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spiritual_a that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n the_o angel_n of_o light_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o darkness_n not_o so_o much_o by_o knowledge_n and_o power_n as_o by_o love_n and_o holiness_n the_o devil_n be_v immortal_a spirit_n but_o under_o the_o tyrannous_a power_n of_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n of_o envy_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o torment_n man_n be_v not_o distinguish_v so_o much_o by_o their_o understanding_n as_o their_o will_n not_o mere_o by_o knowledge_n but_o love_n the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o faculty_n that_o rule_v in_o man_n and_o obeys_z god_n there_o may_v be_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o a_o approve_v it_o by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o for_o the_o
and_o serious_a thought_n his_o die_a love_n to_o the_o soul_n will_v cause_v a_o irresistible_a affection_n to_o he_o strong_a than_o death_n we_o must_v learn_v of_o christ_n how_o to_o love_v he_o his_o love_n be_v express_v in_o the_o most_o real_a action_n and_o convince_a evidence_n it_o be_v a_o incarnate_a love_n a_o beneficent_a love_n productive_a of_o our_o salvation_n our_o love_n must_v be_v productive_a of_o obedience_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a trial_n of_o it_o if_o you_o love_v i_o you_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n say_v our_o saviour_n the_o frost_n of_o fear_n will_v hinder_v the_o break_n forth_o of_o carnal_a lust_n into_o notorious_a act_n as_o the_o cold_a of_o winter_n bind_v the_o earth_n that_o noxious_a weed_n can_v spring_v up_o but_o the_o heat_n of_o love_n be_v productive_a of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n love_n to_o christ_n will_v make_v every_o command_n pleasant_a and_o the_o exact_a obedience_n to_o be_v voluntary_a liberal_a and_o ingenuous_a fear_n may_v enforce_v constancy_n for_o a_o time_n but_o love_n be_v a_o vital_a principle_n continual_o operative_a in_o all_o the_o transition_n of_o this_o life_n this_o secure_v obedience_n christ_n have_v fasten_v we_o to_o his_o service_n by_o a_o chain_n compose_v of_o his_o most_o precious_a benefit_n by_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o innumerable_a sin_n and_o to_o who_o much_o be_v forgive_v they_o love_v much_o fear_n try_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v a_o alliance_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n obey_v some_o command_n and_o transgress_v other_o but_o love_n respect_v all_o fear_n induce_v a_o desertion_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o evil_n near_o threaten_v we_o but_o love_n encounter_v they_o with_o such_o a_o character_n of_o assurance_n as_o become_v those_o who_o esteem_v it_o a_o favour_n and_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ._n some_o be_v harden_v against_o affliction_n and_o endure_v with_o courage_n persecution_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o yield_v to_o pleasant_a temptation_n like_o the_o manna_n that_o will_v endure_v the_o fire_n but_o melt_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o love_n to_o christ_n by_o a_o overcome_a delight_n render_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n nauseous_a and_o insipid_a in_o short_a the_o property_n of_o natural_a love_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n love_n will_v transport_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o his_o likeness_n love_n will_v make_v we_o zealous_a in_o constant_a and_o excellent_a endeavour_n to_o be_v complete_o conform_v to_o he_o resemblance_n be_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o union_n in_o nature_n it_o be_v preparative_n to_o love_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o experience_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o this_o for_o the_o love_n of_o friend_n if_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o eminence_n cause_n a_o perfect_a sympathy_n a_o exact_a correspondence_n in_o their_o temper_n the_o exercise_n of_o love_n in_o the_o most_o precious_a esteem_n of_o he_o in_o burn_a desire_n after_o a_o propriety_n in_o he_o in_o the_o sweet_a complacency_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v intimate_v and_o inseparable_a quality_n in_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o christ._n love_n to_o he_o be_v always_o join_v with_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o cost_v he_o so_o dear_a to_o expiate_v its_o guilt_n our_o love_n entire_o and_o intense_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o no_o low_a degree_n be_v accept_v for_o it_o be_v a_o disparagement_n and_o infinite_o unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o less_o affection_n be_v not_o only_o far_o distant_a from_o perfection_n but_o from_o the_o first_o disposition_n of_o a_o saint_n the_o tender_a and_o strong_a affection_n