Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
religion_n	wonderful_a	work_n	work_v	30	3	5.9284	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A26951	The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb. 11, 1, formerly preached before His Majesty, and published by his command, with another added for the fuller application : the second is instructions for confirming believers in the Christian faith : the third is directions how to live by faith, or how to exercise it upon all occasions / by Richard Baxter.	Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.	1670 (1670)	Wing B1301; ESTC R5103	494,148	660

the_o first_o so_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v more_o study_v by_o a_o believer_n than_o his_o power_n or_o his_o wisdom_n because_o the_o impress_n of_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o we_o in_o our_o lapse_v state_n 2._o they_o have_v false_a thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n who_o make_v it_o to_o consist_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o a_o communicative_a inclination_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o we_o call_v benignity_n for_o he_o be_v as_o good_a from_o eternity_n before_o he_o make_v any_o creature_n as_o he_o be_v since_o and_o his_o goodness_n consider_v as_o essential_a in_o himself_o and_o as_o his_o own_o perfection_n be_v infinite_o high_a than_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o as_o terminate_v on_o any_o creature_n man_n be_v denominate_v good_a from_o his_o adaptation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o god_n chief_o from_o his_o adaptation_n to_o the_o commodity_n or_o will_n of_o man_n and_o they_o do_v therefore_o debase_v god_n and_o deify_v his_o creature_n who_o make_v the_o creature_n the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o god_n and_o itself_o and_o not_o god_n the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o make_v the_o creature_n the_o beginning_n also_o of_o itself_o and_o god_n and_o yet_o this_o sottish_a notion_n take_v much_o with_o many_o half-witted_a novelist_n in_o this_o age_n who_o account_v themselves_o the_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n and_o they_o have_v also_o false_a thought_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o communicative_a benignity_n in_o it_o at_o all_o for_o all_o the_o good_a which_o god_n do_v he_o do_v it_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a psal_n 119.68_o and_o his_o do_v good_a be_v usual_o express_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v good_a to_o they_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o psal_n 145.9_o psal_n 25_o 8_o &_o 86.5_o object_n but_o if_o communicative_a benignity_n be_v natural_a to_o god_n as_o his_o essential_a goodness_n be_v than_o he_o must_v do_v good_a per_fw-la modum_fw-la naturae_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la ultimum_fw-la potentiae_fw-la and_o then_o the_o world_n be_v from_o eternity_n and_o as_o good_a as_o god_n can_v make_v it_o answ_n 1._o those_o christian_a divine_v who_o do_v hold_v that_o the_o universe_n be_v from_o eternity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o god_n can_v make_v it_o do_v not_o yet_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v its_o own_o original_a but_o a_o eternal_a emanation_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o eternal_o and_o voluntary_o though_o natural_o and_o necessary_o produce_v it_o for_o himself_o even_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n essential_a goodness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v much_o high_a than_o the_o same_o as_o terminate_v in_o or_o productive_a of_o the_o universe_n and_o that_o no_o mix_a body_n which_o do_v oriri_fw-la &_o interire_fw-la be_v generate_v and_o corrupt_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o present_a system_v call_v the_o world_n which_o be_v within_o our_o sight_n be_v not_o from_o eternity_n but_o that_o as_o spring_v and_o fall_n do_v revive_v the_o plant_n and_o end_v their_o transitory_a life_n so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o these_o particular_a systeme_n the_o simple_a and_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n continue_v the_o same_o and_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o world_n be_v next_o to_o infinite_o good_a and_o as_o good_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v without_o be_v god_n and_o that_o for_o god_n to_o produce_v another_o god_n or_o a_o infinite_a good_a be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o that_o all_o the_o base_a and_o pain_v and_o miserable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v best_o respective_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a though_o not_o best_o in_o and_o to_o themselves_o as_o every_o nuck_n and_o pin_n in_o a_o watch_n be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o the_o chief_a part_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n set_v together_o it_o be_v best_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v but_o of_o this_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o see_v not_o only_o some_o little_a part_n but_o the_o whole_a universe_n at_o one_o perfect_a view_n be_v the_o fit_a judge_n 