damnation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n write_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v before_o they_o that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v mean_v something_o else_o by_o the_o word_n than_o what_o it_o signify_v according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o writer_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v indeed_o treat_v of_o new_a subject_n viz._n of_o those_o new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n that_o have_v be_v late_o make_v but_o when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o word_n that_o have_v a_o know_a meaning_n they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o receive_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n but_o by_o faith_n or_o believe_v man_n always_o understand_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v describe_v most_o full_o in_o 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in_o the_o former_a therefore_o faith_n in_o both_o again_o if_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faith_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v either_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v christ_n will_v save_v i_o and_o this_o be_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o say_n or_o else_o that_o i_o rely_v upon_o his_o person_n but_o a_o person_n can_v be_v believe_v otherwise_o than_o by_o believe_v something_o of_o he_o or_o something_o that_o he_o have_v say_v some_o there_o be_v that_o think_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n and_o the_o romanist_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v infallibility_n in_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o though_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v more_o work_v and_o powerful_a yet_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o last_o some_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n nay_o and_o holiness_n of_o life_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o can_v be_v because_o although_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v in_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o will_v produce_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v sometime_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o comprehend_v those_o good_a affection_n and_o those_o good_a work_n which_o it_o cause_v yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o for_o the_o second_o point_n 2._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n attribute_v to_o it_o our_o justification_n and_o our_o holiness_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v 1._o what_o efficacy_n faith_n have_v as_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o and_o plain_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o save_v in_o that_o it_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a way_n of_o be_v justify_v and_o thus_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o justification_n and_o believe_v his_o precept_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o more_o justify_v faith_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n near_o to_o that_o state_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v justify_v but_o 2._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o actual_a justification_n and_o continuance_n in_o god_n favour_n than_o not_o any_o nor_o all_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n take_v together_o but_z separate_z from_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a for_o where_o god_n have_v make_v more_o condition_n than_o one_o necessary_a there_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o suffice_v and_o therefore_o where_o forgiveness_n and_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o one_o single_a condition_n there_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v suppose_v he_o that_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n but_o shall_v cold_a water_n wash_v away_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n or_o the_o injustice_n of_o pilate_n he_o that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n but_o still_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v nevertheless_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o where_o nothing_o less_o than_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o believe_v and_o baptism_n all_o that_o which_o in_o reason_n shall_v follow_v be_v mean_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v 3._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o final_a and_o irreversible_a justification_n this_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o faith_n nor_o obedience_n without_o perseverance_n in_o both_o god_n do_v in_o this_o life_n justify_v true_a believer_n but_o not_o once_o for_o all_o till_o they_o have_v fight_v their_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n forgive_v his_o servant_n and_o yet_o call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o his_o debt_n when_o he_o prove_v cruel_a to_o his_o fellow_n for_o this_o show_v that_o his_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o now_o i_o confess_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o inquiry_n give_v no_o sufficient_a account_n why_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o more_o unaccountable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o assent_n to_o truth_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a common_a attainment_n not_o deserve_v those_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o all_o good_a man_n have_v wrought_v righteousness_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n by_o as_o many_o wicked_a and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_a which_o the_o reprobate_n have_v as_o
he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o this_o righteousness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 2._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v say_v to_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o righteousness_n which_o please_v god_n be_v that_o which_o must_v begin_v from_o faith_n which_o must_v still_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o which_o at_o last_o must_v end_v in_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v a_o say_n like_o to_o that_o in_o rom._n 6.19_o as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n even_o so_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n for_o by_o serve_v iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o daily_o grow_a worse_n and_o by_o serve_v righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v better_o and_o thus_o here_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n which_o first_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o be_v always_o build_v upon_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v at_o last_o perfect_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o these_o word_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a have_v faith_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v increase_v as_o his_o faith_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o more_o he_o be_v root_v and_o strengthen_v in_o faith_n the_o better_a he_o grow_v and_o he_o please_v god_n the_o more_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v all_o along_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o but_o then_o 2._o what_o relation_n have_v that_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v hereby_o design_n to_o show_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n promise_n then_o that_o hold_v good_a man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o habakk_n 2.4_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o captivity_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n v._o 3._o therefore_o say_v he_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v