to_o we_o in_o that_o instrument_n 3._o the_o motive_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o same_o for_o if_o any_o of_o these_o three_o point_n be_v want_v we_o can_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o observation_n thereof_o concern_v the_o true_a instrument_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n whereof_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v know_v first_o what_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v second_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v therein_o offer_v unto_o we_o concern_v the_o first_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o no_o book_n be_v to_o be_v account_v canonical_a scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o covenant_n to_o mankind_n but_o such_o as_o be_v write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o order_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o be_v write_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n for_o the_o same_o end_n concern_v the_o second_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o these_o book_n offer_v the_o covenant_n unto_o our_o consideration_n and_o all_o divine_a truth_n belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o with_o infallible_a and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n most_o perfect_o and_o very_o clear_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o upright_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o and_o concern_v these_o three_o matter_n of_o infallibility_n perfection_n and_o evidence_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v further_o more_o distinct_o to_o be_v believe_v 1._o concern_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o high_o and_o incontrolable_o credible_a that_o no_o man_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n himself_o nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v who_o shall_v contradict_v the_o same_o but_o all_o man_n church_n counsel_n father_n school_n and_o their_o write_n say_n action_n and_o thought_n concern_v divine_a matter_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v thereby_o as_o by_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o they_o agree_v not_o therewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v 2._o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o canon_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o be_v so_o complete_a both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n that_o neither_o any_o thing_n unprofitable_a be_v therein_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n profitable_a or_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v therein_o omit_v but_o all_o thing_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n of_o correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o comfort_n whether_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v unto_o salvation_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o lay_v open_a and_o prescribe_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v so_o that_o all_o heathenish_a philosophy_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o all_o humane_a tradition_n and_o will-worship_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v utter_o reject_v nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v speak_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n more_o exact_o and_o proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o more_o convenient_o and_o fit_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v do_v in_o those_o write_n 3._o concern_v their_o clearness_n this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o desirous_a to_o do_v god_n will_v search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o may_v without_o difficulty_n comprehend_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o none_o ought_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o suppose_a darkness_n to_o be_v therein_o to_o abstain_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n most_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v first_o who_o the_o party_n be_v which_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o what_o their_o relation_n be_v to_o one_o another_o second_o what_o the_o form_n of_o the_o contract_n be_v according_a to_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o those_o that_o be_v concern_v therein_o three_o what_o the_o way_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o man_n that_o they_o may_v embrace_v it_o and_o have_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o of_o the_o party_n the_o party_n concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v god_n and_o man_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o reconcile_v they_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n god_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o our_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v of_o he_o further_o than_o what_o serve_v for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o be_v in_o his_o will_n and_o in_o his_o work_n his_o be_v be_v reveal_v in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o subsistence_n thereof_o which_o we_o call_v personalitie_n the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v reveal_v to_o show_v what_o he_o be_v and_o who_o he_o be_v the_o property_n show_v what_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n live_v of_o himself_o joh._n 4._o 24._o and_o 5._o 26._o the_o property_n show_v who_o he_o be_v be_v these_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n alone_o in_o be_v infinite_a eternal_a incomprehensible_a every_o where_o present_a simple_a unchangeable_a all-knowing_a all_o wise_a all-free_a all-just_a all-ho_o almighty_a all-happy_a all-good_a all-true_a all-faithfull_a and_o full_a of_o all_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n his_o subsistence_n be_v in_o three_o who_o bear_v witness_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 7._o the_o father_n unbegotten_a the_o son_n only_o beget_v and_o the_o holy-ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n his_o will_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o counsel_n which_o be_v wise_a good_a free_a and_o establish_v for_o ever_o his_o work_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o creation_n preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o of_o mankind_n therein_o over_o who_o he_o