ourselves_o unto_o they_o not_o so_o much_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v deceive_v in_o we_o and_o we_o find_v unworthy_a of_o the_o honour_n give_v to_o we_o but_o that_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o god_n alone_o glorify_v thereby_o even_o among_o moral_a man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o commendation_n add_v life_n unto_o virtue_n and_o that_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o nature_n be_v most_o communicable_a so_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o the_o best_a nature_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o not_o so_o much_o to_o gain_v praise_n as_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o praiseworthy_a which_o be_v the_o contentment_n of_o a_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o moral_a disposition_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v in_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n let_v we_o think_v not_o only_a how_o to_o make_v good_a the_o esteem_n which_o they_o have_v of_o we_o but_o rather_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n for_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 8._o do_v recommend_v unto_o our_o care_n and_o study_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v lovely_a and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o good_a report_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o praise_n and_o if_o in_o this_o work_n which_o we_o be_v now_o exhort_v to_o be_v undertake_v all_o these_o motive_n concur_v at_o once_o so_o full_o and_o so_o eminent_o as_o in_o nothing_o more_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o private_a but_o in_o a_o public_a respect_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o sense_n of_o praise_n to_o be_v regard_v in_o order_n to_o the_o holy_a profession_n which_o only_o be_v our_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v our_o reputation_n to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o a_o careless_a neglect_n of_o so_o manifest_a a_o duty_n wherein_o our_o credit_n not_o only_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v but_o our_o religion_n itself_o extreme_o concern_v so_o that_o if_o upon_o these_o motive_n and_o consideration_n this_o business_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o be_v effect_v it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o brutish_a insensibility_n and_o stupidity_n in_o we_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v true_a honour_n but_o it_o will_v clear_o evince_v the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o profession_n itself_o when_o we_o shall_v appear_v so_o careless_a of_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o reputation_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o have_v sue_v to_o we_o for_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v blast_v and_o lie_v under_o contempt_n when_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o vindicate_v both_o it_o and_o ourselves_o from_o reproach_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o point_n of_o reputation_n the_o next_o motive_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o a_o thing_n which_o do_v main_o concern_v we_o a_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o be_v deep_o engage_v and_o a_o thing_n whereunto_o this_o work_n will_v be_v very_o conducible_a for_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n abroad_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o profitable_a instrument_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n which_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o confession_n in_o their_o letter_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n why_o they_o make_v it_o their_o suit_n unto_o we_o that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n may_v be_v compile_v because_o they_o expect_v from_o it_o and_o by_o it_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o their_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o because_o our_o own_o disorder_n in_o some_o kind_n here_o at_o home_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v reform_v have_v increase_v of_o late_a and_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o same_o disease_n which_o have_v beget_v they_o therefore_o in_o procure_v a_o remedy_n for_o ourselves_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o become_v helpful_a unto_o they_o also_o now_o that_o this_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o disease_n and_o the_o property_n of_o the_o cure_n to_o remedy_n the_o same_o the_o disease_n which_o afflict_v we_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o from_o the_o unrulinesse_n of_o walk_v in_o thing_n perta_v to_o man_n this_o ignorance_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o distemper_n in_o the_o will_n and_o unrulinesse_n in_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v foment_v by_o the_o slight_a and_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o some_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n as_o not_o adhere_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n thereof_o and_o have_v take_v up_o either_o a_o superstitious_a and_o traditional_a formality_n or_o a_o singular_a and_o self-conceited_a spirituality_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o godliness_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o resist_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o by_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n and_o make_v void_a the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n these_o man_n both_o superstitious_o and_o singular_o affect_v seek_v to_o get_v follower_n unto_o their_o several_a way_n and_o opinion_n agree_v to_o waste_v the_o church_n and_o to_o blast_v with_o a_o pestilent_a breath_n all_o that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o small_a colour_n for_o raise_v calumny_n against_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o fill_v the_o church_n with_o dispute_n and_o the_o head_n of_o ignorant_a people_n with_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n which_o daily_o increase_v unto_o more_o ungodliness_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n scandal_n be_v multiply_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n neglect_v faction_n set_v on_o foot_n and_o continue_v with_o animosity_n wherein_o the_o weak_a sort_n