then_o be_v it_o to_o plead_v that_o they_o can_v do_v good_a if_o they_o will_v when_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n itself_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n a_o four_o property_n be_v subjection_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v not_o 2._o cor._n 4.4_o and_o will_v certain_o conquer_v all_o that_o he_o sight_v with_o upon_o his_o own_o dunghill_n that_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o from_o all_o these_o property_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v the_o property_n never_o to_o be_v good_a to_o be_v stark_o dead_a in_o sin_n ephes_n 2.1_o according_a to_o the_o sentence_n denounce_v against_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o mankind_n in_o adam_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2.17_o for_o you_o can_v no_o more_o bring_v it_o to_o holiness_n by_o any_o the_o most_o vehement_a motive_n and_o endeavour_n than_o you_o can_v bring_v a_o dead_a carcase_n to_o life_n by_o chafe_v and_o rub_v it_o you_o can_v stir_v up_o no_o strength_n or_o fortify_v grace_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n by_o such_o motive_n and_o endeavour_n because_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o he_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o rom._n 5.6_o though_o you_o do_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o you_o to_o the_o utmost_a while_o you_o be_v in_o this_o flesh_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o good_a lie_v in_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n i_o know_v that_o in_o i_o that_o be_v in_o my_o flesh_n dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n rom._n 7.18_o six_o we_o have_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o trust_v on_o christ_n to_o help_v we_o to_o will_v or_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o natural_a state_n or_o to_o imagine_v that_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o holiness_n be_v restore_v to_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v christ_n aim_v at_o a_o high_a end_n in_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n than_o the_o restore_n the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n he_o aim_v to_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o new_a state_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n ever_o be_v by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o god_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o natural_a freewill_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n live_v and_o act_v in_o we_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o our_o natural_a state_n be_v irrecoverable_a and_o desperate_a because_o christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o holy_a nor_o happy_a but_o subject_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o all_o misery_n as_o long_o as_o it_o remain_v even_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n and_o do_v serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o their_o mind_n do_v yet_o with_o their_o flesh_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7.25_o as_o far_o as_o it_o remain_v in_o they_o it_o lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.17_o and_o it_o remain_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n even_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n to_o they_o because_o of_o righteousness_n rom._n 8.10_o and_o must_v be_v whole_o abolish_v by_o death_n before_o we_o can_v be_v perfect_v in_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n after_o god_n have_v promise_v salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n he_o place_v cherubim_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o paradise_n thereby_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o first_o state_n be_v lose_v without_o hope_n and_o that_o the_o happiness_n intend_v for_o he_o be_v whole_o new_a our_o old_a natural_a man_n be_v not_o revive_v and_o reform_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o crucify_v together_o with_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o destroy_v out_o of_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n rom._n 6.6_o it_o be_v like_o the_o part_n of_o a_o garment_n infect_v with_o the_o plague_n of_o leprosy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v rend_v off_o as_o incurable_a that_o the_o garment_n may_v be_v clean_a levit._n 13.56_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o i_o e._n we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n which_o god_n have_v reject_v from_o partake_v of_o his_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o assistance_n from_o god_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a in_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o seven_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o discharge_v those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n from_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o render_v they_o excusable_a for_o their_o sin_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o god_n have_v make_v man_n upright_o but_o they_o seek_v many_o invention_n eccles_n 7.29_o observe_v well_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o all_o they_o who_o have_v seek_v out_o many_o invention_n rather_o than_o upright_o walk_v be_v comprehend_v in_o man_n that_o be_v at_o first_o make_v upright_o and_o man_n in_o the_o text_n signify_v all_o mankind_n the_o first_o adam_n be_v all_o mankind_n as_o jacob_n and_o esau_n be_v two_o nation_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o rebecca_n gen._n 25.23_o god_n make_v we_o all_o in_o our_o first_o parent_n according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n able_a and_o incline_v to_o do_v his_o law_n and_o in_o that_o pure_a nature_n our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n be_v first_o lay_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o first_o wilful_a transgression_n whereby_o our_o first_o parent_n bereave_v themselves_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v our_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o in_o one_o man_n adam_n all_o have_v sin_v and_o so_o death_n be_v pass_v upon_o all_o rom._n 5.12_o because_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o adam_n loin_n when_o the_o first_o sin_n be_v commit_v even_o as_o levi_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v pay_v tithe_n in_o abraham_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v because_o when_o his_o father_n abraham_n pay_v tithe_n to_o melchizedeck_v he_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o loin_n heb._n 7.9_o 10._o that_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o charge_v the_o iniquity_n of_o parent_n upon_o their_o child_n be_v a_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o new_a covenant_n confirm_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o to_o we_o only_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o we_o have_v another_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o our_o parent_n convey_v to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v just_o claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o our_o old_a natural_a state_n jer._n 31.29_o 30_o 31._o &_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o those_o that_o account_v their_o impotency_n a_o sufficient_a plea_n to_o excuse_v they_o or_o other_o show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o humble_v for_o that_o great_a wilful_a transgression_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n inability_n to_o pay_v debt_n excuse_v not_o a_o debtor_n that_o have_v lavish_v away_o his_o estate_n neither_o do_v drunkenness_n excuse_v the_o mad_a act_n of_o a_o drunkard_n but_o rather_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n and_o our_o impotency_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a want_n of_o a_o executive_a power_n but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o willing_a mind_n to_o practise_v true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n natural_o we_o love_v it_o not_o we_o like_v it_o not_o but_o lust_n against_o it_o gal._n 5.17_o and_o hate_v the_o light_n john_n 3.20_o if_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a state_n have_v a_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_n to_o true_a holiness_n and_o a_o desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o practise_v it_o out_o of_o hearty_a love_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o the_o event_n than_o they_o may_v under_o some_o pretence_n plead_v for_o their_o excuse_n as_o some_o do_v for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o sin_n by_o a_o inevitable_a fate_n but_o none_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o plead_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o their_o excuse_n because_o none_o endeavour_v to_o practise_v true_a holiness_n out_o of_o hearty_a love_n to_o it_o until_o the_o good_a work_n be_v begin_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o god_n have_v begin_v he_o will_v perfect_v it_o phil._n 1.6_o and_o will_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n accept_v their_o ready_a mind_n though_o they_o fall_v short_a in_o performance_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o how_o abominable_a then_o and_o filthy_a be_v man_n that_o drink_v up_o iniquity_n we_o water_n job_n 15.16_o that_o can_v practice_v holiness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o this_o be_v their_o just_a condemnation_n that_o
willing_a until_o he_o have_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o obedience_n acceptable_o such_o a_o one_o be_v never_o yet_o true_o humble_v and_o bring_v to_o know_v the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n neither_o do_v he_o true_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n whatever_o formal_a profession_n he_o make_v of_o it_o second_o those_o that_o think_v sincere_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n in_o ordinary_a case_n to_o be_v so_o pass_v easy_a show_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o themselves_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n only_o but_o against_o principality_n power_n spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n ephes_n 6.12_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n not_o to_o lust_n or_o covet_v according_a to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o apostle_n paul_n find_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o obey_v this_o commandment_n that_o his_o concupiscence_n prevail_v the_o more_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o commandment_n rom._n 7.7_o 8._o our_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o alter_v vicious_a custom_n but_o to_o mortisie_n corrupt_v natural_a affection_n which_o breed_v those_o custom_n and_o not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o fulfil_n of_o sinful_a lust_n but_o to_o be_v full_a of_o holy_a lust_n and_o desire_n that_o even_o the_o restrain_v the_o execution_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o cross_v they_o by_o contrary_a act_n be_v in_o many_o case_n like_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n mat._n 5.29_o 30._o if_o obedience_n be_v so_o easy_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o heathen_n general_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v they_o as_o worthy_a of_o death_n rom._n 1.32_o and_o many_o among_o we_o seek_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o strait_a gate_n and_o be_v not_o able_a luke_n 13.24_o and_o break_v so_o many_o vow_n and_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o fall_v back_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o lust_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n press_v hard_o upon_o their_o conscience_n as_o to_o those_o that_o find_v persecution_n for_o religion_n to_o be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o late_a day_n they_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n love_v his_o own_o else_o they_o will_v find_v that_o national_a profession_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o secure_v those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a from_o several_a sort_n of_o persecution_n and_o suppose_v man_n do_v not_o persecute_v we_o for_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o bear_v great_a injury_n from_o man_n on_o other_o account_n and_o loss_n poverty_n bodily_a pain_n long_a disease_n and_o untimely_a death_n from_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o such_o hearty_a love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o injurious_a man_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o such_o a_o patient_a acquiescence_n in_o his_o will_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o those_o who_o god_n right_o furnish_v with_o endowment_n for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v easy_a to_o man_n in_o their_o common_a condition_n show_v their_o imprudence_n in_o contradict_v the_o general_a experience_n of_o heathen_n and_o christian_n though_o many_o duty_n do_v not_o require_v much_o labour_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n and_o may_v be_v do_v with_o ease_n if_o we_o be_v willing_a yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o remove_v a_o mountain_n than_o to_o move_v and_o incline_v the_o heart_n to_o will_n and_o affect_v the_o do_v of_o they_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o those_o that_o account_n that_o all_o have_v sufficient_a strength_n for_o a_o holy_a practice_n because_o they_o can_v do_v their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v what_o they_o can_v do_v for_o god_n require_v actual_a sulfil_n of_o his_o command_n what_o if_o by_o our_o endeavour_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n shall_v the_o law_n be_v put_v off_o with_o no_o performance_n and_o shall_v such_o endeavour_n be_v account_v sufficient_a holiness_n and_o what_o if_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v in_o a_o right_a way_n if_o man_n ability_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o acceptable_a duty_n the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a three_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o funish_v people_n with_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v both_o to_o will_v and_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o first_o adam_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o strength_n