saviour_n own_o appointment_n for_o the_o solemn_a admit_v of_o person_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n and_o assurance_n of_o its_o term_n the_o promise_v on_o god_n part_n and_o condition_n on_o we_o it_o be_v thus_o mutual_o seal_v to_o betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o first_o baptism_n i_o say_v be_v a_o outward_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o appointment_n for_o the_o solemn_a admit_v of_o person_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grace_n 1._o a_o outward_a right_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o appointment_n for_o the_o solemn_a admission_n of_o person_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n although_o the_o service_n prescribe_v we_o in_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o spiritual_a service_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n john_n chap._n 4.23_o 24._o but_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n although_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v be_v a_o spiritual_a service_n opposite_a to_o that_o outward_a and_o ritual_a service_n that_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o be_v call_v heb._n 7.16_o the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n yet_o however_o it_o please_v almighty_a god_n to_o institute_n some_o very_a few_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n by_o which_o believer_n as_o by_o certain_a visible_a sign_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o that_o service_n and_o obedience_n due_a unto_o god_n on_o their_o part_n and_o by_o which_o even_o god_n himself_o will_v seal_v as_o with_o his_o royal_a signet_n the_o favour_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v good_a on_o his_o part_n that_o so_o those_o outward_a solemnity_n may_v be_v express_a mark_n of_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n and_o indeed_o since_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o nothing_o enter_v into_o our_o mind_n thing_n to_o have_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n in_o religion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o receive_v impression_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o through_o the_o door_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o that_o which_o do_v strike_v our_o bodily_a sense_n do_v make_v the_o deep_a and_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o we_o since_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o have_v that_o respect_n to_o our_o make_n and_o nature_n in_o his_o treatment_n with_o we_o as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o throw_v away_o the_o many_o burdensome_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n to_o retain_v so_o many_o and_o such_o at_o least_o as_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v more_o sensible_a of_o our_o engagement_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o better_o assure_v of_o his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o since_o all_o man_n in_o their_o covenant_n one_o with_o another_o ever_o use_v some_o outward_a and_o express_a solemnity_n of_o sign_v and_o seal_v for_o the_o better_a assurance_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o promise_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v no_o way_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o so_o appoint_v it_o nor_o with_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o shall_v transact_v it_o with_o god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o may_v make_v we_o more_o deep_o sensible_a of_o our_o obligation_n by_o it_o and_o more_o full_a of_o hope_n of_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n from_o it_o it_o be_v true_o well_o observe_v by_o the_o father_n covenant_n this_o especial_o requisite_a in_o the_o admission_n into_o religious_a society_n and_o covenant_n that_o man_n can_v be_v associate_v together_o in_o no_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a unless_o they_o be_v combine_v by_o the_o common_a tie_n of_o some_o sensible_a sign_n and_o sacrament_n of_o their_o profession_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v like_a that_o a_o visible_a sign_n or_o sacrament_n may_v be_v a_o continual_a and_o apparent_a remembrance_n to_o they_o and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o profession_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o by_o that_o rite_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a testimony_n and_o witness_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v ever_o act_v contrary_a to_o that_o profession_n hence_o therefore_o all_o the_o religion_n we_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v their_o solemn_a rite_n of_o initiation_n or_o admission_n into_o '_o they_o the_o israelite_n baptism_n the_o israelite_n be_v initiate_v both_o by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n they_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o they_o by_o the_o ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v by_o a_o figure_n or_o form_n of_o speech_n very_o usual_a in_o the_o mention_n of_o sacrament_n where_o the_o sign_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o flesh_n gen._n 17.13_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n in_o their_o flesh_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o jew_n also_o have_v their_o baptism_n whereby_o they_o admit_v their_o proselyte_n or_o gentile-converts_a into_o their_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n they_o say_v all_o their_o woman_n who_o never_o be_v circumcise_a and_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n during_o their_o sojourn_v in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o circumcision_n be_v dispense_v with_o because_o it_o will_v make_v they_o sore_o for_o travel_v by_o baptism_n therefore_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o this_o seem_v also_o to_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o they_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o moses_n or_o initiate_v into_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a heathen_n likewise_o they_o be_v initiate_v into_o their_o mystery_n and_o worship_n by_o some_o solemn_a rite_n or_o other_o and_o that_o frequent_o by_o purgation_n and_o wash_n wash_n the_o heathen_n be_v initiate_v into_o their_o mystery_n by_o purgation_n or_o wash_n and_o now_o agreeable_o to_o both_o the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v initiate_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v baptism_n or_o wash_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v ordain_v that_o agreeable_o to_o our_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v most_o sensible_o touch_v with_o outward_a thing_n the_o covenant_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v transact_v by_o outward_a and_o express_a solemnity_n party_n our_o saviour_n choose_v the_o latter_a as_o what_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o both_o party_n so_o he_o be_v not_o scrupulous_a of_o have_v it_o do_v by_o such_o outward_a rite_n as_o be_v more_o general_o know_v and_o acceptable_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n circumcision_n the_o rite_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o legal_a covenant_n he_o will_v not_o adopt_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n because_o it_o be_v detestable_a and_o have_v in_o abomination_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n but_o baptism_n or_o wash_v none_o can_v except_v against_o it_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n to_o initiate_v their_o proselyte_n into_o covenant_n as_o be_v before_o say_v and_o the_o gentile_n do_v as_o often_o use_v it_o in_o a_o sacramental_a manner_n when_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n of_o their_o pagan_a worship_n especial_o when_o on_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o profess_v their_o innocency_n as_o appear_v from_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n be_v so_o solemn_o wash_v his_o hand_n when_o he_o will_v declare_v himself_o clear_a of_o shed_v the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n purity_n especial_o as_o more_o significative_a of_o christian_a purity_n mat._n 27.24_o and_o indeed_o as_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o agreeableness_n to_o all_o party_n so_o chief_o no_o doubt_n he_o choose_v it_o for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o this_o last_o score_n viz._n it_o be_v be_v so_o significative_a of_o the_o cleanness_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o practice_v as_o wash_v purge_n and_o cleanse_v the_o body_n from_o dirt_n and_o filthiness_n so_o our_o saviour_n choose_v the_o wash_v of_o regeneration_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v baptism_n tit._n 3.5_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n whereby_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v initiate_v or_o enter_v into_o his_o covenant_n or_o religion_n to_o signify_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n must_v be_v pure_a and_o holy_a not_o pollute_v with_o the_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o
inheritance_n by_o adopt_v they_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o a_o consimilitude_n to_o he_o in_o they_o and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v do_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o his_o word_n for_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n god_n be_v first_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n before_o his_o word_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o creditableness_n of_o his_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n or_o belief_n or_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o this_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n a_o man_n believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o god_n reveal_v or_o declare_v as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n let_v the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_n but_o then_o this_o faith_n operate_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o import_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a import_n it_o work_v a_o hatred_n to_o he_o that_o threaten_v it_o and_o a_o fear_n of_o the_o thing_n threaten_v if_o it_o be_v apprehend_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n who_o believe_v and_o hate_v god_n who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v jam._n 2.19_o but_o if_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o believe_v by_o man_n betoken_v unspeakable_a love_n and_o goodwill_n in_o god_n to_o man_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o he_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o such_o love_n than_o it_o work_v love_n to_o he_o that_o express_v such_o love_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o and_o a_o long_a desire_n after_o the_o promise_a benefit_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o in_o love_n with_o god_n because_o of_o his_o love_n in_o love_n with_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o divine_a perfection_n such_o as_o be_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n purity_n and_o patience_n mercifulness_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v which_o render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a so_o it_o contract_v a_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o these_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o change_n and_o renew_v the_o moral_a habit_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a life_n there_o be_v a_o aptness_n and_o promptness_n in_o man_n to_o imitate_v that_o in_o other_o and_o so_o in_o god_n for_o which_o they_o love_v they_o and_o frequent_a imitate_v act_n beget_v habit_n custom_n change_v nature_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o cor._n 3.18_o this_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o faith_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n 2._o cor._n 5.7_o and_o by_o it_o moses_n see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a heb._n 11.27_o and_o the_o medium_n by_o which_o this_o prospect_n be_v take_v be_v the_o gospel_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o lovely_a perfection_n be_v now_o open_o reveal_v and_o faith_n be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n busy_v in_o behold_v of_o and_o converse_v with_o these_o perfection_n it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o same_o image_n or_o likeness_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o be_v gradual_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v through_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n with_o man_n faith_n to_o comprehend_v the_o breadth_n length_n depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n by_o transcribe_v all_o his_o imitable_a perfection_n upon_o the_o soul_n ephes_n 3.18_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v thus_o beget_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n conformable_a to_o god_n that_o man_n can_v with_o confidence_n call_v god_n father_n this_o bless_a effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n by_o which_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o it_o be_v this_o new_a nature_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o good_a life_n of_o all_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a so_o it_o be_v true_a of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n thus_o renew_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v good_a the_o fruit_n will_v be_v good_a and_o as_o this_o new_a creature_n grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n so_o do_v of_o good_a and_o act_v worthy_o will_v become_v natural_a and_o pleasant_a to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o be_v to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o he_o will_v be_v able_a in_o some_o good_a measure_n to_o say_v i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o for_o sin_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o new_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o moral_a impotency_n in_o he_o in_o who_o it_o be_v to_o commit_v sin_n he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.9_o or_o if_o such_o a_o one_o be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n it_o will_v work_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o soul_n just_a as_o that_o will_v in_o the_o stomach_n which_o a_o man_n have_v eat_v against_o which_o