as_o child_n be_v toss_v too_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n till_o they_o lose_v their_o hold_n of_o all_o principle_n and_o then_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o atheism_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o disease_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o therefore_o the_o remedy_n for_o both_o will_v be_v the_o same_o which_o can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o to_o this_o effect_n first_o that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o here_o shall_v stand_v fast_o together_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o in_o one_o way_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o their_o adversary_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o with_o one_o consent_n agree_v upon_o some_o profitable_a way_n of_o handle_v necessary_a and_o useful_a controversy_n and_o of_o shun_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v three_o that_o we_o and_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o fight_v against_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n hold_v out_o unto_o the_o world_n the_o same_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o divide_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n right_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n of_o preach_v and_o handle_v the_o scripture_n to_o advance_v godliness_n as_o it_o become_v workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o to_o enable_v we_o all_o joint_o to_o endeavour_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o next_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o truth_n deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v covenant_v to_o continue_v with_o the_o ministry_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n isai_n 49._o 21._o i_o say_v next_o unto_o these_o two_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o mean_n can_v be_v use_v to_o enable_v we_o unto_o that_o endeavour_n more_o fit_o and_o with_o god_n ordinary_a blessing_n more_o successful_o than_o this_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n if_o it_o be_v compile_v and_o communicate_v in_o english_a to_o our_o man_n at_o home_n and_o in_o latin_a
up_o of_o the_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n by_o practical_a divinity_n be_v mean_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v yield_v unto_o his_o will_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a divine_a truth_n the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o remembrance_n the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o first_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n when_o we_o conceive_v aright_o of_o his_o meaning_n therein_o the_o second_o as_o we_o partake_v 2._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 22._o &_o 3._o 1._o 1_o john_n 1._o 16._o rom._n 12._o 1_o 2._o of_o it_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n will_v when_o we_o prove_v how_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v that_o first_o be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o beget_v knowledge_n this_o other_o be_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o beget_v resolution_n and_o obediential_a performance_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o truth_n christ_n say_v if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n joh._n 8._o 31_o 32._o of_o the_o second_o he_o say_v he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n joh._n 3._o 21._o so_o then_o as_o there_o be_v a_o contemplative_a and_o intelligible_a so_o there_o be_v a_o practicable_a truth_n that_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v the_o action_n of_o virtue_n for_o christ_n in_o joh._n 3._o five_o 20_o 21._o do_v oppose_v the_o do_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o do_v of_o truth_n that_o be_v vice_n and_o virtue_n to_o one_o another_o he_o say_v every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v who_o be_v vicious_a in_o his_o life_n hate_v the_o light_n but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n that_o be_v who_o life_n be_v virtuous_a and_o upright_a come_v to_o the_o light_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n so_o truth_n be_v opposite_a to_o all_o falsehood_n not_o only_o to_o that_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o of_o lie_v and_o deceitfulness_n which_o be_v no_o less_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o vice_n than_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n be_v of_o virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n now_o both_o the_o intellectual_a and_o practical_a truth_n be_v original_o existent_v in_o the_o live_a word_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o as_o to_o a_o receptacle_n and_o vessel_n when_o by_o it_o we_o be_v sanctify_v according_a to_o christ_n prayer_n john_n 17_o 17._o sanctify_v they_o in_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n the_o word_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v both_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o be_v both_o practical_a and_o theoretical_a concern_v that_o truth_n which_o in_o god_n be_v essential_a but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o nothing_o ought_v or_o may_v be_v call_v theology_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o divine_a oracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v only_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v true_a theology_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o theoretical_a or_o practical_a matter_n nothing_o be_v true_a divinity_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a truth_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n a_o divine_a truth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n then_o to_o we_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n now_o although_o the_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o our_o act_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o will_n be_v a_o know_a faculty_n and_o can_v act_v orderly_o without_o the_o understanding_n yet_o the_o theoretical_a truth_n notional_o apprehend_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o no_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n except_o they_o become_v fruitful_a in_o the_o action_n of_o virtue_n the_o notional_a science_n of_o all_o god_n truth_n and_o of_o his_o whole_a