not_o rest_v nor_o content_v yourselves_o with_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o want_v knowledge_n not_o in_o this_o that_o your_o life_n be_v civil_a and_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a that_o you_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a too_o and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o join_v to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o peter_n 1.5_o a_o unblameable_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n without_o knowledge_n no_o nor_o this_o neither_o that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a meaning_n and_o desire_n to_o do_v well_o that_o you_o be_v devout_a and_o give_v much_o to_o prayer_n for_o the_o apostle_n bear_v record_v rom._n 10.2_o that_o they_o have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n a_o zealous_a care_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v on_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o all_o that_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o thes_n 2.16_o second_o i_o will_v fain_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o rest_v nor_o content_v yourselves_o with_o some_o smattering_n or_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n but_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o knowledge_n to_o increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o to_o attain_v unto_o a_o settle_a and_o well_o ground_a judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o religion_n to_o a_o certainty_n and_o full_a resolution_n in_o they_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.20_o be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v you_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n say_v he_o rom._n 14.5_o even_o in_o the_o least_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o practice_n a_o christian_n shall_v seek_v for_o certainty_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o this_o none_o of_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o unless_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v rich_o and_o plentiful_o in_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v col._n 3.16_o but_o for_o the_o better_a enforce_v of_o this_o exhortation_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a i_o will_v speak_v distinct_o of_o it_o and_o observe_v this_o method_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o this_o knowledge_n be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o seek_v for_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v at_o such_o cost_n and_o charge_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o â—_o i_o will_v give_v you_o motive_n that_o may_v provoke_v we_o thus_o to_o seek_v it_o 3._o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o mean_n we_o must_v use_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o all_o knowledge_n no_o not_o all_o knowledge_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n be_v so_o high_o esteem_v of_o 1._o many_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v never_o convert_v unto_o god_n nor_o ever_o have_v truth_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o knowledge_n even_o unto_o this_o knowledge_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o knowledge_n as_o of_o a_o ordinary_a gift_n common_a to_o all_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 81._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v glory_v in_o yea_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n have_v have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o get_v and_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o have_v delight_v much_o in_o it_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o those_o hypocrite_n isaiah_n 58.2_o and_o delight_v to_o know_v my_o way_n 2._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o graceless_a man_n have_v much_o excel_v many_o of_o god_n dear_a servant_n this_o way_n judas_n no_o doubt_n have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christ_n best_a hearer_n have_v yea_o satan_n himself_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n know_v the_o truth_n much_o more_o clear_o and_o certain_o than_o many_o of_o god_n elect_v do_v and_o can_v say_v to_o christ_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n mark_v 1.24_o i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v even_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n yea_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v a_o great_a bar_n and_o impediment_n unto_o grace_n and_o make_v man_n more_o wicked_a and_o uncapable_a of_o grace_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o knowledge_n say_v the_o lord_n esa._n 41.10_o it_o have_v pervert_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v say_v in_o thy_o heart_n i_o be_o and_o none_o else_o beside_o i_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o simple_a people_n ofttimes_o then_o in_o the_o great_a scholar_n the_o common_a people_n hear_v christ_n glad_o say_v the_o evangelist_n mark_v 12.37_o but_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v say_v john_n 7.48_o 49._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n act_v 6.7_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o say_v what_o be_v then_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o desire_v and_o make_v such_o high_a account_n of_o sure_o such_o knowledge_n as_o david_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n such_o knowledge_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o he_o do_v effectual_o convert_v save_v knowledge_n sanctify_v knowledge_n this_o be_v call_v the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n 30.22_o the_o other_o will_v do_v a_o man_n no_o good_a at_o all_o unless_o it_o grow_v unto_o this_o of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o may_v be_v true_o say_v which_o solomon_n speak_v eccles._n 1.18_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n the_o more_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a or_o at_o least_o prove_v in_o the_o end_n a_o sanctify_a knowledge_n the_o more_o shall_v the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v one_o day_n nay_o this_o only_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o true_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o holy_a man_n say_v solomon_n proverb_n 9_o 10._o of_o regenerate_a and_o goodly_a man_n be_v understanding_n this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v seek_v and_o make_v reckon_v of_o teach_v i_o good_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n say_v david_n psalm_n 119.66_o though_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a knowledge_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o have_v be_v sanctify_v knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a we_o may_v take_v more_o comfort_n in_o it_o than_o the_o great_a clerk_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v in_o all_o their_o learning_n the_o want_n of_o this_o knowledge_n shall_v humble_v the_o best_a of_o we_o that_o though_o we_o have_v much_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a of_o this_o save_n and_o sanctify_a knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n agur_n complain_v of_o proverb_n 30.2_o 3._o sure_o i_o be_o more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n and_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n i_o have_v not_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v till_o i_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o regenerate_v till_o i_o find_v i_o have_v sanctify_v knowledge_n i_o be_o brutish_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n every_o unregenerate_a man_n certain_o ho_o great_a a_o clerk_n soever_o he_o be_v have_v no_o true_a light_n in_o he_o but_o be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o john_n 2.9_o and_o with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v hosea_n 4.6_o o_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o take_v heed_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o take_v heed_n say_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 11.35_o that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n take_v heed_n lest_o that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v no_o better_o then_o natural_a and_o carnal_a knowledge_n that_o that_o be_v in_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaies_a and_o in_o the_o devil_n themselves_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n say_v christ_n mat._n 6.23_o how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n examine_v
idolater_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n as_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n alas_o he_o he_o be_v of_o a_o soft_a and_o flexible_a disposition_n be_v natural_o incline_v and_o have_v more_o strong_a tentation_n to_o that_o then_o to_o other_o sin_n but_o herein_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o heart_n appear_v that_o when_o god_n have_v by_o his_o prophet_n reprove_v he_o for_o help_a ahab_n his_o heart_n relent_v and_o he_o become_v after_o that_o more_o zealous_a for_o god_n then_o ever_o he_o have_v be_v before_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v 2_o chron._n 19.2_o 11._o and_o be_v again_o after_o that_o reprove_v for_o help_a ahaziah_n more_o sharp_o 2_o chron._n 20.37_o he_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v to_o offeâ—d_v that_o way_n any_o more_o 1_o king_n 22.49_o you_o see_v then_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o upright_a heart_n though_o he_o do_v seem_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o some_o commandment_n some_o duty_n and_o some_o sin_n then_o of_o other_o but_o i_o say_v further_o a_o man_n can_v have_v a_o upright_a heart_n if_o he_o do_v not_o show_v more_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o some_o duty_n command_v and_o in_o some_o sin_n that_o be_v forbid_v then_o in_o other_o some_o though_o all_o the_o commandment_n be_v equal_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o commander_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o charge_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o they_o some_o be_v great_a than_o other_o be_v yea_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a note_n of_o a_o upright_a heart_n than_o this_o when_o we_o do_v make_v more_o conscience_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v most_o special_a charge_n upon_o we_o in_o than_o we_o do_v of_o any_o other_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o which_o be_v those_o i_o answer_v they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n