he_o have_v a_o antipathy_n in_o nature_n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o perform_v religious_a duty_n and_o do_v thing_n material_o good_a only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o extrinsical_a motive_n and_o not_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n or_o love_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o such_o those_o action_n be_v unnatural_a become_v grievous_a and_o burdensome_a and_o will_v be_v continue_v in_o no_o long_o than_o those_o motive_n continue_v in_o their_o strength_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v about_o god_n promise_n to_o abraham_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o god_n count_v abraham_n faith_n to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o that_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o time_n then_o to_o come_v do_v reckon_v his_o practical_a faith_n to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o new_a law_n shall_v pass_v in_o his_o estimation_n for_o righteousness_n subordinate_a to_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o procure_v this_o grant_n or_o law_n for_o otherwise_o faith_n neither_o as_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n through_o christ_n nor_o as_o it_o work_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a or_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v righteousness_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o original_a law_n for_o that_o account_v no_o man_n that_o have_v though_o but_o once_o transgress_v it_o to_o be_v righteous_a either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o another_o suffering_n for_o his_o sin_n or_o his_o own_o repentance_n or_o sincere_a imperfect_a obedience_n but_o curse_v every_o man_n that_o from_o first_o to_o last_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o law_n but_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v a_o act_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o christ_n that_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v come_v to_o be_v reckon_v or_o impute_v to_o a_o man_n for_o righteousness_n and_o through_o god_n impute_v it_o for_o righteousness_n to_o stand_v a_o man_n in_o the_o same_o if_o not_o in_o better_a stead_n as_o to_o his_o eternal_a concern_v as_o a_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o original_a law_n from_o first_o to_o last_o will_v have_v do_v christ_n righteousness_n be_v presuppose_v the_o only_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o this_o grant_n or_o covenant_n and_o thus_o indeed_o the_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v describe_v be_v a_o man_n righteousness_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o this_o new_a law_n because_o it_o be_v summary_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o himself_o to_o make_v he_o capable_a
day_n upon_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 32.46_o 47._o set_a your_o heart_n unto_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v among_o you_o this_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o you_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o through_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n in_o the_o land_n wherein_o you_o go_v the_o latter_a word_n be_v exegetical_a of_o the_o former_a through_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v also_o whether_o this_o particle_n in_o which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v he_o shall_v even_o live_v in_o they_o may_v not_o determine_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v a_o present_a reward_n a_o reward_n which_o be_v receive_v even_o while_o the_o work_n be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o psal_n 19.11_o in_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o event_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o to_o prosper_v they_o while_o they_o be_v with_o he_o but_o when_o they_o forsake_v he_o present_o trouble_v overtake_v they_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o god_n fury_n on_o they_o to_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v put_v in_o ezek._n 20_o 13_o 21._o as_o the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o those_o word_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v he_o shall_v even_o live_v in_o they_o seem_v great_o to_o favour_v this_o notion_n but_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n rebel_v against_o i_o in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o walk_v not_o in_o my_o statute_n and_o they_o despise_v my_o judgement_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v he_o shall_v even_o live_v in_o they_o then_o i_o say_v i_o will_v â—â—ur_v out_o my_o fury_n upon_o they_o to_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o indeed_o one_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n which_o i_o â—ould_v have_v here_o observe_v lie_v in_o this_o to_o wit_n the_o presentness_n of_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o the_o first_o and_o the_o futurity_n of_o that_o promise_v in_o the_o seâ—ond_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o allegorical_a description_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n gaâ—_n 4.24_o etc._n etc._n represent_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o first_o covenant_n by_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bond-servant_n to_o who_o abraham_n give_v gift_n in_o presâ—â—t_n and_o send_v they_o away_o as_o in_o gen._n 25.5_o and_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o thâ—_n second_o by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o freewoman_n isaac_n who_o be_v abraham_n heir_n â—o_o who_o he_o give_v the_o whole_a inheritance_n at_o last_o and_o the_o adoption_n of_o son_n as_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o servant_n under_o the_o old_a gal._n 4.7_o and_o what_o be_v they_o adâ—pted_v to_o but_o to_o a_o inheritance_n for_o the_o future_a for_o by_o adoption_n they_o be_v make_v heir_n if_o a_o son_n than_o a_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n a_o heir_n of_o what_o of_o a_o inheritance_n for_o the_o future_a a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o which_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n 1_o pet._n 1.4_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o their_o body_n at_o the_o resurrection_n rom._n 8.23_o son_n and_o heir_n serve_v their_o father_n with_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a spirit_n though_o they_o have_v but_o little_a for_o the_o present_a in_o confidence_n of_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o they_o hereafter_o in_o another_o world_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o age._n but_o those_o under_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v like_o servant_n who_o serve_v with_o a_o servile_a spirit_n because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o expectation_n of_o present_a pay_n the_o one_o walk_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o be_v influence_v in_o their_o obedience_n by_o the_o expectation_n of_o present_a reward_n because_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o first_o covenant_n promise_v to_o the_o observer_n of_o it_o these_o promise_v now_o insist_v on_o be_v promise_n of_o reward_n to_o the_o observer_n of_o this_o first_o covenant_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o promise_n exhibit_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v promise_n of_o pardon_n in_o many_o case_n when_o the_o law_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v there_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v law_n of_o indemnity_n which_o make_v many_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o duty_n pardonable_a upon_o certain_a condition_n and_o such_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o some_o of_o those_o also_o which_o be_v commit_v witting_o but_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v exempt_v from_o pardon_n heb._n 10.28_o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n but_o for_o the_o other_o there_o be_v promise_n of_o pardon_n upon_o certain_a condition_n which_o condition_n be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o in_o some_o case_n the_o offering_n of_o a_o sin-offering_a or_o trespass-offering_a be_v the_o condition_n in_o other_o case_n that_o with_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o condition_n and_o in_o some_o other_o case_n sacrifice_v restitution_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v the_o condition_n and_o afflict_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n for_o atonement_n oâ—_n the_o day_n of_o general_a expiation_n be_v always_o a_o condition_n of_o forgiveness_n these_o thing_n in_o the_o particularity_n of_o they_o you_o have_v in_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 1â—_n and_o 23d_o chapter_n of_o levit._n and_o then_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o purgation_n of_o legal_a uncleanness_n and_o the_o penal_a effect_n from_o theâ—_n be_v the_o observe_v the_o rule_v prescribe_v for_o purify_n the_o unclean_a now_o the_o forgiveness_n promise_v by_o these_o law_n of_o indemnity_n do_v â—ot_n free_v the_o conscience_n from_o all_o obligation_n to_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o â—nly_o free_v the_o person_n from_o suffer_v those_o temporal_a evil_n which_o â—ere_z threaten_v in_o this_o covenant_n against_o those_o which_o do_v not_o continâ—â—_n in_o all_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o it_o neither_o sacrifice_n nor_o â—egal_a purification_n sanctify_a but_o unto_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o their_o temporal_a concern_v only_o heb._n 9.9_o 10_o 13._o and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o fivefold_a difference_n in_o reference_n â—o_o remission_n of_o sin_n between_o the_o first_o covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 1._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o atonement_n be_v make_v and_o upon_o which_o forgiveness_n be_v promise_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v but_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n and_o the_o like_a heb._n 10.4_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n upon_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v grant_v do_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n differ_v 2._o those_o two_o sort_n of_o sacrifice_n pertain_v to_o two_o kind_n of_o covenant_n differ_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o efficacy_n and_o virtue_n to_o accomplish_v their_o respective_a end_n and_o effect_n there_o be_v a_o great_a richness_n of_o proportion_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o free_v the_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n or_o obligation_n to_o eternal_a punishment_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n to_o free_a the_o delinquent_a person_n from_o temporal_a punishment_n this_o be_v plain_o intimate_v in_o heb._n 9.13_o 14._o for_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heiser_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a sanctifi_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n 3._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pardon_n promise_v in_o each_o of_o the_o covenant_n respective_o the_o redemption_n grant_v in_o the_o first_o covenant_n be_v but_o temporal_a as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v it_o be_v but_o from_o evil_n temporal_a but_o christ_n jesus_n by_o his_o atonement_n have_v obtain_v
hereto_o that_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o to_o be_v save_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o st._n james_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v with_o st._n paul_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o reason_v chap._n 2._o from_o ver_fw-la 14._o to_o the_o end_n what_o do_v it_o profit_v my_o brethren_n say_v he_o though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o verse_n 14._o this_o interrogation_n imply_v a_o emphatical_a negation_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o such_o a_o faith_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n save_o a_o man_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o twice_o over_o in_o vers_fw-la 17_o 20._o because_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o then_o afterward_o argue_v the_o necessity_n of_o work_n together_o with_o faith_n unto_o justification_n or_o unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o begin_v with_o by_o god_n justify_v abraham_n by_o work_n together_o with_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n or_o example_n of_o god_n justify_v all_o other_o if_o then_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o to_o be_v save_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o in_o st._n james_n discourse_n here_o then_o by_o the_o way_n they_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v st._n james_n who_o think_v he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o a_o justification_n before_o god_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n about_o justification_n by_o work_n together_o with_o faith_n but_o of_o a_o justification_n before_o man_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n only_o which_o supposition_n of_o they_o do_v direct_o thwart_v the_o very_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n which_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o what_o will_v and_o what_o will_v not_o avail_v a_o christian-professor_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o abundant_o appear_v so_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o say_v abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o which_o st._n james_n say_v be_v fulfil_v in_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n as_o well_o as_o by_o faith_n be_v not_o fulfil_v in_o abraham_n be_v justify_v to_o other_o and_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o in_o his_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o so_o st._n paul_n understand_v it_o rom._n 4.3_o gal._n 3.6_o but_o this_o be_v touch_v before_o in_o chap._n 1._o the_o result_n then_o of_o what_o have_v be_v argue_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o all_o that_o be_v justify_v be_v thereby_o put_v regular_o into_o a_o immediate_a capacity_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v die_v the_o very_a next_o moment_n after_o they_o be_v once_o justify_v they_o will_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o evangelical_n