and_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o need_v to_o sear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o corruption_n because_o he_o have_v no_o corruption_n in_o he_o until_o he_o have_v produce_v they_o in_o himself_o by_o sin_v against_o strength_n and_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v that_o strength_n he_o can_v not_o recover_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n until_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o a_o better_a strength_n whereby_o the_o head_n of_o satan_n shall_v be_v bruise_v gen._n 3.15_o our_o lord_n christ_n doubtless_o know_v the_o insinite_a power_n of_o his_o deity_n to_o enable_v he_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o our_o nature_n he_o know_v the_o lord_n god_n will_v help_v he_o therefore_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v be_v 50.7_o the_o scripture_n show_v what_o plentiful_a assurance_n of_o strength_n god_n give_v to_o moses_n joshua_n gideon_n when_o he_o call_v they_o to_o great_a employment_n and_o to_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o call_v they_o to_o subdue_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n christ_n will_v have_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drink_v of_o his_o cup_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n that_o he_o be_v baptize_v with_o matth._n 20.22_o paul_n encourage_v believer_n to_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o sin_n shall_v not_o prevail_v to_o get_v the_o dominion_n over_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.13_o 14._o and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes_n 6.10_o 11._o john_n exhort_v believer_n not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o jo._n 2.14_o 15._o they_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n heretofore_o to_o work_v miracle_n be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o power_n to_o work_v they_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v attempt_v to_o do_v they_o without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gift_n even_o so_o when_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v call_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v in_o they_o great_a miracle_n god_n make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o power_n unto_o they_o that_o he_o may_v encourage_v they_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o such_o a_o wonderful_a enterprise_n direct_v iii_o the_o way_n to_o get_v holy_a endowment_n and_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o frame_v and_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n by_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o fellowship_n we_o must_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n himself_o in_o we_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n with_o he_o explication_n here_o as_o much_o as_o any_o where_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n even_o so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v it_o if_o god_n have_v not_o make_v it_o know_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v reveal_v clear_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o there_o for_o it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o and_o if_o god_n express_v it_o never_o so_o plain_o and_o proper_o he_o will_v think_v that_o god_n be_v speak_v riddle_n and_o parable_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o riddle_n and_o parable_n even_o to_o many_o true_o godly_a that_o have_v receive_v a_o holy_a nature_n in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v the_o save_a benefit_n of_o it_o before_o the_o comforter_n discover_v it_o clear_o to_o they_o john_n 14_o 20._o and_o they_o walk_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o
or_o christ_n for_o salvation_n to_o be_v account_v the_o principal_a saving-act_n of_o it_o because_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o many_o loose_a wicked_a people_n trust_v on_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n as_o much_o as_o other_o and_o be_v by_o their_o confidence_n harden_v the_o more_o in_o their_o wickedness_n but_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o shall_v be_v obedience_n to_o all_o christ_n law_n at_o least_o in_o their_o resolution_n or_o a_o consent_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o lord_n accept_v of_o his_o term_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o his_o government_n in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o scripture-form_n of_o teach_v be_v grow_v into_o disesteem_a with_o our_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n when_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o scripture_n be_v account_v a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n they_o endeavour_v to_o affright_v we_o from_o own_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o justification_n by_o tell_v we_o that_o thereby_o we_o that_o use_v the_o instrument_n be_v make_v our_o own_o principal_a justifier_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n though_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v make_v thereby_o only_o the_o principal_a receiver_n of_o our_o own_o justification_n from_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o it_o to_o who_o all_o the_o glory_n do_v belong_v all_o these_o error_n will_v fall_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v be_v a_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o actual_o receive_v christ_n himself_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o follow_a argument_n first_o by_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o of_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o of_o life_n and_o so_o of_o holiness_n christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.17_o we_o live_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o we_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.19_o 20._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o son_n and_o everlasting_a life_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o john_n 5.12_o 13._o john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o hear_v christ_n word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v christ_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n these_o text_n express_v clear_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v therefore_o the_o efficiency_n or_o operation_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o fullness_n can_v be_v the_o procurement_n of_o a_o bare_a right_n or_o title_n to_o this_o enjoyment_n but_o rather_o it_o must_v be_v a_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v our_o access_n and_o entrance_n by_o faith_n into_o that_o grace_n of_o christ_n wherein_o we_o stand_v rom._n 5.2_o second_o the_o scripture_n plain_o ascribe_v this_o effect_n to_o faith_n that_o by_o it_o we_o receive_v christ_n put_v he_o on_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o he_o and_o also_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v john_n 1.2_o gal._n 3.26_o 27._o col._n 2.6_o 7._o gal._n 3.14_o act_n 26.18_o and_o the_o scripture_n illustrate_v this_o receive_v by_o the_o similitude_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n drink_v the_o live_a water_n of_o his_o spirit_n