and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o 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a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v mountain_n of_o gold_n because_o we_o have_v see_v gold_n and_o mountain_n we_o conceive_v monstrous_a mixture_n in_o dream_n but_o no_o actor_n can_v appear_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o fancy_n but_o in_o borrow_a habit_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v and_o of_o the_o external_a sense_n to_o represent_v yet_o infidel_n blaspheme_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o fiction_n of_o fancy_n 2._o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n and_o from_o reason_n reason_n imply_v a_o progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o but_o faith_n assert_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superior_a authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v
temptation_n from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o these_o motive_n upon_o man_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n if_o these_o method_n be_v unsuccessful_a to_o turn_v man_n from_o god_n he_o try_v to_o make_v terrible_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o afflict_a evil_n by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o perverse_a world_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o victorious_a principle_n that_o defeat_v all_o his_o design_n and_o overcome_v all_o his_o strength_n in_o mechanical_a operation_n we_o judge_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o mover_n how_o easy_o a_o weight_n will_v be_v move_v thus_o when_o eternal_a reality_n be_v by_o faith_n put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o temporal_a vanity_n they_o infinite_o outweigh_v they_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o judicious_a comparison_n our_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v 4._o but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o extreme_o vilify_v thing_n present_a and_o magnify_v thing_n 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the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n our_o most_o comprehensive_a faculty_n there_o be_v more_o shadow_n than_o light_n in_o our_o bright_a condition_n more_o gall_n than_o honey_n in_o our_o sweet_a fruition_n but_o suppose_v the_o appearance_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n gild_v with_o specious_a tincture_n be_v true_o great_a and_o goodly_a joyful_a and_o satisfy_a according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o carnal_a man_n yet_o the_o price_n will_v extreme_o fall_v by_o consider_v they_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n than_o the_o flight_n and_o expire_a breath_n of_o our_o present_a life_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n be_v like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n in_o its_o appear_v and_o vanish_v the_o long_a line_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o period_n be_v but_o a_o point_n to_o eternity_n now_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v fade_v be_v not_o true_a happiness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n nor_o correspondent_a to_o our_o reasonable_a desire_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o its_o approach_a end_n will_v embitter_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v double_o infinite_a in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o happiness_n be_v a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o any_o touch_n or_o shadow_n of_o evil._n humane_a language_n have_v not_o word_n worthy_a or_o full_o significant_a to_o describe_v it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o goodness_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o immortal_a soul_n according_a to_o its_o utmost_a capacity_n and_o desire_n it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o offer_v such_o violence_n to_o their_o understanding_n as_o calm_o consider_v and_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o prefer_v the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n that_o pass_v away_o before_o the_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a happiness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o future_a eternal_a thing_n such_o be_v their_o victorious_a power_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o objective_a efficacy_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o their_o existence_n but_o from_o their_o evidence_n to_o our_o mind_n now_o according_a as_o our_o apprehension_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n more_o steadfast_a of_o thing_n future_a such_o impression_n be_v make_v either_o of_o terror_n or_o desire_n in_o our_o breast_n the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o 11._o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o represent_v thing_n future_a and_o distant_a as_o present_v and_o in_o our_o actual_a possession_n a_o superficial_a fluctuate_a belief_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o state_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o encounter_v present_a temptation_n and_o vanquish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n concern_v thing_n present_a will_v preponderate_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o declare_v thing_n future_a infinite_o to_o exceed_v they_o all_o fire_n have_v heat_n but_o not_o strong_a enough_o to_o melt_v down_o gold_n and_o silver_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n in_o every_o degree_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o world_n a_o radicate_v firm_a belief_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n the_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o our_o sure_a right_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v cause_v all_o the_o false_a colour_n of_o this_o world_n the_o shadow_n in_o masquerade_n to_o disappear_v the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n fix_v our_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o the_o son_n of_o a_o king_n and_o heir_n of_o a_o kingdom_n will_v invincible_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o title_n a_o sincere_a believer_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o his_o eternal_a interest_n in_o it_o will_v live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o die_v for_o it_o if_o necessity_n require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o have_v a_o