now_o he_o that_o be_v carry_v along_o in_o all_o his_o service_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a mover_n of_o he_o in_o all_o his_o performance_n then_o when_o ever_o that_o will_n be_v reveal_v let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v let_v it_o cross_v he_o never_o so_o much_o or_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o disposition_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v in_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v say_v act_n 3.22_o for_o moses_n true_o say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o like_v unto_o i_o he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o mark_v he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o that_o you_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n and_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o every_o performance_n then_o be_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v it_o cast_v the_o balance_n and_o command_v the_o soul_n willing_o to_o yield_v to_o what_o god_n require_v in_o every_o thing_n thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v thus_o much_o namely_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v so_o alone_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v that_o first_o of_o all_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v only_a and_o whole_o upon_o he_o for_o direction_n second_o that_o we_o must_v settle_v our_o heart_n and_o judgement_n upon_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o he_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o last_o that_o we_o must_v be_v move_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n because_o god_n require_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o our_o obedience_n be_v universal_a that_o we_o hear_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o a_o question_n may_v be_v here_o propound_v how_o shall_v a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n indeed_o happy_o may_v a_o carnal_a man_n say_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o immediate_o and_o his_o word_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o himself_o we_o will_v present_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o without_o any_o contradiction_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n therefore_o know_v when_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v know_v i_o answer_v brief_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o two_o way_n first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n ever_o have_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o word_n speak_v the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.2_o say_v that_o unto_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n what_o be_v those_o oracle_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o this_o everlasting_a truth_n this_o word_n of_o god_n right_o understand_v and_o true_o conceive_v always_o carry_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o saint_n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a 2_o pet._n 1.21_o say_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o penman_n thereof_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v or_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thereby_o intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o very_a breath_n as_o one_o may_v say_v of_o the_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o look_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v know_v to_o we_o god_n from_o heaven_n have_v speak_v it_o even_o as_o true_o and_o as_o real_o as_o though_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o immediate_o what_o the_o word_n say_v god_n himself_o say_v second_o whatsoever_o any_o faithful_a minister_n shall_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v also_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n the_o text_n be_v many_o that_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o touch_v but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 1â—_n 3_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n say_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o youward_n be_v not_o weak_a but_o be_v mighty_a in_o you_o imply_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o truth_n soever_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n christ_n himself_o speak_v in_o they_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v plain_a luke_n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n speak_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n himself_o speak_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v their_o ministry_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v require_v it_o even_o as_o if_o he_o himself_o shall_v speak_v from_o heaven_n and_o man_n shall_v reject_v his_o word_n the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n go_v and_o preach_v in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n to_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n 1_o pet._n 3.29_o to_o those_o people_n that_o be_v disobedient_a before_o the_o flood_n to_o who_o noah_n preach_v partly_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o direction_n christ_n himself_o speak_v even_o by_o that_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o quicken_v all_o thing_n so_o then_o the_o point_n be_v evident_a but_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v stoop_v to_o the_o voice_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n first_o he_o that_o alone_o have_v command_v over_o we_o and_o right_a to_o require_v service_n at_o our_o hand_n him_z only_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v now_o christ_n alone_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n eli_n join_v these_o together_o in_o his_o direction_n to_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 3_o 9_o thou_o shall_v say_v say_v he_o speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v if_o christ_n alone_o therefore_o be_v our_o lord_n who_o else_o shall_v we_o hear_v unto_o who_o else_o shall_v we_o attend_v and_o yield_v obedience_n second_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a look_v what_o counsel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v we_o may_v build_v upon_o it_o as_o for_o other_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o teach_v some_o negligent_a and_o idle_a and_o will_v not_o teach_v some_o corrupt_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o may_v infect_v we_o but_o christ_n be_v knowledge_n itself_o and_o truth_n itself_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v make_v know_v we_o may_v rest_v upon_o it_o and_o whatsoever_o course_n we_o take_v up_o upon_o his_o direction_n we_o may_v undoubted_o persuade_v our_o selut_n that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o we_o in_o the_o issue_n our_o saviour_n join_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o his_o exhortation_n mat._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n what_o then_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n that_o man_n give_v they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v give_v a_o man_n any_o rest_n but_o the_o counsel_n that_o i_o give_v and_o those_o direction_n that_o i_o reveal_v unto_o you_o out_o of_o my_o word_n what_o ever_o soul_n embrace_v they_o what_o ever_o heart_n entertain_v they_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o comfort_n to_o itself_o for_o ever_o let_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n speak_v will_v not_o sail_v we_o there_o be_v none_o that_o trust_v upon_o he_o that_o even_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a his_o counsel_n be_v seasonable_a and_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v bless_v of_o god_n three_o christ_n only_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v we_o man_n may_v teach_v the_o care_n but_o the_o lord_n only_o can_v frame_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o obedience_n that_o place_n luke_n 24.32.45_o be_v worth_a the_o remember_n verse_n 32._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n open_v to_o the_o disciple_n the_o scripture_n and_o verse_n 45._o that_o he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n man_n can_v only_o reveal_v truth_n to_o we_o but_o never_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o persuade_v our_o heart_n and_o put_v understanding_n into_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o open_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o he_o give_v we_o mind_n to_o know_v and_o heart_n to_o embrace_v
of_o it_o again_o it_o be_v constant_a not_o only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o for_o ever_o yea_o and_o there_o be_v a_o progress_n in_o it_o also_o sin_n still_o grow_v weak_a and_o the_o strength_n thereof_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o abate_v but_o where_o be_v not_o such_o progress_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o continuance_n in_o the_o deaths-wound_n of_o sin_n there_o the_o deaths-wound_n be_v never_o give_v to_o sin_n by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o howsoever_o christ_n do_v not_o kill_v the_o old_a man_n present_o yet_o he_o kill_v it_o cortain_o and_o when_o once_o the_o deaths-wound_n be_v give_v it_o can_v never_o be_v recover_v any_o more_o hereby_o you_o may_v try_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o you_o however_o you_o may_v find_v in_o yourselves_o all_o the_o part_n and_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n the_o several_a lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n rise_v and_o bubble_v up_o in_o you_o however_o some_o time_n particular_a corruption_n may_v have_v a_o very_a strong_a hand_n and_o put_v forth_o abundance_n of_o might_n in_o you_o to_o the_o master_v and_o captivate_v of_o you_o so_o that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o present_a sell_v under_o sin_n as_o the_o a_o postle_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o rom._n 7._o yet_o if_o there_o be_v this_o lessen_v and_o weaken_v of_o corruption_n and_o that_o universal_o and_o constant_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o you_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v i_o show_v you_o how_o you_o may_v know_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o will_v also_o help_v you_o the_o better_a to_o discover_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v both_o go_v together_o and_o the_o one_o help_n to_o manifest_v the_o other_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a effect_n of_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v these_o first_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o after_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n righteousness_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o always_o carry_v the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v up_o to_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v as_o the_o fire_n be_v heavenly_a do_v always_o move_v upward_o so_o righteousness_n because_o it_o be_v of_o god_n do_v always_o raise_v up_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v towards_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n psal_n 24._o and_o psal_n 27._o 8._o the_o psalmist_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n people_z that_o have_v no_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v describe_v rom._n 7_o to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n but_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n in_o himself_o god_n for_o himself_o god_n as_o he_o be_v accomplish_v with_o his_o holy_a excellency_n and_o admirable_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n god_n as_o he_o be_v take_v he_o altogether_o be_v always_o the_o aim_n and_o scope_n end_n and_o object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o that_o soul_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n so_o that_o when_o he_o pray_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o seek_v after_o god_n in_o all_o and_o as_o he_o seek_v after_o god_n so_o he_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o presence_n and_o fellowship_n of_o god_n those_o glorious_a inheritance_n which_o be_v god_n and_o be_v call_v his_o because_o they_o be_v with_o he_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o seek_v after_o that_o have_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o he_o second_o where_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v there_o be_v a_o sutableness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o agreement_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n i_o beteech_v you_o observe_v this_o the_o body_n of_o righteousness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o stamp_n of_o