paul_n doctrine_n touch_v god_n grace_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o wrest_v several_a passage_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n also_o 2_o pet._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v salvation_n even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v he_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o as_o also_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n speak_v in_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o after_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o verses_z have_v by_o many_o black_a character_n describe_v a_o sort_n of_o christian_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o he_o 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consistent_a with_o communion_n with_o god_n through_o illumination_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o labour_v to_o deceive_v other_o in_o think_v they_o may_v be_v righteous_a without_o do_v righteousness_n 1_o joh._n 3.7_o he_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o epistle_n sum_v up_o his_o general_a scope_n in_o it_o in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n 5.13_o his_o meaning_n be_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n first_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n upon_o their_o right_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o second_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v not_o be_v draw_v into_o mistake_n in_o the_o point_n of_o believe_v as_o if_o 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proclamation_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o general_a pardon_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o through_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o as_o many_o sin_n as_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o commit_v the_o which_o error_n lead_v they_o into_o those_o monstrous_a impiety_n charge_v upon_o they_o in_o that_o epistle_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o right_a faith_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v evil-spoken_a of_o in_o the_o world_n as_o st._n peter_n note_v they_o be_v indeed_o spot_n and_o blemish_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o christian-profession_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n as_o own_a by_o they_o to_o be_v of_o their_o number_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o ungodly_a faith_n but_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o to_o build_v up_o themselves_o upon_o as_o on_o a_o sure_a foundation_n he_o call_v their_o most_o holy_a faith_n vers_fw-la 20._o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o operative_a principle_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o they_o be_v such_o christian_n as_o st._n james_n in_o his_o epistle_n do_v expostulate_v with_o that_o do_v lean_a so_o much_o upon_o a_o mere_a believe_v upon_o a_o mere_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a proposition_n as_o that_o they_o be_v careless_a in_o the_o subdue_a of_o their_o passion_n and_o bridle_v their_o tongue_n and_o regulate_v their_o action_n as_o if_o these_o have_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o think_v themselves_o safe_a upon_o account_n of_o their_o barren_a faith_n though_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o conceit_a of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o attainment_n censorious_a and_o contentious_a unmerciful_a and_o uncharitable_a in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v injudicious_a concern_v the_o faith_n that_o will_v save_o and_o under_o mistake_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n about_o it_o all_o this_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o understanding_n view_n and_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o content_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o plain_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n assert_v it_o be_v misunderstand_v by_o many_o gnostic_n carnal_a gospeler_n or_o solifidian_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v assert_v it_o be_v that_o faith_n justify_v without_o work_n antecedent_n to_o believe_v and_o without_o work_n as_o the_o work_n of_o a_o literal_a observation_n of_o moses_n law_n which_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o faith_n as_o have_v christ_n crucify_a for_o its_o object_n and_o repentance_n regeneration_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o its_o inseparable_a effect_n but_o these_o deceive_a soul_n that_o deceive_v their_o own_o heart_n seem_v to_o have_v understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o if_o they_o have_v teach_v justification_n by_o faith_n consider_v only_o as_o have_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o atonement_n make_v thereby_o for_o its_o object_n without_o respect_n to_o regeneration_n and_o new_a obedience_n as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o those_o corrupt_a notion_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o justify_v have_v die_v with_o those_o man_n which_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian-church_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o the_o same_o or_o much_o of_o the_o same_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a mistake_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o or_o revive_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n in_o this_o present_a age_n that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n though_o their_o life_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v far_o from_o be_v new_a creature_n from_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n will_n affection_n and_o conversation_n as_o those_o be_v that_o have_v be_v teach_v as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n ephes_n 4.21_o 24._o for_o they_o be_v confident_a they_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o in_o do_v so_o they_o be_v confident_a they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o they_o will_v if_o that_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v but_o so_o effectual_a and_o operative_a as_o to_o produce_v such_o a_o change_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o will_v denominate_v they_o new_a creature_n but_o the_o mischief_n be_v they_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o opinionative_n inoperative_a and_o dead_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o be_v only_o a_o
