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and_o disposition_n savour_v whole_o of_o superstition_n we_o hear_v of_o nothing_o so_o much_o in_o the_o story_n of_o those_o time_n as_o of_o the_o apparition_n and_o vision_n superstition_n hence_o in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a age_n nothing_o so_o common_a as_o the_o apparition_n of_o saint_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o introduce_v the_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n image-worship_n and_o the_o like_a superstition_n that_o the_o founder_n of_o their_o several_a order_n and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n do_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o no_o new_a order_n of_o monk_n and_o friar_n nor_o any_o new_a doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n image-worship_n prayer_n to_o saint_n or_o any_o pilgrimage_n to_o the_o shrine_n of_o some_o saint_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v invent_v but_o either_o the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o some_o other_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v and_o to_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o as_o legendary_a and_o fabulous_a as_o be_v the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o apparition_n as_o i_o be_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o samuel_n do_v appear_v to_o saul_n but_o then_o as_o it_o be_v not_o real_o samuel_n himself_o for_o his_o body_n be_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o his_o soul_n in_o paradise_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o one_o from_o the_o dust_n much_o less_o to_o recall_v the_o other_o out_o of_o heaven_n but_o the_o devil_n who_o do_v assume_v samuel_n shape_n so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a he_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o other_o to_o seduce_v the_o superstitious_a people_n of_o those_o time_n into_o idolatrous_a practice_n who_o throw_v aside_o the_o scripture_n give_v heed_n to_o fable_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n it_o be_v infinite_o then_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o to_o do_v but_o pray_v
than_o thorough_o to_o understand_v both_o the_o mean_v and_o importance_n of_o every_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o every_o christian_a duty_n and_o last_o since_o a_o good_a end_n can_v never_o be_v obtain_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o use_v of_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n the_o nature_n therefore_o and_o use_v of_o prayer_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o sacrament_n must_v be_v a_o most_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n so_o much_o must_v our_o appetite_n after_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n be_v renounce_v in_o comparison_n of_o our_o desire_n after_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o last_o scripture_n iii_o when_o out_o of_o pride_n prejudice_n and_o contradiction_n to_o all_o sacred_a truth_n we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o carnal_a imagination_n &_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o spiritual_a notion_n and_o those_o mysterious_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n above_o all_o we_o must_v renounce_v that_o prevail_a appetite_n in_o such_o as_o be_v of_o most_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a mind_n viz._n the_o set_n up_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o spiritual_a notion_n and_o those_o more_o mysterious_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o more_o deprave_a nature_n of_o some_o man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o untowardness_n and_o difficulty_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o sacred_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o such_o article_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v one_o that_o be_v conceit_v of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n of_o part_n or_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n will_v not_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o entertain_v notion_n which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v and_o penetrate_v the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o will_v disdain_n to_o have_v his_o understanding_n baffle_v or_o puzzle_v with_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v quarrel_v at_o any_o thing_n too_o high_a for_o his_o wit_n to_o reach_v or_o too_o knotty_a for_o he_o to_o unloose_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v for_o this_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a this_o point_n be_v not_o intelligible_a and_o perhaps_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n either_o because_o some_o thing_n be_v obscure_a to_o he_o or_o the_o phrase_n be_v not_o quaint_a and_o fine_a enough_o thus_o the_o carnal_a mind_n treat_v the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o christian_n thus_o to_o indulge_v their_o own_o carnal_a reason_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o for_o certain_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n both_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o method_n he_o have_v best_a to_o express_v himself_o those_o that_o do_v thus_o proud_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n measure_v it_o according_a to_o their_o own_o talon_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n do_v at_o first_o and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n most_o fatal_o miscarry_v for_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 1.19_o i_o will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a but_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v enlighten_v by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.5_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o a_o obedient_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 13.11_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v not_o prepare_v with_o a_o humble_a mind_n it_o be_v not_o give_v nor_o be_v this_o a_o hard_a imposition_n upon_o mankind_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v deliver_v such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v sufficient_o witness_v to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o the_o article_n or_o mystery_n themselves_o which_o be_v contrary_a or_o contradictory_n to_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o