aside_o the_o natural_a right_n which_o he_o have_v over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o as_o free_v and_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v all_o infinite_a condescension_n second_o it_o seem_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bereave_v man_n of_o the_o life_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v once_o confer_v upon_o he_o unless_o he_o forfeit_v it_o by_o some_o demerit_n the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v how_o death_n which_o have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o it_o can_v have_v enter_v the_o world_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o enter_v it_o first_o in_o this_o sense_n unsinning_a obedience_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n last_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v once_o establish_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o sin_n forfeit_v life_n so_o obedience_n must_v give_v a_o right_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o penitent_n can_v not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o that_o commit_v no_o sin_n will_v need_v no_o pardon_n but_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o a_o ability_n to_o work_v righteousness_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o grace_n antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o will_v have_v whereof_o to_o boast_v comparative_o with_o respect_n to_o other_o who_o fall_v but_o not_o before_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v man_n have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o god_n but_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o which_o be_v no_o very_o good_a foundation_n for_o merit_n but_o suppose_v he_o absolute_a master_n of_o himself_o suppose_v he_o hold_v all_o thing_n independent_a of_o god_n can_v the_o service_n of_o a_o few_o day_n merit_v immortality_n and_o glory_n angelical_a perfection_n and_o a_o crown_n he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n that_o dare_v affirm_v this_o 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n be_v impotence_n and_o want_n the_o prince_n want_v the_o service_n and_o tribute_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o subject_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o rich_a need_v the_o ministry_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a support_n and_o maintenance_n from_o the_o rich._n and_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o imaginary_a as_o well_o as_o real_a want_v the_o luxury_n and_o pleasure_n of_o one_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o support_v by_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o other_o and_o the_o pomp_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v subsist_v but_o on_o the_o servitude_n of_o the_o other_o in_o these_o case_n therefore_o mutual_a want_n create_v mutual_a right_n and_o mutual_a merit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o want_v or_o necessity_n nor_o be_v his_o glory_n or_o happiness_n capable_a of_o diminution_n or_o increase_n he_o be_v a_o monarch_n that_o need_v no_o tribute_n to_o support_v his_o grandeur_n nor_o any_o strength_n or_o power_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o guard_v his_o throne_n if_o we_o revolt_v or_o rebel_n we_o can_v injure_v he_o if_o we_o be_v loyal_a and_o obedient_a we_o can_v profit_v he_o he_o have_v all_o fullness_n all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a god_n but_o on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a though_o god_n have_v no_o want_n we_o have_v many_o and_o though_o his_o majesty_n and_o felicity_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o vicissitude_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o our_o service_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v design_v to_o procure_v our_o own_o advantage_n we_o need_v we_o daily_o need_v his_o support_n and_o protection_n we_o depend_v entire_o on_o his_o favour_n and_o patronage_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o stream_n of_o good_a by_o which_o we_o be_v refresh_v and_o improve_v to_o know_v and_o love_v he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o our_o happiness_n and_o security_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o our_o perfection_n and_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v be_v our_o heaven_n and_o those_o glimpse_n of_o his_o presence_n which_o we_o be_v vouchsafe_v through_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o pledge_n and_o foretaste_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o if_o i_o be_v hungry_a i_o will_v not_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o world_n be_v i_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o unto_o he_o thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n job_n 35.7_o 8._o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o perfection_n though_o i_o have_v be_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n that_o be_v the_o remove_n the_o obstacle_n of_o perfection_n yet_o i_o easy_o foresee_v there_o may_v be_v some_o which_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o forego_n head_n for_o these_o therefore_o i_o reserve_v this_o place_n these_o be_v five_o 1._o too_o easy_a and_o loose_a a_o notion_n of_o religion_n 2._o a_o opinion_n that_o perfection_n be_v not_o attainable_a 3._o that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n 4._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o than_o will_v consist_v with_o perfection_n 5._o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n §_o 1._o some_o seem_v to_o have_v entertain_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o moderation_n here_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o where_o else_o they_o look_v upon_o zeal_n as_o as_o a_o excess_n of_o righteousness_n and_o can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o want_v degree_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o can_v but_o save_v their_o soul_n to_o which_o end_n they_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o perfection_n now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o common_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n they_o form_n to_o themselves_o of_o religion_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v alter_v by_o their_o fancy_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v mock_v or_o impose_v on_o if_o we_o will_v deal_v sincere_o with_o ourselves_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o certain_o behoove_v we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v