of_o the_o subject-matter_n of_o their_o epistle_n do_v differ_v just_a as_o the_o error_n they_o engage_v against_o do_v differ_v the_o error_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n consist_v much_o in_o deny_v justification_n to_o be_v by_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o in_o place_v it_o in_o their_o own_o work_n of_o circumcise_n sacrifice_a and_o other_o moysaicall_a observation_n and_o st._n paul_n design_v in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o antidote_n the_o christian_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o they_o and_o to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v lead_v of_o course_n to_o bend_v his_o discourse_n in_o great_a part_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n without_o those_o work_n whereas_o st._n james_n have_v to_o do_v in_o his_o epistle_n with_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o justification_n by_o it_o but_o err_v dangerous_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n as_o justify_v think_v that_o opinionative_n faith_n will_v save_v they_o though_o destitute_a of_o a_o real_a change_n in_o the_o moral_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o holy_a life_n hereupon_o it_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o plead_v the_o renovation_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o evangelical_n obedience_n to_o be_v some_o way_n necessary_a unto_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v for_o st._n paul_n to_o contend_v for_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o though_o their_o doctrine_n in_o this_o respect_n do_v in_o great_a part_n differ_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o truth_n differ_v from_o error_n nor_o as_o opposite_n but_o only_o as_o one_o truth_n differ_v from_o another_o for_o otherwise_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o like_a erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a christian_n as_o those_o be_v which_o st._n james_n expostulate_v the_o matter_n with_o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o he_o can_v and_o do_v decry_v a_o reprobate_a faith_n and_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v unfeigned_a and_o of_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o well_o as_o st._n james_n as_o appear_v in_o part_n by_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v make_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o this_o in_o order_n whereto_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o consideration_n these_o ten_o thing_n 1._o that_o work_v of_o evangelical_n obedience_n be_v never_o in_o scripture_n oppose_v to_o god_n grace_n 2._o that_o st._n paul_n in_o speak_v against_o justification_n by_o work_n give_v sufficient_a caution_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v thereby_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n against_o evangelical_n obedience_n in_o reference_n thereto_o 3._o that_o regeneration_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o include_v evangelical_n obedience_n be_v oppose_v to_o work_n in_o the_o business_n of_o man_n justification_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v and_o as_o well_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n itself_o be_v 4._o that_o evangelical_n obedience_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n and_o together_o with_o faith_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n in_o reference_n to_o justification_n 5._o that_o evangelical_n obedience_n alone_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 6._o faith_n itself_o be_v a_o act_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n 7._o by_o evangelical_n obedience_n christian_n come_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o salvation_n 8._o the_o promise_n of_o benefit_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v to_o evangelical_n obedience_n 9_o repentance_n and_o 10._o forgive_a injury_n be_v both_o act_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n without_o which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o they_o will_v i_o think_v amount_v to_o such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o that_o we_o can_v well_o desire_v a_o clear_a or_o full_a proof_n that_o st._n paul_n together_o with_o other_o the_o apostle_n teach_v justification_n by_o evangelical_n obedience_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o st._n james_n 1._o the_o work_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n by_o faith_n be_v never_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n or_o any_o other_o the_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o god_n grace_n in_o reference_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n work_n and_o grace_n indeed_o be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o but_o then_o by_o work_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v either_o work_n antecedent_n to_o conversion_n or_o as_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o erroneous_o contend_v for_o by_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n as_o typical_a and_o as_o oppose_v to_o thing_n typify_v or_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o law_n be_v in_o its_o rigour_n oppose_v to_o the_o mild_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o work_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n be_v never_o oppose_v to_o grace_n no_o more_o than_o faith_n itself_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v because_o evangelical_n obedience_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n itself_o be_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v accept_v and_o will_v be_v reward_v through_o grace_n contrary_n hereunto_o those_o word_n in_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o work_n after_o conversion_n as_o well_o as_o those_o before_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o save_n of_o men._n but_o whether_o this_o be_v due_o collect_v from_o these_o word_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o open_v the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o context_n the_o word_n in_o the_o 3_o 4_o and_z 5_o verse_n be_v these_o for_o we_o ourselves_o also_o be_v sometime_o foolish_a serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o be_v save_v here_o be_v mean_v their_o be_v rescue_v and_o deliver_v from_o their_o sinful_a state_n mention_v vers_fw-la 3._o in_o that_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o they_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o god_n mercy_n the_o plain_a meaning_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v that_o this_o change_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o deliverance_n from_o their_o sinful_a state_n be_v not_o effect_v or_o so_o much_o as_o begin_v among_o they_o by_o any_o reformation_n of_o their_o own_o till_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o work_v it_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 4._o and_o be_v of_o like_a import_n with_o that_o chap._n 2.11_o 12._o which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o not_o of_o their_o desert_n send_v among_o they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v far_o from_o intend_v by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n in_o this_o place_n work_v after_o conversion_n i_o may_v rather_o well_o argue_v on_o the_o contrary_a from_o this_o place_n that_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n in_o the_o person_n baptise_a and_o regeneration_n which_o be_v evangelical_n obedience_n in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n be_v together_o with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o as_o subordinate_a to_o it_o oppose_v to_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o work_n of_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n here_o be_v mean_v baptism_n as_o the_o figure_n of_o regeneration_n and_o by_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n regeneration_n itself_o by_o both_o which_o as_o subordinate_a to_o god_n mercy_n therein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o by_o the_o work_v of_o righteousness_n which_o they_o have_v do_v before_o these_o there_o be_v another_o place_n in_o 2_o tim._n 2.9_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o to_o titus_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v both_o with_o a_o little_a variation_n 2._o st._n