delight_v to_o exercise_v love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o own_o 24._o jer._n 9_o 24._o glory_n and_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o man._n man_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v of_o god_n to_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o oblige_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n in_o his_o threefold_a state_n 1._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n 2._o in_o the_o state_n of_o gild_n and_o misery_n 3._o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n unto_o god_n of_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n to_o relate_v unto_o both_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o twofold_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o threefold_a office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n whereunto_o he_o be_v anoint_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o those_o office_n in_o his_o twofold_a state_n the_o one_o of_o humiliation_n by_o his_o life_n and_o death_n on_o earth_n the_o other_o of_o exaltation_n by_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n in_o all_o which_o as_o the_o fitness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n person_n nature_n and_o office_n to_o work_v out_o redemption_n for_o we_o and_o to_o settle_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o the_o work_n first_o of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o this_o be_v effect_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n second_o of_o the_o restitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n
practice_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o by_o their_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n they_o do_v dishonour_n god_n rom._n 2._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o together_o with_o the_o jew_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v condemn_v because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n joh._n 3._o 19_o and_o he_o that_o may_v know_v all_o mystery_n may_v yet_o want_v charity_n and_o be_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o life_n of_o god_n but_o although_o all_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v void_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o come_v short_a of_o happiness_n yet_o it_o may_v also_o through_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n become_v effectual_a unto_o happiness_n if_o god_n make_v it_o fruitful_a which_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n in_o give_v save_a faith_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v that_o it_o may_v become_v obedient_a to_o all_o his_o will_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o become_v true_o happy_a this_o knowledge_n than_o do_v not_o otherwise_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o as_o it_o bring_v we_o unto_o this_o estate_n as_o for_o the_o other_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n which_o follow_v upon_o our_o union_n with_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v unto_o life_n and_o a_o enlargement_n thereof_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o power_n for_o christ_n do_v give_v we_o two_o promise_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o obedience_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o doubt_n concern_v intellectual_a matter_n for_o joh_n 7_o v._o 17._o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o second_o be_v that_o upon_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o love_v they_o their_o presence_n in_o love_n for_o christ_n say_v joh._n 14._o 21_o 23._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v my_o love_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o here_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n which_o be_v both_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o consequent_a of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o that_o of_o st_n john_n 1_o epist_n chap._n 5._o 20._o and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o reflexive_a knowledge_n from_o god_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o our_o happiness_n and_o so_o be_v that_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o then_o we_o see_v that_o all_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o contemplation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o preparative_a to_o or_o a_o consequent_a of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o action_n the_o practical_a truth_n than_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v heed_v for_o to_o it_o the_o theoretical_a be_v either_o subservient_fw-fr and_o subordinate_a or_o a_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a effect_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o evident_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o tit._n 1._o 1._o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n intimate_v clear_o that_o as_o his_o apostle-ship_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o elect_n by_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n be_v appoint_v to_o beget_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n in_o believer_n therefore_o as_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v the_o beget_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v he_o warrant_v to_o teach_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n and_o effect_v so_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n be_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v any_o knowledge_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n warrantable_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v account_v a_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n and_o effect_n godliness_n therefore_o which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o intellectual_a truth_n for_o whatsoever_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o proportionate_a subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o production_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o none_o other_o truth_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v after_o godliness_n from_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o study_n of_o practical_a divinity_n be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n unto_o all_o and_o far_o more_o to_o be_v heed_v esteem_v and_o