and_o therefore_o paulâ—hen_o â—hen_z he_o have_v tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o have_v labour_v more_o abudant_o than_o all_o the_o apoâ—les_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o which_o he_o give_v they_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n immediate_o he_o correct_v himself_o as_o have_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o endeavour_n and_o in_o the_o nâ—xâ—_n word_n add_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o gracâ—_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o by_o which_o grace_n say_v he_o in_o the_o forego_n word_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o thus_o paul_n from_o first_o to_o last_o both_z as_o to_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v he_o acknowledge_v all_o to_o be_v oâ—_n grace_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o be_v you_o see_v so_o far_o from_o merit_v any_o thing_n by_o our_o best_a endeavour_n as_o that_o the_o more_o we_o do_v the_o more_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o divine_a grace_n for_o enable_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o after_o all_o must_v take_v up_o david_n word_n and_o make_v the_o like_a humble_a acknowledgement_n as_o 〈◊〉_d do_v after_o he_o have_v make_v so_o munificent_a preparation_n for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o chron._n 29.11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v tâ—â—_n greatness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o 〈◊〉_d victory_n and_o the_o majesty_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v thou_o thou_o be_v 〈◊〉_d kingdom_n o_o lord_n and_o thou_o be_v exalt_v â—_o head_n above_o all_o both_o riches_n and_o honour_n come_v 〈◊〉_d thou_o and_o thou_o reign_v over_o all_o and_o in_o thiâ—_n hand_n be_v power_n and_o might_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v to_o make_v great_a and_o to_o give_v strength_n unto_o 〈◊〉_d now_o therefore_o our_o god_n we_o thank_v thou_o 〈◊〉_d praise_v thy_o glorious_a name_n but_o who_o be_o i_o 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v this_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a 〈◊〉_d offer_v so_o willing_o after_o this_o sort_n for_o all_o thiâ—_n come_v of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o own_o have_v we_o give_v thou_o and_o as_o it_o follow_v all_o this_o store_n that_o we_o have_v prepare_v come_v of_o thou_o and_o be_v all_o thy_o own_o 2._o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o all_o owe_v to_o god_n if_o not_o antecedent_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o to_o any_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v either_o to_o accept_v or_o reward_v we_o for_o our_o obedience_n for_o since_o we_o all_o by_o our_o first_o creation_n receive_v our_o being_n and_o faculty_n by_o derivation_n from_o he_o and_o still_o live_v in_o a_o essential_a dependence_n upon_o he_o we_o be_v thereby_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o render_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a homage_n and_o service_n and_o to_o improve_v both_o our_o faculty_n and_o being_n entire_o for_o his_o glory_n if_o we_o any_o way_n offend_v god_n by_o sin_v against_o he_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o return_v to_o he_o and_o cease_v from_o offend_v of_o he_o and_o if_o he_o lie_v any_o command_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o and_o to_o subject_n ourselves_o to_o all_o his_o righteous_a law_n and_o if_o he_o in_o kindness_n make_v any_o promise_n to_o we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o these_o be_v all_o natural_a duty_n that_o immediate_o result_v from_o the_o creature_n necessary_a dependence_n upon_o and_o subjection_n to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o maker_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o be_v now_o fall_v from_o god_n and_o much_o disenable_v by_o our_o fall_n from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o our_o inability_n can_v null_a god_n right_o the_o debt_n be_v still_o owe_v and_o may_v be_v demand_v though_o the_o debtor_n have_v by_o his_o own_o default_n render_v himself_o unable_a to_o pay_v it_o how_o then_o shall_v man_n by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o merit_n pardon_n or_o life_n when_o before_o these_o blessing_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v and_o perform_v all_o that_o which_o be_v therein_o at_o present_a require_v of_o he_o can_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o old_a arrear_n deserve_v a_o new_a grant_n of_o the_o inheritance_n itself_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o father_n of_o a_o prodigal_a child_n that_o have_v riotous_o misspend_v his_o portion_n shall_v for_o his_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o will_v free_o forgive_v his_o rebellion_n and_o settle_v the_o whole_a inheritance_n upon_o he_o of_o which_o he_o have_v be_v just_o disinherit_v provide_v only_o that_o he_o will_v as_o become_v a_o child_n humble_v himself_o and_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o will_v any_o one_o now_o say_v that_o this_o be_v no_o free_a act_n of_o grace_n or_o kindness_n in_o the_o father_n because_o propound_v with_o these_o condition_n or_o that_o the_o son_n in_o accept_v and_o perform_v of_o they_o do_v therefore_o merit_v the_o inheritance_n no_o for_o all_o this_o the_o father_n you_o will_v say_v free_o pardon_v his_o son_n and_o free_o settle_v the_o inheritance_n upon_o he_o why_o because_o his_o son_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n thus_o to_o humble_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o obedience_n though_o his_o father_n shall_v not_o have_v give_v he_o one_o farthing_n more_o of_o his_o estate_n the_o son_n it_o be_v true_a do_v his_o duty_n in_o do_v thus_o yea_o but_o since_o he_o do_v no_o more_o he_o deserve_v nothing_o luke_n 17.10_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o real_a gain_n or_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o god_n but_o to_o ourselves_o