proportion_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o reward_n 2_o but_o in_o a_o large_a fence_n as_o promise_n be_v a_o obligation_n and_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v call_v debt_n so_o the_o performer_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v call_v worthy_a and_o their_o performance_n merit_n though_o proper_o it_o be_v all_o of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n 1_o rom._n 4._o 4_o 10._o &_o 5._o 15_o 16_o 17._o hose_n 14._o 4._o mat._n 10._o 8._o rom._n 3._o 24._o &_o 8_o 32._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o rev._n 21._o 6._o &_o 22._o 18._o rom._n 11._o 6._o gal._n 5._o 4._o eph._n 2._o 5_o 7_o 8._o gen._n 32._o 10._o 2_o mat._n 10._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 37._o &_o 22_o 8._o luk._n 20._o 35._o &_o 21._o 36._o 2_o thes._n 1._o 5._o 11._o rev._n 3._o 4_o etc._n etc._n explication_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o merit_n who_o perform_v somewhat_o of_o that_o worth_n in_o itself_o to_o another_o which_o bind_v that_o other_o in_o strict_a justice_n to_o requite_v he_o this_o work_n must_v not_o be_v due_a and_o so_o the_o performer_n not_o under_o the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n of_o another_o for_o else_o he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o thus_o merit_v it_o be_v natural_a justice_n which_o here_o bind_v to_o reward_v all_o that_o we_o can_v merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n natural_a justice_n be_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o escape_n of_o punishment_n in_o that_o respect_n or_o consideration_n wherein_o our_o action_n be_v not_o sinful_a or_o the_o not_o punish_v of_o we_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o sin_n deserve_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v more_o 2._o our_o action_n thus_o deserve_v the_o honour_n of_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o good_a which_o be_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o the_o evil_n be_v more_o than_o the_o good_a as_o a_o merciful_a thief_n that_o give_v a_o poor_a man_n half_a his_o money_n again_o when_o he_o have_v rob_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v a_o less_o degree_n of_o punishment_n so_o that_o good_a which_o be_v in_o his_o action_n deserve_v a_o answerable_a acknowledgement_n and_o praise_n though_o he_o die_v for_o the_o fact_n but_o this_o be_v a_o poor_a kind_n of_o merit_v and_o little_a to_o the_o honour_n or_o benefit_n of_o the_o party_n and_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v a_o less_o desert_n of_o punishment_n than_o a_o desert_n of_o reward_n 2._o the_o second_o kind_n of_o merit_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o governor_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n be_v oblige_v to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o govern_v that_o when_o disobedience_n be_v grow_v common_a the_o obedience_n may_v be_v encourage_v and_o a_o difference_n make_v among_o man_n even_a justice_n bind_v to_o such_o reward_n at_o least_o to_o afford_v the_o obedience_n the_o benefit_n of_o protection_n and_o freedom_n though_o he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o his_o duty_n but_o that_o be_v because_o no_o man_n have_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la over_o his_o subject_n as_o god_n have_v but_o be_v indebt_v to_o his_o subject_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v to_o he_o if_o our_o obedience_n be_v perfect_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n yet_o all_o the_o obligation_n that_o will_v lie_v upon_o god_n to_o reward_v we_o any_o further_a than_o the_o foresay_a forbear_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o acknowledge_v our_o obedience_n will_v be_v but_o his_o own_o wisdom_n as_o he_o discern_v such_o a_o reward_n will_v tend_v to_o the_o well-governing_a of_o the_o world_n work_v moral_o with_o voluntary_a agent_n agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o must_v say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n therefore_o this_o obligation_n to_o reward_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n know_v to_o himself_o alone_o so_o be_v it_o draw_v from_o himself_o and_o not_o proper_o from_o the_o worth_n of_o our_o work_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v improper_o call_v merit_n 3._o the_o three_o kind_n of_o merit_v be_v sufficient_o explain_v in_o the_o position_n where_o the_o obligation_n to_o reward_v be_v god_n ordinate_a justice_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o the_o worthiness_n lie_v in_o our_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n this_o be_v improper_o call_v merit_n this_o kind_n of_o merit_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o greatness_n or_o freeness_n of_o the_o gift_n or_o reward_n because_o it_o be_v a_o free_a and_o gracious_a act_n of_o god_n to_o make_v our_o performance_n capable_a of_o that_o title_n and_o to_o engage_v himself_o in_o the_o foresay_a promise_n to_o we_o and_o not_o for_o any_o gain_n that_o he_o expect_v by_o we_o or_o that_o our_o performance_n can_v bring_v he_o thesis_n xxvii_o 1_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o adam_n to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o work_n by_o that_o power_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o nature_n 2_o so_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o the_o 3_o power_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o christ._n explication_n 1_o that_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a which_o be_v not_o future_a a_o thing_n be_v term_v possible_a when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o may_v so_o hinder_v its_o production_n as_o to_o necessitate_v its_o non-futurity_n though_o from_o extrinsecall_a reason_n the_o same_o non-futurity_n may_v be_v certain_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n necessary_a and_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o futurity_n of_o it_o may_v be_v term_v impossible_a &_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o adam_n to_o have_v stand_v and_o so_o if_o you_o shall_v take_v the_o word_n possible_a absolute_o and_o abstract_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o actor_n even_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n be_v yet_o possible_a to_o be_v fulfil_v but_o such_o a_o use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v here_o improper_a it_o be_v ordinary_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o agent_n 2_o but_o in_o the_o relative_a sense_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v possible_a to_o they_o that_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n i_o intend_v not_o here_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o performance_n my_o purpose_n be_v chief_o to_o open_v those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o relative_a change_n of_o our_o estate_n do_v consist_v rather_o then_o the_o real_a whether_o then_o this_o grace_n be_v physical_a or_o moral_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a suasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n distinct_a from_o the_o suasion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o outward_a mean_n whether_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o work_n of_o conscience_n be_v also_o from_o such_o a_o internal_a suasory_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n how_o far_o this_o grace_n be_v resistible_a or_o whether_o all_o have_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o believe_v either_o give_v or_o internal_o offer_v with_o multitude_n of_o such_o question_n i_o shall_v here_o pass_v by_o refer_v you_o to_o those_o many_o volume_n that_o have_v already_o handle_v they_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o this_o shall_v be_v when_o i_o come_v to_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n see_v parker_n thesis_n before_o mention_v thesis_n xxviii_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o mere_a precept_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o same_o precept_n consider_v as_o