give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o his_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n why_o have_v not_o than_o difference_n be_v observe_v which_o st_n paul_n make_v about_o work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n he_o call_v they_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o bare_o work_v but_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v he_o call_v they_o good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v real_o good_a holy_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o this_o title_n of_o good_a work_n be_v never_o bestow_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o have_v nothing_o of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n good_a work_n in_o st._n paul_n stile_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o bare_o work_v or_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n if_o this_o have_v be_v consider_v such_o great_a â—ains_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v take_v to_o make_v 3.27_o make_v rom._n 3.27_o st._n paul_n agree_v with_o st._n james_n 11.16_o james_n galat._n 11.16_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 11.24_o law_n jam._n 11.24_o and_o st._n james_n â—hat_n man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n â—nly_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o these_o two_o apostle_n both_o follow_v one_o hypothesis_n and_o argue_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v tie_v christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n â—â—ffrms_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a provide_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n be_v â—nd_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n st._n james_n dispute_v against_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v that_o faith_n do_v â—ave_n without_o good_a work_n and_o so_o do_v â—ntirely_o ruin_v our_o saviour_n moral_n deâ—lares_v that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v good_a work_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o instead_o of_o reconcile_a these_o two_o apostle_n some_o people_n find_v here_o great_a difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o reconcile_v st._n james_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o they_o rather_o refute_v st._n james_n by_o st._n paul_n st._n james_n be_v expound_v with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o he_o have_v go_v too_o far_o by_o say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o this_o proposition_n be_v soften_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o be_v excuse_v rather_o than_o explain_v but_o as_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n alone_o justfiy_v without_o work_n it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n so_o that_o all_o be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o nothing_o to_o good_a work_n nay_o faith_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o good_a work_n and_o god_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o faith_n be_v bring_v out_o against_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o work_n it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o manshall_n see_v god_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v man_n raise_v themselves_o above_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o say_v it_o once_o more_o this_o be_v to_o attack_v and_o confute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o self-contradiction_n for_o in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v without_o good_a work_n he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o too_o since_o the_o be_v justify_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o be_v save_v now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o good_a work_n he_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n without_o holiness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 21.14_o we_o heb._n 21.14_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 2._o a_o great_a many_o people_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n law_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v some_o mistake_a place_n give_v occasion_n to_o that_o error_n and_o particular_o this_o 6._o this_o rom._n 6._o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o law_n do_v prescribe_v work_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v only_a faith_n the_o law_n do_v threaten_v but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v only_o of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n so_o that_o to_o require_v work_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o reason_n but_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n commandment_n do_v very_o little_o understand_v either_o what_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o wherein_o these_o two_o dispensation_n differ_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o severity_n it_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o man_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o law_n have_v not_o that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o sanctify_v man_n which_o grace_n have_v the_o law_n lay_v upon_o the_o jew_n great_a many_o obligation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o burdensome_a and_o painful_a but_o which_o beside_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a holiness_n in_o they_o and_o those_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v under_o a_o curse_n the_o law_n itself_o be_v a_o time_n of_o severity_n and_o malediction_n in_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o all_o the_o while_n that_o oeconomy_n do_v subsist_v they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o several_a regard_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o if_o from_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v infer_v that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v just_a this_o inference_n will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o transform_v religion_n into_o libertinism_n iâ—_n because_o we_o be_v under_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o work_n why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n prescribe_v work_n and_o the_o same_o work_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v except_v only_o the_o ceremony_n why_o shall_v this_o gospel_n call_v we_o to_o a_o holiness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n with_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o repentance_n and_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n with_o these_o word_n 4.4_o word_n mat._n 3.2_o and_o 4.4_o repent_v you_o according_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o these_o man_n they_o shall_v have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 11.17_o manner_n act_n 11.17_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n be_v past_a and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o fear_v nothing_o let_v not_o your_o sin_n trouble_v you_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o mankind_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o 5.6.7_o our_o mat._n 5.6.7_o saviour_n speak_v only_o of_o work_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o the_o natural_a intention_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n must_v we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v alter_v that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v holiness_n so_o much_o now_o as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o of_o that_o sin_n be_v become_v less_o odious_a to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n but_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n what_o be_v christian_n then_o a_o lawless_a people_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o 8.2_o under_o rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v st._n paul_n himself_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o respect_n do_v he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n he_o say_v this_o precise_o to_o show_v that_o
