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substance_n of_o a_o power_n yea_o or_o of_o a_o mode_n or_o accident_n or_o any_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o grace_n therefore_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o instrument_n of_o work_v a_o miracle_n and_o that_o only_o when_o god_n will_v the_o individual_a act_n and_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n of_o any_o kind_n as_o the_o creature_n will_v or_o that_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n at_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v a_o dependence_n unbecoming_a his_o majesty_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a habit_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o mountain_n be_v remove_v hence_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n it_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n at_o that_o time_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v make_v they_o 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as_o he_o please_v to_o express_v the_o word_n of_o consecration_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o eucharist_n the_o most_o stupendous_a miracle_n shall_v then_o arise_v of_o course_n or_o that_o by_o their_o consecration_n the_o element_n shall_v have_v a_o power_n or_o efficacy_n to_o confer_v grace_n or_o otherwise_o to_o confirm_v it_o than_o that_o by_o the_o solemn_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o the_o creature_n god_n will_v more_o ready_o grant_v their_o desire_n than_o at_o other_o time_n or_o how_o by_o apply_v the_o water_n in_o baptism_n at_o desire_n original_a sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v or_o grace_n shall_v be_v give_v which_o incroach_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o incommunicable_a power_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v grace_n to_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v which_o in_o the_o most_o part_n will_v prove_v frustraneous_a by_o be_v lose_v they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a derogate_v from_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n who_o imagine_v that_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o create_a will_n do_v inseparable_o imply_v that_o god_n can_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o but_o by_o persuade_v yet_o no_o persuasion_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a but_o it_o can_v reject_v it_o and_o choose_v the_o contrary_a whereby_o they_o fancy_n that_o they_o can_v clear_v god_n from_o any_o accession_n to_o sin_n even_o by_o permission_n as_o if_o his_o purity_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v but_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n so_o that_o god_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o absolute_a power_n to_o make_v every_o rational_a creature_n holy_a and_o happy_a yet_o the_o pretext_n be_v vain_a for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o mean_a a_o orator_n that_o he_o can_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o go_v to_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v and_o spread_v book_n persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v not_o by_o his_o absolute_a power_n but_o by_o his_o regulate_v power_n by_o his_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a decree_n they_o may_v with_o more_o pretext_n have_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o freedom_n and_o wisdom_n have_v decree_v that_o he_o will_v make_v no_o far_o use_v of_o his_o power_n but_o by_o persuasion_n yet_o that_o will_v have_v incorach_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o he_o have_v make_v creature_n which_o he_o can_v not_o effectual_o govern_v so_o that_o it_o be_v without_o all_o ground_n in_o reason_n or_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v so_o decree_v it_o be_v a_o very_a brutish_a pretence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o brute_n power_n and_o not_o rational_a to_o infuse_v habit_n or_o inclination_n in_o rational_a creature_n see_v these_o infuse_a power_n act_v at_o the_o judgement_n and_o choice_n of_o reason_n though_o in_o some_o case_n without_o hesitation_n or_o deliberation_n be_v creature_n persuade_v to_o desire_v their_o own_o wellbeing_a or_o parent_n persuade_v to_o love_v their_o own_o child_n or_o any_o to_o pity_v the_o injure_a miserable_a meditation_n vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a and_o inconsistent_a that_o there_o can_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o both_o for_o the_o omniscience_n and_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o be_v impassable_a he_o know_v not_o by_o any_o outward_a impression_n or_o manifestation_n but_o from_o reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o capacity_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o give_v to_o creature_n and_o by_o his_o own_o overrule_a they_o for_o his_o glory_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o decree_n but_o those_o which_o be_v in_o that_o omniscient_a view_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o they_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o extrinsic_a 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and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n relate_v to_o mankind_n from_o the_o beginning_n reveal_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o by_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o both_o testament_n but_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n usher_v in_o with_o a_o unparalleled_a note_n of_o attention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o gidliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh._n therefore_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o near_a oneness_n than_o that_o of_o individual_n of_o one_o kind_n yet_o not_o such_o a_o oneness_n as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a
apostle_n but_o to_o other_o be_v either_o reason_n or_o will_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o produce_v of_o these_o or_o be_v it_o a_o brute_n way_n unbeseeming_a god_n be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_v inbred_a in_o nature_n and_o free_o give_v of_o god_n be_v therefore_o man_n reason_v a_o brute_n way_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a against_o this_o opinion_n than_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o put_v work_n upon_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o deserve_v by_o justice_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n part._n the_o semipelagian_n after_o the_o pelagian_n be_v baffle_v and_o explode_v that_o they_o dare_v no_o more_o profess_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n say_v there_o behove_v to_o be_v supernatural_a grace_n give_v of_o god_n at_o conversion_n yet_o there_o be_v preparatory_a work_n such_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o its_o deserve_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n which_o they_o think_v deserve_v grace_n which_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o but_o give_v these_o be_v also_o explode_v and_o be_v call_v semipelagian_n all_o the_o apostle_n paul_n argument_n against_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n strike_v as_o full_o against_o these_o as_o against_o any_o merit_n or_o work_v on_o man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o he_o be_v accurate_o positive_a that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o be_v save_v without_o any_o thing_n on_o our_o part_n in_o which_o we_o may_v glory_v or_o 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far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n can_v allow_v to_o fulfil_v they_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o holiness_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o behove_v to_o take_v the_o antinomian_n interpretation_n that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n that_o the_o law_n have_v no_o more_o obligation_n on_o believer_n therefore_o the_o new_a obedience_n must_v be_v man_n part._n this_o opinion_n have_v be_v hold_v by_o some_o pious_a and_o otherwise_o orthodox_n divine_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v clear_v as_o a_o mistake_n than_o prosecute_v as_o a_o state_v profession_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v advert_v that_o god_n moral_a law_n be_v indispensable_a and_o behove_v to_o be_v bind_v tho_o there_o have_v never_o be_v a_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o god_n dispensation_n may_v have_v be_v without_o take_v man_n consent_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n oblige_v he_o to_o obedience_n under_o the_o just_a and_o proportion_a punishment_n of_o eternal_a exclusion_n from_o god_n favour_n the_o breach_n or_o loss_n of_o no_o covenant_n can_v take_v away_o that_o it_o become_v indeed_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v yet_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v anterior_a to_o that_o covenant_n stand_v in_o thecovenaut_n of_o work_n there_o be_v partly_o merit_n partly_o favour_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n exclude_v all_o merit_n and_o man_n part_n be_v by_o faith_n only_o so_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o consider_v in_o its_o moral_a goodness_n for_o in_o that_o consideration_n love_n be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o disintere_v virtue_n than_o faith_n but_o holiness_n be_v on_o god_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o the_o former_a conception_n be_v express_v he_o infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n in_o conversion_n man_n engagement_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v god_n law_n be_v of_o no_o import_n unless_o he_o do_v keep_v it_o and_o so_o god_n part_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o conversion_n but_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n after_o the_o course_n of_o man_n life_n do_v appear_v the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o moment_n of_o man_n resolution_n which_o be_v as_o the_o early_a cloud_n or_o morning_n dew_n which_o quick_o pass_v away_o neither_o will_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o will_v go_v much_o further_a than_o the_o endeavour_n of_o other_o 5._o some_o divine_n in_o england_n have_v make_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n because_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o be_v hold_v sufficient_a as_o if_o all_o righteousness_n have_v be_v perform_v but_o this_o have_v be_v