man._n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v especial_o in_o this_o its_o state_n of_o weakness_n must_v yet_o be_v believe_v will_v not_o seem_v hard_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o appearance_n even_o in_o nature_n itself_o which_o no_o man_n have_v be_v yet_o find_v who_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n for_o and_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v so_o and_o so_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n pride_n this_o humour_n of_o oppose_a reason_n to_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o mere_a pride_n in_o short_a this_o humour_n of_o oppose_v our_o own_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o divine_a revelation_n which_o we_o can_v now_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n so_o full_o comprehend_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o pride_n of_o those_o man_n who_o disdain_v to_o own_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n which_o every_o modest_a man_n experience_n do_v make_v he_o too_o sensible_a of_o in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n do_v overvalue_v their_o talon_n of_o wit_n far_o beyond_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o this_o therefore_o be_v such_o a_o proud_a luciferian_a temper_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v renounce_v as_o the_o most_o impious_a of_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v our_o renounce_v of_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o that_o sort_n renounce_v the_o corrupt_a will_n what_o and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v 2._o let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o will_n and_o the_o innate_a corruption_n which_o reside_v in_o that_o faculty_n render_v it_o fleshly_a and_o tend_v in_o all_o its_o choice_n towards_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o christian_n renunciation_n and_o as_o to_o this_o faculty_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o that_o god_n give_v to_o man_n a_o righteous_a law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o while_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o this_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a but_o instead_o thereof_o there_o be_v now_o a_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o this_o law_n subdue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7.23_o and_o the_o will_n be_v thus_o captivate_v be_v make_v carnal_a and_o fill_v with_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o that_o law_n which_o he_o once_o plant_v in_o we_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o will_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v unregenerate_a rom._n 8.7_o but_o in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n be_v always_o averse_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n law_n and_o right_a reason_n it_o perverse_o choose_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v only_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o become_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n a_o sinful_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n but_o as_o obstinate_o bend_v as_o the_o corrupt_a will_n be_v find_v to_o be_v against_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o will_v guide_v our_o soul_n upward_o we_o must_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o that_o habit_n of_o self-denial_n so_o as_o ready_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n law_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o the_o reason_n be_v we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o our_o own_o deprave_a will_n ought_v not_o to_o bear_v rule_n in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n and_o therefore_o his_o alwise_a will_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o and_o preside_v over_o all_o our_o action_n and_o this_o it_o must_v do_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a case_n when_o his_o
the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o will_v declare_v to_o you_o the_o general_n nature_n of_o those_o article_n or_o christian_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v 2._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v those_o article_n or_o christian_a truth_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o 3._o i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o we_o must_v believe_v all_z the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o first_o i_o be_o to_o declare_v to_o you_o something_o in_o general_n both_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o what_o nature_n the_o whole_a bible_n the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n both_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o article_n or_o christian_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o whole_a bible_n both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n and_o whatever_o we_o find_v therein_o record_v or_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o divine_a certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n because_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o will_v not_o who_o can_v lie_v who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o will_v he_o deceive_v other_o as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o jehosophat_n in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n upon_o a_o solemn_a fastday_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o proclaim_a unto_o they_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v hear_v i_o o_o judah_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v establish_v believe_v his_o prophet_n so_o shall_v you_o prosper_v and_o let_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n record_v therein_o be_v of_o what_o nature_n they_o will_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v sure_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v establish_v isa_n 7.9_o and_o so_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n new_a new_a our_o saviour_n upon_o his_o entrance_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o say_v the_o time_n be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n repent_v you_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mark_v 1.14_o 15._o and_o when_o he_o be_v also_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o commission_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.15_o 16._o so_o that_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o scripture_n therein_o