word_n be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o discover_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o a_o help_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v to_o overcome_v your_o averseness_n and_o assist_v your_o weakness_n and_o if_o ever_o this_o be_v effect_v it_o must_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v by_o converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o sick_a man_n have_v lose_v his_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o his_o health_n who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v physic_n because_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_n it_o will_v but_o make_v he_o the_o worse_o why_o the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o work_n be_v by_o take_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o distemper_a kind_n of_o argue_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v mortal_a and_o deadly_a if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v into_o practice_n the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o work_v into_o practice_n be_v to_o take_v it_o first_o into_o our_o knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n if_o the_o scripture_n only_o show_v you_o how_o much_o work_v you_o have_v to_o do_v what_o temptation_n to_o resist_v what_o corruption_n to_o mortify_v what_o grace_n to_o exercise_n what_o duty_n to_o perform_v and_o leave_v all_o that_o upon_o your_o own_o hand_n but_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o leave_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n they_o strengthen_v as_o well_o as_o inlighten_v and_o have_v not_o only_o a_o command_v but_o a_o assist_a office_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v two_o way_n first_o it_o direct_v where_o we_o may_v receive_v supply_n of_o ability_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o require_v it_o lead_v thou_o unto_o christ_n who_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o supernatural_a strength_n for_o supernatural_a duty_n his_o treasury_n stand_v open_a for_o all_o concern_v and_o his_o almighty_a power_n stand_v engage_v to_o assist_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o he_o that_o find_v we_o work_v find_v we_o strength_n and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o enjoin_v we_o obedience_n exhibit_v god_n promise_n of_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o power_n of_o obey_v thou_o who_o work_v all_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o isaiah_n 26.12_o and_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2.12_o 13._o why_o then_o shall_v we_o so_o complain_v of_o hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n have_v we_o not_o god_n omnipotence_n oblige_v by_o promise_n to_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o word_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v what_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o when_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n thou_o meet_v with_o difficult_a and_o rigorous_a duty_n the_o severity_n of_o mortification_n the_o self_n cruelty_n of_o pluck_v out_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n commend_v they_o self_n to_o these_o promise_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o same_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o and_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o divine_a meditation_n of_o st._n augustine_n lord_n give_v what_o thou_o command_v and_o command_v what_o thou_o please_v whilst_o thou_o thus_o due_o depende_v on_o christ_n strength_n and_o make_v use_v of_o thy_o own_o it_o be_v as_o much_o his_o honour_n and_o office_n to_o enable_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v second_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v our_o own_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n it_o discover_v wherefore_o be_v those_o press_a exhortation_n and_o those_o dreadful_a threaten_n every_o where_o so_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o when_o we_o be_v slow_a and_o dull_a and_o drowsy_a the_o spirit_n may_v by_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o goad_n rouse_v we_o and_o make_v we_o start_v into_o duty_n such_o a_o spiritual_a sloth_n have_v benumb_v we_o that_o without_o this_o quicken_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o david_n pray_v psalm_n 119.88_o quicken_v i_o so_o shall_v i_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v also_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o word_n psal_n 119.50_o thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o indeed_o if_o you_o can_v come_v from_o read_v the_o word_n that_o so_o abound_v with_o promise_n with_o threaten_n with_o rational_a argument_n with_o pathetic_a expostulation_n win_v insinuation_n importunate_a entreaty_n heroic_a example_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n with_o all_o the_o persuasive_a art_n and_o rhetoric_n that_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o use_v if_o you_o can_v read_v this_o word_n and_o yet_o find_v from_o it_o no_o warmth_n of_o affection_n no_o quicken_n to_o duty_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o either_o read_v it_o without_o attend_v to_o it_o or_o else_o attend_v without_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o discouragement_n from_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n that_o its_o command_n be_v many_o and_o difficult_a for_o it_o direct_v you_o whither_o to_o go_v for_o promise_a strength_n and_o the_o more_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o will_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n quicken_v to_o a_o due_a obedience_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o answer_n but_o than_o second_o whereas_o many_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o know_v than_o not_o to_o practice_v we_o must_v here_o distinguish_v of_o ignorance_n which_o be_v of_o too_o kind_n either_o invincible_a or_o else_o affect_v invincible_a ignorance_n be_v such_o as_o be_v conjoin_v with_o and_o proceed_v from_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o right_a information_n and_o it_o arise_v only_o from_o two_o thing_n first_o absolute_a want_n of_o necessary_a instruction_n or_o second_o want_v of_o natural_a capacity_n to_o receive_v it_o affect_a ignorance_n be_v a_o ignorance_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o always_o arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o they_o such_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o do_v or_o may_v live_v where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o where_o by_o pain_n and_o industry_n they_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o here_o for_o ever_o to_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o show_v you_o how_o necessary_a knowledge_n be_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o unpractised_a knowledge_n be_v a_o far_o great_a sin_n than_o invincible_a ignorance_n and_o expose_v to_o a_o much_o sore_a condemnation_n hell_n fire_n burn_v with_o rage_n and_o meet_v with_o fuel_n full_o prepare_v for_o it_o when_o god_n doom_v unto_o it_o a_o head_n full_a of_o light_n and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o lust_n those_o who_o know_v god_n will_n but_o do_v it_o not_o do_v but_o carry_v a_o torch_n with_o they_o to_o hell_n to_o fire_v that_o pile_n that_o must_v for_o ever_o burn_v they_o we_o have_v a_o common_a proverb_n that_o knowledge_n be_v no_o burden_n but_o believe_v it_o if_o your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o overbear_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o unruly_a lust_n this_o whole_a word_n will_v be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o you_o than_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v a_o burden_n that_o will_v lie_v insupportable_o heavy_a upon_o you_o for_o ever_o better_o far_o you_o be_v bear_v under_o barbarism_n in_o some_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o the_o least_o gleam_n of_o gospel-light_n never_o shine_v and_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o mention_v than_o to_o have_v this_o weighty_a book_n a_o book_n which_o you_o have_v read_v and_o know_v hang_v about_o you_o to_o sink_v you_o infinite_o deep_o in_o the_o burn_a lake_n than_o a_o millstone_n hang_v about_o you_o can_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o apostate_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o be_v but_o too_o well_o applicable_a to_o the_o know_a sinner_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o how_o better_o not_o to_o have_v know_v it_o why_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n to_o escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o
