call_v for_o be_v faith_n faith_n be_v the_o special_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n this_o be_v his_o command_n that_o be_v the_o great_a command_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v send_v god_n have_v require_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v lay_v on_o and_o command_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n will_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o to_o you_o 1._o you_o shall_v find_v the_o great_a inquiry_n he_o make_v when_o he_o inquire_v about_o a_o person_n estate_n be_v after_o their_o faith_n if_o you_o will_v but_o take_v a_o view_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o of_o his_o work_n you_o will_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v a_o thing_n by_o his_o inquire_v after_o it_o joseph_n when_o his_o brethren_n come_v down_o into_o egypt_n he_o inquire_v be_v the_o old_a man_n of_o who_o you_o speak_v alive_a so_o joab_n when_o he_o return_v from_o the_o battle_n david_n be_v very_o inquisitive_a be_v the_o young_a man_n absalon_n safe_a jacob_n be_v much_o on_o joseph_n spirit_n and_o absalon_n be_v much_o on_o david_n so_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n ordinary_o you_o will_v find_v when_o he_o have_v ado_n with_o any_o person_n he_o ask_v can_v thou_o believe_v do_v thou_o believe_v when_o he_o lay_v on_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v to_o try_v their_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1.7_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o perish_v though_o it_o be_v try_v with_o fire_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o delay_v a_o answer_n to_o prayer_n it_o be_v to_o try_v faith_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o woman_n he_o call_v she_o a_o dog_n as_o if_o she_o be_v not_o in_o his_o commission_n but_o in_o the_o end_n he_o faith_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o order_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a commendation_n give_v to_o it_o in_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v remarkable_a heb._n 11._o when_o the_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o covenant_v uviht_n god_n be_v bring_v in_o beginning_n at_o abel_n and_o come_v down_o to_o abraham_n and_o david_n the_o thing_n especial_o commend_v in_o they_o be_v their_o faith_n no_o question_n they_o have_v patience_n and_o love_n but_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n cry_v they_o most_o up_o for_o be_v especial_o their_o faith_n this_o evidence_n that_o faith_n the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n not_o only_o be_v it_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n make_v a_o special_a inquiry_n after_o but_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o qualification_n thou_o have_v that_o christ_n especial_o commend_v 3._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o honour_n put_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n this_o be_v a_o special_a honour_n put_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o question_n among_o scholar_n why_o faith_n only_o and_o not_o love_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n they_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o meet_a for_o it_o if_o you_o inquire_v why_o the_o eye_n see_v and_o not_o the_o hand_n why_o the_o hand_n work_v and_o not_o the_o eye_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v instrument_n in_o see_v and_o work_v so_o faith_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o justification_n for_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a grace_n it_o be_v call_v a_o receive_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n john_n 1.12_o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v they_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n now_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n so_o fit_a to_o be_v honour_v in_o justication_n where_o god_n give_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o receive_a grace_n a_o second_o reason_n why_o faith_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o justitication_n and_o not_o love_n because_o faith_n will_v not_o wrong_v christ_n honour_n rom._n 3.27_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n boast_v be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n v._n 28._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n faith_n exclude_v boast_v and_o give_v all_o the_o honour_n to_o christ_n if_o love_n or_o patience_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n they_o will_v plead_v to_o more_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o faith_n be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n so_o no_o wonder_n faith_n be_v make_v the_o principal_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v not_o wrong_v christ_n in_o his_o honour_n it_o will_v plead_v for_o merit_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v only_o to_o receive_v what_o christ_n have_v bestow_v but_o 4._o and_o last_o faith_n it_o furnish_v all_o other_o grace_n work_n every_o other_o duty_n be_v influence_v by_o faith_n patience_n repentance_n prayer_n and_o love_n be_v influence_v by_o faith_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n every_o other_o grace_n be_v actuate_v by_o faith_n so_o until_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v we_o can_v repent_v we_o can_v suffer_v we_o can_v pray_v all_o these_o thing_n like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v dead_a and_o lifeless_a thing_n without_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n lay_v all_o these_o four_o together_o