contain_v be_v firm_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o divine_a certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v because_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o we_o be_v also_o firm_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o part_n both_o of_o old_a and_o new_a indifferent_o because_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v and_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o useful_a to_o our_o edification_n and_o improvement_n in_o divine_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n and_o of_o every_o age_n young_a as_o well_o as_o old_a ought_v diligent_o to_o study_n and_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o berean_o do_v so_o and_o they_o be_v account_v the_o more_o honourable_a for_o so_o do_v the_o berean_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v or_o believe_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o act._n 17.11_o and_o it_o be_v record_v to_o the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o timothy_n 2_o epist_n 3.15_o that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n other_o some_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o than_o other_o well_o but_o though_o all_o scripture_n as_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o he_o who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o will_v deceive_v other_o do_v challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o every_o christian_a yet_o among_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o truth_n of_o various_a kind_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v of_o far_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o than_o other_o because_o they_o do_v more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o give_v we_o due_a and_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o only_a sure_a method_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o more_o powerful_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o to_o send_v we_o to_o god_n the_o father_n to_o seek_v for_o acceptance_n mere_o through_o christ_n his_o son_n and_o upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n therefore_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o be_v more_o particular_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o other_o world_n believe_v and_o must_v therefore_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o explicit_o believe_v and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o summary_n and_o collection_n of_o such_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o concern_v nature_n than_o the_o rest_n all_o those_o other_o truth_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v indeed_o necessary_a also_o to_o be_v believe_v at_o leastwise_o implicit_o that_o be_v we_o be_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o general_n persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o true_a because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o as_o such_o but_o these_o latter_a which_o we_o call_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v positive_o and_o explicit_o believe_v that_o be_v we_o must_v thorough_o understand_v they_o and_o be_v assure_o and_o distinct_o persuade_v of_o each_o single_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o without_o which_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n a_o good_a and_o christian_a life_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o nor_o a_o reliance_n on_o god_n merit_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n thereof_o create_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o for_o instance_n be_v the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n truth_n some_o instance_n of_o such_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o must_v necessary_o make_v we_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o fear_v of_o offend_v he_o if_o we_o thorough_o believe_v and_o consider_v it_o such_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v our_o father_n who_o create_v we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v make_v we_o love_v he_o who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o such_o again_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o he_o exercise_n a_o just_a and_o wise_a providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v make_v we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o all_o his_o dispensation_n as_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o one_o who_o know_v better_a than_o ourselves_o what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o to_o instance_n also_o in_o some_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n pure_o of_o reveal_v religion_n such_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n for_o this_o as_o it_o show_v we_o how_o odious_a a_o thing_n sin_n be_v when_o nothing_o less_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n against_o it_o than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o
person_n be_v much_o more_o subject_a to_o fall_v into_o these_o violation_n of_o their_o covenant_n by_o sinful_a immorality_n now_o than_o by_o paganish_a apostasy_n they_o be_v then_o nor_o last_o be_v it_o at_o any_o time_n a_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a imposition_n upon_o the_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n to_o make_v they_o give_v security_n for_o the_o christian_a education_n of_o other_o people_n child_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o one_o another_o especial_o to_o be_v assistant_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n and_o there_o be_v none_o but_o a_o cruel_a and_o murderous_a cain_n will_v have_v say_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n and_o if_o the_o utmost_a that_o the_o surety_n do_v promise_n and_o vow_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o infant_n do_v extend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o to_o see_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o admonish_v to_o live_v up_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v solemn_o covenant_v and_o open_o and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v this_o his_o covenant_n when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o age_n of_o understanding_n and_o this_o only_a upon_o the_o natural_a parent_n neglect_v why_o this_o true_o it_o be_v confess_v will_v cost_v some_o pain_n and_o perhaps_o too_o some_o small_a charge_n but_o then_o let_v such_o a_o one_o consider_v