john_n 7.37_o 38_o 39_o christ_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o his_o blood_n drink_v indeed_o and_o the_o way_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o so_o do_v we_o dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 6.35_o 47_o 48_o 54_o 55_o 56._o how_o can_v it_o be_v teach_v more_o clear_o that_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o proper_o into_o our_o soul_n by_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v receive_v food_n into_o our_o body_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o that_o christ_n be_v as_o true_o unite_v to_o we_o thereby_o as_o our_o food_n when_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v it_o so_o that_o faith_n can_v be_v a_o condition_n to_o procure_v a_o mere_a right_n or_o title_n to_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o eat_v or_o drink_v procure_v a_o mere_a right_n or_o title_n to_o our_o food_n but_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o instrument_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o mouth_n that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o food_n three_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o salvation_n be_v free_o give_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gist_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.8_o 9_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n rom._n 8.24_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v a_o gift_n act_v 2.38_o now_o that_o which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o grace_n must_v not_o be_v at_o all_o earn_v purchase_v or_o procure_v by_o any_o work_n or_o work_v perform_v as_o a_o condition_n to_o get_v a_o right_a title_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o faith_n itself_o must_v not_o be_v account_v such_o a_o condition_n if_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n rom._n 11.1_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o free_a gift_n be_v only_o take_v and_o have_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n allow_v a_o liberty_n in_o term_n where_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n but_o if_o you_o give_v a_o pepper-corn_n to_o purchase_v a_o title_n to_o it_o than_o you_o spoil_v the_o freeness_n of_o the_o gift_n the_o free_a offer_n of_o christ_n to_o you_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confer_v upon_o you_o a_o right_n yea_o to_o make_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o you_o and_o because_o we_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n as_o a_o free_a gift_n therefore_o we_o may_v account_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o receive_v he_o four_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o all_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o union_n with_o he_o therefore_o the_o accomplish_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o save_v grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o faith_n itself_o be_v a_o holy_a grace_n and_o part_n of_o spiritual_a life_n can_v be_v in_o we_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o it_o be_v give_v to_o we_o and_o wrought_v in_o the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o union_n and_o the_o way_n wherein_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o union_n can_v be_v by_o procure_v a_o mere_a title_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o condition_n because_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v before_o the_o unite_n work_n begin_v but_o rather_o by_o be_v a_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o may_v active_o receive_v and_o embrace_v christ_n who_o be_v already_o come_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o his_o own_o habitation_n true_a saving-faith_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v have_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o operation_n a_o peculiar_a aptitude_n or_o fitness_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o to_o unite_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o new_a holy_a nature_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o holy_a practice_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n have_v fit_v natural_a instrument_n for_o their_o office_n as_o the_o hand_n foot_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o may_v know_v by_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a manner_n of_o operation_n for_o what_o use_n they_o be_v design_v in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v know_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o instrument_n form_v on_o purpose_n for_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o sanctification_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o peculiar_a fitness_n it_o have_v for_o the_o work_n the_o discovery_n of_o this_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mysterious_a manner_n of_o our_o receive_n and_o practise_v all_o holiness_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o this_o pretions_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v you_o as_o it_o be_v to_o see_v with_o your_o eye_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o instrument_n as_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o to_o be_v i_o shall_v present_v it_o to_o your_o view_n
forego_n direction_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o duty_n with_o which_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v and_o by_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v before_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o christ_n himself_o with_o all_o endowment_n necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a practice_n be_v receive_v actual_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v the_o knot_n of_o mystical_a marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o make_v we_o branch_n of_o that_o noble_a vine_n member_n of_o that_o body_n join_v to_o that_o excellent_a head_n live_v stone_n of_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n build_v upon_o the_o precious_a live_a cornerstone_n and_o sure_a foundation_n partaker_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o drink_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n whereby_o we_o pass_v from_o our_o corrupt_a natural_a state_n to_o a_o new_a holy_a state_n in_o christ_n also_o from_o death_n in_o sin_n to_o life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o whereby_o we_o be_v comfort_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n if_o we_o put_v the_o question_n what_o must_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n resolve_v it_o that_o we_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 6.28_o 29._o he_o put_v we_o first_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o work_n of_o work_n because_o all_o other_o good_a work_n proceed_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o present_a direction_n be_v to_o put_v you_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o guide_v you_o therein_o for_o which_o end_n you_o be_v to_o consider_v distinct_o four_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v you_o be_v to_o make_v it_o your_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n many_o make_v little_a conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n