lawgiver_n and_o judge_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v prove_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o that_o principle_n be_v that_o he_o must_v be_v honour_v and_o serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o most_o instructive_a and_o permanent_a way_n in_o write_v that_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o corruption_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v in_o it_o such_o conspicuous_a character_n of_o its_o descent_n from_o heaven_n beside_o the_o most_o undoubted_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o infallible_a that_o without_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o sound_a discourse_n we_o must_v yield_v our_o assent_n to_o its_o divine_a 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be_v a_o palpable_a proof_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o instrument_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o have_v neither_o learning_n nor_o arm_n nor_o treasure_n patience_n be_v their_o strength_n poverty_n their_o choice_n disgrace_v their_o honour_n that_o without_o any_o force_n but_o of_o illumination_n and_o persuasion_n of_o humility_n and_o charity_n and_o endure_v the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n they_o shall_v vanquish_v the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n the_o tyrannous_a power_n of_o prince_n the_o rebellious_a opposition_n of_o man_n carnal_a lust_n be_v not_o conceivable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a strength_n that_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a enemy_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a by_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v search_v for_o that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 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propagate_v without_o the_o confirmation_n of_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o transcendent_a miracle_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o permanent_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o true_a christian_n infidel_n be_v apt_a to_o reply_v if_o they_o see_v miracle_n perform_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n that_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n who_o deny_v his_o authority_n make_v know_v in_o that_o eminent_a degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o his_o word_n abraham_n answer_v the_o rich_a man_n who_o desire_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v send_v to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o short_a 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duty_n
our_o judgement_n for_o that_o which_o have_v least_o now_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v than_o to_o deny_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o declare_v those_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o gloss_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o without_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o word_n rack_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v not_o and_o use_v all_o art_n to_o silence_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v reveal_v unhappy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o affect_v to_o be_v esteem_v ingenious_a and_o subtle_a to_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n how_o much_o safe_o and_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o turn_n and_o shift_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o elude_v it_o and_o extricate_v heretical_a person_n out_o of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v their_o opinion_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o redemption_n shall_v have_v declare_v it_o and_o engage_v his_o disciple_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n in_o a_o error_n of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_v those_o who_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o a_o person_n sincere_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o supernatural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o involuntary_a and_o speculative_a error_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o pretence_n have_v deceive_v many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_n deceive_v man_n still_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o most_o deceitful_a to_o itself_o who_o can_v say_v that_o neither_o interest_n nor_o passion_n neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n neither_o anger_n nor_o ambition_n have_v intervene_v in_o his_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n but_o he_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n before_o all_o temporal_a respect_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v this_o imaginary_a man_n produce_v his_o plea_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v reason_n the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o determine_v such_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a 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both_o the_o error_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a when_o the_o corrupt_a will_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o carnal_a lust_n when_o a_o temptation_n divert_v it_o from_o a_o serious_a and_o sincere_a consider_v the_o reason_n that_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v divine_a doctrine_n their_o unbelief_n will_v be_v just_o punish_v the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o evil_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o carnal_a lust_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o so_o many_o renounce_v those_o eternal_a truth_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o speculative_a error_n can_v be_v damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o his_o original_a state_n be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o regular_a in_o its_o direction_n now_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o disorder_a and_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o give_v and_o of_o man_n to_o receive_v brief_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n without_o faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o redemption_n by_o he_o when_o christ_n perform_v miraculous_a cure_n he_o require_v of_o the_o person_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v elect_v mercy_n ordain_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indispensable_a qualification_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o his_o incarnate_a son_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n this_o infinite_o provoke_v 10._o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o indignation_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o despise_v he_o it_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o his_o acquire_v glory_n by_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v not_o only_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n have_v declare_v when_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n whoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v whoever_o believe_v not_o shall_v