entertain_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n then_o the_o study_n of_o contemplative_a mystery_n and_o notion_n of_o divinity_n whereupon_o controversal_a matter_n be_v ordinary_o attendant_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o body_n and_o systeme_n of_o theoretical_a and_o controversal_a matter_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o any_o man_n to_o reckon_v they_o all_o up_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o complete_a body_n or_o systeme_n of_o practical_a divinity_n find_v in_o all_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o see_v nevertheless_o that_o all_o theoretical_a truth_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v &_o direct_v as_o to_o their_o end_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a defect_n and_o that_o much_o be_v want_v hereby_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o public_a edification_n to_o the_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o to_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o sound_a reformation_n in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o a_o body_n of_o this_o nature_n now_o by_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o body_n of_o divinity_n be_v mean_v a_o full_a collection_n and_o a_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n under_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o instruct_v and_o thorough_o furnish_v with_o sufficient_a help_n and_o direction_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o only_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o able_a also_o to_o work_v all_o his_o work_n in_o god_n and_o concern_v this_o body_n see_v i_o be_o entrust_v and_o conscionable_o oblige_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o solicit_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o contribute_v their_o talent_n to_o make_v it_o up_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o work_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o part_n thereof_o unto_o their_o consideration_n that_o the_o number_n of_o task_n be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v such_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o manifest_v his_o truth_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o complete_n this_o work_n may_v know_v what_o task_n to_o choose_v and_o how_o to_o concur_v with_o each_o other_o in_o elaborate_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n unto_o better_a judgement_n offer_v these_o follow_a thought_n unto_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v undertaker_n in_o this_o work_n first_o i_o lay_v this_o fundamental_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n that_o the_o number_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o as_o nothing_o shall_v be_v
worship_v and_o glorify_v god_n these_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o common_a reason_n which_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o handle_v these_o follow_v or_o such_o like_a position_n of_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o demonstrate_v unto_o a_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v be_v make_v to_o acknowledge_v these_o follow_a truth_n 1._o that_o in_o this_o world_n beside_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v visible_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n invisible_a which_o though_o conceal_v from_o sense_n have_v a_o be_v and_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n visible_a therein_o have_v not_o their_o be_v from_o themselves_o but_o from_o something_o else_o which_o be_v not_o see_v but_o may_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v over_o all_o as_o the_o governor_n and_o 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not_o otherwise_o 5._o that_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a be_v in_o itself_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o alone_a author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o that_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o supremacy_n perfection_n and_o goodness_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o man_n in_o his_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n 6._o that_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o show_v himself_o thankful_a by_o respect_v the_o glory_n due_a to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v then_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o all_o thing_n 7._o that_o it_o a_o man_n do_v give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n by_o be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o god_n as_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o all-knowing_a will_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o as_o he_o be_v just_a and_o good_a will_v be_v merciful_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o he_o of_o the_o three_o when_o a_o man_n have_v acknowledge_v these_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o man_n answerable_o to_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n then_o we_o must_v rational_o induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n write_v to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a position_n 1._o that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n have_v great_a evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o truth_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o history_n than_o these_o have_v two_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v out_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v 2._o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o they_o be_v as_o rational_o credible_a as_o any_o other_o humane_a record_n 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which_o this_o position_n at_o last_o shall_v be_v add_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_a to_o the_o work_n wherein_o they_o have_v or_o have_v not_o fear_v worship_v and_o glorify_a god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o upon_o three_o ground_n which_o may_v be_v rational_o evince_v 1._o because_o god_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n under_o a_o law_n and_o rule_v all_o man_n by_o a_o law_n of_o reason_n must_v needs_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o judge_n over_o the_o observer_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o law_n and_o consequent_o have_v a_o