so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o 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can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
damnation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n write_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v before_o they_o that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v mean_v something_o else_o by_o the_o word_n than_o what_o it_o signify_v according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o writer_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v indeed_o treat_v of_o new_a subject_n viz._n of_o those_o new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n that_o have_v be_v late_o make_v but_o when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o word_n that_o have_v a_o know_a meaning_n they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o receive_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n but_o by_o faith_n or_o believe_v man_n always_o understand_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v describe_v most_o full_o in_o 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in_o the_o former_a therefore_o faith_n in_o both_o again_o if_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faith_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v either_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v christ_n will_v save_v i_o and_o this_o be_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o say_n or_o else_o that_o i_o rely_v upon_o his_o person_n but_o a_o person_n can_v be_v believe_v otherwise_o than_o by_o believe_v something_o of_o he_o or_o something_o that_o he_o have_v say_v some_o there_o be_v that_o think_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n and_o the_o romanist_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v infallibility_n in_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o though_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v more_o work_v and_o powerful_a yet_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o last_o some_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n nay_o and_o holiness_n of_o life_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o can_v be_v because_o although_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v in_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o will_v produce_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v sometime_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o comprehend_v those_o good_a affection_n and_o those_o good_a work_n which_o it_o cause_v yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o for_o the_o second_o point_n 2._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n attribute_v to_o it_o our_o justification_n and_o our_o holiness_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v 1._o what_o efficacy_n faith_n have_v as_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o and_o plain_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o save_v in_o that_o it_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a way_n of_o be_v justify_v and_o thus_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o justification_n and_o believe_v his_o precept_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o more_o justify_v faith_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n near_o to_o that_o state_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v justify_v but_o 2._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o actual_a justification_n and_o continuance_n in_o god_n favour_n than_o not_o any_o nor_o all_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n take_v together_o but_z separate_z from_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a for_o where_o god_n have_v make_v more_o condition_n than_o one_o necessary_a there_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o suffice_v and_o therefore_o where_o forgiveness_n and_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o one_o single_a condition_n there_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v suppose_v he_o that_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n but_o shall_v cold_a water_n wash_v away_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n or_o the_o injustice_n of_o pilate_n he_o that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n but_o still_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v nevertheless_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o where_o nothing_o less_o than_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o believe_v and_o baptism_n all_o that_o which_o in_o reason_n shall_v follow_v be_v mean_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v 3._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o final_a and_o irreversible_a justification_n this_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o faith_n nor_o obedience_n without_o perseverance_n in_o both_o god_n do_v in_o this_o life_n justify_v true_a believer_n but_o not_o once_o for_o all_o till_o they_o have_v fight_v their_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n forgive_v his_o servant_n and_o yet_o call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o his_o debt_n when_o he_o prove_v cruel_a to_o his_o fellow_n for_o this_o show_v that_o his_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o now_o i_o confess_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o inquiry_n give_v no_o sufficient_a account_n why_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o more_o unaccountable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o assent_n to_o truth_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a common_a attainment_n not_o deserve_v those_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o all_o good_a man_n have_v wrought_v righteousness_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n by_o as_o many_o wicked_a and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_a which_o the_o reprobate_n have_v as_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o present_a he_o be_v as_o much_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_a fit_n there_o be_v indeed_o life_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o motion_n and_o for_o the_o time_n he_o differ_v not_o from_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a or_o rather_o as_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o one_o without_o any_o act_n of_o either_o so_o be_v there_o indeed_o in_o the_o other_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o act_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o distinct_a and_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v will_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o restrain_v of_o a_o man_n lust_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o faith_n but_o then_o that_o faith_n which_o once_o be_v and_o now_o be_v not_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o always_o believe_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v do_v under_o a_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o great_a concernment_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n that_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o through_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v just_o affect_v with_o they_o more_o than_o with_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o because_o these_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o now_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constancy_n