very_a bowel_n of_o christendom_n that_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o heretic_n who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o under_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n do_v sad_o weaken_v christ_n and_o most_o effectual_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o who_o have_v spill_v more_o blood_n perhaps_o in_o establish_v their_o heresy_n their_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n than_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o heathen_a rome_n and_o all_o the_o other_o pagan_a persecution_n put_v together_o so_o much_o you_o see_v it_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n utter_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n truth_n and_o now_o all_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o to_o renounce_v satan_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o his_o persecute_v temptation_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sore_a suffering_n which_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n can_v inflict_v rather_o than_o deny_v christ_n or_o his_o truth_n and_o now_o the_o question_n be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o his_o persecute_v temptation_n and_o fiery_a trial_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o end_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o dragon_n upon_o we_o as_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o age_n from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n down_o to_o our_o present_a time_n in_o which_o he_o have_v not_o and_o do_v not_o in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n exercise_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n why_o then_o our_o part_n must_v be_v after_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o sore_a suffering_n which_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n can_v inflict_v upon_o we_o rather_o than_o deny_v christ_n or_o his_o truth_n million_o i_o say_v of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o way_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o persecute_v method_n of_o tempt_v and_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o tell_v what_o trial_n they_o have_v of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n yea_o moreover_o of_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n how_o they_o be_v stone_v be_v saw_v asunder_o be_v tempt_v be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n how_o they_o wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_v heb._n 11.36_o 37._o and_o all_o this_o they_o suffer_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o idolatry_n or_o heresy_n or_o with_o any_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o which_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n will_v have_v force_v '_o they_o and_o so_o must_v we_o likewise_o we_o must_v all_o of_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n utter_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o resist_v unto_o blood_n his_o tempt_v we_o to_o heresy_n or_o sin_n if_o call_v thereunto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v make_v it_o the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n so_o to_o do_v matth._n 16.24_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o indeed_o those_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n who_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o adherence_n to_o christ_n and_o true_a religion_n against_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a invention_n bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5.10_o their_o persecution_n tend_v in_o the_o end_n both_o to_o their_o own_o great_a reward_n great_a be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o 12._o and_o to_o the_o far_a increase_n and_o propagation_n of_o truth_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v do_v his_o worst_a the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n like_o the_o palmtree_n be_v find_v to_o spread_v the_o wide_a for_o be_v oppress_v and_o therefore_o he_o ii_o when_o those_o bloody_a method_n fail_v satan_n then_o do_v endeavour_n so_o to_o corrupt_v man_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o their_o very_a christianity_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o second_o when_o those_o bloody_a method_n fail_v he_o and_o instead_o of_o extinguish_v christianity_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n prove_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n then_o with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o close_a contrivance_n possible_a do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v man_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o by_o their_o very_a christianity_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o debase_v his_o authority_n among_o man_n together_o with_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o thing_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o provide_v he_o compass_n this_o end_n he_o care_v not_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v whether_o by_o force_n or_o by_o fraud_n and_o according_o he_o have_v his_o title_n give_v he_o in_o the_o scripture_n from_o both_o where_o he_o be_v call_v a_o lion_n from_o his_o fury_n a_o serpent_n from_o his_o subtlety_n and_o indeed_o if_o by_o the_o former_a he_o have_v slay_v his_o thousand_o by_o these_o he_o have_v destroy_v his_o ten_o thousand_o so_o that_o of_o all_o his_o method_n to_o ruin_n we_o it_o do_v infinite_o concern_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o these_o his_o device_n now_o these_o politic_a method_n of_o he_o seed_n these_o politic_a method_n of_o he_o discover_v to_o we_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o malicious_a enemy_n come_v private_o in_o the_o night_n &_o sow_v tare_n where_o the_o husbandman_n have_v before_o sow_o good_a seed_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_n to_o corrupt_v man_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o by_o their_o very_a religion_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o some_o malicious_a enemy_n who_o come_v private_o in_o the_o night_n sow_v tare_n where_o the_o husbandman_n have_v before_o sow_o good_a seed_n the_o parable_n run_v thus_o matth._n 13.24_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n which_o sow_a good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o and_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 39_o ver_fw-la our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v we_o this_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o good_a doctrine_n the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v heretic_n and_o their_o evil_a principle_n