or_o our_o work_n to_o do_v in_o this_o high_a and_o worthy_a office_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v already_o merciful_o undertake_v by_o he_o that_o can_v perform_v it_o for_o we_o it_o be_v already_o happy_o perform_v by_o he_o that_o do_v undertake_v it_o for_o we_o and_o be_v so_o undertake_v and_o perform_v to_o our_o hand_n what_o remain_v now_o for_o we_o but_o faithful_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o have_v do_v these_o wonder_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o next_o of_o all_o holy_o to_o live_v in_o he_o because_o he_o command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o be_v it_o but_o to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o such_o his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o us._n yet_o so_o to_o believe_v &_o live_v in_o he_o as_o that_o we_o never_o believe_v we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n while_o we_o live_v that_o shall_v worthy_a we_o to_o partake_v with_o he_o in_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o can_v have_v power_v thou_o issue_v from_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o human_a ability_n to_o merit_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n for_o if_o we_o cold_a than_o this_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n do_v put_v on_o the_o heavy_a garment_n of_o our_o humanity_n in_o vain_a do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n in_o vain_a do_v sweat_v water_n and_o blood_n in_o vain_a do_v want_v the_o privilege_n even_o of_o little_a sparrow_n for_o his_o repose_n in_o vain_a and_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o his_o suffering_n from_o the_o manger_n which_o be_v his_o cradle_n to_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o all_o this_o he_o undergo_v for_o our_o love_n in_o vain_a if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o our_o self_n if_o we_o have_v holiness_n to_o make_v our_o own_o peace_n for_o so_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o for_o we_o but_o what_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o which_o be_v a_o horrible_a &_o blasphemous_a conclusion_n and_o yet_o you_o see_v reasonable_o draw_v from_o this_o your_o sacrilegious_a and_o so_o derogatory_n doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o yet_o derogatory_n further_o for_o it_o leave_v not_o our_o saviour_n here_o but_o second_v this_o injury_n of_o his_o redeemership_n with_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediatorship_n for_o what_o be_v a_o mediator_n among_o man_n or_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n but_o a_o traveller_n or_o one_o that_o interpose_v himself_o between_o several_a party_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offendor_n the_o party_n here_o offend_v be_v god_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n commit_v the_o party_n offender_n be_v man_n that_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n against_o he_o god_n be_v perfect_o just_a and_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o shift_n but_o stand_v upon_o satisfaction_n man_n be_v a_o stark_a bankrupt_a clean_o blow_v out_o and_o have_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o satisfy_v o_o bless_a god_n that_o be_v so_o righteous_a in_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o thrice_o bless_v be_v thy_o holy_a name_n even_o for_o be_v so_o just_a that_o thou_o will_v be_v satisfy_v but_o o_o curse_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wicked_a in_o his_o way_n as_o to_o forsake_v his_o gracious_a god_n that_o have_v make_v he_o so_o rich_a and_z when_o he_o may_v have_v choose_v to_o plunge_v himself_o in_o such_o extreme_a poverty_n methinks_v i_o see_v he_o soe_v figge-leave_n to_o cover_v his_o shame_n and_o shudder_a himself_o behind_o tree_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a methinks_v i_o hear_v he_o answer_v the_o lord_n frivilous_o and_o prate_v out_o excuse_n to_o no_o purpose_n for_o god_n that_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o see_v all_o thing_n can_v be_v delude_v and_o yet_o methinks_v lift_v up_o myself_o i_o see_v another_o arm_n of_o mercy_n extend_v forth_o to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o that_o arm_n of_o justice_n to_o destroy_v i_o see_v the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o of_o great_a goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o always_o be_v chide_v nor_o continue_v his_o anger_n for_o ever_o that_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o his_o servant_n after_o their_o sin_n nor_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o wickedness_n in_o a_o word_n which_o be_v my_o soul_n