god_n law_n there_o be_v a_o proportion_n and_o conformity_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o therefore_o in_o whosoever_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o sutableness_n of_o disposition_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v much_o antipathy_n and_o deformity_n and_o unlikeness_n and_o disagreement_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v something_o within_o that_o soul_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a branch_n nor_o part_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v find_v a_o principle_n to_o which_o it_o be_v suit_v and_o agreeable_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o they_o that_o have_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o and_o this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o of_o write_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o very_a law_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o have_v a_o stamp_n and_o impression_n and_o a_o resemblance_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o they_o that_o have_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n this_o the_o apostle_n large_o express_v in_o that_o seven_o of_o the_o roman_n from_o the_o 15._o verse_n and_o so_o forward_o i_o consent_v say_v he_o to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a they_o that_o have_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n they_o do_v not_o only_o find_v a_o truth_n and_o a_o justice_n in_o god_n law_n but_o they_o do_v find_v a_o goodness_n a_o loveliness_n in_o god_n law_n there_o be_v a_o sutableness_n and_o a_o agreement_n between_o their_o spirit_n and_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o some_o but_o in_o all_o particular_n those_o branch_n of_o god_n law_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o their_o custom_n and_o natural_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n they_o see_v they_o good_a they_o behold_v they_o amiable_a they_o find_v a_o disposition_n in_o their_o soul_n suitable_a and_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o david_n psal_n 119.6_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n there_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n the_o three_o effect_n of_o this_o life_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o discern_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o want_n of_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v the_o very_a cause_n why_o people_n do_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n many_o people_n do_v see_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n that_o come_v for_o sin_n but_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n take_v sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o unlikeness_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n and_o a_o go_v beside_o a_o swerve_v from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o evil_n in_o sin_n thus_o but_o now_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v sin_v itself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a because_o that_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o man_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o cause_v that_o soul_n in_o which_o it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o apprehend_v the_o evil_n of_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n in_o a_o word_n they_o that_o have_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o they_o do_v in_o their_o heart_n apprehend_v sin_n to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o most_o bitter_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n or_o a_o small_a sin_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a sin_n or_o a_o public_a sin_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n however_o sin_n may_v differ_v yet_o they_o apprehend_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o bitterness_n to_o be_v in_o all_o sin_n thereupon_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o true_o though_o not_o as_o strong_o shy_a of_o the_o least_o sin_n as_o of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o secret_a sin_n as_o of_o the_o most_o public_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n you_o have_v saint_n paul_n for_o this_o rom._n 7.24_o oh_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n the_o
title_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o church_n let_v we_o try_v a_o few_o and_o first_o this_o fall_v marvellous_a heavy_a upon_o and_o cast_v out_o all_o ignorant_a person_n that_o be_v never_o enlighten_v never_o quicken_v never_o have_v their_o mind_n inform_v touch_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n alas_o they_o know_v not_o what_o faith_n mean_v and_o what_o christ_n mean_v and_o how_o can_v these_o walk_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n when_o they_o never_o see_v the_o way_n of_o abraham_n but_o let_v they_o go_v my_o heart_n pity_v they_o i_o rather_o choose_v to_o grapple_v with_o those_o that_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o better_a estate_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o first_o of_o this_o rank_n be_v profane_a person_n those_o that_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n in_o sabbath-breaking_a swear_v drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o the_o like_a the_o case_n of_o such_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n that_o they_o hate_v purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o as_o for_o these_o if_o any_o such_o be_v here_o let_v they_o not_o be_v deceive_v but_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o faith_n as_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n what_o they_o may_v be_v i_o know_v not_o i_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o wish_v they_o a_o sight_n and_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o that_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n wherein_o they_o be_v but_o as_o yet_o i_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n who_o son_n be_v they_o then_o my_o brethren_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v not_o man_n will_v not_o bear_v these_o word_n from_o we_o but_o think_v that_o we_o go_v beyond_o our_o commission_n for_o my_o own_o part_n my_o soul_n tremble_v to_o think_v of_o they_o their_o case_n be_v so_o fearful_a the_o lord_n therefore_o shall_v speak_v and_o i_o will_v say_v nothing_o look_v into_o john_n 8._o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o begin_v to_o quarrel_v with_o he_o and_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o say_v many_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v catch_v he_o in_o his_o speech_n oppose_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o labour_v to_o suppress_v his_o doctrine_n mark_v how_o christ_n reason_v there_o i_o do_v say_v he_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n you_o do_v the_o deed_n of_o your_o father_n but_o say_v they_o abraham_n be_v our_o father_n and_o again_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o fornication_n we_o have_v one_o father_n even_o god_n but_o mark_v our_o saviour_n answer_n verse_n 44._o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v thus_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n great_a man_n of_o place_n and_o of_o great_a ability_n you_o of_o your_o father_n abraham_n no_o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n my_o brethren_n i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o offend_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v that_o man_n that_o date_n contradict_v his_o word_n the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v it_o good_a upon_o his_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n his_o lust_n say_v christ_n you_o do_v what_o be_v those_o he_o be_v a_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n so_o be_v these_o he_o cry_v out_o against_o and_o oppose_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n so_o do_v these_o man_n exclaim_v against_o the_o niceness_n and_o preciseness_n of_o christian_n and_o blame_v those_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o sincere_a the_o devil_n continue_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n no_o more_o do_v these_o they_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o truth_n they_o stoop_v not_o to_o it_o they_o yield_v not_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n so_o these_o man_n be_v content_v to_o lie_v shameful_o of_o their_o brethren_n to_o broach_v scandalous_a thing_n of_o those_o that_o they_o know_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o sincere_a in_o a_o word_n the_o devil_n be_v malicious_a and_o envious_a so_o be_v all_o these_o profane_a one_o desperate_a unreasonable_a creature_n that_o cast_v off_o god_n command_n that_o neglect_v the_o ordinance_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o hate_v the_o sincerity_n and_o power_n of_o relgion_n that_o envy_n and_o malign_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o godliness_n if_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v incarnate_a he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o sure_o if_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o child_n like_o the_o father_n these_o be_v like_o he_o i_o will_v say_v nothing_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v to_o your_o conscience_n yea_o but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n know_v who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o can_v you_o discern_v they_o i_o say_v nothing_o but_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o how_o you_o may_v discern_v they_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o go_v invisible_a but_o may_v be_v know_v and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v you_o 1_o joh._n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n mark_v that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n neither_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n i_o observe_v three_o thing_n in_o this_o text_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v child_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v know_v they_o the_o text_n say_v so_o plain_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o word_n consult_v i_o beseech_v you_o with_o the_o place_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 3._o how_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o that_o work_v not_o righteousness_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n he_o that_o work_v not_o righteousness_n that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o content_v constant_o to_o take_v up_o a_o christian_a course_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n to_o live_v in_o all_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n that_o be_v he_o that_o hate_v holiness_n where_o he_o see_v it_o that_o hate_v a_o good_a man_n and_o one_o that_o be_v sincere_a who_o colour_n rise_v at_o such_o a_o one_o where_o ever_o he_o meet_v he_o who_o can_v brook_v a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o swearer_n or_o a_o adulterer_n but_o can_v endure_v a_o righteous_a man_n a_o holy_a man_n one_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o this_o congregation_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o what_o i_o speak_v be_v not_o my_o own_o and_o i_o profesle_v that_o what_o i_o say_v be_v not_o out_o of_o passion_n or_o a_o desire_n to_o slander_v any_o but_o the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v you_o therefore_o that_o be_v give_v to_o these_o sin_n and_o be_v walk_v in_o this_o way_n of_o death_n consider_v and_o bethink_v yourselves_o and_o say_v to_o yourselves_o oh_o lord_n how_o near_o do_v this_o i_o have_v hear_v this_o day_n concern_v i_o alas_o i_o think_v not_o of_o this_o before_o i_o be_o one_o that_o never_o be_v a_o worker_n of_o righteousness_n in_o all_o my_o life_n i_o be_o one_o that_o have_v hate_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o have_v scorn_v and_o loathe_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v it_o christ_n have_v speak_v it_o his_o word_n have_v speak_v it_o that_o i_o be_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n alas_o it_o be_v too_o too_o manifest_a to_o myself_o that_o such_o a_o one_o i_o be_o and_o god_n know_v it_o much_o more_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v now_o i_o pray_v thou_o go_v thy_o way_n home_o break_v off_o thy_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o labour_n to_o make_v thy_o peace_n with_o god_n forthwith_o and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o make_v you_o his_o child_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o have_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o 2._o let_v i_o