the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n from_o which_o parable_n and_o explication_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v observe_v seedsman_n like_o a_o skilful_a husbandman_n he_o be_v choice_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o temper_n and_o preparedness_n of_o the_o soil_n the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n and_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n that_o the_o most_o skilful_a husbandman_n be_v not_o more_o curious_a about_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o seed_n the_o temper_n and_o preparedness_n of_o the_o soil_n and_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n and_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n than_o satan_n be_v choice_n and_o considerate_a about_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o erroneous_a doctrine_n the_o preparation_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o receive_v they_o about_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a time_n of_o disperse_v they_o and_o the_o capacity_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o his_o agent_n who_o he_o employ_v to_o sow_v they_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n and_o discovery_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n he_o take_v care_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o practice_n shall_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o conceal_v their_o discovery_n first_o i_o do_v take_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_o worth_a your_o while_n to_o consider_v that_o those_o heretical_a principle_n and_o opinion_n which_o satan_n do_v choose_v to_o blend_v with_o christianity_n do_v general_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o conceal_v their_o discovery_n so_o that_o as_o the_o tare_n which_o the_o enemy_n sow_v be_v not_o distinguishable_a till_o the_o wheat_n grow_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit_n so_o the_o heretical_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n of_o satan_n infuse_v can_v scarce_o be_v know_v but_o by_o their_o fruit_n to_o which_o way_n of_o try_v they_o
act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o powerful_o influence_n the_o will_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n but_o be_v the_o act_n only_o of_o one_o such_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o belief_n it_o be_v probable_a may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v find_v in_o some_o who_o be_v so_o convince_v by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o concurrence_n with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o life_n that_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n send_v from_o god_n though_o their_o carnal_a interest_n prevail_v so_o much_o in_o they_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o confess_v he_o open_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n joh._n 12.42_o 43._o and_o beside_o these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o about_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o also_o that_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o believe_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v partial_a in_o their_o faith_n they_o in_o a_o sort_n believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v righteous_o godly_a and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n or_o else_o they_o frame_v such_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o of_o repentance_n and_o regeneration_n as_o that_o they_o think_v they_o believe_v christ_n doctrine_n touch_v they_o when_o they_o believe_v only_o the_o lie_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o there_o be_v too_o much_o ground_n to_o fear_n that_o many_o man_n ill_o manage_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v not_o a_o little_a strengthen_v man_n in_o this_o vain_a confidence_n for_o while_o evangelical_n obedience_n itself_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o work_n to_o which_o faith_n be_v oppose_v have_v be_v decry_v as_o popish_a when_o interest_v in_o justification_n and_o justification_n assert_v to_o be_v by_o faith_n alone_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o work_n whatsoever_o inward_a and_o outward_a as_o well_o evangelical_n as_o legal_a as_o well_o those_o after_o conversion_n as_o those_o before_o yea_o and_o the_o disposition_n thereunto_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o help_v it_o have_v get_v great_a advantage_n thereby_o to_o persuade_v man_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o scripture_n make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o good_a work_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o press_v too_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o when_o withal_o they_o have_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n and_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v that_o when_o once_o they_o be_v justify_v they_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o from_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n they_o have_v easy_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n no_o more_o than_o to_o justification_n but_o faith_n only_o and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o other_o two_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v but_o rational_a for_o they_o so_o to_o believe_v for_o if_o good_a work_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justification_n at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o justify_v shall_v be_v save_v how_o shall_v man_n choose_v but_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n unless_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o man_n be_v not_o put_v into_o a_o immediate_a capacity_n of_o salvation_n by_o be_v justify_v which_o to_o affirm_v will_v be_v to_o say_v man_n be_v not_o free_v from_o condemnation_n by_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n which_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n for_o to_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n rom._n 8.33_o 34_o and_o 5.16_o 18._o and_o therefore_o justification_n must_v needs_o put_v man_n into_o a_o immediate_a capacity_n of_o be_v save_v and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n have_v be_v a_o stumbling-stone_n unto_o many_o and_o a_o backfriend_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n so_o there_o be_v another_o which_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o that_o have_v render_v it_o the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o itself_o no_o good_a friend_n to_o holy_a live_n and_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n unto_o justification_n in_o that_o way_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v manage_v by_o very_a many_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o sense_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o which_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o comfortable_a truth_n for_o when_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o esteem_v their_o own_o righteousness_n but_o as_o filthy_a rag_n not_o only_o because_o of_o its_o utter_a insufficiency_n to_o justify_v