object_n of_o it_o be_v real_a the_o ground_n of_o it_o certain_a the_o act_n of_o it_o sensible_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o evident_a to_o other_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v i._o as_o for_o the_o object_n of_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o hope_n that_o good_a which_o he_o believe_v shall_v be_v and_o expect_v after_o this_o life_n a_o state_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n he_o that_o shall_v deny_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v must_v not_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a when_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v of_o it_o for_o 1._o that_o show_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a as_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o independent_a on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o most_o proper_a and_o noble_a operation_n the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n after_o this_o life_n for_o they_o that_o do_v well_o no_o less_o than_o on_o the_o contrary_a punishment_n for_o evil_a doer_n this_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n that_o know_v not_o distinct_o wherein_o that_o reward_n do_v consist_v yet_o have_v grant_v the_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v not_o instruct_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n 2.15_o heart_n rom._n 2.15_o and_o the_o secret_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n man_n take_v in_o their_o own_o innocence_n or_o good_a action_n prove_v a_o reward_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n which_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o sly_a and_o secret_a sinner_n subject_v they_o to_o speak_v the_o punishment_n they_o expect_v on_o the_o other_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v only_a impression_n make_v upon_o man_n fancy_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o all_o the_o reason_n they_o grow_v up_o to_o exercise_n and_o all_o the_o art_n many_o obstinate_a sinner_n make_v use_v of_o on_o purpose_n to_o obliterate_v they_o and_o to_o impress_v the_o contrary_a upon_o their_o mind_n together_o with_o a_o thousand_o other_o species_n print_v on_o their_o imagination_n by_o their_o employment_n their_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o various_a occasion_n and_o accident_n of_o their_o life_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o rid_v they_o of_o these_o so_o unpleasing_a sentiment_n 3._o something_o may_v be_v say_v even_o from_o natural_a reason_n to_o prove_v this_o reward_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o so_o not_o only_o to_o evince_v the_o reality_n of_o some_o happiness_n but_o of_o this_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o other_o life_n for_o 1._o it_o will_v scarce_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v god_n as_o its_o sovereign_a good_a i._n e._n of_o most_o intense_o delight_v and_o entire_o acquiesce_v in_o he_o as_o a_o good_a suitable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o vast_a capacity_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n some_o of_o the_o heathen_a come_v near_o this_o when_o they_o state_v man_n happiness_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o high_a be_v and_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n amount_v to_o little_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a good_n any_o creature_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o absolute_o the_o great_a good_a because_o a_o infinite_a one_o and_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o perfection_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a good_a than_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o great_a 3._o the_o reward_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o great_a good_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o appear_v in_o that_o 1._o less_o than_o the_o great_a good_a can_v satisfy_v man_n soul_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a can_v make_v it_o happy_a when_o its_o happiness_n consist_v in_o its_o be_v full_o satisfy_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o delight_n of_o sense_n can_v never_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n instead_o of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o its_o nature_n which_o be_v spiritual_a to_o its_o duration_n which_o be_v immortal_a and_o to_o those_o appetite_n god_n have_v implant_v in_o it_o it_o be_v very_a capacity_n of_o enjoy_v god_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o secret_a inclination_n to_o it_o insomuch_o that_o many_o time_n when_o a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o explicit_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o good_a he_o want_v yet_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o what_o he_o have_v though_o never_o so_o great_a he_o find_v a_o want_n of_o something_o else_o and_o because_o he_o want_v it_o he_o desire_v it_o though_o he_o know_v not_o clear_o what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a 2._o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o appoint_v the_o great_a good_a to_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o noble_a of_o his_o creature_n not_o that_o they_o deserve_v it_o but_o because_o he_o may_v be_v most_o glorify_v by_o it_o and_o because_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o nature_n capable_a of_o it_o as_o he_o suit_v the_o good_a of_o other_o creature_n to_o the_o capacity_n he_o have_v give_v they_o so_o he_o do_v the_o good_a of_o man_n none_o but_o angel_n and_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v or_o active_o glorify_v he_o and_o god_n have_v capacitate_v they_o for_o that_o suit_n their_o good_a to_o their_o capacity_n it_o have_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o man_n to_o have_v have_v only_o some_o inferior_a good_a in_o this_o life_n assign_v to_o he_o as_o his_o chief_a happiness_n when_o he_o have_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o a_o high_a thus_o much_o have_v be_v say_v and_o more_o might_n even_o from_o reason_n itself_o to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o those_o thing_n believer_n look_v for_o in_o the_o other_o life_n how_o much_o may_v be_v say_v from_o scripture_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o only_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o next_o head_n the_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_a faith_n 2._o that_o be_v certain_a the_o same_o thing_n sometime_o may_v both_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o know_v too_o by_o natural_a reason_n but_o then_o the_o medium_fw-la whereby_o they_o be_v know_v and_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o be_v believe_v be_v very_o different_a the_o one_o be_v some_o rational_a argument_n the_o other_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o be_v of_o eternal_a life_n the_o present_a object_n of_o faith_n we_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n but_o then_o so_o far_o it_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o knowledge_n but_o withal_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o such_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o a_o christian_a believe_v eternal_a life_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n particular_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o eternal_a life_n 1._o as_o it_o reveal_v it_o for_o that_o it_o do_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o though_o something_o a_o man_n may_v know_v of_o future_a happiness_n by_o his_o natural_a light_n as_o before_o be_v say_v yet_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o distinct_a notion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v by_o revelation_n in_o the_o word_n that_o tell_v we_o plain_o what_o be_v that_o great_a good_a in_o which_o man_n happiness_n consist_v 1_o joh._n 3.2_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o be_v like_o he_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_v especial_o by_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o not_o only_o more_o distinct_o discover_v than_o ever_o nature_n can_v discern_v they_o but_o than_o god_n himself_o have_v reveal_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o as_o it_o show_v the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v set_v before_o we_o eternal_a life_n as_o in_o christ_n it_o not_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o show_v how_o man_n sinful_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o declare_v true_a holiness_n to_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o walk_v and_o christ_n the_o door_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o enter_v 3._o as_o it_o secure_v it_o upon_o
those_o term_n for_o so_o it_o do_v it_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o secure_a life_n and_o glory_n to_o those_o that_o accept_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o term_n propound_v the_o command_n direct_v in_o the_o way_n and_o the_o promise_n make_v over_o and_o convey_v the_o blessing_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 16.31_o so_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o rom._n 2.7_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v now_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n not_o only_o as_o reveal_v life_n to_o we_o and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o but_o as_o convey_v it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v though_o without_o the_o word_n we_o may_v have_v some_o more_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n yet_o without_o the_o word_n we_o can_v know_v the_o way_n to_o it_o nor_o ever_o attain_v to_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o nor_o have_v so_o full_a certainty_n of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o it_o as_o by_o the_o word_n we_o have_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o any_o natural_a knowledge_n whatever_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o what_o the_o promise_n afford_v we_o and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o a_o better_a we_o can_v have_v than_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n tit._n 1.2_o upon_o the_o infallibility_n and_o veracity_n of_o that_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a rest_n and_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o need_v not_o be_v desire_v as_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o a_o truth_n depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n which_o move_v to_o and_o procure_v that_o assent_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o so_o likewise_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n proceed_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o motive_n to_o and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o if_o we_o believe_v a_o man_n that_o belief_n be_v more_o or_o less_o certain_a according_a as_o the_o person_n on_o who_o authority_n our_o belief_n be_v ground_v be_v more_o or_o less_o credible_a and_o so_o when_o we_o believe_v god_n our_o faith_n be_v such_o as_o its_o foundation_n be_v the_o effect_n imitate_v the_o cause_n the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n god_n veracity_n be_v the_o best_a and_o therefore_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o â—aith_n be_v the_o great_a if_o a_o man_n be_v sure_a that_o what_o he_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v most_o true_a and_o never_o will_v fail_v and_o this_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o believer_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o any_o one_o that_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o faith_n he_o profess_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v so_o certain_a but_o if_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o question_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n he_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o all_o those_o argument_n whereby_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n and_o they_o all_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o the_o same_o account_n a_o believer_n may_v give_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o word_n be_v true_a his_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v certain_a 3._o the_o act_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n be_v perceivable_a by_o himself_o habit_n which_o can_v be_v discern_v of_o themselves_o when_o they_o lie_v still_o yet_o may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o act_n such_o a_o habit_n faith_n be_v which_o though_o it_o discover_v not_o itself_o or_o be_v not_o perceive_v when_o unactive_a yet_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o its_o exercise_n when_o a_o man_n actual_o believe_v he_o may_v know_v he_o believe_v reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o act_n as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o hear_v or_o see_v or_o walk_n he_o may_v know_v he_o do_v so_o and_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o it_o inward_a sense_n have_v as_o much_o certainty_n in_o it_o as_o outward_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o natural_a if_o a_o man_n therefore_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n he_o may_v know_v he_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o if_o he_o accept_v of_o and_o close_o with_o the_o good_a promised_n he_o may_v know_v he_o do_v so_o though_o sometime_o temptation_n may_v be_v so_o strong_a and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n so_o weak_a and_o the_o mind_n so_o cloud_v and_o distract_v that_o a_o man_n may_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o those_o act_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o but_o other_o while_n when_o the_o working_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o a_o man_n more_o clear_a of_o temptation_n he_o may_v do_v it_o in_o this_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v give_v a_o account_n to_o himself_o of_o his_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v real_a he_o may_v know_v that_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o real_o as_o he_o believe_v any_o ordinary_a truth_n propose_v to_o he_o and_o that_o his_o believe_a and_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n be_v no_o more_o a_o fancy_n than_o his_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o for_o other_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v he_o when_o he_o say_v he_o believe_v god_n promise_n as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o say_v he_o believe_v their_o word_n or_o why_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o fancy_n any_o more_o than_o the_o other_o 4._o the_o effect_n of_o a_o believer_n faith_n be_v evident_a to_o other_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n as_o well_o as_o to_o himself_o more_o full_o as_o he_o may_v perceive_v his_o faith_n purify_n his_o heart_n take_v it_o off_o from_o the_o world_n draw_v it_o near_o to_o god_n so_o other_o may_v see_v his_o conversation_n order_v correspondent_o to_o his_o believe_v they_o may_v see_v he_o shie_n of_o sin_n diligent_a in_o duty_n conscientious_a in_o his_o call_v patient_n in_o suffering_n charitable_a to_o those_o that_o need_v he_o meek_a towards_o those_o that_o offend_v he_o profitable_a spiritual_a savoury_a in_o his_o converse_n just_a and_o righteous_a in_o his_o deal_n and_o in_o a_o wâ—â—d_n the_o main_a of_o his_o course_n and_o way_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o thâ—_n faith_n he_o profess_v and_o the_o recompense_n he_o expect_v so_o that_o if_o the_o looker_n on_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o that_o such_o a_o carriage_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o faith_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o only_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v that_o they_o can_v reasonable_o object_v against_o it_o but_o they_o may_v be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o believe_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a when_o they_o see_v so_o much_o in_o he_o answerable_a to_o it_o and_o what_o he_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o live_v like_o one_o that_o expect_v eternal_a blessedness_n well_o may_v they_o believe_v that_o his_o faith_n concern_v it_o and_o hope_v of_o it_o be_v not_o feign_v they_o see_v he_o walk_v strict_o mortify_v his_o flesh_n deny_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o outward_a enjoyment_n and_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o general_o act_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o none_o will_v do_v that_o do_v not_o expect_v eternal_a life_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o then_o have_v to_o suspect_v the_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o a_o conceit_n or_o fancy_n 2._o a_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o obedience_n and_o holy_a walk_n the_o strictness_n and_o as_o the_o world_n count_v it_o singularity_n of_o his_o manner_n his_o universality_n diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a duty_n his_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o word_n thought_n action_n his_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n and_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o a_o believer_n life_n which_o the_o world_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v with_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o humour_n or_o
