without_o blemish_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n by_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o he_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n than_o which_o fill_v his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o its_o fullness_n afterward_o and_o raise_v it_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o give_v that_o spirit_n then_o to_o the_o church_n 1_o pet._n 1.11_o &_o 3.18_o 19_o now_o this_o spirit_n be_v able_a and_o effectual_a to_o unite_v those_o saint_n to_o that_o flesh_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o to_o give_v out_o to_o they_o that_o grace_n with_o which_o christ_n will_v afterward_o fill_v his_o flesh_n for_o their_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o therefore_o david_n account_v christ_n flesh_n to_o be_v his_o and_o speak_v of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o his_o own_o before_o hand_n as_o full_o as_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v since_o their_o accomplishment_n psal_n 16.9_o 10_o 11._o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n thou_o will_v show_v i_o the_o path_n of_o life_n yea_o and_o saint_n before_o david_n time_n do_v all_o eat_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n even_o of_o the_o same_o christ_n as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n of_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.3_o 4._o and_o when_o christ_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n all_o the_o saint_n depart_v who_o spirit_n be_v then_o make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v afterward_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o and_o comprehend_v in_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.10_o and_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o the_o build_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o and_o the_o apostle_n after_o his_o come_a being_n fit_o frome_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n ephes_n 2.20_o 21._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13.8_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o holiness_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o man_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o all_o saint_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v join_v together_o to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n direct_v iv_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accomplish_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o all_o holiness_n be_v the_o gospel_n whereby_o christ_n enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o faith_n whereby_o we_o actual_o receive_v christ_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o fullness_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n explication_n that_o which_o i_o assert_v in_o the_o forego_n direction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n in_o we_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o enable_v we_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n may_v put_v we_o to_o a_o stand_n in_o our_o endeavour_n for_o holiness_n because_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o our_o natural_a sphere_n to_o his_o glorious_a union_n and_o fellowship_n until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o spirit_n make_v we_o partaker_n of_o so_o high_a a_o privilege_n but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o go_v on_o forward_o by_o reveal_v two_o mean_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o his_o spirit_n accomplish_v the_o mystical_a union_n and_o fellowship_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o whereby_o rational_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v thereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o they_o one_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o god_n do_v make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n eph._n 3.8_o col._n 1.27_o and_o do_v also_o invite_v we_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o do_v encourage_v we_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n of_o that_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o act_v 16.31_o rom._n 10.9_o 11._o this_o be_v god_n own_o instrument_n of_o conveyance_n wherein_o he_o send_v christ_n to_o we_o to_o bless_v we_o with_o his_o salvation_n act_v 3.26_o it_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o 8_o 9_o faith_n come_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o rom._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o gal._n 4.19_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o we_o to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o bring_v christ_n down_o from_o above_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a to_o bring_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n for_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o to_o we_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o christ_n himself_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v come_v at_o he_o there_o without_o go_v any_o further_a if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o rom._n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o other_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v faith_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v our_o instrument_n of_o reception_n whereby_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v accomplish_v on_o our_o part_n by_o our_o actual_a receive_n of_o christ_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o fullness_n into_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o present_a explanation_n the_o faith_n which_o philosopher_n common_o treat_v of_o be_v only_o a_o habit_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o testimony_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testifier_n according_o some_o will_v have_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n in_o religion_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n testify_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v faith_n in_o christ_n blood_n rom._n 3.24_o 25._o not_o only_o in_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o testifier_n and_o though_o a_o mere_a assent_n to_o a_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_a faith_n for_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n aim_v at_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o design_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n testify_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o give_v by_o and_o with_o the_o promise_n therefore_o save_v faith_n must_v necessary_o contain_v two_o act_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o promise_v free_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o salvation_n by_o the_o one_o it_o receive_v the_o mean_n wherein_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o other_o it_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v one_o act_n to_o receive_v the_o breast_n or_o cup_n wherein_o milk_n or_o wine_n be_v convey_v and_o another_o act_n to_o suck_v the_o milk_n in_o the_o breast_n and_o to_o drink_v the_o wine_n in_o the_o cup_n and_o both_o these_o act_n must_v be_v perform_v hearty_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v our_o spiritual_a appetite_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v christ_n the_o food_n of_o life_n as_o a_o natural_a appetite_n be_v for_o bodily_a nourishment_n our_o assent_v unto_o or_o believe_v the_o gospel_n must_v not_o be_v force_v