as_o many_o moral_a duty_n be_v but_o only_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man._n these_o be_v sometime_o terrify_v with_o apprehension_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o will_v examine_v themselves_o concern_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v will_v write_v they_o down_o to_o help_v their_o memory_n and_o devotion_n but_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v seldom_o think_v of_o in_o their_o self-examination_n or_o register_v in_o the_o large_a catalogue_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v neglect_v all_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v it_o either_o because_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o perform_v at_o any_o time_n without_o any_o labour_n or_o diligent_a endeavour_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o account_v it_o as_o difficult_a as_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o utter_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v by_o their_o most_o diligent_a endeavour_n except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o its_o mighty_a power_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o work_v until_o they_o feel_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o because_o they_o account_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n that_o it_o will_v be_v presumption_n for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o until_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n i_o shall_v urge_v you_o to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o impediment_n by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o best_a endeavour_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preciousness_n excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o already_o discover_v if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o darken_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o will_v show_v we_o that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o find_v out_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v condemn_v those_o that_o despise_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n declare_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o obedience_n yea_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o reveal_v doctrine_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o cor._n 3.15_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n be_v for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10.4_o and_o christ_n be_v that_o end_n for_o righteousness_n the_o moral_a law_n itself_o be_v reveal_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n by_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o else_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o avail_v fall_v man_n that_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v it_o therefore_o they_o that_o slight_a the_o duty_n of_o believe_v and_o count_v it_o foolishness_n do_v thereby_o slight_a despise_v and_o villisie_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o the_o only_a fruit_n that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v attain_v to_o of_o all_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v only_o some_o hypocritical_a moral_a duty_n and_o slavish_a performance_n which_o will_v be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a day_n however_o many_o mind_n not_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o self-examination_n and_o write_v it_o not_o in_o their_o scroul_n yet_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a sin_n of_o all_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o scroul_n will_v not_o prevail_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yea_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v in_o their_o conversation_n be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o unbelief_n this_o one_o sin_n prevail_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o please_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n whatsoever_o heb._n 11.6_o if_o you_o will_v not_o mind_v this_o one_o main_a sin_n now_o god_n will_v at_o last_o mind_n you_o of_o it_o with_o a_o vengeance_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o joh._n 3.36_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 1.5_o 2._o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o work_n that_o will_v require_v diligent_a endeavour_n and_o labour_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v by_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.11_o we_o must_v show_v diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o may_v and_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3.16_o 17._o i_o confess_v it_o be_v easy_a pleasant_a and_o delicious_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o any_o cumbersome_a bodily_a labour_n and_o it_o be_v a_o take_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o our_o own_o which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o this_o by_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o affection_n which_o make_v even_o hard_o work_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a to_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v withal_o from_o our_o own_o inward_a corruption_n and_o from_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o receive_v christ_n as_o our_o happiness_n and_o true_a salvation_n with_o true_a confidence_n and_o lively_a affection_n when_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n lie_v heavy_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n manifest_v by_o the_o word_n and_o terrible_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v be_v
we_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v sinner_n in_o the_o way_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.8_o 9_o and_o he_o command_v they_o that_o lack_v wisdom_n to_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o but_o however_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n guide_v we_o only_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o we_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o trust_v right_o on_o god_n for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o great_a work_n to_o help_v you_o herein_o i_o have_v give_v you_o before_o in_o this_o treatise_n a_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o have_v show_v that_o it_o contain_v two_o act_n in_o it_o the_o one_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n now_o your_o great_a endeavour_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v both_o these_o act_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v well_o furnish_v dispose_v and_o encourage_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o you_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o corrupt_a inclination_n that_o hinder_v a_o cheerful_a embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o any_o fail_n in_o the_o second_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o fail_n be_v common_o some_o defect_n in_o this_o first_o act._n there_o be_v some_o false_a imagination_n or_o other_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a hold_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o must_v be_v pull_v down_o before_o they_o can_v receive_v christ_n into_o their_o heart_n