god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o natural_a affection_n he_o necessary_o sink_v into_o the_o level_n of_o common_a impotence_n without_o any_o other_o influx_n this_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o lapse_v nature_n i_o have_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v the_o notice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o be_v always_o of_o importance_n to_o be_v know_v so_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v but_o that_o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n nature_n insufficiency_n of_o good_a etc._n isa_n 26.12_o isa_n 55.1_o etc._n etc._n as_o likewise_o the_o free_a overture_n of_o grace_n to_o help_v it_o out_o be_v plain_o testify_v and_o yet_o more_o plain_o in_o the_o psalmist_n where_o all_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conduce_v to_o sanctification_n as_o cleanse_v guide_v help_v renew_v comfort_v strengthen_v establish_v be_v mention_v as_o express_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n assistance_n of_o sanctification_n be_v deliver_v with_o formal_a evidence_n for_o after_o that_o god_n have_v institude_v circumcision_n as_o a_o symbol_n of_o purity_n and_o have_v tell_v the_o israelite_n withal_o that_o the_o true_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o consist_v in_o the_o moral_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n i._n e._n in_o take_v off_o their_o love_n from_o the_o world_n and_o place_v it_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n upon_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v fail_v of_o their_o end_n through_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mean_n and_o set_v about_o this_o great_a work_n in_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n he_o thus_o instruct_v they_o deut._n 30.6_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n now_o what_o plain_a word_n can_v be_v use_v to_o express_v that_o although_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n yet_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v out_o this_o issue_n but_o that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v they_o to_o do_v it_o the_o strive_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n with_o man_n for_o their_o conversion_n 6.3_o gen._n 6.3_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o a_o know_v and_o receive_v truth_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n 6.9_o gen._n 5.22_o gen._n 6.9_o the_o expression_n with_o god_n must_v reasonable_o be_v interpret_v to_o signify_v with_o god_n assistance_n as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o his_o will._n far_o than_o this_o have_v i_o leisure_n to_o gratify_v the_o curious_a i_o have_v large_a room_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o very_a doctrine_n be_v familiar_o espouse_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a who_o as_o they_o find_v by_o conscious_a experience_n that_o it_o be_v as_o little_a in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o make_v himself_o virtuous_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o fortunate_a and_o as_o they_o likewise_o think_v it_o suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o man_n great_a good_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o lesser_a so_o they_o espouse_v this_o belief_n of_o god_n assist_a man_n to_o probity_n of_o manner_n as_o a_o truth_n deducible_a from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n according_o plato_n deliver_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n receive_v from_o socrates_n and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a in_o his_o morality_n that_o virtue_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a distribution_n and_o that_o education_n precept_n example_n and_o practical_a diligence_n be_v only_o partial_a advances_n towards_o it_o but_o that_o the_o state_n be_v god_n and_o finish_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o express_a and_o withal_o more_o venerable_a than_o that_o of_o seneca_n when_o he_o say_v nulla_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la mens_fw-la bona_fw-la no_o soul_n can_v be_v good_a without_o the_o divine_a assistance_n but_o i_o have_v assert_v my_o point_n from_o a_o better_a authority_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o engage_v no_o far_o in_o this_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o be_v supperfluous_a in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a have_v then_o offer_v this_o as_o the_o true_a prospect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o lapse_v nature_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o purpose_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o this_o state_n from_o such_o cavil_n as_o the_o rash_a and_o such_o complaint_n as_o the_o weak_a be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v against_o it_o and_o this_o i_o intend_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n sermon_n ii_o st._n matth_n xxvi_o 35._o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text_n i_o offer_v the_o scriptural_a view_n and_o account_n of_o lapse_v nature_n from_o whence_o it_o full_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a either_o to_o be_v or_o to_o continue_v