ravish_v comfort_n methinks_v i_o see_v his_o mercy_n without_o impeachment_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o shine_v above_o all_o his_o work_n for_o with_o this_o arm_n of_o compassion_n he_o take_v this_o sinner_n up_o and_o even_o he_o himself_o through_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n devise_v a_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o restore_v again_o the_o poor_a offender_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o now_o my_o sweet_a saviour_n i_o must_v return_v again_o unto_o thou_o for_o the_o needle_n of_o my_o soul_n true_o touch_v i_o hope_v with_o thy_o grace_n will_v never_o stand_v still_o till_o it_o come_v direct_o against_o thy_o merit_n the_o fix_a point_n of_o my_o salvation_n when_o man_n by_o sin_n have_v thus_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o maker_n and_o the_o jaw_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o a_o deserve_a guerdon_n gape_v wide_a to_o have_v swallow_v he_o up_o at_o this_o dead_a lift_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n former_o be_v make_v come_v to_o help_v out_o and_o draw_v together_o again_o his_o father_n and_o this_o offender_n that_o stand_v in_o such_o opposition_n he_o undertake_v to_o pay_v the_o debt_n set_v a_o certain_a day_n and_o keep_v it_o &_o require_v nothing_o of_o this_o man_n for_o who_o thus_o friendly_a he_o become_v paimaister_n but_o before_o till_o the_o day_n come_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v pay_v it_o and_o after_o when_o the_o day_n be_v past_a to_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o he_o have_v pay_v it_o and_o before_o and_o after_o to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o labour_n and_o observe_v that_o course_n for_o his_o life_n as_o near_o as_o he_o can_v which_o he_o prescribe_v he_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o say_v the_o caviller_n to_o christ_n mediatorship_n i_o may_v answer_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o profitable_a digression_n at_o most_o but_o i_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v no_o digression_n at_o all_o for_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v so_o pertinent_a so_o necessary_o belong_v thereunto_o that_o if_o you_o know_v not_o this_o you_o know_v nothing_o if_o you_o perfect_o conceive_v not_o this_o you_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understande_v the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o learn_v to_o knit_v they_o together_o when_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o perfect_a god_n himself_o have_v for_o the_o sufficient_a and_o more_o proper_a discharge_n of_o this_o debt_n for_o man_n which_o man_n by_o no_o mean_n can_v have_v discharge_v for_o himself_o assume_v our_o humanity_n and_o thorough_o satisfy_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o due_a time_n he_o forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o bless_a bosom_n of_o his_o father_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o because_o he_o know_v that_o man_n for_o all_o this_o kindness_n show_v he_o will_v not_o be_v full_o reclaim_v nor_o thorough_o purge_v during_o his_o abode_n upon_o earth_n of_o that_o pernicious_a humour_n of_o disobedience_n that_o possess_v he_o but_o still_o be_v prone_a to_o offend_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n provoke_v his_o lord_n and_o maker_n to_o indignation_n against_o he_o he_o there_o in_o heaven_n seat_v upon_o that_o glorious_a throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o power_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n continual_o intreat_v present_v satisfaction_n and_o undertake_v for_o he_o i_o mean_v his_o servant_n that_o faithful_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o true_o depend_v upon_o his_o righteousness_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o therein_o i_o pray_v you_o conceive_v that_o his_o mediatorshippe_n as_o with_o god_n the_o party_n offend_v do_v principal_o now_o consist_v i_o say_v in_o entreat_v present_v satisfaction_n and_o undertake_v for_o we_o for_o he_o intreat_v his_o father_n to_o take_v pity_n of_o we_o albeit_o we_o deserve_v it_o not_o to_o love_v we_o although_o we_o have_v not_o love_v he_o and_o to_o embrace_v we_o for_o his_o child_n notwithstanding_o our_o disobedience_n towards_o he_o and_o because_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n in_o this_o his_o office_n of_o mediatorshippe_n it_o concern_v he_o to_o see_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n full_o satisfy_v before_o his_o mercy_n be_v thus_o thorough_o extend_v in_o his_o petition_n he_o comprise_v effectual_a consideration_n to_o stir_v uppe_o compassion_n towards_o we_o namely_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n in_o our_o steed_n for_o his_o righteousness_n sake_n which_o he_o continual_o present_v unto_o his_o father_n as_o a_o satisfaction_n
