prevent_v other_o do_v of_o evil._n to_o omit_v a_o necessary_a duty_n be_v a_o present_a certain_a evil_n the_o scandal_n that_o may_v be_v take_v thereby_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o contingent_a though_o it_o be_v probable_a love_v both_o to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o require_v that_o if_o god_n must_v be_v dishonour_v it_o shall_v rather_o be_v by_o another_o than_o by_o a_o man_n self_n beside_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o action_n give_v general_o as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o other_o as_o it_o remove_v from_o some_o be_v the_o case_n so_o that_o a_o far_o great_a sin_n and_o dishonour_v to_o god_n be_v like_a to_o be_v do_v by_o occasion_n of_o this_o action_n than_o that_o omission_n will_v be_v yet_o be_v we_o not_o allow_v much_o less_o bind_v thus_o to_o prevent_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a consideration_n which_o can_v license_v much_o less_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n the_o least_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o prevent_v the_o great_a q._n 2._o but_o what_o if_o the_o action_n be_v only_o good_a and_o commendable_a and_o not_o absolute_o command_v for_o such_o action_n i_o think_v may_v be_v admit_v as_o well_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o the_o freewill_n offering_n and_o voluntary_a vow_n under_o the_o law_n without_o yield_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supererogation_n if_o such_o action_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o other_o whether_o be_v they_o to_o be_v omit_v for_o that_o only_a reason_n answ_n if_o that_o brother_n who_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o such_o a_o action_n be_v true_o weak_a that_o be_v uninstruct_v and_o not_o proud_a wilful_a or_o obstinate_a and_o if_o that_o scandal_n can_v be_v sufficient_o prevent_v by_o instruction_n and_o due_a mean_n of_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n i_o think_v the_o action_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v omit_v because_o all_o action_n command_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d the_o school_n concern_v affirmative_a precept_n nâ—_n bind_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la that_o be_v at_o every_o time_n indeed_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o believe_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v he_o and_o our_o neighbour_n dâ—_n bind_v both_o semper_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la that_o be_v at_o aâ—_n time_n but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o the_o habit_n not_o to_o the_o elicâ—â—_n much_o less_o imperate_a act_n of_o these_o virtue_n that_o man_n be_v always_o bind_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n always_o to_o elicit_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n fear_v or_o love_n but_o the_o disposition_n aâ—_n habit_n must_v never_o be_v want_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o good_a christian_n and_o if_o act_v command_v mâ—_n for_o some_o reason_n be_v omit_v at_o some_o time_n bâ—_n cause_n they_o bound_v not_o to_o all_o time_n then_o much_o mâ—_n may_v such_o act_n as_o be_v not_o command_v though_o good_a be_v not_o necessary_a at_o any_o time_n be_v omit_v some_o time_n 2._o because_o as_o before_o be_v say_v â—â—ctions_n not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o good_a in_o themselves_o may_v become_v evil_a by_o some_o circumstance_n among_o which_o this_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v one_o 3._o because_o the_o do_v of_o such_o a_o good_a action_n not_o command_v may_v bring_v more_o dishonour_n to_o god_n by_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o than_o it_o will_v do_v honour_n by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a to_o prevent_v the_o great_a yet_o may_v we_o omit_v a_o less_o good_a when_o it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o promote_v a_o great_a 4._o last_o that_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o case_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o brother_n be_v probable_o endanger_v by_o my_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n but_o q._n 3._o what_o if_o the_o act_n that_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o brother_n which_o be_v true_o weak_a be_v bare_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o neither_o command_v nor_o yet_o good_a in_o its_o nature_n or_o kind_a but_o yet_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n liberty_n estate_n or_o credit_n and_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o notable_a prejudice_n and_o hazard_v to_o a_o man_n self_n in_o these_o interest_n whether_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v to_o redeem_v the_o scandal_n of_o his_o brethren_n with_o such_o hazard_n or_o prejudice_n to_o himself_o or_o his_o family_n the_o argument_n producible_a for_o the_o affirmative_a in_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n dishonour_n which_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o occasion_v by_o this_o act_n of_o i_o will_v be_v procure_v 2._o from_o the_o debt_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o brother_n aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o temporal_a interest_n of_o our_o own_o answ_n it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o the_o high_a regard_n which_o a_o man_n owe_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v oblige_v a_o christian_n to_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v the_o impeachment_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o bound_v he_o to_o use_v such_o prudential_a mean_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o sin_n in_o another_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o forbear_v the_o action_n which_o his_o necessity_n or_o just_a interest_n do_v so_o much_o require_v have_v the_o corinthian_n for_o want_v of_o other_o meat_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v starve_v or_o by_o not_o eat_v this_o any_o otherwise_o hazard_v their_o life_n i_o think_v they_o have_v not_o be_v absolute_o bind_v to_o abstain_v by_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o the_o direction_n which_o here_o he_o give_v they_o which_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o under_o any_o such_o extremity_n but_o only_o invite_v to_o the_o meat_n in_o that_o case_n of_o danger_n i_o think_v to_o have_v protest_v against_o all_o respect_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n may_v have_v acquit_v they_o from_o