first_o god_n have_v give_v great_a charge_n to_o we_o concern_v the_o substantial_a point_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n then_o concern_v any_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n christ_n call_v the_o inward_a worship_n of_o god_n prescribe_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n mat._n 22.38_o great_a than_o any_o of_o the_o nine_o that_o follow_v god_n delight_v much_o more_o in_o the_o inward_a then_o in_o the_o outward_a worship_n we_o do_v to_o he_o have_v the_o lord_n as_o great_a delight_n in_o burn_a offering_n and_o sacrifice_n say_v samuel_n 1_o sam._n 15_o 22._o as_o in_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v say_v the_o lord_n hos._n 6.6_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burn_a offering_n yea_o he_o call_v mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n which_o be_v substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23.23_o weighty_a than_o the_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o god_n own_o worship_n prescribe_v in_o the_o first_o table_n go_v you_o and_o learn_v say_v our_o saviour_n matth_n 9.13_o what_o this_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v applic._n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o certain_a note_n of_o a_o unsound_a heart_n when_o man_n 1._o put_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o outward_a duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n and_o regard_v not_o those_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n that_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o fidelity_n no_o nor_o the_o inward_a worship_n of_o god_n neither_o 2._o stand_o more_o upon_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n then_o upon_o the_o substance_n will_v be_v great_o trouble_v if_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v now_o at_o easter_n or_o not_o receive_v with_o that_o gesture_n that_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_v unto_o but_o to_o come_v without_o all_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n to_o come_v without_o charity_n without_o all_o preparation_n of_o heart_n trouble_v they_o not_o at_o all_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v mat._n 23.24_o second_o god_n have_v give_v special_a charge_n to_o we_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n that_o he_o have_v set_v we_o in_o more_o than_o of_o those_o that_o be_v general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n belong_v to_o all_o man_n and_o every_o tree_n must_v be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o fruit_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n 6.44_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o that_o direction_n john_n baptist_n give_v to_o the_o publican_n and_o soldier_n luk._n 3.13_o 14_o and_o in_o those_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v in_o his_o epistle_n ephes._n 5._o &_o 6._o col._n 3._o &_o 4._o and_o by_o the_o charge_n he_o give_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 6.2_o and_o to_o titus_n tit._n 2.15_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a sign_n of_o unsoundnesse_n applic._n when_o man_n seem_v very_o forward_o in_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o neglect_v their_o calling_n be_v bad_a husband_n and_o wife_n and_o master_n and_o servant_n bad_a magistrate_n and_o minister_n like_o a_o blind_a eye_n or_o lame_a hand_n in_o the_o body_n that_o have_v life_n and_o sense_n and_o motion_n as_o all_o the_o member_n have_v but_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o their_o particular_a office_n three_o and_o last_o god_n have_v give_v we_o more_o special_a charge_n to_o look_v to_o our_o self_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o then_o concern_v other_o man_n examine_v yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o prove_v your_o own_o self_n gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n rom._n 14.22_o have_v â—aith_n to_o thyself_o before_o god_n therefore_o david_n profess_v this_o of_o himself_o psal._n 18.23_o i_o be_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o i_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a sign_n of_o unsoundnesse_n when_o a_o man_n busy_v himself_o more_o with_o censure_v and_o seem_v to_o hate_v sin_n more_o in_o other_o then_o in_o himself_o this_o our_o saviour_n note_v for_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n mat._n 7.3_o that_o he_o behold_v the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o his_o brother_n eye_n but_o consider_v not_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n lecture_n lxxxvi_o on_o psalm_n 51.6_o april_n 1â—_n 1628._o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o answer_n 2._o to_o the_o question_n and_o show_v you_o how_o and_o wherein_o the_o upright_o heart_a man_n do_v and_o must_v show_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n now_o this_o do_v appear_v in_o three_o point_n principal_o 1._o he_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v he_o in_o one_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o 2._o he_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o sin_n god_n have_v forbid_v 3._o he_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o duty_n god_n have_v command_v he_o these_o three_o point_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o in_o order_n and_o make_v application_n of_o they_o also_o as_o i_o go_v over_o they_o several_o for_o the_o first_o the_o upright_a heart_a man_n show_v thus_o farforth_a a_o equal_a respect_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v he_o to_o know_v in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o say_v that_o concern_v he_o to_o know_v for_o it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o sincerity_n but_o of_o the_o contrary_a 1._o when_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v more_o of_o god_n will_n than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v and_o to_o pry_v too_o far_o into_o his_o secret_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o glory_n unto_o his_o people_n at_o the_o deliver_n of_o the_o law_n he_o set_v bound_n unto_o they_o and_o charge_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n as_o you_o shall_v find_v exod._n 19.12.21_o not_o to_o pass_v those_o bound_n to_o gaze_v and_o pry_v too_o far_o 2._o when_o a_o man_n be_v too_o inquisitive_a to_o know_v that_o that_o concern_v other_o man_n o_o how_o perfect_a be_v many_o man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o superior_n and_o of_o their_o neighbour_n also_o like_a peter_n john_n 21.21_o lord_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v who_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o this_o and_o say_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o 3._o when_o a_o man_n seek_v knowledge_n in_o those_o thing_n most_o that_o be_v no_o way_n
draw_v a_o man_n unto_o obedience_n and_o to_o a_o conscionable_a practice_n of_o that_o he_o know_v if_o his_o knowledge_n be_v sound_a and_o save_v give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n say_v david_n psalm_n 119.34_o yea_o i_o shall_v observe_v it_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n 3._o it_o will_v effectual_o restrain_v from_o sin_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o have_v it_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n say_v the_o lord_n esa._n 11.9_o for_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v where_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v abound_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o oppression_n or_o violence_n shall_v reign_v if_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n ephes._n 4.21_o 22._o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v whosoever_o have_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o know_v christ_n in_o truth_n must_v needs_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n therefore_o also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v ignorance_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o sin_n call_v all_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v pardonable_a and_o for_o which_o sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ignorances_n hebrew_n 9.7_o the_o lust_n we_o have_v when_o we_o be_v in_o ignorance_n 1_o peter_n 1.14_o and_o work_v of_o darkness_n ephesian_n 5.11_o yea_o he_o ascribe_v all_o the_o ungraciousnesse_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.11_o there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n why_o be_v man_n so_o profane_a that_o they_o never_o seek_v peace_n with_o god_n sure_o their_o brutish_a ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o why_o be_v man_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o alienate_v from_o all_o goodness_n the_o apostle_n will_v tell_v you_o the_o true_a cause_n ephes._n 4.18_o they_o have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n object_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v object_v and_o say_v that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o all_o sense_n and_o experience_n for_o all_o sin_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v now_o in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n than_o it_o do_v in_o time_n of_o great_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n and_o in_o what_o place_n now_o be_v all_o outrageous_a sin_n so_o rife_o as_o in_o those_o where_o there_o be_v most_o teach_v and_o where_o knowledge_n do_v most_o abound_v answ._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n roman_n 3.4_o yet_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n certain_a it_o be_v because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o that_o not_o knowledge_n but_o the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o day_n of_o these_o place_n of_o these_o person_n that_o you_o speak_v of_o 1._o many_o that_o live_v in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n and_o in_o place_n where_o the_o light_n shine_v most_o bright_a be_v blind_a and_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o light_n they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o egypt_n they_o love_v darkness_n more_o than_o the_o light_n yea_o they_o hate_v the_o light_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v john_n 3.19_o 20._o for_o this_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o unto_o vile_a affection_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n roman_n 1.26_o and_o mark_v what_o he_o add_v verse_n 28_o 29._o as_o they_o regard_v not_o to_o know_v god_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o convenient_a