see_v what_o this_o holy_a apostle_n of_o christ_n jesus_n think_v touch_v this_o point_n of_o man_n merit_v and_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v how_o firm_o the_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o church_n cleave_v unto_o the_o same_o doctrine_n my_o first_o place_n out_o of_o paul_n be_v that_o we_o be_v save_v not_o by_o etc._n etc._n and_o saint_n jerom_n one_o who_o your_o church_n high_o reverence_v write_v in_o this_o manner_n pelag_n high_a lib_n 1_o ad_fw-la pelag_n then_o be_v we_o just_a when_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o our_o justice_n consist_v not_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o of_o god_n mercy_n here_o this_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n reject_v with_o s._n paul_n all_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o refer_v the_o same_o whole_o to_o god_n mercy_n my_o second_o place_n out_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o etc._n etc._n origene_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o exposition_n of_o these_o very_a word_n of_o paul_n say_v thus_o 4_o origen_n in_o ep_n ad_fw-la ro_n ca_fw-mi 4_o lib_n 4_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o he_o add_v not_o &_o say_v likewise_o the_o wage_n of_o justice_n be_v eternal_a life_n but_o he_o say_v eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gracious_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o wage_n which_o be_v like_a to_o debt_n and_o reward_n be_v a_o recompense_n of_o pun_a shment_n and_o death_n and_o to_o assign_v eternal_a life_n to_o grace_v only_o thus_o you_o hear_v this_o reverend_a father_n expound_v paul_n that_o our_o wickedness_n just_o merit_v condemnation_n but_o that_o the_o balance_n want_v weight_n the_o other_o way_n and_o that_o our_o best_a deed_n merit_v not_o salvation_n which_o be_v assign_v to_o grace_v only_o and_o if_o only_a to_o grace_v then_o be_v all_o our_o work_n absolute_o exclude_v in_o that_o business_n my_o last_o place_n out_o of_o paul_n be_v the_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n answerable_a to_o this_o say_v saint_n barnard_n on_o this_o manner_n now_o concern_v eternal_a life_n we_o know_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v 1_o barn_n in_o anunt_fw-la mariae_fw-la serm._n 1_o no_o not_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v suffer_v all_o here_o this_o devout_a and_o religious_a father_n remove_v all_o doubt_n touch_v the_o former_a doctrine_n by_o a_o forcible_a supposition_n on_o this_o manner_n admit_v that_o the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n of_o paul_n of_o peter_n of_o james_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o those_o five_o and_o twenty_o bishop_n which_o successive_o be_v martyr_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o all_o the_o torture_n and_o suffering_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o allage_n from_o the_o death_n of_o abel_n to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o blood_n that_o ever_o shall_v be_v shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n truth_n be_v lay_v upon_o one_o man_n to_o bear_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o only_o to_o under_o go_v the_o pain_n torment_n and_o torture_n that_o they_o all_o endure_v yet_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o rich_a a_o guerdon_n for_o those_o his_o suffering_n he_o can_v not_o merit_v heaven_n thereby_o for_o the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n this_o be_v the_o holy_a father_n censure_n hereupon_o no_o not_o say_v he_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v suffer_v all_o now_o let_v i_o reason_n with_o you_o by_o a_o invincible_a and_o familiar_a argument_n if_o the_o suffering_n of_o paul_n or_o of_o any_o of_o these_o holy_a martyr_n who_o continual_a persecution_n and_o torment_n be_v instead_o of_o many_o death_n unto_o they_o nay_o if_o all_o their_o pain_n torture_n and_o death_n join_v together_o will_v not_o make_v up_o a_o desert_n answerable_a to_o the_o meed_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o your_o deed_n and_o suffering_n which_o carry_v no_o near_o a_o proportion_n with_o the_o other_o than_o your_o span_n do_v with_o the_o spatiousnes_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n can_v merit_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o shall_v never_o for_o any_o desert_n they_o be_v of_o come_v home_o so_o reward_v no_o no_o you_o must_v not_o