will_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o brain_n alone_o and_o without_o the_o practice_n whereunto_o that_o science_n do_v oblige_v the_o heart_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o profitable_a to_o our_o felicity_n it_o have_v be_v better_a say_v peter_z not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 21._o john_n 3._o 17._o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v christ_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o you_o be_v not_o happy_a although_o you_o know_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n do_v place_n the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o man_n in_o his_o deed_n as_o distinct_a from_o his_o bare_a knowledge_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o 25._o jam._n 1._o 21_o 25._o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o â—eed_n the_o happiness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o deed._n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o practical_a truth_n import_v we_o and_o reach_v our_o happiness_n more_o near_o then_o theoreticall_a because_o that_o which_o we_o know_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o felicity_n nor_o a_o true_a blessing_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o except_o it_o either_o bring_v forth_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o else_o result_v from_o that_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o our_o felicity_n unto_o all_o eternity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o union_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v only_o enjoy_v then_o when_o by_o his_o truth_n he_o live_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o his_o life_n in_o we_o be_v spiritual_a light_n and_o power_n light_n be_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o power_n be_v to_o move_v conformable_o to_o god_n will_v in_o the_o whole_a inward_a man_n the_o light_n show_v he_o to_o we_o the_o power_n make_v we_o and_o he_o one_o we_o may_v know_v he_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o we_o can_v feel_v his_o life_n and_o move_v in_o he_o except_o he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o one_o with_o he_o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o have_v less_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n than_o the_o power_n of_o life_n but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o one_o go_v before_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o the_o knowledge_n which_o go_v before_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n life_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n joh._n 1._o 9_o &_o this_o light_n be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n which_o he_o do_v manifest_a in_o man_n and_o show_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v manifest_a in_o man_n both_o that_o which_o do_v make_v they_o clear_o see_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n and_o that_o also_o which_o make_v they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o 15._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o rom._n 2._o 15._o his_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o this_o be_v manifest_v in_o they_o and_o show_v unto_o they_o partly_o by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n partly_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o yet_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o than_o this_o revealed_z both_o in_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n give_v both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i_o say_v all_o this_o both_o natural_a which_o be_v common_a and_o supernatural_a which_o be_v special_o reveal_v knowledge_n nay_o although_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n as_o to_o manifest_v all_o mystery_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v fruitless_a and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o without_o blessedness_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v both_o manifest_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n heart_n and_o show_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o creation_n be_v hold_v up_o by_o he_o in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o 18._o and_o although_o he_o do_v know_v god_n yet_o he_o glorifi_v he_o not_o as_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n and_o can_v teach_v other_o do_v not_o
this_o kind_n only_o to_o make_v this_o appendix_n of_o case-divinity_n complete_a because_o case_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n capacity_n and_o apprehension_n of_o matter_n may_v be_v as_o to_o we_o innumerable_a therefore_o some_o general_a rule_n before_o the_o particular_a case_n be_v set_v down_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o direct_v the_o waver_a mind_n of_o what_o degree_n of_o proficiency_n soever_o how_o to_o order_v itself_o in_o seek_v out_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o undoubted_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n within_o its_o own_o heart_n a_o determination_n of_o any_o question_n whatsoever_o at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o perplex_v the_o spirit_n with_o any_o unsettlement_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o whole_a profession_n in_o this_o life_n for_o by_o the_o confidence_n of_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o rest_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n by_o the_o joyfulness_n of_o hope_n in_o respect_n 9_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o heb._n 3._o 6._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o &_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o sincerity_n of_o love_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o neighbour_n these_o general_a direction_n than_o shall_v first_o be_v deliver_v with_o a_o example_n in_o a_o case_n or_o two_o how_o to_o use_v they_o &_o then_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o have_v some_o difficulty_n more_o than_o ordinary_a shall_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o resolve_v thus_o we_o have_v the_o many_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o a_o distribuon_n of_o particular_a task_n because_o each_o head_n be_v too_o comprehensive_a there_o must_v be_v a_o subdivision_n of_o every_o part_n by_o itself_o into_o its_o parcel_n set_v in_o order_n like_o unto_o the_o anatomy_n or_o sceleton_n