they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o light_a they_o deserve_v to_o be_v partaker_n with_o the_o devil_n in_o torment_n as_o they_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o evil_a lust_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o do_v good_a will_v no_o more_o excuse_v they_o than_o it_o excuse_v the_o devil_n eight_o neither_o will_v this_o assertion_n make_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o natural_a people_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n for_o the_o design_n of_o our_o preach_a be_v not_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o holiness_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n but_o to_o raise_v they_o above_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o perfect_a in_o christ_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n col._n 1.28_o and_o though_o they_o can_v perform_v those_o duty_n by_o their_o natural_a strength_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o it_o to_o quicken_v those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o to_o create_v they_o a_o new_a in_o christ_n by_o give_v to_o they_o repentance_n unto_o life_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o gospel_n come_v to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o such_o assurance_n that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thess_n 5.6_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v life_n 2._o cor._n 3.6_o 8._o it_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o it_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o our_o freewill_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a for_o our_o conversion_n but_o it_o convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o life_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o christ_n can_v make_v those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o live_v john_n 5.25_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o gospel_n and_o command_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v with_o good_a success_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v say_v to_o dead_a carcase_n tabytha_n cumi_fw-la mark_v 5.41_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o john_n 11_o 43_o 44._o and_o to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o go_v unto_o thy_o house_n matth._n 9.6_o nine_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o example_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o jew_n or_o christian_n by_o outward_a profession_n that_o have_v live_v without_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n shall_v move_v we_o by_o their_o wise_a say_n and_o renown_v attainment_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n to_o recede_v from_o this_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v so_o full_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o at_o least_o some_o few_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n attain_v as_o near_o to_o that_o true_a holiness_n as_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n yet_o paul_n after_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n judge_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n in_o his_o high_a former_a attainment_n though_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o he_o be_v blameless_a touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n and_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v to_o live_v to_o god_n in_o a_o new_a way_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o phil._n 3.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o none_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o jew_n that_o follow_v after_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n do_v ever_o attain_v unto_o it_o while_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n rom._n 9.31_o 32._o what_o performance_n be_v great_a in_o outward_a appearance_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o true_a charity_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o true_a holiness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a state_n may_v have_v strong_a conviction_n of_o the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o these_o conviction_n may_v stir_v they_o up_o not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n and_o to_o utter_v rare_a say_n concern_v god_n and_o godliness_n but_o also_o to_o labour_v with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o avoid_v all_o know_a sin_n to_o subdue_v their_o lust_n to_o perform_v universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o to_o extort_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n some_o kind_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v escape_v the_o terrible_a torment_n of_o hell_n and_o procure_v everlasting_a happiness_n by_o their_o endeavour_n yet_o all_o their_o love_n to_o god_n be_v but_o force_v and_o feign_v they_o have_v no_o hearty_a like_n to_o god_n or_o his_o service_n they_o account_v he_o a_o hard_a master_n and_o his_o commandment_n grievous_a and_o they_o repine_v and_o fret_v inward_o at_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o everlasting_a fire_n they_o will_v little_o regard_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n without_o danger_n of_o damnation_n the_o high_a preferment_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v only_o after_o the_o flesh_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v but_o to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n gal._n 4.23_o and_o though_o they_o do_v more_o in_o god_n service_n than_o many_o of_o his_o dear_a child_n yet_o god_n accept_v not_o their_o service_n because_o their_o best_a performance_n be_v slavish_a without_o any_o childlike_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o no_o better_a than_o glister_a sin_n and_o yet_o these_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o these_o counterfeit_n show_v of_o holiness_n or_o for_o the_o least_o abstain_v from_o the_o gross_a sin_n if_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n full_o to_o their_o own_o natural_a corruption_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o deserve_v all_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n will_v be_v quick_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v grow_v past_a feel_n in_o wickedness_n and_o like_a to_o the_o cannibal_n who_o be_v as_o good_a by_o nature_n as_o ourselves_o but_o god_n that_o can_v restrain_v the_o burn_a of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n without_o quench_v it_o and_o the_o flow_a of_o water_n without_o change_v its_o nature_n do_v also_o restrain_v the_o work_n of_o natural_a corruption_n without_o mortify_v it_o and_o through_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o yield_v feign_v obedience_n to_o he_o psal_n 66.3_o and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n good_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o a_o right_n holy_a manner_n he_o have_v appoint_v several_a mean_n to_o restrain_v our_o corruption_n as_o the_o law_n terror_n of_o conscience_n terrible_a judgement_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n magistrate_n humane_a law_n labour_n for_o necessary_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o those_o gospel_n mean_v that_o be_v effectual_a for_o sanctification_n serve_v also_o for_o restraint_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v gracious_a end_n in_o this_o restraint_n of_o sin_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o his_o gospel_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o these_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o such_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o true_o convert_v may_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o and_o suffer_v the_o less_o torment_n hereafter_o as_o vile_a and_o wicked_a as_o the_o world_n be_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o praise_v and_o to_o magnify_v the_o free_a