look_v for_o such_o a_o inrichment_n after_o such_o a_o reckon_n but_o rather_o say_v with_o the_o same_o saint_n barnard_n mar_n serm_n 1_o anunt_fw-la mar_n who_o yourselves_o confess_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sweet_a quirister_n in_o the_o lord_n quire_n what_o be_v all_o our_o merit_n to_o so_o great_a glory_n the_o garden_n of_o all_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thick_o set_v with_o these_o flower_n they_o all_o of_o they_o teach_v if_o true_a understand_v the_o self_n same_o doctrine_n thus_o you_o hear_v then_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n have_v delivere_a touch_v our_o justification_n how_o they_o refer_v the_o same_o whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o shake_v off_o our_o own_o merit_n as_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o that_o work_n nor_o worthiness_n in_o that_o degree_n to_o be_v trust_v unto_o but_o fear_v lest_o you_o be_v make_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o read_v they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o father_n as_o we_o use_v to_o allege_v they_o but_o wrest_v as_o what_o will_v not_o falsehood_n affirm_v to_o discountenance_v the_o truth_n or_o error_n be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v for_o she_o own_o shelter_n i_o will_v yet_o attempt_v another_o mean_a which_o i_o assure_v myself_o will_v cool_v and_o be_o in_o good_a hope_n utter_o extinguish_v that_o your_o conceit_n of_o merrit_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o wonderful_a inconvenience_n you_o incur_v and_o the_o dangerous_a praemunire_n that_o your_o soul_n run_v into_o by_o hold_v your_o work_n in_o such_o estimation_n there_o be_v two_o principal_a virtue_n whereby_o our_o gration_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o know_v ledge_n of_o his_o servant_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o wherein_o it_o please_v his_o divine_a omnipotency_n to_o be_v delight_v and_o they_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n there_o be_v likewise_o 2._o principal_a office_n which_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n daign_v to_o undertake_v for_o our_o sake_n whereby_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o our_o old_a notorious_a prank_n have_v estrange_v be_v regaind_v unto_o we_o and_o through_o the_o bless_a mean_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o become_v gracious_a with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n but_o have_v assurance_n of_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o happy_a fruition_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o those_o be_v his_o redeemershippe_n and_o mediatorshippe_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o your_o religion_n if_o the_o same_o nay_o if_o one_o branch_n thereof_o among_o twenty_o as_o rot_a as_o itself_o if_o this_o only_a point_n of_o attribute_v merit_n to_o your_o work_n in_o the_o act_n of_o your_o justification_n do_v impair_v and_o manifest_o obscure_v the_o dignity_n of_o these_o excellent_a propriety_n of_o god_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o withal_o disparage_v and_o apparent_o detract_v from_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n his_o merit_n in_o that_o his_o redeemershippe_n and_o mediatourshippe_n if_o your_o religion_n i_o say_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n will_v you_o not_o then_o judge_v it_o your_o secure_a course_n to_o abandon_v her_o dangerous_a fellowship_n and_o embrace_v instead_o thereof_o for_o your_o comfort_n true_a christianity_n of_o who_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o learn_v nothing_o but_o true_a faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n to_o your_o heavenly_a sovereign_n in_o discovery_n hereof_o it_o be_v behooveful_a for_o you_o to_o conceive_v that_o as_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o perfect_a so_o these_o propriety_n of_o god_n his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n because_o they_o be_v essential_a in_o he_o must_v likewise_o of_o necessity_n be_v perfect_a and_o infinite_a which_o be_v grant_v do_v not_o every_o opinion_n that_o shall_v intimate_v defect_n or_o insufficiency_n therein_o impair_v as_o i_o say_v and_o manifest_o obscure_v the_o dignity_n thereof_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o ever_o be_v able_a substantial_o to_o clear_v your_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n from_o this_o high_a and_o perilous_a imputation_n for_o look_v how_o much_o you_o attribute_v to_o your_o own_o merit_n in_o the_o purchase_n of_o salvation_n so_o