by_o any_o of_o our_o performance_n job_n 35.6_o 7_o 8._o if_o thou_o sin_v say_v elihu_n there_o to_o job_n what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v be_v at_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n god_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v oblige_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o too_o powerful_a to_o be_v real_o prejudice_v by_o they_o he_o know_v how_o to_o get_v the_o full_a revenue_n of_o his_o glory_n out_o of_o the_o most_o rebellious_a and_o impenitent_a by_o throw_v they_o into_o chain_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o therefore_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o say_v after_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v they_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n yea_o but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v observe_v that_o by_o the_o way_n sit_v still_o and_o fold_v your_o hand_n together_o with_o the_o sluggard_n and_o take_v your_o own_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o be_v not_o over_o solicitous_a and_o diligent_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n lest_o by_o that_o mean_v you_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o son_n righteousness_n or_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n no_o he_o do_v not_o say_v do_v nothing_o that_o you_o may_v be_v say_v to_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o he_o suppose_v that_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o ability_n they_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v all_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n to_o do_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o unprofitableness_n when_o you_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n here_o be_v do_v and_o do_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n command_v but_o unprofitableness_n join_v to_o all_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o betwixt_o the_o duty_n require_v and_o the_o reward_n promise_v betwixt_o our_o work_n and_o our_o wage_n rom._n 8.18_o i_o reckon_v say_v the_o apostle_n there_o that_o the_o suffering_n and_o we_o may_v also_o add_v the_o service_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o proportionable_a worth_n there_o can_v be_v no_o desert_n the_o payment_n therefore_o of_o a_o small_a fee_n can_v deserve_v a_o kingdom_n nor_o the_o give_n of_o a_o single_a mite_n deserve_v million_o by_o way_n of_o retribution_n much_o less_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n can_v any_o of_o our_o performance_n deserve_v eternal_a life_n since_o here_o
lord_n i_o be_o thou_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n all_o relation_n we_o say_v be_v mutual_a and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o respective_a duty_n appropriate_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o put_v himself_o into_o any_o relation_n he_o do_v by_o that_o very_a act_n at_o least_o implicit_o bound_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o that_o sincere_o own_v any_o man_n to_o be_v his_o father_n or_o master_n do_v thereby_o oblige_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n and_z servant_z 4._o i_o may_v add_v that_o since_o the_o pirviledge_n and_o immunity_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o equal_o and_o alike_o impart_v unto_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o condition_n shall_v be_v affix_v to_o it_o as_o mark_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o those_o to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o legal_a interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o exclude_v that_o wilful_o reject_v the_o tender_a of_o they_o and_o unworthy_o prefer_v their_o carnal_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n and_o worldly_a interest_n before_o they_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v why_o have_v not_o all_o a_o equal_a share_n in_o or_o rightful_a claim_n to_o pardon_n and_o life_n the_o only_a answer_n must_v be_v the_o one_o sincere_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v i._n e._n they_o repent_v and_o believe_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o other_o continue_v in_o their_o impenitence_n and_o unbelief_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a proposition_n 5._o the_o everlasting_a benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v either_o promise_v conditional_o or_o else_o absolute_o and_o without_o condition_n if_o absolute_a then_o may_v all_o equal_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o life_n and_o alike_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o esau_n as_o well_o as_o jacob_n and_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o pilate_n that_o condemn_v christ_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o suffer_v for_o he_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o make_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v or_o exclude_v they_o what_o you_o will_v say_v their_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n ay_o but_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v absolute_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o condition_n or_o proviso_n add_v to_o it_o how_o can_v their_o not_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v legal_o plead_v against_o they_o or_o become_v any_o bar_n to_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v absolute_o promise_v without_o reserve_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o god_n be_v oblige_v by_o his_o own_o faithfulness_n to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o become_v of_o his_o threaten_n and_o commination_n against_o the_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a world_n and_o where_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n the_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n be_v then_o wide_o than_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v in_o thereat_o publican_n and_o harlot_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o saint_n