thy_o own_o evil_a conscience_n that_o haunt_v and_o terrify_v thou_o when_o thou_o read_v that_o dreadful_a threaten_v ezek._n 18.4_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o do_v not_o thy_o guilty_a conscience_n witness_v against_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n it_o be_v this_o that_o turn_v and_o level_v all_o god_n artillery_n against_o thou_o get_v therefore_o a_o conscience_n pacify_v upon_o good_a ground_n and_o the_o very_a threaten_n of_o the_o word_n will_v speak_v to_o thou_o not_o so_o much_o terror_n from_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n denounce_v as_o joy_n that_o thou_o have_v escape_v it_o three_o it_o may_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o work_v in_o thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n be_v prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o that_o usual_o usher_v in_o this_o we_o find_v the_o gaoler_n tremble_v before_o we_o find_v he_o rejoice_v there_o be_v mighty_a and_o rend_a wind_n earthquake_n and_o fire_n all_o terrible_a before_o these_o come_v the_o still_a voice_n in_o which_o god_n be_v 1_o king_n 19.12_o so_o god_n in_o conviction_n many_o time_n prepare_v the_o way_n by_o thunder_n and_o earthquake_n by_o the_o thunder_a of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o tremble_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n before_o he_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o still_a and_o sweet_a voice_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o certain_o they_o be_v much_o more_o afraid_a than_o hurt_n who_o god_n by_o his_o terror_n thus_o fright_v into_o heaven_n but_o three_o some_o may_v still_o say_v their_o fear_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o they_o will_v drive_v they_o into_o desperation_n or_o distraction_n if_o they_o long_o pore_v on_o those_o dreadful_a thing_n the_o scripture_n contain_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v not_o one_o line_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o ground_n for_o despair_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o most_o support_a comfort_n a_o poor_a fearful_a tremble_v soul_n can_v desire_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v you_o out_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v isaiah_n 55.7_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o and_o forget_v your_o sin_n and_o innumerable_a such_o like_a now_o if_o man_n will_v only_o take_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o not_o also_o the_o balm_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o heal_v they_o they_o may_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n especial_o when_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o the_o devil_n commentary_n fret_v themselves_o into_o despair_n four_o some_o may_v say_v certain_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o necessary_a that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v thus_o rich_o and_o abundant_o in_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v requisite_a indeed_o for_o minister_n who_o calling_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o abundance_n of_o scripture_n dwell_v in_o they_o but_o for_o we_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n a_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n may_v well_o be_v sufficient_a we_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v by_o he_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o such_o chief_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o god_n may_v well_o expect_v a_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o the_o word_n to_o dwell_v in_o minister_n because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o their_o general_n but_o particular_a call_n to_o peruse_v and_o study_v it_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o twofold_a fullness_n a_o fullness_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a and_o a_o fullness_n of_o the_o treasurer_n or_o steward_n to_o who_o charge_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o who_o be_v to_o communicate_v knowledge_n to_o the_o people_n this_o be_v the_o minister_n office_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n especial_o to_o abound_v and_o be_v enrich_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o second_o wherefore_o must_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v so_o rich_o in_o minister_n be_v it_o for_o themselves_o only_o or_o be_v it_o to_o instruct_v their_o flock_n what_o and_o can_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o teach_v and_o yet_o unnecessary_a for_o you_o to_o learn_v be_v they_o bind_v to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n to_o inform_v you_o of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o enough_o for_o you_o only_o to_o know_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n certain_o whatsoever_o god_n require_v the_o minister_n to_o teach_v that_o he_o require_v you_o to_o learn_v now_o will_v you_o yourselves_o judge_v the_o minister_n to_o have_v sufficient_o discharge_v his_o duty_n that_o shall_v only_o in_o the_o general_n preach_v that_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v we_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n if_o these_o few_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v all_o you_o may_v well_o think_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a or_o a_o very_a needless_a office_n if_o then_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o reveal_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o to_o withhold_v nothing_o from_o you_o of_o all_o those_o mystery_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v whereof_o some_o give_v life_n other_o light_a some_o be_v vital_a other_o ornamental_a you_o can_v with_o reason_n but_o conclude_v that_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o teach_v these_o thing_n you_o also_o be_v oblige_v to_o learn_v and_o know_v they_o three_o it_o be_v a_o most_o destructive_a principle_n that_o many_o have_v through_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n take_v up_o that_o a_o little_a knowledge_n will_v suffice_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n certain_o god_n will_v never_o have_v reveal_v so_o many_o deep_a and_o profound_a mystery_n in_o his_o word_n if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v shall_v we_o think_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n superfluous_a except_o a_o few_o plain_a practical_a text_n what_o god_n have_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o a_o less_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n answer_v by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n may_v suffice_v for_o our_o salvation_n but_o for_o we_o we_o have_v line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n for_o we_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o few_o of_o the_o common_a principle_n slight_v the_o rest_n as_o nice_a and_o unnecessary_a point_n for_o we_o to_o neglect_v knowledge_n argue_v defect_n of_o grace_n for_o wheresoever_o true_a grace_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o most_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v daily_o in_o both_o and_o yet_o multitude_n every_o where_o even_o of_o those_o who_o abhor_v grosser_n sin_n as_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o take_v up_o with_o a_o few_o notion_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o be_v sinner_n and_o all_o must_v perish_v unless_o christ_n save_v they_o etc._n etc._n this_o they_o know_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n and_o more_o than_o this_o they_o will_v not_o know_v they_o will_v not_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o any_o far_a discovery_n nor_o look_v deep_a into_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n content_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v as_o they_o think_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o where_o there_o be_v not_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n a_o little_a may_v suffice_v for_o salvation_n yet_o where_o god_n do_v afford_v plentiful_a mean_n the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o very_a thing_n become_v necessary_a to_o they_o which_o other_o may_v safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o objection_n five_o some_o may_v object_v that_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o study_n of_o scripture_n have_v many_o time_n make_v they_o the_o worse_a it_o have_v alarm_v their_o lust_n and_o put_v they_o in_o a_o uproar_v such_o and_o such_o suit_n be_v quiet_a till_o they_o read_v in_o the_o word_n a_o command_n against_o they_o therefore_o they_o be_v discourage_v and_o think_v it_o best_o to_o forbear_v the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o they_o find_v that_o by_o forbid_a sin_n it_o only_o rouse_v and_o awaken_v it_o