be_v fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n covetousness_n maliciousness_n full_a of_o envy_n murder_n debate_n deceit_n malignity_n whisperer_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o god_n be_v so_o severe_a against_o they_o that_o regard_v not_o but_o despise_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o must_v he_o needs_o be_v against_o they_o that_o regard_v not_o but_o despise_v the_o light_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n marvel_v not_o though_o such_o man_n be_v more_o outrageous_o lewd_a or_o at_o least_o more_o senseless_a and_o obdurate_a more_o hardly_o move_v and_o bring_v unto_o repentance_n than_o any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n have_v knowledge_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n roman_n 2.18_o thou_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o verse_n 20._o thou_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n yea_o thou_o be_v expert_a in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o true_a religion_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o thy_o judgement_n approve_v of_o it_o yet_o of_o he_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v 1_o corinthian_n 8.2_o he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v their_o knowledge_n be_v not_o true_a save_v and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n they_o be_v never_o teach_v of_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephesian_n 4.21_o their_o knowledge_n swim_v in_o their_o brain_n it_o soak_v not_o into_o their_o heart_n in_o their_o hide_a part_n god_n never_o make_v they_o to_o know_v wisdom_n as_o he_o do_v david_n here_o but_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v say_v more_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n lecture_n xcvi_o on_o psalm_n 51.6_o septemb_n 2._o 1628._o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o proceed_v to_o show_v you_o what_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v we_o unto_o and_o they_o be_v principal_o two_o first_o to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o duty_n we_o owe_v both_o unto_o other_o and_o to_o ourselves_o 1_o second_o to_o reprove_v we_o for_o neglect_v of_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o which_o we_o be_v here_o to_o be_v exhort_v unto_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o other_o second_o a_o duty_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o owe_v unto_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o exhortation_n it_o concern_v three_o sort_n 1._o all_o of_o we_o in_o general_n 2._o such_o of_o we_o as_o be_v master_n of_o family_n 3._o last_o such_o of_o we_o especial_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o first_o see_v as_o we_o have_v hear_v knowledge_n be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o desire_n and_o procure_v so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o all_o man_n may_v have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v nor_o doubt_v of_o but_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o pity_n and_o commiserate_v the_o estate_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n even_o of_o turk_n and_o indian_n of_o jew_n and_o papist_n of_o the_o most_o dissolute_a and_o profane_a man_n we_o be_v bind_v i_o say_v to_o pity_v their_o estate_n and_o unfeigned_o to_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o their_o salvation_n i_o exhort_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n and_o that_o prayer_n which_o the_o church_n make_v psalm_n 67.3_o and_o to_o express_v the_o vehemency_n of_o her_o desire_n therein_o repeat_v again_o verse_n 5._o shall_v doubtless_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o every_o good_a soul_n let_v the_o people_n praise_v thou_o o_o god_n yea_o let_v all_o the_o people_n praise_v thou_o as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v oh_o that_o all_o people_n even_o the_o worst_a man_n that_o live_v upon_o earth_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o honour_n and_o worship_v thou_o aright_o and_o the_o very_a sum_n and_o effect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o first_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n matthew_n 6.9_o 10._o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o oh_o that_o thy_o great_a name_n may_v be_v know_v and_o due_o honour_v every_o where_o that_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v appoint_v to_o save_v may_v come_v in_o and_o become_v thy_o subject_n and_o servant_n and_o so_o live_v as_o become_v thy_o subject_n and_o servant_n to_o do_v so_o that_o
in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n verse_n 22._o that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v every_o one_o that_o have_v learned_a christ_n aright_o and_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n have_v true_a and_o sanctify_a knowledge_n in_o he_o can_v but_o forsake_v his_o old_a sin_n and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n it_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o whereby_o we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 3.18_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v this_o brief_o confirm_v in_o both_o the_o part_n of_o true_a godliness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v both_o in_o eschew_v of_o evil_a and_o in_o do_v of_o good_a for_o the_o first_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v job_n 28.28_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o be_v the_o only_a right_a knowledge_n sanctify_a and_o save_a understanding_n that_o have_v power_n in_o it_o to_o kill_v sin_n in_o a_o man_n to_o make_v he_o forsake_v all_o know_a sin_n yea_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n if_o it_o be_v a_o god_n teach_v will_v make_v a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o eschew_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v it_o out_o of_o a_o zealous_a hatred_n of_o sin_n through_o thy_o precept_n i_o get_v understanding_n say_v david_n psal._n 119.104_o therefore_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o more_o my_o knowledge_n in_o thy_o word_n increase_v to_o more_o my_o hatred_n to_o every_o sin_n increase_v likewise_o see_v this_o also_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o godliness_n in_o do_v of_o good_a a_o man_n of_o understanding_n walk_v upright_o say_v solomon_n pro._n 15.21_o if_o we_o know_v any_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o a_o sanctify_a knowledge_n we_o can_v but_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yea_o practise_v it_o with_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n a_o good_a understanding_n say_v david_n psal._n 111.10_o have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o and_o that_o only_o be_v good_a understanding_n sanctify_a and_o save_a knowledge_n that_o draw_v a_o man_n to_o obedience_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o he_o do_v know_v so_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o good_a josiah_n jer._n 22.16_o he_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v this_o be_v sound_a and_o sanctify_a knowledge_n indeed_o that_o make_v he_o conscionable_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n this_o wisdom_n that_o come_v from_o above_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v james_n 3.17_o this_o knowledge_n that_o be_v of_o god_n teach_v be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n applic._n let_v i_o now_o make_v some_o application_n of_o this_o in_o two_o point_n first_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o papist_n and_o other_o that_o object_n our_o religion_n can_v be_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o bring_v forth_o no_o better_a fruit_n it_o reform_v not_o the_o life_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o most_o and_o have_v most_o knowledge_n in_o it_o that_o cry_v out_o against_o all_o profession_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n because_o many_o that_o know_v most_o be_v worse_a man_n than_o any_o other_o to_o these_o man_n i_o have_v three_o thing_n to_o answer_v first_o that_o our_o religion_n may_v be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n though_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o be_v most_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a man_n for_o so_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v though_o judas_n who_o be_v both_o a_o professor_n and_o a_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lewd_a a_o man_n second_o that_o our_o religion_n and_o every_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n in_o it_o even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o slander_v to_o tend_v unto_o licentiousness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o conversion_n by_o grace_n only_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o of_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n of_o final_a perseverance_n be_v so_o holy_a such_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n so_o effectual_a to_o reform_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o a_o man_n as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o that_o true_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n must_v needs_o be_v reform_v by_o it_o even_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v and_o call_v 1_o tim._n 6_o 3._o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n three_o that_o such_o professor_n of_o it_o at_o who_o life_n they_o stumble_v so_o what_o show_v so_o ever_o they_o make_v of_o knowledge_n in_o it_o though_o they_o profess_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o indeed_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o they_o have_v no_o true_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n in_o it_o for_o they_o be_v sensual_a and_o not_o have_v the_o spirit_n jude_n 19_o and_o it_o be_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o can_v reveile_v these_o thing_n unto_o a_o man_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v matth._n 16.17_o but_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n say_v elihu_n joâ—_a 32.8_o and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n he_o that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n understand_v nothing_o aright_o in_o our_o religion_n of_o every_o such_o a_o one_o be_v he_o never_o so_o learned_a that_o may_v be_v say_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v of_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 9.13_o he_o be_v simple_a and_o know_v nothing_o he_o that_o make_v not_o conscience_n of_o