he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o save_v a_o soul_n and_o let_v he_o withal_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v for_o his_o encouragement_n therein_o james_n 5.20_o that_o he_o which_o shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n shall_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o reason_n the_o church_n have_v to_o appoint_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o infant_n but_o to_o engage_v for_o it_o in_o baptism_n but_o iv_o and_o last_o for_o a_o further_a justification_n of_o the_o thing_n out_o of_o scripture_n i_o will_v prove_v from_o thence_o as_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v such_o reasonable_a circumstance_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o divine_a administration_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o that_o their_o appointment_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a institution_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o this_o as_o it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o must_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n say_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o enlargement_n of_o it_o so_o i_o shall_v defer_v the_o speak_n to_o it_o till_o the_o next_o opportunity_n the_o xxxii_o lecture_n q._n what_o do_v your_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n then_o for_o you_o answ_n they_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v three_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n and_o to_o the_o justification_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o i_o have_v already_o lead_v you_o i._o into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n godfather_n and_o godmother_n ii_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office_n iii_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o reason_n the_o church_n have_v to_o appoint_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n both_o to_o represent_v and_o engage_v for_o the_o infant_n in_o baptism_n and_o now_o last_o for_o the_o further_a justification_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n to_o introduce_v you_o to_o baptism_n i_o will_v prove_v from_o thence_o as_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v such_o reasonable_a circumstantial_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o divine_a administration_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o that_o the_o church_n appoint_v of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a rational_a and_o useful_a institution_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o have_v reserve_v this_o head_n of_o discourse_n for_o the_o last_o and_o shall_v make_v one_o entire_a discourse_n upon_o it_o not_o only_o to_o show_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n but_o withal_o with_o a_o design_n to_o lay_v such_o principle_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v our_o church_n in_o all_o its_o other_o rite_n and_o usage_n in_o divine_a administration_n and_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o oppose_v those_o that_o shall_v gainsay_v to_o proceed_v therefore_o i_o say_v iv_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n godmother_n iv_o a_o further_a justification_n of_o the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n in_o order_n to_o justify_v out_o of_o scripture_n the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n to_o introduce_v infant_n to_o baptism_n i_o will_v prove_v from_o thence_o as_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v such_o reasonable_a circumstance_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decency_n of_o divine_a administration_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o that_o their_o appoint_v of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a institution_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o say_v beside_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n scripture_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a institution_n that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a though_o not_o support_v by_o any_o express_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o very_a unhappy_a prejudice_n which_o some_o do_v labour_n under_o that_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v no_o proof_n with_o they_o without_o some_o express_a scripture_n to_o command_v that_o very_o particular_a though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n above_o reason_n but_o leave_v by_o scripture_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o now_o to_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v distinguish_v upon_o such_o point_n as_o be_v not_o and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o mere_a reason_n and_o 1._o there_o be_v some_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n revelation_n 1._o the_o sole_a authority_n whereon_o to_o ground_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v divine_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n mediation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o have_v find_v out_o and_o now_o that_o they_o be_v reveal_v beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o full_o to_o comprehend_v which_o article_n we_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o these_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v according_a as_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o without_o add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v reveal_v these_o truth_n to_o we_o be_v itself_o most_o infallible_o true_a as_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o be_v infinite_a justice_n and_o will_v not_o can_v deceive_v other_o and_o therefore_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o sacred_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o cast_v down_o imagination_n or_o reason_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor_fw-la 10.5_o not_o but_o that_o reason_n have_v its_o use_n here_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o those_o proof_n from_o scripture_n which_o be_v produce_v to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n to_o have_v discover_v god_n method_n of_o save_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n to_o oppose_v our_o narrow_a scantling_n of_o reason_n to_o god_n wisdom_n in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v other_o point_n in_o religion_n reason_n 2._o both_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o article_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o moral_a duty_n ground_v both_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o well_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o moral_a duty_n to_o regulate_v both_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n conjunct_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o we_o must_v have_v our_o eye_n upon_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a perfect_a rule_n such_o be_v the_o article_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n of_o a_o providence_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o