namely_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o proposition_n that_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v now_o if_o we_o ask_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v and_o by_o what_o mark_v it_o may_v be_v know_v all_o the_o apostle_n will_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n produce_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n they_o assign_v good_a work_n as_o the_o essential_a mark_n and_o character_n that_o distinguish_v a_o save_n from_o a_o hypocritical_a faith_n by_o that_o very_a thing_n therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v faith_n it_o do_v likewise_o require_v good_a work_n since_o faith_n can_v be_v without_o work_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o fancy_n that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a without_o work_n be_v evident_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o but_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n still_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o two_o mistake_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o separate_v faith_n from_o work_n they_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o thing_n quite_o different_a from_o work_n and_o which_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o or_o rather_o they_o oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n as_o if_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o a_o corrupt_a man_n will_v say_v i_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v not_o good_a work_n but_o however_o i_o have_v faith_n those_o who_o speak_v thus_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n though_o they_o have_v not_o work_n but_o st._n james_n have_v direct_o confute_v this_o imagination_n ii_o imagination_n jam._n ii_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o if_o faith_n have_v not_o work_n it_o be_v dead_a be_v alone_o who_o can_v after_o this_o separate_a save_a faith_n from_o good_a work_n can_v we_o separate_v that_o from_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o it_o show_v that_o man_n be_v strange_o blind_v with_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n when_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o prove_v thing_n so_o plain_a and_o questionable_a the_o second_o illusion_n be_v that_o man_n place_n faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o and_o many_o define_v it_o by_o that_o they_o fancy_n that_o to_o have_v faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o faith_n embrace_v the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o natural_a effect_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o assurance_n and_o tranquillity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n true_a faith_n be_v attend_v with_o confidence_n but_o confidence_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n countenance_n that_o notion_n which_o place_n the_o essence_n of_o faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o consist_v in_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n in_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o in_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o in_o do_v his_o commandment_n and_o hope_v for_o salvation_n from_o he_o but_o the_o resolve_v all_o faith_n and_o religion_n into_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a conceit_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n head_n if_o this_o notion_n be_v true_a it_o will_v follow_v from_o it_o that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o before_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o god_n needs_o do_v no_o more_o in_o order_n to_o that_o than_o actual_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o ridiculous_a thought_n which_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o strong_a fancy_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v good_a reason_n and_o solid_a ground_n for_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o he_o for_o can_v a_o man_n be_v save_v only_o because_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n he_o fancy_n that_o he_o shall_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n but_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n now_o god_n have_v promise_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o live_v and_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n far_o from_o promise_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o inevitable_a ruin_n what_o claim_n or_o title_n than_o can_v a_o obdurate_a sinner_n have_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o confidence_n can_v he_o repose_v in_o god_n promise_n as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a none_o at_o all_o except_o we_o suppose_v in_o god_n a_o general_a decree_n to_o save_v indifferent_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o these_o consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o alarm_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n for_o they_o will_v alarm_n none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o sincere_a piety_n and_o as_o to_o other_o we_o do_v they_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n when_o we_o awaken_v and_o terrify_v they_o out_o of_o that_o false_a quiet_a into_o which_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n have_v betray_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o teach_v that_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a thing_n to_o faith_n for_o by_o this_o we_o may_v alarm_n some_o good_a man_n who_o either_o through_o melancholy_n or_o want_n of_o instruction_n be_v destitute_a of_o confidence_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o happen_v that_o several_a pious_a person_n be_v fall_v into_o black_a thought_n and_o sad_a scruple_n concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n despond_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v confidence_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o from_o all_o these_o reflection_n it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o faith_n never_o ought_v nor_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o good_a work_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o ap_o themselves_o to_o good_a work_n as_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v faith_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o st._n paulâ—hen_o â—hen_z oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n and_o why_o he_o exclude_v work_n when_o he_o treat_v of_o justification_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n â—ins_v at_o two_o thing_n by_o this_o his_o design_n â—s_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o work_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n â—ut_v that_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n this_o he_o prove_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n â—o_o the_o roman_n but_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o say_v â—hat_n good_a work_n be_v not_o necessary_a under_o â—he_n covenant_n of_o grace_n his_o expression_n be_v too_o clear_a to_o leave_v the_o least_o room_n for_o any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o reâ—eject_v the_o meritoriousness_n of_o good_a work_n â—s_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o deny_v their_o necessity_n be_v â—nother_n but_o 2_o because_o it_o may_v be_v obâ—ected_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v entire_o exclude_v work_n and_o that_o he_o use_v expression_n which_o imply_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o man_n salvation_n either_o as_o cause_n or_o condition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n therefore_o i_o add_v that_o he_o speak_v thus_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o especial_o to_o circumcision_n there_o be_v many_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n who_o assert_v that_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v those_o legal_a ordinance_n it_o be_v about_o the_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n meet_v a_o jerusalem_n and_o determine_v xv._o determine_v acts._n xv._o that_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o that_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o on_o they_o the_o same_o conroverly_n be_v handle_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n where_o
