forth_o it_o be_v the_o express_a condition_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o we_o can_v look_v for_o mercy_n pardon_v or_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n introduce_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n do_v require_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o second_o proof_n of_o its_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a now_o as_o it_o appear_v now_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a condition_n require_v of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o st._n paul_n declare_v heb._n two_o nay_o before_o the_o law_n as_o appear_v from_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o count_v it_o to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gen._n xv_o 6._o moreover_o faith_n be_v exact_v of_o man_n even_o before_o the_o fall_n while_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o the_o two_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o life_n which_o god_n set_v apart_o in_o paradise_n and_o the_o interdiction_n of_o the_o first_o by_o that_o severe_a sanction_n in_o that_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v be_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v man_n faith_n thus_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o ever_o since_o before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v always_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n to_o the_o obtain_n god_n favour_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o certain_a and_o unalterable_a order_n and_o method_n of_o which_o oeconomy_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n say_v without_o 6._o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o though_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v secret_a and_o his_o method_n for_o the_o most_o part_n unaccountable_a yet_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o do_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o without_o faith_n in_o this_o present_a state_n we_o neither_o can_v acknowledge_v all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n nor_o yet_o worship_v he_o with_o all_o our_o faculty_n his_o veracity_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n can_v be_v own_v otherwise_o than_o by_o faith_n by_o believe_v his_o word_n assent_v to_o his_o declaration_n rely_v on_o his_o promise_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o threaten_n and_o as_o all_o those_o divine_a attribute_n can_v only_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o we_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o whole_a man_n all_o our_o faculty_n ought_v to_o pay_v he_o homage_n but_o how_o can_v he_o have_v homage_n from_o our_o understanding_n unless_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v only_o by_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o declare_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o judgement_n to_o god_n for_o if_o we_o will_v admit_v or_o receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v demonstrable_a and_o what_o we_o can_v clear_o comprehend_v than_o we_o deny_v god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o refuse_v to_o own_o his_o reason_n to_o be_v above_o our_o own_o which_o be_v intolerable_a pride_n and_o insolence_n for_o this_o cause_n even_o to_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o pay_v he_o this_o due_a homage_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v that_o god_n propose_v to_o we_o mystery_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o he_o often_o abscond_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v he_o work_v not_o always_o in_o a_o godlike_a manner_n that_o be_v in_o a_o splendid_a glorious_a or_o such_o a_o visible_a way_n as_o may_v force_v acknowledgement_n from_o man_n but_o often_o after_o a_o secret_a and_o covert_a manner_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o divers_a sort_n that_o hereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v whether_o we_o believe_v he_o almighty_a and_o the_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o author_n of_o all_o event_n in_o the_o other_o world_n faith_n shall_v cease_v there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o it_o because_o there_o will_v be_v a_o present_a immediate_a intuition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n but_o now_o that_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o faith_n be_v require_v here_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o i_o have_v also_o brief_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o as_o the_o text_n oblige_v we_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o so_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n be_v set_v up_o their_o head_n and_o some_o have_v the_o impudence_n in_o this_o licentious_a age_n to_o dispute_v both_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o what_o god_n have_v clear_o reveal_v as_o for_o you_o my_o belove_a i_o beseech_v you_o build_v yourselves_o up_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o let_v not_o the_o weak_a effort_n of_o insolent_a wit_n shake_v your_o faith_n stand_v up_o and_o strive_v vigorous_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n by_o such_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o if_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o take_v heed_n 3._o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n lest_o there_o be_v 12._o in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n when_o we_o let_v go_v faith_n and_o entertain_v a_o heart_n of_o unbelief_n we_o depart_v from_o god_n lose_v the_o promise_n forfeit_a heaven_n render_v ourselves_o uncapable_a of_o mercy_n and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n here_o and_o to_o damnation_n hereafter_o he_o that_o lay_v aside_o faith_n may_v also_o put_v off_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o all_o the_o pretension_n which_o that_o name_n may_v give_v to_o blessing_n earthly_a or_o heavenly_a bodily_a or_o spiritual_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a for_o faith_n be_v necessary_o employ_v in_o that_o name_n and_o as_o requisite_a to_o he_o that_o will_v deserve_v it_o as_o the_o skill_n of_o law_n or_o physic_n to_o one_o that_o set_v up_o for_o a_o lawyer_n or_o physician_n or_o philosophy_n to_o a_o philosopher_n see_v therefore_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o