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his_o own_o person_n the_o bishop_n do_v then_o proceed_v to_o beseech_v god_n to_o strengthen_v he_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n and_o daily_o to_o increase_v in_o he_o his_o manifold_a gift_n of_o grace_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o ghostly_a strength_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o true_a godliness_n and_o to_o fill_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o holy_a fear_n and_o do_v moreover_o add_v his_o own_o fatherly_a benediction_n in_o these_o word_n defend_v o_o lord_n this_o thy_o servant_n with_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v thou_o for_o ever_o and_o daily_o increase_v in_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n more_o and_o more_o until_o he_o come_v to_o thy_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o now_o if_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o any_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o jam._n 5.16_o how_o much_o more_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o intercession_n of_o one_o who_o have_v not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o personal_a righteousness_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n also_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o easy_a access_n and_o of_o near_a approach_n to_o he_o in_o divine_a office_n and_o who_o be_v commission_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o be_v authorize_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o his_o name_n why_o this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n that_o the_o priesthood_n have_v give_v they_o under_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n both_o under_o the_o law_n as_o you_o will_v see_v numb_a 6.24_o joel_n 2.17_o and_o also_o under_o the_o more_o spiritual_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v be_v see_v jam._n 5.14_o so_o that_o much_o benefit_n may_v without_o doubt_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o devout_a prayer_n and_o paternal_a benediction_n or_o blessing_n of_o a_o father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o god_n will_v ever_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o will_v bless_v those_o mean_n of_o convey_v his_o grace_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v but_o then_o especial_o you_o may_v promise_v yourselves_o a_o favourable_a answer_n to_o the_o bishop_n prayer_n and_o fatherly_a benediction_n when_o it_o be_v also_o accompany_v with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n this_o have_v in_o all_o dispensation_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v use_v both_o by_o natural_a parent_n and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a father_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o solemn_a way_n of_o their_o blessing_n thus_o jacob_n bless_v his_o son_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o their_o head_n gen._n 48.17_o so_o aaron_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o leu._n 9.22_o and_o our_o saviour_n also_o when_o the_o little_a child_n be_v bring_v unto_o he_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o mark_v 10._o 16._o no_o doubt_v those_o great_a person_n do_v not_o intend_v hereby_o a_o fruitless_a ceremony_n but_o they_o do_v design_n their_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n together_o with_o their_o blessing_n shall_v have_v a_o spiritual_a effect_n or_o else_o such_o person_n will_v not_o have_v use_v it_o but_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o doubt_n concern_v the_o grace_n that_o will_v attend_v the_o prayer_n and_o benediction_n together_o with_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n thereof_o in_o what_o peter_n and_o john_n do_v act._n 8.15.17_o who_o when_o they_o come_v down_o to_o the_o late_o baptise_a convert_v of_o samaria_n they_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o gift_n that_o then_o follow_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v extraordinary_a gift_n because_o the_o infant_n state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v then_o require_v such_o to_o raise_v and_o support_v it_o yet_o the_o same_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o that_o by_o the_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o bishop_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v still_o such_o grace_n accompany_v it_o as_o in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v needful_a for_o you_o and_o that_o thereupon_o the_o fatherly_a hand_n of_o god_n will_v ever_o be_v over_o you_o that_o his_o holy_a spirit_n will_v ever_o be_v with_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v so_o lead_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o word_n that_o in_o the_o end_v you_o may_v attain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o withal_o how_o necessary_a and_o beneficial_a it_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o confirm_v necessary_a catechise_v necessary_a and_o now_o catechise_v you_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o title_n and_o description_n of_o that_o catechism_n which_o you_o be_v now_o learning_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o this_o your_o confirmation_n god_n i._o to_o the_o solemn_a ratify_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o first_o in_o order_n to_o your_o solemn_a renew_n therein_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o vow_n make_v with_o god_n in_o your_o baptism_n and_o that_o you_o may_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o in_o your_o own_o person_n for_o why_o in_o your_o confirmation_n you_o do_v voluntary_o and_o of_o choice_n take_v upon_o you_o that_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o before_o in_o your_o minority_n be_v do_v by_o other_o in_o your_o behalf_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a before_o you_o take_v upon_o yourselves_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o business_n as_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n 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we_o ourselves_o