by_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o they_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o entertain_v such_o false_a imagination_n and_o to_o account_v many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n strange_a paradox_n yea_o foolish_a and_o pernicious_a because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n self-conceitedness_a guilty_a conscience_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o manifold_a error_n wherewith_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossess_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o satan_n labour_v to_o beguile_v we_o as_o he_o do_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v you_o some_o particular_a instruction_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o prevent_v such_o defect_n as_o we_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n 1._o you_o must_v believe_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o other_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n subject_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o insupportable_a misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o you_o can_v possible_o procure_v your_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n or_o any_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n by_o any_o endeavour_v to_o get_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o that_o you_o can_v find_v any_o way_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o supernatural_a revelation_n nor_o be_v free_v from_o it_o except_o by_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o raise_v the_o dead_a we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a as_o some_o be_v to_o know_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n neither_o must_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v ourselves_o better_a than_o we_o be_v but_o must_v be_v hearty_o desirous_a and_o glad_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o our_o own_o condition_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o worst_a that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o yea_o we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v and_o find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o this_o be_v all_o necessary_a to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a humiliation_n self-despair_n and_o self-loathing_a that_o we_o may_v high_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o make_v we_o sick_a of_o sin_n and_o sensible_a of_o our_o need_n of_o the_o great_a physician_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o any_o of_o his_o prescription_n whatsoever_o we_o suffer_v rather_o than_o to_o follow_v our_o own_o wisdom_n mat._n 9.12_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o humiliation_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n mat._n 21.31_o 2._o you_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v save_v without_o receive_v all_o the_o save_a benesit_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o merit_n sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o holiness_n whenas_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o none_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v holy_o i._n e._n not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.1_o it_o be_v also_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v only_a remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o we_o can_v never_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n except_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o live_v only_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n that_o receive_v not_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o christ_n will_v never_o sanctify_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o heavenly_a glory_n heb._n 12.14_o 3._o you_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o yourself_o and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o his_o blood_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1.7_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o horrible_a and_o continue_v in_o never_o so_o long_o yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o abominable_a wicked_a person_n have_v be_v save_v by_o he_o idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a covetous_a drunkard_n extortioner_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n such_o as_o have_v deny_v christ_n as_o peter_n and_o persecute_v and_o blasphame_v he_o as_o paul_n many_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o account_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a for_o their_o pardon_n and_o sanctification_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o live_v ezek._n 33.10_o this_o despair_n work_v secret_o in_o many_o soul_n without_o much_o trouble_n and_o horror_n and_o make_v they_o careless_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o devil_n sill_n some_o with_o horrid_a filthy_a blasphemous_a thought_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v think_v their_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v though_o common_o such_o thought_n be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v pester_v
of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a man_n in_o christ_n yet_o it_o hold_v true_a also_o that_o our_o reception_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o perfection_n be_v but_o in_o a_o imperfect_a measure_n and_o degree_n until_o faith_n be_v turn_v into_o heavenly_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o our_o old_a sinful_a state_n with_o the_o evil_n thereof_o be_v not_o perfect_o abolish_v during_o this_o life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o be_v like_o leaven_n in_o meal_n and_o do_v not_o unite_v itself_o perfect_o to_o the_o meal_n in_o a_o instant_a but_o by_o degree_n until_o the_o whole_a be_v leaven_v mat._n 13.35_o or_o like_o the_o morning_n light_n that_o expel_v darkness_n by_o degree_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4.18_o this_o can_v be_v just_o account_v any_o derogation_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n see_v christ_n never_o intend_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o death_n or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v his_o spiritual_a blessing_n any_o further_a than_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o enjoy_v he_o by_o faith_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v holy_a or_o happy_a according_a to_o the_o flesh_n by_o a_o reformation_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n as_o have_v be_v show_v neither_o do_v this_o diminish_v the_o consolation_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n for_o thereby_o they_o may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o enjoy_v it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o far_o as_o they_o enjoy_v christ_n himself_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o in_o a_o perfect_a measure_n and_o be_v full_o free_v from_o their_o old_a sin_n and_o miserable_a state_n when_o that_o frame_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v dissolve_v by_o death_n this_o instruction_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o frame_v our_o soul_n aright_o for_o the_o practise_n of_o holiness_n only_o by_o