this_o in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o how_o we_o may_v evidence_n it_o in_o other_o 1._o how_o may_v a_o believer_n experience_n in_o himself_o that_o that_o serious_a godliness_n he_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o be_v more_o than_o a_o fancy_n 1._o see_v that_o your_o religiousness_n come_v into_o you_o the_o right_a way_n be_v wrought_v in_o you_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o which_o you_o have_v find_v change_v your_o heart_n and_o reform_v your_o life_n when_o man_n leap_v into_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o how_o can_v give_v no_o account_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o conversion_n or_o reformation_n that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n god_n use_v in_o convert_v sinner_n have_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o they_o in_o work_v such_o a_o change_n it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o what_o they_o take_v to_o be_v godliness_n in_o themselves_o be_v not_o real_a that_o which_o be_v unaccountable_a be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v a_o fancy_n true_o a_o man_n may_v not_o know_v the_o just_a time_n when_o god_n do_v work_v grace_n in_o his_o heart_n nor_o the_o particular_a word_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o it_o or_o which_o do_v first_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o close_n with_o the_o promise_n and_o subject_v itself_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v not_o know_v when_o the_o new_a man_n be_v first_o quicken_v in_o he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v distinct_o the_o first_o vital_a motion_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n some_o may_v have_v be_v wrought_v on_o in_o their_o education_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v restrain_v from_o more_o gross_a sin_n and_o influence_v to_o some_o diligence_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o in_o they_o the_o pass_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o easy_o discern_v however_o a_o change_n they_o find_v and_o that_o the_o word_n have_v wrought_v it_o which_o they_o have_v experience_v effectual_a in_o many_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o of_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n melt_v their_o heart_n exciting_a their_o affection_n direct_v their_o way_n and_o refresh_v their_o spirit_n though_o they_o can_v say_v what_o truth_n wrought_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o grace_n yet_o they_o can_v say_v such_o and_o such_o truth_n have_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o they_o and_o promote_v the_o work_n whenever_o it_o be_v wrought_v such_o a_o command_n quicken_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n another_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o some_o evil_a way_n another_z helped_z they_o when_o they_o be_v tempt_v such_o a_o promise_v support_v they_o when_o burden_v ease_v they_o when_o trouble_v or_o comfort_v they_o when_o cast_v down_o and_o so_o what_o good_a they_o have_v do_v the_o word_n have_v put_v they_o upon_o it_o what_o evil_a they_o have_v escape_v that_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o it_o what_o refreshment_n they_o have_v have_v that_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o they_o know_v they_o be_v in_o their_o journey_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o dream_n that_o they_o be_v so_o because_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v which_o be_v absolute_o the_o first_o step_n they_o take_v in_o the_o way_n yet_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o many_o stage_n they_o have_v travel_v many_o remove_v they_o have_v make_v what_o accident_n have_v befall_v they_o what_o difficulty_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o what_o guide_v they_o have_v what_o direction_n be_v give_v they_o their_o journey_v agree_v with_o the_o map_n of_o their_o way_n the_o word_n have_v be_v a_o light_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o path_n 119.105_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o that_o have_v still_o go_v before_o they_o and_o conduct_v they_o in_o their_o march_n and_o their_o step_n have_v be_v order_v according_a to_o it_o 119.133_o it_o psa_fw-la 119.133_o they_o have_v not_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n at_o a_o day_n warning_n not_o pass_v from_o be_v profane_a and_o worldly_a to_o be_v even_o superstitious_o strict_a all_o upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a a_o change_n look_v therefore_o to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o you_o and_o the_o mean_n he_o make_v use_v of_o in_o it_o and_o though_o you_o can_v trace_v the_o working_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a step_n he_o have_v take_v yet_o you_o may_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v his_o work_n and_o not_o your_o own_o fancy_n because_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o way_n and_o by_o his_o word_n which_o be_v his_o usual_a instrument_n in_o it_o 2._o see_v to_o your_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v right_o ground_v and_o right_o qualify_v build_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n 1._o see_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o not_o your_o own_o mistake_n about_o it_o when_o man_n misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o they_o build_v on_o their_o own_o error_n not_o god_n truth_n and_o then_o what_o they_o call_v faith_n be_v but_o a_o fancy_n as_o not_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o conceit_n see_v therefore_o that_o you_o right_o understand_v what_o you_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o indeed_o believe_v what_o he_o speak_v not_o what_o you_o imagine_v see_v that_o your_o faith_n respect_n command_v as_o well_o as_o promise_n duty_n as_o well_o as_o privilege_n what_o you_o be_v to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o what_o you_o be_v to_o expect_v god_n join_v both_o together_o and_o if_o you_o separate_v they_o you_o set_v up_o a_o conceit_n of_o your_o own_o instead_o of_o his_o truth_n take_v heed_n of_o believe_a promise_n as_o absolute_a when_o they_o be_v conditional_a or_o when_o make_v with_o some_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n or_o when_o they_o suppose_v the_o use_n of_o some_o mean_n prescribe_v by_o the_o command_n in_o such_o case_n man_n may_v think_v they_o believe_v when_o they_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o right_a object_n for_o their_o faith_n they_o believe_v what_o god_n never_o speak_v this_o fallacy_n appear_v when_o man_n apply_v promise_n to_o themselves_o but_o overlook_v the_o condition_n or_o the_o command_n annex_v as_o suppose_v believe_v they_o shall_v be_v pardon_v though_o they_o never_o desire_v to_o be_v purge_v shall_v find_v mercy_n though_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v sin_n contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n prov._n 28.14_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n though_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o holiness_n contrary_a to_o heb._n 12.14_o and_o so_o when_o they_o believe_v one_o promise_n and_o not_o another_o the_o promise_n of_o justification_n but_o not_o of_o sanctification_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o they_o and_o to_o who_o one_o belong_v the_o other_o belong_v too_o in_o a_o word_n let_v your_o faith_n take_v in_o its_o object_n in_o the_o whole_a latitude_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n god_n authority_n for_o your_o believe_v one_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o another_o 2._o see_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o a_o barren_a faith_n be_v a_o dead_a faith_n and_o indeed_o if_o any_o faith_n be_v a_o fancy_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o that_o live_v destitute_a of_o holiness_n and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o expect_v eternal_a salvation_n bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o holiness_n and_o yet_o hope_v the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n faith_n will_v work_v as_o long_o as_o it_o live_v and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o root_n if_o it_o act_n not_o it_o live_v not_o 3._o therefore_o look_v to_o your_o obedience_n too_o not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a but_o that_o it_o be_v right_o and_o such_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o be_v regular_n universal_a spiritual_a for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a 1._o regular_n such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n call_v for_o and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o thence_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v have_v look_v on_o as_o act_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v do_v with_o a_o respect_n to_o god_n command_n and_o not_o of_o our_o own_o head_n obedience_n it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o command_v man_n may_v do_v many_o seem_o good_a thing_n and_o place_n religion_n in_o they_o and_o think_v they_o please_v god_n by_o
action_n and_o accident_n two_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o the_o action_n for_o example_n such_o a_o text_n be_v handle_v such_o a_o charitable_a action_n do_v such_o a_o man_n break_v his_o leg_n be_v drink_v or_o the_o like_o 2._o the_o inference_n or_o observation_n to_o be_v gather_v from_o thence_o for_o all_o event_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v intend_v by_o the_o wise_a god_n for_o man_n instruction_n now_o the_o memory_n lay_v up_o the_o former_a and_o can_v retain_v it_o a_o long_a time_n but_o the_o lesson_n which_o we_o shall_v learn_v from_o it_o that_o be_v neglect_v that_o be_v forget_v 2._o thing_n hurtful_a to_o we_o to_o wit_n injury_n these_o usual_o stick_v in_o the_o memory_n when_o better_a thing_n slip_v out_o if_o any_o body_n have_v speak_v or_o do_v evil_a to_o we_o the_o memory_n be_v trusty_a enough_o about_o these_o as_o one_o say_v we_o can_v remember_v old_a song_n and_o old_a wrong_n long_v enough_o yea_o those_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o forgive_v yet_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o can_v forget_v they_o not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o natural_a remembrance_n of_o a_o injury_n so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o angry_a remembrance_n of_o it_o as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n himself_o remember_v all_o a_o believer_n sin_n but_o put_v away_o his_o anger_n so_o we_o may_v rational_o remember_v they_o but_o we_o must_v spiritual_o forget_v they_o for_o else_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o general_o do_v we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n but_o no_o good_a at_o all_o it_o cool_v our_o love_n weaken_v our_o trust_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o revenge_v as_o do_v amnon_n towards_o absalon_n 2_o sam._n 13.32_o 3._o thing_n sinful_a thus_o we_o can_v remember_v a_o filthy_a story_n seven_o year_n when_o we_o do_v forget_v a_o save_a sermon_n in_o seven_o hour_n and_o herein_o the_o memory_n be_v the_o great_a nurse_n of_o contemplative_a wickedness_n and_o represent_v to_o the_o idle_a and_o sinful_a heart_n all_o the_o sin_n it_o wot_v of_o with_o renew_a delight_n and_o so_o strengthen_v the_o impression_n and_o double_v the_o guilt_n ezek._n 23.19_o she_o multiply_v her_o whoredom_n in_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o day_n of_o her_o youth_n wherein_o she_o have_v play_v the_o harlot_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n the_o deprave_a memory_n be_v herein_o fit_o compare_v to_o a_o sieve_n that_o let_v the_o good_a corn_n fall_v through_o and_o reserve_v only_o the_o chaff_n by_o which_o its_o plain_a that_o the_o faculty_n be_v not_o lose_v but_o poison_v so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o may_v say_v as_o themistocles_n do_v to_o simonides_n when_o he_o offer_v to_o teach_v he_o the_o art_n of_o memory_n rather_o say_v he_o teach_v i_o the_o art_n of_o forgetfulness_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v not_o i_o remember_v and_o can_v forget_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v 2._o the_o cortuption_n of_o the_o memory_n stand_v in_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v remember_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o exceed_v many_o great_a and_o useful_a though_o i_o can_v enumerate_v they_o yet_o i_o shall_v comprise_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o these_o follow_a general_a head_n 1._o our_o creator_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o eccles_n 12.1_o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o yet_o who_o do_v we_o more_o forget_v jerem._n 2.32_o can_v a_o maid_n forget_v her_o ornament_n or_o a_o bride_n her_o attire_n yet_o my_o people_n have_v forget_v i_o day_n without_o number_n and_o our_o forgetfulness_n here_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a because_o we_o may_v see_v taste_n and_o feel_v he_o every_o moment_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o see_v in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v make_v shift_n to_o forget_v he_o which_o show_v the_o great_a craze_v we_o have_v by_o the_o fall_n and_o then_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v do_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n especial_o for_o his_o church_n these_o we_o early_o forget_v but_o shall_v remember_v psal_n 77.11_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o i_o will_v remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a and_o particular_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o the_o many_o and_o great_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n especial_o the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o they_o which_o every_o good_a christian_n shall_v have_v a_o catalogue_n of_o in_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o his_o book_n deut._n 8.2_o and_o thou_o shall_v remember_v all_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lead_v thou_o these_o forty_o year_n etc._n etc._n 2._o our_o redeemer_n and_o what_o he_o have_v suffer_v for_o we_o never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o instance_n of_o free_a and_o transcendent_a love_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o yet_o we_o that_o can_v profess_v of_o far_o less_o kindness_n from_o man_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o forget_v they_o can_v forget_v this_o else_o he_o have_v never_o institute_v the_o lord_n supper_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o solemn_a and_o useful_a remembrance_n thereof_o which_o remembrance_n set_v a_o work_n all_o our_o grace_n our_o faith_n love_n repentance_n thankfulness_n etc._n etc._n and_o without_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v a_o defect_n will_v be_v force_v in_o these_o grace_n for_o the_o great_a thing_n wear_v off_o with_o time_n and_o holy_a david_n himself_o find_v cause_n to_o charge_v it_o vopn_v his_o soul_n ps_n 102.3_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o most_o weighty_a malach._n 1.4_o remember_v you_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n which_o i_o command_v unto_o he_o in_o horeb_n for_o all_o israel_n with_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v 2_o pet._n 1.12_o 13_o 15._o he_o will_v put_v the_o christian_n in_o remembrance_n though_o they_o know_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o present_a truth_n yea_o he_o will_v stir_v they_o up_o by_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n the_o resurrection_n as_o in_o my_o text_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v these_o thing_n shall_v be_v so_o ingraft_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n that_o they_o shall_v know_v and_o remember_v as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o name_n or_o the_o room_n of_o their_o house_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o find_v how_o easy_o and_o almost_o utter_o these_o thing_n be_v forget_v by_o too_o many_o how_o few_o do_v we_o find_v that_o have_v be_v long_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n that_o can_v give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n live_v 4._o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n that_o so_o often_o require_v we_o to_o remember_v they_o plain_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v they_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o exodus_fw-la the_o 20_o chap._n verse_n 8._o remember_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a but_o that_o we_o easy_o forget_v it_o we_o be_v surprise_v by_o it_o it_o return_v ere_o we_o be_v aware_a so_o that_o heb._n 13._o verse_n 2_o 3_o 16._o which_o be_v call_v by_o some_o a_o chapter_n of_o remembrance_n be_v not_o forgetful_a to_o entertain_v stranger_n remember_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o all_o which_o as_o they_o show_v our_o duty_n so_o do_v they_o imply_v our_o defectiveness_n herein_o though_o to_o forget_v those_o and_o such_o like_a be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o we_o do_v forget_v to_o eat_v or_o sleep_v for_o as_o christian_n we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o breath_n by_o prayer_n so_o to_o forget_v to_o repent_v to_o believe_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o relation_n calling_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n be_v to_o forget_v christianity_n itself_o 5._o our_o sin_n as_o there_o be_v a_o culpable_a so_o there_o be_v a_o useful_a and_o necessary_a remembrance_n of_o they_o when_o we_o remember_v sin_n to_o renew_v our_o love_n to_o it_o that_o be_v damnable_a but_o when_o we_o remember_v it_o to_o loathe_v it_o and_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o for_o it_o that_o be_v save_v ezek._n 36.31_o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v
the_o write_a law_n do_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o by_o which_o law_n they_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o be_v judge_v but_o not_o by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o who_o walk_v according_o to_o this_o law_n will_v find_v their_o conscience_n to_o excuse_v they_o as_o the_o transgressor_n thereof_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n rom._n 2.13_o 14_o 15._o beside_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v against_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o know_v not_o god_n or_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o method_n of_o salvation_n but_o because_o when_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o moses_n nor_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o guide_n but_o only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o thing_n make_v for_o their_o help_n glorify_v not_o god_n as_o god_n but_o be_v unthankful_a and_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o to_o these_o consideration_n if_o we_o add_v what_o peter_n in_o act_n 10.34_o 35._o have_v it_o seem_v as_o if_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v save_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o every_o one_o that_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o this_o be_v mind_v without_o a_o fix_v our_o thought_n on_o other_o scriptural_a consideration_n the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v remove_v but_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o many_o other_o text_n that_o assert_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o only_a door_n to_o glory_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o doctrine_n namely_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o such_o be_v the_o essential_a righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o engage_v he_o to_o demand_v satisfaction_n and_o that_o unless_o his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v no_o salvation_n can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o other_o able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n and_o that_o all_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o his_o merit_n must_v submit_v unto_o he_o i_o say_v whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o forego_n passage_n with_o these_o will_v find_v himself_o still_o at_o a_o loss_n so_o that_o on_o the_o whole_a i_o be_o bring_v to_o this_o result_n that_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o very_a much_o insist_v on_o the_o largeness_n of_o divine_a love_n to_o the_o world_n the_o least_o part_n thereof_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o unless_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o christ_n or_o unless_o a_o very_a implicit_a faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v the_o heathen_a unto_o any_o of_o those_o special_a blessing_n that_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n blood_n but_o when_o we_o come_v so_o far_o if_o we_o do_v but_o intente_o mind_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o though_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reconcileable_a yet_o must_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v above_o we_o they_o be_v too_o high_a we_o can_v attain_v unto_o the_o height_n thereof_o 2._o that_o such_o who_o lot_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o more_o pleasant_a place_n and_o who_o have_v have_v the_o advantageous_a help_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n have_v yet_o be_v by_o providence_n plunge_v into_o many_o a_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n of_o difficulty_n be_v surprise_v concern_v the_o old_a testament_n who_o can_v without_o surprise_v converse_n with_o the_o dispute_v there_o be_v among_o the_o learned_a about_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n we_o now_o have_v or_o the_o septuagint_n as_o whether_o the_o former_a or_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o authentic_a and_o must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o canon_n there_o be_v some_o momentous_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v the_o septuagint_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o its_o rise_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o greek_a be_v not_o that_o language_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v with_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v but_o a_o translation_n but_o where_o be_v the_o original_a beside_o whatever_o