time_n to_o exercise_v his_o judgement_n 2._o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o live_v when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o can_v undergo_v a_o judgement_n after_o this_o life_n 3._o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o they_o of_o their_o wicked_a deed_n even_o against_o their_o will_n though_o 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ensue_v our_o performance_n of_o their_o request_n which_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o itself_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n young_a and_o old_a teacher_n and_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a peaceable_a and_o contentious_a true_a professor_n and_o those_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n whether_o by_o hypocrisy_n or_o security_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o man_n aswell_o of_o this_o age_n as_o of_o that_o which_o shall_v arise_v hereafter_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n direction_n correction_n comfort_n reproof_n and_o conviction_n tend_v to_o set_v forward_a peace_n and_o joy_n through_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o whatsoever_o blessing_n else_o any_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o their_o several_a condition_n all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o be_v debtor_n to_o procure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o mean_n 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shall_v hearty_o rather_o pray_v that_o in_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o truth_n our_o spirit_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v this_o service_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o answerable_a unto_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v these_o be_v the_o consideration_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n thereof_o which_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o letter_n have_v only_o touch_v and_o point_v at_o i_o have_v think_v good_a a_o little_a further_o thus_o to_o enlarge_v that_o whatever_o shall_v be_v undertake_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v proceed_v from_o the_o right_a principle_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n which_o will_v make_v the_o work_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o profitable_a unto_o those_o that_o go_v about_o it_o for_o if_o the_o work_n be_v not_o intend_v upon_o these_o ground_n 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to_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o answer_v their_o expectation_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o good_a name_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o religion_n in_o these_o respect_v i_o say_v the_o complete_n of_o this_o practical_a body_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v of_o special_a use_n as_o well_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o profession_n as_o for_o our_o credit_n in_o uphold_v it_o for_o whereas_o nothing_o do_v so_o much_o either_o scandalize_v the_o weak_a or_o stagger_v the_o ignorant_a at_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o give_v advantage_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n unto_o the_o papist_n to_o seduce_v silly_a soul_n to_o a_o superstitious_a worship_n as_o this_o reproach_n that_o we_o be_v all_o break_a to_o piece_n among_o our-selve_n and_o divide_v in_o our_o sense_n about_o religion_n have_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n unto_o the_o self-conceited_a libertine_n to_o entice_v high_a mind_a zelots_n to_o the_o pride_n of_o singular_a saintship_n as_o this_o other_o reproach_n that_o we_o rest_v in_o practice_n of_o form_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v nothing_o that_o be_v spiritual_a in_o our_o profession_n whereas_o i_o say_v both_o these_o adversary_n labour_v different_a way_n and_o upon_o colourable_a pretence_n take_v from_o particular_a misdemeanour_n wrongful_o apply_v unto_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o religion_n to_o discredit_v and_o blemish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o minister_n be_v chief_o bind_v to_o uphold_v there_o can_v be_v no_o course_n either_o more_o answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o call_v or_o so_o proper_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o these_o adversary_n or_o so_o fit_a to_o settle_v the_o waver_a thought_n of_o unstable_a soul_n or_o more_o effectual_a to_o vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o division_n of_o uncertainty_n of_o formality_n and_o of_o the_o want_n of_o spiritual_a power_n then_o to_o make_v up_o this_o practical_a body_n of_o divinity_n for_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o those_o many_o positive_a doctrine_n which_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v understand_v will_v be_v clear_a to_o the_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o light_n which_o will_v manifest_v all_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n not_o fantastical_o but_o with_o real_a demonstration_n and_o which_o unanimous_o all_o protestant_n will_v full_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o religion_n i_o say_v those_o doctrine_n be_v gather_v into_o a_o full_a body_n will_v stand_v as_o a_o uncontrollable_a witness_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o these_o injurious_a reproach_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o in_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o