that_o they_o offend_v god_n at_o every_o foot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o man_n will_v establish_v from_o this_o maxim_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quote_v the_o scripture_n shall_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n nor_o divide_v sentence_n from_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o impiety_n which_o may_v not_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 5._o but_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v whether_o that_o place_n be_v allege_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o do_v not_o matter_n much_o since_o there_o be_v other_o which_z say_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o strong_a expression_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n vii_o vii_o vii_o rom._n vii_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n for_o in_o i_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n who_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o great_a saint_n fall_v into_o very_o heinous_a sin_n and_o have_v still_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o those_o who_o draw_v this_o inference_n from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v he_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o thought_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o sinner_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o reference_n to_o sanctification_n he_o have_v this_o in_o his_o view_n in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o represent_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o regenerate_v man_n and_o between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o the_o law_n and_o his_o state_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o all_o he_o say_v of_o the_o carnal_a man_n sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n live_v under_o the_o law_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o divine_n otherwise_o able_a and_o pious_a man_n have_v think_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o represent_v there_o what_o pass_v within_o a_o regenerate_v man_n but_o i_o know_v likewise_o that_o a_o great_a many_o orthodox_n divine_v have_v reject_v that_o exposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o h_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o when_o a_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o two_o sense_n man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o that_o which_o come_v near_o to_o the_o pretension_n of_o sinner_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o dispute_n nor_o to_o offend_v those_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o countenance_v corruption_n but_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n so_o i_o entreat_v those_o who_o may_v have_v scruple_n concern_v those_o word_n to_o make_v these_o follow_a reflection_n 1._o let_v they_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o carnal_a man_n fold_n under_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o do_v no_o good_a but_o evil_n and_o a_o man_n involve_v in_o death_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a expression_n which_o can_v be_v use_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o give_v as_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a man_n to_o believe_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o very_o hard_o that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o digest_v any_o thing_n who_o be_v not_o startle_v at_o it_o 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o drift_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n do_v not_o introduce_v licentiousness_n this_o he_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o read_n it_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o shall_v overturn_v all_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o precede_a \_o and_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n be_v captivate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n what_o become_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o produce_v holiness_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v answer_v that_o objection_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o chap._n vi_o 1._o and_o 15._o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n shall_v we_o sin_v we_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n st._n paul_n ought_v to_o have_v grant_v the_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o regenerate_v be_v sell_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o already_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o gospel_n sanctify_v man_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o can_v sanctify_v man_n and_o that_o the_o law_n can_v not_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o very_a first_fw-mi four_o verse_n he_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o law_n nor_o consequent_o under_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n he_o express_v himself_o more_o clear_o yet_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o plain_o distinguish_v these_o two_o state_n and_o the_o time_n pass_v from_o the_o present_a when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o unto_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o two_o state_n the_o sit_v pass_v be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n the_o presect_v state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o law_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o apostle_n refute_v that_o imagination_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o 14_o verse_n after_o this_o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v by_o grace_n and_o who_o still_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v this_o from_o the_o 14_o verse_n by_o fay_v the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n but_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v here_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v very_o ordidinary_a in_o discourse_n and_o by_o which_o he_o that_o speak_v put_v himself_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n because_o he_o have_v be_v himself_o under_o the_o law_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v and_o we_o find_v one_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n which_o be_v beyond_o exception_n st_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v here_o a_o figurative_a expression_n or_o if_o these_o word_n be_v strict_o take_v then_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o apostle_n be_v without_o law_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o say_v ver._n 9th_o i_o be_v without_o law_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n to_o wliom_n the_o law_n be_v not_o give_v so_o it_o be_v unquestionalbe_n that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o