the_o scandal_n and_o make_v their_o eat_v that_o meat_n in_o such_o a_o case_n lawful_a though_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o express_v any_o such_o exception_n because_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o express_a apostolical_a interdict_v against_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n 15._o act_n 15._o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o esteem_a precept_n of_o noah_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o upon_o the_o same_o theme_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a or_o provision_n edict_n not_o oblige_v beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o thaâ—_n case_n whereupon_o it_o be_v make_v and_o this_o i_o think_v iâ—_n the_o warrant_n by_o which_o most_o christian_n do_v not_o now_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o same_o edict_n to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o blood_n or_o thing_n make_v thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n for_o soâ—â—_n century_n and_o forbid_v by_o some_o council_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v that_o another_o man_n error_n or_o weakness_n especial_o when_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n thereof_o be_v offer_v by_o i_o shall_v restrain_v i_o of_o such_o use_n of_o my_o lawful_a liberty_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o own_o preservation_n if_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o redeem_v every_o accidental_a dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o hurt_v to_o my_o neighbour_n soul_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o god_n providence_n afford_v i_o it_o will_v be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o enjoy_v they_o at_o all_o but_o for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o point_n of_o scandal_n the_o full_a and_o exact_a handle_n whereof_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o model_n of_o a_o sermon_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o short_a inquiry_n into_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n or_o cause_n whereby_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v other_o in_o thing_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o discovery_n whereof_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o resolve_v some_o question_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o two_o which_o be_v both_o ground_v upon_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o imitator_n herein_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o borrow_v something_o both_o of_o sense_n h._n d._n h._n h._n and_o word_n from_o a_o late_a reverend_a author_n who_o have_v learned_o discourse_v upon_o this_o question_n 1._o one_o reason_n whereby_o people_n be_v sometime_o encourage_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v from_o their_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o action_n or_o intention_n of_o he_o who_o they_o imitate_v think_v he_o to_o do_v or_o intend_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o
necessary_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o have_v force_v most_o of_o our_o english_a divine_n to_o reject_v that_o definition_n not_o only_o as_o improper_a but_o also_o as_o dangerous_a and_o uncomfortable_a dangerous_a because_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o tempt_v a_o man_n to_o the_o pernicious_a self-deceit_n of_o presume_v or_o assume_v a_o strong_a conndence_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n without_o any_o just_a ground_n upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o such_o a_o a_o confidence_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o give_v he_o a_o assure_a right_n thereunto_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o most_o uncomfortable_a notion_n it_o be_v too_o not_o to_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n but_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o good_a christian_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o only_a save_a faith_n consist_v in_o a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o a_o full_a one_o as_o it_o be_v define_v whosoever_o find_v himself_o to_o want_v that_o assurance_n which_o very_o few_o of_o the_o best_a christian_n will_v pretend_v to_o must_v needs_o conclude_v himself_o to_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n whereas_o in_o truth_n this_o assurance_n be_v pure_o accidental_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v always_o before_o it_o and_o most_o common_o without_o it_o but_o the_o two_o forementioned_a act_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o a_o direct_a affiance_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n do_v indeed_o true_o and_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n but_o do_v noâ—_n make_v it_o complete_a perfect_a or_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n for_o without_o controversy_n a_o true_a save_a faith_n do_v import_v such_o a_o practical_a habit_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v a_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v distinctâ—_n teach_v not_o only_o by_o that_o large_a discourse_n of_o st._n jaâ—_n chap._n 2._o where_o he_o purposely_o dispute_v this_o point_n and_o positive_o declare_v that_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a by_o work_n v._o 22._o and_o that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v null_n and_o void_a v._o 17.26_o but_o also_o by_o thâ—_n express_v word_n of_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5.6_o for_o in_o josâ—_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v anything_o nor_o we_o circumcision_n 〈◊〉_d circumcision_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o faith_n which_o wâ—â—â—eth_v by_o love_n in_o which_o text_n as_o conceive_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_a to_o both_o sense_n be_v render_v active_o or_o passive_o i.e._n act_v or_o work_v by_o love_n 〈◊〉_d we_o translate_v or_o actuate_v and_o make_v effectual_a as_o thâ—_n syriack_n understand_v it_o and_o as_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d most_o common_o use_v in_o scripture_n which_o way_n â—eever_n the_o word_n be_v render_v the_o sense_n be_v the_o samâ—_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apost_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n be_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d distinct_a character_n or_o description_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o justifi_v a_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o cauâ—_n on_o