so_o sacred_a a_o name_n let_v we_o evermore_o pray_v god_n with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n and_o help_v our_o unbelief_n but_o now_o it_o may_v be_v very_o pertinent_o be_v ask_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v which_o be_v thus_o require_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o first_o and_o low_a act_n of_o faith_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o who_o diligent_o seek_v he_o we_o must_v begin_v with_o the_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n existence_n power_n wisdom_n providence_n and_o what_o else_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v of_o he_o but_o then_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v perfect_a we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o knowledge_n and_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o from_o time_n to_o time_n we_o must_v embrace_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o they_o contain_v all_o the_o declaration_n law_n promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o god_n word_n be_v propose_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o that_o be_v we_o must_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a regard_n to_o they_o in_o all_o our_o action_n testify_v the_o firmness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n more_o particular_o our_o faith_n must_v respect_v the_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o action_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o as_o the_o person_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o adam_n abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n prefigure_v by_o the_o law_n expect_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o wait_v for_o by_o the_o gentile_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v embrace_v he_o as_o the_o person_n who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o mediator_n by_o who_o and_o through_o who_o only_o we_o have_v access_n unto_o
into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o he_o this_o manifestation_n be_v the_o full_a and_o most_o glorious_a and_o so_o particular_a that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a mark_n to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a god_n from_o false_a god_n and_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o other_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n and_o all_o those_o who_o worship_n their_o own_o imagination_n will_v ready_o say_v bless_a be_v god_n but_o none_o will_v add_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o such_o as_o know_v and_o own_o the_o true_a god_n indeed_o ever_o since_o this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o true_a god_n he_o have_v style_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o will_v have_v all_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o under_o this_o title_n and_o they_o who_o own_o it_o not_o not_o only_a dishonour_n god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o glory_n which_o thereby_o redound_v to_o he_o but_o also_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o say_v christ_n john_n viij_o 23._o and_o st._n john_n himself_o tell_v we_o whosoever_o deny_v the_o son_n the_o same_o have_v not_o the_o father_n but_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n also_o 1_o epistle_n two_o 23._o locum_fw-la wherefore_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o do_v thus_o particular_o discriminate_a the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v so_o appropriate_a to_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v applicable_a to_o none_o other_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o this_o reason_n our_o initiation_n into_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v by_o baptise_v we_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o ought_v often_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o hereby_o we_o make_v a_o express_a and_o peculiar_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o one_o true_a god_n viz._n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n by_o this_o also_o it_o appear_v how_o suitable_a a_o part_n of_o christian_a worship_n the_o usual_a doxology_n be_v and_o how_o proper_a to_o annex_v it_o to_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n whereby_o they_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o render_v so_o much_o christian_a that_o neither_o jew_n nor_o any_o but_o christian_n will_v join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o god_n have_v thus_o consider_v the_o author_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o motive_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o bless_v we_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o obligation_n which_o arise_v by_o the_o confer_v a_o benefit_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o motive_n or_o cause_n which_o prompt_v it_o if_o it_o be_v extort_a by_o force_n and_o compulsion_n if_o one_o be_v so_o drive_v to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v shun_v a_o courtesy_n scarce_o any_o obligation_n accrue_v thereby_o if_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o after_o requital_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mercenary_a kindness_n and_o though_o it_o oblige_v somewhat_o yet_o the_o obligation_n be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a it_o only_o bind_v we_o to_o make_v some_o recompense_n and_o particular_o that_o which_o the_o person_n may_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a as_o the_o service_n of_o servant_n bind_v to_o the_o pay_v their_o wage_n which_o be_v all_o they_o have_v before_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o service_n cease_v but_o if_o a_o favour_n be_v confer_v free_o out_o of_o pure_a love_n and_o good_a will_n the_o obligation_n be_v both_o perpetual_a and_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n such_o a_o favour_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v forget_v and_o if_o it_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o too_o it_o bind_v to_o the_o utmost_a love_n and_o thankfulness_n now_o such_o be_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n for_o as_o he_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o the_o high_a blessing_n as_o shall_v be_v see_v afterward_o so_o he_o have_v do_v it_o most_o free_o mere_o out_o mercy_n