obedience_n can_v be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o if_o to_o say_v evangelical_n obedience_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o some_o will_v pretend_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o to_o say_v evangelical_n obedience_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o so_o too_o for_o our_o final_a salvation_n be_v as_o much_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o of_o christ_n undertake_v for_o we_o as_o our_o justification_n itself_o be_v and_o of_o as_o much_o value_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o one_o be_v not_o injurious_a in_o this_o kind_n neither_o be_v the_o other_o 8._o as_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o his_o blood_n to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v sometime_o make_v unto_o believe_v so_o sometime_o again_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o evangelical_n obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o in_o 1_o joh._n 1.7_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n that_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n but_o otherwise_o it_o do_v not_o and_o so_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n peter_n write_v be_v say_v to_o be_v elect_a according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.2_o but_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n without_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o we_o see_v also_o that_o evangelical_n obedience_n be_v part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 9_o to_o forgive_v injury_n be_v a_o act_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n to_o that_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n mar._n 11.25_o and_o yet_o without_o this_o act_n of_o obedience_n man_n that_o have_v be_v injure_v can_v be_v justify_v because_o they_o can_v be_v pardon_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n mark_v 11.26_o mat._n 6.15_o and_o 18.35_o therefore_o evangelical_n obedience_n must_v needs_o be_v part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o justification_n 10._o repentance_n be_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n act_v 17.30_o and_o yet_o pardon_v of_o sin_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o justification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v without_o it_o luke_n 13.3_o 5._o therefore_o again_o it_o follow_v that_o evangelical_n obedience_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n and_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o now_o by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o full_o appear_v to_o any_o unprejudiced_a reader_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n yea_o and_o of_o st._n peter_n and_o john_n too_o do_v full_o accord_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n james_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n unto_o justification_n the_o opposition_n then_o which_o some_o have_v make_v between_o faith_n and_o all_o internal_a and_o external_n work_v in_o reference_n to_o justification_n as_o well_o evangelical_n as_o moysaicall_a have_v not_o be_v only_o without_o scripture-ground_n but_o against_o scripture-evidence_n and_o look_v more_o like_a that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o gnostic_n or_o other_o solisidian_o oppose_v by_o st._n james_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o very_a same_o than_o any_o the_o scripture_n any_o where_o make_v and_o how_o much_o injury_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v have_v suffer_v thereby_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v think_v on_o and_o sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a doctrine_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n call_v christian_n be_v glad_a to_o hear_v that_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o christ_n only_o upon_o their_o believe_v in_o he_o without_o any_o work_n of_o righteousness_n or_o self-denial_n of_o their_o own_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n presume_v very_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v justify_v though_o they_o be_v unsanctify_v but_o those_o especial_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o build_v their_o confidence_n upon_o this_o doctrine_n who_o together_o with_o this_o belief_n have_v more_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n than_o the_o other_o have_v and_o be_v find_v much_o more_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o external_a devotional_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n party_n or_o way_n which_o they_o think_v most_o orthodox_n though_o they_o be_v great_o destitute_a of_o love_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o humility_n charity_n strict_a justice_n fidelity_n peaceableness_n sobriety_n temperance_n modesty_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o that_o renew_a frame_n of_o soul_n which_o will_v make_v they_o like_o christ_n jesus_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v consist_v the_o external_a duty_n of_o hear_v read_v pray_v and_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o great_a part_n but_o mean_n refer_v to_o the_o other_o as_o the_o end_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o account_v himself_o true_o religious_a further_o than_o he_o attain_v to_o these_o true_o christian_a qualification_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o external_n mâ—ans_v and_o internal_a aid_n yea_o the_o â—â—â—shly_a part_n even_o in_o mâ—n_z good_a in_o the_o main_a be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o the_o lessen_v of_o their_o care_n dilience_n and_o zeal_n in_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n in_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n in_o govern_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o appetite_n in_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o
the_o world_n as_o to_o a_o most_o holy_a profession_n and_o call_v so_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o most_o singular_a privilege_n their_o the_o church_n be_v such_o who_o to_o the_o end_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n and_o of_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o six_o and_o they_o be_v such_o who_o to_o the_o end_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n and_o of_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o themselves_o his_o people_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o it_o be_v the_o royal_a charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o city_n whereby_o they_o have_v certain_a privilege_n grant_v they_o from_o the_o king_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o discharge_v certain_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o that_o make_v they_o of_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n to_o become_v a_o corporation_n or_o regulate_v society_n and_o those_o who_o stand_v out_o and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o those_o privilege_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o their_o several_a duty_n shall_v not_o be_v repute_v of_o that_o corporation_n nor_o receive_v any_o advantage_n from_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o that_o society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grant_v we_o by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o most_o inestimable_a privilege_n those_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n gracious_o insure_v unto_o we_o and_o most_o reasonable_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n require_v of_o we_o that_o do_v embody_n and_o join_v we_o into_o one_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o but_o those_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o as_o by_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o covenant_n christian_n be_v incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n so_o by_o the_o same_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o that_o they_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n peculiarly_a and_o they_o become_v his_o people_n thus_o heb._n 8.10_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o covenant_n to_o unite_v the_o party_n covenant_v together_o and_o to_o give_v to_o each_o party_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o ezek._n 16.8_o so_o that_o by_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o be_v entitle_v to_o his_o particular_a protection_n and_o care_n over_o we_o and_o we_o give_v to_o he_o thereby_o a_o new_a and_o strong_a claim_n to_o our_o obedience_n seven_o baptism_n i._o in_o baptism_n and_o christian_n be_v thus_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o thereby_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o their_o baptism_n for_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v not_o usual_o make_v member_n of_o that_o society_n without_o some_o certain_a solemnity_n so_o it_o please_v god_n that_o no_o one_o shall_v be_v enter_v into_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o without_o that_o outward_a rite_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o we_o find_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n send_v his_o apostle_n to_o found_n and_o build_v the_o church_n they_o receive_v as_o a_o commission_n to_o call_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o world_n a_o church_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n so_o a_o appointment_n to_o incorporate_v all_o man_n therein_o by_o baptism_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n matth._n 28.19_o and_o hence_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n or_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o one_o church_n eight_o and_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o supper_n ii_o to_o renew_v it_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o feast_v often_o together_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v ancient_o and_o be_v still_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o unite_n more_o close_o together_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n or_o corporation_n their_o feast_v often_o together_o at_o one_o common_a table_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n nine_o and_o now_o upon_o all_o these_o forementioned_a account_n body_n the_o church_n one_o body_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n thus_o eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v all_o call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o you_o see_v that_o because_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v or_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n to_o one_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n express_v here_o by_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o because_o incorporate_v by_o one_o baptism_n or_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o body_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o great_a charter_n whereby_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o among_o all_o christian_n contain_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o all_o and_o promise_v to_o every_o one_o that_o perform_v those_o condition_n the_o same_o privilege_n and_o all_o man_n be_v every_o where_o admit_v and_o continue_v in_o it_o by_o the_o same_o sacramental_a solemnity_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n found_v upon_o and_o incorporate_v by_o that_o covenant_n must_v needs_o be_v one._n ten_o this_o one_o body_n or_o society_n the_o church_n true_a it_o be_v be_v subdivide_v into_o several_a particular_a body_n or_o church_n church_n subdivide_v into_o several_a particular_a body_n and_o church_n both_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o also_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o government_n it_o be_v ancient_o divide_v into_o diocesan_n church_n church_n i._o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o government_n into_o diocesan_n church_n wherein_o because_o no_o one_o man_n be_v able_a to_o govern_v so_o vast_a a_o body_n as_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n each_o bishop_n have_v his_o particular_a flock_n arise_v out_o of_o one_o city_n and_o the_o part_n adjoin_v to_o oversee_v and_o to_o govern._n hence_o we_o read_v rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o chap._n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n all_o which_o be_v so_o many_o city_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n be_v style_v the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n in_o those_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n of_o these_o church_n probable_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n send_v for_o to_o meet_v he_o at_o miletus_n act._n 20.17_o and_o to_o who_o he_o give_v that_o solemn_a charge_n ver_fw-la 21.28_o to_o take_v heed_n unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o teach_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o as_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o government_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v ancient_o divide_v into_o diocesan_n church_n in_o which_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n each_o city_n have_v its_o bishop_n to_o govern_v and_o direct_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n congregation_n ii_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o worship_n into_o particular_a