to_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n god_n indeed_o hear_v we_o upon_o earth_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o our_o tongue_n but_o behold_v o_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o altogether_o but_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o unless_o god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n a_o second_o time_n as_o repeat_v over_o in_o the_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o perfume_v with_o the_o much_o incense_n which_o he_o offer_v up_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n since_o than_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o pray_v to_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o first_o may_v inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n that_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o pray_v for_o heaven_n be_v over_o thou_o and_o open_a to_o thou_o wheresoever_o thou_o be_v there_o be_v no_o clime_n so_o remote_a which_o be_v not_o overspread_v with_o that_o pavilion_n and_o thou_o be_v in_o all_o place_n equal_o near_a to_o heaven_n and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o receive_v and_o answer_v thy_o request_n wheresoever_o thou_o offere_v they_o up_o unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n some_o pray_n in_o god_n house_n of_o prayer_n some_o make_v their_o house_n house_n of_o prayer_n st._n peter_n pray_v on_o the_o housetop_n when_o he_o fall_v into_o his_o trance_n isaac_n in_o the_o open_a field_n our_o saviour_n on_o a_o mountain_n ionas_n in_o a_o whale_n belly_n abraham_n servant_n in_o his_o journey_n and_o asa_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o bloody_a battle_n yea_o whatsoever_o thou_o be_v do_v thou_o may_v pray_v so_o long_o as_o heaven_n be_v over_o thou_o and_o god_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o company_n thou_o be_v in_o whatsoever_o employment_n thou_o be_v about_o thou_o may_v still_o pray_v for_o thy_o father_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o hear_v thou_o he_o hear_v thy_o thought_n and_o thy_o desire_n when_o either_o they_o be_v too_o big_a or_o when_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a to_o articulate_v they_o into_o word_n indeed_o the_o voice_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a nay_o sometime_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a yea_o it_o be_v never_o necessary_a but_o only_o upon_o three_o account_n first_o as_o that_o which_o god_n require_v shall_v be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n for_o this_o be_v a_o great_a end_n why_o it_o be_v give_v we_o that_o therewith_o we_o may_v bless_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o the_o tongue_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o bless_v god_n even_o the_o father_n jam._n 3.9_o or_o second_o when_o in_o secret_n it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v to_o raise_v up_o our_o affection_n keep_v it_o still_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o privacy_n or_o three_o in_o our_o join_n with_o other_o it_o help_v likewise_o to_o raise_v and_o quicken_v their_o affection_n otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n the_o voice_n be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v our_o want_n and_o desire_v know_v unto_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o know_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n for_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o certain_o exclude_v from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o lay_v his_o ear_n to_o thy_o very_a heart_n and_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o thought_n when_o thy_o tongue_n be_v silent_a and_o thou_o may_v whatsoever_o work_n or_o business_n thou_o be_v do_v dart_v up_o a_o prayer_n and_o a_o wing_a desire_n unto_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v as_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a as_o the_o more_o solemn_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n at_o state_v time_n second_o be_v thy_o father_n in_o heaven_n thy_o prayer_n then_o shall_v be_v make_v so_o as_o to_o pierce_v the_o heaven_n where_o god_n be_v but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v do_v since_o the_o distance_n between_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v so_o infinite_a this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o intention_n of_o raise_v thy_o voice_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n of_o raise_v thy_o zeal_n and_o spirit_n for_o zeal_n and_o affection_n be_v a_o strong_a bow_n that_o will_v shoot_v a_o petition_n through_o heaven_n itself_o let_v all_o thy_o petition_n therefore_o be_v ardent_a and_o carry_v fire_n in_o they_o and_o this_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o ascend_v to_o the_o element_n of_o pure_a celestial_a fire_n from_o whence_o thy_o breast_n be_v at_o first_o inflame_v it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a place_n exod._n 14.15_o when_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v before_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n pursue_v they_o behind_o and_o unpassable_a mountain_n on_o each_o side_n the_o people_n murmur_v and_o moses_n their_o captain_n and_o guide_n in_o a_o unextricable_a streight_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o vocal_a prayer_n that_o moses_n then_o put_v up_o and_o yet_o god_n call_v to_o he_o why_o cry_v thou_o unto_o i_o a_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o accent_v not_o so_o much_o as_o whisper_v and_o yet_o so_o strong_a and_o powerful_a that_o it_o pierce_v heaven_n and_o be_v loud_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n than_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o preface_n of_o this_o prayer_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v unto_o the_o petition_n themselves_o the_o first_o three_o of_o which_o relate_v unto_o god_n glory_n the_o other_o to_o our_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_n of_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o god_n glory_n the_o first_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o this_o glory_n itself_o hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n the_o second_o the_o mean_n of_o effect_v it_o thy_o kingdom_n come_v the_o three_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v inquire_v first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o hallow_v this_o name_n of_o god_n three_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o petition_n and_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o when_o we_o say_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v any_o perfection_n ascribe_v to_o he_o whereby_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o name_n be_v give_v to_o this_o very_a intent_n that_o they_o may_v declare_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o which_o that_o name_n do_v belong_v thus_o when_o god_n have_v create_v adam_n and_o make_v he_o lord_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n he_o cause_v the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o their_o new_a sovereign_n and_o to_o receive_v name_n from_o he_o which_o according_a to_o the_o plenitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n do_v then_o apt_o serve_v to_o express_v their_o several_a nature_n and_o be_v not_o only_a name_n but_o definition_n too_o so_o when_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o signify_v some_o expression_n of_o his_o infinite_a essence_n in_o which_o he_o be_v please_v gracious_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o to_o spell_v out_o himself_o to_o we_o sometime_o by_o one_o perfection_n and_o sometime_o by_o another_o since_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o finite_a creature_n to_o have_v a_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o that_o be_v which_o be_v infinite_a for_o so_o god_n be_v only_o know_v to_o himself_o be_v as_o infinite_a to_o all_o other_o so_o finite_a to_o his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v display_v before_o we_o his_o name_n to_o give_v we_o some_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o conceive_v somewhat_o of_o he_o though_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n be_v in_o themselves_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o even_o in_o heaven_n itself_o now_o this_o name_n of_o god_n may_v well_o be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n his_o title_n and_o his_o attribute_n first_o his_o title_n be_v his_o name_n and_o so_o he_o be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o call_v jehovah_n god_n lord_n creator_n and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o of_o these_o his_o title_n be_v relative_a respect_v we_o so_o his_o name_n of_o creator_n denote_v his_o infinite_a power_n give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n lord_n and_o king_n signify_v his_o dominion_n and_o authority_n in_o dispose_v and_o govern_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v father_n signify_v his_o care_n and_o goodness_n in_o provide_v for_o his_o