of_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n as_o the_o text_n say_v and_o the_o same_o be_v intimate_v every_o where_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o day_n spring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o say_v zachary_n luke_n i_o 78._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o say_v st._n paul_n titus_n iii._o 5._o and_o rom._n ix_o 15._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n so_o than_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n therefore_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n they_o who_o be_v save_v and_o prepare_v unto_o glory_n be_v call_v vessel_n not_o of_o justice_n or_o of_o righteousness_n but_o of_o mercy_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o mercy_n none_o will_v have_v be_v save_v 58._o and_o indeed_o to_o what_o can_v our_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v but_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v constrain_v thereto_o by_o some_o external_a cause_n for_o who_o can_v compel_v the_o almighty_a who_o can_v prescribe_v law_n to_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o profit_n that_o move_v he_o for_o as_o eliphaz_n say_v can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a unto_o god_n as_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a may_v be_v profitable_a unto_o himself_o be_v it_o any_o pleasure_n to_o the_o almighty_a that_o thou_o be_v righteous_a or_o be_v it_o gain_v to_o he_o that_o thou_o make_v thy_o way_n perfect_a my_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o thou_o say_v david_n for_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o of_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man._n but_o we_o can_v make_v god_n either_o better_a or_o worse_o he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o either_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n to_o add_v or_o take_v from_o his_o greatness_n happiness_n or_o glory_n for_o what_o can_v be_v add_v to_o or_o impair_v from_o a_o infinite_a be_v suppose_v god_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v those_o celestial_a mansion_n to_o such_o as_o can_v merit_v they_o yet_o who_o can_v claim_v they_o even_o on_o that_o account_n his_o angel_n he_o charge_v with_o folly_n what_o be_v man_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v clean_a and_o he_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v righteous_a if_o he_o do_v enter_v into_o judgement_n who_o can_v stand_v what_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o sight_n whatever_o god_n will_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o if_o man_n have_v continue_v innocent_a yet_o sure_o consider_v we_o in_o our_o lapse_v state_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v mercy_n only_o which_o save_v we_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o rebellion_n treachery_n impious_a affront_v wicked_a insolence_n and_o continue_a provocation_n but_o be_v these_o can_v only_o be_v think_v to_o irritate_fw-la his_o anger_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o consume_v as_o we_o deserve_v but_o moreover_o call_v to_o glory_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o mercy_n simple_o but_o abundant_a yea_o superabundant_a mercy_n as_o our_o text_n speak_v will_v you_o but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o action_n for_o one_o day_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o lesser_a folly_n and_o impertinency_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o the_o grosser_n fault_n the_o unclean_a and_o wicked_a thought_n which_o arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o rash_a and_o evil_a word_n which_o proceed_v from_o your_o mouth_n what_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o what_o good_a be_v leave_v undo_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n you_o offend_v altogether_o and_o how_o light_a the_o best_a action_n will_v be_v if_o they_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n i_o say_v be_v those_o impartial_o examine_v the_o gild_n of_o one_o day_n will_v be_v find_v exceed_o great_a and_o then_o what_o will_v it_o be_v if_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o day_n and_o year_n we_o live_v be_v add_v and_o see_v our_o case_n be_v such_o tell_v i_o be_v it_o not_o mercy_n only_o which_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o divine_a
justice_n nay_o abundant_a mercy_n which_o make_v god_n to_o pass_v over_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a offence_n and_o not_o only_o to_o spare_v we_o but_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a thus_o we_o see_v how_o free_a god_n love_n be_v to_o usward_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o abundant_a mercy_n can_v move_v he_o to_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o do_v we_o good_a which_o partly_o increase_v the_o obligation_n of_o his_o benefit_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o too_o as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v as_o will_v appear_v by_o take_v a_o view_n of_o this_o sum_n of_o they_o that_o st._n peter_n give_v we_o here_o which_o be_v the_o three_o point_n propose_v the_o confer_v apostle_n design_v not_o to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o god_n wonderful_a work_n to_o we_o the_o child_n of_o man_n this_o will_v have_v swell_v his_o epistle_n much_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v he_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o thousand_o mercy_n he_o have_v do_v and_o daily_o do_v for_o our_o body_n and_o bodily_a life_n and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o soul_n because_o on_o their_o welfare_n our_o happiness_n main_o depend_v the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n and_o present_a life_n will_v yield_v small_a content_a if_o the_o soul_n be_v lose_v and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v save_v if_o it_o have_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o which_o perfect_a it_o there_o be_v abundant_a matter_n of_o rejoice_v though_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o body_n be_v much_o want_v wherefore_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n here_o teach_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v who_o be_v stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o and_o often_o persecute_v to_o rejoice_v