for_o our_o sin_n and_o pray_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o we_o and_o we_o for_o the_o merit_n thereof_o become_v acceptable_a and_o gracious_a in_o his_o sight_n for_o ever_o and_o last_o he_o undertake_v that_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v leave_v our_o sin_n and_o cease_v to_o offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n any_o more_o that_o we_o shall_v true_o honour_v he_o and_o become_v fit_a instrument_n to_o sound_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o glory_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o mark_v how_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n mediatorship_n and_o your_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n can_v stand_v together_o christ_n as_o a_o mediator_n intrete_v his_o father_n in_o our_o behalf_n but_o if_o we_o do_v merit_n what_o need_v this_o entreaty_n for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o of_o himself_o will_v reward_v the_o well_o deserve_v of_o every_o man_n to_o the_o full_a christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o mediator_n present_v satisfaction_n unto_o his_o father_n for_o our_o sin_n but_o if_o we_o do_v merit_n that_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v spare_v for_o god_n be_v just_a &_o will_v not_o be_v pay_v double_a christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n undertake_v for_o our_o innocency_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o do_v merit_n than_o belike_o we_o be_v innocent_a already_o for_o none_o can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n that_o be_v absolute_a righteousness_n but_o he_o that_o be_v absolute_o righteous_a and_o so_o that_o part_n of_o christ_n mediatorship_n will_v cease_v for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o will_v have_v no_o security_n for_o that_o hereafter_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v already_o but_o what_o doctrine_n call_v you_o this_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v your_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o so_o derogate_a as_o you_o see_v from_o the_o holy_a mediatorship_n of_o christ_n jesus_n if_o therefore_o you_o look_v for_o benefit_n by_o that_o mediatorship_n as_o most_o miserable_a be_v their_o condition_n that_o do_v not_o you_o must_v lay_v by_o your_o own_o merit_n which_o be_v so_o thin_a a_o clothing_n that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o god_n indignation_n will_v drench_v clean_o through_o it_o and_o clothe_v yourself_o with_o christ_n merit_v which_o will_v keep_v you_o warm_v indeed_o and_o be_v sure_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o all_o weather_n for_o as_o christ_n come_v from_o heaven_n into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a they_o that_o think_v themselves_o so_o but_o the_o sinner_n they_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o so_o to_o repentance_n in_o like_a sort_n he_o return_v not_o into_o heaven_n out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o medyate_v for_o such_o pharasaicall_a iusticiaries_n as_o rest_v upon_o their_o own_o integrity_n but_o for_o the_o humble_a deject_a publican_n that_o with_o repentance_n acknowledge_v their_o own_o unworthiness_n furthermore_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v well_o maintain_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n repugnant_a even_o to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o for_o if_o the_o same_o be_v to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v grow_v to_o our_o faith_n from_o time_n to_o time_n which_o take_v at_o the_o best_a as_o i_o be_o teach_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o increase_n how_o can_v any_o work_n we_o do_v which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o merit_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o ground_n that_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o cause_n here_o which_o be_v our_o faith_n be_v desective_a the_o effect_n which_o be_v our_o work_n can_v be_v perfect_a as_o necessary_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v meritorious_a now_o tell_v i_o i_o pray_v you_o whether_o any_o heresy_n can_v be_v compact_v of_o grosser_n absurdity_n than_o this_o be_v more_o prejudicial_a than_o this_o or_o the_o author_n of_o great_a indignity_n even_o to_o the_o bless_a trinity_n then_o proceed_v from_o this_o your_o heresy_n of_o merit_n and_o yet_o which_o may_v be_v wonder_v at_o it_o find_v professor_n and_o patron_n more_o than_o a_o good_a many_o and_o those_o sconfesse_v not_o unlearned_a but_o profound_o read_v in_o all_o knowledge_n that_o humane_a help_n can_v puff_n up_o their_o understanding_n with_o but_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n that_o only_o one_o schoolmaster_n