in_o nature_n must_v be_v regulate_v and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n our_o love_n to_o he_o must_v be_v singular_a and_o supreme_a brief_o his_o love_n to_o we_o be_v beneficent_a we_o be_v obedient_a he_o value_v no_o love_n without_o obedience_n and_o no_o obedience_n without_o love_n 2._o love_n must_v descend_v from_o god_n to_o our_o neighbour_n this_o duty_n be_v so_o often_o command_v and_o commend_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o may_v from_o thence_o understand_v its_o excellency_n the_o belove_a disciple_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n from_o that_o spring_n of_o love_n derive_v the_o stream_n that_o flow_v in_o his_o write_n he_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 11._o he_o make_v it_o a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n of_o our_o renew_a state_n and_o that_o we_o be_v pass_v 7._o from_o death_n to_o life_n our_o saviour_n enjoin_v it_o with_o a_o note_n of_o eminency_n as_o his_o new_a command_n as_o the_o distinctive_a character_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o special_a qualification_n of_o those_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o love_n and_o obedience_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v like_o the_o most_o divine_a precept_n of_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n we_o read_v in_o that_o solemn_a proclamation_n of_o god_n name_n when_o his_o glory_n pass_v before_o moses_n that_o to_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n god_n there_o be_v immediate_o annex_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n to_o signify_v that_o goodness_n be_v his_o dear_a glory_n and_o in_o the_o divine_a law_n next_o to_o piety_n to_o god_n charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v command_v to_o signify_v how_o please_n it_o be_v to_o he_o the_o gospel_n eclipse_n all_o other_o institution_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o inspire_v a_o delightful_a disposition_n in_o christian_n to_o exercise_v it_o this_o adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o esteem_n and_o affection_n of_o men._n a_o person_n innocent_a and_o pure_a but_o of_o a_o severe_a and_o harsh_a temper_n condemn_v by_o his_o holy_a conversation_n the_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a but_o a_o good_a man_n charm_n and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o that_o one_o will_v dare_v to_o die_v for_o he_o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 5._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o qualification_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o extent_n it_o reach_v to_o all_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o humanity_n to_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o charity_n 14._o the_o relation_n of_o consanguinity_n be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o a_o benevolent_a affection_n to_o all_o men._n the_o likeness_n of_o kind_n prevent_v mischief_n between_o the_o most_o fierce_a and_o hurtful_a creature_n we_o never_o hear_v that_o lion_n devour_v lion_n or_o viper_n bite_v viper_n and_o unless_o we_o add_v beneficence_n to_o innocence_n we_o be_v but_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o brute_n the_o love_n of_o good_a will_n be_v express_v by_o promote_a their_o good_a and_o prevent_v evil_n by_o rejoice_v in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o affliction_n this_o love_n be_v more_o radicate_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o man_n by_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o nature_n wherein_o they_o be_v equal_a whether_o the_o original_a happy_a state_n of_o their_o creation_n or_o their_o miserable_a wretched_a state_n since_o their_o fall_n similitude_n either_o in_o happiness_n or_o misery_n unite_v man_n affection_n how_o low_a and_o despicable_a so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n be_v at_o present_a yet_o the_o remembrance_n that_o all_o man_n be_v equal_a in_o their_o first_o honourable_a and_o happy_a condition_n inhabitant_n of_o paradise_n and_o by_o deputation_n lord_n of_o the_o world_n will_v raise_v our_o esteem_n and_o be_v a_o incentive_a of_o kind_a affection_n to_o they_o and_o since_o the_o fall_n the_o calamitous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o proper_a motive_n of_o mutual_a assistance_n to_o one_o another_o society_n in_o misery_n endear_v the_o sufferer_n and_o produce_v a_o tender_a sympathy_n between_o they_o none_o be_v so_o merciful_a as_o those_o who_o by_o experience_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v miserable_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o common_a evil_n to_o which_o all_o be_v expose_v in_o the_o present_a state_n induce_v a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n but_o the_o principal_a and_o divine_a cause_n of_o love_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o spiritual_a relation_n be_v more_o intimate_a and_o excellent_a than_o the_o natural_a that_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n unite_v as_o member_n to_o the_o same_o glorious_a head_n renew_v to_o a_o divine_a life_n by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n incorporate_v into_o