but_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sure_a belief_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v support_v good_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o idolatrous_a land_n and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o return_n into_o their_o own_o country_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n who_o have_v better_a promise_n viz._n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n do_v in_o this_o faith_n work_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o for_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o heavenly_a country_n faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jew_n observe_v their_o law_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o it_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o blessing_n as_o that_o law_n promise_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o true_a but_o in_o a_o much_o high_a sense_n that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n because_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a righteousness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n and_o because_o such_o faith_n shall_v bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text._n and_o now_o my_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o argument_n to_o discourse_v upon_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o of_o the_o reformation_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o we_o often_o have_v be_v with_o solifidianism_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v with_o attribute_v all_o to_o faith_n and_o leave_v no_o necessity_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a work_n we_o do_v indeed_o with_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o just_a do_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o we_o do_v with_o the_o scripture_n also_o affirm_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n nor_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o we_o do_v also_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o resolve_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o not_o impute_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o they_o be_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o but_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o make_v we_o live_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v dead_a without_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v holiness_n will_v follow_v for_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n if_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n than_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v holy_a which_o if_o it_o be_v find_v true_a than_o we_o not_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v in_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v hard_a to_o understand_v how_o those_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o since_o it_o follow_v more_o certain_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v because_o he_o be_v holy_a than_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o believe_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v say_v that_o a_o believer_n shall_v live_v by_o his_o righteousness_n than_o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o yet_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o clear_v this_o difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o 2._o what_o power_n it_o have_v or_o what_o efficacy_n must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o aim_v at_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n clear_a but_o also_o profitable_a unto_o godliness_n one_a then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o that_o be_v affirm_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o that_o affirm_v it_o or_o upon_o some_o other_o reason_n beside_o sensible_a evidence_n or_o immediate_a knowledge_n and_o thus_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v god_n testimony_n for_o and_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n faith_n or_o believe_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v alter_v the_o common_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n but_o can_v we_o think_v that_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v believe_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o
indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o disclaim_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o lay_v one_o particular_a serious_o to_o heart_n under_o this_o general_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o very_a profession_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o that_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o profess_v some_o religion_n and_o the_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o keep_v our_o sin_n too_o work_v this_o way_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o error_n as_o pernicious_a if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o thousand_o more_o be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o say_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o make_v it_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o sense_n something_o different_a he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o to_o do_v to_o recover_v he_o to_o repentance_n no_o false_a principle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n and_o every_o serious_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n smite_v his_o very_a conscience_n he_o feel_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o confess_v it_o all_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v he_o be_v quiet_a till_o it_o have_v make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n but_o to_o proceed_v 3._o in_o some_o person_n a_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o
eleven_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o a_o paraphrase_n and_o note_n upon_o the_o first_o second_o third_z four_o five_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n with_o a_o discourse_n of_o church-vnity_n and_o direction_n how_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o william_n clagett_n d._n d._n late_a preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o grays-inn_n imprimatur_fw-la april_n 25._o 1693._o geo._n royse_n r._n r._n in_o christo_n patriac_n dom._n dom._n johanni_n archiep._n cantuar._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan's-church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1699._o the_o content_n sermon_n i._n romans_z 1.17_o for_o herein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n sermon_n ii_o &_o iii_o heb._n 11.6_o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o sermon_n iu._n matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n sermon_n v._o &_o vi._n rom._n 8.28_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o court_n eccles_n 3.15_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v already_o have_v be_v and_o god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a sermon_n viii_o a_o assize_n sermon_n matth._n 5.38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v compel_v thou_o to_o go_v a_o mile_n go_v with_o he_o twain_o sermon_n ix_o a_o assize_n sermon_n matth._n 5.