be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a agreement_n of_o the_o 72_o israelite_n send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o ptolemy_n as_o translator_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o out_o of_o aristaeus_n of_o who_o the_o learned_a usher_n have_v write_v so_o much_o that_o they_o only_o translate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o no_o more_o neither_o be_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o the_o lxx_o we_o now_o have_v be_v more_o novel_a than_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o the_o hebrew_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o canon_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n some_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o the_o samaritan_n or_o the_o hebrew_n be_v most_o authentic_a but_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v still_o query_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o autograph_n yet_o we_o be_v still_o in_o a_o labyrinth_n not_o only_o about_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o keri_n and_o the_o chetir_n but_o about_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o point_n whether_o they_o be_v coaeval_n with_o the_o letter_n or_o not_o the_o point_n be_v so_o necessary_a towards_o the_o right_a understanding_n the_o true_a import_n of_o a_o hebrew_n word_n that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n the_o least_o alteration_n of_o a_o point_n make_v a_o unaccountable_a change_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n notwithstanding_o which_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n do_v now_o take_v with_o many_o whereby_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v a_o firm_a foundation_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n may_v lean_v for_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n so_o very_a much_o depend_v on_o these_o point_n if_o these_o point_n be_v of_o late_a and_o humane_a rise_n so_o be_v the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v our_o faith_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o lean_v only_o on_o this_o humane_a invention_n be_v divine_a and_o unshaken_a but_o may_v these_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o profess_a christian_n there_o be_v other_o which_o to_o they_o be_v as_o insuperable_a for_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o original_a and_o have_v for_o their_o guidance_n and_o conduct_v no_o other_o help_n but_o what_o either_o some_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a priest_n afford_v they_o such_o be_v the_o neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o where_o there_o be_v one_o learned_a and_o pious_a minister_n to_o direct_v there_o be_v two_o who_o be_v either_o very_a ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a for_o which_o reason_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v under_o the_o minister_n conduct_v be_v either_o to_o receive_v help_n from_o the_o ignorant_a who_o can_v relieve_v they_o or_o from_o the_o scandalous_a who_o can_v be_v confide_v in_o how_o can_v the_o people_n put_v any_o trust_n in_o the_o honesty_n and_o truth_n of_o such_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o such_o virtue_n there_o be_v very_o much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o solve_v these_o phaenomena_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v have_v be_v insist_v on_o we_o shall_v find_v somewhat_o in_o the_o providence_n that_o do_v transcend_v our_o understanding_n 3._o i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o providence_n more_o that_o do_v great_o amuse_v and_o astonish_v many_o that_o do_v true_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v this_o viz._n although_o it_o be_v frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n that_o to_o the_o godly_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o to_o come_v be_v give_v yet_o we_o find_v the_o godly_a to_o be_v without_o they_o even_o when_o the_o wicked_a who_o know_v not_o god_n do_v abound_v many_o be_v the_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n of_o the_o righteous_a job_n 21.7_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v hate_v reproach_v and_o count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n but_o the_o wicked_a they_o live_v become_v
best_a time_n do_v more_o for_o his_o people_n than_o their_o present_a faith_n and_o hope_n can_v grasp_v and_o as_o we_o need_v the_o understanding_n of_o these_o dark_a scripture_n god_n will_v unriddle_v they_o to_o we_o but_o at_o present_a the_o church_n persecution_n be_v grievous_a to_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o many_o account_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n hell_n seem_v to_o be_v let_v loose_a as_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n when_o nothing_o but_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v criminal_a the_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n seem_v meritorious_a some_o will_v be_v fright_v from_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o die_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o other_o so_o far_o shrink_v that_o they_o lose_v their_o peace_n tho'_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v their_o soul_n and_o never_o recover_v it_o more_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o strong_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o faint_v if_o the_o suffering_n be_v sharp_a and_o long_o 7.25_o long_o dan._n 7.25_o they_o shall_v wear_v out_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a when_o persecution_n come_v to_o its_o height_n 24.21_o height_n mat._n 24.21_o except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v there_o shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n that_o what_o be_v intolerable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n may_v be_v bear_v with_o triumph_n that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o stumble_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v humble_o glory_v in_o it_o 5.41_o it_o act._n 5.41_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o his_o name_n in_o a_o word_n how_o may_v the_o time_n of_o their_o persecution_n be_v the_o best_a time_n of_o their_o life_n by_o serious_a godliness_n by_o a_o more_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o feel_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o life_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v at_o other_o time_n but_o talk_v of_o what_o tho'_o the_o furnace_n be_v heat_v seven_o time_n hot_a than_o ordinary_a may_v we_o be_v but_o seven_o time_n more_o purify_v than_o ordinary_a christian_n let_v this_o be_v your_o great_a care_n never_o to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n but_o so_o walk_v that_o your_o enemy_n may_v despair_v of_o ever_o find_v any_o occasion_n against_o you_o except_o they_o find_v it_o against_o you_o concern_v the_o law_n of_o your_o god_n persecutor_n will_v never_o own_v it_o that_o they_o inflict_v evil_a upon_o person_n for_o do_v good_a but_o always_o pretend_v something_o criminal_a as_o when_o paul_n and_o silas_n preach_v christ_n at_o thessalonica_n 7._o thessalonica_n act_n 17.5_o 6_o 7._o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o envy_n take_v unto_o they_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n and_o assault_v the_o house_n of_o jason_n and_o seek_v to_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o the_o people_n and_o when_o they_o find_v they_o not_o they_o draw_v jason_n and_o certain_a brethren_n unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o city_n cry_v these_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n up-side_n down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o and_o these_o all_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n when_o paul_n be_v afterward_o take_v and_o arraign_v 23.1.9_o arraign_v act._n 23.1.9_o he_o earnest_o behold_v the_o council_n he_o can_v look_v they_o bold_o in_o the_o face_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o tho'_o this_o plea_n enrage_v some_o of_o his_o persecutor_n other_o become_v his_o advocate_n say_v we_o find_v no_o evil_n in_o this_o man_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o when_o he_o be_v afterward_o in_o this_o process_n bring_v before_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n corrupt_a enough_o and_o thereby_o prejudice_v against_o he_o yet_o there_o 24.25_o there_o act_n 24.25_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperence_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v nothing_o so_o ruffle_n the_o conscience_n of_o persecutor_n as_o the_o uncontrollable_a blamelesness_n of_o sufferer_n as_o job_n tell_v his_o prejudice_v friend_n 19.28_o friend_n job_n 19.28_o you_o shall_v say_v why_o persecute_v we_o he_o see_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v find_v in_o i_o i_o will_v close_v all_o these_o proposition_n with_o job_n resolution_n which_o i_o request_n may_v be_v this_o 6._o this_o job_n 27.5_o 6._o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o my_o righteousness_n i_o hold_v fast_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v and_o now_o tho'_o i_o have_v thus_o make_v out_o what_o i_o propose_v in_o behalf_n of_o serious_a godliness_n yet_o i_o be_o sensible_a it_o be_v not_o do_v beyond_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v therefore_o next_o endeavour_n to_o remove_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v of_o moment_n and_o leave_v the_o cavil_n to_o die_v of_o themselves_o object_n 1_o if_o our_o present_a condition_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v best_a for_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o seek_v to_o alter_v it_o why_o shall_v we_o seek_v health_n when_o we_o be_v sick_a or_o right_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v wrong_v or_o why_o shall_v we_o seek_v peace_n of_o conscience_n when_o we_o be_v under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n this_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o confusion_n in_o our_o very_a prayer_n to_o hinder_v pray_v and_o to_o stagger_v our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n for_o our_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o alter_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a that_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o our_o petition_n now_o if_o we_o be_v waver_v in_o our_o mind_n about_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o how_o can_v we_o think_v to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n 8._o lord_n james_n 1.6_o 7_o 8._o a_o double-minded_n unresolved_a man_n be_v unstable_a uncertain_a in_o all_o his_o way_n answ_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v or_o confound_v our_o prayer_n that_o next_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v our_o best_a guide_n and_o instructor_n for_o prayer_n this_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o our_o petition_n be_v not_o to_o direct_v god_n what_o to_o do_v nor_o may_v we_o expostulate_v with_o god_n in_o a_o quarrel_a manner_n as_o if_o god_n wrong_v we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o humour_v we_o whatever_o we_o pray_v for_o that_o can_v but_o be_v good_a for_o we_o e._n g._n renew_v strengthen_v stablish_v grace_n these_o can_v but_o be_v good_a for_o we_o for_o these_o we_o may_v insist_v with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o not_o to_o be_v content_v with_o a_o denial_n god_n have_v no_o where_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n to_o hate_v he_o and_o blaspheme_n he_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o herein_o if_o a_o pretend_a angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o god_n never_o send_v any_o holy_a angel_n upon_o such_o a_o errand_n shall_v tell_v we_o as_o from_o god_n that_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v we_o nor_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o we_o we_o may_v tell_v he_o god_n never_o deny_v his_o grace_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o therefore_o where_o god_n have_v by_o prevent_v grace_n so_o far_o engage_v the_o will_n restles_o to_o desire_v grace_n he_o have_v give_v a_o token_n for_o good_a that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o our_o importunity_n and_o therefore_o peremptory_o to_o resolve_v humble_o to_o lie_v at_o god_n foot_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v with_o this_o petition_n for_o grace_n your_o endeavour_n be_v answerable_a to_o your_o prayer_n you_o may_v comfortable_o believe_v never_o any_o perish_v that_o do_v it_o but_o now_o in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o of_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o question_n we_o must_v pray_v in_o another_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v our_o circumstance_n the_o promise_v that_o suit_n they_o how_o far_o god_n use_v to_o fulfil_v such_o promise_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o how_o in_o his_o wise_a love_n he_o fulfil_v a_o spiritual_a promise_n when_o they_o be_v earnest_a for_o a_o temporal_a and_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o deny_v we_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o which_o we_o be_v most_o earnest_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v let_v but_o serious_a pray_v christian_n deep_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o heart_n how_o they_o have_v be_v different_o affect_v in_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o and_o they_o will_v certain_o find_v that_o whatever_o their_o expression_n
word_n and_o conscience_n say_v but_o the_o same_o the_o scripture_n say_v now_o the_o comfort_n believer_n pretend_v to_o may_v for_o method_n sake_n be_v reduce_v to_o two_o sort_n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o evince_v 1._o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o grace_n by_o this_o sort_n i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o inward_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o grace_n or_o gracious_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n intrinsic_a to_o it_o and_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o of_o they_o do_v not_o find_v a_o secret_a sweetness_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o â—aith_n on_o christ_n love_v to_o god_n and_o holiness_n luth._o res_fw-la jucunda_fw-la est_fw-la resipiscentia_fw-la luth._o nay_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n mortification_n self-denial_n have_v something_o of_o pleasure_n in_o they_o there_o be_v i_o dare_v say_v more_o pleasure_n in_o a_o kind_o melt_v of_o the_o heart_n for_o sin_n where_o the_o sorrow_n be_v not_o mere_o legal_a but_o evangelical_n and_o mingle_v with_o love_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o more_o in_o deny_v a_o man_n self_n as_o to_o any_o unlawful_a appetite_n than_o in_o gratify_v himself_o in_o resist_v a_o temptation_n than_o in_o yield_v to_o it_o in_o mortify_v a_o lust_n than_o obey_v it_o and_o how_o much_o more_o be_v there_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n &_o c_o if_o our_o natural_a faculty_n be_v delight_v with_o their_o proper_a action_n about_o suitable_a object_n why_o may_v not_o our_o spiritual_a too_o be_v they_o less_o capable_a of_o pleasure_n or_o be_v spiritual_a operation_n less_o congruous_a to_o our_o faculty_n when_o renew_v and_o spiritualise_v or_o the_o object_n less_o suit_v to_o they_o than_o natural_a action_n and_o object_n be_v to_o our_o faculty_n in_o their_o mere_a natural_a state_n if_o excellent_a object_n and_o intense_a operation_n common_o produce_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o our_o natural_a power_n when_o right_o dispose_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o spiritual_n too_o what_o more_o excellent_a object_n than_o god_n and_o christ_n what_o more_o noble_a act_n be_v there_o of_o a_o renew_a soul_n than_o faith_n and_o love_n what_o delight_n then_o may_v such_o a_o soul_n take_v in_o close_v with_o its_o chief_a good_a in_o those_o act_n and_o so_o if_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o natural_a thing_n why_o may_v not_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a if_o one_o may_v delight_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a virtue_n why_o may_v not_o the_o other_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n if_o a_o just_a a_o generous_a a_o valiant_a act_n afford_v some_o delight_n to_o the_o actor_n how_o much_o more_o a_o holy_a one_o if_o the_o excuse_n or_o applause_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n and_o its_o testimony_n of_o our_o well-doing_n afford_v some_o delight_n and_o sweetness_n how_o much_o more_o may_v the_o approbation_n of_o a_o renew_a conscience_n yield_v to_o a_o renew_a soul_n 2._o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o reflex_n act_v of_o grace_n or_o man_n reflect_v upon_o and_o perceive_v their_o own_o grace_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n know_v he_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o love_v god_n or_o hate_v sin_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o comfort_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o assurance_n which_o wherever_o it_o be_v in_o exercise_n always_o bring_v comfort_n along_o with_o it_o assurance_n in_o the_o act_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v by_o the_o practical_a understanding_n of_o a_o renew_a soul_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o two_o premise_n whereof_o the_o major_n be_v of_o faith_n the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o scripture_n usual_o some_o gospel_n promise_v for_o instance_n joh._n 3.16_o whoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n the_o minor_a be_v the_o language_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n i_o believe_v in_o christ_n the_o conclusion_n from_o both_o be_v therefore_o i_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n which_o follow_v the_o major_a proposition_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o inevident_a and_o consequent_o in_o a_o logical_a sense_n the_o weak_a though_o theological_o more_o strong_a as_o be_v more_o certain_a be_v itself_o of_o faith_n too_o and_o therefore_o most_o certain_a no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n will_v deny_v the_o major_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v deny_v the_o minor_a must_v deny_v all_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o the_o reflection_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n upon_o its_o own_o action_n and_o so_o all_o possibility_n of_o assurance_n in_o any_o such_o way_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o then_o he_o may_v well_o deny_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n when_o he_o take_v away_o assurance_n itself_o and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o comfort_n which_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n that_o he_o be_v never_o at_o rest_n in_o himself_o till_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o it_o than_o to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o that_o assurance_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v and_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o evince_n the_o one_o will_v infer_v the_o other_o he_o that_o shall_v grant_v a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n can_v doubt_v but_o he_o may_v take_v abundant_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o be_v so_o assure_v and_o that_o that_o comfort_n be_v no_o fancy_n and_o so_o if_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v he_o believe_v in_o christ_n love_v god_n above_o all_o true_o fear_v he_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n 5.8.3.6_o heart_n math._n 5.8.3.6_o poor_a in_o spirit_n b_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n c_o or_o have_v any_o grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n in_o sincerity_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o right_n to_o and_o interest_n in_o any_o gospel_n promise_v or_o privilege_n thereby_o convey_v it_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o and_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o any_o such_o evidence_n can_v but_o bring_v the_o great_a sweetness_n and_o refreshment_n to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n and_o which_o be_v as_o real_a as_o the_o delight_n he_o take_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n if_o a_o man_n may_v take_v much_o real_a delight_n in_o know_v his_o interest_n in_o a_o prince_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v it_o a_o delusion_n when_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o a_o saviour_n in_o heaven_n if_o a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o please_v with_o his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o great_a man_n may_v not_o a_o believer_n be_v as_o much_o please_v with_o his_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n his_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o adopt_v by_o he_o if_o man_n do_v ordinary_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o some_o worldly_a inheritance_n they_o reckon_v themselves_o sure_a of_o why_o may_v not_o a_o saint_n much_o more_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 5.2_o god_n rom._n 5.2_o triumph_n in_o expectation_n of_o a_o inheritance_n among_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 1.12_o light_n col._n 1.12_o when_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o obtain_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o saint_n may_v be_v of_o come_v to_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n a_o christian_n have_v be_v according_a as_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v but_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a blessedness_n be_v a_o better_a promise_n than_o that_o of_o any_o temporal_a enjoyment_n not_o only_o because_o the_o good_a promise_a be_v better_a but_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o one_o be_v more_o peremptory_a and_o absolute_a when_o the_o other_o be_v but_o conditional_a and_o limit_v thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o general_n propound_v that_o a_o true_a believer_n may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o christianity_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o himself_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o other_o he_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o that_o serious_a godliness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o he_o live_v be_v more_o than_o a_o fancy_n 2._o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_n mention_v to_o give_v direction_n and_o show_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o case_n how_o we_o may_v experience_n this_o in_o ourselves_o and_o evidence_n it_o in_o other_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o must_v be_v distinct_o speak_v to_o how_o we_o may_v experience_n
