worship_n viz._n all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n meekness_n and_o patience_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o worship_n that_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v perform_v because_o they_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v the_o phrase_n of_o please_a god_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o viz._n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n more_o distinct_o thus_o without_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n or_o fear_v he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o obey_v he_o or_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n nor_o can_v 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of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o or_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o consequent_o by_o faith_n be_v here_o mean_v in_o general_a a_o persuasion_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a 2._o by_o consequence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v please_v god_n we_o find_v more_o particular_o that_o the_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v he_o he_o say_v also_o that_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o alike_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v proper_a motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n beside_o those_o here_o mention_v that_o be_v proper_a motive_n to_o religion_n because_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o i_o note_v before_o be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o general_a proposition_n although_o therefore_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o if_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o a_o man_n can_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n of_o like_a use_n with_o these_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 3._o whether_o by_o impossible_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n mean_v proper_o something_o that_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o more_o large_o something_o that_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a or_o high_o improbable_a as_o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v by_o consider_v also_o the_o follow_a proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n without_o this_o belief_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o former_a be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v bare_o possible_a he_o may_v worship_n god_n upon_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o bare_a hope_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n we_o be_v under_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o improbable_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n man_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v rank_v with_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o i_o do_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o please_a god_n without_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o also_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worker_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o compare_v one_o part_n of_o the_o text_n with_o another_o give_v you_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o as_o i_o hope_v with_o great_a clearness_n of_o truth_n and_o plainness_n of_o word_n and_o according_a to_o this_o explanation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o this_o paraphrase_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a motive_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v fear_v god_n and_o work_n righteousness_n for_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v himself_o oblige_v thereto_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n some_o doctrine_n also_o there_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o no_o man_n find_v himself_o encourage_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o if_o
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 st._n john_n 11.25_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v but_o this_o be_v explain_v v._o 27._o i_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o again_o john_n 8.24_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n moreover_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v stand_v want_v nothing_o sure_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v thus_o express_v we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o this_o because_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o thus_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v his_o account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n even_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n mention_v in_o heb._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n as_o to_o those_o that_o think_v there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o come_v to_o they_o either_o return_v to_o this_o in_o other_o word_n or_o add_v something_o that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o those_o that_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n where_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n say_v well_o but_o then_o application_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o or_o a_o assent_n unto_o a_o single_a proposition_n for_o instance_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v mankind_n be_v a_o general_a persuasion_n christ_n come_v for_o my_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o application_n be_v a_o particular_a one_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n therefore_o without_o holiness_n i_o shall_v not_o this_o last_o be_v but_o persuasion_n and_o there_o be_v that_o 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
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
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
well_o as_o they_o do_v the_o just_a live_v by_o that_o faith_n with_o which_o other_o perish_v how_o be_v that_o faith_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o do_v but_o aggravate_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o nay_o how_o be_v that_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o they_o assent_v and_o therefore_o believe_v and_o tremble_v because_o they_o believe_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n viz._n to_o make_v man_n attain_v to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v now_o if_o upon_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o will_v make_v they_o obedient_a and_o holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o wicked_a want_n faith_n that_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v and_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n require_v than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v why_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v represent_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o the_o force_n of_o faith_n lie_v to_o govern_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o then_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o holiness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o together_o and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o ungodly_a man_n now_o 2._o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v believe_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v they_o 3._o in_o the_o permanency_n of_o the_o belief_n itself_o or_o rather_o in_o the_o dwell_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o 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this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o patriarch_n to_o count_v themselves_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n they_o desire_v a_o better_a i._n e._n a_o heavenly_a country_n 3._o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o inheritance_n belong_v to_o we_o upon_o our_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n if_o we_o have_v absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a country_n this_o faith_n may_v well_o cause_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o benefit_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n or_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v exclude_v if_o we_o assent_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o our_o faith_n work_v by_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n but_o if_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v because_o it_o will_v be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o need_v not_o 4._o we_o be_v also_o persuade_v that_o the_o condition_n viz._n do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n possible_a otherwise_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v will_v not_o stir_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n tremble_v only_o though_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a but_o not_o active_a and_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o short_a if_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n