frame_v our_o idea_n of_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n the_o manner_n or_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v not_o interpret_v these_o by_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o duty_n they_o prescribe_v by_o those_o description_n of_o they_o by_o those_o property_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o find_v there_o we_o must_v weigh_v the_o design_n and_o end_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n and_o see_v how_o our_o platform_n or_o model_n of_o religion_n suit_n with_o it_o and_o if_o after_o we_o have_v do_v this_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o part_n vice_n and_o virtue_n it_o can_v but_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v too_o that_o the_o repeat_v exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o diligence_n and_o that_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o indefatigable_a to_o vigilance_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v to_o patience_n to_o steadfastness_n and_o suchlike_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o easy_a lazy_a gentile_a religion_n that_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o fair_a and_o full_a comment_n on_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o never_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o a_o corrupt_a world_n but_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o best_a age_n this_o this_o one_o thing_n alone_o will_v convince_v
have_v nothing_o of_o internal_a purity_n or_o solid_a righteousness_n in_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o jew_z and_o gentile_n be_v alike_o wicked_a only_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o aggravation_n in_o it_o above_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o enjoy_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o darkness_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a world_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n advance_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n that_o doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o dispel_v these_o error_n and_o rescue_v mankind_n from_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n contain_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o assertion_n of_o one_o only_a true_a god_n with_o a_o bright_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n second_o a_o account_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o delight_v in_o which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a one_o together_o with_o suitable_a mean_n and_o motive_n in_o which_o last_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o man_n supreme_a happiness_n three_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n through_o who_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n through_o who_o we_o have_v obtain_v from_o the_o father_n grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o adoption_n and_o through_o who_o last_o all_o our_o oblation_n and_o performance_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o design_n of_o this_o glorious_a manifestation_n be_v to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o live_a god_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n these_o than_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o illuminate_v the_o gentile_a and_o jewish_a world_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o must_v illuminate_v we_o at_o this_o day_n these_o dispel_v all_o destructive_a error_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o vice_n or_o misery_n these_o point_n out_o our_o supreme_a felicity_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o these_o open_a and_o enlarge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n enable_v it_o to_o distinguish_v and_o judge_v with_o a_o unerring_a exactness_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o substantial_a and_o superficial_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a good_n and_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o soul_n whatever_o light_n we_o pretend_v to_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o establish_v in_o these_o truth_n i_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o our_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v i_o be_o afraid_a that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v general_o err_v in_o two_o main_a point_n namely_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n for_o who_o that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o ease_n the_o softness_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o frothiness_n and_o the_o freedom_n the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o conversation_n will_v not_o conclude_v that_o either_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o religion_n or_o form_n to_o ourselves_o too_o complaisant_a and_o indulgent_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o be_v this_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n be_v this_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n can_v this_o be_v the_o deportment_n of_o man_n to_o who_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n be_v crucify_a can_v such_o a_o life_n as_o this_o be_v flow_v from_o those_o divine_a fountain_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_v who_o again_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o passion_n we_o discover_v for_o superiority_n and_o precedence_n our_o thirst_n of_o power_n our_o ravenous_a desire_n of_o wealth_n and_o not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v mistake_v our_o main_a end_n that_o we_o set_v a_o wrong_a value_n upon_o thing_n and_o that_o whatever_o we_o talk_v of_o a_o eternity_n we_o look_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o our_o portion_n and_o most_o valuable_a good_a for_o can_v such_o a_o tender_a concern_v for_o such_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o temporal_a thing_n flow_v from_o nay_o consist_v with_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n whoever_o then_o will_v be_v perfect_a or_o happy_a must_v careful_o avoid_v both_o these_o error_n he_o must_v never_o think_v that_o religion_n can_v subsist_v without_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o affection_n or_o that_o the_o bend_v and_o vigour_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v be_v point_v towards_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o air_n of_o our_o deportment_n and_o conversation_n be_v earthy_a sensual_a and_o vain_a conform_v even_o to_o a_o pagan_a pride_n