of_o christianity_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o dishonour_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v you_o one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o germany_n 10._o sleid._n come_v lib._n 10._o they_o who_o first_o scruple_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n by_o degree_n so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o new_a and_o great_a error_n that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n they_o grow_v the_o high_a enthusiast_n vent_v the_o rank_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o most_o fulsome_a opinion_n and_o after_o the_o fair_a show_n of_o sanctity_n and_o self-denial_n throw_v off_o all_o humanity_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o most_o beastial_a and_o impudent_a vice_n in_o fine_a they_o renounce_v all_o allegiance_n to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n set_v up_o a_o puppet_n king_n of_o their_o own_o dignify_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a monarch_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o tragedy_n baptise_a one_o another_o with_o their_o own_o blood_n 3._o that_o the_o great_a zeal_n be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n or_o principle_n while_o some_o contend_v as_o earnest_o against_o as_o other_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n their_o zeal_n can_v determine_v nothing_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o principle_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n that_o can_v only_o justify_v our_o zeal_n for_o they_o if_o they_o be_v want_v zeal_n be_v no_o better_a than_o rage_n and_o frenzy_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 4.18_o gal._n 4.18_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o a_o good_a thing_n which_o imply_v that_o when_o our_o zeal_n be_v not_o thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o or_o if_o it_o rise_v above_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o object_n it_o so_o far_o overshoots_a itself_o and_o degenerate_v into_o vice_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n upon_o slender_a thing_n that_o can_v find_v nothing_o to_o spend_v their_o zeal_n upon_o but_o a_o innocent_a phrase_n or_o ceremony_n that_o despise_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o hit_v their_o fancy_n in_o every_o punctilio_n and_o seem_v almost_o content_v the_o protestant_a religion_n shall_v fink_v rather_o than_o the_o best_a support_n of_o it_o shall_v stand_v i_o mean_v the_o union_n of_o protestant_n in_o our_o establish_v national_a religion_n these_o be_v humour_n that_o charity_n itself_o can_v hardly_o excuse_v in_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o as_o any_o other_o than_o the_o excess_n of_o a_o mistake_v and_o intemperate_a zeal_n in_o short_a zeal_n be_v either_o the_o best_a friend_n or_o the_o keen_a enemy_n to_o religion_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v narrow_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o 4._o we_o see_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v aware_a of_o those_o person_n who_o teach_v and_o promote_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o interest_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v worse_o of_o any_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o inspire_v man_n with_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekmess_n and_o represent_v god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n a_o humourous_a and_o discontent_a be_v that_o be_v never_o please_v long_o with_o his_o own_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v soothe_v and_o flatter_v with_o something_o that_o be_v new_a and_o fanciful_a that_o look_v like_o a_o excess_n or_o transport_v of_o devotion_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o goodwill_n or_o iii-nature_n of_o man_n such_o religion_n as_o this_o can_v never_o reconcile_v itself_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v be_v supplant_n it_o wherever_o it_o come_v and_o the_o zeal_n it_o infuse_v into_o man_n will_v if_o not_o effectual_o restrain_v act_n over_o all_o those_o dismal_a tragedy_n again_o of_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v almost_o the_o constant_a scene_n ever_o since_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v jealous_a of_o it_o in_o all_o shape_n whether_o it_o plead_v for_o unity_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v who_o take_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o therefore_o reprobate_n all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o she_o or_o whether_o it_o declare_v for_o freegrace_n i.e._n a_o gospel_n without_o a_o sanction_n as_o the_o german_a antinomian_o and_o ranter_n do_v who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o live_v as_o if_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o no_o ungodliness_n or_o worldly_a lust_n whether_o it_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n from_o he_o or_o whether_o it_o set_v up_o for_o purity_n of_o worship_n in_o mistake_v or_o doubtful_a instance_n against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v not_o peevish_a or_o implacable_a not_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v with_o shadow_n and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v three_o kingdom_n into_o a_o flame_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o three_o harmless_a ceremony_n 5._o last_o since_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o man_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o adore_v god_n infinite_a widsom_a and_o goodness_n in_o preserve_v his_o truth_n and_o protect_v his_o church_n against_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o stifle_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o certain_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v see_v as_o extraordinary_a evidence_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o ever_o any_o christian_a nation_n do_v our_o deliverance_n have_v have_v so_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o peculiar_a providence_n upon_o they_o that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o once_o clear_a the_o nation_n of_o all_o atheistical_a dotage_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o its_o divide_a inhabitant_n and_o discourage_v its_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n from_o dare_v any_o long_a that_o all-seeing_a eye_n that_o have_v so_o often_o discover_v from_o struggle_v any_o more_o with_o that_o omnipotent_a hand_n that_o have_v so_o seasonable_o baffle_v their_o closet_n and_o most_o perfidious_a design_n and_o practice_n and_o doubtless_o be_v we_o as_o sensible_a as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o god_n singular_a goodness_n towards_o we_o in_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o church_n where_o we_o have_v all_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o lengthen_v out_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o despite_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o out_o interest_n to_o leave_v ourselves_o still_o in_o his_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o sit_v still_o and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n but_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a by_o attempt_v nothing_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o genuine_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n by_o our_o unfeigned_a thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n by_o confide_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n by_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n with_o he_o and_o by_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n to_o one_o another_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v true_o promote_v our_o common_a interest_n in_o a_o word_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o avoid_v the_o two_o dangerous_a rock_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o what_o ever_o else_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n grant_v o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n may_v be_v so_o peaceable_o order_v by_o thy_o governance_n that_o thy_o church_n may_v joyful_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o godly_a quietness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matthew_z 11.21_o 22._o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n be_v city_n of_o galilee_n situate_v on_o the_o sea-shore_n not_o very_o far_o from_o the_o coast_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o profess_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o hear_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o behold_v his_o miracle_n but_o
