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scripture_n church_n divine_a revelation_n 2,708 5 9.4498 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A74993 Certain select discourses on those most important subjects, requisite to be well understood by a catechist in laying the foundation of Christian knowledge in the minds of novitiates viz., First discourses on I. The doctrine of the two covenants both legal and evangelical, II. On faith and justification / by William Allen. Secondly, Discourses on I. The covenant of grace, or baptismal covenant, being chatechetical lectures on the preliminary questions and answers of the Church-Catechism : II. Three catechetical lectures on faith and justification / by Thomas Bray, D.D. Allen, William, d. 1686.; Bray, Thomas, 1658-1730. 1699 (1699) Wing A1055A; ESTC R172154 614,412 564

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be_v only_o wholesome_a truth_n but_o not_o of_o principal_a consequence_n to_o be_v explicit_o and_o express_o assent_v to_o and_o confess_v and_o now_o as_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o worshipper_n do_v collect_v the_o sum_n of_o religious_a duty_n into_o t●●_n commandment_n which_o contain_v the_o principal_a and_o to_o which_o all_o inferior_a duty_n may_v be_v reduce_v and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v we_o a_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n contain_v all_o thing_n fit_a for_o we_o to_o ask_v or_o god_n to_o grant_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o collect_v together_o into_o one_o abridgement_n and_o sum_n all_o those_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v main_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a consequence_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n open_o confess_v by_o every_o one_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v this_o abridgement_n or_o sum_n as_o be_v high_o probable_a and_o as_o
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divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o prevent_v their_o discovery_n and_o this_o he_o do_v especial_o in_o those_o country_n and_o church_n where_o man_n do_v thirst_v after_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o to_o that_o end_n do_v search_v the_o scripture_n the_o devil_n be_v main_a and_o principal_a care_n indeed_o be_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o shine_v upon_o any_o people_n and_o at_o first_o he_o bend_v all_o his_o force_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o that_o so_o the_o world_n be_v detain_v in_o ignorance_n they_o may_v not_o know_v how_o to_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o light_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n do_v once_o begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o any_o people_n than_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v it_o with_o false_a and_o force_a explication_n and_o to_o multiply_v controversy_n and_o contention_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o scruple_n every_o thing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o scrupulous_a humour_n to_o divide_v and_o sub-divide_a into_o innumerable_a sect_n and_o party_n stir_v up_o each_o to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v the_o other_o that_o whilst_o the_o different_a party_n contend_v so_o furious_o with_o one_o another_o he_o may_v secure_o triumph_v over_o all_o and_o bring_v the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o last_o into_o contempt_n with_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a man_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o war_n and_o confusion_n that_o be_v occasion_v in_o the_o world_n by_o religious_a dispute_n when_o alas_o he_o alone_o by_o manage_v the_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a humour_n of_o sinful_a man_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o so_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n though_o no_o none_n make_v more_o confident_a boast_n thereof_o than_o schismatic_n and_o separatist_n usual_o do_v but_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o have_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o sensuality_n whatever_o godliness_n and_o purity_n above_o other_o man_n they_o pretend_v to_o faith_n ii_o as_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o preparation_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o church_n where_o the-scripture_n be_v lock_v up_o and_o ignorance_n prevail_v he_o impose_v the_o gross_a heresy_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o second_o be_v the_o soil_n better_o prepare_v to_o his_o mind_n i_o mean_v be_v there_o no_o prophecy_n no_o teach_v be_v the_o scripture_n lock_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n draw_v over_o a_o whole_a church_n why_o then_o he_o throw_v off_o the_o veil_n and_o walk_v as_o at_o noonday_n and_o there_o be_v no_o error_n and_o heresy_n so_o gross_a there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v as_o a_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n there_o be_v not_o that_o ceremony_n so_o absurd_a trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a which_o he_o will_v not_o introduce_v into_o such_o people_n worship_n and_o there_o be_v no_o immorality_n so_o bad_a in_o practice_n which_o he_o will_v not_o teach_v such_o people_n secure_o and_o without_o fear_n of_o damnation_n to_o commit_v and_o i_o do_v call_v such_o soul_n who_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o divine_a thing_n a_o soil_n better_o prepare_v to_o his_o mind_n because_o he_o can_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n reduce_v such_o back_n to_o his_o ancient_a paganism_n and_o idolatry_n serve_v especial_o he_o introduce_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n whereby_o he_o be_v most_o immediate_o and_o direct_o serve_v or_o something_o like_o it_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o desire_v because_o by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n he_o be_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o serve_v as_o a_o politic_a prince_n he_o will_v make_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o division_n of_o another_o subject_n but_o the_o idolater_n be_v his_o immediate_a slave_n and_o therefore_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o sow_v that_o weed_n in_o be_v the_o soil_n he_o do_v most_o of_o all_o like_a but_o he_o have_v a_o wonderful_a skill_n in_o suit_v his_o seed_n to_o any_o soil_n so_o that_o whatever_o people_n interest_n or_o lust_n do_v incline_v they_o to_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o suggest_v such_o plausible_a argument_n as_o will_v most_o probable_o take_v with_o '_o they_o mankind_n iii_o as_o to_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n he_o be_v dexterous_a in_o accomodate_v his_o counsel_n his_o action_n and_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v to_o such_o season_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o his_o purpose_n of_o seduce_a mankind_n nor_o three_o be_v satan_n less_o subtle_a in_o distinguish_v which_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o advantageous_a season_n of_o sow_v his_o tare_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o the_o field_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n indeed_o his_o great_a dexterity_n and_o policy_n be_v eminent_o see_v in_o suit_v his_o counsel_n his_o action_n and_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v to_o such_o season_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o his_o purpose_n of_o seduce_a mankind_n and_o though_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a endeavour_n to_o exercise_v his_o utmost_a enmity_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o kingdom_n among_o man_n yet_o to_o fit_v his_o counsel_n to_o proper_a season_n to_o suit_v they_o to_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o study_n and_o disposition_n and_o occupation_n of_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v commit_v no_o blunder_n in_o his_o politic_n be_v his_o great_a and_o mighty_a care_n and_o cunning._n of_o which_o among_o other_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v i_o will_v choose_v but_o one._n in_o the_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o about_o the_o nine_o century_n till_o towards_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n when_o man_n study_n 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
punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n also_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o our_o own_o reason_n both_o direct_n and_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o '_o they_o only_o our_o natural_a reason_n in_o this_o our_o corrupt_a state_n be_v a_o candle_n that_o burn_v very_o dim_a we_o must_v i_o say_v have_v our_o eye_n principal_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o conduct_v we_o safe_a through_o the_o intricate_a maze_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o world_n to_o another_o and_o that_o a_o better_a to_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n unto_o our_o path_n that_o our_o footstep_n may_v not_o slide_v psal_n 119.105_o and_o a_o most_o perfect_a rule_v the_o scripture_n be_v it_o 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 17._o but_o though_o natural_a reason_n now_o in_o its_o eclipse_n by_o sin_n yield_v not_o light_a enough_o of_o itself_o without_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o guide_v we_o unto_o happiness_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v direct_v we_o and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n light_n we_o be_v to_o follow_v its_o guidance_n it_o be_v as_o well_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o and_o be_v give_v we_o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o so_o excellent_a a_o gift_n as_o our_o reason_n and_o must_v follow_v its_o dictate_v without_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n within_o we_o in_o whatsoever_o it_o do_v prescribe_v we_o that_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o thwart_v our_o own_o reason_n in_o that_o case_n be_v leave_v by_o god_n in_o its_o original_a authority_n which_o it_o have_v before_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o shall_v act_v what_o seem_v but_o reasonable_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n do_v often_o appeal_v to_o our_o own_o reason_n as_o a_o guide_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v thus_o luke_n 12.57_o yea_o and_o why_o even_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v you_o not_o what_o be_v right_a say_v he_o to_o the_o pharisee_n and_o indeed_o in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a case_n that_o be_v ever_o put_v to_o any_o decision_n the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n do_v appeal_n to_o man_n own_o reason_n to_o determine_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n call_v they_o and_o command_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v at_o all_o nor_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o peter_n and_o john_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o act_v 4.18_o 19_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o call_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o do_v appeal_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o 