to_o god_n and_o they_o become_v his_o proper_a name_n god_n be_v holy_a wise_a powerful_a just_a merciful_a true_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v likewise_o some_o of_o his_o most_o excellent_a creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v like_o unto_o himself_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o they_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v original_o from_o he_o they_o derivative_o from_o he_o his_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a they_o limit_v and_o stint_v his_o invariable_a and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v subject_n to_o mutation_n and_o decay_n and_o total_a abolition_n so_o that_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n even_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v themselves_o incommunicable_a and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o be_v know_v and_o difference_v from_o all_o other_o being_n whatsoever_o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v here_o say_v to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v to_o manoah_n judge_n 13.18_o why_o ask_v thou_o after_o my_o name_n see_v it_o be_v secret_a and_o wonderful_a indeed_o we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v out_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o perfection_n than_o we_o can_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n for_o both_o be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o there_o be_v two_o expression_n in_o scripture_n that_o make_v this_o knowledge_n impossible_a the_o one_o of_o they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o one_o be_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o that_o light_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v 1_o tim._n 6.16_o scrutator_fw-la majestatis_fw-la opprimetur_fw-la à _fw-la gloriâ_fw-la he_o that_o will_v too_o busy_o pry_v into_o majesty_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o dazzle_v with_o glory_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o thick_a darkness_n 2_o chron._n 6.1_o both_o imply_v the_o same_o impossibility_n of_o search_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n as_o job_n speak_v ch_n 11._o 7._o but_o though_o this_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n be_v impossible_a yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o hint_n and_o trace_n of_o himself_o by_o which_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o for_o our_o adoration_n though_o not_o perhaps_o for_o our_o satisfaction_n and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o name_n unto_o we_o and_o they_o be_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o word_n first_o we_o may_v spell_v out_o god_n name_n by_o his_o work_n and_o to_o this_o end_n serve_v those_o two_o great_a capital_a letter_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o sea_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o one_o creature_n how_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o read_v we_o lecture_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n second_o more_o express_o and_o distinct_o by_o his_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v nomenclatura_fw-la dei_fw-la by_o these_o we_o come_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a knowledge_n of_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o a_o more_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a manner_n and_o by_o this_o likewise_o we_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v never_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o as_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o temporal_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v thing_n that_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n indeed_o we_o may_v from_o the_o work_n of_o god_n alone_o gather_v knowledge_n enough_o of_o he_o to_o make_v we_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o worship_v he_o not_o as_o god_n for_o so_o do_v the_o heathen_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n rom._n 1.20_o but_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n that_o we_o know_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v we_o eternal_o bless_a and_o happy_a here_o he_o have_v display_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o alone_o have_v he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o appoint_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o himself_o that_o may_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o now_o we_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n his_o title_n as_o king_n lord_n creator_n father_n redeemer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o his_o attribute_n both_o communicable_a as_o justice_n holiness_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o incommunicable_a as_o infinite_a eternal_a vnchangeable_n omnipotent_a independent_a and_o such_o like_a and_o that_o both_o this_o name_n both_o of_o title_n and_o attribute_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o work_v of_o god_n or_o by_o his_o word_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o hallow_v this_o name_n of_o god_n to_o hallow_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o sanctify_v or_o make_v holy_a so_o that_o hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n be_v no_o other_o than_o let_v thy_o name_n be_v make_v holy_a but_o here_o may_v be_v a_o question_n how_o can_v creature_n be_v say_v to_o make_v god_n holy_a whereas_o it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v they_o holy_a i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o threefold_a way_n of_o hallow_v or_o sanctify_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n one_o by_o dedication_n a_o second_o by_o infusion_n and_o a_o three_o by_o declaration_n first_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v hallow_v or_o make_v holy_a by_o dedication_n set_v they_o a_o part_n for_o holy_a uses_n and_o service_n so_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o lord_n exod._n 13.2_o and_o that_o because_o among_o man_n the_o first-born_a be_v to_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o among_o beast_n they_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o thus_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levi_n who_o god_n take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v consecrate_a and_o sanctify_a exod._n 28.41_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o thus_o at_o least_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o baptism_n ephes_n 5.26_o that_o be_v we_o be_v by_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o one_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v and_o make_v another_o holy_a namely_o by_o dedication_n or_o separatiom_n to_o some_o sacred_a use_n and_o service_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o hallow_v the_o element_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n set_v they_o apart_o from_o common_a and_o ordinary_a use_n to_o that_o bless_a mystery_n second_o there_o be_v a_o sanctification_n or_o hallow_v by_o infusion_n or_o implant_n the_o real_a principle_n and_o habit_n of_o holiness_n into_o that_o which_o be_v hallow_v and_o thus_o god_n sanctify_v his_o elect_n by_o infuse_v of_o his_o grace_n into_o they_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a in_o some_o measure_n and_o similitude_n like_o himself_o so_o our_o saviour_n pray_v john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o prays_n the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n be_v god_n name_n to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o hallow_v by_o we_o for_o thus_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o blaspheme_n three_o there_o be_v a_o sanctify_a by_o declaration_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v that_o as_o holy_a that_o be_v indeed_o so_o and_o thus_o only_o it_o be_v that_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n so_o we_o have_v it_o use_v isa_n 29.23_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v my_o name_n and_o sanctify_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob_n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n now_o thus_o to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o other_o expression_n that_o common_o occur_v in_o scripture_n of_o glorify_v god_n we_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n nor_o to_o the_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o crown_n yet_o then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o sanctify_v and_o glorify_v god_n when_o in_o our_o most_o reverend_a thought_n we_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o holiness_n and_o the_o bright_a coruscation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v by_o all_o holy_a way_n to_o declare_v they_o