from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o christ_n testify_v that_o he_o will_v often_o have_v gather_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.4_o you_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o persuasion_n what_o if_o few_o be_v save_v thy_o salvation_n will_v not_o make_v the_o number_n too_o great_a for_o few_o will_v follow_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v what_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o thou_o in_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o the_o word_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v thou_o and_o christ_n seem_v to_o reckon_v thou_o no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n as_o he_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.26_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v thou_o to_o christ_n as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a dispensation_n of_o they_o rom._n 10.4_o if_o a_o prophet_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n send_v of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n be_v declare_v against_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o timely_a warning_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o thou_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o up_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o himself_o teach_v they_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 11._o jonah_n preach_v nothing_o but_o certain_a destruction_n of_o nineveh_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o within_o 40_o day_n chap._n 3.4_o yet_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o terrible_a message_n be_v that_o those_o heathenish_a people_n may_v escape_v destruction_n by_o repentance_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v always_o understand_v with_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o by_o his_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v escape_v they_o by_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n take_v heed_n of_o foster_a any_o thought_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o show_v no_o save_a mercy_n to_o you_o or_o that_o you_o have_v already_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v because_o god_n will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o it_o if_o such_o thought_n prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v than_o the_o worst_a blasphemous_a thought_n that_o terrify_v you_o or_o any_o of_o the_o gross_a abomination_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o because_o they_o obstruct_v your_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v christ_n say_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o hinder_v our_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o very_o sinful_a and_o pernicious_a arise_v in_o we_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n delusion_n and_o utter_o opposite_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o entertain_v such_o unbelieve_a thought_n have_v god_n make_v we_o of_o his_o privy-council_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o damnation_n before_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n as_o for_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n it_o consist_v in_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o account_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o be_v most_o rancorous_a persecutor_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o they_o that_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n continue_v implacable_a malicious_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n to_o the_o end_n without_o any_o repentance_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v that_o you_o desire_v serious_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v that_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o that_o you_o want_v faith_n love_n and_o true_a obedience_n yea_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o malicious_o bend_v to_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o prefer_v atheism_n licentiousness_n or_o any_o false_a religion_n before_o it_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 6._o add_v to_o all_o these_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o incomparable_a glorious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a salvation_n and_o true_a happiness_n and_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o have_v in_o it_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v make_v our_o cup_n to_o run_v over_o with_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.8_o incline_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o never_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o christ_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o his_o incomparable_a preciousness_n and_o excellency_n induce_v they_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.46_o this_o make_v they_o to_o say_v lord_z evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.32_o 33_o 68_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o good_a ointment_n his_o name_n be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v he_o cant._n 1.3_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.8_o 10._o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a beauty_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n draw_v worshipper_n to_o god_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o unparalleled_a excellency_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o temple_n do_v more_o powerful_o draw_v believer_n in_o these_o gospel-day_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o our_o salvation_n to_o discern_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v he_o make_v it_o his_o great_a work_n to_o eclipse_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o until_o he_o see_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o