perfect_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v better_v and_o improve_v though_o it_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n and_o sure_o then_o those_o superstition_n which_o derive_v themselves_o from_o no_o better_a author_n than_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a impostor_n must_v be_v very_o bad_a but_o that_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o law_n have_v such_o a_o inward_a essential_a goodness_n in_o they_o that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o reason_n will_v prompt_v he_o to_o approve_v they_o as_o best_o and_o most_o excellent_a there_o be_v none_o of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o all_o its_o precept_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o law_n write_v in_o every_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n and_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n whether_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o compare_v with_o the_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a superstition_n and_o jewish_a dispensation_n or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o most_o singular_a institution_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o such_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o our_o very_a great_a happiness_n and_o advantage_n above_o other_o man_n that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o '_o they_o and_o first_o consider_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n nature_n the_o pagan_a superstition_n tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o defile_v humane_a nature_n and_o what_o else_o do_v it_o tend_v to_o but_o to_o debase_v mankind_n infinite_o below_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o defile_v they_o much_o more_o than_o the_o very_a brute_n the_o god_n which_o the_o pagan_n worship_n be_v at_o best_a the_o most_o vile_a and_o infamous_a of_o humane_a race_n viz._n a_o adulterous_a jupiter_n a_o revengeful_a juno_n a_o drunken_a bacchus_n a_o wanton_a venus_n a_o thievish_a mercury_n and_o a_o cruel_a mars_n not_o to_o mention_v how_o they_o bow_v themselves_o before_o and_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o most_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a woman_n the_o god_n the_o pagan_n worship_v be_v at_o best_a the_o most_o infamous_a man_n and_o woman_n senseless_a creature_n and_o when_o they_o worship_v adulterer_n and_o whore_n and_o thief_n and_o drunkard_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o rite_n whereby_o they_o serve_v they_o shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o vile_a practice_n such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o temper_n of_o such_o deity_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n 1_o epist_n 4.3_o tell_v those_o who_o have_v be_v late_o convert_v from_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n that_o the_o time_n pass_v of_o their_o life_n be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v wrought_v the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n when_o they_o walk_v in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_v banquet_n and_o abominable_a idolatry_n wherein_o be_v more_o than_o intimate_v that_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o such_o villainous_a practice_n and_o indeed_o from_o the_o pagan_a author_n themselves_o we_o know_v they_o be_v so_o themselves_o many_o time_n they_o worship_v the_o very_a devil_n themselves_o but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o woman_n but_o the_o devil_n themselves_o who_o the_o pagan_n worship_v and_o who_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o serve_v not_o only_o with_o abominable_a idolatry_n accompany_v with_o most_o lewd_a practice_n which_o however_o hateful_a to_o right_a reason_n may_v be_v grateful_a to_o some_o sensual_a spirit_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o commit_v many_o time_n the_o great_a violence_n possible_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o those_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a devil_n they_o adore_v rite_n and_o that_o with_o lewd_a barbarous_a and_o cruel_a rite_n thus_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worshipper_n of_o baal_n to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancer_n till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o upon_o they_o 1_o king_n 18.28_o nay_o the_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o son_n and_o of_o their_o daughter_n who_o they_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o idol_n of_o canaan_n psal_n 106.37_o 38._o which_o be_v a_o barbarity_n so_o horrid_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o loud_a instrument_n at_o the_o time_n of_o sacrifice_n to_o drown_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o shriek_a infant_n and_o at_o this_o day_n the_o idol_n vitsiputsi_n among_o the_o indian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v many_o thousand_o slay_v in_o one_o of_o his_o solemn_a procession_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o his_o worshipper_n to_o throw_v themselves_o under_o the_o wheel_n of_o his_o massy_a chariot_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v crush_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o weight_n thereof_o go_v over_o '_o they_o such_o be_v the_o lewd_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n not_o to_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o intolerable_a slavish_a fear_n which_o always_o possess_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a religionist_n who_o be_v always_o in_o dread_n lest_o they_o shall_v incense_v the_o angry_a and_o peevish_a daemon_n by_o every_o little_a accident_n and_o be_v ever_o upon_o the_o rack_n study_v to_o please_v he_o by_o innumerable_a little_a insignificant_a observance_n imposture_n the_o mahometan_a religion_n be_v a_o vile_a imposture_n nor_o second_o as_o to_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o worthy_a of_o god_n whereby_o we_o shall_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v its_o author_n first_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a imposture_n and_o cheat_n pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o his_o prophet_n mahomet_n after_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o more_o perfect_a institution_n than_o either_o whereas_o indeed_o look_v into_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o inward_a frame_n thereof_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o as_o one_o observe_v but_o a_o mass_n of_o foolish_a opinion_n odd_a story_n uncouth_a ceremony_n compound_v chief_o of_o the_o dregs_o of_o christian_a heresy_n together_o with_o some_o ingredient_n of_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n confuse_o jumble_v or_o unskilful_o mix_v one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o as_o to_o that_o great_a principle_n of_o it_o which_o promise_v in_o paradise_n a_o thousand_o year_n satisfaction_n arise_v from_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o woman_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v slay_v the_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v christian_n for_o so_o they_o do_v call_v we_o especial_o because_o we_o believe_v not_o in_o their_o mahomet_n this_o one_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o say_v be_v enough_o to_o debauch_v humane_a nature_n to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o naughtiness_n by_o give_v encouragement_n to_o the_o two_o worst_a of_o sin_n lust_n and_o cruelty_n cruelty_n its_o principle_n tend_v to_o lust_n and_o cruelty_n and_o according_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o give_v a_o unbounded_a range_v to_o their_o lust_n among_o themselves_o and_o be_v cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o be_v instigate_v by_o their_o very_a religion_n to_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n with_o war_n desolation_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o this_o be_v another_o religion_n also_o which_o tend_v instead_o of_o improve_n to_o deprave_v humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v it_o much_o worse_o and_o three_o as_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n religion_n judaisme_n be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o unfinished_a draught_n of_o religion_n though_o that_o indeed_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a yet_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o ripe_a for_o a_o more_o deep_a and_o manly_a instruction_n or_o whether_o that_o particular_a nation_n however_o to_o who_o disposition_n and_o capacity_n those_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v suit_v be_v unfit_a for_o the_o high_a and_o hard_a lesson_n so_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n call_v their_o ordinance_n poor_a and_o beggarly_a element_n gal._n 4.9.3_o and_o indeed_o as_o to_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o their_o law_n the_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n thereof_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n type_n and_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v heb._n 10.1_o and_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n moses_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v force_v to_o indulge_v they_o what_o the_o perfection_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o put_v away_o a_o wife_n for_o every_o cause_n luke_n 19.8_o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o enemy_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o what_o nation_n and_o religion_n soever_o they_o be_v which_o do_v so_o near_o resemble_v we_o to_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o
good_a matth._n 5.45_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a commandment_n to_o they_o joh._n 13.34_o and_o yet_o such_o a_o unbounded_a charity_n and_o kindness_n as_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o judaisme_n at_o the_o best_a and_o before_o that_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o false_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o the_o law_n by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a draught_n of_o religion_n begin_v by_o moses_n but_o left_a to_o be_v finish_v by_o the_o more_o perfect_a stroke_n of_o our_o saviour_n pencil_n afterward_o who_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fill_v they_o up_o matth._n 5.17_o thus_o imperfect_a at_o best_a be_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o now_o consider_v four_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o religion_n religion_n christianity_n a_o most_o excellent_a religion_n which_o christ_n our_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n have_v give_v we_o and_o under_o who_o guidance_n we_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v as_o we_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o nothing_o can_v represent_v god_n in_o more_o noble_a character_n and_o glorious_a perfection_n nothing_o can_v give_v a_o more_o honourable_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o man_n both_o in_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n of_o he_o than_o it_o do_v and_o as_o his_o law_n be_v infinite_o beyond_o what_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o humane_a lawgiver_n do_v ever_o yet_o contrive_v for_o the_o good_a order_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o his_o real_a happiness_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o no_o motive_n nor_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o those_o which_o christianity_n do_v give_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o law_n god_n it_o give_v a_o most_o excellent_a representation_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n christianity_n do_v plain_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o be_v that_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n but_o as_o one_o that_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o the_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o high_a perfection_n possible_a it_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o so_o infinite_o wise_a just_a and_o holy_a and_o yet_o so_o wonderful_o beyond_o all_o comparison_n good_a and_o merciful_a and_o to_o add_v to_o all_o this_o so_o intimate_o present_a to_o all_o we_o say_v or_o do_v so_o omniscient_a in_o discern_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o withal_o so_o absolute_o powerful_a in_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o shall_v not_o this_o his_o excellency_n make_v we_o afraid_a job_n 13.11_o we_o it_o give_v a_o honourable_a account_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o mankind_n with_o reference_n both_o to_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n of_o we_o and_o then_o as_o to_o his_o proceed_n with_o man_n both_o in_o his_o creation_n and_o redemption_n of_o he_o christianity_n give_v we_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o rational_a account_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n it_o give_v we_o to_o know_v how_o that_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o and_o be_v so_o we_o be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o he_o but_o that_o afterward_o we_o fall_v by_o transgression_n from_o he_o and_o must_v have_v suffer_v the_o doom_n of_o rebel_n for_o so_o do_v it_o let_v we_o then_o know_v that_o god_n take_v pity_n of_o we_o in_o this_o miserable_a case_n send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o to_o offer_v term_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o we_o and_o moreover_o because_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o god_n holiness_n nor_o with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a or_o to_o accept_v of_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n less_o infinite_a in_o value_n than_o he_o be_v in_o majesty_n who_o be_v offend_v that_o he_o therefore_o give_v this_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n also_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o accept_v of_o his_o infinite_o meritorious_a suffering_n here_o instead_o of_o our_o suffering_n eternal_o hereafter_o and_o as_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o injure_a justice_n which_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n can_v not_o pay_v without_o perish_v everlasting_o christianity_n do_v withal_o reveal_v to_o we_o that_o this_o our_o highpriest_n after_o have_v offer_v himself_o for_o we_o here_o on_o earth_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v now_o go_v into_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n in_o the_o merit_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v to_o the_o pardon_n of_o '_o they_o and_o it_o also_o inform_v we_o that_o be_v ascend_v to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o order_n full_o to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o man_n he_o have_v substitute_v his_o holy_a spirit_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o perfect_v the_o reconciliation_n and_o conformity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o god_n by_o move_v and_o mould_v our_o heart_n to_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o this_o be_v in_o short_a that_o account_n which_o christianity_n give_v we_o both_o of_o our_o creation_n and_o of_o our_o redemption_n and_o so_o every_o way_n rational_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o so_o exceed_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n that_o though_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n before_o this_o whole_a mystery_n of_o