and_o believer_n none_o be_v exclude_v suppose_v a_o king_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n wherein_o he_o positive_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o or_o such_o a_o number_n of_o they_o as_o he_o therein_o mention_n by_o name_n shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v to_o favour_n and_o according_o that_o he_o do_v hereby_o full_o pardon_v and_o accept_v they_o can_v any_o thing_n possible_o in_o this_o case_n debar_v they_o from_o reap_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o this_o proclamation_n no_o but_o if_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n be_v conditional_a and_o therefore_o only_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v lay_v down_o their_o arm_n and_o come_v in_o and_o humble_a themselves_o and_o engage_v to_o own_v he_o as_o their_o sovereign_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n otherwise_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o as_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n against_o his_o person_n and_o sovereignty_n here_o as_o whilst_o the_o door_n be_v hold_v open_a to_o all_o that_o shall_v submit_v themselves_o and_o return_v to_o their_o allegiance_n so_o it_o be_v by_o the_o other_o hand_n shut_v against_o â—ll_o obstinate_a and_o resolve_v offender_n they_o â—ave_n no_o plea_n or_o claim_v to_o any_o benefit_n by_o his_o proclamation_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n why_o because_o they_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o â—erms_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v propound_v but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v any_o â—uch_n declaration_n of_o grace_n to_o sinner_n as_o that_o â—ll_a or_o any_o particular_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v â—e_v pardon_v and_o admit_v into_o his_o favour_n â—nd_v receive_v into_o eternal_a glory_n though_o they_o â—ever_o repent_v or_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o act_n â—f_a hostility_n against_o he_o if_o so_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v god_n appoint_v a_o hell_n or_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o if_o the_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o disobedient_a have_v a_o absolute_a promise_n to_o be_v â—â—ved_v there_o be_v none_o then_o can_v be_v damn_v baâ—am_n may_v then_o have_v spare_v his_o prayer_n numb_a 23.10_o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o latter_a end_n be_v like_o he_o â—â—nce_o as_o die_v the_o righteous_a so_o die_v the_o wicked_a iâ—_n sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o resurrection_n unto_o eternal_a life_n the_o covenant_n than_o you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_a it_o be_v not_o to_o all_o alike_o without_o exception_n it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o resolve_v sinner_n that_o continue_v in_o his_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_a iâ—_n necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v conditional_a for_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o these_o two_o term_n be_v contradictory_n and_o so_o can_v admit_v of_o any_o medium_n that_o which_o have_v no_o condition_n be_v absolute_a that_o therefore_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_a must_v have_v condition_n propos_fw-fr xi_o of_o our_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v with_o condition_n so_o these_o condition_n they_o must_v actual_o be_v accept_v and_o perform_v by_o we_o before_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o any_o actual_a interest_n in_o or_o have_v any_o lawful_a claim_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n as_o before_o be_v say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n those_o be_v promise_v and_o these_o command_v now_o the_o duty_n command_v must_v first_o be_v perform_v before_o the_o privilege_n promise_v can_v be_v enjoy_v since_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o make_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o plain_o thus_o we_o be_v not_o first_o pardon_v and_o then_o repent_v first_o justify_v and_o then_o believe_v first_o glorify_v and_o then_o make_v holy_a but_o we_o must_v first_o repent_v and_o believe_v before_o we_o can_v be_v pardon_v and_o make_v good_a the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n in_o both_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n by_o obedience_n before_o we_o enter_v into_o life_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v common_o say_v by_o divine_n viz._n that_o faith_n go_v before_o justification_n and_o holiness_n before_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o unvariable_a order_n in_o which_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o these_o duty_n or_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n but_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n the_o work_n be_v proper_o we_o but_o the_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n he_o by_o his_o spirit_n inable_v we_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n i_o but_o still_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o act_n we_o be_v the_o person_n that_o must_v actual_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o obey_v or_o else_o we_o can_v receive_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o shall_v i_o need_v to_o say_v much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o which_o be_v so_o manifest_a partly_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v and_o partly_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n itself_o for_o first_o 1._o have_v not_o god_n positive_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n command_v we_o to_o
