and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a signal_n manner_n for_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act_v 2.2_o 3_o 4._o which_o same_o spirit_n also_o then_o endue_v they_o with_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o gift_n and_o power_n requisite_a for_o the_o infallible_a preach_n and_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n be_v now_o bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n so_o afterward_o on_o great_a number_n of_o other_o christian_n first_o on_o those_o that_o be_v jew_n by_o birth_n as_o you_o may_v see_v act._n 4.3_o &_o 8.17_o and_o afterward_o on_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o we_o read_v act._n 10.44_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v much_o abound_v with_o such_o person_n as_o have_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o no_o where_n be_v there_o more_o of_o these_o than_o in_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o corinth_n which_o as_o it_o be_v zealous_a of_o these_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 14.12_o so_o have_v it_o a_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o they_o as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n direct_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n how_o they_o shall_v use_v these_o spiritual_a gift_n namely_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n so_o you_o read_v vers_n 12._o for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v zealous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n seek_v that_o you_o way_n excel_v to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o because_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v edify_v by_o any_o thing_n utter_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n unless_o interpret_v in_o one_o that_o be_v know_v he_o add_v as_o follows_z vers_n 13_o 14._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v for_o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v my_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v exercise_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v not_o exercise_v so_o as_o to_o render_v what_o i_o say_v intelligible_a and_o useful_a to_o other_o person_n which_o be_v so_o he_o put_v this_o question_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o be_v to_o say_v what_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n what_o shall_v we_o desire_v in_o point_n of_o prayer_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o spirit_n suggest_v and_o dictate_v a_o prayer_n to_o any_o man_n as_o he_o do_v to_o many_o in_o those_o age_n by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n he_o my_o so_o far_o use_v his_o own_o understanding_n when_o he_o pray_v in_o a_o public_a congregation_n as_o to_o utter_v the_o prayer_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o in_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a expression_n that_o other_o may_v be_v edify_v by_o it_o now_o from_o these_o word_n compare_v with_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 1._o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a as_o when_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v a_o prayer_n by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n 2._o the_o other_o ordinary_a as_o when_o a_o man_n pray_v hearty_o and_o fervent_o but_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o all_o such_o other_o christian_a grace_n as_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a affection_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o that_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v of_o two_o kind_n likewise_o 1._o in_o the_o former_a whereof_o the_o understanding_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o passive_a so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o have_v employ_v itself_o either_o in_o the_o invent_v of_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o prayer_n or_o in_o the_o utter_v those_o conception_n in_o a_o tongue_n common_o understand_v such_o be_v the_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n mention_n verf._n 14._o of_o this_o chapter_n if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v that_o be_v the_o spiritual_a gift_n that_o be_v in_o i_o but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v to_o say_v my_o understanding_n do_v not_o employ_v and_o exercise_v itself_o to_o express_v the_o conception_n of_o this_o prayer_n in_o a_o tongue_n or_o manner_n know_v to_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v i_o 2._o in_o the_o latter_a kind_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n the_o understanding_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v passive_a and_o active_a likewise_o passive_a so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v receive_v all_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o prayer_n from_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n active_a so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v employ_v and_o exercise_v itself_o to_o express_v and_o utter_v those_o conception_n in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o they_o that_o hear_v and_o in_o a_o familiar_a easy_a manner_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n mention_n in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o i_o will_v utter_v the_o very_a same_o conception_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v to_o i_o but_o i_o will_v use_v my_o understanding_n to_o utter_v they_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o in_o easy_a and_o familiar_a expression_n concern_v both_o these_o several_a way_n i_o have_v something_o to_o observe_v unto_o you_o 1._o concern_v the_o first_o wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v whole_o passive_a wherein_o a_o man_n use_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o receive_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o prayer_n from_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n i_o observe_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o this_o in_o christian_a assembly_n unless_o that_o either_o the_o person_n that_o pray_v or_o else_o some_o person_n present_v have_v the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n what_o be_v say_v the_o ground_n of_o which_o his_o determination_n be_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o may_v edify_v all_o that_o be_v present_a even_o the_o most_o illiterate_a person_n and_o that_o such_o as_o these_o can_v not_o be_v edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n though_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n unless_o it_o be_v afterward_o interpret_v i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o i._n e._n so_o that_o other_o may_v understand_v and_o so_o shall_v every_o man_n pray_v in_o the_o church_n else_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a how_o shall_v a_o vulgar_a illiterate_a person_n say_v amen_n at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v for_o thou_o very_o give_v thanks_o well_o but_o the_o other_o be_v not_o edify_v ver_fw-la 16_o 17._o so_o then_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n be_v this_o that_o no_o office_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n but_o so_o that_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v by_o it_o that_o no_o man_n be_v edify_v by_o that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o therefore_o that_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o that_o can_v interpret_v so_o he_o suggest_v at_o the_o 18_o 19_o verse_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n so_o he_o more_o express_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 27_o 28._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n let_v it_o be_v by_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o by_o three_o and_o that_o by_o course_n and_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o
this_o he_o accept_v also_o this_o be_v real_o prayer_n in_o faith_n in_o belief_n of_o the_o promise_v god_n have_v make_v and_o certain_o god_n accept_v such_o prayer_n this_o be_v a_o prayer_n put_v up_o to_o god_n with_o devour_v and_o humble_a and_o holy_a affection_n for_o so_o i_o state_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n require_v eph._n 6.18_o and_o therefore_o suppose_v to_o be_v grateful_a to_o god_n and_o so_o will_v every_o one_o believe_v who_o know_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n which_o god_n require_v and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o such_o prayer_n as_o this_o although_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n a_o present_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o mediate_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o hope_n that_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o humility_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o these_o grace_n and._n whatsoever_o else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n gol._n 5.22_o 23._o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o must_v observe_v concern_v this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o he_o can_v read_v or_o hear_v those_o word_n read_v unto_o he_o and_o hearty_o believe_v what_o he_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o be_v as_o hearty_o affect_v with_o it_o if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o let_v he_o confess_v that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o he_o hear_v it_o read_v and_o that_o he_o be_v nothing_o affect_v with_o be_v but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o confess_v