redemption_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o think_v of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n for_o our_o recovery_n out_o of_o a_o lose_a and_o undo_v condition_n and_o of_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n yet_o now_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n who_o understanding_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v must_v own_v that_o there_o be_v no_o method_n of_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o case_n can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o the_o holiness_n justice_n mercy_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o so_o likely_a to_o work_v repentance_n in_o man_n not_o consequent_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v than_o this_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a improve_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o doctrinal_a and_o even_o the_o most_o mysterious_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o religion_n which_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o be_v under_o the_o direction_n of_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v better_o contrive_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n mankind_n its_o law_n be_v excellent_o contrive_v for_o the_o good_a order_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n with_o relation_n to_o themselves_o or_o other_o than_o what_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o as_o to_o ourselves_o they_o do_v so_o powerful_o tend_v to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o appetite_n those_o rebel_n to_o our_o own_o reason_n to_o moderate_v our_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o so_o violent_o rack_v and_o disturb_v our_o own_o breast_n and_o they_o be_v excellent_o fit_v also_o to_o make_v we_o so_o humble_a and_o self-denying_a so_o temperate_a and_o sober_a so_o chaste_a and_o pure_a as_o man_n on_o earth_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v angel_n come_v from_o heaven_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n universal_o follow_v and_o last_o as_o to_o other_o such_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n such_o charity_n and_o kindness_n such_o quiet_a and_o peaceableness_n do_v christianity_n incline_v man_n to_o upon_o which_o account_n the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v represent_v as_o that_o in_o which_o nothing_o shall_v destroy_v nor_o hurt_v in_o the_o holy_a mountain_n isa_n 11.9_o and_o let_v i_o also_o add_v such_o prudent_a and_o fatherly_a care_n of_o child_n servant_n and_o dependent_n do_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v as_o will_v make_v a_o heaven_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v they_o universal_o obey_v i_o say_v be_v they_o universal_o obey_v and_o yet_o to_o add_v to_o all_o this_o excellency_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o law_n over_o we_o already_o see_v motive_n and_o be_v enforce_v by_o most_o powerful_a principle_n &_o motive_n so_o powerful_o be_v our_o obedience_n to_o all_o these_o law_n enforce_v by_o those_o mighty_a principle_n and_o motive_n of_o christianity_n viz._n the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n i_o mean_v so_o very_o persuasive_a and_o forcible_n be_v the_o motive_n which_o christ_n do_v give_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n beyond_o what_o be_v in_o any_o reason_n and_o motive_n which_o the_o philosopher_n or_o even_o moses_n do_v give_v the_o gentile_n or_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n virtuous_a that_o this_o be_v another_o addition_n to_o our_o advantage_n in_o have_v christ_n for_o our_o supreme_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o in_o
establish_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n already_o prove_v and_o believe_v god_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n only_o with_o the_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o as_o to_o lay_v christian_n therefore_o except_o it_o be_v when_o the_o orthodox_n be_v call_v out_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o sometime_o they_o be_v to_o this_o day_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n they_o receive_v no_o other_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n but_o this_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v sure_a to_o do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o very_o considerable_a on_o many_o account_n be_v the_o privilege_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n the_o seven_o lecture_n wherein_o i_o be_v make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n the_o preliminary_a question_n and_o answer_n of_o your_o church-catechism_n as_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o do_v give_v you_o a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o word_n wherein_o i_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o invaluable_a privilege_n make_v over_o to_o we_o in_o this_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v and_o open_v to_o you_o what_o they_o do_v import_n the_o next_o of_o those_o privilege_n make_v over_o to_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n wherein_o i_o be_v make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o the_o vastness_n of_o which_o privilege_n also_o first_o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n and_o here_o in_o your_o catechism_n by_o a_o child_n of_o god_n second_o what_o a_o inestimable_a privilege_n according_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n god_n what_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o catechism_n by_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o first_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o here_o in_o your_o catechism_n by_o a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o understand_v which_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o several_a meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o in_o which_o of_o those_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v here_o in_o your_o catechism_n when_o every_o catechumen_n be_v teach_v to_o answer_n that_o in_o his_o baptism_n he_o be_v make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n generation_n i._n not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n first_o in_o the_o high_a most_o natural_a and_o most_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v he_o who_o be_v the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n viz._n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n the_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n in_o a_o peculiar_a inconceivable_a and_o inexpressible_a manner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v coequal_a coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n himself_o be_v call_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.16_o but_o then_o be_v he_o be_v in_o so_o peculiar_a and_o high_a a_o manner_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o infinite_o to_o exceed_v that_o wherein_o any_o one_o else_o whether_o angel_n or_o man_n can_v be_v call_v his_o son_n he_o can_v in_o any_o measure_n be_v mean_v here_o by_o a_o child_n of_o god_n which_o signify_v a_o privilege_n common_a to_o many_o as_o will_v be_v present_o show_v wide_o not_o every_o son_n by_o temporal_a creation_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n too_o wide_o second_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o temporal_a creation_n and_o such_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n both_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o you_o will_v see_v job_n 1.6_o and_o luk._n 3.38_o and_o that_o both_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n and_o because_o of_o their_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a nature_n in_o which_o both_o do_v so_o immediate_o resemble_v god_n but_o this_o be_v a_o acceptation_n too_o wide_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o privilege_n which_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o enjoy_v but_o be_v the_o favour_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o a_o select_a body_n of_o man_n who_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o three_o there_o be_v those_o narrow_a iii_o nor_n sachon_o who_o be_v child_n of_o god_n by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n which_o be_v a_o sense_n too_o narrow_a who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n by_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o by_o be_v create_v anew_o in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o these_o be_v such_o who_o have_v put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o who_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4.22_o 23_o 24._o they_o be_v such_o who_o be_v bear_v not_o only_o of_o water_n but_o also_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v who_o have_v not_o only_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o have_v their_o whole_a nature_n and_o disposition_n so_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a that_o from_o vicious_a and_o ungodly_a they_o be_v change_v to_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n and_o such_o a_o vast_a change_n wrought_v in_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v very_o just_o give_v those_o who_o enjoy_v it_o the_o title_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o if_o in_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a generation_n the_o communicate_v of_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o of_o suitable_a operation_n do_v find_v the_o relation_n and_o title_n of_o a_o father_n there_o be_v as_o good_a reason_n why_o in_o regeneration_n the_o derive_v such_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n and_o power_n from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o he_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o life_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v entitle_v god_n to_o be_v also_o a_o father_n and_o such_o who_o be_v so_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v his_o child_n and_o according_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o find_v that_o such_o a_o derivation_n of_o strength_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v entitle_v those_o who_o be_v renew_v thereby_o to_o be_v child_n of_o god_n st._n paul_n not_o only_o attribute_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n a_o power_n of_o beget_v in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o but_o withal_o express_o assure_v we_o that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.14_o so_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o child_n of_o god_n whoever_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n be_v thereby_o sanctify_v whole_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n 1_o thess_n 5.23_o so_o as_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v every_o lust_n and_o every_o naughty_a inordinate_a and_o worldly_a desire_n and_o indeed_o every_o true_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n do_v do_v so_o such_o a_o one_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o use_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o god_n do_v afford_v he_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v every_o lust_n and_o every_o naughty_a inordinate_a and_o worldly_a desire_n so_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v 1_o joh._n 3.9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o unessayed_v child_n of_o god_n do_v real_o hate_v sin_n the_o very_a temper_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o soul_n be_v against_o it_o and_o as_o to_o live_v in_o any_o gross_a and_o wilful_a sin_n he_o can_v without_o much_o reluctancy_n force_v himself_o to_o it_o his_o renew_v nature_n be_v so_o much_o contrary_n thereto_o such_o i_o say_v be_v every_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o indeed_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n god_n such_o indeed_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o high_a sense_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o high_a
have_v he_o our_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o may_v henceforward_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n heb._n 10.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o that_o be_v every_o christian_n provide_v he_o come_v not_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o unrepented_a sin_n upon_o his_o conscience_n may_v himself_o now_o offer_v up_o his_o own_o prayer_n to_o god_n through_o christ_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o other_o priest_n or_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o be_v gracious_o hear_v and_o answer_v and_o that_o this_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n with_o which_o we_o may_v approach_v unto_o god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v our_o privilege_n only_o as_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n be_v plain_a from_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.15_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o unto_o fear_n as_o under_o the_o law_n but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v unto_o god_n abba_n father_n and_o again_o gal._n 4.6_o because_o you_o be_v thus_o make_v his_o son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o now_o last_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o very_o considerable_a privilege_n other_o last_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v more_o sure_o instate_v in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o heaven_n than_o other_o accrue_v to_o a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o such_o his_o relation_n it_o be_v that_o god_n will_v more_o sure_o instate_v he_o in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o heaven_n than_o he_o will_v do_v other_o that_o have_v no_o such_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o indeed_o if_o child_n of_o god_n than_o heir_n we_o be_v tell_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o but_o the_o vastness_n of_o this_o will_v be_v best_a consider_v by_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o three_o and_o the_o last_o of_o those_o privilege_n make_v over_o to_o we_o on_o god_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n viz._n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n advantage_n the_o infinite_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o these_o advantage_n and_o now_o upon_o the_o review_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o