thereof_o i_o suppose_v the_o ground_n be_v prepare_v upon_o which_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a faith_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v truth_n which_o by_o natural_a reason_v no_o man_n can_v reach_v unto_o may_v be_v offer_v for_o as_o god_n do_v make_v a_o man_n first_o by_o a_o live_a soul_n to_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n and_o afterward_o he_o become_v by_o grace_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o spiritual_a man_n so_o i_o suppose_v he_o do_v 46._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 46._o cause_n the_o truth_n of_o rationality_n concern_v himself_o first_o to_o become_v effectual_a upon_o the_o conscience_n before_o the_o understanding_n be_v oblige_v conscionable_o to_o entertain_v reveal_v truth_n for_o he_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o measure_n of_o faith_n which_o common_a reason_n itself_o do_v beget_v upon_o the_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n how_o can_v he_o be_v think_v susceptible_a of_o the_o other_o measure_n which_o depend_v only_o upon_o revelation_n and_o divine_a tradition_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o these_o precognition_n be_v first_o to_o be_v handle_v as_o matter_n requisite_a to_o fit_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o because_o i_o conceive_v not_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v be_v to_o be_v deliver_v as_o the_o product_n of_o these_o foregoing_a truth_n but_o only_o as_o matter_n subsequent_a unto_o the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v teach_v these_o praecognita_fw-la be_v praesupponenda_n but_o not_o principia_fw-la because_o i_o take_v a_o principle_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n from_o which_o a_o conclusion_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n may_v flow_v but_o that_o can_v flow_v from_o any_o truth_n which_o be_v entertain_v upon_o mere_a natural_a ground_n as_o i_o suppose_v without_o spiritual_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n for_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o product_n of_o humane_a reason_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o high_a principle_n than_o these_o precognition_n namely_o some_o truth_n as_o reveal_v immediate_o by_o god_n unto_o the_o conscience_n to_o convince_v it_o that_o he_o do_v offer_v himself_o unto_o it_o to_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o will_v have_v the_o precognition_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n distinguish_v namely_o because_o they_o be_v truth_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a but_o so_o that_o the_o latter_a can_v follow_v the_o former_a without_o some_o special_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o principle_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n be_v such_o truth_n as_o set_v the_o mind_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o supernatural_a object_n and_o beget_v thereby_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a faith_n therein_o which_o work_v through_o love_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n all_o which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o beget_v divine_a faith_n and_o love_n proceed_v from_o one_o root_n which_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o name_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o entertain_v by_o all_o for_o all_o that_o god_n do_v aim_n at_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n next_o unto_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n be_v chief_o this_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o saviour_n in_o unite_n man_n by_o a_o covenant_n 7._o psal_n 73._o 24._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o of_o grace_n unto_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o counsel_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n therein_o may_v afterward_o be_v receive_v into_o glory_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n for_o as_o there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n appoint_v to_o unite_v man_n unto_o god_n and_o restore_v we_o again_o from_o our_o fall_n to_o integrity_n but_o this_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v acceptable_o towards_o god_n or_o profitable_o for_o our_o own_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o whence_o follow_v also_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o otherwise_o useful_a nor_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o upon_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o as_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o to_o be_v entertain_v for_o any_o other_o aim_n but_o as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o for_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v be_v or_o can_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o god_n so_o no_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v save_v to_o any_o man_n but_o that_o which_o enable_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o tenor_n thereof_o hereunto_o than_o all_o truth_n both_o theoretical_a and_o practical_a be_v final_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v make_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n from_o which_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n must_v flow_v and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v both_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o find_a reason_n which_o a_o natural_a moral_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a testimony_n and_o spiritual_a experience_n that_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n in_o divinity_n whether_o they_o concern_v the_o point_n of_o knowledge_n or_o of_o practice_n may_v not_o only_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o god_n aim_v towards_o we_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o the_o resolution_n thereof_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o and_o apply_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o covenant_n before_o ever_o they_o can_v bring_v true_a peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o my_o advice_n shall_v be_v unto_o those_o who_o will_v undertake_v any_o part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o they_o keep_v always_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o eye_n as_o mariner_n do_v the_o north_n point_n of_o the_o compass_n to_o steer_v their_o course_n by_o it_o in_o all_o their_o meditation_n for_o it_o be_v main_o for_o want_v of_o this_o directory_n that_o both_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o action_n concern_v religion_n we_o run_v such_o wild_a course_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o conceive_v ever_o to_o unite_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o each_o other_o to_o heal_v their_o breach_n and_o division_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o live_v together_o as_o brethren_n in_o one_o spirit_n ought_v to_o do_v without_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v make_v to_o perceive_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n do_v unite_v all_o those_o that_o be_v his_o child_n unto_o himself_o and_o upon_o which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n through_o love_n unto_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v his_o child_n who_o all_o alike_o and_o by_o the_o same_o very_a way_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n whereunto_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a faith_n be_v which_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o which_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o subordination_n be_v able_a to_o beget_v love_n towards_o god_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n for_o no_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n do_v otherwise_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o god_n then_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o manifest_a god_n love_n unto_o we_o as_o he_o be_v become_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o make_v we_o faithful_a towards_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n i_o conceive_v then_o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a faith_n tend_v either_o to_o the_o erect_n and_o settle_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o we_o or_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o erect_v and_o settle_v the_o covenant_n with_o we_o we_o must_v needs_o know_v 1._o the_o true_a instrument_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v 2._o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a tenor_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v offer_v