2._o but_o the_o generality_n of_o divine_n do_v hold_v the_o contrary_a and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o alsufficient_a pregnant_a good_a not_o only_o able_a to_o communicate_v goodness_n but_o incline_v to_o it_o as_o far_o as_o his_o perfection_n do_v require_v but_o not_o incline_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o way_n of_o natural_a constant_a necessity_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o liberty_n when_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n he_o please_v which_o pleasure_n be_v guide_v by_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n which_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o must_v not_o ask_v any_o further_a reason_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n and_o will_n but_o stop_v here_o and_o be_v satisfy_v to_o find_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o god_n will_v and_o reason_n which_o cause_v all_o thing_n when_o and_o what_o they_o be_v and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v the_o universe_n as_o good_a in_o itself_o as_o by_o his_o absolute_a power_n he_o can_v have_v make_v it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v best_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o perfect_a will_n and_o wisdom_n and_o this_o answer_n seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o as_o you_o must_v see_v that_o your_o thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v not_o false_a so_o also_o that_o they_o be_v not_o diminutive_a and_o low_a as_o no_o knowledge_n be_v more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o we_o so_o nothing_o be_v more_o wonderful_o reveal_v by_o god_n than_o be_v his_o amiable_a goodness_n for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o flesh_n to_o declare_v his_o love_n to_o the_o forelorn_a world_n and_o to_o call_v they_o to_o behold_v it_o and_o admire_v it_o john_n 1_o 8_o 9_o 10._o &_o 3.16_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o rev._n 21.3_o and_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a glass_n of_o the_o father_n love_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n so_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n to_o see_v god_n love_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n let_v he_o not_o reveal_v his_o love_n in_o vain_a at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o such_o wonderful_a condescension_n think_v of_o his_o goodness_n as_o equal_a to_o his_o greatness_n and_o as_o you_o see_v his_o greatness_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n so_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n let_v faith_n behold_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o daily_o thus_o gaze_v on_o his_o goodness_n or_o rather_o taste_v it_o and_o feast_v on_o it_o be_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o all_o your_o religion_n and_o your_o life_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n when_o it_o work_v by_o that_o love_n which_o be_v our_o holiness_n and_o life_n direct_v 13._o let_v not_o faith_n overlook_v the_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o god_n attribute_n therein_o even_o such_o revelation_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o fidelity_n as_o be_v make_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n make_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n at_o least_o we_o who_o by_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v know_v how_o the_o world_n be_v make_v heb._n 11.2_o 3._o must_v believe_o study_v this_o glorious_a work_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n all_o those_o admiration_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o his_o work_n which_o david_n use_v be_v not_o without_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n can_v use_v the_o world_n as_o a_o sanctify_a thing_n and_o as_o a_o glass_n to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o while_o sensual_a sinner_n use_v it_o against_o god_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o make_v it_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o they_o so_o contrary_a be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n within_o he_o who_o be_v not_o strike_v with_o admiration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o incomprehensible_a creator_n when_o he_o serious_o look_v to_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n to_o sea_n and_o land_n to_o the_o course_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o wonderful_a variety_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o particular_a creature_n and_o he_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n in_o he_o who_o do_v not_o think_v o_o what_o