this_o let_v he_o confess_v that_o faith_n and_o zeal_n faith_n and_o pious_a and_o holy_a affection_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o consequent_o to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o most_o of_o those_o person_n who_o disallow_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n allow_v and_o practice_v a_o certain_a form_n in_o sing_v psalm_n and_o what_o be_v such_o psalm_n but_o certain_a form_n of_o pray_v and_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o if_o man_n can_v hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o verse_n or_o meet_a why_o not_o in_o prose_n as_o well_o as_o in_o verse_n 3._o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o other_o nation_n all_o the_o christian_n church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v set_v form_n for_o their_o public_a office_n and_o so_o have_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v for_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o and_o therefore_o certain_o it_o be_v and_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v very_o lawful_a but_o most_o expedient_a and_o useful_a also_o that_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o set_a form_n and_o that_o man_n may_v pray_v in_o a_o set_a form_n and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o with_o holy_a and_o devout_a affection_n 4._o add_v hereunto_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_o prescribe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o form_n of_o benediction_n whereby_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n numb_a 6.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o a_o form_n for_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o first-fruit_n deut._n 26.5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n that_o david_n compose_v many_o of_o the_o psalm_n as_o the_o title_n of_o they_o express_o show_v to_o be_v use_v as_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o do_v the_o like_a for_o their_o disciple_n now_o have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o possible_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n with_o faith_n and_o zeal_n and_o holy_a affection_n as_o every_o man_n always_o aught_o to_o pray_v we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n express_o prescribe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 5._o and_o to_o conclude_v the_o present_a point_n be_v not_o faith_n and_o zeal_n and_o devout_a affection_n applicable_a to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n no_o man_n can_v hearty_o join_v in_o a_o prayer_n which_o he_o hear_v utter_v by_o another_o person_n for_o all_o such_o prayer_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v to_o he_o that_o speak_v be_v certain_a form_n to_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o to_o they_o they_o as_o be_v limit_v form_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v print_v and_o read_v for_o the_o word_n be_v still_o the_o very_a same_o and_o all_o the_o sense_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o so_o i_o conclude_v the_o second_o observation_n that_o be_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o holy_a zeal_n and_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n at_o the_o same_o time_n 3_o i_o must_v further_o observe_v unto_o you_o that_o as_o the_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v applicable_a to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o ought_v in_o very_a truth_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o every_o prayer_n we_o make_v to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n god_n hear_v no_o prayer_n accept_v no_o service_n offer_v to_o he_o where_o there_o be_v no_o attention_n of_o mind_n no_o zeal_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o god_n a_o dangerous_a irreverence_n to_o our_o maker_n not_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o speak_v or_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o our_o name_n when_o we_o make_v our_o address_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n do_v any_o man_n speak_v unto_o a_o prince_n not_o mind_v what_o he_o speak_v unto_o he_o do_v any_o man_n make_v a_o address_n to_o a_o king_n without_o give_v heed_n to_o his_o own_o address_n and_o if_o we_o judge_v it_o a_o great_a irreverence_n to_o speak_v to_o a_o prince_n without_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o speak_v what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o that_o affront_n man_n do_v to_o god_n when_o they_o attend_v not_o to_o those_o prayer_n which_o they_o themselves_o offer_v to_o god_n or_o be_v offer_v by_o other_o in_o their_o name_n in_o their_o presence_n and_o behalf_n and_o then_o for_o faith_n and_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n these_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v but_o sound_a and_o noise_n without_o they_o man_n may_v pray_v and_o pray_v acceptable_o where_o they_o do_v not_o utter_v express_a word_n rom._n 8.26_o but_o the_o most_o excellent_a word_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o true_a and_o real_a prayer_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o desire_n nothing_o of_o affection_n add_v to_o they_o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o faith_n s._n james_n cap._n 5.16_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avai_o let_v much_o it_o be_v the_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o be_v effectual_a the_o effectual_a prayer_n that_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o and_o who_o can_v wonder_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o hear_v those_o petition_n which_o be_v void_a of_o affection_n and_o desire_v if_o we_o ourselves_o neglect_v our_o prayer_n those_o very_a prayer_n we_o seem_v to_o make_v how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n neglect_v they_o why_o shall_v he_o grant_v what_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o desire_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n a_o mock_n of_o god_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o what_o in_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o real_o desire_v what_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o very_a case_n when_o our_o prayer_n have_v nothing_o of_o attention_n nothing_o of_o zeal_n and_o affection_n in_o they_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o all_o that_o coldness_n all_o that_o remissness_n which_o appear_v in_o our_o public_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o lose_v those_o spiritual_a joy_n those_o sensible_a warmth_n and_o feel_a comfort_n which_o always_o attend_v fervent_a prayer_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o christian_a grace_n by_o this_o we_o fail_v of_o god_n acceptance_n and_o of_o gain_v the_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o other_o person_n who_o take_v occasion_n from_o our_o remissness_n and_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o our_o
high_a power_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n exercise_v all_o external_a violence_n to_o destroy_v and_o kill_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o no_o reproach_n be_v think_v too_o foul_a to_o blacken_v no_o torture_n too_o cruel_a to_o destroy_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o breathe_v in_o the_o interval_n of_o persecution_n while_o they_o continue_v under_o heathen_a emperor_n 2._o no_o soon_o do_v the_o supreme_a power_n own_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n no_o soon_o do_v peace_n down_o upon_o the_o church_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a but_o that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n break_v and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o church_n as_o much_o trouble_v by_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n by_o the_o schism_n and_o faction_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o former_a age_n by_o the_o open_a violence_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o have_v be_v error_n there_o have_v be_v faction_n among_o the_o christian_n before_o that_o time_n but_o now_o they_o grow_v to_o great_a height_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o which_o error_n the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n be_v call_v 3._o next_o after_o the_o mutual_a strife_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o sleep_n of_o ignorance_n dark_a and_o stupid_a and_o profound_a ignorance_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o age_n and_o continue_v for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n enter_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o be_v image_n set_v up_o in_o church_n and_o great_a veneration_n give_v to_o they_o then_o come_v in_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n than_o the_o adoration_n of_o angel_n also_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n then_o infinite_a forgery_n of_o epistle_n forgery_n of_o large_a and_o great_a volume_n fiction_n of_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n fiction_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o they_o to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o disclaim_v and_o baffle_v by_o the_o reformation_n that_o still_o continue_v but_o they_o of_o that_o church_n present_o fall_v to_o practice_v the_o very_a same_o cruelty_n the_o same_o bloody_a art_n upon_o the_o reform_a that_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n have_v former_o practise_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o method_n