still_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n accept_v one_o work_n in_o place_n of_o entire_a obedience_n but_o abraham_n believe_v in_o that_o place_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o former_a place_n of_o scriptnre_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v abraham_n believe_v which_o be_v concern_v his_o son_n isaac_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a act_n of_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o be_v proper_o a_o act_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v so_o impute_v or_o repute_v as_o a_o act_n of_o righteousness_n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o abraham_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v believe_v in_o god_n through_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o glorify_v 6._o some_o reform_a divine_n in_o france_n and_o england_n bring_v good_a work_n on_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o perfect_v and_o complete_n faith_n for_o only_o a_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o love_n be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v not_o by_o love_n the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v isaac_n see_v thou_o how_o faith_n wrought_v with_o his_o work_n and_o abraham_n believe_v and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n by_o work_v a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o yet_o paul_n reason_v be_v much_o more_o full_a and_o accurate_a discuss_v the_o point_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o consist_v if_o james_n speak_v of_o faith_n as_o justify_v whereas_o james_n take_v off_o a_o error_n of_o those_o that_o think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n without_o holiness_n which_o he_o redargues_fw-la as_o a_o wrong_a consequence_n from_o paul_n and_o show_v that_o not_o to_o be_v true_a faith_n but_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o devil_n have_v which_o can_v be_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o man_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o salvation_n through_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a abraham_n faith_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o true_a faith_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o justify_v act_n nor_o be_v the_o justification_n there_o mean_v the_o justification_n in_o conversion_n which_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o that_o which_o manifest_v his_o justification_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n for_o paul_n say_v if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o
covenanter_n by_o their_o choice_n and_o consent_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n there_o be_v covenant_n where_o the_o performance_n be_v of_o equivalent_a value_n deserve_v each_o other_o but_o it_o be_v arrogance_n enough_o for_o adam_n to_o have_v think_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v such_o and_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o imagine_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n there_o be_v two_o branch_n a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o adam_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n and_o if_o he_o have_v stand_v there_o behove_v to_o have_v be_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o each_o of_o his_o elect_a posterity_n particular_o for_o himself_o the_o word_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o father_n do_v covenant_n with_o the_o son_n foreknow_v adam_n fall_n to_o become_v the_o second_o adam_n to_o restore_v and_o exceed_v that_o which_o be_v know_v the_o first_o will_v lose_v by_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o with_o it_o not_o only_o perform_v that_o in_o which_o adam_n fail_v by_o not_o continue_v in_o integrity_n perform_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o put_v all_o mankind_n in_o a_o near_a capacity_n to_o blessedness_n than_o adam_n have_v do_v though_o he_o have_v stand_v for_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v his_o posterity_n will_v have_v be_v confirm_v without_o their_o own_o trial_n more_o than_o he_o but_o the_o second_o adam_n put_v not_o only_o all_o mankind_n out_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o misery_n but_o it_o become_v effectual_a unto_o all_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o reconciliation_n with_o sinner_n cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n or_o of_o those_o who_o partake_v of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o of_o the_o taste_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v shall_v despiteful_o hate_v the_o spirit_n the_o worker_n of_o these_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o father_n foreknow_v they_o and_o predestinate_v they_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o son_n so_o the_o son_n undertake_v effectual_o to_o redeem_v they_o and_o glorify_v they_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o call_v they_o sanctify_v and_o preserve_v they_o the_o second_o adam_n do_v undertake_v yet_o much_o more_o than_o the_o first_o to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n and_o manifest_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n more_o than_o if_o all_o mankind_n have_v perish_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v complete_a as_o to_o the_o elect_n that_o can_v not_o through_o incapacity_n covenant_n for_o themselves_o but_o those_o that_o can_v be_v to_o have_v the_o offer_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o they_o by_o their_o vocation_n though_o not_o to_o all_o in_o equal_a fullness_n and_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o 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a_o act_n of_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o special_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v one_o single_a act_n only_o or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v save_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o if_o we_o may_v perceive_v any_o consideration_n why_o god_n make_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o as_o to_o the_o first_o point_n to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v be_v use_v as_o equivalent_a term_n both_o in_o common_a use_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o great_a latitude_n for_o to_o believe_v do_v oftentimes_o signify_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n man_n do_v believe_v that_o be_v they_o think_v likely_a or_o probable_a whatever_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v but_o more_o strict_o belief_n be_v take_v for_o a_o judgement_n which_o have_v for_o its_o motive_n the_o perfection_n of_o some_o person_n express_v it_o endue_v with_o such_o perfection_n as_o may_v warrant_v a_o assent_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n that_o person_n must_v be_v a_o virtuous_a person_n from_o who_o act_n it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v own_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o have_v no_o tentation_n to_o fail_v in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o in_o that_o point_n so_o not_o only_o a_o liar_n but_o a_o vicious_a person_n or_o one_o in_o necessity_n or_o bias_v by_o favour_n or_o hatred_n in_o prudence_n be_v not_o a_o credible_a person_n or_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a object_n of_o that_o sense_n which_o he_o have_v in_o vigour_n it_o be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n faith_n upon_o account_n of_o credibility_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n alone_o absolute_o who_o can_v neither_o be_v ignorant_a err_v be_v bias_v mistake_v or_o deceive_v and_o be_v infinite_a in_o moral_a perfection_n creature_n may_v also_o be_v trust_v in_o defferent_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o trust_v any_o creature_n as_o to_o the_o necessary_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o god_n alone_o immediate_o or_o by_o mediation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v his_o evident_a credential_n this_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o prerequisite_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o no_o part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o devil_n do_v thus_o believe_v and_o tremble_v they_o know_v god_n to_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o that_o all_o he_o express_v be_v true_a whatever_o improbability_n may_v arise_v against_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o strict_a sense_n of_o believe_v or_o faith_n whereby_o one_o expect_v good_a from_o another_o when_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o he_o to_o give_v or_o do_v it_o and_o to_o the_o other_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v not_o say_v one_o believe_v another_o but_o he_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o trust_v to_o he_o he_o lean_v rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o he_o the_o object_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v faithfulness_n it_o do_v not_o arise_v alone_o upon_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v but_o require_v many_o other_o perfection_n that_o he_o be_v benign_a and_o gracious_a that_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o plentiful_a as_o to_o that_o wherein_o he_o be_v trust_v it_o do_v not_o require_v his_o promise_n which_o will_v make_v the_o thing_n expect_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o creature_n may_v and_o do_v trust_v to_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o perfection_n a_o secret_n may_v be_v trust_v to_o a_o faithful_a person_n though_o neither_o powerful_a nor_o rich_a and_o if_o experience_n have_v show_v he_o to_o be_v trusty_a it_o will_v be_v a_o confidence_n without_o all_o doubt_n he_o be_v