ourselves_o unto_o they_o not_o so_o much_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v deceive_v in_o we_o and_o we_o find_v unworthy_a of_o the_o honour_n give_v to_o we_o but_o that_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v exalt_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o god_n alone_o glorify_v thereby_o even_o among_o moral_a man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o commendation_n add_v life_n unto_o virtue_n and_o that_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o nature_n be_v most_o communicable_a so_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o the_o best_a nature_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o not_o so_o much_o to_o gain_v praise_n as_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o praiseworthy_a which_o be_v the_o contentment_n of_o a_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o moral_a disposition_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v in_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n let_v we_o think_v not_o only_a how_o to_o make_v good_a the_o esteem_n which_o they_o have_v of_o we_o but_o rather_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n for_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 8._o do_v recommend_v unto_o our_o care_n and_o study_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v lovely_a and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o good_a report_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o praise_n and_o if_o in_o this_o work_n which_o we_o be_v now_o exhort_v to_o be_v undertake_v all_o these_o motive_n concur_v at_o once_o so_o full_o and_o so_o eminent_o as_o in_o nothing_o more_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o private_a but_o in_o a_o public_a respect_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o sense_n of_o praise_n to_o be_v regard_v in_o order_n to_o the_o holy_a profession_n which_o only_o be_v our_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v our_o reputation_n to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o a_o careless_a neglect_n of_o so_o manifest_a a_o duty_n wherein_o our_o credit_n not_o only_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v but_o our_o religion_n itself_o extreme_o concern_v so_o that_o if_o upon_o these_o motive_n and_o consideration_n this_o business_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o be_v effect_v it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o brutish_a insensibility_n and_o stupidity_n in_o we_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v true_a honour_n but_o it_o will_v clear_o evince_v the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o profession_n itself_o when_o we_o shall_v appear_v so_o careless_a of_o maintain_v and_o propagate_a the_o truth_n thereof_o that_o even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o reputation_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o have_v sue_v to_o we_o for_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v blast_v and_o lie_v under_o contempt_n when_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o vindicate_v both_o it_o and_o ourselves_o from_o reproach_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o point_n of_o reputation_n the_o next_o motive_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o a_o thing_n which_o do_v main_o concern_v we_o a_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o be_v deep_o engage_v and_o a_o thing_n whereunto_o this_o work_n will_v be_v very_o conducible_a for_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n abroad_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o profitable_a instrument_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n which_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o confession_n in_o their_o letter_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n why_o they_o make_v it_o their_o suit_n unto_o we_o that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n may_v be_v compile_v because_o they_o expect_v from_o it_o and_o by_o it_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o their_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o because_o our_o own_o disorder_n in_o some_o kind_n here_o at_o home_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v reform_v have_v increase_v of_o late_a and_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o same_o disease_n which_o have_v beget_v they_o therefore_o in_o procure_v a_o remedy_n for_o ourselves_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o become_v helpful_a unto_o they_o also_o now_o that_o this_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o disease_n and_o the_o property_n of_o the_o cure_n to_o remedy_n the_o same_o the_o disease_n which_o afflict_v we_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o from_o the_o unrulinesse_n of_o walk_v in_o thing_n perta_v to_o man_n this_o ignorance_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o distemper_n in_o the_o will_n and_o unrulinesse_n in_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v foment_v by_o the_o slight_a and_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o some_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n as_o not_o adhere_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n thereof_o and_o have_v take_v up_o either_o a_o superstitious_a and_o traditional_a formality_n or_o a_o singular_a and_o self-conceited_a spirituality_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o godliness_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o resist_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o by_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n and_o make_v void_a the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n these_o man_n both_o superstitious_o and_o singular_o affect_v seek_v to_o get_v follower_n unto_o their_o several_a way_n and_o opinion_n agree_v to_o waste_v the_o church_n and_o to_o blast_v with_o a_o pestilent_a breath_n all_o that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o small_a colour_n for_o raise_v calumny_n against_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o fill_v the_o church_n with_o dispute_n and_o the_o head_n of_o ignorant_a people_n with_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n which_o daily_o increase_v unto_o more_o ungodliness_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n scandal_n be_v multiply_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n neglect_v faction_n set_v on_o foot_n and_o continue_v with_o animosity_n wherein_o the_o weak_a sort_n as_o child_n be_v toss_v too_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n till_o they_o lose_v their_o hold_n of_o all_o principle_n and_o then_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o atheism_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o disease_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o therefore_o the_o remedy_n for_o both_o will_v be_v the_o same_o which_o can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o to_o this_o effect_n first_o that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o here_o shall_v stand_v fast_o together_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o in_o one_o