establish_v their_o purgatory_n no_o o_o sinner_n there_o be_v not_o any_o guilt_n leave_v for_o thou_o to_o satisfy_v for_o not_o any_o reserve_n of_o punishment_n for_o thou_o to_o undergo_v but_o all_o thy_o sin_n be_v so_o pardon_v that_o they_o be_v in_o god_n account_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v thy_o comfort_n never_o so_o strong_a and_o flow_a and_o thy_o sense_n of_o god_n pardon_v grace_n never_o so_o clear_a yet_o know_v that_o thy_o pardon_n be_v still_o infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o thy_o joy_n in_o it_o can_v be_v satisfactory_a for_o assurance_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o pardon_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n wrought_v in_o we_o and_o be_v common_o mix_v with_o some_o hesitation_n and_o misgive_a doubt_n but_o our_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o where_o it_o meet_v with_o nothing_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o with_o no_o abatement_n but_o be_v as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a as_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o three_o be_v it_o god_n that_o pardon_n then_o for_o thy_o comfort_n know_v that_o he_o can_v as_o easy_o forgive_v great_a and_o many_o sin_n as_o few_o and_o small_a for_o the_o greatness_n and_o multitude_n of_o thy_o sin_n can_v make_v no_o odds_o in_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n only_o repent_v and_o believe_v god_n proclaim_v his_o name_n exod._n 34_o 7._o the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n and_o size_n of_o sin_n the_o great_a sin_n repent_v of_o be_v no_o more_o without_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o mercy_n than_o the_o least_o unrepented_a of_o be_v without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o one_o though_o but_o one_o sin_n unpardonable_a arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o atrociousness_n of_o the_o fact_n as_o if_o it_o exceed_v mercy_n but_o only_o from_o the_o malignity_n of_o its_o nature_n harden_v the_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o repentance_n otherwise_o can_v they_o who_o commit_v this_o sin_n repent_v even_o they_o also_o shall_v obtain_v pardon_n say_v not_o therefore_o my_o iniquity_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v i_o have_v out-sinned_a mercy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o portion_n for_o i_o in_o god_n his_o fiery_a indignation_n will_v eternal_o devour_v i_o this_o be_v to_o be_v injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o to_o stint_v that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v make_v infinite_a and_o thou_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n and_o reason_n say_v that_o thou_o be_v great_a than_o god_n as_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o his_o mercy_n yet_o here_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o abuse_v this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_n and_o turn_v that_o into_o presumption_n that_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o arm_v you_o against_o despair_n indeed_o both_o presumption_n and_o despair_n tend_v in_o a_o divers_a manner_n to_o encourage_v and_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n the_o despair_v sinner_n argue_v if_o i_o must_v not_o be_v save_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v i_o live_v strict_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v i_o cross_v and_o vex_v myself_o by_o a_o unprofitable_a severity_n it_o be_v too_o great_a niceness_n to_o scruple_n far_o sin_v when_o i_o be_o already_o sure_a of_o damnation_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o must_v go_v to_o hell_n i_o will_v make_v my_o way_n thither_o as_o pleasant_a as_o i_o can_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o despair_n that_o produce_v not_o horror_n as_o it_o do_v in_o some_o but_o a_o most_o wretched_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n presumptuous_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v able_a to_o pardon_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a sinner_n they_o can_v sin_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v they_o yet_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v they_o will_v yet_o indulge_v themselves_o a_o little_a long_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o pardon_v they_o at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n as_o upon_o many_o year_n preparation_n we_o see_v iniquity_n every_o where_o most_o fearful_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o doubtless_o both_o despair_n and_o presumption_n have_v too_o great_a a_o influence_n both_o upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o careless_a in_o their_o eternal_a concernment_n enough_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o despair_v which_o be_v but_o few_o but_o to_o the_o presumptuous_a let_v i_o add_v a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o disingenuous_a use_n they_o can_v make_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o press_v it_o to_o serve_v against_o its_o authority_n shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v shall_v we_o sin_n licentious_o because_o god_n pardon_v free_o no_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n oblige_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v otherwise_o the_o filial_a disposition_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n incline_v otherwise_o gratitude_n and_o retribution_n engage_v otherwise_o but_o if_o these_o motive_n be_v too_o refine_v and_o ingenious_a for_o thy_o sordid_a and_o slavish_a spirit_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o presumption_n of_o thy_o heart_n cry_v peace_n peace_n to_o thyself_o although_o thou_o continue_v add_v one_o iniquity_n to_o another_o know_v o_o vile_a wretch_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v thou_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v blot_v out_o thy_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deutr._n 29.19_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o this_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n or_o trespass_n now_o in_o this_o petition_n we_o pray_v not_o only_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n but_o likewise_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v it_o as_o first_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o horrid_a odious_a nature_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o woeful_a miserable_a estate_n that_o we_o be_v in_o by_o nature_n and_o how_o much_o more_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o by_o our_o sinful_a life_n that_o he_o will_v set_v home_o the_o terror_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o our_o humiliation_n and_o make_v we_o despair_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o that_o help_n and_o refuge_n he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o second_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v humble_v we_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o manifold_a transgression_n that_o as_o our_o sin_n have_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o god_n eye_n so_o they_o may_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o they_o three_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n cordial_o and_o sincere_o to_o pour_v forth_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o manifold_a provocation_n with_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n upon_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o grant_v we_o pardon_v and_o forgiveness_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o four_o we_o beg_v a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n make_v by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o which_o alone_o all_o pardon_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v to_o know_v both_o what_o it_o be_v and_o why_o ordain_v and_o likewise_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rich_a and_o free_a mercy_n and_o the_o conjunction_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o mercy_n together_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n concur_v to_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n five_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o christ_n and_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n more_o after_o he_o and_o his_o