they_o may_v have_v thereby_o they_o will_v give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a prey_n unto_o the_o other_o designer_n and_o there_o be_v two_o engine_n that_o be_v apply_v unto_o this_o purpose_n the_o one_o be_v ignorance_n the_o other_o be_v profaneness_n or_o sensuality_n of_o life_n whenever_o either_o of_o these_o prevail_v the_o experience_n intend_v must_v necessary_o be_v lose_v and_o exclude_v and_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o prevail_a be_v want_n of_o due_a instruction_n by_o those_o who_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o sensuality_n by_o impunity_n and_o great_a example_n this_o be_v the_o only_a formidable_a conspiracy_n against_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o nation_n without_o who_o aid_n all_o power_n and_o force_n will_v be_v frustrate_a in_o the_o issue_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n in_o divine_a permission_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o present_a among_o we_o so_o if_o they_o be_v manage_v by_o counsel_n also_o and_o that_o those_o way_n of_o ignorance_n and_o sensuality_n be_v countenance_v and_o promote_v for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n be_v lose_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o may_v be_v give_v up_o on_o easy_a term_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sovereign_a grace_n that_o can_v prevent_v the_o design_n for_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o be_v uncontrollable_a in_o reason_n and_o experience_n namely_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n will_v issue_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o corrupt_a opinion_n have_v make_v such_o a_o inroad_n on_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o that_o many_o have_v lose_v a_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o have_v part_v with_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o profaneness_n and_o sensuality_n of_o life_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n have_v grow_v up_o unto_o the_o shame_n of_o profession_n be_v it_o not_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v it_o come_v by_o 2_o tim._n 4_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o one_o way_n or_o other_o the_o loss_n of_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n will_v end_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o instance_n which_o i_o do_v design_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o religion_n of_o it_o at_o this_o day_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o dead_a image_n of_o the_o gospel_n erect_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o experience_n of_o its_o spiritual_a power_n overthrow_v its_o use_n with_o all_o its_o end_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o taste_n of_o man_n carnal_a ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a this_o i_o shall_v make_v evident_a by_o all_o sort_n of_o instance_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o all_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o secure_v our_o own_o soul_n any_o church_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v ensnare_v with_o or_o prevail_v against_o by_o popery_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o general_a notion_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o person_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v propose_v and_o represent_v unto_o man_n as_o the_o principal_a object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o himself_o in_o his_o divine_a person_n be_v absolute_o invisible_a unto_o we_o and_o as_o unto_o his_o humane_a nature_n absent_a from_o we_o for_o the_o heaven_n must_v receive_v he_o until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n there_o must_v therefore_o a_o image_n or_o representation_n of_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o our_o mind_n or_o he_o can_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n trust_v love_n and_o delight_n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o for_o therein_o he_o be_v evident_o set_v forth_o before_o our_o eye_n as_o crucify_v among_o we_o gal._n 3.1_o so_o also_o be_v all_o the_o other_o concern_v of_o his_o person_n and_o office_n therein_o clear_o propose_v unto_o we_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o to_o make_v a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o person_n office_n grace_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o believe_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.31_o upon_o this_o representation_n make_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o believer_n have_v a_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v therein_o in_o the_o way_n before_o mention_v as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 2_o cor._n 3.18_o for_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v and_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v experience_n of_o its_o transform_a power_n and_o efficacy_n change_v they_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o image_n represent_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v of_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o gospel-power_n but_o this_o spiritual_a light_n be_v lose_v among_o man_n through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o darkness_n and_o unbelief_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o the_o present_a object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o this_o light_n be_v lose_v they_o can_v have_v no_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a truth_n concern_v he_o change_v they_o into_o his_o image_n they_o can_v make_v no_o affect_v discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n all_o thing_n therein_o be_v dark_a and_o confuse_a or_o at_o least_o seem_v a_o inaccessible_a mystery_n which_o they_o can_v not_o reduce_v to_o practise_v hence_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o public_a conduct_n of_o religion_n drive_v the_o people_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n but_o rather_o dangerous_a unto_o they_o what_o shall_v these_o man_n than_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o shall_v they_o reject_v the_o notion_n in_o general_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o representation_n make_v of_o christ_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o inflame_v their_o devotion_n to_o excite_v their_o faith_n and_o stir_v up_o their_o affection_n to_o he_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o open_a renunciation_n of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o fable_n wherefore_o they_o will_v find_v out_o another_o way_n for_o it_o another_o mean_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n and_o this_o be_v by_o make_v image_n of_o he_o of_o wood_n and_o stone_n or_o gold_n and_o silver_n or_o paint_v on_o they_o hereby_o they_o suppose_v he_o will_v be_v make_v present_a unto_o his_o worshipper_n that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o represent_v unto_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v immediate_o stir_v up_o unto_o the_o embrace_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o herein_o they_o find_v sensible_a effect_n unto_o their_o great_a satisfaction_n for_o their_o mind_n be_v dark_a carnal_a and_o prone_a to_o superstition_n as_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n they_o will_v see_v nothing_o in_o the_o spiritual_a representation_n of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v any_o power_n on_o they_o or_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n affect_v they_o in_o these_o image_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o sight_n and_o imagination_n they_o find_v that_o which_o do_v real_o work_v upon_o their_o affection_n and_o as_o they_o think_v do_v excite_v they_o unto_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o the_o imagery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o something_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o general_n be_v of_o all_o the_o image-worship_n in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o make_v the_o golden_a calf_n do_v it_o to_o have_v a_o representation_n of_o a_o deity_n near_o unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o so_o they_o express_v themselves_o exod_a 32_o 1._o wherefore_o in_o this_o state_n under_o a_o loss_n of_o
agenda_fw-la of_o the_o church_n and_o thâ—â—eservedly_o for_o this_o persuasion_n be_v build_v on_o infallible_a divine_a testimonâ—â—â—_n the_o communication_n of_o christ_n herein_o and_o our_o participation_n of_o he_o be_v express_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v peculiar_a such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o divine_a ordinance_n whatever_o not_o in_o pray_v not_o in_o preach_v not_o in_o any_o other_o exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o eat_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o spiritual_a incorporation_n thence_o ensue_v which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o this_o ordinance_n but_o this_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o participation_n of_o he_o be_v spiritual_a and_o mystical_a by_o faith_n not_o carnal_a or_o fleshly_a to_o imagine_v any_o other_o participation_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n but_o by_o faith_n be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n to_o signify_v the_o real_a communication_n of_o himself_o and_o benefit_n of_o his_o mediation_n unto_o they_o that_o believe_v whereby_o they_o shall_v become_v the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n nourish_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o himself_o express_v it_o by_o eat_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o drink_n of_o his_o blood_n john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o but_o hereon_o many_o be_v offend_v as_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v intend_v a_o oral_n carnal_a eat_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o drink_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o will_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v cannibal_n wherefore_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n aright_o in_o this_o mystery_n he_o give_v a_o eternal_a rule_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o expression_n v._o 63._o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n to_o look_v for_o any_o other_o communication_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o be_v spiritual_a be_v to_o contradict_v he_o in_o the_o interpretation_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o own_o word_n wherefore_o this_o especial_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o participation_n of_o he_o be_v by_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o unbeliever_n ought_v all_o partake_v of_o christ_n aswell_o as_o those_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o he_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o we_o must_v therefore_o find_v this_o peculiar_a participate_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o special_a act_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a exhibition_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v diverse_a and_o many_o but_o may_v be_v refer_v unto_o four_o head_n 1._o it_o act_v itself_o by_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n or_o participation_n of_o he_o in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatever_o thaâ—_n be_v peculiarly_a of_o his_o own_o sovereign_a appointment_n and_o that_o in_o and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o unto_o the_o time_n or_o season_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o require_v especial_a act_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n thereunto_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o ministry_n or_o prophetical_a office_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n in_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n between_o they_o both_o and_o to_o render_v they_o both_o effectual_a unto_o we_o he_o interpose_v a_o act_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o night_n wherein_o he_o be_v betray_v when_o his_o holy_a heart_n be_v in_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n sâ—ith_n have_v herein_o a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o only_o act_v itself_o by_o a_o subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n but_o respect_v also_o the_o exert_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o prophetical_a and_o entrance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o sacerdotal_a office_n on_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o those_o other_o circumstance_n of_o it_o which_o recommend_v it_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n this_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o this_o ordinance_n and_o unto_o this_o way_n of_o the_o participation_n of_o christ_n and_o herein_o faith_n in_o its_o due_a exercise_n give_v the_o soul_n a_o intimate_a converse_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o be_v in_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n a_o peculiar_a representation_n of_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n unto_o god_n thereby_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o declare_v unto_o we_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o reconciliation_n unto_o god_n by_o his_o blood_n howbeit_o herein_o there_o be_v such_o a_o eminent_a representation_n of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v make_v by_o word_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a image_n of_o christ_n propose_v unto_o we_o intimate_o affect_v our_o whole_a soul_n these_o thing_n namely_o the_o ineffable_a love_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o death_n in_o our_o stead_n the_o sacrifice_n that_o he_o offer_v by_o his_o blood_n unto_o god_n with_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v herein_o contract_v into_o one_o entire_a proposal_n unto_o our_o soul_n faith_n be_v exercise_v thereon_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o way_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n unto_o we_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o distinct_o and_o in_o part_n set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o instruction_n &_o edification_n but_o as_o the_o light_n which_o be_v first_o make_v and_o diffuse_v unto_o the_o whole_a creation_n do_v suffice_v to_o enlighten_v it_o in_o a_o general_a way_n yet_o be_v far_o more_o useful_a glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a when_o it_o be_v reduce_v and_o contract_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o the_o truth_n concern_v christ_n as_o they_o be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o illumination_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o by_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o institution_n they_o be_v contract_v into_o this_o ordinance_n their_o taste_n and_o efficacy_n be_v more_o eminent_a and_o communicative_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o be_v our_o faith_n than_o as_o mere_o propose_v by_o part_n and_o parcel_n in_o the_o word_n hereby_o faith_n lead_v the_o soul_n unto_o a_o peculiar_a communion_n with_o christ_n wâ—â—ch_n be_v thereon_o make_v partaker_n of_o he_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 3._o i'faith_o herein_o respect_v the_o peculiar_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n and_o exhibition_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o by_o symbol_n or_o sensible_a outward_a sign_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n it_o find_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v herein_o of_o he_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o oblation_n be_v suit_v unto_o faith_n only_o without_o any_o aid_n of_o sense_n or_o imagination_n for_o although_o the_o symbol_n be_v visible_a yet_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o thing_n signify_v be_v not_o discernible_a unto_o any_o sense_n or_o reason_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o this_o end_n a_o image_n or_o a_o crucifix_n or_o any_o such_o action_n as_o do_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a and_o sensible_a resemblance_n show_v forth_o his_o passion_n and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v such_o thing_n be_v find_v out_o unto_o this_o end_n by_o such_o as_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o faith_n herein_o beside_o it_o be_v faith_n alone_o that_o apprehend_v the_o sacramental_a union_n that_o be_v between_o the_o outward_a sign_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o hereby_o the_o one_o