way_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o their_o adversary_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o with_o one_o consent_n agree_v upon_o some_o profitable_a way_n of_o handle_v necessary_a and_o useful_a controversy_n and_o of_o shun_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v three_o that_o we_o and_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o fight_v against_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n hold_v out_o unto_o the_o world_n the_o same_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o divide_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n right_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n of_o preach_v and_o handle_v the_o scripture_n to_o advance_v godliness_n as_o it_o become_v workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o to_o enable_v we_o all_o joint_o to_o endeavour_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o next_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o truth_n deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v covenant_v to_o continue_v with_o the_o ministry_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n isai_n 49._o 21._o i_o say_v next_o unto_o these_o two_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o mean_n can_v be_v use_v to_o enable_v we_o unto_o that_o endeavour_n more_o fit_o and_o with_o god_n ordinary_a blessing_n more_o successful_o than_o this_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n if_o it_o be_v compile_v and_o communicate_v in_o english_a to_o our_o man_n at_o home_n and_o in_o latin_a
to_o those_o that_o be_v abroad_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o body_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o and_o full_o handle_v as_o from_o our_o author_n they_o may_v be_v will_v meet_v direct_o and_o in_o a_o right_a order_n with_o the_o three_o main_a and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o disorderlinesse_n and_o distract_a condition_n to_o show_v the_o spiritual_a way_n of_o reform_v the_o same_o wherein_o if_o we_o shall_v agree_v to_o walk_v unanimous_o as_o no_o doubt_n we_o will_v we_o may_v undoubted_o also_o believe_v thar_z by_o this_o union_n we_o shall_v to_o all_o our_o adversary_n become_v not_o only_o invincible_a but_o irresistible_a to_o work_v the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v also_o concern_v this_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v advance_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o which_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v put_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v effect_v and_o now_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v whereunto_o we_o be_v engage_v and_o whereunto_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v effectual_a be_v to_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o assist_v they_o against_o the_o common_a enemy_n thereof_o this_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n be_v a_o engagement_n that_o do_v lie_v close_o to_o we_o than_o i_o find_v it_o apprehend_v by_o many_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a in_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n not_o so_o much_o what_o help_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o cause_n by_o this_o mean_n for_o that_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v by_o what_o be_v say_v already_o but_o what_o the_o obligation_n be_v which_o shall_v make_v we_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n to_o uphold_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o con_v cern_v the_o assistance_n which_o this_o work_n will_v yield_v unto_o the_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v already_o concern_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o uphold_v and_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o disorder_n which_o it_o will_v help_v to_o take_v away_o we_o may_v consider_v two_o thing_n first_o what_o proper_o the_o common_a cause_n be_v second_o what_o it_o be_v that_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o if_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n be_v make_v any_o thing_n else_o then_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v attest_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o kingdom_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v take_v place_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v foul_o mistake_v for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v protest_v for_o in_o former_a time_n against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v upon_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n what_o they_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o in_o such_o matter_n we_o will_v know_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v thereof_o and_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v still_o to_o continue_v this_o profession_n against_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o in_o these_o distract_a time_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o add_v a_o further_a protestation_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o be_v this_o that_o as_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o other_o man_n so_o we_o conceive_v it_o neither_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o imagination_n alone_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v singular_o and_o by_o ourselves_o whatever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v in_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n fancy_n to_o be_v right_a but_o that_o we_o will_v rational_o entertain_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o understanding_n and_o practise_v of_o all_o religious_a truth_n offer_v and_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o righteous_a order_n among_o man_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o inward_a relation_n towards_o god_n that_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n conceive_v that_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o age_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o holy_a communion_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o member_n the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n have_v these_o four_o main_a interest_n in_o christianity_n by_o which_o it_o uphold_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o other_o profession_n