wherein_o the_o great_a good_a be_v promise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o condition_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o great_a punishment_n and_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v perform_v then_o in_o this_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o holiness_n &_o good_a work_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o this_o but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o our_o unfruitfulness_n may_v well_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o go_v very_o far_o to_o satisfy_v the_o difficulty_n because_o many_o believe_v all_o needful_a truth_n and_o yet_o remain_v unholy_a wherefore_o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v divine_a truth_n for_o there_o be_v very_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o sanctify_v we_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n or_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v this_o considerate_o and_o distinct_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v a_o omnipresent_v be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o now_o our_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v we_o circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n and_o careful_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o by_o such_o distinct_a persuasion_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o faith_n nor_o will_v these_o distinct_a consideration_n have_v much_o power_n neither_o unless_o they_o be_v distinct_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v with_o i_o and_o see_v i_o in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o know_v every_o one_o of_o my_o secret_n and_o even_o every_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v i_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o to_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v extreme_a folly_n as_o well_o as_o sin_v to_o follow_v my_o own_o will_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o now_o all_o this_o be_v faith_n or_o believe_v true_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o application_n as_o these_o that_o we_o must_v be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a doctrine_n and_o to_o go_v no_o far_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v operative_a much_o more_o than_o if_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o one_o article_n be_v therefore_o fruitless_a because_o it_o be_v but_o general_a and_o not_o resolve_v into_o the_o awaken_n consideration_n that_o be_v under_o it_o nor_o apply_v distinct_o to_o 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so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o 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 subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n by_o constant_a consideration_n to_o have_v gain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o by_o assiduity_n man_n come_v to_o have_v in_o all_o matter_n they_o frequent_o think_v of_o and_o converse_v about_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n but_o man_n be_v but_o half_o persuade_v that_o never_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n wherein_o we_o exercise_v liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viz._n whether_o we_o will_v consider_v or_o not_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o will_v often_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v or_o but_o very_o rare_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o our_o state_n turn_v and_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a power_n we_o have_v still_o under_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o help_v and_o reform_v ourselves_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o scripture_n insist_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n for_o this_o show_v we_o where_o our_o strength_n lie_v nay_o the_o just_a himself_o live_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o righteousness_n and_o where_o such_o faith_n be_v as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n for_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o persuasion_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a and_o when_o a_o man_n do_v ill_a it_o can_v be_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v well_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v of_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o 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 if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
of_o disobedience_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exceed_a righteousness_n than_o either_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n because_o they_o must_v become_v new_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o live_v up_o to_o those_o divine_a principle_n and_o holy_a rule_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o practise_v that_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o charity_n in_o all_o their_o conversation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o single_a person_n or_o of_o society_n in_o this_o world_n but_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o here_o be_v these_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o severe_a restraint_n lay_v upon_o our_o 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think_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a without_o retire_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v there_o be_v in_o perpetual_a circumspection_n and_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o yet_o jesus_n himself_o think_v this_o necessary_a for_o we_o watch_n and_o pray_v say_v he_o that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 4._o the_o law_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o overt_a action_n he_o that_o do_v not_o defile_v his_o neighbour_n bed_n may_v be_v a_o adulterer_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o forbear_v the_o action_n what_o pain_n must_v be_v take_v to_o conquer_v the_o desire_n to_o make_v it_o a_o obedient_a slave_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n neither_o body_n nor_o mind_n neither_o deed_n nor_o thought_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o terrible_a law_n but_o we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o suffer_v yet_o if_o need_n be_v we_o must_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v always_o in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o endure_v reproach_n the_o loss_n of_o good_n yea_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o chastisement_n for_o the_o present_a be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a so_o that_o in_o give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o christ_n we_o seem_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n instead_o of_o make_v to_o a_o haven_n of_o rest_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v jesus_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o which_o make_v all_o more_o grievous_a be_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 2._o the_o penalty_n of_o disobedience_n for_o this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o exclusion_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o more_o intolerable_a sentence_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o those_o shall_v receive_v that_o never_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o rule_n the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_n shall_v be_v judge_v the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v you_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v exceed_o amaze_v as_o our_o lord_n first_o disciple_n be_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o say_v who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o at_o least_o where_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o the_o consequence_n so_o terrible_a if_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n that_o the_o extreme_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n seem_v to_o create_v a_o new_a trouble_n not_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o promise_a rest_n he_o be_v indeed_o true_a and_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v but_o whilst_o my_o soul_n be_v trouble_v how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v at_o rest_n how_o therefore_o shall_v we_o bring_v these_o thing_n together_o the_o truth_n be_v nothing_o have_v more_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n than_o to_o find_v out_o expedient_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v that_o experience_n of_o human_a frailty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o that_o i_o never_o lend_v my_o ear_n more_o willing_o than_o to_o he_o that_o show_v i_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o attaque_v my_o affection_n to_o so_o much_o advantage_n that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o