up_o of_o the_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n by_o practical_a divinity_n be_v mean_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v yield_v unto_o his_o will_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a divine_a truth_n the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o remembrance_n the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o first_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n when_o we_o conceive_v aright_o of_o his_o meaning_n therein_o the_o second_o as_o we_o partake_v 2._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 22._o &_o 3._o 1._o 1_o john_n 1._o 16._o rom._n 12._o 1_o 2._o of_o it_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n will_v when_o we_o prove_v how_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v that_o first_o be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o beget_v knowledge_n this_o other_o be_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o beget_v resolution_n and_o obediential_a performance_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o truth_n christ_n say_v if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n joh._n 8._o 31_o 32._o of_o the_o second_o he_o say_v he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n joh._n 3._o 21._o so_o then_o as_o there_o be_v a_o contemplative_a and_o intelligible_a so_o there_o be_v a_o practicable_a truth_n that_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v the_o action_n of_o virtue_n for_o christ_n in_o joh._n 3._o five_o 20_o 21._o do_v oppose_v the_o do_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o do_v of_o truth_n that_o be_v vice_n and_o virtue_n to_o one_o another_o he_o say_v every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v who_o be_v vicious_a in_o his_o life_n hate_v the_o light_n but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n that_o be_v who_o life_n be_v virtuous_a and_o upright_a come_v to_o the_o light_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n so_o truth_n be_v opposite_a to_o all_o falsehood_n not_o only_o to_o that_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o of_o lie_v and_o deceitfulness_n which_o be_v no_o less_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o vice_n than_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n be_v of_o virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n now_o both_o the_o intellectual_a and_o practical_a truth_n be_v original_o existent_v in_o the_o live_a word_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o as_o to_o a_o receptacle_n and_o vessel_n when_o by_o it_o we_o be_v sanctify_v according_a to_o christ_n prayer_n john_n 17_o 17._o sanctify_v they_o in_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n the_o word_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v both_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o be_v both_o practical_a and_o theoretical_a concern_v that_o truth_n which_o in_o god_n be_v essential_a but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o nothing_o ought_v or_o may_v be_v call_v theology_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o divine_a oracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v only_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v true_a theology_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o theoretical_a or_o practical_a matter_n nothing_o be_v true_a divinity_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a truth_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n a_o divine_a truth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n then_o to_o we_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n now_o although_o the_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o our_o act_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o will_n be_v a_o know_a faculty_n and_o can_v act_v orderly_o without_o the_o understanding_n yet_o the_o theoretical_a truth_n notional_o apprehend_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o no_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n except_o they_o become_v fruitful_a in_o the_o action_n of_o virtue_n the_o notional_a science_n of_o all_o god_n truth_n and_o of_o his_o whole_a will_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o brain_n alone_o and_o without_o the_o practice_n whereunto_o that_o science_n do_v oblige_v the_o heart_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o profitable_a to_o our_o felicity_n it_o have_v be_v better_a say_v peter_z not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 21._o john_n 3._o 17._o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v christ_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o you_o be_v not_o happy_a although_o you_o know_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n do_v place_n the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o man_n in_o his_o deed_n as_o distinct_a from_o his_o bare_a knowledge_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o 25._o jam._n 1._o 21_o 25._o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o â—eed_n the_o happiness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o deed._n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o practical_a truth_n import_v we_o and_o reach_v our_o happiness_n more_o near_o then_o theoreticall_a because_o that_o which_o we_o know_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o felicity_n nor_o a_o true_a blessing_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o except_o it_o either_o bring_v forth_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o else_o result_v from_o that_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o our_o felicity_n unto_o all_o eternity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o union_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v only_o enjoy_v then_o when_o by_o his_o truth_n he_o live_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o his_o life_n in_o we_o be_v spiritual_a light_n and_o power_n light_n be_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o power_n be_v to_o move_v conformable_o to_o god_n will_v in_o the_o whole_a inward_a man_n the_o light_n show_v he_o to_o we_o the_o power_n make_v we_o and_o he_o one_o we_o may_v know_v he_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o we_o can_v feel_v his_o life_n and_o move_v in_o he_o except_o he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o one_o with_o he_o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o have_v less_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n than_o the_o power_n of_o life_n but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o one_o go_v before_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o the_o knowledge_n which_o go_v before_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n life_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n joh._n 1._o 9_o &_o this_o light_n be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n which_o he_o do_v manifest_a in_o man_n and_o show_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v manifest_a in_o man_n both_o that_o which_o do_v make_v they_o clear_o see_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n and_o that_o also_o which_o make_v they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o 15._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o rom._n 2._o 15._o his_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o this_o be_v manifest_v in_o they_o and_o show_v unto_o they_o partly_o by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n partly_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o yet_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o than_o this_o revealed_z both_o in_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n give_v both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i_o say_v all_o this_o both_o natural_a which_o be_v common_a and_o supernatural_a which_o be_v special_o reveal_v knowledge_n nay_o although_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n as_o to_o manifest_v all_o mystery_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v fruitless_a and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o without_o blessedness_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v both_o manifest_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n heart_n and_o show_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o creation_n be_v hold_v up_o by_o he_o in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o 18._o and_o although_o he_o do_v know_v god_n yet_o he_o glorifi_v he_o not_o as_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n and_o can_v teach_v other_o do_v not_o
