering
           of
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           increase
           of
           all
           the
           Graces
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           our
           Duty
           :
           so
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           have
           the
           more
           kindly
           relish
           of
           Gospel-priviledges
           ,
           and
           suck
           the
           sweet
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           
           come
           to
           know
           what
           there
           is
           of
           comfort
           and
           soul-rejoycing
           to
           be
           found
           in
           these
           Priviledges
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           this
           Knowledge
           well
           improved
           ,
           O
           how
           will
           it
           conduce
           to
           bear
           afflictions
           ,
           to
           the
           incountering
           temptations
           ,
           and
           inable
           the
           Soul
           to
           the
           well
           ordering
           of
           a
           Gospel-conversation
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XIV
           .
        
         
           I
           Shall
           pass
           by
           what
           was
           the
           last
           Day
           hinted
           to
           you
           ,
           only
           now
           suggest
           some
           few
           Particulars
           more
           ;
           which
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           but
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           ,
           we
           should
           quit
           our selves
           better
           than
           we
           do
           ,
           in
           this
           Gospel-worship
           and
           service
           of
           Prayer
           .
        
         
           As
           now
           ,
           Did
           we
           but
           know
           ,
           and
           seriously
           ponder
           upon
           this
           ,
           That
           Christ
           himself
           was
           very
           much
           in
           this
           Service
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           a
           constant
           practiser
           ,
           to
           his
           very
           Death
           ,
           of
           this
           Duty
           of
           Prayer
           :
           If
           this
           were
           but
           well
           considered
           ,
           that
           Christ
           was
           very
           much
           given
           to
           prayer
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           could
           not
           have
           opportunities
           in
           the
           day
           time
           ,
           he
           would
           fetch
           it
           out
           in
           the
           night
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           the
           night
           season
           pouring
           out
           his
           soul
           before
           his
           Father
           .
           Thus
           it
           was
           with
           Christ
           ,
           he
           was
           given
           to
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           his
           last
           breathings
           were
           breathings
           in
           a
           way
           of
           prayer
           ,
           into
           his
           Father's
           bosom
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           consider
           this
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           That
           he
           hath
           had
           a
           deep
           experience
           of
           prayer
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           difficulties
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           temptations
           which
           the
           soul
           is
           subject
           to
           meet
           withal
           in
           the
           management
           of
           prayer
           ;
           all
           this
           is
           known
           to
           Christ
           :
           So
           far
           as
           a
           holy
           nature
           could
           have
           personal
           experience
           of
           such
           difficulties
           and
           such
           temptations
           ,
           so
           far
           hath
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           in
           his
           own
           person
           ,
           experimented
           this
           matter
           concerning
           prayer
           .
           Now
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           this
           ,
           the
           well
           digested
           knowledge
           of
           this
           ,
           That
           Christ
           was
           a
           man
           of
           prayer
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           hath
           had
           experience
           
           of
           prayer
           ,
           and
           knows
           what
           there
           is
           of
           difficulty
           in
           prayer
           ,
           and
           what
           sore
           temptations
           hang
           upon
           prayer
           ,
           and
           what
           a
           desperate
           enemy
           the
           Devil
           is
           to
           prayer
           ;
           he
           knows
           all
           this
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           a
           sense
           upon
           his
           heart
           ,
           and
           a
           knowledge
           of
           all
           the
           strugling
           and
           wrestling
           in
           the
           hearts
           and
           spirits
           of
           his
           praying
           People
           here
           upon
           earth
           .
           This
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           he
           hath
           a
           deep
           sense
           of
           all
           the
           strugglings
           and
           wrestlings
           of
           the
           spirits
           of
           his
           People
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           and
           is
           perfectly
           knowing
           of
           all
           the
           opposition
           which
           they
           meet
           withal
           in
           the
           way
           of
           prayer
           and
           supplication
           ,
           and
           how
           the
           Devil
           doth
           set
           himself
           against
           his
           Saints
           ,
           and
           what
           incounters
           they
           meet
           withal
           from
           unbelief
           ,
           and
           the
           corruptions
           that
           are
           within
           ,
           how
           apt
           to
           fall
           under
           deep
           discouragement
           and
           despondency
           of
           spirit
           :
           He
           knows
           all
           this
           ,
           and
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           pity
           and
           compassionate
           his
           People
           .
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           which
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           even
           now
           he
           is
           in
           glory
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           a
           sense
           of
           all
           this
           upon
           his
           spirit
           ,
           and
           is
           privy
           to
           every
           prayer
           that
           his
           poor
           humble
           broken-hearted
           conflicting
           people
           do
           make
           up
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           is
           at
           Gods
           right
           hand
           ingaged
           to
           stand
           their
           prayers
           in
           stead
           ,
           and
           to
           promote
           the
           success
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           them
           from
           their
           hands
           ,
           as
           the
           blessed
           high-priest
           of
           their
           profession
           ,
           and
           to
           perfume
           them
           in
           his
           golden
           Sencer
           ,
           with
           his
           odours
           ,
           the
           odours
           of
           his
           intercession
           .
           This
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           ,
           O
           how
           doth
           this
           knowledge
           well
           digested
           ,
           a
           soul
           being
           well
           advanced
           in
           it
           ,
           how
           will
           it
           find
           this
           Knowledge
           largely
           contributing
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           this
           Duty
           ?
           Do
           but
           weigh
           these
           things
           in
           your
           Consciences
           ,
           whether
           this
           〈◊〉
           not
           be
           a
           very
           great
           
           conducement
           ,
           to
           the
           more
           lively
           managing
           of
           our
           prayers
           ;
           and
           that
           we
           would
           not
           trifle
           with
           God
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           exercised
           in
           such
           a
           Service
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           for
           that
           noble
           Gospel-Service
           and
           Duty
           of
           Praise
           and
           Blessing
           of
           God
           ;
           The
           more
           the
           soul
           doth
           improve
           and
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           more
           vvill
           there
           be
           of
           loveliness
           ,
           and
           activity
           ,
           and
           inlargedness
           for
           the
           management
           of
           that
           .
           Truly
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           it
           is
           that
           vvhich
           vve
           have
           all
           cause
           to
           be
           deeply
           humbled
           for
           ,
           That
           God
           blessed
           for
           ever
           hath
           not
           more
           large
           returns
           for
           his
           People
           ,
           of
           praise
           ,
           and
           thanks
           ;
           and
           blessing
           ,
           for
           all
           that
           Grace
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           to
           appear
           unto
           them
           ;
           O
           hovv
           little
           is
           it
           that
           is
           done
           to
           purpose
           in
           such
           a
           service
           !
           And
           vvhat
           's
           the
           reason
           that
           vve
           are
           not
           more
           lively
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ?
           that
           our
           hearts
           are
           not
           more
           inlarged
           to
           God
           ,
           in
           a
           vvay
           of
           blessing
           ,
           and
           praising
           ,
           and
           thanksgiving
           to
           him
           ?
           We
           may
           vvell
           reckon
           it
           to
           this
           ,
           That
           vve
           are
           not
           more
           in
           the
           Knovvledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           for
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           our
           Lord
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           concerning
           him
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           that
           will
           make
           the
           soul
           to
           be
           upon
           the
           wing
           ,
           mounting
           up
           with
           all
           inlargements
           of
           thankfulness
           and
           praise
           unto
           God
           :
           The
           more
           the
           soul
           is
           taken
           up
           with
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           concerning
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           more
           will
           it
           be
           in
           admirings
           of
           Grace
           ,
           the
           more
           will
           it
           be
           in
           magnifyings
           of
           the
           God
           of
           all
           Grace
           .
        
         
           Consider
           ,
           This
           Knowledge
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           Wine
           ,
           as
           will
           make
           the
           lips
           of
           them
           that
           are
           asleep
           to
           speak
           ;
           (
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           that
           expression
           which
           we
           have
           in
           Cant.
           7.
           he
           sp●…ks
           there
           concerning
           our
           Saviour
           )
           that
           is
           so●…
           ▪
           and
           〈◊〉
           that
           it
           would
           make
           the
           lips
           of
           
           them
           that
           are
           asleep
           to
           speak
           .
           Oh!
           The
           Doctrine
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           better
           known
           ,
           it
           would
           spirit
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           to
           be
           most
           active
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
           You
           here
           have
           an
           account
           concerning
           the
           Angels
           :
           There
           was
           upon
           the
           birth
           of
           Christ
           ,
           an
           heavenly
           Hoste
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           singing
           praises
           unto
           God
           ,
           
             Glory
             be
             to
             God
             on
             high
             .
          
           —
           Upon
           what
           account
           ?
           —
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           knowledge
           they
           had
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           that
           glorious
           Mysterie
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           the
           Angels
           were
           not
           able
           to
           contain
           themselves
           .
           The
           Virgin
           Mary
           ,
           in
           Luk.
           2.
           when
           she
           comes
           to
           have
           an
           account
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           her
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           through
           him
           :
           How
           doth
           she
           break
           out
           with
           all
           inlargement
           ,
           
             My
             soul
             doth
             magnifie
             the
             Lord
             ;
             my
             spirit
             hath
             rejoyced
             in
             God
             my
             Saviour
          
           ;
           and
           so
           all
           along
           .
           O
           what
           blessing
           and
           praising
           of
           God
           was
           there
           ,
           on
           the
           part
           of
           a
           People
           that
           were
           well
           instructed
           in
           the
           first
           establishing
           Apostolical
           constitutions
           !
           O
           what
           inlargements
           were
           there
           in
           praising
           God
           ,
           and
           magnifying
           him
           !
           —
           And
           why
           ?
           —
           Upon
           the
           account
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           that
           they
           had
           of
           the
           glorious
           Mysterie
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           account
           that
           was
           given
           in
           the
           primitive
           Persecutions
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Christians
           ,
           That
           they
           would
           be
           in
           their
           early
           singings
           and
           praisings
           of
           God.
           This
           was
           the
           account
           of
           the
           Christians
           ,
           under
           dreadful
           persecution
           ,
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           Trajan
           the
           Emperor
           ,
           That
           they
           would
           be
           early
           in
           the
           morning
           ,
           singing
           ,
           and
           praising
           ,
           and
           blessing
           God.
           —
           And
           upon
           what
           account
           ?
           —
           Upon
           the
           account
           of
           this
           great
           and
           glorious
           Mysterie
           ,
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           O!
           this
           is
           that
           that
           would
           fill
           the
           mouth
           with
           Arguments
           ,
           and
           it
           would
           wisely
           contrib●…te
           to
           the
           
           promoting
           of
           ability
           sutable
           to
           such
           Arguments
           ,
           wherein
           to
           inlarge
           in
           blessing
           and
           praising
           God
           ,
           our
           hearts
           would
           not
           lye
           so
           dead
           upon
           us
           ;
           we
           would
           be
           more
           lively
           than
           we
           are
           in
           exalting
           God
           ,
           magnifying
           his
           Name
           ,
           did
           we
           but
           know
           more
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           which
           hath
           been
           kept
           secret
           from
           Ages
           and
           Generations
           :
           but
           because
           we
           do
           but
           sip
           of
           the
           Cup
           ,
           have
           a
           little
           smattering
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           no
           well
           digested
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           not
           duly
           improved
           ,
           we
           come
           off
           so
           poorly
           as
           we
           do
           .
           O
           consider
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Apostle
           Paul
           ,
           how
           excellently
           it
           discovers
           it self
           ;
           as
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           his
           Epistle
           to
           the
           
             Ephesians
             ,
             Blessed
             be
             the
             God
             and
             Father
             of
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             ;
             blessed
             be
             God
             that
             hath
             blessed
             us
             with
             all
             spiritual
             blessings
             in
             heavenly
             places
             in
             Christ
             :
             In
             Christ
          
           ;
           So
           the
           Apostle
           Peter
           ;
           O
           
             blessed
             be
             the
             God
             and
             Father
             of
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             that
             hath
             begotten
             us
             unto
             a
             lively
             hope
             ,
             of
             an
             inheritance
             incorruptible
             ,
             undefiled
             ,
             and
             that
             fadeth
             not
             away
          
           ;
           and
           all
           
             by
             the
             resurrection
             of
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ.
          
           Thus
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           O
           it
           will
           spirit
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           lively
           to
           the
           uttermost
           ,
           in
           publishing
           the
           praises
           of
           the
           most
           high
           God.
           —
           I
           instance
           only
           in
           Eph.
           3.
           what
           the
           Apostle
           is
           praying
           on
           their
           behalf
           ,
           That
           
             they
             might
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             with
             all
             Saints
             ,
             the
             height
             ,
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             breadth
             ,
             and
             length
             ,
             and
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             which
             passeth
             knowledge
             ;
             so
             that
             you
             may
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             the
             fulness
             of
             God.
          
           —
           And
           then
           mark
           what
           follows
           :
           Now
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             unto
             him
             that
             is
             able
             to
             do
             exceeding
             abundantly
             above
             all
             that
             we
             ask
             or
             think
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             power
             that
             worketh
             in
             us
             ;
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             in
             the
             Church
             by
             Christ
             Iesus
             ,
             th●…ughout
             all
             ages
             ,
             world
             without
             end
             ,
             Amen
             .
             Paul
          
           〈◊〉
           not
           hold
           ,
           his
           spirit
           was
           so
           full
           ;
           he
           was
           like
           a
           
           vessel
           ,
           that
           must
           either
           have
           a
           vent
           ,
           or
           burst
           it self
           :
           O
           ,
           he
           being
           upon
           the
           meditation
           of
           this
           glorious
           Mysterie
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Christ
           ;
           why
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             that
             is
             able
             to
             do
             exceeding
             abundantly
             :
          
           O
           how
           his
           heart
           was
           filled
           with
           praises
           and
           admirings
           of
           God
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           there
           is
           one
           thing
           more
           now
           comes
           to
           mind
           ,
           wherein
           you
           may
           see
           the
           spirit
           of
           a
           Saint
           in
           the
           proper
           frame
           of
           it
           ;
           when
           there
           comes
           to
           be
           a
           due
           improvement
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           :
           when
           the
           Apostle
           Paul
           ,
           in
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           had
           been
           making
           mention
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           comes
           to
           express
           his
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           sense
           of
           that
           Grace
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           you
           have
           exprest
           ,
           and
           held
           forth
           in
           that
           Chapter
           :
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             The
             Grace
             of
             our
             Lord
             was
             exceeding
             abundant
             ,
             with
             Faith
             and
             Love
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             Christ
             Iesus
          
           ;
           and
           so
           he
           goes
           on
           ,
           
             This
             is
             a
             Faithful
             saying
             ,
             and
             worthy
             of
             all
             acceptation
             ;
             that
             Iesus
             Christ
             came
             into
             the
             World
             to
             save
             sinners
             ,
             of
             whom
             I
             am
             chief
             :
             howbeit
             ,
             for
             this
             cause
             I
             obtained
             mercy
             ,
             that
             in
             me
             first
             ,
             Iesus
             Christ
             might
             shew
             forth
             all
             long
             suffering
             ,
             for
             a
             pattern
             to
             them
             which
             should
             hereafter
             believe
             on
             him
             to
             everlasting
             life
             .
             Paul
          
           had
           been
           thus
           upon
           the
           serious
           meditation
           of
           this
           knowledge
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Mark
           you
           now
           what
           his
           spirit
           rises
           up
           unto
           ,
           in
           the
           close
           of
           the
           Chapter
           :
           Now
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             unto
             the
             King
             eternal
          
           ,
           having
           but
           made
           mention
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           spoken
           something
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           and
           given
           some
           account
           of
           his
           knowledge
           of
           the
           mystery
           concerning
           Christ
           :
           Mark
           how
           he
           breaks
           out
           into
           this
           acknowledgment
           ;
           
             Now
             unto
             the
             King
             Eternal
             ,
             Immortal
             ,
             Invisible
             ,
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             ,
             be
             Honour
             and
             Glory
             ,
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             ,
             Amen
          
           ;
           and
           this
           comes
           
           in
           only
           occasionally
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           a
           digression
           :
           For
           he
           intermits
           the
           prosecution
           of
           the
           Argument
           he
           had
           in
           hand
           ,
           and
           falls
           upon
           this
           by
           way
           of
           a
           digression
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           should
           say
           ;
           O
           ,
           I
           cannot
           fall
           upon
           the
           mention
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           mystery
           concerning
           him
           ;
           I
           cannot
           be
           upon
           the
           meditation
           of
           that
           knowledge
           which
           is
           to
           be
           had
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           our
           Lord
           ;
           but
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           my
           heart
           must
           be
           breathing
           out
           in
           a
           way
           of
           praise
           and
           blessing
           of
           God
           ,
           admiring
           the
           riches
           of
           his
           Grace
           .
           —
           And
           thus
           would
           it
           be
           Brethren
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           but
           set
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           advance
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           O
           ,
           it
           would
           inlarge
           our
           hearts
           ,
           as
           unto
           prayer
           ,
           so
           unto
           thanksgiving
           ,
           and
           blessing
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           I
           add
           yet
           further
           ;
           O
           ,
           this
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           knowledge
           that
           Christians
           should
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           and
           advance
           in
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           by
           great
           growth
           in
           this
           ,
           they
           will
           come
           to
           be
           the
           more
           happily
           accomplished
           for
           the
           performing
           of
           the
           service
           of
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           Hearing
           :
           I
           joyn
           these
           two
           together
           ;
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           Hearing
           of
           the
           Word
           of
           God.
           And
           you
           may
           consider
           ,
           how
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           would
           conduce
           most
           strongly
           to
           the
           provoking
           both
           of
           ministerial
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           likewise
           of
           Christian
           Hearing
           ,
           and
           attending
           upon
           the
           Doctrine
           which
           is
           to
           be
           made
           known
           unto
           us
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Commandment
           of
           the
           Everlasting
           God.
           
        
         
           For
           Preaching
           work
           ;
           O
           consider
           now
           ,
           that
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           knowledge
           that
           is
           to
           be
           had
           of
           him
           ,
           well
           advanc'd
           ,
           and
           improved
           ,
           will
           contribute
           exceedingly
           to
           the
           most
           lively
           management
           of
           this
           service
           .
           
           Alas
           ,
           it
           's
           accounted
           in
           the
           World
           but
           a
           low
           service
           ,
           and
           many
           times
           ,
           with
           too
           much
           lowness
           of
           spirit
           ,
           performed
           by
           those
           that
           profess
           to
           be
           called
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           it
           .
           O
           ,
           but
           whence
           is
           it
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           want
           of
           a
           well-grown
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           :
           For
           consider
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           we
           are
           to
           know
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           the
           Word
           and
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           our
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           your
           Hearing
           ,
           (
           I
           joyn
           these
           two
           together
           ,
           
           Preaching-work
           ,
           and
           
           Hearing-work
           :
           )
           Now
           the
           word
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           a
           Ministers
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           Beeleevers
           Hearing
           :
           This
           word
           ,
           it
           comes
           out
           of
           the
           very
           heart
           of
           God
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           blessed
           bosome
           of
           the
           Eternal
           God.
           And
           as
           a
           precious
           token
           of
           that
           love
           and
           respect
           that
           he
           bears
           to
           his
           Son
           ,
           he
           hath
           given
           out
           this
           word
           out
           of
           his
           own
           breast
           and
           bosome
           ;
           he
           hath
           given
           it
           ,
           and
           committed
           it
           as
           a
           trust
           unto
           his
           Son.
           (
           Will
           you
           consider
           this
           ,
           )
           That
           this
           everlasting
           Gospel
           ,
           this
           word
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           our
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           your
           Hearing
           ;
           it
           is
           given
           as
           a
           testimony
           of
           the
           Fathers
           Love
           ;
           
             it
             is
             given
             to
             Christ
          
           :
           observe
           that
           expression
           in
           Joh.
           17.
           in
           the
           Prayer
           that
           our
           Saviour
           makes
           unto
           his
           Father
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           ver
           .
           8.
           
           I
           have
           given
           unto
           them
           the
           words
           
             which
             thou
             gavest
             unto
             me
          
           :
           thou
           gavest
           the
           words
           to
           me
           first
           ,
           and
           then
           ,
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           I
           have
           given
           these
           words
           unto
           them
           :
           our
           Lord
           professeth
           ,
           before
           all
           the
           World
           he
           makes
           this
           open
           profession
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             my
             Doctrine
             is
             not
             mine
          
           :
           'T
           is
           not
           mine
           ,
           considered
           as
           Mediator
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           my
           Father
           ,
           which
           my
           Father
           hath
           given
           me
           ,
           and
           which
           he
           hath
           intrusted
           me
           with
           ,
           to
           make
           known
           unto
           the
           World
           ,
           
           and
           to
           communicate
           to
           my
           Disciples
           ,
           that
           by
           them
           the
           World
           may
           have
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           him
           :
           Consider
           this
           ,
           that
           God
           the
           Father
           ,
           the
           Great
           Jehovah
           ,
           He
           gives
           this
           Word
           ,
           this
           Doctrine
           ,
           unto
           his
           Son
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Well
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           the
           Words
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           is
           given
           as
           a
           gift
           by
           the
           Father
           unto
           him
           :
           and
           so
           likewise
           you
           have
           it
           ,
           in
           Rev.
           1.
           
             the
             Revelation
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             —
          
           how
           came
           it
           to
           be
           his
           ?
           Consider
           that
           ;
           it
           's
           resolved
           thus
           ,
           
             which
             God
             gave
             unto
             him
          
           ,
           to
           shew
           unto
           his
           Servants
           which
           must
           shortly
           come
           to
           pass
           :
           and
           then
           he
           sent
           ,
           and
           signifyed
           by
           his
           Angel
           unto
           his
           servant
           
             John
             :
          
           —
           I
           ,
           but
           Christ
           hath
           a
           Revelation
           ;
           who
           gave
           it
           him
           ?
           
             God
             gives
             it
             him
          
           :
           God
           hath
           given
           Christ
           all
           the
           whole
           plat-form
           ,
           and
           frame
           of
           Doctrine
           that
           concerns
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           elect
           ones
           ,
           and
           called
           ones
           ,
           from
           the
           beginning
           unto
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           God
           the
           Father
           hath
           given
           this
           to
           the
           Son.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           Christ
           ;
           that
           this
           Word
           and
           Mystery
           which
           is
           given
           of
           the
           Father
           to
           Christ
           ,
           his
           ear
           hath
           been
           opened
           to
           listen
           to
           it
           ,
           most
           attent
           upon
           it
           ;
           according
           to
           that
           expression
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           40.
           
           
             Sacrifice
             and
             Offerings
             thou
             would'st
             not
             :
          
           Christ's
           ear
           was
           not
           much
           attent
           upon
           that
           ,
           Sacrifice
           and
           offerings
           thou
           would'st
           not
           ;
           
             But
             mine
             ear
             hast
             thou
             opened
             :
          
           Thou
           hast
           opened
           mine
           ear
           to
           another
           Doctrine
           ,
           to
           another
           Word
           ,
           which
           concerns
           the
           salvation
           of
           souls
           ,
           by
           a
           sacrifice
           that
           must
           be
           offered
           up
           by
           me
           :
           this
           mine
           ear
           is
           open
           to
           .
           And
           so
           you
           have
           it
           ,
           in
           Isa.
           50.
           
           The
           Prophet
           there
           speaks
           in
           the
           person
           of
           Christ
           ;
           he
           wakeneth
           morning
           by
           morning
           ,
           and
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             he
             makeneth
             mine
             ear
             to
             hear
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Learned
           ;
           The
           
           
             Lord
             God
             hath
             opened
             mine
             ear
             ,
             and
             I
             was
             not
             rebellious
             :
          
           The
           Father
           gives
           the
           word
           ,
           delivers
           it
           him
           ;
           and
           the
           ear
           of
           the
           Son
           ,
           our
           Mediator
           ,
           is
           open
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           You
           are
           to
           know
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           that
           this
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           our
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           your
           Hearing
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           given
           to
           Christ
           by
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           as
           his
           ,
           ear
           is
           open
           to
           it
           ,
           so
           it
           comes
           with
           all
           delight
           and
           complacency
           into
           his
           heart
           ;
           as
           you
           shall
           find
           in
           Psal.
           40.
           
           First
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             Thou
             hast
             opened
             mine
             ear
          
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           Thou
           hast
           bored
           mine
           ear
           ;
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           ,
           O
           Father
           ,
           
             thy
             Law
             is
             in
             mine
             heart
             ,
          
           and
           
             I
             delight
             to
             do
             thy
             will
             :
          
           O
           ,
           this
           word
           that
           thou
           hast
           given
           me
           ,
           it
           's
           the
           joy
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           it
           's
           the
           rejoycing
           of
           my
           soul
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           the
           contrivance
           of
           such
           a
           word
           given
           to
           me
           ,
           and
           intrusted
           with
           me
           ;
           mine
           ear
           hears
           it
           as
           a
           most
           melodious
           sound
           ;
           my
           heart
           entertains
           it
           ;
           O
           my
           God
           ,
           thy
           Law
           is
           in
           my
           heart
           :
           O
           ,
           it
           s
           the
           joy
           and
           rejoycing
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           ever
           thou
           should'st
           trust
           me
           with
           such
           a
           Doctrine
           as
           this
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Consider
           that
           this
           word
           ,
           the
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           thus
           given
           to
           Christ
           ,
           unto
           which
           his
           ear
           was
           opened
           ,
           and
           to
           which
           his
           heart
           gave
           such
           joyful
           entertainment
           to
           ;
           This
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           ;
           Christ
           ,
           he
           comes
           to
           be
           commissioned
           from
           the
           Father
           to
           Preach
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           it
           known
           :
           He
           hath
           not
           only
           an
           ear
           to
           hear
           it
           ,
           and
           a
           heart
           to
           imbrace
           it
           ,
           but
           he
           must
           have
           likewise
           a
           mouth
           opened
           to
           publish
           and
           proclaim
           it
           ;
           and
           this
           he
           is
           commissioned
           to
           .
           This
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           commissioned
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           solomn
           publication
           and
           promulgation
           of
           this
           Word
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           made
           
           known
           to
           the
           World.
           And
           therefore
           you
           have
           it
           ,
           in
           Isa.
           50.
           
           The
           Lord
           hath
           given
           me
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           hear
           as
           the
           Learned
           ,
           but
           to
           speak
           as
           the
           Learned
           .
           First
           ,
           he
           hath
           the
           ear
           of
           the
           Learned
           to
           hearken
           to
           it
           ;
           and
           then
           it
           's
           exprest
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           the
           tongue
           of
           the
           Learned
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           able
           to
           speak
           a
           word
           in
           season
           to
           a
           weary
           soul.
           This
           is
           the
           commission
           that
           God
           hath
           given
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           Preach
           ,
           and
           make
           this
           everlasting
           Gospel
           ,
           this
           word
           that
           comes
           out
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           make
           it
           known
           to
           the
           World
           :
           and
           the
           truth
           is
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           that
           I
           say
           ,
           is
           of
           a
           truth
           to
           be
           known
           ,
           and
           acknowledged
           of
           us
           :
           That
           Preaching
           work
           ,
           the
           Preaching
           of
           the
           everlasting
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           word
           of
           Reconciliation
           ,
           it
           is
           more
           Christs
           work
           than
           the
           work
           of
           any
           man
           in
           the
           World.
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           the
           base
           ,
           beggerly
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           imbased
           spirits
           of
           the
           people
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           they
           look
           upon
           Preaching-work
           ,
           as
           a
           poor
           ,
           low
           ,
           mean
           service
           ;
           and
           look
           upon
           those
           that
           are
           imployed
           about
           it
           ,
           as
           persons
           that
           are
           little
           to
           be
           regarded
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           good
           entertainment
           that
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           have
           ever
           had
           in
           the
           World.
           Generally
           they
           look
           upon
           a
           Preacher
           ,
           and
           upon
           a
           Preachers
           work
           ,
           as
           a
           poor
           ,
           low
           piece
           of
           service
           ;
           the
           person
           mean
           ,
           and
           his
           imployment
           little
           to
           be
           regarded
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           if
           matters
           were
           well
           known
           ,
           this
           would
           be
           apprehended
           ;
           that
           the
           preaching
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           is
           most
           properly
           the
           work
           of
           Christ
           himself
           ;
           He
           that
           is
           the
           great
           Mediator
           ,
           He
           that
           was
           in
           the
           form
           of
           God
           ,
           thought
           it
           no
           robbery
           to
           be
           equal
           with
           God
           ;
           took
           upon
           him
           the
           form
           of
           a
           servant
           ;
           and
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           accept
           of
           a
           commission
           from
           his
           Father
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           Preacher
           ;
           and
           to
           preach
           the
           everlasting
           Gospel
           .
           As
           soon
           as
           he
           had
           
           suffered
           ,
           and
           was
           risen
           again
           ,
           he
           came
           and
           preached
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           to
           his
           Disciples
           before
           his
           Resurrection
           ,
           and
           so
           likewise
           before
           his
           sufferings
           .
           He
           came
           with
           commission
           from
           the
           Father
           ,
           to
           preach
           the
           Word
           which
           was
           given
           him
           out
           of
           the
           bosome
           of
           the
           Father
           :
           That
           Word
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           our
           Preaching
           ,
           and
           your
           Hearing
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           word
           which
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           ingaged
           to
           preach
           ,
           and
           publish
           ,
           and
           make
           known
           to
           the
           World
           :
           and
           I
           say
           again
           ,
           it
           is
           more
           Christ's
           work
           ,
           than
           it
           is
           the
           work
           of
           any
           man
           in
           the
           World
           :
           and
           those
           that
           are
           called
           out
           to
           this
           service
           ,
           they
           are
           called
           out
           to
           the
           work
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           then
           add
           this
           further
           ;
           that
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           hath
           that
           interest
           in
           the
           Father
           ,
           which
           none
           in
           all
           the
           World
           hath
           besides
           ,
           to
           the
           purpose
           of
           fetching
           out
           whatsoever
           there
           is
           of
           further
           Mystery
           ,
           and
           of
           discovery
           to
           be
           made
           concerning
           the
           Counsel
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           Word
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           the
           Eternal
           Counsel
           ,
           which
           lay
           hid
           in
           the
           breast
           and
           bosome
           of
           God
           from
           all
           Eternity
           :
           that
           Counsel
           ,
           that
           Word
           ,
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           which
           hath
           so
           much
           of
           lustre
           in
           it
           ;
           Christ
           hath
           this
           priviledge
           above
           all
           creatures
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           above
           Angels
           ,
           Saints
           glorified
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           militant
           on
           Earth
           ;
           Christ
           hath
           this
           priviledge
           above
           them
           all
           ,
           to
           fetch
           out
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           Fathers
           treasury
           ,
           that
           which
           no
           Angel
           ,
           nor
           Saint
           in
           Heaven
           or
           Earth
           ,
           hath
           the
           priviledge
           to
           meddle
           withal
           ;
           Christ
           hath
           obtained
           this
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           he
           hath
           this
           interest
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           with
           boldness
           come
           ,
           and
           take
           out
           whatsoever
           there
           is
           of
           secret
           Counsel
           in
           the
           Fathers
           bosome
           ,
           that
           concerns
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           He
           may
           be
           bold
           to
           
           come
           and
           challenge
           this
           as
           his
           priviledge
           ;
           Father
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           any
           secret
           yet
           undiscovered
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           I
           claim
           the
           priviledge
           to
           be
           acquainted
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           the
           discovery
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           it
           known
           unto
           the
           World.
           This
           is
           the
           priviledge
           belongs
           to
           Christ.
           
        
         
           As
           now
           to
           give
           an
           Instance
           ,
           in
           Rev.
           5.
           where
           you
           find
           there
           mention
           made
           of
           a
           Book
           in
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           him
           that
           sate
           on
           the
           Throne
           ,
           a
           Book
           written
           within
           and
           without
           ,
           and
           on
           the
           back-side
           sealed
           with
           seven
           seals
           ;
           a
           book
           full
           of
           Mysterie
           ,
           but
           a
           closed
           book
           ;
           nay
           ,
           a
           sealed
           book
           ,
           nay
           ,
           sealed
           with
           seven
           seals
           :
           Hereupon
           the
           Proclamation
           is
           made
           with
           a
           loud
           voice
           by
           an
           Angel
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             worthy
             to
             open
             the
             book
             ,
             and
             to
             loose
             the
             seals
             thereof
             ?
          
           Here
           's
           a
           book
           full
           of
           Mysterie
           ,
           and
           matters
           of
           high
           concernment
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           :
           Who
           is
           worthy
           in
           heaven
           or
           earth
           to
           take
           this
           book
           out
           of
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           him
           that
           sits
           upon
           the
           Throne
           ?
           The
           Proclamation
           is
           made
           ,
           and
           the
           account
           is
           given
           .
           Thus
           ,
           no
           man
           in
           heaven
           or
           earth
           ,
           nor
           under
           the
           earth
           ,
           was
           able
           to
           open
           the
           book
           ,
           nor
           look
           thereon
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           as
           to
           look
           upon
           it
           .
           This
           goes
           to
           the
           heart
           of
           Iohn
           ,
           a
           great
           Favourite
           of
           Christ
           ,
           a
           dear
           Servant
           of
           God
           ;
           he
           for
           his
           part
           is
           astonisht
           at
           it
           ,
           and
           falls
           a
           weeping
           bitterly
           ,
           That
           there
           should
           be
           none
           found
           worthy
           to
           open
           the
           book
           .
           —
           Mark
           what
           follows
           ,
           —
           
             One
             of
             the
             Elders
             said
             unto
             me
             ,
             weep
             not
             ;
             behold
             ,
             the
             Lion
             of
             the
             tribe
             of
          
           Judah
           ,
           
             the
             root
             of
          
           David
           
             hath
             prevailed
             to
             open
             the
             book
             ,
             and
             to
             loose
             the
             seven
             seals
             thereof
             ;
             and
             he
             came
             and
             took
             the
             book
             out
             of
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             him
             that
             sate
             upon
             the
             Throne
             .
          