misspend_v the_o precious_a time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n which_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n they_o high_o provoke_v god_n never_o to_o give_v they_o time_n or_o grace_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o other_o imagine_v that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n they_o may_v lawful_o defer_v the_o believe_v of_o it_o until_o they_o have_v sufficient_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o other_o different_a doctrine_n or_o until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o assure_v they_o full_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o they_o that_o be_v call_v seeker_n misspend_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v so_o clear_o evidence_n its_o self_n by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o if_o people_n do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o blind_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o the_o image_n of_o his_o grace_n mercy_n power_n justice_n and_o holiness_n appear_v manifest_o engrave_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n people_n be_v proud_a when_o they_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_o incline_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o will_v know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o joh._n 7.17_o they_o will_v quick_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o whatever_o other_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 16.31_o another_o sort_n of_o people_n there_o be_v that_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n instead_o of_o any_o endeavour_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o they_o call_v wait_v upon_o god_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o right_n wait_v on_o god_n require_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v rather_o disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o appointment_n which_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o jam._n 1.22_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o spiritual_a feast_n luke_n 14.23_o and_o not_o only_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n or_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lest_o christ_n repute_v we_o no_o better_o than_o eve-dropper_n that_o holy_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n commend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o believe_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o depend_v thereon_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 23.13_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o quiet_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 3.26_o what_o be_v it_o that_o these_o delude_a one_o wait_n for_o before_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v be_v it_o for_o more_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o way_n to_o increase_v thy_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o talon_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v receive_v already_o believe_v hearty_o on_o christ_n for_o all_o thy_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o little_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o thou_o have_v and_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o knowledge_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.34_o be_v it_o for_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n that_o thou_o wait_v then_o thou_o wait_v as_o those_o impotent_a folk_n lie_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n wait_v for_o the_o season_n when_o the_o angel_n will_v come_v down_o and_o move_v the_o water_n know_v then_o that_o if_o thou_o enter_v into_o christ_n now_o by_o faith_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o he_o water_n of_o life_n and_o the_o spirit_n move_v they_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o quicken_a of_o thy_o soul_n god_n have_v appoint_v by_o his_o word_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v that_o the_o present_a time_n shall_v be_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n heb._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o thou_o shall_v never_o know_v at_o what_o time_n god_n have_v purpose_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o thou_o until_o thou_o do_v actual_o believe_v do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o manifestation_n or_o flow_n in_o of_o god_n save_v love_n to_o thy_o soul_n then_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v sill_z thou_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15.13_o thou_o have_v sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thy_o soul_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v but_o trust_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o thy_o god_n when_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n of_o sensible_a comfort_n any_o other_o way_n otherwise_o thou_o wait_v for_o comfort_n in_o vain_a and_o this_o thou_o shall_v have_v at_o the_o lord_n hand_n thou_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50.10_o 11._o do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o qualification_n to_o prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a qualification_n thou_o can_v not_o have_v they_o before_o faith_n but_o they_o be_v either_o include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o they_o be_v fruit_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v large_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v wait_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o no_o more_o strange_a than_o true_a some_o foolish_o wait_v to_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o despair_a thought_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o spiritual_a death_n and_o bring_v forth_o hatred_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o prevent_v they_o by_o believe_v god_n love_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o wait_v for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n make_v these_o despair_a thought_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sin_n work_n for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o to_o prize_n christ_n the_o more_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o yet_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n without_o they_o by_o god_n give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o of_o christ_n salvation_n together_o several_a example_n of_o these_o be_v above_o mention_v who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o desire_v or_o wait_v for_o any_o evil_n of_o sin_n such_o as_o these_o despair_a thought_n be_v that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o neither_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v worse_a before_o we_o be_v better_o when_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a present_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n 4._o in_o the_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o may_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o when_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o thereby_o be_v beget_v anew_o in_o christ_n our_o name_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o perfect_a we_o may_v lie_v in_o bed_n till_o noon_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o
necessary_a to_o the_o very_o be_v there_o of_o because_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v christ_n as_o manifest_v by_o the_o word_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v raab_n the_o canaanite_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n before_o she_o have_v any_o visible_a commuion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o any_o of_o god_n ordinance_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o the_o same_o word_n for_o substance_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n though_o that_o word_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o she_o by_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o holy_a minister_n but_o by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o heathen_n josh_n 2.9_o 11._o but_o here_o our_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o get_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n you_o must_v not_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n that_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n or_o that_o will_v have_v mystery_n to_o remain_v hide_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o can_v ready_o assent_v to_o and_o receive_v by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n of_o which_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v