flatter_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o please_v that_o on_o one_o consideration_n or_o other_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n only_o of_o their_o kindness_n if_o these_o man_n according_a to_o their_o profession_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o execute_v whatever_o their_o superior_n shall_v command_v they_o no_o less_o than_o abraham_n be_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n on_o the_o command_n of_o god_n they_o hold_v their_o life_n at_o the_o mercy_n and_o on_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o these_o superior_n who_o be_v always_o safe_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o revenge_n it_o be_v marvellous_a that_o mankind_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o demolish_v this_o curse_a image_n or_o the_o ascription_n of_o a_o godlike_a power_n unto_o man_n to_o require_v blind_a obedience_n unto_o their_o command_n especial_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o have_v produce_v in_o the_o world_n all_o man_n know_v by_o who_o device_n it_o be_v first_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v by_o who_o what_o mean_v and_o unto_o what_o end_n it_o be_v confirm_v and_o consecrate_v and_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v maintain_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n of_o a_o uncertain_a extract_n and_o original_a like_o that_o of_o the_o janissary_n in_o the_o turkish_a empire_n their_o rise_n be_v general_o out_o of_o obscurity_n among_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o the_o people_n such_o they_o be_v who_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o education_n be_v teach_v to_o renounce_v all_o respect_n unto_o their_o native_a country_n and_o alliance_n therein_o but_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o only_o the_o way_n and_o matter_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o new_a society_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v nourish_v from_o their_o very_a first_o entrance_n into_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o society_n unto_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o wealth_n honour_n power_n interest_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o public_a affair_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o art_n and_o industry_n they_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o and_o preserve_v this_o image_n which_o they_o have_v erect_v from_o whence_o they_o expect_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v design_n but_o hereof_o i_o may_v treat_v more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o image_n of_o jealousy_n itself_o sect_n x._o from_o these_o general_n i_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o more_o particular_a instance_n and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o important_a principle_n of_o religion_n wherein_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n be_v most_o concern_v and_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o signal_n advantage_n unto_o the_o framer_n of_o these_o image_n as_o the_o other_o also_o be_v in_o their_o degree_n for_o by_o this_o craft_n they_o have_v their_o livelihood_n and_o wealth_n and_o most_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o truth_n that_o such_o as_o wherein_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o christian_a obedience_n be_v concern_v that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a defilement_n in_o sin_n this_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v represent_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o by_o spiritual_a uncleanness_n and_o this_o uncleanness_n be_v its_o contrariety_n unto_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o law_n this_o defilement_n be_v in_o all_o man_n equal_o by_o nature_n all_o be_v alike_o bear_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o it_o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a and_o it_o be_v in_o all_o personal_o in_o various_a degree_n some_o be_v more_o pollute_v with_o actual_a sin_n than_o other_o but_o all_o be_v so_o in_o their_o degree_n and_o measure_n this_o pollution_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o take_v away_o before_o our_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n for_o no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sin_n must_v be_v destroy_v in_o its_o nature_n practice_n power_n and_o effect_n or_o we_o be_v not_o save_v from_o it_o this_o purification_n of_o sin_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o initial_o and_o gradual_o in_o this_o life_n and_o accomplish_v in_o death_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o a_o compliance_n with_o this_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o whereby_o they_o purify_v themselves_o consist_v one_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o principal_a internal_a immediate_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o purification_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n 1_o john_n 1.7_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n heb._n 9.14_o he_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o own_o blood_n rev._n 1.5_o and_o there_o be_v a_o external_a help_a cause_n thereof_o which_o be_v trial_n and_o affliction_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o word_n and_o accomplish_v in_o death_n but_o this_o way_n of_o purge_a sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v mysterious_a there_o be_v no_o discern_v of_o its_o glory_n but_o by_o spiritual_a light_n no_o experience_n of_o its_o power_n but_o by_o faith_n hence_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v by_o the_o most_o that_o yet_o outward_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n general_o think_v there_o be_v a_o thousand_o better_a way_n for_o the_o purge_n of_o sin_n than_o this_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v see_v micah_n 6.6_o 7._o it_o be_v mysterious_a in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o its_o efficacy_n which_o be_v the_o oblation_n of_o it_o for_o a_o propitiation_n and_o in_o its_o relation_n unto_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o first_o it_o establish_v and_o then_o make_v effectual_a unto_o this_o end_n the_o work_n of_o it_o be_v gradual_a and_o unperceptible_a unto_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o diligent_a spiritual_a experience_n again_o it_o be_v so_o order_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o strict_o to_o require_v to_o begin_v excite_v and_o encourage_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o its_o efficacy_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n what_o christ_n do_v for_o we_o he_o do_v without_o we_o without_o our_o aid_n or_o concurrence_n as_o god_n make_v we_o without_o ourselves_o so_o christ_n redeem_v we_o but_o what_o he_o do_v in_o we_o he_o do_v also_o by_o we_o what_o he_o work_v in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n we_o work_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o duty_n herein_o consist_v as_o in_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o all_o gracious_a habit_n renew_v change_a and_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o which_o hope_v to_o see_v he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o also_o in_o universal_a permanent_a uninterrupted_a mortification_n unto_o the_o end_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o this_o also_o render_v the_o work_n more_o mysterious_a and_o difficult_a the_o improvement_n of_o affliction_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o spiritual_a use_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o notion_n of_o the_o defilement_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o purification_n be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v lose_v without_o not_o only_o a_o rejection_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o stifle_a of_o natural_a conception_n about_o they_o which_o be_v indelible_o fix_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o spiritual_a light_n into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o the_o mystical_a purification_n of_o sin_n with_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o apply_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o that_o end_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v lose_v among_o they_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o seek_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n either_o in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o their_o practice_n wherefore_o have_v lose_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o all_o experience_n of_o its_o power_n to_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o its_o name_n they_o have_v make_v sundry_a little_a image_n of_o it_o creep_v thing_n whereunto_o they_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o purge_a sin_n such_o as_o holy_a water_n pilgrimage_n discipline_n mass_n and_o various_a commutation_n but_o they_o quick_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o thing_n will_v neither_o purify_v the_o heart_n nor_o
of_o obedience_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o purify_n and_o cleanse_v the_o whole_a person_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o towards_o perfection_n see_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 2d_o 1_o john_n 3.3_o and_o he_o who_o be_v constant_o engage_v in_o that_o work_n with_o success_n will_v see_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o any_o other_o pretend_a way_n for_o the_o purge_n of_o sin_n here_o or_o hereafter_o the_o consequent_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v peace_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v assure_v pledge_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o where_o this_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o purgatory_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v build_v on_o these_o foundation_n that_o no_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o of_o a_o justify_v state_n can_v be_v obtain_v in_o this_o life_n for_o if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o purgatory_n this_o than_o will_v assure_o keep_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o false_a relief_n for_o sinner_n under_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n for_o want_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n sect_n xi_o some_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o abomination_n i_o shall_v yet_o mention_v but_o with_o more_o brevity_n and_o sundry_a other_o must_v at_o present_a be_v pass_v over_o without_o a_o discovery_n it_o be_v grant_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o all_o our_o help_n our_o relief_n our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n be_v from_o christ_n alone_o this_o be_v include_v in_o all_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o and_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o less_o general_o acknowledge_v at_o least_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o less_o clear_a and_o positive_a in_o it_o that_o we_o receive_v and_o derive_v all_o our_o supply_n of_o relief_n from_o christ_n by_o faith_n other_o way_n of_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o he_o the_o scripture_n know_v not_o wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o all_o supply_n relief_n and_o deliverance_n but_o these_o man_n can_v find_v no_o life_n nor_o power_n herein_o at_o least_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o somewhat_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n yet_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v it_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v a_o way_n more_o ready_a and_o easy_a expose_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o ability_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n good_a and_o bad_a yea_o that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n unto_o this_o end_n a_o image_n therefore_o must_v be_v set_v up_o for_o common_a use_n instead_o of_o this_o spiritual_a application_n unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n and_o this_o be_v the_o make_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n let_v a_o man_n but_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o his_o forehead_n his_o breast_n or_o the_o like_a which_o he_o may_v as_o easy_o do_v as_o take_v up_o or_o cast_v away_o a_o straw_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o engage_v christ_n unto_o his_o assistance_n at_o any_o time_n and_o the_o virtue_n which_o they_o ascribe_v hereunto_o be_v innumerable_a but_o this_o also_o be_v a_o idol_n a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n invent_v and_o set_v up_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o presumptuous_a supposition_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o spiritual_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o faith_n a_o experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o derivation_n of_o all_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a life_n grace_n and_o strength_n with_o deliverance_n and_o supply_n from_o jesus_n christ_n will_v secure_v believer_n from_o give_v heed_n unto_o this_o trifle_a deceit_n sect_n xii_o one_o thing_n more_o among_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n may_v be_v mention_v it_o be_v a_o notion_n of_o truth_n which_o derive_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o those_o who_o approach_v unto_o god_n in_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v careful_a that_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a without_o any_o offensive_a defilement_n this_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o god_n confirm_v it_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n but_o what_o be_v these_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n which_o make_v we_o unmeet_a to_o approach_v unto_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o they_o the_o gospel_n alone_o declare_v and_o it_o do_v in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o plain_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o our_o conscience_n so_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o dead_a work_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n see_v heb._n 9.14_o chap._n 10.19_o 20_o 21._o but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n mysterious_a nothing_o but_o spiritual_a light_n and_o save_a faith_n can_v direct_v we_o herein_o man_n destitute_a of_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v a_o experience_n of_o purification_n in_o the_o way_n wherefore_o they_o retain_v the_o notion_n of_o truth_n itself_o but_o make_v a_o image_n of_o it_o for_o their_o use_n with_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ludicrous_a that_o can_v be_v imagine_v namely_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o with_o that_o they_o call_v holy_a water_n when_o they_o go_v into_o the_o place_n of_o sacred_a worship_n which_o yet_o also_o they_o borrow_v from_o the_o pagan_n so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o they_o have_v suffer_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v deceive_v and_o ruin_v by_o such_o vain_a superstitious_a trifle_n this_o discourse_n have_v already_o proceed_v unto_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v and_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o look_v into_o all_o part_n of_o this_o chamber_n of_o imagery_n and_o expose_v to_o view_v all_o the_o abomination_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o put_v a_o close_a unto_o it_o in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v boast_v itself_o as_o retain_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n whereas_o in_o very_a deed_n they_o have_v destroy_v they_o and_o set_v up_o corrupt_a image_n of_o their_o own_o in_o their_o stead_n sect_n xiii_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o grace_n of_o mortification_n that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o important_a evangelical_n duty_n but_o also_o of_o indispensable_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n all_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o themselves_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v also_o clear_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o with_o its_o cause_n and_o in_o what_o act_n and_o duty_n it_o do_v consist_v for_o it_o be_v frequent_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o crucify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n with_o all_o the_o lust_n thereof_o for_o mortification_n must_v be_v the_o bring_n of_o something_o to_o death_n and_o this_o be_v sin_n and_o the_o die_a of_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o all_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n arise_v from_o the_o original_a depravation_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o weaken_n and_o graduate_n extirpation_n or_o destruction_n of_o they_o in_o their_o root_n principle_n and_o operation_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o act_v universal_o from_o the_o contrary_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n the_o mean_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n whereby_o this_o be_v wrought_v and_o effect_v in_o believer_n be_v the_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o to_o make_v a_o effectual_a application_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n unto_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n that_o we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o flesh_n itself_o and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v implant_v by_o he_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o we_o be_v crucify_v and_o make_v dead_a unto_o sin_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o which_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v abound_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o crucify_v whereby_o they_o derive_v virtue_n from_o he_o for_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o this_o