to_o those_o that_o be_v abroad_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o body_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o and_o full_o handle_v as_o from_o our_o author_n they_o may_v be_v will_v meet_v direct_o and_o in_o a_o right_a order_n with_o the_o three_o main_a and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o disorderlinesse_n and_o distract_a condition_n to_o show_v the_o spiritual_a way_n of_o reform_v the_o same_o wherein_o if_o we_o shall_v agree_v to_o walk_v unanimous_o as_o no_o doubt_n we_o will_v we_o may_v undoubted_o also_o believe_v thar_z by_o this_o union_n we_o shall_v to_o all_o our_o adversary_n become_v not_o only_o invincible_a but_o irresistible_a to_o work_v the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v also_o concern_v this_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o which_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v put_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v effect_v and_o now_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v whereunto_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o whereunto_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v effectual_a be_v to_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o assist_v they_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n thereof_o this_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n be_v a_o engagement_n that_o do_v lie_v close_o to_o we_o than_o i_o find_v it_o apprehend_v by_o many_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a in_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n not_o so_o much_o what_o help_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o cause_n by_o this_o mean_n for_o that_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v by_o what_o be_v say_v already_o but_o what_o the_o obligation_n be_v which_o shall_v make_v we_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n to_o uphold_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o con_v cern_v the_o assistance_n which_o this_o work_n will_v yield_v unto_o the_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v already_o concern_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o disorder_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o take_v away_o we_o may_v consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o proper_o the_o common_a cause_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v that_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o if_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n be_v make_v any_o thing_n else_o then_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v attest_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o kingdom_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v take_v place_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v foul_o mistake_v for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v protest_v for_o in_o former_a time_n against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v upon_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n what_o they_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o in_o such_o matter_n we_o will_v know_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v thereof_o and_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v still_o to_o continue_v this_o profession_n against_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o in_o these_o distract_a time_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v a_o further_a protestation_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o be_v this_o that_o as_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o other_o man_n so_o we_o conceive_v it_o neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o imagination_n alone_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v singular_o and_o by_o ourselves_o whatever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n fancy_n to_o be_v right_a but_o that_o we_o will_v rational_o entertain_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o understanding_n and_o practise_v of_o all_o religious_a truth_n offer_v and_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o righteous_a order_n among_o man_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o inward_a relation_n towards_o god_n that_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n conceive_v that_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o age_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o holy_a communion_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o member_n the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n have_v these_o four_o main_a interest_n in_o christianity_n by_o which_o it_o uphold_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o other_o profession_n the_o first_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n the_o second_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o three_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o orderly_a walk_n in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n natural_a and_o spiritual_a the_o four_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o mutual_a edification_n in_o these_o forename_a matter_n these_o interest_n be_v all_o join_v and_o profess_o follow_v that_o be_v open_o own_v without_o offence_n as_o it_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n make_v up_o the_o true_a protestant_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v not_o follow_v the_o cause_n be_v so_o far_o desert_v as_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o scripture_n knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o seed_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n be_v beget_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o papist_n by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n do_v grow_v up_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o head_n till_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o socinian_o and_o all_o such_o as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o moral_a profession_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v refine_v and_o entertain_v upon_o reveal_v principle_n but_o in_o effect_n nothing_o beside_o or_o above_o humane_a reason_v by_o the_o orderly_o walk_v in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a body_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n stand_n firm_a in_o the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n thereof_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o libertine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o spiritual_a as_o to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o be_v the_o activity_n of_o this_o visible_a body_n protestant_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o growth_n and_o testimony_n make_v invincible_a against_o their_o adversary_n make_v helpful_a to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o cause_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o singularity_n of_o saintship_n in_o their_o several_a way_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o the_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o go_v not_o along_o with_o they_o these_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o this_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o christianity_n and_o christianity_n be_v take_v up_o upon_o none_o other_o ground_n but_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o maintain_v to_o any_o other_o end_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o mutual_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o two_o latter_a interest_n of_o the_o cause_n must_v rise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o rest_n in_o the_o second_o of_o those_o which_o be_v the_o former_a and_o whatsoever_o design_n practice_n negotiation_n and_o undertake_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o christianity_n or_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o and_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o advance_v direct_o either_o scripture_n knowledge_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o walk_n under_o ordinance_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n or_o do_v tend_v seem_o
practice_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o by_o their_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n they_o do_v dishonour_n god_n rom._n 2._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o together_o with_o the_o jew_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v condemn_v because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n joh._n 3._o 19_o and_o he_o that_o may_v know_v all_o mystery_n may_v yet_o want_v charity_n and_o be_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o life_n of_o god_n but_o although_o all_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v void_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o come_v short_a of_o happiness_n yet_o it_o may_v also_o through_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n become_v effectual_a unto_o happiness_n if_o god_n make_v it_o fruitful_a which_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n in_o give_v save_a faith_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v that_o it_o may_v become_v obedient_a to_o all_o his_o will_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o become_v true_o happy_a this_o knowledge_n than_o do_v not_o otherwise_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o as_o it_o bring_v we_o unto_o this_o estate_n as_o for_o the_o other_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n which_o follow_v upon_o our_o union_n with_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v unto_o life_n and_o a_o enlargement_n thereof_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o power_n for_o christ_n do_v give_v we_o two_o promise_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o obedience_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o doubt_n concern_v intellectual_a matter_n for_o joh_n 7_o v._o 17._o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o second_o be_v that_o upon_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o