that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n violence_n from_o without_o division_n within_o the_o trouble_n of_o danger_n the_o temptation_n of_o ease_n all_o the_o cruelty_n and_o art_n of_o satan_n to_o bring_v confusion_n and_o ruin_n upon_o it_o and_o yet_o behold_v it_o still_o continue_v and_o will_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n either_o in_o one_o place_n or_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n 2._o see_v that_o christ_n our_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o society_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o live_v together_o in_o communion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o admonition_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o study_v unity_n among_o themselves_o to_o make_v no_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v together_o with_o piety_n and_o good_a conscience_n he_o that_o promise_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n promise_v the_o unity_n and_o christian_a communion_n of_o its_o member_n among_o themselves_o without_o this_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n direct_o tend_v to_o break_v this_o unity_n and_o communion_n do_v what_o be_v in_o he_o to_o frustrate_v the_o very_a promise_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o church_n which_o he_o have_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o be_o much_o more_o than_o well_o satisfy_v in_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o rather_o in_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o by_o their_o infinite_a variation_n from_o it_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o the_o many_o grievous_a division_n among_o they_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o if_o not_o timely_o cure_v and_o remove_v will_v certain_o bring_v confusion_n among_o we_o and_o then_o will_v that_o old_a enemy_n enter_v in_o the_o smoke_n and_o darkness_n of_o that_o confusion_n i_o wonder_v to_o see_v how_o little_a regard_n how_o little_a value_n many_o man_n have_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n among_o we_o i_o wonder_v to_o see_v what_o little_a exception_n what_o groundless_a cavil_n be_v make_v pretence_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n be_v infinite_o want_v either_o in_o knowledge_n or_o sincerity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o most_o important_a value_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o weak_a and_o trifle_a all_o their_o argument_n against_o we_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o find_v a_o church_n against_o which_o nothing_o shall_v be_v object_v if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o if_o they_o do_v understand_v these_o thing_n and_o yet_o persist_v in_o separation_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o equal_a insincerity_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n in_o these_o distraction_n and_o division_n that_o so_o much_o trouble_v the_o christian_a world_n be_v to_o put_v up_o constant_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v short_a sight_v in_o christianity_n and_o very_o mean_a and_o narrow_a spirit_v that_o mind_n or_o study_v peace_n no_o further_o than_o concern_v a_o particular_a congregation_n nay_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a nation_n christ_n have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o require_v a_o unity_n and_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n also_o these_o make_v up_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v christ_n body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v say_v he_o one_o body_n one_o universal_a church_n the_o unity_n and_o the_o peace_n whereof_o he_o recommend_v unto_o our_o study_n now_o therefore_o study_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o lie_v in_o you_o adorn_v it_o by_o your_o faith_n and_o piety_n labour_v its_o purity_n and_o its_o peace_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n our_o lord_n give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o the_o six_o sermon_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v a_o while_n before_o his_o death_n promise_v his_o apostle_n another_o comforter_n who_o shall_v for_o ever_o abide_v with_o they_o john_n 14.16_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n renew_v this_o promise_n again_o unto_o they_o a_o little_a before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n act._n 14._o and_o command_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o there_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n and_o long_o it_o be_v not_o before_o this_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v
keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n now_o here_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o most_o insufferable_a contradiction_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o the_o apostle_n determination_n the_o apostle_n you_o see_v will_v not_o allow_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v utter_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o there_o they_o pray_v in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a unto_o the_o people_n the_o apostle_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o no_o not_o in_o they_o who_o speak_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n express_v decree_n and_o that_o where_o no_o such_o inspiration_n can_v be_v pretend_v with_o the_o least_o appearance_n and_o show_v of_o reason_n the_o apostle_n suppose_v no_o man_n edify_v by_o the_o prayer_n which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o either_o judge_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v edify_v by_o such_o prayer_n or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v due_o use_v although_o the_o church_n be_v not_o edify_v by_o they_o both_o which_o express_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o the_o right_n than_o the_o apostle_n be_v mistake_v if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o mistake_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v gross_o err_v in_o judge_v such_o prayer_n edify_v which_o st._n paul_n affirm_v can_v edify_v or_o in_o judge_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v not_o edify_v at_o all_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o they_o who_o so_o gross_o so_o express_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o sr._n paul_n shall_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a be_v it_o not_o yet_o a_o great_a wonder_n that_o any_o who_o have_v have_v the_o education_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n shall_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v overbear_v into_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a who_o err_v in_o so_o plain_a and_o clear_v a_o instance_n and_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o concernment_n certain_o if_o man_n be_v not_o infatuate_v by_o most_o unreasonable_a lust_n and_o passion_n they_o will_v never_o apostatise_v never_o adhere_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o sound_v nay_o infallible_a in_o all_o her_o doctrine_n who_o use_v its_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a unto_o the_o people_n a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o primitive_a time_n and_o to_o what_o the_o apostle_n himself_o teach_v in_o as_o full_a and_o clear_a and_o express_v word_n as_o any_o thing_n possible_o can_v be_v speak_v 2._o but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n receive_v all_o the_o conception_n in_o prayer_n from_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o so_o far_o use_v his_o understanding_n as_o to_o contrive_v the_o expression_n of_o they_o into_o a_o tongue_n know_v to_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o and_o into_o plain_a and_o easy_a expression_n in_o that_o tongue_n concern_v this_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o at_o least_o to_o those_o that_o immediate_o follow_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o miraculous_a power_n and_o gift_n be_v which_o god_n do_v then_o bestow_v on_o the_o church_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v still_o in_o some_o case_n suggest_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n that_o be_v convenient_a for_o their_o condition_n and_o what_o it_o be_v they_o shall_v pray_v for_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o such_o strait_n as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v best_o to_o pray_v for_o god_n do_v direct_a and_o guide_v their_o mind_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o as_o there_o be_v need_n of_o such_o assistance_n in_o such_o case_n so_o god_n deny_v not_o what_o be_v needful_a to_o such_o person_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.26_o likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n and_o danger_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v often_o in_o such_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o at_o least_o with_o faith_n and_o resignation_n entire_a resignation_n to_o god_n will_n now_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v tend_v effectual_o to_o god_n glory_n though_o to_o their_o suffering_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o doubt_v not_o may_v we_o expect_v the_o like_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o like_a case_n if_o we_o hearty_o pray_v for_o it_o but_o now_o for_o any_o man_n in_o these_o day_n to_o expect_v a_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o all_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o