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v god_n throne_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o footstool_n neither_o by_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n neither_o shall_v thou_o swear_v by_o thy_o head_n because_o thou_o can_v not_o make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o come_v of_o evil_a sermon_n x._o matth._n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n sermon_n xi_o john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n a_o paraphrase_n and_o note_n upon_o the_o first_o second_o third_z four_o five_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n a_o discourse_n of_o church-unity_n with_o direction_n how_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o preface_n if_o it_o may_v recommend_v a_o book_n to_o declare_v the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n it_o contain_v the_o reader_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v another_o volume_n of_o dr._n clagett_n work_n never_o extant_a before_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n he_o preach_v at_o court_n and_o at_o assize-time_n and_o upon_o such_o like_a public_a occasion_n which_o therefore_o cost_v he_o some_o pain_n more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o preparation_n as_o likewise_o do_v other_o sermon_n in_o this_o collection_n particular_o that_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n his_o sudden_a thought_n upon_o a_o subject_a be_v so_o marvellous_a good_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o flow_v from_o a_o fountain_n of_o reason_n and_o discover_v a_o great_a readiness_n of_o judgement_n in_o he_o but_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a discourse_n which_o he_o take_v any_o time_n and_o a_o particular_a care_n to_o compose_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o write_v the_o paraphrase_n publish_v in_o this_o volume_n be_v this_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o whole_a bible_n shall_v be_v set_v forth_o by_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v too_o big_a for_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v among_o a_o sufficient_a select_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o take_v his_o part_n to_o expound_v and_o dr._n clagett_n make_v choice_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n this_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o noble_a design_n which_o i_o hope_n be_v not_o quite_o lay_v aside_o for_o see_v in_o our_o age_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o such_o excellent_a man_n in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v scarce_o any_o where_o else_o so_o very_o eminent_a and_o so_o celebrate_v for_o their_o admirable_a composure_n their_o write_n and_o sermon_n it_o be_v great_a pity_n methinks_v that_o a_o church_n of_o england-exposition_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v want_v all_o the_o while_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o will_v be_v altogether_o as_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n our_o worthy_n have_v do_v and_o be_v there_o ever_o able_a man_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n since_o the_o time_n of_o that_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n those_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v which_o the_o romanist_n quote_v for_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o show_v clear_o that_o popery_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n do_v very_o good_a service_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o be_v a_o general_a exposition_n of_o all_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o scripture_n put_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o man_n this_o will_v rescue_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v text_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n whatsoever_o i_o need_v not_o show_v at_o large_a how_o vast_a will_v be_v the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o work_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o now_o and_o in_o age_n to_o come_v dr._n clagett_n who_o exceed_o approve_v the_o design_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o prepare_v his_o part_n in_o the_o work_n he_o publish_v his_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o six_o chapter_n first_o by_o itself_o because_o he_o see_v that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v proselyte_n boast_v much_o of_o some_o passage_n in_o that_o chapter_n as_o undeniable_o prove_v transubstantiation_n but_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n and_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o exposition_n if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o continue_v his_o life_n here_o be_v also_o add_v a_o small_a tract_n concern_v church-vnity_n show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o division_n a_o discourse_n that_o be_v very_o seasonable_a then_o when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o be_v so_o still_o these_o several_a discourse_n of_o the_o excellent_a author_n i_o have_v send_v into_o the_o world_n not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o that_o use_v and_o benefit_n to_o all_o that_o read_v they_o which_o be_v my_o end_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o n._n c._n the_o first_o sermon_n rom_n i._o 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n these_o word_n be_v a_o reason_n give_v of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o he_o will_v accept_v from_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o he_o will_v accept_v from_o man_n and_o what_o this_o righteousness_n be_v be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n plain_o represent_v to_o we_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o
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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n 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divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n cause_v by_o much_o conversation_n with_o they_o and_o think_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o i_o say_v that_o every_o act_n of_o meditation_n or_o think_v upon_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o distinct_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o true_o and_o proper_o faith_n now_o because_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n therefore_o this_o scripture_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a exhortation_n and_o consequent_o by_o justify_v faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o habitual_a and_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n effect_v by_o a_o frequent_a and_o just_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o such_o faith_n will_v justify_v because_o it_o will_v sanctify_v it_o will_v procure_v the_o relative_a change_n of_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n because_o it_o will_v procure_v the_o real_a or_o personal_a change_n of_o 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profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v 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do_v at_o last_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o that_o freedom_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o will_n to_o become_v regenerate_v but_o than_o what_o comfort_n do_v this_o persuasion_n leave_v why_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o regeneration_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o almighty_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o that_o whereby_o god_n will_v at_o last_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n this_o way_n because_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o refuse_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o but_o 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this_o assure_v i_o that_o when_o the_o church_n receive_v i_o by_o baptism_n into_o her_o communion_n she_o give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o if_o she_o deprive_v i_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n she_o can_v by_o absolution_n restore_v i_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n nor_o lose_v it_o by_o contempt_n of_o her_o censure_n but_o then_o i_o doubt_v the_o church_n can_v forgive_v sin_n more_o effectual_o than_o god_n do_v who_o be_v thus_o represent_v to_o forgive_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o