be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n you_o may_v as_o well_o see_v a_o angel_n by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n as_o see_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o natural_a mind_n their_o reality_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n so_o as_o saving_o to_o believe_v they_o faith_n 17._o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n who_o discover_v the_o object_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n to_o see_v it_o and_o by_o free_a prevent_a grace_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n alone_o can_v pull_v down_o strong_a 10._o hold_n and_o cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n the_o spirit_n overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o enlighten_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n violence_n and_o temporal_a respect_n may_v by_o terror_n and_o allurement_n make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o can_v make_v they_o sincere_a believer_n there_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o it_o be_v special_a grace_n inspire_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n with_o light_a to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o require_v special_a thankfulness_n let_v we_o humble_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o light_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 4._o of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n a_o speculative_a assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v not_o save_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o object_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o the_o frequent_a application_n of_o they_o to_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o those_o that_o be_v future_a the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o fix_v our_o assent_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a justify_v faith_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o purify_n virtue_n faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n from_o whence_o many_o practical_a consequence_n be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
it_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a direct_v we_o in_o our_o universal_a duty_n the_o promise_n be_v precious_a encourage_v we_o by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o threaten_n terrible_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o instrumental_a fitness_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o perfect_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o convey_v the_o revelation_n to_o we_o have_v a_o congruity_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o ear_n the_o first_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n be_v by_o it_o through_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o entrance_n of_o death_n it_o be_v now_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v know_v god_n by_o sight_n now_o by_o hear_v when_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enlighten_v from_o heaven_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n he_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n be_v a_o minister_a spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a office_n for_o he_o that_o preach_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o doctrine_n declare_v by_o he_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o therefore_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o affect_v other_o when_o a_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n it_o will_v inflame_v the_o lip_n the_o mind_n convince_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n persuade_v the_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o instrument_n can_v effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v without_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o apply_v for_o that_o end_n so_o without_o a_o superior_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o give_v vital_a power_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v without_o efficacy_n what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n mouth_n a_o minister_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o rhetoric_n can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n without_o the_o omnipotent_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o they_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n than_o come_v only_o in_o word_n when_o it_o pierce_v no_o further_a than_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n to_o try_v word_n and_o distinguish_v different_a sound_n and_o voice_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o ear_n the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o pass_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o heart_n that_o make_v a_o change_n so_o real_a and_o great_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n as_o be_v express_v by_o substantial_a production_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n become_v effectual_a for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o entire_a obedience_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n and_o of_o future_a judgement_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o decision_n the_o divine_a law_n be_v universal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o some_o and_o needless_a for_o other_o but_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o partiality_n notwithstanding_o the_o repugnance_n of_o the_o carnal_a passion_n when_o it_o be_v serious_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o hearer_n be_v induce_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o preparation_n and_o resolution_n of_o yield_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a nor_o injure_v than_o this_o that_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n this_o all_o profess_v in_o the_o general_n but_o contradict_v in_o particular_n when_o a_o temptation_n cross_v the_o precept_n now_o the_o first_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o believe_v it_o with_o so_o steadfast_a a_o assent_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o reform_v the_o whole_a man_n 2._o with_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v join_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n this_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n peter_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a appetite_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v it_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o necessity_n cause_n a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o suitable_a supply_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o this_o be_v experiment_a in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o attend_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o not_o mere_o to_o prevent_v the_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o impious_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o that_o proceed_v from_o fear_n not_o from_o desire_n but_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n not_o in_o a_o airy_a flashy_a knowledge_n that_o be_v only_o fruitful_a to_o increase_v gild_n and_o punishment_n but_o substantial_a and_o save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o practice_n hear_v be_v in_o order_n to_o do_v and_o do_v be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o evil_n do_v no_o hurt_n nor_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n do_v no_o good_n feeding_n without_o digest_v the_o food_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n afford_v no_o nourishment_n nor_o strength_n the_o most_o diligent_a hear_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n be_v not_o profitable_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v content_v that_o divine_a truth_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o understanding_n if_o he_o can_v intercept_v their_o passage_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o conversation_n he_o practise_v over_o continual_o the_o first_o temptation_n to_o induce_v we_o by_o guile_n to_o choose_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n we_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n 3._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n