some_o minister_n be_v who_o unwit_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n in_o a_o fundamental_a of_o their_o heresy_n but_o you_o must_v endeavour_v chief_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n as_o it_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2.2_o 3._o which_o to_o know_v be_v life_n eternal_a and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v death_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o you_o must_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 10.4_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n not_o that_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v by_o that_o knowledge_n to_o practife_n they_o immediate_o and_o so_o to_o procure_v salvation_n by_o your_o work_n but_o rather_o by_o your_o knowledge_n of_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o your_o inablility_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o of_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o your_o heart_n against_o they_o and_o the_o wrath_n that_o you_o be_v under_o for_o break_v of_o they_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v save_v by_o your_o own_o work_n that_o so_o you_o may_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o trust_v only_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o justification_n and_o strength_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n acceptable_o through_o christ_n in_o your_o conversation_n and_o for_o this_o end_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o utmost_a strictness_n of_o the_o command_n the_o exact_a perfection_n and_o spiritual_a purity_n which_o they_o require_v that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o convince_v of_o sin_n and_o stire_v up_o to_o seek_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o spiritual_a obedience_n and_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o christ_n testify_v that_o the_o scribel_n who_o understand_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o command_n of_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mar._n 12.34_o the_o most_o effectual_a knowledge_n for_o your_o salvation_n be_v to_o understand_v these_o two_o point_n the_o desperate_a sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o your_o own_o natural_a condition_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n that_o you_o may_v be_v abase_v as_o to_o the_o flesh_n and_o exalt_v in_o christ_n alone_o and_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o these_o two_o main_a point_n you_o shall_v learn_v how_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o second_o rom._n 5.14_o how_o sin_n and_o death_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n by_o his_o disobedience_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o how_o righteousness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o obedience_n unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n you_o also_o shall_v learn_v the_o true_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o covenant_n the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a or_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o former_a shut_v we_o up_o under_o the_o gild_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o curse_n by_o its_o rigorous_a term_n do_v all_o the_o commandment_n and_o live_v and_o curse_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o and_o fail_v in_o the_o least_o point_n the_o latter_a open_v the_o gate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n to_o all_o believer_n i._n e._n the_o new_a covenant_n by_o its_o gracious_a term_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v i._n e._n all_o your_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o holiness_n and_o glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o free_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o spirit_n furthermore_o you_o shall_v learn_v the_o gospel_n principle_n that_o you_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n in_o christ_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v mind_v you_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a proficient_a in_o christian_a learning_n if_o you_o get_v a_o good_a understanding_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o sanctification_n be_v purposely_o treat_v of_o and_o difference_v from_o those_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a principle_n which_o we_o be_v most_o natural_o prone_a to_o walk_v by_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o commend_v any_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n to_o your_o learning_n for_o if_o you_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principal_a point_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o improve_v it_o to_o a_o right_a end_n which_o be_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n your_o own_o renew_a mind_n will_v covet_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o be_v according_a to_o save_v truth_n god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3.15_o yet_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o lest_o instead_o of_o gain_v christ_n by_o your_o knowledge_n you_o rather_o lose_v he_o by_o put_v your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o trust_v on_o it_o for_o your_o salvation_n one_o cause_n of_o the_o jew_n perish_v be_v that_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.20_o and_o doubtless_o all_o that_o many_o christian_n will_v gain_v by_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o end_n will_v only_o be_v to_o be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n because_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n and_o salvation_n chief_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o lord_n will_v and_o in_o their_o ability_n to_o talk_v and_o dispute_v of_o it_o though_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o the_o tavern_n or_o alebench_n without_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a thereunto_o luk._n 12.47_o much_o less_o be_v you_o to_o place_v your_o religion_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o read_v chapter_n or_o repeat_v sermon_n without_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o papist_n do_v their_o lesson_n in_o the_o latin_a mass_n and_o canonical_a hour_n as_o sad_a experience_n show_v that_o many_o seem_o devout_a and_o frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v in_o lamentable_a and_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaias_n that_o in_o hear_v they_o shall_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v and_o in_o see_v they_o shall_v see_v etc._n etc._n mat._n 13.14_o 15._o 2._o another_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v diligent_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v examination_n of_o our_o state_n and_o way_n according_a to_o the_o word_n whether_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n or_o of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v know_v our_o sickness_n and_o come_v to_o the_o great_a physician_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n w_n may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n by_o