and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n believe_v have_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o duty_n so_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whatever_o other_o duty_n god_n have_v command_v he_o have_v especial_o command_v believe_v that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o many_o think_v that_o they_o can_v go_v about_o other_o duty_n before_o they_o believe_v and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o covenant_n but_o they_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o faith_n three_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o command_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o faith_n be_v first_o and_o principal_o requiry_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v papist_n calumniat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d when_o they_o say_v we_o preach_v and_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v only_o require_v it_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o justification_n it_o be_v by_o faith_n only_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n only_o that_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n therefore_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n come_v in_o after_o believe_v such_o as_o will_v observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v obedient_a to_o all_o the_o command_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v remarkable_a the_o obedience_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v have_v these_o three_o property_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v new_a obedience_n that_o be_v to_o say_v obedience_n from_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o obediedce_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o obedience_n be_v new_a when_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o be_v love_n it_o be_v of_o old_a fear_n but_o it_o have_v a_o new_a principle_n when_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o exalt_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v of_o old_a the_o exalt_v of_o ourselves_o 2._o the_o obedience_n must_v be_v strict_a obedience_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o you_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n that_o master_n allan_n have_v wirtten_v in_o his_o vinditiae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la prove_v that_o the_o holiness_n he_o say_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v strict_a ay_o no_o less_o strict_a than_o that_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v every_o christian_a must_v be_v a_o precisian_n and_o must_v labour_v to_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o take_v the_o kingdom_n by_o violence_n to_o watch_v against_o the_o least_o beginning_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o least_o encroachment_n of_o it_o on_o christ_n honour_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n 3_o it_o must_v be_v perpetual_a obedience_n
of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v only_o these_o covenant_v that_o can_v reach_v the_o soul_n interest_n he_o be_v indeed_o a_o fool_n that_o think_v he_o can_v tell_v his_o soul_n good_a news_n on_o the_o account_n he_o have_v his_o barn_n full_a soul_n take_v thou_o rest_n for_o thou_o have_v enough_o lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n it_o be_v good_a news_n to_o his_o ox_n or_o his_o ass_n but_o to_o tell_v it_o to_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o the_o scripture_n term_v he_o so_o for_o it_o be_v only_o these_o covenant_v thing_n that_o concern_v the_o soul_n 2._o take_v notice_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v contrive_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o convoyance_n of_o interest_n the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o justification_n of_o it_o the_o adoption_n of_o it_o the_o sanctification_n of_o it_o the_o fellowship_n of_o it_o with_o jesus_n the_o glorify_v of_o it_o eternal_o they_o come_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o covenant_n they_o that_o talk_v of_o merit_v for_o it_o or_o work_v for_o it_o or_o buy_v of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v the_o covenant_n hold_v out_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v they_o and_o come_v by_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n way_n 3._o not_o only_o do_v this_o covenant_n hold_v out_o the_o great_a interest_n god_n can_v make_v great_a promise_n than_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o soul_n he_o can_v promise_v great_a thing_n than_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o attain_v they_o than_o by_o the_o covenant_n so_o in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o covenant_n give_v sufficient_a security_n for_o they_o to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n god_n become_v a_o debtor_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o covenant_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o divine_n that_o say_v they_o like_v not_o the_o word_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v debtor_n to_o man_n they_o think_v it_o below_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n yet_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n 1._o he_o be_v debtor_n to_o his_o own_o faithfulness_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o say_v if_o we_o believe_v not_o he_o can_v deny_v we_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o be_v debtor_n to_o himself_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o he_o be_v debtor_n to_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o make_v