when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o to_o think_v that_o civil_a law_n be_v sufficient_a to_o regulate_v manner_n and_o to_o reclaim_v sinner_n be_v a_o conceit_n almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o proceed_v against_o robber_n or_o the_o other_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n only_o by_o spiritual_a punishment_n let_v no_o man_n then_o confound_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v set_v asunder_o 6._o it_o be_v far_a say_v that_o these_o rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o the_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n be_v make_v only_o for_o a_o time_n be_v there_o any_o ground_n for_o this_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o discipline_n like_o those_o of_o moses_n which_o do_v no_o long_o bind_v we_o do_v the_o apostle_n make_v this_o distinction_n do_v st._n paul_n say_v upon_o this_o subject_a as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n cor._n case_n 1_o cor._n i_o only_o give_v my_o judgement_n i_o have_v no_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v he_o not_o speak_v positive_o of_o the_o order_n according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v he_o not_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v he_o not_o establish_v general_a law_n and_o maxim_n for_o all_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o appoint_v some_o rule_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o this_o day_n because_o those_o regulation_n be_v visible_o found_v upon_o particular_a reason_n which_o do_v no_o long_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v as_o general_a law_n but_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o discipline_n be_v found_v and_o which_o be_v take_v from_o order_n and_o edification_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n those_o reason_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o consequent_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a especial_o be_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o repeat_v in_o so_o many_o place_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v diffuse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o sometime_o she_o be_v persecute_v and_o sometime_o she_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a but_o whatever_o state_n she_o may_v be_v in_o her_o nature_n do_v not_o alter_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o church_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o order_n at_o least_o as_o to_o essential_a thing_n and_o that_o order_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o there_o will_v be_v as_o in_o fact_n we_o see_v there_o be_v as_o many_o different_a custom_n and_o discipline_n as_o there_o be_v kingdom_n state_n province_n nay_o town_n and_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v common_o object_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v extinct_a that_o man_n be_v now_o very_o corrupt_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o very_a thing_n that_o man_n be_v corrupt_a prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n order_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o when_o all_o be_v in_o confusion_n 9_o confusion_n 1_o tim._n i._n 9_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n but_o for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a discipline_n seem_v more_o necessary_a now_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o century_n because_o then_o persecution_n keep_v corruption_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o peace_n vice_n and_o scandal_n do_v infallible_o multiply_v and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o good_a discipline_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o restore_v it_o consider_v the_o disposition_n man_n be_v now_o in_o i_o confess_v this_o design_n will_v meet_v with_o opposition_n those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o restore_v order_n and_o suppress_v licentiousness_n must_v still_o encounter_v difficulty_n but_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v compass_v if_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v not_o oppose_v it_o if_o all_o the_o pastor_n do_v set_v about_o it_o with_o a_o zeal_n accompany_v with_o prudence_n and_o gentleness_n if_o they_o do_v careful_o instruct_v the_o people_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o respect_n they_o will_v carry_v the_o point_n at_o last_o after_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o in_o a_o worse_a disposition_n than_o the_o heathen_n be_v in_o before_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n if_o then_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a can_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o heathen_a magistrate_n shall_v we_o despair_v of_o subject_v christian_n to_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o those_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v observe_v at_o least_o in_o part_n and_o where_o excommunication_n and_o public_a penance_n be_v in_o use_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o design_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a god_n will_v never_o have_v commandded_a it_o 8._o in_o the_o last_o place_n here_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o urge_v with_o great_a force_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o weight_n in_o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o discipline_n will_v bring_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o who_o govern_v it_o will_v then_o assume_v too_o much_o authority_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o this_o fear_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o first_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o discipline_n be_v institute_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o governor_n which_o i_o think_v have_v be_v full_o demonstrate_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v lest_o pastor_n shall_v become_v tyrant_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o if_o they_o have_v establish_v a_o dangerous_a order_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o introduce_v tyranny_n at_o this_o rate_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v encroach_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n every_o christian_a will_v abhor_v this_o consequence_n and_o yet_o it_o result_v natural_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v discipline_n for_o fear_n of_o tyranny_n beside_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v the_o order_n we_o speak_v of_o can_v we_o thus_o argue_v against_o it_o without_o shake_v off_o his_o yoke_n but_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o fancy_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n be_v grant_v to_o her_o governor_n whereas_o they_o shall_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v pay_v or_o yield_v to_o christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v and_o who_o can_v be_v despoil_v of_o it_o without_o sacrilege_n here_o we_o may_v retort_v the_o charge_n upon_o those_o who_o bring_v it_o they_o talk_v of_o tyranny_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o intolerable_a piece_n of_o tyranny_n to_o oppose_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o debar_v the_o church_n and_o her_o governor_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o objection_n nothing_o can_v be_v fear_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o inconvenience_n either_o a_o empire_n over_o conscience_n or_o some_o prejudice_n to_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o inconvenience_n there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v it_o since_o the_o apostle_n who_o so_o express_o recommend_v discipline_n to_o pastor_n forbid_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o assume_v a_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n provide_v discipline_n be_v use_v only_o in_o those_o case_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n 14._o christian_n 1_o pet._n v._o 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la i._n 14._o nothing_o like_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o it_o the_o discipline_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o fear_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v groundless_a as_o to_o those_o case_n which_o concern_v manner_n injustice_n can_v hardly_o be_v commit_v about_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o secret_a and_o