it_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a direct_v we_o in_o our_o universal_a duty_n the_o promise_n be_v precious_a encourage_v we_o by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o threaten_n terrible_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o instrumental_a fitness_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o perfect_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o convey_v the_o revelation_n to_o we_o have_v a_o congruity_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o ear_n the_o first_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n be_v by_o it_o through_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o entrance_n of_o death_n it_o be_v now_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v know_v god_n by_o sight_n now_o by_o hear_v when_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enlighten_v from_o heaven_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n he_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n be_v a_o minister_a spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a office_n for_o he_o that_o preach_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o doctrine_n declare_v by_o he_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o therefore_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o affect_v other_o when_o a_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n it_o will_v inflame_v the_o lip_n the_o mind_n convince_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n persuade_v the_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o instrument_n can_v effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v without_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o apply_v for_o that_o end_n so_o without_o a_o superior_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o give_v vital_a power_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v without_o efficacy_n what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n mouth_n a_o minister_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o rhetoric_n can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n without_o the_o omnipotent_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o they_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n than_o come_v only_o in_o word_n when_o it_o pierce_v no_o further_a than_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n to_o try_v word_n and_o distinguish_v different_a sound_n and_o voice_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o ear_n the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o pass_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o heart_n that_o make_v a_o change_n so_o real_a and_o great_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n as_o be_v express_v by_o substantial_a production_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n become_v effectual_a for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o entire_a obedience_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n and_o of_o future_a judgement_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o decision_n the_o divine_a law_n be_v universal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o some_o and_o needless_a for_o other_o but_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o partiality_n notwithstanding_o the_o repugnance_n of_o the_o carnal_a passion_n when_o it_o be_v serious_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o hearer_n be_v induce_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o preparation_n and_o resolution_n of_o yield_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a nor_o injure_v than_o this_o that_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n this_o all_o profess_v in_o the_o general_n but_o contradict_v in_o particular_n when_o a_o temptation_n cross_v the_o precept_n now_o the_o first_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o believe_v it_o with_o so_o steadfast_a a_o assent_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o reform_v the_o whole_a man_n 2._o with_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v join_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n this_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n peter_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a appetite_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v it_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o necessity_n cause_n a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o suitable_a supply_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o this_o be_v experiment_a in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o attend_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o not_o mere_o to_o prevent_v the_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o impious_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o that_o proceed_v from_o fear_n not_o from_o desire_n but_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n not_o in_o a_o airy_a flashy_a knowledge_n that_o be_v only_o fruitful_a to_o increase_v gild_n and_o punishment_n but_o substantial_a and_o save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o practice_n hear_v be_v in_o order_n to_o do_v and_o do_v be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o evil_n do_v no_o hurt_n nor_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n do_v no_o good_n feeding_n without_o digest_v the_o food_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n afford_v no_o nourishment_n nor_o strength_n the_o most_o diligent_a hear_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n be_v not_o profitable_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v content_v that_o divine_a truth_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o understanding_n if_o he_o can_v intercept_v their_o passage_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o conversation_n he_o practise_v over_o continual_o the_o first_o temptation_n to_o induce_v we_o by_o guile_n to_o choose_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n we_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n 3._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n david_n say_v i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n