           He
           came
           and
           took
           the
           book
           :
           Here
           was
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Christ
           above
           Angels
           and
           glorified
           Saints
           ,
           or
           any
           in
           heaven
           and
           earth
           ;
           there
           was
           such
           a
           part
           
           of
           the
           counsel
           of
           God
           which
           was
           hid
           in
           his
           breast
           &
           bosom
           ,
           that
           none
           durst
           venture
           upon
           for
           to
           make
           a
           search
           into
           .
           The
           Lion
           of
           the
           tribe
           of
           Iudah
           ,
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           ,
           he
           was
           worthy
           ;
           and
           so
           they
           come
           with
           their
           acclamations
           afterwards
           ;
           they
           fall
           down
           before
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           having
           Harps
           and
           golden
           Vials
           ,
           and
           they
           sing
           a
           new
           song
           ,
           worthy
           ,
           worthy
           is
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           ;
           thou
           art
           worthy
           to
           take
           the
           book
           ,
           and
           to
           open
           the
           seals
           thereof
           :
           And
           then
           they
           break
           out
           into
           magnifying
           and
           praising
           of
           God
           ;
           
             Worthy
             is
             the
             Lamb
             that
             was
             slain
             to
             receive
             power
             ,
             and
             riches
             ,
             and
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             strength
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             glory
             ,
             and
             blessing
             ;
             and
             the
             four
             beasts
             said
             ,
             Amen
             :
             and
             the
             four
             and
             twenty
             Elders
             fell
             down
             and
             worshipped
             him
             that
             liveth
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           Why
           now
           this
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           hath
           this
           priviledge
           to
           take
           the
           book
           out
           of
           the
           hand
           ,
           to
           go
           into
           the
           bosom
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           to
           open
           the
           cabinet
           of
           the
           Fathers
           most
           secret
           counsel
           ;
           he
           hath
           this
           priviledge
           above
           all
           creatures
           in
           heaven
           or
           in
           earth
           .
           This
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           Christ.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           Yet
           further
           ,
           This
           Word
           and
           Doctrine
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           our
           preaching
           ,
           and
           your
           hearing
           ;
           it
           is
           such
           a
           Doctrine
           as
           Christ
           is
           marvellously
           pleased
           with
           the
           wise
           judicious
           publication
           and
           preaching
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           humble
           attention
           upon
           it
           ;
           and
           therefore
           Christ
           is
           perfect
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           promised
           to
           be
           present
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           in
           his
           Churches
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           Congregations
           ,
           and
           with
           his
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           with
           his
           under
           Preachers
           :
           For
           as
           I
           said
           before
           ,
           preaching
           work
           is
           principally
           his
           ;
           Christ
           is
           the
           great
           Preacher
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           are
           imployed
           in
           the
           work
           ,
           they
           are
           but
           under
           him
           ,
           and
           they
           do
           his
           work
           principally
           ;
           
           he
           is
           present
           with
           them
           ,
           observant
           of
           them
           ;
           he
           hath
           promised
           to
           give
           his
           assistance
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           knowledge
           of
           all
           discouragements
           that
           they
           meet
           with
           ;
           as
           we
           see
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Paul
           :
           When
           Paul
           was
           upon
           his
           preaching
           vvork
           ,
           he
           meets
           vvith
           very
           hard
           usage
           ;
           the
           Lord
           appears
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           doth
           as
           it
           were
           clap
           him
           upon
           the
           shoulder
           ,
           and
           saith
           ,
           Be
           of
           good
           cheer
           Paul
           ,
           Thou
           hast
           testified
           of
           me
           here
           at
           Ierusalem
           ,
           and
           in
           such
           and
           such
           a
           place
           ,
           I
           will
           stand
           by
           thee
           ,
           and
           none
           shall
           hurt
           thee
           .
           O
           Christ
           is
           present
           with
           his
           servants
           ,
           and
           he
           delights
           to
           see
           his
           work
           graciously
           and
           judiciously
           managed
           ,
           and
           to
           see
           his
           People
           that
           attend
           upon
           him
           ,
           to
           give
           heed
           to
           his
           Doctrine
           .
           The
           Lord
           Jesus
           he
           takes
           Knowledge
           how
           his
           work
           is
           entertained
           ,
           how
           it
           s
           preached
           and
           heard
           ,
           and
           how
           people
           behave
           themselves
           under
           the
           dispensations
           of
           it
           .
           Why
           now
           ,
           good
           now
           beloved
           ,
           consider
           this
           ;
           These
           things
           are
           the
           things
           that
           we
           are
           to
           know
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Now
           ,
           if
           this
           were
           well
           considered
           ,
           wold
           it
           not
           contribute
           exceedinly
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           preaching
           and
           of
           hearing
           work
           ?
           Those
           that
           are
           called
           out
           to
           this
           ministration
           ,
           O
           if
           they
           had
           but
           the
           well
           digested
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           would
           not
           this
           spirit
           them
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           to
           look
           to
           the
           cause
           they
           manage
           ?
           how
           they
           manage
           this
           trust
           that
           is
           committed
           to
           them
           from
           Christ
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           deal
           with
           this
           blessed
           Doctrine
           that
           came
           out
           of
           the
           bosom
           of
           the
           Father
           ;
           and
           if
           you
           did
           but
           consider
           ,
           that
           you
           come
           to
           hear
           the
           Word
           that
           is
           given
           of
           the
           Father
           to
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           which
           he
           ingages
           himself
           to
           give
           new
           life
           unto
           ;
           and
           how
           he
           takes
           notice
           what
           entertainment
           his
           Word
           hath
           ,
           &c.
           
           If
           you
           did
           but
           know
           this
           ,
           certainly
           there
           would
           
           be
           other
           manner
           of
           hearing
           than
           ordinarily
           there
           is
           .
           Thus
           now
           I
           have
           spoken
           concerning
           that
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           now
           go
           on
           ,
           and
           let
           you
           know
           ,
           That
           by
           growing
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           Believers
           they
           come
           to
           be
           exceedingly
           advanced
           :
           As
           for
           the
           other
           Services
           that
           I
           have
           been
           speaking
           of
           ,
           as
           Gospel-Duties
           ,
           in
           Prayer
           and
           Praising
           God
           ,
           in
           Preaching
           and
           Hearing
           the
           everlasting
           Word
           ,
           that
           came
           out
           of
           the
           bosom
           of
           the
           Father
           :
           So
           by
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           be
           exceedingly
           advantaged
           for
           that
           great
           work
           of
           mortification
           ,
           and
           of
           self-denial
           .
           To
           joyn
           these
           two
           together
           ,
           Self-mortifying
           work
           ,
           —
           Self-denying
           work
           .
           Alas
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           how
           hardly
           are
           we
           brought
           to
           these
           Services
           ?
           And
           when
           we
           set
           upon
           them
           ,
           alas
           ,
           how
           aukward
           ,
           and
           how
           untowardly
           do
           we
           apply
           to
           the
           management
           of
           it
           .
           —
           And
           why
           ?
           Alas
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           so
           deficient
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           were
           there
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Did
           you
           but
           know
           what
           a
           self-denying
           person
           he
           was
           ,
           and
           how
           justly
           be
           may
           require
           self-denying
           at
           the
           hands
           of
           his
           People
           :
           If
           we
           did
           but
           consider
           that
           this
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           was
           from
           Eternity
           ,
           God
           with
           God
           ;
           he
           might
           have
           lain
           warm
           in
           the
           bosom
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           in
           the
           dear
           and
           blessed
           bosom
           of
           his
           Father
           ;
           he
           might
           have
           lain
           there
           and
           delitiated
           himself
           ,
           and
           kept
           out
           of
           all
           the
           storms
           and
           tempests
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           might
           have
           enjoyed
           himself
           with
           sweetest
           delight
           in
           his
           Fathers
           bosom
           .
           O
           what
           a
           self-denying
           Christ
           was
           here
           !
           That
           he
           should
           come
           and
           leave
           his
           Father's
           bosom
           ,
           and
           be
           content
           to
           expose
           himself
           to
           the
           difficulties
           and
           hardships
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           undergo
           storms
           and
           tempests
           .
           Mark
           
           what
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           15.
           
           
             Let
             every
             one
             of
             us
             please
             his
             neighbour
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           For
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             even
             Christ
             pleased
             not
             himself
          
           .
           He
           did
           not
           set
           his
           heart
           upon
           pleasing
           himself
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           might
           please
           his
           God
           ,
           and
           profit
           his
           People
           here
           below
           ;
           
             even
             Christ
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           pleased
           not
           himself
           .
           O
           ,
           a
           self-denying
           Christ
           ;
           and
           if
           this
           were
           well
           known
           ,
           it
           would
           promote
           self-denying
           work
           in
           us
           :
           —
           And
           then
           sin-mortifying
           work
           .
           O
           ,
           we
           are
           hardly
           brought
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           wound
           and
           slay
           our
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           ever
           and
           non
           digging
           down
           our
           Walls
           ,
           and
           ever
           and
           anon
           to
           be
           boring
           in
           the
           sides
           of
           this
           or
           that
           corruption
           .
           This
           is
           his
           hard
           work
           to
           us
           ;
           but
           had
           we
           but
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           to
           know
           that
           sin
           and
           corruption
           ,
           it
           is
           one
           of
           the
           great
           enemies
           that
           he
           came
           into
           the
           World
           to
           encounter
           with●…l
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           it
           under
           his
           fear
           ;
           —
           and
           he
           was
           manifested
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           in
           1
           Joh.
           5.
           
           
             For
             this
             purpose
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             was
             manifested
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             destroy
             the
             works
             of
             the
             Devil
             :
          
           He
           was
           nail'd
           upon
           the
           Cross
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           have
           our
           old
           man
           crucified
           with
           him
           .
           Why
           if
           we
           had
           but
           a
           well
           digested
           Knowledge
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           it
           would
           facilitate
           the
           business
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           set
           upon
           it
           with
           activity
           and
           inlargement
           of
           soul.
           
        
         
           And
           so
           for
           that
           great
           Gospel-Service
           of
           resisting
           the
           Devil
           :
           That
           's
           another
           great
           work
           that
           's
           required
           of
           Believers
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           we
           had
           but
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           O
           how
           would
           it
           conduce
           to
           the
           lively
           management
           of
           that
           great
           service
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           not
           to
           be
           afraid
           to
           look
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           darkness
           in
           the
           face
           .
           Did
           we
           but
           know
           that
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           hath
           conquered
           the
           
           Devil
           ,
           the
           Prince
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           he
           hath
           led
           him
           after
           as
           a
           slave
           ,
           he
           hath
           the
           Devil
           in
           a
           chain
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           darkness
           at
           command
           :
           therefore
           ,
           upon
           the
           knowledge
           of
           this
           ,
           how
           resolute
           may
           a
           Christian
           be
           ,
           to
           make
           opposition
           to
           the
           Prince
           and
           powers
           of
           darkness
           ,
           knowing
           that
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           hath
           spoyled
           Principalities
           and
           Powers
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           for
           that
           great
           Gospel-Service
           ,
           of
           yielding
           up
           in
           the
           subjection
           to
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           thing
           that
           the
           world
           doth
           so
           much
           stick
           at
           ,
           and
           make
           opposition
           to
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           We
           will
           not
           have
           this
           man
           to
           rule
           over
           us
           :
           No
           ,
           let
           us
           rather
           break
           his
           bonds
           asunder
           ,
           and
           cast
           away
           his
           cords
           from
           us
           .
           Oh
           ,
           but
           Brethren
           ,
           this
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           would
           facilitate
           this
           great
           Service
           ,
           and
           make
           the
           heart
           free
           to
           come
           up
           to
           it
           ,
           willing
           to
           give
           its
           neck
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           subject
           to
           his
           yoke
           and
           Government
           .
           When
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           know
           this
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           That
           God
           the
           Father
           hath
           anointed
           him
           ,
           and
           set
           him
           as
           King
           upon
           his
           holy
           hill
           of
           Sion
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           's
           a
           Kingdom
           appointed
           to
           him
           :
           and
           the
           day
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           in
           despight
           of
           Princes
           ,
           and
           Powers
           ,
           and
           Rulers
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           mighty
           ones
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           though
           they
           combine
           themselves
           together
           ,
           yet
           God
           will
           give
           the
           Kingdom
           to
           his
           Son
           :
           The
           time
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           the
           World
           shall
           become
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           our
           Lord
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Christ
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           reign
           for
           ever
           and
           ever
           .
           This
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           the
           Lord
           shall
           rule
           and
           reign
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           enemies
           shall
           be
           made
           his
           footstool
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           this
           were
           well
           digested
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           the
           heart
           to
           be
           free
           to
           yield
           up
           it self
           to
           him
           :
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           King
           that
           I
           would
           yield
           subjection
           to
           ;
           but
           not
           
           in
           a
           way
           of
           rejecting
           of
           Kings
           and
           Governours
           :
           O
           ,
           but
           Christ
           is
           my
           King
           ,
           and
           God
           hath
           set
           him
           at
           his
           right
           hand
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           enemies
           shall
           be
           made
           his
           footstool
           .
           Now
           I
           say
           ,
           the
           well
           digested
           knowledge
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           would
           contribute
           exceedingly
           to
           every
           Gospel-Duty
           ;
           O
           ,
           how
           would
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           be
           as
           oyle
           to
           the
           wheels
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           run
           most
           swiftly
           and
           speedily
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           There
           are
           other
           things
           that
           I
           would
           have
           spoken
           to
           ,
           to
           which
           I
           would
           fain
           have
           given
           a
           dispatch
           .
           Though
           indeed
           we
           are
           bucketting-up
           out
           of
           a
           full
           Fountain
           ,
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           O
           ,
           it
           's
           the
           pretious
           Knowledge
           that
           our
           souls
           should
           be
           delighted
           to
           be
           acquainted
           with
           .
           O
           ,
           how
           will
           it
           conduce
           to
           help
           in
           suffering
           and
           resisting
           of
           temptations
           ,
           and
           afford
           comfort
           in
           all
           our
           priviledges
           .
        
         
           As
           Justification
           ,
           That
           's
           one
           of
           the
           great
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           Now
           ,
           alas
           ,
           we
           lose
           much
           of
           the
           comfort
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           our
           not
           being
           throughly
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           because
           we
           have
           not
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           O
           ,
           did
           a
           soul
           but
           know
           this
           ,
           That
           its
           Justification
           did
           depend
           upon
           the
           Justification
           of
           Christ
           ;
           if
           he
           be
           justified
           ,
           you
           shall
           be
           such
           to
           be
           justified
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           be
           not
           justified
           ,
           you
           will
           never
           be
           justified
           ,
           your
           Justification
           will
           come
           to
           nothing
           .
           Now
           ,
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           this
           ,
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           perfectly
           justified
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           a
           legal
           Justification
           .
           Here
           's
           the
           comfort
           of
           it
           ,
           That
           Christ
           is
           justified
           with
           a
           legal
           justification
           ;
           God
           according
           to
           the
           strictness
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           hath
           given
           up
           a
           Justification
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           expression
           ,
           
           Isa.
           50.
           
           
             It
             is
             God
             that
             justifieth
             me
             :
          
           And
           God
           justifies
           Christ
           with
           a
           legal
           Justification
           ,
           and
           gives
           him
           a
           full
           acquittance
           ;
           and
           gives
           this
           account
           of
           him
           ,
           That
           
             he
             hath
             fulfilled
             all
             righteousness
          
           .
           Now
           ,
           Believers
           Justification
           ,
           which
           is
           of
           Grace
           ,
           depends
           upon
           Christ's
           Justification
           ,
           which
           is
           according
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           or
           of
           his
           having
           a
           Justification
           according
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           his
           fulfilling
           of
           all
           righteousness
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           the
           soul
           comes
           to
           know
           this
           ,
           That
           Christ
           is
           fully
           justified
           with
           a
           legal
           Justification
           ,
           O
           how
           will
           this
           make
           a
           Believer
           to
           say
           with
           triumphing
           of
           soul
           ,
           I
           know
           whom
           I
           have
           believed
           ,
           I
           have
           believed
           on
           him
           who
           is
           justified
           with
           a
           legal
           Justification
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XV.
           
        
         
           HAving
           in
           the
           close
           of
           the
           last
           Argument
           ,
           begun
           to
           speak
           concerning
           Gospel-priviledges
           ,
           and
           how
           much
           our
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           will
           promote
           the
           comfort
           of
           those
           Priviledges
           ,
           I
           shall
           now
           proceed
           a
           little
           further
           with
           you
           in
           that
           Argument
           ,
           in
           making
           it
           more
           fully
           clear
           to
           you
           :
           That
           as
           ever
           we
           desire
           to
           suck
           the
           sweet
           of
           Gospel-Priviledges
           ,
           to
           have
           our
           souls
           refreshed
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           with
           breasts
           of
           consolation
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           find
           them
           to
           be
           as
           streams
           from
           Lebanon
           ,
           as
           wine
           that
           's
           able
           to
           make
           the
           lips
           of
           them
           that
           are
           asleep
           to
           speak
           .
           It
           concerns
           us
           exceedingly
           for
           to
           endeavour
           and
           advance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           shall
           never
           be
           able
           so
           fully
           ,
           justly
           to
           value
           the
           Priviledges
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           nor
           so
           kindly
           to
           relish
           the
           comforts
           of
           these
           Priviledges
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           well
           understand
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           I
           toucht
           a
           little
           upon
           that
           great
           benefit
           that
           comes
           over
           to
           us
           ,
           of
           Justification
           :
           That
           great
           Priviledge
           ;
           indeed
           such
           a
           benefit
           as
           is
           beyond
           all
           valuation
           .
           O
           that
           we
           would
           but
           make
           it
           our
           work
           and
           business
           to
           search
           into
           it
           ,
           to
           labor
           that
           we
           may
           understand
           it
           ,
           what
           is
           the
           proper
           interpretation
           of
           the
           Justification
           of
           a
           sinner
           ;
           the
           Scriptures
           speak
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           they
           invite
           us
           to
           be
           well
           studied
           in
           it
           ;
           for
           a
           sinner
           ,
           a
           guilty
           sinner
           ,
           chargeable
           with
           a
           world
           of
           wickedness
           ,
           lyable
           to
           a
           hell
           of
           wrath
           and
           vengeance
           ,
           deserving
           to
           be
           everlastingly
           cursed
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           cast
           
           under
           everlasting
           destruction
           ,
           from
           the
           presence
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           power
           :
           A
           poor
           guilty
           soul
           that
           hath
           been
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           for
           many
           ,
           many
           years
           wallowing
           in
           filth
           and
           mire
           of
           sin
           ,
           weltring
           in
           blood
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           soaking
           and
           rotting
           in
           his
           dung
           ;
           such
           a
           poor
           creature
           that
           is
           laden
           with
           iniquities
           ,
           and
           whose
           Conscience
           lies
           under
           deepest
           and
           most
           dreadful
           guilt
           ;
           for
           such
           a
           poor
           creature
           ,
           yet
           to
           have
           an
           eye
           of
           compassion
           opened
           upon
           him
           ,
           a
           look
           of
           favour
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           might
           justly
           have
           expected
           to
           hear
           this
           dreadful
           doom
           and
           sentence
           past
           upon
           him
           ;
           thou
           art
           a
           guilty
           malefactor
           ,
           thou
           hast
           committed
           high
           treason
           against
           the
           Crown
           and
           Dignity
           of
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           and
           I
           judge
           thee
           to
           be
           suffering
           of
           the
           vengeance
           of
           eternal
           fire
           ;
           I
           adjudge
           thee
           to
           be
           cast
           into
           prison
           ,
           and
           to
           lye
           under
           chains
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           everlastingly
           sweltring
           under
           the
           unsupportable
           weight
           of
           my
           wrath
           and
           indignation
           .
           Whereas
           a
           poor
           soul
           might
           justly
           expect
           to
           have
           such
           a
           sentence
           past
           upon
           it
           ,
           yet
           for
           God
           to
           say
           ,
           This
           poor
           soul
           that
           is
           guilty
           of
           so
           much
           Rebellion
           against
           me
           ,
           I
           do
           freely
           forgive
           ;
           and
           all
           the
           sins
           that
           were
           committed
           by
           him
           ,
           from
           first
           to
           last
           ,
           shall
           never
           be
           charged
           upon
           him
           ;
           nothing
           of
           all
           that
           guilt
           that
           hath
           been
           contracted
           by
           him
           ,
           shall
           be
           reckoned
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           I
           will
           discharge
           him
           freely
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           have
           no
           more
           conscience
           of
           sin
           ,
           he
           shall
           be
           as
           if
           he
           had
           never
           startled
           a
           tittle
           from
           the
           perfect
           rule
           of
           Righteousness
           :
           I
           will
           give
           him
           a
           full
           discharge
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           stand
           right
           in
           Court
           ,
           and
           be
           able
           to
           make
           a
           challenge
           to
           men
           and
           devils
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Who
           shall
           lay
           any
           thing
           to
           my
           charge
           ?
           It
           is
           God
           that
           justifies
           .
           O
           the
           pretiousness
           of
           this
           Gospel-priviledge
           !
           And
           it
           will
           be
           known
           one
           day
           ,
           of
           what
           pretious
           import
           it
           is
           .
           Why
           this
           is
           Justification
           ,
           
           Gospel-Justification
           ;
           for
           one
           that
           (
           I
           say
           )
           hath
           been
           plunged
           into
           the
           deepest
           gulf
           of
           guilt
           ,
           to
           be
           fully
           acquitted
           of
           all
           ;
           and
           the●…
           is
           nothing
           of
           all
           that
           ever
           hath
           been
           done
           by
           him
           ,
           of
           wickedness
           and
           transgression
           ,
           that
           shall
           be
           charged
           upon
           him
           ,
           or
           reckoned
           unto
           him
           .
           Wh●…●…ow
           the
           comfort
           of
           this
           Priviledge
           it
           is
           exceedingly
           promoted
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           when
           we
           do
           but
           consider
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           Foundation
           of
           a
           poor
           sinners
           Justification
           ,
           is
           laid
           in
           the
           Justification
           of
           Christ
           himself
           :
           For
           if
           he
           ,
           who
           undertook
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           sinners
           ,
           had
           not
           been
           justified
           himself
           ,
           never
           had
           any
           soul
           been
           justified
           ,
           no
           not
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World.
           The
           Justification
           of
           a
           sinner
           ,
           it
           stands
           upon
           the
           foundation
           of
           the
           Justification
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           He
           was
           justified
           himself
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           being
           justified
           ,
           the
           sinner
           comes
           to
           be
           justified
           .
        
         
           And
           his
           Justification
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           legal
           Justification
           .
           The
           Justification
           of
           a
           sinner
           is
           an
           Evangelical
           ,
           a
           Gospel-Justification
           ;
           but
           the
           Justification
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           it
           is
           a
           legal
           Justification
           ,
           he
           is
           justified
           by
           works
           ,
           he
           is
           justified
           by
           the
           Law
           ,
           he
           hath
           fulfilled
           the
           Law
           ,
           both
           in
           a
           way
           of
           doing
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           way
           of
           suffering
           ,
           both
           wayes
           :
           And
           so
           his
           Justification
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           legal
           Justification
           ;
           and
           in
           vertue
           of
           this
           Justification
           ,
           a
           poor
           sinner
           comes
           to
           have
           his
           Justification
           ,
           which
           is
           Evangelical
           .
           This
           is
           now
           the
           advantage
           that
           comes
           over
           to
           a
           soul
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           it
           may
           bear
           upon
           this
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           and
           shall
           be
           for
           ever
           justified
           ,
           because
           its
           Justification
           depends
           upon
           the
           Justification
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           Justification
           comes
           over
           to
           him
           in
           a
           legal
           way
           ,
           and
           it
           's
           perfect
           and
           compleat
           ,
           so
           that
           strictest
           Justice
           can
           take
           no
           exception
           against
           .
        
         
         
           And
           then
           add
           this
           withal
           ,
           that
           by
           the
           knowledge
           ,
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ●…rist
           ,
           the
           comfort
           of
           our
           Justification
           is
           excee●…gly
           promoted
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           this
           to
           be
           reckoned
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           he
           stands
           ingaged
           to
           see
           to
           it
           ;
           that
           all
           those
           ,
           whose
           cause
           he
           hath
           undertaken
           ,
           and
           in
           whose
           behalf
           he
           hath
           ingaged
           himself
           ;
           it
           lies
           upon
           him
           to
           see
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           their
           Justification
           do
           proceed
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           be
           vindicated
           ,
           and
           it
           be
           maintained
           to
           them
           :
           this
           is
           that
           that
           we
           have
           to
           know
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           it
           lies
           upon
           his
           hand
           to
           see
           to
           it
           ;
           that
           all
           those
           that
           he
           hath
           given
           himself
           for
           ,
           may
           be
           fully
           and
           freely
           discharged
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           nothing
           objected
           against
           them
           ,
           nor
           may
           lye
           against
           them
           in
           Court
           :
           This
           is
           that
           which
           lyes
           upon
           the
           hand
           of
           Christ
           for
           to
           do
           ;
           and
           to
           this
           very
           purpose
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           now
           being
           ascended
           on
           high
           ,
           and
           set
           down
           on
           the
           Right-hand
           of
           the
           Majesty
           in
           Heaven
           :
           this
           is
           that
           which
           he
           now
           ingages
           to
           ;
           He
           appears
           in
           Heaven
           before
           God
           ,
           to
           this
           very
           purpose
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           maintain
           the
           Justification
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           his
           believing
           ones
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           maintain
           it
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           may
           have
           the
           comfort
           of
           it
           .
           Mark
           you
           how
           the
           Apostle
           reasons
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           ver
           .
           28
           ,
           29.
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Who
             shall
             lay
             any
             thing
             to
             the
             charge
             of
             Gods
             Elect
             ;
             it
             is
             God
             that
             Iustifies
             ,
             who
             shall
             condemn
             ?
             it
             is
             Christ
             that
             died
             :
          
           —
           I
           ,
           but
           what
           of
           that
           ,
           that
           he
           died
           ;
           why
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           he
           be
           not
           risen
           again
           ,
           how
           can
           God
           be
           just
           in
           justifying
           ?
           I
           ,
           but
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             yea
             ,
             rather
             that
             is
             risen
             again
          
           ;
           he
           brings
           it
           in
           with
           a
           
             yea
             rather
             ,
             who
             is
             even
             at
             the
             Right-hand
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             maketh
             Intercession
             for
             us
             :
          
           This
           is
           a
           Beleevers
           plea
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Christs
           ingaging
           of
           himself
           ,
           by
           dying
           ,
           and
           rising
           ,
           and
           interceding
           ,
           appearing
           to
           make
           
           cession
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           plea
           ;
           Christ
           comes
           to
           stand
           forth
           before
           God
           ,
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           his
           beleeving
           ones
           ,
           that
           their
           Justification
           may
           be
           maintained
           to
           them
           .
           And
           truly
           Brethren
           ,
           were
           it
           not
           that
           the
           Covenant
           is
           ordered
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           sure
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           Mediator
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           thus
           ingaged
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           his
           Redeemed
           ones
           .
           Alas
           ,
           what
           woful
           breakings
           would
           there
           be
           upon
           our
           comforts
           ?
           I
           ,
           and
           what
           indeed
           would
           become
           of
           our
           Justification
           ?
           A
           justified
           soul
           repents
           ,
           and
           comes
           to
           be
           pardoned
           ,
           and
           is
           acquitted
           ,
           and
           the
           poor
           soul
           turns
           again
           to
           folly
           ,
           and
           renews
           his
           transgression
           by
           performing
           new
           acts
           of
           disobedience
           :
           what
           would
           become
           now
           of
           a
           soul
           in
           such
           a
           case
           ?
           you
           know
           how
           it
           was
           with
           David
           ,
           and
           Peter
           ,
           and
           other
           poor
           souls
           ;
           they
           take
           a
           course
           being
           justified
           ,
           to
           unjustifie
           themselves
           ,
           and
           for
           to
           blot
           out
           their
           pardon
           ,
           casting
           themselves
           under
           new
           guilt
           :
           what
           would
           become
           of
           a
           poor
           creature
           in
           such
           a
           case
           ?
           Alas
           ,
           I
           had
           indeed
           the
           forgiveness
           of
           all
           my
           sins
           past
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           I
           have
           been
           upon
           new
           transgressions
           ,
           I
           have
           broken
           with
           God
           again
           ;
           and
           what
           if
           God
           should
           now
           break
           with
           me
           ?
           I
           have
           pardoned
           thee
           formerly
           ,
           but
           thou
           hast
           forfeited
           thy
           pardon
           .
           I
           told
           you
           thus
           ,
           sinner
           ,
           I
           will
           discharge
           thee
           of
           all
           thy
           sins
           that
           ever
           were
           committed
           by
           thee
           ;
           but
           look
           thou
           to
           it
           ,
           I
           will
           speak
           peace
           to
           thee
           ,
           but
           turn
           thou
           no
           more
           to
           folly
           :
           so
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           in
           the
           Psalm
           ,
           and
           Christ
           to
           the
           man
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             made
             whole
          
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           
             go
             thy
             waies
             ,
             and
             sin
             no
             more
          
           ;
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           thou
           sin
           more
           .
           —
           —
           I
           ,
           but
           ,
           saith
           the
           poor
           soul
           ,
           alas
           ,
           I
           have
           sinn'd
           again
           ,
           I
           have
           turned
           to
           folly
           ,
           I
           have
           broke
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           what
           will
           become
           of
           me
           now
           ?
           Why
           here
           's
           now
           the
           comfort
           ;
           Christ
           ,
           he
           
           lives
           for
           ever
           at
           God's
           Right-hand
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           therefore
           able
           to
           save
           to
           the
           utmost
           ,
           those
           that
           come
           unto
           God
           by
           him
           ,
           Heb.
           7.
           because
           he
           ever
           lives
           to
           make
           intercession
           :
           He
           pleads
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           why
           Father
           ,
           my
           blood
           is
           fresh
           still
           ,
           I
           plead
           my
           blood
           still
           ;
           the
           merit
           of
           my
           blood
           :
           Father
           ,
           I
           shed
           my
           blood
           ,
           to
           satisfie
           thy
           Justice
           for
           all
           the
           sins
           that
           ever
           were
           ,
           or
           ever
           should
           be
           committed
           .
           Father
           ,
           this
           poor
           creature
           hath
           broke
           with
           thee
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           my
           Father
           ,
           I
           have
           not
           broke
           with
           thee
           ;
           consult
           my
           blood
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           find
           ,
           that
           that
           blood
           of
           mine
           hath
           made
           satisfaction
           for
           this
           ,
           and
           that
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           transgression
           .
           Thus
           we
           are
           to
           conceive
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           and
           so
           a
           poor
           beleeving
           soul
           ,
           knowing
           ,
           and
           understanding
           the
           mystery
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           with
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           ,
           may
           plead
           this
           ,
           and
           apply
           still
           to
           that
           blood
           ,
           and
           bear
           upon
           the
           representation
           which
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           makes
           of
           his
           blood
           and
           meritorious
           sacrifice
           to
           the
           Father
           :
           plead
           this
           ,
           and
           bear
           upon
           this
           ,
           and
           so
           shall
           he
           come
           to
           be
           maintained
           in
           his
           justified
           estate
           .
           Truly
           Brethren
           ,
           these
           are
           the
           greatest
           things
           that
           ever
           God
           did
           make
           known
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           matters
           of
           the
           highest
           importance
           that
           possibly
           can
           be
           made
           known
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           have
           reason
           to
           consider
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           should
           set
           our
           hearts
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           have
           a
           more
           due
           apprehension
           of
           them
           :
           and
           so
           the
           Apostle
           argues
           most
           preciously
           ,
           in
           1
           Ioh.
           2.
           when
           he
           had
           spoken
           before
           concerning
           the
           blood
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           it
           
             cleanseth
             from
             all
             sin
          
           ,
           there
           's
           your
           Justification
           :
           why
           then
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             my
             little
             children
             ,
             These
             things
             write
             I
             unto
             you
             ,
             that
             you
             sin
             not
             :
          
           You
           have
           cleansings
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           free
           Justification
           from
           the
           
           guilt
           of
           all
           your
           transgressions
           :
           this
           is
           a
           blessed
           Doctrine
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           should
           say
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           that
           which
           will
           fill
           up
           your
           joy
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           there
           hath
           been
           such
           a
           blood
           shed
           for
           you
           ,
           as
           cleanseth
           you
           from
           all
           your
           sins
           .
           Why
           now
           it
           stands
           you
           upon
           to
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           do
           not
           sin
           against
           this
           blood
           ,
           nor
           infer
           upon
           it
           ,
           therefore
           we
           will
           be
           the
           more
           bold
           to
           sin
           ;
           no
           ,
           God
           forbid
           it
           should
           be
           so
           :
           therefore
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             These
             things
             write
             I
             unto
             you
             ,
             that
             you
             sin
             not
             :
          
           O
           ,
           but
           the
           poor
           creature
           may
           reply
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Alas
           ,
           you
           write
           to
           us
           that
           we
           sin
           not
           ;
           but
           how
           can
           it
           be
           but
           that
           we
           sin
           ,
           carrying
           about
           with
           us
           such
           a
           body
           of
           sin
           ;
           having
           such
           cursed
           principles
           ,
           lying
           open
           to
           so
           many
           temptations
           ?
           How
           shall
           we
           be
           able
           to
           stand
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           up
           from
           being
           prevail'd
           upon
           by
           temptation
           ,
           so
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           be
           drawn
           to
           sin
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           then
           here
           's
           the
           relief
           ;
           if
           it
           be
           the
           purpose
           and
           bent
           of
           your
           hearts
           not
           to
           sin
           ,
           but
           to
           walk
           suitably
           to
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           why
           then
           take
           comfort
           in
           this
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             sin
             ,
             we
             have
             an
             Advocate
             .
          
           If
           any
           man
           sin
           ,
           why
           we
           have
           had
           a
           sacrifice
           ▪
           I
           ,
           but
           that
           sacrifice
           now
           ceaseth
           to
           be
           offered
           :
           —
           so
           it
           doth
           ,
           and
           Christ
           will
           never
           offer
           any
           more
           sacrifice
           ,
           he
           will
           never
           come
           upon
           the
           Cross
           again
           ;
           He
           will
           never
           shed
           blood
           more
           ;
           He
           will
           never
           come
           into
           the
           World
           again
           to
           dye
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           at
           first
           .
           The
           poor
           soul
           may
           argue
           thus
           ;
           O
           ,
           but
           alas
           ,
           Christ
           will
           never
           suffer
           more
           ;
           if
           we
           sin
           ,
           and
           break
           with
           God
           ,
           what
           shall
           we
           do
           ?
           I
           but
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           Though
           we
           have
           no
           more
           sacrifice
           for
           sin
           ,
           no
           more
           sacrificings
           ;
           yet
           there
           is
           a
           
             standing
             Advocation
          
           :
           there
           's
           the
           comfort
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           holds
           it
           out
           .
           —
           —
           But
           this
           is
           spoken
           to
           poor
           humble
           souls
           ,
           whose
           purpose
           is
           not
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           yet
           through
           infirmity
           ,
           sometimes
           they
           do
           miscarry
           .
           
           This
           is
           spoken
           only
           for
           the
           relief
           of
           those
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           imbolden
           any
           proud
           wretch
           in
           a
           way
           of
           wickedness
           .
           Why
           ,
           if
           any
           man
           sin
           ,
           though
           we
           have
           no
           more
           sacrifice
           ;
           and
           indeed
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           praise
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           be
           it
           spoken
           ,
           there
           needs
           no
           more
           sacrificing
           ,
           he
           hath
           sacrificed
           enough
           ,
           he
           hath
           done
           that
           once
           for
           all
           ,
           which
           is
           sufficient
           for
           all
           ;
           he
           hath
           done
           more
           by
           once
           shedding
           of
           blood
           ,
           he
           hath
           done
           that
           that
           all
           the
           bloods
           that
           ever
           were
           shed
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           were
           never
           able
           to
           accomplish
           :
           there
           is
           but
           
             one
             sacrifice
          
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           a
           
             standing
             Advocation
          
           .
           This
           is
           the
           comfort
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           that
           that
           maintains
           the
           Justification
           of
           Beleevers
           ;
           I
           ,
           it
           doth
           ;
           it
           maintains
           the
           Justification
           of
           Beleevers
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           standing
           Advocate
           ,
           a
           standing
           Intercession
           performed
           ;
           and
           Christ
           still
           is
           taking
           off
           ,
           as
           the
           poor
           sinner
           is
           drawing
           on
           :
           This
           now
           is
           the
           benefit
           that
           comes
           by
           a
           well-improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           but
           to
           pass
           from
           that
           .
        