every_o commandment_n and_o duty_n that_o god_n have_v enjoin_v he_o in_o his_o general_n or_o particular_a call_n have_v no_o sound_n and_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o of_o religion_n in_o he_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 2.4_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o second_o let_v i_o apply_v this_o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n unto_o every_o one_o of_o you_o labour_v to_o feel_v the_o knowledge_n thou_o have_v get_v out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a knowledge_n in_o thou_o that_o it_o rule_v and_o master_v thou_o so_o as_o thou_o dare_v not_o go_v against_o it_o dare_v not_o but_o obey_v it_o not_o only_o in_o gross_a and_o great_a sin_n but_o even_o in_o small_a even_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o thy_o choler_n and_o moderate_n of_o thy_o passion_n he_o that_o have_v knowledge_n spare_v his_o word_n say_v solomon_n pro._n 17.27_o and_o a_o man_n of_o understanding_n be_v of_o a_o cool_a spirit_n else_o 1_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o all_o thy_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v not_o powerful_a to_o restrain_v thou_o to_o reform_v thou_o john_n 13.17_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v not_o else_o it_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o have_v knowledge_n carnal_a knowledge_n natural_a knowledge_n that_o be_v not_o sanctify_v not_o effectual_a 2._o the_o more_o thou_o have_v of_o it_o the_o more_o it_o will_v increase_v thy_o sin_n james_n 4.17_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v well_o and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o thou_o have_v of_o it_o the_o more_o extreme_a shall_v thy_o condemnation_n and_o torment_n be_v you_o know_v the_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 12.47_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o marster_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o saâ—an_n who_o as_o he_o know_v more_o in_o religion_n then_o any_o man_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o shall_v his_o torment_n be_v great_a than_o any_o man_n both_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v matth._n 25.41_o those_o unspeakable_a torment_n be_v prepare_v chief_o for_o he_o and_o his_o angel_n and_o even_o in_o this_o life_n also_o his_o knowledge_n increase_v his_o torment_n the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v say_v the_o apostle_n james_n 2.19_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n work_v unspeakable_a horâ—ours_n in_o he_o o_o glory_v not_o in_o that_o knowledge_n that_o have_v no_o power_n in_o it_o to_o reform_v thou_o but_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o
say_v job._n 32.8_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n of_o this_o knowledge_n our_o saviour_n say_v to_o peter_n matth._n 16.17_o bless_a at_o thou_o simon_n bar-jona_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveil_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n why_o what_o be_v it_o that_o peter_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sure_o this_o as_o you_o shall_v find_v verse_n 16._o that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o can_v not_o this_o be_v know_v without_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a why_o satan_n himself_o know_v thus_o much_o as_o you_o shall_v find_v mark_v 5.7_o yes_o but_o he_o know_v it_o only_o with_o a_o literal_a and_o historical_a knowledge_n he_o know_v it_o not_o with_o that_o full_a assurance_n with_o that_o spiritual_a understanding_n he_o know_v not_o the_o goodness_n the_o sweetness_n and_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n as_o peter_n do_v so_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes._n 4.20_o 21._o no_o man_n have_v learned_a christ_n no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o right_o till_o he_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o though_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o best_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n speak_v to_o his_o heart_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v this_o inward_a and_o powerful_a teacher_n he_o can_v never_o know_v christ_n aright_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o our_o saviour_n also_o speak_v john_n 6.45_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n every_o man_n therefore_o say_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learned_a of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o none_o but_o he_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o first_o point_n i_o propound_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n no_o man_n be_v able_a without_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o attain_v unto_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o his_o salvation_n now_o for_o the_o second_o point_n that_o this_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v not_o actual_o vouchsafe_v unto_o all_o that_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n all_o be_v not_o thus_o teach_v of_o god_n be_v alas_o so_o evident_a in_o daily_a experience_n that_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v of_o it_o this_o as_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n god_n who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mighty_a a_o work_n as_o the_o create_v of_o light_n at_o the_o first_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a gen._n 1.1_o 2._o as_o mighty_a and_o miraculous_a a_o work_n as_o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v say_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v blind_a john_n 9.32_o be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a as_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o a_o rare_a work_n also_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 13.11_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v though_o the_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o teach_v all_o man_n matth._n 8.19_o he_o will_v not_o teach_v all_o man_n himself_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n say_v david_n psal._n 25.12_o he_o shall_v be_v teach_v the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v teach_v none_o but_o such_o as_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o do_v also_o effectual_o convert_v and_o sanctify_v such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a and_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n psalm_n 25.14_o be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n col._n 1.16_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n but_o to_o who_o to_o his_o saint_n say_v he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o they_o certain_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v nothing_o so_o many_o hearer_n nothing_o so_o many_o scholar_n as_o we_o his_o poor_a servant_n have_v many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v say_v our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o to_o his_o hearer_n mat._n 20.16_o &_o 12.14_o now_o for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n that_o i_o propound_v that_o no_o cause_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v teach_v and_o give_v save_a knowledge_n to_o one_o rather_o than_o to_o another_o but_o only_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o deny_v this_o mercy_n to_o the_o most_o yea_o if_o he_o have_v deny_v it_o to_o all_o man_n there_o have_v be_v cause_n and_o reason_n enough_o to_o be_v find_v for_o that_o in_o man_n himself_o but_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o some_o rather_o than_o to_o other_o of_o that_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o can_v be_v find_v in_o man_n himself_o but_o of_o that_o we_o must_v say_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v mat._n 11.26_o even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 1.9_o he_o have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o himself_o lecture_n ciiii_o on_o psalm_n 51.6_o novemb_n 25._o 1628._o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o proceed_v unto_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v so_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o prove_v sufficient_o but_o now_o why_o it_o be_v so_o yea_o why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o goodness_n whatsoever_o soundness_n of_o knowledge_n be_v in_o any_o man_n must_v be_v ascribe_v whole_o to_o god_n grace_n and_o nothing_o to_o man_n himself_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n two_o principal_a reason_n give_v of_o this_o the_o one_o of_o they_o respect_v man_n and_o the_o other_o the_o lord_n himself_o 1_o for_o the_o first_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v not_o only_o utter_o void_a of_o all_o true_a goodness_n of_o all_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n but_o unable_a also_o either_o to_o do_v anything_o that_o may_v move_v god_n to_o give_v he_o his_o grace_n or_o to_o desire_v it_o or_o to_o receive_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o offer_v it_o unto_o he_o or_o to_o withstand_v and_o repel_v it_o when_o god_n be_v please_v thereby_o to_o enlighten_v and_o convert_v his_o heart_n for_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o a_o dead_a man_n thus_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v notorious_a and_o gross_a sinner_n of_o such_o as_o by_o their_o lewdness_n may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v extinguish_v in_o themselves_o that_o light_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o by_o nature_n such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o prodigal_a of_o who_o his_o father_n say_v luk._n 15.24_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o those_o widow_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 5.6_o she_o that_o live_v in_o pleasure_n in_o wantonness_n he_o mean_v as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 11._o be_v dead_a while_o she_o live_v but_o of_o all_o natural_a man_n indefinte_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v so_o let_v the_o dead_a bury_v the_o dead_a say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 8.22_o even_o of_o they_o that_o god_n love_v before_o all_o eternity_n and_o ordain_v unto_o life_n the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v thus_o the_o elect_a ephesian_n be_v dead_a man_n by_o nature_n ephes._n 2.1_o and_o the_o elect_a colossian_n be_v dead_a man_n by_o nature_n also_o col._n 2.13_o yea_o of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v most_o civil_a and_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v live_v most_o unblamable_o in_o who_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o remnant_n of_o god_n image_n that_o any_o natural_a man_n can_v have_v do_v most_o abound_v even_o of_o they_o i_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v thus_o that_o in_o their_o natural_a estate_n they_o be_v no_o better_o