careful_a fear_n the_o lord_n do_v keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o fall_v and_o another_o end_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n the_o world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v curse_v and_o hate_v of_o god_n and_o intend_v to_o damnation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n hate_v and_o abhor_v and_o have_v appoint_v to_o wrath_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o hate_n god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o occasion_n whereby_o they_o may_v reproach_n god_n and_o religion_n and_o may_v harden_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_v of_o religion_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o desperate_a wretch_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v it_o that_o in_o all_o age_n some_o professor_n shall_v fall_v scandalous_o that_o they_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v their_o heart_n harden_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v have_v they_o harden_v with_o a_o vengeance_n that_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v run_v in_o a_o way_n and_o another_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v he_o fall_v cast_v some_o stone_n or_o block_n before_o he_o that_o may_v make_v he_o stumble_v and_o fall_v even_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v man_n desperate_o cavil_v against_o religion_n study_v how_o to_o harden_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v his_o own_o child_n sometime_o to_o fall_v though_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o common_a but_o ordinary_o hypocrite_n to_o fall_v and_o lie_v in_o their_o way_n as_o stone_n that_o they_o may_v stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o perish_v for_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o they_o that_o take_v scandal_n all_o profane_a one_o that_o will_v stumble_v at_o religion_n and_o reproach_n professor_n and_o profession_n because_o of_o scandal_n there_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o they_o and_o what_o woe_n even_o this_o that_o those_o scandal_n be_v as_o so_o many_o stone_n tumble_v in_o the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o 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to_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o use_v you_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o be_v this_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v be_v one_o fall_v take_v heed_n thou_o do_v not_o fall_v also_o and_o to_o the_o end_n thou_o do_v not_o fall_v have_v a_o care_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v thyself_o look_v to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o sure_a stand_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o make_v use_n of_o this_o looking-glass_n take_v this_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o it_o try_v yourselves_o if_o you_o be_v right_a christ_n be_v in_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o there_o be_v a_o death_n or_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n in_o a_o word_n and_o that_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o terror_n be_v it_o so_o that_o those_o that_o have_v christ_n in_o they_o have_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n then_o here_o be_v comfort_n to_o some_o of_o you_o and_o terror_n to_o other_o of_o you_o comfort_n to_o all_o such_o of_o you_o as_o find_v in_o yourselves_o this_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o life_n of_o righteousness_n do_v thou_o find_v that_o there_o be_v this_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o this_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o oh_o then_o be_v comfort_v for_o thou_o have_v christ_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o be_v certain_o in_o christ_n god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o thou_o thy_o person_n be_v justify_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o thy_o soul_n must_v be_v everlasting_o save_v therefore_o be_v thou_o comfort_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o as_o there_o be_v in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o so_o full_a a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o as_o there_o be_v in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o if_o there_o be_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n christ_n be_v in_o thou_o though_o thou_o come_v short_a of_o that_o death_n and_o life_n that_o be_v in_o other_o i_o pray_v be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o true_o in_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n as_o in_o that_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v and_o grow_v to_o some_o strength_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o true_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o sickly_a man_n as_o in_o a_o strong_a and_o lusty_a man_n be_v not_o the_o life_n and_o sap_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o a_o plant_n that_o be_v true_o ingraft_v though_o but_o new_o and_o stand_v in_o a_o manner_n loose_a and_o scarce_o bud_v or_o blossome_v be_v it_o not_o as_o true_o in_o that_o graft_n as_o in_o a_o graft_n that_o be_v grow_v strong_a and_o have_v bear_v much_o fruit_n even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o thou_o and_o therefore_o be_v comfort_v i_o desire_v to_o joy_n and_o glad_a your_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n in_o you_o and_o i_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o better_a subject_n to_o pitch_v upon_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o comfort_n because_o i_o know_v this_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o your_o discomfort_n a_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o not_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o show_v you_o your_o face_n in_o this_o looking-glass_n if_o then_o you_o find_v in_o you_o a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o minister_n from_o the_o scripture_n do_v open_a to_o you_o clear_a sign_n and_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o your_o estate_n if_o you_o put_v away_o comfort_n then_o you_o put_v away_o comfort_n when_o god_n speak_v to_o you_o you_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v you_o you_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o word_n therefore_o take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v if_o by_o these_o sign_n or_o any_o such_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o find_v your_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a know_v then_o and_o assure_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o a_o man_n can_v try_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o minister_n can_v try_v other_o man_n heart_n none_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v only_o able_a to_o know_v the_o heart_n none_o but_o the_o king_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o man_n that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n you_o may_v pass_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v let_v in_o to_o the_o feast_n yet_o notwithstanding_o though_o neither_o man_n himself_o nor_o minister_n be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o heart_n yet_o this_o i_o confident_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n himself_o and_o a_o minister_n also_o may_v know_v and_o try_v the_o heart_n of_o people_n if_o so_o be_v they_o deal_v faithful_o and_o plain_o with_o he_o though_o no_o man_n can_v discover_v the_o secret_a wind_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v this_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o lay_v down_o infallible_a sign_n whereby_o people_n may_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v lay_v down_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v those_o sign_n or_o no_o therefore_o if_o people_n will_v in_o the_o humility_n of_o their_o soul_n naked_o so_o far_o as_o they_o know_v their_o own_o
to_o do_v all_o he_o command_v yet_o this_o shut_v not_o out_o their_o endeavour_n his_o promise_n of_o enable_v they_o be_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o they_o do_v endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n he_o shall_v appoint_v they_o the_o lord_n in_o promise_v do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v idle_a and_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v all_o but_o his_o promise_a include_v their_o endeavour_v and_o upon_o their_o endeavour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v very_o express_v in_o that_o same_o of_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 36._o verse_n 27._o and_o verse_n 37._o lay_v together_o in_o verse_n 27._o there_o be_v a_o promise_n to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o but_o in_o verse_n 37._o he_o come_v in_o with_o this_o caution_n which_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o enable_v you_o to_o all_o thing_n i_o have_v command_v you_o but_o yet_o know_v though_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v all_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o without_o your_o endeavour_n you_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n whereof_o prayer_n be_v one_o and_o upon_o your_o use_v the_o mean_n i_o promise_v then_o to_o help_v you_o if_o people_n he_o still_o and_o will_v not_o up_o and_o be_v do_v god_n will_v not_o be_v with_o they_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o david_n to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28._o up_o say_v he_o and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o thou_o imply_v thus_o much_o that_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v yet_o god_n will_v not_o be_v with_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o any_o performance_n except_o we_o also_o be_v up_o and_o be_v do_v this_o therefore_o be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o lazy_a christian_n that_o rest_n themselves_o upon_o this_o that_o when_o god_n will_v have_v they_o do_v it_o he_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o do_v not_o to_o their_o uttermost_a endeavour_n themselves_o these_o be_v such_o to_o who_o god_n will_v perform_v none_o of_o these_o promise_n well_o now_o this_o caution_n be_v add_v let_v we_o come_v brief_o to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n and_o the_o first_o use_v it_o be_v to_o show_v we_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 5.3_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a here_o be_v a_o paradox_n what_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n not_o grievous_a this_o the_o world_n can_v believe_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v not_o grievous_a be_v because_o of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n for_o who_o we_o love_v none_o of_o his_o commandment_n can_v be_v grievous_a to_o we_o but_o this_o doctrine_n show_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o upon_o another_o ground_n be_v any_o of_o god_n commandment_n grievous_a when_o god_n command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o acceptance_n so_o we_o will_v endeavour_v ourselves_o indeed_o i_o grant_v that_o god_n commandment_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o obey_v nothing_o hard_a to_o corrupt_v infirm_a nature_n than_o god_n command_n but_o yet_o see_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o every_o commandment_n so_o we_o will_v do_v our_o endeavour_n what_o grievousnesse_n or_o what_o unreasonableness_n be_v there_o in_o the_o commandment_n you_o may_v conceive_v it_o by_o this_o similitude_n a_o king_n come_v to_o one_o of_o his_o subject_n that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o worth_a a_o thousand_o pound_n and_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o pay_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n but_o withal_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o go_v to_o his_o exchequer_n and_o take_v it_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sum_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o man_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a command_n but_o if_o you_o consider_v this_o qualification_n that_o the_o king_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v he_o sufficient_a to_o pay_v it_o there_o be_v no_o grievousnesse_n in_o it_o thus_o be_v it_o in_o all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o child_n god_n command_v we_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n bid_v we_o do_v what_o be_v above_o the_o ability_n of_o nature_n but_o withal_o promise_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o do_v they_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o grievousnesse_n