condition_n upon_o performance_n whereof_o we_o must_v live_v or_o die_v for_o non_fw-fr performance_n thesis_n xxix_o as_o all_o precept_n be_v deliver_v upon_o covenant-term_n or_o as_o belong_v to_o one_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o not_o independent_o so_o have_v the_o same_o precept_n various_a end_n and_o use_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o end_n of_o the_o distinct_a covenant_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v explication_n therefore_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o ask_v whether_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abolish_v and_o another_o thing_n whether_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v abolish_v yet_o that_o no_o one_o precept_n of_o either_o moral_a or_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v deliver_v without_o reference_n to_o one_o of_o the_o covenant_n be_v very_o evident_a for_o if_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o command_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v then_o either_o according_a to_o the_o rigorous_a threaten_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n or_o according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o new_a for_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n may_v be_v reduce_v in_o several_a respect_n to_o each_o of_o these_o covenant_n and_o
full_a justification_n as_o 1._o god_n eternal_a love_n and_o decree_n of_o justify_v we_o 2._o christ_n undertake_v for_o satisfy_v and_o justify_v 3._o his_o actual_a satisfy_n by_o pay_v the_o price_n 4._o his_o own_o justification_n as_o the_o public_a person_n at_o his_o resurrection_n 5._o that_o change_n which_o be_v make_v in_o our_o relation_n upon_o our_o regeneration_n or_o receive_v the_o vital_a seed_n of_o grace_n where_o among_o other_o that_o be_v contain_v which_o be_v call_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n these_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o 6._o the_o change_n of_o our_o relation_n upon_o our_o actual_a faith_n 7._o the_o pacyfy_n our_o own_o heart_n be_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n there-upon_a and_o witness_v of_o conscience_n and_o testimony_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n 8._o the_o angel_n judge_v we_o righteous_a and_o rejoice_v therein_o 9_o our_o justification_n before_o men._n 10._o and_o our_o final_a justification_n at_o the_o great_a judgement_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o six_o and_o ten_o of_o these_o which_o be_v direct_o and_o proper_o the_o justification_n by_o faith_n as_o be_v before_o express_v thesis_n xliii_o the_o justification_n which_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n own_o justification_n be_v but_o conditional_a as_o to_o the_o particular_a offender_n and_o none_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o it_o till_o he_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n nor_o shall_v any_o be_v personal_o justify_v tâ—ll_o then_o even_o the_o elect_a remain_n personal_o unjust_a and_o unjustified_a for_o all_o their_o conditional_a justification_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o do_v believe_v this_o need_v not_o explication_n and_o for_o confirmation_n there_o be_v enough_o say_v under_o the_o 15_o 18_o 19_o 20_o position_n before_o thesis_n xliv_o man_n that_o be_v but_o thus_o conditional_o pardon_v and_o justify_v may_v be_v unpardoned_a and_o unjustified_a again_o for_o their_o non-performance_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o all_o the_o debt_n so_o forgive_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n or_o in_o his_o law_n see_v ball_n of_o the_o covenant_n pag._n 240._o this_o be_v all_o plain_a only_o for_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o seem_v to_o intimate_v a_o universal_a conditional_a justification_n and_o consequent_o universal_a redemption_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o i_o come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o universal_a redemption_n where_o i_o shall_v full_o and_o purposely_o explain_v my_o meaning_n and_o for_o that_o which_o intimate_v in_o the_o follow_a position_n the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o justify_v understand_v that_o i_o speak_v only_o upon_o supposition_n and_o of_o a_o possibility_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n will_v of_o purpose_n which_o determine_v eventual_o whether_o they_o shall_v fall_v quite_o away_o or_o not_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o justify_v by_o faith_n never_o do_v or_o shall_v fall_v away_o thesis_n xlv_o yea_o in_o case_n the_o justify_v by_o faith_n shall_v cease_v believe_v the_o scripture_n will_v pronounce_v they_o unjust_a again_o and_o yet_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n or_o scripture_n but_o only_o in_o themselves_o because_o their_o justification_n do_v continue_v conditional_a as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o the_o scripture_n do_v justify_v no_o man_n by_o name_n but_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v believer_n they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v justify_v thesis_n xlvi_o justification_n imply_v accusation_n either_o virtual_a or_o actual_a explication_n as_o there_o be_v a_o justification_n in_o law_n or_o in_o sentence_n so_o be_v there_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o force_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o virtual_a accusation_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o at_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v actual_a from_o satan_n plead_v the_o violate_a law_n against_o we_o mr_n bradshaw_n do_v full_o show_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o position_n thesis_n xlvii_o the_o new_a covenant_n accuse_v no_o man_n as_o deserve_v its_o penalty_n but_o only_o those_o that_o perform_v not_o its_o condition_n that_o be_v the_o final_o unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a rebel_n against_o christ_n and_o their_o rightful_a lord_n explication_n that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o condemn_v man_n or_o threaten_v they_o with_o damnation_n for_o any_o sin_n but_o unbelief_n i_o dare_v not_o speak_v or_o think_v but_o that_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v no_o man_n with_o damnation_n but_o unbeliever_n be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n and_o consequent_o the_o proper_a sin_n threaten_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o such_o be_v unbelief_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o leave_v and_o settle_v on_o the_o sinner_n by_o this_o thesis_n xlviii_o where_o the_o gospell-covenant_n do_v thus_o accuse_v or_o where_o any_o one_o be_v true_o thus_o charge_v there_o be_v no_o justification_n for_o that_o person_n explication_n i_o mean_v not_o where_o any_o man_n be_v accuse_v of_o a_o temporary_a neglect_n or_o delay_v of_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v not_o death_n to_o such_o if_o at_o last_o they_o do_v perform_v they_o but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o final_a nonperformance_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a violation_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o justification_n see_v for_o this_o the_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o position_n thesis_n xlix_o it_o be_v the_o law_n accusation_n and_o condemnation_n only_o &_o not_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o be_v justify_v against_o therefore_o the_o righteousness_n which_o must_v be_v plead_v for_o our_o justificaâ—â—â—â—_n direct_o must_v be_v a_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v only_a christ_n satisfaction_n thesis_n l._n our_o faith_n therefore_o can_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o righteousness_n so_o to_o be_v plead_v it_o be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o do_v accuse_v we_o so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o any_o of_o the_o righteousness_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o accuser_n thesis_n li._n yet_o if_o satan_n or_o any_o other_o