1_o cor._n 10._o the_o apostle_n undertake_v to_o convince_v they_o how_o ill_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o partake_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n how_o do_v he_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o why_o say_v he_o i_o speak_v unto_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v verse_n 15._o and_o so_o go_v on_o by_o many_o argument_n fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o sacrament_n to_o prove_v that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o two_o such_o different_a one_o as_o the_o table_n of_o god_n and_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n verse_n 21._o appoint_v 3._o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n leave_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o discretion_n of_o church-governor_n to_o appoint_v 3._o there_o be_v beside_o these_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n other_o but_o appendage_n or_o certain_a modes_n and_o circumstance_n retain_v to_o it_o such_o be_v those_o ceremony_n appoint_v by_o authority_n for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a administration_n and_o the_o determine_v what_o these_o be_v to_o be_v be_v plain_o permit_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o discretion_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 18._o where_o the_o apostle_n make_v reason_n the_o sole_a judge_n that_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o in_o point_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n the_o case_n before_o the_o apostle_n be_v whether_o woman_n ought_v to_o appear_v veil_v in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v it_o why_o from_o reason_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o severe_o twit_v those_o as_o perverse_a person_n that_o in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o be_v govern_v by_o such_o argument_n judge_v in_o yourselves_o be_v it_o comely_a that_o a_o woman_n pray_v with_o her_o head_n uncover_v do_v not_o even_a nature_n that_o be_v custom_n itself_o teach_v you_o but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o people_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o tell_v they_o as_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o govern_v they_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v against_o '_o they_o so_o that_o reason_n you_o see_v be_v not_o exclude_v from_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o point_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o for_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o divine_a administration_n and_o therefore_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 not_o only_o as_o proxy_n to_o represent_v the_o infant_n but_o as_o surety_n to_o engage_v for_o it_o in_o baptism_n i_o need_v not_o much_o to_o insist_v on_o other_o argument_n in_o justification_n of_o that_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n but_o however_o that_o no_o scruple_n may_v remain_v if_o possible_a in_o any_o honest_a mind_n that_o will_v be_v convince_v for_o a_o far_a justification_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expedience_n of_o they_o i._o i_o will_v prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n scripture_n i._o that_o christ_n give_v commission_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o institute_v such_o usage_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o the_o better_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o have_v be_v 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 men._n and_o then_o ii_o i_o will_v show_v you_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 and_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o power_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o all_o person_n what_o observance_n our_o bless_a saviour_n pay_v to_o those_o circumstantial_a appointment_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n without_o any_o far_a authority_n from_o scripture_n than_o the_o general_a commission_n and_o power_n it_o give_v governor_n to_o exercise_v have_v of_o their_o own_o self_n order_v there_o be_v as_o little_o need_v one_o will_v have_v think_v in_o that_o church_n as_o any_o church_n this_o allow_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o its_o governor_n to_o appoint_v any_o new_a mode_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n god_n himself_o have_v give_v they_o such_o very_a particular_a order_n relate_v to_o divine_a service_n but_o as_o little_a need_n as_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o they_o however_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o appoint_v many_o thing_n beside_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v ordain_v and_o yet_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o conform_v to_o they_o in_o his_o own_o practice_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n john_n 10.22_o 23._o which_o be_v a_o festival_n of_o mere_a humane_a institution_n in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n from_o his_o idolatry_n but_o moreover_o he_o command_v his_o follower_n
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
withal_o create_v in_o we_o such_o a_o humble_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o have_v proceed_v never_o so_o far_o in_o our_o zeal_n to_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v nevertheless_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n depend_v whole_o on_o christ_n merit_n and_o mediation_n and_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n alone_o expect_v salvation_n and_o now_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n principle_n a_o enumeration_n of_o fundamental_a principle_n particular_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o vow_n in_o baptism_n wherein_o all_o do_v solemn_o promise_v and_o vow_v repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n engage_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o consider_v this_o see_v what_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n grace_n i._o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o god_n commandment_n and_o whoever_o again_o understand_v the_o constitution_n of_o this_o covenant_n know_v that_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o he_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12.24_o and_o therefore_o that_o on_o his_o mediation_n he_o must_v depend_v for_o the_o have_v those_o infinite_a blessing_n make_v good_a to_o he_o which_o be_v promise_v therein_o to_o his_o obedience_n and_o such_o fundamental_a principle_n also_o in_o a_o prime_a sense_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n faith_n ii_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n and_o of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n governor_n and_o will_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n died_n and_o suffer_v to_o atone_v for_o its_o sin_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o reform_v it_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v hereafter_o come_v in_o person_n to_o judge_v we_o in_o a_o word_n the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n these_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v so_o many_o very_a powerful_a motive_n to_o reform_v our_o life_n to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n and_o these_o do_v most_o of_o they_o influence_n we_o as_o to_o a_o good_a life_n so_o humble_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o commandment_n iii_o the_o law_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o such_o 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procure_n and_o convey_v unto_o we_o his_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o mortify_v and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o become_v holy_a i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o other_o principle_n that_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a either_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o good_a life_n here_o or_o a_o happy_a one_o hereafter_o at_o leastwise_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o business_n of_o a_o catechist_n to_o inform_v you_o of_o they_o and_o indeed_o as_o these_o doctrine_n be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o christian_a that_o may_v have_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v they_o and_o may_v be_v teach_v they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n itself_o or_o those_o particular_a article_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o which_o be_v express_o enjoin_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o so_o our_o church_n do_v account_v they_o the_o only_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a principle_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o christian_a catechism_n there_o be_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v many_o other_o useful_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o those_o who_o have_v first_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o these_o already_o mention_v will_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n shall_v endeavour_v by_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o other_o good_a book_n and_o by_o attend_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n hereafter_o a_o catechism_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v crowd_v with_o the_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v pure_o fundamental_a to_o a_o good_a life_n here_o and_o happiness_n hereafter_o to_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o a_o catechism_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v crowd_v with_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v pure_o fundamental_a to_o a_o good_a life_n here_o and_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o if_o other_o church_n have_v fill_v their_o catechism_n either_o with_o many_o unscriptural_a tenet_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v she_o or_o with_o any_o doubtful_a and_o nice_a doctrine_n concern_v god_n election_n and_o reprobation_n as_o many_o other_o have_v do_v they_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o their_o abundance_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o church_n that_o she_o impose_v no_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v learned_a by_o her_o child_n than_o those_o already_o mention_v which_o be_v plain_o declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a principle_n whereon_o we_o may_v secure_o build_v a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o which_o be_v so_o firm_a a_o rock_n that_o the_o religion_n and_o hope_n of_o happiness_n found_v upon_o it_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o most_o violent_a and_o boisterous_a temptation_n that_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v assault_v it_o withal_o thereby_o to_o ruin_n it_o thus_o have_v i_o adventure_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o to_o declare_v to_o you_o what_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v account_v such_o so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o they_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o the_o business_n of_o a_o catechist_n to_o inform_v you_o of_o they_o i_o have_v do_v this_o point_n when_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o christianity_n a_o catechism_n be_v a_o general_n instruction_n in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n that_o a_o catechism_n be_v a_o general_n instruction_n only_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o a_o catechism_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v crowd_v with_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v pure_o fundamental_a to_o a_o good_a life_n here_o and_o happiness_n hereafter_o so_o even_o those_o fundamental_a truth_n it_o ought_v to_o deliver_v in_o as_o short_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o manner_n as_o possible_a for_o a_o catechism_n be_v a_o instruction_n that_o must_v be_v fit_v to_o all_o even_o the_o weak_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o all_o can_v retain_v and_o the_o more_o explicit_a and_o enlarge_v knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o the_o exposition_n and_o comment_n that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o in_o catechetical_a discourse_n of_o which_o nature_n i_o design_n by_o god_n grace_n to_o present_v you_o with_o some_o until_o i_o have_v go_v through_o your_o catechism_n in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o point_n catechism_n such_o be_v the_o ancient_n and_o apostolical_a catechism_n such_o a_o general_n instruction_n in_o the_o fundamental_a and_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o be_v the_o