at_o first_o create_v what_o 227_o the_o bend_v and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n what_o 1._o in_o the_o unregenerate_a nature_n the_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v be_v break_v 228_o 2._o the_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v first_o create_v deface_v last_o the_o tendency_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v towards_o the_o creature_n 229_o 1._o to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o image_n of_o god_n must_v be_v restore_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n it_o must_v be_v renew_v to_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n though_o not_o of_o degree_n 230_o 2._o to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v in_o the_o whole_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n 231_o lect_n xxi_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o 232_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n what_o 1._o when_o we_o be_v curious_a to_o know_v thing_n which_o be_v either_o hurtful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v 233_o 2._o when_o we_o do_v immoderate_o study_v to_o be_v exquisite_o skill_v in_o whatever_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o noble_a purpose_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o other_o 234_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o when_o out_o of_o pride_n prejudice_n and_o contradiction_n to_o all_o sacred_a truth_n we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o carnal_a imagination_n and_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o spiritual_a notion_n and_o those_o mysterious_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n 235_o this_o humour_n of_o oppose_a reason_n to_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o mere_a pride_n this_o corrupt_a will_n what_o and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v 236_o 3._o the_o affection_n what_o and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v 237_o 1._o as_o they_o be_v misplace_v upon_o wrong_a object_n 2._o as_o they_o be_v disproportionate_a to_o the_o love_n worth_n and_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o those_o object_n towards_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v well_o or_o evil_o affect_v in_o moderate_a degree_n 3._o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n be_v such_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o be_v to_o be_v renounce_v 238_o 1._o as_o they_o do_v desire_v undue_a object_n 2._o as_o they_o desire_v they_o in_o immoderate_a measure_n last_o the_o inferior_a and_o bodily_a power_n viz._n the_o affection_n lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o be_v renounce_v as_o they_o rebel_v against_o right_a reason_n 239_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o reduce_v man_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a to_o his_o primitive_a state_n of_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o keep_v under_o our_o fleshly_a lust_n it_o be_v that_o our_o reason_n be_v give_v we_o 240_o 3._o to_o renounce_v all_z the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o there_o must_v be_v no_o one_o fleshly_a lust_n suffer_v to_o reign_v in_o we_o our_o business_n be_v particular_o to_o oppose_v lust_n of_o temper_n and_o constitution_n this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a doctrine_n to_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v much_o evade_v 241_o the_o objection_n from_o rom._n 7._o clear_v we_o must_v renounce_v the_o flesh_n and_o all_o its_o sinful_a lust_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o aversion_n a_o antipathy_n in_o our_o heart_n thereunto_o this_o the_o hard_a part._n 242_o 243_o the_o reason_n of_o have_v enlarge_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o one_o article_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n 244._o lect_n xxii_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o what_o nature_n the_o whole_a bible_n the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 259_o some_o instance_n of_o such_o truth_n what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v those_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o life_n and_o happiness_n 261_o our_o belief_n thereof_o must_v be_v operative_a and_o practical_a such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o such_o a_o operative_a and_o practical_a principle_n be_v faith_n whenever_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n or_o concernment_n to_o we_o 262_o 263._o 2._o to_o believe_v save_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o intercede_v with_o god_n the_o father_n for_o our_o gracious_a acceptance_n what_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n 1._o to_o believe_v they_o all_o do_v import_v that_o we_o must_v assent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o great_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n 264_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o destroy_v a_o good_a life_n and_o send_v we_o to_o other_o mediator_n than_o christ_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o its_o acceptance_n no_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n 2._o to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o all_o and_o of_o every_o of_o those_o single_a truth_n contain_v in_o each_o of_o those_o article_n 265_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v such_o by_o believe_v only_o of_o one_o of_o those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o article_n 266_o lect_n xxiii_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o christian_a obedience_n 267_o 1._o our_o obedience_n must_v be_v sincere_a by_o be_v a_o true_a and_o undissembled_a service_n of_o god_n opposite_a to_o all_o hypocrisy_n or_o a_o false_a and_o feign_a pretence_n of_o obey_v he_o when_o in_o truth_n we_o serve_v our_o own_o self_n do_v not_o forbid_v we_o all_o intend_v