         
           Consider
           now
           what
           reason
           there
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Because
           this
           Knowledge
           doth
           so
           strongly
           contribute
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           the
           comfort
           of
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Adoption
           ;
           that
           's
           another
           great
           priviledge
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           Adoption
           ,
           truly
           this
           ,
           as
           the
           former
           ;
           and
           so
           all
           other
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           alas
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           affected
           with
           it
           as
           we
           ought
           to
           be
           .
           You
           would
           think
           it
           a
           great
           matter
           for
           a
           great
           Monarch
           ,
           a
           mighty
           Potentate
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           for
           to
           look
           upon
           a
           poor
           beggarly
           creature
           ,
           a
           beggars
           child
           that
           's
           cast
           out
           ,
           and
           hath
           none
           to
           look
           after
           him
           ;
           to
           take
           him
           up
           from
           the
           dunghill
           ,
           from
           his
           
           beggarly
           ,
           base
           ,
           and
           sordid
           condition
           ;
           to
           take
           him
           up
           ,
           and
           Adopt
           him
           for
           his
           son
           ,
           and
           to
           Estate
           him
           in
           great
           Possessions
           ,
           to
           settle
           him
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           own
           him
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
           It
           was
           a
           great
           matter
           for
           Pharaohs
           Daughter
           to
           Adopt
           Moses
           for
           her
           child
           :
           poor
           Moses
           ,
           whose
           Father
           and
           Mother
           durst
           not
           keep
           him
           in
           their
           house
           ;
           they
           turn'd
           him
           out
           ,
           cast
           him
           upon
           the
           River
           in
           a
           Basket
           of
           Bull-rushes
           ;
           this
           course
           was
           taken
           with
           
             Moses
             .
             Pharaohs
          
           Daughter
           she
           spies
           the
           basket
           ,
           and
           finds
           the
           Babe
           ,
           and
           poor
           Babe
           ,
           weeping
           with
           tears
           upon
           his
           face
           in
           that
           condition
           ;
           and
           she
           takes
           up
           this
           Babe
           ,
           and
           looking
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           lovely
           child
           ,
           she
           adopts
           it
           ;
           though
           in
           a
           perishing
           condition
           ,
           yet
           she
           takes
           this
           child
           and
           adopts
           it
           for
           her
           own
           ;
           this
           shall
           be
           my
           child
           .
           This
           now
           was
           a
           great
           matter
           ,
           and
           a
           thing
           to
           be
           reckoned
           upon
           as
           a
           very
           high
           act
           of
           Grace
           .
           O
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           this
           to
           that
           act
           of
           Grace
           ,
           that
           the
           great
           Majesty
           of
           heaven
           performs
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           poor
           sinful
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           men
           ?
           That
           he
           should
           look
           upon
           them
           in
           their
           most
           loathsom
           condition
           and
           state
           ,
           and
           should
           please
           to
           set
           his
           love
           upon
           them
           ,
           these
           base
           born
           children
           ,
           beggars
           brats
           (
           for
           so
           we
           are
           all
           )
           a
           seed
           of
           rebellion
           ;
           they
           are
           a
           generation
           of
           men
           and
           women
           that
           come
           from
           a
           bitter
           root
           ,
           they
           are
           such
           as
           the
           soul
           of
           God
           might
           abhor
           ;
           yet
           for
           the
           Lord's
           sake
           ,
           O
           these
           beggers
           brats
           ,
           these
           contemptible
           creatures
           ,
           these
           ill-looking
           deformed
           people
           ,
           yet
           notwithstanding
           I
           will
           set
           my
           love
           upon
           them
           ,
           I
           will
           love
           them
           freely
           ,
           I
           will
           adopt
           them
           for
           my
           children
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           be
           mine
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           estate
           them
           in
           great
           and
           large
           Possessions
           ,
           I
           will
           own
           them
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           be
           ashamed
           of
           them
           ,
           to
           be
           called
           their
           Father
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           them
           my
           children
           .
           A
           wonderful
           thing
           it
           is
           ,
           to
           consider
           of
           the
           priviledge
           
           of
           Adoption
           .
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           ,
           by
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           a
           well
           grown
           Knowledge
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           know
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           this
           will
           exceedingly
           advance
           the
           comfort
           of
           this
           priviledge
           of
           Adoption
           :
           As
           will
           appear
           thus
           .
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           We
           are
           to
           consider
           that
           a
           Believers
           Adoption
           ,
           it
           's
           founded
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           the
           foundation
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           laid
           in
           the
           Blood
           ,
           and
           Death
           ,
           and
           Sacrifice
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           We
           are
           said
           to
           be
           the
           Sons
           of
           God
           by
           faith
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           :
           'T
           is
           by
           faith
           in
           Jesus
           that
           we
           come
           to
           have
           this
           Adoption
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           all
           that
           are
           the
           adopted
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           are
           a
           generation
           that
           springs
           out
           of
           the
           very
           blood
           and
           bowels
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Methinks
           it
           is
           worthy
           observing
           ,
           that
           which
           we
           have
           in
           Isa.
           53.
           compared
           with
           Isa.
           54.
           
           In
           the
           53.
           you
           have
           an
           account
           in
           a
           Prophetical
           way
           ,
           of
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           blood
           sheding
           .
           
             It
             pleased
             the
             Father
             to
             bruise
             him
             ,
          
           v.
           10.
           
           
             He
             hath
             put
             him
             to
             grief
             .
          
           Well
           ,
           what
           follows
           upon
           this
           ?
           
             He
             shall
             see
             the
             travel
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             satisfied
             .
          
           Now
           mark
           you
           ,
           what
           's
           this
           travel
           ?
           Observe
           what
           follows
           in
           Chap.
           54.
           
           
             Sing
             ,
             O
             barren
             ,
             thou
             that
             didst
             not
             bear
             ,
             break
             forth
             into
             singing
             ,
             and
             cry
             aloud
             ,
             thou
             that
             didst
             not
             travel
             with
             child
             ;
             for
             more
             are
             the
             children
             of
             the
             desolate
             ,
             than
             the
             children
             of
             the
             married
             Wife
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             :
             Enlarge
             the
             place
             of
             thy
             tent
             ,
             and
             let
             them
             stretch
             forth
             the
             curtains
             of
             thine
             habitations
             ;
             spare
             not
             ,
             lengthen
             thy
             cords
             ,
             and
             strengthen
             thy
             stakes
             ;
             for
             thou
             shalt
             break
             forth
             on
             the
             right
             hand
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             left
             ,
             and
             thy
             seed
             shall
             inherit
             the
             Gentiles
             .
          
           And
           thus
           the
           Prophet
           goes
           on
           .
           Here
           now
           upon
           the
           Sacrifice
           &
           Sufferings
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           there
           comes
           to
           spring
           up
           a
           numerous
           Issue
           ,
           which
           springs
           up
           out
           of
           his
           
           blood
           ;
           he
           shall
           see
           his
           seed
           ,
           and
           be
           satisfied
           ;
           there
           shall
           be
           a
           seed
           that
           shall
           be
           raised
           up
           out
           of
           his
           very
           blood
           and
           bowels
           .
           And
           so
           likewise
           in
           Psal.
           22.
           the
           Prophet
           having
           in
           the
           former
           part
           set
           forth
           unto
           us
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           ,
           he
           gives
           us
           in
           the
           close
           of
           the
           Psalm
           ,
           an
           account
           of
           the
           fruit
           that
           springs
           up
           out
           of
           these
           sufferings
           :
           Saith
           he
           ,
           
             A
             seed
             shall
             serve
             him
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             accounted
             to
             the
             Lord
             for
             a
             generation
             ;
             they
             shall
             come
             and
             declare
             his
             righteousness
             unto
             a
             people
             that
             shall
             be
             born
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             done
             this
             .
          
           He
           hath
           brought
           about
           a
           seed
           ,
           he
           hath
           raised
           up
           out
           of
           his
           own
           blood
           and
           bowels
           ,
           a
           seed
           that
           shall
           be
           accounted
           to
           the
           Lord
           for
           a
           Generation
           .
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           benefit
           that
           comes
           by
           Christ.
           And
           mark
           you
           this
           ,
           By
           the
           right
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           we
           have
           this
           comfort
           concerning
           Adoption
           ,
           That
           as
           he
           pleads
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           his
           People
           their
           Justification
           ,
           and
           maintains
           them
           in
           that
           ;
           so
           he
           pleads
           their
           Adoption
           ,
           and
           his
           blood
           it
           is
           that
           keeps
           them
           fast
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           as
           they
           shall
           never
           be
           unchilded
           again
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           This
           is
           that
           that
           we
           are
           to
           know
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           he
           that
           gives
           them
           this
           priviledge
           of
           Adoption
           ,
           and
           puts
           them
           into
           the
           actual
           possession
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           in
           that
           ,
           1
           Ioh.
           12.
           
           
             As
             many
             as
             received
             him
             ,
             to
             them
             gave
             he
             power
             to
             become
             the
             sons
             of
             God.
          
           He
           gave
           them
           the
           priviledge
           to
           become
           the
           Sons
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           enjoy
           this
           priviledge
           :
           Why
           this
           is
           that
           we
           are
           to
           know
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           And
           with
           all
           consider
           this
           ,
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           which
           makes
           the
           comfort
           of
           Adoption
           to
           spring
           out
           ,
           to
           ●…low
           forth
           to
           the
           refreshing
           of
           the
           souls
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           their
           Adoption
           it
           is
           such
           a
           priviledge
           ,
           as
           that
           upon
           the
           account
           thereof
           ,
           as
           they
           come
           for
           to
           be
           Children
           to
           the
           Father
           ,
           so
           they
           come
           to
           be
           
           Brethren
           to
           Christ.
           For
           mark
           you
           ,
           Christ
           himself
           is
           a
           Son
           ;
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             Behold
             what
             manner
             of
             Love
             the
             Father
             hath
             bestowed
             upon
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             be
             called
             the
             Sons
             of
             God.
          
           Here
           's
           love
           indeed
           ;
           and
           it
           appears
           so
           to
           us
           ,
           because
           by
           being
           made
           the
           Sons
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           come
           to
           be
           in
           a
           condition
           like
           unto
           Christ
           ?
           —
           For
           ,
           what
           is
           he
           ?
           He
           is
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           begotten
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           the
           only
           begotten
           ,
           in
           regard
           as
           he
           is
           second
           person
           ;
           and
           the
           
             first
             begotten
          
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Mediatorship
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           God-Man
           :
           The
           first
           born
           ,
           the
           first
           begotten
           ;
           the
           
             only
             begotten
          
           as
           he
           is
           the
           second
           Person
           ;
           but
           the
           first
           begotten
           ,
           and
           the
           first
           born
           as
           he
           is
           Mediator
           ;
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           in
           the
           
             Psalms
             ,
             Thou
             art
             my
             Son
             ,
             This
             day
             have
             I
             begotten
             thee
             .
          
           You
           are
           to
           understand
           that
           of
           Christ
           as
           Mediator
           ,
           and
           especially
           as
           raised
           up
           in
           the
           day
           of
           his
           Resurrection
           from
           the
           dead
           ,
           
             This
             day
             have
             I
             begotten
             thee
          
           ;
           begotten
           thee
           by
           an
           act
           of
           mighty
           power
           ,
           raising
           thee
           up
           ;
           and
           so
           he
           becomes
           the
           first-born
           among
           many
           Brethren
           Here
           's
           the
           comfort
           of
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Adoption
           ,
           which
           we
           come
           to
           be
           partakers
           of
           ,
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           Here
           's
           the
           comfort
           of
           our
           Adoption
           ,
           that
           by
           means
           hereof
           we
           come
           into
           a
           Brotherhood
           with
           Christ.
           Beleevers
           ,
           O
           what
           a
           dignifying
           priviledge
           is
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           come
           to
           have
           a
           Brotherhood
           with
           Jesus
           Christ
           !
           As
           they
           have
           a
           filiation
           in
           reference
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           they
           come
           to
           have
           a
           Brotherhood
           with
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           so
           that
           he
           is
           born
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           Brethren
           to
           him
           (
           according
           to
           Psal.
           22.
           we
           sung
           this
           Morning
           )
           
             I
             will
             declare
             thy
             Name
             unto
             my
             Brethren
             ,
          
           speaking
           of
           his
           People
           and
           redeemed
           ones
           ;
           and
           he
           is
           pleased
           so
           to
           reckon
           upon
           all
           his
           People
           ;
           they
           are
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           
             Go
             and
             tell
             my
             Brethren
          
           .
           After
           his
           Resurrection
           
           he
           expresseth
           himself
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           
             Go
             and
             tell
             my
             Brethren
             that
             I
             go
             before
             them
             .
          
           And
           O
           ,
           this
           is
           that
           that
           doth
           advance
           the
           Priviledge
           ,
           and
           give
           them
           comfort
           of
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Adoption
           to
           souls
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           they
           come
           into
           a
           Brotherhood
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           And
           as
           it
           is
           said
           in
           the
           Text
           I
           spoke
           to
           the
           other
           day
           ,
           
             That
             God
             is
             not
             ashamed
             to
             be
             called
             the
             God
             of
             his
             People
          
           ;
           God
           is
           not
           ashamed
           to
           be
           called
           their
           God
           ,
           and
           their
           Father
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           his
           People
           his
           Children
           :
           So
           it
           is
           said
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           a
           very
           considerable
           thing
           ,
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           holds
           forth
           in
           his
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Hebrews
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Both
             he
             that
             sanctifieth
             ,
             and
             they
             who
             are
             sanctified
             ,
             are
             all
             of
             one
             ;
             for
             which
             cause
             he
             is
             not
             ashamed
             to
             call
             them
             brethren
             .
          
           Mark
           this
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           testimony
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           That
           as
           God
           is
           not
           ashamed
           to
           call
           them
           children
           ;
           truly
           this
           language
           may
           well
           astonish
           us
           ,
           God
           the
           Father
           is
           not
           ashamed
           to
           call
           his
           People
           ,
           poor
           despicable
           worms
           as
           they
           are
           ,
           he
           is
           not
           ashamed
           to
           call
           them
           children
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           called
           their
           God
           and
           Father
           :
           So
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           is
           not
           ashamed
           to
           call
           them
           Brethren
           ;
           but
           is
           free
           to
           say
           ,
           This
           is
           my
           Brother
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           my
           Sister
           ;
           as
           you
           know
           what
           's
           exprest
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           when
           they
           came
           and
           told
           him
           ,
           Thy
           Mother
           ,
           and
           thy
           Brethren
           stand
           without
           desiring
           to
           speak
           with
           thee
           ;
           —
           Why
           saith
           he
           ,
           Who
           are
           they
           ?
           you
           understand
           my
           Brethren
           according
           to
           the
           flesh
           :
           O
           ,
           but
           I
           'll
           tell
           you
           who
           are
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           whom
           I
           will
           never
           be
           ashamed
           to
           own
           for
           Brethren
           and
           Sisters
           ;
           He
           that
           heareth
           my
           Word
           ,
           and
           receives
           my
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           comports
           with
           my
           Counsels
           ,
           and
           attends
           me
           in
           the
           way
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           That
           's
           my
           Brother
           ,
           that
           's
           my
           Mother
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           my
           Sister
           ;
           I
           will
           never
           be
           ashamed
           of
           that
           Kindred
           .
           
             He
             is
             not
          
           
           
             ashamed
             to
             call
             them
             brethren
             ,
             saying
             ,
             I
             will
             declare
             my
             Name
             unto
             my
             brethren
             ;
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             Church
             will
             I
             sing
             praise
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           (
           This
           refers
           unto
           Psal.
           22.
           and
           it
           's
           a
           quotation
           out
           of
           that
           .
           )
           O
           wonder
           of
           Grace
           and
           Mercy
           !
           That
           there
           should
           be
           such
           a
           conjunction
           ;
           I
           will
           not
           be
           ashamed
           to
           call
           them
           Brethren
           ,
           I
           will
           declare
           thy
           Name
           to
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           I
           will
           tell
           them
           what
           a
           Father
           they
           have
           ;
           I
           know
           thee
           well
           ,
           thou
           art
           my
           Father
           and
           my
           God
           ;
           and
           I
           will
           tell
           them
           ,
           and
           declare
           thy
           Name
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           known
           to
           them
           what
           a
           Father
           I
           have
           ,
           and
           have
           had
           from
           all
           Eternity
           ;
           and
           I
           will
           tell
           them
           what
           a
           Father
           they
           shall
           find
           thee
           to
           be
           to
           them
           :
           And
           this
           I
           will
           tell
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           sing
           praise
           to
           thee
           in
           the
           Church
           .
           O
           this
           will
           be
           the
           joy
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           a
           company
           of
           poor
           Brethren
           .
           Christ
           was
           not
           prided
           in
           this
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           only
           begotten
           of
           the
           Father
           ;
           indeed
           he
           gloried
           in
           this
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           only
           begotten
           ,
           as
           second
           Person
           .
           O
           ,
           but
           it
           was
           his
           joy
           to
           think
           that
           he
           should
           have
           a
           company
           of
           people
           that
           should
           come
           into
           the
           state
           of
           Brotherhood
           with
           him
           ;
           O
           he
           joys
           in
           this
           ,
           and
           shed
           his
           blood
           to
           purchase
           them
           ;
           and
           when
           he
           comes
           once
           to
           have
           them
           given
           to
           him
           ,
           he
           will
           say
           to
           them
           ,
           Friends
           ,
           you
           are
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           flesh
           of
           my
           flesh
           ,
           and
           bone
           of
           my
           bone
           ,
           we
           have
           one
           blood
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           declare
           my
           Fathers
           Name
           to
           you
           ,
           and
           it
           shall
           be
           my
           joy
           so
           to
           do
           ;
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           Church
           will
           I
           sing
           praise
           unto
           thee
           .
           O
           ,
           a
           wonder
           of
           Mercy
           and
           Grace
           !
           that
           ever
           it
           should
           be
           thus
           done
           to
           poor
           sinners
           ;
           O
           ,
           how
           will
           this
           advance
           the
           comfort
           of
           a
           Believers
           Adoption
           ,
           when
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           consider
           ,
           that
           by
           vertue
           of
           this
           Adoption
           ,
           he
           comes
           to
           be
           in
           a
           Relation
           to
           God
           as
           to
           a
           Father
           ,
           so
           to
           Christ
           as
           to
           a
           Brother
           .
           —
           A
           Brother
           ,
           and
           what
           Brother
           ?
           that
           so
           you
           
           may
           come
           to
           understand
           the
           blessing
           of
           this
           Priviledge
           ;
           and
           if
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           every
           one
           of
           us
           ,
           that
           have
           any
           hope
           towards
           God
           ,
           take
           shame
           to
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           be
           so
           spirited
           ,
           and
           should
           not
           come
           to
           look
           more
           into
           Gospel-priviledges
           ,
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Justification
           ,
           and
           of
           Adoption
           ;
           that
           we
           should
           not
           search
           into
           them
           ,
           and
           have
           our
           hearts
           more
           affected
           with
           them
           .
           Now
           I
           say
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           the
           more
           affected
           with
           this
           ,
           and
           to
           know
           how
           the
           comfort
           is
           advanc'd
           to
           us
           ,
           consider
           what
           a
           Brother
           Christ
           is
           :
        
         
           A
           Brother
           ,
           not
           such
           a
           Brother
           as
           he
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           Luk.
           15.
           when
           his
           younger
           Brother
           had
           plaid
           the
           Prodigal
           ,
           and
           had
           spent
           his
           estate
           upon
           lend
           persons
           ,
           in
           a
           course
           of
           riotous
           living
           ,
           he
           comes
           home
           and
           humbles
           himself
           to
           his
           Father
           ,
           and
           confesseth
           ;
           
             Father
             ,
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             heaven
             ,
             and
             before
             thee
             ,
             and
             am
             no
             more
             worthy
             to
             be
             called
             thy
             Son.
          
           He
           comes
           home
           ,
           and
           the
           Father
           entertains
           him
           ,
           and
           falls
           upon
           his
           neck
           and
           kisseth
           him
           ,
           and
           kills
           the
           fatted
           Calf
           ,
           and
           provides
           the
           best
           robe
           for
           him
           ,
           and
           calls
           his
           Friends
           together
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             rejoyce
             and
             make
             merry
             ,
             This
             my
             Son
             was
             dead
             ,
             and
             is
             alive
             ,
             he
             was
             lost
             ,
             and
             is
             found
             ;
             and
             they
             began
             to
             be
             merry
             .
          
           The
           elder
           Brother
           ,
           he
           comes
           out
           of
           the
           field
           ,
           and
           hears
           the
           musick
           ,
           and
           these
           rejoycings
           ,
           and
           he
           begins
           to
           take
           it
           in
           indignation
           ,
           and
           his
           spirit
           begins
           to
           boyl
           within
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           begins
           to
           grumble
           at
           it
           ;
           O
           Father
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           I
           am
           thy
           elder
           Son
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           carried
           it
           thus
           and
           thus
           to
           thee
           ,
           and
           thou
           never
           didst
           thus
           to
           me
           .
           Here
           was
           a
           Brother
           ,
           but
           a
           Brother
           of
           somewhat
           an
           unbrotherly
           spirit
           ,
           towards
           his
           repenting
           and
           returning
           Brother
           .
           Is
           Christ
           such
           a
           Brother
           ?
           An
           elder
           Brother
           ,
           but
           a
           Brother
           of
           a
           sweeter
           spirit
           than
           this
           .
           When
           a
           poor
           younger
           Brother
           
           comes
           home
           ,
           and
           confesseth
           his
           miscarriages
           to
           his
           Father
           ,
           the
           Father
           entertains
           him
           ,
           and
           there
           's
           joy
           in
           heaven
           under
           such
           a
           returning
           soul.
           Well
           ,
           doth
           the
           elder
           Brother
           come
           and
           pout
           ,
           and
           take
           on
           ,
           and
           discover
           a
           spirit
           of
           discontent
           ;
           no
           ,
           it
           's
           the
           joy
           of
           Christ's
           heart
           ;
           O
           Brother
           ,
           welcom
           Brother
           ;
           well
           dear
           Brother
           ,
           I
           rejoyce
           in
           you
           ;
           I
           ,
           you
           shall
           have
           your
           elder
           Brothers
           garments
           to
           put
           on
           .
        
         
           A
           Brother
           ,
           how
           a
           Brother
           ?
           Truly
           such
           a
           Brother
           as
           Ioseph
           was
           to
           his
           Brethren
           .
        
         
           A
           Brother
           ,
           a
           Shepherd
           ;
           the
           Stone
           ,
           the
           Shepherd
           of
           Israel
           ,
           who
           being
           himself
           as
           it
           was
           with
           Ioseph
           ,
           he
           being
           advanc'd
           to
           honour
           in
           
           Pharaoh's
           Court
           ,
           he
           entertains
           his
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           speaks
           kindly
           to
           them
           at
           length
           ,
           after
           some
           reservation
           of
           himself
           ;
           his
           bowels
           melt
           over
           them
           ,
           and
           entertains
           them
           ,
           and
           uses
           them
           kindly
           ,
           and
           bestows
           largely
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           rejoyces
           in
           them
           :
           And
           so
           it
           is
           with
           Jesus
           our
           elder
           Brother
           ,
           our
           Ioseph
           ;
           he
           is
           glad
           to
           have
           his
           Brethren
           about
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           heart
           melts
           over
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           so
           be
           that
           Christ's
           poor
           Brethren
           should
           argue
           the
           case
           as
           
           Ioseph's
           Brethren
           did
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           It
           may
           be
           our
           Brother
           ,
           now
           living
           in
           honour
           ,
           and
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           glory
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           he
           will
           remember
           all
           the
           unkindness
           that
           we
           shewed
           him
           ;
           we
           sold
           our
           Brother
           Ioseph
           for
           a
           slave
           ,
           and
           he
           now
           being
           in
           place
           and
           power
           ,
           will
           be
           avenged
           on
           us
           :
           Oh
           ,
           what
           said
           Ioseph
           to
           his
           Brethren
           ?
           No
           ,
           no
           my
           Brethren
           ,
           my
           honour
           is
           for
           your
           advantage
           ,
           I
           shall
           not
           remember
           the
           wrongs
           and
           injuries
           that
           you
           have
           done
           me
           ,
           but
           I
           look
           up
           to
           the
           hand
           of
           my
           God
           that
           sent
           me
           into
           Egypt
           before
           you
           ,
           to
           preserve
           seed
           alive
           .
           So
           it
           is
           with
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           if
           his
           poor
           Brethren
           should
           begin
           to
           have
           misgivings
           of
           heart
           concerning
           
           him
           ,
           and
           think
           thus
           :
           O
           ,
           our
           elder
           Brother
           ,
           he
           is
           now
           in
           glory
           and
           honour
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           Fathers
           right
           hand
           ,
           and
           will
           he
           not
           remember
           all
           the
           unkindness
           we
           have
           done
           him
           ?
           how
           we
           have
           wounded
           him
           ,
           and
           how
           unworthy
           we
           have
           carryed
           it
           towards
           him
           ;
           will
           he
           not
           keep
           all
           this
           in
           remembrance
           ?
           No
           ,
           nothing
           of
           this
           shall
           be
           remembred
           against
           his
           Brethren
           ;
           but
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           Church
           will
           I
           sing
           praise
           to
           thee
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           rejoyce
           with
           my
           Brethren
           ;
           O
           my
           Father
           ,
           these
           are
           Brethren
           that
           my
           soul
           takes
           delight
           and
           pleasure
           in
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           Such
           a
           Brother
           is
           Christ
           ,
           as
           indeed
           is
           born
           for
           adversity
           ;
           a
           Brother
           is
           born
           for
           adversity
           :
           O
           ,
           Christ
           was
           born
           for
           adversity
           ,
           for
           the
           adversities
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           relieve
           them
           ;
           and
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           come
           into
           adversity
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           deliver
           the
           souls
           of
           his
           People
           from
           all
           their
           adversity
           :
           Such
           a
           Brother
           is
           Christ
           ,
           an
           elder
           Brother
           .
        
         
           And
           such
           a
           Brother
           ,
           as
           will
           do
           the
           part
           of
           a
           Brother
           .
           It
           belong'd
           to
           a
           Brother
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           if
           his
           Brother
           died
           ,
           to
           raise
           up
           seed
           to
           his
           Brother
           :
           Why
           truly
           ,
           Jesus
           our
           elder
           Brother
           ,
           will
           raise
           up
           seed
           to
           his
           Brethren
           .
           And
           what
           's
           the
           meaning
           of
           that
           ?
           He
           will
           maintain
           a
           seed
           of
           Grace
           in
           their
           souls
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           maintain
           them
           .
           —
           I
           ,
           he
           will
           raise
           up
           seed
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           their
           bodies
           that
           lay
           in
           the
           dust
           ,
           he
           will
           raise
           up
           at
           the
           last
           day
           .
           Now
           ,
           what
           a
           priviledge
           is
           this
           ,
           to
           be
           in
           Relation
           to
           Christ
           ,
           as
           to
           a
           Brother
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           the
           Fathers
           Adoption
           to
           us
           ?
           —
           That
           Jesus
           Christ
           should
           not
           be
           ashamed
           ,
           to
           call
           us
           his
           People
           ,
           Brethren
           .
           These
           are
           the
           fountains
           of
           comfort
           ,
           and
           do
           spring
           from
           Lebanon
           ;
           which
           if
           we
           were
           but
           well
           acquainted
           in
           them
           ,
           would
           stream
           out
           ,
           to
           the
           gladding
           and
           refreshing
           of
           the
           souls
           of
           Believers
           .
           
           —
           Consider
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Justification
           ,
           and
           how
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           promotes
           the
           comfort
           of
           that
           ;
           —
           the
           priviledge
           of
           Adoption
           ,
           and
           how
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           it
           doth
           promote
           the
           comfort
           of
           that
           .
           A
           Brother
           ,
           O
           a
           Brother
           indeed
           ;
           a
           Brother
           ,
           that
           though
           he
           have
           a
           double
           portion
           ,
           as
           the
           elder
           Brethren
           had
           ;
           yet
           he
           will
           see
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           all
           his
           Brethren
           shall
           become
           portioners
           with
           him
           ;
           
             Father
             ,
             I
             will
             that
             those
             thou
             hast
             given
             me
             ,
             be
             where
             I
             am
          
           ;
           one
           house
           shall
           hold
           us
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           we
           will
           have
           one
           Inheritance
           :
           And
           though
           I
           am
           the
           chief
           among
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           yet
           I
           own
           them
           as
           my
           Brethren
           ;
           they
           shall
           fare
           as
           I
           fare
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           share
           as
           I
           share
           ;
           for
           the
           substance
           of
           the
           portion
           ,
           they
           shall
           share
           as
           I
           share
           ,
           they
           shall
           be
           where
           I
           am
           ,
           they
           shall
           see
           the
           glory
           that
           I
           have
           had
           with
           thee
           ;
           and
           I
           cannot
           be
           contented
           to
           be
           in
           heaven
           ,
           and
           to
           live
           there
           ,
           without
           my
           Brethren
           .
           Here
           's
           the
           priviledge
           now
           ;
           and
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           were
           not
           wofully
           implunged
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           of
           imbased
           spirits
           ,
           O
           the
           thoughts
           of
           these
           things
           would
           make
           our
           hearts
           to
           spring
           up
           within
           us
           ,
           in
           holy
           admirings
           of
           that
           rich
           and
           glorious
           Grace
           which
           by
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           we
           are
           called
           unto
           the
           fellowship
           of
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XVI
           .
        
         
           I
           Shall
           now
           acquaint
           you
           with
           another
           great
           priviledge
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           ,
        
         
           A
           freedom
           from
           the
           Law
           :
           But
           understand
           it
           in
           a
           sound
           sense
           :
           There
           is
           a
           sense
           given
           ,
           according
           to
           which
           ,
           Beleevers
           are
           not
           freed
           from
           the
           Law
           ,
           nor
           is
           it
           their
           priviledge
           .
           I
           remember
           what
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           9.
           saith
           he
           ,
           To
           them
           that
           were
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           under
           the
           Law
           ;
           and
           to
           them
           that
           are
           without
           Law
           ,
           as
           without
           Law
           ;
           as
           without
           Law
           ,
           as
           under
           the
           Law
           :
           there
           are
           Mysteryes
           in
           these
           passages
           worthy
           the
           searching
           into
           :
           
             As
             under
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             under
             the
             Law
             ;
             as
             without
             Law
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             without
             Law
             ;
             not
             without
             Law
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             under
             the
             Law
             to
             Christ.
          
           So
           that
           in
           a
           sound
           sense
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           ,
           I
           ,
           and
           a
           priviledge
           too
           ,
           to
           be
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           under
           the
           Law
           to
           Christ
           :
           't
           is
           a
           priviledge
           not
           to
           be
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Rom.
           6.
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             We
             are
             not
             under
             the
             Law
             ,
             but
             under
             Grace
             :
          
           as
           the
           being
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           doth
           stand
           in
           opposition
           ,
           (
           consider
           that
           ,
           and
           that
           will
           give
           some
           light
           to
           the
           matter
           in
           hand
           ,
           )
           as
           a
           state
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           doth
           stand
           in
           opposition
           to
           a
           state
           in
           Grace
           ,
           to
           a
           souls
           being
           under
           Grace
           :
           So
           it
           is
           the
           priviledge
           of
           every
           Beleever
           ,
           every
           Saint
           in
           Christ
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           under
           the
           Law.
           These
           things
           we
           should
           be
           well
           acquainted
           with
           ,
           and
           studied
           in
           ;
           especially
           ,
           considering
           the
           time
           that
           we
           have
           had
           for
           improvement
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           They
           are
           under
           the
           Law
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           yet
           from
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           such
           a
           
           state
           imports
           an
           opposition
           to
           a
           state
           in
           Grace
           ,
           that
           's
           one
           of
           the
           great
           priviledges
           which
           comes
           over
           to
           Believers
           by
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           under
           the
           Law.
           
        
         
           And
           the
           comfort
           of
           this
           priviledge
           is
           very
           much
           advanc'd
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           know
           ,
           and
           to
           know
           to
           some
           purpose
           (
           as
           it
           's
           fit
           we
           should
           )
           what
           the
           state
           was
           that
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           was
           put
           into
           ;
           he
           was
           in
           a
           legal
           state
           ,
           he
           was
           made
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           so
           stood
           under
           strongest
           obligations
           ,
           to
           perform
           most
           perfect
           obedience
           to
           the
           whole
           Law
           ;
           he
           was
           a
           debtor
           to
           the
           whole
           Law
           by
           voluntary
           subjection
           (
           you
           must
           understand
           it
           so
           )
           to
           fulfil
           it
           to
           the
           utmost
           tittle
           of
           it
           :
           Not
           only
           to
           fulfil
           the
           duty
           and
           obedience
           which
           the
           Law
           required
           ,
           but
           to
           satisfie
           and
           to
           answer
           the
           penalty
           ;
           not
           only
           to
           bear
           the
           burden
           of
           Duty
           ,
           but
           to
           bear
           the
           burden
           of
           the
           Curse
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           the
           behalf
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           sakes
           of
           those
           which
           were
           given
           him
           of
           the
           Father
           .
           This
           is
           a
           great
           Point
           ,
           and
           worthy
           to
           be
           well
           studied
           in
           ,
           and
           for
           every
           one
           that
           would
           approve
           himself
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           promote
           his
           own
           comfort
           ,
           to
           be
           well
           acquainted
           withal
           .
           —
           Christ
           was
           thus
           made
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           so
           his
           state
           was
           a
           legal
           state
           ;
           and
           by
           vertue
           of
           his
           thus
           being
           made
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           the
           Saints
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Believers
           ,
           they
           come
           to
           have
           their
           freedom
           :
           He
           was
           made
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           to
           redeem
           them
           that
           were
           under
           the
           Law
           ;
           this
           priviledge
           comes
           over
           to
           us
           by
           Christ.
           Now
           ,
           when
           this
           comes
           to
           be
           well
           known
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           by
           such
           as
           believe
           in
           him
           ,
           O
           what
           a
           sweet
           injoyment
           may
           they
           have
           of
           themselves
           in
           peace
           and
           comfort
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           come
           to
           know
           what
           the
           Law
           requires
           ,
           and
           what
           are
           the
           vigorous
           exactings
           
           of
           it
           ,
           what
           are
           the
           pressing
           burdens
           that
           it
           layes
           upon
           a
           soul
           ,
           which
           are
           most
           heavy
           to
           be
           born
           :
           Nay
           ,
           they
           are
           indeed
           unsupportable
           by
           any
           strength
           that
           is
           now
           in
           the
           creature
           ;
           what
           dreadful
           curses
           the
           Law
           pronounces
           upon
           the
           transgressors
           of
           it
           .
           Now
           when
           a
           soul
           shall
           come
           to
           understand
           this
           ;
           and
           yet
           withal
           ,
           understands
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           was
           under
           the
           Law
           ;
           and
           being
           so
           constituted
           ,
           he
           hath
           fulfilled
           it
           to
           the
           utmost
           tittle
           ;
           he
           hath
           answered
           all
           the
           requiries
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           undergon
           all
           the
           penalties
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           hath
           nothing
           to
           say
           against
           him
           ,
           nothing
           to
           charge
           upon
           him
           .
           Now
           ,
           when
           a
           Believing
           soul
           comes
           to
           know
           this
           concerning
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           made
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           that
           the
           soul
           might
           be
           delivered
           from
           the
           curse
           of
           the
           Law
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           that
           makes
           the
           comfort
           to
           flow
           in
           like
           streams
           from
           Lebanon
           ;
           these
           are
           the
           great
           things
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           concerns
           us
           exceedingly
           to
           be
           well
           instructed
           in
           .
           This
           I
           propound
           now
           ,
           as
           one
           of
           the
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           comfort
           whereof
           comes
           over
           to
           us
           by
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Consider
           further
           ,
           What
           reason
           there
           is
           that
           Believers
           ,
           Christians
           ,
           should
           endeavour
           to
           advance
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           That
           by
           this
           Knowledge
           well
           improved
           ,
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           be
           very
           much
           advantaged
           for
           suffering
           ,
           suffering
           with
           comfort
           ,
           and
           with
           boldness
           and
           courage
           ;
           and
           that
           's
           a
           great
           matter
           for
           us
           to
           consider
           of
           :
           For
           it
           is
           not
           so
           much
           the
           suffering
           ,
           as
           the
           comfortable
           suffering
           ,
           and
           the
           confident
           suffering
           ,
           and
           the
           couragious
           suffering
           of
           a
           Christian
           that
           God
           is
           glorified
           by
           .
           Mark
           you
           ,
           'T
           is
           not
           barely
           the
           suffering
           ;
           the
           damned
           in
           Hell
           ,
           they
           suffer
           ,
           and
           shall
           suffer
           eternally
           ;
           but
           what
           Glory
           
           hath
           God
           from
           their
           suffering
           ?
           Only
           thus
           far
           ,
           he
           hath
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           in
           the
           inflicting
           of
           deserved
           punishment
           upon
           them
           ;
           he
           hath
           that
           glory
           :
           but
           otherwise
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           of
           glory
           that
           's
           given
           to
           God
           by
           them
           in
           their
           sufferings
           ;
           there
           's
           Glory
           that
           God
           fetches
           and
           forces
           out
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           do
           so
           out
           of
           every
           damned
           wretch
           ,
           he
           will
           force
           a
           Glory
           to
           himself
           out
           of
           their
           sufferings
           ;
           but
           there
           is
           no
           Glory
           that
           doth
           result
           to
           God
           out
           of
           the
           sufferings
           of
           the
           damned
           ,
           as
           a
           Glory
           which
           they
           do
           actually
           give
           up
           to
           God.
           But
           now
           ,
           God
           expects
           that
           his
           People
           should
           be
           active
           in
           a
           way
           of
           glorifying
           him
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           under
           their
           sufferings
           ;
           and
           then
           is
           God
           glorified
           ,
           when
           his
           People
           suffer
           with
           courage
           ,
           and
           with
           confidence
           ,
           and
           with
           comfort
           and
           rejoycing
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           of
           despondent
           spirits
           ,
           do
           not
           fall
           under
           that
           .
        