those_o gospel_n principle_n and_o mean_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o new_a state_n which_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v easy_o vindicate_v from_o another_o great_a objection_n wherein_o the_o papist_n and_o quaker_n do_v much_o triumph_n they_o appeal_v to_o man_n conscience_n to_o answer_v this_o question_n which_o doctrine_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o bring_v people_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a godliness_n they_o which_o teach_v that_o perfect_a holiness_n may_v be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n or_o we_o which_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n perfect_o and_o to_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o all_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n though_o we_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n they_o think_v that_o common_a reason_n will_v make_v the_o verdict_n pass_v for_o they_o against_o our_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o discourage_v all_o endeavour_n for_o perfection_n and_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o people_n to_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n because_o they_o can_v avoid_v it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n harden_v people_n to_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a as_o the_o papist_n account_n that_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o sin_n but_o rather_o good_a matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n because_o the_o most_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o without_o it_o it_o also_o discourage_v those_o that_o labour_n to_o get_v holiness_n in_o the_o right_a way_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o to_o think_v that_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a because_o they_o find_v themselves_o still_o sinful_a and_o far_o from_o perfection_n when_o they_o have_v do_v their_o best_a to_o attain_v it_o it_o hinder_v our_o diligence_n in_o seek_v holiness_n by_o these_o principle_n and_o mean_n whereby_o only_o it_o can_v be_v find_v for_o who_o will_v be_v diligent_a and_o watchful_a to_o avoid_v walk_v according_a to_o his_o own_o carnal_a principle_n if_o he_o think_v that_o his_o own_o carnal_a state_n with_o its_o principle_n be_v quite_o abolish_v and_o be_v out_o of_o he_o so_o that_o at_o present_a he_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o whatsoever_o good_a work_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o perfectionist_n may_v serve_v to_o promote_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o hinder_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o work_n which_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o old_a state_n with_o its_o evil_a principle_n continue_v still_o in_o a_o measure_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v sit_v for_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o confese_v of_o sin_n loathe_v ourselves_o for_o they_o pray_v earnest_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o a_o just_a sorrow_n for_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o offer_v to_o he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a some_o have_v doubt_v how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o liable_a to_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o oblige_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o because_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v the_o twofold_a state_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n and_o except_o we_o know_v this_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o mind_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v sit_v to_o practice_v continual_o the_o great_a duty_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n and_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n pray_v continual_o that_o god_n will_v renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o we_o and_o sanctify_v we_o throughout_o press_v forward_o to_o perfection_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o other_o ordinance_n christ_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o such_o work_n and_o perfectionist_n either_o do_v or_o say_v will_v account_v they_o needless_a for_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o long_o need_v of_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a physician_n and_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n and_o propitiation_n for_o their_o sin_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n except_o they_o can_v make_v a_o ladder_n and_o climb_v up_o thither_o before_o their_o time_n 2._o despair_v of_o purge_v the_o flesh_n or_o natural_a man_n of_o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o inclination_n and_o of_o practise_v holiness_n by_o your_o willing_a and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o lie_v in_o your_o own_o power_n and_o trust_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o help_v you_o in_o such_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n rather_o resolve_v to_o trust_v on_o christ_n to_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v by_o his_o own_o power_n according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n they_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o misery_n do_v common_o first_o think_v to_o tame_v the_o flesh_n and_o to_o subdue_v and_o root_v out_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o make_v their_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o be_v better_a nature_a and_o incline_v to_o holiness_n by_o their_o struggle_a and_o wrestle_v with_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o bring_v their_o heart_n to_o a_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o lie_v in_o they_o they_o hope_v that_o by_o such_o a_o resolution_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o achieve_v great_a erterprise_n in_o the_o conquest_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a duty_n it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o some_o zealous_a divine_n in_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n to_o stir_v up_o people_n to_o this_o resolution_n wherein_o they_o place_v the_o chief_a turn_v point_n from_o sin_n to_o godliness_n and_o they_o think_v that_o this_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o trust_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n to_o help_v they_o in_o all_o such_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n thus_o they_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v their_o old_a state_n and_o to_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o flesh_n instead_o of_o put_v it_o off_o and_o walk_v according_a to_o