they_o have_v a_o exact_a intuitive_a knowledge_n so_o when_o by_o such_o visible_a symptom_n they_o perceive_v corruption_n stir_v in_o we_o they_o present_o join_v issue_n with_o it_o and_o by_o all_o their_o art_n and_o policy_n inflame_v our_o lust_n by_o add_v new_a fuel_n to_o they_o improve_n the_o first_o motion_n and_o imperfect_a embryo_n of_o wickedness_n till_o they_o arrive_v to_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o stature_n thus_o if_o by_o any_o symptom_n the_o devil_n can_v perceive_v wrath_n and_o malice_n boil_v within_o our_o breast_n he_o will_v present_o move_v the_o tongue_n to_o give_v it_o vent_v in_o opprobrious_a and_o revile_v speech_n and_o these_o he_o will_v second_v with_o injurious_a and_o violent_a action_n so_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o james_n 3.6_o the_o tongue_n set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v itself_o set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a man_n i_o think_v st._n austin_n be_v demand_v by_o a_o curious_a questionist_n concern_v the_o origin_n of_o evil_a how_o sin_n first_o get_v into_o the_o world_n reply_v it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o discourse_v how_o it_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v get_v it_o out_o again_o so_o true_o it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a critical_o to_o inquire_v whence_o temptation_n come_v into_o the_o heart_n as_o how_o they_o may_v be_v get_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o this_o i_o may_v give_v the_o same_o answer_n that_o christ_n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 17.21_o this_o kind_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n we_o ought_v fervent_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v rebuke_v the_o wicked_a one_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o grace_n suppress_v all_o the_o tumultuous_a rebellion_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o neither_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n nor_o leave_v we_o under_o temptation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_n in_o this_o petition_n show_v you_o what_o temptation_n be_v the_o second_o be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o lead_v man_n into_o temptation_n for_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o strange_a that_o the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n shall_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o tempt_v of_o man_n which_o be_v so_o proper_a a_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o our_o own_o corruption_n but_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n and_o satan_n tempt_v we_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v he_o from_o the_o least_o aspersion_n or_o suspicion_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o first_o god_n be_v say_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n when_o he_o providential_o present_v outward_a object_n and_o occasion_n which_o do_v solicit_v and_o draw_v forth_o our_o inward_a corruption_n when_o the_o temptation_n of_o our_o inward_a lust_n meet_v with_o external_a enducement_n that_o be_v cast_v in_o a_o man_n way_n by_o god_n providence_n then_o as_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o tempt_v he_o so_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n thus_o achan_n and_o judas_n be_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o covetous_a wretch_n before_o the_o one_o steal_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o other_o betray_v his_o master_n but_o the_o temptation_n of_o those_o lust_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o come_v to_o their_o strength_n till_o the_o glitter_a of_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o proffer_a reward_n of_o the_o highpriest_n raise_v their_o covetousness_n to_o its_o full_a height_n indeed_o we_o find_v the_o propension_n of_o our_o wicked_a heart_n strong_o bend_v towards_o sin_n at_o all_o time_n even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v no_o external_a object_n propound_v to_o excite_v they_o but_o when_o these_o inward_a inclination_n do_v meet_v with_o outward_a enforcement_n as_o allure_a object_n fit_a opportunity_n strong_a persuasion_n from_o other_o induce_v example_n or_o the_o like_a the_o temptation_n than_o grow_v headstrong_a and_o wild_a to_o purpose_n and_o if_o grace_n do_v not_o rein_v it_o in_o with_o a_o hard_a hand_n it_o will_v certain_o hurry_v we_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o have_v so_o many_o advantage_n to_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o these_o objective_a temptation_n god_n may_v most_o righteous_o administer_v to_o our_o lust_n in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o we_o often_o see_v he_o do_v so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sinner_n take_v occasion_n from_o some_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o perpetrate_v it_o a_o thief_n steal_v not_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o god_n providence_n bring_v in_o his_o way_n the_o murderer_n slay_v not_o any_o man_n but_o who_o providence_n offer_v to_o his_o sword_n and_o violence_n and_o all_o the_o villainy_n that_o ever_o be_v act_v in_o the_o world_n be_v by_o a_o providence_n tender_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n object_n and_o opportunity_n without_o which_o sin_n conceive_v in_o we_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n we_o pray_v that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v and_o dispose_v all_o the_o occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o lay_v before_o we_o those_o object_n nor_o proffer_v we_o those_o occasion_n which_o may_v either_o excite_v or_o draw_v forth_o our_o inbred_a corruption_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a petition_n to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n from_o sinful_a desire_n when_o we_o encounter_v object_n to_o excite_v they_o and_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o sinful_a action_n when_o once_o sinful_a desire_n be_v excite_v in_o we_o second_o god_n be_v say_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n when_o he_o withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o temptation_n those_o very_a temptation_n which_o when_o assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n we_o can_v easy_o resist_v and_o subdue_v will_n when_o god_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o sad_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o shameful_o foil_v we_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n leave_v hezekiah_n to_o try_v or_o to_o tempt_v he_o 2_o chron._n 32.31_o and_o indeed_o since_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v of_o themselves_o prone_a only_o unto_o evil_n if_o god_n withdraw_v the_o auxiliary_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o for_o many_o righteous_a cause_n he_o often_o do_v every_o temptation_n that_o assault_v we_o will_v ravish_v our_o conscience_n and_o captivate_v our_o soul_n for_o all_o the_o security_n that_o we_o have_v from_o the_o commit_n of_o the_o most_o flagitious_a crime_n be_v whole_o from_o god_n grace_n either_o restrain_v or_o renew_v we_o the_o former_a hold_v we_o back_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n the_o latter_a weaken_n and_o destroy_v the_o inward_a habit_n and_o principle_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n we_o beg_v that_o he_o will_v still_o continue_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o we_o and_o by_o they_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o grace_n that_o