honour_n to_o god_n themselves_o the_o lord_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n with_o this_o as_o with_o a_o great_a sin_n zach._n 7.6_o when_o you_o do_v eat_v and_o when_o you_o do_v drink_v do_v you_o not_o eat_v for_o yourselves_o and_o drink_v for_o yourselves_o why_o what_o fault_n be_v that_o may_v you_o say_v who_o shall_v they_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o else_o but_o for_o themselves_o yes_o the_o apostle_n tell_v you_o 1_o cor._n 10.31_o that_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v and_o recreate_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o fit_a to_o do_v god_n some_o honour_n in_o our_o place_n if_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o only_o in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v if_o we_o live_v to_o ourselves_o and_o die_v to_o ourselves_o certain_o we_o can_v never_o say_v that_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n i_o may_v show_v you_o hear_v how_o every_o christian_a even_o the_o mean_a and_o poor_a may_v in_o this_o place_n gain_v honour_n to_o god_n but_o i_o will_v tie_v myself_o to_o the_o method_n i_o have_v already_o follow_v and_o instance_n only_o in_o those_o three_o calling_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o example_n of_o 1_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n 2_o the_o minister_n 3_o the_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n first_o such_o as_o be_v master_n of_o family_n have_v a_o great_a opportunity_n to_o honour_n god_n by_o reform_v their_o family_n and_o plant_v religion_n in_o they_o thus_o david_n vow_v he_o will_v honour_v god_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n psal._n 101.6_o 7._o my_o eye_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v with_o i_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o will_v get_v i_o such_o servant_n as_o fear_n god_n if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o whole_a land_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n he_o shall_v serve_v i_o he_o that_o work_v deceit_n and_o bear_v a_o false_a heart_n and_o secret_a hatred_n to_o religion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o open_o profane_a when_o i_o once_o know_v it_o shall_v not_o dwell_v in_o my_o house_n of_o this_o also_o hezekiah_n speak_v esa._n 38.19_o the_o live_n the_o live_n he_o shall_v praise_v thou_o as_o i_o do_v this_o day_n and_o who_o among_o the_o live_n have_v best_a opportunity_n to_o praise_n &_o honour_n god_n the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n shall_v make_v know_v thy_o truth_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v parent_n by_o derive_v religion_n unto_o their_o posterity_n may_v great_o honour_n god_n above_o other_o and_o therefore_o also_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o oft_o note_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o become_v god_n people_n themselves_o they_o show_v themselves_o careful_a that_o their_o whole_a family_n may_v be_v so_o too_o see_v a_o example_n of_o this_o in_o a_o mean_a man_n the_o jailor_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 16.34_o he_o rejoice_v that_o he_o with_o all_o his_o household_n believe_v in_o god_n yea_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o a_o weak_a woman_n act_n 16.15_o lydia_n be_v baptize_v and_o her_o household_n too_o yea_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o a_o soldier_n and_o great_a captain_n act_n 10.2_o cornelius_n fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n yea_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o a_o magistrate_n and_o one_o that_o be_v in_o commission_n act_v 18.8_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n last_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o a_o nobleman_n joh._n 4.53_o the_o nobleman_n of_o capernaum_n himself_o believe_v and_o his_o whole_a house_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o of_o those_o man_n that_o profess_v confident_o god_n be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o be_v his_o people_n and_o yet_o show_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o honour_n god_n this_o way_n by_o reform_v their_o family_n nay_o it_o be_v hold_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o a_o man_n to_o show_v any_o care_n at_o all_o or_o endeavour_v this_o way_n if_o joshuah_n shall_v have_v live_v now_o and_o hold_v that_o resolution_n which_o he_o profess_v josh._n 24.15_o certain_o he_o will_v have_v be_v count_v a_o rank_n puritan_n among_o our_o gallant_n for_o a_o man_n of_o his_o place_n a_o master_n of_o so_o great_a a_o family_n to_o be_v so_o precise_a that_o he_o will_v keep_v never_o a_o blasphemer_n never_o a_o whoremaster_n never_o a_o drunkard_n in_o his_o house_n what_o a_o base_a and_o unworthy_a speech_n will_v this_o be_v account_v in_o these_o day_n many_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n servant_n but_o whether_o they_o of_o their_o family_n serve_v god_n or_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o so_o they_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o like_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o a_o servant_n for_o be_v a_o common_a drunkard_n or_o whoremaster_n or_o blasphemer_n though_o he_o dishonour_v god_n never_o so_o much_o so_o he_o have_v any_o one_o quality_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o they_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v now_o of_o the_o family_n of_o many_o a_o one_o that_o challenge_v as_o great_a interest_n in_o christ_n as_o any_o of_o his_o people_n do_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v of_o babylon_n revel_v 18.2_o though_o in_o another_o sense_n they_o be_v become_v cage_n of_o every_o unclean_a and_o basefull_a bird_n second_o we_o that_o be_v minister_n may_v in_o our_o place_n great_o honour_n god_n above_o other_o and_o express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o i_o be_o glorify_v in_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 17.10_o in_o which_o respect_n paul_n call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o who_o be_v preacher_n as_o appear_v verse_n 18_o the_o glory_n of_o christ._n and_o our_o saviour_n bid_v peter_n thrice_o job._n 21.15_o 17._o show_v his_o love_n to_o he_o that_o way_n even_o by_o â—eeding_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n we_o can_v no_o way_n glorify_v god_n so_o much_o as_o in_o win_a soul_n unto_o he_o we_o can_v no_o way_n express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o much_o as_o by_o feed_v his_o people_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n if_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o constrain_v we_o to_o preach_v so_o diligent_o so_o painful_o if_o we_o show_v ourselves_o in_o our_o ministry_n to_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n as_o john_n speak_v joh._n 3.29_o we_o woo_v for_o he_o only_o and_o not_o for_o ourselves_o we_o seek_v his_o honour_n only_o and_o not_o ourselves_o we_o preach_v as_o we_o do_v not_o because_o we_o think_v this_o kind_n of_o preach_v will_v gain_v we_o more_o applause_n with_o the_o people_n but_o because_o we_o be_v persuade_v this_o kind_n of_o preach_v will_v feed_v they_o best_a and_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n then_o may_v we_o by_o every_o sermon_n we_o preach_v get_v further_a assurance_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n otherwise_o if_o 1_o either_o we_o preach_v not_o 2_o or_o we_o preach_v so_o unprofitable_o as_o we_o gain_v god_n no_o honour_n by_o our_o preach_n feed_v neither_o his_o sheep_n nor_o his_o lamb_n by_o our_o preach_n or_o 3_o if_o we_o do_v preach_v profitable_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o out_o of_o self-love_n we_o seek_v ourselves_o in_o it_o not_o the_o lord_n certain_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v we_o how_o well_o so_o ever_o we_o can_v speak_v of_o christ_n but_o when_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 9.27_o ourselves_o shall_v become_v cast_v away_o three_o and_o last_o such_o as_o be_v magistrate_n may_v in_o their_o place_n great_o honour_n god_n and_o that_o in_o some_o respect_n more_o than_o any_o other_o man_n when_o a_o number_n of_o foul_a sin_n whereby_o god_n be_v great_o dishonour_v be_v mention_v the_o cause_n be_v oft_o assign_v judg._n 17.6_o and_o elsewhere_o to_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v in_o those_o day_n no_o king_n in_o israel_n but_o every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o a_o magistrate_n may_v by_o this_o show_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o one_o that_o have_v true_a assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n if_o he_o show_v most_o zeal_n in_o execute_v justice_n upon_o such_o offence_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o dishonour_v god_n give_v to_o phinehas_n his_o covenant_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v a_o increase_n of_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o his_o special_a favour_n as_o we_o read_v num._n 25.11_o 12._o because_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n in_o punish_v of_o filthy_a whoredom_n and_o