prince_n law_n that_o they_o may_v not_o suffer_v it_o be_v some_o sign_n of_o a_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o your_o salvation_n that_o you_o be_v trouble_v about_o religion_n and_o careful_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a even_o controversy_n be_v better_a than_o atheistical_a indifferency_n that_o will_v be_v on_o the_o upper_a side_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n if_o you_o cast_v acorn_n or_o pulse_n among_o they_o swine_n will_v strive_v for_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v carrion_n dog_n will_v fight_v for_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v gold_n or_o jewel_n dog_n and_o swine_n will_v never_o strive_v for_o they_o but_o tread_v they_o in_o the_o dirt_n but_o cast_v they_o before_o man_n and_o they_o will_v be_v all_o together_o by_o the_o ear_n for_o they_o lawyer_n contend_v about_o law_n and_o prince_n about_o dominion_n which_o other_o mind_v not_o and_o religious_a person_n strive_v about_o religion_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v this_o it_o do_v but_o show_v that_o they_o value_v their_o soul_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o understanding_n be_v yet_o imper-but_a if_o you_o will_v follow_v these_o plain_a direction_n controversy_n need_v not_o break_v your_o peace_n i._o see_v that_o you_o be_v true_a to_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o all_o mankind_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v if_o you_o have_v no_o scripture_n nor_o christianity_n nature_n that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o it_o tell_v you_o that_o god_n be_v absolute_o perfect_a in_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a free_a agent_n make_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v his_o own_o and_o at_o his_o will_n and_o government_n it_o tell_v you_o that_o a_o man_n action_n be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o some_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o some_o thing_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a do_v great_o differ_v and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v some_o universal_a law_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o good_a and_o forbid_v the_o evil_a and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v none_o but_o the_o law_n of_o the_o universal_a governor_n which_o be_v god_n it_o tell_v all_o man_n that_o they_o owe_v this_o god_n their_o absolute_a obedience_n because_o he_o be_v their_o most_o wise_a and_o absolute_a ruler_n and_o that_o they_o owe_v he_o their_o chief_a love_n because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a benefactor_n but_o also_o most_o perfect_o amiable_a in_o himself_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v we_o all_o sociable_a member_n of_o one_o world_n and_o that_o we_o owe_v love_n and_o help_n to_o one_o another_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o this_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v never_o be_v in_o vain_a nor_o to_o our_o loss_n and_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v all_o die_v and_o that_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o this_o transitory_a world_n will_v quick_o leave_v we_o there_o be_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o all_o or_o any_o of_o this_o than_o whether_o man_n be_v man_n be_v true_a to_o this_o much_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n ii_o and_o as_o to_o god_n supernatural_a revelation_n hold_v to_o god_n word_n the_o sacred_a bible_n write_v by_o the_o special_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o sufficient_a record_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n if_o it_o rest_v not_o on_o divine_a revelation_n nor_o be_v it_o divine_a obedience_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o divine_a government_n or_o command_n man_n word_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o as_o it_o deserve_v with_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o man_n law_n must_v be_v obey_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o authority_n with_o a_o humane_a obedience_n but_o these_o be_v far_o different_a from_o a_o divine_a there_o be_v no_o universal_a ruler_n of_o all_o the_o world_n or_o church_n but_o god_n no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o nor_o any_o council_n of_o man_n god_n law_n be_v only_o in_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v we_o it_o be_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a divine_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o judgement_n our_o heart_n and_o life_n though_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a clearness_n or_o necessity_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v that_o understand_v not_o a_o thousand_o sentence_n therein_o yet_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_o there_o contain_v and_o god_n law_n be_v perfect_a to_o its_o design_a use_n and_o need_v no_o supplement_n of_o man_n hold_v close_o to_o scripture-sufficiency_n or_o you_o will_v never_o know_v what_o to_o hold_v to_o council_n and_o canon_n be_v far_o more_o uncertain_a and_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o their_o subject_n which_o of_o they_o be_v obligatory_a and_o which_o not_o nor_o any_o possible_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o agreement_n iii_o yet_o use_v with_o thankfulness_n the_o help_n of_o man_n for_o the_o understanding_n and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o lawyer_n as_o such_o have_v none_o of_o the_o legislative_a power_n you_o need_v their_o help_n to_o understand_v the_o use_n of_o the_o law_n aright_o and_o though_o no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n universal_a yet_o man_n must_v be_v our_o teacher_n to_o understand_v and_o use_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v with_o faith_n or_o knowledge_n we_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v we_o except_o what_o sense_n or_o intuition_n perceive_v or_o reason_n gather_v from_o thence_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o must_v we_o learn_v of_o i_o answer_v of_o those_o that_o know_v and_o have_v learn_v themselves_o no_o name_n or_o title_n or_o relation_n or_o habit_n will_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o teach_v you_o that_o which_o he_o know_v not_o himself_o 1._o child_n must_v learn_v of_o their_o parent_n and_o tutor_n 2._o people_n must_v learn_v of_o their_o able_a faithful_a pastor_n and_o catechizer_n 3._o all_o christian_n must_v be_v teacher_n by_o charitable_a help_n to_o one_o another_o but_o teach_v and_o law-making_a be_v two_o thing_n to_o teach_v another_o be_v but_o to_o show_v he_o that_o same_o scientifical_a evidence_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n know_v it_o himself_o that_o the_o learner_n may_v know_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o say_v you_o shall_v believe_v that_o be_v true_a which_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v not_o teach_v but_o law-giving_a and_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o to_o learn_v or_o know_v though_o some_o humane_a belief_n of_o our_o teacher_n be_v necessary_a to_o learner_n iv_o take_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o christianity_n and_o to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o be_v hold_v as_o necessary_a by_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o every_o age_n and_o place_n not_o that_o we_o must_v know_v man_n first_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v know_v what_o christian_a truth_n be_v but_o the_o plain_a scripture_n tell_v all_o man_n what_o christianity_n be_v and_o by_o that_o we_o know_v who_o to_o take_v for_o christian_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v new_a and_o rise_v since_o the_o apostle_n write_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v no_o point_n essential_a to_o christianity_n else_o christianity_n must_v be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n and_o not_o the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n before_o this_o novelty_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n a_o christian_n if_o they_o want_v any_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o here_o take_v heed_n of_o sophister_n deceit_n though_o nothing_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o all_o sound_a christian_n have_v still_o believe_v yet_o all_o be_v not_o necessary_a or_o true_a or_o good_a which_o all_o good_a christian_n have_v believe_v or_o do_v much_o less_o all_o which_o the_o tempt_v worse_a part_n have_v hold_v for_o though_o the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v ever_o and_o every_o where_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o opinion_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mistake_v and_o fault_n have_v be_v none_o of_o their_o imitable_a faith_n or_o practice_n humane_a nature_n be_v essential_o the_o same_o in_o adam_n and_o in_o all_o man_n but_o the_o disease_n of_o nature_n be_v another_o thing_n if_o all_o man_n have_v sin_n and_o error_n so_o have_v all_o church_n their_o christianity_n be_v of_o
though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o give_v any_o true_a rest_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o god_n and_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o to_o do_v yet_o do_v it_o free_a a_o man_n much_o from_o those_o disquiet_v before_o mention_v for_o though_o a_o man_n in_o this_o estate_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o same_o disturb_v and_o devour_a lust_n yet_o be_v they_o keep_v much_o under_o a_o restraint_n not_o have_v that_o fuel_n to_o feed_v they_o which_o riches_n afford_v and_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v use_v the_o more_o insatiable_a they_o be_v in_o their_o crave_n 2._o a_o middle_a worldly_a estate_n to_o a_o man_n as_o such_o be_v better_a than_o either_o of_o the_o extreme_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o condition_n that_o have_v a_o great_a tendency_n to_o its_o health_n and_o prevent_v manifold_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v liable_a whilst_o in_o this_o low_a world_n it_o be_v true_a all_o sickness_n and_o bodily_a distemper_n that_o be_v either_o afflictive_a or_o destructive_a to_o man_n body_n be_v at_o the_o dispose_n of_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o our_o time_n he_o kill_v and_o he_o make_v alive_a he_o wound_v 39_o deut._n 32_o 39_o and_o he_o heal_v he_o say_v to_o they_o as_o the_o centurion_n to_o his_o servant_n go_v and_o they_o go_v come_v and_o they_o come_v do_v this_o and_o they_o do_v it_o 8.9_o mat._n 8.9_o so_o that_o our_o life_n and_o health_n have_v no_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o secondary_a cause_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o proâ—idence_n he_o dispense_v the_o weal_n or_o woe_n of_o the_o body_n by_o external_a mean_n now_o 1._o as_o to_o poverty_n how_o many_o visible_a hazard_n do_v those_o that_o be_v poor_a run_v as_o to_o their_o health_n and_o how_o many_o way_n do_v bodily_a infirmity_n beset_v they_o sometime_o through_o the_o want_n of_o these_o creature-accommodation_n that_o god_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o providence_n have_v make_v necessary_a for_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o fabric_n of_o nature_n and_o repair_v its_o dilapidation_n to_o which_o it_o be_v incident_a for_o want_v of_o supply_n little_o do_v you_o think_v who_o sit_v down_o at_o your_o well_o spread_a table_n how_o many_o of_o your_o poor_a brethren_n will_v be_v glad_a of_o your_o fragment_n who_o lamp_n of_o life_n dwindle_n away_o sometime_o for_o want_v of_o oil_n to_o feed_v it_o beside_o excessive_a heat_n and_o cold_n contract_v by_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n that_o they_o be_v at_o to_o fill_v their_o belly_n and_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n as_o also_o unwholesome_a diet_n and_o many_o time_n not_o enough_o of_o that_o neither_o 2._o as_o to_o riches_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prevent_v these_o bodily_a infirmity_n that_o common_o they_o hasten_v and_o heighten_v they_o prove_v temptation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n grace_n to_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o which_o the_o body_n like_o a_o stand_a pool_n contract_v filth_n and_o mud_n so_o the_o body_n gross_a humour_n to_o its_o great_a prejudice_n especial_o hereby_o be_v occasion_v intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v which_o prove_v not_o only_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o also_o destructive_a to_o the_o â—ealth_n of_o the_o body_n as_o erasmus_n speak_v of_o the_o epicure_n of_o his_o day_n make_v this_o remark_n dum_fw-la invitant_fw-la ad_fw-la coenam_fw-la efferunt_fw-la ad_fw-la sepulchrum_fw-la how_o many_o fresh_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v wherein_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o many_o have_v so_o long_o drink_v health_n to_o other_o that_o they_o have_v drink_v away_o their_o own_o whilst_o a_o middle_a worldly_a condition_n tend_v to_o the_o prevent_v many_o of_o those_o evil_n by_o which_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n suffer_v but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o second_o head_n of_o argument_n second_o a_o middle_a worldly_a condition_n be_v most_o eligible_a to_o a_o man_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o as_o design_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o it_o be_v most_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o live_n to_o god_n here_o and_o live_v with_o god_n hereafter_o this_o my_o brethren_n if_o we_o be_v in_o our_o right_a mind_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o business_n of_o our_o life_n hence_o that_o worldly_a condition_n that_o may_v rational_o be_v judge_v most_o conduce_v to_o that_o end_n be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o eligible_a now_o that_o a_o middle_a state_n consider_v our_o present_a circumstance_n viz._n those_o internal_a depravity_n with_o which_o we_o be_v infect_v be_v the_o most_o desirable_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o evince_v this_o world_n and_o the_o time_n allot_v for_o our_o abode_n here_o be_v the_o time_n for_o our_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n 22.21_o job_n 22.21_o that_o we_o may_v be_v at_o peace_n and_o that_o all_o good_a may_v come_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o good_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v now_o that_o condition_n that_o may_v afford_v most_o help_n and_o few_o hindrance_n to_o this_o great_a business_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o eligible_a condition_n i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o premise_v by_o way_n of_o caution_n that_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n so_o well_o circumstantiate_v that_o can_v be_v so_o dispositive_a of_o we_o to_o our_o future_a happiness_n but_o that_o without_o the_o almighty_a and_o outstretch_v arm_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n we_o shall_v still_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o lose_a and_o perish_a condition_n yet_o we_o do_v affirm_v there_o be_v some_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o auxiliary_a to_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v 2.13_o phil._n 2.13_o and_o that_o of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n yet_o be_v they_o if_o wise_o manage_v advantageous_a unto_o we_o for_o our_o improve_n those_o help_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o apostle_n prefer_v a_o single_a before_o a_o marry_a condition_n he_o that_o be_v unmarried_a care_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n how_o he_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n 34._o 1_o cor._n 7_o 32_o 33_o 34._o but_o he_o that_o be_v marry_v care_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o world_n how_o be_v may_v please_v his_o wife_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o advantage_n in_o some_o respect_n that_o the_o single_a person_n have_v beyond_o those_o who_o be_v marry_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n so_o also_o a_o middle_a condition_n seem_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o both_o the_o foremention_v extreme_n and_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n prerequisite_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a happiness_n 1._o a_o right_a and_o orderly_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o door_n of_o sound_a regeneration_n and_o conversion_n 2._o a_o progress_n in_o that_o way_n by_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n 3._o a_o perseverance_n in_o that_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o end_n against_o all_o internal_a or_o external_a opposition_n now_o a_o middle_n worldly_a condition_n appear_v both_o from_o rational_a and_o scripture_n account_v to_o be_v the_o most_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o all_o these_o 1._o such_o as_o ever_o true_o design_n to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v must_v get_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o whilst_o they_o live_v 14._o mat_n 7.13_o 14._o now_o every_o way_n have_v a_o entrance_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o entrance_n into_o this_o way_n be_v by_o the_o door_n of_o regeneration_n so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o tell_v we_o john_n 3.3_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o a_o man_n he_o bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o what_o this_o new_a birth_n import_v you_o may_v find_v v._o 5._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v many_o parallel_a place_n 18.3_o mat._n 18.3_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o conversion_n no_o salvation_n now_o that_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o result_v the_o few_o hindrance_n and_o the_o most_o help_v for_o our_o entrance_n in_o at_o this_o strait_a gate_n be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o eligible_a and_o
give_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o will_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o make_v we_o all_o which_o will_n must_v be_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v unto_o man_n before_o it_o can_v have_v on_o he_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n now_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_n be_v after_o a_o twofold_a manner_n for_o there_o be_v some_o other_o discovery_n than_o these_o that_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o thing_n make_v be_v do_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v any_o other_o way_n be_v not_o receive_v the_o same_o way_n with_o the_o former_a our_o knowledge_n of_o these_o revelation_n depend_v not_o sole_o on_o the_o exercise_n of_o but_o principal_o on_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v god_n who_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n we_o must_v lean_v for_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o that_o be_v we_o must_v believe_v we_o must_v exercise_v faith_n by_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v not_o arrive_v unto_o mere_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o high_a reason_n and_o real_o god_n delight_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o now_o especial_o since_o the_o fall_n the_o life_n and_o heart_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o to_o be_v a_o sound_a believer_n be_v expression_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o import_n the_o religion_n we_o be_v design_v for_o and_o must_v now_o exercise_v if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o life_n much_o high_a than_o that_o of_o mere_a reason_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o know_v what_o by_o mere_a reason_n we_o can_v never_o know_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o most_o momentous_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o they_o be_v adjust_v to_o our_o own_o capacity_n even_o so_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n infinite_o above_o we_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o within_o our_o view_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o can_v come_v but_o by_o some_o special_a revelation_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o revelation_n depend_v on_o the_o veracity_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n testimony_n and_o it_o be_v our_o faith_n alone_o by_o which_o we_o receive_v these_o discovery_n that_o be_v thus_o give_v we_o of_o god_n whence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o strong_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o we_o glorify_v god_n by_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n and_o that_o we_o may_v thus_o glorify_v god_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n so_o to_o order_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o so_o to_o dispose_v of_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o pose_v our_o reason_n and_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a at_o which_o time_n if_o we_o lean_a on_o the_o veracity_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n testimony_n about_o the_o doctrine_n and_o on_o his_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n about_o his_o providence_n we_o discover_v the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o many_o profound_a doctrine_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o the_o many_o dark_a providence_n that_o attend_v we_o do_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_v the_o more_o religious_o i._n e._n to_o our_o walk_v the_o more_o by_o faith_n to_o the_o save_v the_o soul_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o profoundness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o many_o difficulty_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n namely_o to_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o a_o life_n above_o sense_n and_o reason_n even_o to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o high_a and_o a_o heavenly_a life_n the_o more_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o believe_v the_o more_o strong_a be_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v exercise_v and_o