instead_o of_o christ_n or_o as_o he_o justify_v in_o which_o respect_n indeed_o it_o be_v no_o better_o but_o also_o as_o any_o part_n of_o a_o condition_n of_o justification_n or_o of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v also_o that_o upon_o their_o believe_v only_o christ_n righteousness_n in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o they_o become_v impute_v to_o they_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o only_o as_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o their_o justification_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v themselves_o perfect_o keep_v the_o law_n in_o he_o it_o have_v doubtless_o enfeeble_v their_o endeavour_n after_o a_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o they_o to_o think_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v such_o another_o inherent_a righteousness_n essential_o in_o itself_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o christ_n be_v they_o have_v no_o great_a need_n to_o find_v it_o in_o themselves_o consider_v also_o that_o if_o they_o have_v it_o they_o must_v rather_o loathe_v themselves_o for_o it_o than_o take_v any_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v st._n john_n he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a 1_o joh._n 3.7_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v worthy_a man_n who_o yet_o have_v propagate_v these_o opinion_n but_o that_o make_v the_o opinion_n never_o the_o better_a but_o have_v do_v more_o hurt_n in_o gain_v thereby_o the_o more_o credit_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o those_o worthy_a man_n have_v zealous_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n regeneration_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o prove_v indeed_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o other_o opinion_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o become_v mortal_a to_o many_o as_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v and_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v make_v mad_a work_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v yoke_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v among_o antinomian_o ranter_n and_o other_o carnal_a christian_n that_o have_v follow_v the_o ducture_n of_o those_o opinion_n but_o have_v be_v shy_a of_o let_v the_o doctrine_n of_o mortification_n and_o strict_a live_n to_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o but_o then_o if_o the_o preach_n of_o those_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o repentance_n regeneration_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v do_v much_o good_a notwithstanding_o they_o have_v be_v clog_v with_o opinion_n of_o another_o tendency_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v do_v much_o more_o good_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v check_v by_o those_o unsound_a principle_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o though_o more_o may_v be_v say_v because_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o have_v former_o imbibe_v these_o opinion_n be_v now_o come_v to_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o more_o caution_n than_o heretofore_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o touch_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v chap._n vii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o of_o st._n james_n about_o faith_n and_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o justification_n do_v not_o differ_v but_o be_v whole_o one_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n be_v in_o nothing_o opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o the_o nature_n
and_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o countermine_v and_o defeat_v this_o mischievous_a work_n of_o he_o first_o have_v show_v you_o by_o what_o temptation_n and_o mean_n he_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o draw_v it_o off_o from_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o do_v service_n to_o he_o and_o second_o have_v also_o lay_v before_o you_o such_o temptation_n as_o he_o level_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n either_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o or_o to_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n that_o by_o that_o they_o may_v dishonour_v their_o maker_n three_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v you_o church_n iii_o satan_n great_a industry_n be_v to_o gain_v over_o to_o his_o party_n or_o to_o tempt_v to_o some_o scandalous_a enormity_n such_o person_n as_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o eminent_a for_o their_o rank_n their_o order_n or_o their_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n that_o next_o to_o his_o destroy_a and_o pervert_v of_o whole_a church_n his_o great_a industry_n be_v to_o gain_v over_o to_o his_o party_n or_o to_o tempt_v to_o some_o grievous_a and_o scandalous_a enormity_n such_o person_n as_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o eminent_a for_o their_o rank_n or_o quality_n their_o order_n or_o their_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o quality_n and_o first_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o station_n or_o quality_n first_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o station_n or_o quality_n hence_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n that_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n apply_v himself_o so_o diligent_o to_o sergius_n paulus_n a_o deputy_n and_o great_a man_n in_o his_o country_n to_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o faith_n act_v 13.7_o 8._o and_o hence_o as_o in_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v not_o idolater_n and_o high_o infamous_a for_o some_o high_a abomination_n or_o other_o so_o since_o the_o world_n become_v christian_n how_o many_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v there_o who_o have_v commit_v fornication_n that_o be_v idolatry_n with_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o live_v delicious_o with_o she_o and_o how_o will_v both_o they_o and_o the_o merchant_n of_o the_o earth_n weep_v and_o mourn_v over_o she_o when_o her_o calamity_n come_v upon_o she_o rev._n 18.9.11_o it_o be_v astonish_v to_o consider_v how_o that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o honourable_a and_o the_o rich_a who_o of_o all_o man_n live_v be_v oblige_v to_o be_v grateful_a to_o god_n for_o so_o many_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o they_o enjoy_v above_o other_o man_n shall_v yet_o carry_v it_o so_o insolent_o against_o their_o great_a benefactor_n lift_v up_o their_o head_n above_o the_o heaven_n party_n such_o man_n wickedness_n not_o altogether_o from_o the_o temptingness_n of_o riches_n but_o the_o industry_n of_o satan_n to_o get_v over_o such_o lead_a man_n to_o his_o party_n as_o it_o be_v trample_v under_o foot_n all_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n deny_v and_o disow_v any_o power_n above_o '_o they_o why_o this_o be_v not_o altogether_o from_o the_o temptingness_n of_o greatness_n and_o riches_n which_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v alone_o a_o very_a considerable_a temptation_n but_o