though_o both_o thyself_o and_o other_o that_o be_v no_o whit_n inferior_a unto_o they_o but_o far_o beyond_o they_o in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n do_v think_v otherwise_o of_o they_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n even_o between_o godly_a and_o good_a man_n and_o one_o may_v see_v that_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o another_o man_n every_o whit_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o be_v so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o those_o that_o join_v with_o he_o galatian_n 2.12_o 13._o know_v it_o be_v a_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a thing_n to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o eat_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_v they_o though_o neither_o barnabas_n nor_o peter_n man_n no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o they_o in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n can_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v so_o christian_n may_v not_o condemn_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n for_o their_o difference_n in_o judgement_n in_o these_o small_a matter_n who_o be_v thou_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 14.4_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v second_o 2._o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o some_o man_n even_o some_o good_a man_n be_v through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n righteous_a over_o much_o and_o make_v scruple_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o no_o law_n of_o god_n bind_v they_o to_o make_v scruple_n of_o else_o solomon_n will_v never_o have_v say_v eccl._n 7.16_o be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o neither_o make_v thyself_o over_o wise_a such_o a_o one_o be_v he_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 14.2_o another_o that_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v his_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n that_o make_v he_o so_o scrupulous_a and_o fearful_a to_o eat_v any_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v now_o abrogate_a have_v be_v forbid_v but_o no_o man_n must_v be_v despise_v or_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n because_o of_o this_o for_o that_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o apostle_n rule_v rom._n 14.3_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o three_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v judge_v or_o think_v the_o worse_a one_o of_o another_o either_o for_o use_v or_o not_o use_v our_o liberty_n in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o own_o nature_n lawful_a and_o lawful_o also_o use_v by_o one_o man_n it_o may_v be_v in_o another_o man_n a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o because_o the_o one_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o it_o which_o the_o other_o be_v not_o but_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v the_o apostle_n roman_n 14.14_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o no_o creature_n of_o god_n unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a why_o will_v you_o say_v can_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n make_v any_o thing_n clean_a or_o unclean_a lawful_a or_o unlawful_a no_o not_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n but_o to_o himself_o it_o may_v for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o doubt_v to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v a_o damnable_a thing_n he_o that_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 14.23_o be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n though_o it_o be_v deceive_v though_o it_o be_v erroneous_a yet_o have_v a_o bind_a power_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a danger_n for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v against_o it_o all_o man_n must_v seek_v to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o conscience_n by_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n say_v the_o apostle_n roman_n 14.5_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o word_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o double_a sin_n in_o he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o conscience_n if_o thou_o therefore_o see_v a_o man_n who_o be_v otherwise_o conscionable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n scrupulous_a and_o fearful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o thou_o know_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v he_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o to_o do_v pity_v he_o inform_v he_o instruct_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o bring_v he_o out_o of_o his_o error_n but_o scorn_v he_o not_o hate_v he_o not_o malign_v he_o not_o for_o it_o second_o the_o one_o be_v able_a to_o use_v or_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v to_o be_v lawful_a lawful_o and_o take_v no_o hurt_n by_o it_o the_o other_o though_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a yet_o find_v that_o through_o his_o weakness_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o use_v it_o but_o he_o shall_v receive_v hurt_v by_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6.12_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o restrain_v many_o a_o good_a man_n from_o the_o use_n of_o sundry_a recreation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o because_o he_o find_v his_o own_o weakness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v use_v they_o without_o receive_v much_o hurt_n by_o they_o and_o this_o will_v restrain_v many_o more_o from_o they_o if_o they_o have_v that_o care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v applic._n to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o point_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n if_o thou_o see_v any_o man_n that_o love_v the_o word_n that_o use_v constant_o prayer_n in_o his_o family_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n that_o hate_v popery_n that_o be_v strict_a and_o precise_a even_o in_o the_o small_a thing_n if_o thou_o see_v i_o say_v any_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o unclean_a person_n or_o unjust_a in_o his_o deal_n or_o careless_a of_o his_o word_n or_o a_o busy_a body_n or_o negligent_a in_o his_o call_n hate_v these_o thing_n in_o he_o in_o god_n name_n nay_o hate_v they_o in_o he_o more_o than_o in_o another_o man_n because_o he_o make_v so_o good_a a_o profession_n and_o because_o his_o sin_n bring_v more_o reproach_n upon_o the_o gospel_n than_o another_o man_n will_v do_v but_o take_v heed_n thou_o hate_v he_o not_o because_o of_o his_o profession_n because_o of_o any_o of_o those_o good_a thing_n thou_o discerne_v in_o he_o for_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o hater_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o near_o unto_o that_o sin_n that_o can_v never_o be_v pardon_v which_o the_o apostle_n call_v hebrew_n 10.29_o a_o do_v of_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o what_o comfort_n can_v thou_o have_v either_o in_o life_n or_o death_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o hater_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n what_o remain_v for_o thou_o when_o god_n shall_v open_v thy_o eye_n and_o cause_n thou_o to_o see_v thy_o own_o estate_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o ver_fw-la 27._o and_o of_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o adversary_n of_o god_n the_o hater_n of_o god_n o_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o hate_v any_o man_n for_o his_o goodness_n take_v heed_n of_o it_o i_o beseech_v you_o as_o we_o have_v no_o sure_a note_n that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n then_o this_o if_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o 1_o john_n 3.14_o if_o we_o can_v love_v a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v matth._n 10.42_o so_o can_v we_o have_v no_o certain_a a_o sign_n that_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v in_o the_o very_a gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n as_o the_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act_v 8.23_o than_o this_o when_o we_o hate_v the_o brethren_n when_o we_o hate_v a_o disciple_n a_o professor_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o professor_n even_o
upon_o my_o first_o proof_n be_v the_o testimony_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o they_o that_o cleave_v constant_o to_o his_o truth_n the_o second_o be_v the_o comfort_n that_o god_n people_n themselves_o have_v find_v 1_o and_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v repose_v in_o that_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o proof_n i_o will_v give_v you_o but_o three_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o you_o shall_v find_v esa._n 26.2_o open_v you_o the_o gate_n that_o the_o righteous_a nation_n which_o keep_v the_o truth_n may_v enter_v in_o mark_v three_o thing_n in_o this_o first_o proof_n 1._o god_n make_v it_o the_o character_n of_o the_o righteous_a nation_n the_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o keep_v the_o truth_n yea_o that_o he_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o 2_o keep_v the_o truth_n all_o truth_n every_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v unto_o they_o 3._o mark_v what_o be_v say_v vers._n 1._o of_o this_o nation_n that_o keep_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o security_n they_o may_v have_v that_o be_v of_o that_o nation_n we_o have_v a_o strong_a city_n salvation_n will_v god_n appoint_v for_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n the_o nation_n that_o keep_v the_o truth_n yea_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v as_o a_o strong_a city_n god_n salvation_n and_o protection_n shall_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n unto_o that_o nation_n my_o second_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v that_o speech_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n joh._n 8.31_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o not_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n only_o he_o that_o be_v christ_n disciple_n indeed_o teach_v of_o god_n a_o true_a believer_n will_v continue_v in_o christ_n word_n in_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v learn_v of_o he_o and_o not_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o it_o and_o the_o three_o be_v like_a unto_o this_o 2_o john_n 9_o whosoever_o transgress_v he_o mean_v not_o in_o action_n and_o practice_n for_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o transgress_v so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o sin_v not_o 1_o king_n 8.46_o and_o every_o one_o that_o sin_v transgress_v the_o law_n 1_o joh._n 3.4_o but_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o transgress_v in_o judgement_n forsake_v the_o right_a way_n as_o they_o do_v 2_o peter_n 2.15_o and_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n whosoever_o say_v he_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n have_v no_o part_n in_o god_n no_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n no_o comfort_n in_o he_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n have_v god_n for_o his_o father_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o his_o saviour_n and_o this_o be_v my_o first_o sort_n of_o proof_n the_o testimony_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v of_o they_o that_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o holy_a religion_n you_o see_v what_o account_n the_o lord_n make_v of_o such_o 2_o my_o second_o proof_n be_v the_o testimony_n that_o god_n people_n themselves_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n