cause_v his_o continual_a meditation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a root_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o season_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o remember_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n prescribe_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o man_n use_v in_o remember_v and_o practise_v rule_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n and_o it_o be_v just_o requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v more_o since_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n infinite_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n how_o holy_a and_o bless_v will_v they_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o roman_a physician_n that_o be_v conducive_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o soul_n after_o celsus_n a_o full_a meal_n abstain_v from_o laborious_a action_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v concenter_v in_o the_o stomach_n for_o digestion_n otherwise_o if_o divert_v and_o employ_v in_o labour_n the_o stomach_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o crudity_n thus_o after_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o thought_n shall_v not_o be_v scatter_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v recollect_v and_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v digest_v into_o practice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n she_o keep_v thâ—se_a say_n and_o 19_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n there_o be_v powerful_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hear_v i_o that_o be_v with_o subjection_n of_o soul_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o one_o instance_n he_o have_v declare_v how_o much_o approve_v and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o for_o when_o martha_n be_v employ_v about_o entertain_v he_o and_o mary_n be_v attentive_a to_o receive_v his_o instruction_n he_o say_v mary_n have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o his_o feed_n mary_n be_v more_o
in_o the_o scene_n of_o fancy_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o old_a sin_n become_v a_o new_a temptation_n and_o deep_o stain_v their_o mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a what_o please_v be_v favour_v and_o defend_v they_o by_o carnal_a discourse_n pervert_v scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o high_a wickedness_n 3._o spiritual_a sin_n be_v most_o frequent_o commit_v be_v of_o quick_a dispatch_n without_o the_o toil_n of_o the_o body_n from_o hence_o their_o number_n be_v as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n they_o infinite_o increase_v man_n account_n with_o the_o high_a and_o eternal_a judge_n who_o understanding_n be_v as_o search_v as_o it_o be_v unsearchable_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o process_n of_o inferior_a humane_a court_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o take_v cognisance_n only_o of_o man_n intention_n by_o overt_a act_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n 4._o spiritual_a sin_n be_v more_o incurable_a than_o those_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o body_n for_o when_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n by_o disease_n and_o age_n be_v disable_v than_o the_o vicious_a habit_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v strong_a and_o like_o the_o poison_n of_o a_o serpent_n be_v sen._n more_o deadly_a by_o age._n notwithstanding_o inward_a pollution_n induce_v such_o a_o gild_n yet_o carnal_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o till_o sin_n be_v perfect_v in_o the_o gross_a act_n it_o be_v not_o deadly_a and_o for_o this_o they_o pervert_v scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n but_o in_o god_n sight_n the_o contemplative_a commission_n of_o â—in_a render_v one_o as_o true_o guilty_a as_o the_o actual_a and_o consent_v to_o the_o do_v it_o render_v as_o obnoxious_a to_o he_o enlighten_v and_o impartial_a tribunal_n as_o the_o performance_n his_o pure_a and_o perfect_a law_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n forbid_v all_o defilement_n fleshly_a and_o spiritual_a and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a agent_n in_o sin_n it_o shall_v first_o receive_v the_o recompense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o interval_n between_o death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n while_o the_o body_n be_v without_o sense_n in_o the_o grave_a the_o soul_n be_v torment_v in_o hell_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o head_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o add_v that_o many_o sincere_a saint_n be_v in_o perplexity_n from_o the_o injection_n of_o satan_n â—earing_v they_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o heart_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o quality_n unnatural_a thought_n against_o ourselves_o and_o blasphemous_a of_o god_n be_v usual_o from_o the_o tempter_n 2._o when_o they_o make_v terrible_a impression_n upon_o our_o spirit_n they_o be_v his_o fiery_a dart_n for_o the_o native_a offspring_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v conceive_v with_o freedom_n and_o complacency_n 3._o they_o be_v our_o infelicity_n but_o induce_v no_o gild_n when_o resist_v by_o we_o a_o rape_n may_v be_v commit_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o the_o ravish_a virgin_n that_o cry_v out_o for_o rescue_n from_o violence_n be_v declare_v by_o god_n himself_o innocent_a so_o when_o the_o tempt_a soul_n with_o strong_a cry_n pray_v for_o divine_a relief_n god_n will_v not_o say_v those_o terrible_a injection_n to_o our_o charge_n our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v by_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n yet_o be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a and_o have_v a_o compassionate_a tenderness_n for_o those_o who_o be_v tempt_v and_o will_v make_v they_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o glorious_a victory_n it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o injection_n of_o satan_n be_v cherish_v by_o the_o carnal_a mind_n they_o be_v we_o by_o adoption_n though_o of_o his_o beget_n the_o devil_n put_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n the_o design_n of_o betray_v christ_n but_o it_o be_v entertain_v by_o his_o covetous_a mind_n and_o involve_v he_o under_o the_o heavy_a gild_n the_o inclination_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v to_o various_a sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v more_o inclinable_a by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n