of_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v they_o present_a to_o we_o that_o we_o come_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o that_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o 3._o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o they_o and_o 4._o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o reward_v we_o for_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v all_o their_o dependence_n upon_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n those_o be_v such_o which_o be_v immediate_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a even_o all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a question_n in_o religion_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v afford_v so_o many_o pretence_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o care_n to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o godly_a and_o that_o these_o question_n can_v be_v satisfy_v nor_o consequent_o the_o doubt_n remove_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o principle_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a evil_a state_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n of_o do_v his_o will_n last_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a yet_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n unless_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o his_o self-denial_n his_o resolution_n and_o overcome_v his_o evil_a appetite_n his_o forego_v the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n his_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o well-doing_n will_v be_v recompense_v by_o obtain_v of_o better_a thing_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o advantage_n he_o forego_v to_o please_v god_n in_o the_o do_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o take_v away_o this_o plea_n almighty_a god_n have_v moreover_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n immortal_a of_o endless_a glory_n and_o happiness_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o persevere_fw-la in_o well-doing_n and_o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v the_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n instance_a in_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o other_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o like_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o all_o those_o other_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o lie_v between_o those_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o low_a of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v and_o the_o high_a and_o last_o of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o show_v you_o what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o yet_o brief_o to_o each_o of_o they_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o what_o force_n and_o efficacy_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o have_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v without_o revelation_n we_o can_v have_v assurance_n thereof_o because_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o mere_a natural_a light_n that_o god_n will_v actual_o pardon_v a_o sinner_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o sinner_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o liable_a to_o just_a punishment_n and_o to_o inflict_v a_o just_a punishment_n be_v consistent_a with_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v argue_v mere_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v otherways_o abundant_o express_v to_o we_o that_o god_n will_v remit_v that_o punishment_n because_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n not_o to_o remit_v it_o that_o god_n therefore_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o remit_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o pleasure_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o secret_a to_o we_o till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v it_o to_o we_o by_o revelation_n and_o we_o that_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v do_v believe_v it_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n in_o which_o gospel_n it_o be_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v those_o that_o repent_v the_o great_a and_o evident_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v this_o to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n upon_o this_o motive_n that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o obey_v that_o call_v to_o repentance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n that_o which_o be_v promise_v be_v pardon_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v be_v repentance_n both_o which_o afford_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n for_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n what_o do_v it_o signify_v but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o reckon_v his_o former_a sin_n to_o he_o and_o that_o all_o his_o future_a act_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v reckon_v to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n now_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o hereby_o all_o those_o jealousy_n of_o the_o power_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n which_o can_v dishearten_v the_o sinner_n from_o seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o by_o submission_n and_o repentance_n be_v utter_o remove_v hereby_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v neither_o inxorable_a nor_o implacable_a his_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v his_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n open_v by_o which_o he_o may_v return_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o live_v so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n for_o the_o future_a for_o as_o nothing_o do_v more_o deep_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a course_n of_o wickedness_n than_o the_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v sin_v beyond_o hope_n of_o pardon_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o soften_v they_o into_o disposition_n of_o repentance_n than_o the_o kind_n and_o merciful_a offer_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o he_o make_v who_o have_v it_o both_o in_o his_o right_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v they_o this_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o in_o the_o carriage_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o suffer_v as_o kind_o impression_n from_o the_o gentleness_n and_o charity_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v from_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o man_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o one_o man_n have_v be_v so_o rude_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o another_o as_o every_o sinner_n have_v be_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o no_o misery_n can_v equal_v that_o which_o will_v befall_v he_o from_o the_o unappeasedness_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o therefore_o no_o gentleness_n and_o mercy_n no_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v express_v towards_o he_o in_o proclaim_v himself_o ready_a to_o pardon_v upon_o repentance_n it_o be_v true_a we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o inflexible_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mend_v by_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o