prayer_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n arid_a prophet_n have_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o same_o immediate_a revelation_n whereby_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o great_a presumption_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o hear_v man_n pray_v with_o a_o great_a torrent_n and_o flow_v of_o word_n you_o be_v not_o present_o to_o imagine_v as_o divers_a ignorant_a person_n do_v that_o such_o a_o man_n pray_v by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v be_v just_a then_o dictate_v and_o suggest_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o thing_n be_v suggest_v to_o the_o apostle_n unless_o he_o can_v also_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o in_o a_o word_n do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o do_v and_o give_v the_o same_o proof_n of_o his_o inspiration_n which_o they_o do_v evident_o give_v of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o do_v by_o any_o that_o now_o pretend_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o show_v the_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o the_o pretender_n to_o be_v deceive_v if_o not_o a_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n likewise_o be_v there_o then_o no_o way_n in_o these_o day_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o ordinary_a and_o common_a case_n yes_o that_o there_o be_v for_o 2._o such_o be_v that_o other_o way_n of_o pray_v which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v to_o you_o which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n pray_v in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o with_o such_o pious_a and_o good_a affection_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o grace_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n such_o be_v the_o prayer_n our_o saviour_n suppose_v in_o those_o word_n joh._n 4.24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n not_o careless_o and_o without_o attention_n not_o without_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v worship_v he_o in_o former_a age_n but_o fervent_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o such_o be_v the_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n mention_n eph._n 6.18_o where_o he_o require_v they_o to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a mind_n with_o fervent_a and_o devout_a affection_n like_o whereunto_o be_v that_o sing_v also_o which_o he_o represent_v in_o these_o word_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v and_o make_v melody_n in_o your_o heart_n eph._n 5.19_o where_o you_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a office_n wherein_o the_o heart_n be_v move_v and_o affect_v be_v say_v to_o be_v spiritual_a on_o that_o account_n see_v also_o col._n 3.16_o now_o concern_v this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o man_n pray_v in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o real_a and_o hearty_a and_o devout_a affection_n though_o not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n i_o shall_v observe_v several_a thing_n 1._o that_o this_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o pray_v be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o be_v in_o truth_n such_o a_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v understand_v when_o he_o say_v that_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o worship_n that_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o
this_o end_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hope_n of_o the_o very_a happiness_n god_n have_v promise_v unless_o it_o expect_v that_o happiness_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o no_o other_o whereupon_o it_o be_v promise_v in_o tha_z gospel_n and_o those_o be_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n those_o be_v as_o god_n himself_o declare_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n whence_o that_o of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 12._o vers_fw-la 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o that_o hope_v for_o happiness_n without_o these_o term_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o hope_n be_v any_o way_n move_v to_o practice_v these_o so_o far_o be_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o that_o from_o move_a man_n unto_o their_o duty_n that_o it_o give_v they_o the_o very_o great_a encouragement_n to_o live_v in_o the_o perfect_a neglect_n of_o they_o what_o need_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o desire_n what_o need_v they_o to_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o inclination_n why_o shall_v they_o part_v with_o a_o right_a hand_n why_o shall_v they_o pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n forego_v the_o pleasure_n lose_v the_o profit_n of_o any_o lust_n if_o they_o can_v hope_v for_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o soft_a indulgence_n to_o those_o desire_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o hope_v which_o purge_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n must_v be_v a_o hope_n of_o that_o happiness_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v upon_o those_o term_n and_o those_o only_a whereupon_o it_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o and_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o arrive_v at_o that_o eternal_a happinef_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o term_n that_o shall_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o conjecture_n be_v too_o weak_a a_o thing_n to_o overcome_v those_o strong_a temptation_n that_o dare_v man_n into_o sin_n and_o folly_n no_o man_n will_v deny_v himself_o what_o he_o feel_v to_o gratify_v his_o sensual_a appetite_n at_o the_o present_a upon_o mere_a guess_n of_o what_o may_v possible_o be_v hereafter_o strong_a desire_n be_v not_o subdue_v by_o weak_a hope_n man_n will_v not_o deny_v their_o present_a ease_n their_o present_a pleasure_n their_o present_a joy_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n upon_o mere_a probability_n and_o peradventure_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o something_o future_a before_o they_o part_v with_o what_o they_o have_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o something_o better_o before_o they_o forsake_v what_o they_o feel_v or_o apprehend_v to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a at_o the_o present_a and_o it_o be_v want_v of_o this_o assurance_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o former_a day_n that_o make_v its_o precept_n and_o institution_n so_o ineffectual_a in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o lactantius_n then_o observe_v omnia_fw-la ibi_fw-la conjecturis_fw-la aguntur_fw-la &_o ideo_fw-la nemo_fw-la paret_fw-la quia_fw-la nemo_fw-la vult_fw-la in_o incertum_fw-la laborare_fw-la philosophy_n afford_v but_o mere_a conjecture_n in_o the_o point_n of_o suture_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n observe_v its_o precept_n because_o no_o man_n will_v labour_v at_o all_o adventure_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o hope_v which_o shall_v effectual_o persuade_v with_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n must_v be_v a_o firm_a and_o strong_a assurance_n of_o gain_v the_o happiness_n god_n have_v promise_v upon_o the_o term_n that_o he_o require_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n 4._o but_o now_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o temptation_n which_o daily_o assault_v he_o in_o this_o state_n sincere_o to_o obey_v those_o precept_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a qualification_n that_o be_v require_v in_o that_o hope_n which_o shall_v enable_v we_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v that_o it_o whole_o ground_n itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o move_v a_o man_n to_o apply_v to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o help_n thereof_o in_o the_o purify_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n nature_n will_v never_o raise_v itself_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o life_n or_o to_o a_o supernatural_a end_n man_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n earthy_a and_o in_o no_o capacity_n so_o to_o elevate_v his_o own_o thought_n so_o to_o advance_v his_o own_o desire_n as_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v himself_o for_o that_o happiness_n which_o lie_v in_o likeness_n to_o god_n himself_o in_o perfect_a purity_n and_o incorruption_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o therefore_o that_o hope_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v successless_a must_v fail_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o heart_n to_o purify_v we_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a which_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o apply_v to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o work_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o to_o recollect_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n that_o hope_v which_o fix_v on_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o purity_n and_o immortality_n which_o be_v a_o hope_n of_o this_o happiness_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o those_o only_a whereupon_o it_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o we_o which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o full_a assurance_n of_o that_o happiness_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o term_n which_o ground_n itself_o upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o