love_v they_o their_o presence_n in_o love_n for_o christ_n say_v joh._n 14._o 21_o 23._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v my_o love_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o here_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n which_o be_v both_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o consequent_a of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o that_o of_o st_n john_n 1_o epist_n chap._n 5._o 20._o and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o reflexive_a knowledge_n from_o god_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o our_o happiness_n and_o so_o be_v that_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o then_o we_o see_v that_o all_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o contemplation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o preparative_a to_o or_o a_o consequent_a of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o action_n the_o practical_a truth_n than_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v heed_v for_o to_o it_o the_o theoretical_a be_v either_o subservient_fw-fr and_o subordinate_a or_o a_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a effect_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o evident_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o tit._n 1._o 1._o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n intimate_v clear_o that_o as_o his_o apostle-ship_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o elect_n by_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n be_v appoint_v to_o beget_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n in_o believer_n therefore_o as_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v the_o beget_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v he_o warrant_v to_o teach_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n and_o effect_v so_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n be_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v any_o knowledge_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n warrantable_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v account_v a_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n and_o effect_n godliness_n therefore_o which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o intellectual_a truth_n for_o whatsoever_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o proportionate_a subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o production_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o none_o other_o truth_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v after_o godliness_n from_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o study_n of_o practical_a divinity_n be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n unto_o all_o and_o far_o more_o to_o be_v heed_v esteem_v and_o entertain_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n then_o the_o study_n of_o contemplative_a mystery_n and_o notion_n of_o divinity_n whereupon_o controversal_a matter_n be_v ordinary_o attendant_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o body_n and_o systeme_n of_o theoretical_a and_o controversal_a matter_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o any_o man_n to_o reckon_v they_o all_o up_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o complete_a body_n or_o systeme_n of_o practical_a divinity_n find_v in_o all_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o see_v nevertheless_o that_o all_o theoretical_a truth_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v &_o direct_v as_o to_o their_o end_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a defect_n and_o that_o much_o be_v want_v hereby_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o public_a edification_n to_o the_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o to_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o sound_a reformation_n in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o a_o body_n of_o this_o nature_n now_o by_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o body_n of_o divinity_n be_v mean_v a_o full_a collection_n and_o a_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n under_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o instruct_v and_o thorough_o furnish_v with_o sufficient_a help_n and_o direction_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o only_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o able_a also_o to_o work_v all_o his_o work_n in_o god_n and_o concern_v this_o body_n see_v i_o be_o entrust_v and_o conscionable_o oblige_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o solicit_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o contribute_v their_o talent_n to_o make_v it_o up_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o work_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o part_n thereof_o unto_o their_o consideration_n that_o the_o number_n of_o task_n be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v such_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o manifest_v his_o truth_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o complete_n this_o work_n may_v know_v what_o task_n to_o choose_v and_o how_o to_o concur_v with_o each_o other_o in_o elaborate_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n unto_o better_a judgement_n offer_v these_o follow_a thought_n unto_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v undertaker_n in_o this_o work_n first_o i_o lay_v this_o fundamental_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n that_o the_o number_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o as_o nothing_o shall_v be_v
bring_v into_o it_o which_o be_v not_o proper_a and_o useful_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n so_o nothing_o shall_v be_v leave_v out_o which_o may_v be_v requisite_a and_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o we_o shall_v therefore_o look_v upon_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o work_n that_o we_o may_v find_v the_o part_n thereof_o without_o defect_n and_o without_o superfluity_n the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o practical_a divinity_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o aim_n for_o which_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v attest_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o practise_v by_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v god_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o this_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicable_a unto_o we_o by_o none_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 14._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 7._o 3._o eph_n 4._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o colos_n 3._o 10._o and_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o that_o which_o christ_n do_v communicate_v unto_o we_o of_o this_o life_n be_v make_v perceptible_a unto_o we_o by_o two_o property_n of_o life_n wrought_v in_o we_o the_o one_o be_v the_o light_n the_o other_o be_v the_o power_n of_o life_n by_o the_o light_n of_o life_n we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o life_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o our_o work_n in_o god_n this_o then_o be_v the_o complete_a end_n of_o practical_a divinity_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o whole_a conversation_n to_o god_n will_v that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v whatever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v all_o in_o god_n by_o walk_v in_o his_o light_n and_o what_o doctrine_n soever_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v unto_o this_o end_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o body_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o it_o but_o whatsoever_o do_v thus_o tend_v thereunto_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v to_o deliver_v then_o all_o and_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n which_o may_v direct_o be_v helpful_a to_o advance_v a_o man_n unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n i_o conceive_v that_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o general_n part_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o positive_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n the_o second_o the_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n that_o part_n which_o be_v positive_a shall_v contain_v concern_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n three_o thing_n first_o the_o precognition_n to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o that_o life_n second_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o that_o life_n be_v beget_v three_o the_o part_n or_o act_n wherein_o that_o life_n do_v consist_v by_o the_o precognition_n i_o mean_v such_o truth_n as_o must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v or_o at_o least_o not_o contradict_v and_o doubt_v of_o before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v teach_v and_o without_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v rational_o deal_v withal_o or_o induce_v to_o intend_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o