         
           Why
           now
           consider
           ,
           all
           that
           will
           live
           godly
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           will
           approve
           themselves
           in
           their
           godliness
           ,
           they
           must
           reckon
           upon
           sufferings
           ;
           there
           is
           no
           coming
           to
           heaven
           by
           leaping
           over
           the
           brook
           ;
           Christ
           himself
           is
           said
           to
           drink
           of
           the
           brook
           in
           the
           way
           :
           There
           is
           a
           brook
           ,
           and
           it
           runs
           with
           black
           and
           bitter
           streams
           ,
           and
           we
           must
           not
           think
           to
           leap
           over
           the
           brook
           ,
           you
           must
           drink
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           be
           plunged
           into
           it
           :
           Why
           all
           that
           will
           live
           godly
           in
           Christ
           ,
           shall
           suffer
           .
           —
           What
           shall
           they
           suffer
           ?
           what
           must
           they
           reckon
           upon
           to
           suffer
           ?
           Suffer
           from
           God
           ,
           suffer
           from
           men
           ,
           suffer
           from
           Devils
           ,
           suffer
           sometimes
           through
           their
           own
           default
           ,
           from
           their
           own
           Consciences
           .
           Wherein
           now
           must
           they
           reckon
           to
           suffer
           ?
        
         
           Suffer
           in
           their
           souls
           by
           divine
           desertions
           ;
           —
           suffer
           in
           their
           souls
           by
           dreadful
           temptations
           ;
           —
           suffer
           in
           their
           Consciences
           by
           astonishing
           apprehensions
           ;
           I
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           there
           's
           their
           own
           default
           from
           their
           
           Consciences
           ;
           that
           's
           a
           suffering
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           a
           meer
           stranger
           to
           ,
           (
           take
           notice
           of
           that
           by
           the
           way
           :
           )
           Christ
           never
           suffered
           from
           his
           Conscience
           .
           And
           I
           do
           not
           know
           whether
           it
           may
           not
           be
           peremptorily
           asserted
           ,
           that
           he
           never
           suffered
           in
           his
           Conscience
           :
           to
           be
           sure
           ,
           never
           from
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           his
           Conscience
           never
           put
           him
           to
           any
           suffering
           ;
           his
           Conscience
           was
           alwaies
           his
           friend
           ,
           and
           his
           comforter
           :
           He
           was
           not
           knowing
           to
           himself
           of
           any
           thing
           should
           cause
           and
           create
           the
           least
           trouble
           to
           him
           :
           Godly
           men
           are
           subject
           ,
           through
           their
           own
           default
           ,
           to
           suffer
           in
           their
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           from
           their
           Consciences
           ;
           —
           to
           suffer
           in
           their
           liberty
           ;
           —
           in
           their
           estates
           ;
           —
           in
           their
           names
           and
           reputations
           ,
           by
           reproaches
           ,
           and
           scorns
           ,
           and
           contempts
           of
           the
           World
           :
           —
           To
           suffer
           in
           their
           estates
           ,
           by
           losses
           ,
           and
           sad
           breaches
           upon
           them
           :
           —
           subject
           to
           suffer
           to
           the
           very
           loss
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           by
           fiery
           tryals
           ,
           and
           sharpest
           persecutions
           .
        
         
           I
           ,
           but
           now
           ,
           whereas
           the
           great
           matter
           (
           as
           I
           said
           before
           )
           is
           to
           know
           how
           a
           Beleever
           may
           suffer
           ,
           and
           to
           suffer
           comfortably
           ,
           to
           suffer
           couragiously
           ,
           and
           not
           sink
           under
           sufferings
           :
           Though
           he
           drink
           of
           the
           brook
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           yet
           that
           he
           may
           not
           be
           drown'd
           in
           the
           way
           ;
           though
           he
           drink
           of
           it
           ,
           yet
           he
           doth
           not
           sink
           to
           the
           bottom
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           he
           keeps
           his
           head
           aloft
           :
           this
           is
           a
           great
           matter
           for
           us
           to
           study
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           well
           acquainted
           withal
           .
           Now
           consider
           ,
           O
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           doth
           contribute
           most
           largely
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           :
           if
           so
           be
           that
           Christians
           ,
           Beleevers
           in
           Christ
           ,
           had
           but
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           well
           digested
           ,
           (
           I
           do
           not
           speak
           as
           I
           have
           told
           you
           ,
           and
           shall
           further
           tell
           you
           )
           of
           a
           notional
           knowledge
           ;
           to
           get
           a
           head
           full
           of
           notions
           ,
           and
           yet
           in
           
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           the
           heart
           altogether
           unedified
           .
           We
           can
           babble
           over
           the
           Creed
           ,
           as
           many
           do
           ,
           that
           place
           their
           Religion
           and
           such
           things
           in
           it
           .
           Though
           ,
           I
           do
           not
           speak
           ,
           but
           that
           there
           may
           be
           good
           use
           to
           be
           made
           of
           those
           old
           principles
           .
           But
           this
           is
           the
           misery
           ,
           that
           people
           rest
           in
           words
           and
           forms
           ;
           if
           they
           can
           patter
           over
           such
           and
           such
           a
           form
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             He
             was
             born
             of
             the
             Virgin
          
           Mary
           ,
           
             suffered
             under
          
           Pontius
           Pilate
           ,
           
             was
             crucified
             ,
             dead
             and
             buried
          
           ;
           thus
           they
           can
           say
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           know
           nothing
           in
           the
           World
           to
           any
           purpose
           :
           But
           I
           speak
           of
           a
           heart-knowledge
           ,
           a
           well-digested
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           and
           this
           knowledge
           will
           contribute
           very
           largely
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           Christians
           comfortable
           undergoing
           his
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           keeps
           him
           up
           from
           sinking
           under
           them
           :
           and
           it
           will
           appear
           thus
           ,
           by
           considering
           :
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           by
           knowing
           this
           concerning
           Christ
           ;
           that
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           was
           himself
           a
           sufferer
           ;
           there
           's
           very
           much
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           in
           the
           form
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           thought
           it
           no
           robbery
           to
           be
           equal
           with
           God
           ;
           He
           that
           was
           the
           brightness
           of
           his
           Fathers
           Glory
           ,
           and
           the
           express
           Image
           of
           his
           Person
           ;
           He
           was
           pleased
           to
           put
           himself
           into
           such
           a
           condition
           and
           state
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           might
           be
           capable
           of
           suffering
           :
           As
           he
           was
           the
           second
           person
           ,
           it
           was
           impossible
           for
           him
           to
           suffer
           ;
           but
           he
           took
           a
           body
           with
           much
           complacency
           and
           delight
           ,
           upon
           this
           very
           account
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           be
           in
           a
           capacity
           to
           suffer
           ,
           and
           suffer
           he
           did
           ;
           never
           Man
           nor
           Angel
           the
           like
           ;
           He
           suffered
           to
           the
           astonishing
           of
           the
           whole
           Creation
           ;
           —
           He
           suffered
           from
           God
           ,
           —
           He
           suffered
           from
           men
           ,
           —
           He
           suffered
           from
           Devils
           :
           O
           the
           dreadful
           sufferings
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           !
           As
           I
           said
           before
           ,
           so
           I
           say
           it
           again
           ;
           He
           did
           not
           suffer
           from
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           his
           heart
           
           did
           not
           reproach
           him
           ;
           His
           heart
           within
           was
           clear
           ,
           he
           had
           no
           terrors
           ,
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           it
           raised
           up
           no
           terrors
           in
           him
           ;
           that
           kind
           of
           suffering
           he
           was
           a
           stranger
           to
           .
           Now
           consider
           this
           ;
           was
           Christ
           Jesus
           a
           sufferer
           ,
           and
           so
           deep
           and
           dreadful
           a
           sufferer
           ?
           why
           then
           a
           Beleever
           may
           comfort
           himself
           whatsoever
           sufferings
           he
           falls
           under
           :
           why
           ,
           blessed
           be
           God
           ▪
           my
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           was
           a
           sufferer
           before
           me
           ,
           he
           hath
           been
           in
           a
           suffering
           state
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           no
           reason
           to
           startle
           at
           it
           ,
           that
           my
           condition
           is
           a
           suffering
           condition
           :
           I
           am
           but
           now
           in
           a
           way
           to
           have
           conformity
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           a
           blessed
           comfort
           .
           You
           must
           consider
           a
           little
           ,
           what
           should
           the
           Apostle
           mean
           ,
           when
           he
           professes
           ,
           in
           1
           Cor.
           2.
           that
           
             he
             determined
             to
             know
             nothing
             but
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             him
             crucified
             :
          
           a
           suffering
           Christ
           ;
           Christ
           ,
           and
           a
           suffering
           Christ
           !
           what
           should
           he
           mean
           by
           this
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           was
           well
           and
           duly
           apprehensive
           of
           the
           benefit
           and
           comfort
           ,
           and
           succour
           and
           support
           ,
           that
           would
           spring
           up
           to
           him
           from
           the
           consideration
           of
           a
           suffering
           Christ
           :
           why
           ,
           this
           is
           by
           my
           conformity
           to
           Christ
           ,
           
             I
             account
             all
             things
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             but
             loss
             and
             dung
             ,
             for
             the
             excellency
             of
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Christ
             Iesus
             my
             Lord.
          
           There
           you
           have
           the
           very
           point
           in
           hand
           held
           forth
           :
           He
           speaks
           concerning
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           I
           account
           all
           things
           but
           loss
           and
           dung
           ,
           for
           the
           excellency
           of
           this
           knowledge
           .
           —
           Why
           ?
           
             That
             I
             might
             know
             the
             fellowship
             of
             his
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             be
             made
             conformable
             unto
             his
             death
             :
          
           I
           tell
           you
           Beloved
           ,
           it
           's
           no
           matter
           what
           condition
           soever
           a
           person
           come
           into
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           but
           such
           a
           condition
           as
           wherein
           Christ
           hath
           been
           before
           him
           ;
           only
           so
           ,
           as
           wherein
           Christ
           hath
           been
           as
           one
           that
           hath
           gone
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           made
           it
           a
           way
           for
           us
           to
           walk
           in
           .
           Indeed
           ,
           the
           way
           of
           his
           mediation
           ,
           
           the
           way
           of
           his
           meritorious
           sacrificing
           ,
           that
           's
           not
           a
           way
           that
           ever
           he
           walk'd
           in
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           constitute
           it
           a
           way
           for
           his
           people
           to
           walk
           in
           ;
           they
           are
           never
           able
           to
           live
           in
           that
           way
           :
           But
           the
           way
           wherein
           Christ
           hath
           been
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           condition
           which
           he
           hath
           been
           brought
           into
           ,
           as
           a
           condition
           in
           which
           he
           would
           lead
           his
           people
           into
           :
           this
           is
           that
           that
           will
           comfort
           us
           in
           any
           such
           condition
           ;
           let
           the
           condition
           be
           what
           it
           will
           ,
           Christ
           hath
           been
           in
           this
           condition
           before
           us
           :
           so
           that
           now
           here
           's
           the
           comfort
           to
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           a
           Saint
           in
           Christ
           ;
           I
           suffer
           thus
           and
           thus
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           I
           suffer
           as
           an
           evil
           doer
           ,
           —
           so
           did
           Christ
           ;
           Christ
           was
           before
           me
           :
           I
           suffer
           as
           an
           evil
           doer
           ,
           unto
           bonds
           ,
           I
           am
           persecuted
           ,
           so
           was
           Christ
           my
           Lord
           :
           —
           —
           I
           am
           reproach'd
           ,
           and
           scorn'd
           ,
           and
           revil'd
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           so
           was
           my
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           —
           —
           I
           am
           cast
           into
           Prison
           ,
           so
           was
           my
           Lord
           Jesus
           :
           —
           I
           am
           brought
           to
           the
           place
           of
           execution
           ,
           Christ
           was
           hanged
           as
           a
           malefactor
           .
           There
           's
           much
           to
           support
           the
           soul
           in
           this
           condition
           .
           And
           then
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           consider
           this
           ,
           This
           is
           the
           comfort
           that
           slowes
           out
           from
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           to
           support
           in
           a
           suffering
           state
           .
           Christ
           suffered
           ,
           nay
           ,
           but
           more
           than
           this
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           further
           ,
           that
           he
           suffered
           penal
           sufferings
           ,
           legal
           sufferings
           :
           O
           this
           ,
           this
           hath
           added
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           to
           know
           concerning
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           he
           suffered
           in
           a
           legal
           way
           :
           His
           obedience
           was
           legal
           obedience
           ,
           not
           evangelical
           obedience
           ,
           as
           ours
           should
           be
           :
           so
           his
           sufferings
           were
           legal
           sufferings
           ;
           why
           he
           suffered
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           ;
           he
           suffered
           according
           to
           what
           the
           strict
           Justice
           of
           God
           did
           and
           could
           inflict
           upon
           him
           for
           sin
           and
           transgression
           ;
           and
           
           here
           was
           the
           bitterness
           of
           the
           cup
           ;
           a
           thing
           that
           would
           be
           seriously
           weighed
           ,
           and
           considered
           of
           by
           us
           :
           He
           suffered
           for
           sinners
           ;
           he
           put
           himself
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           into
           the
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           a
           sinner
           ,
           of
           a
           malefactor
           .
           The
           guilt
           of
           the
           sins
           of
           his
           people
           was
           set
           over
           to
           him
           :
           Thus
           it
           was
           ,
           and
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           you
           must
           conceive
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           not
           that
           rejoycing
           on
           Christ's
           part
           in
           his
           sufferings
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           sometimes
           discovers
           it self
           even
           in
           Beleevers
           ,
           who
           have
           rejoyced
           at
           the
           stake
           ,
           and
           kist
           the
           stake
           ,
           and
           bid
           it
           welcome
           ;
           and
           have
           been
           as
           full
           of
           joy
           and
           rejoycings
           as
           their
           hearts
           could
           hold
           ;
           why
           there
           was
           reason
           for
           it
           :
           It
           was
           not
           so
           with
           Christ
           ,
           but
           he
           was
           in
           an
           agony
           ,
           and
           cryes
           out
           ,
           
             My
             God
             ,
             my
             God
             ,
             why
             hast
             thou
             forsaken
             me
             ?
          
           Why
           Brethren
           ,
           there
           was
           reason
           for
           it
           :
           Alas
           ,
           Beleevers
           do
           not
           sip
           one
           drop
           of
           that
           cup
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           their
           mercy
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           it
           that
           gives
           them
           comfort
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           sufferings
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           because
           the
           cup
           that
           was
           tempered
           unto
           him
           to
           drink
           of
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           legal
           cup
           ;
           it
           was
           a
           cup
           that
           the
           hand
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           temper'd
           up
           for
           him
           :
           Son
           ,
           thou
           hast
           put
           thy self
           into
           the
           place
           of
           sinners
           ,
           and
           cursed
           malefactors
           ,
           that
           have
           deserved
           to
           drink
           of
           the
           wine
           of
           my
           wrath
           to
           all
           eternity
           :
           I
           'll
           temper
           a
           cup
           for
           thee
           ;
           forasmuch
           as
           thou
           hast
           undertaken
           to
           appear
           on
           their
           behalf
           ,
           thou
           shalt
           have
           a
           cup
           to
           drink
           off
           in
           their
           steads
           ;
           and
           the
           hand
           of
           Justice
           tempers
           up
           this
           cup.
           Now
           ,
           one
           drop
           of
           this
           legal
           cup
           ,
           would
           have
           made
           all
           the
           Nations
           drunk
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           made
           to
           spew
           ,
           and
           fall
           ;
           to
           fall
           down
           to
           Hell
           ;
           one
           drop
           of
           this
           cup
           of
           Justice
           :
           but
           Christ
           must
           drink
           it
           up
           ;
           He
           must
           make
           ,
           by
           suffering
           ,
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           Infinite
           Justice
           of
           a
           provoked
           Majesty
           .
           Here
           's
           the
           business
           
           now
           :
           and
           alas
           ,
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           pass
           over
           these
           things
           slightly
           ,
           and
           not
           consider
           what
           the
           greatness
           of
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           is
           ,
           in
           undergoing
           such
           a
           task
           ,
           in
           drinking
           such
           a
           cup
           !
           But
           judicious
           Christians
           will
           weigh
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           understand
           concerning
           what
           was
           undergone
           by
           Jesus
           Christ.
           'T
           is
           an
           astonishing
           consideration
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           be
           thus
           ordered
           out
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Now
           here
           's
           the
           comfort
           to
           poor
           beleeving
           souls
           under
           all
           their
           sufferings
           ;
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           I
           suffer
           not
           in
           a
           legal
           way
           ;
           I
           suffer
           not
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           ;
           I
           suffer
           not
           in
           order
           to
           satisfaction
           ;
           that
           's
           done
           to
           my
           hand
           :
           Here
           's
           my
           comfort
           ,
           As
           I
           am
           not
           called
           out
           to
           pay
           debts
           with
           duties
           ,
           I
           am
           not
           called
           out
           to
           pay
           debts
           with
           sufferings
           :
           Here
           's
           the
           comfort
           of
           a
           Beleever
           ,
           which
           flows
           out
           from
           the
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           that
           whatsoever
           his
           sufferings
           be
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           satisfactory
           sufferings
           ;
           they
           are
           not
           sufferings
           upon
           a
           legal
           account
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           sufferings
           in
           a
           way
           of
           fellowship
           with
           Christ
           ,
           as
           one
           that
           did
           suffer
           ;
           but
           not
           as
           a
           sufferer
           in
           order
           to
           satisfaction
           to
           God's
           Justice
           .
           So
           that
           now
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           the
           suffering
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           a
           legal
           sufferer
           ,
           and
           as
           one
           that
           took
           the
           cup
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           Divine
           Justice
           ,
           which
           was
           tempered
           up
           by
           that
           hand
           ;
           upon
           this
           account
           the
           poyson
           is
           taken
           out
           of
           sufferings
           ;
           the
           terror
           of
           the
           bitterness
           of
           death
           is
           past
           ;
           the
           bitterness
           of
           suffering
           is
           taken
           out
           ;
           the
           sting
           of
           the
           suffering
           is
           plucked
           out
           :
           what
           's
           the
           sting
           of
           the
           suffering
           ?
           
             The
             sting
             of
             death
             is
             sin
          
           ;
           the
           sting
           of
           a
           suffering
           is
           sin
           .
           There
           's
           nothing
           that
           makes
           suffering
           so
           bitter
           to
           a
           sensible
           soul
           ,
           an
           understanding
           Christian
           ;
           there
           's
           
           nothing
           that
           makes
           it
           so
           bitter
           ,
           as
           the
           consideration
           of
           guilt
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           the
           guilt
           is
           taken
           away
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           sting
           is
           taken
           out
           ;
           the
           venom
           of
           the
           suffering
           is
           gone
           :
           The
           cup
           may
           be
           bitter
           ,
           but
           it
           's
           a
           wholsome
           cup.
           This
           is
           now
           a
           second
           thing
           to
           consider
           ;
           whereby
           you
           may
           come
           to
           understand
           ,
           how
           much
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           doth
           contribute
           to
           the
           promoting
           a
           Christians
           comfortable
           ,
           and
           bold
           ,
           and
           confident
           suffering
           ;
           and
           you
           will
           never
           be
           able
           to
           quit
           your selves
           in
           a
           suffering
           day
           ,
           in
           a
           suffering
           state
           ,
           as
           becomes
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           these
           considerations
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           be
           not
           well
           digested
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Yet
           further
           ;
           Christians
           are
           subject
           to
           suffer
           ,
           and
           it
           's
           your
           duty
           to
           suffer
           as
           Christians
           ,
           and
           to
           bear
           up
           with
           courage
           and
           confidence
           :
           but
           how
           shall
           that
           be
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ?
           For
           mark
           you
           ,
           This
           belongs
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           that
           the
           sufferings
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           for
           his
           Name
           ,
           and
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Gospel
           ;
           those
           sufferings
           are
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           made
           their
           great
           priviledges
           .
           When
           a
           man
           suffers
           as
           an
           evil
           doer
           ,
           as
           a
           murtherer
           ,
           or
           a
           thief
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           busy-body
           in
           other
           mens
           matters
           ;
           these
           kind
           of
           sufferings
           of
           persons
           as
           evil
           doers
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           indeed
           deservedly
           inflicted
           ;
           these
           sufferings
           ,
           they
           reflect
           shame
           and
           dishonour
           upon
           those
           that
           undergo
           them
           .
           The
           two
           Theeves
           upon
           the
           Cross
           ,
           that
           were
           crucified
           together
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           He
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           them
           ;
           you
           have
           the
           acknowledgement
           that
           one
           of
           them
           makes
           ;
           This
           man
           is
           upon
           the
           Cross
           with
           us
           ,
           He
           suffers
           as
           we
           suffer
           ,
           (
           as
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           suffering
           ,
           )
           He
           is
           hanged
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           we
           ;
           we
           are
           here
           nail'd
           upon
           the
           Cross
           ,
           and
           so
           is
           He
           :
           I
           ,
           but
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           here
           's
           the
           difference
           ;
           we
           indeed
           are
           justly
           here
           ;
           
           for
           we
           suffer
           the
           reward
           of
           our
           own
           evil
           deeds
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           's
           our
           dishonour
           to
           be
           hanged
           up
           upon
           the
           Cross
           :
           but
           this
           man
           is
           hanged
           indeed
           as
           a
           malefactor
           ,
           but
           he
           hath
           done
           nothing
           worthy
           of
           such
           a
           death
           :
           so
           it
           's
           no
           dishonour
           to
           a
           Christian
           ;
           it
           's
           a
           dishonour
           to
           an
           evil
           doer
           to
           suffer
           ,
           when
           he
           suffers
           for
           his
           evil
           deeds
           ;
           but
           it
           's
           no
           dishonour
           to
           a
           Christian
           ,
           when
           he
           suffers
           as
           a
           Christian
           ,
           and
           there
           's
           no
           just
           cause
           for
           his
           sufferings
           ;
           it
           's
           no
           dishonour
           ,
           but
           it
           's
           rather
           an
           honour
           to
           him
           ;
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             suffer
             as
             a
             Christian
             ,
             let
             him
             not
             be
             ashamed
             :
          
           Ashamed
           !
           he
           hath
           no
           cause
           in
           the
           World
           why
           he
           should
           be
           ashamed
           ;
           let
           men
           deal
           how
           they
           will
           with
           him
           ,
           if
           he
           suffer
           as
           a
           Christian
           :
           though
           others
           seek
           to
           put
           him
           to
           shame
           ,
           he
           may
           despise
           the
           shame
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           did
           ;
           He
           
             indur'd
             the
             Cross
          
           ,
           but
           He
           despised
           the
           shame
           :
           Men
           would
           cast
           shame
           upon
           Him
           ;
           I
           ,
           but
           Christ
           shames
           the
           shame
           ;
           He
           despiseth
           the
           shame
           ;
           He
           puts
           the
           shame
           to
           shame
           .
           Thus
           did
           Christ
           :
           so
           a
           Christian
           ,
           he
           suffering
           as
           a
           Christian
           ,
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Christ
           ,
           he
           hath
           reason
           so
           to
           do
           ;
           to
           shame
           the
           shame
           ,
           to
           despise
           the
           shame
           ,
           to
           scorn
           the
           shame
           ,
           and
           the
           scorns
           that
           are
           cast
           upon
           him
           ;
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             suffer
             as
             a
             Christian
             ,
             let
             him
             not
             be
             ashamed
             ;
             but
             let
             him
             glorifie
             God
             in
             that
             behalf
             ,
             for
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             Glory
             ,
             rests
             upon
             him
             .
          
           And
           so
           did
           the
           Disciples
           ,
           in
           Acts
           5.
           it
           's
           said
           ,
           They
           went
           away
           from
           the
           Counsel
           ,
           where
           they
           had
           been
           beaten
           ,
           and
           reproached
           ;
           
             They
             went
             away
             rejoycing
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             accounted
             worthy
             to
             suffer
             shame
             for
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
          
           ;
           so
           that
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           it
           becomes
           a
           matter
           of
           priviledge
           and
           honour
           to
           suffer
           .
           This
           Comfort
           flowes
           out
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           And
           take
           notice
           of
           that
           remarkable
           passage
           ,
           in
           1
           Phil.
           
           
             To
             you
             it
             is
             given
          
           ;
           given
           as
           a
           gift
           :
           
             To
             you
             it
             is
             given
          
           ;
           —
           what
           is
           given
           ?
           —
           
             Not
             only
             to
             believe
             on
             his
             Name
             ,
             but
             to
             suffer
             for
             his
             sake
             .
          
           To
           you
           it
           is
           given
           ;
           I
           ,
           one
           would
           say
           ;
           a
           goodly
           gift
           indeed
           ,
           to
           have
           suffering
           given
           us
           :
           —
           A
           goodly
           gift
           ;
           O
           ,
           that
           's
           a
           wretched
           spirit
           ,
           to
           undervalue
           this
           gift
           :
           
             To
             you
             it
             is
             given
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             believe
             :
          
           is
           it
           a
           priviledge
           to
           have
           it
           given
           us
           to
           believe
           ,
           to
           beleeve
           unto
           eternal
           life
           and
           salvation
           ?
           I
           ,
           but
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           To
           you
           it
           is
           given
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           beleeve
           ,
           but
           also
           to
           suffer
           :
           This
           is
           the
           gift
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           granted
           unto
           you
           as
           a
           priviledge
           ;
           that
           you
           should
           be
           sufferers
           for
           Christ
           ,
           and
           ingaged
           to
           appear
           in
           his
           Cause
           ,
           and
           for
           his
           Name
           ,
           in
           opposition
           to
           an
           evil
           and
           an
           adulterous
           Generation
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           by
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           understand
           to
           the
           comforting
           ,
           and
           the
           imboldening
           of
           the
           hearts
           that
           Christ
           is
           knowing
           of
           all
           the
           sufferings
           that
           his
           servants
           undergo
           :
           
             Knowing
             of
             them
          
           ,
           is
           that
           all
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           so
           knowing
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           is
           sensible
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           reckons
           them
           his
           own
           sufferings
           ;
           He
           hath
           a
           deep
           sense
           :
           There
           is
           a
           sympathizing
           with
           his
           people
           in
           all
           their
           sufferings
           ;
           if
           the
           foot
           on
           Earth
           be
           trod
           upon
           ,
           the
           Head
           in
           Heaven
           complains
           ;
           
             Saul
             ,
             Saul
             ,
             why
             persecutest
             thou
             me
             ?
             who
             art
             thou
             Lord
             ?
             I
             am
             Jesus
             .
          
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           thou
           canst
           not
           reach
           my
           person
           ,
           me
           as
           the
           head
           ;
           but
           thou
           reachest
           me
           in
           my
           
             members
             ;
             Saul
             ,
             Saul
          
           ,
           why
           dost
           thou
           persecute
           me
           ?
        
         
           And
           then
           consider
           this
           withal
           ,
           That
           by
           a
           well-improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           understand
           ,
           that
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           ,
           they
           make
           way
           for
           Glory
           ;
           having
           conformity
           to
           him
           in
           suffering
           ,
           we
           may
           assure
           our
           
           selves
           ,
           there
           shall
           be
           conformity
           to
           him
           in
           
             Glory
             :
             If
             we
             suffer
             with
             him
             ,
             we
             shall
             also
             reign
             with
             him
          
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ;
           And
           the
           sufferings
           of
           this
           present
           time
           ,
           is
           not
           worthy
           to
           be
           compared
           with
           the
           Glory
           that
           shall
           follow
           .
           So
           that
           now
           ,
           all
           this
           being
           laid
           together
           ,
           we
           may
           well
           conclude
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           worthy
           to
           be
           endeavoured
           after
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           may
           be
           a
           growth
           in
           it
           ;
           because
           it
           doth
           conduce
           so
           much
           to
           a
           comfortable
           ,
           confident
           ,
           couragious
           ,
           and
           bold
           suffering
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XVII
           .
        
         
           EVen
           as
           I
           was
           reading
           this
           Text
           this
           Morning
           ,
           I
           had
           this
           Meditation
           :
           I
           was
           thinking
           how
           often
           this
           Text
           hath
           been
           read
           in
           your
           hearing
           ,
           and
           sounded
           in
           your
           ears
           ;
           and
           is
           it
           not
           good
           for
           us
           (
           you
           and
           me
           )
           to
           consider
           to
           what
           purpose
           it
           hath
           been
           so
           often
           sounded
           ?
           and
           whether
           we
           have
           made
           any
           Improvement
           in
           the
           grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Shall
           the
           Scriptures
           speak
           to
           us
           in
           vain
           ?
           shall
           we
           be
           as
           if
           so
           be
           we
           were
           hearing
           of
           sounding
           brass
           ,
           and
           a
           tinkling
           symbal
           ?
           But
           however
           ,
           thus
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           our
           duty
           ,
           to
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           I
           am
           speaking
           yet
           concerning
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           ought
           to
           be
           a
           growth
           therein
           ;
           and
           you
           have
           heard
           very
           largely
           ,
           what
           convincing
           Arguments
           there
           are
           ,
           why
           you
           should
           labour
           after
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           considering
           how
           beneficial
           this
           Knowledge
           is
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           ,
           to
           those
           that
           have
           it
           .
           I
           shall
           now
           〈◊〉
           to
           something
           further
           that
           remains
           ,
           and
           so
           〈◊〉
           on
           to
           the
           Application
           of
           this
           Point
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           very
           great
           reason
           ,
           why
           Christians
           should
           endeavour
           to
           advance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           order
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           Gospel
           Conversation
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           managed
           with
           beauty
           ,
           and
           with
           boldness
           ,
           to
           the
           credit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           holy
           Profession
           which
           is
           made
           of
           it
           :
           By
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledg
           of
           our
           
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           great
           advantage
           comes
           over
           to
           us
           for
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           here
           you
           are
           to
           consider
           this
           ,
           That
           a
           Christian
           is
           not
           to
           live
           at
           a
           ghess
           ,
           and
           at
           random
           ;
           those
           that
           will
           approve
           themselves
           in
           their
           holy
           Profession
           ,
           must
           see
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           their
           conversations
           be
           well
           ordered
           ;
           it
           is
           
             he
             that
             orders
             his
             conversation
             aright
             ,
             that
             shall
             see
             the
             salvation
             of
             God
          
           ;
           and
           much
           care
           and
           diligence
           is
           to
           be
           used
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           that
           the
           conversation
           may
           be
           ordered
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           come
           to
           have
           the
           comfort
           ,
           and
           joy
           ,
           and
           peace
           at
           last
           :
           They
           that
           walk
           according
           to
           rule
           ,
           Scripture
           rule
           ,
           and
           Scripture
           example
           ,
           they
           are
           the
           persons
           upon
           whom
           there
           shall
           be
           peace
           and
           mercy
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           in
           Gal.
           6.
           
           It
           is
           not
           for
           men
           and
           women
           professing
           Godliness
           ,
           to
           live
           (
           as
           I
           have
           sometimes
           said
           )
           by
           rote
           ,
           but
           to
           live
           and
           walk
           by
           rule
           ,
           and
           by
           warrantable
           example
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           2ly
           .
           I
           offer
           this
           to
           be
           considered
           ,
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           the
           most
           absolute
           pattern
           for
           a
           Christian
           to
           conform
           unto
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           example
           by
           him
           :
           And
           this
           duty
           is
           incumbent
           upon
           all
           that
           will
           approve
           themselves
           in
           Godliness
           ,
           to
           set
           their
           hearts
           upon
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           conformed
           unto
           Christ
           ;
           Believers
           and
           Saints
           are
           predestinated
           to
           have
           a
           conformity
           unto
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           And
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           1
           Ioh.
           2.
           
           
             He
             that
             saith
             he
             abideth
             in
             him
             ought
             himself
             so
             to
             walk
             ,
             even
             as
             Christ
             walked
             .
          
           It
           is
           a
           very
           weighty
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           doth
           very
           much
           concern
           us
           to
           be
           well
           studied
           in
           :
           He
           that
           saith
           he
           abideth
           in
           Christ
           ,
           or
           that
           professeth
           himself
           for
           to
           belong
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           a
           union
           with
           Christ
           ,
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           he
           ought
           to
           walk
           even
           as
           he
           also
           walked
           .
           —
           Now
           ,
           consider
           how
           strongly
           it
           follow
           ,
           upon
           the
           premises
           ,
           That
           therefore
           it
           concerns
           all
           
           that
           will
           approve
           themselves
           in
           their
           Conversation
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           to
           be
           well
           acquainted
           with
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           an
           advance
           in
           that
           Knowledge
           ,
           to
           be
           as
           well
           instructed
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           as
           they
           can
           ;
           —
           Why
           ?
           —
           Why
           because
           it
           is
           he
           who
           is
           the
           Copy
           after
           which
           we
           are
           to
           write
           ,
           the
           pattern
           to
           which
           we
           are
           to
           conform
           ;
           and
           how
           it
           is
           likely
           that
           any
           man
           should
           answer
           the
           Copy
           ,
           write
           congruously
           to
           the
           Copy
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           little
           or
           no
           sight
           and
           knowledge
           of
           ;
           work
           in
           any
           sutableness
           to
           the
           pattern
           ,
           which
           he
           is
           in
           great
           part
           a
           stranger
           to
           .
           This
           then
           is
           the
           business
           that
           we
           should
           mind
           and
           consider
           of
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           a
           well
           regulated
           Conversation
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           a
           pursuance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           particularly
           ,
           that
           we
           know
           the
           manner
           of
           his
           Conversation●…
           If
           so
           be
           that
           we
           would
           walk
           as
           Christ
           walked
           ,
           it
           's
           necessary
           we
           should
           know
           how
           Christ
           walked
           ,
           what
           steps
           he
           trod
           in
           ,
           and
           the
           paths
           wherein
           he
           walked
           .
           And
           this
           I
           shall
           give
           you
           some
           account
           of
           ,
           as
           touching
           the
           life
           and
           conversation
           of
           Christ
           here
           upon
           earth
           .
           In
           the
           general
           ,
           consider
           thus
           .
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           you
           are
           to
           know
           and
           believe
           ,
           That
           Jesus
           Christ
           was
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           though
           the
           World
           knew
           him
           not
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           in
           Ioh.
           1.
           