against_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n the_o abstract_n from_o this_o energy_n or_o efficacy_n for_o thâ—_n word_n be_v exegetical_a and_o limitative_a as_o if_o he_o haâ—_n say_v not_o every_o kind_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o live_a energetical_a effectual_a faith_n which_o act_v or_o be_v actuate_v 〈◊〉_d love_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o avail_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n appear_v evident_o from_o two_o parallel_a text_n wherein_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v thus_o vary_v by_o himself_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n gal._n 6.15_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o second_o be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n where_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n i.e._n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o with_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 5.3_o rom._n 13.10_o i'faith_o that_o work_v by_o love_n be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o purify_v the_o heart_n 5.4_o act._n 15.9_o â—_o joh._n 5.4_o and_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o be_v therefore_o by_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o &_o 16_o 26._o the_o same_o thing_n be_v signify_v by_o that_o apostle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o gaolers_n question_n before_o allege_a require_v he_o to_o believe_v on_o â—â—e_z lord_n jesus_n christ_n act_n 16.31_o which_o can_v mean_v nothing_o less_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o lord_n and_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o his_o saâ—our_n and_o therefore_o shall_v hold_v himself_o oblige_v â—y_a his_o faith_n to_o obey_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o as_o the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n the_o anointed_a king_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n for_o faith_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o respect_v he_o only_o as_o a_o saviour_n but_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o his_o authority_n as_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o prophet_n joh._n 1.12_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n be_v confirmable_a from_o that_o common_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o affectus_fw-la that_o verba_fw-la scientiae_fw-la connotant_n affectus_fw-la word_n of_o knowledge_n iâ—_n scripture-phrase_n do_v connotate_n both_o affection_n and_o action_n agreeable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o in_o this_o place_n one_o special_a instance_n shall_v suffice_v joh._n 17_o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a thâ—_n they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesuâ—_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v where_o to_o know_v god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v faith_n and_o faith_n be_v ofttime_n call_v knowledge_n in_o scripture_n 1._o tim._n 2.4_o 2_o pâ—_n 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o joh._n 2.3_o isa_n 53.11_o by_o his_o knowâ—_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n meaning_n christ_n jusino_o many_o as_o to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n import_v 〈◊〉_d the_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o such_o so_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n who_o the_o father_n have_v send_v be_v to_o embrace_v he_o in_o the_o quality_n wherein_o he_o be_v send_v thaâ—_n be_v with_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o commission_n froâ—_n the_o father_n and_o with_o submission_n thereunto_o by_o receive_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o name_n so_o run_v the_o commission_n that_o oâ—_n saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v theâ—_n to_o make_v disciple_n and_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o 〈◊〉_d command_v matth._n 28.20_o this_o must_v needs_o 〈◊〉_d the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o word_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o because_o no_o knowledge_n that_o mean_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o this_o can_v 〈◊〉_d the_o sole_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o so_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o scripture-phrase_n do_v import_v obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n that_o s._n john_n say_v hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o if_o that_o be_v so_o what_o truth_n can_v be_v in_o he_o that_o say_v he_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n for_o either_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o our_o belief_n and_o than_o what_o be_v true_a of_o the_o one_o must_v be_v equal_o true_a of_o the_o other_o or_o if_o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n as_o in_o a_o philosophical_a notion_n it_o be_v than_o our_o belief_n suppose_v our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o we_o
for_o which_o also_o we_o be_v apprehend_v of_o christ_n jesus_n not_o count_v ourselves_o to_o have_v apprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o one_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o ay_o e._n contend_v with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o force_n like_v to_o they_o that_o run_v a_o race_n unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o we_o be_v to_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n be_v direct_v to_o such_o as_o be_v believer_n and_o saint_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o inscription_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v already_o begin_v this_o good_a work_n 1.1_o cap._n 1.1_o and_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n yet_o still_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n thereby_o teach_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o finish_v by_o any_o single_a act_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n but_o remain_v to_o be_v complete_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o perfect_a of_o holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n that_o may_v be_v dispatch_v or_o finish_v and_o lay_v aside_o but_o must_v be_v pursue_v to_o the_o last_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v work_v a_o man_n may_v come_v into_o a_o certain_a interest_n and_o right_a unto_o salvation_n not_o only_o before_o his_o death_n but_o almost_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o early_a baptism_n whereby_o as_o our_o church_n teach_v her_o catechuman_n he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o