forgive_v his_o servant_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n he_o forgive_v he_o indeed_o and_o yet_o he_o require_v the_o debt_n afterward_o upon_o his_o unmercifulness_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o church_n 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that_o whilst_o i_o do_v not_o forfeit_v the_o church_n peace_n by_o scandalous_a crime_n i_o do_v yet_o depart_v from_o god_n by_o hide_a iniquity_n can_v the_o err_a key_n open_a to_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v that_o the_o bring_n of_o these_o secret_a sin_n to_o light_n and_o purpose_v to_o offend_v no_o more_o will_v help_v at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n but_o o_o bless_a jesus_n how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o thy_o most_o holy_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o confess_v sin_n and_o to_o purpose_n against_o it_o instead_o of_o a_o rule_n oblige_v i_o to_o forsake_v it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o we_o leave_v that_o one_o path_n of_o obedience_n we_o may_v try_v a_o thousand_o byway_n but_o the_o truth_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v will_v send_v we_o back_o again_o to_o that_o plain_a truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o like_o the_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n if_o therefore_o that_o rest_n which_o our_o lord_n promise_v be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o that_o way_n if_o we_o find_v it_o at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v for_o better_a success_n here_o than_o we_o have_v yet_o have_v let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o exactness_n of_o rule_n and_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n must_v needs_o make_v we_o uneasy_a under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n or_o rather_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o mitigate_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o law_n without_o make_v any_o of_o they_o void_a now_o the_o first_o mitigation_n i_o shall_v consider_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o when_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n st._n paul_n command_v the_o church_n to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o with_o overmuch_a sorrow_n and_o sure_o as_o god_n forgive_v those_o open_a scandal_n for_o which_o the_o penitent_a be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v forgive_v those_o secret_a offence_n too_o which_o can_v make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o church-communion_n if_o
and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a 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we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n 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either_o the_o comfort_n or_o the_o calamity_n of_o human_a life_n he_o direct_v they_o how_o they_o may_v convert_v the_o passion_n which_o be_v thereby_o excite_v to_o a_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a use_n be_v any_o man_n among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n ver_fw-la 13_o 15._o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o worldly_a misery_n let_v he_o turn_v himself_o to_o more_o devout_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o burden_n or_o give_v he_o patience_n under_o it_o if_o he_o be_v surprise_v with_o some_o new_a blessing_n let_v he_o break_v forth_o into_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n he_o stand_v oblige_v for_o it_o thus_o to_o improve_v the_o excitation_n of_o joy_n and_o grief_n within_o we_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o our_o passion_n have_v not_o overwhelm_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o leave_v we_o the_o free_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o 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universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o which_o i_o have_v be_v preach_v to_o you_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o which_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v choose_v any_o other_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o discourse_v upon_o i_o have_v be_v as_o vehement_a in_o urge_v you_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o as_o i_o have_v be_v in_o press_v this_o now_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o blameless_a and_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n to_o he_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o ten_o sermon_n matth_n vii_o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o point_n determine_v in_o these_o word_n be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n who_o of_o those_o that_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n shall_v not_o and_o who_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o former_a be_v describe_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n the_o latter_a in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o former_a part_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o clause_n oppose_v to_o it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v not_o any_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n and_o do_v no_o more_o than_o say_v so_o but_o neglect_v the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n not_o any_o such_o person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o call_v christ_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n be_v mean_v a_o vehement_a profession_n of_o it_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n what_o religion_n we_o be_v of_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o not_o renounce_v our_o baptism_n and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o call_v ourselves_o so_o which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o most_o careless_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o also_o we_o do_v solemn_o confess_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o frequent_v the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n and_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a profession_n and_o contend_v against_o error_n than_o we_o be_v those_o that_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n who_o make_v a_o vehement_a profession_n that_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o follower_n now_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o do_v this_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o plain_a meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v this_o outward_a profession_n as_o unnecessary_a but_o that_o he_o make_v it_o insufficient_a of_o itself_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 1._o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v it_o as_o unnecessary_a or_o as_o a_o condition_n that_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v spare_v he_o say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o john_n 13.13_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n so_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v to_o confess_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n public_o in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o danger_n will_v excuse_v we_o from_o it_o for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v venture_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n nay_o and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n whoever_o will_v come_v after_o i_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n add_v to_o holy_a live_n that_o have_v make_v martyr_n of_o saint_n since_o it_o be_v proper_o for_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n for_o contend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o truth_n against_o error_n for_o serve_v god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n