that_o performance_n and_o therefore_o move_v to_o apply_v to_o god_n by_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v when_o so_o desire_v that_o be_v the_o hope_n the_o apostle_n intend_v in_o these_o word_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n that_o purify_v we_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o general_n 2._o where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v the_o several_a way_n whereby_o it_o have_v these_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o these_o i_o refer_v to_o two_o particular_n 1._o this_o hope_n move_v and_o excite_v to_o strong_a endeavour_n in_o order_n unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o purify_n of_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v but_o render_v those_o endeavour_n true_o effectual_a unto_o that_o end_n 1._o it_o move_v to_o strong_a endeavour_n in_o order_n unto_o this_o great_a design_n which_o be_v the_o purify_n of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o have_v firm_o fix_v the_o soul_n upon_o future_a glory_n and_o immortality_n as_o its_o only_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v fit_a or_o worthy_a to_o be_v make_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o life_n and_o also_o fix_v and_o settle_v this_o as_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o purify_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o that_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n god_n have_v make_v we_o all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v forbear_v to_o love_v ourselves_o nor_o can_v that_o creature_n forbear_v to_o desire_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o can_v forbear_v to_o love_v himself_o nor_o can_v the_o desire_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n wherein_o a_o man_n have_v place_v his_o happiness_n cease_v to_o urge_v and_o press_v endeavour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o suppose_v we_o then_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o true_a happiness_n lie_v in_o the_o purity_n and_o immortality_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o kingdom_n suppose_v he_o believe_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o attain_v this_o happiness_n suppose_v these_o thing_n fix_v and_o settle_v upon_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n can_v we_o imagine_v but_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v most_o effectual_o excite_v and_o move_v he_o to_o purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a will_v he_o not_o be_v content_a to_o resist_v his_o sinful_a lust_n and_o appetite_n subdue_v his_o inordinate_a inclination_n in_o consideration_n of_o such_o a_o happiness_n will_v he_o not_o be_v content_a to_o deny_v himself_o all_o the_o unlawful_a joy_n
end_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v esteem_v the_o very_o worst_a superstitious_a cold_a and_o formal_a man_n by_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a in_o some_o faction_n and_o know_v no_o religion_n but_o that_o zeal_n because_o such_o time_n as_o these_o may_v be_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o content_v ourselves_o in_o gain_v those_o reward_n and_o blessing_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o religion_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o life_n eternal_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 3._o and_o then_o last_o because_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o deceitful_a and_o sly_a a_o sin_n as_o always_o serve_v worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v apt_a insensible_o to_o blind_v the_o eye_n and_o infatuate_a the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o yet_o hide_v itself_o from_o they_o themselves_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o frequent_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o to_o weigh_v our_o counsel_n to_o try_v our_o end_n to_o prove_v our_o design_n in_o every_o action_n relate_v any_o way_n to_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o consider_v whether_o we_o indeed_o design_v it_o real_o intend_v to_o promote_v and_o practice_v it_o wherever_o we_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o then_o because_o that_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v most_o needful_a to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o many_o sin_n and_o passion_n that_o may_v infatuate_a and_o beguile_v we_o let_v we_o earnest_o pray_v for_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o infatuation_n and_o all_o the_o seduction_n of_o our_o lust_n let_v we_o make_v the_o address_n which_o david_n do_v psal_n 139.22_o 24._o with_o who_o word_n i_o shall_v conclude_v search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o whole_a verse_n be_v thus_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o these_o word_n be_v a_o preface_n to_o a_o very_a large_a and_o kind_a discourse_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o follower_n wherein_o he_o deliver_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o begin_v it_o with_o such_o word_n as_o may_v effectual_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o give_v both_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v in_o it_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o concession_n or_o supposition_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o be_v you_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a hereupon_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v and_o obey_v although_o some_o other_o read_v the_o word_n not_o as_o a_o declaration_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o as_o a_o command_n believe_v in_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o translation_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o precept_n also_o believe_v in_o i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n send_v by_o he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o i_o reveal_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o now_o be_v that_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v unto_o you_o be_v here_o require_v as_o a_o addition_n or_o further_a accession_n to_o the_o mere_a belief_n in_o god_n only_o as_o he_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o subject_n which_o the_o word_n before_o we_o offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n over_o and_o above_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v unto_o we_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o must_v first_o consider_v that_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o express_o require_v by_o god_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o such_o belief_n forbid_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o life_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v always_o promise_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o become_v his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n to_o other_o person_n it_o be_v not_o promise_v as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3.14_o 15._o nor_o be_v it_o only_o promise_v to_o those_o and_o those_o only_a that_o so_o believe_v but_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o yield_v their_o belief_n to_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o sanctify_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o again_o omit_v several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 10._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n thrice_o do_v god_n bear_v this_o record_n and_o own_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v send_v by_o he_o by_o a_o express_a voice_n from_o heaven_n once_o at_o his_o baptism_n in_o these_o word_n matt._n 3.17_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v a_o second_o time_n at_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o the_o mount_n with_o some_o addition_n to_o those_o word_n matt._n 15.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o yet_o again_o a_o three_o time_n a_o little_a before_o our_o saviour_n passion_n when_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o these_o word_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n he_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o john_n 12.28_o to_o all_o which_o clear_a and_o express_v testimony_n give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o his_o son_n i_o may_v first_o add_v the_o glorious_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n during_o his_o life_n than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n send_v by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o and_o all_o his_o other_o follower_n also_o which_o be_v evident_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o save_v the_o world_n high_o aggravate_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o forbear_v to_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n eternal_a and_o that_o christ_n himself_o shall_v thus_o pronounce_v mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v 2._o but_o than_o second_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o further_a end_n in_o the_o truth_n therein_o reveal_v unto_o we_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o only_o i_o further_o add_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n 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he_o have_v give_v great_a knowledge_n and_o great_a ability_n to_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v deny_v either_o of_o these_o and_o if_o these_o can_v be_v deny_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v