and_o show_v of_o life_n next_o he_o must_v never_o cherish_v in_o himself_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v never_o look_v upon_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o it_o he_o must_v never_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o must_v never_o form_v vain_a design_n and_o project_n about_o it_o nor_o look_v upon_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o only_o as_o instrument_n of_o virtue_n or_o short_a repast_n and_o refreshment_n in_o our_o journey_n and_o because_o all_o our_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o value_n of_o temporal_a thing_n do_v general_o arise_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peculiar_a sin_n to_o which_o our_o constitution_n betray_v we_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o our_o natural_a propension_n and_o infirmity_n be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o illumination_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o address_v ourselves_o hearty_o to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o disease_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o the_o rectify_v any_o inclination_n till_o we_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v irregular_a and_o dangerous_a 2._o the_o second_o character_n of_o illuminate_a truth_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o feed_v and_o nourish_v corroborate_v and_o improve_v the_o mind_n of_o man._n now_o the_o property_n of_o bodily_a strength_n be_v such_o as_o these_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v and_o repel_v injury_n to_o bear_v toil_n and_o travel_n to_o perform_v difficult_a work_n with_o speed_n and_o ease_n and_o final_o it_o prolong_v life_n to_o a_o much_o further_a date_n than_o weak_a and_o crazy_a constitution_n can_v arrive_v at_o and_o of_o all_o these_o we_o find_v some_o resemblance_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o as_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v above_o the_o body_n those_o truth_n than_o be_v indeed_o illuminate_v which_o enable_v we_o to_o vanquish_v temptation_n to_o endure_v with_o constancy_n and_o patience_n the_o toil_v and_o hardship_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o station_n with_o zeal_n and_o vigour_n and_o which_o last_o render_v we_o firm_a steady_a and_o immortal_a and_o these_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v the_o gospel_n call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n ephesian_n 6.11_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v that_o man_n be_v say_v to_o live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o righteousness_n be_v call_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o to_o teach_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a nothing_o durable_a nothing_o eternal_a but_o god_n divine_a truth_n and_o those_o that_o be_v form_v and_o model_v by_o they_o there_o be_v truth_n indeed_o which_o be_v mere_o barren_a and_o vnactive_a which_o amuse_n and_o suspend_v the_o
while_n enslave_v and_o defile_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o very_a liberty_n they_o boast_v of_o in_o their_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o themselves_o open_o spring_v from_o their_o secret_a servitude_n to_o some_o vile_a passion_n or_o other_o nor_o yet_o can_v i_o be_v so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o grant_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o either_o do_v or_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o liberty_n they_o pretend_v to_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o regulate_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n they_o too_o often_o throw_v off_o the_o disguise_n which_o either_o hypocrisy_n or_o enmity_n to_o religion_n make_v they_o put_v on_o and_o prove_v too_o plain_o to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o lay_v restraint_n on_o themselves_o in_o this_o or_o that_o sin_n it_o be_v only_a to_o indulge_v themselves_o the_o more_o free_o and_o secure_o in_o other_o second_o my_o next_o remark_n be_v that_o it_o be_v gross_a stupidity_n or_o impudence_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n when_o the_o belief_n of_o both_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o this_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o world_n require_v both_o without_o these_o selfishness_n must_v undoubted_o be_v the_o predominant_a principle_n this_o will_v breed_v unreasonable_a desire_n and_o these_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n so_o that_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n will_v indeed_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o our_o enmity_n against_o one_o another_o will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v by_o civil_a society_n but_o only_o conceal_v and_o restrain_v till_o a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o its_o break_n out_o shall_v present_v itself_o law_n will_v want_v that_o force_n commonwealth_n that_o bond_n or_o cement_n conversation_n that_o confidence_n and_o our_o possession_n that_o security_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v they_o blessing_n to_o we_o §_o 3._o a_o three_o fruit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v that_o relation_n which_o it_o create_v between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v no_o long_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v separate_v and_o sanctify_a devote_a and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n thus_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v our_o god_n we_o be_v his_o people_n he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o be_v his_o child_n we_o be_v ingraff_v into_o his_o family_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v our_o advocate_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o his_o spirit_n reside_v with_o we_o to_o comfort_v and_o assist_v we_o his_o angel_n guard_v we_o and_o minister_v to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n how_o do_v the_o apostle_n triumph_n on_o this_o argument_n heb._n 12.