be_v due_o qualify_v with_o temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o approach_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o provide_v also_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o as_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o never_o fail_v in_o such_o our_o petition_n and_o therefore_o you_o may_v be_v particular_o assure_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n accompany_v with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a promise_n of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n will_v not_o return_v empty_a when_o in_o their_o confirmation_n of_o those_o among_o you_o who_o come_v with_o sincere_a intention_n to_o perform_v their_o covenant_n they_o shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n to_o increase_v in_o you_o the_o manifold_a gift_n of_o grace_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ghostly_a strength_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o true_a godliness_n and_o to_o fill_v you_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o holy_a fear_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o which_o and_o all_o your_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v successful_a may_v god_n almighty_a grant_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n finis_fw-la the_o xxviii_o lecture_n and_o by_o god_n help_n so_o i_o will_n and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o give_v i_o his_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o my_o live_n end_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v perform_v the_o covenant_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o with_o god_n have_v first_o show_v you_o that_o to_o put_v on_o a_o firm_a and_o fix_a resolution_n faithful_o to_o discharge_v the_o same_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n towards_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o second_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v you_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o resolution_n take_v up_o not_o in_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o by_o god_n help_n so_o i_o will_n in_o order_n to_o make_v which_o appear_v 1._o i_o will_v brief_o represent_v how_o great_a our_o own_o natural_a weakness_n be_v and_o in_o what_o necessity_n we_o do_v therefore_o stand_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o i_o will_v then_o show_v you_o what_o measure_v of_o divine_a assistance_n proportionable_o to_o such_o our_o necessity_n god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o deprave_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n deprave_v and_o first_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a weakness_n so_o as_o to_o see_v in_o what_o necessity_n we_o do_v stand_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o reflect_v that_o ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o do_v break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lose_v their_o innocence_n by_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n and_o do_v thereby_o forfeit_a the_o perfect_a light_n and_o strength_n wherewith_o god_n have_v endow_v they_o at_o the_o creation_n and_o have_v deposit_v with_o they_o as_o a_o sacred_a treasury_n for_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n ever_o since_o that_o fatal_a forfeiture_n then_o make_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o our_o whole_a nature_n be_v corrupt_v and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v so_o deprave_v that_o every_o thing_n within_o we_o incline_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o temptation_n and_o to_o sin_n against_o and_o to_o disobey_v our_o god_n the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n vnderstandingâ—_n vnderstandingâ—_n be_v ever_o since_o become_v very_o dim_a to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o our_o will_n will_n will_n they_o also_o be_v natural_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a and_o altogether_o for_o choose_v what_o please_v our_o appetite_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o religion_n and_o goodness_n our_o affection_n affection_n affection_n run_v with_o so_o strong_a a_o bias_n towards_o worldly_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v easy_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o but_o on_o thing_n on_o earth_n and_o last_o our_o lust_n and_o appetite_n appetite_n lust_n and_o appetite_n be_v natural_o very_o evil_a and_o carry_v we_o out_o to_o please_v our_o sense_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n thus_o be_v our_o whole_a nature_n corrupt_v and_o every_o power_n and_o faculty_n thereof_o do_v incline_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o devil_n and_o so_o to_o sin_v against_o our_o god_n and_o to_o break_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o in_o a_o word_n the_o temptation_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o we_o do_v often_o meet_v with_o to_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n be_v mighty_a and_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o opposition_n to_o they_o all_o be_v many_o and_o sometime_o very_o difficult_a and_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n whereby_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o this_o be_v very_o weak_a we_o see_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n it_o rom._n 7.23_o a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o our_o member_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o we_o be_v in_o our_o natural_a state_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o bewail_v our_o condition_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n verse_n 24._o but_o however_o throughout_o christ_n haâ—_n purchase_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o renew_v 〈◊〉_d throughout_o notwithstanding_o this_o our_o natural_a corruption_n and_o weakness_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v courage_n and_o with_o the_o same_o apostle_n v._o 25._o to_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n among_o other_o high_a benefit_n have_v purchase_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o