shall_v false_o accuse_v we_o of_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o so_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n satisfaction_n here_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v only_o by_o our_o faith_n or_o personal_a gospell-righteousness_n and_o not_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o in_o all_o false_a accusation_n we_o must_v defend_v our_o innocency_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a explication_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o we_o from_o false_a accusation_n before_o the_o all-knowing_a god_n therefore_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o any_o such_o justification_n yet_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n it_o be_v frequent_o useful_a where_o false_a accusation_n may_v be_v hear_v &_o therefore_o david_n job_n etc._n etc._n do_v plead_v their_o innocency_n against_o their_o accuser_n also_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o own_o erroneous_a conscience_n this_o kind_n of_o justification_n be_v frequent_o full_a for_o there_o satan_n have_v more_o hope_n that_o his_o false_a accusation_n may_v take_v place_n then_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n wherefore_o he_o more_o usual_o accuse_v christian_n to_o themselves_o of_o be_v graceless_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o impenitent_a and_o of_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n then_o of_o break_v the_o law_n by_o their_o sin_n and_o in_o such_o case_n when_o the_o accusation_n be_v false_a we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o by_o plead_v not_o guilty_a &_o cast_v back_o the_o accusation_n as_o a_o lie_a slander_n and_o produce_v our_o faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n or_o what_o ever_o grace_n we_o be_v accuse_v to_o want_v and_o so_o it_o be_v that_o our_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n may_v be_v proper_o our_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o senseless_a shift_n in_o such_o a_o accusation_n to_o show_v christ_n legal_a righteousness_n in_o stead_n of_o our_o own_o evangelicall_n righteousness_n to_o tell_v satan_n that_o christ_n have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o we_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v we_o of_o not_o fulfil_v the_o gospel_n silly_a woman_n be_v make_v believe_v by_o antinomian_a teacher_n that_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a way_n of_o comfort_v but_o satan_n be_v a_o better_a logician_n then_o to_o take_v quid_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la and_o to_o be_v baffle_v with_o such_o argue_v and_o as_o silly_a and_o more_o false_a a_o shift_n it_o will_v be_v to_o tell_v he_o that_o christ_n have_v believe_v repent_v and_o fulfil_v the_o gospell-condition_n for_o we_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o the_o best_a be_v these_o teacher_n do_v but_o spoil_v the_o comfort_n of_o believer_n and_o not_o their_o safety_n for_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n we_o suppose_v the_o accusation_n
thought_n word_n or_o deed_n they_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o they_o make_v in_o baptism_n do_v ever_o any_o sober_a man_n make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o christ_n as_o to_o promise_v he_o never_o to_o sin_v against_o he_o or_o do_v christ_n call_v we_o to_o such_o a_o covenant_n do_v his_o law_n threaten_v or_o do_v we_o in_o our_o covenant_n consent_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v if_o ever_o we_o commit_v a_o gross_a sin_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o do_v consist_v with_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o else_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n we_o shall_v both_o keep_v it_o and_o break_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o but_o all_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o faith_n those_o be_v either_o 1._o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n but_o that_o can_v violate_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o such_o 2._o or_o else_o refusal_n of_o christ_n by_o rebellion_n and_o unbelief_n privative_a for_o of_o negative_a unbelief_n i_o will_v not_o speak_v and_o that_o refusal_n be_v either_o 1._o temporary_a of_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v already_o or_o 2._o final_a and_o that_o i_o acknowledge_v be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o covenant_n perhaps_o you_o will_v object_v that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o so_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v final_a unbelief_n be_v the_o genus_fw-la and_o have_v under_o it_o these_o three_o sort_n 1._o ordinary_a final_a unbelief_n viz._n against_o ordinary_a mean_n 2._o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o totall_n apostasy_n all_o these_o be_v unpardonable_a sin_n i_o have_v in_o another_o treatise_n adventure_v to_o tell_v you_o my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v when_o a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o testimonial_a miracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o be_v convince_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v wrought_v but_o yet_o deny_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n this_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a unbelief_n because_o uncureable_a for_o it_o be_v the_o last_o or_o great_a testimony_n which_o christ_n will_v afford_v to_o convince_v the_o unbelieved_a world_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o deliberate_o refuse_v this_o and_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n as_o a_o hopeless_a wretch_n so_o that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o final_a unbelief_n lay_v by_o your_o prejudice_n against_o the_o singularity_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o exact_o consider_v what_o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n mention_v this_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o those_o pharisee_n do_v commit_v and_o then_o judge_v last_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o total_a apostasy_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a violation_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o law_n and_o covenant_n offer_v but_o also_o as_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n enter_v and_o accept_v but_o it_o be_v unbelief_n which_o apostate_n do_v fall_v to_o for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a renounce_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o lord_n or_o saviour_n or_o both_o which_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n which_o be_v call_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6._o 6._o and_o which_o be_v call_v heb._n 10._o 26_o 29._o sin_v wilful_o that_o be_v considerate_a resolve_v reject_v christ_n or_o refuse_v his_o government_n and_o so_o call_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o they_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostasy_n lie_v in_o return_v to_o infidelity_n so_o be_v totall_n it_o be_v always_o also_o final_a god_n have_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n resolve_v to_o withhold_v from_o all_o such_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v recover_v they_o and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o final_a unbelief_n a_o second_o distinction_n which_o i_o must_v here_o mind_v you_o of_o be_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o main_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o 2._o particular_a subordinate_a inferior_a covenant_n which_o may_v be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o a_o believer_n the_o former_a be_v not_o violate_v but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o the_o latter_a be_v ordinary_o break_v by_o we_o if_o any_o man_n make_v a_o vow_n like_o saul_n or_o ieptha_n he_o may_v break_v it_o possible_o and_o not_o be_v damn_v but_o recover_v by_o repentance_n if_o in_o your_o sickness_n or_o other_o affliction_n or_o at_o sacrament_n or_o on_o day_n of_o humiliation_n or_o thanksgiving_n you_o shall_v