our_o own_o advantage_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o commandment_n 268_o but_o one_a that_o man_n obedience_n be_v insincere_a who_o together_o with_o his_o intention_n of_o serve_v god_n join_v another_o intention_n of_o serve_v sin_n 2_o when_o he_o design_v some_o temporal_a end_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o he_o intend_v god_n service_n 2._o evangelical_n obedience_n must_v be_v entire_a viz._n one_a the_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n two_o of_o the_o will._n 3_o of_o the_o affection_n 269_o 270_o this_o the_o distasteful_a part_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o be_v shift_v off_o 271_o two_o it_o must_v be_v a_o obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n this_o endeavour_v to_o be_v evade_v by_o excuse_n but_o in_o vain_a three_o what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n 272_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o constant_a revolution_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n 273_o the_o difference_n between_o evangelical_n and_o a_o legal_a obedience_n this_o difference_n not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o our_o wilful_a and_o choose_a sin_n will_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o our_o salvation_n 274_o some_o sin_n be_v direct_o and_o express_o wilful_a some_o indirect_o and_o interpretative_o 275_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v one_a that_o those_o who_o sincere_o and_o entire_o obey_v shall_v not_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o unchosen_a and_o involuntary_a sin_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o a_o innocent_a involuntariness_n ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o wilful_a 2d_o inconsideration_n excuse_n 1._o when_o through_o surprise_n 276_o 2._o when_o through_o natural_a weariness_n and_o the_o length_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o temptation_n last_o when_o by_o the_o violent_a discomposure_n of_o our_o think_a power_n our_o mind_n be_v so_o disturb_v that_o we_o can_v think_v what_o we_o do_v ignorance_n and_o inconsideration_n excuse_v not_o those_o sin_n 1._o which_o we_o have_v time_n to_o understand_v and_o observe_v nor_o 2._o cry_v sin_n nor_o three_o those_o we_o do_v not_o endeavour_v against_o nor_o last_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sorry_a for_o 277_o the_o 2d_o difference_n between_o legal_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n that_o our_o wilful_a and_o more_o heinous_a sin_n when_o repent_v of_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o term_n he_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o remission_n of_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v to_o our_o pardon_n for_o our_o unknown_a or_o secret_a sin_n whether_o wilful_o or_o unwilling_o commit_v but_o now_o forget_v though_o general_o repent_v of_o 2._o for_o our_o most_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n if_o
hereunto_o do_v our_o antinomian_o teach_v their_o disciple_n that_o save_a faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o persuasion_n or_o absolute_a conclude_v within_o ourselves_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o that_o christ_n be_v we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o dangerous_a account_n of_o divine_a faith_n false_a because_o god_n have_v nowhere_o in_o scripture_n tell_v any_o man_n among_o we_o that_o he_o in_o particular_a be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v certain_o save_v and_o dangerous_a also_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o nourish_v presumption_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v better_o of_o their_o state_n than_o it_o be_v god_n do_v indeed_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n to_o all_o man_n in_o general_n and_o conditional_a term_n mark_v 16.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.14_o and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o if_o upon_o strict_a search_n he_o find_v himself_o to_o have_v repent_v thorough_o to_o have_v believe_v practical_o and_o to_o have_v obey_v sincere_o he_o may_v have_v strong_a hope_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o his_o righteousness_n through_o christ_n accept_v only_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a he_o do_v not_o deceive_v himself_o with_o false_a show_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 1_o cor._n 10.10_o but_o as_o for_o a_o divine_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n found_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v that_o concern_v his_o own_o acceptance_n because_o no_o man_n have_v any_o scripture-revelation_n testify_v it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a and_o if_o person_n of_o antinomian_a principle_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o assurance_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v such_o assurance_n a_o divine_a faith_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o contain_v all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n among_o which_o they_o count_v this_o particular_a assurance_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a which_o person_n of_o protestant_a principle_n will_v not_o own_o nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o so_o far_o derogate_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o say_v that_o other_o truth_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n beside_o what_o be_v contain_v therein_o except_o it_o be_v such_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o those_o word_n wherewith_o the_o holy_a canon_n be_v close_v rev._n 22.18_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n of_o this_o book_n so_o that_o those_o revelation_n only_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n believe_v but_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n a_o christian_a must_v believe_v and_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n a_o christian_a must_v believe_v as_o true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o declare_v it_o such_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v contain_v declaration_n of_o divers_a kind_n some_o of_o less_o other_o of_o great_a consequence_n whereof_o the_o first_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o express_o apprehend_v but_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v both_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o firm_o believe_v