good_a in_o his_o own_o strength_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n direct_o serve_v the_o two_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n viz._n to_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o beat_v down_o all_o pretence_n of_o humane_a pride_n but_o as_o all_o truth_n be_v abusable_a so_o we_o may_v be_v aware_a that_o many_o espouse_v this_o very_a truth_n the_o more_o free_o only_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o free_o form_v it_o into_o a_o apology_n for_o careless_a live_n for_o example_n thus_o they_o argue_v our_o nature_n be_v indispose_v perverse_a and_o insussicient_a to_o good_a therefore_o how_o miserable_a be_v our_o condition_n thus_o to_o be_v maim_v before_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o make_v guilty_a before_o we_o know_v how_o to_o act_v and_o obnoxious_a for_o do_v that_o which_o we_o can_v help_v how_o unaccountable_o fatal_a be_v the_o indiscretion_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o disorder_n and_o how_o unfortunate_a their_o posterity_n to_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v why_o do_v not_o god_n with_o more_o appearance_n of_o compassion_n redintegrate_a our_o nature_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a uprightness_n how_o much_o better_o have_v his_o service_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o this_o method_n and_o man_n more_o happy_o prevent_v from_o his_o displeasure_n which_o displeasure_n of_o his_o we_o can_v now_o avoid_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n who_o act_n be_v not_o supposable_a to_o be_v at_o our_o discretion_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o arguing_n be_v profane_a and_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o support_n and_o countenance_n of_o vice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o obviate_v these_o mischief_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o my_o contemplation_n to_o its_o proper_a usefulness_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o leave_v mankind_n under_o this_o present_a state_n of_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n from_o which_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o what_o god_n chief_o intend_v thereby_o be_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o strict_o to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o such_o a_o dependence_n put_v in_o practice_n will_v effectual_o cut_v off_o all_o possible_a pretence_n of_o humane_a complaint_n my_o first_o business_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o leave_v mankind_n under_o this_o present_a state_n of_o weakness_n insufficiency_n and_o disorder_n we_o must_v allow_v that_o god_n can_v have_v immediate_o reform_v that_o disorder_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o first_o disobedience_n he_o can_v have_v check_v it_o in_o its_o first_o author_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v to_o their_o posterity_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o too_o bold_a for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o this_o will_v have_v be_v the_o better_a method_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o thing_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o which_o be_v be_v always_o best_a though_o we_o sometime_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v it_o so_o but_o as_o to_o the_o present_a instance_n we_o may_v with_o reverence_n penetrate_v into_o its_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o must_v be_v allow_v of_o ex._n gr_n 1._o who_o can_v think_v but_o that_o when_o sin_n have_v get_v foot_v in_o despite_n of_o
make_v we_o better_o must_v be_v a_o superior_a and_o better_a agent_n than_o ourselves_o it_o be_v true_a that_o though_o we_o be_v orn_v ignorant_a we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o skilful_a we_o can_v acquire_v art_n and_o science_n by_o our_o own_o diligence_n and_o study_n but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o goodness_n we_o can_v acquire_v art_n and_o science_n because_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o connate_a indisposition_n to_o that_o acquirement_n for_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v corrupt_a yet_o still_o it_o be_v curious_a and_o busy_a after_o knowledge_n but_o to_o goodness_n we_o have_v natural_o a_o indisposition_n that_o be_v invincible_a lust_n within_o and_o temptation_n without_o set_v up_o such_o a_o firm_a confederacy_n against_o it_o as_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o surmount_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o order_n to_o save_v mankind_n the_o holy_a spirit_n vouchsafe_v to_o engage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o the_o eternal_a son_n do_v in_o that_o of_o redemption_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n when_o we_o do_v well_o it_o be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n that_o improver_n we_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o act_n he_o remove_v the_o hindrance_n he_o restrain_v our_o oppose_a lust_n he_o move_v our_o will_n and_o draw_v we_o to_o it_o and_o though_o because_o of_o the_o subsequent_a concurrence_n the_o act_n be_v gracious_o impute_a we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n yet_o still_o the_o power_n be_v god_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n argue_v against_o that_o mischief_n that_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o humane_a confidence_n thus_o express_v himself_o 1_o cor._n 10.