but_o that_o do_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o gild_n chap._n v._n the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o innocence_n the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n the_o perfection_n of_o glory_n the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o grace_n consist_v in_o sincerity_n constancy_n proceed_v from_o it_o integral_a perfection_n comparative_a perfection_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a the_o threefold_a comparison_n of_o moral_a perfection_n relative_n perfection_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n absolute_a perfection_n only_o attain_v in_o heaven_n i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n the_o sublime_a object_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o sincere_a christian_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o threefold_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o perfection_n of_o innocence_n the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o glory_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o innocence_n god_n make_v man_n upright_o in_o the_o bright_a image_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n infer_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o final_a cause_n be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o those_o moral_a perfection_n as_o qualify_v he_o to_o obtain_v that_o end_n there_o be_v a_o exact_a regularity_n in_o all_o his_o faculty_n the_o enlighten_v mind_n direct_v the_o will_n the_o will_n command_v the_o affection_n the_o affection_n rule_v the_o sense_n he_o have_v power_n to_o stand_v but_o be_v free_a to_o fall_v with_o his_o original_a perfection_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v and_o die_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v clear_a discover_v his_o duty_n and_o felicity_n and_o the_o assist_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v like_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o the_o air_n to_o actuate_v his_o visive_a faculty_n but_o he_o wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n and_o fall_v from_o that_o height_n of_o happiness_n into_o a_o pit_n without_o a_o bottom_n 2._o the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n this_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n signify_v uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o several_a respect_n which_o i_o will_v particular_o consider_v 3._o the_o perfection_n of_o glory_n this_o imply_v a_o union_n of_o all_o excellency_n in_o a_o sovereign_a degree_n the_o church_n in_o the_o present_a state_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o moon_n that_o receive_v light_a from_o the_o sun_n in_o half_a its_o globe_n but_o in_o the_o next_o state_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o light_a as_o a_o ball_n of_o crystal_n penetrate_v by_o the_o sun_n beam_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n natural_a righteousness_n be_v of_o short_a continuance_n as_o nature_n leave_v to_o itself_o always_o be_v but_o the_o supernatural_a state_n be_v not_o only_o undefiled_a but_o fade_v not_o away_o the_o perfection_n of_o paradise_n be_v frail_a for_o man_n in_o his_o best_a state_n be_v change_v from_o this_o root_n his_o ruin_n spring_v but_o the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n be_v immutable_a for_o there_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o his_o influxive_a presence_n be_v the_o productive_a and_o conservative_a cause_n of_o their_o holiness_n and_o blessedness_n i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o present_a state_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o essential_a perfection_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o kind_n a_o gradual_a perfection_n belong_v to_o individual_n and_o be_v various_a all_o gold_n be_v not_o refine_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o height_n of_o purity_n but_o true_a gold_n though_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o fineness_n will_v endure_v the_o furnace_n and_o the_o touchstone_n and_o by_o that_o trial_n be_v discern_v from_o counterfeit_n metal_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o active_a heat_n in_o fire_n sometime_o it_o flame_n but_o always_o burn_v if_o feed_v with_o combustible_a matter_n now_o the_o essence_n of_o true_a holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o saint_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o unrenewed_a world_n and_o be_v not_o act_v by_o their_o principle_n and_o precept_n not_o govern_v by_o their_o maxim_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o saint_n but_o sincerity_n
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a 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away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v
please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v feed_v by_o martha_n but_o how_o many_o neglect_n and_o despise_v this_o duty_n some_o pretend_v they_o know_v enough_o such_o if_o they_o do_v not_o want_v instructer_n want_v remembrancer_n of_o their_o duty_n other_o be_v infect_v with_o pride_n and_o a_o worse_a leprosy_n than_o naaman_n of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n send_v he_o a_o message_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v clean_o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o say_v be_v not_o abana_n and_o pharpar_n rivers_n of_o damascus_n better_a than_o the_o river_n of_o israel_n may_v i_o not_o wash_v in_o they_o and_o be_v clean_a so_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v direct_v to_o wash_v themselves_o often_o in_o the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v be_v not_o the_o river_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n the_o eloquent_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n better_a more_o perfective_a of_o their_o mind_n and_o action_n than_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n and_o wilful_a perverseness_n for_o not_o only_o supernatural_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o moral_a duty_n necessary_a for_o practice_n be_v clear_o and_o complete_o only_o lay_v down_o in_o it_o beside_o as_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n have_v its_o virtue_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o work_n for_o that_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v to_o begin_v and_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o powerful_o work_v to_o that_o end_n the_o attendance_n 〈…〉_z have_v a_o blessing_n annex_v and_o the_o neglect_n expose_v to_o divine_a displeasure_n he_o that_o withdraw_v