notwithstanding_o because_o through_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n of_o god_n they_o be_v beget_v again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o benefit_n reckon_v up_o here_o be_v again_o that_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o beginning_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n without_o this_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a to_o make_v we_o not_o miserable_a now_o by_o this_o be_v mean_v the_o give_v we_o a_o new_a or_o second_a birth_n a_o put_v we_o into_o another_o state_n than_o what_o we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o present_a natural_a generation_n if_o any_o ask_v what_o need_v this_o be_v we_o not_o well_o enough_o before_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o it_o see_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o his_o do_v it_o be_v make_v a_o instance_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n for_o deus_n &_o natura_fw-la nihil_fw-la faciunt_fw-la frustra_fw-la but_o if_o this_o satisfy_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n will_v evident_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o view_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o state_n by_o ordinary_a natural_a generation_n i_o say_v ordinary_a natural_a generation_n and_o not_o our_o first_o creation_n for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n he_o be_v like_o his_o maker_n wise_a holy_a pure_a and_o innocent_a if_o he_o have_v keep_v this_o state_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o renew_v it_o or_o of_o make_v he_o over_o again_o but_o he_o keep_v not_o this_o first_o state_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n he_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n incur_v his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o become_v liable_a to_o his_o wrath_n and_o curse_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o as_o all_o mankind_n be_v descend_v from_o those_o first_o parent_n since_o they_o fall_v from_o their_o original_a righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o have_v be_v propagate_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n so_o all_o be_v generate_v sinner_n filthy_a and_o corrupt_a the_o sinful_a leprosy_n of_o adam_n be_v inherent_a in_o all_o his_o child_n and_o the_o curse_n he_o bring_v on_o himself_o be_v entail_v on_o all_o his_o posterity_n behold_v say_v david_n i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o psal._n li._n 5._o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n for_o if_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a what_o flow_v from_o it_o must_v be_v corrupt_a too_o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a not_o one_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n v_o that_o adam_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n viz._n in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o as_o this_o befall_v all_o of_o we_o for_o sin_n be_v a_o inseparable_a consequent_a of_o ordinary_a natural_a generation_n so_o that_o it_o render_v we_o most_o ugly_a and_o loathsome_a sin_n be_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o cause_v as_o great_a deformity_n and_o vileness_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o disease_n to_o the_o body_n if_o any_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n natural_a to_o they_o for_o so_o we_o see_v long_a custom_n and_o familiarity_n will_v lessen_v the_o horror_n of_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v abhor_v but_o whatever_o they_o think_v who_o sense_n be_v benumb_v with_o sin_n yet_o other_o nauseat_n and_o abhor_v sin_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n sin_n be_v so_o abominable_a in_o god_n sight_n that_o his_o eye_n can_v behold_v it_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v beget_v again_o complain_v heavy_o of_o this_o defilement_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o grief_n and_o indignation_n david_n set_v it_o forth_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o most_o filthy_a bodily_a disease_n psal._n xxxviii_o and_o ezek._n xuj_o this_o our_o natural_a state_n be_v elegant_o compare_v to_o a_o expose_v infant_n of_o wretched_a parent_n lie_v wallow_a in_o its_o blood_n and_o natural_a pollution_n and_o want_v those_o good_a office_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o live_v but_o as_o there_o be_v filthiness_n in_o this_o state_n so_o likewise_o much_o pain_n and_o misery_n all_o the_o anguish_n and_o trouble_v of_o our_o spirit_n proceed_v hence_o from_o this_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n come_v those_o inward_a torment_n and_o vexation_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o feel_v be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o we_o can_v draw_v contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o any_o external_a condition_n as_o a_o man_n in_o perfect_a health_n can_v sleep_v sound_o upon_o any_o bed_n and_o if_o one_o be_v pain_v with_o the_o gout_n stone_n or_o other_o disease_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o cast_v the_o blame_n of_o his_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n upon_o the_o bed_n he_o lie_v or_o the_o house_n he_o dwell_v in_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o grief_n and_o trouble_n be_v more_o within_o than_o without_o we_o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o sin_n than_o to_o the_o outward_a inconvenience_n of_o our_o external_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o the_o inward_a pain_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v load_v with_o external_a misery_n for_o it_o be_v prosecute_v by_o the_o wrath_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o displeasure_n fall_v heavy_a upon_o it_o upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o a_o horrible_a tempest_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o their_o cup_n psal._n two_o 6._o now_o this_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o first_o natural_a generation_n show_v both_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o be_v regenerate_v how_o happy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v washen_n from_o the_o gild_n and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o punishment_n and_o free_v from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o be_v beget_v again_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o text_n for_o all_o that_o be_v imply_v in_o these_o word_n bless_a be_v he_o who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n psal._n xxxii_o 1._o but_o though_o this_o be_v considerable_a you_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o all_o god_n have_v not_o only_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o sinful_a state_n but_o he_o have_v also_o design_v for_o we_o great_a glory_n and_o felicity_n than_o what_o we_o lose_v by_o sin_n the_o actual_a possession_n hereof_o be_v not_o till_o hereafter_o for_o