right_n be_v convey_v upon_o certain_a condition_n covenant_v for_o in_o baptism_n can_v be_v hold_v much_o less_o crown_v with_o possession_n of_o the_o inheritance_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o condition_n which_o can_v never_o be_v finish_v till_o our_o life_n be_v at_o end_n because_o the_o perseverance_n in_o they_o till_o then_o be_v part_n of_o the_o condition_n for_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o not_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v 3.6.14_o heb._n 3.6.14_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o confidence_n i._n e._n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n unto_o the_o end_n 8._o rev._n 2.10_o john_n 15.6_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o col._n 1.23_o heb._n 12.1_o 2_o john_n 8._o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n to_o abide_v in_o christ_n hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o look_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o lose_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n which_o last_o word_n do_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o danger_n of_o a_o christian_n lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n if_o he_o pursue_v it_o not_o with_o carefulness_n to_o the_o end_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o controversy_n in_o the_o point_n but_o that_o the_o right_n unto_o salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v lose_v if_o a_o man_n fall_v away_o from_o the_o condition_n by_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v else_o a_o unbeliever_n may_v be_v save_v because_o he_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n be_v no_o believer_n he_o therefore_o that_o give_v over_o the_o work_n which_o the_o text_n require_v can_v never_o be_v save_v but_o whether_o this_o work_n once_o true_o begin_v can_v be_v give_v over_o before_o it_o be_v wrought_v out_o be_v a_o question_n and_o may_v for_o i_o rest_n for_o such_o in_o this_o place_n so_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o dismiss_v it_o with_o enter_v my_o most_o serious_a caution_n to_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o presume_v so_o far_o upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o perseverance_n that_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v still_o to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o scripture_n afford_v many_o admonition_n to_o the_o best_a of_o man_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o fall_v away_o and_o enforce_v some_o of_o they_o with_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n which_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n against_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o lose_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o of_o not_o persevere_v in_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o answer_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n pretend_v to_o assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o die_v and_o yet_o labour_v to_o keep_v i_o in_o awe_n of_o death_n by_o the_o most_o serious_a warning_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v my_o faith_n or_o my_o reason_n either_o by_o a_o falsehood_n in_o one_o part_n of_o his_o suggestion_n or_o by_o a_o gross_a incongruity_n in_o the_o other_o because_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o need_n of_o caution_n there_o can_v be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o effective_a peril_n and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n that_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o next_o question_n propose_v in_o my_o method_n viz._n what_o this_o work_n be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n which_o sure_o be_v the_o most_o important_a question_n that_o can_v be_v move_v and_o which_o need_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o certain_a resolution_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o most_o safe_a to_o study_v plainness_n and_o solidity_n rather_o than_o brevity_n in_o my_o answer_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o only_a certain_a resolution_n of_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o scripture_n from_o whence_o only_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o salvation_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o of_o salvation_n before_o describe_v can_v certain_o be_v know_v but_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o thence_o we_o must_v therefore_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o john_n 5.39_o for_o in_o they_o we_o think_v to_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v diligent_o what_o work_v condition_n or_o qualification_n be_v by_o they_o require_v to_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o error_n in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o give_v this_o praemonition_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o safe_a to_o rest_v altogether_o upon_o the_o declaration_n of_o any_o one_o text_n for_o the_o perfect_a resolution_n of_o this_o question_n as_o it_o may_v be_v to_o consider_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v and_o compare_v all_o text_n that_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o condition_n act_n practice_n or_o qualification_n require_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v know_v to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n with_o any_o observation_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n lay_v down_o in_o several_a text_n be_v many_o and_o of_o a_o diverse_a signification_n some_o text_n show_v what_o thing_n be_v positive_o require_v to_o be_v find_v in_o or_o do_v by_o they_o which_o will_v be_v save_v other_o make_v mention_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v exclude_v man_n from_o salvation_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o as_o the_o 6.9_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 6.9_o apostle_n say_v do_v accompany_v salvation_n that_o be_v which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o which_o be_v find_v in_o a_o man_n do_v declare_v he_o to_o be_v in_o a_o near_a capacity_n of_o salvation_n other_o thing_n be_v name_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o present_a capacity_n and_o as_o absolute_a barn_n and_o impediment_n to_o that_o state_n each_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v observe_v to_o the_o end_n a_o man_n may_v acquire_v and_o perform_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v or_o acquit_v himself_o of_o the_o other_o some_o instance_n of_o each_o kind_n may_v be_v find_v in_o these_o text_n among_o many_o other_o leave_v to_o the_o diligent_a observation_n of_o the_o reader_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o to_o the_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o gal._n 5.19_o to_o the_o 25._o rev._n 22.14_o 15._o col._n 3.5_o to_o the_o 16._o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a for_o i_o to_o undertake_v to_o set_v down_o much_o less_o to_o expound_v all_o the_o text_n which_o