have_v give_v unto_o this_o even_o of_o the_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v find_v in_o this_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o affliction_n that_o they_o have_v be_v constant_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o faithful_o persist_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n i_o will_v give_v you_o three_o particular_a example_n of_o most_o holy_a man_n and_o one_o more_o general_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o first_o of_o my_o three_o example_n be_v holy_a job_n who_o when_o he_o be_v overwhelm_v almost_o with_o tentation_n of_o all_o sort_n find_v not_o more_o comfort_n and_o strength_n against_o they_o all_o in_o any_o one_o thing_n than_o he_o do_v in_o this_o job_n 23.11_o 12._o my_o foot_n have_v hold_v his_o step_n his_o way_n have_v i_o keep_v and_o not_o decline_v neither_o have_v i_o go_v back_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o lip_n i_o have_v esteem_v the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n more_o than_o my_o necessary_a food_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v how_o many_o and_o how_o great_a soever_o my_o frailty_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v whereby_o i_o have_v just_o deserve_v the_o lord_n shall_v thus_o afflict_v i_o yet_o i_o thaâ—ke_v god_n this_o my_o conscience_n can_v witness_v with_o i_o and_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o have_v never_o be_v variable_a in_o my_o religion_n i_o have_v be_v constant_a in_o that_o my_o second_o example_n be_v david_n who_o when_o his_o soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o dust_n psal._n 119.25_o and_o melt_v for_o heaviness_n as_o he_o say_v vers._n 28._o when_o he_o be_v bring_v very_o low_a by_o outward_a and_o inward_a affliction_n raise_v up_o himself_o with_o this_o testimony_n that_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o as_o with_o a_o principal_a comfort_n vers._n 30_o 31._o i_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n thy_o judgement_n thy_o word_n for_o so_o be_v that_o word_n take_v most_o common_o in_o that_o psalm_n have_v i_o lay_v before_o i_o i_o have_v stick_v unto_o thy_o testimony_n o_o lord_n put_v i_o not_o to_o shame_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o have_v deliberate_o advise_o and_o upon_o good_a ground_n i_o find_v for_o it_o in_o thy_o word_n not_o out_o of_o any_o carnal_a respect_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o time_n and_o state_n i_o live_v in_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o religion_n which_o i_o do_v profess_v and_o i_o have_v stick_v to_o it_o and_o will_v never_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o therefore_o o_o lord_n put_v i_o not_o to_o shame_v forsake_v i_o not_o nor_o leave_v i_o not_o without_o comfort_n my_o three_o example_n be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 2_o tim_n 4.6_o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n that_o be_v a_o time_n certain_o wherein_o he_o shall_v need_v to_o bethink_v himself_o of_o the_o best_a ground_n of_o comfort_n he_o have_v and_o what_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n that_o he_o ground_n his_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n upon_o at_o that_o time_n sure_o this_o which_o he_o express_v in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o by_o many_o opposition_n of_o false_a teacher_n and_o bitter_a persecution_n i_o have_v be_v strong_o assault_v to_o forsake_v it_o yet_o i_o have_v i_o praise_v god_n and_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n even_o to_o the_o finish_n of_o my_o course_n and_o end_n of_o my_o day_n keep_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v act_n 6.7_o rom._n 1.5_o gal._n 1.23_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o mark_v how_o confident_o he_o infer_v even_o upon_o this_o ground_n in_o the_o next_o word_n vers._n 8._o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n my_o four_o and_o last_o example_n be_v more_o general_a even_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o god_n have_v then_o upon_o earth_n psal._n 44.17_o 18_o 19_o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forget_v thou_o neither_o have_v we_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n our_o heart_n be_v not_o turn_v back_o neither_o have_v our_o step_n decline_v from_o thy_o way_n though_o thou_o have_v sore_o break_v we_o in_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n and_o cover_v we_o with_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v no_o reproach_n or_o persecution_n that_o ever_o we_o endure_v all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v escape_v if_o we_o will_v have_v deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n and_o forsake_v thy_o truth_n can_v make_v we_o so_o much_o as_o in_o heart_n to_o turn_v back_o from_o thy_o way_n as_o our_o forefather_n do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v act_n 7.39_o that_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o turn_v back_o into_o egypt_n they_o can_v have_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v there_o again_o but_o so_o can_v not_o we_o and_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o uprightness_n we_o have_v to_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o in_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o have_v befall_v we_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n that_o a_o man_n constancy_n in_o the_o
do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o in_o his_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o teach_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophesy_n then_o any_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v speak_v so_o express_o as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o have_v be_v so_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o have_v be_v willing_a to_o seal_v it_o even_o with_o their_o dear_a blood_n so_o the_o evangelist_n say_v luke_n 1.1_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o the_o faithful_a and_o peter_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elect_a apostle_n joh._n 6.69_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o they_o all_o joh._n 17.8_o that_o they_o know_v sure_o that_o be_v come_v out_o from_o god_n and_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v send_v he_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v attain_v you_o see_v not_o unto_o a_o probable_a opinion_n only_o but_o to_o a_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o from_o this_o certainty_n have_v grow_v that_o marvellous_a courage_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o holy_a martyr_n have_v express_v in_o all_o their_o suffering_n they_o be_v â—laine_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n revel_v 6.9_o and_o â—or_a the_o testimony_n which_o they_o hold_v they_o do_v profess_v and_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o his_o word_n and_o they_o do_v hold_v fast_o this_o their_o testimony_n and_o will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v slay_v if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v waver_v and_o unsettle_a in_o it_o certain_o he_o be_v never_o yet_o teach_v of_o god_n five_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o this_o undoubted_a certainty_n in_o religion_n by_o any_o other_o mean_v but_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o a_o man_n be_v a_o constant_a hearer_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a teacher_n and_o enjoy_v all_o other_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n yet_o shall_v he_o never_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o salvation_n till_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o when_o peter_n have_v make_v this_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n matth._n 16.16_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o verse_n 17._o bless_a be_v thou_o simon_n bar-jona_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mark_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o speech_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 1._o that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n he_o can_v never_o understand_v and_o know_v no_o not_o thus_o much_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v a_o bless_a and_o happy_a man_n that_o can_v find_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n why_o but_o may_v you_o say_v may_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v so_o much_o to_o a_o man_n may_v not_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o may_v say_v so_o and_o he_o may_v think_v so_o and_o he_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o he_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o this_o article_n he_o can_v believe_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n as_o philip_n speak_v act_v 8.37_o till_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v reveal_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o persuade_v his_o heart_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v he_o can_v say_v and_o profess_v it_o from_o the_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o heart_n till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v teach_v it_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o be_v instruct_v and_o guide_v by_o it_o certain_o say_v elihu_n job_n 32.8_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o the_o marvellous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a writer_n that_o pen_v it_o 2._o the_o certain_a fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o it_o 3._o the_o strange_a miracle_n that_o have_v confirm_v it_o 4._o the_o admirable_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o preserve_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o testimony_n that_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v give_v unto_o it_o 6._o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o argument_n can_v undoubted_o persuade_v the_o heart_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n till_o we_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n till_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v inward_o certify_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o therefore_o be_v this_o knowledge_n this_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n call_v pro_fw-la 30.3_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o 9.10_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n a_o carnal_a man_n by_o his_o natural_a part_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o