this_o treatise_n be_v so_o unlike_a understand_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v for_o various_a use_n the_o first_o part_n to_o make_v man_n willing_a by_o awaken_n persuasion_n and_o the_o rest_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v first_o make_v willing_a 2._o that_o i_o write_v not_o to_o win_v thy_o praise_n of_o a_o artificial_a comely_a structure_n but_o to_o help_v soul_n to_o holiness_n and_o heaven_n and_o to_o these_o end_n i_o labour_v to_o suit_v the_o mean_n 3._o that_o the_o first_o sermon_n be_v publish_v long_o ago_o and_o the_o bookseller_n desire_v i_o to_o give_v he_o some_o addition_n to_o it_o i_o think_v meet_v first_o to_o make_v up_o the_o exciting_a part_n in_o the_o same_o style_n and_o then_o to_o add_v a_o directory_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o judicious_a believer_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o offend_v thou_o that_o the_o second_o part_n contain_v but_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o publish_v in_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n understand_v 1._o that_o i_o perceive_v that_o that_o treatise_n be_v neglect_v by_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o not_o descend_v enough_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o draw_v forth_o some_o of_o the_o most_o obvious_a argument_n in_o as_o plain_a a_o manner_n and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v that_o length_n nor_o obscurity_n may_v not_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n who_o be_v too_o slothful_a or_o too_o dull_a to_o make_v use_n of_o more_o copious_a and_o accurate_a discourse_n 2._o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o write_v a_o treatise_n of_o the_o use_v of_o faith_n which_o shall_v whole_o leave_v out_o the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n without_o much_o reluctancy_n of_o my_o reason_n 3._o and_o again_o i_o say_v i_o can_v bear_v the_o dispraise_n of_o repetition_n if_o i_o may_v but_o further_a man_n faith_n and_o salvation_n 3._o and_o if_o it_o offend_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o so_o dull_a in_o all_o the_o directive_n part_n i_o can_v well_o do_v both_o work_n at_o once_o awaken_v the_o affection_n and_o accurate_o direct_v the_o mind_n for_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o if_o i_o have_v speak_v all_o those_o direction_n in_o a_o copious_a applicatory_a sermon_n style_n it_o will_v have_v swell_v the_o book_n to_o a_o very_a tedious_a costly_a volume_n and_o affection_n must_v not_o too_o much_o interpose_v when_o the_o judgement_n be_v about_o its_o proper_a work_n and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o beginning_n it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o spare_v afterward_o 4._o if_o it_o offend_v you_o that_o i_o open_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o somewhat_o a_o unusual_a manner_n i_o answer_v for_o myself_o that_o if_o it_o be_v methodical_a true_a and_o apt_a for_o use_v i_o do_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v and_o on_o a_o subject_n so_o frequent_o and_o full_o handle_v it_o be_v but_o a_o injury_n to_o the_o church_n to_o say_v but_o the_o same_o which_o be_v say_v already_o mr._n john_n ball_n mr._n ezekiel_n culverwell_n and_o mr._n samuel_n ward_n in_o a_o narrow_a room_n have_v do_v exceed_o well_o upon_o this_o subject_n if_o you_o have_v nothing_o more_o than_o they_o have_v say_v read_v their_o book_n only_o and_o let_v this_o alone_a 5._o if_o it_o offend_v you_o that_o the_o direction_n be_v many_o of_o they_o difficult_a and_o the_o style_n require_v a_o slow_a considerate_a reader_n i_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v it_o and_o without_o voluminous_a tediousness_n it_o can_v be_v avoid_v blame_v therefore_o your_o unprepared_a ignorant_a mind_n and_o while_o you_o be_v yet_o dull_a of_o hear_v and_o so_o make_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v utter_v to_o your_o understanding_n because_o you_o have_v still_o need_v of_o milk_n and_o can_v digest_v strong_a meat_n but_o must_v again_o be_v teach_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o think_v not_o to_o g●t_v knowledge_n without_o hard_a study_n and_o patient_a learning_n by_o hear_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o know_v already_o or_o can_v understand_v by_o one_o hasty_a read_v over_o lest_o you_o discover_v a_o conjunction_n of_o slothfulness_n with_o a_o ignorant_a and_o unhumbled_a mind_n or_o at_o least_o if_o you_o must_v learn_v at_o so_o cheap_a a_o rate_n or_o else_o stick_v still_o in_o your_o milk_n and_o your_o beginning_n be_v not_o offend_v if_o other_o outgo_v you_o and_o think_v knowledge_n worthy_a of_o much_o great_a diligence_n and_o if_o leave_v the_o principle_n we_o go_v on_o towards_o perfection_n as_o long_o as_o we_o take_v they_o along_o with_o we_o and_o make_v they_o the_o life_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v while_o we_o seem_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o this_o we_o will_v do_v if_o god_n permit_v heb._n 6.1_o 3._o r._n b._n feb._n 3._o 1669._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part._n the_o sermon_n what_o faith_n be_v page_z 2._o the_o text_n open_v p._n 4._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n brief_o intimate_v p._n 5_o etc._n etc._n why_o god_n will_v have_v we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n p._n 1●_n etc._n etc._n use_v 1_o to_o inform_v we_o what_o a_o christian_a or_o believer_n be_v describe_v p._n 15_o use_v 2._o the_o reason_n why_o believer_n be_v more_o serious_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o unbeliever_n be_v use_v 3_o of_o examination_n p._n 29_o the_o misery_n of_o unbeliever_n p._n 30_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n