beget_v love_n unto_o god_n and_o thereby_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n unto_o all_o dutifulnesse_n of_o obedience_n towards_o he_o by_o the_o part_n and_o act_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n do_v consist_v i_o mean_v all_o thing_n which_o either_o substantial_o or_o circumstantial_o belong_v thereunto_o to_o make_v it_o up_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o god_n by_o the_o substantial_o of_o this_o life_n i_o mean_v two_o thing_n first_o all_o truth_n which_o discover_v the_o inward_a frame_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n second_o all_o truth_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o outward_a frame_n the_o way_n of_o walk_v and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o profession_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o life_n and_o inseparable_a from_o the_o end_n thereof_o by_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n i_o understand_v all_o the_o different_a outward_a state_n and_o particular_a calling_n of_o professor_n wherein_o god_n do_v set_v people_n in_o this_o life_n as_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n and_o such_o like_a to_o all_o which_o several_a duty_n belong_v and_o thereunto_o several_a direction_n be_v according_o to_o be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o every_o one_o shall_v walk_v in_o all_o truth_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o man._n in_o this_o discovery_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v find_v concern_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n as_o it_o be_v the_o foil_n prepare_v before_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o precognition_n the_o root_n which_o be_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o principle_n the_o stem_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o the_o substantial_o and_o the_o branch_n after_o the_o full_a growth_n in_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o in_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n the_o man_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v complete_v and_o set_v forth_o first_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o head_n and_o intellectual_n by_o the_o recognition_n and_o principle_n second_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o vital_a motion_n by_o the_o substantial_o and_o last_o in_o his_o limb_n and_o outward_a member_n without_o which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a man_n by_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o his_o life_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o part_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o make_v up_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n so_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o each_o of_o these_o head_n ought_v to_o be_v deliver_v full_o yet_o not_o superfluous_o that_o be_v to_o say_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o contain_v the_o marrow_n but_o the_o flesh_n and_o full_a substance_n of_o all_o profitable_a truth_n yet_o without_o needless_a repetition_n large_a amplification_n retorical_a digression_n and_o enlargement_n which_o to_o move_v man_n affection_n rather_o than_o to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n and_o inlighten_v their_o understanding_n be_v frequent_o use_v by_o writer_n of_o practical_a matter_n and_o as_o these_o general_n part_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n ought_v thus_o to_o follow_v one_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o natural_a dependence_n upon_o each_o other_o so_o the_o matter_n subordinate_a unto_o every_o one_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o method_n which_o be_v positive_a and_o proper_a to_o their_o nature_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o coherence_n of_o all_o the_o parcel_n in_o the_o whole_a without_o any_o redundancy_n and_o although_o such_o a_o body_n of_o truth_n full_o and_o clear_o deliver_v may_v suffice_v to_o man_n that_o be_v free_a from_o all_o prejudice_n and_o of_o able_a part_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o all_o case_n of_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o because_o the_o work_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compile_v for_o they_o alone_o but_o for_o other_o also_o and_o because_o many_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v and_o will_v be_v raise_v partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o partly_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o which_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n be_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v able_a ready_o to_o resolve_v by_o itself_o although_o it_o be_v help_v with_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n with_o the_o stand_a truth_n and_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n which_o such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o divinity_n may_v contain_v therefore_o to_o supply_v this_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n which_o although_o but_o accidental_a yet_o be_v unavoidable_a a_o appendix_n or_o supplement_n of_o special_a doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n for_o i_o suppose_v the_o common_a doubt_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v be_v clear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o shall_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o body_n in_o a_o method_n relate_v the_o order_n of_o matter_n deliver_v in_o each_o part_n where_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v i_o can_v see_v what_o can_v be_v desire_v or_o further_o wish_v for_o in_o
covenant_n and_o for_o this_o use_n the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v appoint_v viz._n to_o give_v lawful_a authority_n to_o those_o that_o be_v public_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o second_o we_o believe_v first_o that_o the_o faithful_a be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o sign_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o by_o take_v they_o up_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ordain_v they_o as_o evidence_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o of_o their_o own_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o of_o their_o profession_n thereof_o before_o the_o world_n second_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o who_o god_n have_v receive_v into_o his_o covenant_n and_o belong_v unto_o his_o household_n that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o that_o have_v embrace_v and_o do_v entertain_v profess_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v call_v and_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o any_o public_a office_n in_o the_o church_n hitherto_o we_o have_v reckon_v up_o the_o head_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n as_o they_o rise_v from_o and_o relate_v to_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o spiritual_a relation_n between_o god_n and_o us._n now_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o life_n which_o god_n do_v work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o substantial_o of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n the_o substantial_o of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n &_o practice_n of_o that_o state_n and_o life_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v one_o with_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n we_o enjoy_v god_n in_o he_o both_o outward_o and_o inward_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v by_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o his_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n concern_v the_o new_a creature_n these_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v 1._o what_o that_o change_n be_v whereby_o a_o man_n become_v from_o a_o old_a a_o new_a creature_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o 2._o how_o that_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o how_o the_o conscience_n be_v quicken_v therein_o by_o he_o and_o raise_v to_o a_o new_a life_n 3._o how_o that_o change_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o a_o pretend_a or_o imaginary_a change_n discover_v concern_v the_o life_n of_o inward_a communion_n with_o god_n these_o thing_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 2._o how_o the_o spiritual_a man_n do_v walk_v with_o god_n by_o faith_n by_o hope_n by_o love_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n 3._o what_o that_o virtue_n be_v whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o have_v god_n always_o before_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n the_o father_n through_o he_o 4._o what_o tentation_n be_v opposite_a unto_o this_o life_n both_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o satan_n and_o how_o they_o be_v resist_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v by_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o have_v two_o chief_a part_n the_o first_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o practice_n and_o