christian_a crown_n the_o perseverance_n of_o saint_n when_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v pluck_v his_o sheep_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o god_n have_v say_v that_o who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v unto_o the_o end_n or_o why_o be_v we_o bid_v to_o make_v sure_a our_o own_o salvation_n why_o be_v a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n if_o these_o be_v unattainable_a in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a evasion_n that_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a they_o have_v grace_n but_o not_o sure_o they_o will_v keep_v it_o for_o the_o assurance_n relate_v not_o to_o grace_n but_o to_o glory_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o righteous_a man_n depart_v from_o his_o righteousness_n it_o shall_v be_v remember_v no_o more_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o gracious_a god_n who_o free_o give_v righteousness_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o depart_v from_o it_o either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v another_o way_n of_o universal_a grace_n maintain_v by_o some_o of_o those_o of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o hold_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o be_v baptize_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n exclude_v all_o from_o mercy_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v not_o actual_o baptize_v though_o they_o give_v they_o a_o more_o easy_a quarter_n which_o they_o call_v limbus_n infantum_fw-la than_o those_o of_o ripe_a age_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v place_v idiot_n there_o as_o well_o as_o infant_n yet_o they_o be_v more_o cruel_a that_o condemn_v these_o infant_n and_o idiot_n to_o eternal_a torment_n no_o protestant_a exclude_v salvation_n by_o the_o want_n of_o baptism_n and_o none_o of_o they_o do_v include_v salvation_n by_o baptism_n but_o only_a regeneration_n nor_o do_v they_o hold_v that_o that_o regeneration_n do_v always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n continue_v but_o that_o these_o infant-saint_n may_v fall_v away_o yet_o all_o that_o die_v in_o infancy_n must_v be_v save_v for_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o the_o liturgy_n say_v we_o do_v not_o doubt_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o i_o will_v rather_o interpret_v as_o a_o presumption_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n than_o as_o a_o positive_a assertion_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o verity_n as_o if_o one_o see_v a_o man_n of_o age_n give_v sign_n of_o his_o belief_n baptize_v say_v i_o doubt_v not_o this_o man_n be_v regenerate_v yet_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a understand_v it_o otherwise_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o amissible_a grace_n and_o therefore_o perplex_v themselves_o endeavour_v to_o invent_v a_o sacramental_a grace_n of_o regeneration_n be_v conditional_a upon_o faith_n at_o the_o time_n of_o discretion_n the_o papist_n be_v more_o puzzle_v to_o clear_v how_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n regenerate_v for_o they_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o regenerate_v all_o at_o that_o time_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o water_n sacramental_o use_v do_v it_o opere_fw-la operato_fw-la by_o a_o power_n give_v it_o by_o god_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n to_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n it_o be_v true_a christ_n say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o will_v exclude_v all_o that_o be_v not_o baptize_v from_o heaven_n if_o there_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v heaven_n which_o none_o hold_v but_o papist_n and_o therefore_o many_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n understand_v the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o several_a other_o place_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v or_o be_v rational_o suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o these_o word_n whosoever_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o join_n of_o water_n to_o the_o spirit_n can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o water_n than_o of_o fire_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o join_v to_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v from_o this_o opinion_n though_o without_o warrant_n that_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n because_o a_o laver_n import_v wash_v but_o regeneration_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o spirit_n the_o baptise_a be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n not_o as_o antecedent_n to_o regeneration_n but_o more_o frequent_o consequent_a thereto_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v baptism_n to_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v be_v account_v believer_n either_o by_o actual_a or_o habitual_a faith_n therefore_o baptism_n do_v not_o confer_v the_o grace_n of_o believe_v nor_o have_v god_n show_v that_o he_o will_v ordinary_o confer_v that_o grace_n at_o baptism_n this_o be_v much_o confirm_v by_o circumcision_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o can_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o actual_a seal_n and_o confirm_v which_o be_v in_o every_o circumcise_a person_n for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v design_v a_o seal_n for_o that_o use_n which_o be_v only_o applicable_a to_o man_n and_o not_o to_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n confirm_v that_o society_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v to_o be_v the_o society_n wherein_o ordinary_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o solemn_a inauguration_n and_o entry_n into_o the_o church_n so_o be_v baptism_n which_o be_v now_o the_o solemn_a entry_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v in_o place_n of_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o scruple_n at_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n bear_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v not_o only_o a_o presumptive_a inward_a holiness_n but_o a_o federal_a holiness_n or_o such_o a_o holiness_n as_o all_o thing_n consecrate_v to_o god_n have_v much_o more_o child_n consecrate_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o in_o case_n of_o their_o death_n or_o incapacity_n by_o their_o near_a relation_n or_o even_o by_o other_o from_o the_o presumptive_a will_n of_o their_o parent_n i_o see_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o be_v godfather_n or_o godmother_n to_o baptize_v the_o child_n of_o infidel_n though_o they_o be_v in_o their_o power_n all_o these_o way_n of_o general_a and_o amissible_a grace_n do_v much_o