in_o the_o scene_n of_o fancy_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o old_a sin_n become_v a_o new_a temptation_n and_o deep_o stain_v their_o mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a what_o please_v be_v favour_v and_o defend_v they_o by_o carnal_a discourse_n pervert_v scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o high_a wickedness_n 3._o spiritual_a sin_n be_v most_o frequent_o commit_v be_v of_o quick_a dispatch_n without_o the_o toil_n of_o the_o body_n from_o hence_o their_o number_n be_v as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n they_o infinite_o increase_v man_n account_n with_o the_o high_a and_o eternal_a judge_n who_o understanding_n be_v as_o search_v as_o it_o be_v unsearchable_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o process_n of_o inferior_a humane_a court_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o take_v cognisance_n only_o of_o man_n intention_n by_o overt_a act_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n 4._o spiritual_a sin_n be_v more_o incurable_a than_o those_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o body_n for_o when_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n by_o disease_n and_o age_n be_v disable_v than_o the_o vicious_a habit_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v strong_a and_o like_o the_o poison_n of_o a_o serpent_n be_v sen._n more_o deadly_a by_o age._n notwithstanding_o inward_a pollution_n induce_v such_o a_o gild_n yet_o carnal_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o till_o sin_n be_v perfect_v in_o the_o gross_a act_n it_o be_v not_o deadly_a and_o for_o this_o they_o pervert_v scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n but_o in_o god_n sight_n the_o contemplative_a commission_n of_o â—in_a render_v one_o as_o true_o guilty_a as_o the_o actual_a and_o consent_v to_o the_o do_v it_o render_v as_o obnoxious_a to_o he_o enlighten_v and_o impartial_a tribunal_n as_o the_o performance_n his_o pure_a and_o perfect_a law_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n forbid_v all_o defilement_n fleshly_a and_o spiritual_a and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a agent_n in_o sin_n it_o shall_v first_o receive_v the_o recompense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o interval_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n while_o the_o body_n be_v without_o sense_n in_o the_o grave_a the_o soul_n be_v torment_v in_o hell_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o head_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o add_v that_o many_o sincere_a saint_n be_v in_o perplexity_n from_o the_o injection_n of_o satan_n â—earing_v they_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o heart_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o quality_n unnatural_a thought_n against_o ourselves_o and_o blasphemous_a of_o god_n be_v usual_o from_o the_o tempter_n 2._o when_o they_o make_v terrible_a impression_n upon_o our_o spirit_n they_o be_v his_o fiery_a dart_n for_o the_o native_a offspring_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v conceive_v with_o freedom_n and_o complacency_n 3._o they_o be_v our_o infelicity_n but_o induce_v no_o gild_n when_o resist_v by_o we_o a_o rape_n may_v be_v commit_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o the_o ravish_a virgin_n that_o cry_v out_o for_o rescue_n from_o violence_n be_v declare_v by_o god_n himself_o innocent_a so_o when_o the_o tempt_a soul_n with_o strong_a cry_n pray_v for_o divine_a relief_n god_n will_v not_o say_v those_o terrible_a injection_n to_o our_o charge_n our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v by_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n yet_o be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a and_o have_v a_o compassionate_a tenderness_n for_o those_o who_o be_v tempt_v and_o will_v make_v they_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o glorious_a victory_n it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o injection_n of_o satan_n be_v cherish_v by_o the_o carnal_a mind_n they_o be_v we_o by_o adoption_n though_o of_o his_o beget_n the_o devil_n put_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n the_o design_n of_o betray_v christ_n but_o it_o be_v entertain_v by_o his_o covetous_a mind_n and_o involve_v he_o under_o the_o heavy_a gild_n the_o inclination_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v to_o various_a sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v more_o inclinable_a by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n but_o that_o do_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o gild_n chap._n v._n the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o