domestic_a head_n viz._n the_o husband_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n eph._n 5.23_o and_o indeed_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v love_n to_o represent_v he_o as_o such_o a_o head_n as_o also_o by_o the_o title_n of_o a_o shepherd_n over_o the_o flock_n to_o signify_v the_o gentleness_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o law_n tend_v all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o he_o govern_v and_o three_o there_o be_v the_o natural_a head_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o spirit_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n to_o enable_v and_o enliven_v all_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o discharge_v their_o several_a office_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o church_n christ_n the_o mystical_a head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n say_v to_o be_v the_o mystical_a head_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n col._n 2.19_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n sufficient_o in_o order_n to_o my_o design_n of_o explain_v this_o article_n wherein_o i_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o body_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o by_o the_o by_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n put_v up_o in_o the_o world_n by_o god_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n on_o purpose_n to_o reduce_v man_n to_o his_o due_a allegiance_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n which_o he_o have_v so_o long_o usurp_v over_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o inferior_a governor_n and_o subject_n combine_v together_o by_o special_a law_n of_o allegiance_n to_o the_o sovereign_a king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o by_o privilege_n grant_v by_o that_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n to_o such_o his_o subject_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o kingdom_n but_o you_o see_v withal_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n by_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o which_o god_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n do_v reign_v and_o rule_v therein_o by_o his_o gospel_n as_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n over_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o those_o be_v the_o people_n or_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o own_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o who_o do_v give_v themselves_o up_o whole_o both_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n and_o the_o church_n be_v also_o often_o call_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o a_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n support_v with_o outward_a state_n and_o arm_a force_n in_o order_n to_o promote_v and_o to_o secure_v from_o those_o who_o will_v invade_v they_o our_o temporal_a interest_n if_o my_o kingdom_n be_v of_o this_o world_n then_o will_v my_o servant_n fight_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n joh._n 18.36_o but_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n or_o society_n of_o man_n associate_v together_o and_o list_a to_o fight_n under_o christ_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n against_o much_o more_o formidable_a enemy_n than_o any_o earthly_a potentate_n even_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n eph._n 6.12_o that_o be_v against_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o wicked_a angel_n who_o will_v despoil_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n list_a i_o say_v to_o fight_v under_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o so_o he_o be_v call_v heb._n 2.10_o and_o to_o our_o comfort_n who_o be_v to_o fight_v under_o he_o he_o have_v already_o spoil_a these_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o upon_o the_o cross_n triumph_v over_o they_o in_o it_o col._n 2.15_o so_o that_o our_o work_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n already_o do_v under_o his_o conduct_n for_o he_o himself_o have_v divest_v the_o devil_n of_o much_o of_o their_o power_n he_o have_v throw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o temple_n silence_v their_o oracle_n and_o do_v daily_a by_o his_o assistance_n enable_v we_o to_o foil_n '_o they_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n you_o see_v be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o society_n the_o church_n society_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o a_o visible_a society_n be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n both_o as_o its_o law_n be_v spiritual_a reach_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o also_o as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n list_a under_o a_o spiritual_a king_n to_o fight_v against_o spiritual_a enemy_n yet_o however_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o such_o who_o make_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o allegiance_n to_o christ_n have_v visible_o by_o a_o outward_a sacrament_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o be_v such_o as_o do_v visible_o communicate_v together_o in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o such_o who_o by_o a_o inward_a real_a and_o true_a faith_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v but_o of_o all_o those_o outward_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n such_o indeed_o as_o beside_o a_o outward_a covenant_n which_o be_v certain_o necessary_a be_v renew_v withal_o to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o which_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v call_v do_v consist_v in_o this_o world_n these_o perhaps_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o little_a flock_n luk._n 12.32_o and_o of_o such_o only_a will_n the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v make_v up_o be_v of_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v matth._n 20.16_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o its_o full_o latitude_n and_o in_o that_o imperfect_a state_n wherein_o it_o now_o be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n many_o hypocrite_n and_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o true_o sincere_a and_o good_a christian_n do_v belong_v to_o it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v compare_v matth._n 13.24_o 25._o to_o a_o field_n which_o contain_v wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o and_o to_o a_o net_n ver_fw-la 47._o wherein_o there_o be_v fish_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a such_o you_o see_v be_v the_o nature_n and_o temper_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n concern_v which_o i_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v you_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a full_a account_n even_o in_o this_o place_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o article_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n because_o that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v so_o well_o apprehend_v church_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o now_o the_o way_n be_v so_o far_o clear_v i_o shall_v in_o few_o word_n show_v you_o and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o do_v easy_o now_o appear_v that_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o who_o belong_v to_o that_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o consist_v of_o lawful_a governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o one_o minister_a in_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o other_o partake_v thereof_o at_o their_o hand_n he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o that_o narrow_a and_o enclose_v society_n of_o worshipper_n the_o jewish_a synagogue_n who_o by_o their_o peculiar_a rite_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n and_o place_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o gentile_a world_n at_o large_a but_o he_o be_v one_o who_o either_o himself_o be_v call_v or_o be_v descend_v of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v from_o out_o of_o the_o wicked_a world_n
regard_v either_o he_o or_o she_o will_v dissuade_v from_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o faithful_a confession_n of_o any_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o case_n we_o must_v even_o hate_v wife_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 14.26_o as_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v second_o and_o even_o in_o the_o marry_a state_n all_o those_o worldly_a care_n which_o choke_v up_o or_o disturb_v religion_n must_v be_v utter_o lay_v aside_o as_o will_v be_v full_o show_v you_o under_o the_o next_o and_o last_o of_o those_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o world_n which_o afford_v great_a matter_n of_o temptation_n to_o we_o viz._n the_o care_n thereof_o now_o as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n true_a it_o be_v we_o have_v many_o worldly_a interest_n and_o engagement_n to_o mind_n we_o have_v the_o necessity_n care_n ii_o and_o engage_v too_o much_o in_o worldly_a care_n both_o of_o our_o own_o person_n and_o of_o those_o who_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o serve_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n prepare_v for_o we_o without_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n so_o that_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o condition_n we_o be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o more_o or_o less_o some_o in_o one_o way_n some_o in_o another_o engage_v in_o worldly_a affair_n hence_o it_o be_v necessary_a last_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n the_o last_o of_o those_o thing_n pertain_v to_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n necessary_a that_o some_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v allow_v we_o nay_o and_o indeed_o we_o be_v command_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o call_v wherein_o god_n have_v set_v we_o 