because_o i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n in_o themselves_o or_o of_o such_o concernment_n to_o i_o but_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o know_v the_o importance_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v therein_o i_o find_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o esteem_v it_o as_o my_o necessary_a food_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a and_o necessary_a to_o refresh_v my_o soul_n with_o serious_a and_o daily_a meditation_n thereof_o as_o to_o give_v my_o body_n those_o repast_n which_o nature_n daily_o call_v for_o this_o make_v our_o apostle_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o to_o say_v doubtless_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ._n and_o as_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v make_v thereby_o for_o sin_n these_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n and_o more_o especial_o such_o solemn_a address_n as_o those_o we_o be_v now_o to_o make_v for_o he_o who_o believe_v this_o rely_v thereon_o and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n do_v confess_v himself_o a_o great_a sinner_n that_o it_o have_v be_v just_a for_o god_n to_o have_v damn_v he_o eternal_o that_o it_o be_v only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v save_v and_o that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v high_o to_o be_v magnify_v in_o find_v out_o such_o excellent_a mean_n and_o method_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o by_o such_o acknowledgement_n the_o great_a sinner_n endear_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n but_o he_o who_o deny_v this_o or_o have_v no_o respect_n thereto_o when_o he_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n must_v either_o not_o own_v himself_o a_o sinner_n or_o not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n or_o to_o repair_v his_o honour_n which_o be_v provoke_v and_o affront_v by_o sin_n or_o he_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n but_o must_v fancy_v he_o can_v come_v to_o god_n by_o himself_o or_o through_o some_o other_o beside_o christ_n and_o which_o soever_o of_o these_o persuasion_n he_o have_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v acceptance_n that_o he_o at_o once_o both_o exasperate_v god_n and_o provoke_v he_o who_o have_v undertake_v to_o make_v his_o peace_n and_o who_o only_o can_v do_v it_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n second_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o faith_n here_o god_n require_v must_v also_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o his_o good_a will_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o that_o we_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a shall_v find_v grace_n in_o his_o sight_n if_o we_o approach_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o bring_v no_o impediment_n along_o with_o we_o and_o it_o will_v seem_v the_o translator_n of_o our_o bible_n have_v chief_o respect_v this_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o this_o text._n christ_n require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o come_v to_o he_o to_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o bodily_a distemper_n faith_n both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o good_a will._n and_o 58._o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o he_o do_v no_o mighty_a work_n in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n st._n mark_n say_v further_a that_o he_o 6._o can_v not_o do_v it_o which_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o if_o our_o lord_n power_n can_v be_v restrain_v by_o any_o or_o that_o he_o depend_v upon_o man_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o but_o only_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o faith_n render_v those_o man_n unworthy_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o receive_v they_o and_o as_o these_o temporal_a and_o bodily_a benefit_n be_v not_o common_o confer_v without_o this_o precious_a faith_n so_o neither_o will_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n be_v grant_v except_o to_o those_o who_o be_v dispose_v for_o they_o by_o earnest_a desire_n and_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v give_v to_o any_o other_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o those_o ordinary_a rule_n and_o method_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o this_o faith_n be_v always_o require_v as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n 22._o believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v say_v christ._n and_o st._n james_n say_v let_v not_o that_o man_n who_o want_v faith_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o faith_n be_v requisite_a both_o to_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o also_o to_o excite_v god_n love_n and_o to_o incline_v he_o to_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o love_v those_o who_o put_v confidence_n in_o we_o and_o he_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o generosity_n who_o will_v not_o do_v his_o utmost_a for_o those_o who_o altogether_o rely_v on_o he_o if_o a_o sinner_n can_v confide_v in_o god_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o if_o he_o throw_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v so_o much_o mercy_n as_o to_o forgive_v he_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o upon_o his_o repentance_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o favour_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n he_o by_o this_o act_n so_o honour_v god_n and_o so_o oblige_v he_o to_o mercy_n by_o his_o trust_n in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v abandon_v he_o this_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n for_o when_o the_o penitent_a son_n