in_o the_o command_v god_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n as_o joab_n deal_v with_o david_n 2_o sam._n 12.26_o 27_o 28._o joab_n he_o besiege_a rabbah_n and_o when_o he_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n take_v it_o he_o send_v a_o messenger_n to_o david_n to_o bid_v he_o come_v and_o take_v it_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n joab_n have_v run_v through_o the_o difficulty_n he_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n do_v the_o work_n but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v david_n when_o joab_n have_v do_v the_o great_a he_o bid_v david_n come_v and_o do_v it_o even_o thus_o it_o be_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o work_v all_o our_o work_n for_o we_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n he_o make_v it_o very_o easy_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o reward_n thereof_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v it_o for_o we_o he_o bid_v we_o come_v and_o do_v it_o he_o put_v the_o honour_n upon_o we_o but_o the_o power_n that_o do_v it_o be_v his_o own_o there_o be_v no_o grievousnesse_n in_o any_o of_o god_n command_n oh_o my_o brethren_n believe_v this_o that_o you_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o put_v your_o neck_n into_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n come_v unto_o i_o say_v he_o in_o mat._n 11.28_o and_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n light_n be_v not_o this_o true_a that_o god_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o do_v no_o more_o than_o he_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o do_v stand_v not_o out_o against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o subject_v yourselves_o to_o his_o commandment_n because_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n tell_v you_o they_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o great_a for_o you_o to_o bear_v i_o tell_v you_o they_o be_v easy_a there_o be_v no_o more_o command_v than_o strength_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o obey_v here_o be_v the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v to_o show_v we_o how_o exceed_v unexcusable_a all_o the_o defect_n and_o disobedience_n of_o god_n people_n be_v for_o why_o there_o be_v nothing_o command_v they_o but_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o do_v it_o if_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n whole_o their_o own_o god_n have_v command_v his_o child_n great_a thing_n but_o yet_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o help_v they_o to_o do_v it_o all_o if_o therefore_o god_n child_n do_v not_o do_v it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n they_o and_o what_o can_v they_o say_v for_o themselves_o thou_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v thy_o lust_n thou_o be_v command_v to_o deny_v thyself_o thou_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v thyself_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n thou_o be_v command_v to_o have_v thy_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o abundance_n of_o such_o command_n thou_o do_v none_o of_o these_o what_o can_v thou_o plead_v for_o thyself_o what_o excuse_n have_v thou_o to_o make_v to_o excuse_v thou_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o these_o sin_n all_o that_o thou_o cause_v say_v be_v this_o i_o be_o flesh_n and_o these_o commandment_n be_v spiritual_a i_o be_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v i_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n they_o be_v too_o great_a thing_n for_o so_o sinful_a a_o creature_n as_o i_o be_o to_o do_v true_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v they_o to_o great_a for_o god_n to_o do_v be_v not_o god_n able_a to_o make_v thou_o able_a to_o do_v they_o have_v not_o god_n promise_v
every_o soul_n that_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o discharge_v this_o duty_n first_o of_o all_o we_o be_v then_o say_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o we_o first_o seek_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v whole_o and_o only_o upon_o he_o for_o direction_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o we_o may_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n and_o help_n that_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o put_v in_o our_o hand_n but_o this_o i_o say_v howsoever_o we_o may_v use_v other_o mean_n yet_o we_o must_v depend_v upon_o no_o other_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o of_o all_o have_v recourse_n unto_o he_o and_o withal_o resolve_v that_o he_o only_o shall_v cast_v the_o scale_n that_o his_o direction_n shall_v only_o stand_v with_o we_o in_o whatsoever_o case_n it_o be_v we_o desire_v counsel_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v indeed_o to_o depend_v upon_o christ_n for_o direction_n when_o it_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o kind_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o he_o and_o also_o a_o all-sufficiency_n to_o direct_v a_o man_n so_o that_o howsoever_o we_o sometime_o hear_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o and_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o private_a friend_n yet_o we_o ever_o use_v they_o but_o as_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n unto_o we_o and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o variety_n of_o judgement_n in_o many_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o among_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n yet_o in_o all_o point_n that_o which_o main_o cast_v the_o scale_n with_o we_o be_v not_o the_o learning_n or_o holiness_n of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n but_o the_o so_o veraignty_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o say_v what_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v this_o be_v the_o depend_v of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n you_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o this_o course_n be_v ever_o take_v up_o by_o the_o saint_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n how_o they_o have_v always_o recourse_n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o make_v their_o repair_n to_o his_o mouth_n we_o may_v read_v how_o often_o david_n do_v this_o 1_o sam._n 23._o when_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o much_o question_n and_o he_o in_o a_o great_a straight_o and_o every_o one_o give_v in_o their_o several_a opinion_n he_o go_v and_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n say_v shall_v i_o go_v and_o smite_v these_o philistine_n verse_n 2._o and_o when_o the_o lord_n bid_v he_o go_v and_o his_o follower_n be_v utter_o against_o it_o he_o inquire_v yet_o again_o verse_n 4._o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n bear_v the_o sway_n with_o he_o though_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o seem_v the_o worse_a so_o again_o verse_n 11._o will_v the_o man_n of_o keilah_n deliver_v i_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n will_v saul_n come_v down_o etc._n etc._n so_o psal_n 85._o when_o he_o have_v long_o plead_v with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o extremity_n see_v whither_o he_o have_v recourse_n at_o the_o last_o and_o upon_o what_o he_o settle_v himself_o verse_n 8._o he_o resolve_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o eye_n mean_n nor_o look_v upon_o any_o man_n opinion_n but_o i_o will_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v my_o brethren_n this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v take_v if_o ever_o we_o purpose_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n we_o must_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n have_v recourse_n to_o he_o and_o labour_n to_o captivate_v our_o judgement_n to_o that_o truth_n that_o shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o from_o he_o as_o know_v all_o other_o direction_n be_v good_a only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v square_v by_o that_o standard_n look_v as_o man_n do_v in_o their_o law_n matter_n if_o one_o have_v a_o suit_n depend_v in_o a_o inferior_a court_n and_o can_v meet_v with_o satisfaction_n there_o according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o cause_n he_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a court_n and_o there_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o chief_n judge_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v with_o we_o in_o all_o spiritual_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n we_o must_v appeal_v from_o the_o conceit_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o be_v gross_o mistake_v and_o the_o contrary_a profess_a and_o maintain_v in_o popery_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o at_o this_o time_n this_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n so_o to_o repair_v to_o christ_n as_o whole_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o direction_n but_o mark_v this_o we_o must_v repair_v to_o he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o not_o suffer_v our_o judgement_n to_o be_v forestall_v with_o former_a counsel_n but_o first_o while_o the_o mind_n lie_v equal_o and_o indifferent_o dispose_v then_o set_v the_o word_n step_v in_o then_o let_v we_o repair_v to_o christ_n for_o guidance_n in_o the_o cause_n the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o effectual_a passage_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o world_n may_v easy_o observe_v it_o for_o look_v what_o point_v man_n have_v drink_v in_o or_o what_o custom_n they_o have_v entertain_v they_o keep_v and_o retain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o speak_v against_o they_o their_o heart_n be_v forestall_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o possess_v with_o other_o principle_n or_o carnal_a custom_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v no_o place_n in_o they_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o as_o the_o soul_n must_v first_o seek_v unto_o christ_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o direction_n so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o heart_n must_v settle_v itself_o upon_o the_o truth_n reveal_v and_o quiet_a itself_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o direction_n that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o it_o we_o must_v not_o listen_v and_o hearken_v to_o any_o of_o those_o delusion_n and_o silly_a devise_n wherewith_o satan_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o instrument_n labour_v to_o draw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n but_o our_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v the_o counfall_v of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n and_o stand_v there_o settle_v there_o let_v heaven_n and_o earth_n move_v but_o stir_v not_o a_o foot_n from_o that_o truth_n god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n in_o that_o good_a prophet_n 1_o king_n 13._o to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o he_o suffer_v for_o it_o he_o be_v send_v on_o a_o message_n against_o jeroboam_n and_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n and_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o to_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_v water_n in_o that_o place_n nor_o turn_v again_o by_o the_o same_o way_n that_o he_o come_v and_o according_o he_o refuse_v divers_a offer_n and_o withstand_v sundry_a persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o at_o length_n there_o come_v a_o old_a prophet_n to_o he_o as_o subtle_a as_o ancient_a and_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o return_v back_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o refresh_v himself_o and_o he_o plead_v i_o be_o a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o and_o a_o angel_n speak_v unto_o i_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o charge_v i_o to_o reveal_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v come_v home_o with_o i_o though_o with_o no_o body_n else_o hereupon_o the_o young_a prophet_n yield_v to_o he_o and_o go_v back_o with_o he_o and_o eat_v bread_n in_o his_o house_n and_o drink_v water_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n fly_v he_o my_o brethren_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o plain_a 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hearken_v to_o any_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_a though_o they_o be_v back_v with_o never_o so_o many_o show_v of_o religion_n or_o learning_n but_o a_o question_n here_o may_v be_v demand_v shall_v not_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o hear_v better_a counsel_n happy_o then_o his_o own_o must_v he_o