1_o cor._n 7.20_o and_o we_o be_v warn_v that_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n rom._n 12.11_o but_o the_o great_a unhappiness_n and_o sin_n of_o many_o in_o this_o difficult_a case_n be_v this_o that_o a_o moderate_a concern_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v allowable_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o overwhelm_v themselves_o in_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o care_n as_o also_o to_o let_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n to_o alienate_v their_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o withdraw_v their_o attention_n from_o he_o in_o those_o divine_a service_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v he_o and_o few_o who_o be_v far_o engage_v in_o temporal_a design_n and_o care_n know_v when_o to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o throw_v they_o off_o so_o as_o to_o give_v themselves_o a_o sufficient_a time_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a life_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o worldly_a care_n be_v in_o most_o man_n circumstance_n yet_o first_o it_o become_v christian_n to_o renounce_v that_o multiplicity_n of_o care_n care_n i._o it_o become_v christian_n to_o renounce_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o care_n which_o distract_v their_o thought_n and_o show_v they_o to_o have_v no_o other_o aim_n but_o at_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n fill_v their_o head_n with_o innumerable_a project_n and_o do_v so_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o variety_n of_o business_n that_o they_o do_v scarce_o allow_v themselves_o time_n to_o eat_v and_o sleep_v but_o to_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a hurry_n after_o this_o world_n good_n and_o to_o be_v so_o over-solicitous_a for_o our_o future_a provision_n in_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o man_n discontent_n with_o that_o condition_n wherein_o providence_n have_v place_v they_o and_o of_o a_o anxious_a fear_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o by_o god_n blessing_n concur_v with_o a_o honest_a industry_n in_o their_o affair_n and_o be_v such_o a_o care_n as_o however_o it_o may_v become_v pagan_n who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o life_n and_o of_o his_o treasure_n of_o bliss_n provide_v for_o we_o in_o another_o yet_o be_v infinite_o unbecoming_a christian_n who_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o care_n over_o we_o and_o his_o future_a provision_n for_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o so_o strict_o forbid_v we_o matth._n 6._o from_o the_o 24_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n second_o it_o behoove_v we_o christian_n so_o far_o to_o renounce_v any_o worldly_a care_n as_o it_o do_v alienate_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n thing_n ii_o every_o worldly_a care_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v alienate_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o withdraw_v our_o attention_n from_o he_o in_o the_o service_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v he_o as_o be_v too_o often_o i_o say_v as_o be_v too_o often_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o do_v neglect_v holy_a duty_n both_o public_a and_o private_a and_o that_o they_o perform_v either_o with_o so_o little_a devotion_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o come_v so_o seldom_o to_o church_n or_o when_o they_o do_v that_o they_o carry_v themselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n with_o so_o much_o coldness_n laziness_n and_o want_v of_o attention_n and_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o at_o home_o there_o be_v so_o seldom_o any_o family-prayer_n and_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o good_a book_n and_o i_o wish_v that_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n may_v not_o hinder_v some_o from_o pay_v any_o devotion_n to_o god_n as_o much_o as_o private_o by_o themselves_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o precept_n of_o luk._n 18.1_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o where_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o to_o be_v negligent_a or_o inattentive_a through_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o worldly_a care_n at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v martha_n who_o be_v cumbr_v herself_o with_o much_o serve_v when_o she_o ought_v to_o have_v listen_v to_o our_o saviour_n divine_a instruction_n as_o mary_n do_v for_o which_o he_o commend_v she_o luk._n 10.40_o 41_o 42._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o christian_a when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o into_o his_o own_o closet_n whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o worldly_a care_n for_o that_o time_n and_o to_o say_v to_o they_o as_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n stay_v you_o here_o whilst_o i_o go_v and_o pray_v yonder_o year_n last_o all_o manner_n of_o worldly_a care_n when_o advance_v in_o year_n last_o all_o person_n whether_o more_o or_o less_o engage_v in_o worldly_a care_n when_o grow_v in_o year_n shall_v whole_o in_o a_o manner_n throw_v they_o off_o and_o retire_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o world_n shall_v employ_v the_o remainder_n of_o their_o time_n in_o clear_v their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o the_o far_a man_n advance_v in_o year_n the_o more_o covetous_a and_o worldly_a they_o grow_v but_o this_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v for_o what_o mean_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n but_o to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o or_o posterity_n now_o as_o to_o ourselves_o the_o near_a life_n draw_v to_o a_o end_n the_o less_o of_o temporal_a provision_n be_v necessary_a and_o as_o to_o posterity_n the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o they_o be_v what_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o their_o industry_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o will_v disengage_v they_o from_o business_n and_o employment_n for_o to_o leave_v they_o great_a estate_n be_v but_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o idleness_n luxury_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n to_o which_o as_o all_o man_n in_o great_a possession_n be_v liable_a so_o none_o more_o than_o such_o who_o have_v be_v sudden_o raise_v by_o the_o covetousness_n of_o a_o worldly_a miser_n as_o therefore_o those_o man_n of_o business_n who_o will_v be_v count_v the_o only_a wise_a will_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o end_n the_o great_a fool_n when_o they_o have_v advance_v far_o in_o year_n at_o leastwise_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o that_o advice_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o particular_o direct_v to_o they_o set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o not_o live_v such_o man_n have_v receive_v more_o talent_n than_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v more_o time_n to_o state_n their_o account_n that_o they_o may_v come_v off_o at_o the_o great_a audit_n with_o the_o approbation_n of_o have_v be_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o head_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o we_o
obligation_n and_o such_o be_v the_o vow_n be_v make_v in_o our_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v solemn_o and_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n devote_v and_o consecrate_a to_o god_n service_n and_o to_o live_v to_o his_o glory_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n upon_o we_o before_o yet_o now_o we_o have_v far_o oblige_v ourselves_o thereunto_o have_v solemn_o vow_v so_o to_o do_v general_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n be_v of_o the_o former_a sort_n something_o to_o which_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v before_o as_o when_o jacob_n do_v vow_n to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o god_n gen._n 28.22_o and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v all_o those_o land_n and_o possession_n over_o and_o above_o the_o tithe_n or_o ten_o part_n which_o have_v be_v devote_v and_o give_v by_o the_o piety_n of_o well-disposed_a person_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o education_n of_o child_n in_o school_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o hospital_n before_o they_o be_v devote_v to_o pious_a and_o charitable_a uses_n they_o be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o party_n who_o own_a they_o as_o that_o he_o may_v dispose_v of_o they_o how_o and_o to_o what_o use_v he_o please_v but_o after_o a_o vow_n be_v once_o make_v by_o ourselves_o or_o forefather_n whereby_o such_o a_o part_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v determinate_o set_v aside_o for_o sacred_a uses_n it_o be_v then_o a_o devote_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o add_v and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o that_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n of_o its_o have_v be_v vow_v and_o devote_v to_o god_n nature_n it_o be_v a_o provoke_a sin_n to_o rob_v god_n of_o what_o have_v be_v once_o vow_v and_o devote_v to_o he_o though_o of_o the_o former_a nature_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o provoke_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n to_o rob_v god_n of_o it_o this_o be_v plain_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n act._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o these_o two_o person_n stir_v up_o at_o first_o as_o be_v probable_a with_o a_o like_a pious_a zeal_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o religion_n with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n have_v sell_v a_o possession_n and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o time_n be_v of_o more_o use_n than_o if_o settle_v upon_o it_o but_o covetousness_n afterward_o prevail_v upon_o their_o heart_n they_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n and_o lay_v a_o share_n of_o it_o only_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n v._o 3._o but_o observe_v how_o severe_o peter_n rebuke_n they_o for_o this_o sacrilege_n before_o they_o have_v devote_v it_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v have_v do_v what_o they_o will_v with_o it_o but_o first_o to_o bestow_v it_o whole_o on_o the_o church_n and_o then_o to_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o land_n he_o call_v this_o a_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o immediate_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o other_o sacrilegious_a invader_n of_o thing_n devote_v punish_v it_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sudden_a and_o fearful_a death_n that_o we_o find_v record_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o profane_a story_n this_o sin_n of_o withhold_a or_o seize_v of_o any_o thing_n once_o vow_v and_o devote_v by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o sacred_a uses_n be_v call_v the_o sin_n of_o sacrilege_n and_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o seem_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n rom._n 2.22_o as_o a_o sin_n equal_v the_o gild_n even_o of_o idolatry_n itself_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a to_o be_v