now_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o great_a degree_n of_o natural_a duty_n require_v from_o man_n where_o that_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v than_o be_v accept_v or_o require_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o all_o this_o add_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o there_o be_v now_o some_o certain_a duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n discover_v to_o we_o such_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n such_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o such_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n all_o which_o duty_n pure_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n and_o be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a 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speak_v doubtful_o in_o the_o point_n as_o the_o academic_n or_o those_o of_o plato_n school_n or_o have_v infinite_o false_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a conception_n of_o it_o as_o the_o pythagorean_n have_v of_o old_a who_o hold_v the_o transmigration_n of_o man_n soul_n out_o of_o one_o body_n into_o another_o yea_o into_o the_o body_n of_o brute_n creature_n so_o that_o this_o chief_a and_o principal_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o very_a immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n much_o more_o that_o of_o their_o body_n also_o be_v either_o doubt_v or_o disbelieved_a or_o else_o believe_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o render_v it_o useless_a to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n those_o do_v at_o best_a no_o more_o than_o fancy_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n after_o death_n which_o can_v no_o more_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v they_o from_o sensual_a appetite_n than_o 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be_v our_o judge_n who_o know_v our_o frailty_n by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v demonstration_n of_o such_o a_o incomparable_a love_n to_o we_o such_o a_o concern_n for_o our_o salvation_n as_o will_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n have_v it_o not_o be_v thus_o reveal_v unto_o we_o these_o be_v mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n discovery_n of_o a_o great_a love_n than_o natural_a light_n can_v have_v imagine_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o herein_o be_v love_n say_v st_n john_n 1_o ep._n 4.10_o not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o st_n paul_n rom._n 5.8_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o now_o the_o gospel_n have_v clear_o reveal_v infinite_o more_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v have_v likewise_o give_v we_o infinite_o great_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o love_n god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o consequent_o to_o obey_v he_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v afford_v 3._o add_v hereunto_o the_o express_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n to_o confirm_v our_o hope_n to_o inflame_v our_o love_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n so_o our_o saviour_n 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 gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o can_v all_o the_o skill_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o the_o best_a improve_a natural_a light_n give_v we_o such_o assurance_n of_o god_n assistance_n in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o this_o express_a promise_n give_v we_o do_v the_o philosopher_n ever_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n do_v they_o dream_v of_o divine_a assistance_n to_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a what_o say_v tully_n in_o the_o name_n of_o cotta_n on_o this_o point_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-la natura_fw-la deor._n virtutem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la no_o man_n ever_o judge_v he_o have_v virtue_n from_o god_n and_o afterward_o nunquis_fw-la quòd_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la at_o quòd_fw-la dive_v quòd_fw-la honoratus_fw-la quòd_fw-la incolumis_fw-la do_v ever_o any_o man_n thank_v the_o god_n because_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n no_o but_o because_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a and_o safe_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o 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this_o comparison_n when_o he_o clear_o discern_v and_o firm_o judge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o this_o comparison_n represent_v they_o when_o he_o apply_v this_o judgement_n to_o every_o instance_n of_o life_n and_o action_n be_v it_o not_o a_o effectual_a principle_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o every_o wilful_a sin_n to_o urge_v and_o press_v he_o to_o every_o duty_n will_v he_o choose_v what_o be_v no_o way_n recommend_v and_o refuse_v what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o under_o all_o the_o motive_n to_o choice_n and_o practice_n no_o man_n choose_v or_o do_v amiss_o but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a or_o forgetful_a either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n let_v the_o charm_n of_o the_o world_n entice_v to_o evil_n he_o know_v they_o be_v deceit_n and_o vanity_n and_o can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v be_v false_a nor_o be_v cheat_v by_o what_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v let_v the_o dread_v and_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n encumber_v and_o perplex_v his_o duty_n he_o reckon_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o rom._n 8.18_o this_o give_v he_o courage_n strength_n and_o patience_n and_o make_v he_o choose_v afflict_v innocence_n rather_o than_o guilty_a and_o short_a prosperity_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o great_a example_n of_o the_o high_a and_o the_o noble_a virtue_n all_o these_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n that_o be_v record_v in_o sacred_a history_n all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v suffer_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n have_v spring_v from_o a_o settle_a resolution_n ground_v upon_o stable_a judgement_n never_o to_o vary_v from_o god_n will_n and_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n so_o moses_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n 11.16_o so_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n heb._n 12.2_o and_o so_o do_v his_o first_o and_o faithful_a follower_n for_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o the_o reward_n thereunto_o belong_v patient_o endure_v all_o their_o suffering_n as_o know_v that_o their_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n wrought_v for_o they_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o thus_o be_v the_o approbation_n of_o thing_n excellent_a that_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o there_o declare_v and_o recommend_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o wit_n ignorance_n doubt_v and_o vanity_n but_o also_o a_o constant_a guide_n and_o monitor_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o the_o second_o head_n before_o propound_v 1._o and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v that_o since_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o it_o must_v be_v seek_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n man_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a and_o powerful_a mere_o by_o the_o permission_n of_o providence_n by_o practice_n not_o allow_v by_o god_n by_o fraud_n and_o injury_n and_o oppression_n but_o no_o man_n be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v this_o special_a grace_n but_o where_o it_o be_v diligent_o seek_v of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o st_n paul_n so_o often_o put_v it_o into_o his_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v man_n with_o this_o wisdom_n so_o he_o pray_v for_o timothy_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n 2_o tim._n 2.7_o for_o the_o ephesian_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 will_v give_v unto_o they_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 1.17_o for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_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 col._n 1.9_o and_o last_o for_o the_o philippian_n here_o that_o there_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a from_o all_o which_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n for_o sound_a judgement_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o fervent_a prayer_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o that_o in_o a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o common_a and_o know_a experience_n for_o so_o be_v that_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 gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o 2._o nor_o shall_v i_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o to_o our_o prayer_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n grace_n something_o of_o industry_n must_v be_v join_v in_o the_o study_n both_o our_o of_o duty_n themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o we_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v partly_o so_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o express_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o we_o need_v not_o weary_a or_o waste_v our_o body_n nor_o vex_v and_o torment_v our_o understanding_n to_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o