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v upon_o which_o text_n a_o critic_n of_o name_n have_v give_v his_o opinion_n that_o the_o participle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v redundant_fw-la and_o have_v no_o peculiar_a signification_n because_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o rather_o that_o this_o criticism_n be_v redundant_fw-la and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o only_o a_o signification_n there_o but_o the_o most_o emphatical_a one_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o take_v notice_n that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v in_o goodness_n do_v but_o think_v so_o for_o no_o man_n stand_v in_o goodness_n he_o be_v only_o uphold_v and_o support_v there_o and_o gracious_o keep_v upright_o wherefore_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n more_o obnoxious_a to_o fall_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v no_o less_o in_o that_o place_n let_v he_o be_v his_o own_o interpreter_n rom._n 11.20_o where_o he_o express_v the_o manner_n how_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n do_v stand_v viz._n thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n now_o he_o that_o stand_v by_o faith_n stand_v not_o by_o himself_o because_o faith_n be_v proper_o a_o recumbency_n or_o rest_n upon_o another_o but_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n clear_a the_o apostle_n illustrate_v it_o by_o a_o resemblance_n ver_fw-la 17._o wherein_o he_o instruct_v we_o that_o a_o good_a man_n stand_v as_o the_o branch_n of_o a_o wild_a olive_n do_v when_o it_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o good_a olive_n tree_n and_o that_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o virtue_n but_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o root_n and_o such_o a_o root_n as_o be_v natural_o not_o it_o be_v own_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o passage_n call_v a_o bad_a man_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n not_o bare_o a_o branch_n but_o a_o tree_n which_o have_v a_o root_n of_o its_o own_o support_v it_o self_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o bring_v forth_o its_o own_o fruit_n and_o so_o do_v man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o wild_a and_o sour_a fruit_n of_o a_o ill_a conversaction_n he_o be_v a_o tree_n have_v a_o root_n of_o his_o own_o and_o sap_n and_o vegetation_n and_o seminal_a fruitfulness_n and_o power_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o good_a he_o be_v only_o a_o branch_n and_o all_o his_o fruitfulness_n and_o all_o his_o support_n depend_v upon_o the_o influence_n and_o communication_n of_o god_n you_o may_v see_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o illustration_n of_o it_o yet_o more_o full_o express_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n we_o may_v therefore_o look_v upon_o samson_n as_o a_o common_a emblem_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o man_n be_v fortify_v in_o their_o soul_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o body_n for_o example_n his_o strength_n lie_v not_o in_o his_o sinew_n but_o be_v extrinsical_a in_o his_o lock_n though_o thence_o communicate_v to_o his_o sinew_n and_o so_o our_o moral_a strength_n lie_v not_o in_o our_o soul_n for_o let_v reason_n and_o conscience_n be_v never_o so_o well_o awaken_v and_o our_o will_n never_o so_o well_o incline_v and_o practice_n and_o custom_n contribute_v all_o they_o can_v yet_o still_o our_o soul_n have_v no_o stock_n of_o strength_n intrinsic_a to_o itself_o by_o which_o it_o can_v sustain_v itself_o let_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n be_v once_o cut_v off_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o sampson_n lock_n and_o that_o moment_n the_o best_a become_v weak_a as_o other_o men._n philosophy_n deceive_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o religious_a habit_n there_o be_v no_o habit_n of_o that_o kind_n difficult_o movable_a from_o the_o subject_a by_o reason_n of_o any_o strength_n that_o practice_n introduce_v into_o the_o subject_n itself_o our_o facility_n of_o act_v religious_o be_v both_o acquire_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o grace_n be_v once_o suspend_v the_o habit_n sink_v in_o a_o instant_n hezekiah_n be_v a_o excellent_a man_n scarce_o be_v so_o much_o say_v of_o the_o piety_n of_o any_o man_n in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o of_o he_o and_o yet_o upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o a_o transaction_n with_o the_o ambassador_n of_o babylon_n he_o behave_v himself_o both_o vain_o and_o profane_o insomuch_o that_o the_o text_n say_v wrath_n come_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o by_o that_o wrath_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n and_o thereby_o bring_v back_o again_o to_o his_o former_a integrity_n now_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v how_o such_o a_o disagree_a failure_n