of_o a_o man_n body_n wherein_o all_o the_o bone_n do_v hang_v one_o upon_o another_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o number_n of_o part_n the_o talness_n of_o each_o part_n &_o the_o place_n thereof_o in_o the_o body_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o although_o such_o a_o delineation_n as_o this_o of_o bare_a bone_n will_v have_v no_o life_n in_o it_o and_o be_v only_o like_o the_o rude_a draught_n of_o a_o painter_n before_o he_o put_v colour_n to_o his_o work_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o useful_a but_o will_v be_v even_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o feature_n of_o the_o body_n appear_v which_o afterward_o may_v have_v life_n put_v to_o it_o concern_v the_o precognition_n god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o rational_a creature_n do_v still_o rule_v he_o and_o in_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o he_o do_v walk_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o he_o at_o first_o give_v he_o and_o although_o through_o his_o defection_n from_o god_n in_o who_o light_n alone_o he_o can_v see_v light_a by_o his_o own_o default_n and_o free_a choice_n of_o earthly-mindedness_a he_o have_v darken_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o make_v himself_o blind_a both_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o also_o in_o very_a many_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_a so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o he_o have_v not_o any_o true_a notion_n at_o all_o till_o they_o be_v renew_v in_o he_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o the_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v he_o can_v improve_v so_o as_o to_o apply_v they_o by_o himself_o towards_o their_o right_a end_n without_o some_o special_a directory_n and_o help_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v man_n destitute_a of_o all_o light_n and_o without_o all_o testimony_n of_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o of_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o thing_n natural_a for_o he_o do_v still_o maintain_v some_o general_a principle_n and_o instinct_n as_o glimmering_n of_o his_o truth_n within_o he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o be_v without_o excuse_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o backslide_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v a_o subject_a capable_a of_o grace_n through_o the_o second_o adam_n to_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o original_a integrity_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v rational_o deal_v withal_o both_o by_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o light_n which_o he_o have_v and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v superadd_v thereunto_o for_o i_o shall_v free_o acknowledge_v yet_o without_o any_o advantage_n to_o socinian_n principle_n that_o god_n do_v oblige_v no_o man_n to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n either_o of_o spiritual_a or_o natural_a thing_n or_o of_o his_o own_o deal_n with_o mankind_n in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o find_v reason_n but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o will_v either_o conceive_v of_o god_n right_o or_o live_v unto_o he_o just_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o we_o to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o and_o to_o present_v our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n by_o our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o and_o although_o in_o this_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v a_o service_n according_a to_o his_o word_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o be_v well_o render_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v by_o wisdom_n create_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o and_o still_o do_v uphold_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v create_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v rational_a in_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o intellectual_a creature_n the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o reason_n because_o every_o truth_n and_o precept_n of_o duty_n reveal_v to_o man_n therein_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n rational_o offer_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n thereby_o and_o because_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v be_v bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v every_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n thereof_o unto_o other_o reasonable_a man_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o one_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o other_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o signification_n as_o they_o comprehend_v both_o the_o notion_n of_o rationality_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o indeed_o be_v inseparable_a for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n word_n shall_v have_v be_v separate_a from_o his_o wisdom_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o conceive_v that_o his_o wisdom_n and_o will_n express_v in_o his_o word_n concern_v every_o thing_n be_v that_o truth_n of_o be_v and_o reality_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v extant_a in_o it_o and_o that_o which_o in_o our_o mind_n be_v by_o any_o thing_n find_v a_o truth_n and_o find_v reason_n convince_a our_o conscience_n be_v his_o word_n by_o that_o thing_n towards_o we_o and_o this_o observation_n i_o have_v premise_v to_o that_o which_o i_o be_o about_o to_o offer_v concern_v the_o precognition_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n lest_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o desire_v without_o a_o just_a cause_n and_o sufficient_a motive_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v propose_v as_o a_o task_n to_o the_o workman_n to_o be_v complete_v before_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v be_v fruitful_o and_o by_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o who_o our_o address_n must_v be_v make_v in_o this_o undertake_n convince_o entertain_v for_o before_o any_o man_n understanding_n can_v be_v deal_v withal_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n may_v have_v some_o reference_n unto_o he_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n therefore_o these_o thing_n before_o all_o other_o must_v be_v rational_o make_v out_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n four_o head_n of_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v handle_v satisfactory_o which_o be_v these_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n second_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v worship_v and_o glorify_v by_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v worship_n and_o glorify_v he_o three_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o old_a by_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o jew_n by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o god_n word_n four_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o those_o man_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n the_o true_a way_n of_o fear_v