present_a article_n in_o what_o admiration_n of_o god_n goodness_n may_v we_o all_o of_o we_o cry_v out_o with_o st._n john_n 1_o epist_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o infinite_a reason_n have_v we_o with_o st._n paul_n thankful_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o it_o eph._n 1.3.5_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o christian_n with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o and_o concern_v heavenly_a place_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v through_o christ_n have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o the_o adoption_n and_o privilege_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n he_o adopt_a we_o to_o be_v his_o child_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n this_o privilege_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o child_n be_v attend_v with_o very_o rich_a advantage_n all_o which_o have_v accrue_v to_o we_o not_o from_o any_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o we_o be_v suppose_v enemy_n unto_o he_o but_o only_o from_o his_o free_a goodness_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v please_v so_o to_o determine_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v both_o great_a and_o free_a we_o ought_v certain_o with_o all_o possible_a acknowledgement_n to_o magnify_v and_o extol_v both_o his_o infinite_a condescension_n and_o goodness_n and_o our_o own_o unspeakable_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n therein_o indeed_o for_o god_n to_o be_v a_o father_n by_o creation_n and_o providence_n as_o one_o observe_v though_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o be_v parens_fw-la rerum_fw-la the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v thy_o father_n by_o adoption_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v thou_o his_o son_n through_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o he_o shall_v rake_v up_o dirt_n and_o filth_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o lay_v it_o in_o his_o bosom_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v alien_n and_o stranger_n near_o unto_o himself_o and_o adopt_v enemy_n and_o rebel_n into_o his_o family_n register_v their_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n make_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n coheir_n with_o jesus_n christ_n his_o eternal_a son_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v admire_o re-count_a it_o rom._n 8.17_o this_o be_v mercy_n and_o miracle_n both_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o invaluable_a grace_n and_o favour_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v adopt_a his_o child_n be_v it_o only_o for_o this_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n and_o will_v admit_v we_o favourable_o to_o address_v ourselves_o and_o prayer_n to_o he_o but_o this_o privilege_n of_o be_v his_o child_n will_v far_o appear_v to_o be_v beyond_o all_o expression_n great_a since_o if_o child_n as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v rom._n 8.17_o then_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n if_o a_o child_n of_o god_n then_o which_o crown_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o covenant_v mercy_n inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v we_o shall_v be_v but_o what_o and_o how_o great_a that_o three_o and_o last_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v i_o be_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o next_o article_n to_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o eight_o lecture_n and_o a_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v hitherto_o speak_v to_o the_o two_o first_o privilege_n make_v over_o to_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o thereby_o we_o be_v first_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o second_o child_n of_o god_n have_v both_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o mean_v and_o importance_n of_o those_o two_o article_n and_o lay_v out_o to_o you_o the_o vastness_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n contain_v therein_o i_o come_v now_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o three_o which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v make_v thereby_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o this_o last_o do_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o other_o for_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 8.17_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o god_n promise_n and_o favour_n vouchsafe_v in_o the_o second_o covenant_n it_o come_v last_o and_o crown_n all_o the_o rest_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o certain_a reward_n of_o all_o those_o that_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n in_o well-doing_n and_o in_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o god_n most_o righteous_a command_n be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o and_o that_o you_o may_v thorough_o understand_v the_o vast_a greatness_n of_o this_o most_o extraordinary_a privilege_n make_v over_o to_o you_o by_o covenant_n so_o as_o to_o be_v excite_v thereby_o to_o render_v yourselves_o worthy_a to_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a method_n i_o will_v explain_v to_o you_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o what_o it_o import_v to_o be_v a_o inheritor_n of_o it_o and_o then_o last_o i_o will_v lay_v out_o before_o you_o the_o vastness_n of_o our_o privilege_n in_o be_v make_v inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o first_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v unto_o you_o come_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n either_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n or_o second_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o expression_n we_o do_v meet_v with_o above_o thirty_o time_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o we_o be_v constant_o to_o understand_v by_o it_o either_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n or_o second_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n i_o mean_v that_o happy_a and_o bless_a state_n of_o we_o christian_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o we_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n
that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a distemper_n of_o mind_n call_v curiosity_n which_o as_o it_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n so_o it_o be_v of_o full_a as_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a effect_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o that_o distemper_n be_v to_o the_o body_n which_o stir_v up_o person_n to_o eat_v chalk_n or_o coal_n or_o trash_n or_o whatever_o afford_v either_o none_o at_o all_o or_o a_o very_a ill_a nourishment_n such_o be_v the_o curiosity_n of_o know_v evil_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o ruine_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o afterward_o solomon_n and_o since_o he_o many_o other_o person_n such_o be_v they_o who_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o taste_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o by_o taste_v of_o they_o their_o mind_n be_v defile_v and_o their_o moral_n corrupt_v and_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o they_o do_v ever_o after_o return_v to_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n thus_o hurtful_a be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o than_o to_o know_v '_o they_o again_o there_o be_v other_o who_o curiosity_n give_v they_o a_o strange_a itch_n to_o know_v hide_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v know_v or_o not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v as_o the_o decree_n of_o predestination_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v the_o ark_n that_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ought_v to_o look_v into_o and_o many_o be_v wonderful_o inquisitive_a to_o learn_v the_o future_a event_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n and_o of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o private_a fortune_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o give_v heed_n to_o every_o pretend_a prophecy_n and_o though_o few_o be_v so_o very_o wicked_a as_o to_o consult_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o by_o magical_a art_n yet_o multitude_n will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o resort_v to_o fortune-teller_n and_o conjurer_n and_o those_o that_o do_v consult_v they_o or_o be_v repute_v to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n so_o severe_o threaten_v deut._n 18.11_o 12._o but_o all_o curious_a inquiry_n whatever_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v by_o we_o christian_n as_o be_v the_o gratification_n only_o of_o a_o sinful_a curiosity_n secret_n thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n deut._n 29.29_o knowledge_n ii_o when_o we_o do_v immoderate_o study_v to_o be_v exquisite_o skill_v in_o whatever_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n 2._o we_o must_v renounce_v that_o as_o a_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n which_o improportionable_o to_o the_o true_a worth_n of_o thing_n be_v more_o desirous_a to_o furnish_v itself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v only_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o direct_v we_o to_o life_n everlasting_a now_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a or_o that_o knowledge_n which_o lead_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o life_n eternal_a that_o we_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 17.3_o but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o carnal_o and_o worldly_a wise_a that_o most_o person_n do_v neglect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n when_o certain_o in_o the_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o that_o stead_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n some_o there_o be_v who_o whole_a search_n be_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o cure_n of_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o yet_o alas_o all_o be_v but_o guess_v and_o conjecture_n and_o a_o ordinary_a malady_n not_o very_o seldom_o baffle_v the_o most_o learned_a physician_n and_o he_o sit_v down_o heavy_a in_o disgrace_n and_o disappointment_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o due_o apply_v never_o fail_v to_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o its_o infirmity_n nor_o will_v it_o fail_v to_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o the_o sweet_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n other_o you_o shall_v have_v who_o desire_n and_o care_n for_o nothing_o more_o than_o good_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n whereby_o they_o may_v raise_v themselves_o good_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n but_o alas_o such_o knowledge_n can_v only_o serve_v a_o present_a interest_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christianity_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o provide_v ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n some_o be_v whole_o bend_v upon_o merchandise_n and_o trade_n but_o when_o the_o most_o skilful_a pilot_n shall_v split_v upon_o the_o rock_n or_o be_v founder_v in_o the_o sand_n he_o who_o have_v heaven_n in_o his_o eye_n may_v steer_v his_o course_n without_o danger_n through_o the_o rough_a billow_n of_o adverse_a fortune_n and_o other_o there_o be_v who_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o no_o high_a knowledge_n than_o how_o to_o till_o their_o land_n and_o feed_v their_o cattle_n and_o when_o after_o all_o the_o crop_n fail_v the_o most_o painful_a husbandman_n he_o who_o know_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n need_v not_o fear_v a_o joyful_a and_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n so_o excellent_a and_o useful_a be_v divine_a knowledge_n above_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n other_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o noble_a purpose_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o other_o not_o that_o i_o will_v cast_v a_o disparagement_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o useful_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o noble_a and_o better_a purpose_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o 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spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o eph._n 1.16_o 17._o so_o that_o though_o to_o be_v excellent_o well_o skilled_a in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatsoever_o which_o terminate_v only_o in_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o profaneness_n fit_a to_o be_v renounce_v by_o every_o christian_a to_o prefer_v such_o to_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o to_o apply_v your_o mind_n whole_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o skill_n to_o the_o neglect_v of_o those_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o let_v your_o profession_n and_o call_v be_v what_o it_o will_v you_o must_v make_v it_o your_o first_o care_n and_o study_n to_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n knowledge_n the_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n how_o that_o 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care_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v take_v in_o this_o great_a affair_n to_o call_v we_o to_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o have_v see_v and_o do_v testify_v say_v st._n john_n that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v the_o son_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o epist_n 4.14_o and_o how_o have_v he_o send_v he_o to_o save_v it_o why_o as_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v isai_n 61.1_o he_o put_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recover_v of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v to_o preach_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n luke_n 4.18_o 19_o such_o be_v the_o very_a earnest_a care_n of_o the_o father_n that_o he_o commissioned_n and_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o invite_v we_o his_o rebellious_a creature_n and_o subject_n to_o lay_v down_o 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charity_n with_o which_o carnal_a man_n be_v most_o take_v as_o cure_v their_o disease_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v present_a with_o he_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a