           
             He
             was
             in
             the
             world
          
           .
           The
           world
           indeed
           would
           not
           know
           not
           take
           knowledge
           of
           him
           ;
           but
           this
           is
           that
           we
           are
           to
           acknowledge
           and
           believe
           ,
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           was
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           lived
           and
           conversed
           here
           among
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           ;
           and
           he
           lived
           such
           a
           life
           as
           was
           most
           exemplary
           ,
           and
           so
           continues
           to
           be
           ;
           and
           he
           hath
           everlastingly
           broken
           the
           force
           of
           such
           an
           argument
           and
           plea
           ,
           as
           poor
           carnal
           wretches
           are
           apt
           to
           make
           in
           their
           own
           behalfs
           ,
           when
           their
           vitious
           ,
           
           corrupt
           ,
           carnal
           ,
           profane
           lives
           are
           tax'd
           ,
           and
           they
           themselves
           are
           censured
           for
           them
           .
           Men
           are
           apt
           to
           plead
           ,
           How
           is
           it
           possible
           that
           we
           should
           live
           otherwise
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           a
           wretched
           world
           ,
           a
           world
           that
           lyes
           in
           wickedness
           ?
           There
           are
           so
           many
           corrupt
           principles
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           examples
           ;
           how
           can
           it
           be
           that
           we
           can
           live
           in
           such
           a
           world
           ,
           and
           live
           as
           we
           ought
           ?
           —
           Why
           this
           Plea
           is
           fully
           broken
           ;
           it
           was
           broken
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           the
           lives
           and
           conversations
           of
           other
           godly
           ones
           ,
           that
           have
           lived
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           world
           .
           —
           The
           world
           was
           stark
           nought
           in
           
           Enoch's
           dayes
           ,
           in
           
           Noah's
           dayes
           ;
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           they
           walk'd
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           they
           ordered
           a
           conversation
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           approved
           themselves
           in
           the
           course
           of
           their
           walking
           .
           —
           The
           world
           was
           very
           bad
           in
           
           Eliah's
           time
           ,
           and
           so
           in
           the
           times
           of
           others
           ;
           yet
           for
           all
           that
           they
           carried
           themselves
           very
           gratiously
           in
           an
           evil
           world
           .
           But
           this
           example
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           that
           that
           breaks
           the
           force
           of
           such
           an
           Argument
           ,
           why
           he
           was
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           yet
           he
           lived
           most
           exactly
           and
           congruously
           to
           the
           whole
           life
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           he
           hath
           taught
           us
           by
           his
           example
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           not
           so
           much
           the
           place
           as
           the
           principle
           that
           we
           are
           to
           mind
           ;
           the
           principle
           and
           the
           constitution
           :
           If
           so
           be
           that
           a
           person
           be
           of
           a
           good
           constitution
           ,
           and
           well
           principled
           ,
           he
           will
           live
           well
           enough
           in
           any
           place
           .
           A
           godly
           person
           will
           be
           godly
           in
           heaven
           among
           Saints
           and
           Angels
           ;
           a
           godly
           person
           that
           is
           truly
           so
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           godly
           on
           earth
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           there
           among
           profane
           persons
           :
           And
           I
           think
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           that
           if
           it
           could
           be
           that
           a
           godly
           man
           were
           in
           Hell
           ,
           he
           would
           shew
           his
           godliness
           there
           ;
           I
           am
           bold
           to
           speak
           it
           ,
           that
           if
           a
           child
           of
           God
           were
           in
           Hell
           ,
           he
           would
           love
           God
           there
           ,
           and
           he
           would
           pray
           there
           .
           I
           remember
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           
           upon
           occasion
           have
           spoken
           to
           that
           purpose
           ,
           That
           Ionah
           when
           he
           was
           in
           his
           own
           apprehension
           cast
           off
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           belly
           of
           Hell
           ,
           as
           one
           in
           the
           very
           belly
           and
           bowels
           of
           Hell
           ;
           yet
           there
           he
           falls
           a
           praying
           ,
           
             Out
             of
             the
             belly
             of
             hell
             cryed
             I.
          
           A
           wicked
           man
           ,
           if
           he
           could
           be
           in
           heaven
           ,
           and
           be
           there
           with
           his
           own
           principles
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           a
           wicked
           man
           there
           ;
           and
           surely
           for
           Hell
           ,
           a
           godly
           man
           would
           be
           a
           godly
           man
           there
           ,
           
             Hell
             changes
             no
             natures
          
           ;
           nor
           indeed
           doth
           heaven
           ,
           upon
           the
           matter
           ,
           Heaven
           doth
           not
           change
           nature
           ;
           Heaven
           it self
           considered
           as
           a
           place
           of
           glory
           ,
           would
           not
           change
           the
           nature
           of
           a
           wicked
           man
           ;
           the
           change
           must
           be
           made
           here
           on
           earth
           .
           Thus
           ,
           now
           having
           propounded
           this
           as
           a
           general
           ,
           That
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           did
           live
           and
           converse
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           —
           but
           what
           account
           is
           there
           to
           be
           given
           of
           his
           life
           ?
           what
           is
           there
           belonging
           to
           a
           well
           improved
           Knowledge
           in
           the
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           of
           Christ
           ?
           To
           give
           you
           a
           brief
           account
           of
           this
           .
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           in
           the
           general
           ,
           The
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           Scripture
           conversation
           .
           The
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           is
           now
           in
           heaven
           ,
           he
           liv'd
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           he
           liv'd
           first
           and
           last
           a
           Scripture
           life
           ;
           and
           this
           I
           speak
           to
           the
           confutation
           of
           the
           faces
           of
           all
           such
           as
           are
           apt
           to
           slight
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           make
           light
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           while
           he
           converst
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           his
           whole
           life
           and
           conversation
           was
           a
           very
           Scriptural
           conversation
           ,
           it
           was
           nothing
           else
           but
           a
           fulfilling
           of
           Scripture
           .
           O
           Beloved
           ,
           consider
           of
           this
           ,
           as
           a
           material
           and
           momentous
           thing
           ,
           That
           the
           whole
           life
           and
           conversation
           of
           Christ
           was
           a
           Scriptural
           conversation
           .
           How
           often
           do
           you
           read
           this
           passage
           ,
           Thus
           and
           thus
           Christ
           did
           ,
           thus
           and
           thus
           it
           was
           ordered
           out
           concerning
           him
           ,
           that
           it
           might
           be
           
           fulfilled
           which
           was
           written
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           .
           You
           read
           this
           now
           ,
           over
           and
           over
           we
           have
           it
           in
           Scriptures
           ;
           thus
           and
           thus
           it
           was
           done
           ,
           that
           it
           might
           be
           fulfilled
           which
           was
           written
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           it
           was
           a
           fulfilling
           of
           Scripture
           :
           There
           was
           never
           a
           Scripture
           in
           all
           the
           Bible
           ,
           which
           Christ
           could
           not
           with
           boldness
           look
           upon
           ,
           and
           did
           not
           most
           fully
           correspond
           with
           ,
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           serious
           matter
           for
           to
           consider
           of
           ;
           I
           give
           a
           touch
           upon
           it
           now
           ,
           I
           may
           have
           occasion
           by
           and
           by
           to
           speak
           something
           to
           such
           a
           purpose
           .
        
         
           It
           were
           very
           good
           for
           us
           to
           consider
           ,
           whether
           we
           are
           able
           to
           look
           the
           Scriptures
           in
           the
           face
           ;
           such
           a
           Text
           ,
           such
           or
           such
           a
           Scripture
           precept
           ,
           such
           or
           such
           a
           Scripture
           example
           ,
           and
           not
           blush
           and
           be
           ashamed
           .
           I
           remember
           (
           and
           so
           may
           you
           )
           when
           the
           Book
           of
           the
           Law
           was
           found
           ,
           and
           brought
           to
           Iosiah
           ,
           and
           he
           heard
           it
           read
           ,
           his
           heart
           melts
           within
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           very
           deeply
           passionate
           and
           he
           mourns
           and
           humbles
           his
           soul
           before
           God
           ,
           to
           think
           of
           the
           incongruity
           that
           was
           between
           the
           Book
           ,
           and
           the
           carriages
           ,
           and
           conversations
           of
           the
           People
           :
           So
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           Beloved
           ,
           consider
           but
           this
           ,
           put
           it
           to
           your
           Consciences
           ;
           Is
           there
           not
           many
           a
           Text
           i●…
           Scripture
           which
           you
           are
           not
           able
           to
           look
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           not
           able
           to
           behold
           with
           any
           boldness
           ?
           You
           have
           not
           the
           boldness
           to
           look
           such
           or
           such
           a
           Text
           in
           the
           face
           .
           —
           As
           now
           your
           Adulterer
           ,
           can
           he
           look
           this
           Text
           in
           the
           face
           ?
           
             Whoremongers
             and
             adulterers
             God
             will
             iudge
          
           ;
           —
           the
           Covetous
           man
           ,
           can
           he
           look
           that
           Text
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           which
           saith
           ,
           The
           Covetous
           man
           ,
           
             he
             is
             an
             idolater
             ,
             he
             shall
             never
             inherit
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ?
             Let
             your
             conversations
             be
             without
             covetousness
             .
          
           Can
           he
           look
           this
           Text
           in
           the
           face
           ?
           —
           The
           Hypocrite
           ,
           the
           formal
           Professor
           ,
           that
           pleaseth
           himself
           
           in
           a
           form
           of
           Godlyness
           ,
           and
           is
           an
           enemy
           to
           the
           power
           of
           Godlyness
           ,
           can
           he
           look
           that
           Text
           in
           the
           face
           ?
           2.
           
           Tim.
           3.
           5.
           
           
             In
             the
             last
             daies
             ,
             perilous
             times
             shall
             come
             ,
             and
             having
             a
             form
             of
             Godlyness
             ,
             but
             denying
             the
             power
             of
             it
             ;
             from
             such
             turn
             aside
             .
          
           —
           —
           The
           sensual
           ,
           licentious
           person
           ,
           can
           he
           look
           this
           Text
           in
           the
           Face
           ?
           
             If
             you
             live
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             you
             shall
             dye
             ;
             but
             if
             ye
             through
             the
             spirit
             ,
             do
             mortifie
             the
             deeds
             of
             the
             body
             ,
             you
             shall
             live
          
           ;
           and
           a
           thousand
           more
           of
           this
           kind
           I
           might
           instance
           in
           .
           O
           Friends
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           serious
           matter
           that
           I
           am
           now
           speaking
           about
           ;
           whether
           we
           can
           look
           the
           Scriptures
           in
           the
           face
           without
           regret
           of
           spirit
           ,
           check
           and
           controul
           of
           Conscience
           .
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           most
           absolute
           pattern
           ,
           he
           could
           do
           so
           ;
           His
           whole
           life
           was
           a
           Scripture-life
           ,
           a
           fulfilling
           of
           Scripture
           :
           there
           was
           never
           a
           Text
           in
           all
           the
           Bible
           ,
           but
           he
           had
           the
           boldness
           to
           look
           it
           in
           the
           face
           .
           This
           is
           that
           that
           is
           to
           be
           known
           concerning
           the
           Life
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           and
           more
           particularly
           ;
           it
           belongs
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           to
           know
           this
           ;
           That
           it
           was
           a
           blameless
           and
           in-offensive
           life
           :
           It
           's
           requir'd
           of
           Beleevers
           ,
           that
           they
           carry
           it
           as
           the
           Sons
           of
           God
           ,
           
             blameless
             and
             harmless
             ,
             without
             rebuke
             :
          
           O
           such
           was
           exactly
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           a
           harmless
           ,
           blameless
           ,
           inoffensive
           life
           :
           He
           never
           gave
           offence
           to
           any
           in
           all
           his
           life
           ,
           and
           he
           was
           very
           carefull
           of
           doing
           it
           ;
           He
           would
           rather
           be
           abridged
           of
           his
           liberty
           and
           priviledge
           ,
           than
           he
           would
           give
           offence
           :
           as
           in
           the
           case
           of
           the
           Tribute
           ;
           
             Simon
             ,
             of
             whom
             do
             the
             Kings
             of
             the
             Earth
             take
             Tribute
             ,
             of
             your
             own
             children
             ,
             or
             strangers
             ?
             Of
             Strangers
             ,
          
           saith
           Peter
           :
           why
           then
           
             I
             am
             free
             from
             the
             Tribute
             ;
             I
             but
             lest
             we
             should
             offend
             them
             ,
          
           go
           thy
           waies
           ,
           and
           take
           such
           a
           course
           ,
           that
           
           there
           may
           be
           a
           payment
           of
           the
           Tribute
           :
           
             Give
             no
             offence
          
           ;
           He
           never
           did
           give
           just
           offence
           ;
           much
           offence
           was
           taken
           at
           him
           ,
           but
           no
           offence
           was
           given
           by
           him
           .
           This
           was
           the
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           2.
           last
           .
           He
           offended
           no
           man
           ,
           gave
           no
           just
           occasion
           of
           offence
           to
           one
           or
           other
           ,
           neither
           to
           Jew
           or
           to
           Gentile
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           convincing
           Life
           :
           His
           Life
           carried
           Life
           in
           it
           :
           as
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           of
           
             John
             ,
             The
             light
             was
             the
             life
             of
             men
             .
          
           O
           ,
           Jesus
           Christ's
           life
           ,
           was
           a
           light
           of
           life
           !
           It
           was
           a
           life
           that
           held
           forth
           light
           in
           it
           ;
           convincing
           the
           World
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           righteousness
           .
           What
           is
           said
           of
           Noah
           and
           his
           Conversation
           ;
           
             he
             condemned
             the
             World
          
           ,
           by
           building
           of
           the
           Ark
           ,
           Heb.
           11.
           
           It
           may
           most
           truly
           be
           said
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           He
           convinc'd
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           condemned
           it
           ,
           by
           his
           gracious
           and
           holy
           Conversation
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Consider
           ,
           The
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           was
           a
           conflicting
           and
           combating
           Conversation
           :
           Conflicting
           ,
           not
           with
           corruption
           within
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           none
           of
           ;
           he
           had
           no
           principles
           of
           sin
           in
           him
           .
           The
           Apostle
           speaks
           of
           himself
           ,
           
             I
             find
             a
             Law
             in
             my
             members
             ,
             rebelling
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             my
             mind
             ,
             leading
             me
             Captive
             .
          
           There
           was
           no
           such
           conflict
           in
           Christ
           ,
           nothing
           of
           sin
           in
           him
           ;
           the
           Prince
           of
           the
           World
           had
           no
           interest
           in
           him
           ,
           so
           that
           he
           was
           free
           of
           that
           conflict
           :
           But
           he
           had
           men
           and
           devils
           to
           conflict
           with
           :
           O
           how
           much
           was
           he
           in
           colluctation
           ,
           and
           strugling
           ,
           and
           wrestling
           ,
           and
           striving
           with
           Principalities
           and
           Powers
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           men
           of
           the
           World
           !
           Jerusalem
           cryed
           out
           ;
           O
           Lord
           ,
           
             Thou
             hast
             made
             me
             a
             man
             of
             Contention
          
           ;
           truly
           ,
           so
           was
           Christ
           ;
           
             I
             am
             not
             come
             to
             send
             peace
             but
             a
             sword
             ;
             Contention
             ,
          
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           the
           most
           peaceable
           
           person
           that
           ever
           was
           in
           the
           World.
           A
           man
           of
           Contention
           ;
           but
           how
           came
           it
           to
           be
           so
           ;
           because
           his
           Doctrine
           and
           Conversation
           was
           so
           cross
           and
           contrary
           to
           a
           wicked
           and
           sinful
           Generation
           :
           Christ's
           life
           was
           a
           conflicting
           life
           ,
           with
           men
           and
           devils
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           Conversation
           ;
           it
           was
           a
           fruitful
           ,
           and
           a
           profitable
           life
           :
           O
           ,
           what
           blessed
           benefit
           and
           profit
           did
           ,
           and
           doth
           come
           over
           unto
           Beleevers
           ,
           by
           the
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           of
           Christ.
           (
           I
           cannot
           insist
           upon
           these
           particulars
           ,
           only
           give
           you
           a
           hint
           of
           them
           .
           )
        
         
           6.
           
           The
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           holy
           ,
           nay
           ,
           a
           heavenly
           Life
           :
           It
           's
           said
           of
           Enoch
           ,
           that
           
             he
             walk'd
             with
             God
          
           ;
           more
           true
           of
           Christ
           :
           The
           Apostle
           saith
           ,
           
             Their
             Conversation
             was
             in
             Heaven
          
           ;
           much
           more
           the
           Conversation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           a
           heavenly
           Conversation
           ;
           He
           liv'd
           ,
           and
           conversed
           with
           God
           from
           day
           to
           day
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           The
           Life
           and
           Conversation
           of
           Christ
           ;
           it
           was
           a
           painful
           and
           laborious
           life
           ;
           a
           life
           of
           labour
           and
           hard
           travel
           ;
           never
           was
           time
           so
           well
           husbanded
           ,
           so
           well
           spent
           ,
           as
           the
           time
           that
           Christ
           had
           to
           spend
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           not
           one
           minute
           of
           it
           runs
           out
           to
           waste
           ;
           he
           went
           about
           continually
           doing
           good
           ,
           preaching
           from
           place
           to
           place
           ;
           spending
           himself
           in
           the
           behalf
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           behoof
           and
           benefit
           of
           poor
           souls
           :
           a
           laborious
           life
           was
           the
           life
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           8.
           
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           praying
           life
           :
           O
           how
           much
           was
           he
           in
           prayer
           and
           supplication
           unto
           God
           ;
           He
           spends
           a
           whole
           night
           in
           prayer
           :
           when
           he
           could
           not
           get
           to
           that
           service
           in
           the
           day
           ,
           he
           would
           be
           sure
           to
           take
           time
           for
           it
           in
           the
           night
           .
           O
           how
           much
           was
           he
           in
           intimate
           conversings
           with
           the
           Father
           in
           the
           way
           of
           prayer
           .
        
         
         
           9.
           
           The
           life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           self-denying
           life
           :
           O
           most
           eminent
           was
           Christ
           for
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           of
           a
           self-denying
           spirit
           ;
           and
           his
           life
           in
           the
           whole
           of
           it
           ,
           a
           self-denying
           life
           ;
           denying
           himself
           ,
           Father
           ,
           not
           what
           I
           will
           ,
           but
           what
           thou
           wilt
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           world-despising
           life
           ;
           when
           they
           would
           come
           by
           sorce
           ,
           and
           make
           him
           a
           King
           ,
           he
           declines
           it
           ,
           and
           withdraws
           himself
           ,
           and
           turns
           his
           back
           upon
           all
           worldly
           preferments
           and
           injoyments
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           was
           a
           God-pleasing
           ,
           and
           honouring
           life
           ;
           He
           pleased
           not
           himself
           ,
           he
           studied
           to
           please
           his
           Father
           ,
           and
           to
           profit
           the
           souls
           of
           his
           people
           :
           He
           was
           for
           God-pleasing
           ,
           and
           manprofiting
           :
           and
           this
           was
           the
           whole
           tenor
           of
           the
           Life
           of
           Christ.
           He
           devoted
           himself
           thus
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           be
           pleasing
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           be
           profitable
           to
           man.
           
        
         
           12.
           
           And
           to
           add
           no
           more
           (
           though
           other
           particulars
           might
           be
           brought
           in
           ;
           )
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           was
           a
           persevering
           life
           ;
           He
           began
           well
           ,
           he
           continued
           well
           ,
           he
           ended
           well
           .
           Paul
           could
           say
           of
           himself
           ,
           
             I
             have
             fought
             a
             good
             fight
             ,
             I
             have
             finished
             my
             course
             ,
             I
             have
             kept
             the
             Faith
          
           ;
           Christ
           could
           say
           it
           more
           than
           any
           man
           ;
           I
           have
           fought
           a
           good
           fight
           ,
           I
           have
           finished
           my
           course
           ,
           I
           have
           kept
           the
           truth
           ;
           I
           have
           kept
           my
           way
           without
           divertion
           ,
           he
           held
           on
           to
           the
           last
           ;
           having
           honoured
           God
           ,
           he
           honoured
           him
           to
           the
           death
           ;
           having
           loved
           God
           and
           his
           people
           ,
           he
           loved
           them
           to
           the
           end
           ;
           having
           ingaged
           to
           glorifie
           God
           ,
           he
           glorified
           him
           to
           the
           last
           ;
           His
           last
           breath
           was
           a
           holy
           breathing
           into
           the
           bosome
           of
           God.
           This
           is
           the
           account
           that
           is
           to
           be
           given
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           consider
           ,
           O
           how
           profitable
           and
           beneficial
           will
           this
           knowledge
           well
           improved
           ,
           be
           unto
           Beleevers
           !
           —
           —
           profitable
           to
           shame
           them
           !
           —
           —
           profitable
           to
           provoke
           their
           imitation
           !
           —
           —
           profitable
           to
           promote
           their
           comfort
           .
        
         
           Profitable
           to
           shame
           them
           :
           Now
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           know
           what
           a
           life
           Christ
           liv'd
           ,
           what
           an
           exemplary
           life
           ,
           what
           an
           even
           thred
           he
           spun
           ,
           what
           a
           webb
           he
           wove
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           come
           to
           consider
           what
           our
           life
           is
           ,
           what
           a
           difference
           between
           Christ's
           life
           and
           our
           life
           ,
           whose
           life
           should
           be
           set
           before
           us
           as
           a
           copy
           to
           write
           after
           :
           O
           how
           will
           this
           cause
           shame
           of
           face
           ,
           sorrow
           of
           heart
           !
           I
           remember
           the
           Lord
           gives
           a
           charge
           to
           the
           Prophet
           Ezek.
           That
           he
           shew
           the
           pattern
           to
           the
           house
           of
           Israel
           ;
           and
           wherefore
           ?
           —
           that
           they
           may
           be
           ashamed
           :
           —
           why
           I
           shew'd
           you
           the
           pattern
           this
           morning
           ,
           of
           the
           Life
           of
           Christ
           :
           and
           truly
           ,
           it
           may
           well
           make
           us
           ashamed
           ,
           —
           to
           think
           Christ
           lived
           in
           the
           World
           a
           Scripture-life
           :
           but
           alas
           ,
           how
           far
           are
           we
           from
           keeping
           conformity
           unto
           Scriptures
           in
           our
           lives
           ?
           —
           He
           lived
           an
           in-offensive
           life
           :
           how
           offensive
           are
           many
           of
           us
           in
           our
           conversations
           and
           carriages
           ,
           laying
           stumbling
           blocks
           in
           the
           way
           ?
           —
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           was
           a
           conflicting
           life
           :
           what
           is
           there
           in
           us
           of
           conflicting
           with
           lusts
           and
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           a
           sinful
           World
           ?
           —
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           a
           convincing
           life
           ,
           a
           condemning
           life
           ;
           convincing
           of
           sin
           ,
           condemning
           of
           sin
           :
           such
           should
           our
           conversations
           be
           .
           But
           alas
           ,
           how
           little
           is
           there
           of
           conformity
           to
           Christ
           ?
           —
           The
           Life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           a
           praying
           life
           ;
           —
           —
           a
           laborious
           life
           ;
           —
           a
           fruitful
           life
           ;
           —
           a
           God-pleasing
           life
           ;
           —
           a
           self-denying
           life
           :
           Alas
           ,
           we
           may
           look
           upon
           the
           pattern
           ,
           and
           be
           ashamed
           to
           behold
           it
           ,
           because
           of
           our
           incongruity
           to
           it
           .
           He
           that
           saith
           he
           
           abides
           in
           Christ
           ,
           ought
           himself
           so
           to
           walk
           ,
           even
           as
           he
           walked
           :
           How
           many
           profess
           to
           have
           an
           abiding
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           yet
           do
           not
           comport
           with
           his
           example
           ,
           and
           conform
           to
           the
           pattern
           that
           he
           hath
           given
           us
           for
           imitation
           ;
           and
           so
           far
           as
           we
           are
           awanting
           to
           this
           copy
           ,
           so
           far
           we
           dishonour
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           are
           awanting
           to
           the
           crediting
           of
           our
           holy
           profession
           :
           O
           ,
           thus
           would
           a
           well
           improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           be
           beneficial
           to
           us
           ,
           to
           the
           humbling
           and
           shaming
           of
           us
           ;
           to
           think
           ,
           such
           was
           Christ
           ,
           but
           how
           unanswerable
           are
           we
           ?
           A
           humble
           Christ
           ,
           a
           holy
           Christ
           ,
           a
           heavenly
           Christ
           ,
           a
           self-denying
           Christ
           ,
           a
           sin-hating
           Christ
           ,
           a
           world-despising
           Christ
           ,
           and
           we
           express
           nothing
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           how
           would
           this
           promote
           to
           duty
           ,
           and
           provoke
           to
           imitation
           ?
           O
           ,
           so
           would
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           life
           well-improved
           ,
           provoke
           our
           imitation
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           set
           to
           it
           with
           diligence
           and
           care
           .
           Did
           Christ
           live
           thus
           ?
           then
           surely
           ,
           it
           concerns
           me
           to
           look
           better
           to
           my
           life
           and
           conversation
           ,
           that
           I
           may
           be
           able
           to
           give
           a
           better
           account
           of
           it
           than
           otherwise
           I
           am
           like
           to
           do
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           to
           promote
           the
           comfort
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           and
           make
           him
           bear
           up
           with
           boldness
           in
           the
           mid'st
           of
           an
           evil
           Generation
           ;
           when
           he
           is
           able
           to
           plead
           ,
           thus
           I
           am
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           tuter'd
           to
           it
           by
           the
           walking
           of
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Now
           ,
           to
           draw
           to
           a
           close
           ;
           The
           last
           thing
           that
           I
           will
           insist
           upon
           ,
           as
           to
           this
           Doctrinal
           part
           ;
           there
           is
           an
           account
           to
           be
           given
           of
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           .
           You
           have
           heard
           of
           his
           Life
           on
           earth
           ;
           but
           there
           is
           belonging
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           to
           consider
           ,
           what
           his
           Life
           in
           Heaven
           is
           :
           For
           this
           we
           are
           to
           know
           ,
           and
           sad
           were
           it
           with
           Saints
           and
           
           Beleevers
           ,
           if
           this
           were
           not
           accounted
           of
           :
           That
           he
           that
           was
           in
           a
           state
           of
           death
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           did
           rise
           again
           ;
           He
           lives
           ,
           and
           is
           alive
           for
           evermore
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           not
           for
           this
           ,
           Christians
           were
           of
           all
           men
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           most
           miserable
           ;
           but
           this
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           of
           himself
           ,
           Rev.
           1.
           18.
           
           
             I
             am
             he
             that
             was
             dead
             ,
             but
             I
             am
             alive
             ;
             and
             behold
             ,
             I
             live
             for
             evermore
             ,
             Amen
             .
             I
             am
             alive
             for
             evermore
             ,
             Amen
             .
          
           And
           this
           he
           held
           forth
           for
           the
           comfort
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           to
           let
           them
           know
           he
           is
           alive
           for
           evermore
           ;
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           To
           see
           to
           the
           accomplishing
           and
           fulfilling
           of
           all
           that
           in
           the
           Revelation
           is
           made
           known
           for
           the
           benefit
           and
           comfort
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           while
           it
           is
           here
           in
           its
           Militant
           state
           ,
           untill
           the
           day
           come
           that
           it
           shall
           be
           together
           with
           him
           ingaged
           in
           everlasting
           Triumphs
           over
           Death
           ,
           and
           Devils
           ,
           and
           Anti-Christ
           ,
           and
           World
           ,
           and
           Sin
           and
           all
           :
           This
           belongs
           unto
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           to
           know
           that
           he
           lives
           :
           —
           And
           what
           's
           his
           Life
           in
           Heaven
           ?
           —
           briefly
           thus
           :
        
         
           First
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Life
           of
           Glory
           ;
           for
           he
           is
           now
           entered
           into
           Glory
           ,
           and
           he
           lives
           in
           the
           fullest
           possession
           of
           all
           the
           Glory
           that
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           Angels
           ,
           and
           Glorified
           Saints
           can
           conferr
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           give
           unto
           him
           :
           He
           hath
           all
           the
           Glory
           that
           Heaven
           can
           bestow
           upon
           him
           .
           The
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           he
           lives
           now
           in
           Glory
           ,
           and
           he
           prayed
           for
           this
           ,
           Father
           ,
           I
           have
           glorified
           thee
           on
           the
           Earth
           ;
           now
           Father
           ,
           glorifie
           thou
           me
           with
           the
           Glory
           which
           I
           had
           with
           thee
           from
           the
           beginning
           .
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           entered
           into
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           clothed
           with
           it
           now
           ;
           He
           is
           clothed
           all
           over
           with
           Majesty
           and
           Glory
           ;
           He
           lives
           in
           Heaven
           now
           a
           life
           of
           Glory
           ,
           and
           so
           hath
           done
           ever
           since
           He
           was
           received
           up
           into
           Heaven
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           His
           life
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Power
           ;
           all
           Power
           is
           given
           to
           him
           ,
           he
           hath
           the
           keys
           of
           Hell
           ,
           of
           Life
           ,
           of
           Death
           ,
           he
           hath
           the
           keys
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           ;
           all
           power
           is
           committed
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           invested
           with
           it
           :
           So
           that
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Power
           ;
           he
           liv'd
           here
           in
           the
           world
           under
           weakness
           ,
           as
           touching
           his
           humanity
           :
           but
           he
           lives
           now
           (
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           )
           though
           he
           was
           crucified
           through
           weakness
           ,
           yet
           he
           lives
           by
           the
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           13.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           then
           ,
           his
           life
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Peace
           ;
           he
           had
           much
           trouble
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           but
           all
           his
           trouble
           is
           over
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           entered
           into
           everlasting
           Peace
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           life
           of
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Rest.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           It
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Joy
           and
           Rejoycing
           :
           O
           ,
           Christ
           is
           at
           Gods
           right
           hand
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           God
           ;
           there
           is
           fulness
           of
           joy
           ,
           and
           pleasure
           for
           evermore
           ;
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           16.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           The
           life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Kingly
           life
           ,
           he
           lives
           in
           the
           state
           of
           a
           King
           ;
           and
           God
           hath
           given
           him
           a
           Name
           above
           every
           name
           ,
           King
           of
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Lord
           of
           Lords
           :
           I
           ,
           and
           know
           this
           ,
        
         
           7.
           
           This
           life
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Knowledge
           and
           Observation
           ;
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           lives
           an
           observing
           life
           ,
           he
           observes
           all
           the
           actions
           and
           transactions
           that
           are
           here
           below
           ,
           he
           knows
           all
           the
           workings
           in
           the
           Nations
           and
           Kings
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           he
           knows
           all
           the
           oppositions
           that
           are
           made
           against
           him
           by
           the
           powers
           here
           below
           ;
           —
           he
           knows
           the
           state
           of
           all
           the
           Churches
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           carriages
           of
           his
           Churches
           and
           People
           ;
           as
           in
           the
           Revelations
           ,
           he
           orders
           to
           all
           the
           Churches
           it
           should
           be
           signified
           ,
           I
           know
           thy
           Works
           ,
           and
           what
           thy
           condition
           and
           state
           is
           .
           Christ
           lives
           a
           life
           of
           Observation
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           And
           he
           lives
           a
           life
           of
           Compassion
           too
           :
           O
           ,
           
           that
           's
           a
           comfortable
           consideration
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           in
           Heaven
           ;
           he
           lives
           a
           life
           of
           Compassion
           ,
           he
           hath
           not
           left
           his
           bowels
           of
           compassion
           here
           behind
           him
           ,
           but
           he
           is
           as
           merciful
           a
           High-Priest
           now
           as
           ever
           he
           was
           ;
           he
           was
           good
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           he
           is
           as
           full
           of
           bowels
           ,
           and
           of
           tender
           love
           to
           his
           poor
           Church
           and
           People
           ,
           now
           he
           is
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           when
           he
           was
           upon
           Earth
           ;
           all
           his
           glory
           in
           Heaven
           shall
           never
           make
           him
           forget
           his
           poor
           suffering
           Members
           here
           on
           earth
           :
           
             Saul
             ,
             Saul
          
           ,
           Why
           persecutest
           thou
           me
           ?
        
         
           9.
           
           The
           life
           of
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Satisfaction
           :
           And
           yet
           withal
           ,
        
         
           10.
           
           It
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Expectation
           ;
           he
           hath
           fullest
           satisfaction
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           injoyments
           at
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           God
           ;
           he
           hath
           sweetest
           satisfaction
           concerning
           all
           the
           travel
           that
           he
           did
           undergo
           ,
           while
           he
           was
           conversant
           here
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           according
           to
           that
           ,
           Isa.
           53.
           
           So
           doth
           Christ
           ;
           he
           now
           in
           Heaven
           looks
           over
           all
           his
           travel
           ,
           he
           considers
           all
           the
           cost
           and
           charge
           that
           he
           was
           at
           to
           redeem
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           he
           thinks
           not
           one
           peny
           too
           much
           that
           he
           hath
           paid
           ;
           (
           to
           speak
           with
           a
           holy
           Reverence
           )
           not
           one
           peny
           of
           all
           the
           payment
           too
           much
           to
           be
           laid
           down
           to
           purchase
           a
           People
           ,
           to
           purchase
           an
           Inheritance
           ;
           he
           doth
           not
           think
           that
           there
           was
           one
           drop
           of
           his
           Blood
           too
           much
           to
           be
           shed
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           redeem
           a
           People
           to
           himself
           ,
           and
           bring
           them
           to
           the
           possession
           of
           an
           eternal
           Inheritance
           :
           And
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           is
           a
           life
           of
           Expectation
           ,
           not
           that
           his
           expectation
           is
           any
           way
           affective
           to
           him
           ,
           doth
           any
           way
           impead
           the
           sweetness
           and
           comfort
           of
           the
           life
           that
           he
           now
           lives
           in
           Glory
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           a
           life
           of
           joyful
           Expectation
           .
           He
           lives
           in
           this
           double
           Expectation
           ;
           —
           
           First
           ,
           till
           all
           his
           enemies
           be
           made
           his
           foot-stool
           .
           —
           He
           lives
           in
           this
           Expectation
           ,
           expecting
           the
           coming
           of
           that
           time
           ,
           when
           all
           his
           Saints
           that
           he
           hath
           redeemed
           from
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           purchased
           with
           his
           Blood
           ,
           be
           in
           his
           hand
           ,
           and
           brought
           to
           Glory
           .
           Now
           ,
           this
           is
           no
           disquieting
           expectation
           ,
           but
           a
           most
           joyful
           expection
           ,
           that
           Christ
           lives
           in
           ,
           to
           see
           the
           utter
           downfal
           of
           all
           his
           enemies
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           them
           under
           his
           feet
           :
           And
           according
           to
           that
           which
           you
           in
           Heb.
           10.
           13.
           saith
           he
           (
           speaking
           concerning
           the
           Priests
           in
           the
           old
           Testament
           
             This
             man
             ,
             after
             he
             had
             offered
             one
             sacrifice
             for
             sins
             for
             ever
             ,
             sate
             down
             on
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             God.
          
           There
           's
           his
           life
           :
           —
           
             from
             henceforth
             expecting
             till
             his
             enemies
             be
             made
             his
             foot-stool
             :
             for
             by
             one
             offering
             he
             hath
             perfected
             for
             ever
             them
             that
             are
             sanctified
             .
          