worship_v and_o glorify_v god_n these_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o common_a reason_n which_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o handle_v these_o follow_v or_o such_o like_a position_n of_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o demonstrate_v unto_o a_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v be_v make_v to_o acknowledge_v these_o follow_a truth_n 1._o that_o in_o this_o world_n beside_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v visible_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n invisible_a which_o though_o conceal_v from_o sense_n have_v a_o be_v and_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n visible_a therein_o have_v not_o their_o be_v from_o themselves_o but_o from_o something_o else_o which_o be_v not_o see_v but_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v over_o all_o as_o the_o governor_n and_o supreme_a power_n thereof_o which_o be_v call_v god_n 3._o that_o this_o supreme_a power_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n without_o beginning_n and_o end_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n most_o wise_a good_a and_o bountiful_a in_o give_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o 4._o that_o among_o all_o visible_a thing_n as_o man_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a so_o he_o can_v least_o of_o all_o have_v his_o be_v from_o inferior_a creature_n or_o from_o himself_o but_o have_v it_o from_o the_o supreme_a cause_n more_o remarkable_o than_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v more_o enable_v than_o they_o to_o know_v god_n and_o respect_n he_o of_o the_o second_o when_o upon_o these_o ground_n a_o man_n be_v convict_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n then_o to_o demonstrate_v unto_o he_o rational_o that_o this_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v fear_v worship_v and_o glorify_v by_o mankind_n these_o follow_v or_o such_o like_a position_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o unto_o he_o 1._o that_o man_n have_v a_o soul_n endow_v with_o a_o reason_v faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o action_n and_o know_v his_o own_o aim_n though_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o other_o 2._o that_o in_o this_o judge_a faculty_n there_o be_v something_o which_o universal_o in_o all_o age_n man_n have_v call_v conscience_n which_o secret_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v man_n concern_v their_o action_n and_o aim_n chief_o when_o other_o judge_v of_o they_o otherwise_o then_o they_o mean_v they_o 3._o that_o this_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o who_o it_o be_v awake_a from_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n 4._o that_o the_o reason_n which_o convict_v man_n conscience_n that_o they_o be_v under_o god_n will_v also_o convict_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o show_v their_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n suitable_o unto_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v and_o not_o otherwise_o 5._o that_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a be_v in_o itself_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o alone_a author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o that_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o supremacy_n perfection_n and_o goodness_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o man_n in_o his_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n 6._o that_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o show_v himself_o thankful_a by_o respect_v the_o glory_n due_a to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v then_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o all_o thing_n 7._o that_o it_o a_o man_n do_v give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n by_o be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o god_n as_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o all-knowing_a will_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o as_o he_o be_v just_a and_o good_a will_v be_v merciful_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o he_o of_o the_o three_o when_o a_o man_n have_v acknowledge_v these_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o man_n answerable_o to_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n then_o we_o must_v rational_o induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n write_v to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a position_n 1._o that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n have_v great_a evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o truth_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o history_n than_o these_o have_v two_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v out_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v 2._o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o they_o be_v as_o rational_o credible_a as_o any_o other_o humane_a record_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o book_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o in_o write_v the_o same_o 3._o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o divine_a fear_n and_o worship_n contain_v therein_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n supremacy_n perfection_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o answerable_a unto_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o duty_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o mankind_n towards_o god_n than_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o any_o other_o book_n and_o religion_n whatsoever_o