of_o all_o kind_n but_o all_o in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n and_o he_o be_v zealous_a also_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n salvation_n how_o mighty_o he_o importune_v we_o to_o come_v into_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n for_o good_a god_n with_o what_o mighty_a importunity_n and_o win_a rhetoric_n do_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n address_v himself_o to_o his_o own_o foolish_a rebellious_a subject_n to_o come_v into_o this_o state_n and_o to_o receive_v free_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v cry_v he_o as_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n represent_v he_o bespeak_v the_o world_n isa_n 55.1_o 2_o 3._o come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n wherefore_o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v nor_o imagine_v with_o what_o mighty_a zeal_n and_o persuasion_n he_o do_v himself_o whilst_o on_o earth_n pursue_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n like_a he_o have_v leave_v a_o succession_n of_o minister_n behind_o he_o to_o do_v the_o like_a nor_o be_v he_o content_v himself_o whilst_o on_o earth_n thus_o to_o call_v we_o into_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o moreover_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o provide_v a_o succession_n of_o minister_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o same_o good_a office_n under_o he_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n empower_v they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o effectual_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20.21_o and_o according_o have_v he_o commit_v it_o to_o our_o care_n as_o he_o make_v it_o his_o own_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o mankind_n to_o make_v know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v in_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v those_o that_o believe_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o call_v you_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n we_o therefore_o as_o the_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n and_o as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o do_v pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o we_o be_v perpetual_o preach_v and_o declare_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o good_a tiding_n to_o you_o we_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o you_o we_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o with_o all_o the_o powerful_a motive_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o move_v you_o to_o seek_v this_o salvation_n in_o the_o way_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o what_o i_o beseech_v you_o can_v be_v do_v more_o what_o can_v be_v do_v to_o call_v you_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n if_o this_o will_v not_o when_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n when_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o good_a inspiration_n when_o his_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o a_o whole_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n since_o do_v spend_v so_o much_o care_n upon_o this_o one_o work_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o to_o save_v you_o nay_o what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o will_v god_n most_o just_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n isa_n 5.4_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o viz._n what_o infinite_a reason_n we_o have_v hearty_o to_o thank_v almighty_a god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o infinite_o deserve_v the_o deep_a sense_n and_o utmost_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o we_o whether_o we_o consider_v bare_o the_o advantage_n of_o 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justice_n have_v give_v his_o solemn_a word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o to_o confer_v upon_o we_o the_o rich_a blessing_n that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v bestow_v viz._n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n alas_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o build_v our_o hope_n mere_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n we_o can_v none_o of_o we_o have_v the_o least_o expectation_n of_o obtain_v as_o the_o reward_n thereof_o such_o unspeakable_a blessing_n as_o be_v now_o lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o we_o but_o god_n condescend_v by_o covenant_n to_o engage_v himself_o to_o make_v they_o good_a to_o we_o we_o have_v thereby_o the_o full_a assurance_n give_v we_o that_o we_o
and_o heretic_n when_o alas_o they_o be_v much_o less_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n themselves_o and_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o wicked_a christian_n matth._n 11.24_o i_o do_v confess_v indeed_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o prayer_n which_o we_o call_v thanksgiving_n the_o most_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n may_v bless_v god_n for_o their_o creation_n preservation_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a matth._n 5.45_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o they_o shall_v praise_v he_o for_o it_o but_o with_o what_o show_n of_o sincerity_n can_v they_o be_v think_v to_o bless_v he_o above_o all_o for_o his_o inestimable_a love_n in_o his_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n when_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n they_o can_v expect_v no_o benefit_n from_o christ_n redemption_n and_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o glory_n true_a it_o be_v there_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o world_n principles_n that_o there_o be_v pray_v hypocrite_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o antinomian_n principles_n both_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o of_o latter_a day_n a_o sort_n of_o impious_a and_o profane_a wretch_n that_o have_v be_v great_o give_v to_o pray_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v most_o notorious_a liar_n and_o slanderer_n proud_a and_o censorious_a and_o above_o all_o most_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a exactor_n and_o oppressor_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v either_o hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o for_o a_o pretence_n and_o colour_n only_o make_v long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v more_o easy_o devour_v widow_n house_n matth._n 23.14_o and_o so_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o sanctity_n delude_v unwary_a people_n to_o trust_v they_o till_o have_v they_o within_o their_o power_n they_o may_v grind_v they_o to_o powder_n or_o they_o owe_v this_o to_o some_o other_o wicked_a and_o heretical_a principle_n as_o our_o modern_a antinomian_o who_o do_v find_v their_o favour_n with_o god_n in_o his_o arbitrary_a election_n of_o their_o person_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n as_o acceptable_a through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v therefore_o pretend_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o nay_o and_o in_o their_o prayer_n presume_v to_o talk_v with_o he_o as_o familiar_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v to_o another_o but_o alas_o the_o scripture_n give_v none_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o such_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n but_o do_v indeed_o let_v we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o presume_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o continue_v in_o sin_n sacrifice_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o sensible_a and_o visible_a prayer_n and_o prayer_n do_v usual_o accompany_v they_o but_o whilst_o that_o people_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a see_v how_o god_n do_v express_v his_o detestation_n of_o such_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n isai_n 66.3_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o of_o be_v faithful_a in_o our_o covenant_n if_o we_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n but_o if_o man_n will_v go_v on_o wilful_o in_o sinful_a course_n they_o have_v even_o as_o good_a not_o pray_v at_o all_o heaven_n and_o hell_n light_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v join_v together_o and_o reconcile_v as_o well_o as_o prayer_n and_o impenitence_n assistance_n 3._o as_o it_o will_v certain_o procure_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 3._o and_o especial_o prayer_n due_o qualify_v will_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o discharge_v your_o covenant_n as_o it_o procure_v for_o you_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n without_o which_o you_o can_v perform_v it_o as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v you_o i_o say_v if_o due_o qualify_v if_o put_v up_o with_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n for_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o last_o particular_a the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_o wicked_a will_v avail_v nothing_o but_o to_o their_o great_a damnation_n but_o otherwise_o prayer_n doubtless_o be_v the_o most_o prevalent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o god_n to_o derive_v down_o his_o blessing_n favour_n and_o grace_n of_o all_o sort_n upon_o we_o prayer_n say_v the_o learned_a and_o pious_a bishop_n taylor_n have_v save_v city_n and_o kingdom_n from_o ruin_n prayer_n have_v raise_v dead_a man_n to_o life_n have_v stop_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n and_o shut_v the_o mouth_n of_o wild_a beast_n it_o have_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v cause_v rain_n in_o egypt_n and_o drought_n in_o the_o sea_n it_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o go_v back_o from_o west_n to_o east_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o rock_n and_o mountain_n to_o walk_v and_o it_o cure_v disease_n without_o physic_n and_o make_v physic_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o word_n do_v many_o miracle_n but_o of_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o prayer_n do_v there_o be_v none_o so_o valuable_a if_o any_o so_o great_a as_o to_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o prayer_n be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v i_o say_v that_o prayer_n will_v most_o effectual_o procure_v for_o we_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o most_o full_a and_o pregnant_a proof_n luke_n 11_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n have_v give_v his_o disciple_n a_o prayer_n to_o learn_v to_o enforce_v upon_o they_o the_o constant_a and_o devout_a exercise_n of_o this_o most_o heavenly_a duty_n tell_v they_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n how_o prevalent_a a_o importunate_n prayer_n will_v be_v even_o with_o a_o ill-natured_a man_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o grant_v the_o desire_n of_o he_o that_o petition_n he_o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o that_o much_o more_o will_v constancy_n and_o earnestness_n in_o prayer_n prevail_v upon_o god_n who_o be_v more_o tender_a to_o we_o and_o more_o forward_o of_o himself_o to_o do_v we_o good_a than_o our_o very_a parent_n and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v breaâ—_n of_o any_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o father_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o for_o a_o fish_n give_v he_o a_o serpent_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v ask_v a_o egg_n will_v he_o offer_v he_o a_o scorpion_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_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 which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o god_n shall_v deny_v such_o petition_n or_o give_v his_o child_n any_o hurtful_a thing_n when_o they_o ask_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o they_o and_o though_o many_o thing_n which_o man_n ask_v be_v not_o good_a yet_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o undoubted_o such_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v deny_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v they_o of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v so_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n to_o procure_v of_o god_n the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o covenant_n that_o it_o will_v be_v even_o lose_v labour_n to_o multiply_v any_o more_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o therefore_o most_o earnest_o and_o constant_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v our_o nature_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o may_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man._n particular_o let_v we_o therefore_o
