the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n for_o who_o he_o never_o suffer_v and_o to_o who_o he_o be_v never_o offer_v they_o will_v have_v something_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o withal_o something_o to_o plead_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n alâ—s_n may_v devil_n say_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o recovery_n there_o be_v no_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o to_o purchase_v and_o obtain_v our_o peace_n there_o be_v no_o pardon_n tender_v to_o we_o but_o you_o have_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n to_o die_v for_o you_o for_o you_o mankind_n to_o shed_v his_o blood_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o you_o and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v and_o when_o he_o come_v and_o bring_v a_o pardon_n to_o you_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o beseech_v you_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o you_o even_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n you_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o nor_o receive_v he_o you_o baffle_v he_o and_o dodge_v with_o he_o ah_o my_o beloved_a what_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v true_o touch_v can_v hold_v from_o break_v under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o such_o abominable_a and_o prodigious_a wickedness_n as_o this_o be_v and_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v great_a so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o misery_n and_o condemnation_n will_v be_v great_a also_o there_o will_v be_v no_o avoid_n of_o it_o for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o there_o will_v be_v no_o endure_v of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o heavy_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o turk_n and_o pagan_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n then_o for_o such_o wretch_n alas_o poor_a soul_n that_o as_o if_o their_o condemnation_n be_v not_o deep_a enough_o already_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o passion_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o saviour_n the_o rich_a mercy_n in_o themselves_o that_o ever_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o creature_n shall_v accidental_o increase_v it_o that_o christ_n shall_v die_v and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o sink_v man_n deep_o into_o hell_n then_o if_o he_o have_v not_o die_v at_o all_o for_o this_o be_v the_o event_n and_o issue_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n indeed_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o such_o as_o stoop_v not_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o his_o legislative_a power_n be_v such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o love_n i_o mean_v the_o moral_a law_n the_o decalogue_n the_o ten_o commandment_n for_o that_o my_o brethren_n be_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n he_o mean_v apparent_o the_o moral_a law_n rom._n 13.10_o and_o he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n see_v the_o eight_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n in_o which_o respect_n our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o divide_v the_o law_n into_o these_o two_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o what_o then_o it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v do_v christ_n by_o his_o authority_n impose_v the_o moral_a law_n on_o man_n the_o ten_o commandment_n of_o the_o decalogue_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v his_o indeed_o but_o be_v the_o law_n of_o work_n his_o too_o yes_o the_o law_n of_o work_n be_v he_o for_o he_o require_v work_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n and_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o his_o member_n work_n by_o love_n and_o love_n be_v his_o own_o commandment_n so_o he_o call_v it_o john_n 15.12_o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o indeed_o he_o rule_v his_o subject_n by_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o be_v the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n of_o it_o be_v the_o statute_n of_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a when_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n it_o come_v to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o creator_n only_o but_o it_o come_v to_o we_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o of_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v typify_v by_o moses_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o time_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n gal._n 3.19_o and_o hence_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v style_v not_o the_o bond_n of_o god_n only_o but_o the_o bond_n of_o christ_n too_o psal_n 2.2_o let_v we_o break_v their_o bond_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o the_o gospel_n all_o man_n yield_v be_v christ_n he_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n be_v all_o of_o they_o revive_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o the_o law_n require_v be_v for_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n exact_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v but_o it_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n teach_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n titus_n 2.12_o sober_o towards_o ourselves_o righteous_o towards_o our_o brethren_n and_o pious_o towards_o our_o god_n and_o these_o particular_n apparent_o involve_v and_o comprehend_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o decalogue_n the_o ten_o commandment_n interdict_v or_o require_v but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n so_o than_o you_o see_v my_o brethren_n not_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o the_o law_n of_o work_n too_o be_v christ_n law_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n law_n it_o can_v be_v no_o law_n at_o all_o the_o father_n judge_v no_o man_n but_o