hear_v nothing_o at_o all_o against_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o practice_v as_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a truth_n and_o which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o those_o teacher_n he_o have_v depend_v upon_o who_o know_v not_o that_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v and_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o embrace_v error_n instead_o of_o truth_n my_o brethren_n by_o the_o cunning_a subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy_n this_o conceit_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o heretic_n that_o look_v what_o they_o once_o drink_v in_o they_o must_v ever_o retain_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n and_o never_o think_v of_o 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god_n will_v but_o his_o own_o many_o a_o man_n come_v to_o church_n and_o there_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o remember_v and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v have_v he_o do_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o at_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o go_v to_o church_n because_o god_n require_v it_o but_o partly_o either_o because_o custom_n or_o shame_n or_o the_o law_n or_o somewhat_o else_o force_v he_o to_o it_o here_o therefore_o be_v the_o main_a pitch_n of_o our_o obedience_n not_o alone_o to_o perform_v what_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n but_o to_o let_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o service_n he_o call_v for_o at_o our_o hand_n to_o do_v what_o we_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o because_o he_o require_v it_o our_o saviour_n christ_n put_v these_o together_o in_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n luke_n 22.42_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a say_v he_o remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v but_o he_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o it_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o carrier_n and_o mover_n of_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v it_o be_v not_o my_o will_n that_o move_v i_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o my_o pleasure_n that_o provoke_v i_o to_o this_o service_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n requisite_a in_o our_o manner_n of_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n only_o let_v i_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o hence_o it_o follow_v clear_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o god_n require_v it_o will_v obey_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v obey_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o hard_a command_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o easy_a in_o that_o which_o most_o cross_v his_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o suitable_a thereunto_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o christian_a constant_a in_o his_o walk_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n he_o meet_v withal_o when_o as_o other_o be_v fain_o to_o balk_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o perform_v for_o my_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n only_o take_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o matter_n in_o religion_n as_o suit_v with_o his_o own_o humour_n or_o ease_n or_o profit_n or_o the_o like_a when_o those_o fail_n his_o performance_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d fail_v also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o carry_v he_o along_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o these_o outward_a and_o carnal_a consideration_n when_o they_o be_v go_v his_o service_n of_o god_n be_v go_v also_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o many_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o give_v we_o the_o hear_n they_o will_v come_v to_o church_n and_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o will_v take_v up_o no_o more_o they_o will_v be_v tie_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o no_o duty_n further_o than_o it_o stand_v with_o their_o own_o occasion_n and_o suit_v with_o their_o own_o sinful_a disposition_n but_o
hear_v you_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o tremble_v the_o lord_n at_o that_o day_n will_v not_o only_o neglect_v a_o man_n that_o have_v neglect_v he_o but_o he_o will_v also_o rejoice_v at_o his_o destruction_n and_o laugh_v when_o his_o fear_n come_v mark_v what_o the_o text_n say_v and_o remember_v it_o for_o ever_o prov._n 1.24_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n be_v this_o that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n the_o god_n of_o mercy_n shall_v solace_v himself_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o such_o rebellious_a wretch_n as_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o embrace_v his_o bless_a truth_n when_o he_o deliver_v and_o manifest_v it_o to_o they_o when_o christ_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v that_o drunkard_n that_o will_v not_o part_v with_o his_o cup_n for_o all_o my_o persuasion_n and_o entreaty_n this_o be_v that_o adulterer_n that_o will_v not_o part_v with_o his_o lust_n notwithstanding_o all_o my_o call_n upon_o he_o and_o reprove_v of_o he_o here_o be_v a_o man_n that_o love_v his_o ease_n his_o pleasure_n his_o comfort_n his_o worldly_a contentment_n more_o than_o i_o here_o stand_v he_o that_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o carnal_a friend_n and_o wicked_a companion_n and_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n oh_o my_o brethren_n then_o shall_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n sink_v these_o down_o to_o the_o everlasting_a pit_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o ever_o i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o i_o beseech_v you_o hear_v i_o now_o that_o god_n may_v hear_v you_o at_o that_o day_n you_o will_v have_v need_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o of_o mercy_n then_o the_o soul_n belong_v for_o nothing_o in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n but_o pity_n and_o pardon_n o_o make_v christ_n your_o friend_n now_o hear_v he_o now_o obey_v he_o now_o receive_v he_o now_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o you_o for_o ever_o if_o now_o the_o command_n of_o god_n can_v carry_v you_o nor_o these_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v draw_v you_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o this_o truth_n yet_o remember_v that_o passage_n deut._n 5.27_o 29._o with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o i_o think_v if_o you_o have_v any_o good_a nature_n in_o you_o it_o shall_v work_v much_o upon_o you_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v say_v unto_o moses_n after_o they_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v unto_o they_o out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n go_v thou_o near_o and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v and_o speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o text_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o word_n the_o lord_n say_v i_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o people_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v unto_o thou_o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v oh_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o ever_o mark_v my_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o request_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o heart_n in_o you_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v that_o so_o you_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o oh_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n can_v prevail_v with_o you_o yet_o let_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n beg_v so_o much_o of_o you_o you_o may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v desire_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v true_a he_o desire_v it_o hearty_o and_o he_o will_v be_v exceed_o please_v if_o you_o satisfy_v his_o desire_n well_o now_o see_v it_o be_v the_o great_a request_n that_o the_o lord_n by_o i_o have_v make_v unto_o you_o ask_v your_o own_o soul_n common_a with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o answer_v i_o shall_v return_v to_o the_o lord_n shall_v i_o say_v you_o will_v not_o hear_v my_o brethren_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o tedious_a thing_n for_o a_o poor_a minister_n to_o give_v up_o such_o a_o answer_n unto_o god_n i_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v this_o answer_n from_o you_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o answer_v again_o tell_v i_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v speak_v comfortable_o as_o they_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v that_o will_v we_o hear_v and_o do_v if_o so_o then_o let_v i_o conclude_v with_o the_o answer_n of_o god_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o you_o and_o that_o you_o will_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o you_o for_o ever_o finis_fw-la the_o activity_n of_o faith_n or_o abraham_n imitator_n by_o that_o reverend_n divine_a thomas_n hooker_n late_a preacher_n in_o new_a england_n jam_z 2.17_o even_o so_o faith_n if_o it_o have_v not_o work_n be_v dead_a be_v alone_o london_n print_v by_o g._n d._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o marigold_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o the_o activity_n of_o faith_n or_o abraham_n imitator_n sermon_n v._n rom_n 4.12_o and_o the_o father_n of_o circumcision_n to_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o circumcision_n only_o but_o also_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n which_o he_o have_v be_v yet_o uncircumcised_a the_o bless_a apostle_n saint_n paul_n from_o the_o 20._o verse_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o end_n dispute_v that_o great_a question_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o after_o many_o argument_n allege_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n and_o not_o by_o work_n he_o conclude_v in_o the_o 28._o verse_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n have_v dispatch_v this_o and_o settle_v his_o assertion_n by_o strength_n of_o argument_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n wherein_o my_o text_n be_v he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o truth_n yet_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a by_o way_n of_o example_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o set_v it_o forth_o in_o the_o lively_a colour_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o abraham_n give_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o example_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a a_o father_n not_o by_o natural_a generation_n but_o by_o imitation_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v the_o copy_n to_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o succeed_a age_n that_o as_o he_o believe_v and_o by_o faith_n be_v save_v so_o they_o that_o do_v expect_v to_o receive_v salvation_n must_v walk_v in_o 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be_v justify_v therefore_o they_o that_o be_v uncircumcised_a may_v believe_v and_o be_v also_o justify_v abraham_n when_o he_o do_v believe_v be_v circumcise_v and_o that_o hinder_v not_o so_o those_o that_o be_v circumcise_v may_v believe_v and_o be_v justify_v that_o be_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n have_v both_o liberty_n to_o come_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o also_o to_o be_v happy_a by_o that_o covenant_n as_o abraham_n be_v in_o the_o word_n therefore_o you_o have_v a_o application_n of_o the_o former_a pattern_n to_o the_o particular_a use_n of_o every_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o look_v what_o good_a abraham_n