covenant_n with_o god_n to_o forsake_v such_o a_o sin_n or_o to_o perform_v such_o a_o duty_n to_o mend_v your_o life_n to_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a etc._n etc._n this_o covenant_n you_o may_v perhaps_o break_v and_o yet_o recover_v and_o of_o such_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o i_o mean_v when_o in_o confession_n i_o do_v bewail_v my_o covenant-breaking_a with_o christ_n and_o not_o of_o the_o main_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o than_o i_o shall_v confess_v myself_o a_o total_a irrecoverable_a apostate_n the_o covenant_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o which_o baptism_n be_v the_o profess_v sign_n and_o seal_v of_o be_v the_o main_a covenant_n of_o grace_n therefore_o be_v there_o no_o use_n for_o rebaptising_a because_o such_o apostasy_n be_v a_o unrecoverable_a sin_n so_o you_o see_v what_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o the_o godly_a break_n and_o what_o breach_n it_o be_v that_o they_o use_v to_o confess_v to_o the_o four_o objection_n your_o four_o objection_n that_o from_o this_o doctrine_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v never_o break_a be_v easy_o answer_v 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o regenerate_v do_v never_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o yet_o the_o breach_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o strength_n be_v more_o than_o possible_a and_o the_o controversy_n de_fw-fr eventu_fw-la will_v hold_v much_o dispute_n austin_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o effectual_o call_v that_o yet_o may_v fall_v away_o but_o the_o elect_a can_v so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v of_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n or_o election_n and_o that_o he_o think_v can_v be_v lose_v and_o call_v not_o follow_v election_n which_o he_o think_v may_v be_v lose_v so_o that_o he_o place_v not_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o call_n but_o in_o the_o decree_n i_o do_v not_o recite_v this_o as_o assent_v to_o it_o nor_o yet_o can_v i_o assent_v to_o they_o who_o make_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v immortal_a and_o from_o thence_o do_v argue_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n i_o think_v to_o be_v natural_o immortal_a be_v god_n prerogative_n and_o proper_o imcommunicable_a to_o any_o creature_n even_o angel_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o continue_a sustentation_n of_o god_n and_o if_o god_n do_v withdraw_v his_o hand_n and_o not_o continual_o uphold_v it_o the_o whole_a creation_n will_v fall_v to_o nothing_o much_o more_o the_o quality_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o subsist_v of_o himself_o without_o continual_a influx_n from_o another_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n the_o first_o natural_a necessary_a absolute_a independent_a be_v yet_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o god_n will_v perpetuate_v any_o be_v he_o fit_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o according_o and_o make_v it_o more_o simple_a pure_a spiritual_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o corruption_n but_o yet_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o nature_n immortal_a or_o that_o can_v die_v i_o think_v improper_a but_o i_o know_v philosopher_n and_o divine_n do_v think_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v dissent_n qâ—asi_fw-la coactus_fw-la &_o petitâ_fw-la veniâ_fw-la 2._o but_o whether_o the_o regenerate_v may_v break_v the_o covenant_n or_o not_o certain_z i_o be_o the_o unregenerate_a may_v and_o do_v and_o whereas_o you_o object_n that_o they_o be_v never_o in_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v say_v to_o break_v it_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o beside_o the_o former_a distinction_n to_o remember_v these_o two_o more_o 1._o betwixt_o the_o covenant_n as_o promulgate_v and_o only_o offer_v on_o god_n part_n 2._o and_o the_o covenant_n as_o accept_v and_o enter_v by_o the_o sinner_n the_o former_a be_v most_o proper_o call_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o new_a law_n as_o
after_o and_o entertain_v this_o precious_a covenant_n and_o not_o to_o stick_v to_o the_o old_a imperfect_a dispensation_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o belong_v to_o god_n legislative_a will_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v recite_v it_o and_o not_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n as_o it_o do_v respect_v the_o particular_a person_n that_o shall_v have_v it_o fulfil_v and_o so_o be_v a_o absolute_a covenant_n to_o the_o unknown_a elect._n but_o now_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v mention_v through_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v this_o be_v frequent_o and_o plain_o express_v and_o not_o so_o dark_o as_o the_o former_a this_o be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o least_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a new_a law_n and_o covenant_n by_o which_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v to_o justification_n or_o condemnation_n this_o proper_o succee_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n which_o say_v do_v this_o and_o live_v and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o i_o still_o mean_a when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o new_a law_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o now_o i_o hope_v you_o can_v hence_o answer_v to_o both_o your_o own_o demand_n to_o the_o 7._o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o covenant_n absolute_a and_o a_o covenant_n conditional_a but_o the_o last_o be_v the_o proper_a gospel-covenant_n to_o the_o 6._o you_o see_v that_o in_o the_o absolute_a covenant_n or_o prophesy_v he_o promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o promise_v his_o spirit_n and_o a_o new_a heart_n to_o the_o elect_a who_o be_v we_o know_v not_o who_o and_o in_o the_o conditional_a proper_a covenant_n he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v so_o that_o they_o be_v god_n part_n which_o he_o have_v discover_v that_o he_o will_v perform_v in_o one_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v make_v our_o condition_n in_o another_o neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o show_n of_o a_o contradiction_n betwixt_o these_o for_o in_o the_o absolute_a covenant_n he_o do_v not_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v and_o and_o repent_v against_o our_o will_n much_o less_o that_o he_o or_o christ_n shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o and_o so_o free_v we_o from_o the_o duty_n but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o new_a and_o soft_a heart_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o ourselves_o and_o do_v it_o ready_o and_o willing_o which_o that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o command_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o in_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n not_o bid_v we_o do_v it_o without_o his_o help_n but_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o father_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o son_n as_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o sanctifier_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o exciter_n of_o our_o grace_n to_o the_o eight_o objection_n in_o your_o eight_o question_n i_o observe_v several_a mistake_n 1._o you_o observe_v not_o how_o ill_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o two_o former_a for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o absolute_a than_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n and_o indeed_o the_o absolute_a covenant_n be_v make_v to_o none_o other_o sure_o those_o that_o god_n do_v promise_n to_o bestow_v new_a heart_n upon_o and_o soft_a heart_n have_v yet_o their_o old_a and_o hard_a heart_n except_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o further_a degree_n and_o not_o of_o the_o first_o save_v grace_n 2._o and_o as_o the_o absolute_a '_o so_o the_o great_a conditional_a promise_n believe_v and_o be_v save_v be_v also_o