this_o assurance_n since_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v express_o command_v it_o i_o here_o take_v for_o grant_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o assurance_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o their_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v through_o grace_n be_v enable_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o which_o these_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n be_v therein_o promise_v as_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v secure_v in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o the_o land_n he_o hold_v by_o lease_n but_o by_o know_v that_o he_o have_v true_o perform_v covenant_n and_o discharge_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o indenture_n by_o which_o his_o title_n to_o and_o possession_n of_o they_o be_v make_v over_o and_o secure_v to_o he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o scripture_n lay_v whereon_o to_o build_v our_o evidence_n 1_o joh._n 2.3_o &_o 5.1_o joh._n 3.18_o 19_o 20_o &_o 24._o &_o 1_o joh._n 5.18_o 19_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v and_o hereby_o we_o assurâ—_n ourselves_o of_o what_o that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o that_o he_o love_v we_o but_o how_o why_o 〈◊〉_d we_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v peter_n we_o shall_v never_o fall_v 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o do_v not_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o no_o less_o demonstrate_v this_o for_o what_o be_v assurance_n be_v it_o not_o a_o reflect_v act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o itself_o and_o action_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o know_v that_o its_o state_n and_o action_n be_v and_o have_v be_v such_o as_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n do_v require_v and_o will_v accept_v iâ—_n know_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o it_o have_v sincere_o repent_v and_o that_o it_o do_v believe_v and_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o make_v obedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a call_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o consequent_o all_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o eternal_a life_n do_v now_o undoubted_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o his_o reward_n and_o portion_n this_o be_v proper_o assurance_n and_o not_o a_o unwarrantable_a persuasion_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v or_o that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n in_o particular_a or_o that_o god_n love_v we_o we_o know_v not_o why_o etc._n etc._n for_o then_o the_o strong_a presumption_n will_v be_v the_o best_a assurance_n it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a that_o any_o soul_n shall_v be_v true_o and_o with_o safety_n assure_v of_o its_o be_v save_v unless_o it_o first_o be_v assure_v of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n in_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n man_n may_v presume_v indeed_o and_o please_v themselves_o with_o pleasant_a dream_n and_o delusion_n and_o fond_o persuade_v themselves_o like_o drunken_a or_o distract_a man_n that_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o heir_n to_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v sit_v upon_o throne_n in_o heaven_n with_o the_o lamb_n and_o reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o they_o may_v thus_o fancy_v indeed_o but_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o be_v thus_o assure_v till_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v first_o assure_v to_o they_o the_o great_a business_n therefore_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o seal_v and_o witness_v be_v to_o evidence_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o grace_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o modest_a and_o humble_a soul_n do_v usual_o most_v question_n and_o concern_v which_o they_o be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v partly_o by_o reason_n of_o temptation_n and_o partly_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o daily_a fail_n and_o infirmity_n and_o partly_o also_o from_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o their_o eternal_a woe_n or_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o who_o sincere_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v sanctify_v shall_v infallible_o be_v save_v that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o doubt_v of_o no_o this_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o do_v believe_v i_o but_o their_o great_a doubt_n lie_v here_o whether_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n etc._n etc._n be_v true_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v their_o own_o sincerity_n and_o not_o god_n faithfulness_n that_o they_o common_o call_v in_o question_n and_o here_o now_o proper_o come_v in_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v saint_n and_o son_n but_o they_o can_v discern_v their_o father_n image_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v grace_n but_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o as_o a_o man_n that_o may_v have_v good_a evidence_n for_o his_o land_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o weakness_n or_o distemper_n in_o his_o eye_n he_o may_v not_o at_o present_a be_v able_a to_o read_v they_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o come_v and_o blow_v off_o the_o dust_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o and_o draw_v the_o line_n more_o clear_a he_o enable_v they_o more_o powerful_o to_o mortify_v those_o sin_n that_o weaken_v their_o evidence_n and_o stir_v up_o those_o languish_a spark_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o more_o quick_a and_o burn_a and_o so_o more_o visible_a or_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o canticle_n he_o blow_v upon_o the_o garden_n and_o make_v the_o spice_n thereof_o to_o flow_v out_o and_o their_o sweet_a odour_n to_o be_v more_o fragrant_a and_o diffusive_a he_o invigorate_v their_o grace_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o act_v with_o more_o sensible_a life_n and_o strength_n and_o after_o all_o he_o shine_v upon_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o strengthen_v their_o visive_a and_o discern_a faculty_n and_o so_o enable_v they_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o