a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o these_o scripture-truths_n of_o consequence_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v those_o various_a precept_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v discharge_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n again_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o have_v promise_n of_o inestimable_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v walk_v upright_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n threaten_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v persist_v in_o rebel_a against_o he_o so_o as_o to_o both_o these_o promise_n and_o threat_n we_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n veracity_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o delivery_n therein_o be_v such_o that_o not_o a_o tittle_n of_o either_o shall_v fail_v but_o since_o neither_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n nor_o the_o encouragement_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v prevail_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o our_o corrupt_a state_n to_o perform_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v be_v find_v sinner_n before_o god_n and_o will_v need_v a_o mediator_n to_o compass_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o among_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o therefore_o christ_n 3._o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n the_o chief_a among_o scripture-truths_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o 1._o therein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o we_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o main_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v import_v as_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v and_o shall_v hereafter_o by_o god_n assistance_n be_v full_o explain_v and_o prove_v this_o comfortable_a scheme_n of_o divine_a truth_n viz._n that_o a_o god_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n do_v at_o first_o create_v and_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o almighty_a father_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o will_v for_o ever_o exercise_v a_o wise_a just_a and_o gracious_a providence_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o man_n the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n have_v rebel_v against_o his_o maker_n god_n the_o father_n do_v in_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v god-man_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n among_o we_o and_o afterward_o return_v to_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o and_o to_o the_o end_n his_o mediation_n may_v be_v effectual_a to_o salve_v the_o dishonour_v do_v to_o god_n by_o our_o revolt_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o our_o allegiance_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o this_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o discharge_v a_o threefold_a office_n viz._n that_o of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n by_o the_o first_o whereof_o he_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o covenant_n and_o those_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n by_o the_o second_o that_o of_o priest_n he_o make_v way_n through_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o give_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o first_o covenant_n for_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o receive_v we_o to_o favour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o second_o and_o do_v still_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o our_o acceptance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o condition_n and_o by_o his_o kingly_a office_n he_o so_o govern_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o righteous_a law_n those_o who_o abandon_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v admit_v into_o his_o kingdom_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o in_o the_o execution_n also_o of_o this_o his_o royal_a office_n have_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n raise_v all_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n forgive_a the_o offence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v penitent_a and_o allot_v they_o to_o a_o everlasting_a life_n of_o happiness_n and_o doom_v the_o impenitent_a to_o
glorious_a a_o title_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v dignify_v with_o so_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a a_o title_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o kingdom_n be_v the_o top_n and_o height_n of_o all_o earthly_a glory_n as_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n which_o comprehend_v all_o future_a excellency_n to_o denote_v therefore_o that_o most_o exalt_a state_n of_o bliss_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v that_o this_o state_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o true_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n wherein_o we_o can_v imagine_v the_o great_a glory_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n a_o throne_n a_o marriage_n a_o feast_n but_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o emblem_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o future_a state_n and_o yet_o as_o if_o a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n a_o throne_n be_v infinite_o too_o short_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o those_o infinite_a blessing_n glory_n hence_o all_o those_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o we_o conceive_v the_o high_a glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v use_v as_o emblem_n to_o set_v off_o our_o future_a glory_n that_o do_v await_v the_o son_n of_o god_n saint_n john_n tell_v we_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1_o joh._n 3.2_o belove_a now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v only_o this_o we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v 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 nay_o and_o as_o if_o the_o high_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o mere_a nothing_o as_o to_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v represent_v the_o joy_n above_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o nay_o and_o though_o he_o be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n and_o so_o do_v both_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o glory_n and_o triumphant_a joy_n of_o that_o place_n it_o all_o