kind_a usage_n there_o be_v man_n of_o such_o incorrigible_a temper_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o god_n pardon_n or_o the_o king_n but_o then_o these_o be_v veary_a hateful_a person_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o if_o man_n be_v reclaimable_a by_o kindness_n as_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v what_o can_v soon_o melt_v they_o into_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n than_o that_o their_o great_a and_o bountiful_a creator_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a baseness_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a goodness_n against_o who_o no_o man_n can_v sin_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a misery_n because_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a power_n that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v bear_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n to_o his_o lose_a and_o undo_v creature_n as_o to_o forbear_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v they_o and_o allure_v they_o to_o amendment_n by_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o because_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v this_o if_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o work_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o humble_a our_o will_n and_o dissolve_v our_o affection_n into_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a again_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o this_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strong_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o that_o repentance_n upon_o the_o condition_n whereof_o pardon_n be_v promise_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o real_a conversion_n from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v neither_o make_v up_o of_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n
design_n of_o that_o subject_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o will_v also_o draw_v out_o the_o discourse_n upon_o this_o head_n into_o a_o unfitting_a length_n to_o supply_v therefore_o the_o want_n of_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o those_o case_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o god_n will_v accept_v be_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o defeat_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n lie_v on_o this_o side_n lest_o man_n shall_v mistake_v that_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o be_v not_o i._n e._n reckon_v those_o to_o be_v mere_a infirmity_n which_o be_v wilful_a sin_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o know_v vice_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o this_o danger_n may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n prevent_v by_o exhort_v of_o you_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o those_o many_o strong_a and_o clear_a motive_n thereunto_o which_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n be_v under_o the_o constraint_n of_o a_o inward_a law_n though_o of_o the_o high_a liberty_n yet_o of_o the_o great_a necessity_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v his_o love_n to_o god_n while_o he_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v it_o in_o he_o will_v guard_v and_o secure_v he_o from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n most_o diligent_o and_o careful_o it_o will_v keep_v he_o far_o from_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n and_o from_o any_o approach_n to_o presumption_n it_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a limit_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v too_o curious_a in_o do_v well_o to_o want_v the_o knowledge_n how_o far_o we_o may_v go_v without_o do_v ill_o love_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o well_o do_v it_o give_v large_o without_o pinch_v it_o obey_v liberal_o without_o grudge_v it_o study_v not_o what_o liberty_n may_v be_v take_v without_o displease_v so_o much_o as_o how_o to_o please_v abundant_o and_o in_o doubtful_a case_n it_o always_o determine_v on_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a side_n viz._n on_o that_o side_n where_o our_o love_n be_v a_o party_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n it_o be_v a_o safe_a it_o be_v a_o infallible_a principle_n of_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o be_v not_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o hereby_o we_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o our_o former_a sin_n shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n but_o neither_o also_o shall_v our_o infirmity_n and_o frailty_n for_o the_o future_a separate_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n how_o do_v this_o belief_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o serve_v a_o rigorous_a and_o a_o austere_a master_n that_o will_v not_o consider_v our_o frailty_n nor_o make_v abatement_n for_o the_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o no_o god_n be_v very_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pardon_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v impossible_a or_o grievous_a task_n upon_o they_o he_o consider_v we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n he_o require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o such_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o indeed_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o justifiable_a before_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n how_o cheerful_o therefore_o shall_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v he_o who_o charity_n to_o we_o be_v so_o large_a who_o government_n over_o we_o be_v so_o gentle_a who_o yoke_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o light_a how_o resolute_o shall_v we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o that_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o although_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o many_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v certain_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o that_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o to_o be_v own_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o belove_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o commend_v be_v the_o high_a glory_n that_o a_o creature_n can_v aspire_v unto_o 3._o the_o three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o our_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o please_v he_o though_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n pardon_v sin_n upon_o repentance_n though_o he_o believe_v that_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o sincerity_n which_o though_o it_o exclude_v wilful_a sin_n yet_o it_o exclude_v not_o imperfection_n and_o humane_a frailty_n yet_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o very_a sincerity_n be_v above_o a_o human_a attainment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n this_o will_v very_o much_o discourage_v he_o from_o endeavour_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o unreadiness_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o importunity_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o vigilance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n if_o man_n be_v leave_v mere_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o cherish_n and_o maintain_v good_a principle_n and_o