make_v to_o ungodly_a man_n be_v not_o this_o speak_v to_o unbeliever_n will_v you_o speak_v it_o to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o believe_v already_o be_v none_o of_o those_o jew_n ungodly_a to_o who_o peter_n say_v act._n 2._o 39_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n but_o i_o have_v prove_v a_o little_a before_o that_o not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n offer_v of_o god_n but_o also_o as_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n enter_v by_o they_o even_o wicked_a man_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n 2._o yet_o you_o say_v that_o you_o no_o where_o find_v any_o promise_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n why_o then_o you_o have_v find_v but_o a_o few_o of_o the_o scripture_n promise_v i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o a_o new_a and_o soft_a heart_n be_v make_v to_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o great_a conditional_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v you_o have_v particular_a example_n in_o gen._n 4._o 7._o there_o be_v to_o cain_n a_o conditional_a promise_n of_o acceptance_n and_o the_o donation_n of_o superiority_n and_o government_n gen._n 9_o 11_o 12._o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o every_o live_a creature_n gen._n 27._o 39_o 40._o isaac_n be_v god_n mouth_n in_o blessing_n esau_n be_v all_o the_o israelite_n godly_a to_o who_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v promise_v and_o give_v 1_o sam._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o other_o favour_n be_v promise_v to_o saul_n 1_o king_n 11._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 38_o 39_o there_o be_v promise_n to_o jeroboam_fw-la how_o many_o score_n place_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n do_v mention_n promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n to_o ungodly_a israelite_n if_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o ahab_n nabuchadnezzar_n cyrus_n darius_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v tedious_a object_n but_o all_o these_o be_v rather_o prophecy_n than_o promise_n answ._n if_o that_o which_o express_v the_o engage_v of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v good_a upon_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o promise_n i_o will_v you_o will_v tell_v i_o what_o be_v object_n these_o prediction_n do_v only_o declare_v what_o god_n will_v do_v but_o give_v no_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n as_o a_o promise_n do_v answ._n do_v not_o god_n give_v cain_n a_o title_n to_o his_o superiority_n and_o government_n and_o the_o israelite_n title_n to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o rest_n promise_n do_v give_v title_n to_o the_o thing_n promise_v 1._o either_o full_a and_o absolute_a 2._o or_o imperfect_a and_o conditional_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v title_n both_o by_o a_o ansolute_a promise_n and_o by_o a_o conditional_a promise_n when_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o give_v title_n to_o man_n that_o have_v not_o yet_o perform_v the_o condition_n object_n but_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v to_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o good_a to_o they_o but_o evil_a therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o promise_n answ._n it_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v be_v to_o they_o but_o for_o their_o wilful_a abuse_n shall_v man_n sin_n make_v god_n promise_n and_o mercy_n of_o less_o value_n god_n promise_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o his_o own_o the_o jew_n isa._n 53._o mal._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o yet_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o joh._n 1._o 11._o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o that_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o a_o christ_n rather_o than_o promise_v he_o he_o promise_v and_o give_v they_o both_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v it_o no_o promise_n or_o mercy_n because_o they_o kill_v and_o persecute_v they_o to_o conclude_v this_o the_o scripture_n express_o contradict_v you_o opinion_n rom._n 9_o 4._o to_o the_o israelite_n be_v the_o adoption_n and_o glory_n and_o covenant_n and_o the_o service_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o even_o to_o they_o for_o who_o paul_n will_v have_v be_v accurse_v so_o act._n 2._o 39_o and_o heb._n 4._o 1._o take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o prov_n 1._o 23._o 24._o 25._o christ_n promise_v the_o foolish_a and_o the_o scorner_n that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v at_o his_o reproof_n amos_n 5._o 4_o 6._o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v isa._n 55._o 6._o 7._o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n and_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v be_v not_o all_o these_o promise_n to_o wicked_a man_n object_n but_o when_o they_o return_v and_o repent_v they_o be_v not_o wicked_a answ._n but_o be_v not_o this_o conditional_a promise_n make_v
all_o inferior_a end_n be_v nothing_o and_o all_o mean_n do_v lose_v their_o nature_n and_o become_v useless_a and_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o gracious_a man_n shall_v be_v no_o fit_a to_o attain_v and_o prosecute_v its_o end_n and_o do_v no_o more_o thereto_o then_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o stone_n this_o consequence_n be_v undeniable_a 9_o nay_o consider_v whether_o you_o do_v not_o make_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n except_o love_n joy_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o be_v almost_o vain_a and_o the_o bless_a supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o to_o be_v a_o useless_a labour_n do_v not_o god_n only_o create_v in_o nature_n but_o also_o new_o create_v by_o grace_n in_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o desire_v care_n fear_v zeal_n courage_n diligence_n watchfulness_n etc._n etc._n and_o may_v we_o not_o use_v they_o sure_o if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v they_o for_o heaven_n then_o for_o nothing_o and_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n plant_v in_o we_o a_o heavenly_a nature_n and_o these_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o then_o make_v it_o our_o sin_n to_o use_v they_o for_o heaven_n and_o that_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o the_o way_n where_o we_o have_v such_o need_n of_o they_o 10._o but_o especial_o i_o will_v have_v you_o thorough_o consider_v to_o what_o end_n god_n do_v fill_v his_o word_n so_o with_o precept_n prohibition_n promise_v conditional_a and_o threat_n do_v not_o almost_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n consist_v of_o these_o and_o be_v not_o precept_n to_o put_v we_o on_o to_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o every_o duty_n its_o end_n even_o for_o ourselves_o and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n so_o what_o end_n have_v the_o prohibition_n else_o and_o what_o be_v the_o conditional_a promise_n for_o but_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n that_o so_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o promise_a good_a and_o why_o be_v the_o threaten_n but_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o god_n do_v so_o common_o promise_v heaven_n and_o threaten_v hell_n if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o labour_v for_o heaven_n and_o to_o escape_v hell_n do_v you_o not_o hereby_o insinuate_v a_o accusation_n of_o vanity_n at_o least_o against_o god_n and_o his_o law_n nay_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v consist_v in_o all_o these_o part_n conjunct_a and_o will_v you_o also_o overthrow_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n by_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o admit_v their_o proper_a use_n to_o quote_v the_o particular_a place_n for_o this_o will_v be_v needless_a and_o endless_a 11_o methinks_v you_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o labour_v for_o heaven_n that_o you_o shall_v rather_o think_v you_o have_v almost_o