reveil_v a_o divine_a knowledge_n a_o divine_a schoolmaster_n happy_a and_o true_o learn_v be_v that_o scholar_n which_o be_v train_v up_o in_o such_o knowledge_n and_o that_o be_v instruct_v how_o unlearned_a soever_o he_o seem_v otherwise_o by_o such_o a_o schoolmaster_n i_o be_o not_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cunning_a distinction_n which_o your_o great_a clerk_n devise_v for_o maintenance_n of_o this_o your_o merit_n and_o how_o they_o will_v have_v their_o merit_n of_o work_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n the_o merit_n of_o congruity_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o condignity_n and_o i_o know_v they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o uphold_v the_o same_o but_o first_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o what_o a_o bold_a offer_n a_o goodfellow_n of_o our_o church_n once_o make_v to_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o can_v show_v i_o say_v he_o in_o any_o scripture_n that_o work_v do_v merit_n or_o be_v any_o mean_n to_o our_o justification_n for_o the_o first_o scripture_n without_o any_o further_a judgement_n i_o will_v loose_v both_o my_o ear_n for_o the_o second_o my_o tongue_n for_o the_o three_o my_o neck_n but_o the_o issue_n be_v they_o accept_v of_o his_o ear_n his_o tongue_n and_o his_o neck_n without_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o no_o such_o place_n in_o all_o the_o whole_a scripture_n can_v be_v find_v and_o yet_o be_v he_o pitiful_o martyr_v among_o they_o poor_a soul_n nay_o rich_a soul_n rather_o for_o who_o can_v be_v rich_a than_o he_o by_o who_o even_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v enrich_v and_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o learned_a father_n that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o be_v not_o thorough_o weigh_v do_v seem_v to_o import_v such_o a_o matter_n as_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o his_o labour_n your_o reward_n be_v great_a in_o heanen_n he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n from_o these_o and_o such_o place_n your_o doctor_n will_v draw_v invincible_a argument_n that_o good_a work_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o do_v therefore_o merit_v that_o reward_n so_o promise_v but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o that_o consequent_a our_o good_a work_n indeed_o shall_v receive_v reward_n but_o not_o because_o they_o merit_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fine_a have_v his_o stain_n &_o the_o best_a work_n that_o man_n can_v do_v be_v blemish_v but_o in_o regard_n that_o god_n of_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o worthiness_n in_o the_o work_n at_o all_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o who_o be_v ever_o faithful_a will_v ever_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o promise_n and_o show_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n that_o true_o depend_v upon_o his_o mercy_n far_o better_o than_o after_o their_o best_a deserve_n and_o that_o our_o work_n deserve_v not_o this_o reward_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o paymaster_n himself_o by_o his_o prophet_n his_o apostle_n 9.38_o doni_fw-la 9.38_o by_o himself_o tell_v we_o plain_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o prophet_n present_v or_o supplication_n before_o thou_o 27_o rom._n 3_o 27_o for_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o for_o thy_o great_a tender_a mercy_n your_o rejoice_a say_v the_o apostle_n be_v exclude_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n 10._o luk._n 37_o 10._o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o say_v christ_n say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n the_o reverend_a father_n and_o and_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v copyous_a and_o do_v flow_v in_o their_o obsernation_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n of_o holy_a write_v to_o drown_v the_o barren_a plot_n of_o man_n merit_n &_o bring_v in_o great_a estimation_n the_o aeden_n soil_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n where_o all_o true_a merit_n grow_v and_o whence_o the_o riches_n even_o of_o heaven_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v but_o because_o i_o have_v already_o partly_o cite_v they_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n and_o my_o letter_n begin_v with_o prolixity_n to_o try_v the_o patience_n even_o of_o a_o friendly_a reader_n i_o will_v only_o present_v you_o with_o a_o little_a nosegay_n of_o four_o or_o five_o flower_n out_o of_o their_o several_a garden_n which_o although_o for_o haste_n they_o be_v not_o curious_o tie_v together_o will_n nevertheless_o i_o doubt_v not_o