profession_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o of_o all_o worldly_a lust_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o second_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o body_n as_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n by_o our_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n rom._n 12._o 1._o concern_v the_o deny_v of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n these_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v 1._o what_o the_o practice_n and_o profession_n of_o impiety_n be_v as_o it_o proceed_v first_o from_o natural_a atheism_n second_o from_o vain_a philosophy_n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n three_o from_o the_o strong_a delusion_n and_o the_o deceitfullness_n of_o unrighteousness_n which_o satan_n be_v permit_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o how_o the_o conscience_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o and_o convict_v concern_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n 3._o what_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o original_n be_v of_o actual_a sin_n and_o how_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o inbred_a lust_n 4._o how_o the_o motion_n of_o actual_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v not_o only_o by_o the_o inward_a purification_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o also_o by_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o a_o mortify_v life_n wherein_o the_o body_n be_v keep_v under_o and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 27._o concern_v the_o offering_n our_o boâ—ies_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o covenant_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v know_v for_o the_o order_n of_o our_o conversation_n aright_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o hereunto_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 2._o 12._o do_v refer_v all_o man_n virtuous_a action_n in_o this_o world_n by_o sobriety_n justice_n and_o religiousness_n sobriety_n do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o way_n of_o our_o conversation_n with_o ourselves_o justice_n all_o our_o conversation_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o religiousnes_n all_o our_o conversation_n towards_o god_n and_o these_o head_n of_o our_o outward_a conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o take_v up_o in_o this_o order_n because_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v such_o a_o groundwork_n for_o the_o second_o and_o three_o that_o without_o sobriety_n in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v right_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o kind_n be_v in_o god_n own_o esteem_n prefer_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o three_o because_o he_o do_v require_v mercy_n of_o we_o and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o 19_o mat._n 5._o 23._o mat._n 12._o 7_o 8._o isa_n 1._o 11._o to_o 19_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o outward_a worship_n towards_o himself_o of_o the_o order_v our_o way_n towards_o ourselves_o by_o sobriety_n to_o be_v able_a to_o order_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o way_n in_o sobriety_n we_o must_v know_v 1._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o sobriety_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o restraint_n to_o moderate_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o undertake_n as_o they_o be_v we_o 2._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o intemperance_n and_o inclination_n to_o excess_n be_v and_o whence_o it_o come_v viz._n from_o self-love_n where_o we_o must_v know_v what_o self-love_n and_o self_n please_v be_v and_o how_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n proceed_v from_o thence_o 3._o how_o sobriety_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o self-denial_n accompany_v with_o contentation_n meekness_n and_o lowliness_n which_o christ_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o rest_n do_v invite_v we_o to_o learn_v of_o himself_o mat._n 11._o 29._o 4._o what_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o sobriety_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o natural_a act_n of_o affection_n where_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o our_o natural_a affection_n may_v be_v two_o way_n vicious_a either_o as_o they_o discompose_v and_o wrong_v we_o within_o our-selve_n or_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o discompose_v and_o wrong_v our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o sobriety_n in_o the_o second_o by_o justice_n so_o that_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o sobriety_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v the_o act_n of_o our_o natural_a affection_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a use_n whereunto_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o and_o to_o discover_v these_o bound_n the_o natural_a desire_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o do_v subordinate_a they_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o rule_n 5._o what_o the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n be_v in_o particular_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o meat_n and_o drink_n ease_n and_o softness_n the_o conjugal_a bed_n and_o all_o other_o delightful_a action_n inherent_a to_o the_o body_n 6._o what_o the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o lust_n
the_o union_n of_o all_o these_o part_n be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o entire_a frame_n of_o the_o whole_a course_n which_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o inward_o as_o outward_o in_o all_o duty_n at_o once_o which_o will_v make_v up_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o unto_o this_o perfection_n god_n have_v give_v a_o peculiar_a rule_n whereunto_o he_o do_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o be_v so_o full_o conformable_a that_o whosoever_o transgress_v in_o any_o one_o point_n thereof_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o jam._n 2._o 10._o because_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a observation_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n do_v import_v a_o full_a confirmity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o do_v command_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n will_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a do_v bewray_v a_o inconformity_n of_o our_o will_n from_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o do_v command_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n because_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a obedience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o total_a subjection_n of_o our_o will_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o law_n rom._n 2_o 20._o for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o displease_v he_o but_o to_o sâ—udy_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o our_o religious_a fear_n and_o love_n be_v contract_v unto_o this_o aim_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v displease_v but_o every_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o our_o performance_n 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o god_n will_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o ten_o commandment_n give_v in_o mount_n sinai_n which_o god_n write_v 〈◊〉_d in_o table_n of_o stâ—ne_n be_v the_o universal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n as_o they_o contain_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o be_v general_o oblige_v unto_o every_o one_o and_o as_o they_o comprehend_v in_o one_o expression_n both_o the_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a perfection_n of_o every_o humane_a action_n the_o doctrine_n then_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o this_o effect_n in_o four_o distinct_a head_n the_o first_o shall_v contain_v the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o commandment_n the_o second_o shall_v let_v we_o see_v the_o abstract_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n command_v and_o sin_n forbid_v therein_o the_o three_o shall_v let_v we_o know_v the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n and_o sin_n with_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v subordinate_a unto_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o cause_n which_o beget_v and_o the_o sign_n which_o manifest_a the_o sin_n and_o although_o perhaps_o some_o of_o the_o thing_n former_o mention_v in_o some_o of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n may_v come_v to_o be_v name_v here_o again_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v any_o tautology_n or_o superfluity_n because_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o than_o once_o handle_v under_o different_a notion_n and_o respect_n in_o several_a place_n here_o than_o all_o duty_n whatsoever_o and_o every_o thing_n opposite_a thereunto_o be_v only_o to_o be_v handle_v as_o they_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n to_o show_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o