obtain_v it_o which_o our_o faith_n according_a to_o its_o various_a degree_n may_v represent_v unto_o we_o faith_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o justification_n be_v here_o principal_o intend_v second_o why_o must_v this_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v hear_v be_v always_o antecedent_n to_o faith_n though_o faith_n be_v not_o always_o the_o consequent_a of_o hear_v ver_fw-la 16._o 18._o all_o hearer_n be_v not_o believer_n though_o all_o believer_n be_v first_o hearer_n i_o shall_v evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o hear_v in_o order_n to_o faith_n from_o these_o follow_a ground_n i._o hear_v be_v sensus_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la the_o sense_n by_o which_o all_o knowledge_n be_v let_v into_o the_o soul._n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n belong_v to_o faith_n one_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o other_o find_v in_o it_o arise_v from_o it_o and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o faith_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v litteral_n or_o historical_n it_o be_v rather_o notitia_fw-la then_o 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co-incidence_a in_o the_o particular_n abovementioned_a yet_o not_o without_o some_o distinction_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o your_o own_o observation_n the_o less_o of_o art_n or_o method_n there_o be_v in_o handle_v experimental_a point_n the_o better_a they_o come_v with_o most_o power_n to_o the_o conscience_n in_o their_o own_o simplicity_n therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o joint_a discourse_n run_v the_o matter_n close_o together_o look_v sometime_o on_o one_o side_n and_o sometime_o on_o other_o till_o i_o have_v view_v it_o round_o that_o i_o may_v present_v the_o whole_a truth_n to_o you_o in_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o point_n we_o can_v have_v no_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n we_o must_v look_v through_o that_o glass_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o appearance_n of_o god_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o word_n never_o come_v with_o power_n to_o our_o conscience_n till_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o how_o that_o be_v i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v whilst_o we_o be_v hear_v his_o word_n we_o see_v god_n stand_v forth_o in_o his_o own_o word_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o draw_v in_o our_o attention_n add_v that_o weight_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o word_n that_o we_o can_v but_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o see_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n from_o this_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o our_o soul_n thus_o god_n wrought_v faith_n in_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 1._o by_o appear_v to_o he_o several_a time_n as_o god_n almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a that_o abraham_n may_v not_o doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o such_o a_o god_n shall_v promise_v to_o he_o and_o
when_o we_o do_v this_o it_o be_v always_o from_o some_o high_a principle_n when_o we_o see_v man_n act_v above_o themselves_o we_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v act_v by_o something_o high_a than_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o this_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v know_v to_o believer_n they_o discern_v it_o in_o other_o act_v 11._o 17_o 18._o and_o do_v when_o they_o give_v a_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n see_v it_o in_o themselves_o that_o all_o spring_n from_o the_o father_n reveal_v his_o son_n in_o they_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n it_o be_v god_n that_o open_v the_o door_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a act_v 14._o 27._o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v take_v with_o any_o appearance_n of_o man_n in_o a_o sermon_n this_o we_o look_v after_o what_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n how_o man_n acquit_v himself_o in_o reason_v of_o this_o or_o that_o point_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o skill_n require_v in_o plant_v and_o water_v but_o all_o the_o increase_n come_v from_o god_n your_o faith_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o his_o own_o truth_n as_o the_o great_a undertaker_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v what_o we_o say_v will_v prevail_v little_a your_o faith_n must_v terminate_v in_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o that_o ability_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o perform_v his_o word_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o abraham_n faith_n paul_n know_v he_o who_o he_o believe_v 2_o tim_n 1._o 12._o and_o so_o must_v you_o if_o ever_o you_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o your_o soul_n do_v you_o go_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n after_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v under_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o this_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n speak_v to_o you_o from_o heaven_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n in_o some_o spiritual_a resemblance_n suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o that_o word_n you_o be_v hear_v how_o can_v you_o reject_v such_o a_o word_n so_o full_a of_o god_n so_o exact_o correspond_v to_o what_o you_o see_v in_o god_n himself_o you_o must_v yield_v and_o cry_v out_o each_o of_o you_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v withstand_v