plentiful_a in_o capacity_n to_o forbear_v to_o reveal_v a_o secret_a he_o lose_v nothing_o by_o keep_v it_o to_o another_o a_o man_n may_v trust_v his_o money_n without_o writ_n or_o witness_n if_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v virtuous_a though_o he_o be_v poor_a much_o more_o if_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o so_o under_o no_o tentation_n to_o abuse_v his_o trust._n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o folly_n to_o require_v a_o promise_n to_o restore_v for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o proof_n he_o may_v as_o safe_o violate_v his_o promise_n as_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o trust_v or_o oblige_v it_o be_v indiscretion_n first_o to_o relate_v a_o matter_n and_o then_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o secret_a or_o to_o require_v secrecy_n because_o he_o that_o accept_v the_o trust_n shall_v do_v it_o free_o his_o promise_n may_v oblige_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o close_o but_o not_o his_o faithfulness_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v a_o secret_a to_o he_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o keep_v close_a that_o he_o may_v forbid_v the_o discovery_n if_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v under_o that_o obligation_n of_o trust_n he_o that_o be_v pursue_v or_o search_v after_o for_o his_o life_n if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v himself_o though_o he_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o confident_a near_o he_o he_o will_v run_v for_o shelter_n to_o the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o fit_a person_n that_o without_o fault_n may_v cover_v he_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v trust_v but_o without_o any_o promise_n or_o paction_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n with_o prudence_n can_v believe_v in_o any_o creature_n because_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v power_n to_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o another_o may_v need_v god_n alone_o be_v absolute_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v alsufficient_a he_o be_v boundless_o benign_a he_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n less_o by_o whatever_o he_o can_v give_v yet_o his_o faithfulness_n do_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o but_o what_o be_v congruous_a for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o they_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v very_o incongruous_a for_o he_o to_o give_v grace_n or_o glory_n to_o one_o who_o know_v he_o or_o taste_v of_o his_o heavenly_a power_n do_v hate_v he_o with_o despite_n he_o do_v much_o good_a by_o his_o bounty_n respect_v nothing_o in_o the_o object_n but_o its_o capacity_n to_o receive_v much_o more_o by_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n upon_o the_o miserable_a but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o expect_v from_o he_o this_o be_v by_o his_o faithfulness_n the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o mercy_n and_o benignity_n the_o weakness_n of_o creature_n have_v make_v he_o not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v yet_o it_o be_v indiscretion_n to_o urge_v he_o upon_o his_o oath_n or_o even_o upon_o his_o promise_n where_o his_o faithfulness_n be_v sufficient_a no_o other_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o and_o those_o may_v be_v trust_v for_o by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o hate_v he_o or_o do_v cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o become_v holy_a and_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o distinction_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o in_o this_o case_n he_o need_v not_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v that_o immediate_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n from_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o love_n purify_n the_o heart_n though_o then_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o save_a faith_n not_o presumption_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o a_o holy_a life_n faith_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o christian_a virtue_n next_o in_o excellency_n to_o love_n and_o as_o love_n make_v the_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o last_o end_n so_o faith_n give_v the_o resolution_n for_o pursue_v all_o the_o mean_n towards_o that_o end_n and_o towards_o the_o next_o subordinate_a end_n the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n trust_v in_o god_n for_o direction_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n towards_o these_o end_n that_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n trust_v to_o and_o rest_v on_o natural_a mean_n for_o obtain_v his_o end_n so_o the_o spiritual_a man_n trust_v to_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n especial_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v and_o give_v warrant_n to_o all_o who_o walk_v christianly_o to_o say_v the_o life_n that_o i_o now_o live_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v be_v whether_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o one_o or_o more_o act_n of_o that_o habit_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o a_o covenant_n can_v be_v enter_v and_o continue_v by_o a_o habit_n but_o it_o do_v necessary_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o universal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o man_n come_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o infant_n come_v into_o that_o covenant_n by_o regeneration_n when_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v undertake_v for_o in_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o from_o eternity_n be_v among_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n till_o they_o be_v not_o only_o make_v creature_n but_o also_o new_a creature_n by_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o that_o habit_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v say_v that_o at_o the_o salutation_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o elizabeth_n the_o child_n in_o her_o womb_n do_v spring_n for_o joy_n but_o whether_o the_o spring_a of_o the_o child_n be_v from_o his_o or_o her_o joy_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o infant_n be_v capable_a to_o act_v its_o imbred_a principle_n if_o it_o can_v perceive_v the_o object_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v so_o delight_v in_o that_o tender_a case_n to_o which_o it_o be_v wed_v that_o it_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o experience_n show_v of_o all_o man_n when_o in_o extreme_a passion_n their_o soul_n can_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o god_n may_v so_o far_o manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o infant_n be_v soul_n as_o to_o give_v it_o great_a joy_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n so_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o such_o soul_n shall_v enter_v in_o covenant_n though_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o to_o the_o way_n god_n have_v choose_v that_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a shall_v actual_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n at_o their_o conversion_n when_o it_o be_v say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n i_o do_v rather_o think_v that_o by_o faith_n act_n be_v mean_v rather_o than_o the_o habit_n albeit_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o habit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o a_o act_n but_o as_o a_o quality_n whereas_o to_o please_v signify_v a_o act_n please_v and_o so_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o who_o all_o direction_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v i_o be_o not_o move_v by_o this_o objection_n that_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n child_n and_o idiot_n must_v either_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o different_a way_n of_o save_a child_n and_o man_n of_o discretion_n and_o a_o different_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o child_n for_o it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o god_n way_n with_o child_n and_o idiot_n be_v different_a from_o his_o way_n with_o other_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n relate_v only_o to_o those_o of_o discretion_n capable_a of_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o determine_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n oppose_v the_o hear_n of_o faith_n unto_o work_n and_o say_v likewise_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v which_o neither_o relate_v to_o nor_o be_v exclusive_a
only_o sufficient_a but_o inefficacious_a and_o that_o its_o efficacy_n must_v be_v by_o the_o creature_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o adoration_n thus_o my_o god_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o live_v in_o thy_o favour_n eternal_o who_o feel_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o do_v not_o cleave_v to_o any_o know_a sin_n but_o betake_v themselves_o to_o thou_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o to_o become_v thy_o servant_n trust_v in_o thou_o for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n i_o be_o sensible_a of_o the_o bondage_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o free_v myself_o from_o that_o bondage_n yet_o i_o believe_v thou_o have_v offer_v to_o enable_v i_o and_o do_v humble_o accept_v thy_o offer_n purchase_v through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o do_v resign_v myself_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o happiness_n here_o be_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o covenant_n god_n offer_n manifest_v to_o the_o conscience_n believe_v and_o accept_v wherewith_o the_o believer_n as_o by_o the_o offer_n he_o be_v call_v so_o the_o call_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o justification_n reconciliation_n pardon_v conversion_n regeneration_n adoption_n and_o by_o give_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n never_o to_o be_v eradicate_v this_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v the_o embrace_v the_o atonement_n and_o to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o embrace_v the_o promise_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o come_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v all_o the_o term_n of_o god_n offer_n and_o his_o enable_v the_o sinner_n to_o accept_v be_v at_o once_o and_o together_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o expression_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o all_o different_a nor_o be_v there_o necessity_n of_o a_o express_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o enter_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v this_o exclusive_a of_o what_o other_o way_n god_n may_v take_v to_o glorify_v those_o who_o can_v express_o thus_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v all_o direct_v to_o hearer_n and_o believer_n and_o do_v not_o special_o reveal_v god_n other_o way_n of_o salvation_n though_o what_o be_v say_v of_o child_n in_o scripture_n be_v all_o to_o their_o advantage_n yet_o nothing_o be_v special_o express_v of_o the_o manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o any_o conception_n