to_o christ_n and_o through_o christ_n they_o come_v to_o be_v we_o as_o you_o see_v a_o man_n that_o make_v over_o his_o inheritance_n to_o his_o son_n and_o the_o son_n marry_v a_o woman_n it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o woman_n through_o the_o son_n she_o have_v right_a to_o it_o because_o of_o marry_v the_o man_n the_o father_n be_v principal_o if_o not_o proper_o debtor_n to_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o he_o become_v debtor_n to_o we_o and_o our_o right_n to_o they_o be_v like_o the_o woman_n right_n though_o the_o father_n do_v not_o make_v over_o the_o right_a first_o and_o principal_o to_o she_o but_o to_o the_o son_n yet_o she_o have_v a_o right_a to_o they_o because_o of_o marry_v the_o son_n some_o may_v scruple_n at_o that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o we_o but_o he_o be_v both_o a_o debtor_n to_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o to_o his_o son_n so_o that_o our_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n come_v to_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o as_o full_o secure_a as_o if_o god_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o we_o and_o if_o he_o after_o the_o promise_n he_o must_v both_o deny_v himself_o and_o his_o son_n and_o o_o what_o a_o mercy_n be_v it_o in_o such_o a_o strait_a as_o death_n be_v to_o have_v the_o promise_n in_o so_o great_a assurance_n now_o take_v up_o the_o covenant_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n o_o what_o special_a encouragement_n must_v it_o be_v at_o death_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v bid_v we_o adieu_o to_o have_v our_o great_a interest_n by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o conveyance_n so_o secure_v as_o the_o father_n must_v both_o deny_v himself_o and_o his_o son_n before_o our_o right_n to_o they_o be_v contradict_v second_o our_o privilege_n to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n at_o death_n will_v appear_v if_o you_o take_v notice_n what_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n god_n may_v have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o of_o it_o yet_o consider_v what_o a_o privilege_n the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o i_o will_v open_v this_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o which_o render_v it_o useful_a for_o we_o in_o all_o the_o command_v duty_n of_o the_o law_n take_v for_o instance_n if_o you_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v or_o love_n god_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n the_o ready_a way_n a_o believer_n have_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n be_v to_o search_v out_o some_o promise_n and_o to_o lay_v it_o before_o god_n but_o unless_o they_o know_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n with_o what_o cheerfulness_n and_o confidence_n can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o promise_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o i_o find_v a_o certain_a divine_a say_v i_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a word_n that_o a_o person_n to_o love_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v like_o a_o woman_n lie_v with_o another_o woman_n husband_n it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o adultery_n to_o love_v the_o person_n you_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o but_o yet_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o improve_v the_o promise_n in_o order_n to_o perform_v duty_n be_v to_o know_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v we_o otherwise_o with_o what_o confidence_n and_o hope_n can_v we_o plead_v the_o promise_n of_o help_n in_o prayer_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o bear_v off_o all_o temptation_n the_o great_a answer_n to_o challenge_n and_o fear_n be_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n the_o truth_n be_v as_o a_o divine_a observe_n the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o temptation_n and_o challenge_n they_o come_v from_o the_o law_n the_o threaten_n the_o curse_n the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o tempter_n bring_v not_o our_o bond_n against_o we_o he_o chargeâ—_n a_o believer_n with_o a_o bond_n that_o he_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o and_o the_o great_a answer_n we_o have_v to_o they_o all_o be_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bear_v off_o challenge_n when_o he_o press_v with_o such_o a_o debt_n thou_o have_v break_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thou_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o curseâ—_n thereof_o we_o may_v answer_v thou_o have_v take_v the_o wrong_a bond_n for_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n 3._o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o see_v ouâ—_n duty_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o do_v that_o ordinary_o we_o lie_v quite_o by_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n such_o as_o rejoice_v in_o god_n delight_v in_o god_n and_o they_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v like_a glory_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o the_o command_v give_v about_o they_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n we_o neither_o can_v rejoice_v nor_o delight_n in_o he_o three_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v most_o necessary_a at_o death_n when_o like_o david_n we_o come_v to_o speak_v our_o last_o word_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v necessary_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n but_o never_o more_o necessary_a than_o at_o death_n especial_o if_o you_o take_v death_n up_o under_o a_o twofold_a formality_n 1_o death_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o part_v we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n a_o man_n then_o quite_v his_o inheritance_n by_o death_n he_o lose_v his_o legal_a right_n to_o it_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n he_o can_v come_v back_o again_o he_o will_v find_v that_o death_n have_v take_v away_o his_o propriety_n to_o it_o death_n have_v take_v away_o the_o propriety_n from_o land_n it_o lose_v the_o relation_n to_o the_o husband_n to_o the_o wife_n to_o the_o child_n it_o part_v all_o a_o