art_n of_o logic_n or_o extraordinary_a perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o practicab_n precept_n so_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v inculpable_a as_o i_o suppose_v 3._o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a the_o doubt_n be_v so_o too_o 4._o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o concomitant_a as_o causal_n do_v excuse_v the_o act_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o though_o contrary_a to_o a_o precept_n from_o sin_n not_o only_o a_o tanto_fw-la but_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la i_o use_v the_o term_n inculpable_a rather_o than_o invincible_a because_o it_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v nor_o be_v those_o term_n equivalent_a for_o both_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v invincible_a in_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v not_o inculpable_a and_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a which_o be_v not_o simple_o invincible_a for_o to_o render_v ignorance_n inculpable_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o possible_a industry_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o mean_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v use_v or_o from_o any_o other_o fault_n of_o the_o ignorant_a person_n inculpable_a ignorance_n i_o say_v excuse_v any_o action_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o from_o sin_n as_o well_o à _fw-la tanto_fw-la as_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la and_o as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v bare_o concomitant_a as_o when_o it_o be_v causal_n this_o conclusion_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o ordinary_a resolution_n of_o the_o school_n and_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o this_o reason_n because_o inculpable_a ignorance_n bar_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n which_o can_v oblige_v till_o it_o be_v so_o promulge_v as_o oblige_v all_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o though_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o yet_o promulgation_n be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o to_o render_v it_o not_o inculpable_a and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n actual_o oblige_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o of_o the_o law_n as_o of_o the_o fact_n excuse_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o cause_n sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o know_v of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o when_o the_o ignorance_n do_v only_o accompany_v the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v have_v do_v though_o he_o have_v know_v the_o law_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v such_o a_o evil_a action_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o action_n itself_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o the_o agent_n by_o any_o oblige_a law_n to_o apply_v these_o proposition_n to_o the_o question_v premise_v see_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o that_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a and_o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a so_o be_v the_o doubt_n and_o inculpable_a igrance_n of_o a_o law_n take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o excuse_v from_o sin_n it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o such_o law_n as_o forbid_v the_o action_n which_o he_o deliberate_v about_o he_o may_v act_v with_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o to_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o law_n may_v not_o be_v for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o oblige_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o act_v or_o forbear_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o may_v do_v either_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v upon_o some_o uncertain_a account_n not_o oblige_v his_o belief_n whether_o the_o action_n to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o and_o therefore_o leave_v he_o free_a till_o he_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v the_o law_n forbid_v a_o action_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o express_o and_o the_o only_a evidence_n thereof_o depend_v upon_o doubtful_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o subtle_a consequence_n dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o equal_a credit_n and_o not_o declare_v or_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n i_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n may_v suppose_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o of_o other_o verity_n and_o point_n of_o belief_n that_o have_v no_o other_o or_o no_o better_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o yet_o pretension_n of_o reason_n not_o cogent_a together_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o doubt_v as_o well_o of_o the_o uncertain_a precept_n as_o of_o other_o verity_n i_o inquire_v now_o whether_o notwithstanding_o this_o doubt_n i_o may_v not_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o still_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v because_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o it_o be_v so_o under_o this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n do_v not_o yet_o oblige_v i_o and_o if_o i_o believe_v myself_o not_o oblige_v by_o a_o law_n i_o may_v act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o free_a whether_o my_o ignorance_n be_v in_o truth_n inculpable_a or_o not_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o its_o certain_a i_o may_v have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n that_o i_o do_v against_o no_o other_o law_n than_o that_o whereof_o i_o think_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a it_o be_v true_a if_o my_o ignorance_n be_v not_o inculpable_a i_o shall_v sin_v in_o this_o action_n but_o shall_v notwithstanding_o act_v in_o faith_n notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n whilst_o that_o doubt_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n