observe_v than_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n occasion_n god_n anger_n observable_a upon_o such_o occasion_n even_o in_o this_o life_n towards_o those_o who_o have_v sacrilegious_o invade_v god_n portion_n which_o have_v be_v once_o vow_v unto_o he_o either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o our_o forefather_n and_o have_v robe_v he_o in_o his_o tithe_n and_o offering_n as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o rob_n of_o himself_o mal._n 7.8_o and_o threaten_v it_o with_o a_o heavy_a curse_n of_o the_o execution_n whereof_o if_o i_o have_v time_n i_o can_v give_v several_a instance_n but_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o show_v how_o heinous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o violate_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n even_o where_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o vow_n have_v be_v something_o to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n before_o such_o vow_n nature_n it_o be_v much_o more_o provoke_v to_o violate_v vow_n to_o perform_v which_o we_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v it_o be_v less_o provoke_v then_o think_v you_o to_o violate_v those_o vow_n wherein_o by_o solemn_a engagement_n man_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v that_o which_o before_o such_o vow_n and_o promise_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o a_o debt_n due_a for_o their_o very_a creation_n and_o be_v in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v a_o double_a obligation_n to_o perform_v such_o vow_n when_o that_o which_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v necessary_a upon_o other_o account_n be_v with_o all_o solemnity_n engage_v to_o be_v perform_v than_o the_o vow_n do_v add_v to_o the_o command_n a_o new_a and_o far_a obligation_n which_o will_v make_v it_o more_o criminal_a and_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a sin_n to_o break_v such_o vow_n there_o be_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o vow_n of_o jacob_n gen._n 28.21_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v all_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o therein_o engage_v to_o perform_v by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n from_o who_o as_o a_o fountain_n we_o derive_v all_o the_o good_a we_o already_o have_v and_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v but_o when_o moreover_o we_o come_v solemn_o and_o express_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o condition_n we_o add_v strength_n to_o our_o former_a obligation_n tie_v they_o fast_o upon_o ourselves_o and_o in_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o thenceforward_o become_v not_o only_o bare_o disobedient_a but_o moreover_o faithless_a and_o covenant-breaker_n and_o shall_v be_v therefore_o punish_v not_o only_o as_o disobedient_a but_o also_o as_o faithless_a and_o perfidious_a rebel_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n that_o this_o vow_n be_v make_v by_o other_o for_o you_o in_o your_o infancy_n for_o not_o to_o prove_v to_o you_o now_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o its_o due_a place_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n or_o guardian_n to_o oblige_v their_o minor_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o condition_n without_o their_o own_o express_a consent_n at_o that_o time_n provide_v there_o shall_v considerable_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o it_o be_v moreover_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o parent_n may_v devote_v their_o child_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o very_a peculiar_a manner_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o devote_v we_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o prescribe_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o new_a covenant_n to_o which_o covenant_n we_o shall_v therefore_o stand_v oblige_v as_o much_o as_o if_o in_o our_o person_n we_o have_v vow_v and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o perform_v it_o of_o this_o power_n in_o parent_n we_o see_v a_o instance_n in_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 1.11_o nor_o be_v the_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o natural_a equity_n the_o philosopher_n himself_o affirm_v that_o both_o the_o parent_n may_v devote_v the_o child_n whilst_o young_a as_o they_o please_v since_o child_n at_o that_o age_n be_v to_o be_v account_v not_o so_o much_o at_o their_o own_o as_o at_o their_o parent_n disposal_n perjury_n a_o vow_n be_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o therefore_o to_o violate_v it_o be_v perjury_n the_o thing_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o criminal_a in_o we_o to_o break_v that_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o perjury_n a_o vow_n and_o a_o oath_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v in_o scripture_n as_o numb_a 30.13_o one_o for_o another_o and_o indeed_o as_o to_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n since_o therein_o god_n be_v make_v a_o witness_n a_o judge_n and_o a_o revenger_n it_o be_v in_o its_o full_a importance_n no_o less_o than_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o violate_v thereof_o will_v be_v perjury_n he_o be_v call_v to_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o what_o we_o do_v promise_n
think_v baptism_n as_o necessary_a now_o as_o circumcision_n be_v then_o since_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n have_v tell_v we_o except_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n joh._n 3.5_o so_o that_o those_o misguide_a parent_n do_v not_o know_v what_o infinite_a prejudice_n they_o do_v their_o infant-children_n in_o deny_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o debar_v they_o of_o all_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n christ_n have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n for_o we_o and_o which_o he_o ensure_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o moses_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n into_o that_o legal_a one_o deliver_v by_o moses_n ii_o and_o as_o infant_n be_v circumcise_v into_o that_o evangelical_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n so_o they_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o also_o baptize_v into_o that_o legal_a one_o deliver_v by_o moses_n the_o legal_a covenant_n deliver_v by_o moses_n be_v frequent_o distinguish_v by_o st._n paul_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n confirm_v with_o abraham_n thus_o gal._n 3.17_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v before_o confirm_v of_o god_n with_o abraham_n in_o christ_n the_o law_n which_o be_v 430_o year_n after_o can_v disannul_v that_o it_o shall_v make_v the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v so_o call_v to_o signify_v the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o be_v make_v very_o much_o up_o of_o most_o gracious_a promise_n of_o none_o effect_n here_o the_o legal_a covenant_n be_v distinguish_v both_o in_o time_n as_o be_v give_v 430_o year_n after_o and_o in_o point_n of_o efficacy_n as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o of_o that_o force_n as_o to_o disannul_v the_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o important_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n it_o be_v usual_a sometime_o for_o after-covenant_n to_o disannul_v former_a one_o but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o but_o this_o legal_a covenant_n give_v after_o be_v superinduce_v upon_o the_o other_o still_o remain_v in_o force_n as_o the_o only_a one_o by_o which_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o the_o enquiry_n may_v well_o be_v to_o what_o end_v this_o legal_a covenant_n be_v add_v like_o a_o appendix_n as_o it_o be_v and_o codicill_n to_o the_o former_a will_n and_o not_o here_o to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o all_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v beside_o our_o present_a purpose_n my_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n wherefore_o then_o serve_v the_o law_n shall_v be_v with_o st._n paul_n gal._n 3.19_o that_o it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n until_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n that_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n and_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n make_v it_o easy_a for_o person_n compare_v their_o own_o life_n therewith_o to_o find_v out_o how_o infinite_o defective_a they_o be_v and_o it_o be_v add_v till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v it_o show_v they_o therefore_o by_o give_v they_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n offering_n and_o ritual_n of_o it_o which_o be_v very_o many_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o this_o saviour_n to_o come_v this_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a as_o to_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o ●ndisputable_a that_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o circumcision_n ●ndisputable_a and_o now_o let_v we_o inquire_v whether_o infant_n during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o legal_a covenant_n deliver_v by_o moses_n be_v not_o admit_v into_o it_o as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n by_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v they_o be_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n that_o infant_n of_o eight_o day_n old_a be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v circumcise_v be_v positive_o command_v leu._n 12.3_o and_o in_o the_o eight_o day_n the_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o engagement_n upon_o they_o to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n gal._n 5.3_o but_o that_o the_o infant_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v circumcise_v even_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a be_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o do_v themselves_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v that_o i_o need_v not_o certain_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v of_o it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v scripture_n that_o they_o be_v also_o by_o baptism_n assert_v both_o by_o scripture_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o common_o understand_v and_o know_v but_o want_v not_o its_o evidence_n even_o from_o scripture_n as_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2._o where_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o all_o our_o father_n be_v under_o the_o cloud_n and_o all_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v unto_o moses_n that_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o their_o very_a infant_n as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v so_o baptize_v be_v certain_a for_o that_o all_o be_v alike_o under_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v general_o agree_v among_o the_o learned_a writer_n and_o by_o jewish_a writer_n that_o as_o the_o israelite_n during_o their_o whole_a travel_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o wilderness_n be_v not_o circumcise_v because_o it_o will_v make_v they_o sore_o for_o travel_v so_o instead_o thereof_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v or_o admit_v into_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n