that_o will_v say_v the_o spirit_n reveal_v new_a objective_n truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n withâ—â—_n they_o they_o be_v put_v themselves_o to_o horrid_a temptation_n object_n 2d_o the_o second_o objection_n be_v move_v by_o papist_n whâ—_n say_v there_o be_v unwritten_a tradition_n as_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n as_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o covenant_n the_o council_n of_o treâ—â—_n say_v they_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectâ—â—_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o here_o be_v one_o of_o thâ—_n great_a ground_n why_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v so_o toss_v with_o division_n and_o question_n about_o thing_n they_o confess_v be_v not_o iâ—_n the_o scripture_n but_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o rule_n as_o certain_a as_o thâ—_n scripture_n and_o make_v not_o this_o against_o the_o perfection_n of_o thâ—_n covenant_n it_o be_v not_o perfect_a say_v they_o in_o regard_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o papist_n they_o take_v themselves_o to_o unwritten_a tradition_n i_o need_v not_o dwell_v on_o this_o i_o trust_v there_o be_v not_o much_o need_n of_o cry_v down_o these_o tradition_n in_o this_o place_n in_o regard_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o most_o part_n believe_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n ans_fw-fr i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o three_o thing_n of_o these_o tradition_n 1._o take_v notice_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o offer_v for_o tradition_n as_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v take_v up_o you_o will_v admire_v that_o man_n of_o such_o part_n go_v upon_o such_o shallow_a ground_n they_o say_v their_o tradition_n must_v come_v from_o the_o apostle_n why_o because_o we_o can_v tell_v when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o office_n of_o cardinal_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v there_o be_v a_o burn_v run_v through_o the_o town_n that_o yet_o can_v tell_v the_o springhead_n out_o of_o which_o it_o come_v now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a shallow_a ground_n these_o tradition_n must_v be_v apostolic_a because_o none_o can_v tell_v when_o they_o begin_v 2_o i_o will_v say_v of_o these_o tradition_n the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a thing_n they_o look_v not_o 〈◊〉_d flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o vain_a â—â—ings_n and_o tend_v more_o to_o prove_v a_o popish_a interest_n than_o christian_a piety_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o christian_n heart_n stand_v at_o â—hem_n 3_o we_o reject_v all_o these_o tradition_n and_o there_o will_v neâ—er_o be_v peace_n until_o all_o these_o tradition_n be_v take_v away_o and_o â—ll_o we_o come_v to_o resolve_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scriâ—ures_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a so_o it_o stand_v as_o a_o firm_a truth_n that_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n obj._n 3_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v be_v there_o not_o many_o thing_n necessary_a for_o believer_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o for_o example_n if_o there_o be_v a_o question_n about_o form_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n that_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o i_o will_v say_v two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v enough_o to_o i_o â—ustly_o to_o have_v aversion_n from_o any_o form_n of_o government_n if_o it_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n many_o confess_v this_o and_o yet_o they_o own_o prelacy_n they_o say_v in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n have_v â—eft_v no_o particular_a direction_n to_o such_o and_o such_o officer_n but_o what_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o all_o minister_n he_o have_v impose_v no_o duty_n on_o they_o nor_o have_v he_o tell_v people_n now_o to_o carry_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o yield_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o 2_o the_o covenant_n be_v perfect_a as_o to_o this_o the_o lord_n have_v determine_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o have_v set_v it_o up_o even_o among_o preach_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v they_o the_o same_o qualification_n with_o any_o distinction_n the_o lord_n have_v positive_o determine_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o such_o and_o such_o office_n and_o herein_o the_o covenant_n be_v perfect_a in_o regard_n it_o positive_o determine_v what_o form_n of_o government_n the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n will_v have_v in_o his_o own_o house_n but_o second_o be_v there_o not_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o worship_n that_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o form_n gesture_n and_o garb_n and_o such_o like_a and_o