he_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n instruct_v in_o all_o the_o minute_n instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o preserve_v by_o wonderful_a providence_n against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o all_o the_o fierce_a and_o mighty_a nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a darling_n of_o providence_n they_o live_v in_o a_o land_n of_o light_n when_o darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n a_o land_n who_o least_o happiness_n be_v that_o it_o flow_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n as_o moses_n tell_v they_o 8._o deut._n 4.7_o 8._o when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o inhabit_v that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o that_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o or_o that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o he_o set_v before_o they_o for_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o their_o path_n and_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o follow_v they_o will_v assure_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n to_o they_o say_v st._n paul_n speak_v of_o god_n distinguish_a grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 9.4_o rom._n 3.2_o rom._n 9.4_o to_o they_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n or_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o fair_a for_o eternal_a life_n so_o those_o of_o they_o that_o live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a than_o all_o that_o live_v before_o they_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_v and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o galilee_n such_o as_o corazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o neighbourhood_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v have_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o echo_n of_o his_o doctrine_n from_o distant_a place_n but_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o in_o the_o most_o affect_v and_o immediate_a manner_n they_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o hear_v he_o preach_v in_o their_o street_n many_o of_o they_o that_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o life_n before_o he_o they_o hear_v his_o divine_a say_n even_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o they_o feast_v on_o his_o miracle_n be_v feed_v heal_v and_o enlighten_v by_o they_o and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o their_o rescue_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o evil_a spirit_n thus_o salvation_n come_v home_o to_o the_o jew_n throw_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v into_o their_o arm_n and_o without_o wait_v for_o their_o entreaty_n urge_v and_o obtrude_v itself_o upon_o they_o 17._o mat._n 1â—_n 16_o 17._o and_o bless_v be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n which_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o such_o person_n to_o enter_v into_o life_n as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n they_o receive_v from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o province_n and_o acquaintance_n have_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n of_o any_o people_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_v of_o his_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n john_n 4.22_o that_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v true_a after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_a world_n all_o those_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n come_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o jew_n i_o mean_v have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v the_o tender_v of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o have_v those_o only_o except_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o some_o nation_n have_v never_o yet_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o myriad_o there_o be_v of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o the_o holy_a bible_n other_o that_o once_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v a_o considerable_a figure_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v by_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o lewd_a error_n and_o practice_n lose_v all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o of_o this_o number_n be_v the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n from_o who_o christ_n have_v recall_v his_o angel_n and_o fetchr_n away_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o this_o show_v that_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o particular_a nation_n and_o that_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n may_v stand_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o which_o be_v once_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o flourish_a church_n in_o short_a if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o several_a church_n of_o the_o great_a name_n and_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n where_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v discern_v the_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v they_o in_o deny_v they_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n now_o by_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o all_o man_n or_o in_o all_o age_n alike_o but_o to_o some_o he_o give_v more_o and_o to_o other_o less_o according_a to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n etc._n mat._n 25.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v very_o plain_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n which_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n distribute_v to_o his_o servant_n to_o one_o he_o give_v five_o to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o a_o three_o but_o a_o single_a talon_n with_o this_o general_n charge_n that_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v employ_v to_o his_o advantage_n till_o his_o occasion_n shall_v permit_v his_o return_n to_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o desire_v its_o own_o happiness_n may_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a creator_n and_o sure_o he_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a hold_v once_o at_o least_o put_v it_o into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o improve_n any_o advantage_n for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o enjoy_v these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v he_o may_v promise_v himself_o because_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a as_o god_n be_v can_v not_o make_v he_o only_o to_o make_v he_o miserable_a as_o he_o must_v have_v do_v shall_v he_o either_o deny_v he_o all_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a or_o punish_v he_o eternal_o for_o not_o improve_n the_o power_n which_o he_o never_o give_v he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o justice_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o man_n than_o this_o because_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o happy_a if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v