have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o violate_v this_o law_n of_o work_n resist_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n with_o which_o he_o be_v invest_v by_o his_o father_n to_o give_v law_n to_o all_o flesh_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o live_v in_o the_o resolve_v and_o the_o constant_a breach_n of_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o in_o their_o practice_n daily_o break_v these_o bond_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o these_o cord_n from_o they_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v press_v home_o upon_o they_o to_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n and_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o their_o sinful_a and_o ungracious_a course_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o patience_n if_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o hold_v they_o fast_o to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o carnal_a liberty_n if_o they_o be_v tell_v they_o must_v no_o take_v their_o old_a course_n but_o they_o must_v hear_v and_o pray_v and_o fast_o and_o sanctify_v god_n holy_a day_n and_o live_v strict_o they_o will_v be_v very_o much_o incense_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o severe_a and_o strict_a for_o they_o it_o curb_v and_o abridge_v they_o too_o much_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v shake_v it_o off_o from_o they_o and_o as_o the_o lunatic_n who_o be_v restore_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o reason_n break_v all_o the_o bond_n and_o cord_n with_o which_o they_o bind_v he_o so_o these_o unreasonable_a creature_n deal_v with_o christ_n law_n nothing_o will_v hold_v they_o to_o obedience_n let_v he_o lay_v what_o command_n he_o will_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v sure_o break_v it_o that_o they_o may_v live_v at_o liberty_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n yea_o sin_n in_o such_o by_o the_o commandment_n become_v exceed_o sinful_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 7.13_o not_o by_o way_n of_o declaration_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o place_n but_o by_o way_n of_o irritation_n when_o the_o commandment_n labour_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o sin_n to_o bind_v he_o and_o to_o chain_v he_o up_o than_o sin_n begin_v to_o lay_v about_o he_o to_o struggle_v for_o his_o liberty_n and_o so_o by_o accident_n to_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a when_o we_o press_v home_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o urge_v they_o hard_o on_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o bind_a power_n and_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o law_n and_o they_o be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o it_o
comparative_o mean_a and_o much_o inferior_a to_o it_o and_o man_n will_v do_v it_o much_o more_o vehement_o for_o a_o jewel_n then_o for_o a_o trifle_n so_o let_v we_o in_o this_o case_n and_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o let_v we_o earnest_o maintain_v this_o excellent_a gospel_n truth_n both_o by_o argument_n and_o suffering_n 1._o let_v we_o earnest_o maintain_v it_o by_o our_o argument_n and_o reason_n the_o more_o excellent_a a_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o we_o must_v appear_v for_o it_o the_o more_o extreme_o tender_a we_o must_v be_v of_o any_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o the_o more_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v it_o and_o evince_v it_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o heat_n on_o point_n of_o small_a consideration_n as_o many_o man_n who_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o as_o hot_a in_o petty_a matter_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v and_o strive_v as_o much_o about_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n be_v as_o they_o will_v about_o thing_n but_o when_o the_o weighty_a point_n of_o gospel_n truth_n come_v once_o in_o agitation_n when_o they_o be_v contradict_v and_o oppose_v as_o they_o have_v be_v exceed_o of_o late_a day_n than_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o bestir_v ourselves_o to_o draw_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o call_v in_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v to_o defend_v and_o to_o make_v good_a such_o excellent_a and_o precious_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v we_o must_v contend_v for_o such_o truth_n for_o they_o be_v worth_a the_o strive_n for_o with_o all_o our_o might_n so_o the_o apostle_n judas_n will_v have_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d earnest_o contend_v or_o struggle_v for_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n 2_o 1._o i_o think_v he_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v present_o for_o there_o be_v certain_a man_n creep_v in_o among_o you_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o lasciviousness_n so_o that_o you_o see_v my_o brethren_n gospel_n truth_n must_v be_v contend_v for_o and_o that_o with_o earnestness_n even_o to_o a_o agony_n as_o once_o apollo_n convince_v the_o dissent_v jew_n who_o doubt_v of_o that_o great_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o jesus_n be_v that_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o he_o do_v it_o mighty_o act._n 18.28_o he_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o his_o might_n be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v say_v at_o the_o 25._o verse_n so_o that_o if_o any_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v be_v too_o earnest_a and_o too_o vehement_a as_o some_o have_v think_v in_o assert_v gospel_n truth_n either_o in_o preach_v or_o discourse_n they_o may_v the_o better_o be_v excuse_v 2._o let_v we_o earnest_o maintain_v this_o excel_a gospel_n truth_n as_o by_o our_o argument_n so_o by_o our_o suffering_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o thereunto_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a honour_n and_o