possible_a which_o can_v so_o much_o exalt_v the_o justice_n the_o mercy_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o creature_n to_o attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o happiness_n to_o itself_o which_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o act_n all_o the_o former_a expression_n in_o scripture_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n be_v imply_v yet_o this_o objection_n arise_v that_o this_o conception_n make_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o consist_v without_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v on_o god_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v clear_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n work_v in_o and_o by_o creature_n by_o give_v and_o preserve_v in_o they_o inclination_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o act_n no_o considerate_a man_n dare_v say_v that_o god_n can_v give_v a_o operative_a inclination_n for_o one_o single_a act_n as_o well_o as_o for_o one_o species_n of_o act_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o explicate_v his_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o give_v the_o effectual_a inclination_n to_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o conversion_n without_o give_v the_o habit_n for_o exert_v all_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o less_o a_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n than_o love_n or_o any_o other_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v more_o clear_o difference_n the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o holiness_n or_o a_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o if_o any_o require_v the_o accuracy_n of_o the_o school_n they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v a_o disposition_n difference_v from_o a_o habit._n this_o objection_n do_v also_o occur_v that_o acceptance_n of_o a_o offer_n be_v no_o act_n of_o believe_v for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o acceptance_n must_v imply_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o motion_n to_o repent_v or_o return_v or_o to_o admit_v of_o conversion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v such_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o acceptance_n imply_v also_o a_o trust_n or_o rely_v upon_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v good_a his_o offer_n to_o the_o person_n trust_v this_o difficulty_n do_v also_o offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v too_o much_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o creature_n if_o all_o that_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o conversion_n and_o holiness_n be_v elect_v election_n be_v not_o so_o free_a as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v it_o forth_o and_o one_o creature_n make_v itself_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v who_o have_v make_v thou_o to_o differ_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n either_o to_o refuse_v or_o to_o choose_v and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o middle_a condition_n between_o refuse_v and_o choose_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o make_v such_o difference_n between_o refuse_v and_o not_o refuse_v i_o thank_v god_n that_o have_v full_o clear_v i_o in_o all_o these_o for_o as_o to_o god_n freedom_n in_o election_n it_o be_v not_o encroach_v upon_o by_o his_o act_n like_o himself_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n or_o necessity_n to_o have_v elect_v or_o recover_v any_o of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o do_v free_o elect_v all_o that_o with_o congruity_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v eligible_a reject_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v refuse_v his_o offer_n and_o not_o all_o those_o but_o prevail_v by_o the_o superabundance_n of_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o resistance_n of_o some_o of_o those_o especial_o upon_o his_o kindness_n to_o their_o father_n how_o often_o do_v he_o show_v mercy_n to_o rebellious_a israel_n remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n his_o servant_n though_o by_o many_o generation_n distant_a from_o they_o how_o much_o more_o the_o near_a seed_n of_o his_o eminent_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o free_o for_o these_o father_n can_v not_o merit_v happiness_n for_o themselves_o much_o less_o for_o their_o child_n and_o the_o say_n who_o have_v make_v thou_o to_o differ_v can_v be_v oppose_v to_o a_o difference_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o evil_n for_o certain_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v himself_o so_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o obstinate_a sinner_n so_o that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v mean_v of_o do_v any_o good_a and_o holy_a deed_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n between_o accept_v and_o reject_v any_o offer_n be_v without_o question_n first_o negative_o by_o not_o noticing_z or_o consider_v it_o which_o require_v no_o positive_a act._n 2._o by_o a_o positive_a act_n resolve_v to_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n present_o or_o at_o a_o convenient_a time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v most_o opportunity_n without_o diversion_n to_o ponder_v it_o 3._o by_o invent_v collect_v and_o compare_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n on_o both_o part_n which_o in_o the_o most_o weighty_a case_n may_v require_v long_a time_n and_o much_o deliberation_n 4._o by_o irresolution_n vacillate_v and_o doubt_v what_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o last_o by_o suspend_v the_o resolution_n or_o choice_n when_o yet_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o preference_n and_o therefore_o god_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thiatira_n of_o jezebel_n that_o he_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o attribute_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o perish_v of_o the_o wicked_a to_o their_o refuse_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n or_o equivalent_a expression_n and_o 1._o there_o can_v nothing_o signify_v more_o aversion_n to_o a_o motion_v offer_v than_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o those_o who_o see_v
the_o measure_n of_o the_o distinctness_n of_o the_o object_n be_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o delight_n in_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o possible_a consistent_a perfection_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o several_a divine_a perfection_n in_o that_o order_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v best_o apprehend_v they_o for_o who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v in_o himself_o a_o earnest_n and_o steadfast_a inclination_n to_o promote_v his_o own_o wellbeing_a to_o his_o full_a satisfaction_n which_o alone_o can_v just_o be_v call_v his_o happiness_n and_o must_v comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o have_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v do_v he_o good_a but_o the_o certainty_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o he_o this_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o perpetual_a monitor_n to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n to_o consider_v what_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o his_o good_a and_o in_o what_o way_n he_o may_v retain_v or_o attain_v they_o and_o though_o man_n be_v frequent_o mistake_v in_o the_o application_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o own_o good_a yet_o they_o do_v ever_o desire_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o probability_n of_o attainment_n endeavour_v after_o that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v for_o their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v insinuate_v that_o the_o most_o common_a apprehension_n of_o happiness_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o the_o joy_n arise_v from_o the_o accommodation_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n express_v by_o corn_n and_o wine_n which_o be_v the_o prime_a mean_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n 2._o but_o declare_v also_o his_o own_o sentiment_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n the_o joy_n arise_v from_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n that_o be_v the_o evident_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o favour_n be_v chief_o indicate_v by_o the_o countenance_n as_o well_o as_o aversion_n by_o discountenance_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n signisy_n the_o high_a favour_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o all_o goodness_n requisite_a thereto_o absolute_o secure_v by_o god_n unchangcableness_n the_o countenance_n of_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a seat_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o therefore_o sit_v to_o represent_v the_o amiableness_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o clear_a perception_n and_o attention_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n exciting_a a_o unparallelable_a delight_n so_o than_o man_n happiness_n be_v the_o joy_n arise_v from_o such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v never_o want_v the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n but_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v that_o state_n be_v not_o so_o obvious_a the_o find_v they_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o diligent_a meditation_n for_o therein_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o seduce_v with_o the_o bias_n of_o self-interest_n that_o state_n be_v the_o great_a self-interest_n have_v yet_o groslie_v err_v herein_o so_o that_o there_o be_v hundred_o of_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o philosopher_n wherein_o happiness_n do_v consist_v 3._o the_o favour_n and_o shine_v of_o the_o countenance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v upon_o any_o other_o state_n of_o man_n than_o that_o which_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o seek_v he_o must_v be_v a_o endeavour_n to_o know_v his_o divine_a perfection_n more_o than_o by_o know_v that_o he_o be_v by_o know_v what_o he_o be_v wherein_o the_o believe_a that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v special_o express_v as_o of_o the_o chief_a moment_n as_o it_o be_v immediate_o subjoin_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n which_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o that_o contemplative_a faith_n