learning_n of_o hear_v of_o study_n and_o conference_n may_v know_v much_o in_o religion_n and_o teach_v it_o also_o excellent_o and_o maintain_v it_o strong_o against_o any_o adversary_n but_o this_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o carry_v with_o it_o as_o with_o full_a sail_n the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o that_o make_v a_o man_n able_a and_o willing_a to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o man_n have_v till_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o persuade_v he_o in_o the_o truth_n six_o and_o last_o proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n that_o any_o faithful_a man_n have_v receive_v shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o religion_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o by_o who_o though_o he_o oppose_v he_o to_o the_o natural_a man_n he_o mean_v not_o every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o many_o other_o of_o the_o regenerate_a have_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n he_o make_v chap._n 3_o 1._o between_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o they_o that_o be_v â—aâ—es_n in_o christ._n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a say_v he_o judge_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v not_o only_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n that_o himself_o hold_v but_o can_v judge_v and_o clear_o discern_v and_o reject_v any_o error_n that_o be_v hold_v by_o other_o man_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v he_o be_v so_o certain_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o hold_v that_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v can_v oversway_n he_o or_o cause_v he_o to_o stagger_v grow_v in_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o peter_n 3.18_o and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o holy_a and_o more_o spiritual_a a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o love_n of_o goodness_n the_o better_a and_o with_o the_o more_o certainty_n of_o assurance_n shall_v he_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a assurance_n shall_v he_o have_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n object_n and_o thus_o have_v open_v and_o confirm_v this_o first_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o come_v to_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n which_o the_o papist_n
digest_v so_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o church_n roman_n 14.1_o not_o to_o trouble_v the_o weak_a christian_n with_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o as_o these_o two_o precedent_n must_v teach_v we_o preacher_n not_o to_o trouble_v the_o people_n more_o than_o needs_o we_o must_v with_o matter_n of_o controversy_n so_o must_v this_o teach_v you_o that_o be_v god_n people_n not_o to_o busy_v your_o head_n too_o much_o with_o these_o high_a point_n feed_v better_o of_o your_o milk_n before_o you_o meddle_v with_o strong_a meat_n be_v not_o like_a to_o the_o child_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n before_o he_o have_v learn_v the_o first_o leaf_n if_o any_o of_o you_o shall_v say_v but_o i_o thank_v god_n my_o capacity_n will_v serve_v to_o understand_v any_o point_n of_o controversy_n i_o be_o pass_v a_o child_n in_o religion_n i_o answer_v first_o i_o doubt_v many_o that_o think_v so_o well_o of_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v examine_v will_v be_v find_v ignorant_a enough_o in_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o our_o religion_n sure_o i_o be_o it_o become_v the_o best_a to_o think_v more_o mean_o of_o themselves_o our_o saviour_n call_v his_o elect_a apostle_n john_n 13.33_o and_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o faithful_a that_o he_o write_v to_o 1_o john_n 5.21_o little_a child_n second_o as_o though_o a_o child_n can_v never_o without_o danger_n feed_v upon_o strong_a meat_n yet_o a_o man_n of_o year_n may_v safe_o eat_v milk_n so_o though_o the_o weak_a christian_a can_v never_o without_o danger_n busy_a himself_o in_o intricate_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o may_v the_o strong_a christian_a with_o profit_n seek_v to_o be_v better_o ground_v in_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o peter_n 2.2_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o three_o and_o last_o way_n whereby_o that_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a may_v be_v descry_v be_v this_o when_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n only_o for_o knowledge_n sake_n without_o all_o respect_n to_o the_o use_n and_o profit_n we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o for_o our_o edificaton_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v follow_v in_o preach_v to_o teach_v that_o only_a that_o be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a paul_n do_v so_o himself_o act_v 20._o i_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a and_o he_o charge_v titus_n to_o do_v so_o too_o titus_n 3.8_o these_o thing_n speak_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_v i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n you_o shall_v follow_v in_o learning_n teach_v i_o good_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n say_v david_n psal._n 119.66_o such_o knowledge_n as_o will_v do_v i_o good_a and_o make_v i_o good_a the_o true_a religion_n that_o god_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v call_v rom._n 10.8_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o if_o thou_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n to_o any_o other_o end_n then_o to_o increase_v faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a even_o in_o thy_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v thou_o sure_a that_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a exod._n 20.7_o lecture_n cxlviii_o on_o psalm_n 51.7_o october_n 18._o 1631._o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o proceed_v unto_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o fall_v away_o from_o it_o four_o principal_a direction_n i_o find_v give_v in_o god_n book_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o abide_v constant_a in_o the_o truth_n must_v ground_v himself_o well_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o labour_v to_o be_v assure_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o he_o hold_v continue_v thou_o say_v the_o apostle_n unto_o timothy_n 2_o timothy_n 3.14_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o learn_v well_o nor_o unless_o he_o be_v assure_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_a say_v he_o col._n 1.23_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o ground_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o that_o find_v not_o good_a ground_n for_o that_o he_o hold_v and_o believe_v i_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n say_v david_n psalm_n 119.30_o 31._o thy_o judgement_n have_v i_o lay_v before_o i_o i_o have_v stick_v unto_o thy_o testimony_n no_o man_n can_v stick_v to_o god_n truth_n that_o be_v draw_v by_o other_o or_o carry_v by_o example_n or_o by_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o time_n to_o a_o like_n of_o it_o but_o he_o only_o that_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o that_o have_v advise_o and_o upon_o good_a ground_n undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o they_o that_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v toss_v too_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v eph._n 4.14_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v apt_a to_o receive_v popery_n or_o any_o other_o heresy_n if_o he_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o weak_a and_o ungrounded_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tuth_z as_o alas_o most_o of_o our_o people_n though_o they_o have_v be_v hearer_n so_o long_o and_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v if_o ever_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n shall_v come_v on_o the_o otherside_n knowledge_n will_v preserve_v a_o man_n from_o that_o danger_n discretion_n shall_v preserve_v thou_o say_v solomon_n pro._n 2.11_o and_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v thou_o when_o a_o man_n judgement_n be_v once_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o he_o hold_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o he_o to_o forsake_v iâ—_n because_o the_o more_o light_a a_o man_n have_v in_o his_o heart_n the_o more_o strong_o will_v his_o conscience_n reprove_v and_o check_v and_o smite_v he_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o forsake_v it_o and_o to_o go_v against_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o john_n 3.20_o why_o lewd_a man_n shun_v and_o hate_v this_o light_n that_o their_o deed_n may_v not_o be_v reprove_v if_o therefore_o belove_v you_o desire_v to_o hold_v fast_o your_o profession_n ground_n yourselves_o well_o in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o you_o do_v profess_v wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n pro._n 4.7_o therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n withal_o that_o thou_o have_v get_v and_o do_v possess_v get_v understanding_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v to_o purchase_v this_o pearl_n according_a to_o that_o in_o pro._n 23.23_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o also_o wisdom_n and_o instruction_n and_o understanding_n now_o he_o that_o will_v ground_v self_n well_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n must_v observe_v these_o two_o rule_n first_o he_o must_v acquaint_v himself_o well_o with_o the_o first_o and_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v perfect_a in_o they_o though_o a_o man_n hear_v or_o read_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o shall_v he_o never_o attain_v to_o a_o well_o ground_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n till_o he_o be_v well_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a principle_n of_o it_o this_o course_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o bless_a apostle_n take_v in_o teach_v the_o church_n and_o bring_v they_o unto_o sound_a knowledge_n they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o sum_n of_o the_o main_a and_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 6.17_o speak_v of_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o he_o charge_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o which_o both_o in_o the_o next_o word_n verse_n 14._o and_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o he_o call_v his_o depositum_fw-la that_o worthy_a thing_n