be_v these_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o answer_v if_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v practise_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o whore_n that_o busk_n herself_o let_v the_o whore_n or_o the_o romish_a church_n wear_v a_o buskin_n all_o hang_n with_o ribbens_n but_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n wear_v that_o garb_n for_o the_o bride_n she_o be_v ay_o comely_a in_o her_o native_a purity_n and_o real_o god_n ordinance_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o naked_a purity_n we_o need_v not_o set_v form_n in_o our_o worship_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v determine_v in_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v without_o strife_n and_o let_v they_o be_v do_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v brief_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o time_n and_o eternity_n but_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n sermon_n xxxvi_o 2_o samuel_n 23._o verse_n 5._o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v perfection_n be_v a_o comprehensive_a property_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o can_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o i_o have_v say_v perfection_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o to_o which_o nothing_o be_v want_v i_o labour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o this_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o the_o point_n remain_v to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o covenant_n a_o perfect_a covenant_n there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o practical_a uses_n of_o it_o i_o will_v follow_v i_o confess_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n in_o time_n that_o we_o can_v ascribe_v the_o name_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o person_n have_v some_o defect_n there_o be_v something_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v something_o in_o their_o humour_n and_o in_o their_o way_n that_o say_v they_o be_v not_o perfect_a the_o most_o excellent_a of_o thing_n be_v so_o the_o rose_n will_v fade_v and_o it_o have_v a_o brier_n in_o it_o but_o the_o covenant_n be_v perfect_a use_v 1._o it_o serve_v then_o to_o reprove_v these_o who_o take_v it_o not_o up_o as_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o come_v under_o this_o reproof_n 1_o it_o reprove_v quaker_n that_o tell_v we_o of_o new_a truth_n that_o will_v be_v reveal_v to_o one_o man_n and_o not_o to_o another_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o scripture_n they_o say_v the_o covenant_n be_v not_o perfect_a they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o destroy_v humane_a society_n they_o make_v no_o church_n certain_a till_o their_o revelation_n come_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o christ_n may_v be_v overturn_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v guard_v against_o this_o principle_n they_o will_v be_v lie_v among_o you_o and_o you_o not_o know_v they_o this_o be_v their_o great_a principle_n and_o that_o which_o now_o in_o their_o book_n they_o be_v hot_a in_o follow_v guard_n against_o it_o as_o you_o will_v have_v god_n peace_n and_o hold_v by_o this_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v perfect_a it_o contain_v all_o your_o salvation_n and_o all_o your_o desire_n 2_o it_o reprove_v papist_n the_o bulk_n of_o who_o religion_n lie_v in_o humane_a invention_n and_o tradition_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v well_o it_o be_v a_o ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o enemy_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n it_o be_v even_o like_o a_o man_n decline_v a_o judge_n because_o he_o suspect_v he_o but_o we_o maintain_v this_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o
perfect_a covenant_n it_o contain_v all_o our_o salvation_n and_o all_o our_o desire_n and_o we_o bid_v no_o more_o for_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n than_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o until_o we_o see_v he_o we_o will_v take_v these_o letter_n of_o he_o and_o trust_v they_o and_o walk_v by_o they_o and_o expect_v from_o he_o according_a to_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o perfect_a covenant_n 3_o it_o reprove_v these_o among_o we_o who_o will_v have_v the_o covenant_n perfect_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o faith_n but_o they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n they_o say_v for_o ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o government_n we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o a_o covenant_n and_o where_o shall_v we_o seek_v they_o if_o we_o seek_v they_o not_o there_o and_o what_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o his_o house_n that_o have_v not_o his_o warrant_n if_o there_o be_v not_o determination_n in_o the_o word_n about_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o christ_n commission_n what_o warrant_n have_v they_o to_o his_o house_n o_o they_o cut_v the_o throat_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n while_o they_o deny_v this_o 4_o it_o reprove_v many_o practical_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n for_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n frequent_o it_o come_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o doubt_v and_o question_n and_o sit_v down_o like_o a_o woman_n in_o travail_n think_v she_o will_v never_o be_v deliver_v seek_v after_o some_o sense_n and_o experience_n unless_o god_n communicate_v something_o that_o will_v tickle_v their_o affection_n