his_o grace_n may_v not_o forsake_v we_o nor_o our_o grace_n fail_v we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o assault_n of_o spiritual_a enemy_n naked_a and_o defenceless_a to_o become_v a_o sure_a and_o easy_a prey_n unto_o they_o three_o god_n be_v say_v to_o lead_v man_n into_o temptation_n when_o he_o permit_v satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n his_o instrument_n to_o tempt_v we_o yea_o sometime_o he_o give_v they_o commission_n as_o well_o as_o permission_n and_o appoint_v and_o send_v they_o to_o do_v it_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o who_o shall_v persuade_v ahab_n that_o he_o may_v go_v up_o and_o fall_v at_o ramoth-gilead_n and_o a_o evil_a spirit_n step_v forth_o and_o very_o officious_o accept_v of_o the_o employment_n as_o most_o congruous_a to_o so_o malicious_a a_o nature_n and_o god_n send_v he_o with_o his_o commission_n in_o the_o 22_o verse_n thou_o shall_v persuade_v he_o and_o prevail_v go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o and_o so_o he_o do_v and_o as_o god_n do_v sometime_o thus_o send_v the_o tempter_n and_o give_v he_o commission_n to_o assault_v and_o prevail_v over_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a person_n their_o former_a sin_n provoke_v he_o to_o punish_v they_o with_o far_a impiety_n so_o whensoever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v god_n do_v at_o least_o permit_v satan_n to_o sift_v
17.12_o a_o glorious_a high_a throne_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o place_n of_o our_o sanctuary_n yea_o not_o only_o his_o throne_n but_o that_o which_o may_v seem_v more_o despicable_a his_o very_a footstool_n be_v glorious_a esa_n 6.13_o i_o will_v make_v the_o place_n of_o my_o foot_n glorious_a now_o this_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n be_v both_o immutable_a and_o incomprehensible_a first_o the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n be_v immutable_a the_o same_o for_o ever_o no_o addition_n can_v be_v make_v unto_o it_o nor_o no_o diminution_n from_o it_o for_o before_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o creature_n extant_a god_n be_v the_o same_o glorious_a be_v that_o now_o he_o be_v our_o praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n can_v no_o more_o contribute_v to_o this_o glory_n than_o the_o eye_n that_o see_v the_o sun_n can_v increase_v the_o light_n of_o it_o for_o god_n attribute_n that_o be_v his_o glory_n be_v no_o adventitious_a accidental_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v assume_v or_o lay_v aside_o at_o pleasure_n but_o they_o be_v all_o as_o necessary_a as_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o therefore_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o clothe_v himself_o with_o light_n and_o glory_n as_o with_o a_o garment_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o garment_n that_o can_v be_v put_v on_o or_o off_o but_o whatsoever_o god_n be_v in_o any_o one_o moment_n of_o eternity_n the_o same_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n unto_o all_o eternity_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o change_v not_o and_o with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v indeed_o there_o be_v some_o title_n in_o god_n style_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v always_o appertain_v to_o he_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o eternal_a be_v may_v appear_v as_o new_a star_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o argue_v some_o alteration_n and_o change_n in_o his_o glory_n as_o to_o be_v creator_n the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n nor_o can_v be_v till_o the_o creature_n be_v form_v but_o here_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o the_o absolute_a and_o relative_n attribute_n of_o god_n his_o absolute_a title_n and_o attribute_n be_v such_o as_o belong_v unto_o he_o simple_o without_o depend_v upon_o any_o respect_n or_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o and_o beside_o himself_o and_o so_o he_o be_v infinite_a eternal_a wise_a holy_a and_o merciful_a in_o himself_o and_o be_v so_o for_o ever_o before_o there_o be_v any_o create_a object_n unto_o which_o or_o upon_o which_o he_o may_v manifest_v these_o his_o attribute_n but_o now_o the_o relative_n title_n of_o god_n have_v a_o time_n wherein_o they_o begin_v and_o wherein_o they_o shall_v likewise_o cease_v as_o to_o be_v a_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v wherein_o though_o there_o may_v be_v daily_a mutation_n yet_o god_n be_v the_o same_o immutable_a because_o these_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a denomination_n and_o arise_v mere_o from_o that_o change_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o creature_n not_o from_o any_o change_n that_o be_v make_v in_o god_n for_o still_o his_o power_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o he_o exert_v it_o in_o create_v or_o not_o his_o wisdom_n be_v invariable_o the_o same_o before_o he_o manifest_v it_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o since_o and_o in_o all_o the_o mutation_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o world_n he_o be_v still_o the_o same_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a god_n only_o as_o those_o who_o sail_n think_v the_o shore_n remove_v when_o it_o be_v but_o the_o ship_n so_o be_v we_o subject_n to_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v god_n be_v change_v when_o only_o ourselves_o be_v change_v that_o he_o move_v from_o not_o be_v a_o creator_n to_o be_v a_o creator_n when_o in_o truth_n we_o only_o move_v from_o not_o be_v creature_n to_o be_v creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v now_o a_o creator_n which_o once_o he_o be_v not_o it_o impli_v no_o more_o change_n in_o god_n than_o it_o will_v in_o any_o object_n which_o now_o be_v see_v which_o before_o be_v not_o see_v and_o this_o be_v only_o a_o different_a external_a denomination_n that_o make_v no_o real_a change_n in_o the_o thing_n but_o it_o may_v be_v these_o speculation_n be_v too_o abstruse_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o long_o in_o they_o second_o as_o the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n be_v immutable_a so_o be_v it_o also_o incomprehensible_a for_o it_o be_v infinite_a and_o the_o entire_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n it_o be_v the_o very_a face_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o exod._n 33.15_o when_o moses_n desire_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n god_n answer_v he_o in_o the_o 20_o verse_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o can_v no_o man_n see_v my_o face_n and_o live_v and_o although_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a have_v bright_a and_o more_o radiant_a discovery_n make_v unto_o they_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o any_o that_o we_o can_v bear_v yet_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v the_o full_a latitude_n and_o utmost_a extent_n of_o that_o glory_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o finite_a thing_n to_o contain_v what_o be_v infinite_a and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n promise_v we_o as_o one_o great_a part_n of_o our_o reward_n that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v 1_o john_n 3.7_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o ever_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o capacity_n as_o to_o see_v and_o know_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o infinite_a essence_n for_o god_n essence_n be_v altogether_o indivisible_a to_o know_v god_n essential_o be_v to_o know_v he_o comprehensive_o to_o know_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v know_v in_o himself_o that_o be_v to_o know_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o know_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v comprehend_v a_o infinite_a object_n and_o yet_o our_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o surmount_v those_o dim_a and_o glimmer_a discovery_n which_o here_o he_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o that_o comparative_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o call_v it_o a_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o a_o know_v he_o as_o we_o be_v know_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o essential_a glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n but_o beside_o this_o second_o there_o be_v another_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v his_o declarative_a glory_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o