come_v to_o find_v place_n in_o the_o course_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a life_n the_o holy_a penman_n have_v take_v care_n to_o tell_v we_o express_o two_o chron._n 32.34_o that_o in_o that_o matter_n of_o the_o ambassador_n god_n leave_v hezekiah_n to_o himself_o to_o try_v he_o and_o to_o prove_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o show_v he_o to_o himself_o the_o very_a same_o be_v peter_n case_n how_o pious_a be_v he_o in_o the_o house_n how_o courageous_a in_o the_o garden_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o hall_n both_o a_o coward_n and_o a_o traditor_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o be_v because_o his_o master_n have_v for_o that_o interval_n leave_v he_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o text_n say_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n turn_v and_o look_v upon_o peter_n that_o be_v look_v upon_o he_o with_o a_o operative_a compassion_n peter_n recover_v his_o strength_n and_o exert_v it_o in_o a_o immediate_a repentance_n and_o hold_v it_o persevere_o to_o a_o glorious_a end_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n what_o be_v he_o without_o thou_o the_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o plain_a enough_o in_o these_o instance_n what_o he_o be_v even_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o let_v we_o imagine_v a_o man_n to_o be_v swim_v and_o because_o he_o can_v not_o swim_v without_o it_o to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o chin_n to_o make_v such_o a_o man_n sink_v there_o need_v no_o dip_v he_o no_o lay_v weight_n upon_o he_o no_o hamper_v or_o entangle_v his_o limb_n withdraw_v but_o the_o hand_n and_o he_o necessary_o sink_v of_o himself_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o make_v to_o best_a man_n fall_v there_o need_v no_o do_v he_o any_o wrong_n no_o wound_v his_o faculty_n no_o maim_v his_o judgement_n no_o pervert_v his_o will_n no_o inflame_a his_o appetite_n no_o heighten_v his_o temptation_n let_v god_n bare_o withdraw_v his_o supply_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o that_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o natural_a affection_n which_o affection_n grace_v only_a conver_n and_o restrain_v it_o never_o extinguish_v during_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n i_o say_v let_v a_o man_n in_o the_o firm_a state_n of_o virtue_n be_v bare_o permit_v by_o
gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v give_v what_o give_v good_a gift_n so_o the_o antithesis_fw-la require_v and_o so_o one_o will_v think_v the_o expression_n shall_v run_v but_o instead_o of_o this_o it_o run_v thus_o how_o much_o more_o will_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 imply_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o other_o good_a gift_n nay_o as_o much_o exceed_v they_o as_o the_o love_n and_o power_n of_o god_n exceed_v that_o of_o man._n and_o therefore_o however_o we_o may_v of_o esteem_n long_a life_n and_o prosperous_a fortune_n yet_o so_o indifferent_a be_v they_o in_o the_o event_n that_o god_n bestow_v they_o without_o any_o indication_n either_o of_o his_o love_n or_o hatred_n as_o that_o passage_n of_o solomon_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v eccles_n 9.1_o for_o god_n bestow_v they_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o good_a but_o upon_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o unthankful_a upon_o those_o that_o seek_v they_o not_o from_o he_o upon_o those_o that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o receive_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o final_o upon_o those_o that_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o have_v receive_v they_o as_o will_v appear_v at_o the_o adjust_n of_o account_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n sanctify_v grace_n be_v a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n than_o to_o be_v cast_v away_o upon_o the_o regardless_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a benefit_n and_o a_o last_a good_a and_o therefore_o god_n dispose_v it_o upon_o another_o sort_n of_o condition_n viz._n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o i._n e._n to_o they_o that_o wise_o estimate_n and_o worthy_o value_n and_o earnest_o desire_v this_o excellent_a gift_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n qualify_v with_o those_o circumstance_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v require_v viz._n that_o it_o must_v be_v instant_a fervent_a importunate_n violent_a we_o may_v conclude_v that_o prayer_n itself_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o procure_v they_o for_o if_o we_o must_v pray_v instant_o fervent_o importunate_o violent_o what_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o must_v pray_v for_o in_o this_o manner_n no_o worldly_a need_n can_v justify_v such_o a_o desire_n our_o desire_n of_o life_n or_o any_o of_o its_o accommodation_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n will_v be_v immoderate_a impatient_a and_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o submission_n and_o resignation_n be_v prescribe_v to_o our_o request_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n grace_n therefore_o be_v the_o only_a