           This
           is
           now
           one
           part
           of
           Christ's
           Expectation
           ,
           which
           he
           is
           upon
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           That
           all
           his
           enemies
           ,
           be
           they
           who
           they
           will
           ,
           never
           so
           many
           ,
           never
           so
           mighty
           ,
           he
           lives
           in
           the
           expectation
           of
           their
           downfal
           ,
           and
           being
           brought
           under
           his
           feet
           ;
           and
           of
           this
           expectation
           he
           shall
           not
           be
           disappointed
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           no
           ,
           not
           in
           the
           least
           .
           The
           life
           of
           Expectation
           which
           Christ
           doth
           now
           live
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           life
           as
           wherein
           he
           hath
           a
           most
           sweet
           enjoyment
           ;
           he
           knows
           he
           shall
           be
           answered
           in
           this
           Expectation
           of
           his
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           likewise
           his
           expectation
           of
           having
           all
           his
           people
           that
           he
           hath
           purchased
           with
           his
           blood
           ,
           given
           into
           his
           actual
           possession
           :
           He
           prayed
           for
           this
           in
           his
           last
           prayer
           ,
           Father
           ,
           I
           will
           ,
           that
           all
           those
           which
           thou
           hast
           given
           me
           ,
           be
           with
           me
           where
           I
           am
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           see
           my
           glory
           ,
           and
           share
           with
           me
           in
           that
           glory
           which
           is
           to
           be
           had
           in
           heaven
           .
           This
           was
           his
           supplication
           ,
           and
           sutable
           is
           his
           expectation
           ,
           That
           the
           time
           shall
           come
           when
           he
           shall
           have
           all
           his
           Saints
           in
           his
           hand
           ,
           and
           not
           one
           of
           them
           wanting
           .
           Now
           ,
           
           this
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           that
           we
           are
           to
           have
           of
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           in
           heaven
           ;
           —
           a
           life
           of
           Glory
           ,
           —
           a
           life
           of
           Power
           ,
           —
           a
           life
           of
           Peace
           ,
           —
           a
           life
           of
           Rest
           ,
           —
           a
           life
           of
           Joy
           and
           Rejoycing
           ,
           —
           a
           Kingly
           life
           ,
           —
           a
           life
           of
           Observation
           ,
           —
           and
           a
           life
           of
           Satisfaction
           ,
           —
           and
           a
           life
           of
           Expectation
           ;
           such
           is
           the
           life
           that
           Christ
           lives
           .
           Now
           ,
           O
           how
           worthy
           is
           this
           Knowledge
           to
           be
           pursued
           ,
           and
           that
           every
           Believer
           should
           labour
           to
           be
           well
           improved
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           this
           life
           of
           Christ
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           both
           for
           his
           greatest
           incouragement
           and
           comfort
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           that
           Jesus
           who
           died
           ,
           now
           lives
           ,
           and
           lives
           for
           evermore
           in
           Heaven
           :
           —
           That
           he
           is
           now
           in
           power
           ;
           he
           that
           was
           crucified
           through
           weakness
           ,
           he
           lives
           through
           the
           power
           of
           God.
           —
           Why
           ,
           this
           Jesus
           ,
           he
           lives
           now
           in
           the
           fullest
           injoyment
           of
           all
           that
           happiness
           that
           can
           he
           conferred
           upon
           him
           ,
           —
           and
           in
           the
           expectation
           of
           having
           all
           his
           enemies
           subdued
           ,
           —
           and
           all
           his
           People
           brought
           over
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           and
           they
           may
           solace
           themselves
           eternally
           in
           the
           vision
           and
           fruition
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           one
           another
           .
           O
           what
           a
           comfort
           is
           this
           now
           ,
           for
           to
           know
           and
           consider
           of
           :
           It
           was
           the
           joy
           of
           the
           heart
           of
           Iacob
           ,
           and
           made
           the
           old
           mans
           heart
           to
           leap
           within
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           revive
           again
           ,
           to
           hear
           that
           his
           son
           Ioseph
           was
           alive
           ,
           and
           in
           honour
           in
           
           Pharaoh's
           Court.
           O
           how
           much
           more
           joyful
           will
           it
           be
           ,
           to
           the
           rejoycing
           of
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           hath
           set
           his
           love
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           to
           think
           that
           his
           Jesus
           is
           in
           heaven
           at
           God's
           right
           hand
           ,
           in
           the
           possession
           of
           all
           that
           honour
           and
           glory
           which
           heaven
           it self
           can
           confer
           upon
           him
           .
           —
           And
           thus
           ,
           now
           I
           have
           travelled
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           I
           confess
           it
           hath
           been
           somewhat
           a
           long
           journey
           that
           I
           have
           travelled
           in
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           Point
           ,
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           how
           much
           it
           concerns
           Beleevers
           
           to
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           and
           increase
           in
           it
           ,
           considering
           how
           every
           way
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           will
           be
           beneficial
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           grace
           ,
           —
           inabling
           to
           suffer
           ,
           —
           fitting
           for
           Duty
           ,
           —
           and
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           holy
           Conversation
           (
           and
           the
           like
           .
           )
           Now
           ,
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           spoken
           ,
           doth
           issue
           in
           this
           ,
           That
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           a
           Knowledge
           that
           our
           hearts
           should
           be
           exceedingly
           set
           upon
           .
        
         
           Now
           for
           the
           Improvement
           of
           this
           by
           way
           of
           Use
           ,
           I
           shall
           make
           short
           work
           of
           that
           ;
           but
           ,
           O
           that
           you
           would
           but
           weigh
           and
           consider
           what
           hath
           been
           spoken
           in
           so
           many
           Sermons
           that
           I
           have
           preached
           to
           you
           upon
           this
           Doctrine
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           Application
           ,
           I
           shall
           be
           brief
           in
           that
           .
        
         
           Now
           I
           would
           beseech
           you
           ,
           consider
           with
           your selves
           ,
           you
           with
           whom
           I
           have
           to
           deal
           ;
           will
           you
           but
           consider
           with
           your selves
           ,
           whether
           I
           have
           been
           in
           this
           matter
           that
           I
           have
           performed
           ,
           performing
           a
           proper
           Service
           ,
           or
           whether
           I
           have
           not
           in
           your
           account
           been
           imployed
           in
           a
           needless
           work
           ,
           whether
           your
           hearts
           will
           not
           suggest
           such
           a
           thing
           to
           you
           :
           You
           have
           been
           preaching
           to
           us
           concerning
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           what
           have
           you
           told
           us
           that
           we
           knew
           not
           before
           ?
           and
           you
           press
           upon
           us
           that
           we
           should
           endeavour
           a
           growth
           in
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           be
           upon
           our
           improvements
           ;
           but
           alas
           ,
           what
           are
           we
           the
           further
           advanced
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           ?
           So
           that
           now
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           I
           should
           come
           to
           act
           and
           perform
           the
           part
           of
           a
           reprover
           ,
           possibly
           there
           may
           be
           such
           a
           spirit
           found
           ,
           that
           you
           will
           think
           ,
           what
           have
           you
           told
           us
           ?
           we
           knew
           that
           Christ
           took
           upon
           him
           the
           nature
           of
           man
           ,
           and
           he
           came
           into
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           liv'd
           ,
           and
           died
           here
           ,
           and
           was
           crucified
           ,
           and
           buried
           ,
           and
           rose
           again
           ,
           
           and
           ascended
           into
           heaven
           ,
           and
           sits
           at
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           God
           :
           every
           common
           nominal
           Christian
           can
           chatter
           over
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           think
           with
           themselves
           ,
           what
           needs
           all
           this
           ado
           about
           a
           growth
           and
           increase
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           O
           but
           Brethren
           ,
           I
           would
           say
           to
           you
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           in
           a
           like
           case
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           8.
           
           I
           know
           well
           enough
           that
           you
           have
           all
           knowledge
           ;
           I
           ,
           and
           your
           knowledge
           makes
           you
           conceited
           ,
           it
           puffs
           you
           up
           ;
           
             But
             if
             any
             man
             think
             he
             knows
             any
             thing
             ,
             he
             knows
             nothing
             as
             he
             ought
             to
             know
             .
          
           It
           were
           good
           for
           you
           and
           me
           to
           look
           well
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           our
           light
           be
           not
           found
           to
           be
           darkness
           ,
           that
           our
           knowledge
           be
           not
           found
           to
           be
           ignorance
           .
           This
           I
           would
           have
           said
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           clear
           demonstrations
           and
           convincing
           Arguments
           ,
           that
           some
           know
           nothing
           as
           they
           ought
           to
           know
           ;
           —
           others
           that
           do
           know
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           so
           improved
           in
           their
           knowledge
           as
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           .
           I
           tell
           you
           this
           ,
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           for
           of
           a
           truth
           your
           being
           so
           defective
           in
           the
           faith
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           your
           being
           so
           apt
           to
           fluctuate
           ,
           and
           be
           turmoyl'd
           in
           your
           consciences
           ,
           your
           being
           so
           uneven
           in
           your
           walking
           ,
           your
           being
           so
           low
           spirited
           as
           you
           are
           ,
           your
           small
           measures
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           hope
           ,
           and
           confidence
           ,
           and
           boldness
           towards
           God
           ;
           —
           and
           your
           aptness
           to
           be
           startled
           at
           every
           providence
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           foyled
           by
           every
           temptation
           :
           these
           and
           such
           like
           ●…s
           do
           loudly
           speak
           it
           out
           ,
           that
           of
           a
           truth
           you
           ●…t
           know
           Christ
           as
           you
           ought
           to
           know
           him
           ;
           I
           speak
           to
           one
           and
           other
           of
           us
           :
           we
           shall
           find
           ,
           and
           be
           able
           to
           evidence
           it
           ,
           the
           conscience
           will
           be
           convinc'd
           of
           it
           ,
           That
           we
           know
           not
           as
           we
           ought
           to
           know
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           made
           that
           advance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           as
           we
           should
           have
           done
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           thus
           
           and
           thus
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           have
           no
           more
           love
           to
           Christ
           :
           did
           you
           know
           Christ
           as
           you
           ought
           ,
           you
           would
           never
           dote
           upon
           the
           world
           as
           you
           do
           ,
           nor
           be
           so
           inslav'd
           to
           your
           corruptions
           as
           you
           are
           ;
           did
           you
           know
           Christ
           as
           you
           ought
           to
           know
           ,
           you
           would
           live
           more
           honourably
           ,
           and
           more
           to
           the
           credit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           than
           you
           do
           .
           There
           are
           many
           ,
           many
           things
           that
           will
           evidence
           it
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           know
           Christ
           as
           vve
           ought
           to
           knovv
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XVIII
           .
        
         
           HOw
           Righteous
           ,
           yea
           ,
           how
           Gracious
           this
           Requirie
           is
           ,
           That
           believing
           souls
           should
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           hath
           been
           abundantly
           demonstrated
           and
           made
           to
           appear
           unto
           you
           .
           Wisdom
           is
           justified
           of
           her
           children
           ;
           if
           we
           be
           Wisdom's
           children
           ,
           it
           will
           appear
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           must
           ,
           by
           our
           justification
           of
           Wisdoms
           sayings
           ,
           and
           giving
           in
           our
           justification
           ,
           we
           come
           under
           the
           strongest
           obligation
           for
           to
           carry
           it
           in
           a
           sutableness
           unto
           what
           we
           profess
           to
           be
           .
           Now
           ,
           taking
           it
           for
           granted
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           acknowledge
           this
           to
           be
           a
           truth
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           is
           the
           most
           excellent
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           beneficial
           Knowledge
           ;
           this
           Knowledge
           (
           which
           as
           you
           heard
           the
           last
           day
           )
           will
           conduce
           very
           much
           to
           the
           well
           regulating
           of
           a
           Christians
           conversation
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           known
           to
           purpose
           ,
           what
           a
           life
           Christ
           himself
           did
           live
           while
           he
           was
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           —
           what
           a
           life
           Christ
           lives
           now
           he
           is
           in
           Heaven
           ;
           which
           two
           things
           were
           accounted
           to
           you
           at
           large
           in
           several
           particulars
           .
           That
           which
           now
           remains
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           is
           to
           make
           application
           of
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           said
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           press
           on
           after
           the
           improving
           of
           this
           Doctrine
           .
        
         
           Something
           in
           the
           very
           close
           of
           the
           last
           Exercise
           was
           spoken
           to
           you
           .
           May
           I
           now
           without
           any
           check
           from
           within
           ,
           appear
           among
           you
           this
           Morning
           ,
           as
           a
           reprover
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           accounted
           needlesly
           and
           causlesly
           to
           pick
           a
           quarrel
           .
           I
           remember
           
           what
           David
           said
           to
           his
           quarrelsom
           Brother
           ,
           upon
           occasion
           of
           his
           coming
           unto
           the
           Camp
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           inquiring
           what
           would
           be
           done
           to
           the
           man
           that
           should
           slay
           the
           Philistine
           :
           He
           replies
           to
           his
           quarrelling
           Brother
           ;
           What
           have
           I
           done
           ,
           is
           there
           not
           a
           cause
           ?
           So
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           there
           should
           be
           any
           inward
           secret
           quarrel
           at
           what
           shall
           be
           spoken
           ,
           in
           way
           of
           reproof
           and
           blame
           ,
           I
           would
           speak
           as
           .
           David
           did
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Is
           there
           not
           a
           cause
           ?
        
         
           The
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           unquestionably
           ,
           and
           undeniably
           ,
           pretious
           Knowledge
           ,
           —
           excellent
           Knowledge
           ,
           —
           profitable
           and
           beneficial
           Knowledge
           :
           but
           ,
           is
           it
           prized
           ?
           is
           it
           pursued
           ?
           will
           our
           Consciences
           bear
           us
           witness
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           upon
           our
           endeavours
           after
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           advance
           and
           improve
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           answer
           the
           duty
           of
           this
           Text
           ,
           which
           makes
           this
           charge
           upon
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           grow
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ?
           
             If
             our
             hearts
             condemn
             us
             ,
             God
             is
             greater
             than
             our
             hearts
             ,
             and
             he
             knows
             all
             things
             .
          
           Is
           there
           not
           a
           Conscience
           within
           us
           that
           can
           witness
           against
           us
           ,
           that
           this
           pretious
           Knowledge
           it
           was
           never
           very
           pretious
           unto
           us
           ?
           This
           Knowledge
           did
           never
           come
           to
           be
           pleasant
           to
           our
           souls
           ;
           so
           pleasant
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           could
           say
           with
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           We
           account
           all
           things
           but
           loss
           and
           dung
           for
           the
           excellency
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           May
           it
           not
           ,
           without
           breaking
           the
           bounds
           of
           charity
           ,
           be
           thought
           and
           judged
           that
           there
           are
           many
           ,
           yea
           ,
           very
           many
           ,
           that
           profess
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           would
           be
           in
           account
           for
           Godliness
           ,
           that
           know
           little
           or
           nothing
           ,
           and
           nothing
           at
           all
           to
           any
           purpose
           concerning
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           at
           all
           troubled
           at
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           so
           unacquainted
           with
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           
           Jesus
           Christ
           ?
           And
           are
           there
           not
           such
           as
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           they
           know
           as
           much
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           need
           to
           be
           known
           ;
           and
           so
           there
           is
           no
           cause
           why
           they
           should
           much
           trouble
           themselves
           with
           such
           a
           busisiness
           as
           this
           ,
           for
           to
           be
           solicitous
           about
           the
           knowing
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           I
           would
           speak
           this
           Morning
           in
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Discourse
           ,
           to
           two
           sorts
           of
           persons
           .
        
         
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           to
           such
           (
           if
           such
           there
           be
           among
           us
           ,
           possibly
           there
           may
           be
           some
           such
           ,
           though
           I
           hope
           not
           altogether
           so
           many
           )
           that
           are
           strangers
           unto
           any
           true
           saving
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           peradventure
           they
           have
           some
           common
           notions
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           can
           (
           as
           I
           said
           )
           patter
           over
           a
           form
           of
           words
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             I
             believe
             in
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             his
             only
             Son
             our
             Lord
             ,
             which
             was
             conceived
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             born
             of
             the
             Virgin
          
           Mary
           ,
           
             and
             suffered
             under
          
           Pontius
           Pilate
           ,
           
             and
             was
             crucified
             ,
             dead
             and
             buried
             ,
             and
             rose
             again
             the
             third
             day
             ,
             and
             ascended
             into
             heaven
             ,
             and
             sits
             on
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             God
          
           ;
           they
           can
           patter
           over
           such
           a
           form
           of
           words
           ,
           but
           to
           little
           or
           no
           purpose
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           matter
           are
           as
           blind
           as
           Beetles
           ,
           as
           Batts
           ;
           see
           nothing
           ,
           understand
           nothing
           to
           purpose
           concerning
           the
           Mysterie
           ,
           
             Which
             is
             Christ
             in
             his
             People
             ,
             the
             hope
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           O
           that
           there
           were
           not
           such
           to
           be
           found
           ,
           as
           setting
           aside
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           they
           have
           heard
           of
           such
           a
           name
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           by
           common
           fame
           and
           report
           ,
           but
           know
           no
           more
           of
           Christ
           than
           the
           very
           Heathens
           ,
           and
           Pagans
           ,
           and
           those
           that
           never
           were
           within
           the
           line
           of
           Gospel
           Communication
           :
           I
           am
           verily
           perswaded
           that
           there
           are
           such
           to
           be
           found
           within
           the
           territories
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           that
           can
           give
           no
           more
           account
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           that
           concern
           him
           ,
           than
           the
           
           grossest
           Heathens
           that
           ever
           were
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           excepting
           common
           fame
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           report
           that
           's
           taken
           up
           ,
           which
           they
           can
           give
           no
           good
           account
           of
           in
           all
           the
           world
           ;
           and
           so
           truly
           ,
           such
           persons
           may
           be
           sent
           to
           School
           to
           the
           Devil
           (
           but
           that
           he
           doth
           not
           keep
           a
           School
           for
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           )
           but
           is
           a
           desperate
           enemy
           to
           it
           ;
           but
           otherwise
           ,
           as
           touching
           the
           ability
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           damned
           Spirits
           ,
           truly
           there
           are
           many
           ,
           I
           ,
           many
           might
           be
           sent
           to
           School
           to
           the
           Devil
           to
           learn
           of
           him
           :
           understand
           me
           aright
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           as
           touching
           his
           ability
           ,
           for
           he
           is
           notionally
           ,
           and
           apprehensively
           ,
           and
           indeed
           by
           a
           necessity
           ,
           he
           is
           very
           much
           knowing
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           the
           Devils
           are
           :
           
             We
             know
             thee
             who
             thou
             art
             ,
             even
             the
             holy
             one
             of
             God.
          
           This
           was
           the
           profession
           that
           the
           Devils
           made
           ;
           they
           did
           know
           him
           when
           he
           was
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           do
           know
           now
           what
           he
           is
           ,
           and
           what
           account
           is
           to
           be
           given
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           will
           appear
           to
           their
           everlasting
           confusion
           and
           condemnation
           .
           Thus
           it
           is
           ,
           these
           persons
           are
           in
           no
           condition
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           for
           they
           have
           not
           so
           much
           as
           the
           first
           grounds
           and
           principles
           of
           that
           Knowledge
           ,
           but
           rude
           and
           raw
           ,
           and
           altogether
           unseen
           in
           those
           Mysteries
           that
           concern
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           It
           is
           somewhat
           strange
           ,
           that
           persons
           living
           in
           a
           Land
           of
           light
           ,
           and
           of
           Gospel-discovery
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           any
           found
           under
           such
           gross
           darkness
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           too
           true
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           too
           many
           in
           that
           condition
           .
           I
           have
           read
           ,
           and
           you
           have
           heard
           it
           accounted
           to
           you
           (
           it
           hath
           been
           both
           by
           my self
           ,
           and
           by
           other
           hands
           )
           by
           a
           learned
           Divine
           ,
           of
           an
           antient
           man
           ,
           that
           lived
           for
           forty
           years
           under
           a
           powerful
           constant
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           yet
           when
           he
           came
           to
           lye
           upon
           his
           death-bed
           ,
           and
           was
           examined
           concerning
           
           his
           Knowledge
           (
           truly
           it
           would
           make
           ones
           heart
           to
           tremble
           to
           give
           the
           account
           )
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           final
           estate
           :
           I
           forbear
           to
           give
           you
           the
           answers
           which
           were
           made
           .
           —
           If
           so
           be
           that
           we
           should
           deal
           with
           some
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           some
           of
           long
           standing
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           take
           a
           course
           to
           catechize
           and
           examine
           what
           they
           know
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           of
           his
           Person
           ,
           of
           his
           Natures
           ,
           of
           his
           Offices
           and
           Administrations
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Sufferings
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           present
           state
           of
           Glory
           ;
           it
           may
           be
           we
           should
           find
           an
           utter
           inability
           to
           give
           any
           tollerable
           account
           of
           these
           things
           .
           —
           Now
           ,
           will
           you
           but
           consider
           a
           little
           what
           follows
           upon
           this
           ,
           what
           the
           Judgment
           is
           that
           is
           to
           be
           made
           concerning
           such
           ,
           how
           sad
           their
           condition
           is
           ,
           that
           are
           unacquainted
           with
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           Suppose
           they
           have
           any
           Knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           either
           by
           nature
           ,
           or
           by
           common
           illumination
           ,
           by
           what
           way
           soever
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           not
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           truly
           whatever
           they
           know
           of
           God
           ,
           will
           never
           turn
           to
           their
           comfort
           ,
           and
           benefit
           ,
           and
           advantage
           ,
           but
           rather
           prove
           their
           torment
           :
           He
           that
           sinneth
           ,
           and
           abideth
           not
           in
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Christ
           ,
           hath
           not
           God
           ;
           whatsoever
           Knowledge
           he
           may
           have
           of
           him
           ,
           God
           he
           hath
           not
           ,
           and
           that
           Knowledge
           will
           prove
           his
           torment
           ;
           whatsoever
           a
           man
           may
           know
           of
           the
           infinite
           Being
           ,
           the
           glorious
           Majesty
           of
           his
           infinite
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           God-head
           ;
           whatsoever
           Knowledge
           he
           hath
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           the
           torment
           of
           the
           Soul
           at
           last
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           there
           be
           not
           a
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           I
           offer
           this
           to
           be
           considered
           of
           ,
           How
           can
           such
           believe
           ?
           
             How
             shall
             they
             believe
             on
             him
             of
             whom
             they
             have
             not
             heard
             ,
          
           and
           whom
           they
           have
           not
           known
           ?
           
           And
           if
           there
           be
           no
           believing
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           salvation
           ;
           for
           he
           that
           believeth
           not
           shall
           be
           damned
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           How
           can
           they
           love
           him
           ?
           How
           can
           they
           love
           Christ
           ,
           that
           know
           not
           Christ
           ?
           And
           what
           a
           dreadful
           sentence
           is
           gone
           out
           against
           them
           that
           love
           not
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           16.
           
           
             Them
             that
             love
             not
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             let
             them
             be
             Anathema
             ,
             Maranatha
             ,
          
           accursed
           .
           The
           Lord
           will
           come
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           How
           can
           they
           repent
           that
           know
           not
           Christ
           ?
           There
           can
           be
           no
           true
           right
           repentance
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           not
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           that
           brings
           the
           heart
           over
           to
           repentance
           :
           The
           Soul
           will
           never
           come
           to
           repent
           with
           a
           repentance
           unto
           life
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           there
           be
           not
           an
           apprehension
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           :
           —
           And
           then
           consider
           the
           danger
           ;
           except
           we
           repent
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           perish
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           How
           apt
           are
           such
           to
           rise
           up
           in
           opposition
           to
           God
           ,
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           wayes
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           know
           him
           not
           ?
           Observe
           that
           Scripture
           ,
           1
           Ioh.
           16.
           
           The
           time
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           they
           will
           excommunicate
           you
           ,
           cast
           you
           out
           of
           their
           Synagogues
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           kill
           you
           shall
           think
           they
           do
           God
           service
           in
           so
           doing
           .
           —
           And
           why
           ?
           —
           because
           they
           know
           neither
           the
           Father
           nor
           me
           ;
           they
           know
           not
           me
           nor
           my
           Father
           ,
           and
           therefore
           they
           will
           do
           these
           things
           to
           you
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           will
           think
           they
           do
           God
           very
           good
           service
           .
           This
           is
           the
           mischief
           that
           follows
           upon
           the
           ignorance
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           Consider
           this
           ,
           That
           sad
           speech
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           14.
           
           If
           our
           Gospel
           be
           hid
           ,
           and
           Christ
           who
           is
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           why
           then
           the
           Gospel
           is
           hid
           to
           them
           that
           are
           lost
           ;
           in
           whom
           the
           God
           of
           
           this
           world
           hath
           blinded
           the
           minds
           of
           them
           that
           believe
           not
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           I
           argue
           thus
           ,
           If
           it
           be
           as
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           ,
           eternal
           life
           to
           know
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           and
           him
           whom
           he
           hath
           sent
           ,
           Jesus
           Christ
           our
           Lord
           ,
           Ioh.
           17.
           why
           then
           it
           follows
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           This
           is
           eternal
           death
           to
           be
           ignorant
           of
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           whom
           he
           hath
           sent
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           And
           then
           I
           add
           further
           ,
           That
           this
           will
           be
           the
           aggravation
           of
           the
           guilt
           of
           such
           persons
           as
           minded
           not
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           never
           set
           their
           hearts
           to
           seek
           after
           it
           ;
           this
           will
           be
           the
           aggravation
           ,
           That
           light
           did
           come
           into
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           love
           darkness
           rather
           than
           light
           ;
           that
           there
           was
           a
           blessed
           beaming
           out
           of
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           God
           in
           the
           face
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           yet
           no
           regard
           at
           all
           unto
           that
           Knowledge
           ,
           nor
           no
           improvement
           of
           those
           means
           whereby
           that
           knowledge
           might
           be
           attained
           :
           This
           will
           be
           the
           condemnation
           ,
           and
           the
           aggravating
           of
           the
           guilt
           ,
           and
           the
           strengthening
           of
           the
           condemnation
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           I
           add
           yet
           further
           ,
           That
           such
           persons
           as
           are
           awanting
           to
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           especially
           in
           a
           day
           wherein
           this
           Knowledge
           may
           be
           had
           and
           attained
           :
           I
           say
           this
           ;
           such
           persons
           ,
           they
           lye
           open
           to
           a
           dreadful
           stroke
           of
           judgment
           in
           this
           world
           ;
           according
           to
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           14.
           
           
             If
             any
             man
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             ignorant
             .
          
           It
           runs
           in
           the
           same
           form
           and
           frame
           with
           that
           dreadful
           passage
           ,
           in
           Rev.
           22.
           
           
             Him
             that
             is
             unjust
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             unjust
             still
             ;
             let
             him
             that
             is
             filthy
             ,
             be
             filthy
             still
             .
          
           This
           is
           spoken
           ,
           not
           in
           an
           approving
           way
           ,
           but
           in
           a
           judicial
           way
           ;
           Let
           them
           that
           are
           filthy
           ,
           be
           filthy
           still
           :
           And
           I
           have
           had
           occasion
           lately
           to
           speak
           upon
           this
           Scripture
           ,
           that
           this
           Judgment
           is
           now
           in
           execution
           
           amain
           at
           this
           very
           day
           ;
           That
           they
           that
           have
           been
           unjust
           ,
           and
           formal
           ,
           and
           hypocritical
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           own
           the
           holy
           wayes
           of
           God
           when
           they
           were
           discovered
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           clearly
           made
           known
           ,
           but
           dote
           upon
           their
           own
           fancies
           ;
           Judgment
           is
           gone
           out
           upon
           them
           ,
           let
           them
           be
           filthy
           still
           ,
           let
           them
           be
           vain
           ,
           and
           formal
           ,
           and
           superstitious
           ,
           and
           what
           not
           ;
           and
           let
           them
           so
           live
           ,
           and
           so
           die
           .
           So
           in
           this
           form
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           out
           the
           Judgment
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             be
             ignorant
          
           ;
           one
           that
           lives
           under
           the
           means
           of
           light
           and
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           having
           a
           price
           in
           his
           hand
           to
           get
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           hath
           no
           heart
           to
           it
           ,
           doth
           not
           care
           for
           the
           commodity
           ,
           hath
           it
           not
           in
           any
           due
           esteem
           ;
           he
           would
           rather
           be
           acquainted
           with
           the
           mysteries
           of
           a
           Trade
           ,
           than
           with
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           ;
           be
           more
           acquainted
           with
           the
           politicks
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           than
           with
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           so
           sets
           light
           by
           this
           Knowledge
           ;
           that
           Judgment
           ,
           such
           are
           in
           danger
           to
           have
           it
           go
           out
           against
           them
           .
           
             If
             any
             man
             be
             ignorant
          
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           mind
           to
           be
           ignorant
           ,
           and
           his
           heart
           is
           not
           touched
           with
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           nor
           his
           affections
           doth
           not
           move
           and
           stir
           within
           him
           after
           that
           knowledge
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           come
           to
           be
           made
           partaker
           of
           it
           ;
           
             If
             any
             man
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             ignorant
             ,
          
           let
           him
           go
           on
           in
           his
           blindness
           ,
           let
           the
           Devil
           blindfold
           him
           ,
           and
           hood-wink
           him
           ;
           he
           will
           not
           see
           ,
           he
           shall
           not
           see
           till
           he
           come
           to
           see
           in
           a
           judicial
           way
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           I
           close
           up
           this
           branch
           of
           the
           Discourse
           thus
           :
           Think
           but
           this
           ,
           and
           let
           this
           be
           seriously
           considered
           of
           ,
           by
           all
           that
           neglect
           the
           good
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           set
           their
           hearts
           upon
           it
           ,
           are
           not
           carryed
           out
           in
           desire
           after
           an
           advance
           in
           it
           .
           The
           day
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           they
           that
           will
           not
           know
           Christ
           
           now
           ,
           care
           not
           to
           be
           acquainted
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           ;
           the
           day
           will
           come
           when
           Christ
           will
           know
           them
           ,
           I
           ,
           but
           so
           as
           that
           he
           will
           not
           know
           them
           .
           Here
           's
           a
           paradox
           ,
           but
           yet
           it
           is
           a
           truth
           ;
           the
           day
           will
           come
           when
           Christ
           will
           know
           them
           ,
           so
           as
           never
           to
           know
           them
           to
           all
           eternity
           ;
           he
           will
           know
           them
           with
           a
           knowledge
           of
           apprehension
           ,
           in
           a
           judicial
           way
           ;
           he
           will
           know
           them
           to
           have
           been
           such
           as
           cared
           not
           to
           know
           him
           ;
           he
           will
           know
           them
           to
           have
           been
           such
           as
           never
           set
           their
           hearts
           upon
           this
           good
           knowledge
           ,
           this
           excellent
           beneficial
           knowledge
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           be
           partakers
           of
           ;
           he
           will
           know
           them
           to
           be
           such
           as
           have
           neglected
           all
           those
           blessed
           means
           which
           have
           been
           afforded
           to
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           come
           to
           advance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           —
           I
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           know
           them
           so
           as
           not
           to
           know
           them
           ,
           and
           profess
           unto
           them
           ,
           
             Depart
             from
             me
             ye
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             ,
             I
             never
             knew
             you
             :
          
           you
           would
           not
           know
           me
           ,
           you
           would
           not
           know
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           my
           Kingdom
           :
           I
           do
           declare
           here
           before
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           I
           never
           knew
           you
           ,
           nor
           I
           never
           will
           ,
           I
           will
           never
           know
           you
           ,
           not
           to
           the
           days
           of
           eternity
           ;
           I
           never
           did
           know
           you
           ,
           I
           never
           will
           know
           you
           ,
           depart
           from
           me
           ye
           workers
           of
           iniquity
           .
           Let
           these
           things
           be
           considered
           which
           I
           have
           thus
           spoken
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           such
           as
           do
           not
           mind
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           
        
         
           But
           now
           2ly
           .
           And
           it
           may
           be
           this
           may
           more
           concern
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           Auditory
           .
        
         
           But
           before
           I
           come
           to
           that
           ,
           some
           may
           be
           apt
           to
           say
           ;
           O
           ,
           but
           I
           hope
           we
           are
           without
           the
           reach
           of
           this
           lash
           ,
           for
           we
           do
           know
           ,
           we
           know
           Christ
           ,
           and
           we
           can
           give
           an
           account
           of
           Christ
           ;
           many
           are
           apt
           to
           think
           thus
           ,
           and
           to
           fancy
           thus
           with
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           good
           Proficients
           in
           this
           Knowledge
           :
           But
           
           I
           say
           ,
           take
           heed
           that
           the
           light
           that
           is
           in
           us
           be
           not
           darkness
           ,
           and
           the
           knowledge
           that
           is
           in
           us
           be
           not
           found
           to
           be
           ignorance
           .
           —
           What
           knowledge
           is
           it
           ?
           —
           It
           may
           be
           a
           formal
           ,
           notional
           knowledge
           (
           as
           I
           spake
           before
           )
           many
           they
           can
           clatter
           over
           a
           form
           of
           words
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           they
           can
           say
           their
           Belief
           from
           one
           end
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           not
           miss
           a
           word
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           all
           their
           Religion
           ,
           they
           understand
           nothing
           of
           what
           they
           say
           ;
           they
           have
           gotten
           a
           form
           of
           words
           setled
           upon
           their
           memories
           ,
           but
           alas
           ,
           they
           understand
           nothing
           of
           what
           they
           say
           .
           But
           I
           shall
           speak
           more
           to
           that
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           second
           way
           that
           this
           reproof
           goes
           ,
           and
           this
           complaint
           ,
           it
           looks
           upon
           the
           faces
           of
           persons
           concerning
           whom
           there
           is
           better
           hope
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           know
           ,
           and
           know
           to
           some
           good
           purpose
           ,
           and
           yet
           not
           know
           to
           such
           a
           degree
           as
           they
           ought
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           culpable
           as
           not
           answering
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           which
           requires
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           You
           may
           be
           able
           to
           make
           a
           Judgment
           ,
           by
           the
           things
           that
           have
           been
           so
           largely
           handled
           in
           the
           Doctrinal
           part
           of
           this
           Text
           :
           Much
           hath
           been
           spoken
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           my
           line
           would
           reach
           to
           ,
           concerning
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           And
           here
           now
           is
           this
           to
           consider
           of
           ,
           whether
           we
           be
           not
           deserving
           blame
           upon
           this
           account
           ,
           that
           though
           we
           know
           something
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           something
           to
           good
           purpose
           ,
           in
           the
           saving
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ;
           yet
           we
           have
           not
           set
           our
           hearts
           to
           make
           the
           advance
           in
           this
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           that
           progress
           ,
           and
           to
           come
           to
           such
           a
           measure
           and
           degree
           in
           knowledge
           as
           we
           ought
           and
           might
           have
           done
           ,
           according
           to
           time
           and
           means
           ;
           and
           truly
           I
           think
           that
           there
           is
           none
           of
           us
           ,
           but
           we
           may
           find
           this
           cause
           to
           complain
           ,
           
           Ah
           ,
           sweet
           Saviour
           ,
           how
           little
           do
           I
           know
           of
           thee
           ?
           I
           remember
           how
           that
           holy
           Agur
           doth
           bemoan
           himself
           ,
           even
           upon
           such
           a
           like
           account
           ,
           Prov.
           30.
           
           
             Surely
             I
             am
             more
             bruitish
             than
             any
             man
             ,
             I
             have
             not
             the
             understanding
             of
             a
             man
             ;
             I
             neither
             learned
             wisdom
             ,
             nor
             have
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             holy
             :
          
           Thus
           he
           bemoans
           himself
           .
           O
           ,
           surely
           ,
           surely
           ,
           we
           may
           most
           complain
           and
           say
           ,
           O
           sweet
           Saviour
           ,
           how
           little
           a
           matter
           do
           I
           know
           of
           thee
           ?
           Some
           little
           smatterings
           there
           are
           ,
           but
           alas
           ,
           it
           's
           nothing
           to
           what
           might
           be
           known
           and
           apprehended
           concerning
           thee
           .
        
         
           And
           what
           's
           the
           fruit
           of
           this
           ,
           That
           Believers
           ,
           holy
           Persons
           ,
           such
           as
           have
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           in
           truth
           ,
           have
           not
           more
           advance
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           :
           what
           are
           the
           consequences
           ?
           and
           truly
           the
           consequences
           are
           the
           evidences
           that
           there
           is
           not
           that
           advance
           ,
           and
           that
           growth
           in
           this
           holy
           Knowledge
           .
           How
           sad
           are
           the
           consequences
           that
           Christians
           know
           no
           more
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           not
           more
           insighted
           in
           the
           Mysteries
           concerning
           Christ.
           
        
         
           1.
           