in_o this_o case_n of_o ignorance_n for_o that_o will_v impart_v a_o contradiction_n to_o my_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v but_o only_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o law_n forbid_v the_o action_n in_o general_n and_o oblige_v all_o that_o know_v it_o or_o shall_v know_v it_o but_o not_o oblige_v i_o as_o i_o suppose_v because_o i_o be_o as_o yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o i_o believe_v inculpable_o but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o sin_v whilst_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o he_o say_v i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 26.9_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v may_v act_v in_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o sin_v not_o except_o his_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a and_o if_o he_o only_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v likewise_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o certain_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o his_o act_n than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o inculpableness_n of_o his_o ignorance_n if_o this_o hypothesis_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o second_o principle_n before_o deliver_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n make_v upon_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v that_o that_o principle_n in_o those_o indefinite_a term_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o the_o common_a presumption_n of_o the_o universal_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o respective_a resolution_n suppose_v it_o be_v according_o frame_v but_o 2._o if_o that_o principle_n be_v restrain_v as_o i_o understand_v it_o to_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v make_v not_o only_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a law_n but_o concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o i_o that_o be_v if_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o
gross_a act_n of_o moral_a impiety_n such_o as_o profane_v swear_v curse_a and_o all_o kind_n of_o uncleanness_n riot_n and_o drunkenness_n may_v be_v profess_o do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n be_v no_o more_o than_o have_v be_v own_v and_o assert_v by_o our_o ranter_n and_o libertine_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o horrid_a opinion_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n by_o necessitate_v effectual_o and_o irresistible_o move_v and_o determine_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n by_o a_o efficacious_a decree_n first_o ordain_v the_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n thereof_o in_o hell_n torment_n and_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o absolute_a dominion_n and_o justice_n i_o hope_v the_o man_n who_o have_v hold_v forth_o such_o expression_n have_v not_o mean_v so_o ill_a as_o their_o word_n seem_v to_o signify_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o parallel_v they_o to_o the_o forementioned_a rank_n of_o profane_a mocker_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n only_o i_o hearty_o wish_v such_o teacher_n will_v sad_o consider_v whether_o those_o doctrine_n be_v like_a to_o produce_v any_o such_o glorious_a conception_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o do_v in_o they_o 4._o but_o my_o reprehension_n can_v without_o partiality_n determine_v in_o such_o a_o list_n of_o person_n as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o describe_v because_o it_o may_v most_o just_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o better_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o best_a which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o we_o for_o doubtless_o we_o be_v all_o to_o blame_v in_o that_o we_o have_v so_o little_o regard_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n in_o that_o we_o have_v seek_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o end_n so_o much_o and_o god_n glory_n so_o little_a how_o few_o of_o we_o can_v say_v but_o that_o other_o end_n have_v be_v more_o regard_v by_o we_o than_o this_o how_o seldom_o and_o how_o slight_o do_v we_o mind_v this_o end_n how_o little_a care_n have_v we_o to_o secure_v it_o or_o zeal_n to_o procure_v it_o be_v this_o indeed_o our_o chief_a end_n we_o will_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o our_o way_n we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o loose_a so_o carnal_a vain_a and_o worldly_a in_o our_o common_a action_n so_o negligent_a cold_a lazy_a and_o slight_a in_o our_o religious_a action_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o precious_a to_o we_o other_o end_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o over-sought_a by_o we_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o general_a sin_n of_o neglect_v his_o glory_n have_v the_o lord_n deserve_v so_o to_o be_v slight_v by_o we_o nay_o which_o of_o we_o can_v say_v but_o he_o have_v infinite_o deserve_v we_o shall_v have_v have_v all_o the_o zeal_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o his_o glory_n shall_v he_o regard_v we_o and_o our_o welfare_n no_o more_o than_o we_o do_v he_o and_o his_o glory_n what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o with_o what_o face_n do_v we_o expect_v to_o appear_v before_o this_o glorious_a god_n who_o we_o have_v so_o much_o slight_v how_o can_v we_o pretend_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o might_n while_o we_o have_v no_o more_o affection_n for_o that_o which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v his_o only_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o dear_a to_o he_o be_v so_o little_o value_v by_o we_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v eternal_o glorify_v by_o he_o and_o with_o he_o that_o regard_v his_o glory_n no_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v oh_o let_v we_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o this_o unkind_a and_o ingrateful_a neglect_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o let_v i_o close_v the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n with_o a_o press_a exhortation_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v to_o love_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o to_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o this_o rule_n in_o all_o their_o do_n to_o which_o purpose_n consider_v the_o generality_n of_o indisposition_n thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v by_o way_n of_o reprehension_n i_o can_v think_v it_o needless_a to_o reinforce_v