also_o from_o satan_n more_o than_o ordinary_a industry_n to_o gain_v over_o to_o his_o party_n and_o interest_n such_o man_n above_o all_o other_o for_o why_o these_o be_v general_n and_o great_a officer_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o these_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v be_v but_o prevail_v upon_o to_o revolt_n from_o god_n all_o the_o herd_n of_o mankind_n beside_o will_n in_o a_o manner_n follow_v of_o course_n conspicuous_a such_o man_n example_n if_o bad_a of_o malignant_a influence_n because_o conspicuous_a there_o be_v indeed_o satan_n do_v very_o well_o know_v it_o nothing_o that_o have_v a_o more_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o the_o lewd_a and_o profligate_v course_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_a in_o quality_n or_o power_n their_o example_n be_v doubtless_o of_o vast_a importance_n as_o in_o this_o world_n they_o live_v in_o a_o crowd_n all_o their_o life_n so_o they_o pass_v not_o into_o the_o other_o without_o a_o train_n of_o follower_n at_o their_o heel_n if_o their_o example_n be_v extraordinary_o good_a they_o bring_v many_o to_o heaven_n along_o with_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v vicious_a and_o naughty_a whole_a troop_n follow_v to_o hell_n after_o they_o for_o subject_n child_n servant_n dependent_n all_o take_v after_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n except_o it_o be_v very_o rare_o because_o and_o will_v bring_v upon_o they_o the_o gild_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o other_o man_n sin_n because_o so_o that_o those_o who_o abound_v either_o in_o wealth_n or_o honour_n and_o do_v therefore_o think_v they_o have_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o sin_n than_o other_o because_o they_o have_v great_a temptation_n to_o it_o than_o other_o man_n be_v miserable_o mistake_v for_o as_o their_o life_n be_v public_a and_o conspicuous_a lie_v more_o open_a to_o the_o observation_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o do_v cause_n more_o to_o sin_n so_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v their_o own_o only_a but_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v influence_v they_o to_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o the_o action_n of_o great_a man_n have_v some_o force_n of_o a_o precept_n with_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o pattern_n of_o their_o action_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o pattern_n which_o inferior_n be_v afraid_a to_o show_v their_o dislike_n of_o for_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v those_o who_o be_v much_o eye_v can_v sin_v single_o both_o because_o man_n of_o weak_a mind_n and_o less_o consideration_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a master_n of_o knowledge_n and_o bravery_n and_o therefore_o strive_v to_o imitate_v and_o be_v like_o they_o and_o also_o because_o they_o have_v many_o dependent_n that_o hope_v to_o receive_v something_o from_o they_o and_o to_o be_v some_o way_n better_v by_o they_o and_o this_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v except_o they_o copy_n out_o their_o example_n and_o show_v their_o love_n and_o honour_n or_o rather_o flattery_n to_o they_o in_o endeavour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o be_v like_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v common_o see_v the_o generality_n upon_o any_o change_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o religion_n or_o transcribe_v the_o pattern_n and_o ape_n the_o action_n and_o vice_n of_o their_o prince_n or_o other_o governor_n and_o their_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o habit_n shall_v become_v the_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n so_o that_o a_o unholy_a prince_n shall_v seldom_o have_v a_o religious_a people_n a_o debauch_a nobility_n and_o gentry_n a_o devout_a and_o orderly_a neighbourhood_n and_o family_n a_o wicked_a father_n pious_a child_n or_o a_o evil_a master_n good_a servant_n but_o their_o action_n have_v the_o force_n not_o only_o of_o a_o pattern_n but_o also_o of_o a_o rule_n and_o law_n which_o inferior_n and_o dependent_n be_v afraid_a to_o go_v against_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o industrious_a to_o gain_v over_o to_o his_o party_n such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o station_n and_o quality_n one_o such_o tall_a cedar_n sweep_v away_o with_o he_o in_o his_o fall_n all_o the_o low_a shrub_n within_o the_o reach_n of_o its_o branch_n but_o than_o it_o do_v infinite_o concern_v person_n of_o quality_n satan_n great_a man_n therefore_o must_v of_o all_o other_o renounce_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n of_o all_o man_n live_v utter_o to_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n because_o their_o ill_a example_n be_v of_o such_o bad_a and_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o other_o and_o they_o shall_v renounce_v all_o the_o way_n of_o scandalous_a and_o notorious_a ill_a live_n as_o they_o be_v influential_a upon_o other_o not_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o man_n but_o also_o for_o their_o own_o dear_a sake_n for_o alas_o if_o a_o man_n be_v own_o single_a sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v plunge_v he_o into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n how_o deep_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n must_v they_o sink_v who_o have_v beside_o their_o own_o personal_a transgression_n the_o sin_n of_o many_o other_o press_v they_o downward_o and_o load_v they_o with_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o ill_a example_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o wickedness_n which_o they_o give_v '_o they_o so_o that_o it_o concern_v the_o great_a one_o of_o all_o other_o to_o look_v to_o
the_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n till_o i_o come_v to_o the_o article_n and_o i_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o principal_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v style_v the_o father_n and_o together_o with_o who_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o conceive_v how_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o to_o proceed_v then_o i_o shall_v consider_v here_o in_o their_o order_n each_o of_o the_o three_o former_a truth_n explain_v their_o full_a mean_v and_o importance_n and_o show_v the_o particular_a influence_n each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o 1._o i_o be_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n high_o necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n who_o transcendent_a excellency_n deserve_v our_o most_o inward_a and_o retire_a thought_n and_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o meditate_a upon_o by_o we_o so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o attribute_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o be_v understand_v do_v teach_v some_o virtue_n or_o other_o and_o all_o of_o they_o do_v necessary_o create_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v consider_v they_o the_o high_a veneration_n love_n and_o honour_n towards_o that_o be_v which_o do_v possess_v '_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o to_o man_n misapprehension_n concern_v they_o to_o this_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v owe_v all_o those_o high_a enormity_n which_o the_o more_o degenerate_a race_n of_o sinner_n do_v commit_v as_o atheism_n superstition_n and_o whatever_o other_o unrepented_a habit_n of_o sin_n the_o shortsighted_a atheist_n do_v not_o behold_v god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v as_o ignorant_o as_o impious_o deny_v his_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o superstitious_a religionist_n do_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o morose_n and_o arbitrary_a a_o humoursome_a and_o captious_a power_n and_o therefore_o do_v study_n to_o flatter_v he_o with_o servile_a rite_n and_o observance_n instead_o of_o pay_v he_o a_o reasonable_a service_n such_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o loose_a libertine_n frame_v his_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o of_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o mercy_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o to_o the_o utter_a disannul_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o fearful_a threaten_n and_o thereupon_o do_v live_v secure_o in_o those_o habit_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o he_o have_v long_o indulge_v himself_o and_o that_o without_o thought_n of_o repent_v of_o they_o so_o mischievous_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n but_o beside_o and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v make_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n joh._n 17.3_o as_o well_o it_o may_v since_o there_o be_v no_o enter_v therein_o till_o we_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v we_o imitate_v that_o nature_n and_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o knowledge_n of_o not_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v know_v to_o perfection_n it_o be_v one_o attribute_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o far_o we_o may_v safe_o enough_o declare_v that_o we_o know_v he_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o account_n which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o derive_v from_o thence_o concern_v he_o i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o give_v this_o very_a imperfect_a description_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v attribute_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n viz._n a_o spirit_n immense_a and_o omnipresent_v omnipotent_a eternal_a independent_a and_o all_o sufficient_a immutable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v transcendent_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o as_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_o happy_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o i._o i_o say_v god_n be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v be_v 1._o he_o be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v he_o it_o be_v that_o be_v be_v itself_o or_o self-existent_a whereas_o all_o other_o being_n whether_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o thing_n on_o earth_n derive_v their_o be_v from_o he_o and_o may_v yet_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o be_v or_o anihiliate_v by_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o heretofore_o not_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o hereafter_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o this_o be_v say_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o crew_n of_o pagan_a go_n they_o either_o have_v no_o be_v but_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o worshipper_n or_o else_o be_v but_o mere_a creature_n deify_v by_o the_o superstition_n of_o man_n but_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o do_v give_v that_o strange_a account_n of_o himself_o when_o moses_n will_v needs_o know_v by_o what_o name_n he_o shall_v set_v he_o forth_o to_o the_o people_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o exod._n 3.14_o ii_o and_o as_o he_o be_v necessary_o existent_a perfect_a 2._o infinite_o perfect_a so_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_n that_o be_v all_o possible_a perfection_n be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o perfection_n can_v be_v conceive_v or_o see_v by_o we_o in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o great_a in_o god_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_o rom._n 11.36_o and_o be_v whatever_o perfection_n be_v find_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v eminent_o great_a in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o produce_v it_o it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o consider_v those_o manifold_a and_o vast_a perfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n from_o the_o low_a to_o to_o the_o high_a god_n who_o create_v all_o these_o and_o give_v they_o these_o several_a perfection_n must_v be_v himself_o infinite_o perfect_a such_o reason_n have_v zophar_n in_o job_n 11.7_o to_o cry_v out_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n which_o bring_v i_o iii_o to_o show_n that_o as_o he_o be_v of_o perfection_n infinite_a in_o themselves_o viz_o 3._o of_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n viz_o so_o of_o such_o as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v finite_a and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v that_o height_n or_o to_o fathom_v that_o depth_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n it_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_a than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n or_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n job_n 11.8_o 9_o such_o reason_n have_v st._n paul_n in_o admiration_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n thereof_o to_o cry_v out_o rom._n 11.14_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v any_o adequate_a conception_n of_o god_n or_o thorough_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n but_o however_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v a_o great_a
deal_n concern_v he_o and_o his_o attribute_n even_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v imprint_v upon_o the_o creature_n for_o st._n paul_n testify_v rom._n 1.20_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o those_o who_o know_v he_o not_o be_v without_o excuse_n but_o much_o more_o can_v we_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o know_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o he_o when_o our_o reason_n from_o a_o create_a perfection_n be_v so_o much_o assist_v by_o divine_a revelation_n declare_v and_o decipher_v god_n so_o clear_o as_o it_o do_v both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o attribute_n now_o the_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n may_v be_v reduce_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v to_o such_o as_o pertain_v to_o it_o as_o a_o substance_n or_o as_o have_v life_n as_o have_v perception_n or_o sense_n or_o as_o have_v reason_n and_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o from_o our_o general_a conception_n of_o god_n as_o a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o