           Whence
           it
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           That
           we
           advance
           no
           more
           in
           faith
           ;
           for
           undoubtedly
           ,
           if
           we
           grow
           more
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           we
           should
           grow
           more
           in
           Faith
           :
           Did
           we
           but
           more
           clearly
           apprehend
           and
           understand
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           what
           a
           curious
           cast
           there
           is
           in
           the
           business
           of
           salvation
           ,
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           did
           we
           but
           more
           clearly
           understand
           ,
           and
           apprehend
           ,
           and
           know
           the
           continuance
           of
           that
           Mysterie
           ,
           it
           would
           most
           largely
           contribute
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           a
           Beleevers
           faith
           ;
           and
           the
           unbelief
           would
           fall
           flat
           down
           on
           its
           face
           before
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           it
           were
           but
           duly
           improved
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Again
           ,
           This
           is
           the
           consequence
           :
           We
           love
           the
           
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           with
           a
           poor
           inconsiderable
           degree
           of
           love
           .
           —
           Why
           ?
           Because
           we
           know
           but
           little
           ,
           little
           of
           his
           excellencies
           ,
           little
           of
           that
           pretiousness
           that
           is
           inhim
           ;
           and
           as
           our
           knowledge
           is
           ,
           so
           will
           our
           love
           be
           ;
           much
           knowledge
           ,
           much
           love
           ;
           little
           knowledge
           ,
           little
           love
           :
           Surely
           ,
           if
           we
           had
           but
           more
           through
           acquaintance
           with
           Christ
           ,
           we
           should
           come
           to
           have
           our
           hearts
           more
           fired
           with
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ;
           our
           hearts
           would
           burn
           within
           us
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           that
           we
           had
           but
           more
           intimate
           acquaintance
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           had
           but
           a
           more
           clear
           understanding
           of
           the
           Mysteries
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           And
           so
           for
           Desire
           .
           O
           ,
           if
           so
           be
           there
           were
           but
           that
           advance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           our
           desires
           would
           sparkle
           and
           flame
           out
           most
           strongly
           after
           this
           desirable
           Christ.
           When
           the
           Spouse
           had
           informed
           the
           Daughters
           of
           Ierusalem
           what
           a
           choice
           one
           ,
           what
           an
           incomparable
           one
           he
           was
           ,
           then
           they
           cry
           out
           ,
           O
           thou
           fairest
           among
           Women
           ,
           tell
           us
           whither
           thy
           Beloved
           is
           gone
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           seek
           him
           with
           thee
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Whence
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           so
           much
           straightheartedness
           to
           the
           pretious
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           prize
           them
           more
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           set
           our
           hearts
           more
           upon
           them
           ?
           —
           That
           great
           priviledge
           of
           Justification
           ,
           —
           of
           Adoption
           ,
           —
           of
           access
           to
           God
           —
           of
           acceptance
           with
           God
           ,
           —
           and
           that
           God
           should
           not
           be
           ashamed
           to
           be
           called
           our
           God
           (
           to
           which
           I
           spake
           the
           last
           day
           .
           )
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           we
           be
           not
           taken
           more
           with
           holy
           admirings
           of
           these
           great
           and
           glorious
           priviledges
           ,
           but
           because
           we
           are
           not
           more
           insighted
           in
           the
           Mysterie
           of
           the
           Gospel
           concerning
           Christ.
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           we
           do
           not
           make
           more
           account
           of
           Justification
           ,
           forgiveness
           of
           sins
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           most
           pretious
           mercy
           ?
           We
           do
           not
           
           know
           Christ
           as
           we
           should
           ,
           and
           what
           it
           cost
           him
           to
           bring
           over
           to
           us
           the
           forgiveness
           of
           our
           sins
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           we
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           be
           tampering
           with
           that
           accursed
           thing
           ,
           with
           sin
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           be
           upon
           complyance
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           upon
           gratifications
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           lusts
           of
           it
           ?
           We
           know
           not
           Christ
           ;
           did
           we
           know
           Christ
           ,
           what
           he
           suffered
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           satisfie
           the
           Justice
           of
           God
           for
           the
           sins
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           what
           soul-conflicts
           he
           had
           ,
           and
           how
           he
           was
           pressed
           under
           the
           burden
           of
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           deliver
           his
           People
           from
           the
           everlasting
           Curse
           and
           Condemnation
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           us
           fear
           and
           tremble
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           how
           ever
           we
           deal
           with
           that
           accursed
           thing
           ,
           and
           throw
           away
           that
           bloody
           knife
           that
           cut
           the
           very
           throat
           ,
           and
           stabb'd
           the
           very
           heart
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           6.
           
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           we
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           be
           meddling
           with
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           apt
           to
           have
           our
           hearts
           set
           upon
           these
           beggerly
           vanities
           here
           below
           ?
           Whence
           is
           it
           ,
           but
           because
           we
           know
           not
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           as
           we
           ought
           to
           know
           ?
           Did
           we
           but
           know
           what
           a
           pretious
           Christ
           he
           was
           ,
           we
           would
           set
           light
           by
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           account
           nothing
           of
           it
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           poor
           souls
           are
           so
           apt
           to
           be
           tossed
           with
           every
           wind
           of
           Temptation
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           unsetled
           upon
           every
           occasion
           ,
           as
           touching
           their
           peace
           and
           inward
           comfort
           ,
           but
           because
           they
           are
           very
           short
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           concerning
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           riches
           of
           Grace
           that
           discovers
           it self
           in
           him
           ?
           As
           ,
           let
           the
           guile
           be
           what
           it
           can
           be
           that
           may
           be
           represented
           to
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           the
           Conscience
           may
           yet
           upon
           the
           true
           knowledge
           and
           apprehension
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           
           God
           in
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           bear
           up
           with
           boldness
           ,
           and
           make
           a
           challenge
           unto
           men
           and
           devils
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Who
           shall
           lay
           any
           thing
           unto
           our
           charge
           ,
           when
           we
           know
           that
           concerning
           Christ
           ,
           concerning
           his
           Death
           ,
           concerning
           the
           merit
           of
           his
           Sacrifice
           ,
           concerning
           his
           Acceptance
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           concerning
           his
           pleading
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           his
           People
           at
           his
           Father's
           right
           hand
           ?
           We
           have
           that
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           that
           we
           bear
           up
           with
           glorious
           confidence
           ,
           and
           with
           blessed
           boldness
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           not
           afraid
           to
           look
           men
           and
           devils
           in
           the
           face
           ;
           we
           know
           who
           it
           is
           that
           is
           once
           for
           all
           entred
           into
           the
           holy
           place
           that
           is
           not
           made
           with
           hands
           ,
           and
           appears
           before
           God
           in
           heaven
           ,
           representing
           the
           merit
           of
           his
           Sacrifice
           ;
           and
           for
           our
           parts
           we
           now
           can
           triumph
           with
           a
           holy
           boldness
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Who
           shall
           lay
           any
           thing
           to
           our
           charge
           ?
           We
           have
           no
           conscience
           of
           sin
           ;
           though
           we
           make
           conscience
           of
           sinning
           ,
           yet
           we
           have
           no
           conscience
           to
           charge
           against
           us
           :
           O
           this
           would
           be
           our
           fruit
           of
           the
           well
           advanced
           and
           improved
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           
        
         
           These
           things
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           would
           be
           considered
           of
           by
           us
           ;
           and
           to
           close
           up
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Discourse
           ,
           I
           have
           only
           this
           to
           say
           ,
           That
           if
           so
           be
           that
           any
           of
           us
           do
           think
           in
           our
           consciences
           that
           we
           deserve
           to
           come
           under
           this
           lash
           of
           reproof
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           Complaint
           may
           be
           justly
           taken
           up
           against
           us
           ,
           That
           we
           have
           not
           so
           minded
           as
           we
           ought
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           set
           our
           endeavours
           as
           we
           should
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           grow
           in
           this
           knowledge
           .
           Then
           to
           close
           up
           all
           (
           for
           I
           would
           willingly
           give
           a
           dispatch
           to
           this
           part
           of
           the
           Text
           )
           I
           would
           only
           speak
           a
           few
           words
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Exhortation
           ;
           and
           I
           would
           thus
           perswade
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
        
         
           That
           as
           it
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           so
           it
           may
           be
           
           the
           matter
           of
           your
           practice
           for
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           And
           here
           you
           must
           consider
           ,
           that
           this
           knowledge
           ,
           as
           also
           the
           Grace
           that
           God
           gives
           ,
           so
           the
           knowledge
           that
           you
           may
           have
           ,
           and
           are
           to
           have
           of
           Christ
           ,
           it
           comes
           not
           in
           all
           at
           once
           .
           Shall
           I
           express
           my self
           thus
           if
           it
           may
           not
           be
           too
           low
           for
           the
           Argument
           :
           )
           The
           Lord
           ,
           in
           managing
           of
           his
           Trade
           with
           his
           People
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           deal
           by
           whole-sale
           ,
           but
           rather
           by
           retale
           ;
           he
           doth
           parcel
           out
           ,
           and
           give
           by
           parcels
           ,
           dispences
           by
           parcels
           ;
           now
           a
           little
           ,
           and
           then
           a
           little
           ;
           now
           a
           little
           Grace
           ,
           then
           a
           little
           more
           ;
           now
           a
           little
           light
           ,
           and
           then
           a
           little
           further
           improvement
           :
           The
           Sun
           ,
           it
           gives
           not
           out
           its
           full
           light
           at
           once
           ;
           so
           Christ
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           that
           there
           is
           a
           growth
           in
           Grace
           ,
           and
           a
           growth
           in
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           So
           then
           ,
           reckon
           upon
           it
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           so
           we
           know
           but
           in
           part
           ,
           and
           prophesie
           but
           in
           part
           ;
           and
           we
           are
           not
           comprehensaries
           ,
           we
           come
           not
           to
           the
           full
           of
           that
           which
           is
           to
           be
           known
           ;
           press
           on
           ,
           and
           after
           ,
           and
           increase
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ.
           I
           need
           no
           other
           Arguments
           than
           vvhat
           have
           been
           already
           presented
           to
           you
           in
           the
           Doctrinal
           part
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           the
           most
           excellent
           Knovvledge
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           the
           most
           beneficial
           Knovvledge
           in
           all
           respects
           ,
           according
           to
           vvhat
           hath
           been
           accounted
           to
           you
           .
           Novv
           ,
           there
           are
           but
           these
           three
           things
           ,
           vvhich
           I
           shall
           dispatch
           in
           fevv
           vvords
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           I
           vvould
           have
           you
           to
           consider
           ,
           vvhat
           knovvledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           it
           is
           that
           you
           are
           to
           grovv
           in
           ;
           not
           a
           notional
           knovvledge
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           in
           that
           ,
           so
           as
           you
           should
           rest
           in
           a
           bare
           notional
           knovvledge
           ,
           and
           a
           form
           of
           knovvledge
           ;
           but
           you
           must
           knovv
           this
           ,
           That
           the
           Knovvledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           
           Jesus
           ,
           vvhich
           you
           are
           to
           endeavour
           a
           grovvth
           in
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           spiritual
           Knowledge
           ,
           an
           inward
           spiritual
           Knowledge
           ,
           a
           heart
           Knowledge
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           a
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           after
           the
           flesh
           ,
           no
           ,
           not
           in
           that
           sense
           which
           the
           Apostle
           may
           mean
           in
           the
           second
           of
           the
           
             Corinthians
             ,
             We
             have
             known
             Christ
             after
             the
             flesh
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           they
           knew
           him
           ,
           and
           they
           knew
           him
           so
           as
           to
           see
           him
           with
           their
           bodily
           eyes
           ;
           't
           is
           not
           this
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           :
           though
           ,
           if
           you
           have
           this
           spiritual
           Knowledge
           ,
           you
           will
           in
           due
           time
           have
           this
           knowledge
           and
           sight
           of
           him
           ;
           
             but
             now
             we
             know
             Christ
             no
             more
             so
          
           (
           as
           he
           saith
           there
           .
           )
           Though
           we
           have
           known
           Christ
           after
           the
           flesh
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           known
           to
           the
           Disciples
           when
           he
           was
           here
           in
           the
           state
           of
           humiliation
           ,
           and
           conversant
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           
             We
             have
             known
             Christ
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             but
             henceforth
             know
             we
             him
             so
             no
             more
             :
          
           Nor
           is
           it
           any
           carnal
           Knowledge
           ,
           but
           to
           increase
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Mysterie
           ,
           which
           is
           
             Christ
             in
             you
             ,
             the
             hope
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           You
           should
           labour
           to
           increase
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           him
           ,
           which
           answers
           his
           Constitution
           ,
           who
           was
           made
           a
           Priest
           ,
           Prophet
           and
           King
           ;
           not
           after
           the
           Law
           of
           a
           carnal
           Commandment
           ,
           but
           after
           the
           power
           of
           an
           endless
           life
           ;
           as
           in
           Heb.
           7.
           
        
         
           You
           are
           to
           endeavour
           increase
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           confiding
           knowledge
           ,
           —
           and
           a
           conforming
           Knovvledge
           ;
           —
           such
           a
           knovvledge
           of
           him
           as
           is
           a
           fiducial
           knovvledge
           ,
           —
           such
           a
           knovvledge
           ,
           as
           that
           by
           knovving
           him
           ,
           to
           come
           to
           be
           more
           and
           more
           inabled
           to
           rest
           and
           rely
           upon
           him
           ;
           that
           you
           can
           say
           ,
           I
           knovv
           so
           much
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           I
           can
           sit
           dovvn
           and
           look
           no
           further
           ;
           I
           have
           enough
           ,
           I
           have
           the
           desire
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           here
           I
           can
           boldly
           trust
           ,
           here
           I
           can
           fix
           and
           stay
           ,
           vvithout
           any
           
           misgivings
           ;
           I
           know
           this
           foundation
           is
           strong
           enough
           to
           bear
           up
           the
           whole
           weight
           of
           my
           soul.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           you
           are
           to
           indeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           that
           Knowledge
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           conforming
           knowledge
           ,
           that
           knowledge
           by
           which
           you
           come
           to
           be
           molded
           into
           a
           conformity
           to
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           so
           as
           what
           you
           know
           of
           his
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Meekness
           ,
           and
           Patience
           ,
           and
           Humility
           ,
           and
           Heavenly
           mindedness
           ,
           you
           know
           him
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           you
           come
           to
           grow
           up
           into
           conformity
           to
           him
           :
           This
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           ,
           or
           else
           your
           light
           will
           be
           darkness
           ,
           and
           your
           knowledge
           will
           be
           found
           to
           be
           ignorance
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           I
           press
           upon
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           would
           endeavour
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           Now
           ,
           what
           especially
           of
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           would
           you
           have
           us
           to
           grow
           in
           ?
           —
           I
           'll
           only
           mention
           two
           things
           briefly
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           you
           would
           labour
           to
           grow
           more
           and
           more
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           infinite
           fulness
           ,
           and
           sufficiency
           ,
           and
           power
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           know
           what
           a
           powerful
           Christ
           he
           is
           ,
           what
           an
           able
           Christ
           he
           is
           ,
           how
           able
           to
           do
           exceeding
           abundantly
           above
           all
           you
           ask
           or
           think
           .
           I
           reremember
           it
           was
           the
           blessing
           of
           Judah
           ,
           that
           his
           hand
           should
           be
           sufficient
           for
           him
           ,
           Deut.
           33.
           
           Christ
           is
           the
           head
           of
           Judah
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           Lord
           of
           
           Judah's
           Tribe
           ;
           and
           to
           be
           sure
           this
           blessing
           rests
           upon
           his
           head
           ,
           his
           hand
           shall
           be
           sufficient
           for
           him
           ,
           to
           remove
           Mountains
           ,
           to
           break
           gates
           of
           brass
           ,
           to
           cut
           in
           sunder
           bars
           of
           iron
           ;
           he
           is
           able
           to
           do
           all
           that
           concerns
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           every
           Saint
           that
           belongs
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Father
           hath
           given
           him
           ;
           he
           is
           present
           to
           go
           through
           his
           work
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           not
           leave
           any
           part
           nor
           parcel
           of
           it
           undone
           .
           O
           this
           is
           pretious
           
           knowledge
           ,
           which
           we
           should
           endeavour
           to
           advance
           in
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           come
           to
           be
           more
           full
           in
           the
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           fulness
           of
           sufficiency
           ,
           of
           the
           power
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           that
           whatsoever
           work
           lyes
           upon
           his
           hand
           to
           perform
           ,
           he
           will
           be
           found
           all-sufficient
           to
           accomplish
           and
           bring
           to
           pass
           ;
           he
           is
           sufficient
           to
           present
           all
           that
           the
           Father
           hath
           given
           him
           ,
           without
           spot
           and
           blame
           ,
           before
           the
           presence
           of
           his
           Glory
           ,
           with
           exceeding
           joy
           ;
           and
           though
           there
           be
           the
           power
           of
           Devils
           ,
           and
           World
           ,
           and
           Corruption
           ,
           that
           may
           labour
           for
           to
           wrest
           a
           soul
           out
           of
           the
           hands
           of
           Christ
           ,
           why
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             None
             shall
             be
             ever
             able
             to
             pluck
             them
             out
             of
             my
             hands
             .
          
           And
           then
           ,
        
         
           2ly
           .
           That
           you
           would
           know
           the
           singular
           eminency
           of
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           love
           that
           passes
           knowledge
           .
           And
           the
           Apostle
           presses
           this
           upon
           us
           ,
           in
           Eph.
           3.
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           bow
           my
           knees
           ,
           &c.
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           comprehend
           with
           all
           Saints
           ,
           the
           heights
           ,
           and
           depths
           ,
           and
           breadths
           ,
           and
           lengths
           .
           —
           And
           what
           do
           these
           dimensions
           refer
           to
           ?
           —
           Why
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             That
             you
             may
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             that
             passeth
             knowledge
          
           ;
           that
           you
           may
           know
           it
           in
           the
           height
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           depths
           ,
           in
           the
           breadths
           ,
           in
           the
           lengths
           of
           it
           .
           O
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           Knowledge
           that
           I
           would
           have
           you
           increase
           and
           grow
           in
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           come
           to
           be
           filled
           with
           all
           the
           fulness
           of
           God.
           O
           this
           love
           is
           such
           a
           love
           as
           we
           can
           never
           know
           enough
           of
           ,
           That
           Christ
           hath
           such
           love
           to
           his
           Father
           ,
           as
           to
           comply
           with
           his
           designs
           concerning
           a
           sinful
           World
           ;
           —
           and
           that
           he
           should
           bear
           such
           love
           to
           a
           company
           of
           vile
           wretches
           ,
           ugly
           ,
           defiled
           ,
           loathsom
           creatures
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           not
           stick
           at
           the
           laying
           down
           of
           his
           Life
           ,
           and
           shedding
           his
           Blood
           to
           save
           them
           from
           eternal
           vengeance
           .
           O
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           study
           this
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           comprehend
           the
           height
           ,
           
           and
           depth
           ,
           and
           length
           ,
           and
           breadth
           of
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           passes
           Knowledge
           ,
           and
           then
           shall
           you
           come
           to
           be
           filled
           with
           all
           the
           fulness
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           I
           have
           only
           this
           one
           thing
           further
           :
           —
           But
           what
           shall
           we
           do
           to
           grow
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ?
        
         
           First
           ,
           When
           you
           have
           improved
           well
           ;
           
             To
             him
             that
             hath
             shall
             be
             given
             .
          
        
         
           Labour
           to
           be
           more
           humble
           :
           If
           you
           be
           of
           meek
           and
           humble
           frames
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           swell
           with
           notions
           ,
           truly
           Christ
           will
           delight
           to
           communicate
           more
           of
           his
           Knowledge
           to
           you
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           love
           him
           more
           :
           If
           you
           would
           love
           him
           more
           ,
           you
           should
           know
           him
           more
           ;
           as
           knowledge
           will
           help
           to
           increase
           love
           ,
           so
           love
           to
           Christ
           upon
           what
           we
           do
           know
           ,
           will
           contribute
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           our
           Knowledge
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           what
           you
           do
           know
           ,
           make
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           practice
           it
           ,
           and
           labour
           to
           keep
           in
           an
           obediential
           frame
           :
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             do
             his
             will
             ,
             he
             shall
             know
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           And
           then
           you
           must
           pray
           for
           this
           Knowledge
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           would
           open
           the
           eyes
           of
           your
           understanding
           :
           
             I
             am
             a
             stranger
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             O
             hide
             not
             thy
             Commandments
             from
             me
             .
          
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           the
           whole
           Scriptures
           ,
           they
           testifie
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           if
           you
           would
           know
           much
           of
           Christ
           ,
           be
           much
           in
           the
           study
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           .
           There
           are
           two
           Scriptures
           ,
           which
           I
           would
           (
           not
           in
           the
           least
           to
           take
           you
           off
           from
           the
           searching
           into
           others
           )
           have
           persons
           to
           be
           well
           studied
           in
           ,
           to
           desire
           to
           advance
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           Christ
           :
           —
           There
           is
           first
           ,
           the
           Song
           of
           Solomon
           ,
           —
           and
           the
           Book
           of
           the
           Revelations
           .
           The
           Song
           of
           Solomon
           :
           The
           studying
           of
           that
           Book
           ,
           will
           much
           promote
           your
           knowledge
           in
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           when
           you
           shall
           come
           to
           see
           what
           a
           
           spirit
           breaths
           in
           that
           blessed
           Book
           ,
           that
           Song
           of
           Songs
           ,
           what
           a
           spirit
           of
           love
           doth
           breath
           there
           ;
           you
           will
           come
           to
           know
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           how
           dear
           he
           is
           over
           his
           Spouse
           ,
           over
           his
           Children
           ,
           over
           all
           that
           are
           given
           to
           him
           :
           O
           how
           he
           delights
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           hold
           converse
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           how
           he
           can
           over-look
           their
           spots
           and
           blemishes
           ,
           and
           look
           upon
           them
           as
           fair
           ,
           and
           having
           no
           spot
           in
           them
           .
           It
           is
           admirable
           to
           consider
           what
           endeavours
           there
           are
           on
           the
           part
           of
           Christ
           over
           his
           beloved
           Spouse
           :
           that
           Book
           well
           studied
           ,
           will
           promote
           your
           Knowledge
           in
           the
           love
           of
           Christ.
           —
           And
           then
           ,
           the
           Book
           of
           the
           Revelations
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Scripture
           that
           is
           given
           us
           for
           pretious
           purposes
           ;
           and
           being
           well
           studied
           ,
           it
           will
           contribute
           much
           to
           the
           advancing
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           ,
           of
           his
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           Greatness
           .
           There
           we
           come
           to
           have
           discoveries
           made
           to
           us
           ,
           of
           what
           Enemies
           he
           hath
           ,
           —
           and
           what
           Victories
           he
           shall
           get
           ,
           —
           and
           what
           triumphs
           he
           shall
           maintain
           ,
           —
           and
           what
           glory
           shall
           be
           setled
           upon
           him
           ,
           —
           and
           what
           injoyments
           there
           shall
           be
           between
           him
           and
           the
           Bride
           in
           due
           time
           ;
           and
           we
           shall
           come
           to
           understand
           more
           fully
           what
           blessed
           days
           ,
           Sun-shine
           days
           ,
           days
           of
           light
           and
           liberty
           ,
           of
           joy
           and
           comfort
           ,
           when
           tears
           shall
           be
           wiped
           away
           from
           the
           eyes
           of
           his
           poor
           mourners
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           come
           to
           Zion
           with
           everlasting
           joy
           ,
           and
           sorrow
           and
           mourning
           shall
           flee
           away
           .
        
         
           And
           so
           I
           have
           done
           with
           this
           Knowledge
           .
           Now
           ,
           the
           Lord
           make
           you
           wise
           to
           consider
           ,
           and
           give
           us
           hearts
           to
           set
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           answer
           our
           duty
           according
           to
           the
           charge
           in
           the
           Text.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           SERM.
           XIX
           .
        
         
           
             2
             PET.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             To
             him
             be
             Glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           HAving
           spent
           several
           years
           in
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           Chapter
           ;
           and
           having
           in
           the
           former
           Exercise
           ,
           been
           driving
           at
           this
           ,
           That
           there
           may
           be
           a
           growing
           in
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           I
           am
           now
           to
           issue
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           spoken
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           Text
           now
           guides
           me
           to
           ,
           in
           a
           Doxologie
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           an
           honourable
           acknowledgment
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           as
           a
           Person
           unto
           whom
           Glory
           is
           most
           righteously
           to
           be
           ascribed
           .
           Thus
           the
           words
           signifie
           to
           us
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           sound
           of
           them
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Words
           of
           pretious
           import
           ,
           words
           of
           common
           use
           .
           It
           were
           much
           to
           be
           wished
           ,
           both
           for
           Ministers
           and
           Christians
           ,
           that
           are
           upon
           the
           frequent
           usage
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           very
           carefully
           lookt
           unto
           ,
           that
           while
           we
           keep
           a
           form
           of
           words
           ,
           and
           hold
           up
           a
           form
           of
           words
           ,
           and
           make
           use
           of
           them
           in
           ordinary
           course
           ,
           we
           be
           not
           awanting
           to
           that
           which
           is
           imported
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           lose
           not
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           while
           we
           hold
           forth
           the
           Letter
           .
        
         
           
             To
             him
             be
             Glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           And
           there
           is
           infinite
           cause
           ,
           that
           when
           these
           words
           sound
           in
           our
           ears
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           most
           free
           to
           say
           our
           Amen
           unto
           them
           ;
           a
           sweet
           close
           of
           a
           sacred
           and
           
           saving
           piece
           of
           Scripture
           :
           And
           truly
           it
           is
           well
           becoming
           men
           and
           women
           professing
           godliness
           ,
           for
           to
           be
           most
           cordial
           unto
           the
           uttering
           and
           expressing
           of
           this
           language
           ,
           the
           language
           of
           the
           Text.
           
        
         
           'T
           is
           a
           becoming
           close
           for
           every
           Sermon
           that
           's
           Preacht
           ,
           for
           every
           Prayer
           that
           is
           made
           ,
           for
           every
           Duty
           performed
           ,
           for
           every
           Mercy
           that
           's
           received
           ,
           and
           for
           all
           that
           's
           testified
           of
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           to
           issue
           all
           thus
           ;
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             ,
             Amen
             .
          
           We
           have
           the
           Letter
           ;
           the
           great
           matter
           is
           ,
           to
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           lose
           not
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           we
           be
           not
           (
           as
           I
           said
           )
           in
           the
           usage
           of
           a
           form
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           be
           strangers
           to
           the
           Power
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           some
           difference
           as
           to
           words
           ,
           and
           phrase
           ,
           and
           form
           of
           expression
           ,
           between
           this
           Doxologie
           ,
           and
           some
           others
           that
           we
           meet
           withal
           in
           holy
           Writ
           .
           The
           Apostle
           Paul
           ,
           in
           his
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Romans
           ,
           he
           forms
           the
           Doxologie
           thus
           ,
           Chap.
           16.
           25.
           
           
             To
             him
             that
             is
             of
             power
             to
             establish
             you
             ,
             according
             to
             my
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             the
             preaching
             of
             Iesus
             Christ.
             To
             God
             only
             wise
             ,
             be
             glory
             ,
             through
             Iesus
             Christ
             for
             ever
             ,
             Amen
             .
          
           —
           In
           Eph.
           3.
           we
           have
           the
           Doxologie
           formed
           thus
           :
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             that
             is
             able
             to
             do
             exceeding
             abundantly
             above
             all
             that
             we
             ask
             or
             think
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             power
             that
             worketh
             in
             us
             ,
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             in
             the
             Church
             by
             Christ
             Iesus
             ,
             throughout
             all
             ages
             ,
             world
             without
             end
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           In
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           we
           have
           the
           Doxologie
           formed
           thus
           :
           
             Now
             unto
             the
             king
             eternal
             ,
             immortal
             ,
             invisible
             ,
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             ,
             be
             honour
             and
             glory
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           In
           the
           Epistle
           of
           Iude
           ,
           we
           have
           the
           Doxologie
           formed
           thus
           :
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             that
             is
             able
             to
             keep
             you
             from
             falling
             ,
             and
             to
             present
             you
             faultless
             before
             the
             presence
             of
             his
             glory
             with
             exceeding
             joy
             :
             To
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             be
             glory
             ,
             and
             majesty
             ,
             dominion
             and
             power
             ,
             now
             and
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           —
           And
           in
           the
           Text
           thus
           :
           
           
             To
             him
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             To
             him
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           These
           are
           the
           Scripture
           Doxologies
           (
           some
           of
           them
           )
           which
           I
           have
           now
           referr'd
           you
           to
           :
           And
           you
           may
           observe
           ,
           there
           is
           something
           of
           variation
           in
           words
           and
           terms
           ;
           and
           whereas
           in
           the
           other
           Doxologies
           ,
           the
           glory
           is
           ascribed
           and
           voted
           up
           unto
           God
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           in
           the
           Churches
           ,
           here
           the
           Doxologie
           is
           made
           to
           refer
           unto
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           and
           so
           the
           Apostle
           carries
           it
           in
           reference
           unto
           Christ.
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           You
           must
           not
           think
           that
           Peter
           was
           more
           devoted
           to
           the
           promoting
           of
           the
           honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           than
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           nor
           that
           he
           doth
           exclude
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           the
           eternal
           Father
           ,
           and
           the
           eternal
           Spirit
           ,
           from
           out
           of
           the
           bounds
           of
           this
           Doxologie
           :
           —
           or
           that
           he
           hath
           not
           an
           holy
           aim
           at
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           at
           the
           Glory
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           second
           Person
           ;
           no
           ,
           nothing
           less
           than
           so
           .
           The
           truth
           is
           ,
           no
           man
           can
           honour
           the
           Son
           ,
           but
           in
           honouring
           him
           he
           honours
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Spirit
           too
           ;
           no
           person
           can
           give
           glory
           to
           Christ
           ,
           but
           he
           must
           give
           glory
           to
           the
           Father
           and
           to
           the
           Spirit
           too
           :
           but
           the
           wisdom
           of
           the
           Spirit
           appears
           in
           this
           ,
           and
           his
           direction
           ,
           that
           sometimes
           the
           Doxologie
           should
           in
           terms
           be
           referred
           unto
           God
           ,
           Father
           ,
           Son
           ,
           and
           holy
           Spirit
           ;
           sometimes
           it
           should
           be
           so
           formed
           ,
           as
           to
           have
           a
           reference
           unto
           the
           second
           Person
           ,
           considered
           as
           Mediator
           ;
           and
           so
           in
           the
           Text
           :
           —
           And
           there
           may
           be
           some
           reason
           why
           the
           Apostle
           Peter
           should
           refer
           this
           Doxologie
           unto
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           not
           mentioning
           in
           terms
           ,
           the
           Father
           ,
           or
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           putting
           it
           in
           the
           ordinary
           form
           ;
           
             To
             God
             only
             wise
          
           ,
           
           
             To
             the
             great
             God
             ,
             be
             glory
             for
             ever
             .
          
           But
           thus
           ;
           
             To
             him
          
           ,
           who
           is
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
           There
           may
           be
           this
           apprehension
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           Peter
           minding
           and
           remembring
           the
           great
           disservice
           that
           he
           had
           done
           to
           Christ
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           under
           his
           abasing
           ,
           and
           what
           dishonour
           was
           done
           to
           him
           by
           his
           threefold
           shameful
           denying
           of
           him
           ;
           he
           would
           now
           leave
           the
           best
           Testimony
           behind
           him
           that
           he
           could
           ,
           of
           his
           devotedness
           to
           the
           exalting
           of
           his
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           he
           would
           leave
           the
           best
           Testimony
           to
           all
           Posterity
           that
           he
           could
           :
           And
           so
           in
           this
           Epistle
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           closing
           Doxologie
           ,
           he
           makes
           mention
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           voting
           and
           wishing
           up
           ,
           making
           this
           application
           to
           him
           ,
           praying
           this
           ,
           and
           wishing
           this
           ,
           and
           voting
           this
           unto
           him
           ,
           that
           Glory
           may
           be
           unto
           him
           ,
           both
           now
           and
           for
           ever
           ,
           Amen
           .
           And
           so
           you
           have
           this
           more
           general
           account
           concerning
           these
           words
           .
        
         
           Where
           you
           have
           some
           matter
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
          
           :
           To
           him
           ;
           to
           whom
           ?
           To
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ.
           To
           him
           be
           Glory
           ;
           a
           Duty
           ,
           or
           a
           Vote
           ,
           an
           Apprecation
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           praying
           unto
           him
           .
           A
           fit
           word
           to
           be
           used
           ,
           the
           sense
           whereof
           ,
           is
           as
           I
           say
           ,
           an
           Apprecation
           ,
           a
           praying
           up
           to
           Christ
           ,
           a
           praying
           over
           to
           Christ
           ,
           a
           voting
           over
           to
           Christ
           ;
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
          
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Apprecation
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           there
           is
           the
           Time
           ;
           To
           him
           be
           Glory
           ,
           Now
           :
           Now
           let
           him
           have
           Glory
           ,
           now
           while
           there
           is
           time
           ,
           while
           time
           continues
           ,
           and
           as
           long
           as
           there
           is
           any
           time
           ;
           as
           long
           as
           there
           is
           a
           Now
           ,
           as
           long
           as
           we
           can
           say
           Now
           ,
           why
           so
           long
           let
           glory
           be
           to
           him
           :
           To
           him
           be
           glory
           Now
           ,
           now
           in
           this
           present
           time
           ,
           and
           as
           long
           as
           time
           shall
           continue
           ,
           as
           long
           as
           there
           is
           
           but
           a
           nick
           of
           time
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           but
           a
           Now
           of
           time
           ,
           one
           now
           ,
           even
           now
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           present
           time
           ,
           be
           glory
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           ,
           
             For
             ever
          
           ;
           not
           now
           only
           ,
           but
           let
           it
           ,
           be
           for
           ever
           ;
           let
           it
           be
           a
           standing
           business
           ,
           let
           there
           be
           acknowledgment
           of
           honour
           and
           glory
           to
           Christ
           :
           Now
           ;
           I
           ,
           
             and
             when
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             more
             time
             ,
          
           even
           in
           Eternity
           ,
           let
           there
           be
           an
           acknowledgment
           of
           Glory
           to
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           
             Now
             ,
             and
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           in
           the
           Original
           it
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           unto
           the
           day
           of
           Eternity
           .
           Now
           ,
           and
           unto
           the
           day
           of
           Eternity
           ,
           to
           him
           be
           Glory
           ;
           to
           him
           be
           Glory
           now
           ,
           and
           to
           him
           be
           Glory
           ,
           
             In
             diem
             eternitatis
          
           ,
           ●…en
           to
           the
           day
           of
           Eternity
           :
           Such
           a
           day
           there
           〈◊〉
           come
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           such
           a
           day
           as
           will
           swallow
           up
           Time
           ,
           that
           came
           out
           of
           the
           womb
           of
           Eternity
           ,
           before
           Time
           was
           ;
           and
           Time
           shall
           be
           swallowed
           up
           of
           the
           Eternity
           that
           shall
           follow
           ,
           when
           Time
           shall
           be
           no
           more
           ;
           and
           that
           shall
           be
           a
           standing
           and
           lasting
           day
           ,
           a
           day
           that
           shall
           know
           no
           night
           ,
           and
           a
           day
           that
           shall
           know
           no
           limits
           and
           bounds
           ,
           but
           it
           shall
           be
           a
           lasting
           day
           ,
           and
           a
           day
           of
           Eternity
           :
           Such
           a
           day
           there
           will
           be
           ,
           which
           shall
           be
           a
           dreadful
           day
           unto
           wicked
           ones
           ,
           that
           live
           and
           die
           in
           unbelief
           and
           impenitency
           ;
           they
           shall
           have
           a
           day
           ,
           or
           rather
           a
           night
           of
           eternity
           ,
           a
           black
           burning
           night
           that
           will
           never
           have
           a
           dawning
           morning
           ,
           no
           ,
           never
           have
           a
           dawning
           morning
           .
        
         
           But
           then
           there
           will
           be
           a
           bright
           and
           lightsom
           Sun-shine
           day
           ,
           that
           shall
           never
           have
           a
           cloud
           upon
           it
           ,
           a
           day
           of
           Eternity
           ;
           and
           in
           this
           day
           of
           Eternity
           ,
           this
           work
           is
           to
           be
           performed
           ;
           and
           this
           Glory
           in
           this
           long
           day
           of
           Eternity
           ,
           is
           appointed
           and
           voted
           up
           to
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ;
           To
           him
           be
           Glory
           ,
           both
           now
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           day
           〈◊〉
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           we
           have
           the
           confirmation
           of
           all
           ,
           Amen
           .
           