the_o first_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n the_o second_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o three_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o orderly_a walk_n in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n natural_a and_o spiritual_a the_o four_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o mutual_a edification_n in_o these_o forename_a matter_n these_o interest_n be_v all_o join_v and_o profess_o follow_v that_o be_v open_o own_v without_o offence_n as_o it_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n make_v up_o the_o true_a protestant_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v not_o follow_v the_o cause_n be_v so_o far_o desert_v as_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o scripture_n knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o seed_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n be_v beget_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o papist_n by_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n do_v grow_v up_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o head_n till_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o socinian_o and_o all_o such_o as_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o moral_a profession_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n which_o be_v refine_v and_o entertain_v upon_o reveal_v principle_n but_o in_o effect_n nothing_o beside_o or_o above_o humane_a reason_v by_o the_o orderly_o walk_v in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a body_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n protestant_n stand_n firm_a in_o the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n thereof_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o libertine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o spiritual_a as_o to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n and_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o be_v the_o activity_n of_o this_o visible_a body_n protestant_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o growth_n and_o testimony_n make_v invincible_a against_o their_o adversary_n make_v helpful_a to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o cause_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o singularity_n of_o saintship_n in_o their_o several_a way_n by_o themselves_o alone_o with_o the_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o go_v not_o along_o with_o they_o these_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o this_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o christianity_n and_o christianity_n be_v take_v up_o upon_o none_o other_o ground_n but_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o maintain_v to_o any_o other_o end_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o kingdom_n unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o whole_a observation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o mutual_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o two_o latter_a interest_n of_o the_o cause_n must_v rise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o rest_n in_o the_o second_o of_o those_o which_o be_v the_o former_a and_o whatsoever_o design_n practice_n negotiation_n and_o undertake_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o christianity_n or_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o and_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o advance_v direct_o either_o scripture_n knowledge_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o walk_n under_o ordinance_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n or_o do_v tend_v seem_o
be_v so_o undeniable_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o will_v trace_v public_a proceed_n in_o some_o actor_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o be_o for_o my_o brethren_n sake_n ashamed_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o any_o more_o and_o shall_v therefore_o turn_v my_o back_n upon_o particular_n to_o cover_v they_o with_o silence_n as_o my_o father_n nakedness_n nor_o shall_v i_o mention_v any_o more_o of_o this_o neglect_n in_o the_o general_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v either_o to_o reproach_v those_o with_o their_o fail_n who_o by_o admonition_n may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n or_o to_o furnish_v the_o adversary_n with_o matter_n of_o contempt_n against_o the_o cause_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o frailty_n who_o manage_n the_o same_o the_o other_o neglect_n which_o be_v of_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n both_o among_o ourselves_o at_o home_n and_o towards_o the_o church_n abroad_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o obstruction_n to_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-edification_n for_o if_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v not_o neglect_v all_o the_o former_a mistake_n and_o neglect_n may_v be_v remedy_v by_o common_a advice_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lay_v to_o heart_n no_o remedy_n can_v either_o be_v apply_v or_o be_v offer_v become_v effectual_a for_o now_o although_o some_o can_v discern_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o know_v where_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o yet_o because_o our_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v like_o dead_a man_n bone_n scatter_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n disjointed_a wither_a bury_v within_o every_o man_n particular_a breast_n without_o life_n and_o without_o coherence_n for_o the_o action_n of_o life_n therefore_o we_o be_v unserviceable_a one_o to_o another_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o common_a cure_n apply_v to_o common_a disease_n for_o as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v edisied_a then_o by_o itself_o through_o love_n when_o every_o joint_n suppli_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n that_o which_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o evil_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o part_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o whole_a can_v otherwise_o be_v take_v away_o but_o by_o the_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o gift_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o one_o member_n to_o another_o for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v