innocence_n the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n the_o perfection_n of_o glory_n the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o grace_n consist_v in_o sincerity_n constancy_n proceed_v from_o it_o integral_a perfection_n comparative_a perfection_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a the_o threefold_a comparison_n of_o moral_a perfection_n relative_n perfection_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n absolute_a perfection_n only_o attain_v in_o heaven_n i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n the_o sublime_a object_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o sincere_a christian_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o threefold_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o perfection_n of_o innocence_n the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o glory_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o innocence_n god_n make_v man_n upright_o in_o the_o bright_a image_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n infer_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o final_a cause_n be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o those_o moral_a perfection_n as_o qualify_v he_o to_o obtain_v that_o end_n there_o be_v a_o exact_a regularity_n in_o all_o his_o faculty_n the_o enlighten_v mind_n direct_v the_o will_n the_o will_n command_v the_o affection_n the_o affection_n rule_v the_o sense_n he_o have_v power_n to_o stand_v but_o be_v free_a to_o fall_v with_o his_o original_a perfection_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v and_o die_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v clear_a discover_v his_o duty_n and_o felicity_n and_o the_o assist_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v like_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o the_o air_n to_o actuate_v his_o visive_a faculty_n but_o he_o wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n and_o fall_v from_o that_o height_n of_o happiness_n into_o a_o pit_n without_o a_o bottom_n 2._o the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n this_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n signify_v uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o several_a respect_n which_o i_o will_v particular_o consider_v 3._o the_o perfection_n of_o glory_n this_o imply_v a_o union_n of_o all_o excellency_n in_o a_o sovereign_a degree_n the_o church_n in_o the_o present_a state_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o moon_n that_o receive_v light_a from_o the_o sun_n in_o half_a its_o globe_n but_o in_o the_o next_o state_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o light_a as_o a_o ball_n of_o crystal_n penetrate_v by_o the_o sun_n beam_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n natural_a righteousness_n be_v of_o short_a continuance_n as_o nature_n leave_v to_o itself_o always_o be_v but_o the_o supernatural_a state_n be_v not_o only_o undefiled_a but_o fade_v not_o away_o the_o perfection_n of_o paradise_n be_v frail_a for_o man_n in_o his_o best_a state_n be_v change_v from_o this_o root_n his_o ruin_n spring_v but_o the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n be_v immutable_a for_o there_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o his_o influxive_a presence_n be_v the_o productive_a and_o conservative_a cause_n of_o their_o holiness_n and_o blessedness_n i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o present_a state_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o essential_a perfection_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o kind_n a_o gradual_a perfection_n belong_v to_o individual_n and_o be_v various_a all_o gold_n be_v not_o refine_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o height_n of_o purity_n but_o true_a gold_n though_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o fineness_n will_v endure_v the_o furnace_n and_o the_o touchstone_n and_o by_o that_o trial_n be_v discern_v from_o counterfeit_n metal_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o active_a heat_n in_o fire_n sometime_o it_o flame_n but_o always_o burn_v if_o feed_v with_o combustible_a matter_n now_o the_o essence_n of_o true_a holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o saint_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o unrenewed_a world_n and_o be_v not_o act_v by_o their_o principle_n and_o precept_n not_o govern_v by_o their_o maxim_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o saint_n but_o sincerity_n
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 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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 exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o 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
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o 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 god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v