nothing_o else_o to_o labour_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o your_o salvation_n not_o disjunct_n but_o conjunct_a be_v all_o the_o business_n you_o have_v to_o look_v after_o what_o do_v you_o live_v for_o why_o have_v you_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o your_o life_n be_v it_o only_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thankful_a for_o life_n and_o mercy_n or_o that_o you_o may_v also_o improve_v they_o to_o some_o further_a advantage_n i_o hope_v for_o all_o your_o question_n that_o you_o make_v it_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o your_o life_n to_o seek_v for_o assurance_n and_o obtainment_n of_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o god_n 12._o and_o once_o more_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o that_o man_n salvation_n who_o shall_v reduce_v this_o your_o doctrine_n into_o his_o practice_n i_o abhor_v censoriousnesse_n but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a importance_n for_o sure_o if_o this_o doctrine_n practise_v will_v not_o stand_v with_o salvation_n it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o and_o all_o man_n to_o abhor_v it_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v i_o say_v so_o much_o against_o it_o because_o it_o have_v a_o holy_a pretence_n and_o be_v very_o plausible_a to_o the_o inconsiderate_a but_o yet_o be_v no_o better_a than_o damnable_a if_o it_o be_v practise_v i_o say_v if_o practise_v because_o the_o opinion_n as_o such_o be_v not_o so_o for_o i_o believe_v many_o a_o godly_a man_n do_v err_v as_o foul_o as_o this_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n by_o read_v and_o argument_n to_o be_v draw_v to_o entertain_v some_o opinion_n in_o his_o brain_n not_o only_o consequent_o but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o yet_o himself_o to_o continue_v that_o practice_n even_o as_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v entertain_v those_o truth_n into_o his_o brain_n in_o speculation_n which_o direct_o to_o contradict_v his_o continue_a practice_n now_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n here_o that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o not_o the_o opinion_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o that_o err_v only_o in_o this_o opinion_n not_o reduce_v it_o into_o practice_n may_v be_v save_v but_o if_o practise_v i_o can_v see_v but_o it_o will_v certain_o damn_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n impartial_o and_o consider_v whether_o seek_v heaven_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o seek_v not_o and_o labour_v not_o for_o it_o be_v not_o shut_v out_o view_v over_o the_o place_n which_o i_o quote_v you_o before_o and_o then_o judge_v must_v not_o all_o that_o will_v have_v life_n come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o john_n 5._o 39_o 40_o and_o must_v not_o they_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n and_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n in_o the_o first_o place_n matth._n 6._o 33._o and_o press_v on_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o resurrection_n philip._n 3._o 14._o and_o lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v do_v good_a work_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n 1_o timoth._n 6._o 12_o 18_o 19_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a phil._n 2._o 12._o and_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n rev._n 22._o 14._o and_o make_v friend_n of_o the_o unrighteous_a mammon_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n see_v also_o rev._n 2._o 7_o 10_o 11_o 13_o 14_o 16_o 17_o 19_o 23._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o 3._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 8._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 15_o 16_o 20_o 21_o 22._o see_v also_o mat._n 18._o 8_o 9_o john_n 5._o 29._o act_n 2._o 28_o 1_o tim._n 4_o 8._o jam._n 1_o 12._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 10._o rom._n 2._o 7._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 2._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 18._o mat._n 5._o 12._o &_o 6._o 1._o &_o 19_o 21._o luk._n 10._o 20._o phil._n 1._o 19_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 9_o heb._n 2._o 3._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 10._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 8_o 9_o act._n 16._o 17._o yea_o we_o be_v command_v to_o fear_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n even_o under_o that_o consideration_n to_o fear_v he_o luke_n 12._o 5._o and_o to_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o rest_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o heb._n 4._o 1._o and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o fear_v hell_n prov._n 15._o 24._o mar._n 3._o 29_o &_o 16._o 16._o mat._n 5._o 25._o rom._n 11._o 21_o 44._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o heb._n 12._o 15_o 16_o james_n 5._o 9_o 12._o but_o i_o must_v stop_v for_o if_o i_o shall_v quote_v all_o scripture_n that_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n consider_v then_o if_o even_o many_o that_o seek_v to_o enter_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a whether_o they_o be_v like_a to_o enter_v that_o never_o seek_v and_o if_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o that_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o labour_v for_o salvation_n 13._o last_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o do_v not_o see_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n you_o condemn_v not_o all_o the_o saint_n only_o but_o even_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v not_o paul_n therefore_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o
and_o the_o thing_n signify_v do_v say_v let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22._o 17._o why_o may_v not_o i_o say_v so_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o seal_v to_o those_o that_o serious_o profess_v their_o thirst_n sure_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o as_o christ_n have_v teach_v i_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o i_o wonder_v that_o those_o man_n who_o cry_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o free_a grace_n so_o much_o shall_v yet_o so_o oppose_v this_o free_a offer_n of_o it_o and_o the_o seal_v the_o free_a covenant_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v claim_v to_o it_o upon_o christ_n invitation_n to_o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o objection_n your_o 10._o and_o 11._o objection_n you_o raise_v upon_o my_o exception_n against_o the_o book_n call_v the_o marrow_n of_o modern_a divinity_n and_o first_o you_o mention_v the_o doctrine_n and_o then_o the_o book_n 1._o you_o think_v that_o do_v this_o and_o live_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n only_o and_o not_o of_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v the_o obtain_n of_o life_n &_o salvation_n the_o end_n of_o duty_n but_o must_v obey_v in_o mere_a love_n and_o from_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o life_n we_o have_v receive_v to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o way_n of_o explication_n and_o 2._o of_o probation_n of_o my_o assertion_n 1._o do_v this_o and_o live_v in_o several_a sense_n be_v the_o language_n of_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n 1._o when_o the_o law_n speak_v it_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o if_o thou_o perfect_o keep_v the_o law_n that_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o or_o shall_v give_v thou_o so_o long_o thou_o shall_v continue_v this_o life_n in_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n which_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o but_o if_o once_o thou_o sin_n thou_o shall_v die_v 2._o when_o the_o gospel_n speak_v it_o the_o sense_n be_v thus_o though_o thou_o have_v incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n by_o thy_o sin_n yet_o christ_n have_v make_v satisfaction_n do_v but_o accept_v he_o for_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o renounce_v all_o other_o deliver_v