encroach_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v he_o give_v grace_n to_o so_o many_o who_o he_o know_v will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v not_o that_o grace_n in_o vain_a but_o if_o grace_n be_v give_v always_o and_o effectual_o at_o the_o time_n of_o conversion_n it_o be_v both_o sufficient_a and_o quadrant_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a it_o will_v breed_v no_o difficulty_n that_o god_n call_v many_o who_o he_o do_v not_o choose_v because_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v they_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o render_v those_o inexcusable_a that_o do_v refuse_v it_o but_o to_o give_v actual_a grace_n to_o those_o who_o will_v throw_v it_o away_o be_v to_o cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n all_o these_o way_n of_o conceive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n show_v that_o general_o christian_n agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o amiable_a aspect_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v put_v no_o rational_a creature_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o damnation_n though_o most_o part_n do_v overdo_v hold_v more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o that_o effect_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o that_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v by_o the_o way_n of_o covenant_n which_o imply_v in_o its_o nature_n mutual_a prestation_n of_o the_o party_n covenant_v towards_o each_o other_o but_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o these_o prestation_n must_v be_v of_o equal_a value_n or_o of_o any_o merit_n but_o that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v from_o the_o engagement_n of_o the_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n methodical_o digest_v into_o several_a meditation_n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n m_o dc_o xc_o v._o the_o preface_n the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o deity_n be_v possess_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o supreme_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n love_n and_o joy_n affiance_n and_o trust._n the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o finite_a faculty_n but_o their_o discovery_n be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o gradual_a accomplishment_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n like_o the_o early_a morning_n when_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n afford_v some_o glimmer_a notice_n and_o scatter_a glance_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o attribute_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n like_o the_o ascend_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o dispel_v the_o mist_n in_o the_o air_n give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a discovery_n the_o light_n of_o glory_n like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a lustre_n reveal_v they_o in_o the_o most_o resplendent_a manner_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o variety_n and_o union_n of_o its_o part_n in_o their_o order_n and_o efficacy_n the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a maker_n appear_v or_o rather_o shine_v his_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n be_v visible_o sign_v and_o engrave_v on_o his_o work_n but_o since_o the_o revolt_n and_o ruin_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n be_v strange_o darken_v and_o disorder_v in_o its_o operation_n of_o this_o there_o be_v sad_a evidence_n in_o the_o numberless_a error_n that_o swarm_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v god_n the_o heathen_a notion_n of_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o infinite_o blaspheme_v his_o nature_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o mention_v one_o fundamental_a error_n to_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n the_o divine_a perfection_n carry_v their_o evidence_n in_o a_o circle_n one_o attribute_n illustrate_v and_o strong_o infer_v another_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o fancy_v every_o attribute_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a deity_n these_o portentous_a mistake_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o visibility_n in_o the_o object_n but_o of_o sight_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n so_o weaken_v and_o vitiate_a in_o our_o lapse_v state_n it_o please_v therefore_o the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o his_o admirable_a mercy_n to_o afford_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n the_o same_o heavenly_a inspiration_n from_o whence_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n proceed_v be_v requisite_a to_o renew_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o it_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v such_o character_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o none_o but_o a_o perverse_a mind_n can_v suspect_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o glass_n his_o most_o divine_a perfection_n be_v reveal_v wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o the_o moral_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a revelation_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o compassionate_a counsel_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o productive_a of_o a_o inward_a revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n so_o powerful_a as_o to_o regulate_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v of_o save_a efficacy_n the_o wise_a man_n with_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o miraculous_a star_n have_v internal_a illumination_n that_o discover_v the_o incarnate_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n be_v temper_v to_o our_o frail_a faculty_n if_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n be_v display_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o astonishment_n but_o in_o the_o future_a state_n where_o the_o natural_a body_n shall_v be_v spiritualise_v we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v in_o heaven_n god_n shine_v by_o direct_a beam_n the_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a vision_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o ever_o we_o begin_v our_o heaven_n here_o by_o the_o attentive_a and_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o noble_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n have_v oblige_v the_o wise_a and_o inquire_a christian_n by_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n the_o clearness_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v illustrious_o visible_a in_o manage_v a_o subject_a so_o deep_a and_o difficult_a and_o as_o in_o the_o bless_a god_n there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o