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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
be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n 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overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o enlighten_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n violence_n and_o temporal_a respect_n may_v by_o terror_n and_o allurement_n make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o can_v make_v they_o sincere_a believer_n there_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o it_o be_v special_a grace_n inspire_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n with_o light_a to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o require_v special_a thankfulness_n let_v we_o humble_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o light_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 4._o of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o 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be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
consistent_a with_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v to_o humble_v we_o in_o the_o modest_a ignorance_n of_o divine_a mystery_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o enlighten_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o the_o penetration_n of_o reason_n the_o mean_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o raise_v be_v equal_o capable_a of_o salvation_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n there_o be_v a_o hydropic_a curiosity_n that_o swell_v the_o mind_n with_o pride_n and_o be_v thirsty_a after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n unsearchable_a this_o curiosity_n have_v often_o be_v fatal_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n endeavour_n to_o climb_v up_o to_o the_o inaccessible_a point_n of_o a_o rock_n that_o be_v very_o hazardous_a to_o see_v the_o sun_n in_o its_o brightness_n which_o may_v safe_o be_v see_v from_o the_o plain_a ground_n the_o search_n into_o the_o unsearchable_a thing_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o decree_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o pernicious_a error_n it_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a moth_n flutter_v about_o the_o burn_a light_n till_o its_o wing_n be_v singe_v beside_o the_o affect_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o the_o attempt_n to_o make_v supernatural_a doctrine_n more_o receivable_a to_o reason_n by_o insufficient_a argument_n weaken_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o revelation_n the_o endeavour_n to_o make_v they_o more_o easy_o know_v make_v they_o more_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o venture_v to_o explicate_v they_o beyond_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n be_v like_o a_o man_n go_v out_o of_o a_o fortress_n wherein_o he_o be_v safe_a into_o a_o open_a field_n and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o assault_n of_o his_o enemy_n 2._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o objection_n against_o supernatural_a doctrine_n 1._o it_o be_v allege_v they_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v against_o its_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o specious_a objection_n the_o follow_a particular_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o obtain_n knowledge_n sense_n be_v previous_a to_o reason_n and_o reason_n prepare_v the_o way_n to_o faith_n by_o our_o sense_n we_o come_v to_o understand_v natural_a thing_n by_o our_o understanding_n we_o come_v to_o believe_v divine_a thing_n reason_n correct_v the_o error_n of_o sense_n faith_n reform_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n the_o star_n seem_v but_o glitter_a point_n but_o reason_n convince_v we_o they_o be_v vast_a body_n by_o measure_v the_o distance_n that_o lessen_v their_o greatness_n to_o our_o sight_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v man_n who_o foot_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o we_o and_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o fall_v but_o reason_n demonstrate_v there_o be_v antipode_n it_o be_v as_o absurd_a for_o reason_n to_o reject_v divine_a testimony_n and_o violate_v the_o sacred_a respect_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o sense_n to_o contradict_v the_o clear_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o deny_v supernatural_a truth_n because_o they_o be_v above_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n be_v not_o only_o against_o faith_n but_o against_o reason_n that_o acknowledge_v its_o own_o imperfection_n it_o be_v true_a reason_n and_o faith_n be_v emanation_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o real_a repugnance_n between_o they_o for_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o error_n be_v often_o contrary_a but_o truth_n be_v always_o harmonious_a with_o truth_n if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o opposition_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n but_o from_o the_o darkness_n that_o encompass_n it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o proposition_n that_o contradict_v right_a reason_n the_o general_a light_n of_o nation_n that_o have_v nothing_o common_a between_o they_o but_o the_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v true_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v because_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o service_n and_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n that_o impute_v contradiction_n to_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v discover_v by_o reason_n nor_o comprehensive_o know_v when_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o paradise_n reason_n be_v a_o inferior_a and_o imperfect_a light_n adam_n can_v not_o perfect_o know_v god_n he_o dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a not_o only_o to_o mortal_a eye_n but_o to_o the_o immortal_a angel_n they_o can_v penetrate_v to_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o perfection_n the_o proposition_n that_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n have_v the_o plain_a character_n of_o falsity_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a have_v the_o character_n of_o sublimity_n reason_n can_v measure_v the_o extent_n nor_o reach_v the_o height_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o 19_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v incomprehensible_a now_o they_o be_v reveal_v be_v one_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o can_v never_o be_v invent_v and_o discover_v by_o man_n for_o that_o which_o natural_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v natural_o proceed_v out_o of_o it_o 2._o since_o the_o fall_n reason_n be_v weaken_a and_o its_o light_n be_v cloud_v in_o the_o narrow_a and_o low_a sphere_n of_o natural_a thing_n how_o often_o be_v reason_n mistake_v and_o