they_o know_v at_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o text_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v convert_v and_o can_v make_v large_a discourse_n of_o the_o working_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v prone_a to_o talk_v unreasonable_o with_o vain-glorying_a of_o their_o own_o experience_n when_o at_o last_o all_o their_o experience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v not_o unjust_o condemn_v or_o justify_v our_o faith_n by_o proceed_v on_o in-sufficient_a evidence_n in_o its_o trial_n our_o best_a way_n be_v to_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n by_o put_v to_o ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v we_o make_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o the_o deadness_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n so_o as_o to_o despair_v absolute_o of_o ever_o attain_v to_o any_o righteousness_n holiness_n or_o true_a happiness_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o our_o salvation_n do_v we_o prefer_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o desire_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n as_o our_o only_a happiness_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n do_v we_o desire_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n do_v our_o heart_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o for_o salvation_n by_o trust_v he_o only_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o confident_o notwithstanding_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o assault_v we_o if_o you_o find_v in_o yourself_o a_o faith_n that_o have_v these_o property_n though_o as_o small_a as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o oppose_v with_o much_o unbelief_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o your_o soul_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n at_o present_a and_o that_o your_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o continue_v and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o it_o you_o shall_v also_o examine_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o try_v whether_o you_o can_v show_v your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v jam._n 2.18_o that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o your_o judgement_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v note_v that_o doubt_n concern_v your_o faith_n will_v breed_v doubt_v concern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o qualification_n that_o be_v fruit_n thereof_o yet_o possible_o you_o may_v get_v such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n as_o may_v overcome_v and_o expel_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o here_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o your_o inclination_n purpose_n affection_n and_o action_n be_v material_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o also_o by_o what_o principle_n they_o be_v breed_v and_o influence_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o slavish_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o mercenary_a hope_n of_o get_v heaven_n by_o your_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a and_o carnal_a principle_n that_o can_v never_o breed_v true_a holiness_n or_o by_o gospel_n principle_n as_o by_o love_n to_o god_n because_o god_n have_v love_v you_o first_o and_o to_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v dye_v and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n to_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n remember_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n will_v sanctify_v we_o not_o by_o legal_a but_o by_o gospel_n principles_n take_v notice_n further_o that_o you_o need_v not_o trouble_v yourself_o to_o find_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n if_o you_o can_v find_v a_o few_o good_a one_o particular_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n if_o you_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o i_o e._n if_o you_o love_v all_o who_o you_o can_v in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o solomon_n discern_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n by_o her_o affection_n towards_o her_o child_n so_o the_o mother_n grace_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o love_n that_o it_o breed_v in_o we_o towards_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o can_v find_v so_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n as_o may_v enable_v you_o to_o express_v your_o sincerity_n in_o these_o moderate_a term_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o heb._n 13.18_o 3._o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o attainment_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v feed_v and_o ruminate_v upon_o the_o word_n as_o its_o spiritual_a food_n and_o dige_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o nourishment_n whereby_o we_o be_v strengthen_v for_o every_o good_a work_n our_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v therewith_o as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o we_o remember_v god_n upon_o our_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o he_o in_o the_o night-watche_n psal_n 68.5_o 6._o the_o new_a nature_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n rom._n 7.25_o because_o it_o live_v and_o act_v by_o mind_v of_o and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v not_o only_o at_o some_o limit_a time_n but_o all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o yea_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o even_o in_o our_o ordinary_a employment_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o profit_v we_o without_o a_o active_a mind_v it_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n some_o think_v that_o much_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o needful_a where_o a_o people_n be_v already_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o word_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v maintain_v and_o increase_v by_o often_o mind_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n they_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o and_o will_v by_o the_o preacher_n be_v put_v often_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o they_o by_o meditation_n though_o they_o know_v they_o already_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o but_o here_o our_o great_a skill_n and_o chief_a concernment_n lie_v in_o practise_v this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o not_o at_o all_o opposite_a to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o meditation_n as_o a_o work_n of_o righteousness_n for_o the_o procurement_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o rely_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o indeed_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o do_v to_o catch_v at_o any_o straw_n rather_o than_o to_o trust_v only_o on_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o meditation_n must_v not_o be_v mere_a speculation_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o the_o vigorous_a press_v it_o upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o in_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o holy_a practice_n we_o must_v wary_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o according_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v as_o too_o many_o do_v yea_o and_o some_o great_a master_n in_o the_o art_n of_o meditation_n that_o we_o can_v bring_v our_o heart_n effectual_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o can_v work_v strange_a metamorphosis_n and_o work_v or_o frame_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o holy_a qualification_n or_o virtue_n mere_o by_o work_v in_o ourselves_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n his_o