good_a affection_n in_o man_n than_o it_o be_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n the_o happy_a temper_a man_n will_v make_v but_o very_o inconsiderable_a improvement_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o any_o at_o all_o and_o the_o general_a inability_n of_o man_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v not_o only_o testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o may_v be_v collect_v by_o experience_n now_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o remove_v the_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o honest_o and_o uprighte_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o our_o way_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o we_o in_o so_o special_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o crown_v our_o endeavour_n with_o success_n and_o perseverance_n i._n e._n such_o divine_a help_n as_o shall_v answer_v our_o need_n and_o bear_v a_o full_a proportion_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o must_v go_v through_o with_o that_o god_n will_v do_v this_o for_o we_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o unperceptible_o as_o that_o his_o motion_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o viz._n our_o good_a purpose_n and_o practice_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assist_v good_a man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o one_o man_n can_v persuade_v another_o man_n or_o convey_v his_o own_o thought_n into_o another_o mind_n but_o by_o make_v way_n by_o his_o sense_n yet_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v inform_v and_o persuade_v we_o by_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n without_o make_v use_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a frame_n now_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n for_o all_o those_o purpose_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n and_o happiness_n be_v plain_o understand_v by_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o now_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o earthly_a parent_n be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o impart_v to_o their_o child_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
know_v will_v perish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n before_o those_o that_o will_v never_o end_v which_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o which_o we_o believe_v and_o doubt_v as_o little_a of_o as_o if_o we_o see_v they_o if_o we_o choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o those_o unworthy_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o they_o before_o those_o pleasure_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o the_o four_o sermon_n st._n matth_n xi_o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n no_o kind_n of_o grief_n sit_v so_o heavy_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o promise_n of_o rest_n can_v not_o mean_v to_o exclude_v those_o that_o labour_n under_o the_o great_a weight_n but_o rather_o to_o invite_v they_o above_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n consider_v what_o that_o rest_n be_v which_o he_o promise_v to_o guilty_a mind_n persuade_v myself_o that_o as_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o profitable_a so_o none_o will_v be_v more_o welcome_a and_o grateful_a to_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o feel_v not_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o who_o drown_v the_o cry_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o laughter_n and_o madness_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o miserable_a shift_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o desire_v other_o relief_n nor_o do_v they_o care_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o they_o who_o apprehend_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o his_o justice_n they_o indeed_o be_v prepare_v to_o obey_v the_o call_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o try_v if_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o he_o promise_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o alone_o can_v pacify_v the_o conscience_n and_o give_v ease_n to_o a_o mind_n that_o labour_v under_o the_o weighty_a care_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o offend_a majesty_n of_o god_n it_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n i_o mean_v which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v not_o deceive_v and_o no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v value_v for_o what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o a_o false_a assurance_n that_o all_o be_v well_o which_o perhaps_o will_v vanish_v to_o morrow_n and_o then_o leave_v i_o under_o a_o amaze_a disappointment_n which_o the_o long_o it_o last_v make_v my_o danger_n the_o great_a and_o if_o it_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o life_n have_v all_o along_o hinder_v i_o from_o use_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o safety_n what_o be_v this_o better_a than_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n that_o hold_v a_o man_n fast_o asleep_a while_o the_o fire_n be_v rage_a in_o his_o house_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o wake_v he_o till_o the_o flame_n have_v cut_v off_o everry_n way_n by_o which_o he_o may_v escape_v therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n promise_v that_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o our_o soul_n he_o do_v undoubted_o mean_a that_o repose_n of_o mind_n those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o will_v not_o betray_v we_o in_o the_o end_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o that_o rest_n which_o he_o give_v that_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v stay_v upon_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o second_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o promise_v be_v complete_a and_o full_a and_o in_o that_o respect_n also_o be_v fit_a to_o quiet_a all_o those_o care_n and_o fear_n that_o vex_v the_o mind_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n and_o protection_n nay_o and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n in_o another_o state_n when_o this_o life_n once_o vanish_v away_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o be_v once_o baptize_v into_o his_o name_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o death_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o give_v we_o life_n and_o glory_n by_o repeat_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n till_o he_o come_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o reveal_v and_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o his_o church_n be_v all_o a_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o all_o this_o because_o he_o be_v by_o mighty_a proof_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o and_o nothing_o as_o yet_o appear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v discharge_v every_o unquiet_a thought_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o jesus_n but_o in_o the_o three_o place_n let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o rest_n and_o this_o true_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o easy_a since_o no_o more_o be_v require_v then_o come_v to_o jesus_n for_o it_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o etc._n etc._n for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o