god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n that_o god_n take_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o our_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o we_o second_o faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o open_v the_o heart_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o persuade_v the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o closure_n with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o how_o god_n thus_o appear_v to_o we_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n do_v open_v the_o heart_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o thorough_o persuade_v the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o closure_n with_o christ_n upon_o 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which_o they_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n of_o truth_n that_o pass_v for_o currant_n under_o that_o name_n among_o credulous_a man_n who_o do_v but_o think_v they_o know_v and_o do_v rather_o guess_v than_o judge_n so_o great_a be_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n we_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o it_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o divine_a testimony_n faith_n see_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o god_n alone_o to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a faith_n excel_v all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o first_o cause_n god_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o by_o the_o very_a root_n from_o whence_o they_o first_o spring_n argue_v from_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o say_n we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v thus_o and_o thus_o as_o joh._n 9_o 29._o we_o know_v the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n joh._n 7._o 17._o and_o that_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o under_o this_o conviction_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o every_o word_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o experience_n may_v and_o do_v give_v believer_n some_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o their_o after_o edification_n then_o to_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o conversion_n by_o which_o they_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o bare_a word_n of_o promise_n from_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v object_n since_o these_o sublime_a supernatural_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o much_o above_o and_o so_o seem_o contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v own_v they_o for_o truth_n and_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o answ._n it_o be_v by_o a_o divine_a faith_n i_o call_v it_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o we_o believe_v his_o testimony_n joh._n 6_o 29._o quest._n do_v not_o this_o operation_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o work_a faith_n in_o we_o offer_v violence_n to_o man_n nature_n and_o force_v the_o will_v to_o consent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v above_o the_o understanding_n or_o how_o can_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o determine_v man_n will_n to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will._n answ._n many_o intricate_a dispute_n there_o be_v about_o this_o point_n manage_v by_o subtle_a head_n not_o without_o some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n who_o to_o secure_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n have_v deny_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n place_v the_o power_n of_o believe_v in_o man_n himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o force_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v be_v offer_v to_o his_o will._n but_o to_o clear_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n from_o this_o imputation_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n enter_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v put_v any_o force_n upon_o he_o nature_n work_v kind_o in_o all_o by_o inclination_n not_o by_o violence_n as_o nature_n be_v from_o generation_n so_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v from_o regeneration_n one_o be_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o other_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o be_v bear_v man_n by_o our_o first_o birth_n so_o we_o be_v bear_v christian_n by_o our_o second_o birth_n artificial_a christian_n be_v all_o name_n without_o any_o live_a nature_n answerable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o true_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o thereby_o make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o breathe_n in_o of_o this_o new_a nature_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o new_a creation_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o god_n in_o our_o conversion_n it_o be_v sole_o the_o act_n of_o god_n without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o we_o we_o have_v only_o a_o passive_a obediential_a power_n to_o receive_v the_o impression_n it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v it_o upon_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n be_v ground_v all_o after_o proceed_n in_o bring_v the_o soul_n forward_o to_o a_o actual_a closure_n with_o christ_n all_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v gather_v into_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n do_v act_n under_o it_o be_v move_v by_o it_o and_o direct_v in_o all_o their_o free_a motion_n