as_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o so_o he_o do_v convey_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o such_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o renounce_v and_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o yet_o we_o have_v sufficiency_n of_o god_n to_o enable_v we_o both_o to_o think_v and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a 2_o cor._n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o phil._n 4.13_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o second_o proposal_n which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v be_v what_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v and_o what_o measure_v of_o it_o proportionable_o to_o such_o our_o necessity_n god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n by_o it_o i_o do_v mean_a something_o over_o and_o above_o that_o reason_n and_o perswasiveness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n itself_o to_o work_v a_o change_n in_o we_o whereby_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o infinite_a reward_n to_o welldoing_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o the_o threaten_n of_o fearful_a punishment_n to_o wicked_a live_n the_o gospel_n be_v apt_a of_o itself_o to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o change_v our_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n i_o do_v mean_a i_o say_v something_o over_o and_o above_o this_o viz._n a_o secret_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v the_o word_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o more_o ready_o and_o effectual_o work_v upon_o both_o to_o the_o renew_n of_o they_o and_o to_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o
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 other_o and_o most_o study_v by_o every_o christian_a and_o hence_o therefore_o do_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o come_v at_o any_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o divine_a knowledge_n not_o only_o bare_o enjoin_v the_o attainment_n of_o it_o as_o of_o other_o virtue_n but_o do_v moreover_o add_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n to_o endow_v they_o therewith_o and_o to_o increase_v they_o therein_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o again_o i_o cease_v not_o say_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o 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 it_o be_v a_o body_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n and_o law_n all_o of_o they_o tend_v whole_o to_o render_v you_o holy_a and_o good_a liver_n and_o then_o to_o make_v you_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o father_n for_o his_o acceptance_n thereof_o to_o your_o justification_n you_o must_v also_o next_o make_v it_o more_o your_o study_n to_o understand_v thorough_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o any_o humane_a covenant_n or_o contract_n whatsoever_o and_o since_o we_o must_v build_v our_o hope_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o particular_a article_n and_o as_o exact_o as_o possible_a square_n our_o life_n according_a to_o each_o single_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o more_o concernment_n to_o every_o christian_a lay_v as_o well_o as_o clergy_n
image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n namely_o that_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v by_o our_o fall_n this_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n church_n the_o measure_n of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o assistance_n every_o member_n in_o christ_n body_n in_o what_o station_n soever_o he_o be_v shall_v have_v sufficient_a supply_n of_o grace_n derive_v down_o from_o he_o our_o head_n proportionable_a to_o his_o necessity_n by_o those_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n i_o say_v every_o member_n in_o christ_n body_n in_o what_o station_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n and_o all_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 12.4_o 5._o that_o be_v there_o be_v different_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n some_o be_v to_o be_v governor_n and_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_z according_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o other_o be_v of_o a_o more_o private_a capacity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o other_o respect_n and_o their_o business_n be_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n their_o neighbour_n and_o themselves_o and_o whatever_o i_o say_v those_o several_a duty_n be_v which_o arise_v from_o their_o several_a station_n in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n enable_v they_o to_o discharge_v the_o same_o they_o have_v not_o a_o promise_n of_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o other_o person_n office_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o necessary_a for_o their_o own_o that_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a call_v to_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o aught_o to_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v gift_n of_o government_n and_o teach_v in_o a_o public_a ministerial_a way_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o but_o every_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n by_o keep_v himself_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n in_o such_o way_n as_o have_v be_v show_v shall_v have_v such_o grace_n and_o assistance_n derive_v down_o to_o he_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o head_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o proper_a for_o he_o age_n extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o according_a to_o the_o different_a time_n and_o occasion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v want_v thus_o in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o work_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n than_o do_v christ_n bestow_v upon_o his_o apostle_n divers_a extraordinary_a gift_n viz._n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n discern_v of_o spirit_n divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o