it_o my_o work_n for_o these_o many_o year_n to_o solicit_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o continue_v still_o in_o so_o do_v where_o ever_o i_o can_v get_v any_o opportunity_n to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o although_o my_o earnest_n and_o constant_a solicitation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a as_o i_o can_v wish_v yet_o i_o must_v bless_v god_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o without_o effect_n for_o although_o there_o be_v not_o much_o appear_v outward_o yet_o some_o ground_n be_v lay_v which_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o man_n be_v yet_o full_a of_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o consider_v not_o what_o be_v suggest_v or_o may_v be_v suggest_v by_o other_o most_o man_n be_v full_a of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o many_o of_o those_o that_o preach_v self-denial_n unto_o other_o practice_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n lest_o of_o it_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v not_o out_o for_o mutual_a supply_n of_o strength_n from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o grace_n but_o all_o man_n almost_o do_v please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n so_o that_o they_o regard_v no_o man_n furtherthen_n he_o do_v come_v up_o and_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o their_o particular_a choose_n because_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v free_a from_o all_o we_o shall_v become_v servant_n unto_o all_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o at_o all_o regard_v i_o say_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o yet_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o when_o he_o who_o be_v now_o in_o action_n shall_v have_v accomplish_v to_o scatter_v the_o holy_a people_n dan._n 12._o 17._o so_o that_o none_o of_o that_o strength_n which_o worldly-wise_a man_n have_v hitherto_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o shall_v be_v either_o shut_v up_o or_o leave_v any_o more_o with_o they_o deut._n 32._o 36._o then_o their_o care_n will_v be_v open_v to_o believe_v these_o suggestion_n and_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v their_o rock_n so_o far_o as_o they_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o act_v joint_o in_o his_o way_n and_o no_o further_o and_o if_o once_o this_o principle_n be_v entertain_v and_o make_v a_o maxim_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o every_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v sudden_o appear_v as_o judge_n for_o his_o people_n and_o speedy_o repent_v he_o for_o his_o servant_n but_o till_o we_o leave_v all_o the_o confidence_n which_o by_o our_o own_o device_n we_o have_v choose_v to_o ourselves_o and_o till_o we_o have_v free_v our_o spirit_n from_o the_o delusion_n and_o the_o jealousy_n which_o we_o have_v frame_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n alone_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v he_o our_o confidence_n and_o our_o fear_n by_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n we_o can_v look_v for_o any_o prosperity_n or_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v appear_v among_o we_o now_o his_o way_n be_v the_o way_n of_o brotherly_a and_o holy_a communion_n to_o maintain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o life_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o whatsoever_o counsel_n we_o follow_v or_o course_n we_o take_v which_o do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o one_o end_v in_o this_o way_n will_v never_o bring_v any_o comfort_n with_o it_o and_o i_o may_v free_o say_v because_o this_o counsel_n and_o course_n have_v not_o only_o be_v neglect_v by_o all_o but_o flight_v and_o despise_v by_o some_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o appear_v among_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v what_o proper_o the_o proâ—â—stant_n cause_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o weaken_v our_o hand_n in_o prosecute_a the_o same_o now_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n which_o have_v be_v delineate_v to_o consider_v what_o assistance_n and_o help_n we_o may_v give_v thereby_o unto_o the_o protestant_a cause_n in_o case_n we_o shall_v desire_v to_o concur_v with_o the_o foreign_a church_n of_o christ_n therein_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o shall_v prove_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a instrument_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o maintain_v all_o the_o part_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v set_v on_o foot_n that_o will_v be_v more_o serviceable_a both_o to_o certify_v the_o mistake_n which_o make_v we_o miscarry_v in_o our_o undertake_n for_o christianity_n and_o to_o set_v we_o upon_o the_o duty_n without_o which_o the_o way_n of_o our_o profession_n can_v successful_o be_v prosecute_v for_o if_o you_o reflect_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o fitness_n this_o engine_n will_v have_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o you_o shall_v perceive_v that_o both_o by_o the_o property_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a communion_n it_o will_v be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o uphold_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n thereof_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o complete_a and_o full_a substance_n of_o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v substantial_a unto_o christianity_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o advance_v scripture_n knowledge_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o man_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o several_a vocation_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o our_o profession_n if_o we_o do_v mind_n christanity_n for_o itself_o second_o the_o form_n of_o this_o enginâ—â—â—y_v be_v make_v such_o a_o disposition_n of_o those_o doctrine_n as_o will_v show_v forth_o the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d of_o handle_v scriptural_a truth_n positive_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v from_o know_v and_o undoubted_a principle_n by_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o matter_n know_v to_o the_o conscience_n clear_a and_o undeniable_o conclusion_n