they_o know_v at_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o text_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v convert_v and_o can_v make_v large_a discourse_n of_o the_o working_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v prone_a to_o talk_v unreasonable_o with_o vain-glorying_a of_o their_o own_o experience_n when_o at_o last_o all_o their_o experience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v not_o unjust_o condemn_v or_o justify_v our_o faith_n by_o proceed_v on_o in-sufficient_a evidence_n in_o its_o trial_n our_o best_a way_n be_v to_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n by_o put_v to_o ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v we_o make_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o the_o deadness_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n so_o as_o to_o despair_v absolute_o of_o ever_o attain_v to_o any_o righteousness_n holiness_n or_o true_a happiness_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o our_o salvation_n do_v we_o prefer_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o desire_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n as_o our_o only_a happiness_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n do_v we_o desire_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n do_v our_o heart_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o for_o salvation_n by_o trust_v he_o only_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o confident_o notwithstanding_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o assault_v we_o if_o you_o find_v in_o yourself_o a_o faith_n that_o have_v these_o property_n though_o as_o small_a as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o oppose_v with_o much_o unbelief_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o your_o soul_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n at_o present_a and_o that_o your_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o continue_v and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o it_o you_o shall_v also_o examine_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o try_v whether_o you_o can_v show_v your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v jam._n 2.18_o that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o your_o judgement_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v note_v that_o doubt_n concern_v your_o faith_n will_v breed_v doubt_v concern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o qualification_n that_o be_v fruit_n thereof_o yet_o possible_o you_o may_v get_v such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n as_o may_v overcome_v and_o expel_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o here_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o your_o inclination_n purpose_n affection_n and_o action_n be_v material_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o also_o by_o what_o principle_n they_o be_v breed_v and_o influence_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o slavish_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o mercenary_a hope_n of_o get_v heaven_n by_o your_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a and_o carnal_a principle_n that_o can_v never_o breed_v true_a holiness_n or_o by_o gospel_n principle_n as_o by_o love_n to_o god_n because_o god_n have_v love_v you_o first_o and_o to_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v dye_v and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n to_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n remember_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n will_v sanctify_v we_o not_o by_o legal_a but_o by_o gospel_n principles_n take_v notice_n further_o that_o you_o need_v not_o trouble_v yourself_o to_o find_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n if_o you_o can_v find_v a_o few_o good_a one_o particular_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n if_o you_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o i_o e._n if_o you_o love_v all_o who_o you_o can_v in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o solomon_n discern_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n by_o her_o affection_n towards_o her_o child_n so_o the_o mother_n grace_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o love_n that_o it_o breed_v in_o we_o towards_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o can_v find_v so_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n as_o may_v enable_v you_o to_o express_v your_o sincerity_n in_o these_o moderate_a term_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o heb._n 13.18_o 3._o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o attainment_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v feed_v and_o ruminate_v upon_o the_o word_n as_o its_o spiritual_a food_n and_o dige_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o nourishment_n whereby_o we_o be_v strengthen_v for_o every_o good_a work_n our_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v therewith_o as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o we_o remember_v god_n upon_o our_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o he_o in_o the_o night-watche_n psal_n 68.5_o 6._o the_o new_a nature_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n rom._n 7.25_o because_o it_o live_v and_o act_v by_o mind_v of_o and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v not_o only_o at_o some_o limit_a time_n but_o all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o yea_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o even_o in_o our_o ordinary_a employment_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o profit_v we_o without_o a_o active_a mind_v it_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n some_o think_v that_o much_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o needful_a where_o a_o people_n be_v already_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o word_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v maintain_v and_o increase_v by_o often_o mind_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n they_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o and_o will_v by_o the_o preacher_n be_v put_v often_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o they_o by_o meditation_n though_o they_o know_v they_o already_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o but_o here_o our_o great_a skill_n and_o chief_a concernment_n lie_v in_o practise_v this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o not_o at_o all_o opposite_a to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o meditation_n as_o a_o work_n of_o righteousness_n for_o the_o procurement_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o rely_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o indeed_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o do_v to_o catch_v at_o any_o straw_n rather_o than_o to_o trust_v only_o on_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o meditation_n must_v not_o be_v mere_a speculation_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o the_o vigorous_a press_v it_o upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o in_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o holy_a practice_n we_o must_v wary_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o according_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v as_o too_o many_o do_v yea_o and_o some_o great_a master_n in_o the_o art_n of_o meditation_n that_o we_o can_v bring_v our_o heart_n effectual_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o can_v work_v strange_a metamorphosis_n and_o work_v or_o frame_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o holy_a qualification_n or_o virtue_n mere_o by_o work_v in_o ourselves_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n his_o