before_o they_o doubt_v of_o and_o thus_o by_o witness_v together_o with_o our_o spirit_n rom._n 8.16_o he_o raise_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o its_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a state_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v under_o any_o apprehension_n that_o his_o estate_n be_v forfeit_v for_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o that_o thereupon_o he_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o arrest_n and_o action_n if_o upon_o read_v his_o indenture_n and_o view_v his_o acquitâ—ances_n he_o conceive_v that_o the_o rent_n have_v be_v pay_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o condition_n have_v be_v keep_v his_o fear_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n allay_v but_o if_o the_o owner_n himself_o now_o come_v and_o â—oint_v he_o to_o that_o particular_a acquittance_n which_o be_v before_o over_o lay_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o hand-writing_n and_o that_o he_o have_v faithful_o discharge_v the_o several_a condition_n of_o his_o lease_n the_o man_n be_v now_o full_o satisfy_v and_o sufficient_o assure_v that_o he_o may_v still_o have_v and_o hold_v his_o land_n without_o any_o let_v or_o molestation_n this_o be_v as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o true_a scriptural_a notion_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v which_o you_o plain_o see_v presuppose_v our_o repent_v and_o believe_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n for_o can_v you_o imagine_v that_o the_o spirit_n seal_v to_o a_o blank_a or_o witness_v to_o a_o lie_n what_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n or_o persuade_v we_o we_o be_v justify_v when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unbelief_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o we_o or_o assure_v we_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o we_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o that_o our_o estate_n be_v safe_a when_o a_o curse_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v denounce_v against_o we_o be_v this_o the_o spirit_n witness_v do_v you_o think_v or_o way_n of_o seal_v no_o he_o first_o work_v grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o work_n he_o sanctify_v first_o and_o then_o he_o seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13_o 6._o the_o personal_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a because_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v only_o make_v to_o our_o personal_a performance_n of_o they_o this_o i_o have_v often_o hint_v before_o and_o presuppose_v as_o a_o foundation_n to_o several_a of_o the_o precede_a argument_n but_o now_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a far_o
in_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o that_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v obedience_n which_o fall_v under_o a_o express_a command_n no_o less_o than_o any_o other_o duty_n in_o christianity_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v obedience_n be_v not_o obedience_n then_o and_o faith_n all_o one_o this_o be_v that_o invincible_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v one_o which_o scripture_n you_o see_v before_o make_v two_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v repentance_n and_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o sobriety_n and_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o the_o same_o and_o not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v all_o duty_n but_o one_o duty_n and_o all_o grace_n but_o one_o grace_n all_o be_v faith_n all_o believe_a because_o all_o command_v nay_o our_o very_a engage_v and_o covenant_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v also_o enjoin_v and_o yet_o shall_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o obedience_n and_o promise_v to_o obey_v betwixt_o a_o bond_n and_o present_a payment_n betwixt_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o perform_v covenant_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o wife_n to_o promise_v as_o usual_o they_o do_v when_o marry_v to_o love_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v her_o husband_n and_o another_o thing_n actual_o to_o love_n and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o one_o thing_n for_o a_o rebellious_a subject_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o engage_v himself_o by_o oath_n to_o be_v loyal_a and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o live_v in_o all_o due_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n and_o in_o this_o main_o lie_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v our_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o this_o our_o performance_n of_o covenant_n that_o our_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o husband_n and_o this_o our_o love_a and_o honour_v and_o obey_v of_o he_o as_o we_o then_o engage_v that_o our_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o live_n in_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o righteous_a law_n and_o statute_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o thus_o indeed_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o or_o beginning_n of_o obedience_n as_o a_o point_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o a_o line_n or_o unity_n of_o number_n which_o yet_o no_o one_o take_v to_o be_v the_o same_o but_o different_a thing_n and_o according_o call_v they_o by_o different_a name_n and_o indeed_o who_o know_v not_o if_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o differ_v from_o these_o man_n sentiment_n that_o thing_n which_o agree_v in_o their_o general_a notion_n may_v yet_o be_v vast_o different_a as_o to_o their_o particular_a and_o specific_a nature_n diamond_n and_o flint_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v both_o stone_n and_o star_n and_o clod_n of_o earth_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v both_o natural_a body_n and_o man_n and_o beast_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v