           O
           let
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           Amen
           ;
           O
           so
           it
           shall
           be
           ,
           unto
           this
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           be
           Glory
           for
           ever
           ,
           Amen
           ;
           O
           be
           it
           so
           ,
           Amen
           ;
           O
           it
           shall
           be
           so
           .
           I
           ,
           thus
           the
           Apostle
           shuts
           up
           this
           pretious
           Doxologie
           ,
           this
           blessed
           Epistle
           which
           I
           have
           treated
           of
           so
           long
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           what
           are
           we
           to
           gather
           from
           hence
           ?
           This
           is
           the
           only
           thing
           that
           remains
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           to
           give
           you
           an
           account
           of
           this
           one
           Point
           from
           the
           Text.
           
        
         
           That
           they
           that
           are
           acted
           by
           a
           Gospel
           Spirit
           ,
           &
           have
           any
           saving
           Knowledge
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           they
           are
           and
           will
           be
           most
           strongly
           devoted
           to
           the
           Glory
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           to
           have
           Glory
           given
           to
           Jesus
           Christ.
           This
           is
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           consider
           of
           it
           well
           ,
           
             Now
             and
             for
             ever
          
           ,
           and
           will
           come
           in
           with
           their
           vote
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Amen
           .
           This
           is
           the
           thing
           that
           I
           offer
           .
        
         
           There
           was
           never
           since
           the
           Gospel
           sounded
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           never
           any
           person
           that
           heard
           and
           knew
           this
           joyful
           sound
           ,
           but
           they
           would
           have
           a
           tongue
           to
           say
           ,
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           Those
           references
           which
           I
           made
           before
           to
           the
           Doxologie
           ,
           in
           the
           Epistle
           to
           the
           
             Romans
             ,
             Ephesians
             ,
             Timothy
             ,
             Jude
             ,
          
           and
           other
           places
           which
           might
           have
           been
           referr'd
           unto
           ;
           they
           are
           all
           a
           sufficient
           proof
           of
           this
           Doctrine
           that
           I
           have
           now
           delivered
           unto
           you
           ,
           That
           such
           a
           spirit
           doth
           act
           in
           all
           those
           that
           know
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           to
           any
           purpose
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           the
           proper
           spirit
           and
           genous
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           Gospel
           spirit
           ,
           for
           to
           have
           Honour
           ,
           and
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Dominion
           ,
           and
           Majesty
           given
           up
           to
           Christ.
           Paul
           was
           most
           lively
           to
           this
           discovery
           ,
           as
           appears
           by
           those
           Scriptures
           ;
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           fall
           upon
           the
           mentioning
           of
           Christ
           ,
           he
           would
           make
           a
           diversion
           of
           purpose
           ,
           leaving
           the
           prosecution
           of
           his
           cause
           ,
           that
           
           he
           might
           give
           up
           honour
           to
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           as
           in
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           saith
           he
           ,
           speaking
           before
           ,
           I
           was
           such
           and
           such
           a
           Persecutor
           ,
           and
           a
           Blasphemer
           ,
           and
           the
           chiefest
           of
           sinners
           ;
           Howbeit
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             for
             this
             cause
             I
             obtained
             mercy
             ,
             that
             in
             me
             first
             Iesus
             Christ
             might
             shew
             forth
             all
             long
             suffering
             ,
             for
             a
             pattern
             to
             them
             which
             hereafter
             should
             believe
             on
             him
             to
             eternal
             life
             .
          
           —
           Now
           mark
           you
           the
           diversion
           ;
           out
           of
           the
           pregnancy
           of
           his
           Gospel
           spirit
           ,
           he
           leaves
           the
           Argument
           he
           was
           driving
           ,
           and
           breaks
           forth
           upon
           this
           Doxologie
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           should
           say
           ,
           O
           I
           have
           mentioned
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             Now
             to
             the
             King
             eternal
             ,
             immortal
             ,
             invisible
             ,
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             ,
             be
             honour
             and
             glory
             ,
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           He
           cannot
           mention
           him
           without
           a
           Doxologie
           ;
           O
           unto
           this
           only
           wise
           God
           ,
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           be
           glory
           for
           ever
           and
           ever
           .
           Amen
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           there
           is
           infinite
           cause
           and
           reason
           why
           there
           should
           be
           such
           an
           apprecation
           (
           understand
           the
           word
           Appre●…ation
           ,
           a
           praying
           to
           Christ.
           )
           I
           have
           said
           already
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           are
           acted
           by
           that
           spirit
           ,
           will
           be
           most
           pregnant
           this
           way
           ,
           they
           cannot
           hold
           .
           The
           Disciples
           ●…id
           ,
           We
           cannot
           but
           speak
           the
           things
           that
           concern
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Glory
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           able
           to
           hold
           our
           peace
           ;
           and
           when
           the
           Disciples
           were
           rebuked
           ,
           and
           the
           Children
           ,
           for
           crying
           Hosanna
           ,
           &c.
           
           Why
           ,
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           if
           they
           should
           hold
           their
           peace
           ,
           the
           very
           stones
           would
           speak
           ;
           they
           must
           be
           crying
           out
           ,
           Glory
           to
           God
           ,
           Honour
           to
           Christ.
           —
           This
           was
           that
           which
           was
           prophesied
           in
           Psal.
           72.
           where
           you
           have
           that
           that
           concerns
           Christ
           ,
           v.
           15.
           
           
             He
             shall
             〈◊〉
             t●…
             sole
             of
             the
             poor
             and
             needy
             from
             deceit
             and
             violence
             ,
             and
             pretious
             shall
             their
             blood
             be
             in
             his
             sight
             ;
             he
             shall
             live
             ,
             and
             to
             him
             shall
             be
             given
             of
             the
             gold
             of
             Sheba
             .
          
           Typically
           understand
           it
           according
           to
           the
           
           time
           of
           Solomon
           ,
           who
           should
           be
           very
           much
           inriched
           with
           offerings
           ;
           but
           understand
           it
           in
           the
           Mystery
           of
           Christ
           ;
           
             To
             him
             shall
             be
             given
             of
             the
             gold
             of
          
           Sheba
           ●…e
           gold
           of
           Praise
           ,
           and
           honour
           and
           Glory
           :
           
             Prayer
             also
             shall
             be
             made
             for
             him
             continually
             ,
             and
             daily
             shall
             he
             be
             praised
             .
          
           Understand
           this
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           Mystery
           ;
           
             Prayer
             also
             shall
             be
             made
             for
             him
             continually
             .
          
           —
           What
           Prayer
           ?
           —
           Doth
           Christ
           in
           heaven
           need
           the
           prayers
           of
           his
           People
           ?
           —
           Understand
           ,
           —
           They
           shall
           be
           continually
           praying
           up
           his
           Glory
           ,
           an
           apprecation
           of
           Glory
           to
           Jesus
           :
           O
           let
           him
           be
           glorified
           ,
           O
           let
           him
           be
           exalted
           ,
           O
           let
           his
           Name
           be
           magnified
           ;
           Prayer
           shall
           continually
           be
           made
           for
           him
           ,
           that
           his
           Name
           may
           be
           lifted
           up
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           his
           Kingdom
           may
           be
           inlarged
           ,
           that
           his
           Throne
           may
           be
           established
           ,
           that
           upon
           his
           head
           the
           Crown
           may
           flourish
           .
           It
           was
           the
           manner
           of
           old
           ,
           to
           vote
           up
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           apprecation
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             King
             live
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           why
           ,
           O
           King
           ,
           O
           Jesus
           ,
           live
           for
           ever
           ;
           O
           Jesus
           ,
           be
           thou
           glorified
           for
           ever
           ;
           O
           Jesus
           ,
           let
           thy
           throne
           flourish
           ;
           O
           Jesus
           ,
           let
           thy
           Crown
           flourish
           upon
           thy
           head
           :
           why
           this
           is
           the
           apprecation
           .
           And
           as
           I
           was
           saying
           ,
           there
           is
           infinite
           cause
           why
           it
           should
           be
           thus
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           language
           should
           sound
           in
           every
           mouth
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           any
           touch
           upon
           the
           heart
           ;
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           First
           ,
           This
           is
           that
           which
           doth
           most
           fully
           comport
           with
           God
           the
           Father's
           design
           concerning
           his
           Son
           :
           For
           mark
           you
           ,
           Christ
           having
           〈◊〉
           the
           Father
           by
           his
           most
           voluntary
           and
           〈◊〉
           subj●…●…o
           him
           in
           the
           service
           of
           the
           〈◊〉
           ,
           and
           in
           〈◊〉
           o●…
           the
           saving
           of
           souls
           .
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           the
           Father
           in
           this
           great
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           saving
           〈◊〉
           world
           ,
           why
           the
           Father
           now
           sets
           hi●…
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           to
           glorifie
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           's
           the
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           〈◊〉
           God
           ,
           
           to
           have
           the
           Name
           of
           his
           Son
           Jesus
           Christ
           lifted
           up
           ,
           that
           Christ
           may
           be
           glorified
           ;
           and
           God
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           God
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           do
           not
           account
           themselves
           honoured
           and
           glorified
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ●…ist
           be
           not
           glorified
           :
           So
           that
           I
           say
           ,
           in
           that
           regard
           ●…s
           most
           righteous
           that
           it
           should
           be
           thus
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           be
           an
           apprecation
           ,
           and
           a
           wishing
           ,
           and
           voting
           up
           of
           Honour
           and
           Glory
           to
           Christ
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           that
           wherein
           we
           do
           most
           fully
           comport
           with
           the
           design
           of
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           concerning
           his
           Son
           ,
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           he
           having
           humbled
           himself
           ,
           and
           becoming
           obedient
           unto
           the
           death
           of
           the
           Cross
           ,
           God
           hath
           exalted
           him
           ,
           and
           given
           him
           a
           Name
           which
           is
           above
           every
           name
           ;
           and
           he
           will
           have
           Honour
           and
           Glory
           given
           to
           Christ.
           
        
         
           2ly
           .
           Consider
           this
           ,
           Christ
           is
           most
           worthy
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           himself
           ;
           he
           is
           most
           worthy
           to
           have
           an
           apprecation
           made
           of
           Glory
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           every
           breathing
           soul
           should
           breath
           out
           after
           this
           manner
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Worthy
           of
           it
           ,
           O
           most
           worthy
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           every
           thing
           that
           hath
           breath
           should
           give
           Glory
           to
           him
           .
           Do
           but
           consider
           that
           passage
           ,
           in
           Rev.
           5.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             I
             heard
             the
             voice
             of
             many
             Angels
             round
             about
             the
             throne
             ,
             and
             the
             beasts
             ,
             and
             the
             elders
             ;
             and
             the
             number
             of
             them
             was
             ten
             thousand
             times
             ten
             thousand
             ,
             and
             thousands
             of
             thousands
             .
          
           Do
           but
           weigh
           this
           ,
           think
           with
           your selves
           what
           a
           vote
           here
           was
           ;
           The
           voice
           of
           many
           Angels
           ,
           and
           the
           beasts
           ,
           and
           the
           elders
           ,
           and
           the
           number
           of
           them
           was
           ten
           thousand
           times
           ten
           thousand
           ,
           and
           thousands
           of
           thousands
           .
           —
           and
           what
           's
           the●…r
           vo●…e
           ?
           —
           
             Saying
             with
             a
             loud
             voice
             ,
             WORTHY
             IS
             THE
             LAMB
             THAT
             WAS
             SLAIN
             ,
             to
             receive
             power
             ,
             and
             riches
             ,
             and
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             strength
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             glory
             ,
             and
             blessing
             ;
             and
          
           
           
             every
             creature
             which
             is
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             are
             in
             the
             Sea
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             are
             in
             them
             ,
             heard
             I
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Blessing
             ,
             honour
             ,
             glory
             ,
             and
             power
             ,
             be
             unto
             him
             that
             sitteth
             upon
             the
             throné
             ,
             and
             unto
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           Mark
           what
           a
           spirit
           here
           is
           :
           Here
           's
           the
           vote
           of
           Angels
           and
           Saints
           in
           the
           fullest
           conjunction
           ,
           
             Nemine
             contra
             dicente
          
           ,
           not
           one
           contradicting
           ,
           voting
           up
           Blessing
           ,
           and
           Honour
           ,
           and
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Power
           ,
           to
           him
           that
           sits
           upon
           the
           Throne
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           for
           ever
           and
           ever
           .
        
         
           
             He
             is
             worthy
          
           ;
           worthy
           is
           the
           Lamb.
           
        
         
           Upon
           what
           account
           worthy
           ?
           —
           Worthy
           ,
           because
           the
           Lamb
           ;
           yea
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           worthy
           is
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           the
           Lamb
           ;
           the
           Lamb
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           ;
           it
           s
           a
           name
           that
           he
           delights
           to
           be
           known
           by
           ,
           the
           Lamb
           upon
           Mount
           Sion
           ;
           worthy
           is
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           .
        
         
           And
           because
           a
           Lamb
           slain
           ,
           because
           he
           was
           pleased
           to
           become
           an
           Offering
           and
           a
           Sacrifice
           of
           a
           sweet
           smelling
           savour
           ,
           and
           would
           undertake
           to
           redeem
           a
           People
           unto
           God
           by
           his
           Blood
           ;
           worthy
           therefore
           to
           have
           this
           acknowledgment
           made
           to
           him
           ,
           O
           worthy
           ,
           worthy
           is
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           .
        
         
           Here
           now
           I
           have
           a
           large
           field
           to
           walk
           in
           ,
           but
           that
           I
           would
           contract
           my self
           ,
           and
           dispatch
           the
           Point
           :
           The
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           worthy
           .
        
         
           Consider
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           who
           he
           is
           for
           his
           Person
           ;
           why
           he
           is
           
             the
             brightness
             of
             his
             Father's
             glory
             ,
             the
             express
             image
             of
             his
             person
          
           ;
           worthy
           therefore
           to
           have
           Glory
           given
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           What
           is
           he
           for
           his
           Name
           ?
           
             Wonderful
             Counsellor
             ,
             the
             mighty
             God
             ,
             everlasting
             Father
             ,
             Prince
             of
             Peace
             ,
             the
             Lord
             our
             righteousness
             ,
             King
             of
             Kings
             ,
             Lord
             of
             Lords
             ,
             the
             blessed
             and
             only
             Potentate
             ,
             the
          
           
           
             Prince
             of
             the
             Kings
             of
             the
             earth
             ;
             his
             Name
             is
             as
             an
             oyntment
             poured
             forth
             :
          
           Well
           may
           it
           be
           said
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Consider
           his
           Qualifications
           ;
           
             The
             only
             begotten
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             full
             of
             Grace
             :
          
           Then
           ,
           if
           full
           of
           Grace
           ,
           worthy
           to
           be
           full
           of
           Glory
           .
           Grace
           leads
           in
           Glory
           ,
           and
           Glory
           doth
           most
           properly
           follow
           Grace
           :
           Who
           should
           have
           Glory
           ,
           but
           they
           that
           have
           Grace
           ?
           Why
           none
           have
           so
           much
           Grace
           as
           Christ
           ,
           he
           was
           as
           full
           of
           Grace
           as
           ever
           he
           could
           hold
           :
           Now
           ,
           where
           should
           Glory
           rest
           ,
           but
           upon
           him
           that
           is
           full
           of
           Grace
           ?
           Therefore
           worthily
           is
           it
           said
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             Glory
          
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Then
           again
           ,
           Consider
           this
           Jesus
           ,
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           Why
           he
           suffer'd
           ,
           he
           suffer'd
           for
           sin
           ;
           
             The
             just
             for
             the
             unjust
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             bring
             us
             to
             God.
          
           He
           suffered
           ,
           and
           by
           suffering
           made
           satisfaction
           to
           infinite
           Justice
           ;
           he
           hath
           expiated
           the
           sins
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           provided
           for
           the
           purging
           of
           their
           Consciences
           ;
           he
           hath
           made
           way
           by
           his
           own
           .
           Blood
           for
           an
           entrance
           into
           the
           Holiest
           .
           Now
           ,
           is
           there
           not
           reason
           to
           say
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             ?
          
           Mark
           what
           our
           Saviour
           speaks
           after
           his
           Resurrection
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Thus
             it
             is
             written
             ,
             and
             thus
             it
             behoved
             Christ
             to
             suffer
             :
          
           And
           what
           then
           ?
           
             And
             afterwards
             to
             enter
             into
             his
             glory
             .
          
           It
           behoved
           him
           first
           to
           suffer
           ,
           and
           then
           to
           enter
           into
           Glory
           ;
           and
           he
           hath
           entred
           into
           Glory
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           for
           to
           follow
           him
           with
           loudest
           acclamations
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           yea
           ,
           yea
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           then
           again
           ,
           Christ
           is
           most
           worthy
           to
           have
           these
           acclamations
           ,
           and
           such
           Doxologies
           ,
           a
           voting
           up
           ,
           and
           applecation
           of
           Glory
           to
           him
           .
           Why
           ?
           Because
           all
           the
           Glory
           that
           ever
           any
           Saint
           on
           earth
           shall
           have
           ,
           or
           Saint
           in
           heaven
           doth
           possess
           ,
           all
           that
           Glory
           comes
           
           over
           to
           thereby
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           Whatsoever
           Glory
           any
           soul
           here
           shall
           be
           partaker
           of
           ,
           or
           hereafter
           in
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Glory
           ,
           they
           are
           to
           reckon
           themselves
           beholding
           to
           Christ
           for
           it
           ,
           it
           comes
           over
           to
           them
           by
           his
           means
           .
           Worthy
           then
           is
           this
           apprecation
           to
           be
           made
           to
           him
           ;
           and
           that
           every
           soul
           that
           hath
           any
           hopes
           of
           Glory
           ,
           should
           say
           ,
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           So
           that
           these
           things
           being
           duly
           weighed
           ,
           which
           indeed
           are
           of
           proper
           cognizance
           for
           men
           and
           women
           professing
           godliness
           ,
           and
           professing
           to
           be
           acted
           by
           a
           Gospel
           spirit
           :
           What
           is
           there
           that
           should
           more
           properly
           sound
           in
           an
           Assembly
           of
           People
           ,
           that
           attend
           to
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           What
           can
           more
           properly
           sound
           than
           this
           ,
           That
           unto
           the
           King
           of
           Sion
           ,
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           ,
           to
           him
           that
           is
           the
           King
           of
           the
           Princes
           of
           the
           earth
           ,
           —
           to
           him
           that
           is
           set
           upon
           the
           Throne
           with
           his
           Father
           ,
           to
           him
           that
           hath
           overcome
           Principalities
           and
           Powers
           ,
           —
           hath
           made
           a
           shew
           of
           them
           openly
           ,
           —
           to
           him
           that
           hath
           vanquished
           Devils
           and
           enemies
           ,
           and
           hath
           brought
           Life
           and
           Immortality
           to
           light
           ,
           to
           him
           that
           is
           now
           entred
           into
           the
           Holiest
           once
           for
           all
           ,
           and
           appears
           in
           the
           heavens
           before
           God
           ,
           to
           plead
           the
           Cause
           of
           his
           Peoples
           souls
           :
           What
           is
           there
           more
           proper
           in
           a
           Congregation
           of
           Saints
           ,
           to
           sound
           out
           ,
           than
           this
           ?
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           in
           a
           word
           ,
           for
           Application
           .
           Are
           they
           acted
           by
           a
           Gospel
           spirit
           ,
           that
           design
           nothing
           less
           than
           the
           Glory
           of
           Christ
           ;
           that
           instead
           of
           making
           apprecations
           ,
           and
           voting
           up
           Glory
           to
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           do
           what
           in
           them
           lyes
           to
           cast
           all
           the
           shame
           ,
           and
           dishonour
           ,
           and
           contempt
           upon
           him
           they
           can
           ?
           Is
           this
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           It
           's
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Devil
           .
           That
           man
           ,
           be
           he
           who
           he
           will
           ;
           let
           them
           be
           never
           so
           high
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           let
           them
           be
           
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Princes
           ,
           and
           Potentates●…
           whatsoever
           names
           and
           titles
           they
           are
           known
           by
           ,
           whatsoever
           dignities
           and
           honours
           they
           are
           advanc'd
           unto
           ,
           whatsoever
           breadth
           they
           carry
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           whatsoever
           they
           are
           for
           worldly
           respects
           ,
           that
           are
           set
           to
           cast
           contempt
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           turn
           reproach
           and
           dishonour
           upon
           him
           ;
           are
           so
           far
           from
           being
           acted
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           walk
           in
           the
           very
           spirit
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           appear
           so
           .
        
         
           But
           are
           there
           any
           such
           ?
           are
           there
           such
           as
           walk
           in
           such
           a
           spirit
           ?
           —
           There
           were
           so
           of
           old
           .
           O
           ,
           people
           be
           apt
           to
           think
           that
           they
           were
           worthy
           to
           be
           spit
           in
           the
           face
           :
           —
           Why
           ?
           what
           did
           they
           that
           cryed
           out
           ,
           
             Not
             this
             man
             ,
             but
             Barrabas
             ?
          
           Let
           this
           Jesus
           be
           crucified
           ,
           let
           him
           be
           hanged
           ,
           let
           him
           be
           hanged
           for
           a
           Malefactor
           ,
           do
           him
           all
           the
           shame
           they
           can
           .
           —
           They
           did
           so
           ;
           they
           buffetted
           him
           ,
           they
           spit
           upon
           him
           ,
           they
           smote
           him
           with
           their
           fists
           ,
           they
           knock'd
           him
           upon
           the
           head
           ,
           they
           put
           him
           into
           a
           fools
           ,
           coat
           ,
           they
           would
           make
           him
           their
           laughing-stock
           :
           Thus
           they
           did
           .
           —
           What
           was
           this
           spirit
           ?
           Why
           is
           this
           spirit
           quite
           worn
           out
           of
           the
           World
           ?
           —
           Nay
           ,
           the
           Lord
           be
           merciful
           to
           us
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           desperate
           spirit
           of
           opposition
           to
           Christ
           ;
           —
           among
           whom
           ?
           —
           among
           the
           Antichristian
           party
           .
           O
           that
           it
           were
           not
           to
           be
           found
           among
           persons
           that
           would
           be
           accounted
           godly
           ,
           and
           stand
           for
           the
           honour
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           make
           apprecations
           to
           him
           :
           And
           they
           can
           patter
           it
           over
           in
           forms
           of
           words
           ,
           O
           Glory
           to
           Jesus
           ;
           
             Glory
             be
             to
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             holy
             Ghost
          
           ;
           they
           can
           patter
           over
           such
           words
           in
           their
           mouths
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           they
           carry
           swords
           in
           their
           hearts
           against
           Christ
           ,
           and
           their
           Conversations
           speak
           nothing
           but
           dishonour
           to
           Christ
           ;
           shame
           him
           in
           his
           Name
           ,
           shame
           him
           in
           holding
           out
           that
           ,
           shame
           him
           in
           making
           Profession
           
           of
           him
           .
           —
           And
           why
           ?
           —
           because
           they
           live
           thus
           unchristian-like
           ,
           walk
           most
           unsutably
           to
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           walk
           most
           unworthy
           of
           their
           holy
           Profession
           ;
           are
           these
           men
           and
           women
           acted
           by
           a
           Gospel
           spirit
           ,
           that
           pretend
           to
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           express
           nothing
           but
           that
           which
           is
           quite
           contrary
           to
           Christ
           ?
           they
           would
           be
           accounted
           Christian
           People
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           been
           baptized
           into
           Christ's
           Name
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           they
           make
           it
           their
           business
           every
           day
           to
           cast
           dishonour
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           walking
           cross
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           quite
           contrary
           to
           the
           glorious
           Gospel
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ.
           —
           For
           men
           and
           women
           to
           rise
           up
           in
           opposition
           to
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           the
           spiritual
           Worship
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           a
           holy
           reformation
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           all
           that
           ever
           they
           can
           to
           hinder
           that
           God
           and
           Christ
           may
           not
           be
           worshipped
           in
           the
           beauties
           of
           holiness
           :
           This
           is
           to
           cry
           up
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             shame
          
           ,
           instead
           of
           saying
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
           No
           ,
           but
           to
           him
           be
           shame
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           his
           People
           ,
           and
           let
           them
           be
           the
           reproach
           and
           scorn
           of
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           2ly
           .
           And
           so
           to
           close
           up
           :
           If
           so
           be
           that
           we
           will
           approve
           our selves
           to
           be
           acted
           by
           a
           Gospel
           spirit
           ,
           consider
           how
           it
           must
           appear
           ;
           it
           must
           appear
           by
           holy
           apprecations
           ,
           and
           votings
           up
           of
           Glory
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
          
           ;
           the
           Father
           gives
           him
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Father
           reckons
           Glory
           to
           him
           ,
           the
           Spirit
           gives
           Glory
           to
           him
           ;
           
             The
             Spirit
             shall
             glorifie
             me
             ,
             he
             shall
             take
             of
             mine
             ,
             and
             shew
             it
             unto
             you
             .
          
           —
           The
           Angels
           give
           him
           Glory
           ;
           
             Worthy
             is
             the
             Lamb
             that
             was
             slain
             .
          
           —
           The
           twenty
           four
           Elders
           ,
           and
           the
           four
           Beasts
           make
           apprecations
           of
           Glory
           ;
           —
           an
           innumerable
           number
           ,
           thousands
           of
           thousands
           ,
           and
           ten
           thousand
           times
           ten
           thousand
           ;
           they
           say
           ,
           Worthy
           is
           the
           Lamb
           that
           was
           slain
           ,
           to
           have
           Glory
           .
           Now
           ,
           if
           you
           
           be
           men
           and
           women
           of
           a
           Gospel
           spirit
           ,
           let
           it
           appear
           by
           having
           your
           hearts
           set
           to
           this
           ,
           to
           give
           Glory
           to
           Christ
           ;
           —
           wish
           him
           Glory
           ,
           in
           having
           the
           Government
           in
           your
           own
           hearts
           :
           O
           ,
           to
           thee
           be
           Glory
           ,
           sweet
           Saviour
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           thy
           Kingdom
           in
           my
           own
           soul
           ;
           —
           wish
           him
           that
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Glory
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           inlarged
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           of
           having
           that
           performed
           which
           is
           foretold
           ,
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           the
           world
           are
           become
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           our
           Lord
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Christ
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           reign
           for
           ever
           and
           ever
           ;
           wish
           him
           that
           Glory
           ,
           make
           an
           apprecation
           ,
           vote
           it
           up
           to
           him
           ;
           shew
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           by
           having
           your
           hearts
           most
           strongly
           devoted
           to
           have
           Christ
           exalted
           in
           all
           his
           offices
           ,
           Priestly
           ,
           Prophetical
           and
           Kingly
           office
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           come
           to
           be
           the
           glory
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           sway
           the
           Scepter
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           is
           promised
           :
           This
           is
           the
           great
           thing
           that
           Christians
           should
           be
           set
           upon
           .
           I
           speak
           not
           this
           as
           if
           I
           would
           cry
           down
           Civil
           Magistrates
           ,
           but
           that
           Government
           which
           is
           belonging
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           what
           he
           is
           anointed
           of
           the
           Father
           to
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           is
           purposed
           to
           him
           ;
           it
           is
           that
           we
           are
           to
           wish
           to
           him
           ,
           all
           that
           honour
           and
           Glory
           that
           the
           Father
           hath
           designed
           him
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           we
           should
           wish
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           say
           as
           the
           Apostle
           here
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           that
           which
           we
           are
           to
           do
           ,
           not
           in
           word
           and
           tongue
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           saith
           ;
           
             O
             my
             little
             children
             ,
             let
             us
             not
             love
             in
             word
             and
             tongue
             only
             ,
             but
             in
             deed
             and
             truth
             .
          
           So
           I
           say
           to
           you
           ,
           my
           Friends
           ,
           Let
           it
           not
           be
           in
           word
           and
           tongue
           only
           ,
           but
           in
           heart
           and
           reality
           :
           O
           let
           your
           lips
           speak
           it
           ,
           let
           your
           lives
           speak
           it
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
          
           ;
           so
           live
           ,
           so
           walk
           and
           carry
           your selves
           ;
           as
           that
           you
           may
           give
           a
           real
           proof
           and
           demonstration
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           your
           hearts
           may
           be
           
           devoted
           to
           have
           Christ
           honoured
           and
           exalted
           in
           the
           World.
           
        
         
           I
           'll
           conclude
           all
           with
           an
           itteration
           of
           this
           Doxologie
           ;
           and
           if
           ever
           tantologie
           (
           though
           it
           is
           no
           tautologie
           )
           but
           if
           ever
           there
           were
           any
           place
           for
           tautologie
           ,
           here
           were
           the
           properest
           place
           for
           it
           to
           be
           used
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           none
           :
           I
           have
           a
           pattern
           for
           what
           I
           shall
           now
           perform
           from
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           Psal.
           136.
           
           
             O
             give
             thanks
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             good
             ;
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
             .
          
           Mark
           you
           how
           many
           verses
           you
           have
           in
           that
           Psalm
           ,
           26.
           verses
           ;
           and
           so
           many
           times
           you
           have
           this
           itteration
           ,
           
             For
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
             .
          
           Will
           you
           call
           this
           tautologie
           ?
           why
           then
           the
           Spirit
           is
           guilty
           of
           tautologie
           ;
           twenty
           six
           times
           you
           find
           it
           there
           ,
           
             O
             give
             thanks
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           he
           did
           thus
           and
           thus
           ,
           
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           he
           slew
           great
           Kings
           ,
           
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           he
           slew
           famous
           Kings
           ,
           
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           and
           he
           remembred
           us
           in
           our
           low
           estate
           ,
           
             for
             his
             mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
             .
          
           Here
           's
           my
           pattern
           ,
           and
           let
           me
           a
           little
           follow
           it
           ,
           and
           I
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           charge
           me
           with
           tautologie
           if
           you
           can
           .
        
         
           Thus
           I
           say
           then
           ,
           take
           up
           the
           language
           of
           the
           Text
           ,
           which
           I
           would
           do
           ,
           not
           using
           the
           words
           without
           the
           Spirit
           :
           And
           thus
           I
           say
           ,
        
         
           Jesus
           is
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Now
             to
             him
             be
             glory
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Jesus
           the
           Saviour
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Our
           Lord
           Jesus
           came
           into
           the
           word
           to
           seek
           and
           to
           save
           that
           which
           was
           lost
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Jesus
           who
           was
           full
           of
           grace
           and
           truth
           ,
           
             Now
             to
             him
             be
             glory
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
         
           Our
           Lord
           Jesus
           that
           went
           about
           while
           he
           was
           here
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           doing
           good
           ,
           preaching
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           healing
           all
           manner
           of
           sicknesses
           and
           diseases
           ,
           and
           delivering
           them
           that
           were
           oppressed
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Our
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           took
           upon
           him
           to
           satisfie
           ,
           even
           by
           death
           and
           suffering
           ,
           the
           Justice
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           to
           fulfil
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           to
           expiate
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           purge
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           to
           deliver
           from
           damnation
           those
           that
           were
           obnoxious
           to
           it
           ;
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Jesus
           ,
           he
           is
           risen
           again
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           ascended
           up
           on
           high
           ;
           he
           is
           set
           down
           at
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           there
           he
           appears
           to
           make
           intercession
           for
           his
           People
           ;
           
             Now
             to
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           This
           Jesus
           he
           improves
           at
           the
           Fathers
           right
           hand
           ,
           all
           the
           interest
           that
           he
           hath
           ,
           for
           the
           good
           of
           his
           People
           ;
           he
           communicates
           the
           Knowledge
           of
           the
           Mysterie
           of
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           makes
           Revelations
           unto
           his
           Church
           and
           People
           ,
           of
           those
           things
           that
           do
           concern
           it
           ,
           unto
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           thus
           he
           is
           beneficial
           to
           his
           poor
           People
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           he
           takss
           care
           of
           his
           Churches
           ,
           and
           hath
           a
           tender
           respect
           of
           all
           his
           interest
           ;
           
             Now
             unto
             him
             be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           This
           Jesus
           is
           now
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           in
           Glory
           ,
           and
           he
           longs
           after
           the
           injoyment
           of
           all
           his
           redeemed
           ones
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           undertaken
           to
           keep
           them
           while
           they
           are
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           to
           lose
           not
           one
           of
           them
           ;
           but
           he
           will
           bring
           them
           to
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           himself
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           have
           them
           to
           see
           and
           to
           share
           in
           that
           Glory
           which
           he
           is
           now
           possessed
           of
           ,
           now
           he
           is
           in
           Heaven
           .
           O
           what
           cause
           have
           we
           to
           say
           ,
           
             To
             him
             be
             〈◊〉
             .
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             !
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
         
           This
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           died
           and
           rose
           again
           ,
           and
           lives
           at
           God's
           right
           hand
           ,
           and
           as
           I
           said
           ,
           improves
           all
           his
           interest
           for
           his
           People
           ;
           O
           to
           this
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             Be
             glory
             ,
             both
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           
             
               And
               so
               I
               have
               done
               .
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           ERRATA
           .
        
         
           PAge
           39
           line
           25
           ,
           for
           hearing
           read
           being
           ,
           p.
           41
           l.
           8
           ,
           for
           sayes
           r.
           sees
           ,
           p.
           49
           l.
           7
           ,
           f.
           contiguity
           r.
           contiguity
           ,
           p.
           50
           l.
           31
           ,
           f.
           Kod
           r.
           Rod
           ,
           p.
           52
           l.
           8
           ,
           f.
           can
           r.
           cannot
           ,
           p.
           56
           l.
           15
           ,
           f.
           trust
           r.
           faith
           ,
           p.
           62
           l.
           25
           ,
           f.
           firedness
           r.
           fixedness
           ,
           p.
           65
           l.
           15
           ,
           f.
           less
           r.
           let
           ,
           p.
           74
           l.
           30
           ,
           f.
           said
           r.
           sav'd
           ,
           p.
           84
           l.
           3
           ,
           f.
           that
           r.
           their
           ,
           l.
           18
           ,
           f.
           proposition
           r.
           opposition
           ,
           p.
           90
           l.
           4
           ,
           f.
           and
           r.
           as
           ,
           p.
           109
           l.
           27
           ,
           dele
           Christ
           at
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           line
           ,
           p.
           112
           l.
           5
           ,
           dele
           
             the
             day
             of
          
           ,
           p.
           116
           l.
           18
           ,
           f.
           se●…
           r.
           get
           ,
           p.
           127
           l.
           19
           ,
           20.
           dele
           
             that
             I
             might
             be
             so
             discours'd
             of
             ,
             as
             ,
          
           p.
           130
           l.
           8
           ,
           f.
           faithful
           r.
           faithless
           ,
           p.
           132
           l.
           13
           ,
           f.
           eradicated
           r.
           eradiated
           ,
           p.
           152
           l.
           31
           ,
           f.
           in
           r.
           l
           ,
           p.
           158
           l.
           16
           ,
           f.
           which
           r.
           with
           ,
           p.
           174
           l.
           17
           ,
           f.
           that
           's
           r.
           there
           's
           ,
           p.
           195
           l.
           23
           ,
           f.
           fidelial
           r.
           fiducial
           ,
           p
           197
           l.
           3
           ,
           f.
           in
           r.
           it
           ,
           p.
           209
           l.
           27
           ,
           f.
           established
           r.
           chastised
           ,
           p.
           228
           l.
           12
           ,
           f.
           for
           r.
           from
           ,
           p.
           234
           l.
           123
           r.
           things
           ,
           p.
           239
           l.
           28
           ,
           f.
           perfect
           r.
           present
           ,
           p.
           244
           l.
           27
           ,
           f.
           such
           r.
           sure
           ,
           p.
           250
           l.
           32
           ,
           r.
           no
           ,
           p.
           257
           l.
           30
           ,
           f.
           born
           r.
           brother
           ,
           p.
           28●…
           l.
           16
           ,
           f.
           denoted
           r.
           devoted
           ,
           p.
           292
           l.
           32
           ,
           f.
           affective
           r.
           afflictive
           .