blessing_n that_o can_v be_v worthy_a such_o a_o measure_n of_o importunity_n this_o alone_a we_o may_v desire_v instant_o and_o with_o impatience_n of_o denial_n and_o yet_o not_o exceed_v grace_n be_v that_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n in_o this_o office_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o a_o endeavour_n of_o christian-living_a suitable_a and_o comport_v with_o it_o without_o which_o comportment_n the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o be_v void_v i_o say_v in_o there_o two_o office_n of_o pray_v for_o god_n grace_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o road_n of_o god_n grace_n consist_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o the_o fruit_n whereof_o i_o shall_v next_o inquire_v into_o and_o show_v that_o through_o this_o dependence_n upon_o god_n which_o our_o present_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n enforce_v man_n reap_v great_a advantage_n from_o his_o present_a state_n than_o can_v have_v be_v look_v for_o have_v he_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o state_n of_o primitive_a perfection_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o it_o will_v be_v argument_n enough_o if_o i_o show_v that_o man_n have_v now_o provision_n make_v 1._o for_o a_o safe_a virtue_n and_o 2._o for_o a_o more_o commendable_a virtue_n and_o 3._o for_o a_o more_o excellent_a reward_n than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v have_v have_v 1._o man_n have_v now_o provision_n make_v for_o a_o safe_a virtue_n than_o adam_n have_v when_o he_o be_v first_o form_v adam_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o so_o the_o author_n of_o ecclus_n tell_v we_o chap._n 15.24_o where_o he_o say_v god_n make_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o or_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o leave_v he_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o we_o interpret_v this_o text_n to_o mean_v that_o man_n have_v counsel_n wisdom_n liberty_n or_o strength_n to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o godliness_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o no_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n and_o this_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o sacred_a writ_n make_v demonstrable_a but_o adam_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a be_v shall_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n but_o withal_o we_o know_v that_o adam_n fall_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o after_o he_o be_v once_o fall_v after_o he_o have_v darken_v his_o soul_n weaken_a and_o poison_a his_o nature_n by_o give_v up_o reason_n to_o the_o power_n of_o appetite_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v sink_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o indulge_v careless_a desperate_a and_o without_o thought_n or_o power_n of_o repent_v as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o fall_a angel_n be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v found_v pure_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n for_o all_o the_o subsequent_a power_n that_o adam_n have_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o walk_v as_o a_o man_n convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n from_o that_o time_n forward_o issue_v not_o at_o all_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o if_o recover_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o reflection_n nature_n be_v as_o much_o indispose_v and_o insufficient_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o reconcile_a change_n in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n and_o according_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o the_o history_n that_o before_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v pronounce_v and_o ratify_v in_o the_o promise_a seed_n there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o repentance_n that_o appear_v either_o in_o adam_n or_o eve_n but_o mere_o a_o shift_v off_o their_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o design_n to_o preclude_v their_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o subsequent_a power_n that_o adam_n have_v whereby_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o please_v god_n do_v issue_n pure_o from_o the_o succour_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n vouchsase_v he_o in_o compassion_n to_o his_o new-contracted_n disorder_n and_o upon_o which_o he_o may_v now_o rest_v for_o the_o course_n of_o his_o future_a obedience_n with_o much_o more_o security_n than_o he_o can_v upon_o his_o former_a native_a perfection_n now_o to_o argue_v home_o to_o my_o purpose_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o after_o adam_n have_v fall_v yet_o this_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o original_a uprightness_n shall_v have_v equal_o descend_v upon_o all_o his_o posterity_n yet_o we_o must_v allow_v that_o any_o one_o of_o his_o posterity_n though_o bear_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o uprightness_n that_o he_o be_v may_v yet_o have_v be_v foil_v by_o the_o wiles_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o so_o have_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v now_o have_v they_o so_o fall_v