hereunto_o do_v our_o antinomian_o teach_v their_o disciple_n that_o save_a faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o persuasion_n or_o absolute_a conclude_v within_o ourselves_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o that_o christ_n be_v we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o dangerous_a account_n of_o divine_a faith_n false_a because_o god_n have_v nowhere_o in_o scripture_n tell_v any_o man_n among_o we_o that_o he_o in_o particular_a be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v certain_o save_v and_o dangerous_a also_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o nourish_v presumption_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v better_o of_o their_o state_n than_o it_o be_v god_n do_v indeed_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n to_o all_o man_n in_o general_n and_o conditional_a term_n mark_v 16.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.14_o and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o if_o upon_o strict_a search_n he_o find_v himself_o to_o have_v repent_v thorough_o to_o have_v believe_v practical_o and_o to_o have_v obey_v sincere_o he_o may_v have_v strong_a hope_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o his_o righteousness_n through_o christ_n accept_v only_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a he_o do_v not_o deceive_v himself_o with_o false_a show_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 1_o cor._n 10.10_o but_o as_o for_o a_o divine_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n found_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v that_o concern_v his_o own_o acceptance_n because_o no_o man_n have_v any_o scripture-revelation_n testify_v it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a and_o if_o person_n of_o antinomian_a principle_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o assurance_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v such_o assurance_n a_o divine_a faith_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o contain_v all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n among_o which_o they_o count_v this_o particular_a assurance_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a which_o person_n of_o protestant_a principle_n will_v not_o own_o nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o so_o far_o derogate_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o say_v that_o other_o truth_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n beside_o what_o be_v contain_v therein_o except_o it_o be_v such_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o those_o word_n wherewith_o the_o holy_a canon_n be_v close_v rev._n 22.18_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n of_o this_o book_n so_o that_o those_o revelation_n only_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n believe_v but_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n a_o christian_a must_v believe_v and_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n a_o christian_a must_v believe_v as_o true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o declare_v it_o such_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v contain_v declaration_n of_o divers_a kind_n some_o of_o less_o other_o of_o great_a consequence_n whereof_o the_o first_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o express_o apprehend_v but_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v both_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o firm_o believe_v a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o these_o scripture-truths_n of_o consequence_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v those_o various_a precept_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v discharge_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n again_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o have_v promise_n of_o inestimable_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v walk_v upright_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n threaten_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v persist_v in_o rebel_a against_o he_o so_o as_o to_o both_o these_o promise_n and_o threat_n we_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n veracity_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o delivery_n therein_o be_v such_o that_o not_o a_o tittle_n of_o either_o shall_v fail_v but_o since_o neither_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n nor_o the_o encouragement_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v prevail_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o our_o corrupt_a state_n to_o perform_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v be_v find_v sinner_n before_o god_n and_o will_v need_v a_o mediator_n to_o compass_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o among_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o therefore_o christ_n 3._o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n the_o chief_a among_o scripture-truths_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o 1._o therein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o we_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o main_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v import_v as_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v and_o shall_v hereafter_o by_o god_n assistance_n be_v full_o explain_v and_o prove_v this_o comfortable_a scheme_n of_o divine_a truth_n viz._n that_o a_o god_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n do_v at_o first_o create_v and_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o almighty_a father_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o will_v for_o ever_o exercise_v a_o wise_a just_a and_o gracious_a providence_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o man_n the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n have_v rebel_v against_o his_o maker_n god_n the_o father_n do_v in_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v god-man_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n among_o we_o and_o afterward_o return_v to_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o and_o to_o the_o end_n his_o mediation_n may_v be_v effectual_a to_o salve_v the_o dishonour_v do_v to_o god_n by_o our_o revolt_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o our_o allegiance_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o this_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o discharge_v a_o threefold_a office_n viz._n that_o of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n by_o the_o first_o whereof_o he_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o covenant_n and_o those_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n by_o the_o second_o that_o of_o priest_n he_o make_v way_n through_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o give_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o first_o covenant_n for_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o receive_v we_o to_o favour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o second_o and_o do_v still_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o our_o acceptance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o condition_n and_o by_o his_o kingly_a office_n he_o so_o govern_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o righteous_a law_n those_o who_o abandon_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v admit_v into_o his_o kingdom_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o in_o the_o execution_n also_o of_o this_o his_o royal_a office_n have_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n raise_v all_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n forgive_a the_o offence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v penitent_a and_o allot_v they_o to_o a_o everlasting_a life_n of_o happiness_n and_o doom_v the_o impenitent_a to_o
deal_n concern_v he_o and_o his_o attribute_n even_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v imprint_v upon_o the_o creature_n for_o st._n paul_n testify_v rom._n 1.20_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o those_o who_o know_v he_o not_o be_v without_o excuse_n but_o much_o more_o can_v we_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o know_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o he_o when_o our_o reason_n from_o a_o create_a perfection_n be_v so_o much_o assist_v by_o divine_a revelation_n declare_v and_o decipher_v god_n so_o clear_o as_o it_o do_v both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o attribute_n now_o the_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n may_v be_v reduce_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v to_o such_o as_o pertain_v to_o it_o as_o a_o substance_n or_o as_o have_v life_n as_o have_v perception_n or_o sense_n or_o as_o have_v reason_n and_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o from_o our_o general_a conception_n of_o god_n as_o a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o incomprehensible_a by_o we_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o gather_v what_o they_o be_v from_o what_o be_v legible_a in_o the_o creature_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n spirit_n 1._o a_o spirit_n i._o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o substance_n since_o the_o more_o fine_a and_o spiritual_a any_o substance_n be_v it_o be_v always_o account_v the_o more_o perfect_a as_o the_o animal_n spirit_n in_o the_o body_n be_v far_o exalt_v above_o the_o grosser_n matter_n god_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v of_o a_o bodily_a form_n and_o composition_n the_o low_a form_n of_o substance_n but_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a of_o all_o viz._n pure_o a_o spirit_n and_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v then_o be_v transcendent_o exalt_v in_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n above_o those_o most_o glorious_a being_n the_o holy_a angel_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o who_o faculty_n be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o through_o the_o door_n of_o the_o sense_n to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v absolute_o incorporeal_a without_o figure_n or_o part_n which_o be_v the_o accident_n of_o matter_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n and_o according_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o 16._o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o believe_v he_o infinite_o more_o spiritual_a in_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o than_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 16.22_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n or_o he_o who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n psal_n 104.4_o for_o if_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n do_v possess_v he_o as_o the_o cause_n must_v have_v much_o more_o of_o that_o perfection_n in_o he_o than_o he_o impart_v unto_o other_o in_o a_o word_n the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o god_n as_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o perfection_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o divine_a mind_n as_o even_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o philosopher_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v he_o ii_o he_o be_v immense_a or_o omnipresent_v omnipresent_v ii_o immense_a or_o omnipresent_v this_o be_v another_o of_o those_o attribute_n or_o divine_a perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o substance_n and_o a_o transcendent_a attribute_n this_o be_v whereby_o he_o infinite_o excel_v all_o create_a being_n as_o for_o bodily_a substance_n they_o be_v circumscribe_v and_o limit_v by_o other_o body_n touch_v and_o bound_v they_o on_o all_o side_n so_o that_o no_o two_o body_n can_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n nor_o can_v the_o same_o body_n be_v possible_o in_o two_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o as_o to_o those_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a substance_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v also_o define_v to_o certain_a place_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v in_o one_o place_n they_o can_v be_v in_o another_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o instant_a but_o as_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o instant_a present_n in_o all_o place_n it_o be_v neither_o include_v nor_o circumscribe_v in_o any_o place_n nor_o exclude_v from_o any_o but_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a in_o a_o ineffable_a and_o a_o inscrutable_a manner_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o conceive_v where_o god_n be_v not_o be_o i_o a_o god_n at_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jer._n 23.23_o 24._o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o that_o place_n psal_n 139.7_o 8._o do_v admirable_o set_v forth_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o climb_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o also_o iii_o god_n be_v a_o be_v omnipotent_a omnipotent_a iii_o omnipotent_a this_o be_v another_o attribute_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o it_o pertain_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o live_a substance_n for_o though_o many_o thing_n inanimate_a have_v their_o virtue_n yet_o power_n and_o activity_n be_v the_o property_n and_o result_v of_o life_n and_o if_o the_o angel_n which_o have_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o he_o do_v so_o excel_v in_o strength_n that_o one_o of_o they_o slay_v a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o five_o thousand_o of_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n in_o one_o night_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o how_o eminent_o great_a must_v that_o power_n be_v which_o create_v those_o potent_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o attribute_n which_o do_v fall_v in_o very_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v after_o god_n immensity_n for_o wherever_o god_n be_v present_a as_o he_o be_v every_o where_o he_o can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v and_o nothing_o can_v resist_v his_o power_n concern_v which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o the_o plain_a testimony_n and_o the_o most_o astonish_a instance_n thus_o matth._n 19.26_o it_o be_v say_v that_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o the_o instance_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o behold_v even_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v testify_v gen._n 1.2_o and_o ps_n 148.5_o that_o god_n do_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v that_o he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v and_o sure_o then_o all_o thing_n possible_a can_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o he_o please_v i_o say_v all_o thing_n possible_a god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v all_o thing_n possible_a or_o which_o have_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o themselves_o nor_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o it_o be_v a_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v as_o that_o a_o body_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o bound_v in_o the_o place_n wherein_o it_o it_o be_v shall_v be_v in_o different_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o other_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o perfect_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o do_v as_o to_o die_v to_o deceive_v to_o do_v injustice_n to_o damn_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v heb._n 6.18_o and_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 2_o tim._n 2.13_o and_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v please_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v for_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o god_n who_o be_v a_o voluntary_a agent_n and_o other_o necessary_a agent_n that_o whatever_o do_v act_n necessary_o do_v operate_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o power_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o stone_n in_o descend_v fall_v as_o low_a as_o it_o can_v but_o a_o free_a agent_n as_o god_n be_v act_v so_o far_o only_o as_o he_o will_v for_o he_o may_v