establishment_n to_o any_o truth_n when_o some_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o a_o disparagement_n when_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o give_v it_o over_o and_o relinquish_v it_o assoon_o as_o time_n of_o trial_n come_v oh_o let_v not_o this_o dishonour_n come_v on_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o mean_n let_v we_o stick_v to_o it_o even_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o liberty_n and_o life_n itself_o let_v we_o seal_v it_o with_o our_o blood_n our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o you_o know_v do_v not_o think_v his_o blood_n too_o dear_a to_o ratify_v the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o gospel_n promise_n let_v we_o not_o think_v that_o our_o blood_n be_v ill_o bestow_v if_o it_o may_v serve_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n shed_v his_o and_o as_o we_o must_v maintain_v this_o gospel_n truth_n as_o a_o excellent_a truth_n both_o by_o our_o argument_n and_o by_o our_o suffering_n so_o we_o must_v obey_v it_o too_o as_o a_o excellent_a truth_n and_o this_o way_n we_o shall_v honour_v it_o exceed_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o as_o excellent_a to_o all_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o obey_v it_o then_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o maintain_v it_o we_o favour_v those_o sometime_o who_o we_o defend_v we_o always_o honour_v those_o who_o we_o obey_v and_o this_o my_o brethren_n be_v the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v the_o gospel_n to_o set_v it_o up_o as_o our_o rule_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o our_o life_n for_o you_o must_v know_v my_o brethren_n that_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o save_v from_o misery_n so_o it_o require_v duty_n too_o and_o hence_o we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n too_o 2_o thess_n 1.8_o and_o do_v you_o yield_v it_o this_o obedience_n do_v you_o live_v and_o do_v you_o walk_v by_o gospel_n rule_n brethren_n i_o make_v no_o question_n all_o of_o you_o expect_v salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n but_o do_v you_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o expect_v deliverance_n by_o it_o but_o do_v you_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o i_o pray_v stand_v still_o a_o little_a and_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o and_o according_o resolve_v when_o you_o profane_a god_n holy_a day_n neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a blaspheme_v his_o name_n defraud_n and_o overreach_v your_o brethren_n when_o you_o please_v yourselves_o with_o actual_a or_o contemplative_a uncleanness_n when_o you_o drink_v to_o drunkenness_n or_o walk_v in_o any_o other_o sinful_a course_n be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v what_o do_v the_o gospel_n teach_v you_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v as_o the_o apostle_n have_v you_o so_o learned_a christ_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o pure_a and_o holy_a gospel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v any_o approbation_n to_o such_o course_n and_o do_v you_o think_v my_o brethren_n that_o the_o gospel_n will_v ever_o save_v you_o if_o it_o do_v not_o guide_v and_o rule_v you_o that_o it_o will_v ever_o make_v you_o happy_a if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v you_o holy_a now_o i_o beseech_v you_o my_o belove_a ponder_v it_o and_o weigh_v it_o well_o and_o look_v for_o no_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n unless_o you_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o you_o do_v first_o you_o dishonour_v it_o and_o second_o you_o disappoint_v your_o self_n 1._o first_o you_o do_v exceed_o dishonour_v it_o you_o cast_v a_o blemish_n and_o a_o stain_n upon_o it_o you_o do_v not_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v evil_a thought_n and_o evil_o speak_v of_o by_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o christ_n save_v man_n that_o live_v and_o walk_v and_o persevere_v in_o lewdness_n and_o profaneness_n as_o if_o he_o favour_v and_o allow_v of_o such_o course_n as_o if_o he_o fit_v and_o provide_v heaven_n for_o swearer_n drunkard_n and_o unclean_a person_n what_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n may_v they_o think_v be_v that_o which_o hold_v out_o such_o beatitude_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o enjoy_v by_o such_o wretch_n thus_o you_o prejudice_v the_o gospel_n you_o cast_v contempt_n upon_o it_o and_o take_v away_o its_o excellency_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o wicked_a man_n 2._o while_o you_o expect_v salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n you_o strange_o disappoint_v yourselves_o and_o woeful_o delude_v your_o own_o soul_n you_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o heaven_n while_o you_o persist_v in_o such_o course_n but_o when_o you_o come_v thither_o you_o will_v be_v ashamed_a as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 6.20_o believe_v it_o brethren_n salvation_n and_o instruction_n will_v not_o be_v divide_v you_o must_v take_v they_o both_o together_o you_o can_v have_v the_o former_a without_o obedience_n to_o the_o latter_a if_o you_o will_v hear_v and_o learn_v and_o practice_n what_o the_o gospel_n teach_v you_o shall_v enjoy_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v if_o you_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o the_o gospel_n otherwise_o you_o can_v as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n so_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v it_o assoon_o those_o black_a infernal_a legion_n that_o be_v already_o damn_v to_o everlasting_a chain_n and_o darkness_n shall_v be_v save_v