to_o a_o supernatural_a end_n which_o they_o can_v not_o of_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o and_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v do_v this_o he_o can_v do_v no_o evil_a from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o good_a must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o great_a good_a that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o fall_v man_n be_v thus_o to_o restore_v he_o in_o this_o new_a nature_n be_v wrap_v up_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o grace_n which_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v draw_v out_o into_o act_n with_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o man_n will_n shall_v god_n determine_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o a_o good_a act_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a state_n and_o under_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n this_o will_v imply_v force_n and_o violence_n but_o to_o lead_v out_o a_o man_n according_a to_o his_o new_a nature_n be_v not_o to_o put_v a_o force_n upon_o he_o if_o sin_n have_v that_o 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of_o that_o faith_n the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o second_o point_n how_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith._n we_o ought_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o to_o maintain_v good_a work_n for_o necessary_a use_n tit._n 3._o 14._o it_o behove_v we_o therefore_o to_o know_v what_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o our_o work_n and_o do_n in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o as_o not_o to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o degrade_v that_o from_o be_v our_o sole_a and_o only_o justify_v righteousness_n some_o man_n be_v as_o much_o mistake_v in_o ground_v their_o salvation_n upon_o do_v as_o other_o be_v in_o ground_v it_o upon_o bare_a hear_n and_o therefore_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v wary_o speak_v unto_o and_o wary_o understand_v when_o we_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n carnal_a reason_n lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o 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they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v so_o rom._n 1._o 32._o which_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o absolute_a dominion_n sin_n have_v over_o fall_v man_n in_o carry_v he_o on_o not_o only_o against_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o the_o word_n but_o against_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n nothing_o can_v hold_v he_o in_o he_o despise_v god_n and_o man_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o legal_a conviction_n come_v short_a in_o all_o these_o property_n of_o save_a conviction_n legal_a conviction_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o such_o as_o follow_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v conviction_n conviction_n antecedent_n to_o sin_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o itself_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v not_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o innocency_n be_v under_o this_o conviction_n they_o know_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v viz._n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o that_o to_o eat_v of_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n express_v command_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v a_o high_a act_n of_o disobedience_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n but_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o do_v eat_v if_o their_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n can_v not_o keep_v they_o in_o innocency_n from_o fall_v how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o our_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n from_o any_o conviction_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o we_o may_v be_v under_o shall_v keep_v we_o and_o for_o those_o legal_a conviction_n subsequent_a to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n by_o which_o we_o see_v the_o obliquity_n of_o our_o own_o action_n and_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v transgressor_n of_o a_o holy_a righteous_a law_n they_o fall_v short_a in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a property_n of_o save_a conviction_n they_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n of_o mercy_n work_v no_o renovation_n of_o nature_n in_o we_o they_o may_v disturb_v we_o in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o terrify_v we_o much_o about_o that_o lay_v some_o present_a restraint_n upon_o we_o but_o they_o work_v no_o real_a reformation_n in_o we_o judas_n be_v in_o great_a horror_n of_o conscience_n for_o betray_v his_o master_n be_v much_o trouble_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o shed_v innocent_a blood_n and_o yet_o under_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o this_o conviction_n how_o evil_a it_o be_v to_o murder_v another_o he_o hang_v himself_o which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o law_n as_o kill_v another_o i_o speak_v this_o to_o show_v how_o legal_a conviction_n may_v hurry_v a_o man_n from_o one_o sin_n to_o another_o but_o they_o never_o lead_v he_o into_o a_o constant_a settle_a way_n of_o true_a holiness_n whence_o i_o infer_v that_o conviction_n pure_o legal_a will_v never_o work_v repentance_n unto_o life_n how_o repentance_n unto_o life_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o gospel_n because_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o repentance_n luk._n 24._o 47._o rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n as_o justice_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o damnation_n of_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n so_o grace_n be_v glorify_v in_o his_o conversion_n