his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n and_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o ponder_v there_o be_v a_o time_n come_v when_o only_a prayer_n can_v relieve_v they_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o serious_a read_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o impression_n of_o the_o character_n of_o its_o purity_n on_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o daily_a revolution_n we_o be_v command_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n as_o the_o soul_n quicken_v the_o body_n by_o its_o residence_n and_o direct_v it_o in_o all_o its_o motion_n so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n to_o direct_v and_o excite_v and_o enable_v it_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n this_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o precept_n and_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o obtain_v perfection_n our_o read_n must_v be_v with_o observation_n and_o apply_v the_o word_n for_o our_o good_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o sail_v on_o the_o water_n for_o pleasure_n and_o divinâ—_n in_o it_o for_o pearl_n some_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o please_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n powerful_a providence_n and_o the_o various_a event_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n record_v in_o they_o but_o there_o must_v be_v diligent_a enquiry_n for_o spiritual_a treasure_n to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n how_o careless_a be_v the_o most_o of_o this_o duty_n there_o be_v above_o eight_o thousand_o hour_n in_o a_o year_n and_o how_o few_o be_v employ_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o everlasting_a way_n the_o common_a pretence_n be_v necessary_a business_n but_o all_o excuse_n be_v vain_a against_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v the_o work_a oâ—_n our_o salvation_n a_o indifferent_a idle_a matter_n must_v the_o principal_a affair_n of_o our_o life_n be_v subordinate_a to_o lower_v concern_v the_o infinite_a business_n of_o govern_v a_o kingdom_n be_v no_o exemption_n to_o prince_n from_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o command_n be_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n to_o read_v the_o law_n of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o 〈…〉_z life_n that_o he_o may_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v 〈…〉_z statute_n 3._o the_o word_n must_v be_v sincere_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v sincere_o deliver_v the_o rule_n be_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receiuâ—_v the_o engraft_a word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o food_n more_o easy_o turn_v into_o blood_n thaâ—_n milk_n but_o if_o the_o stomach_n be_v foul_a 〈◊〉_d sower_n and_o corrupt_v and_o be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o body_n the_o word_n of_o grace_n if_o receive_v into_o a_o sincere_a heart_n be_v very_o nutritive_a it_o confirm_v and_o comfort_n the_o soul_n but_o if_o there_o be_v false_a principle_n carnal_a habit_n sensual_a affection_n it_o prove_v dangerous_a a_o carnal_a man_n will_v set_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o precept_n and_o apply_v the_o promise_n without_o regard_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o from_o holy_a premise_n draw_v sinful_a conclusion_n brief_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o psalmist_n put_v the_o question_n he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v not_o he_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v with_o the_o same_o conviction_n he_o that_o give_v we_o the_o faculty_n of_o hear_v shall_v not_o he_o be_v hear_v but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a hear_n for_o it_o be_v a_o introductive_a prepare_v duty_n in_o order_n to_o practice_v there_o may_v be_v a_o increase_n in_o knowledge_n some_o conviction_n like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n some_o melt_a of_o the_o affection_n like_o a_o dash_n of_o rain_n soon_o over_o some_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o without_o sincere_a practice_n the_o man_n be_v a_o hearer_n only_o and_o deceive_v himself_o every_o sermon_n that_o he_o hear_v will_n notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a hope_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o residence_n of_o the_o practical_a truth_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o in_o the_o head_n if_o they_o be_v only_o in_o the_o head_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o unrighteousness_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n more_o common_a man_n think_v they_o be_v enrich_v with_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o their_o mind_n without_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n brief_o the_o end_n and_o work_n of_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v we_o warn_v every_o man_n and_o teach_v every_o man_n that_o we_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o epâ—phras_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o always_o labour_v fervent_o in_o prayer_n that_o the_o colossian_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o new_a man_n bear_v from_o heaven_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n that_o consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o joy_n this_o spiritual_a life_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a nourishment_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o that_o a_o spiritual_a eat_v and_o drink_v our_o saviour_n denominate_v himself_o by_o the_o character_n of_o life_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o sacrament_n he_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n there_o be_v the_o sacred_a memorial_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o be_v drink_v indeed_o that_o afford_v a_o more_o substantial_a and_o excellent_a nourishment_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o perish_a food_n that_o support_v the_o body_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n eat_v mannâ—_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 6._o and_o be_v dead_a the_o bread_n of_o angel_n can_v not_o preserve_v they_o from_o death_n but_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v please_v to_o deal_v familiar_o with_o we_o suitable_o to_o our_o composition_n and_o capacity_n and_o humble_v himself_o in_o a_o sacramental_a union_n with_o the_o element_n that_o sight_n may_v assist_v faith_n this_o be_v a_o positive_a institution_n that_o derive_v its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o which_o a_o special_a and_o