to_o himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v be_v just_o he_o shall_v be_v miserable_a since_o he_o may_v and_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a for_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o force_v we_o into_o happiness_n against_o our_o choice_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o create_v we_o at_o first_o in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a happiness_n nor_o do_v his_o justice_n require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o same_o advantageous_a circumstance_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n his_o give_v better_a mean_n to_o one_o person_n than_o to_o another_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o that_o have_v enough_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o same_o bless_a state_n all_o that_o become_v a_o faithful_a creator_n be_v that_o have_v give_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n he_o shall_v not_o deny_v we_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n without_o which_o though_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o please_v he_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o justify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o give_v every_o man_n sufficient_a power_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o will_v take_v a_o account_n of_o he_o for_o no_o more_o than_o he_o real_o give_v he_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o god_n afford_v every_o man_n sufficient_a power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n already_o suggest_v for_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v plant_v a_o eternal_a desire_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o that_o this_o desire_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o frustrate_v this_o desire_n by_o his_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v by_o deny_v any_o man_n that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o attainment_n of_o it_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v a_o infinite_a and_o undeserved_a unhappiness_n to_o he_o which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n but_o beside_o this_o god_n allow_v every_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o just_a and_o fair_a from_o he_o and_o so_o far_o make_v he_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o case_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v infinite_o clear_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o he_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o common_a notionsof_n man_n concern_v this_o equity_n of_o his_o action_n towards_o they_o and_o give_v they_o warning_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a judgement_n be_v very_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o 2.4_o isa_n 1.18_o jer._n 2.4_o say_v the_o lord_n what_o iniquity_n have_v your_o father_n find_v in_o i_o 18.25_o ezek._n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n whence_o i_o argue_v thus_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o fasten_v any_o thing_n upon_o god_n which_o evident_o contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o create_v man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o be_v happy_a because_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o natural_a and_o bright_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o thrust_v man_n into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o gain_v a_o opportunity_n to_o inflict_v eternal_a torment_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o next_o and_o if_o this_o be_v fair_a and_o just_a deal_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v heave_v to_o call_v gruel_n and_o unjust_a the_o great_a evil_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o be_v that_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o the_o high_a injustice_n be_v to_o inflict_v the_o great_a evil_n upon_o mere_a pleasure_n or_o which_o resolve_v into_o it_o for_o not_o do_v something_o that_o be_v ever_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v and_o then_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o damn_v man_n at_o pleasure_n or_o for_o what_o they_o never_o have_v power_n to_o help_v be_v to_o charge_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n with_o transcendent_a cruelty_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o the_o high_a injustice_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o god_n honour_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v fall_v such_o a_o charge_n as_o this_o rather_o than_o own_o god_n to_o be_v so_o good_a and_o just_a as_o to_o allow_v every_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o do_v well_o and_o be_v happy_a which_o be_v a_o thought_n that_o sit_v easy_a upon_o the_o mind_n be_v every_o way_n square_a and_o suitable_a to_o its_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n whereas_o the_o contrary_a after_o all_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bold_a and_o staring_n contradiction_n to_o it_o after_o this_o what_o need_v i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v a_o paternal_a affection_n to_o all_o his_o offspring_n that_o he_o have_v give_v every_o man_n a_o law_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n to_o guide_v he_o to_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n that_o he_o show_v to_o every_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o do_v not_o expect_v impossibility_n from_o any_o that_o he_o give_v common_a grace_n to_o all_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o give_v nothing_o in_o vain_a whereas_o all_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o heathen_n and_o wicked_a christian_n will_v be_v utter_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o earnest_n of_o special_a and_o save_v grace_n suppose_v they_o to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o it_o which_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o 2._o god_n will_v take_v a_o account_n of_o man_n only_o for_o such_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o real_o give_v they_o in_o the_o ay_o of_o judgement_n no_o man_n shall_v answer_v for_o two_o talent_n that_o receive_v but_o one_o the_o heathen_n that_o have_v but_o the_o single_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o towards_o god_n and_o heaven_n shall_v not_o perish_v for_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2.11_o 12._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n i.e._n god_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o a_o just_a and_o equitable_a rule_n according_a to_o the_o mean_v that_o man_n have_v enjoy_v and_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o know_v and_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o not_o by_o any_o personal_a respect_n which_o too_o often_o warp_v and_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n of_o men._n and_o then_o the_o poor_a heathen_a that_o never_o have_v any_o write_v divine_a law_n to_o direct_v his_o action_n 16._o rom._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o be_v lead_v by_o nature_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n which_o nature_n teach_v he_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n that_o have_v far_o better_a mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o both_o these_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n will_v reckon_v with_o man_n at_o the_o last_o day_n only_o for_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o he_o for_o so_o much_o as_o he_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o no_o more_o will_v he_o require_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o so_o do_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o can_v be_v injurious_a to_o any_o for_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v equal_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o exceed_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n he_o do_v not_o owe_v the_o world_n a_o redeemer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o single_a prophet_n or_o messenger_n from_o heaven_n the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a sovereign_a grace_n and_o not_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o debt_n the_o nonpayment_n of_o which_o have_v be_v the_o breach_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o give_v man_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o obtain_v his_o favour_n in_o this_o and_o the_o
holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n