leave_v the_o business_n as_o it_o be_v in_o medio_fw-la in_o suspense_n they_o pass_v to_o other_o thought_n and_o do_v not_o full_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a whereas_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o rest_v while_o there_o be_v any_o cloud_n upon_o his_o faith_n any_o scruple_n in_o his_o conscience_n ah_o my_o belove_a will_v you_o be_v slight_a in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o be_v of_o such_o infinite_a concernment_n whether_o the_o god_n which_o you_o have_v choose_v be_v the_o right_n or_o no_o how_o can_v you_o but_o be_v slight_a according_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v it_o over_o till_o you_o be_v resolve_v think_v with_o yourselves_o i_o must_v determine_v either_o on_o or_o off_o either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o if_o you_o be_v necessitate_v to_o resolve_v our_o god_n will_v carry_v it_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o that_o have_v take_v other_o god_n have_v take_v they_o upon_o trust_n they_o have_v receive_v they_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o most_o that_o worship_n our_o god_n take_v he_o but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o be_v but_o if_o you_o sift_v the_o business_n well_o you_o will_v find_v cause_n to_o stick_v to_o he_o who_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o more_o you_o prove_v he_o and_o examine_v he_o the_o better_a you_o will_v like_v he_o and_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o do_v not_o halt_v in_o this_o business_n but_o come_v to_o some_o determination_n and_o decision_n do_v as_o elijah_n counsel_v israel_n be_v no_o long_o unresolved_a if_o baal_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o but_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o rest_v not_o in_o opinion_n here_o but_o sift_v it_o to_o the_o full_a bring_v yourselves_o to_o this_o disjunction_n if_o any_o other_o god_n be_v true_a why_o then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o i_o must_v worship_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o but_o if_o our_o god_n be_v the_o right_n than_o i_o must_v stick_v close_o to_o he_o if_o you_o be_v at_o this_o hand_n that_o you_o will_v absolute_o satisfy_v yourselves_o before_o you_o leave_v before_o you_o give_v the_o business_n over_o as_o this_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v you_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o any_o long_o in_o suspense_n nor_o suffer_v any_o doubtful_a thought_n within_o you_o unexamined_a for_o then_o they_o will_v return_v again_o on_o all_o occasion_n you_o will_v find_v that_o this_o will_v strengthen_v faith_n exceed_o in_o this_o particular_a our_o god_n will_v certain_o be_v gainer_n and_o have_v very_o great_a advantage_n by_o come_v on_o the_o test_n with_o any_o other_o four_o and_o last_o set_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n you_o have_v on_o work_n in_o prayer_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v satisfy_v you_o full_o and_o confirm_v your_o faith_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o he_o will_v leave_v no_o doubt_n within_o you_o concern_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o this_o be_v which_o be_v the_o very_a basis_n of_o religion_n the_o foundation_n that_o support_v the_o fabric_n of_o it_o and_o bear_v up_o the_o weight_n of_o all_o the_o building_n a_o man_n will_v never_o come_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n or_o by_o repentance_n or_o obedience_n unless_o he_o first_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v heb._n 11.6_o and_o therefore_o struggle_v with_o the_o lord_n about_o it_o if_o faith_n begin_v to_o waver_v or_o to_o fail_v in_o any_o measure_n say_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v o_o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n lord_n strengthen_v we_o lord_n do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o shake_v in_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n for_o this_o do_v shake_v all_o with_o it_o a_o man_n may_v get_v a_o common_a a_o acquire_v faith_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o like_a it_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o man_n by_o custom_n but_o that_o will_v never_o satisfy_v a_o man_n complete_o constant_o unless_o he_o have_v infuse_v faith_n and_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o god_n himself_o if_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o to_o any_o man_n than_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n but_o if_o he_o will_v hide_v himself_o he_o can_v but_o only_o grope_v after_o he_o use_v 2_o be_v it_o so_o that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v you_o satisfy_v of_o this_o do_v you_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o then_o serve_v and_o glorify_v he_o as_o the_o true_a god_n let_v he_o have_v that_o worship_n and_o that_o honour_n and_o obedience_n which_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o a_o god_n call_v for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n then_o take_v your_o liberty_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o your_o own_o lust_n and_o according_a to_o your_o own_o pleasure_n abridge_v yourselves_o of_o nothing_o to_o which_o the_o bias_n of_o your_o nature_n carry_v you_o take_v no_o pain_n in_o holy_a duty_n hear_v no_o more_o pray_v no_o more_o but_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a god_n and_o you_o dare_v not_o to_o deny_v it_o then_o live_v and_o walk_v as_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o stifle_v not_o these_o principle_n which_o you_o can_v contradict_v nor_o lay_v aside_o take_v heed_n of_o do_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v rom._n 1.19_o etc._n etc._n they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n they_o have_v he_o there_o but_o they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v he_o because_o he_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o they_o fain_o they_o will_v put_v he_o out_o again_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n call_v upon_o they_o for_o some_o duty_n and_o be_v a_o curb_n and_o a_o restraint_n from_o some_o evil_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o and_o