vital_a taste_n a_o joy_n sincere_a and_o sweet_a that_o make_v the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n nauseous_a as_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o so_o hope_n be_v reciprocal_o as_o a_o strong_a pillar_n that_o establish_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v for_o one_o voluntary_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n the_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o prepare_a plague_n for_o those_o who_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n hereafter_o will_v make_v all_o the_o evil_n threaten_v and_o inflict_v upon_o the_o godly_a here_o to_o be_v contemptible_a if_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o army_n of_o evil_n let_v faith_n draw_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n there_o be_v many_o temptation_n we_o can_v avoid_v there_o be_v none_o but_o we_o may_v vanquish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n like_o aaron_n rod_n turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n that_o swallow_v up_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o magician_n will_v over-rule_v the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o make_v those_o evil_n that_o to_o naked_a nature_n be_v invincible_a easy_o endure_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o proud_a tyrant_n upon_o their_o throne_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a executioner_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o triumph_n if_o the_o same_o object_n have_v not_o the_o same_o efficacy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o faith_n if_o faith_n decline_v we_o shall_v faint_v and_o die_v away_o peter_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o when_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n shake_v his_o faith_n he_o present_o sink_v the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o christ_n power_n when_o a_o storm_n fall_v upon_o the_o ship_n our_o saviour_n first_o rebuke_v their_o fear_n before_o he_o lay_v the_o storm_n why_o be_v you_o afraid_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n as_o a_o danger_n more_o near_o and_o of_o worse_a consequence_n let_v we_o try_v the_o singular_a efficacy_n of_o faith_n by_o exercise_v of_o it_o upon_o eternal_a object_n let_v our_o faith_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o as_o lively_a a_o manner_n the_o eternal_a judgement_n as_o enoch_n have_v a_o prospect_n of_o it_o behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o judge_v all_o the_o ungodly_a let_v faith_n direct_v its_o view_n to_o he_o rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v in_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o father_n glory_n as_o constitute_v by_o he_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o mighty_a angel_n his_o attendant_n let_v
to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o a_o covetous_a man_n though_o rich_a will_v pretend_v the_o smallness_n of_o his_o estate_n to_o excuse_v and_o palliate_v his_o illiberal_a give_v and_o make_v himself_o double_o guilty_a of_o feign_a poverty_n and_o real_a avarice_n in_o god_n sight_n but_o a_o liberal_a man_n devise_v liberal_a thing_n he_o due_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n in_o want_n and_o esteem_v a_o just_a occasion_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v a_o golden_a opportunity_n and_o will_v be_v noble_a and_o magnificent_a 2._o i_o will_v consider_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o cure_n this_o will_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o disease_n and_o the_o frequent_a unsuccessfulness_n of_o the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o sinner_n more_o inconvincible_a and_o incurable_a than_o the_o worldly-minded_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n without_o exception_n those_o sin_n which_o have_v the_o 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which_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v infinite_o jealous_a of_o our_o transfer_v they_o to_o the_o creature_n our_o high_a adoration_n and_o esteem_n our_o confidence_n and_o trust_n our_o love_n and_o complacency_n our_o dependence_n and_o observance_n be_v entire_o and_o essential_o due_a to_o he_o who_o in_o the_o heaven_n can_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o among_o 6._o the_o son_n of_o the_o mighty_a can_v be_v liken_v to_o he_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o 25._o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n i_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n 11._o say_v my_o soul_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a fly_n to_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a behold_v as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n so_o our_o eye_n wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n until_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o these_o 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hence_o it_o appear_v how_o this_o comprehensive_a sin_n be_v injurious_a to_o god_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o covetous_a be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n of_o god_n anger_n but_o abhorrence_n thus_o he_o brand_v they_o the_o covetous_a who_o the_o lord_n abhor_v the_o word_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heavy_a signification_n if_o his_o lovingkindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n his_o hatred_n be_v worse_a than_o death_n it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a in_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n civil_a and_o sacred_a this_o bribe_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n to_o clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o which_o be_v a_o bold_a crime_n to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a of_o this_o there_o be_v record_v a_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a instance_n in_o the_o death_n of_o naboth_n occasion_v by_o ahab_n covetousness_n this_o corrupt_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o lust_n not_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n upon_o who_o they_o have_v a_o servile_a dependence_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n be_v never_o more_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n than_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n so_o his_o minister_n be_v never_o more_o his_o minister_n than_o when_o they_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o support_v sinful_a practice_n by_o corrupt_a principle_n covetousness_n make_v man_n faint_a and_o false_a in_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n they_o will_v save_v the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o impulsive_a cause_n of_o a_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a gild_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v in_o betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o suffering_n the_o most_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a death_n a_o sin_n never_o to_o be_v expiate_v but_o by_o the_o flame_n that_o shall_v consume_v this_o world_n the_o place_n wherein_o he_o suffer_v covetousness_n exclude_v all_o in_o who_o