be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o as_o this_o faith_n incline_v god_n to_o mercy_n so_o it_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n it_o excite_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o a_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o condition_n of_o salvation_n the_o husbandman_n sow_v when_o he_o have_v hope_n and_o the_o merchant_n trade_v when_o he_o have_v hope_n of_o gain_n and_o every_o man_n ply_v hearty_o what_o he_o believe_v will_v succeed_v but_o man_n be_v discourage_v and_o make_v to_o give_v over_o their_o endeavour_n when_o they_o take_v up_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v but_o labour_v in_o vain_a a_o double_a mind_a man_n say_v st._n james_n that_o be_v one_o who_o hang_v in_o suspense_n who_o be_v toss_v with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n he_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n such_o a_o one_o be_v inconstant_a he_o pursue_v not_o his_o erterprise_n but_o desi_v he_o be_v not_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v who_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o his_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a when_o therefore_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n let_v we_o do_v it_o in_o this_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o hearty_o so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n let_v we_o not_o entertain_v doubt_n and_o fear_n which_o but_o disquiet_v our_o own_o mind_n and_o cast_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n will_v not_o a_o servant_n reflect_v either_o upon_o the_o ability_n or_o honesty_n of_o his_o master_n if_o he_o question_v his_o reward_n for_o the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o his_o service_n if_o you_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a think_v yourselves_o oblige_v to_o love_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o those_o who_o seek_v to_o please_v you_o will_v not_o god_n think_v you_o be_v more_o faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o and_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n if_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n sure_a than_o his_o word_n be_v not_o
other_o thing_n a_o man_n be_v sure_a of_o it_o sow_v righteousness_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v to_o yourselves_o none_o shall_v come_v betwixt_o you_o and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o that_o sow_v wherefore_o it_o be_v here_o add_v and_o reap_v mercy_n in_o mercy_n because_o the_o verb_n here_o be_v the_o imperative_a mood_n some_o will_v have_v this_o a_o command_n for_o a_o far_a progress_n in_o do_v that_o good_a we_o have_v explain_v to_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o first_o head_n but_o this_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o beside_o the_o tautology_n we_o must_v put_v a_o strain_a and_o unusual_a sense_n upon_o reap_v wherefore_o certain_o in_o this_o phrase_n be_v set_v forth_o the_o gracious_a reward_n wherewith_o god_n will_v bless_v sow_v in_o righteousness_n reap_v follow_v sow_v and_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n thereof_o so_o who_o sow_n in_o righteousness_n shall_v reap_v in_o mercy_n though_o what_o they_o thus_o reap_v be_v neither_o the_o necessary_a natural_a effect_n of_o what_o they_o sow_v nor_o yet_o the_o just_a desert_n thereof_o if_o they_o merit_v what_o they_o reap_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v mercy_n but_o it_o be_v so_o call_v that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v what_o be_v give_v they_o to_o be_v their_o due_n if_o man_n will_v consider_v themselves_o and_o their_o action_n impartial_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o proud_a thought_n they_o will_v adjudge_v their_o merit_n to_o '_o be_v small_a and_o that_o little_a belong_v to_o they_o on_o that_o account_n however_o all_o who_o ply_v sow_v in_o righteousness_n sincere_o may_v look_v for_o mercy_n as_o the_o husbandman_n do_v for_o a_o crop_n after_o he_o have_v sow_v nay_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o it_o which_o he_o can_v do_v they_o may_v claim_v it_o as_o their_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n which_o can_v never_o fail_v with_o respect_n to_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n thereof_o the_o prophet_n bid_v they_o here_o reap_v mercy_n reap_v be_v imperative_a to_o denote_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o requisite_a than_o to_o put_v forth_o the_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o in_o which_o sense_n the_o imperative_a be_v usual_o take_v in_o scripture_n as_o ezek._n xviii_o 32._o they_o have_v not_o the_o promise_n nor_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o mercy_n who_o sow_v not_o in_o righteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a rom._n two_o 9_o as_o therefore_o sow_v must_v go_v before_o reap_v so_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n must_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o reap_v in_o mercy_n this_o be_v necessary_a not_o that_o we_o may_v merit_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a object_n of_o mercy_n and_o as_o natural_o the_o crop_n exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o grain_n which_o be_v sow_v so_o the_o gift_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o righteous_a person_n shall_v infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n do_v by_o they_o wherefore_o a_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v not_o ill_o express_v it_o sow_n etc._n etc._n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o my_o eye_n and_o the_o good_a reward_n which_o you_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o shall_v be_v far_o great_a than_o your_o good_a work_n as_o he_o that_o sow_v a_o bushel_n hope_v to_o reap_v two_o or_o more_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o command_n for_o sow_v he_o use_v the_o word_n justice_n but_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o reap_v the_o word_n chesed_a mercy_n or_o benignity_n which_o be_v more_o than_o justice_n or_o what_o in_o strict_a justice_n can_v be_v require_v the_o mercy_n which_o they_o who_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n shall_v reap_v be_v like_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n thereof_o infinite_a and_o so_o can_v be_v express_v we_o