they_o can_v take_v the_o covenant_n nor_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n thou_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n ready_o thou_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o want_v out_o thy_o case_n thou_o will_v say_v it_o contain_v many_o thing_n but_o alas_o it_o want_v out_o my_o case_n thou_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n it_o be_v all_o thy_o salvation_n and_o all_o thy_o desire_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o that_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a than_o thou_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v put_v in_o it_o all_o these_o come_v under_o this_o reproof_n and_o however_o thou_o join_v with_o papist_n and_o quaker_n and_o all_o the_o patron_n of_o ceremony_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n when_o thou_o take_v not_o the_o covenant_n for_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n use_v 2._o the_o second_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v the_o covenant_n so_o perfect_a a_o covenant_n it_o contain_v what_o god_n can_v promise_v and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v desire_v then_o it_o serve_v for_o information_n and_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o thing_n it_o inform_v of_o and_o that_o a_o christian_n shall_v serious_o ponder_v 1._o be_v it_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n it_o inform_v of_o the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o he_o that_o make_v it_o and_o to_o the_o mediator_n that_o treat_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o o_o but_o he_o manage_v the_o business_n well_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n there_o be_v hardly_o a_o man_n have_v a_o business_n but_o we_o will_v find_v some_o fault_n i_o like_v well_o the_o observation_n a_o moralist_n have_v say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o they_o be_v like_o witch_n in_o find_v out_o fault_n whereas_o wit_n lie_v rather_o in_o cover_v fault_n it_o be_v the_o great_a wit_n that_o can_v best_o defend_v a_o bad_a cause_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v go_v through_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v ay_o some_o say_n see_v the_o fool_n but_o what_o fault_n can_v you_o find_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v perfect_a i_o appeal_v in_o cold_a blood_n to_o any_o christian_a be_v there_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v add_v or_o want_v in_o it_o he_o that_o manage_v it_o be_v christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o carry_v the_o business_n so_o as_o the_o most_o censorious_a wit_n can_v neither_o add_v nor_o find_v a_o want_n in_o it_o some_o tell_v of_o one_o a_o critic_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o can_v scarce_o find_v one_o action_n that_o please_v he_o whatever_o any_o do_v he_o find_v ay_o a_o fault_n in_o it_o but_o bring_v out_o this_o covenant_n and_o give_v he_o the_o spectacle_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o it_o the_o least_o fault_n or_o want_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o which_o preclaim_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o mediator_n our_o business_n be_v better_a in_o his_o hand_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v in_o we_o for_o if_o we_o have_v have_v the_o manage_n of_o it_o either_o there_o will_v be_v something_o add_v or_o want_v but_o he_o manage_v it_o so_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v or_o want_v 2_o be_v it_o thus_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n than_o not_o only_o bless_v the_o mediator_n but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o improve_v it_o a_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n there_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a use_n of_o the_o point_n i_o will_v dwell_v a_o little_a on_o and_o help_v you_o to_o improve_v it_o as_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n there_o be_v four_o case_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o improve_v it_o as_o a_o perfect_a covenant_n 1._o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o improve_v it_o in_o all_o debate_n this_o be_v a_o time_n full_a of_o debate_n you_o shall_v find_v hardly_o two_o meet_v in_o one_o judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v christ_n say_v one_o there_o be_v christ_n say_v another_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n cry_v up_o this_o year_n another_o thing_n cry_v up_o the_o next_o year_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o perfect_a covenant_n bring_v all_o your_o debate_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o stand_v on_o the_o judgement_n of_o rantars_n and_o profane_v wicked_a man_n that_o ready_o will_v not_o turn_v over_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o a_o week_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o question_n they_o may_v rant_v and_o they_o may_v alter_v according_a to_o their_o shallow_a wit_n like_o man_n grope_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o they_o stumble_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o in_o all_o question_n of_o the_o time_n that_o thou_o be_v try_v with_o in_o this_o world_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o person_n that_o will_v look_v out_o like_o a_o witty_a one_o and_o a_o man_n of_o understanding_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o understand_v they_o well_o i_o will_v not_o value_v a_o man_n that_o be_v un-acquainted_n with_o the_o scripture_n more_o 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