condition_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n which_o be_v express_v by_o so_o easy_a a_o word_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o its_o meaning_n elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v so_o that_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o gentle_a condition_n because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o rest_v here_o without_o travel_v any_o far_o and_o so_o without_o question_n they_o may_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v not_o only_o gracious_a promise_n but_o holy_a precept_n also_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o keep_v they_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o we_o for_o say_v our_o saviour_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o in_o this_o too_o then_o come_v to_o christ_n must_v of_o necessity_n signify_v more_o than_o bare_a believe_v even_o do_v his_o will_n also_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n be_v express_v by_o learning_n of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o fall_v in_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o lord_n invitation_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v away_o with_o one_o word_n what_o he_o promise_v with_o another_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v rest_n on_o the_o other_o he_o require_v labour_n but_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n have_v say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v with_o the_o condition_n learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n i._n e._n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o submit_v to_o my_o rule_n for_o i_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o in_o pride_n or_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o charity_n for_o you_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o now_o we_o be_v get_v thus_o far_o we_o may_v with_o this_o encouragement_n venture_v to_o the_o end_n and_o dare_v to_o look_v upon_o every_o circumstance_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v our_o duty_n grievous_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o they_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a law_n require_v and_o the_o penalty_n
do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o such_o grace_n nay_o what_o if_o it_o have_v unless_o i_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o or_o that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o can_v not_o miss_v it_o what_o if_o i_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n and_o what_o if_o all_o this_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o i_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o be_v this_o the_o rest_n that_o jesus_n have_v promise_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o try_v another_o expedient_a what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o severe_a fast_n and_o penance_n will_v the_o punish_n of_o my_o body_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n this_o i_o think_v will_v almost_o do_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o deny_v a_o crave_v lust_n to_o stop_v a_o grow_a passion_n and_o to_o resist_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o wicked_a pleasure_n or_o unjust_a gain_n or_o desire_a revenge_n than_o to_o go_v through_o a_o reasonable_a course_n of_o outward_a mortification_n but_o can_v these_o thing_n compensate_a for_o the_o omission_n of_o necessary_a duty_n or_o satisfy_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n when_o under_o a_o more_o imperfect_a law_n god_n refuse_v hard_a thing_n than_o these_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n no_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n bodily_a austerity_n no_o doubt_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o express_v a_o just_a indignation_n at_o ourselves_o for_o have_v sin_v when_o to_o break_v the_o wicked_a custom_n they_o be_v impose_v as_o penalty_n and_o revenge_n to_o be_v inflict_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o wicked_a action_n when_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o sin_v and_o use_v to_o starve_v and_o mortify_v the_o evil_a appetite_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n in_o subjection_n but_o if_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v profitable_a unto_o godliness_n and_o help_v to_o make_v the_o soul_n the_o better_a we_o be_v still_o drive_v back_o to_o that_o hard_a point_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o without_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n pardon_n i_o shall_v try_v but_o one_o refuge_n more_o which_o indeed_o give_v a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o relief_n and_o that_o be_v what_o comfort_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherewith_o christ_n entrust_v his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v now_o this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n can_v do_v more_o than_o god_n do_v who_o himself_o require_v condition_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o give_v to_o man_n the_o power_n of_o dispense_n absolute_a pardon_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o to_o ratify_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o disannul_v his_o own_o and_o because_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o all_o who_o sin_n be_v either_o remit_v or_o retain_v in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o the_o time_n not_o be_v yet_o come_v for_o a_o exact_a separation_n for_o these_o reason_n all_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o only_o ensure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o key_n do_v not_o err_v but_o what_o if_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o the_o key_n do_v err_v and_o that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
in_o our_o common_a and_o daily_a conversation_n with_o man_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o by_o compare_v the_o prohibition_n with_o the_o precept_n 2._o with_o the_o particular_a instance_n whereunto_o the_o prohibition_n extend_v 1._o with_o the_o precept_n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o i._n e._n let_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o your_o ordinary_a discourse_n bare_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v or_o if_o need_v be_v sometime_o with_o vehemence_n which_o perhaps_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o repetition_n of_o yea_o and_o nay_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n that_o the_o prohibition_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o case_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o man_n such_o as_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n the_o assure_v of_o sidelity_n to_o the_o government_n and_o the_o ratify_n of_o league_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v case_n proper_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n of_o a_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a communication_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v no_o part_n thereof_o but_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o proof_n upon_o this_o argument_n only_o but_o on_o this_o together_o with_o the_o second_o which_o be_v found_v upon_o compare_v the_o general_a rule_n with_o the_o particular_a instance_n