all_o glorious_a and_o amiable_a excellency_n as_o be_v perfective_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o attractive_a of_o our_o will_n so_o in_o our_o author_n unfolding_n they_o there_o be_v join_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o beauty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o may_v enlighten_v and_o engage_v all_o under_o stand_a reader_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o entire_a choice_n of_o god_n for_o their_o everlasting_a portion_n we_o have_v here_o a_o imitable_a and_o instructive_a example_n to_o great_a man_n the_o dignity_n of_o who_o station_n in_o the_o world_n too_o common_o seem_v to_o plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o a_o more_o sedulous_a intention_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v final_a reference_n to_o another_o world_n this_o performance_n of_o the_o noble_a author_n show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o impracticable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o praiseworthy_a amid_o the_o great_a secular_a employment_n to_o find_v vacancy_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n to_o look_v with_o a_o very_a inquisitive_a eye_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v the_o author_n pleasure_n to_o be_v know_v will_v let_v it_o be_v see_v the_o statesman_n and_o the_o divine_a be_v not_o inconsistency_n to_o a_o great_a and_o comprebensive_a mind_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v they_o with_o distinction_n and_o without_o confound_v they_o or_o make_v the_o two_o sphere_n intersect_v one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o in_o so_o large_a a_o theological_a work_n here_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o political_a matter_n except_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v contiguous_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o or_o if_o this_o work_v concern_v policy_n and_o government_n by_o man_n it_o be_v without_o our_o compass_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o we_o make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o do_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o pleasure_n of_o engross_a it_o or_o of_o peruse_v it_o alone_o till_o we_o have_v impart_v it_o and_o make_v it_o possible_a to_o other_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o therein_o w._n bates_z j._n howe._n the_o content_n meditation_n i._o introductory_n 1_o ii_o upon_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 19_o iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n 28_o iu._n upon_o god_n omniscience_n 36_o v._o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n 67_o vi_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 78_o vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n 89_o viii_o upon_o god_n freedom_n 140_o ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o 118_o x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n 126_o page_n xi_o upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n 141_o xii_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 150_o xiii_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 168_o fourteen_o upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 179_o xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 200_o xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 213_o xvii_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 224_o xviii_o upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o dispensation_n thereof_o towards_o his_o rational_a creature_n especial_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 257_o meditation_n i._o introductory_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n be_v to_o delight_v in_o god_n as_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o amiable_a object_n it_o be_v also_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n of_o man_n happiness_n for_o by_o delight_v in_o god_n he_o do_v enjoy_v he_o delight_n can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lovely_a object_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o
and_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v know_v there_o be_v any_o real_a thing_n existent_a beside_o himself_o nor_o what_o or_o whence_o himself_o be_v atheist_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impudence_n as_o to_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a and_o evident_a and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o evident_a in_o which_o they_o be_v evident_o the_o gross_a ignorant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o imprudent_a fool_n ignorant_a they_o be_v because_o they_o find_v all_o their_o interest_n upon_o a_o inconsistent_a lie_n suppose_v certainty_n of_o knowledge_n from_o themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o deceive_v yea_o suppose_v themselves_o undeceiveable_a whereas_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n without_o suppose_v a_o deity_n abound_v in_o truth_n and_o which_o can_v lie_v or_o deceive_v how_o can_v any_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o outward_a impression_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o same_o impression_n may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n or_o brain_n not_o from_o a_o extrinsic_a but_o from_o a_o intrinsic_a cause_n those_o who_o eye_n be_v vitiate_a with_o any_o unnatural_a tincture_n think_v they_o see_v all_o object_n paint_v with_o certain_a colour_n but_o false_o yea_o the_o hypochondriack_n think_v they_o see_v not_o only_o false_a colour_n but_o even_o body_n and_o shape_v without_o any_o extrinsic_a impression_n what_o strange_a sound_n do_v the_o disorder_a ear_n represent_v taste_v and_o smell_n may_v not_o only_o be_v deprave_v but_o deprive_v how_o then_o can_v certainty_n be_v infer_v from_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v not_o presuppose_v that_o the_o author_n of_o sense_n be_v true_a and_o will_v not_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o have_v give_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n understanding_n distinct_a from_o sense_n which_o can_v reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o apprehension_n and_o perceive_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o organ_n and_o medium_fw-la of_o sense_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o other_o sense_n and_o the_o natural_a self-evident_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o thereby_o rest_v in_o perfect_a assurance_n which_o must_v explicit_o or_o implicit_o rest_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o these_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o can_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o creature_n may_v secure_o rest_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o