which_o thing_n come_v short_a of_o express_v it_o yet_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v be_v unspeakable_a he_o tell_v we_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v render_v 2_o cor._n 12.4_o so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v import_v a_o state_n of_o the_o most_o excessive_a glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o our_o nature_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o receive_v a_o state_n so_o unspeakable_o honourable_a and_o delightful_a that_o though_o the_o choice_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o thing_n that_o yield_v the_o vast_a contentment_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n to_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o the_o mere_a shadow_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o after_o all_o there_o be_v abundant_o more_o than_o can_v be_v express_v or_o imagine_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v suffice_v here_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o particular_a character_n of_o who_o joy_n be_v what_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o that_o article_n of_o your_o creed_n the_o life_n everlasting_a shall_v there_o be_v give_v you_o and_o now_o what_o a_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o second_o let_v we_o next_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o inheritor_n of_o it_o a_o inheritor_n or_o heir_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n do_v import_v something_o of_o privilege_n more_o than_o ordinary_a thus_o gen._n 21.10_o we_o find_v that_o sarah_n will_v not_o endure_v that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n to_o be_v heir_n with_o her_o son_n and_o as_o to_o common_a account_n every_o body_n know_v that_o a_o heir_n have_v a_o considerable_a privilege_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o child_n and_o what_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v define_v as_o follow_v he_o a_o heir_n be_v one_o who_o have_v a_o legal_a right_n and_o title_n to_o a_o possession_n make_v over_o to_o he_o a_o heir_n among_o man_n be_v one_o that_o receive_v from_o parent_n or_o predecessor_n either_o by_o nearness_n of_o blood_n or_o by_o adoption_n by_o entail_v or_o by_o will_n or_o whatever_o other_o method_n of_o conveyance_n a_o sure_a right_n and_o title_n to_o a_o possession_n and_o here_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v how_o that_o a_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v make_v such_o by_o something_o that_o bear_v a_o near_a resemblance_n at_o leastwise_o to_o all_o these_o way_n and_o method_n whereby_o man_n become_v heir_n to_o temporal_a possession_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o any_o nice_a comparison_n in_o these_o matter_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o ensure_v unto_o we_o the_o benefit_n of_o heirship_n even_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v heir_n and_o particular_o heb._n 1.14_o heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n and_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o much_o heir_n manner_n such_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o child_n be_v heir_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o and_o if_o a_o son_n than_o a_o heir_n through_o christ_n gal._n 4.7_o so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o a_o heir_n be_v one_o who_o estate_n be_v not_o precarious_o depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o another_o but_o so_o settle_v and_o secure_v to_o he_o heir_n heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o child_n be_v heir_n as_o to_o give_v he_o a_o legal_a claim_n and_o title_n thereto_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o forfeit_v his_o title_n by_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o his_o title_n depend_v so_o a_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v one_o who_o do_v not_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o vncovenant_v goodness_n of_o god_n for_o his_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n but_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o god_n through_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v a_o legal_a claim_n and_o title_n thereto_o by_o give_v his_o solemn_a promise_n and_o engage_v his_o truth_n for_o the_o performance_n that_o he_o will_v infallible_o bestow_v upon_o he_o the_o most_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n provide_v he_o swerve_v not_o from_o his_o allegiance_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o renounce_v all_o god_n enemy_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o true_o and_o faithful_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n i_o do_v say_v and_o pray_v mark_v it_o that_o god_n through_o christ_n heaven_n it_o be_v through_o christ_n alone_o not_o owe_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v we_o a_o legal_a claim_n and_o title_n to_o this_o inheritance_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v heir_n through_o christ_n gal._n 4.7_o and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o any_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o merit_n or_o worth_a in_o our_o imperfect_a obedience_n whereby_o of_o itself_o it_o shall_v deserve_v such_o a_o precious_a inheritance_n it_o will_v be_v a_o arrogance_n and_o presumption_n in_o the_o high_a saint_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o such_o as_o will_v render_v he_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o pride_n than_o reward_v for_o his_o virtue_n shall_v he_o pretend_v to_o claim_v heaven_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o own_o sanctity_n or_o shall_v he_o pretend_v a_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o heaven_n at_o all_o otherwise_o than_o through_o christ_n and_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o however_o since_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o ensure_v it_o to_o we_o by_o covenant_n we_o may_v safe_o call_v it_o a_o right_n which_o god_n who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o just_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n will_v never_o debar_v we_o of_o except_o by_o our_o disloyalty_n and_o disobedience_n to_o he_o we_o forfeit_v all_o right_a and_o title_n to_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o three_o proposal_n which_o be_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o vastness_n of_o our_o privilege_n in_o be_v