lawgiver_n and_o judge_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v prove_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o that_o principle_n be_v that_o he_o must_v be_v honour_v and_o serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o most_o instructive_a and_o permanent_a way_n in_o write_v that_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o corruption_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v in_o it_o such_o conspicuous_a character_n of_o its_o descent_n from_o heaven_n beside_o the_o most_o undoubted_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o infallible_a that_o without_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o sound_a discourse_n we_o must_v yield_v our_o assent_n to_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o amplify_v and_o illustrate_v these_o particular_n have_v in_o some_o discourse_n former_o publish_v of_o the_o existency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n manifest_v how_o desperate_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n be_v to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n now_o though_o the_o deduction_n specify_v be_v according_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o ratiocination_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o account_v it_o a_o slavery_n to_o fix_v their_o belief_n upon_o any_o authority_n but_o will_v be_v free_a in_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o action_n i_o will_v therefore_o brief_o produce_v some_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o carry_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o they_o the_o abolish_n idolatry_n in_o the_o pagan_a world_n in_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o palpable_a proof_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o instrument_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o have_v neither_o learning_n nor_o arm_n nor_o treasure_n patience_n be_v their_o strength_n poverty_n their_o choice_n disgrace_v their_o honour_n that_o without_o any_o force_n but_o of_o illumination_n and_o persuasion_n of_o humility_n and_o charity_n and_o endure_v the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n they_o shall_v vanquish_v the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n the_o tyrannous_a power_n of_o prince_n the_o rebellious_a opposition_n of_o man_n carnal_a lust_n be_v not_o conceivable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a strength_n that_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a enemy_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a by_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v search_v for_o that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 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propagate_v without_o the_o confirmation_n of_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o transcendent_a miracle_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o permanent_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o true_a christian_n infidel_n be_v apt_a to_o reply_v if_o they_o see_v miracle_n perform_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n that_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n who_o deny_v his_o authority_n make_v know_v in_o that_o eminent_a degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o his_o word_n abraham_n answer_v the_o rich_a man_n who_o desire_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v send_v to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o short_a those_o who_o resist_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n as_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o delusion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v from_o their_o deprave_a heart_n speculative_a truth_n obtain_v the_o present_a and_o easy_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o truth_n directive_n of_o practice_n if_o opposite_a to_o man_n lust_n though_o their_o evidence_n be_v unexceptionable_a yet_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v very_o averse_a from_o receive_v they_o this_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o pharisee_n infidelity_n they_o repent_v not_o that_o 32._o they_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o when_o the_o will_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o reject_v it_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n hinder_v the_o due_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o stain_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o do_v not_o sincere_o judge_v of_o they_o though_o infidel_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_o discourse_v wit_n of_o the_o age_n to_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o breast_n and_o despise_v other_o as_o captive_n of_o a_o blind_a belief_n yet_o their_o folly_n be_v palpable_a and_o penal_a for_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o their_o infidelity_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o of_o the_o tempter_n and_o sink_v deep_o into_o darkness_n and_o become_v more_o harden_v and_o presumptuous_a those_o who_o embark_v with_o these_o distract_a pilot_n in_o such_o dangerous_a sea_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o 2._o hyprocrisie_n be_v a_o spiritual_a pollution_n in_o its_o theological_a consideration_n it_o imply_v a_o counterfeit_a religion_n and_o virtue_n a_o affectation_n of_o the_o name_n join_v with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o the_o thing_n the_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n with_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o according_o 1._o every_o titular_a christian_a who_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n