the_o strong_a our_o faith_n the_o more_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o we_o and_o the_o more_o be_v our_o salvation_n further_v the_o which_o be_v so_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v abundant_o quicken_v in_o our_o thought_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o mysterious_a doctrine_n and_o providence_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o the_o engage_v we_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o 1._o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o the_o evidence_n not_o only_o of_o unseen_a future_a glory_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o somewhat_o else_o not_o within_o the_o view_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n faith_n do_v evidence_n unto_o the_o believer_n the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_v about_o spiritual_a blessing_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n and_o do_v clear_o show_v unto_o he_o that_o these_o blessing_n promise_v be_v real_a and_o shall_v most_o assure_o be_v enjoy_v yea_o though_o there_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o natural_a reason_n some_o impossibility_n between_o we_o and_o the_o inherit_v the_o promise_n yet_o even_o then_o faith_n see_v the_o accomplishment_n not_o only_o possible_a but_o certain_a and_o sure_a by_o faith_n we_o believe_v and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o though_o clear_o enough_o reveal_v yet_o be_v so_o much_o above_o our_o capacity_n that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o embrace_v they_o by_o faith_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v when_o we_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n exercise_v he_o believe_v when_o his_o sight_n and_o reason_n fail_v he_o abraham_n be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o as_o it_o be_v dead_a sarah_n barren_a and_o now_o according_a to_o all_o rule_n past_o child-bearing_a notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o sarah_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n abraham_n believe_v he_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v by_o faith_n though_o he_o can_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v by_o his_o reason_n according_a to_o his_o own_o reason_v his_o hope_n be_v go_v but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o have_v a_o hope_n above_o hope_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v rom._n 4._o the_o like_a also_o when_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n his_o own_o his_o only_a son_n isaac_n who_o he_o love_v and_o of_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v for_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v but_o nevertheless_o abraham_n be_v command_v to_o kill_v he_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o here_o be_v the_o difficulty_n if_o isaac_n be_v slay_v while_n so_o young_a as_o he_o then_o be_v even_o before_o he_o have_v any_o child_n how_o can_v the_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v abraham_n must_v kill_v he_o and_o yet_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v sure_o this_o transcend_v his_o understanding_n but_o not_o his_o faith_n for_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a therefore_o it_o be_v say_v by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v offer_v up_o isaac_n account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a heb._n 11.17_o 18_o 19_o time_n will_v fail_v to_o mention_n jacob_n joseph_n moses_n david_n and_o many_o other_o who_o when_o surround_v with_o dark_a dispensation_n by_o believe_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n then_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n act_v and_o exercise_v when_o the_o believer_n be_v compass_v about_o with_o a_o cloud_n of_o difficulty_n when_o in_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v plain_o reveal_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v there_o be_v somewhat_o above_o our_o reason_n and_o when_o in_o the_o providence_n with_o which_o we_o meet_v there_o be_v somewhat_o very_o dark_a they_o seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o doctrinal_a discovery_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o then_o be_v the_o time_n to_o act_v faith_n that_o be_v not_o faith_n which_o do_v carry_v we_o no_o high_o than_o our_o own_o scanty_a reason_n to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v with_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v too_o low_a a_o thing_n to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o raise_a grace_n by_o which_o a_o man_n believe_v when_o his_o reason_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o faith_n be_v a_o
great_a truth_n and_o if_o due_o weigh_v will_v afford_v relief_n to_o such_o as_o be_v perplex_v with_o the_o profoundness_n of_o some_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n for_o by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o surprise_v manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o hebrew_a point_n and_o some_o instance_n in_o chronology_n the_o various_a readins_n and_o the_o like_a they_o all_o serve_v as_o a_o spur_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o a_o furtherance_n to_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v argument_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o certainty_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v unbelieving_a though_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o difficulty_n that_o our_o reason_n can_v overcome_v this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v how_o far_o soever_o they_o transcend_v our_o understanding_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o implication_n and_o if_o so_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o reconcileable_a and_o although_o finite_a worm_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a method_n of_o conciliation_n yet_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n be_v these_o difficulty_n shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stumble_v our_o faith_n but_o rather_o engage_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o strong_a in_o believe_v 2._o as_o by_o faith_n we_o behold_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o comprehend_v by_o our_o reason_n and_o can_v through_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n see_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n even_o when_o under_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n faith_n never_o appear_v so_o much_o in_o its_o lustre_n as_o when_o the_o great_a difficulty_n lie_v before_o it_o then_o it_o be_v that_o the_o believer_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o power_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n when_o under_o the_o obscure_a dispensation_n when_o there_o be_v some_o difficult_a appearance_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o relate_v to_o some_o doctrine_n and_o when_o some_o providence_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n appear_v in_o its_o beauty_n for_o thereby_o we_o show_v the_o just_a apprehension_n we_o have_v of_o god_n power_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o extend_v his_o compassion_n to_o believer_n that_o he_o will_v order_v all_o thing_n to_o work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a be_v evident_a enough_o in_o scripture_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v against_o they_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o under_o sore_a temptation_n they_o lose_v their_o temporal_a estate_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o liberty_n be_v sick_a weak_a and_o in_o great_a distress_n several_a thwart_a providence_n attend_v they_o all_o thing_n be_v seem_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o good_a old_a jacob_n he_o be_v bereave_v of_o his_o child_n joseph_n be_v not_o sâ—meon_n be_v not_o and_o benjamin_n must_v be_v take_v away_o all_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v against_o i_o gen._n 42.36_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o time_n for_o jacob_n to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 14._o q._n d._n the_o lord_n almighty_n be_v with_o you_o with_o he_o i_o leave_v you_o to_o he_o i_o commit_v my_o concern_v if_o i_o be_o bereave_v i_o be_o bereave_v i._n e._n the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o job_n god_n have_v suffer_v the_o tempter_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o he_o god_n himself_o seem_v as_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v he_o shall_v die_v and_o yet_o then_o can_v job_n say_v though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n in_o he_o job_n 13.15_o so_o with_o habakkuk_n chap._n 13.17_o 18_o 19_o although_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n though_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n though_o the_o slock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v my_o strength_n he_o will_v make_v i_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o high_a place_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v all_o which_o concur_v to_o evince_v that_o then_o be_v the_o time_n to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n when_o there_o be_v in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n somewhat_o above_o we_o that_o we_o can_v reach_v unto_o then_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o a_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o ourselves_o then_o be_v we_o call_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o we_o to_o uphold_v and_o support_v we_o as_o say_v david_n at_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o though_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n fail_v yet_o god_n will_v be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o believer_n foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o his_o step_n do_v well-nigh_o slip_v it_o be_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o be_v then_o his_o stay_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o instance_n be_v remarkable_a for_o though_o god_n have_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o prosper_v nor_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n yet_o behold_v they_o live_v and_o their_o house_n be_v safe_a from_o fear_n they_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n how_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o the_o threaten_n or_o how_o can_v the_o righteous_a see_v this_o and_o not_o be_v trouble_v sure_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o see_v the_o end_n of_o all_o and_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v their_o faith_n be_v hereby_o try_v but_o yet_o they_o can_v say_v good_a be_v god_n to_o israel_n they_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o god_n and_o will_v say_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o but_o still_o conclude_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a jer._n 12.1_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o throne_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o dark_a dispensation_n the_o godly_a do_v still_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n they_o stay_v themselves_o on_o his_o wisdom_n power_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o do_v which_o all_o shall_v endeavour_v when_o under_o dark_a dispensation_n 2._o hereby_o the_o grace_n of_o patience_n be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n hold_v up_o in_o a_o continue_a exercise_n patience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v to_o consist_v mere_o in_o a_o endure_a the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o quiet_a calm_a and_o sedate_v temper_n of_o spirit_n but_o also_o in_o a_o quiet_a wait_a for_o and_o expectation_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n in_o look_v and_o patient_o wait_v for_o the_o end_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v with_o much_o clearness_n what_o now_o lie_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o out_o of_o our_o view_n but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o what_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.25_o now_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o inconsistency_n between_o doctrine_n and_o doctrine_n between_o some_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n yea_o and_o between_o providence_n and_o providence_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o parable_n unto_o we_o when_o the_o veil_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n no_o inconsistency_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o exact_a agreement_n and_o most_o excellent_a harmony_n every_o one_o doctrine_n and_o providence_n concur_v to_o the_o illustration_n of_o each_o other_o all_o which_o shall_v be_v see_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o we_o shall_v depart_v hence_o and_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n we_o see_v but_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o see_v face_n
command_n must_v give_v place_n to_o a_o moral_a duty_n because_o they_o will_v not_o justify_v our_o neglect_n of_o that_o hence_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o lift_v our_o neighbour_n ox_n out_o of_o the_o pit_n luke_n 14.5_o and_o to_o perform_v any_o other_o act_n of_o necessary_a charity_n notwithstanding_o that_o positive_a command_n to_o worship_n god_n upon_o that_o day_n 6._o that_o which_o god_n now_o require_v of_o you_o and_o in_o do_v of_o which_o you_o may_v most_o glorify_v god_n and_o edify_v your_o neighbour_n that_o be_v undoubted_o your_o present_a duty_n quest_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o ans_fw-fr 1._o always_o look_v within_o your_o call_v for_o your_o present_a duty_n for_o there_o it_o lie_v do_v go_v beyond_o your_o line_n do_v your_o own_o business_n 1_o thes_n 4.11_o we_o have_v different_a gift_n and_o different_a talent_n according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o let_v every_o one_o attend_v to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v fit_v he_o for_o and_o call_v he_o to_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o understand_v his_o way_n prov._n 14.8_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o every_o one_o his_o way_n of_o live_v in_o this_o world_n from_o the_o smith_n that_o blow_v the_o coal_n isa_n 54.16_o to_o the_o king_n that_o sin_n upon_o the_o throne_n that_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_a lord_n to_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v no_o we_o be_v under_o command_n and_o must_v obey_v i_o be_o one_o in_o authority_n say_v the_o centurion_n i_o say_v unto_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o luke_n 7.8_o god_n have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n over_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o move_v one_o step_n but_o by_o his_o direction_n our_o call_v be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n so_o all_o saint_n be_v of_o the_o same_o call_v rom._n 1.7_o call_v to_o be_v saint_n we_o be_v all_o equal_o oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o christian_a call_v i._n e._n to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o etc._n etc._n 2._o particular_a so_o we_o differ_v in_o our_o calling_n some_o be_v call_v to_o the_o magistracy_n some_o to_o the_o ministry_n some_o be_v master_n some_o servant_n some_o call_v to_o this_o some_o to_o that_o trade_n or_o occupation_n we_o be_v call_v to_o christianity_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v call_v to_o some_o outward_a worldly_a call_v by_o god_n special_a appointment_n in_o his_o law_n six_o day_n shall_v thou_o labour_v and_o do_v all_o thy_o work_n exod._n 20.9_o every_o man_n have_v his_o work_n a_o full_a business_n which_o he_o must_v not_o neglect_v he_o must_v do_v all_o his_o work_n they_o walk_v disorderly_o who_o work_v not_o at_o all_o 2_o thes_n 3.11_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o wantonness_n jam._n 5.5_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v let_v all_o idle_a voluptuous_a gallant_n consider_v this_o who_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n scorn_v the_o thought_n of_o business_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v far_o from_o their_o present_a duty_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o we_o be_v call_v to_o this_o or_o that_o employment_n by_o providence_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o some_o call_v be_v from_o the_o word_n that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o call_v be_v from_o providence_n providence_n follow_v the_o word_n and_o be_v a_o fulfil_n of_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o much_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o christian_a call_v do_v follow_v we_o into_o our_o particular_a calling_n as_o duty_n of_o worship_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o family_n every_o day_n let_v our_o particular_a call_v be_v what_o it_o will_n so_o the_o same_o grace_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o our_o particular_a calling_n which_o be_v require_v in_o our_o general_a calling_n the_o same_o grace_n do_v follow_v we_o into_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o into_o all_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n they_o who_o do_v not_o keep_v up_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o their_o family_n will_v be_v as_o remiss_a in_o all_o duty_n of_o practical_a holiness_n in_o their_o life_n they_o who_o be_v not_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n be_v never_o eminent_a in_o holiness_n and_o as_o no_o act_n of_o worship_n public_a or_o private_a do_v please_v god_n that_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o no_o common_a act_n of_o our_o life_n be_v please_v to_o god_n if_o not_o do_v in_o faith_n and_o season_v with_o that_o inward_a exercise_n of_o grace_n that_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o common_a action_n of_o a_o christian_n in_o show_v you_o your_o present_a duty_n in_o your_o particular_a calling_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o duty_n of_o worship_n you_o know_v they_o that_o prayer_n read_v the_o scripture_n meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o what_o you_o hear_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v all_o duty_n and_o you_o know_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v morning_n and_o evening_n and_o as_o oft_o as_o your_o necessary_a occasion_n will_v permit_v whether_o you_o do_v they_o i_o must_v leave_v that_o to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n but_o the_o present_a duty_n i_o will_v fix_v you_o in_o be_v that_o of_o practical_a holiness_n which_o be_v your_o constant_a duty_n every_o moment_n of_o the_o day_n i_o will_v clear_v up_o this_o to_o you_o and_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v and_o where_o it_o lie_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v be_v always_o find_v in_o it_o i_o say_v then_o that_o your_o present_a duty_n lie_v in_o a_o present_a exercise_n of_o grace_n suitable_a to_o the_o present_a work_n and_o business_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n which_o you_o be_v at_o any_o time_n employ_v in_o if_o you_o buy_v or_o sell_v it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n if_o you_o marry_v it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v you_o must_v do_v it_o to_o god_n glory_n which_o can_v be_v if_o you_o do_v not_o act_v grace_n in_o every_o thing_n you_o do_v the_o true_a gospel-holiness_n of_o a_o action_n lie_v in_o that_o grace_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v grace_n only_o that_o turn_v a_o action_n heaven_n ward_n and_o god-ward_o you_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o sense_n yourselves_o from_o the_o temptation_n snare_n and_o sin_n that_o border_n upon_o all_o the_o work_n of_o your_o call_n but_o by_o keep_v yourselves_o in_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n long_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eschew_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a it_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n he_o act_v like_o a_o fool_n who_o act_v without_o it_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n i_o now_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o you_o see_v your_o present_a duty_n lie_v in_o your_o present_a work_n in_o the_o daily_a business_n of_o your_o particular_a calling_n i_o suppose_v your_o calling_n be_v lawful_a that_o there_o be_v no_o stage-player_n conjurer_n diviner_n astrologer_n here_o those_o who_o be_v of_o such_o calling_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o honest_a employment_n consistent_a with_o grace_n and_o then_o grace_n will_v help_v you_o out_o in_o it_o wonderful_o i_o can_v name_v some_o other_o calling_n that_o i_o will_v hardly_o advise_v a_o christian_a to_o but_o whatever_o lawful_a call_v you_o be_v of_o whatever_o office_n you_o bear_v whatever_o relation_n you_o stand_v in_o as_o husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n master_n servant_n whatever_o your_o trade_n occupation_n or_o employment_n be_v there_o be_v particular_a duty_n proper_a to_o your_o calling_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o a_o suitable_a exercise_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o you_o show_v the_o respect_n you_o have_v to_o god_n in_o do_v what_o you_o do_v regulate_v and_o moderate_v yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o action_n by_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n you_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o your_o call_n and_o yet_o not_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o your_o call_n if_o you_o seek_v only_o yourselves_o your_o own_o profit_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v god_n but_o yourselves_o you_o must_v do_v what_o you_o do_v in_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o every_o thing_n you_o do_v will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n because_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o