whereby_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v know_v that_o be_v that_o excellent_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o will_v not_o disappoint_v the_o hope_n or_o trust_v of_o a_o creature_n create_v after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o to_o give_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o have_v but_o that_o actual_a trust_n and_o hope_n for_o pardon_n reconciliation_n and_o glory_n in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v to_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v he_o or_o that_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v abhor_v or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o from_o love_n have_v not_o only_o a_o tender_a fear_n and_o reverence_n to_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v offend_v he_o but_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n devote_v the_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o be_v that_o true_a holiness_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v god_n which_o by_o equivalent_a term_n be_v call_v godliness_n piety_n and_o devotion_n 4._o that_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o countenance_n be_v not_o in_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n or_o good_a will_n which_o he_o have_v in_o election_n and_o still_o have_v before_o conversion_n but_o in_o that_o love_n of_o beneplacence_n or_o delight_n which_o he_o have_v not_o till_o conversion_n nor_o do_v his_o countenance_n always_o shine_v after_o it_o but_o he_o frown_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n until_o they_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o pardon_v 5._o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o clear_a distinction_n and_o difference_n between_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o in_o equivalent_a term_n be_v make_v betwixt_o piety_n and_o probity_n the_o same_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o either_o or_o of_o both_o or_o of_o neither_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o clear_a instance_n in_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a which_o some_o may_v give_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o compassion_n of_o the_o miserable_a without_o consider_v it_o as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o honesty_n and_o probity_n but_o no_o act_n of_o godliness_n or_o piety_n other_o may_v give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o consider_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o piety_n only_o other_o may_v give_v it_o upon_o both_o account_n in_o their_o due_a subordination_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n both_o of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o other_o may_v give_v it_o out_o of_o vainglory_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o neither_o piety_n be_v call_v religion_n à _fw-la religando_fw-la from_o tie_v or_o bind_v again_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o be_v also_o call_v devotion_n à _fw-la devovendo_fw-la from_o vow_v or_o consecrate_v the_o soul_n from_o common_a use_n to_o god_n and_o so_o all_o thing_n consecrate_v be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_v as_o to_o their_o chief_a use_n without_o exclude_v consist_v subordinate_a uses_n 6._o the_o necessary_a and_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v confidence_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o god_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o fountain-grace_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n flow_v neither_o of_o they_o be_v attainable_a without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n so_o qualify_v as_o may_v excite_v these_o affection_n which_o must_v be_v by_o the_o perfection_n in_o the_o object_n on_o which_o these_o affection_n lay_v hold_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v move_v 7._o faith_n be_v describe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v best_a render_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o so_o the_o same_o act_n be_v faith_n as_o the_o promise_n or_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v present_a and_o hope_v as_o the_o performance_n be_v expect_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o both_o be_v faithfulness_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v upon_o knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a at_o least_o by_o
as_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o say_v whosoever_o shed_v man_n blood_n by_o that_o man_n or_o his_o relation_n his_o blood_n shall_v be_v shed_v for_o he_o that_o be_v kill_v or_o disable_v can_v shed_v his_o blood_n who_o do_v it_o nor_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v judge_n or_o avenger_n of_o it_o where_o another_o can_v be_v have_v which_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o man_n may_v defend_v themselves_o against_o injury_n which_o be_v not_o by_o distributive_a or_o judicial_a justice_n but_o by_o the_o obligation_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o preserve_v these_o life_n whereof_o he_o alone_o be_v master_n but_o they_o may_v not_o avenge_v themselves_o without_o a_o judge_n know_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a judge_n have_v a_o authoritative_a superiority_n king_n and_o state_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n where_o other_o can_v be_v have_v but_o before_o they_o enter_v in_o war_n they_o ought_v to_o demand_v satisfaction_n and_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o not_o decline_v arbitrament_n where_o a_o indifferent_a judge_n can_v be_v find_v nor_o do_v they_o judge_v their_o own_o cause_n against_o their_o subject_n but_o by_o judge_n though_o constitute_v by_o themselves_o yet_o swear_v to_o do_v justice_n between_o they_o and_o their_o subject_n without_o respect_n of_o party_n not_o only_o in_o their_o civil_a right_n but_o in_o crime_n and_o injury_n against_o themselves_o it_o be_v by_o this_o kind_n of_o justice_n that_o prince_n and_o state_n interpose_v between_o their_o neighbour_n enter_v in_o war_n where_o no_o arbitration_n have_v precede_v and_o they_o can_v just_o concur_v with_o the_o injure_a without_o a_o precede_a judgement_n for_o it_o will_v choke_v humanity_n to_o think_v that_o they_o may_v kill_v man_n by_o implicit_a faith_n or_o report_n much_o less_o by_o kindness_n or_o contract_n by_o this_o justice_n man_n be_v not_o only_o oblige_v to_o act_v as_o judge_n but_o as_o witness_n by_o give_v their_o own_o testimony_n or_o any_o evidence_n they_o have_v or_o can_v cause_v any_o in_o their_o power_n to_o give_v avenge_v not_o yourselves_o be_v not_o with_o a_o restriction_n to_o private_a person_n vengeance_n be_v god_n and_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o warrant_n i_o know_v the_o perverseness_n and_o even_a inadvertance_n of_o man_n make_v they_o run_v upon_o their_o adversary_n to_o give_v themselves_o that_o great_a but_o inhuman_a pleasure_n of_o revenge_n not_o so_o much_o delight_v in_o justice_n as_o in_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o injurer_n yet_o the_o mighty_a god_n have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o swear_v that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n when_o i_o consider_v these_o branch_n of_o justice_n as_o they_o be_v in_o god_n i_o perceive_v great_a difference_n in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o man_n who_o by_o attributive_a justice_n may_v take_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n that_o be_v his_o own_o except_o in_o the_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o a_o just_a cause_n but_o as_o to_o god_n all_o man_n good_n honour_n freedom_n and_o even_o their_o life_n be_v but_o precarious_a during_o god_n pleasure_n and_o as_o the_o peculia_fw-la of_o child_n or_o servant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o god_n to_o take_v they_o away_o or_o to_o transfer_v the_o right_n of_o they_o to_o any_o other_o the_o israulites_n not_o restore_v those_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n at_o their_o departure_n be_v no_o stealth_n or_o injury_n because_o they_o do_v it_o by_o god_n warrant_n it_o be_v more_o questionable_a whether_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o god_n to_o have_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o his_o innocent_a rational_a creature_n by_o annihilation_n or_o by_o death_n wherein_o i_o do_v incline_v to_o the_o negative_a for_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o any_o creature_n if_o it_o have_v not_o certainty_n of_o its_o bless_a state_n but_o i_o think_v also_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o be_v not_o from_o god_n justice_n but_o from_o his_o bounty_n especial_o from_o his_o faithfulness_n there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v of_o any_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o full_a assurance_n not_o to_o be_v annihilate_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o their_o life_n can_v be_v otherwise_o take_v away_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o man_n in_o innocency_n for_o though_o death_n be_v threaten_v upon_o his_o disobedience_n the_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o life_n do_v not_o thence_o necessary_o follow_v but_o innocent_a angel_n and_o man_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o have_v full_a trust_n in_o god_n that_o if_o they_o offend_v he_o not_o he_o will_v never_o destroy_v they_o though_o not_o from_o his_o promise_n for_o that_o have_v be_v by_o his_o justice_n but_o i_o be_o far_o clear_a that_o god_n justice_n can_v not_o permit_v that_o he_o shall_v torment_v his_o innocent_a creature_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a i_o know_v some_o think_v that_o by_o his_o sovereignty_n he_o may_v torment_v his_o innocent_a rational_a creature_n as_o have_v more_o power_n over_o they_o than_o the_o potter_n over_o his_o clay_n to_o make_v vessel_n of_o honour_n or_o dishonour_v of_o they_o but_o i_o have_v clear_v my_o mind_n as_o to_o that_o point_n that_o by_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n or_o dishonour_v be_v not_o mean_v the_o happy_a and_o miserable_a but_o his_o free_a give_v of_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o become_v honourable_a or_o his_o permit_v they_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n by_o which_o they_o become_v dishonourable_a for_o that_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n why_o do_v god_n find_v fault_n with_o man_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n