his_o way_n and_o nothing_o but_o evident_a want_n of_o truth_n can_v make_v i_o afraid_a to_o trust_v it_o some_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n himself_o have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o our_o stead_n and_o that_o upon_o our_o faith_n his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o justification_n this_o i_o confess_v will_v cut_v the_o knot_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o untie_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o release_v i_o from_o punishment_n but_o from_o duty_n too_o but_o where_o have_v our_o lord_n or_o his_o apostle_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n indeed_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o save_v i_o from_o god_n angry_a justice_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v in_o my_o stead_n but_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o i_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o that_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o in_o my_o stead_n too_o nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o follow_v his_o example_n if_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o need_v not_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o other_o merit_n can_v and_o these_o man_n not_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o own_o invention_n
regard_n to_o each_o consideration_n under_o these_o several_a head_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a now_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v 1._o all_o that_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n which_o interpretation_n will_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deliver_v or_o to_o continue_v as_o we_o be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o our_o particular_a desire_n be_v to_o wish_v in_o the_o general_n what_o god_n see_v be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o we_o can_v utter_v in_o particular_a because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o that_o be_v but_o god_n know_v it_o and_o withal_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v whole_o dispose_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o choice_n and_o then_o he_o add_v and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v in_o particular_a what_o god_n will_v choose_v for_o we_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o whatever_o our_o lot_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o best_a so_o that_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o thus_o they_o take_v in_o the_o prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o adverse_a part_n of_o our_o life_n now_o because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n in_o prosperity_n which_o do_v often_o prove_v hurtful_a to_o man_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o his_o piety_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o harm_n which_o may_v come_v of_o a_o plentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a blessing_n but_o also_o make_v they_o true_o serviceable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o god_n will_v continue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o long_o as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o but_o then_o 2._o although_o this_o meaning_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v yet_o the_o principal_a sense_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o even_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o afraid_a of_o and_o will_v willing_o escape_v that_o be_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v under_o the_o trouble_v they_o endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o this_o meaning_n be_v chief_o intend_v so_o it_o represent_v a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v most_o desire_v for_o 1._o relief_n be_v needful_a only_o against_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n such_o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o here_o it_o be_v give_v the_o best_a man_n common_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n but_o we_o think_v that_o the_o prosperous_a part_n will_v take_v care_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o other_o only_o that_o call_v for_o assistance_n and_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o all_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o divine_a truth_n give_v security_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o security_n and_o administer_v ease_v and_o help_v in_o every_o case_n that_o require_v it_o and_o then_o 2._o because_o we_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a accident_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o misfortune_n to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v particular_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n make_v our_o comfort_n and_o security_n equal_a to_o our_o danger_n for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o can_v dismay_v we_o where_o without_o exception_n to_o any_o one_o provision_n be_v make_v against_a all_o where_o the_o remedy_n will_v not_o fail_v not_o only_o if_o any_o one_o but_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a and_o 3._o because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o grievous_a to_o every_o man_n because_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o tenderness_n in_o every_o part_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o one_o thing_n affect_v this_o man_n with_o more_o grief_n and_o smart_n and_o another_o be_v more_o sensible_o wound_v by_o other_o adversity_n therefore_o the_o consolation_n afford_v by_o this_o truth_n be_v still_o more_o desirable_a inasmuch_o as_o it_o bring_v remedy_n in_o this_o case_n also_o for_o where_o all_o evil_n be_v say_v the_o worst_a be_v not_o except_v and_o last_o because_o the_o affirmation_n be_v general_a it_o be_v a_o equal_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sorrow_n when_o it_o happen_v it_o suffer_v not_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n to_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o future_a and_o it_o supply_v we_o with_o hope_n and_o patience_n when_o evil_a be_v present_a so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rich_a promise_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n since_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v need_v comfort_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o to_o satisfy_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n whereby_o these_o evil_n of_o life_n produce_v good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o work_v together_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n for_o here_o be_v these_o two_o particular_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o these_o evil_n themselves_o to_o procure_v we_o some_o good_a 2._o that_o nevertheless_o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o effect_v it_o 1._o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o work_v for_o good_a not_o only_o that_o good_a be_v wrought_v out_o from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o work_v it_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o improper_a and_o unfit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n afflict_v any_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o suffer_v no_o nor_o do_v he_o afflict_v he_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o he_o nay_o not_o always_o so_o much_o as_o to_o show_v how_o by_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o can_v make_v thing_n produce_v effect_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o he_o do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v will_v natural_o lead_v towards_o a_o good_a end_n and_o we_o know_v it_o by_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o a_o uninterrupted_a prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v that_o which_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v bear_v as_o little_o as_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o for_o we_o than_o that_o mixture_n of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o mankind_n now_o therefore_o because_o in_o choose_v our_o condition_n god_n have_v still_o a_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o be_v for_o our_o good_a every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n under_o distress_n may_v not_o only_o conclude_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o be_v afflict_v but_o likewise_o in_o particular_a that_o that_o affliction_n which_o he_o be_v under_o be_v more_o for_o his_o good_a than_o another_o will_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o improvement_n and_o the_o procure_n of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o therefore_o also_o if_o more_o burden_n than_o one_o be_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o if_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o that_o none_o of_o