can_v particularize_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n will_v show_v his_o mercy_n to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n two_o 9_o as_o long_o before_o the_o harvest_n the_o husbandman_n be_v refresh_v with_o the_o sight_n and_o savour_n of_o his_o field_n so_o god_n comfort_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o hereafter_o he_o crown_v they_o with_o unspeakable_a glory_n and_o bless_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n even_o in_o this_o life_n where_o its_o beam_n be_v often_o intercept_v do_v yet_o afford_v more_o joy_n than_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n when_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n abound_v with_o man_n and_o what_o will_v it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o world_n where_o it_o shine_v full_o and_o clear_o and_o without_o interruption_n and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o obstruct_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o lord_n what_o joy_n be_v there_o in_o the_o very_a prospect_n of_o this_o harvest_n how_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o what_o a_o kindness_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o throw_v in_o our_o poor_a stock_n into_o such_o a_o profitable_a bank_n and_o a_o privilege_n to_o sow_n where_o we_o may_v reap_v so_o much_o with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o refuse_v the_o occasion_n or_o what_o excuse_n be_v sufficient_a have_v man_n by_o their_o many_o invention_n find_v out_o any_o high_a felicity_n than_o what_o god_n and_o his_o superabundant_a mercy_n can_v confer_v or_o be_v there_o a_o near_a way_n or_o more_o proper_a to_o this_o than_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n direct_v to_o the_o sow_v in_o righteousness_n be_v it_o better_a to_o labour_v for_o temporal_a than_o eternal_a thing_n for_o that_o meat_n which_o perish_v than_o that_o which_o endure_v to_o life_n everlasting_a will_v you_o plough_v wickedness_n and_o reap_v iniquity_n and_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o lie_n that_o be_v will_v you_o die_v rather_o than_o live_v this_o be_v a_o mad_a and_o shameful_a choice_n and_o yet_o one_o of_o they_o we_o must_v make_v for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a course_n leave_v we_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o everlasting_a life_n but_o to_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n vi_fw-la 7._o the_o prophet_n have_v tell_v they_o what_o ground_n they_o will_v reap_v return_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o use_v of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o reap_v in_o mercy_n be_v promise_v which_o people_n have_v need_n to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o for_o ordinary_o they_o be_v very_o slack_a and_o negligent_a many_o will_v be_v at_o reap_v but_o few_o set_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o labour_n that_o must_v go_v before_o it_o they_o will_v be_v put_v in_o the_o sickle_n in_o harvest-time_n though_o they_o have_v not_o sow_v nor_o make_v any_o preparation_n for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o sow_v not_o shall_v not_o reap_v and_o that_o our_o sow_v may_v be_v successful_a we_o be_v bid_v first_o break_v up_o our_o fallow_a ground_n for_o interpreter_n make_v the_o prophet_n speech_n elliptic_a and_o will_v have_v first_o or_o after_o that_o or_o some_o such_o word_n to_o be_v understand_v if_o the_o ground_n be_v not_o prepare_v sow_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n the_o seed_n be_v lose_v that_o fall_v on_o stony_a ground_n among_o thorn_n and_o in_o the_o highway_n the_o good_a and_o precious_a seed_n to_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o heart_n be_v the_o ground_n which_o must_v receive_v it_o and_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o till_o they_o be_v make_v honest_a and_o good_a as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n viij_o 15._o and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v pain_n must_v be_v take_v on_o they_o break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n if_o the_o husbandman_n do_v not_o till_o his_o ground_n cast_v furrow_n in_o it_o and_o root_n out_o the_o weed_n thereof_o he_o need_v not_o sow_v and_o will_v in_o vain_a expect_v a_o crop_n so_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o natural_a constitution_n be_v like_o fallow_a ground_n which_o be_v never_o labour_v which_o be_v indispose_v for_o receive_v seed_n from_o the_o sour_a and_o of_o itself_o bring_v forth_o only_a thorn_n and_o briar_n the_o natural_a product_n of_o
company_n do_v not_o cure_n it_o only_o seem_v to_o give_v ease_n so_o when_o it_o be_v go_v when_o the_o night_n come_v that_o the_o sick_a be_v leave_v alone_o than_o the_o person_n grow_v weary_a because_o he_o feel_v his_o trouble_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o pain_n and_o get_v nothing_o to_o divert_v it_o just_o so_o if_o man_n will_v retire_v from_o outward_a diversion_n if_o they_o will_v serious_o look_v into_o themselves_o and_o consider_v their_o condition_n they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o very_o loathsome_a they_o shall_v see_v in_o themselves_o great_a cause_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n this_o will_v make_v their_o soul_n restless_a and_o weary_a then_o will_v they_o turn_v from_o side_n to_o side_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o wretchedness_n then_o the_o word_n of_o rest_n and_o ease_n to_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v acceptable_a and_o hear_v with_o delight_n then_o our_o text_n will_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o sovereign_n cordial_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v prepare_v only_o for_o such_o it_o speak_v of_o rest_n show_v where_o it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v invite_v but_o such_o as_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o misery_n the_o weary_a they_o who_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o if_o such_o please_v to_o listen_v if_o such_o will_v receive_v these_o word_n and_o obey_v they_o their_o mind_n shall_v present_o be_v disburden_v they_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o their_o grief_n for_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n can_v fail_v his_o