they_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a in_o the_o inbred_a first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n contemplative_a or_o practical_a how_o can_v any_o certain_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v true_a if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o give_v they_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o man_n through_o the_o world_n can_v not_o suffice_v for_o that_o testimony_n be_v know_v by_o sense_n by_o word_n or_o write_n yea_o though_o one_o man_n can_v travel_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o person_n in_o it_o that_o be_v yet_o by_o sense_n which_o need_v those_o inbred_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o secure_v it_o against_o error_n there_o can_v no_o more_o be_v firm_o conclude_v than_o that_o these_o notion_n be_v common_a among_o people_n that_o keep_v no_o intercouse_n they_o can_v be_v from_o man_n but_o from_o a_o superior_a cause_n which_o yet_o will_v not_o conclude_v if_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o infallible_a which_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n it_o must_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v knowledge_n for_o if_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o deceive_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o illusion_n of_o devil_n or_o man_n not_o from_o miracle_n which_o may_v be_v from_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o can_v not_o conclude_v without_o his_o veracity_n not_o from_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o most_o glorious_a angel_n for_o paul_n say_v if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v another_o gospel_n to_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o necessary_o imply_v that_o if_o a_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v preach_v from_o god_n it_o behove_v to_o overturn_v his_o veracity_n for_o otherwise_o the_o posterior_n testimony_n of_o paul_n or_o of_o a_o angel_n will_v be_v derogatory_n and_o preferable_a to_o the_o prior_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v holy_a benign_a just_a merciful_a faithful_a wise_a and_o sovereign_a if_o he_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o can_v not_o be_v believe_v because_o god_n say_v it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o unchangeable_o true_a nor_o can_v any_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n be_v believe_v without_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o deity_n than_o truth_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n must_v be_v believe_v because_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v declare_v they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n i_o be_o not_o move_v with_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n that_o god_n alter_v the_o constitution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o why_o may_v be_v not_o then_o without_o encroach_a upon_o his_o veracity_n alter_v the_o christian_a church_n the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v a_o chief_a part_n that_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o which_o salvation_n can_v come_v but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o another_o way_n to_o be_v accept_v or_o expect_v though_o by_o the_o annunciation_n of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v never_o say_v of_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v give_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n than_o to_o imagine_v a_o lie_a or_o deceive_v god_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o powerful_o and_o peremptory_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n call_v himself_o the_o truth_n in_o abstracto_fw-la in_o the_o character_n and_o description_n god_n give_v of_o himself_o to_o moses_n he_o declare_v himself_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n seldom_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n mention_v but_o with_o his_o mercy_n for_o mercy_n can_v be_v of_o no_o moment_n if_o god_n truth_n be_v not_o absolute_o sure_a by_o mercy_n and_o truth_n iniquity_n be_v purge_v say_v solomon_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n preserve_v the_o king_n god_n word_n be_v frequent_o call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o signal_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o declare_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v truth_n do_v import_v 1._o the_o conformity_n between_o the_o sign_n institute_v to_o express_v thought_n and_o the_o thought_n whether_o these_o sign_n be_v by_o word_n or_o writ_n or_o by_o other_o sign_n as_o beckon_v with_o the_o hand_n or_o the_o head_n or_o the_o raise_n a_o pleasant_a aspect_n in_o the_o countenance_n to_o signify_v assent_n approbation_n or_o acceptance_n which_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v sincerity_n and_o truth_n by_o such_o sign_n be_v call_v veracity_n truth_n do_v also_o extend_v to_o the_o conformity_n between_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o object_n thereof_o and_o so_o truth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o the_o conformity_n of_o word_n speak_v or_o write_v or_o other_o sign_n unto_o thing_n signify_v though_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o thought_n or_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o express_v they_o so_o there_o may_v be_v veracity_n without_o verity_n when_o word_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v but_o not_o to_o the_o thing_n signify_v yet_o both_o may_v concur_v with_o design_n to_o seduce_v or_o lead_v into_o error_n or_o evil_a practice_n when_o the_o premise_n be_v express_v and_o the_o conclusion_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o hearer_n who_o principle_n or_o opinion_n be_v know_v that_o thence_o they_o will_v infer_v a_o wrong_n and_o inconsequent_a conclusion_n which_o when_o do_v with_o design_n to_o seduce_v be_v no_o less_o deceit_n than_o
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o work_n can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v right_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o land_n or_o inheritance_n be_v call_v the_o right_n thereof_o as_o sighify_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o explicatory_a word_n be_v subjoin_v and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n to_o the_o city_n all_z other_o but_o the_o romanist_n that_o bring_v in_o work_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o not_o as_o a_o deserve_a meritorious_a cause_n much_o less_o as_o a_o superfluous_a supererrogatory_n merit_n see_v christ_n have_v declare_v so_o clear_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o shait_fw-fr love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n