and_o as_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a as_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n do_v then_o most_o violent_o rage_v against_o the_o church_n persecute_v to_o the_o death_n those_o who_o will_v not_o renounce_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n be_v very_o extraordinary_o strengthen_v no_o doubt_n to_o resist_v such_o strong_a temptation_n but_o now_o that_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v time_n ordinary_a in_o succeed_a time_n 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 into_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 which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o ordinary_a assistance_n sin_n even_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n extensive_o very_o large_a so_o as_o to_o repair_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n deprave_v by_o sin_n bless_a be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o therein_o be_v extensive_o very_o large_a and_o diffusive_a so_o as_o to_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v evil_o affect_v corrupt_a and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n and_o intensive_o very_o powerful_a in_o work_v a_o blessed-change_n within_o we_o and_o first_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v extensive_o very_o diffusive_a and_o large_a in_o the_o change_n and_o reformation_n it_o work_v within_o we_o in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n and_o difficulty_n in_o our_o nature_n which_o by_o sin_n be_v corrupt_v but_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n be_v renew_v i_o do_v mean_a that_o the_o assistance_n which_o god_n do_v afford_v we_o to_o enable_v our_o weakness_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o apply_v to_o we_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o every_o power_n and_o faculty_n within_o we_o which_o be_v render_v weak_a by_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v strengthen_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o perform_v its_o proper_a part_n and_o duty_n be_v our_o understanding_n dull_a to_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o they_o ought_v his_o grace_n do_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n thus_o we_o read_v luke_n the_o 24.45_o that_o our_o saviour_n open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n st._n paul_n eph._n 1.18_o do_v earnest_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n in_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v our_o will_n backward_o in_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n why_o god_n by_o throw_v good_a suggestion_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o imprint_v important_a consideration_n upon_o our_o mind_n do_v persuade_v and_o bend_v our_o stubborn_a will_n and_o by_o degree_n work_v we_o into_o a_o ready_a compliance_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n thus_o be_v god_n say_v to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.13_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n also_o all_o our_o christian_a virtue_n be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o be_v our_o affection_n listless_a and_o lukewarm_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n particular_o be_v they_o dull_a and_o heavy_a in_o our_o devotion_n why_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v to_o raise_v in_o we_o holy_a desire_n lise_n and_o quickness_n in_o our_o prayer_n thus_o the_o apostle_n the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o inspire_v they_o with_o such_o desire_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v rom._n 8.26_o 27._o and_o last_o be_v our_o lust_n and_o appetite_n violent_a to_o carry_v we_o out_o to_o gratify_v they_o in_o unlawful_a thing_n why_o if_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n we_o be_v promise_v that_o we_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o which_o imply_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o subdue_v those_o unruly_a lust_n within_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v live_v eternal_o nature_n and_o intensive_o very_o powerful_a to_o renew_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o second_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n even_o in_o its_o ordinary_a distribution_n be_v intensive_o powerful_a and_o strong_a enough_o to_o renew_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n this_o secret_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o indeed_o so_o forcible_o and_o irresistable_o work_v a_o change_n in_o we_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o resist_v this_o divine_a grace_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a to_o our_o renovation_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o his_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
the_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n till_o i_o come_v to_o the_o article_n and_o i_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o principal_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v style_v the_o father_n and_o together_o with_o who_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o conceive_v how_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o to_o proceed_v then_o i_o shall_v consider_v here_o in_o their_o order_n each_o of_o the_o three_o former_a truth_n explain_v their_o full_a mean_v and_o importance_n and_o show_v the_o particular_a influence_n each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o 1._o i_o be_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n high_o necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n who_o transcendent_a excellency_n deserve_v our_o most_o inward_a and_o retire_a thought_n and_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o meditate_a upon_o by_o we_o so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o attribute_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o be_v understand_v do_v teach_v some_o virtue_n or_o other_o and_o all_o of_o they_o do_v necessary_o create_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v consider_v they_o the_o high_a veneration_n love_n and_o