up_o thyself_o unreserved_o to_o he_o and_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o obey_v he_o sincere_o both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o overcome_v &_o persevere_v herein_o to_o the_o end_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o that_o the_o law_n can_v accuse_v of_o and_o restore_v to_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n which_o thou_o have_v lose_v and_o to_o a_o far_o great_a thus_o the_o gospel_n say_v do_v this_o and_o live_v that_o the_o gospel_n command_v all_o this_o i_o know_v you_o will_v not_o question_v and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v you_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o may_v do_v it_o that_o we_o may_v live_v i_o have_v full_o explain_v to_o you_o in_o this_o treatise_n already_o in_o what_o sense_n our_o do_n be_v require_v and_o to_o what_o end_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o unrighteousness_n but_o to_o be_v our_o gospel_n righteousness_n or_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o participation_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o all_o the_o benefit_n that_o come_v with_o he_o in_o these_o several_a respect_n and_o sense_n follow_v the_o gospel_n command_v we_o to_o act_v for_o life_n 1._o a_o wicked_a man_n or_o unbeliever_n may_v and_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n pray_v inquire_v of_o other_o etc._n etc._n that_o so_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o first_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n this_o i_o now_o prove_v isa._n 55._o 3._o 6_o 7._o jonas_n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10._o pro._n 1._o 23_o 24._o 25._o amos_n 5._o 4._o act._n 2._o 37._o isa._n 1._o 16._o mat._n 11._o 15._o &_o 13._o 43._o luk._n 16._o 29._o 31._o joh._n 5._o 25._o act._n 10._o 1_o 2._o 22._o 23._o rom._n 10._o 13._o 14_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o heb._n 3_o 7._o rev._n 3_o 20._o yet_o do_v not_o i_o affirm_v that_o god_n never_o prevent_v man_n endeavour_n he_o be_v sometime_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o nor_o do_v i_o say_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o nature_n but_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o seek_v life_n and_o half_a promise_n and_o many_o encouragement_n god_n have_v give_v they_o such_o as_o that_o in_o joel_n 2._o 12_o 13_o 14._o who_o know_v but_o god_n will_v &c_n &c_n so_o zeph._n 2._o 3._o exod._n 32._o 30._o and_o that_o in_o act._n 8._o 7._o 2._o pray_v therefore_o if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v act_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o spiritual_a life_n when_o he_o have_v it_o methinks_v you_o shall_v not_o doubt_v if_o you_o do_v see_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 1_o 2._o &_o 1._o 22._o &_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o &_o 3._o 18._o and_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n 25_o 26_o 27._o 28._o 30._o 3._o that_o we_o may_v and_o must_v act_v for_o the_o life_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o justification_n and_o adoption_n be_v beyond_o dispute_n how_o oft_o do_v scripture_n call_v on_o man_n to_o repent_v to_o believe_v to_o pray_v to_o forgive_v other_o and_o to_o reform_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v they_o i_o have_v quote_v the_o scripture_n before_o when_o i_o open_v the_o condition_n of_o justification_n isa._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o isa._n 55._o 6_o 7._o act._n 8._o 22._o jam._n 5._o 15._o and_o we_o be_v still_o say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o we_o 4._o that_o we_o may_v act_v for_o to_o obtain_v assurance_n both_o of_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v undeniable_a 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o &c_n &c_n 5._o that_o we_o may_v act_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n methinks_v he_o that_o bear_v the_o face_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v not_o deny_v and_o that_o both_o for_o 1._o title_n to_o it_o 2._o assurance_n of_o our_o enjoy_n it_o &_o 3._o for_o possession_n itself_o i_o shall_v but_o quote_v the_o scripture_n for_o brevity_n sake_n desire_v you_o to_o read_v they_o and_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o transcribe_v they_o rev._n 22_o 14._o john_n 5._o 39_o 40._o mat._n 11._o 12._o and_o 7._o 13._o luke_n 13._o 24._o phil._n 2._o 17._o rom._n 2._o 7_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 24._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 5_o 12._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 12_o 18_o 19_o phil._n 3._o 14_o mat._n 25._o 1_o cor._n 15._o last_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o and_o 5._o 10_o 11._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 11._o luke_n 11._o 28._o heb._n 4._o 1._o luke_n 12._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 17._o these_o last_o place_n show_v that_o the_o escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v a_o necessary_a end_n of_o our_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n if_o when_o you_o have_v read_v and_o weigh_v these_o scripture_n you_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o we_o may_v act_v or_o do_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o so_o that_o do_v this_o and_o live_v be_v in_o some_o sense_n the_o language_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v question_v whether_o you_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o your_o faith_n or_o be_v not_o rather_o one_o of_o they_o that_o can_v force_v upon_o themselves_o a_o faith_n of_o one_o or_o other_o make_v object_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o gospellike_a frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o do_v all_o out_o of_o mere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o from_o thankfulness_n for_o life_n obtain_v by_o christ_n and_o give_v we_o answ._n 1._o if_o it_o come_v not_o from_o love_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o sincere_a 2._o yet_o do_v not_o the_o gospel_n any_o where_o set_v our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o opposition_n nor_o teach_v we_o to_o love_n god_n and_o not_o ourselves_o but_o contrary_o join_v they_o both_o together_o and_o command_v we_o both_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o desire_v of_o our_o preservation_n will_v never_o have_v be_v plant_v so_o deep_o in_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o to_o love_n god_n and_o not_o ourselves_o and_o so_o to_o do_v all_o without_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o good_a be_v no_o gospel_n frame_v of_o spirit_n 2._o thankfulness_n for_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v either_o in_o possession_n title_n or_o promise_n must_v be_v a_o singular_a spur_n to_o put_v we_o on_o
duty_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o have_v you_o receive_v all_o the_o life_n and_o mercy_n you_o do_v expect_v be_v you_o in_o heaven_n already_o have_v you_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o you_o need_v or_o desire_v in_o degree_n if_o not_o why_o may_v you_o not_o labour_v for_o that_o you_o have_v not_o as_o well_o as_o be_v thankful_a for_o that_o you_o have_v or_o have_v you_o as_o full_a a_o certainty_n of_o it_o hereafter_o as_o you_o do_v desire_n if_o not_o why_o may_v you_o not_o labour_v for_o it_o and_o to_o show_v you_o the_o vanity_n and_o intolerable_a damnable_a wickedness_n of_o this_o doctrine_n let_v i_o put_v to_o you_o a_o few_o more_o consideration_n 1._o do_v you_o think_v you_o may_v act_v for_o your_o natural_a life_n to_o preserve_v it_o or_o recover_v and_o repair_v any_o decay_n in_o it_o if_o not_o why_o will_v you_o labour_v and_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v why_o will_v you_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n when_o you_o be_v sick_a do_v you_o all_o this_o in_o mere_a love_n or_o thankfulness_n or_o from_o obedience_n which_o have_v no_o further_a end_n or_o if_o you_o do_v why_o may_v you_o not_o do_v as_o much_o for_o your_o soul_n as_o for_o your_o body_n be_v it_o