god_n 1._o by_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n and_o assimilate_v our_o nature_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n where_o there_o be_v no_o likeness_n of_o nature_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o fire_n with_o water_n because_o there_o be_v no_o similitude_n in_o their_o nature_n as_o the_o element_n that_o have_v symbolical_a quality_n and_o some_o likeness_n in_o their_o nature_n do_v easy_o pass_v one_o into_o the_o other_o by_o a_o natural_a transmutation_n in_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o must_v be_v some_o suitableness_n and_o likeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o enmity_n and_o contrariety_n which_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o he_o must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o 2._o by_o elevate_a and_o raise_v the_o soul_n above_o its_o natural_a power_n and_o reach_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n in_o man_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o have_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n as_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n in_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o superior_a and_o most_o refine_a part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o vital_a natural_a and_o animal_n spirit_n so_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o elevate_a and_o raise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n above_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n or_o power_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a way_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o then_o there_o be_v subordinate_a way_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n for_o that_o end_n for_o god_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v train_v up_o his_o people_n to_o this_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v appoint_v ordinance_n for_o that_o end_n under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v sacrifice_n and_o altar_n and_o solemn_a feast_n appoint_v of_o god_n especial_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o a_o sanctuary_n erect_v etc._n etc._n and_o all_o for_o this_o end_n that_o his_o people_n may_v therein_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v his_o ordinance_n also_o appoint_v for_o this_o end_n as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n sing_v of_o psalm_n baptism_n and_o especial_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o communion_n as_o that_o ordinance_n wherein_o we_o have_v a_o more_o special_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o god_n in_o he_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v more_o particular_o on_o our_o part_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o maintain_v it_o also_o answ_n 1._o in_o general_n we_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o and_o pant_v after_o it_o as_o the_o most_o beneficial_a and_o necessary_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n many_o have_v it_o not_o because_o they_o desire_v it_o not_o they_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o their_o converse_n with_o thing_n below_o and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o thing_n sensible_a and_o natural_a and_o desire_v not_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n answ_n 2._o you_o be_v to_o make_v it_o your_o scope_n and_o end_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n you_o approach_v to_o to_o have_v therein_o communion_n with_o god_n many_o come_v to_o they_o out_o of_o custom_n some_o out_o of_o curiosity_n and_o other_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o so_o find_v not_o that_o communion_n with_o god_n which_o else_o they_o may_v obtain_v if_o they_o do_v make_v it_o their_o great_a scope_n and_o end_n david_n testify_v his_o great_a longing_n that_o he_o have_v after_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v there_o meet_v with_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o as_o he_o express_v it_o in_o the_o psal_n 27.4_o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o again_o psal_n 63._o o_o god_n my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o thy_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o he_o may_v there_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o this_o more_o particular_o 1._o if_o we_o will_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n we_o must_v keep_v up_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v by_o he_o that_o we_o have_v all_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n therefore_o christ_n have_v his_o name_n immanuel_n give_v to_o he_o which_o signify_v god_n with_o we_o let_v faith_n look_v upon_o god_n as_o in_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o may_v behold_v he_o reconcile_v we_o may_v behold_v he_o come_v down_o to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v behold_v he_o upon_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v with_o a_o great_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n have_v access_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o active_a part_n of_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o through_o faith_n in_o christ_n god_n also_o communicate_v himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o people_n in_o light_n life_n and_o love_n which_o be_v this_o communion_n in_o the_o passive_a part_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4.15_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n whosoever_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o god_n this_o confession_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o from_o the_o mouth_n but_o from_o the_o heart_n it_o lead_v the_o soul_n into_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n express_v in_o our_o part_n by_o our_o dwell_n in_o god_n and_o on_o god_n part_n by_o his_o dwell_n in_o we_o 2._o keep_v up_o a_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n that_o so_o no_o new_a sin_n nor_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o in_o the_o conscience_n may_v hinder_v and_o interrupt_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o who_o can_v say_v his_o heart_n be_v clean_a he_o be_v pure_a from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o daily_a repentance_n that_o sin_n may_v not_o interrupt_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n which_o it_o will_v do_v if_o we_o abide_v impenitent_o under_o it_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o afterward_o add_v if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o have_v no_o sin_n he_o deceive_v himself_o so_o that_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n may_v consist_v with_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n but_o not_o with_o impenitence_n under_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v it_o and_o we_o know_v that_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o repentance_n and_o when_o sin_n be_v thus_o confess_v and_o forgive_v it_o need_v not_o hinder_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o apostle_n also_o mention_v in_o my_o text_n fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o the_o cleanse_n of_o we_o from_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n both_o these_o be_v put_v together_o so_o that_o to_o maintain_v this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n we_o must_v be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n which_o be_v do_v meritorious_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o our_o part_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 3._o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_v god_n 1_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v a_o special_a ordinance_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o so_o much_o command_v in_o scripture_n pray_v without_o cease_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o one_o place_n pray_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v with_o faith_n and_o fervour_n of_o soul_n we_o may_v pray_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n prayer_n be_v compare_v to_o incense_v but_o it_o do_v not_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o holy_a affection_n kindle_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n therefore_o propound_v several_a parable_n to_o put_v man_n upon_o fervency_n faith_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o mention_v they_o if_o the_o soul_n draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v this_o and_o so_o god_n draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o soul_n be_v experience_v to_o be_v much_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n christ_n himself_o
be_v give_v for_o as_o the_o rigid_a dominican_n do_v certain_o make_v god_n the_o cause_n of_o sin_n whether_o culpable_a or_o not_o culpable_a be_v not_o the_o question_n even_o so_o do_v the_o scotist_n and_o molinist_n for_o they_o both_o include_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n somewhat_o more_o than_o what_o be_v mere_o natural_a even_o somewhat_o that_o be_v moral_o vicious_a and_o yet_o assert_v that_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o god_n causality_n only_o the_o one_o say_v that_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v take_v man_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v he_o to_o sin_n the_o other_o that_o man_n determine_v the_o efficiency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scotist_n say_v that_o the_o first_o and_o second_o cause_n do_v walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n to_o the_o sin_n but_o whether_o i_o lead_v another_o to_o the_o sin_n and_o help_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o or_o whether_o i_o be_o take_v by_o the_o sinner_n and_o determine_v to_o help_v he_o to_o produce_v what_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o act_n or_o whether_o i_o walk_v with_o he_o still_o i_o be_o at_o least_o a_o concauser_n of_o what_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o act_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o scotist_n nor_o the_o molinist_n give_v i_o any_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o result_n therefore_o of_o my_o thought_n be_v as_o follow_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o no_o natural_a be_v ever_o have_v be_v be_v or_o can_v be_v without_o the_o efficiency_n of_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o as_o confident_a that_o no_o moral_a evil_n be_v in_o any_o sense_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o physical_a efficiency_n of_o god_n the_o moral_a undueness_n that_o be_v consider_v as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v from_o god_n but_o yet_o how_o satisfactory_o to_o reconcile_v these_o thing_n or_o how_o to_o comprehend_v the_o modes_n of_o divine_a operation_n be_v above_o we_o we_o can_v reach_v unto_o it_o it_o transcend_v our_o understanding_n 5._o there_o be_v also_o several_a doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o special_a aspect_n on_o those_o transaction_n that_o be_v about_o the_o carry_v on_o fall_v man_n salvation_n to_o the_o illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v very_o profound_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o transition_n of_o original_a sin_n from_o adam_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o method_n take_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o elect_n the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n from_o all_o eternity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o surprise_v doctrine_n with_o reference_n thereunto_o even_o about_o his_o several_a office_n as_o mediator_n and_o in_o special_a that_o of_o his_o be_v a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedek_n his_o suretyship_n how_o our_o sin_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n make_v we_o beside_o those_o doctrine_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o how_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o imputation_n and_o many_o other_o momentous_a point_n may_v be_v speak_v unto_o to_o evince_v that_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o contradiction_n in_o these_o doctrine_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o much_o that_o transcend_v the_o most_o enlarge_a capacity_n they_o be_v point_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v pry_v into_o but_o can_v full_o comprehend_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o must_v wave_v and_o go_v on_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o some_o of_o the_o many_o providence_n that_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n transcend_v our_o understanding_n ii_o among_o the_o many_o amuze_a providence_n that_o be_v before_o we_o i_o will_v single_a out_o a_o few_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v lie_v in_o wickedness_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o method_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o amuze_a providence_n look_v we_o into_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o strange_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v overrun_v with_o paganism_n mahometanism_n and_o judaisme_n come_v we_o near_o home_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n behold_v how_o small_a be_v it_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o part_n where_o the_o abovementioned_a false_a religion_n prevail_v and_o of_o the_o many_o thousand_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n how_o many_o enveloped_v with_o the_o thick_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o how_o â—ew_a free_a from_o the_o influence_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n a_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n of_o look_v into_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n which_o reveal_v the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n everlasting_a and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happy_a advantage_n of_o consult_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n how_o few_o can_v understand_v they_o the_o which_o be_v not_o without_o a_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o can_v we_o compare_v these_o providence_n with_o those_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o infinite_a compassion_n of_o almighty_a god_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o comprehend_v a_o consistency_n between_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n be_v save_v and_o to_o that_o end_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n even_o when_o but_o a_o very_a small_a spot_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v any_o suitable_a mean_n afford_v they_o for_o the_o obtain_v such_o knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o proclamation_n be_v general_a to_o all_o ho_o every_o one_o and_o the_o expostulation_n with_o sinner_n be_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n of_o a_o sinner_n indefinite_o q._n d._n of_o any_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o will_v turn_v and_o live_v beside_o do_v not_o christ_n die_v for_o this_o end_n namely_o to_o show_v the_o unexpressible_a greatness_n of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o world_n god_n so_o love_v so_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o transcendent_a that_o no_o word_n can_v sufficient_o express_v it_o nothing_o will_v full_o represent_v it_o but_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o son_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o death_n the_o cruel_a the_o shameful_a and_o the_o reproachful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n on_o their_o believe_v and_o this_o even_o when_o god_n leave_v million_o of_o angel_n to_o continue_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n of_o darkness_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o can_v hear_v unless_o a_o preacher_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v no_o preacher_n have_v be_v send_v or_o if_o in_o one_o age_n yet_o not_o in_o another_o how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v these_o providence_n with_o the_o discovery_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a compassion_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n when_o so_o few_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o of_o grace_n be_v there_o in_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o very_a little_a better_a condition_n than_o the_o fall_v angel_n i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n offer_v towards_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o thoughtful_a person_n as_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o world_n above_o we_o who_o inhabitant_n be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o receive_v and_o improve_v the_o instance_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o that_o this_o world_n be_v but_o a_o spot_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o whole_a world_n shall_v perish_v it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o hang_n up_o a_o few_o malefactor_n to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a but_o how_o do_v this_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o take_v from_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n in_o itself_o consider_v but_o from_o the_o revelation_n make_v thereof_o unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n in_o the_o scripture_n about_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o solid_a satisfaction_n but_o from_o thing_n which_o be_v obvious_a before_o we_o not_o from_o what_o be_v so_o full_o out_o of_o our_o view_n and_o knowledge_n and_o concern_v creature_n of_o another_o kind_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o intimation_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o apart_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v afford_v relief_n such_o as_o these_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o