seek_v to_o chase_v they_o from_o their_o meditation_n to_o say_v truth_n they_o do_v not_o like_o they_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v rid_v of_o they_o they_o know_v god_n that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o avoid_v but_o yet_o they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n and_o true_o this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n of_o many_o christian_n they_o do_v not_o serve_v they_o do_v not_o glorify_v and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o walk_v not_o answerable_o to_o their_o principle_n and_o to_o their_o light_n in_o this_o particular_a they_o yield_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o he_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o he_o they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o do_v not_o fear_v he_o and_o the_o like_a they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o do_v just_a as_o they_o will_v do_v if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o my_o belove_a do_v but_o consider_v the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n and_o to_o vile_a affection_n as_o you_o may_v see_v those_o gentile_n be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o case_n because_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n therefore_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n in_o their_o intellectual_a part_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v to_o vile_a affection_n in_o their_o sensual_a part_n that_o they_o commit_v all_o uncleanness_n and_o burn_v in_o their_o filthy_a lust_n their_o heart_n be_v like_o a_o oven_n heat_v by_o the_o baker_n they_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v thus_o with_o many_o man_n in_o our_o day_n they_o know_v god_n in_o a_o speculative_a and_o discursive_a way_n at_o least_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n but_o they_o live_v not_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o abate_v of_o their_o strictness_n and_o devotion_n neglect_a duty_n which_o they_o have_v be_v wont_v exact_o to_o perform_v forsake_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n despise_v the_o word_n of_o god_n glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n take_v carnal_a liberty_n against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o against_o their_o conscience_n and_o now_o how_o vain_a be_v they_o become_v in_o their_o imagination_n how_o foolish_a in_o their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n how_o have_v god_n send_v on_o many_o of_o they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v that_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n they_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o they_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n they_o take_v delight_n in_o some_o unrighteous_a way_n or_o other_o some_o secret_a way_n of_o wickedness_n or_o
to_o demonstration_n reason_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o evident_a that_o can_v be_v viz._n because_o there_o be_v such_o entertainment_n due_a to_o it_o as_o nothing_o else_o can_v draw_v we_o to_o but_o this_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n this_o apprehension_n will_v never_o raise_v the_o heart_n to_o such_o a_o estimation_n of_o it_o to_o such_o a_o acceptation_n of_o it_o as_o belong_v to_o it_o this_o will_v never_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o give_v it_o great_a credence_n or_o great_a reverence_n or_o obedience_n than_o appertain_v to_o the_o word_n of_o man_n now_o this_o be_v infinite_o short_a of_o that_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v come_v up_o to_o that_o that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o word_n such_o entertainment_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v we_o must_v know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v exemplify_v in_o many_o particular_n 1._o you_o must_v know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v it_o such_o entertainment_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o point_n of_o reverence_n the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v receive_v with_o holy_a fear_n this_o carriage_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o have_v so_o great_a and_o so_o divine_a a_o author_n as_o god_n be_v we_o ought_v to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n isa_n 66.5_o to_o hearken_v to_o it_o not_o with_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n but_o with_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o fear_n with_o such_o a_o fear_n as_o work_v tremble_v so_o do_v the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n as_o you_o may_v see_v hab._n 3.16_o when_o i_o hear_v my_o belly_n tremble_v my_o lip_n quiver_v at_o the_o voice_n rottenness_n be_v in_o my_o bone_n and_o i_o tremble_v in_o myself_o and_o so_o the_o holy_a prophet_n david_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119.10_o my_o heart_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n that_o be_v of_o thy_o word_n as_o some_o understand_v it_o i_o fear_v and_o tremble_v at_o thy_o word_n for_o that_o have_v frequent_o the_o name_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o you_o may_v see_v that_o place_n for_o instance_n psal_n 19.8_o shall_v a_o trumpet_n be_v blow_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o people_n not_o be_v afraid_a it_o be_v the_o prophet_n question_n amos_n 3.6_o by_o the_o city_n understand_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o the_o trumpet_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o people_n the_o hearer_n of_o this_o word_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v say_v shall_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pronounce_v and_o the_o hearer_n not_o fear_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v that_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o a_o incongruous_a thing_n indeed_o so_o that_o you_o see_v they_o that_o will_v give_v the_o word_n such_o