i_o mean_v fall_v only_o personal_o and_o for_o themselves_o have_v they_o so_o fall_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o be_v found_v as_o it_o be_v only_o found_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o sin_n how_o can_v any_o such_o have_v ever_o recover_v to_o that_o state_n from_o which_o they_o fall_v or_o indeed_o to_o any_o degree_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n their_o case_n must_v have_v be_v as_o desperate_a as_o that_o of_o the_o fall_a angel_n be_v before_o they_o will_v have_v be_v now_o make_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o far_a depravation_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o succour_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v now_o infirm_a there_o be_v a_o provision_n make_v through_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o a_o safe_a adherence_n to_o virtue_n and_o such_o a_o provision_n as_o every_o christian_a may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o affect_a slothfulness_n and_o wilful_a indulgence_n in_o sin_n sin_n indeed_o may_v more_o easy_o make_v its_o first_o breach_n upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o
term_n or_o period_n beyond_o god_n pleasure_n and_o designation_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o god_n have_v fix_v a_o fatal_a period_n to_o every_o man_n life_n the_o notion_n of_o fate_n diminish_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o providence_n but_o i_o mean_v that_o god_n for_o the_o very_a manifestation_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v not_o humane_a life_n to_o wear_v out_o and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o into_o his_o own_o arbitrary_a disposal_n and_o either_o extend_v or_o shorten_v it_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a we_o may_v observe_v of_o all_o other_o creature_n that_o nature_n govern_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o last_a that_o abate_v violence_n their_o period_n be_v general_o uniform_a and_o they_o wear_v out_o their_o thread_n of_o life_n in_o proportion_n to_o that_o strength_n of_o which_o it_o be_v spin_v but_o man_n seldom_o wear_v out_o his_o thread_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n sudden_o cut_v off_o and_o man_n die_v perhaps_o in_o equal_a number_n every_o year_n through_o the_o whole_a interval_n from_o the_o cradle_n to_o nature_n old_a age._n again_o we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o the_o event_n and_o success_n of_o our_o undertake_n and_o this_o be_v another_o instance_n which_o god_n have_v select_v to_o his_o own_o disposal_n and_o exempt_v from_o the_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o providence_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o nature_n law_n that_o the_o race_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o swift_a and_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a that_o the_o best_a contrivance_n and_o mean_n shall_v have_v the_o best_a success_n and_o yet_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o man_n where_o the_o wise_a project_n be_v defeat_v and_o the_o most_o hopeful_a mean_n be_v control_v and_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v unto_o all_o time_n and_o chance_n i._n e._n at_o sundry_a time_n sundry_a event_n fall_v out_o which_o they_o who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o event_n themselves_o call_v chance_n because_o they_o fall_v out_o quite_o contrary_a both_o to_o their_o intention_n and_o their_o hope_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n providence_n overrule_a in_o these_o event_n it_o be_v profane_a to_o call_v they_o chance_n for_o they_o be_v pure_a designation_n i_o may_v add_v far_o that_o we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o our_o action_n for_o since_o our_o life_n depend_v upon_o god_n and_o life_n be_v our_o sole_a capacity_n of_o act_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o remote_a causality_n all_o our_o action_n depend_v upon_o god_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o action_n do_v so_o depend_v upon_o god_n as_o that_o we_o need_v his_o immediate_a concurrence_n to_o all_o we_o do_v or_o that_o we_o can_v exert_v any_o motion_n or_o sensation_n without_o his_o actual_a assistance_n because_o the_o allowance_n of_o this_o will_v be_v atend_v with_o several_a absurd_a consequence_n for_o 1._o suppose_v our_o action_n to_o be_v evil_a the_o impute_v god_n concurrence_n to_o such_o will_v be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o his_o holiness_n and_o 2._o suppose_v our_o action_n to_o be_v indifferent_a yet_o to_o say_v that_o god_n actual_a concurrence_n be_v necessary_a to_o such_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o disparagement_n to_o his_o workmanship_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o original_a defect_n in_o his_o creature_n to_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n by_o the_o composition_n of_o art_n it_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o watch_n to_o move_v and_o by_o that_o motion_n to_o distinguish_v time_n now_o suppose_v a_o artist_n shall_v make_v a_o watch_n of_o never_o so_o curious_a a_o figure_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o