a_o incorruptible_a crown_n of_o glory_n for_o her_o great_a advancemenr_n and_o final_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o have_v cover_v he_o likewise_o from_o time_n to_o time_n under_o his_o gracious_a wing_n and_o make_v he_o taste_v ere_o that_o day_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o sensible_o as_o david_n or_o elizabeth_n or_o any_o other_o of_o those_o dear_a anoint_a one_o have_v do_v before_o he_o yea_o that_o prevent_v he_o with_o his_o liberal_a blessing_n and_o protect_v he_o not_o only_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o birth_n since_o the_o world_n enjoy_v he_o but_o which_o be_v more_o wonder_a while_o the_o happy_a womb_n of_o his_o mother_n enclose_v he_o many_o a_o time_n have_v they_o vex_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n up_o may_v our_o king_n say_v with_o israel_n but_o they_o have_v not_o prevail_v against_o i_o and_o i_o will_v say_v with_o those_o of_o israel_n that_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o wish_v well_o to_o zion_n i_o hope_v they_o never_o shall_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v ever_o swear_v by_o his_o holiness_n as_o he_o do_v to_o king_n david_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v king_n james._n with_o the_o like_a eye_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v the_o queen_n the_o prince_n the_o peer_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n look_v upon_o their_o delivery_n acknowledge_v god_n only_o to_o be_v their_o deliverer_n yea_o the_o grave_a nesior_n themselves_o who_o wise_a doom_n may_v be_v term_v a_o brazen_a wail_n to_o our_o kingdom_n do_v see_v that_o a_o deep_a reach_n and_o far_o great_a providence_n than_o they_o even_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v the_o principal_a worker_n herein_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o discovery_n lay_v the_o matter_n whole_o from_o themselves_o and_o still_o make_v this_o their_o conclusion_n not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n give_v the_o praise_n and_o all_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o mean_a that_o shall_v instant_o or_o by_o degree_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o stratagem_n do_v see_v likewise_o not_o who_o hurt_v they_o but_o who_o preserve_v they_o and_o accord_n in_o this_o joyful_a acclamation_n it_o be_v thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n that_o do_v it_o i_o wonder_v what_o construction_n the_o favourer_n of_o your_o profession_n make_v of_o the_o accident_n i_o know_v how_o they_o carry_v it_o outward_o but_o what_o their_o inward_a man_n think_v of_o it_o in_o approbation_n or_o detestatation_n of_o the_o plot_n and_o touch_v the_o discovery_n there_o be_v the_o point_n one_o of_o the_o principal_n seem_v only_o sorry_a that_o the_o matter_n take_v not_o effect_n and_o 'slud_o to_o it_o like_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dyvell_n that_o prevent_v it_o but_o the_o desperate_a and_o 〈◊〉_d miscreant_n that_o inchristian_a &_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n with_o all_o of_o that_o opinion_n be_v utter_o deceive_v for_o the_o dyvell_n without_o question_n will_v have_v sing_v gaudeamus_fw-la with_o the_o merry_a that_o day_n will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v the_o dyvels_n holiday_n and_o therefore_o in_o despite_n of_o he_o but_o chief_o to_o render_v unto_o our_o gracious_a god_n from_o who_o our_o salvation_n come_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o very_a same_o daic_a shall_v for_o ever_o be_v our_o holiday_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o that_o draw_v such_o evil_a use_n from_o this_o as_o general_o they_o do_v from_o all_o other_o occurrent_n in_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o misconstruction_n it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o joy_n unto_o my_o soul_n that_o you_o for_o your_o part_n will_v make_v a_o profitable_a use_n thereof_o that_o with_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n you_o will_v draw_v good_a out_o of_o this_o evil_a meditate_v thereupon_o and_o serious_o ponder_v each_o circumstance_n belong_v thereunto_o which_o will_v i_o make_v no_o question_n prove_v a_o happy_a mean_n to_o remove_v you_o out_o of_o the_o base_a and_o erroneous_a school_n that_o read_v whole_a lecture_n of_o ignorance_n unto_o you_o and_o wherein_o overlong_o you_o have_v be_v train_v up_o and_o learned_a nothing_o but_o absurdity_n unto_o that_o best_a learned_a and_o most_o godly_a university_n which_o will_v in_o rich_a your_o hart_n with_o diviue_v wisdom_n and_o wherein_o to_o your_o great_a comfort_n and_o unspeakable_a benefit_n