advice_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v proper_a and_o effectual_a and_o he_o have_v say_v come_v unto_o i_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o the_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o text_n i_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o upon_o what_o account_n this_o appellation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o all_o mankind_n i_o show_v that_o all_o be_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o a_o fourfold_a misery_n viz._n affliction_n vanity_n and_o dissatisfaction_n the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n as_o also_o that_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v require_v as_o a_o disposition_n to_o the_o cure_n and_o a_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o the_o obtain_v true_a rest_n and_o ease_n to_o our_o soul_n i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o other_o condition_n require_v which_o you_o see_v be_v three_o viz._n 1._o come_v to_o christ._n 2._o take_v his_o yoke_n 3._o learn_v of_o he_o the_o condition_n be_v not_o many_o and_o they_o be_v very_o reasonable_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v be_v come_v to_o christ._n none_o can_v be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o approach_n of_o our_o body_n towards_o christ_n for_o they_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v can_v not_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o we_o now_o can_v approach_v he_o with_o our_o body_n the_o rest_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v be_v a_o rest_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o to_o obtain_v this_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v requisite_a and_o proper_a by_o this_o first_o be_v mean_v the_o give_v our_o counsel_n self_n up_o entire_o to_o his_o counsel_n and_o management_n the_o sick_a be_v bid_v go_v to_o the_o physician_n and_o they_o who_o be_v injure_v and_o oppress_v to_o the_o lawyer_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v gaze_v upon_o their_o person_n look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o hear_v they_o talk_v for_o what_o ease_n or_o relief_n can_v that_o be_v either_o to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o thereby_o be_v understand_v the_o receive_v their_o instruction_n and_o follow_v it_o and_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o make_v application_n if_o one_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o take_v advice_n what_o good_a can_v the_o physician_n do_v if_o the_o patient_n be_v wilful_a if_o he_o will_v only_o receive_v the_o potion_n which_o relish_v with_o his_o vitiate_a palate_n and_o not_o what_o the_o physician_n judge_v best_a and_o most_o proper_a if_o one_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_v thorough_o and_o speedy_o he_o ought_v to_o yield_v himself_o absolute_o to_o the_o physician_n be_v skill_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o soul_n cure_v if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o ease_v of_o all_o the_o trouble_v with_o which_o they_o labour_v we_o ought_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a physician_n who_o only_o can_v restore_v health_n and_o give_v peace_n but_o then_o our_o application_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o entire_a resignation_n to_o his_o conduct_n and_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o carry_v towards_o he_o as_o some_o peevish_a and_o humoursome_a patient_n to_o their_o physician_n who_o judge_v his_o prescription_n approve_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v study_v the_o art_n and_o do_v understand_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o medicine_n as_o well_o as_o he_o alas_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a temper_n and_o do_v behave_v themselves_o thus_o towards_o jesus_n the_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n they_o come_v to_o he_o but_o they_o bring_v their_o humour_n with_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o and_o if_o his_o advice_n and_o prescription_n agree_v not_o with_o their_o humour_n they_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o better_a by_o come_v to_o christ._n indeed_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v altogether_o lay_v aside_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o follow_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o most_o know_a be_v fallible_a but_o jesus_n be_v infallible_a he_o can_v be_v mistake_v can_v he_o err_v in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o can_v any_o doubt_n of_o his_o concernment_n for_o our_o health_n will_v not_o he_o love_v we_o who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o we_o will_v not_o he_o seek_v our_o good_a who_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o life_n for_o our_o sake_n he_o have_v all_o the_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n and_o affection_n and_o concernment_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o come_v without_o reserve_n we_o ought_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o shall_v yield_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o management_n that_o we_o may_v the_o soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o skill_n and_o feel_v to_o our_o comfort_n that_o he_o be_v a_o physician_n of_o great_a value_n but_o second_o by_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o be_v mean_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o expound_v in_o scripture_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o place_n heb._n two_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v and_o as_o by_o this_o and_o other_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o benefit_n may_v be_v make_v evident_a many_o way_n first_o from_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o a_o few_o of_o some_o hundred_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v thus_o john_n iij._o 14._o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n even_o so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a live_v ver_fw-la 18._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n v._n 12._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v in_o because_o of_o unbelief_n heb._n iij._o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v not_o a_o chapter_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o infidelity_n be_v not_o hold_v