evangelical_n repentance_n be_v from_o a_o discovery_n of_o god_n love_n and_o free_a grace_n his_o goodness_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n rom._n 2._o 4._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o psal._n 130._o 4._o a_o true_a penitent_a fear_n lest_o he_o shall_v miss_v of_o mercy_n and_o come_v short_a of_o it_o he_o rejoice_v at_o the_o good_a news_n of_o the_o gospel_n begin_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o head_n in_o some_o expectation_n of_o a_o bless_a redemption_n he_o serve_v god_n cheerful_o be_v persuade_v that_o his_o duty_n and_o service_n will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o accept_v by_o he_o for_o christ_n sake_n psal._n 130._o 4._o hos._n 6._o 1_o 2._o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n quicken_v up_o a_o droop_a tremble_a sinner_n to_o return_v unto_o god_n the_o prodigal_n remember_v what_o a_o kind_a father_n he_o have_v luk._n 15._o 18._o it_o be_v paul_n argument_n rom._n 12._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o despair_n shall_v by_o some_o be_v make_v a_o encouragement_n to_o presumption_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v continue_v in_o sin_n because_o grace_n abound_v 2._o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o a_o appoint_a mean_n but_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o fit_a mean_n to_o work_v repentance_n suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o that_o end_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o schoolman_n tell_v we_o that_o amor_fw-la est_fw-la congregativus_fw-la and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o it_o do_v congregate_v and_o gather_v in_o our_o rove_a scatter_a thought_n from_o those_o various_a lesser_a object_n after_o which_o they_o go_v fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n the_o only_a soul-satisfying_a object_n love_n be_v conciliative_a when_o god_n do_v through_o faith_n let_v in_o any_o sense_n of_o his_o intend_a grace_n towards_o sinner_n the_o heart_n melt_v under_o it_o a_o sinner_n do_v not_o repent_v that_o he_o may_v believe_v but_o because_o he_o do_v believe_v something_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n in_o christ_n jesus_n some_o inkling_n of_o this_o be_v come_v to_o his_o ear_n have_v touch_v his_o very_a heart_n before_o ever_o he_o set_v upon_o repentance_n and_o now_o he_o can_v hold_v no_o long_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v he_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o love_n when_o it_o commend_v itself_o to_o we_o in_o some_o signal_n expression_n of_o kindness_n to_o our_o visible_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n 3._o because_o christ_n give_v repentance_n act._n 5._o 31._o he_o purchase_v this_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n for_o we_o by_o die_v for_o we_o he_o not_o only_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o justification_n but_o all_o inherent_a grace_n in_o the_o saint_n come_v from_o christ_n he_o procure_v they_o for_o we_o he_o work_v they_o in_o we_o his_o suffering_n be_v not_o only_o satisfactory_a for_o sin_n but_o meritorious_a of_o grace_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o though_o the_o law_n can_v sanctify_v a_o sinner_n yet_o christ_n can_v and_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n towards_o we_o when_o he_o do_v but_o he_o will_v first_o satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o be_v bring_v under_o grace_n by_o our_o free_a justification_n we_o may_v answer_v to_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o sanctification_n deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o here_o below_o as_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n ought_v to_o do_v the_o law_n command_v perfect_a obedience_n but_o in_o case_n of_o failure_n the_o gospel_n promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n zach._n 12._o 10._o act_n 11._o 18._o 4._o because_o god_n have_v annex_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o prevail_a efficacy_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o can_v resist_v it_o the_o spirit_n open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o charm_v the_o soul_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o withstand_v the_o allurement_n of_o it_o 5._o because_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o bring_v a_o sinner_n to_o life_n be_v all_o supernatural_a the_o law_n speak_v nothing_o of_o this_o the_o law_n never_o put_v we_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a i_o mean_v that_o original_o be_v so_o to_o man_n in_o his_o perfect_a state_n for_o than_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o god_n suit_v his_o law_n to_o those_o inbred_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v concreated_a in_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n through_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v supernatural_a we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n to_o know_v this_o 3._o the_o necessary_a connection_n that_o be_v between_o evangelical_n repentance_n and_o save_v faith._n i_o prove_v it_o thus_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o first_o production_n of_o repentance_n and_o in_o all_o the_o subsequent_a act_n of_o repentance_n therefore_o it_o be_v always_o so_o in_o the_o first_o production_n of_o repentance_n if_o you_o