its_o index_n will_v not_o move_v unless_o he_o that_o make_v it_o oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a attendance_n of_o his_o finger_n what_o will_v our_o censure_n be_v of_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o work_n to_o move_v to_o fall_v to_o perceive_v to_o deliberate_a resolve_v and_o execute_v be_v action_n for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v his_o nature_n station_n and_o duty_n charge_v they_o upon_o he_o now_o if_o we_o suppose_v man_n not_o able_a to_o discharge_v those_o function_n and_o office_n for_o which_o he_o be_v design_v without_o the_o perpetual_a attendance_n of_o his_o maker_n how_o can_v such_o a_o creature_n be_v clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o a_o original_a defect_n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o sort_n of_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o this_o objection_n will_v not_o lie_v all_o our_o action_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v moral_o good_a depend_v so_o immediate_o upon_o god_n that_o they_o require_v his_o actual_a concurrence_n to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o original_a defect_n in_o man_n but_o only_o a_o fall_n from_o that_o original_a perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v first_o make_v and_o why_o under_o this_o state_n of_o man_n depravation_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n choose_v rather_o to_o aid_v and_o support_v he_o by_o a_o perpetual_a attendance_n than_o to_o redintegrate_a he_o to_o his_o primitive_a strength_n be_v the_o particular_a case_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o assign_v the_o reason_n i_o have_v speak_v hitherto_o of_o our_o passive_a dependence_n upon_o god_n our_o dependence_n of_o necessity_n which_o therefore_o as_o such_o can_v carry_v no_o virtue_n in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o immediate_a matter_n of_o our_o active_a dependence_n so_o that_o one_o turn_v of_o our_o will_n can_v change_v our_o necessity_n into_o virtue_n ex._n gr_n we_o depend_v upon_o god_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o no_o but_o then_o let_v we_o depend_v upon_o he_o intentional_o willing_o and_o we_o do_v that_o that_o be_v proper_o religious_a and_o what_o god_n will_v both_o accept_v and_o reward_v to_o induce_v we_o thus_o to_o husband_n our_o necessity_n and_o improve_v it_o wise_o into_o virtue_n let_v we_o consider_v on_o this_o manner_n we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o our_o life_n and_o be_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o for_o do_v we_o depend_v upon_o nature_n for_o it_o nature_n may_v give_v we_o a_o long_a life_n but_o she_o can_v not_o give_v we_o a_o good_a one_o and_o then_o what_o will_v it_o be_v of_o advantage_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v live_v whereas_o now_o the_o same_o god_n that_o give_v either_o a_o long_a life_n or_o a_o short_a can_v make_v each_o of_o they_o to_o be_v a_o equal_a blessing_n we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o our_o undertake_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o do_v we_o depend_v for_o it_o upon_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n every_o one_o that_o can_v overpower_v we_o or_o outwit_n we_o have_v it_o at_o his_o discretion_n to_o defeat_v and_o undo_v we_o whereas_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o god_n we_o be_v guard_v against_o these_o issue_n of_o common_a enmity_n and_o either_o our_o undertake_n be_v sure_a to_o succeed_v or_o else_o what_o be_v better_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o reap_v advantage_n from_o their_o disappointment_n so_o long_o as_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o god_n be_v sanctify_v by_o a_o pious_a resolution_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o willing_o and_o to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o his_o disposal_n we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o our_o power_n of_o act_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o since_o the_o same_o god_n that_o support_v we_o in_o the_o power_n of_o act_v be_v only_o able_a to_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v what_o we_o do_v to_o our_o advantage_n without_o which_o issue_n our_o power_n of_o act_v must_v sink_v and_o degenerate_v into_o a_o bare_a power_n of_o do_v ourselves_o harm_n but_o the_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o dependence_n be_v still_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v good_a be_v grace_n in_o order_n to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n to_o look_v and_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o main_a business_n of_o our_o dependence_n because_o grace_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o god_n benefit_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a in_o comparison_n of_o it_o no_o other_o good_a at_o all_o without_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n when_o argue_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n paternal_a love_n from_o the_o love_n that_o be_v general_o observable_a in_o all_o natural_a parent_n he_o thus_o express_v himself_o luke_n 11.13_o if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a