whereby_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v explain_v neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o its_o god_n throne_n etc._n etc._n our_o saviour_n design_n in_o these_o word_n can_v be_v better_a understand_v than_o by_o consider_v what_o those_o corrupt_a principle_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o swear_v be_v which_o have_v creep_v in_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o first_o as_o their_o own_o author_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v general_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o light_n and_o trivial_a case_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o swear_v upon_o any_o occasion_n by_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o providence_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o by_o the_o earth_n or_o by_o jerusalem_n or_o by_o their_o head_n which_o be_v the_o instance_n here_o note_v by_o our_o saviour_n second_o some_o of_o they_o and_o particular_o the_o pharisees_n teach_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o perjury_n be_v not_o incur_v when_o a_o falsehood_n be_v attest_v by_o these_o kind_n of_o oath_n except_v only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o gold_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o gift_n upon_o the_o altar_n by_o which_o oath_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o we_o find_v matth._n 23._o i._n e._n either_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o false-swearing_a hence_o i_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n be_v speak_v to_o person_n who_o well_o enough_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o countryman_n in_o this_o matter_n can_v not_o reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n than_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o those_o case_n wherein_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o almighty_a himself_o i._n e._n in_o their_o usual_a communication_n with_o one_o another_o for_o it_o seem_v the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o insolence_n which_o it_o be_v so_o dreadful_a to_o think_v that_o christian_n nowadays_o shall_v not_o scruple_n of_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n by_o call_v he_o at_o every_o turn_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o their_o talk_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n find_v it_o needless_a to_o forbid_v they_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n for_o they_o already_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v neither_o swear_v by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o liberty_n of_o swear_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o please_v provide_v you_o do_v not_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o you_o to_o swear_v by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o the_o temple_n and_o your_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o you_o right_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o profane_a rudeness_n to_o invoke_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n direct_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o you_o shall_v not_o henceforth_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o oath_n in_o those_o case_n wherein_o you_o be_v not_o to_o appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o but_o upon_o all_o these_o occasion_n whatever_o you_o assert_v or_o whatever_o you_o promise_v use_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o some_o affirmation_n or_o denial_n and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n restrain_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o those_o common_a swearer_n that_o think_v they_o may_v safe_o swear_v by_o heaven_n and_o use_v the_o like_a oath_n at_o any_o time_n and_o upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o withal_o correct_v that_o abuse_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n have_v bring_v into_o this_o practice_n viz._n that_o man_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o such_o oath_n as_o these_o be_v which_o i_o shall_v more_o distinct_o show_v under_o the_o three_o head_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o our_o saviour_n prohibition_n be_v not_o this_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o any_o time_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o swear_v by_o any_o creature_n in_o any_o case_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v so_o to_o appeal_v direct_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n himself_o 2._o as_o to_o those_o instance_n by_o which_o the_o general_a rule_n be_v explain_v it_o be_v observable_a 1._o that_o swear_v by_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n be_v forbid_v not_o only_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o with_o the_o rest_n be_v particular_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n because_o these_o form_n of_o swear_v be_v most_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o our_o saviour_n call_v it_o swear_v to_o use_v these_o form_n of_o speech_n in_o attest_v what_o we_o say_v they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o word_n lose_v as_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v but_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o shall_v present_o appear_v if_o indeed_o any_o way_n of_o speak_v have_v obtain_v among_o we_o which_o look_v like_o swear_v but_o be_v not_o be_v altogether_o unapt_a to_o excite_v any_o thought_n of_o divine_a justice_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o too_o because_o sure_o the_o prohibition_n of_o swear_v at_o all_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o real_a but_o all_o break_a apish_a and_o insignificant_a oath_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o sobriety_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o debase_v and_o vilify_a the_o acknowledge_v form_n of_o speak_v that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o oath_n by_o apply_v they_o to_o such_o senseless_a sound_n as_o make_v they_o to_o signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n have_v give_v that_o all_o form_n beside_o those_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a appeal_n to_o god_n be_v better_o avoid_v when_o there_o be_v need_n of_o swear_v and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o prohibition_n extend_v to_o these_o instance_n and_o the_o like_a not_o by_o heaven_n for_o its_o god_n throne_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v thereon_o matth._n 23._o not_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a subject_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o swear_v hereby_o be_v in_o effect_n all_o one_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o god_n that_o uphold_v it_o by_o his_o power_n not_o by_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o holy_a place_n that_o have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n nor_o by_o thy_o head_n for_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a i._n e._n thou_o have_v no_o power_n over_o thy_o life_n and_o be_v so_o unable_a to_o subsist_v independent_o upon_o god_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o alter_v the_o colour_n of_o thy_o hair_n now_o since_o thy_o head_n thy_o life_n and_o safety_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o swear_v
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o