entertainment_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v must_v hear_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o with_o extraordinary_a fear_n and_o reverence_n now_o this_o they_o will_v never_o do_v unless_o they_o know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o if_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o disregard_n it_o and_o to_o give_v it_o no_o respect_n at_o all_o nothing_o but_o this_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o glorious_a god_n himself_o will_v raise_v the_o heart_n to_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o fear_n and_o reverence_n as_o belong_v to_o it_o no_o other_o apprehension_n of_o it_o will_v prevail_v to_o this_o effect_n but_o this_o alone_a will_v sure_o do_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n insinuate_v 1_o cor._n 14.24_o if_o there_o come_v in_o a_o unbeleiver_n or_o unlearned_a person_n he_o be_v convince_v he_o be_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o word_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o and_o what_o follow_v so_o fall_v down_o upon_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o say_v that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n when_o he_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o that_o you_o speak_v from_o god_n that_o that_o which_o you_o deliver_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o he_o will_v fear_v and_o tremble_v and_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n god_n 2._o we_o must_v know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v it_o such_o entertainment_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o point_n of_o credit_n and_o belief_n for_o you_o must_v know_v my_o brethren_n that_o we_o owe_v this_o special_a and_o peculiar_a honour_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n beyond_o the_o word_n of_o any_o man_n to_o give_v complete_a and_o absolute_a assent_n and_o credit_n to_o it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unlikely_a never_o so_o much_o against_o appearance_n and_o above_o reason_n yet_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o when_o we_o have_v his_o word_n for_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v no_o doubt_n or_o question_n of_o it_o those_o truth_n which_o own_v he_o for_o the_o author_n of_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o doubtful_a disquisition_n but_o rather_o call_v for_o absolute_a belief_n the_o very_a thought_n and_o cogitation_n must_v be_v captivate_v to_o faith_n when_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v charge_v home_o on_o israel_n as_o a_o very_a great_a offence_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o his_o word_n psal_n 106.24_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v observe_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o nineveh_n that_o they_o believe_v god_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o message_n send_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n jonah_n 3.5_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unlikely_a one_o what_o probability_n that_o forty_o day_n shall_v put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o lustre_n of_o such_o a_o flourish_a and_o famous_a city_n however_o they_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o see_v then_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o absolute_a belief_n this_o be_v the_o entertainment_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v it_o now_o this_o it_o will_v not_o find_v among_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o man_n can_v never_o challenge_v this_o from_o we_o for_o man_n be_v liar_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n speak_v they_o be_v deceitful_a on_o the_o balance_n though_o they_o give_v we_o good_a word_n yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o prove_v they_o and_o to_o try_v they_o many_o time_n they_o prove_v too_o light_a those_o that_o we_o think_v be_v best_a to_o be_v believe_v among_o they_o may_v deceive_v we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o we_o shall_v take_v what_o they_o deliver_v upon_o trust_n because_o they_o deliver_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o sift_v the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n because_o there_o be_v that_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v say_v when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o when_o the_o word_n appear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o apprehension_n and_o persuasion_n be_v enough_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n that_o in_o appearance_n may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o this_o alone_a will_v raise_v the_o heart_n to_o entertain_v it_o with_o that_o absolute_a belief_n wherewith_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v while_o we_o remember_v that_o the_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n yea_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o his_o say_n always_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o because_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o faithful_a god_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 3._o we_o must_v know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v give_v it_o such_o entertainment_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o point_n of_o humble_a resignation_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o for_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o quarrel_v not_o against_o it_o but_o that_o we_o justify_v it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o john_n hearer_n luk._n 7.29_o 30._o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o justify_v god_n yea_o the_o very_a publican_n the_o worst_a among_o they_o as_o it_o be_v note_v there_o in_o that_o place_n so_o holy_a david_n i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o commandment_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a psal_n 119.128_o yea_o he_o will_v have_v he_o always_o to_o