p._n 32_o use_v 4._o exhortation_n to_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o faith_n p._n 37_o some_o assist_a supposition_n p._n 38_o how_o those_o will_v live_v who_o thus_o believe_v open_v in_o certain_a question_n p_o 4●_n motive_n to_o live_v by_o a_o foresee_a faith_n on_o thing_n not_o see_v p._n 45_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o exhort_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n 2._o and_o to_o promote_v this_o life_n in_o other_o p._n 46._o the_o addition_n cap._n 1._o the_o conviction_n and_o reproof_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o live_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v 48_o cap._n 2._o a_o general_a exhortation_n to_o live_v as_o believer_n 56_o cap._n 3._o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o believer_n 63_o the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n 1._o the_o believer_n directory_n must_v show_v he_o i._n how_o to_o strengthen_v faith_n 2._o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o i._o for_o the_o first_o the_o order_n of_o the_o presuppose_a natural_a verity_n be_v brief_o mention_v 8●_n chap._n 2._o the_o true_a method_n of_o enquiry_n into_o the_o supernatural_a evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n therein_o to_o be_v observe_v 87_o chap._n 3._o the_o proper_a evidence_n of_o faith_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n himself_o 97_o chap._n 4._o the_o image_n of_o god_n wisdom_n on_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v wonderful_a method_n open_v in_o thirty_o instance_n six_o more_o instance_n 99_o chap._n 5._o the_o image_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o holiness_n on_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o thirty_o instance_n 108_o chap._n 6._o the_o image_n of_o god_n power_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o twenty_o instance_n 115_o chap._n 7._o the_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v all_o this_o to_o we_o infallible_o how_o the_o first_o witness_n know_v it_o how_o the_o next_o age_n and_o church_n know_v it_o how_o we_o know_v it_o twenty_o special_a historical_a tradition_n of_o christianity_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o christianity_n be_v 125_o chap._n 8._o twelve_o further_n direction_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n 136_o chap._n 9_o twenty_o general_n direction_n how_o to_o use_v faith_n or_o to_o live_v by_o it_o when_o it_o i●_n confirm_v what_o christian_a faith_n be_v error_n about_o it_o 148_o the_o content_n of_o the_o three_o part._n chap._n 1._o how_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n on_o god_n 168_o chap._n 2._o how_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n 188_o abuse_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n the_o extent_n of_o it_o of_o christ_n office_n his_o merit_n and_o sacrifice_n example_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o how_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o trinity_n several_a doubt_n resolve_v about_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o give_v the_o spirit_n his_o operation_n whether_o love_n to_o god_n or_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v first_o exact_o answer_v and_o consequent_o whether_o faith_n or_o repentance_n be_v first_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n how_o faith_n procure_v the_o spirit_n whether_o desire_v of_o grace_n be_v grace_n 20●_n chap._n 4._o how_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o to_o god_n command●_n the_o admirable_a

more_o full_o reveal_v for_o the_o next_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o moses_n first_o in_o a_o typical_a gospel_n the_o adumbration_n of_o the_o grace_n to_o come_v and_o then_o by_o the_o prophet_n especial_o isaiah_n micah_n daniel_n and_o malachi_n in_o plain_a prediction_n and_o then_o come_v john_n baptist_n the_o forerunner_n and_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o finish_v the_o revelation_n so_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v all_o one_o frame_n contrive_v and_o indict_v by_o one_o spirit_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o have_v be_v according_a to_o these_o degree_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o two_o thousand_o year_n or_o when_o else_o god_n please_v will_v short_o show_v the_o unbelieve_a themselves_o that_o the_o period_n shall_v fulfil_v what_o be_v yet_o unfulfil_v to_o the_o least_o jot_n and_o tittle_n chap._n v._o the_o image_n of_o god_n goodness_n ii_o the_o second_o part_n of_o god_n image_n on_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o of_o his_o matchless_a goodness_n the_o whole_a system_a of_o it_o be_v the_o harmonious_a expression_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o love_n the_o particular_n i_o must_v but_o name_n lest_o i_o be_v too_o long_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o it_o jesus_n christ_n be_v perfect_o good_a himself_o be_v god_n and_o man_n sinless_a in_o nature_n and_o in_o life_n live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v to_o do_v good_a and_o make_v it_o his_o office_n and_o his_o work_n even_o in_o heaven_n to_o do_v mankind_n the_o great_a good_a 