but_o especial_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o admission_n of_o proselyte_n or_o those_o who_o have_v be_v before_o alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n that_o it_o be_v especial_o use_v for_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o into_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o the_o original_a use_n of_o it_o to_o this_o end_n some_o ascribe_v to_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n when_o he_o choose_v into_o his_o family_n and_o church_n the_o young_a woman_n of_o sichem_n and_o other_o heathen_n who_o then_o live_v with_o he_o jacob_n say_v to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o who_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o from_o you_o the_o strange_a god_n and_o be_v you_o clean_o and_o change_v your_o garment_n gen._n 35.2_o by_o which_o word_n be_v you_o clean_o some_o do_v interpret_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o body_n or_o baptism_n which_o reason_n itself_o do_v also_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v as_o be_v very_o proper_a when_o they_o be_v to_o abandon_v their_o filthy_a idolatry_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o it_o be_v also_o well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v skilled_a in_o jewish_a custom_n that_o when_o any_o parent_n 1133._o dr._n lightfoot_n vol._n 2._o p._n 1133._o or_o master_n of_o family_n be_v thus_o baptize_v that_o all_o who_o do_v belong_v to_o they_o their_o very_a child_n and_o servant_n and_o all_o those_o over_o who_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o covenant_n be_v also_o baptize_v nay_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o israel_n say_v lightfoot_n do_v assert_v as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o mouth_n 117._o ib._n pag._n 117._o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o israel_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o covenant_n among_o other_o thing_n by_o baptism_n israel_n as_o he_o cite_v maimonides_n in_o particular_a be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n by_o three_o thing_n namely_o by_o circumcision_n baptism_n and_o sacrifice_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o infant_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o also_o baptize_v into_o the_o legal_a covenant_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o little_a force_n to_o prove_v that_o christian_a infant_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v baptize_v that_o the_o jewish_a infant_n be_v circumcise_v and_o baptize_v under_o the_o legal_a for_o not_o now_o to_o insist_v that_o circumcise_n and_o baptise_v of_o infant_n and_o that_o by_o god_n almighty_n own_o appointment_n do_v demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o incapacity_n in_o a_o infant_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o some_o outward_a solemnity_n even_o whilst_o a_o infant_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o unreasonableness_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o god_n will_v not_o have_v so_o order_v it_o but_o not_o now_o to_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o do_v humble_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v
water_n of_o baptism_n it_o import_v that_o the_o covenant_n which_o make_v original_a sin_n imputable_a to_o we_o be_v now_o cancel_v and_o the_o condemn_v force_n of_o it_o take_v away_o by_o our_o be_v admit_v into_o another_o more_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a covenant_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a great_a happiness_n to_o infant_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o their_o salvation_n whenever_o they_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n have_v all_o the_o forgive_a mercy_n purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enstate_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v disputable_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o original_a sin_n of_o adam_n impute_v to_o his_o posterity_n however_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o have_v my_o infant_n as_o early_o baptise_a as_o possible_a it_o be_v at_o leastwise_o the_o sure_a side_n to_o be_v actual_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n than_o to_o remain_v under_o one_o where_o there_o may_v be_v the_o least_o probability_n of_o incur_v danger_n by_o be_v in_o it_o one_o can_v make_v too_o sure_a of_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o be_v early_o baptise_a into_o such_o a_o state_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o very_a great_a happiness_n be_v it_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o mighty_a privilege_n it_o instate_v upon_o they_o and_o insure_n unto_o '_o they_o god_n second_o on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v engage_v thereby_o so_o early_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n second_o nor_o be_v it_o less_o a_o happiness_n to_o those_o infant_n that_o have_v be_v baptise_a that_o they_o have_v thereby_o be_v so_o early_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v happy_a for_o they_o that_o god_n have_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o '_o they_o it_o will_v be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o mean_n of_o keep_v out_o the_o devil_n from_o get_v any_o interest_n in_o '_o they_o they_o have_v be_v hereby_o already_o preingage_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o good_a god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v their_o parent_n and_o surety_n or_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o their_o fault_n will_v be_v continual_o mind_v they_o of_o it_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o will_v instil_v by_o degree_n into_o their_o heart_n a_o understanding_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n and_o article_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n watch_v withal_o that_o they_o swerve_v not_o away_o from_o their_o solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_v make_v unto_o he_o and_o beside_o by_o this_o early_a dedication_n of_o person_n whilst_o infant_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v provide_v which_o alone_o be_v a_o great_a benefit_n to_o they_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o many_o shall_v not_o stand_v off_o so_o long_o out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n by_o not_o enter_v into_o it_o through_o the_o door_n of_o baptism_n that_o so_o many_o shall_v not_o stand_v out_o i_o say_v through_o some_o unreasonable_a fear_n or_o scrupulosity_n lest_o if_o they_o sin_n after_o baptism_n it_o will_v be_v worse_o for_o they_o even_o as_o many_o as_o do_v now_o absent_v themselves_o upon_o some_o such_o pretence_n from_o the_o lord's-supper_n perhaps_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n many_o thousand_o of_o these_o who_o be_v now_o happy_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o baptism_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o it_o till_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v least_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o misperswasion_n or_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o love_n to_o their_o lust_n which_o every_o man_n natural_o have_v they_o will_v defer_v it_o too_o long_o till_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n perhaps_o before_o they_o will_v put_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o some_o mispersuade_v person_n do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o the_o very_a great_a scandal_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n when_o many_o time_n they_o be_v snatch_v away_o by_o death_n before_o they_o can_v put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o infidel_n but_o this_o scandal_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v happy_o prevent_v by_o person_n be_v baptise_a into_o it_o in_o their_o infancy_n so_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a happiness_n to_o those_o infant_n that_o have_v be_v baptise_a on_o this_o account_n also_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o early_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v your_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o infancy_n each_o of_o these_o argument_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o do_v take_v to_o have_v sufficient_a force_n of_o themselves_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n but_o i_o have_v endeavour_v so_o to_o range_v they_o one_o with_o another_o that_o beside_o that_o native_a strength_n there_o may_v be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a like_o the_o part_n of_o a_o well-compacted_n building_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o strong_a for_o be_v join_v together_o and_o though_o indeed_o it_o may_v require_v your_o more_o close_a attention_n to_o carry_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o argument_n along_o in_o your_o mind_n than_o to_o apprehend_v one_o single_a reason_n by_o itself_o yet_o the_o conviction_n i_o be_o sure_a will_v be_v the_o strong_a if_o you_o will_v take_v they_o all_o as_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o together_o but_o let_v this_o suffice_v as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o to_o justify_v our_o have_v be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n of_o infancy_n the_o thing_n imply_v in_o these_o word_n wherein_o i_o be_v make_v our_o next_o consideration_n with_o reference_n to_o these_o circumstance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n must_v be_v who_o be_v the_o person_n who_o present_v you_o to_o baptism_n and_o introduce_v you_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v your_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n who_o do_v it_o who_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v three_o thing_n in_o your_o name_n but_o of_o this_o the_o next_o opportunity_n the_o xxxi_o lecture_n what_o do_v your_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n then_o for_o you_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v three_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n in_o comment_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o my_o baptism_n wherein_o i_o be_v make_v i_o have_v already_o consider_v one_o material_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n viz._n the_o time_n when_o you_o be_v initiate_v therein_o and_o i_o have_v justify_v your_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o even_o in_o the_o age_n of_o infancy_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o like_a consideration_n and_o vindication_n of_o a_o second_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o requisite_a also_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o viz._n who_o as_o your_o proxy_n and_o surety_n consider_v it_o be_v at_o a_o age_n you_o can_v not_o personal_o do_v it_o yourselves_o do_v present_v you_o to_o baptism_n and_o undertake_v for_o you_o this_o bless_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v your_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n who_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v three_o thing_n in_o your_o name_n for_o the_o more_o full_a explication_n and_o justification_n of_o which_o use_v of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n i_o will_v inquire_v i._o into_o the_o mean_v and_o importance_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 they_o do_v promise_n and_o vow_v three_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n iii_o i_o will_v show_v 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 to_o engage_v for_o the_o infant_n in_o baptism_n iu._n and_o last_o for_o the_o far_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 better_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 and_o i._o let_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o mean_v and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n godmother_n i._o the_o importance_n of_o the_o term_n godfather_n and_o godmother_n godfather_n and_o godmother_n and_o in_o the_o