of_o they_o we_o need_v not_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o christ_n from_o above_o to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o we_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v to_o bring_v up_o christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v confirm_v that_o revelation_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o do_v so_o that_o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n add_v rom._n 10.8_o 9_o the_o word_n be_v high_a thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o that_o firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n can_v scarce_o fail_v in_o the_o very_a practice_n much_o less_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o be_v all_o our_o duty_n reveal_v and_o so_o effectual_o recommend_v in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o so_o that_o what_o be_v now_o main_o requisite_a to_o gain_v a_o clear_a and_o stable_a judgement_n in_o the_o good_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o antecedent_n probity_n so_o much_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n as_o that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o wonder_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o stable_a judgement_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o very_a belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n may_v produce_v in_o every_o man_n so_o believe_v if_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o of_o inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v when_o he_o shall_v know_v it_o why_o shall_v god_n reveal_v it_o to_o he_o or_o suppose_v what_o be_v so_o indeed_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o how_o unapt_a a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v and_o what_o if_o believe_v and_o not_o practise_v will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a anguish_n to_o he_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o powerful_a lust_n and_o passion_n bribe_n and_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n for_o a_o man_n to_o prevaricate_v with_o himself_o and_o baffle_v and_o cheat_v his_o own_o mind_n but_o where_o there_o
man_n mind_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v his_o will_n or_o not_o and_o though_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v when_o truth_n be_v contradict_v require_v we_o rather_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o than_o to_o forsake_v or_o to_o deny_v it_o yet_o see_v suffering_n in_o this_o case_n evident_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a this_o very_a love_n of_o patient_a suffering_n in_o this_o case_n can_v offend_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o but_o those_o that_o be_v prejudice_v by_o their_o lust_n those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v god_n will_v although_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o they_o 2._o as_o for_o those_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o do_v not_o contain_v matter_n of_o practice_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o contradiction_n nothing_o at_o all_o of_o absurdness_n in_o they_o since_o those_o that_o declare_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o our_o lord_n live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o send_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a consent_n of_o those_o that_o can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o abuse_v it_o since_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v clear_o confirm_v by_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n we_o can_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v they_o save_v only_a prejudice_n against_o the_o precept_n against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n wherein_o these_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v as_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v under_o a_o effectual_a preparation_n to_o believe_v and_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n whensoever_o due_o propound_v to_o he_o 3._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v the_o upright_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o a_o willingness_n to_o do_v god_n will_v whensoever_o we_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o sincerity_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o luk._n 11.9_o and_o afterward_o at_o the_o 13_o verse_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 to_o who_o be_v this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v if_o unto_o all_o that_o pray_v for_o it_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o sincere_o ask_v it_o to_o these_o at_o least_o or_o else_o to_o none_o to_o these_o although_o to_o no_o other_o person_n the_o meek_a say_v david_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.9_o and_o more_o express_o at_o the_o 14_o verse_n the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n they_o will_v he_o bless_v with_o his_o assistance_n they_o will_v he_o guide_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n they_o will_v he_o govern_v and_o direct_v for_o as_o he_o sometime_o offer_v his_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o entertain_v it_o so_o he_o never_o deny_v it_o to_o they_o that_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o use_v it_o now_o then_o to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o be_v they_o be_v free_a from_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n hence_o we_o conclude_v what_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n to_o do_v god_n will_v be_v a_o most_o effectual_a preparation_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n now_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o point_n 1._o hence_o you_o see_v that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o those_o person_n who_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v assistance_n from_o he_o to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v due_o discover_v to_o they_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n assistance_n to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o needful_a truth_n into_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n whosoever_o be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v can_v just_o expect_v assistance_n from_o he_o for_o why_o shall_v god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n where_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n that_o it_o will_v it_o not_o be_v comply_v withal_o why_o shall_v he_o discourse_v his_o will_n to_o they_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n whatsoever_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v nay_o to_o they_o who_o will_v scarce_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v their_o lust_n and_o passion_n though_o never_o so_o due_o propound_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o false_a insincere_a person_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v fee_v who_o suffer_v their_o lust_n to_o shut_v their_o eye_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o have_v the_o light_n nor_o be_v their_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o promise_n this_o full_o acquit_v god_n providence_n that_o he_o have_v token_n sufficient_a care_n so_o to_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o salvation_n to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o be_v dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o suggest_v shall_v easy_o know_v and_o entertain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o none_o will_v complain_v of_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o only_o those_o that_o want_v integrity_n those_o who_o will_v not_o do_v god_n will_v although_o they_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v to_o blame_v themselves_o and_o consequent_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o their_o infidelity_n or_o misbelief_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o see_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v find_v the_o gospel_n so_o attest_v as_o that_o they_o who_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o it_o shall_v know_v and_o understand_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n hence_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o misbelief_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v the_o gospel_n forbid_v the_o gospel_n threaten_v the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n cavil_v and_o quarrel_n and_o contradict_v it_o they_o hate_v that_o doctrine_n which_o reprove_v they_o and_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o hate_v although_o it_o flash_n in_o their_o very_a face_n these_o man_n see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v they_o hear_v not_o say_v our_o lord_n and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n which_o say_v by_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v matt._n 13.14_o and_o as_o there_o be_v some_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o whole_a gospel_n mere_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o lust_n so_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n gross_o mistake_v and_o misunderstand_v it_o they_o will_v admit_v no_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o sin_n what_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n and_o hope_v for_o pardon_v notwithstanding_o man_n who_o resolve_v to_o retain_v their_o lust_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o darling_n sin_n upon_o any_o condition_n whatsoever_o must_v search_v out_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n find_v out_o other_o term_n of_o salvation_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v let_v the_o gospel_n be_v never_o so_o express_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o those_o sin_n they_o live_v in_o they_o must_v find_v out_o some_o art_n and_o shift_n to_o evade_v and_o escape_v the_o plain_a truth_n by_o some_o reserve_v or_o false_a gloss_n by_o cloud_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o express_o say_v and_o that_o by_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v if_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o and_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o thou_o that_o one_o of_o thy_o