extant_a any_o where_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o the_o four_o when_o a_o man_n be_v rational_o convict_v or_o at_o least_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o contradict_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o let_v he_o see_v by_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o give_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o be_v write_v and_o give_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o teach_v all_o man_n the_o true_a way_n of_o fear_v worship_v and_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n these_o or_o such_o like_a position_n may_v be_v make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o whole_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o this_o scope_n 2._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v express_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o their_o writing_n 3._o that_o the_o natural_a property_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v by_o they_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o teach_v the_o same_o be_v whole_o fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n those_o impression_n and_o affection_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o fear_v worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n to_o all_o which_o this_o position_n at_o last_o shall_v be_v add_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_a to_o the_o work_n wherein_o they_o have_v or_o have_v not_o fear_v worship_v and_o glorify_a god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o upon_o three_o ground_n which_o may_v be_v rational_o evince_v 1._o because_o god_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n under_o a_o law_n and_o rule_v all_o man_n by_o a_o law_n of_o reason_n must_v needs_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o observer_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o law_n and_o consequent_o have_v a_o time_n to_o exercise_v his_o judgement_n 2._o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o live_v when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o can_v undergo_v a_o judgement_n after_o this_o life_n 3._o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o they_o of_o their_o wicked_a deed_n even_o against_o their_o will_n though_o they_o live_v in_o outward_a prosperity_n put_v they_o in_o fear_n and_o bear_v witness_n also_o of_o the_o virtuous_a deed_n of_o good_a man_n though_o they_o be_v in_o outward_a adversity_n yet_o comfort_n and_o support_v they_o which_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o vain_a notion_n but_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v which_o the_o soul_n within_o itself_o be_v sensible_a of_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v thorough_o handle_v and_o all_o scruple_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o same_o be_v take_v away_o so_o that_o a_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v without_o prejudice_n shall_v have_v no_o cause_n for_o want_v of_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o make_v any_o further_a doubt_n
to_o we_o in_o that_o instrument_n 3._o the_o motive_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o same_o for_o if_o any_o of_o these_o three_o point_n be_v want_v we_o can_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o observation_n thereof_o concern_v the_o true_a instrument_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n whereof_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v know_v first_o what_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v second_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v therein_o offer_v unto_o we_o concern_v the_o first_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o no_o book_n be_v to_o be_v account_v canonical_a scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o covenant_n to_o mankind_n but_o such_o as_o be_v write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o order_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o be_v write_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n for_o the_o same_o end_n concern_v the_o second_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o these_o book_n offer_v the_o covenant_n unto_o our_o consideration_n and_o all_o divine_a truth_n belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o with_o infallible_a and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n most_o perfect_o and_o very_o clear_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o upright_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o and_o concern_v these_o three_o matter_n of_o infallibility_n perfection_n and_o evidence_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v further_o more_o distinct_o to_o be_v believe_v 1._o concern_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o high_o and_o incontrolable_o credible_a that_o no_o man_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n himself_o nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v who_o shall_v contradict_v the_o same_o but_o all_o man_n church_n counsel_n father_n school_n and_o their_o write_n say_n action_n and_o thought_n concern_v divine_a matter_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v thereby_o as_o by_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o they_o agree_v not_o therewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v 2._o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o canon_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o be_v so_o complete_a both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n that_o neither_o any_o thing_n unprofitable_a be_v therein_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n profitable_a or_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v therein_o omit_v but_o all_o thing_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n of_o correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o comfort_n whether_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v unto_o salvation_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o lay_v open_a and_o prescribe_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v so_o that_o all_o heathenish_a philosophy_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o all_o humane_a tradition_n and_o will-worship_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v utter_o reject_v nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v