the_o action_n be_v the_o incarnate_a issue_n of_o the_o heart_n wherein_o they_o be_v form_v and_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o a_o rebellious_a course_n of_o sin_n declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o infidel_n notwithstanding_o his_o own_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o king_n his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a lie_n he_o vain_o presume_v that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n when_o his_o action_n declare_v he_o to_o 44._o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o hypocrisy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v when_o man_n presume_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a upon_o false_a ground_n it_o be_v observable_a no_o man_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o choice_n he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o deceive_v himself_o but_o one_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n without_o his_o knowledge_n by_o ignorance_n and_o error_n he_o may_v think_v his_o inclination_n to_o some_o virtue_n and_o his_o aversion_n from_o some_o vice_n to_o be_v divine_a grace_n but_o sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n proceed_v often_o from_o natural_a temper_n and_o not_o from_o the_o renew_a mind_n and_o will_n from_o judgement_n and_o choice_n a_o tame_a dog_n be_v as_o true_o a_o beast_n as_o a_o wild_a wolf_n a_o man_n that_o perform_v only_o some_o good_a thing_n and_o abstain_v from_o some_o evil_n from_o natural_a conscience_n be_v as_o true_o in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n as_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o careless_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o free_o indulge_v every_o carnal_a lust._n one_o may_v be_v exact_a in_o light_a matter_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v substantial_a duty_n he_o may_v be_v zealous_a in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o neglect_v righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o think_v to_o compensate_a his_o defect_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n by_o strict_a observe_v the_o duty_n
be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n you_o may_v as_o well_o see_v a_o angel_n by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n as_o see_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o natural_a mind_n their_o reality_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n so_o as_o saving_o to_o believe_v they_o faith_n 17._o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n who_o discover_v the_o object_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n to_o see_v it_o and_o by_o free_a prevent_a grace_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n alone_o can_v pull_v down_o strong_a 10._o hold_n and_o cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n the_o spirit_n overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o enlighten_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n violence_n and_o temporal_a respect_n may_v by_o terror_n and_o allurement_n make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o can_v make_v they_o sincere_a believer_n there_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o it_o be_v special_a grace_n inspire_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n with_o light_a to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o require_v special_a thankfulness_n let_v we_o humble_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o light_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 4._o of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n a_o speculative_a assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v not_o save_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o object_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o the_o frequent_a application_n of_o they_o to_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o those_o that_o be_v future_a the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o fix_v our_o assent_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a justify_v faith_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o purify_n virtue_n faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n from_o whence_o many_o practical_a consequence_n be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
the_o vital_a member_n from_o hence_o we_o be_v inform_v how_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o hope_n whether_o they_o be_v save_v and_o will_v attend_v we_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n if_o they_o purify_v we_o they_o will_v certain_o be_v accomplish_v in_o heavenly_a blessedness_n if_o we_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n in_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o glory_n but_o carnal_a and_o loose_a hope_n will_v issue_v in_o disappointment_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o visible_a christian_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v a_o builder_n and_o raise_v a_o fabric_n of_o hope_n that_o may_v appear_v fair_a to_o the_o eye_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n a_o come_n that_o will_v discover_v how_o firm_a it_o be_v it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o rock_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v or_o the_o quick_a sand_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v they_o build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n more_o stable_a than_o the_o centre_n the_o perfect_a veracity_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v in_o his_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o hear_v without_o do_v build_v upon_o the_o sink_a sand._n carnal_a man_n will_v pretend_v they_o hope_v for_o salvation_n only_o for_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v eternal_a foundation_n but_o to_o secure_v a_o building_n the_o superstructure_n must_v be_v strong_o fasten_v to_o the_o foundation_n or_o it_o can_v resist_v a_o storm_n if_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o a_o purify_n faith_n our_o hope_n will_v deceive_v we_o when_o sin_n have_v dominion_n which_o be_v certain_o discover_v by_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o man_n life_n when_o there_o be_v a_o remanent_fw-la affection_n to_o it_o in_o man_n heart_n which_o be_v know_v by_o their_o reflection_n upon_o past_a sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o future_a sin_n with_o