and_o his_o truth_n in_o profane_v his_o day_n blaspheme_v his_o name_n contemn_v his_o word_n despise_v his_o minister_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o present_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o what_o will_v you_o make_v pagan_n of_o we_o what_o do_v you_o think_v we_o be_v heathen_n have_v we_o not_o receive_v christian_a baptism_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o bottom_n that_o bear_v up_o many_o but_o oh_o poor_a silly_a creature_n this_o will_v not_o do_v it_o be_v not_o deceive_v you_o will_v shrink_v under_o this_o shelter_n you_o will_v fall_v notwithstanding_o these_o prop_n when_o you_o come_v to_o trial_n you_o may_v have_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o perish_v this_o will_v not_o make_v you_o saint_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n you_o that_o be_v tradesman_n be_v it_o a_o good_a argument_n that_o because_o have_v good_a ware_n in_o your_o shop_n therefore_o you_o have_v no_o refuse_n no_o drug_n commodity_n or_o you_o that_o be_v husbandman_n because_o some_o good_a corn_n grow_v upon_o 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thy_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o thy_o ear_n to_o listen_v to_o the_o word_n think_v with_o thyself_o i_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o o_o heart_n what_o say_v thou_o have_v i_o embrace_v these_o promise_n have_v i_o close_v with_o those_o precept_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v have_v i_o eat_v christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n have_v my_o faith_n pitch_v on_o he_o exhibit_v there_o under_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n how_o often_o have_v i_o already_o live_v under_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v reject_v it_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o yet_o humble_v i_o only_o come_v and_o hear_v and_o return_v without_o any_o benefit_n therefore_o now_o i_o will_v go_v further_o and_o dig_v deep_o that_o my_o heart_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n mark_n what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n faith_n joh._n 6_o 49_o provoke_v the_o jew_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o to_o receive_v mercy_n by_o he_o he_o speak_v on_o this_o manner_n force_v they_o to_o go_v further_o than_o outward_a thing_n your_o father_n say_v he_o eat_v manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o be_v dead_a who_o be_v those_o father_n those_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a jew_n that_o fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o enter_v not_o because_o of_o unbelief_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n now_o christ_n say_v your_o father_n eat_v manna_n and_o be_v dead_a he_o mean_v be_v damn_v for_o he_o say_v afterward_o verse_n 51._o if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o thereby_o show_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o faithful_a and_o unbeliever_n though_o both_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n i_o say_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v your_o father_n eat_v manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o type_n and_o a_o sacrament_n indeed_o to_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o but_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o deed_n though_o the_o manna_n come_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n it_o can_v not_o free_v they_o from_o eternal_a death_n but_o here_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o believe_a and_o of_o right_a receive_n he_o that_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v bread_n but_o christ_n he_o that_o eat_v this_o food_n this_o bread_n he_o shall_v never_o die_v any_o more_o he_o can_v perish_v labour_v therefore_o for_o this_o evermore_o as_o when_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n hear_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o live_a water_n that_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o she_o cry_v out_o present_o oh_o sir_n give_v i_o of_o this_o water_n that_o i_o thirst_v no_o more_o joh._n 4.15_o so_o labour_n for_o this_o food_n above_o all_o labour_v to_o settle_v your_o soul_n and_o to_o rest_v your_o heart_n still_o upon_o these_o resolution_n oh_o what_o have_v i_o that_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v not_o have_v what_o do_v i_o that_o that_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v do_v i_o will_v have_v a_o christian_a man_n to_o go_v beyond_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v therefore_o let_v this_o be_v the_o question_n and_o examine_v thy_o heart_n what_o do_v i_o more_o than_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n have_v do_v i_o pray_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n knock_v too_o i_o preach_v so_o do_v judas_n do_v i_o reform_v many_o thing_n so_o do_v herod_n be_v i_o baptize_v so_o be_v simon_n magnus_n in_o a_o word_n be_o i_o resolve_v to_o confess_v my_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o they_o alas_o judas_n do_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n he_o sorrow_v and_o repent_v and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n he_o repent_v only_o for_o the_o gall_n of_o sin_n not_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o sin_n labour_v we_o therefore_o and_o let_v we_o every_o one_o provoke_v another_o to_o go_v further_o than_o ever_o reprobate_n go_v in_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o profess_v labour_n for_o something_o that_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v roll_v together_o as_o a_o scroll_n isai_n 34.4_o that_o we_o may_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v a_o reward_n from_o he_o in_o his_o appoint_a time_n and_o season_n so_o much_o for_o the_o negative_a part._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o affirmative_a who_o those_o be_v that_o may_v and_o do_v indeed_o receive_v benefit_n as_o abraham_n do_v the_o text_n say_v they_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o
save_v knowledge_n a_o people_n may_v be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwitstand_v all_o this_o be_v void_a of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o arise_v clear_o and_o evident_o from_o the_o text_n these_o people_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n live_v under_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n and_o salvation_n in_o a_o sanctify_a and_o save_v manner_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v understanding_n 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so_o isai_n 1.3_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n enjoy_v more_o mean_n than_o ever_o any_o people_n beside_o they_o have_v line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n isa_n 28_o 10.13_o from_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o josiah_n say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o be_v the_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o rise_v early_o and_o speak_v but_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v unto_o you_o all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n rise_v early_o and_o send_v they_o but_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v nor_o incline_v your_o ear_n to_o hear_v jer._n 25.3_o 4._o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n you_o see_v yet_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a under_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v help_n for_o knowledge_n yet_o grow_v not_o in_o knowledge_n the_o point_n than_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o people_n may_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n and_o yet_o remain_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n no_o more_o therefore_o for_o the_o proof_n thereof_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n a_o little_a you_o will_v ask_v be_v it_o it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o senseless_a ignorance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o any_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n shall_v yet_o remain_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n alas_o my_o brethren_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a we_o can_v speak_v of_o great_a matter_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o think_v we_o know_v something_o but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o though_o we_o have_v live_v long_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o have_v enjoy_v abundance_n of_o light_n yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n even_o in_o this_o city_n where_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a he_o shall_v find_v a_o marvellous_a poor_a deal_n of_o sanctify_v and_o save_v knowledge_n yea_o i_o do_v assure_v you_o of_o any_o reasonable_a common_a knowledge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o i_o will_v answer_v brief_o in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n the_o first_o cause_n why_o man_n get_v no_o more_o knowledge_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o understanding_n though_o they_o have_v all_o the_o outward_a help_n that_o any_o people_n have_v under_o heaven_n yet_o have_v a_o want_n in_o themselves_o and_o a_o weakness_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o natural_a principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o they_o shall_v receive_v any_o good_a by_o those_o mean_n this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v ephes_n 4.18_o why_o the_o gentile_n be_v estrange_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v and_o because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o skill_v not_o how_o bright_a and_o clear_a the_o sun_n shine_v if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o visive_a faculty_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v he_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o the_o great_a light_n in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v here_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v full_a of_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o their_o understanding_n though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o their_o very_a face_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n they_o benefit_v not_o thereby_o for_o alas_o they_o have_v no_o eye_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v light_a but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n be_v grow_v over_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o want_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o the_o most_o excellent_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o as_o they_o have_v blindness_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o ignorance_n in_o their_o judgement_n so_o they_o be_v mere_a natural_a man_n and_o no_o further_a than_o god_n be_v please_v by_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n
to_o go_v along_o with_o man_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v effectual_a natural_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a to_o attend_v and_o wait_v upon_o god_n with_o faithful_a painfulness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o they_o will_v continue_v till_o god_n put_v another_o spirit_n into_o they_o and_o work_v that_o in_o they_o which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v what_o nature_n never_o can_v do_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v meet_v natural_a man_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o receive_v that_o sweetness_n nor_o reap_v that_o benefit_n that_o otherwise_o they_o may_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o they_o hear_v it_o may_v be_v but_o they_o be_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v or_o no._n job_n tell_v we_o that_o wicked_a man_n say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n 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the_o word_n we_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v persuade_v to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o we_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o this_o be_v a_o general_a fault_n among_o most_o that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o manifest_v a_o want_n of_o desire_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n how_o many_o several_a passage_n be_v continual_o extend_v to_o man_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n both_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n some_o whereof_o it_o may_v be_v they_o receive_v but_o such_o as_o cross_v their_o disposition_n and_o thwart_v they_o in_o any_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a course_n of_o sin_n oh_o how_o tedious_a be_v they_o to_o their_o heart_n how_o unwilling_a be_v they_o to_o be_v inform_v of_o they_o how_o willing_o do_v they_o reject_v those_o bless_a mean_n that_o god_n will_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o help_v they_o to_o salvation_n famous_a it_o that_o place_n 2_o pet._n 3.5_o those_o mocker_n there_o speak_v of_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v ignorant_a because_o they_o will_v be_v ignorant_a they_o do_v unto_o desire_n to_o know_v that_o which_o may_v convince_v and_o reform_v they_o look_v how_o it_o be_v with_o a_o truant_n scholar_n though_o the_o master_n be_v never_o so_o careful_a in_o his_o teach_n and_o take_v never_o so_o great_a pain_n with_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v thrive_v in_o his_o learning_n for_o happy_o he_o come_v