2._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v god_n himself_o the_o infinite_a good_n the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o he_o to_o which_o end_n it_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o bless_a nature_n attribute_n and_o work_n than_o be_v any_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o world_n 3._o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o high_a imaginable_a the_o please_a and_o glorify_v of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o 4._o it_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o high_a state_n of_o felicity_n for_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o end_n conjunct_a in_o subordination_n to_o the_o high_a there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a happiness_n imaginable_a than_o the_o christian_a religion_n direct_v we_o to_o attain_v 5._o it_o place_v our_o happiness_n so_o certain_o and_o clear_o in_o that_o which_o be_v happiness_n indeed_o that_o it_o direct_v man_n intention_n and_o desire_n and_o leave_v they_o no_o long_o to_o the_o old_a variety_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o chief_a good_a nature_n perfect_v and_o work_v by_o its_o perfect_a act_n upon_o the_o most_o perfect_a object_n and_o receive_v the_o most_o full_a communication_n from_o he_o and_o this_o for_o ever_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a felicity_n of_o man_n to_o have_v all_o our_o faculty_n full_o perfect_a and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o perfect_a light_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v according_o belove_v of_o he_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o christianity_n 6._o to_o this_o end_n the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o to_o cure_v he_o of_o all_o evil_a and_o to_o prepare_v he_o just_o for_o that_o bless_a state_n 7._o to_o that_o end_n the_o great_a work_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o send_v down_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v man_n new_a creature_n and_o to_o regenerate_v they_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o life_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o have_v precept_n which_o be_v good_a but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o a_o heavenly_a principle_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n 8._o to_o that_o end_n the_o principal_a mean_n be_v the_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v and_o more_o than_o be_v any_o where_o else_o reveal_v all_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v but_o to_o show_v god_n to_o man_n in_o the_o full_a prospect_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o unmeasurable_a love_n that_o so_o he_o may_v appear_v more_o amiable_a to_o we_o and_o may_v be_v more_o belove_v by_o we_o that_o love_a goodness_n may_v make_v we_o good_a and_o make_v we_o happy_a 9_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o love_n and_o goodness_n god_n do_v in_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o turn_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n though_o we_o have_v deserve_v hell_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v forgive_v we_o that_o desert_n if_o we_o have_v come_v to_o hell_n before_o we_o have_v be_v redeem_v i_o think_v we_o shall_v have_v take_v that_o religion_n to_o be_v good_a indeed_o which_o will_v have_v bring_v we_o the_o tiding_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o show_v we_o so_o ready_a a_o way_n to_o escape_v 10._o and_o this_o mercy_n be_v give_v by_o a_o universal_a covenant_n offer_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o the_o condition_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o no_o one_o can_v have_v any_o just_a pretence_n against_o they_o it_o be_v but_o to_o accept_v the_o mercy_n offer_v with_o a_o believe_v thankful_a mind_n as_o a_o condemn_a man_n will_v do_v a_o pardon_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o miserable_a state_n 11._o and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o all_o this_o and_o make_v we_o holy_a christ_n have_v give_v we_o a_o most_o holy_a word_n and_o doctrine_n perfect_o holy_a in_o its_o precept_n and_o in_o its_o prohibition_n and_o all_o the_o subservient_fw-fr history_n and_o narrative_n and_o he_o have_v add_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o his_o holy_a life_n that_o our_o rule_n and_o example_n may_v agree_v 12._o so_o good_a be_v this_o word_n that_o it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o make_v perfection_n itself_o our_o duty_n that_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n may_v agree_v and_o we_o may_v not_o have_v liberty_n to_o be_v bad_a and_o miserable_a but_o may_v be_v every_o way_n bind_v to_o our_o own_o felicity_n and_o yet_o so_o good_a be_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o take_v not_o advantage_n of_o our_o infirmity_n to_o ruin_v we_o but_o note_v they_o to_o humble_v we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o cure_n and_o i●_n accept_v sincerity_n though_o it_o command_v perfection_n and_o christ_n look_v not_o at_o our_o fail_n as_o a_o severe_a judge_n but_o as_o a_o physician_n and_o a_o tender_a father_n 13._o so_o good_a be_v our_o religion_n