the_o exhortation_n by_o some_o addition_n of_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a 1._o as_o to_o know_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n distinguish_v a_o man_n from_o a_o beast_n so_o to_o choose_v and_o propose_v a_o good_a end_n distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a as_o man_n and_o reasonable_a creature_n we_o be_v to_o have_v some_o end_n in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o as_o godly_a man_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a end_n to_o which_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v subordinate_a and_o therefore_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v any_o end_n inconsistent_a with_o this_o nothing_o so_o much_o dignify_v a_o action_n as_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o no_o end_n so_o worthy_a as_o this_o by_o which_o all_o action_n be_v sanctify_v even_o the_o common_a action_n while_o they_o be_v though_o remote_o true_o and_o sincere_o design_v to_o this_o end_n be_v hallow_v and_o without_o it_o the_o most_o religious_a action_n be_v profane_v herein_o consist_v the_o form_n essence_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n proper_o so_o call_v godliness_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n express_v by_o such_o act_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o honour_n and_o do_v for_o this_o end_n because_o they_o be_v so_o he_o that_o count_v or_o call_v any_o thing_n godliness_n which_o have_v not_o this_o end_n that_o be_v which_o have_v not_o god_n for_o its_o end_n do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v this_o also_o be_v true_a holiness_n in_o the_o most_o distinct_a and_o proper_a notion_n which_o import_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n with_o a_o devote_v of_o a_o thing_n to_o the_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o god_n look_v how_o much_o a_o man_n be_v sequester_v from_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o devote_v to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n so_o much_o holiness_n be_v there_o in_o he_o holiness_n be_v common_o distinguish_v into_o inherent_a and_o relative_a but_o to_o speak_v strict_o all_o holiness_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v relative_a import_v a_o singular_a consignation_n unto_o god_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o inherent_a quality_n as_o that_o which_o be_v call_v holiness_n in_o all_o true_a saint_n but_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n and_o the_o formality_n of_o the_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o reference_n of_o this_o quality_n to_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o it_o that_o kind_n of_o holiness_n in_o man_n which_o be_v common_o call_v inherent_a or_o practical_a consist_v in_o disposition_n habit_n or_o act_n be_v such_o only_a in_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o object_n or_o end_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o such_o virtuous_a habit_n or_o act_n as_o have_v not_o this_o reference_n principle_n and_o end_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n in_o they_o for_o this_o reason_n moral_a virtue_n and_o good_a action_n of_o mere_a heathen_n amount_v not_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n a_o relative_a holiness_n may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o other_o thing_n both_o natural_a and_o artificial_a but_o no_o creature_n be_v so_o true_o capable_a thereof_o as_o man_n because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o be_v separate_v and_o consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o a_o power_n or_o will_v extrinsical_a to_o himself_o as_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o by_o a_o proper_a design_n dedication_n and_o devotion_n of_o his_o own_o man_n by_o by_o nature_n be_v a_o sacred_a creature_n animal_n ovid._n sanctius_n his_o animal_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a consecration_n to_o god_n from_o that_o image_n of_o the_o creator_n which_o be_v stamp_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o endowment_n of_o reason_n tertul._n ratio_fw-la res_fw-la dei_fw-la tertul._n which_o the_o father_n true_o call_v a_o divine_a thing_n so_o man_n may_v be_v call_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o live_a creature_n elect_v qualify_v and_o appoint_v to_o celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n nor_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o low_a world_n this_o be_v his_o office_n and_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o prime_a intention_n of_o his_o creation_n but_o all_o mankind_n be_v now_o by_o original_n and_o personal_a sin_n profane_v &_o become_v unworthy_a of_o
be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v take_v up_o with_o a_o few_o of_o they_o and_o principal_o with_o three_o to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v be_v refer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o they_o be_v purposely_o design_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o the_o two_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o distinct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n we_o have_v propound_v i._n e._n what_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o direct_v the_o admonition_n in_o the_o text._n when_o the_o gaoler_n sympathize_v with_o the_o quake_a earth_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a come_v to_o he_o and_o silas_n his_o fellow-prisoner_n inquire_v what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o be_v save_v they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act_n 16.30_o 31._o the_o same_o answer_n be_v give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o put_v the_o question_n to_o he_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v that_o they_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o question_n bear_v the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o the_o gaoler_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o express_v in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n where_o our_o saviour_n have_v bid_v they_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o eternal_a life_n hereupon_o they_o move_v this_o question_n what_o be_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o that_o be_v to_o obtain_v that_o mean_a which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n mean_v not_o now_o the_o work_n which_o god_n work_v but_o which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o to_o work_v that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v