action_n as_o it_o agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o every_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o it_o be_v rank_v by_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o life_n which_o the_o law_n do_v require_v or_o condemn_v all_o which_o be_v material_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o can_v no_o where_n be_v proper_o handle_v but_o in_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o law_n the_o four_o and_o last_o head_n shall_v describe_v the_o watch_n which_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v aswell_o over_o themselves_o as_o over_o other_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o as_o all_o particular_a virtue_n make_v up_o but_o one_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n by_o their_o conformity_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n so_o all_o man_n observation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o several_a way_n do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o they_o all_o their_o joint_a care_n of_o each_o other_o conformity_n unto_o the_o law_n for_o all_o professor_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o in_o christ_n make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n and_o spiritual_a man_n in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o godliness_n when_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v through_o faith_n effectual_a in_o we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n which_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n do_v make_v we_o conformable_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n so_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v that_o holy_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n which_o thing_n be_v lay_v open_a i_o suppose_v all_o that_o just_o may_v be_v desire_v concern_v the_o substantial_o of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o part_n will_v be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o so_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n will_v be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n although_o the_o former_a rule_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n and_o professor_n may_v well_o suffice_v to_o direct_v every_o one_o upon_o all_o occasion_n what_o to_o do_v not_o only_o because_o they_o contain_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o the_o property_n of_o all_o virtue_n but_o because_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n have_v express_o promise_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v teach_v all_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o send_v unto_o his_o disciple_n a_o spirit_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o in_o all_o truth_n yet_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v lay_v open_a not_o only_o the_o substantial_a rule_n of_o the_o whole_a profession_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o do_v mention_n in_o particular_a term_n the_o circumstantial_a duty_n also_o which_o be_v considerable_a in_o order_n to_o the_o profession_n therefore_o these_o aught_o distinct_o to_o be_v open_v and_o make_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o body_n where_o again_o i_o shall_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o thing_n here_o to_o be_v handle_v shall_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o same_o thing_n handle_v before_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o in_o the_o forego_n part_n all_o action_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o that_o which_o be_v their_o perpetual_a nature_n and_o substantial_a property_n never_o to_o be_v alter_v but_o in_o this_o part_n all_o action_n be_v to_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o that_o which_o be_v alterable_a in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n therefore_o in_o the_o former_a part_n although_o the_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v mention_v here_o may_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o name_v in_o their_o own_o place_n yet_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o go_v any_o further_a then_o to_o define_v the_o universal_a nature_n and_o property_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o time_n place_n case_n and_o circumstance_n but_o in_o this_o part_n the_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v ordinary_o incident_a to_o person_n of_o several_a condition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n to_o show_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o walk_v therein_o to_o observe_v that_o which_o be_v righteous_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o law_n here_o than_o we_o presuppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o definition_n and_o true_a notion_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o substantial_a doctrine_n for_o under_o that_o respect_n all_o thing_n be_v handle_v there_o and_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o various_a subject_n object_n relation_n and_o occasion_n of_o put_v forth_o these_o action_n which_o
manifold_a dispute_n and_o inconsiderate_a heat_n of_o man_n about_o matter_n extra-fundamental_a and_o in_o the_o different_a practice_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a a_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n shall_v either_o be_v find_v for_o ourselves_o or_o show_v unto_o other_o by_o any_o other_o mean_v then_o by_o a_o demonstration_n of_o our_o agreement_n in_o all_o truth_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o edification_n in_o respect_n of_o one_o another_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o their_o letter_n hint_n at_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n will_v not_o only_o be_v serviceable_a for_o scholar_n but_o even_o for_o teacher_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o more_o useful_a matter_n in_o their_o sermon_n then_o now_o they_o be_v able_a to_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o controversy_n whereunto_o almost_o all_o their_o learning_n be_v reduce_v represent_v unto_o we_o the_o evil_n which_o befall_v most_o of_o their_o church_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o matter_n of_o controversy_n that_o their_o controversal_a writing_n be_v void_a of_o piety_n full_a of_o bitterness_n and_o no_o way_n tend_v to_o edification_n and_o that_o their_o young_a scholar_n of_o divinity_n be_v train_v up_o to_o this_o way_n of_o contentious_a learning_n for_o want_v of_o better_a teach_v prove_v in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n very_o often_o void_a of_o all_o charitableness_n and_o stranger_n to_o peaceable_a affection_n which_o evil_n by_o our_o pious_a assistance_n and_o endeavour_n they_o hope_v may_v be_v remedy_v if_o we_o will_v gather_v out_o of_o our_o author_n who_o handle_v matter_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o practical_a way_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o conscience_n a_o full_a and_o sound_a body_n of_o save_v and_o savoury_a truth_n which_o may_v be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o waken_v they_o unto_o righteousness_n for_o they_o conceive_v not_o amiss_o that_o by_o god_n blessing_n such_o a_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v which_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v not_o only_o season_v their_o spirit_n with_o meek_a and_o humble_a thought_n concern_v themselves_o and_o with_o love_v kind_a and_o merciful_a affection_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n which_o will_v make_v they_o peaceable_a but_o may_v work_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o they_o shall_v perceive_v how_o the_o theoretical_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o make_v now_o matter_n of_o strife_n and_o have_v disregard_v as_o to_o their_o true_a usefulness_n aught_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n conscience_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a matter_n which_o not_o only_o those_o church_n groan_n under_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n more_o or_o less_o have_v cause_n to_o bemoan_v that_o because_o many_o in_o the_o ministry_n do_v spend_v their_o strength_n and_o wit_n upon_o needless_a and_o curious_a dispensation_n about_o matter_n of_o private_a opinion_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o application_n of_o know_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n unto_o conscience_n because_o these_o disputation_n be_v agitate_a with_o more_o provocation_n to_o heat_n and_o animosity_n then_o to_o regular_a and_o modest_a search_n after_o the_o way_n to_o resolve_v doubt_n impartial_o and_o because_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n beget_v ordinary_o the_o extreme_a difference_n of_o affection_n when_o man_n study_v no_o rule_n of_o moderation_n in_o respect_n of_o passion_n or_o of_o be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n in_o respect_n of_o contemplation_n or_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o respect_n of_o action_n all_o which_o be_v thing_n if_o