between_o good_a and_o evil._n 101_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n natural_o desirous_a of_o increase_a knowledge_n experimental_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n cloud_n the_o reason_n and_o stupefy_v the_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o even_o mere_a curiosity_n after_o less_o profitable_a thing_n take_v off_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o happiness_n 102_o by_o these_o mean_n he_o bring_v that_o ignorance_n in_o divine_a matter_n which_o reign_v in_o most_o man_n mind_n and_o be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a man_n be_v easy_o lead_v into_o whatever_o sin_n and_o misery_n this_o therefore_o another_o wile_n of_o satan_n which_o must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v 103_o three_o by_o bribe_v the_o affection_n with_o something_o near_a our_o heart_n and_o rather_o than_o disoblige_v and_o lose_v which_o we_o will_v commit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil._n and_o by_o whatever_o we_o most_o place_n our_o affection_n upon_o do_v he_o still_o inveigle_v we_o to_o do_v what_o be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o bear_v that_o indifferency_n of_o affection_n towards_o our_o near_a relation_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o interest_n rather_o than_o god_n last_o by_o exciting_a their_o lust_n and_o appetite_n after_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n by_o propose_v the_o fair_a object_n and_o most_o delicious_a dainty_n to_o their_o sense_n 104_o and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n do_v he_o prevail_v to_o this_o day_n upon_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o rebel_n against_o god_n for_o man_n be_v make_v up_o very_o much_o of_o sense_n so_o that_o nothing_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o through_o the_o door_n of_o our_o sense_n we_o be_v easy_o prevail_v upon_o by_o what_o gratify_v our_o sense_n especial_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o taste_v 105_o but_o our_o be_v take_v only_o with_o outward_a thing_n be_v such_o a_o high_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v so_o much_o better_a for_o we_o and_o such_o a_o abuse_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o relish_v high_a enjoyment_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v 106_o lect_n xi_o what_o temptation_n satan_n level_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n recover_v out_o of_o the_o fall_v race_n of_o mankind_n a_o body_n of_o man_n the_o church_n to_o his_o service_n list_a they_o under_o jesus_n christ_n to_o fight_n against_o satan_n the_o devil_n enrage_v to_o have_v his_o prey_n snatch_v out_o of_o his_o tooth_n continual_o attack_n it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a endeavour_n be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n 107_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o person_n of_o abel_n and_o when_o afterward_o recruit_v in_o the_o family_n of_o seth_n yet_o he_o reduce_v it_o again_o by_o the_o bloody_a posterity_n of_o cain_n to_o eight_o person_n in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n when_o after_o the_o flood_n god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o satan_n endeavour_v utter_o to_o have_v extinguish_v that_o people_n by_o his_o servant_n pharaoh_n and_o in_o all_o period_n till_o our_o saviour_n come_v he_o stir_v up_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n their_o neighbour_n especial_o the_o four_o monarchy_n to_o harrass_n they_o but_o soon_o after_o that_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n do_v he_o most_o vigorous_o exert_v his_o malice_n against_o it_o 108_o so_o that_o for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n we_o hear_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o bloody_a persecution_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n the_o instrument_n but_o satan_n the_o instigator_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o attempt_n be_v make_v to_o convert_v a_o country_n from_o paganism_n he_o do_v instigate_v the_o prince_n and_o people_n thereof_o to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o be_v no_o less_o industrious_a to_o drive_v christianity_n out_o of_o those_o country_n whereof_o it_o have_v once_o possession_n and_o he_o have_v a_o antichristian_a party_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o christendom_n most_o sad_o weaken_v christ_n and_o most_o effectual_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n 109_o and_o now_o all_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o to_o renounce_v satan_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o his_o persecute_v temptation_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sore_a suffering_n which_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n can_v inflict_v rather_o than_o deny_v christ_n or_o his_o truth_n second_o when_o those_o bloody_a method_n fail_v satan_n then_o do_v endeavour_n so_o to_o corrupt_v man_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o their_o very_a christianity_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o 110_o this_o politic_a method_n of_o he_o discover_v to_o we_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o malicious_a enemy_n come_v private_o in_o the_o night_n and_o sow_v tare_n where_o the_o husbandman_n have_v before_o sow_v good_a seed_n like_o a_o skilful_a husbandman_n he_o be_v choice_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o temper_n and_o preparedness_n of_o the_o soil_n the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n and_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n first_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n he_o take_v care_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o practice_n shall_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o conceal_v their_o discovery_n thus_o especial_o he_o gild_v his_o error_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v most_o clear_o shine_v as_o here_o first_o when_o under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o advance_v god_n honour_n in_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n he_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o despise_a in_o other_o 111_o second_o when_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o advance_v gospel-truths_n he_o propagate_v heresy_n which_o do_v undermine_v religion_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n three_o when_o he_o teach_v to_o prefer_v some_o eminent_a christian_a duty_n or_o some_o part_n of_o a_o duty_n or_o one_o way_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o another_o as_o to_o prefer_v prayer_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o preach_v or_o sermon_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o pray_v in_o spirit_n to_o the_o regard_n of_o bodily_a worship_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o the_o utter_a contempt_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n 112_o by_o this_o latter_a mean_n satan_n have_v utter_o defeat_v those_o excellent_a help_n we_o have_v in_o our_o church_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o public_a family_n and_o private_a devotion_n 113_o second_o as_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o preparation_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o church_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v lock_v up_o and_o ignorance_n prevail_v he_o impose_v the_o gross_a heresy_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n especial_o he_o introduce_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n whereby_o he_o be_v most_o immediate_o and_o direct_o serve_v three_o as_o to_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n he_o be_v dexterous_a in_o accommodate_v his_o counsel_n his_o action_n and_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v to_o such_o season_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o his_o purpose_n of_o seduce_a men._n 114_o 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 and_o in_o learned_a and_o philosophical_a age_n he_o be_v as_o shy_a in_o appear_v lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v the_o prevail_a sadducism_n four_o as_o to_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n satan_n be_v wonderful_o cunning_a in_o make_v choice_n of_o fit_a and_o proper_a instrument_n and_o in_o furnish_v those_o with_o the_o proper_a art_n of_o deceive_v and_o with_o suitable_a quality_n who_o he_o employ_v to_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n 115_o such_o as_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o morality_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o humanity_n such_o as_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n shall_v be_v gift_v with_o cant_v 116_o and_o yet_o sometime_o the_o crooked_a serpent_n by_o man_n seem_v godly_a will_v propagate_v principle_n extreme_o immoral_a the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n warfare_n be_v to_o preserve_v one-self_n untainted_a with_o heretical_a pravity_n colour_v over_o with_o the_o varnish_n of_o gospel-truth_n but_o yet_o by_o try_v it_o by_o proper_a rule_n it_o may_v be_v do_v viz._n first_o by_o its_o tendency_n to_o a_o ill_a life_n second_o by_o its_o take_n off_o from_o our_o dependence_n upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o a_o good_a one._n 117_o lect_n xii_o three_o satan_n great_a industry_n be_v to_o gain_v over_o to_o his_o party_n or_o to_o tempt_v to_o some_o scandalous_a enormity_n such_o person_n as_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o eminent_a
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