find_v of_o fault_n can_v relate_v to_o innocent_a misery_n i_o know_v some_o be_v puzzle_v to_o extricate_v themselves_o as_o to_o god_n command_n to_o abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n i_o see_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n as_o to_o god_n justice_n for_o though_o isaac_n have_v be_v sacrifice_v god_n can_v have_v restore_v he_o to_o life_n and_o so_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v i_o conceive_v the_o difficulty_n lie_v as_o to_o god_n unchangeableness_n who_o have_v never_o change_v any_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n but_o abraham_n kill_v and_o sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n without_o a_o deserve_a crime_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o man_n nature_n but_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a ground_n for_o abraham_n to_o conclude_v that_o his_o son_n will_v be_v sacrifice_v but_o only_o that_o god_n do_v prove_v his_o obedience_n who_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o proceed_v till_o he_o be_v stop_v though_o he_o can_v not_o know_v how_o that_o act_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o he_o may_v still_o hope_v for_o a_o reprieve_n even_o when_o he_o lift_v the_o knife_n to_o give_v the_o fatal_a blow_n as_o the_o event_n show_v and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o best_a instance_n of_o god_n voluntas_fw-la signi_fw-la where_o there_o be_v not_o voluntas_fw-la beneplaciti_fw-la for_o here_o there_o be_v a_o presume_a will_n or_o rather_o a_o presumption_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o his_o command_n but_o it_o admit_v a_o contrary_a probation_n the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n have_v warrant_v he_o to_o hold_v his_o hand_n this_o be_v also_o a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o will_n to_o operate_v what_o he_o do_v command_v for_o his_o will_n can_v never_o want_v its_o effect_n though_o oft_o his_o command_n do_v the_o intent_n whereof_o be_v to_o oblige_v the_o creature_n and_o show_v it_o its_o duty_n i_o know_v some_o think_v they_o can_v enough_o exalt_v god_n sovereignty_n if_o they_o admit_v any_o thing_n right_o but_o by_o his_o will_n but_o they_o shall_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v so_o sovereign_a as_o he_o be_v also_o just_a bountiful_a and_o faithful_a they_o do_v too_o much_o detract_v from_o the_o loveliness_n of_o god_n that_o plead_v for_o he_o as_o courtier_n for_o their_o master_n who_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v or_o give_v another_o cause_n of_o their_o command_n but_o such_o be_v our_o pleasure_n god_n promise_n do_v certain_o infer_v his_o attributive_a justice_n to_o perform_v and_o yet_o what_o he_o perform_v may_v well_o be_v account_v a_o free_a gift_n because_o before_o his_o promise_n he_o be_v not_o only_o free_a but_o indifferent_a but_o
pardon_v mercy_n reach_v so_o far_o that_o he_o have_v even_o have_v mercy_n upon_o frequent_a and_o long_a rejecter_n pull_v they_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n who_o soul_n do_v cleave_v to_o their_o abomination_n and_o he_o continue_v many_o such_o sinner_n in_o life_n without_o kindle_v hell_n in_o their_o conscience_n with_o design_n to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n upon_o they_o wherein_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o the_o kindness_n he_o have_v to_o their_o ancestor_n or_o of_o their_o extraordinary_a temptation_n or_o simple_o by_o his_o absolute_o free_a and_o unbounded_a grace_n but_o these_o firebrand_n be_v but_o some_o and_o few_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n we_o have_v one_o clear_a example_n of_o pardon_n to_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n that_o none_o may_v despair_v and_o but_o one_o that_o none_o may_v presume_v god_n long-suffering_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o sinner_n be_v act_n of_o his_o mercy_n whereby_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v delay_v which_o be_v never_o in_o vain_a for_o either_o forgive_a mercy_n do_v at_o last_o take_v place_n or_o at_o least_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v manifest_v upon_o obstinate_a inexcusable_a and_o self-condemned_n sinner_n not_o that_o he_o delight_v or_o design_n to_o make_v they_o such_o but_o to_o manifest_v the_o superabundance_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o give_v they_o a_o sincere_a and_o true_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o not_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o by_o not_o cause_v they_o to_o entertain_v it_o when_o his_o glory_n do_v not_o require_v it_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o eminent_a and_o most_o amiable_a moral_a perfection_n his_o other_o goodness_n do_v either_o presuppose_v something_o in_o the_o object_n not_o as_o a_o merit_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n his_o faithfulness_n suppose_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o creature_n trust_v or_o hope_v for_o that_o good_a which_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v nor_o show_v that_o he_o have_v purpose_v it_o his_o goodness_n in_o creation_n suppose_v nothing_o in_o the_o object_n for_o it_o yet_o nothing_o against_o it_o but_o his_o forgive_a mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n presuppose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v extreme_o opposite_a sometime_o the_o most_o irrational_a injury_n and_o enmity_n actual_o in_o some_o and_o habitual_o in_o all_o by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v inclination_n mercy_n be_v the_o most_o amiable_a divine_a perfection_n that_o provoke_v the_o most_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n who_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n her_o sin_n which_o be_v many_o be_v forgive_v for_o she_o love_v much_o but_o to_o who_o little_a be_v forgive_v the_o same_o love_n little_a there_o be_v more_o of_o mercy_n express_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n than_o of_o all_o the_o other_o divine_a perfection_n the_o main_a scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n which_o he_o foresee_v lapse_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o of_o his_o inconceivable_a mercy_n he_o design_v the_o way_n of_o their_o escape_n from_o misery_n and_o their_o become_a heir_n of_o glory_n through_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n whereby_o he_o may_v give_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n without_o encroach_a upon_o his_o justice_n and_o so_o make_v both_o mercy_n and_o justice_n to_o meet_v together_o and_o attain_v both_o their_o effect_n when_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o belove_a moses_n and_o proclaim_v his_o name_n before_o he_o by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v design_v as_o his_o most_o proper_a character_n he_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v in_o no_o way_n clear_v the_o gulilty_a mercy_n be_v the_o lead_n and_o inculcate_v attribute_n thrice_o repeat_v justice_n be_v last_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v merciful_a but_o mercy_n in_o abstracto_fw-la and_o his_o mercy_n be_v plenteous_a he_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v multiply_v mercy_n belong_v to_o he_o he_o desire_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n his_o mercy_n be_v tender_a he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a it_o be_v his_o saint_n joy_v who_o sing_v of_o his_o mercy_n meditation_n xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n faithfulness_n be_v that_o perfection_n whereof_o faith_n or_o trust_n do_v immediate_o lie_v hold_v and_o rest_n the_o term_n be_v diverse_o take_v there_o be_v not_o another_o proper_a word_n but_o it_o to_o signify_v both_o the_o be_v worthy_a of_o trust_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o have_a faith_n but_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o import_v not_o the_o subject_a but_o the_o fit_v object_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v import_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o be_v believe_v or_o hope_v for_o suitable_o to_o the_o giver_n and_o receiver_n free_o without_o right_a to_o claim_v it_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o claim_v there_o be_v a_o obligement_n or_o tie_v to_o perform_v and_o the_o performance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n not_o of_o benignity_n or_o mere_a decency_n the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o man_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n justice_n benignity_n and_o decency_n justice_n imply_v a_o obligement_n or_o tie_v to_o perform_v and_o a_o right_n or_o power_n to_o claim_v and_o exact_v benignity_n be_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a to_o another_o free_o without_o necessity_n or_o obligement_n to_o do_v it_o or_o right_o to_o claim_v it_o which_o sometime_o respect_v its_o object_n under_o no_o other_o consideration_n than_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o good_a and_o this_o be_v special_o call_v goodness_n such_o be_v god_n goodness_n in_o creation_n preservation_n and_o give_v those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v or_o expect_v such_o as_o act_n of_o mere_a liberality_n but_o other_o act_n of_o benignity_n be_v upon_o special_a consideration_n beside_o the_o capacity_n to_o receive_v as_o mercy_n to_o the_o miserable_a though_o they_o do_v not_o trust_v or_o expect_v it_o but_o faithfulness_n consider_v the_o object_n as_o trust_v or_o hope_v not_o simple_o for_o one_o may_v trust_v or_o hope_n for_o that_o that_o be_v not_o suitable_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v or_o for_o the_o person_n trust_v to_o give_v and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n and_o not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o one_o may_v sit_v on_o his_o right-hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o 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faith_n but_o save_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n by_o nature_n or_o by_o universal_a grace_n but_o be_v give_v to_o the_o elect_a in_o conversion_n god_n have_v frequent_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o faithful_a god_n the_o faithful_a creator_n the_o faithful_a witness_n the_o faithful_a lord_n and_o he_o that_o call_v be_v faithful_a god_n can_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v say_v if_o you_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o