desire_n their_o hope_n be_v like_o a_o spider_n web_n that_o can_v bear_v no_o stress_n hope_n be_v subordinate_a to_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o promise_n some_o believe_v without_o hope_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o but_o be_v careless_a and_o desperate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n other_o hope_v to_o be_v well_o hereafter_o without_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o there_o be_v none_o can_v bear_v up_o under_o despair_a thought_n when_o they_o be_v rage_v in_o the_o breast_n he_o that_o be_v absolute_o and_o with_o consideration_n hopeless_a fall_v upon_o his_o own_o sword_n the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o condition_n if_o they_o be_v swim_v in_o prosperity_n he_o stupefy_v conscience_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o be_v secure_a if_o they_o be_v sink_v in_o deep_a distress_n he_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o aggravation_n that_o he_o plunge_v they_o into_o despair_n and_o both_o temptation_n be_v fatal_a but_o the_o most_o perish_v by_o fallacious_a hope_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o unwilling_a to_o suspect_v the_o goodness_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o condition_n than_o to_o mistake_v and_o be_v deceive_v for_o ever_o but_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o allure_v by_o worldly_a object_n that_o though_o in_o their_o life_n there_o be_v the_o visible_a mark_n exclusive_a of_o salvation_n they_o be_v unconcern_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o carnal_a vain_a hope_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o evil_n commit_v and_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o evil_n suffer_v hope_v that_o shall_v encourage_v holiness_n embolden_v wickedness_n and_o that_o shall_v lead_v man_n to_o heaven_n precipitate_v they_o into_o hell_n how_o great_a will_v their_o fall_n be_v from_o a_o conceit_a heaven_n into_o a_o real_a hell_n hope_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n be_v the_o most_o calm_a and_o quiet_a but_o when_o utter_o disappoint_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n it_o be_v most_o turbulent_a for_o the_o consequent_a passion_n despair_n impatience_n sorrow_n rage_n be_v the_o cruel_a tormentor_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v feed_v and_o cherish_v it_o while_o he_o live_v but_o in_o the_o fatal_a moment_n when_o he_o die_v his_o blaze_a presumption_n will_v expire_v not_o to_o be_v revive_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n the_o sanctify_a spirit_n inspire_v and_o preserve_v life_n in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v consummate_a in_o that_o blessedness_n that_o exceed_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o exclude_v all_o our_o fear_n for_o ever_o 2._o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o command_a motive_n to_o purify_v ourselves_o hope_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n in_o this_o world_n it_o enter_v into_o all_o our_o design_n and_o mix_v with_o all_o our_o endeavour_n the_o husbandman_n plough_v in_o all_o the_o frost_n and_o snow_n to_o which_o he_o be_v expose_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n the_o mariner_n sail_v through_o dangerous_a sea_n often_o enrage_v with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o among_o rock_n and_o sand_n for_o a_o hopeful_a venture_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n make_v we_o active_a and_o ardent_a in_o seek_v for_o it_o consider_v we_o have_v infinite_o great_a security_n of_o obtain_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o object_n be_v above_o all_o comparison_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n here_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o diligent_a be_v uncertain_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n the_o trifle_n which_o they_o earnest_o expect_v and_o be_v certain_a after_o a_o while_n to_o lose_v they_o but_o if_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v it_o and_o it_o be_v unforfeitable_a for_o ever_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o argument_n declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n this_o will_v keep_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o excellent_a efficacy_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n direction_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n to_o work_v upon_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o secret_a spring_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o his_o moral_a government_n that_o hope_n may_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o fear_v a_o strong_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v from_o sin_n the_o reward_n must_v exceed_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n that_o can_v accrue_v by_o transgress_v the_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o may_v be_v inflict_v for_o obedience_n to_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_a hope_n and_o godly_a fear_n have_v such_o a_o command_a conquer_a power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o be_v so_o operative_a in_o their_o life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v their_o duty_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n nor_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n the_o grace_n of_o fear_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o another_o place_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a in_o the_o account_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o cleanse_v virtue_n here_o fear_n introduce_v serious_a religion_n preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o divine_a love_n may_v have_v admission_n into_o it_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o gild_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o judgement_n that_o follow_v when_o paul_n discourse_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v the_o prisoner_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o conscience_n make_v the_o judge_n tremble_v this_o fear_n have_v more_o torment_n than_o reverence_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n 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in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o 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understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v