both_o animal_n both_o live_a creature_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o a_o diamond_n be_v a_o flint_n or_o a_o star_n a_o clod_n of_o earth_n or_o man_n a_o beast_n be_v these_o therefore_o the_o same_o because_o they_o agree_v as_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o their_o common_a notion_n and_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o nay_o since_o that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v more_o considerable_a than_o that_o wherein_o they_o agree_v therefore_o in_o name_v thing_n we_o take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n of_o their_o general_a agreement_n but_o denominate_v they_o according_a to_o their_o specific_a difference_n we_o do_v not_o call_v man_n animal_n but_o reasonable_a creature_n nor_o diamond_n stone_n but_o dianond_n nor_o star_n body_n but_o star_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o call_v believe_v obedience_n but_o faith_n and_o as_o thing_n be_v most_o proper_o denominate_v from_o their_o particular_a not_o general_a nature_n so_o also_o be_v all_o effect_n and_o operation_n belong_v to_o they_o ever_o ascribe_v to_o they_o under_o the_o same_o notion_n thus_o discourse_n and_o reason_n be_v appropriate_a to_o man_n not_o as_o he_o be_v a_o animal_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o splendour_n and_o value_n to_o diamond_n not_o as_o they_o be_v stone_n but_o diamond_n and_o influence_n to_o the_o star_n not_o as_o they_o be_v natural_a body_n but_o as_o they_o be_v star_n and_o therefore_o we_o proper_o say_v that_o the_o star_n shine_v and_o not_o the_o body_n and_o the_o diamond_n sparkle_v and_o not_o the_o stone_n and_z man_z discourse_n not_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o without_o cant_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o undoubted_a reason_n ascribe_v justification_n to_o faith_n not_o as_o it_o be_v obedience_n which_o be_v its_o general_a nature_n wherein_o it_o agree_v with_o repentance_n and_o justice_n and_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n but_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o believe_v in_o or_o acceptance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v its_o specific_a difference_n wherein_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o fides_fw-la quà _fw-la fides_fw-la faith_n as_o faith_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n receive_v christ_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n justify_v as_o well_o as_o say_v that_o homo_fw-la quà _fw-la homo_fw-la man_n as_o man_n speak_v and_o reason_n and_o not_o as_o he_o be_v a_o animal_n where_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o jargon_fw-la or_o nonsense_n or_o mystical_a divinity_n in_o all_o this_o unless_o all_o that_o must_v now_o be_v call_v so_o that_o speak_v not_o in_o plain_a english_a the_o language_n of_o crellius_n and_o socinus_n a_o father_n suppose_v command_v his_o son_n to_o receive_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n for_o the_o payment_n of_o his_o debt_n that_o he_o may_v be_v discharge_v from_o the_o suit_n and_o arrest_n that_o be_v against_o he_o what_o be_v that_o now_o that_o proper_o pay_v the_o debt_n and_o discharge_v the_o son_n be_v it_o his_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o money_n though_o command_v or_o the_o money_n that_o be_v receive_v his_o receive_n it_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a as_o a_o mean_n and_o his_o duty_n as_o command_v but_o it_o be_v the_o money_n only_o and_o not_o his_o receive_n for_o which_o he_o be_v discharge_v so_o here_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o be_v command_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o but_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o jâ—sus_n christ_n for_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v that_o be_v the_o money_n by_o which_o our_o debt_n be_v pay_v and_o we_o be_v discharge_v but_o faith_n be_v our_o actual_a receive_n of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v we_o in_o a_o word_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o this_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o sinner_n justification_n before_o god_n but_o though_o faith_n &_o obedience_n be_v not_o as_o have_v be_v show_v so_o much_o the_o same_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o different_o consider_v in_o the_o business_n of_o justification_n neither_o be_v they_o so_o strange_o different_a as_o some_o man_n have_v imagine_v since_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o actual_a make_v good_a of_o our_o engagement_n and_o resolution_n in_o our_o first_o believe_v by_o faith_n we_o take_v christ_n as_o offer_v in_o all_o his_o office_n as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n and_o by_o obedience_n we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o those_o that_o have_v so_o take_v he_o we_o hear_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o and_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n as_o he_o be_v our_o prophet_n and_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o seek_v for_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n upon_o his_o account_n as_o he_o be_v our_o priest_n and_o we_o fear_v and_o reverence_v he_o and_o live_v in_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o his_o law_n and_o discipline_n as_o heiâ—_n our_o king_n by_o that_o we_o marry_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n and_o by_o this_o we_o love_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o husband_n by_o that_o as_o be_v say_v before_o we_o receive_v he_o and_o by_o this_o we_o walk_v in_o he_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o so_o that_o all_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o include_v in_o our_o first_o solemn_a act_n of_o believe_v as_o all_o conclusion_n be_v in_o their_o principle_n and_o all_o our_o performance_n of_o covenant_n in_o our_o voluntary_a subscribe_v and_o seal_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o two_o however_o