therefore_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 4._o 3._o that_o abraham_n believe_v god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v ver_fw-la 21._o thus_o god_n appear_v to_o samuel_n reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o by_o his_o word_n 1_o sam._n 3._o 21._o so_o christ_n appear_v to_o paul_n by_o a_o voice_n and_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n i_o be_o jesus_n act_v 9_o there_o be_v spiritual_a appearance_n of_o god_n now_o to_o our_o soul_n under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n answerable_a to_o these_o vision_n of_o old._n god_n let_v himself_o down_o into_o our_o heart_n through_o the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o frame_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o right_a image_n of_o god_n answerable_a to_o that_o character_n he_o give_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o word_n he_o shine_v through_o the_o word_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o old_a to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o a_o articulate_a voice_n the_o unwritten_a word_n than_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o convince_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o be_v the_o write_a word_n now_o as_o capable_a of_o represent_v god_n to_o we_o when_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v see_v by_o we_o as_o that_o be_v then_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n but_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o do_v all_o centre_n in_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o essential_a word_n thus_o god_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o look_v a_o man_n in_o the_o face_n tell_v he_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o that_o lord_n god_n almighty_a who_o now_o speak_v unto_o you_o he_o leave_v no_o objection_n unanswered_a show_v what_o sure_a ground_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v in_o he_o shall_v god_n say_v and_o not_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o god_n say_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v soon_o pass_v away_o than_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n be_v break_v thus_o in_o god_n we_o praise_v his_o word_n psal._n 56._o 4._o 10._o consider_v the_o word_n out_o of_o god_n it_o will_v puzzle_v man_n and_o angel_n to_o make_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o to_o think_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o possible_a or_o likely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o they_o be_v sure_a omnipotency_n know_v no_o difficulty_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v stand_v his_o thought_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v a_o soul_n thus_o strike_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n presence_n yield_v immediate_o i_o believe_v lord_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n be_o ready_a to_o do_v whatever_o thou_o require_v of_o i_o so_o paul_n oh_o that_o god_n will_v so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o every_o one_o of_o your_o heart_n this_o day_n that_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o come_v up_o close_o to_o you_o look_v you_o in_o the_o face_n and_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n you_o can_v not_o withstand_v this_o mighty_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n o_o speak_v lord_n it_o be_v but_o thy_o say_n to_o each_o of_o we_o i_o be_o jesus_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v make_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a i_o hope_v the_o quicken_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v now_o sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o your_o faith_n while_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o you_o and_o that_o you_o do_v receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n in_o every_o one_o of_o your_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n eph._n 4._o 21._o be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ink_n and_o paper_n be_v another_o they_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o lie_v in_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v see_v in_o their_o live_a root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v mere_a scriptural_a knowledge_n be_v but_o historical_a we_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v rather_o as_o notion_n than_o reality_n till_o god_n fill_v up_o all_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o with_o a_o divine_a presence_n answerable_a thereunto_o we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v say_v of_o he_o but_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n captivate_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o god_n as_o the_o word_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v before_o we_o shall_v count_v all_o his_o say_n true_a we_o must_v fetch_v strength_n from_o the_o name_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 13._o to_o support_v our_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o act_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o we_o never_o deny_v any_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v but_o we_o deny_v his_o name_n rev._n 3._o 8._o and_o question_v his_o attribute_n some_o truth_n bare_a more_o upon_o one_o attribute_n some_o more_o upon_o another_o but_o all_o be_v found_v in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o verification_n and_o accomplishment_n so_o that_o till_o god_n appear_v and_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o unknown_a god_n affect_v we_o not_o because_o it_o want_v that_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o credibility_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o he_o can_v say_v so_o and_o think_v so_o he_o can_v say_v so_o and_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v till_o the_o father_n reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o paul_n by_o the_o light_n of_o that_o