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n for_o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n nor_o unto_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o tempest_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o word_n which_o voice_n they_o who_o hear_v entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o if_o so_o much_o as_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n it_o shall_v be_v stone_v or_o thrust_v through_o with_o a_o dart_n and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v but_o you_o be_v come_v unto_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n and_o thus_o again_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephus_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n what_o dignity_n and_o eminence_n do_v this_o adoption_n raise_v we_o to_o what_o blessedness_n flow_v from_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n what_o can_v we_o want_v or_o what_o can_v we_o fear_v when_o we_o have_v so_o mighty_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n when_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n be_v employ_v to_o promote_v and_o secure_v our_o happiness_n now_o sure_a we_o may_v rejoice_v now_o we_o may_v glory_v and_o triumph_n for_o certain_o all_o thing_n must_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a but_o as_o fall_v angel_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o new_a create_v man_n so_o do_v apostate_n and_o debauch_a man_n envy_v that_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o one_o of_o these_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v hold_v sir_n you_o run_v too_o fast_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o embryo_n and_o all_o your_o happiness_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o reversion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o big_a word_n you_o must_v grant_v i_o that_o you_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n that_o you_o be_v to_o undergo_v hardship_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o the_o thin_a diet_n of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n and_o so_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v you_o down_o from_o heir_n of_o god_n to_o servant_n at_o the_o best_a well_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o yet_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n nor_o will_v i_o at_o present_a contend_v about_o those_o pleasure_n that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o bud_n i_o will_v for_o once_o quit_v all_o that_o preference_n both_o as_o to_o nobility_n and_o pleasure_n which_o adoption_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n give_v a_o godly_a man_n above_o a_o sinner_n and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v as_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o i_o will_v suppose_v he_o to_o be_v under_o age_n till_o he_o come_v to_o another_o life_n and_o to_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n whilst_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o yet_o after_o all_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o contemptible_a fruit_n no_o small_a commendation_n of_o liberty_n that_o it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v plain_a for_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v the_o world_n shall_v govern_v it_o aught_o we_o not_o to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n who_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o immense_a beneficence_n invest_v he_o with_o a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o who_o shall_v we_o honour_v with_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_n what_o we_o have_v but_o to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v all_o who_o praise_n shall_v we_o show_v forth_o but_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n who_o shall_v we_o obey_v and_o adore_v but_o he_o who_o have_v translate_v we_o out_o of_o bondage_n into_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o servitude_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n have_v redeem_v we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n from_o that_o wrath_n to_o which_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_o subject_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o not_o only_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o our_o honour_n and_o our_o happiness_n to_o serve_v god_n even_o on_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o the_o objection_n proceed_v and_o which_o i_o at_o present_a grant_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o
for_o ever_o need_v i_o invite_v and_o exhort_v man_n to_o humility_n need_v i_o guard_v he_o against_o spiritual_a pride_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o attempt_v it_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o creature_n shall_v think_v himself_o so_o independent_a of_o his_o creator_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pay_v he_o more_o service_n than_o be_v due_a to_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n shall_v set_v such_o a_o rate_n upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n as_o to_o think_v it_o capable_a of_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a reward_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n can_v bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o possible_a in_o a_o word_n that_o man_n poor_a frail_a sinful_a man_n man_z that_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n man_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o but_o a_o very_a ill_a husband_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v proud_a towards_o god_n towards_o that_o glorious_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v who_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o lord_n the_o monarch_n and_o patron_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o be_v universal_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o humility_n true_a humility_n be_v a_o hard_a lesson_n and_o that_o very_o excellent_a person_n be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o vicious_a elation_n of_o mind_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o promote_v the_o one_o and_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o other_o i_o will_v propose_v these_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n 1._o there_o never_o be_v mere_a man_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n 2._o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o do_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n 3._o god_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o it_o be_v our_o own_n not_o his_o interest_n we_o promote_v by_o it_o 1._o there_o never_o be_v mere_a man_n yet_o etc._n etc._n for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o will_v not_o fly_v to_o original_a corruption_n or_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n alas_o i_o need_v not_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o and_o 2._o lay_n the_o foundation_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o universal_a