honour_n towards_o that_o be_v which_o do_v possess_v '_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o to_o man_n misapprehension_n concern_v they_o to_o this_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v owe_v all_o those_o high_a enormity_n which_o the_o more_o degenerate_a race_n of_o sinner_n do_v commit_v as_o atheism_n superstition_n and_o whatever_o other_o unrepented_a habit_n of_o sin_n the_o shortsighted_a atheist_n do_v not_o behold_v god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v as_o ignorant_o as_o impious_o deny_v his_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o superstitious_a religionist_n do_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o morose_n and_o arbitrary_a a_o humoursome_a and_o captious_a power_n and_o therefore_o do_v study_n to_o flatter_v he_o with_o servile_a rite_n and_o observance_n instead_o of_o pay_v he_o a_o reasonable_a service_n such_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o loose_a libertine_n frame_v his_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o of_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o mercy_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o to_o the_o utter_a disannul_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o fearful_a threaten_n and_o thereupon_o do_v live_v secure_o in_o those_o habit_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o he_o have_v long_o indulge_v himself_o and_o that_o without_o thought_n of_o repent_v of_o they_o so_o mischievous_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n but_o beside_o and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v make_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n joh._n 17.3_o as_o well_o it_o may_v since_o there_o be_v no_o enter_v therein_o till_o we_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v we_o imitate_v that_o nature_n and_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o knowledge_n of_o not_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v know_v to_o perfection_n it_o be_v one_o attribute_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o far_o we_o may_v safe_o enough_o declare_v that_o we_o know_v he_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o account_n which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o derive_v from_o thence_o concern_v he_o i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o give_v this_o very_a imperfect_a description_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v attribute_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n viz._n a_o spirit_n immense_a and_o omnipresent_v omnipotent_a eternal_a independent_a and_o all_o sufficient_a immutable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v transcendent_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o as_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_o happy_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o i._o i_o say_v god_n be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v be_v 1._o he_o be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v he_o it_o be_v that_o be_v be_v itself_o or_o self-existent_a whereas_o all_o other_o being_n whether_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o thing_n on_o earth_n derive_v their_o be_v from_o he_o and_o may_v yet_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o be_v or_o anihiliate_v by_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o heretofore_o not_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o hereafter_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o this_o be_v say_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o crew_n of_o pagan_a go_n they_o either_o have_v no_o be_v but_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o worshipper_n or_o else_o be_v but_o mere_a creature_n deify_v by_o the_o superstition_n of_o man_n but_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o do_v give_v that_o strange_a account_n of_o himself_o when_o moses_n will_v needs_o know_v by_o what_o name_n he_o shall_v set_v he_o forth_o to_o the_o people_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o exod._n 3.14_o ii_o and_o as_o he_o be_v necessary_o existent_a perfect_a 2._o infinite_o perfect_a so_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_n that_o be_v all_o possible_a perfection_n be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o perfection_n can_v be_v conceive_v or_o see_v by_o we_o in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o great_a in_o god_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_o rom._n 11.36_o and_o be_v whatever_o perfection_n be_v find_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v eminent_o great_a in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o produce_v it_o it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o consider_v those_o manifold_a and_o vast_a perfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n from_o the_o low_a to_o to_o the_o high_a god_n who_o create_v all_o these_o and_o give_v they_o these_o several_a perfection_n must_v be_v himself_o infinite_o perfect_a such_o reason_n have_v zophar_n in_o job_n 11.7_o to_o cry_v out_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n which_o bring_v i_o iii_o to_o show_n that_o as_o he_o be_v of_o perfection_n infinite_a in_o themselves_o viz_o 3._o of_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n viz_o so_o of_o such_o as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v finite_a and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v that_o height_n or_o to_o fathom_v that_o depth_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n it_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_a than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n or_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n job_n 11.8_o 9_o such_o reason_n have_v st._n paul_n in_o admiration_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n thereof_o to_o cry_v out_o rom._n 11.14_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v any_o adequate_a conception_n of_o god_n or_o thorough_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n but_o however_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v a_o great_a