revelation_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o know_v all_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o without_o such_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o be_v invisible_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o divinity_n spring_v from_o god_n lead_v to_o he_o nay_o it_o look_v he_o direct_o in_o the_o face_n and_o can_v be_v consider_v apart_o from_o he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o faith_n god_n must_v be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o our_o faith_n whensoever_o we_o real_o act_v it_o neither_o can_v we_o have_v that_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n convince_a we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o this_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n while_o we_o be_v hear_v the_o word_n god_n have_v invisible_a way_n of_o access_n to_o our_o heart_n he_o convey_v himself_o through_o his_o truth_n to_o our_o soul_n his_o divinity_n lead_v the_o way_n without_o some_o appearance_n of_o this_o the_o content_n of_o the_o word_n will_v have_v no_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o name_n and_o with_o so_o strong_a a_o impression_n god_n himself_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o receive_v his_o testimony_n the_o word_n come_v into_o our_o heart_n sudden_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o seize_v they_o for_o god_n we_o can_v but_o think_v speak_v act_n and_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o read_v it_o without_o the_o least_o variation_n the_o copy_n answer_v the_o original_a hence_o arise_v that_o habitual_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n to_o believe_v god_n create_v this_o new_a heart_n i_o say_v this_o infuse_a habit_n or_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n put_v forth_o by_o we_o and_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o sole_a act_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o in_o our_o first_o conversion_n it_o be_v from_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n thus_o infuse_v that_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_n be_v enable_v to_o take_v in_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a nature_n never_o act_v above_o its_o sphere_n those_o inbred_a common_a notion_n that_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o natural_a truth_n in_o all_o their_o consequence_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o grant_v or_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a
consider_v how_o this_o be_v wrought_v by_o johns_n ministry_n mat._n 3._o and_o luk._n 3._o these_o two_o thing_n will_v evident_o appear_v first_o that_o repentance_n always_o presuppose_v faith._n second_o that_o repentance_n rise_v out_o of_o faith._n and_o how_o i_o will_v clear_v up_o this_o by_o a_o brief_a paraphrase_n upon_o those_o word_n repent_v you_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n john_n be_v bring_v in_o invite_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n the_o argument_n he_o use_v be_v plain_o this_o god_n be_v incline_v to_o pardon_v you_o therefore_o repent_v i_o come_v as_o a_o forerunner_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n that_o by_o bring_v you_o the_o first_o news_n of_o god_n intend_a grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o you_o i_o may_v soften_v and_o mollify_v your_o heart_n and_o dispose_v you_o to_o a_o ready_a thankful_a acceptance_n of_o christ_n this_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v inclusive_a of_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o heaven_n can_v afford_v all_o good_a come_v along_o with_o pardon_v grace_n i_o see_v ses_fw-fr john_n you_o be_v all_o lie_v under_o the_o sad_a damn_v circumstance_n of_o your_o own_o sin_n in_o a_o very_a woeful_a miserable_a condition_n compass_v about_o with_o hell_n and_o death_n with_o horror_n and_o darkness_n all_o thing_n round_o about_o you_o look_v very_o black_a and_o dismal_a i_o be_o come_v to_o put_v you_o into_o a_o better_a state_n to_o offer_v you_o a_o kingdom_n which_o will_v short_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v at_o hand_n it_o be_v come_v towards_o you_o heaven_n itself_o be_v come_v to_o look_v after_o you_o to_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o lift_v you_o out_o of_o this_o horrible_a pit_n before_o it_o shut_v its_o mouth_n upon_o you_o see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o this_o grace_n that_o you_o put_v not_o from_o you_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n lest_o you_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n as_o act_n 13._o 46._o i_o e._n it_o will_v as_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o declare_v in_o open_a court_n upon_o a_o fair_a hear_n of_o your_o cause_n if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o you_o they_o will_v conclude_v you_o most_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o by_o put_v the_o word_n from_o you_o you_o have_v in_o effect_n pass_v this_o judgement_n upon_o yourselves_o or_o you_o have_v do_v that_o now_o which_o your_o own_o conscience_n will_v so_o interpret_v at_o the_o last_o day_n they_o will_v then_o tell_v you_o you_o may_v have_v have_v life_n and_o pardon_n but_o will_v not_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n therefore_o your_o damnation_n be_v just_a you_o deserve_o perish_a &_o may_v thank_v yourselves_o for_o it_o how_o speechless_a will_n sinner_n be_v then_o as_o to_o remain_v in_o impenitency_n under_o the_o outward_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v argue_v the_o height_n of_o unbelief_n so_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n do_v necessary_o imply_v faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o tender_a of_o grace_n shall_v work_v repentance_n till_o it_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n make_v no_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n till_o then_o therefore_o faith_n must_v be_v presuppose_v i_o make_v it_o out_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o motive_n for_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v first_o understand_v receive_v and_o believe_v before_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v upon_o that_o motive_n there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o general_a offer_n of_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n this_o prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o all_o that_o be_v ordain_v unto_o life_n upon_o their_o believe_v this_o general_a offer_n of_o grace_n their_o heart_n begin_v to_o melt_v under_o it_o and_o some_o inclination_n to_o repentance_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o this_o faith_n and_o this_o repentance_n wrought_v in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n at_o first_o do_v form_n themselves_o into_o more_o particular_a and_o distinct_a act_n afterward_o thus_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n viz._n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n be_v first_o lay_v and_o then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o these_o principle_n a_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o 1._o our_o first_o faith_n be_v a_o more_o general_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v our_o first_o repentance_n rather_o a_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v then_o actual_a faith_n or_o actual_a repentance_n our_o first_o faith_n wrought_v in_o we_o upon_o the_o general_a proposal_n of_o gospel_n grace_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o save_a conviction_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o receive_v grace_n without_o it_o grace_n be_v nothing_o to_o we_o of_o no_o signification_n to_o we_o but_o as_o it_o give_v relief_n against_o sin_n which_o we_o must_v have_v some_o sense_n of_o before_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_n we_o must_v see_v something_o in_o ourselves_o that_o want_v a_o pardon_n and_o which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v in_o case_n of_o a_o pardon_n repentance_n be_v as_o true_a a_o effect_n of_o faith_n as_o pardon_n and_o comfort_n faith_n first_o bring_v a_o sinner_n to_o christ_n under_o some_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o then_o busy_v itself_o in_o work_v repentance_n in_o order_n to_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o pardon_n the_o spirit_n let_v in_o some_o sense_n of_o gospel_n grace_v tender_v unto_o sinner_n and_o affect_v the_o heart_n with_o it_o as_o very_o desirable_a as_o a_o very_a seasonable_a offer_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v slight_v the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v take_v with_o it_o conceive_v some_o hope_n from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o our_o first_o faith_n light_n come_v in_o give_v we_o some_o gospel_n conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o repentance_n i_o call_v it_o a_o gospel_n conviction_n because_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o after_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n have_v their_o rise_n from_o this_o first_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o join_v with_o repentance_n in_o the_o first_o production_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o in_o all_o the_o subsequent_a act_n of_o it_o ever_o after_o which_o i_o make_v out_o thus_o faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v constant_o refer_v to_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a act_n faith_n to_o repentance_n and_o repentance_n to_o faith_n he_o that_o believe_v repent_v because_o he_o believe_v and_o he_o that_o repent_v believe_v because_o he_o repent_v i._n e._n as_o faith_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o repentance_n so_o repentance_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n put_v forth_o upou_fw-fr christ_n for_o pardon_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n if_o you_o fetch_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o from_o repentance_n why_o do_v we_o go_v to_o the_o physician_n be_v it_o not_o because_o we_o be_v sick_a weary_a and_o faint_a ready_a to_o die_v of_o such_o a_o disease_n so_o why_o do_v a_o weary_a soul_n come_v to_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o his_o burden_n that_o insupportable_a burden_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v he_o into_o hell._n if_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v thus_o always_o join_v together_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o by_o faith_n i_o answer_v no._n though_o we_o be_v not_o save_v without_o repentance_n it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o repentance_n but_o some_o to_o make_v good_a this_o assertion_n have_v coin_a many_o subtle_a distinction_n relate_v to_o both_o before_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a reply_n to_o this_o let_v i_o say_v something_o in_o general_n religion_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o its_o primitive_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o as_o it_o have_v since_o be_v draw_v through_o the_o various_a discourse_n reason_v and_o write_n of_o man_n for_o so_o many_o century_n past_a this_o have_v so_o much_o overcharge_v religion_n with_o so_o many_o nice_a distinction_n intricate_a question_n and_o endless_a dispute_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o