that_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o it_o require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o prefer_v the_o great_a good_a before_o the_o lesser_a and_o not_o to_o be_v like_o child_n who_o take_v it_o for_o their_o riches_n to_o fill_v their_o pin-box_n or_o like_o foolish_a merchant_n who_o have_v rather_o trade_v for_o truth_n th●n_o for_o gold_n the_o great_a business_n of_o christian_a precept_n be_v to_o make_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o better_a thing_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o lust_n and_o sport_n and_o wealth_n and_o worldly_a honour_n that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o grace_n and_o glory_n may_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n and_o be_v not_o that_o good_a which_o call_v we_o up_o to_o the_o great_a good_a and_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v such_o enemy_n to_o ourselves_o as_o to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o lesser_a 14._o yea_o when_o we_o have_v most_o it_o still_o engage_v we_o to_o seek_v more_o and_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o take_v up_o with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n or_o with_o a_o little_a measure_n of_o the_o great_a good_a but_o to_o show_v that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v still_o better_o and_o to_o have_v more_o it_o be_v make_v our_o duty_n still_o to_o ask_v more_o and_o still_o to_o press_v high_o and_o labour_n to_o be_v better_o ask_v in_o prayer_n be_v make_v our_o daily_a work_n and_o god_n give_v and_o our_o receive_n may_v be_v our_o daily_a blessedness_n 15._o the_o mercy_n here_o provide_v for_o we_o extend_v both_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o though_o we_o may_v not_o prefer_v the_o less_o before_o the_o great_a yet_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o in_o its_o place_n if_o we_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n and_o labour_n first_o for_o the_o food_n which_o never_o perish_v all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v then_o to_o do_v we_o good_a but_o not_o to_o do_v we_o hurt_v for_o

3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o you_o see_v here_o that_o spirit_n word_n and_o scripture_n may_v be_v pretend_v for_o a_o untruth_n matth._n 4._o satan_n often_o say_v it_o be_v write_v 2_o cor._n 11.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o false_a apostle_n and_o deceitful_a worker_n may_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n gal._n 1.7_o 8._o if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v quest_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v when_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o put_v any_o thing_n into_o my_o mind_n answ_n 1._o the_o matter_n itself_o must_v be_v try_v whether_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o must_v be_v prove_v true_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o end_n to_o which_o that_o truth_n be_v bring_v must_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v just_a and_o good_a for_o satan_n plead_v truth●_n to_o sinful_a end_n 3._o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o your_o own_o case_n must_v be_v such_o as_o will_v hold_v trial_n and_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o sound_a argument_n that_o indeed_o they_o do_v thus_o and_o thus_o belong_v to_o you_o for_o god_n spirit_n will_v not_o belie_v you_o nor_o make_v you_o better_o or_o worse_o than_o you_o be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o will_v belie_v the_o scripture_n object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n which_o speak_v to_o we_o if_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o immediate_o so_o must_v we_o and_o see_v the_o spirit_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v try_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o scripture_n answ_n alas_o how_o pitiful_o ignorance_n beweilder_v man_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v in_o the_o weak_a christian_n but_o he_o work_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n he_o inspire_v they_o to_o infallibility_n be_v promise_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v speak_v to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o he_o enable_v they_o to_o prove_v this_o by_o manifold_a miracle_n do_v he_o do_v all_o this_o by_o you_o or_o have_v you_o the_o same_o promise_n 2._o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o be_v give_v to_o one_o end_n and_o to_o you_o for_o another_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v to_o cause_v they_o by_o his_o inspiration_n to_o deliver_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o to_o leave_v it_o on_o record_n to_o all_o generation_n as_o his_o infallible_a word_n and_o law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o you_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o cause_v you_o to_o understand_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v this_o law_n which_o be_v already_o write_v and_o not_o to_o write_v or_o know_v another_o 3._o the_o spirit_n indite_v the_o scripture_n before_o you_o be_v bear_v and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n spirit_n contradict_v not_o itself_o therefore_o