mercy_n take_v away_o misery_n but_o faithfulness_n free_o give_v eternal_a glory_n and_o withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n reward_v justice_n keep_v proportion_n with_o merit_n faithfulness_n have_v no_o bind_v faithfulness_n be_v a_o most_o eminent_a perfection_n and_o moral_a virtue_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o be_v treachery_n and_o treason_n much_o more_o abhor_a by_o god_n and_o man_n than_o the_o 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distinct_a from_o it_o and_o consist_v more_o in_o the_o will_n and_o inclination_n to_o choose_v and_o follow_v only_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o fit_a so_o it_o be_v say_v to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n there_o may_v be_v mean_n to_o effectuate_v good_a end_n which_o yet_o if_o choose_v it_o will_v be_v no_o act_n of_o wisdom_n we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v fraud_n and_o deceit_n be_v not_o only_o distinct_a from_o but_o opposite_a to_o true_a wisdom_n no_o less_o than_o force_v when_o use_v for_o that_o which_o it_o can_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v effectuate_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o be_v but_o abusive_o call_v wisdom_n and_o be_v well_o express_v by_o three_o term_n signify_v three_o kind_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o malicious_a be_v devilish_a of_o the_o voluptuous_a be_v fleshly_a and_o that_o which_o be_v use_v to_o promote_v unwarrantable_a profit_n be_v worldly_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a it_o be_v infinite_a though_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o evident_o appprehensible_a yet_o be_v it_o incomprehensible_a and_o unsearchable_a so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n thy_o thougbt_n be_v very_o deep_a and_o the_o a_o postle_n say_v o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o or_o abate_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n it_o require_v no_o less_o wisdom_n than_o he_o full_o to_o know_v his_o wisdom_n in_o wisdom_n have_v he_o make_v all_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o we_o owe_v a_o implicit_a faith_n unto_o his_o wisdom_n though_o we_o can_v perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o do_v we_o may_v innocent_o doubt_v whether_o some_o of_o his_o act_n be_v act_n of_o justice_n or_o of_o mercy_n but_o we_o may_v never_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v act_n of_o wisdom_n yea_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n conclude_v well_o to_o god_n only_o wise_a through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n for_o he_o find_v folly_n in_o his_o angel_n even_o the_o most_o glorious_a seraphim_n there_o have_v be_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v never_o comprehend_v nor_o contrive_v and_o there_o may_v be_v infinite_o more_o they_o be_v neither_o free_a of_o ignorance_n nor_o of_o innocent_a error_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o their_o wisdom_n and_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o his_o sight_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v none_o absolute_o good_a but_o he_o so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o absolute_o wise._n it_o be_v a_o task_n never_o to_o be_v end_v to_o pursue_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n of_o which_o little_a can_v be_v reach_v in_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n yea_o it_o will_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o eternity_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n yield_v and_o increase_v a_o continual_a delight_n the_o innumerable_a variety_n of_o god_n creature_n their_o part_n their_o power_n their_o preservation_n and_o production_n afford_v matter_n of_o search_n and_o delight_n to_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n therefore_o god_n say_v to_o job_n where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o tbou_o baste_v understanding_n when_o the_o morning-star_n sing_v together_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n where_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v signify_v the_o angel_n who_o be_v create_v before_o the_o terrestrial_a globe_n be_v frame_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o its_o ornament_n when_o as_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o create_v i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o endeavour_v to_o excite_v my_o admiration_n by_o some_o few_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o which_o i_o can_v see_v so_o good_a a_o method_n as_o the_o order_n god_n follow_v in_o his_o dispensation_n from_o whence_o his_o decree_n be_v infer_v 1._o then_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o create_v the_o world_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v decree_v it_o whereby_o he_o show_v that_o to_o his_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o with_o one_o act_n of_o his_o omnipotent_a fiat_n bring_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a creation_n out_o of_o the_o barren_a womb_n of_o nothing_o but_o proceed_v by_o part_n that_o his_o creature_n may_v the_o more_o distinct_o know_v it_o therefore_o the_o first_o act_n of_o creation_n be_v that_o to-hou-vo-bohou_a which_o be_v common_o render_v the_o chaos_n as_o if_o all_o
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o work_n can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v right_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o land_n or_o inheritance_n be_v call_v the_o right_n thereof_o as_o sighify_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o explicatory_a word_n be_v subjoin_v and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n to_o the_o city_n all_z other_o but_o the_o romanist_n that_o bring_v in_o work_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o not_o as_o a_o deserve_a meritorious_a cause_n much_o less_o as_o a_o superfluous_a supererrogatory_n merit_n see_v christ_n have_v declare_v so_o clear_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o shait_fw-fr love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n
of_o child_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v one_o for_o all_o the_o son_n have_v covenant_v from_o eternity_n for_o all_o the_o elect_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o regeneration_n exert_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n by_o actual_a believe_v of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a so_o to_o act_v which_o also_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o save_v by_o any_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n the_o three_o point_n propose_v be_v what_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o which_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o which_o be_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n many_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o covenant_a person_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o whereby_o it_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o i_o see_v not_o how_o that_o can_v hold_v for_o covenant_v must_v be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n promise_v or_o otherwise_o perform_v the_o covenanter_n part_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o in_o the_o one_o party_n no_o more_o than_o a_o acceptance_n as_o in_o a_o trust_n or_o commission_n the_o one_o party_n give_v the_o trust_n or_o commission_n which_o do_v make_v no_o covenant_n but_o a_o offer_n but_o when_o the_o other_o party_n accept_v than_o the_o contract_n be_v complete_a and_o the_o accepter_n be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o follow_v the_o trust_n and_o commission_n and_o make_v a_o account_n and_o the_o giver_n be_v oblige_v to_o refund_v the_o expense_n albeit_o contract_v be_v by_o mutual_a consent_n and_o that_o consent_n signify_v to_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n yet_o agreement_n in_o one_o mind_n make_v no_o more_o a_o covenant_n than_o when_o two_o be_v of_o one_o opinion_n in_o contemplation_n but_o a_o covenant_n be_v ever_o somewhat_o practicable_a and_o therefore_o though_o act_n of_o understanding_n precede_v the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v by_o act_n of_o the_o will._n the_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n by_o persuasion_n be_v but_o by_o a_o consequent_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o all_o yet_o be_v not_o attain_v by_o all_o for_o many_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o come_v not_o the_o length_n of_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n die_v effectual_o for_o they_o and_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o and_o every_o man_n that_o will_v import_v nothing_o to_o save_v faith_n for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o evident_a that_o the_o effect_v of_o christ_n death_n for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o the_o same_o see_v so_o many_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o few_o be_v save_v therefore_o no_o man_n have_v just_a ground_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n die_v effectual_o for_o he_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o make_v he_o holy_a and_o happy_a or_o any_o further_a than_o to_o put_v he_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a if_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o therefore_o though_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o propose_v to_o all_o but_o impose_v on_o all_o as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o order_n god_n have_v impose_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v consider_v their_o sinful_a natural_a estate_n and_o that_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v eternal_a death_n without_o repentance_n which_o none_o can_v escape_v who_o cleave_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n and_o shall_v throw_v themselves_o upon_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n merit_n if_o thereby_o they_o find_v that_o the_o delight_v in_o sin_n in_o those_o kind_n especial_o which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v they_o do_v cease_v and_o that_o the_o love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v place_n but_o to_o think_v to_o reach_v the_o high_a step_n of_o the_o scale_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la be_v altogether_o without_o warrant_n unless_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a as_o in_o paul_n conversion_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n