visible_a splendour_n and_o lustre_n that_o reflect_v from_o his_o essential_a glory_n upon_o the_o notice_n and_o admiration_n of_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o god_n be_v glorious_a and_o be_v glorify_v god_n be_v always_o equal_o glorious_a in_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v before_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n but_o he_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o creature_n declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o his_o essence_n we_o can_v set_v any_o new_a gem_n in_o his_o diadem_n which_o do_v not_o shine_v there_o before_o but_o when_o we_o observe_v and_o admire_v those_o several_a coruscation_n of_o his_o attribute_n which_o appear_v in_o those_o various_a method_n that_o god_n take_v to_o manifest_v they_o then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n his_o holiness_n be_v always_o the_o same_o but_o when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v it_o than_o we_o glorify_v it_o his_o power_n be_v always_o the_o same_o but_o we_o glorify_v it_o when_o we_o depend_v upon_o it_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v always_o the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v say_v to_o glorify_v it_o when_o we_o praise_v and_o extol_v it_o and_o therefore_o god_n tell_v we_o psal_n 50.23_o whoso_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o we_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o god_n by_o all_o the_o glory_n that_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o but_o then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v he_o glory_n when_o we_o admire_v and_o adore_v and_o celebrate_v those_o glory_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o so_o st._n john_n 12.28_o christ_n pray_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n that_o be_v make_v thy_o essential_a glory_n the_o glory_n and_o brightness_n of_o thy_o attribute_n conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o request_n there_o be_v a_o answer_n return_v from_o heaven_n i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o that_o be_v
this_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o be_v god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v almighty_a in_o that_o it_o produce_v they_o and_o alwise_a in_o that_o it_o govern_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o incomprehensible_a for_o that_o be_v which_o have_v no_o cause_n can_v be_v perfect_o know_v since_o a_o perfect_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v derive_v only_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o now_o whatsoever_o be_v almighty_a alwise_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v that_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v three_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o produce_v himself_o by_o any_o other_o pre-existent_a be_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o time_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o either_o shall_v never_o be_v or_o must_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n to_o be_v make_v or_o produce_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v never_o conceive_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n be_v not_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v eternal_a à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la or_o from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o be_v also_o eternal_a a_o part_n post_fw-la or_o to_o everlasting_a appear_v four_o because_o that_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o duration_n can_v have_v no_o end_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o not_o depend_v upon_o any_o for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o be_v can_v depend_v upon_o none_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n must_v exist_v to_o all_o eternity_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o much_o reason_n alone_o can_v speak_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n the_o demonstration_n which_o i_o have_v now_o give_v you_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o will_v those_o atheistical_a spirit_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o god_n but_o their_o reason_n due_o ponder_v the_o force_n of_o they_o they_o will_v even_o by_o their_o deify_v reason_n be_v enforce_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o live_n and_o eternal_a god_n who_o we_o adore_v possible_o to_o some_o these_o thing_n may_v seem_v difficult_a to_o other_o they_o may_v seem_v needless_a because_o we_o all_o ready_o acknowledge_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v need_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v now_o in_o these_o day_n of_o we_o wherein_o atheism_n have_v get_v ground_n and_o credit_n and_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o pregnant_a wit_n and_o mature_a and_o deep_a judgement_n dare_o to_o dispute_n against_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a in_o religion_n but_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n not_o only_o from_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o christian_a but_o from_o the_o dictate_v also_o of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o evidence_n that_o reason_n bring_v in_o which_o be_v so_o cogent_a and_o demonstrative_a that_o he_o that_o will_v notwithstanding_o be_v a_o atheist_n must_v also_o be_v irrational_a and_o whosoever_o will_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v not_o eternal_a or_o that_o god_n be_v not_o infinite_o perfect_a we_o may_v well_o say_v of_o he_o as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v that_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n psal_n 14.1_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v unto_o you_o what_o eternity_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a notion_n and_o have_v evince_v likewise_o that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n eternal_a and_o now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v let_v we_o here_o make_v some_o few_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o this_o eternity_n of_o god_n first_o glorify_v this_o inconceivable_a and_o glorious_a attribute_n extol_v and_o venerate_v it_o with_o your_o high_a thought_n and_o low_a prostration_n send_v your_o adore_a thought_n as_o far_o into_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n as_o possible_a a_o humane_a and_o finite_a understanding_n can_v dart_v they_o for_o though_o eternity_n be_v such_o a_o deep_a as_o can_v never_o be_v fathom_v since_o it_o have_v no_o bottom_n yet_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o this_o abyss_n of_o be_v those_o prospect_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o bound_v they_o no_o limit_n to_o restrain_v the_o sight_n in_o its_o free_a range_n so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a prospect_n to_o the_o mind_n to_o contemplate_v such_o a_o object_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o boundary_n set_v to_o our_o apprehension_n and_o where_o we_o can_v see_v no_o far_o not_o for_o want_v of_o object_n but_o for_o want_v of_o sight_n second_o be_v god_n eternal_a from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a let_v we_o leave_v then_o the_o care_n of_o all_o future_a event_n unto_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o same_o unchangeable_a god_n and_o although_o we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o may_v not_o be_v to_o morrow_n and_o when_o we_o die_v than_o all_o our_o thought_n perish_v with_o we_o yet_o the_o everlasting_a god_n can_v and_o will_v order_v all_o affair_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o carry_v on_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o be_v conformable_a unto_o he_o we_o oftentime_o be_v anxious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o what_o may_v happen_v after_o our_o decease_n either_o to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o those_o we_o love_v best_a in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o commit_v this_o care_n to_o god_n he_o ever_o live_v and_o have_v the_o same_o ever_o infinite_a power_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o 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angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o 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study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v 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of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o 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