lose_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n there_o be_v not_o a_o flower_n a_o fly_n a_o stone_n but_o be_v a_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v the_o vegetation_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o sensation_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v discover_v its_o defect_n who_o can_v discern_v the_o vital_a band_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v combine_v by_o what_o power_n do_v the_o soul_n represent_v absent_a object_n sound_v without_o noise_n colour_n without_o tincture_n light_n without_o clearness_n darkness_n without_o obscurity_n what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o admirable_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o dream_n when_o the_o sense_n be_v suspend_v from_o work_v and_o the_o body_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o warm_a carcase_n it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o secret_n that_o humane_a wit_n labour_n in_o vain_a to_o explain_v how_o it_o compose_v discourse_n so_o just_a and_o regular_a as_o to_o the_o invention_n and_o stile_n which_o by_o their_o impression_n in_o the_o memory_n we_o know_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o wild_a fancy_n but_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o that_o awake_v and_o intent_n we_o can_v not_o so_o speedy_o and_o orderly_o frame_v it_o be_v as_o strange_a as_o that_o a_o artificer_n shall_v work_v more_o exact_o with_o his_o eye_n cover_v than_o see_v that_o a_o painter_n shall_v draw_v a_o face_n better_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o in_o open_a daylight_n that_o man_n be_v total_o desert_v of_o reason_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n that_o be_v but_o a_o just_a distance_n from_o his_o eye_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n distant_a from_o he_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o horizon_n be_v beyond_o his_o sight_n we_o be_v finite_a being_n there_o be_v some_o proportion_n between_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o can_v understand_v ourselves_o 1._o what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o presume_v that_o we_o know_v god_n can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o 9_o measure_n be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n who_o can_v unfold_v the_o divine_a attribute_n they_o be_v not_o confuse_v in_o their_o unity_n nor_o divide_v in_o number_n they_o be_v not_o separable_a quality_n but_o his_o essence_n he_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o wisdom_n not_o only_o life_n but_o be_v life_n we_o can_v speak_v of_o some_o attribute_n without_o distinction_n wisdom_n and_o power_n nor_o of_o other_o without_o a_o seem_a opposition_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v separate_a but_o in_o our_o thought_n he_o be_v eternal_a without_o succession_n with_o he_o there_o
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 because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v true_a prodigious_a inference_n the_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o error_n that_o make_v the_o narrow_a mind_n of_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o that_o horrible_a compofition_n of_o heresy_n and_o execrable_a impiety_n which_o so_o many_o that_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n but_o antichristian_o in_o belief_n bold_o publish_v they_o will_v choose_v to_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o infinite_a importance_n rather_o than_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n and_o which_o be_v astonish_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o 2._o the_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o but_o insolent_o arrogate_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a ignorance_n the_o more_o invincible_a be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o when_o the_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v from_o a_o vicious_a will_n 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
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
and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o christian_n under_o several_a title_n to_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a age_n in_o christianity_n a_o child_n be_v perfect_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o child_n when_o he_o have_v the_o stature_n the_o strength_n the_o understanding_n that_o be_v become_v his_o age_n though_o he_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o complete_a state_n to_o which_o he_o will_v arrive_v in_o his_o mature_a age._n a_o young_a man_n have_v the_o perfection_n proper_a to_o his_o age._n a_o new_a convert_n that_o have_v such_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o his_o time_n of_o advancement_n by_o they_o be_v esteem_v complete_a in_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n other_o have_v make_v a_o high_a progress_n in_o it_o to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o stature_n beyond_o the_o perfection_n attainable_a here_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o part_n and_o intention_n of_o degree_n it_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n to_o aspire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o this_o but_o attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n where_o every_o saint_n be_v renew_v into_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o by_o gradation_n christian_n ascend_v to_o that_o consummate_v state_n the_o period_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vi_o particular_a grace_n consider_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o perfection_n divine_a faith_n doctrinal_a justify_v and_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n doctrinal_a faith_n be_v not_o imagination_n nor_o reason_n the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n consider_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n faith_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n god_n truth_n a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n 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 to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v mountain_n of_o gold_n because_o we_o have_v see_v gold_n and_o mountain_n we_o conceive_v monstrous_a mixture_n in_o dream_n but_o no_o actor_n can_v appear_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o fancy_n but_o in_o borrow_a habit_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v and_o of_o the_o external_a sense_n to_o represent_v yet_o infidel_n blaspheme_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o fiction_n of_o fancy_n 2._o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n and_o from_o reason_n reason_n imply_v a_o progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o but_o faith_n assert_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superior_a authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v