john_n 6.27_o 28_o 29._o this_o then_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a work_n so_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o design_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n viz._n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o term_n by_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v most_o common_o express_v both_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n especial_o of_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v much_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n wherefore_o also_o he_o say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n eph._n 2.8_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o in_o reason_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o they_o that_o will_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a author_n thereof_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o especial_o since_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o that_o of_o his_o own_o blood_n it_o be_v most_o high_o equitable_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o which_o be_v give_v he_o by_o faith_n as_o that_o import_v a_o affiance_n or_o trust_n in_o he_o for_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o faith_n in_o christ_n therefore_o be_v the_o undoubted_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o prime_a title_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v so_o prove_v that_o every_o man_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o work_v out_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n which_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o be_v at_o least_o very_a requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v understand_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v although_o the_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o notion_n that_o a_o man_n have_v of_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n that_o have_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o it_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o eternal_a life_n although_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o exact_a notion_n thereof_o in_o this_o life_n or_o than_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o to_o act_v reasonable_o thereby_o though_o a_o man_n know_v neither_o what_o the_o soul_n nor_o yet_o what_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o sadducee_n that_o believe_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o spirit_n at_o all_o be_v nevertheless_o inform_v with_o rational_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n may_v render_v a_o man_n liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v as_o well_o in_o the_o practice_n as_o in_o the_o notion_n thereof_o it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o this_o work_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v take_v leave_n to_o call_v it_o after_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a text_n joh._n 6.29_o and_o after_o st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 1._o remember_v your_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o term_n 1.11_o 2_o thes_n 1.11_o beside_o that_o agreement_n that_o it_o have_v with_o my_o text_n be_v useful_a towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o often_o attribute_v the_o effect_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n for_o by_o these_o text_n and_o many_o other_o hereafter_o to_o be_v quote_v we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o true_a justify_n and_o save_v faith_n be_v not_o 1._o a_o bare_a notional_a historical_a or_o intellectual_a faith_n consist_v altogether_o in_o the_o asseâ—_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thâ—_n holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christiâ—â—_n creed_n which_o in_o itself_o or_o as_o such_o differ_v not_o froâ—_n the_o faith_n of_o devil_n jam._n 2.19_o save_o that_o it_o seem_v neâ—_n to_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o free_a from_o all_o degree_n of_o doubt_n as_o they_o be_v for_o want_v of_o that_o forcible_a evidence_n sense_n and_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o truâ—_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o felâ—â—_n viz._n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n resurrect_v on_o and_o ascension_n etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o second_o the_o single_a act_n of_o affiance_n reliance_n trust_n or_o roll_a man_n self_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o eminent_a act_n or_o effect_v of_o faith_n and_o so_o muâ—â—_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o it_o exclude_v all_o glory_v in_o our_o own_o work_n rom._n 3.27_o much_o lâ—_n three_o that_o reflex_n act_n or_o consequent_a of_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o full_a assurance_n confidence_n â—â—perswasion_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o scripture_n be_v nowhere_o to_o my_o understanding_n â—â—led_a faith_n and_o therefore_o although_o it_o be_v indeâ—_n the_o first_o notion_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o be_v catechise_v 〈◊〉_d in_o english_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d definition_n in_o sense_n find_v in_o many_o of_o the_o most_o 〈◊〉_d thentick_a catechism_n of_o reform_a church_n yeâ—_n must_v profess_v myself_o least_o satisfy_v with_o it_o of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o because_o all_o the_o assurance_n salvation_n that_o can_v ordinary_o be_v have_v in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v nothing_o but_o a_o consequence_n of_o faith_n ground_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o he_o that_o 〈◊〉_d believe_v and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o my_o 〈◊〉_d vation_n i_o must_v first_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o do_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d then_o my_o believe_a can_v be_v my_o assurance_n of_o my_o salvation_n because_o that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o consequent_a of_o itself_o and_o import_v no_o less_o absurdity_n than_o this_o that_o i_o believe_v or_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v because_o i_o believe_v or_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o that_o say_v faith_n be_v assurance_n say_v also_o that_o assurance_n be_v faith_n and_o than_o if_o my_o assurance_n or_o confidence_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v ground_v upon_o my_o faith_n as_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o salvation_n be_v promise_v it_o must_v