your_o after-pretended_n revelation_n must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o certain_a ancient_a rule_n which_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o miracle_n which_o you_o have_v not_o obj._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v what_o application_n to_o make_v of_o scripture_n to_o myself_o but_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n answ_n but_o you_o must_v not_o take_v every_o thought_n and_o suggestion_n or_o remembrance_n to_o be_v the_o spirit_n application_n god_n spirit_n teach_v man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o sound_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v and_o will_v hold_v good_a in_o trial_n he_o teach_v you_o by_o excite_v you_o to_o rational_a study_n and_o argumentation_n and_o by_o blessing_n you_o in_o such_o sober_a use_n of_o god_n mean_n but_o he_o do_v not_o teach_v you_o to_o know_v your_o state_n by_o the_o bare_a remember_v of_o a_o text_n direct_v 9_o take_v heed_n also_o of_o misunderstanding_n what_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n many_o think_v it_o be_v like_o some_o voice_n or_o suggestion_n or_o inspiration_n within_o they_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o many_o christian_n languish_v in_o terror_n that_o feel_v no_o such_o persuade_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o many_o hypocrite_n be_v delude_v by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n but_o in_o scripture_n the_o word_n witness_n be_v oft_o take_v for_o evidence_n or_o a_o objective_a testimony_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o be_v a_o seal_n a_o earnest_n a_o pledge_n a_o white_a stone_n a_o new_a name_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o of_o the_o like_a signification_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 1_o john_n 3.10.24_o &_o 4.13_o and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v have_v you_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o have_v you_o not_o if_o you_o have_v that_o be_v a_o seal_n a_o earnest_n a_o pledge_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o your_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o a_o certain_a evidence_n or_o witness_n that_o you_o be_v his_o child_n gal._n 4.6_o he_o that_o love_v god_n as_o his_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v sanctify_v to_o god_n have_v the_o spirit_n show_v this_o love_n and_o this_o sanctification_n and_o you_o produce_v the_o true_a witness_n that_o you_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o life_n holiness_n and_o heavenliness_n and_o love_n be_v the_o witness_n seal_n and_o earnest_n and_o not_o chief_o a_o inward_a persuasion_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n 2._o yet_o this_o much_o more_o the_o spirit_n do_v when_o it_o have_v sanctify_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o witness_n or_o evidence_n in_o ourselves_o 1_o john_n 5.10_o 11._o he_o also_o help_v we_o to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o grace_n which_o he_o give_v and_o actuate_v in_o we_o 3._o and_o also_o to_o conclude_v from_o that_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o also_o to_o feel_v the_o inward_a comfort_n of_o that_o conclusion_n but_o all_o this_o he_o do_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o a_o discursive_a or_o rational_a way_n and_o by_o blessing_n such_o reason_n to_o our_o comfort_n 4._o also_o he_o comfort_v the_o soul_n in_o another_o way_n distinct_a from_o the_o way_n of_o conclude_v from_o evidence_n and_o that_o be_v by_o exciting_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o praise_n in_o we_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o delight_v act_n but_o of_o this_o anon_o direct_v 10._o take_v heed_n of_o heretical_a seducer_n who_o use_v to_o fish_n in_o trouble_a water_n and_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o such_o perplex_a conscience_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o trouble_n be_v their_o opinion_n and_o unsound_a religion_n and_o not_o in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o comfort_n be_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o come_v over_o unto_o they_o no_o person_n fit_a for_o a_o quaker_n a_o papist_n or_o any_o sectary_n to_o work_v upon_o than_o a_o trouble_a mind_n for_o such_o be_v like_o the_o ignorant_a country_n people_n in_o their_o sickness_n who_o will_v hearken_v to_o any_o one_o who_o put_v they_o in_o hope_n and_o promise_v they_o ease_v and_o most_o confident_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v cure_v they_o and_o say_v i_o be_v just_a in_o your_o case_n and_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n cure_v i_o so_o will_v the_o formalist_n and_o the_o fanatic_a the_o papist_n and_o the_o quaker_n say_v i_o be_v just_a in_o your_o condition_n i_o be_v trouble_v and_o can_v get_v no_o peace_n of_o conscience_n no_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o be_v always_o hold_v in_o fear_n and_o doubt_v till_o i_o change_v my_o religion_n and_o ever_o since_o that_o i_o have_v be_v well_o and_o o_o what_o joy_n i_o have_v to_o boast_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unsound_a hypocrite_n that_o be_v thus_o tempt_v perhaps_o god_n may_v