not_o hate_v yet_o suspect_v slight_v and_o neglect_v almost_o every_o where_n in_o this_o age_n i_o say_v because_o these_o disorder_n which_o like_a weed_n in_o a_o garden_n not_o weed_v overgrow_v the_o church_n have_v take_v place_n almost_o every_o where_n it_o be_v very_o doleful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o main_a and_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o profession_n be_v extreme_o neglect_v and_o not_o at_o all_o cultivate_v and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o adversary_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o watch_v to_o discredit_v our_o religion_n do_v get_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o almost_o they_o can_v desire_v to_o bring_v their_o end_n to_o pass_v upon_o we_o and_o disrespect_n upon_o our_o profession_n for_o when_o the_o frame_n of_o matter_n be_v discompose_v as_o now_o they_o be_v in_o all_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o alteration_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n for_o cunning_a man_n to_o work_v sinister_a impression_n and_o thought_n of_o contempt_n against_o our_o profession_n upon_o weak_a spirit_n who_o know_v not_o the_o substance_n and_o true_a ground_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o look_v only_o as_o most_o man_n do_v superficial_o upon_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o the_o worst_a side_n of_o other_o man_n behaviour_n and_o fail_n for_o these_o cause_n if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o honour_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o desire_v as_o in_o conscience_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o earnest_o to_o hold_v forth_o upon_o the_o common_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o truth_n the_o substantial_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o piety_n which_o by_o the_o make_n up_o of_o this_o practical_a body_n of_o divinity_n may_v be_v do_v and_o by_o none_o other_o way_n so_o effectual_o as_o for_o our_o own_o credit_n among_o our_o brethren_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o profession_n if_o we_o study_v not_o to_o maintain_v it_o in_o god_n way_n by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n wherewith_o we_o be_v entrust_v certain_o god_n will_v blast_v it_o more_o than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v raise_v nor_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n will_v uphold_v our_o reputation_n in_o god_n way_n among_o our_o brethren_n so_o much_o as_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o expect_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o desire_n for_o herein_o they_o put_v we_o unto_o the_o real_a proof_n of_o our_o sincerity_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o they_o and_o if_o in_o this_o we_o fail_v they_o we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o lose_v our_o credit_n with_o they_o and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o great_a britain_n have_v always_o be_v esteem_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_n to_o be_v sound_a in_o 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godliness_n and_o their_o teacher_n unto_o after_o age_n and_o although_o we_o may_v not_o without_o presumption_n think_v the_o better_a of_o ourselves_o because_o other_o prefer_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o themselves_o or_o have_v any_o high_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o sufficiency_n for_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o thing_n and_o christ_n we_o know_v be_v the_o only_a leader_n and_o teacher_n because_o our_o brethren_n esteem_v high_o of_o we_o by_o submission_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n of_o generosity_n in_o our_o spirit_n or_o any_o resentment_n of_o duty_n towards_o such_o as_o love_v we_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v be_v insensible_a of_o so_o mighty_a a_o provocation_n as_o this_o unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n but_o with_o all_o zeal_n in_o true_a humility_n give_v glory_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o ability_n to_o impart_v
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with_o a_o reason_v faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o action_n and_o know_v his_o own_o aim_n though_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o other_o 2._o that_o in_o this_o judge_a faculty_n there_o be_v something_o which_o universal_o in_o all_o age_n man_n have_v call_v conscience_n which_o secret_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v man_n concern_v their_o action_n and_o aim_n chief_o when_o other_o judge_v of_o they_o otherwise_o then_o they_o mean_v they_o 3._o that_o this_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o who_o it_o be_v awake_a from_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n 4._o that_o the_o reason_n which_o convict_v man_n conscience_n that_o they_o be_v under_o god_n will_v also_o convict_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o show_v their_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n suitable_o unto_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v and_o not_o otherwise_o 5._o that_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a be_v in_o itself_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o alone_a author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o that_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o supremacy_n perfection_n and_o goodness_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o man_n in_o his_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n 6._o that_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o show_v himself_o thankful_a by_o respect_v the_o glory_n due_a to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v then_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o all_o thing_n 7._o that_o it_o a_o man_n do_v give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n by_o be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o god_n as_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o all-knowing_a will_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o as_o he_o be_v just_a and_o good_a will_v be_v merciful_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o he_o of_o the_o three_o when_o a_o man_n have_v acknowledge_v these_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o man_n answerable_o to_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n then_o we_o must_v rational_o induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n write_v to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a position_n 1._o that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n have_v great_a evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o truth_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o history_n than_o these_o have_v two_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v out_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v 2._o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o they_o be_v as_o rational_o credible_a as_o any_o other_o humane_a record_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o book_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o in_o write_v the_o same_o 3._o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o divine_a fear_n and_o worship_n contain_v therein_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n supremacy_n perfection_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o answerable_a unto_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o duty_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o mankind_n towards_o god_n than_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o any_o other_o book_n and_o religion_n whatsoever_o extant_a any_o where_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o the_o four_o when_o a_o man_n be_v rational_o convict_v or_o at_o least_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o contradict_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o let_v he_o see_v by_o the_o 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which_o this_o position_n at_o last_o shall_v be_v add_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_a to_o the_o work_n wherein_o they_o have_v or_o have_v not_o fear_v worship_v and_o glorify_a god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o upon_o three_o ground_n which_o may_v be_v rational_o evince_v 1._o because_o god_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n under_o a_o law_n and_o rule_v all_o man_n by_o a_o law_n of_o reason_n must_v needs_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o observer_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o law_n and_o consequent_o have_v a_o time_n to_o exercise_v his_o judgement_n 2._o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o live_v when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o can_v undergo_v a_o judgement_n after_o this_o life_n 3._o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o they_o of_o their_o wicked_a deed_n even_o against_o their_o will_n though_o 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