incomprehensible_a by_o we_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o gather_v what_o they_o be_v from_o what_o be_v legible_a in_o the_o creature_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n spirit_n 1._o a_o spirit_n i._o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o substance_n since_o the_o more_o fine_a and_o spiritual_a any_o substance_n be_v it_o be_v always_o account_v the_o more_o perfect_a as_o the_o animal_n spirit_n in_o the_o body_n be_v far_o exalt_v above_o the_o grosser_n matter_n god_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v of_o a_o bodily_a form_n and_o composition_n the_o low_a form_n of_o substance_n but_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a of_o all_o viz._n pure_o a_o spirit_n and_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v then_o be_v transcendent_o exalt_v in_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n above_o those_o most_o glorious_a being_n the_o holy_a angel_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o faculty_n be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o through_o the_o door_n of_o the_o sense_n to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v absolute_o incorporeal_a without_o figure_n or_o part_n which_o be_v the_o accident_n of_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n and_o according_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o 16._o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o believe_v he_o infinite_o more_o spiritual_a in_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o than_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 16.22_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n or_o he_o who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n psal_n 104.4_o for_o if_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n do_v possess_v he_o as_o the_o cause_n must_v have_v much_o more_o of_o that_o perfection_n in_o he_o than_o he_o impart_v unto_o other_o in_o a_o word_n the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o god_n as_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o perfection_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o divine_a mind_n as_o even_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v he_o ii_o he_o be_v immense_a or_o omnipresent_v omnipresent_v ii_o immense_a or_o omnipresent_v this_o be_v another_o of_o those_o attribute_n or_o divine_a perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o substance_n and_o a_o transcendent_a attribute_n this_o be_v whereby_o he_o infinite_o excel_v all_o create_a being_n as_o for_o bodily_a substance_n they_o be_v circumscribe_v and_o limit_v by_o other_o body_n touch_v and_o bound_v they_o on_o all_o side_n so_o that_o no_o two_o body_n can_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n nor_o can_v the_o same_o body_n be_v possible_o in_o two_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o as_o to_o those_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a substance_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v also_o define_v to_o certain_a place_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v in_o one_o place_n they_o can_v be_v in_o another_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o instant_a but_o as_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o instant_a present_n in_o all_o place_n it_o be_v neither_o include_v nor_o circumscribe_v in_o any_o place_n nor_o exclude_v from_o any_o but_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a in_o a_o ineffable_a and_o a_o inscrutable_a manner_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o conceive_v where_o god_n be_v not_o be_o i_o a_o god_n at_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jer._n 23.23_o 24._o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o that_o place_n psal_n 139.7_o 8._o do_v admirable_o set_v forth_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o climb_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o also_o iii_o god_n be_v a_o be_v omnipotent_a omnipotent_a iii_o omnipotent_a this_o be_v another_o attribute_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o it_o pertain_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o live_a substance_n for_o though_o many_o thing_n inanimate_a have_v their_o virtue_n yet_o power_n and_o activity_n be_v the_o property_n and_o result_v of_o life_n and_o if_o the_o angel_n which_o have_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o he_o do_v so_o excel_v in_o strength_n that_o one_o of_o they_o slay_v a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o five_o thousand_o of_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n in_o one_o night_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o how_o eminent_o great_a must_v that_o power_n be_v which_o create_v those_o potent_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o attribute_n which_o do_v fall_v in_o very_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v after_o god_n immensity_n for_o wherever_o god_n be_v present_a as_o he_o be_v every_o where_o he_o can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v and_o nothing_o can_v resist_v his_o power_n concern_v which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o the_o plain_a testimony_n and_o the_o most_o astonish_a instance_n thus_o matth._n 19.26_o it_o be_v say_v that_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o the_o instance_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o behold_v even_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v testify_v gen._n 1.2_o and_o ps_n 148.5_o that_o god_n do_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v that_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v and_o sure_o then_o all_o thing_n possible_a can_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o he_o please_v i_o say_v all_o thing_n possible_a god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v all_o thing_n possible_a or_o which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o themselves_o nor_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o it_o be_v a_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v as_o that_o a_o body_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o bound_v in_o the_o place_n wherein_o it_o it_o be_v shall_v be_v in_o different_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o other_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o perfect_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o do_v as_o to_o die_v to_o deceive_v to_o do_v injustice_n to_o damn_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v heb._n 6.18_o and_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 2_o tim._n 2.13_o and_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v please_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v for_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o god_n who_o be_v a_o voluntary_a agent_n and_o other_o necessary_a agent_n that_o whatever_o do_v act_n necessary_o do_v operate_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o power_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o stone_n in_o descend_v fall_v as_o low_a as_o it_o can_v but_o a_o free_a agent_n as_o god_n be_v act_v so_o far_o only_o as_o he_o will_v for_o he_o may_v