defection_n and_o depravation_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v altogether_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o and_o what_o sin_v he_o there_o charge_v the_o world_n with_o the_o catalogue_n he_o give_v we_o of_o they_o will_v inform_v we_o but_o be_v we_o no_o better_a than_o they_o i_o answer_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n have_v undoubted_o give_v a_o great_a check_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o no_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o too_o must_v be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n and_o though_o our_o sin_n may_v not_o in_o the_o number_n or_o scandal_n of_o they_o equal_a they_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v too_o that_o every_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o provoke_v the_o more_o voluntary_a it_o be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o grace_n be_v which_o it_o resist_v and_o despise_v but_o what_o need_v i_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n what_o need_v i_o prove_v by_o argument_n and_o authority_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o live_v or_o will_v live_v without_o sin_n i_o mean_v mortal_a sin_n who_o ever_o yet_o look_v back_o diligent_o into_o his_o past_a life_n and_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o stain_n and_o deformity_n enough_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o legion_n of_o sin_n be_v range_v under_o those_o two_o banner_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n when_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n envy_n discontent_n murmur_a distrust_n pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n wilfulness_n contention_n forwardness_n passion_n dissimulation_n falsehood_n flattery_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o sin_n and_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o weakness_n and_o prepension_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o almost_o innumerable_a temptation_n to_o which_o we_o be_v expose_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o surprise_v to_o think_v that_o no_o flesh_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o when_o ever_o i_o find_v any_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n as_o i_o do_v some_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o any_o deliberate_a wickedness_n i_o rather_o admire_v their_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n than_o their_o innocence_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o only_o concern_v the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v do_v but_o also_o concern_v the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v omit_v he_o must_v inquire_v how_o far_o he_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v come_v up_o too_o and_o how_o far_o he_o have_v be_v want_v in_o those_o duty_n which_o a_o thorough_a zeal_n will_v have_v push_v he_o on_o too_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o let_v he_o be_v proud_a if_o he_o can_v 2._o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o do_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n and_o strict_o speak_v can_v merit_v of_o he_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o merit_n must_v be_v his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n over_o his_o own_o action_n he_o must_v be_v free_a to_o dispose_v of_o his_o affection_n and_o service_n as_o he_o please_v for_o if_o he_o be_v antecedent_o bind_v if_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n no_o freedom_n no_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o or_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o a_o one_o can_v merit_v and_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a case_n between_o god_n and_o man._n god_n be_v the_o great_a lord_n the_o great_a proprietor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o that_o give_v alm_n do_v but_o restore_v a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n lend_v he_o he_o that_o take_v patient_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n or_o health_n or_o friend_n do_v but_o give_v back_o what_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o retain_v he_o be_v but_o tenant_n at_o will_n and_o have_v no_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n long_o than_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n the_o case_n will_v be_v still_o plain_o if_o he_o adore_v and_o worship_n god_n there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v for_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o be_v and_o preservation_n if_o he_o love_v god_n never_o so_o much_o god_n have_v deserve_v much_o more_o than_o he_o can_v pay_v he_o not_o only_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n but_o even_o life_n itself_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o from_o this_o argument_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o merit_v of_o its_o creator_n angel_n themselves_o never_o can_v for_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n concern_v they_o as_o concern_v man_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v or_o what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o have_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o boast_v as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v adam_n in_o paradise_n for_o i_o demand_v have_v he_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n have_v he_o do_v this_o by_o divine_a grace_n or_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n '_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o divine_n general_o hold_v then_o may_v we_o apply_v the_o expression_n of_o st._n austin_n to_o adam_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o one_o now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o when_o god_n reward_v the_o work_n of_o man_n he_o do_v only_o crown_v in_o he_o his_o own_o gift_n but_o suppose_v he_o have_v do_v this_o by_o his_o own_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o the_o endowment_n of_o nature_n as_o much_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o endowment_n of_o grace_n the_o one_o be_v natural_a the_o other_o supernatural_a gift_n both_o gift_n still_o though_o of_o a_o different_a kind_n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v st._n paul_n to_o affirm_v to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n due_a not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n rom._n 4.4_o i_o answer_v first_o god_n seem_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n to_o suspend_v or_o lay_v