you_o shall_v be_v tutor_v and_o consort_v with_o true_a christian_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o mean_v for_o your_o learning_n this_o one_o lesson_n of_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o conspiracy_n which_o may_v so_o much_o avail_v you_o disdain_v i_o not_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o i_o seem_v the_o place_n of_o your_o schoolmaster_n thus_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o learn_v to_o read_v after_o i_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o defeat_v the_o purpose_n of_o those_o bloodthirsty_a papist_n those_o more_o than_o barbarous_a conspirator_n it_o be_v his_o tender_a mercy_n that_o set_v his_o hand_n to_o that_o happy_a and_o ever_o memorable_a piece_n of_o work_n they_o be_v his_o belove_a servant_n unto_o who_o such_o mercy_n be_v extend_v that_o be_v his_o true_a church_n whereof_o those_o his_o servant_n be_v member_n and_o therefore_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v plain_o opposite_a to_o this_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o deadly_a enmity_n with_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o inward_o repine_v at_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v so_o manifest_o oppugn_v by_o this_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v the_o false_a church_n no_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o very_a idolatious_a and_o abominable_a synagogue_n of_o antichrist_n this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a esson_n howbeit_o if_o you_o con_v the_o same_o perfect_o l_o y_o hart_n and_o true_o conceive_v it_o you_o shall_v feel_v your_o soul_n i_o doubt_v not_o so_o fix_v upon_o the_o deep_a consideration_n of_o this_o save_a hand_n so_o wrap_v up_o with_o the_o sweet_a admiration_n of_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n so_o inflame_v with_o the_o burn_a desire_n to_o be_v rank_v among_o these_o happy_a servant_n so_o ravish_v with_o the_o zealus_fw-la love_n of_o this_o church_n that_o you_o will_v rest_v assure_v &_o most_o resolute_o conclude_v that_o we_o who_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o gracious_a sort_n preserve_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n who_o be_v so_o dear_a and_o tender_a unto_o he_o and_o who_o he_o thus_o hedge_v about_o and_o hem_v in_o on_o every_o side_n be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n his_o choose_a generation_n member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n and_o that_o your_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o indeed_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n a_o righteous_a city_n and_o full_a of_o equity_n be_v become_v unfaithful_a as_o a_o whore_n though_o righteousness_n do_v dewell_n in_o it_o yet_o that_o now_o it_o be_v inhabit_v with_o murderer_n and_o that_o her_o silver_n be_v turn_v to_o dross_n and_o her_o wine_n be_v mix_v with_o water_n thus_o i_o say_v if_o you_o make_v true_a use_n of_o this_o conspiracy_n questionless_a you_o will_v conclude_v and_o conclude_v so_o for_o sake_n bahilon_n and_o enter_v into_o zion_n and_o for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o your_o soul_n most_o willing_o embrace_v this_o counsel_n of_o your_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v away_o from_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n now_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o a_o word_n to_o knit_v up_o this_o point_n of_o treason_n for_o which_o the_o ihesuite_n the_o secular_a priest_n and_o their_o follower_n mistile_v catholic_n be_v become_v so_o egregious_a with_o the_o christian_n and_o untainted_a resolution_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o our_o religion_n touch_v such_o deseigne_n ay_o that_o prize_n myself_o as_o the_o least_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o challenge_v no_o prerogative_n of_o saithfulnesse_n to_o my_o king_n and_o country_n above_o the_o loyalty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a protestant_n do_v without_o any_o of_o those_o mental_a irreligious_a referuation_n solemn_o protest_v that_o be_v i_o secure_v by_o a_o angel_n from_o he_o man_n to_o possess_v as_o much_o wealth_n and_o attain_v unto_o asmuch_o wisdom_n as_o solomon_n do_v to_o sway_v as_o many_o kingdom_n as_o asuerus_n do_v to_o live_v as_o fair_a a_o age_n as_o methuselah_n do_v and_o in_o fine_a to_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o easy_a and_o quiet_a dissolution_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o in_o liea_n of_o all_o this_o earthly_a blessedness_n once_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n or_o so_o much_o as_o incline_v my_o heart_n towards_o the_o