thus_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o great_a of_o other_o clamorous_a sin_n may_v be_v suppress_v if_o great_a man_n please_v be_v it_o not_o observe_v beside_o that_o when_o a_o prince_n be_v devout_a devotion_n come_v into_o fashion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o devotion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a but_o at_o least_o it_o regulate_v manner_n as_o to_o the_o exterior_a and_o such_o a_o outward_a reformation_n may_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o true_a devotion_n however_o this_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o sure_o if_o by_o their_o credit_n they_o can_v make_v vice_n itself_o to_o be_v honour_v will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o make_v other_o man_n honour_v virtue_n since_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v of_o what_o consequence_n the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v either_o for_o good_a or_o evil._n a_o prince_n who_o be_v vicious_a cruel_a dissolute_a artificious_a or_o unjust_a be_v enough_o to_o infect_v a_o whole_a state_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n to_o banish_v piety_n from_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n drunkenness_n lewdnese_n cheat_v indevotion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o this_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n such_o as_o the_o prince_n be_v so_o be_v those_o about_o he_o and_o from_o these_o the_o evil_a spread_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o of_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o life_n which_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n except_v some_o few_o court_n where_o licentiousness_n be_v not_o suffer_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v follow_v at_o court_n for_o the_o generality_n agree_v little_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n people_z live_v there_o altogether_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o worldly_a manner_n in_o luxury_n idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n there_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o most_o entice_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o most_o criminal_a intrigue_n adultery_n itself_o be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o raillery_n than_o reproach_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n at_o court_n unless_o he_o make_v it_o his_o maxim_n to_o dissemble_v his_o sentiment_n and_o to_o speak_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o from_o thence_o corruption_n diffuse_v itself_o almost_o every_o where_n so_o that_o many_o disorder_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n will_v be_v unknown_a or_o at_o least_o very_a rare_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v introduce_v by_o that_o licentiousness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o endeavour_n which_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o use_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o revive_n of_o piety_n these_o endeavour_n relate_v either_o to_o civil_a matter_n or_o to_o religion_n 1._o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o restrain_v libertinism_n and_o corruption_n by_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n either_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n and_o which_o engage_v the_o people_n into_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o reform_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v introduce_v from_o time_n to_o time_n particular_o those_o which_o creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v several_a fault_n which_o the_o church_n can_v provide_v against_o and_o which_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n 2._o the_o other_o care_n relate_v direct_o to_o religion_n 1._o prince_n and_o king_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n provide_v that_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o use_v no_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n want_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o divine_a service_n be_v due_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v both_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n may_v subsist_v honourable_o that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v they_o must_v not_o suffer_v church_n good_n or_o revenve_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_n mere_o civil_a and_o when_o these_o revenue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o justice_n to_o allot_v some_o part_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a as_o to_z manner_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n to_o luxury_n swear_v and_o other_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o protect_v it_o to_o maintain_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o breach_n to_o be_v make_v there_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v regulate_v many_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n owe_v they_o a_o great_a regard_n yet_o they_o can_v without_o usurpation_n and_o injustice_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a authority_n with_o relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n they_o be_v neither_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n a_o authority_n superior_a to_o they_o have_v institute_v religion_n pastor_n and_o discipline_n there_o be_v a_o law_n enact_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o clear_o determine_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o be_v sacred_a thing_n which_o earthly_a power_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o be_v law_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v submit_v to_o when_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o mean_v still_o essential_a thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v acquire_v no_o right_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n since_o he_o who_o become_v member_n of_o a_o society_n can_v by_o that_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o alter_v the_o natural_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n show_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o profess_v true_a religion_n may_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o carry_v this_o instance_n too_o far_o as_o those_o do_v who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n who_o allow_v he_o a_o right_a to_o order_v every_o thing_n there_o not_o except_v discipline_n the_o call_n of_o pastor_n nor_o even_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o beside_o that_o under_o the_o law_n king_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o judge_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v altogether_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n among_o â—â—e_z jew_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v mix_v together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n undistinguished_a from_o one_o another_o that_o mere_o spiritual_a society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v confine_v to_o no_o state_n or_o people_n or_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o erect_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n act_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a law_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o force_n and_o authority_n the_o right_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o function_n of_o priest_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o from_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a pastor_n after_o all_o if_o we_o
of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v