may_v suggest_v to_o we_o where_o i_o shall_v grant_v what_o man_n presume_v that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v repent_v hereafter_o and_o further_a yet_o that_o all_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o they_o entitle_v to_o life_n eternal_a upon_o repentance_n but_o i_o must_v not_o grant_v what_o they_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v as_o well_o to_o retrieve_v a_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o have_v delay_v their_o reformation_n it_o be_v a_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n spend_v to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o no_o true_a advantage_n to_o the_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o loss_n of_o growth_n in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n which_o may_v have_v improve_v to_o high_a measure_n if_o they_o have_v be_v early_o apply_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o loss_n of_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n unless_o the_o time_n that_o have_v be_v misspend_v be_v retrieve_v by_o a_o very_a singular_a diligence_n and_o excellent_a improvement_n afterward_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n perhaps_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o may_v have_v be_v mislead_v and_o prejudice_v by_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o a_o man_n example_n namely_o by_o his_o sin_n and_o vanity_n but_o not_o amend_v by_o the_o better_a that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o reformation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o assure_v himself_o that_o the_o example_n of_o his_o repentance_n shall_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o reform_v as_o that_o of_o his_o sin_n be_v to_o mislead_v and_o corrupt_v his_o neighbour_n beside_o all_o this_o the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n render_v the_o duty_n far_o more_o irksome_a and_o fill_v it_o with_o great_a pang_n and_o sorrow_n and_o make_v a_o man_n birth_n a_o new_a life_n like_o that_o of_o a_o child_n overgrow_v in_o the_o womb_n infinite_o grievous_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n moreover_o it_o give_v very_o great_a occasion_n of_o such_o reflection_n wherein_o a_o man_n guilt_n recoil_v upon_o he_o in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o regret_v even_o after_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n it_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o take_v it_o to_o upbraid_v the_o conscience_n with_o sharp_a remembrance_n of_o former_a sin_n although_o they_o be_v already_o pardon_v it_o give_v he_o advantage_n to_o raise_v many_o scruple_n fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n repentance_n and_o of_o the_o acceptance_n it_o find_v with_o god_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o late_a repentance_n be_v apt_a to_o leave_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o many_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n just_a like_o a_o recovery_n from_o a_o obstinate_a long_a disease_n of_o body_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o recovery_n indeed_o yet_o general_o leave_v it_o ever_o after_o under_o many_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n all_o these_o thing_n may_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o these_o suggestion_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n at_o present_a with_o purpose_n to_o reform_v hereafter_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v wound_v himself_o out_o of_o presumption_n of_o a_o cure_n or_o break_v a_o limb_n with_o purpose_n to_o have_v it_o set_v again_o or_o throw_v himself_o into_o a_o sharp_a fever_n with_o resolution_n to_o use_v the_o method_n for_o a_o recovery_n afterward_o see_v then_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_a sin_n by_o speedy_a amendment_n of_o our_o life_n be_v by_o many_o degree_n better_a for_o we_o than_o to_o retract_v it_o by_o repentance_n and_o that_o although_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a we_o shall_v repent_v and_o amend_v hereafter_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o now_o design_v it_o let_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o and_o of_o all_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n dissuade_v the_o delay_n of_o reformation_n and_o because_o that_o frequent_a recollection_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o render_v the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n effectual_a upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o often_o retire_v into_o our_o closert_n and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_n both_o of_o business_n and_o diversion_n and_o then_o diligent_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o be_v at_o present_a let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o many_o omission_n and_o neglect_n our_o many_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o choose_v and_o wilful_a sin_n let_v we_o remember_v how_o much_o we_o have_v suffer_v or_o yet_o may_v possible_o suffer_v by_o they_o for_o nothing_o of_o real_a satisfaction_n let_v we_o weigh_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o their_o different_a issue_n and_o effect_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o call_v loud_o upon_o we_o to_o amend_v what_o we_o find_v amiss_o in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o life_n the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o delay_n in_o a_o work_n of_o such_o concernment_n to_o we_o press_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o delay_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o mercy_n so_o assist_v our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v succeed_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o to_o our_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o glory_n honour_n and_o praise_v now_o and_o for_o evermore_o the_o seventeen_o sermon_n 1_o john_n 3.7_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a the_o gospel_n have_v not_o be_v long_o preach_v unto_o the_o world_n but_o there_o arise_v a_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o precept_n such_o be_v the_o sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n who_o take_v occasion_n from_o certain_a word_n of_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n the_o sense_n whereof_o they_o do_v mistake_v see_v grot._n &_o hammond_n add_v revel_v 2.6_o too_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sensual_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v in_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o reflection_n be_v make_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n this_o thou_o have_v that_o thou_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o i_o also_o hate_n rev._n 2.6_o like_o unto_o these_o be_v those_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o st_n peter_n 2_o ep._n 2.18_o when_o they_o speak_v great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n they_o allure_v through_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n through_o much_o wantonness_n those_o that_o be_v clean_o escape_v from_o they_o that_o live_v in_o error_n and_o by_o st_n judas_n verse_n 8._o of_o his_o epistle_n likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o afterward_o at_o the_o 10_o v._o what_o they_o know_v natural_o as_o brute_n beast_n in_o those_o thing_n they_o corrupt_v themselves_o these_o be_v the_o gnostic_n a_o sect_n of_o libertine_n who_o as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o lib._n 1_n do_v practice_v all_o forbid_a thing_n without_o any_o modesty_n shame_n or_o blush_a as_o believe_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v and_o think_v themselves_o nothing_o less_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o so_o do_v which_o be_v the_o error_n which_o our_o apostle_n oblique_o touch_v in_o these_o word_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a little_a child_n so_o he_o style_v those_o person_n who_o be_v less_o know_v or_o less_o stable_n in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o style_v they_o cap._n 2.13_o although_o he_o seem_v in_o another_o place_n namely_o cap._n 2.1_o to_o give_v that_o title_n to_o all_o christian_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o that_o be_v to_o say_v suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o that_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v righteous_a in_o god_n account_n and_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o you_o do_v not_o do_v righteousness_n that_o be_v although_o your_o life_n and_o action_n be_v not_o habitual_o just_a and_o holy_a for_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v real_o so_o in_o himself_o so_o those_o only_a that_o do_v righteousness_n that_o yield_v sincere_a and_o true_a obedience_n to_o