speak_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n more_o exact_o and_o proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o more_o convenient_o and_o fit_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v do_v in_o those_o write_n 3._o concern_v their_o clearness_n this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o desirous_a to_o do_v god_n will_v search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o may_v without_o difficulty_n comprehend_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o none_o ought_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o suppose_a darkness_n to_o be_v therein_o to_o abstain_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n most_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v first_o who_o the_o party_n be_v which_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o what_o their_o relation_n be_v to_o one_o another_o second_o what_o the_o form_n of_o the_o contract_n be_v according_a to_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o those_o that_o be_v concern_v therein_o three_o what_o the_o way_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o man_n that_o they_o may_v embrace_v it_o and_o have_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o of_o the_o party_n the_o party_n concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v god_n and_o man_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o reconcile_v they_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n god_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o our_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v of_o he_o further_o than_o what_o serve_v for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o be_v in_o his_o will_n and_o in_o his_o work_n his_o be_v be_v reveal_v in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o subsistence_n thereof_o which_o we_o call_v personalitie_n the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v reveal_v to_o show_v what_o he_o be_v and_o who_o he_o be_v the_o property_n show_v what_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n live_v of_o himself_o joh._n 4._o 24._o and_o 5._o 26._o the_o property_n show_v who_o he_o be_v be_v these_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n alone_o in_o be_v infinite_a eternal_a incomprehensible_a every_o where_o present_a simple_a unchangeable_a all-knowing_a all_o wise_a all-free_a all-just_a all-ho_o almighty_a all-happy_a all-good_a all-true_a all-faithfull_a and_o full_a of_o all_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n his_o subsistence_n be_v in_o three_o who_o bear_v witness_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 7._o the_o father_n unbegotten_a the_o son_n only_o beget_v and_o the_o holy-ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n his_o will_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o counsel_n which_o be_v wise_a good_a free_a and_o establish_v for_o ever_o his_o work_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o creation_n preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o of_o mankind_n therein_o over_o who_o he_o delight_v to_o exercise_v love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o own_o 24._o jer._n 9_o 24._o glory_n and_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o man._n man_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v of_o god_n to_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o oblige_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n in_o his_o threefold_a state_n 1._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n 2._o in_o the_o state_n of_o gild_n and_o misery_n 3._o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n unto_o god_n of_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n to_o relate_v unto_o both_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o twofold_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o threefold_a office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n whereunto_o he_o be_v anoint_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o those_o office_n in_o his_o twofold_a state_n the_o one_o of_o humiliation_n by_o his_o life_n and_o death_n on_o earth_n the_o other_o of_o exaltation_n by_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n in_o all_o which_o as_o the_o fitness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n person_n nature_n and_o office_n to_o work_v out_o redemption_n for_o we_o and_o to_o settle_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o the_o work_n first_o of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o this_o be_v effect_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n second_o of_o the_o restitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n
to_o those_o that_o be_v abroad_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o body_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o and_o full_o handle_v as_o from_o our_o author_n they_o may_v be_v will_v meet_v direct_o and_o in_o a_o right_a order_n with_o the_o three_o main_a and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o disorderlinesse_n and_o distract_a condition_n to_o show_v the_o spiritual_a way_n of_o reform_v the_o same_o wherein_o if_o we_o shall_v agree_v to_o walk_v unanimous_o as_o no_o doubt_n we_o will_v we_o may_v undoubted_o also_o believe_v thar_z by_o this_o union_n we_o shall_v to_o all_o our_o adversary_n become_v not_o only_o invincible_a but_o irresistible_a to_o work_v the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v also_o concern_v this_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o which_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v put_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v effect_v and_o now_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v whereunto_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o whereunto_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v effectual_a be_v to_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o assist_v they_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n thereof_o this_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n be_v a_o engagement_n that_o do_v lie_v close_o to_o we_o than_o i_o find_v it_o apprehend_v by_o many_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a in_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n not_o so_o much_o what_o help_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o cause_n by_o this_o mean_n for_o that_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v