one_o day_n to_o school_n and_o withdraw_v himself_o a_o week_n after_o and_o lose_v more_o in_o two_o day_n than_o he_o can_v get_v in_o four_o and_o you_o that_o be_v tradesman_n know_v that_o a_o runagate_n apprentice_n can_v possible_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o trade_n so_o as_o to_o behave_v himself_o skilful_o for_o his_o master_n profit_n for_o the_o present_a or_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o comfort_v afterward_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o you_o ask_v i_o the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o man_n be_v save_o enlighten_v and_o inform_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundance_n of_o mean_n that_o they_o enjoy_v oh_o it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v so_o many_o truant_a scholar_n in_o god_n school_n so_o many_o runagate_n apprentice_n from_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v mean_n and_o teach_v enough_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o gainer_n by_o these_o good_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o very_a reason_n let_v a_o minister_n press_v a_o man_n that_o be_v somewhat_o loose_a in_o his_o life_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o good_a duty_n urge_v he_o to_o prayer_n with_o his_o family_n to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o leave_v his_o swear_n and_o his_o vain_a company_n or_o the_o like_a he_o will_v turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o you_o and_o though_o happy_o he_o will_v not_o present_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o minister_n yet_o he_o will_v slight_v all_o that_o he_o say_v he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v other_o business_n in_o hand_n no_o wonder_n my_o brethren_n this_o man_n profit_v not_o by_o the_o word_n see_v his_o heart_n be_v not_o set_v thereunto_o see_v he_o intend_v it_o not_o have_v no_o mind_n nor_o desire_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n the_o last_o and_o indeed_o the_o main_a reason_n why_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_a yet_o man_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o remain_v stark_o blind_a in_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o though_o water_n be_v hard_a by_o we_o yet_o we_o continue_v like_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a wilderness_n be_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o which_o they_o be_v settle_v and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v come_v what_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n a_o settle_a and_o secret_a resolution_n that_o harbour_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o maintain_v some_o private_a lust_n or_o other_o be_v i_o say_v a_o special_a reason_n why_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v no_o more_o enlighten_v nor_o themselves_o inform_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n mark_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v to_o be_v true_a in_o our_o own_o experience_n the_o retain_v of_o any_o private_a lust_n always_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o attain_v to_o save_a knowledge_n look_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n if_o one_o have_v a_o foul_a stomach_n full_a of_o very_o bad_a and_o noisome_a humour_n common_o it_o breed_v a_o 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further_o than_o god_n be_v please_v by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n to_o break_v open_a the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n and_o to_o enlighten_v it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o as_o a_o man_n may_v say_v 2_o tim._n 3_o 6_o 7._o this_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n why_o man_n be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v very_o good_a churchman_n as_o they_o say_v often_o in_o the_o church_n always_o hear_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o remain_v as_o poor_a ignorant_a silly_a sot_n in_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v all_o their_o day_n in_o the_o west-indies_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n complain_v there_o of_o a_o certain_a company_n of_o widow_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n certain_o than_o you_o will_v think_v that_o they_o be_v good_a scholar_n no_o that_o they_o be_v not_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o always_o 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perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o care_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v i_o beseech_v you_o observe_v this_o text_n if_o they_o do_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v 〈…〉_o god_n will_v heal_v they_o but_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n will_v not_o have_v they_o see_v nor_o hear_v nor_o understand_v that_o they_o may_v not_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v and_o he_o will_v accomplish_v this_o work_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o he_o send_v he_o to_o harden_v they_o by_o his_o preach_n and_o how_o make_v their_o heart_n fat_a and_o then_o as_o it_o follow_v their_o ear_n will_v be_v heavy_a and_o their_o eye_n will_v be_v shut_v now_o observe_v what_o make_v a_o heart_n fat_a first_o continual_a glut_n 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way_n to_o disease_v he_o or_o stir_v he_o off_o his_o dregs_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o plain_a and_o deliver_v with_o never_o so_o much_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o yet_o he_o care_v not_o for_o it_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o to_o take_v his_o own_o course_n let_v they_o all_o say_v what_o they_o will_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n wherein_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n run_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o land_n and_o abound_v as_o the_o river_n from_o the_o sea_n and_o yet_o man_n remain_v stark_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n and_o altogether_o unreformed_a in_o their_o life_n do_v but_o observe_v a_o little_a the_o temper_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o general_o to_o be_v this_o those_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o cross_v their_o quiet_n and_o disturb_v their_o peace_n they_o will_v not_o endure_v their_o heart_n be_v resolve_v to_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o at_o liberty_n come_v what_o come_v will_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o cause_v any_o disquietness_n or_o disturbance_n in_o they_o away_o with_o it_o oh_o say_v they_o i_o will_v have_v none_o of_o that_o i_o have_v do_v with_o that_o point_n sure_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o inform_v see_v they_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n and_o will_v not_o see_v oh_o say_v they_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o i_o understand_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o doc_fw-fr such_fw-mi and_o such_o a_o thing_n yea_o you_o will_v not_o understand_v it_o you_o will_v not_o be_v inform_v because_o it_o will_v trouble_v and_o disquiet_v your_o heart_n there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n my_o brethren_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o liberty_n in_o sinful_a course_n allow_v he_o and_o may_v enjoy_v his_o credit_n and_o contentment_n and_o ease_v in_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n will_v take_v up_o many_o truth_n that_o be_v now_o despise_v by_o he_o but_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o his_o contempt_n lie_v here_o he_o must_v have_v his_o sin_n he_o will_v take_v his_o liberty_n he_o will_v enjoy_v himself_o what_o ever_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n see_v that_o such_o man_n will_v not_o entertain_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o â—ove_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v they_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o
truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n their_o heart_n be_v resolve_v which_o way_n to_o walk_v it_o be_v just_a i_o say_v with_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n to_o dulness_n of_o spirit_n to_o ignorance_n and_o error_n that_o they_o may_v be_v hurry_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o destruction_n for_o ever_o it_o be_v god_n own_o word_n 2_o thes_n 2.10_o because_o man_n receive_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o mâ—â—y_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v some_o point_n to_o be_v true_a as_o that_o a_o man_n â—hould_v exact_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v such_o up_o to_o a_o profane_a spirit_n to_o deny_v the_o sabbath_n other_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v this_o true_a that_o they_o must_v pray_v due_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n in_o their_o family_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v such_o up_o to_o a_o sottish_a and_o stupefy_v course_n that_o they_o can_v be_v contend_v to_o go_v to_o bed_n like_o beast_n the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v of_o many_o other_o duty_n the_o lord_n call_v for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o will_v have_v his_o people_n humble_v themselves_o and_o seek_v his_o face_n now_o because_o the_o duty_n be_v tedious_a and_o happy_o the_o world_n cross_v it_o therefore_o many_o will_v fall_v out_o with_o the_o ordinance_n reject_v it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o they_o will_v have_v their_o ease_n and_o their_o quiet_n their_o heart_n be_v grow_v fat_a and_o if_o any_o thing_n across_o their_o corruption_n they_o will_v not_o hear_v with_o that_o ear_n it_o be_v fearful_a what_o the_o lord_n speak_v against_o these_o rom._n 1._o 28._o and_o my_o heart_n tremble_v to_o think_v of_o the_o hideous_a curâ—e_n of_o god_n against_o such_o course_n and_o his_o severe_a indignation_n against_o such_o person_n it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o because_o the_o heathen_a delight_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a mark_v as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v must_v my_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v must_v i_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o must_v lay_v aside_o myself_o and_o be_v content_a in_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n to_o embrace_v every_o truth_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o ease_n and_o credit_n and_o estate_n yea_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o must_v i_o do_v this_o well_o i_o do_v not_o like_v it_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o persuade_v i_o to_o it_o and_o why_o because_o you_o have_v take_v a_o sleepy_a pillow_n beforehand_o you_o have_v be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o these_o truth_n cross_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o love_v and_o like_a to_o retain_v the_o truth_n he_o afford_v they_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n that_o be_v to_o a_o mind_n void_a of_o judgement_n not_o know_v the_o truth_n not_o approve_v the_o word_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v these_o man_n in_o all_o their_o course_n and_o opinion_n vanishy_a why_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n a_o mind_n not_o able_a to_o observe_v what_o he_o reveal_v and_o a_o heart_n not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v what_o he_o discover_v to_o be_v good_a gather_v up_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o special_a argument_n why_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n because_o they_o harbour_v many_o lust_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o cleave_v close_o to_o some_o or_o other_o corruption_n it_o be_v a_o passage_n worthy_a observation_n that_o be_v record_v jer_n 43._o the_o people_n that_o be_v leave_v behind_o in_o the_o land_n when_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n have_v carry_v the_o rest_n away_o captive_a be_v resolve_v to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n but_o they_o will_v first_o go_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o take_v his_o advice_n and_o he_o must_v go_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n shall_v declare_v to_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o will_v do_v be_v it_o good_a or_o be_v it_o evil_n here_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a pretence_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v full_o resolve_v betore_fw-la to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o prophet_n bring_v they_o the_o