particular_o repent_v of_o 278_o and_o in_o case_n of_o injury_n to_o man_n if_o restitution_n be_v make_v of_o high_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o that_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o eminent_a repentance_n the_o sum_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n 265_o the_o sum_n also_o thereof_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n 266_o lect_n xxiv_o that_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n how_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n before_o how_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n if_o we_o please_v 268_o that_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v that_o we_o obtain_v such_o a_o gracious_a covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n 269_o the_o infinite_a care_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o call_v we_o into_o it_o 271_o the_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n no_o less_o intent_n upon_o this_o bless_a work_n how_o mighty_o he_o importune_v we_o to_o come_v into_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v leave_v a_o succession_n of_o minister_n behind_o he_o to_o do_v the_o like_a this_o great_a matter_n of_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n of_o have_v god_n in_o covenant_n with_o we_o 272_o 273_o or_o 2._o our_o singular_a happiness_n therein_o above_o the_o fall_v angel_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n 274_o lect_n xxv_o baptism_n what_o 1._o a_o outward_a rite_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o appointment_n for_o the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o person_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 276_o to_o have_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n in_o religion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o receive_v impression_n from_o sensible_a thing_n this_o especial_o requisite_a in_o the_o admission_n into_o religious_a society_n and_o covenant_n the_o israelite_n be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n 277_o the_o heathen_n be_v initiate_v into_o their_o mystery_n by_o purgation_n or_o wash_n our_o saviour_n choose_v the_o latter_a as_o what_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o both_o party_n especial_o as_o more_o significative_a of_o christian_a purity_n and_o this_o he_o have_v enjoin_v as_o indispensible_o necessary_a to_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 278_o baptism_n appoint_v the_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n and_o assurance_n of_o its_o term_n the_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o the_o condition_n on_o we_o it_o be_v thus_o mutual_o and_o interchangeable_o seal_v to_o betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o 279_o it_o give_v great_a assurance_n of_o mutual_a performance_n bare_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n together_o 280_o lect_n xxvi_o the_o vast_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o both_o from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o obligation_n thereunto_o first_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 282_o the_o jew_n choose_v from_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o serve_v god_n 283_o christian_n choose_v both_o from_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o a_o more_o peculiar_a holiness_n 284_o 2._o as_o child_n of_o god_n child_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o strict_a obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n as_o owe_v to_o they_o their_o be_v 285_o child_n of_o god_n as_o owe_v both_o be_v and_o wellbeing_a 286_o 3._o as_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n kingdom_n of_o heaven_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o covenant_n 287_o 4._o as_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v in_o our_o baptism_n according_o to_o discharge_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n sometime_o not_o a_o duty_n till_o vow_v 288_o sometime_o antecedent_o incumbent_a upon_o we_o and_o such_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n it_o be_v a_o provoke_a sin_n to_o rob_v god_n of_o what_o have_v be_v once_o vow_v and_o devote_v to_o he_o though_o of_o the_o former_a nature_n god_n anger_n observable_a upon_o such_o occasion_n 289_o it_o be_v much_o more_o provoke_v to_o violate_v vow_n to_o perform_v which_o we_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n a_o vow_n be_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o therefore_o to_o violate_v it_o be_v perjury_n 290_o finis_fw-la lect_n xxvii_o i._o in_o order_n to_o perform_v our_o baptismal_a covenant_n we_o must_v put_v on_o a_o fix_a and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o 293_o a_o summary_n recapitulation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n 294_o the_o nature_n of_o holy_a resolution_n as_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o will._n 2._o it_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o peremptory_a opposite_a to_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n 295_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o rational_a determination_n opposite_a to_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n 4._o it_o be_v vigorous_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o vow_n and_o promise_v 5._o speedy_a 296_o 6._o it_o be_v vigorous_a and_o speedy_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o those_o vow_n and_o promise_v make_v in_o baptism_n 7._o notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_n last_o it_o must_v be_v public_a and_o declarative_a 297_o and_o solemn_o make_v at_o confirmation_n a_o resolution_n so_o form_v will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n 298_o it_o will_v effectual_o baffle_v the_o devil_n the_o flesh_n the_o world_n especial_o when_o solemn_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v 299_o ii_o our_o resolution_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n must_v be_v make_v not_o in_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n 300_o lect_n xxviii_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n deprave_v 302_o understanding_n wi_n affection_n lust_n and_o appetite_n christ_n have_v purchase_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o renew_v we_o throughout_o what_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v 303_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n 304_o ordinary_n in_o succeed_a time_n even_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n extensive_o very_o large_a so_o as_o to_o repair_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n deprave_v by_o sin_n 305_o and_o intensive_o very_o powerful_a to_o renew_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n 306_o lect_n xxix_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o prayer_n 309_o prayer_n a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o perform_v our_o covenant_n 1._o as_o it_o moral_o dispose_v we_o to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o god_n 2._o as_o it_o natural_o enforce_v we_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o 310_o that_o there_o be_v pray_v hypocrite_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o antinomian_n principles_n 311_o 3._o as_o it_o will_v certain_o procure_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 312_o lect_n xxx_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v baptize_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 314_o may_v be_v prove_v also_o from_o several_a other_o topic_n 1._o because_o infant_n be_v initiate_v by_o circumcision_n into_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o the_o second_o make_v with_o adam_n 316_o and_o the_o same_o in_o a_o more_o imperfect_a edition_n of_o it_o with_o that_o make_v with_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o covenant_n who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v so_o that_o person_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o baptize_v 317_o 2._o because_o they_o be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n into_o that_o legal_a one_o deliver_v by_o moses_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o circumcision_n indisputable_a 318_o that_o they_o be_v also_o by_o baptism_n assert_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o by_o jewish_a writer_n 319_o iii_o because_o our_o saviour_n adopt_v the_o jewish_a rite_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n without_o exclude_v child_n from_o be_v baptize_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n 320_o iu._n because_o in_o all_o probability_n infant-baptism_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n 321_o v._o because_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o infant_n not_o uncapable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n prove_v from_o deut._n 29._o as_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v privilege_n confer_v upon_o they_o 322_o and_o of_o be_v bind_v to_o condition_n vi_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o infant_n to_o be_v
the_o best_a expositor_n do_v understand_v the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n that_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o roman_n ch._n 6.17_o and_o which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n that_o timothy_n have_v hear_v of_o he_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o abridgement_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o make_v such_o a_o abridgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o make_v such_o a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v no_o doubt_n to_o guard_v all_o true_a believer_n against_o the_o heresy_n and_o error_n of_o seduce_a teacher_n even_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n begin_v to_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o the_o field_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ready_a way_n to_o discover_v and_o distinguish_v their_o pestilent_a error_n than_o for_o every_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ready_a at_o hand_n whereby_o to_o try_v those_o other_o doctrine_n to_o which_o form_n or_o pattern_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o it_o be_v call_v 2_o tim._n 1.13_o if_o what_o they_o teach_v do_v not_o agree_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o most_o unlettered_a christian_n to_o discover_v their_o falsehood_n which_o without_o a_o considerable_a degree_n of_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o holy_a write_n can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v do_v and_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v call_v symbolum_n in_o most_o christian_a church_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o badge_n whereby_o to_o know_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_a a_o watchword_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o false_a heretic_n that_o creep_v in_o clandestine_o to_o beguile_v unwary_a soul_n and_o a_o passport_n in_o all_o christian_a church_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o word_n symbolum_n mean_a and_o to_o all_o these_o purpose_n be_v the_o creed_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o do_v any_o stranger_n come_v among_o they_o they_o do_v immediate_o demand_v of_o he_o a_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o if_o he_o do_v deliver_v agreeable_a to_o this_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o be_v orthodox_n and_o not_o a_o heretic_n and_o it_o be_v a_o passport_n to_o he_o whereby_o he_o may_v either_o remain_v among_o they_o or_o have_v letter_n commendatory_a from_o they_o to_o go_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n to_o other_o church_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o well_o may_v our_o creed_n be_v account_v the_o sure_a test_n and_o touchstone_n of_o all_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n doctrine_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o heresy_n and_o deadly_a error_n that_o have_v heretofore_o or_o shall_v hereafter_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n which_o it_o do_v not_o oppose_v or_o obviate_v nor_o any_o material_a truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o concern_v either_o god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o it_o do_v 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