by_o what_o be_v say_v already_o but_o what_o the_o obligation_n be_v which_o shall_v make_v we_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n to_o uphold_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o con_v cern_v the_o assistance_n which_o this_o work_n will_v yield_v unto_o the_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v already_o concern_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o disorder_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o take_v away_o we_o may_v consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o proper_o the_o common_a cause_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v that_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o if_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n be_v make_v any_o thing_n else_o then_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v attest_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o kingdom_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v take_v place_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v foul_o mistake_v for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v protest_v for_o in_o former_a time_n against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v upon_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n what_o they_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o in_o such_o matter_n we_o will_v know_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v thereof_o and_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v still_o to_o continue_v this_o profession_n against_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o in_o these_o distract_a time_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v a_o further_a protestation_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o be_v this_o that_o as_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o other_o man_n so_o we_o conceive_v it_o neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o imagination_n alone_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v singular_o and_o by_o ourselves_o whatever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n fancy_n to_o be_v right_a but_o that_o we_o will_v rational_o entertain_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o understanding_n and_o practise_v of_o all_o religious_a truth_n offer_v and_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o righteous_a order_n among_o man_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o inward_a relation_n towards_o god_n that_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n conceive_v that_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o age_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o holy_a communion_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o member_n the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n have_v these_o four_o main_a interest_n in_o christianity_n by_o which_o it_o uphold_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o other_o profession_n the_o first_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n the_o second_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o three_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o orderly_a walk_n in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n natural_a and_o spiritual_a the_o four_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o mutual_a edification_n in_o these_o forename_a matter_n these_o interest_n be_v all_o join_v and_o profess_o follow_v that_o be_v open_o own_v without_o offence_n as_o it_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n make_v up_o the_o true_a protestant_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v not_o follow_v the_o cause_n be_v so_o far_o desert_v as_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o scripture_n knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o seed_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n be_v beget_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o papist_n by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n do_v grow_v up_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o head_n till_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o socinian_o and_o all_o such_o as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o moral_a profession_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v refine_v and_o entertain_v upon_o reveal_v principle_n but_o in_o effect_n nothing_o beside_o or_o above_o humane_a reason_v by_o the_o orderly_o walk_v in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a body_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n stand_n firm_a in_o the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n thereof_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o libertine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o spiritual_a as_o to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o be_v the_o activity_n of_o this_o visible_a body_n protestant_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o growth_n and_o testimony_n make_v invincible_a against_o their_o adversary_n make_v helpful_a to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o cause_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o singularity_n of_o saintship_n in_o their_o several_a way_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o the_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o go_v not_o along_o with_o they_o these_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o this_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o christianity_n and_o christianity_n be_v take_v up_o upon_o none_o other_o ground_n but_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o maintain_v to_o any_o other_o end_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o mutual_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o two_o latter_a interest_n of_o the_o cause_n must_v rise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o rest_n in_o the_o second_o of_o those_o which_o be_v the_o former_a and_o whatsoever_o design_n practice_n negotiation_n and_o undertake_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o christianity_n or_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o and_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o advance_v direct_o either_o scripture_n knowledge_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o walk_n under_o ordinance_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n or_o do_v tend_v seem_o