give_v the_o true_a warrant_n of_o that_o persuasion_n as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ._n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a moment_n be_v in_o that_o arminian_n quibble_n so_o much_o magnify_v by_o they_o that_o christ_n must_v have_v die_v for_o all_o man_n because_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o die_v for_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o yet_o 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no_o probability_n of_o embrace_v may_v yet_o hear_v commune_v and_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v say_v this_o evil_a people_n which_o refuse_v to_o hear_v my_o word_n though_o i_o have_v cause_v to_o cleave_v unto_o i_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o judah_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unto_o i_o for_o a_o people_n and_o for_o a_o praise_n and_o for_o a_o glory_n but_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o be_v turn_v back_o to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o forefather_n who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v my_o word_n they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v and_o pull_v away_o their_o shoulder_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v yea_o they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n therefore_o as_o i_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o they_o escape_v not_o who_o refuse_v he_o who_o speak_v 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have_v none_o of_o i_o but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n more_o apposite_a and_o clear_a than_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o they_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a cleave_v to_o his_o abominable_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jehoram_n that_o he_o cleave_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la and_o job_n say_v of_o himself_o if_o my_o blot_n have_v cleaved_a to_o my_o hand_n then_o let_v i_o sow_v and_o let_v another_o reap_v and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ephraim_n he_o be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o by_o which_o and_o by_o all_o the_o former_a place_n and_o many_o more_o the_o not_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o covenant_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o positive_a act_n of_o sinner_n against_o 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manner_n which_o god_n have_v free_o choose_v whereby_o to_o communicate_v grace_n and_o glory_n to_o the_o elect._n i_o like_v it_o not_o to_o be_v call_v proper_o a_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a cause_n have_v some_o influence_n with_o the_o principal_a agent_n whereas_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n neither_o yet_o to_o be_v proper_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n be_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n see_v a_o condition_n must_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o who_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n the_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o hand_n be_v certain_o metaphorical_a without_o doubt_n causa_fw-la conditio_fw-la &_o modus_fw-la be_v different_a there_o be_v least_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v only_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n be_v please_v to_o save_v which_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a manner_n for_o god_n may_v have_v exert_v all_o his_o dispensation_n with_o creature_n without_o give_v 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reason_n but_o the_o free_a arbitrary_a choice_n of_o god_n yet_o though_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v indifferent_a his_o wisdom_n appear_v much_o in_o this_o choice_n and_o his_o goodness_n also_o that_o he_o will_v honour_v man_n to_o contract_v with_o he_o and_o to_o take_v his_o consent_n to_o that_o and_o yet_o to_o give_v he_o no_o cause_n and_o even_o no_o pretext_n to_o glory_n in_o himself_o if_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v great_a thing_n from_o another_o free_o which_o he_o know_v he_o expect_v from_o he_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o one_o to_o give_v and_o the_o other_o to_o get_v can_v he_o without_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o impudence_n attribute_v the_o gift_n to_o his_o own_o hope_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o giver_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n exert_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o mercy_n be_v misery_n the_o object_n of_o faithfulness_n be_v a_o rational_a hope_n or_o trust_v which_o be_v far_o large_a than_o mercy_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o innocent_a creature_n who_o be_v never_o miserable_a this_o way_n of_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n give_v a_o easy_a outgate_n to_o that_o bitter_a contest_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n and_o elsewhere_o whether_o only_o the_o active_a or_o also_o the_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o controversy_n be_v state_v the_o argument_n on_o either_o side_n be_v hardly_o solvable_a for_o it_o be_v state_v thus_o whether_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o man_n or_o if_o he_o do_v also_o stand_v in_o his_o place_n in_o his_o act_n of_o holiness_n the_o former_a be_v grant_v by_o both_o the_o latter_a affirm_v by_o the_o one_o and_o deny_v by_o the_o other_o the_o main_a reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o suffering_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o satisfy_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o can_v only_o bring_v man_n to_o be_v free_a of_o misery_n and_o torment_n in_o which_o case_n adam_n be_v before_o the_o fall_n but_o can_v not_o raise_v man_n from_o that_o animal_n state_n be_v so_o much_o common_a with_o brute_n to_o a_o angelical_a state_n in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o christ._n therefore_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o his_o suffering_n but_o by_o his_o holiness_n as_o adam_n will_v have_v merit_v heaven_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o good_a work_n as_o of_o debt_n not_o of_o grace_n for_o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n so_o that_o christ_n pay_v the_o debt_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o advance_v they_o unto_o glory_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o chief_a reason_n be_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v a_o creature_n be_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o the_o creator_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n beyond_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o by_o which_o he_o do_v deserve_v all_o that_o glory_n that_o no_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v a_o supererrogation_n in_o christ_n active_a obedience_n merit_v the_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o merit_n be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a for_o the_o elect_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n although_o it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o son_n to_o become_v man_n his_o become_a man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o press_v if_o in_o that_o way_n the_o active_a obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o elect_n they_o be_v thereby_o entire_o holy_a and_o their_o own_o holiness_n be_v but_o work_v of_o supererrogation_n at_o least_o be_v not_o work_n due_a by_o justice_n but_o work_v of_o gratitude_n and_o the_o fail_n in_o they_o can_v never_o require_v repentance_n which_o will_v agree_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o none_o but_o of_o the_o antinomian_o nor_o do_v it_o magnify_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n if_o he_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o advance_v they_o to_o glory_n but_o that_o which_o in_o recompense_n at_o least_o in_o premiative_a justice_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v there_o be_v small_a ground_n in_o a_o creditor_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o have_v exact_v all_o he_o can_v have_v require_v though_o not_o from_o his_o debtor_n but_o from_o a_o interpose_a person_n i_o have_v already_o clear_v my_o thought_n that_o though_o christ_n satisfaction_n may_v by_o resemblance_n be_v call_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o debt_n yet_o proper_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o do_v god_n crave_v satisfaction_n as_o a_o creditor_n or_o be_v sin_n expiate_v by_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o compense_v the_o displeasure_n he_o have_v in_o their_o sin_n see_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a with_o so_o solemn_a a_o asseveration_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o require_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o holiness_n be_v the_o vindication_n of_o his_o purity_n and_o of_o his_o infinite_a aversion_n from_o sin_n as_o by_o his_o justice_n he_o proportion_v the_o suffer_v requisite_a for_o the_o vindication_n to_o the_o sin_n deserve_v therefore_o upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o adam_n fall_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o and_o posterity_n to_o celestial_a glory_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v expiate_v the_o son_n do_v free_o interpose_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v by_o adam_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n by_o suffering_n of_o as_o much_o value_n as_o if_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v in_o eternal_a misery_n and_o by_o christ_n perform_v what_o adam_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v by_o a_o full_a implement_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o end_n assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n i_o have_v also_o clear_v my_o mind_n that_o though_o adam_n have_v stand_v he_o can_v not_o have_v merit_v that_o exaltation_n which_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o have_v have_v by_o the_o first_o covenant_n for_o he_o may_v have_v continue_v innocent_a and_o sinless_a without_o great_a advances_n in_o holiness_n can_v it_o then_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v think_v that_o his_o so_o continue_v do_v in_o any_o way_n of_o justice_n and_o merit_n purchase_v glory_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o like_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n