less_o worth_a or_o do_v not_o god_n require_v it_o or_o will_v he_o not_o give_v you_o leave_v have_v not_o christ_n redeem_v your_o body_n also_o and_o be_v it_o not_o his_o purchase_n and_o charge_n and_o work_v to_o provide_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o you_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o this_o excuse_v not_o you_o from_o your_o duty_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o excuse_v you_o from_o use_v mean_n for_o your_o soul_n 2._o nay_o have_v not_o god_n put_v you_o upon_o far_o more_o for_o your_o soul_n then_o for_o your_o body_n for_o this_o life_n he_o have_v bid_v you_o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o care_v not_o for_o to_o morrow_n why_o be_v you_o careful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n labour_v not_o for_o the_o food_n that_o perish_v lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o a_o treasure_n on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v he_o say_v so_o concern_v the_o life_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o immortality_n care_v not_o labour_v not_o lay_v not_o up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n or_o rather_o have_v he_o not_o command_v you_o the_o clean_a contrary_n to_o care_n to_o fear_v to_o labour_v to_o strive_v to_o fight_v to_o run_v and_o this_o withal_o your_o might_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o do_v you_o think_v you_o may_v not_o act_v or_o work_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n 3._o i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o do_v you_o ever_o use_v to_o pray_v or_o no_o do_v you_o think_v it_o necessary_a or_o lawful_a to_o pray_v pardon_v i_o for_o put_v such_o gross_a interrogatory_n to_o you_o for_o the_o main_a question_n which_o you_o raise_v be_v far_o more_o gross_a if_o you_o do_v pray_v what_o do_v you_o pray_v for_o be_v it_o only_o for_o your_o body_n or_o also_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o be_v not_o earnest_a pray_v for_o life_n pardon_n and_o salvation_n some_o proper_a kind_n of_o do_v it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v you_o pray_v only_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o church_n but_o have_v not_o god_n as_o much_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o his_o glory_n as_o of_o your_o soul_n or_o may_v you_o pray_v for_o other_o man_n soul_n and_o not_o your_o own_o when_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v they_o but_o as_o yourself_o sure_o if_o you_o may_v not_o make_v the_o obtain_n of_o life_n the_o end_n of_o your_o labour_n and_o duty_n you_o may_v not_o make_v it_o the_o end_n of_o your_o prayer_n which_o be_v part_n of_o your_o labour_n and_o duty_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n which_o i_o oppose_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o petition_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o no_o part_n of_o prayer_n lawful_a but_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n 4._o do_v you_o not_o forget_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o earth_n and_o heaven_n i_o assure_v you_o if_o you_o do_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o foul_a mistake_n if_o you_o once_o begin_v to_o think_v you_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o as_o you_o will_v be_v and_o all_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o return_v thanks_o you_o shall_v ere_o long_o i_o warrant_v you_o be_v convince_v roundly_o of_o your_o error_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o do_v you_o less_o by_o this_o opinion_n then_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o rest_n i_o be_o well_o i_o have_v enough_o for_o if_o you_o must_v not_o labour_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o in_o thankfulness_n obey_v he_o that_o have_v save_v you_o what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o work_n of_o heaven_n indeed_o there_o and_o only_o there_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o love_v and_o joy_n and_o praise_n and_o be_v thankful_a 5._o methinks_v if_o you_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o heaven_n and_o hell_n reward_n and_o the_o punishment_n be_v you_o shall_v easy_o come_v to_o yourself_o and_o the_o truth_n heaven_n and_o reward_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n eternal_o in_o perfection_n hell_n or_o the_o punishment_n be_v most_o in_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o self-tormenting_n that_o will_v eternal_o follow_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o folly_n that_o procure_v it_o now_o be_v it_o such_o a_o legal_a slavish_a mercenary_a thing_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v everlasting_o deprive_v of_o it_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o sober_a consider_v man_n can_v think_v so_o 6_o do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o you_o may_v and_o must_v seek_v after_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o those_o beginning_n and_o foretasts_a which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v expect_v may_v not_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o your_o duty_n care_n fear_v labour_n watchfulness_n may_v you_o not_o groan_v after_o he_o and_o inquire_v and_o turn_v the_o stream_n of_o your_o endeavour_n this_o way_n and_o may_v you_o not_o be_v jealous_a and_o careful_a and_o watchful_a lest_o you_o shall_v loose_v what_o of_o god_n you_o do_v enjoy_v and_o lest_o any_o strangeness_n or_o displeasure_n shall_v arise_v i_o dare_v not_o question_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a business_n which_o you_o mind_n and_o the_o usual_a frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o you_o can_v think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o seek_v the_o foretasts_a and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o labour_v for_o the_o full_a everlasting_a possession_n how_o can_v these_o hang_v together_o 7_o consider_v serious_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o what_o end_n god_n implant_v such_o affection_n and_o power_n in_o your_o soul._n why_o do_v he_o create_v in_o you_o a_o power_n and_o propensity_n to_o intend_v the_o ultimate_a end_n in_o all_o your_o endeavour_n to_o value_v that_o end_n to_o love_v it_o desire_v it_o study_n and_o care_n how_o to_o obtain_v it_o to_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o and_o to_o loathe_v all_o that_o resist_v your_o fruition_n to_o seek_v and_o labour_v after_o its_o enjoyment_n why_o be_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o desire_v of_o our_o preservation_n so_o natural_a sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o you_o to_o care_n and_o desire_n and_o labour_n for_o god_n in_o heaven_n or_o for_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o fear_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o or_o to_o fear_v no_o evil_a at_o all_o and_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o god_n will_v create_v such_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v utter_o useless_a then_o let_v we_o no_o more_o cry_v down_o the_o abuse_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o power_n but_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v worse_o than_o stoic_n this_o be_v such_o a_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n as_o few_o man_n dare_v ever_o before_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o certain_o if_o the_o escape_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n may_v not_o be_v the_o end_n and_o work_v of_o all_o these_o affection_n then_o much_o less_o may_v any_o inferior_a thing_n 8._o nay_o consider_v whether_o you_o do_v not_o make_v the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v useless_a as_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o future_a happiness_n and_o so_o you_o take_v down_o the_o bless_a order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o nature_n by_o creation_n and_o maintain_v in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o you_o undeniable_o do_v in_o take_v down_o from_o we_o the_o ultimate_a end_n take_v down_o that_o and_o