answer_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o land_n thou_o speak_v fats_o say_v they_o unto_o he_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v not_o send_v thou_o to_o say_v go_v not_o into_o egypt_n to_o sojourn_v there_o but_o baruch_n the_o son_n of_o neriah_n set_v thou_o on_o against_o we_o so_o they_o obey_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o sand_n of_o judah_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v we_o have_v think_v thou_o will_v have_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v do_v so_o we_o will_v have_v hearken_v to_o thou_o but_o because_o what_o thou_o say_v be_v not_o as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o fit_v we_o nor_o stand_v with_o that_o course_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o take_v we_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v truth_n that_o thou_o speak_v or_o no._n i_o wish_v this_o be_v not_o so_o among_o many_o of_o we_o i_o do_v not_o say_v carnal_a and_o profane_a one_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o those_o and_o their_o spirit_n be_v too_o too_o manifest_a but_o i_o say_v i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o a_o fault_n even_o among_o many_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n we_o be_v grow_v sick_a of_o our_o peace_n and_o we_o must_v have_v our_o quiet_n and_o ease_n and_o contentment_n therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a before_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n we_o will_v shuffle_v in_o divers_a practice_n rather_o than_o be_v disturb_v and_o trouble_v in_o that_o course_n that_o we_o have_v set_v to_o ourselves_o now_o i_o say_v gather_v up_o these_o and_o i_o think_v the_o point_n be_v clear_a if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o can_v know_v the_o word_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v careless_a and_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n nay_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n from_o which_o they_o will_v not_o part_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o though_o they_o have_v mean_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o saving_o inform_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n answerable_o to_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o let_v i_o add_v now_o but_o one_o thing_n for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o the_o doctrine_n you_o will_v say_v we_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o understanding_n yet_o be_v not_o such_o as_o god_n have_v wrought_v upon_o effectual_o yea_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o and_o many_o a_o man_n that_o be_v nought_o and_o carnal_a have_v a_o abundant_a measure_n of_o understanding_n happy_o much_o more_o than_o some_o godly_a and_o holy_a man_n can_v attain_v to_o to_o answer_v this_o in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o a_o curse_a hypocrite_n that_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o in_o very_a deed_n have_v no_o true_a understanding_n at_o all_o for_o the_o knowledge_n whereby_o such_o man_n be_v enlighten_v differ_v much_o from_o that_o information_n and_o understanding_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v for_o look_v as_o there_o be_v wild_a thime_n and_o garden_n thime_n both_o of_o the_o same_o name_n and_o both_o grow_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n yet_o very_o different_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n so_o it_o be_v with_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o a_o sanctify_a knowledge_n garden_n knowledge_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o there_o be_v a_o wild_a and_o a_o common_a knowledge_n i_o will_v open_v it_o a_o little_a in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n if_o you_o go_v no_o further_o but_o consider_v the_o understanding_n of_o both_o bare_o you_o shall_v clear_o perceive_v a_o main_a difference_n between_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n 1._o a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o carnal_a man_n like_o
judas_n may_v thus_o far_o have_v his_o understanding_n enlighten_v concern_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v either_o discover_v or_o make_v know_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o to_o perceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v set_v down_o and_o understand_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n therein_o contain_v and_o that_o more_o free_o and_o abundant_o in_o outward_a appearance_n than_o many_o of_o the_o dear_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2.20_o such_o a_o one_o have_v only_o get_v religion_n by_o rote_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v like_o a_o child_n that_o happy_o may_v be_v teach_v a_o sillogisme_n or_o some_o form_n of_o a_o argument_n he_o may_v say_v it_o without_o book_n but_o understand_v it_o not_o so_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v a_o form_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o outside_n of_o knowledge_n but_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o bottom_n concern_v the_o savingnesse_n and_o holiness_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v never_o a_o carnal_a person_n under_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o can_v talk_v of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o faith_n that_o either_o know_v god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o way_n towards_o he_o or_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o god_n that_o be_v a_o strange_a passage_n concern_v hazael_n 2_o king_n 8_o when_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n settle_v his_o countenance_n upon_o he_o and_o weep_v hazael_n say_v why_o weep_v my_o lord_n and_o he_o answer_v because_o i_o know_v the_o evil_a that_o thou_o will_v do_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n their_o strong_a hold_n will_v thou_o set_v on_o fire_n and_o their_o young_a man_n will_v thou_o stay_v with_o the_o sword_n and_o will_v dash_v their_o child_n and_o rip_v up_o their_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o hazael_n say_v but_o what_o be_v thy_o servant_n a_o dog_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o great_a thing_n he_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o himself_o he_o perceive_v not_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o hazael_n so_o it_o be_v with_o every_o wicked_a man_n under_o heaven_n further_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v he_o he_o neither_o know_v what_o he_o be_v himself_o nor_o what_o god_n be_v talk_v of_o it_o he_o may_v but_o can_v apprehend_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o the_o general_a he_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o but_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a he_o can_v 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o their_o very_a knowledge_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o and_o those_o holy_a and_o godly_a too_o that_o wicked_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n may_v go_v as_o far_o as_o any_o saint_n under_o heaven_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o no_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v common_a to_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o reprobate_n but_o the_o work_n of_o save_a understanding_n and_o illumination_n be_v a_o work_n of_o sanctification_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o go_v no_o further_o but_o to_o the_o naked_a consideration_n of_o a_o man_n bare_a understanding_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o work_v effectual_o upon_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v a_o sanctify_a work_n on_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o will_n now_o that_o work_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o true_o differ_v from_o the_o enlighten_v of_o a_o carnal_a hypocrite_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o saint_n from_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n not_o sanctify_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o say_v have_v a_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a work_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n child_n so_o also_o have_v he_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n wicked_a man_n have_v no_o work_n of_o sanctification_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o knowledge_n again_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_a enough_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v before_o a_o man_n can_v discern_v spiritual_a object_n he_o must_v have_v spiritual_a light_n therefore_o wicked_a man_n be_v as_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v but_o bare_a nature_n and_o want_v spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perceive_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n so_o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o broad_a difference_n between_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o carnal_a hypocrite_n in_o the_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n now_o then_o for_o the_o point_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n take_v it_o my_o brethren_n thus_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o only_o apprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o the_o reason_n therein_o contain_v but_o they_o discern_v also_o the_o spiritualnesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o same_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n and_o then_o reason_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o last_o a_o spiritual_a work_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v in_o those_o reason_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n alone_o see_v the_o spiritualnesse_n of_o the_o work_n that_o be_v manifest_v and_o communicate_v in_o that_o reason_n there_o set_v down_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 25.14_o wicked_a man_n may_v know_v repentance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o repentance_n which_o the_o godly_a only_o have_v wicked_a man_n may_v pray_v but_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a spiritualnesse_n and_o close_n with_o the_o lord_n a_o secret_a humble_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o the_o godly_a only_o have_v wicked_a man_n i_o say_v can_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o discourse_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a but_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o all_o these_o and_o a_o spiritual_a work_n derive_v into_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o which_o the_o saint_n only_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v take_v but_o a_o apple_n there_o be_v never_o a_o man_n under_o heaven_n can_v tell_v what_o taste_v it_o be_v of_o whether_o sweet_a or_o sour_a until_o he_o have_v taste_v of_o it_o he_o see_v the_o colour_n and_o the_o quantity_n of_o it_o but_o know_v not_o the_o taste_n so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n under_o heaven_n discern_v more_o of_o grace_n than_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v talk_v of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o obedience_n yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o sappinesse_n which_o i_o call_v the_o spiritualnesse_n in_o these_o bless_a work_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v and_o understand_v but_o only_o those_o that_o indeed_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n the_o work_n in_o themselves_o we_o use_v to_o say_v and_o we_o say_v true_o that_o no_o woman_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mother_n before_o she_o have_v be_v a_o mother_n so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o a_o man_n must_v have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o no_o man_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o childlike_a affection_n towards_o god_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o find_v and_o feel_v this_o in_o some_o measure_n wrought_v in_o himself_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v that_o text_n rev._n 2.17_o i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o but_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n intend_v there_o which_o make_v for_o my_o present_a purpose_n name_v there_o signify_v adoption_n and_o the_o white_a stone_n absolution_n the_o lord_n will_v absolve_v and_o acquit_v he_o of_o all_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o withal_o he_o will_v give_v he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o son_n the_o lord_n seal_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n that_o he_o be_v god_n