david_n say_v i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n cause_v his_o continual_a meditation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a root_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o season_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o remember_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n prescribe_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o man_n use_v in_o remember_v and_o practise_v rule_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n and_o it_o be_v just_o requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v more_o since_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n infinite_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n how_o holy_a and_o bless_v will_v they_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o roman_a physician_n that_o be_v conducive_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o soul_n after_o celsus_n a_o full_a meal_n abstain_v from_o laborious_a action_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v concenter_v in_o the_o stomach_n for_o digestion_n otherwise_o if_o divert_v and_o employ_v in_o labour_n the_o stomach_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o crudity_n thus_o after_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o thought_n shall_v not_o be_v scatter_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v recollect_v and_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v digest_v into_o practice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n she_o keep_v thâ—se_a say_n and_o 19_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n there_o be_v powerful_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hear_v i_o that_o be_v with_o subjection_n of_o soul_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o one_o instance_n he_o have_v declare_v how_o much_o approve_v and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o for_o when_o martha_n be_v employ_v about_o entertain_v he_o and_o mary_n be_v attentive_a to_o receive_v his_o instruction_n he_o say_v mary_n have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o his_o feed_n mary_n be_v more_o
and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o 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a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v 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thing_n may_v be_v
our_o judgement_n for_o that_o which_o have_v least_o now_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v than_o to_o deny_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o declare_v those_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o gloss_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o without_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o word_n rack_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v not_o and_o use_v all_o art_n to_o silence_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v reveal_v unhappy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o affect_v to_o be_v esteem_v ingenious_a and_o subtle_a to_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n how_o much_o safe_o and_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o 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point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o give_v and_o of_o man_n to_o receive_v brief_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n without_o faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o redemption_n by_o he_o when_o christ_n perform_v miraculous_a cure_n he_o require_v of_o the_o person_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v elect_v mercy_n ordain_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indispensable_a qualification_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o his_o incarnate_a son_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n this_o infinite_o provoke_v 10._o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o indignation_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o despise_v he_o it_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o his_o acquire_v glory_n by_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v not_o only_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n have_v declare_v when_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n whoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v whoever_o believe_v not_o shall_v
by_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n 2._o propound_v direction_n how_o we_o shall_v follow_v it_o 1._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v there_o may_v be_v a_o easy_a mistake_n in_o the_o judgement_n about_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o man_n soul_n indeed_o there_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a state_n but_o the_o dark_a and_o crooked_a heart_n of_o man_n misapply_v they_o carnal_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v presumption_n for_o faith_n and_o think_v the_o bold_a they_o be_v in_o presume_v without_o a_o promise_n the_o strong_a they_o be_v in_o believe_v they_o mistake_v a_o fruitless_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v repentance_n they_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o after_o repentance_n they_o sin_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o circle_n of_o repenting_n and_o relapsing_n take_v not_o one_o step_n towards_o heaven_n but_o real_a saint_n be_v often_o complain_v of_o their_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n their_o desire_n be_v ardent_a and_o ascend_a to_o perfection_n and_o they_o judge_v of_o their_o defect_n by_o that_o measure_n he_o that_o sail_n before_o the_o wind_n in_o a_o river_n and_o see_v man_n walk_v on_o the_o shore_n to_o his_o eye_n they_o seem_v to_o stand_v still_o because_o of_o the_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o boat_n thus_o the_o saint_n judge_v of_o their_o imperfection_n by_o the_o swiftness_n of_o their_o desire_n after_o complete_a holiness_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o two_o general_a rule_n of_o trial_n concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n and_o proceed_v to_o particular_a discovery_n 1._o the_o vanqui_v of_o sin_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n during_o the_o present_a life_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o fall_n the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n in_o some_o degree_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o will_v now_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v discover_v by_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o temptation_n some_o be_v entangle_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o a_o pleasant_a object_n the_o tempter_n need_v not_o raise_v a_o battery_n against_o they_o for_o the_o treacherous_a party_n within_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o sense_n to_o receive_v his_o temptation_n other_o though_o unrenewed_a by_o sanctify_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o they_o such_o a_o resistance_n between_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n such_o a_o conflict_n between_o conviction_n and_o corruption_n that_o they_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o by_o restrain_v grace_n be_v in_o some_o instance_n keep_v from_o do_v it_o but_o ordinary_o when_o temptation_n be_v very_o invite_v they_o consent_v and_o commit_v sin_n nay_o the_o saint_n be_v sometime_o surprise_v and_o soil_v by_o the_o tempter_n david_n by_o a_o sudden_a glance_n be_v overcome_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a foul_a nature_n petâ—â—_n at_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o servant_n deny_v his_o master_n and_o be_v almost_o freeze_v to_o death_n with_o fear_n till_o the_o compassionate_a eye_n of_o our_o saviour_n warm_v and_o melt_v he_o into_o tear_n of_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o cease_n from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o proceed_v from_o victorious_a grace_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o allure_a object_n there_o be_v a_o cease_n from_o the_o vicious_a act_n but_o the_o sinful_a affection_n may_v be_v then_o most_o intense_a as_o hunger_n be_v more_o sharp_a in_o a_o time_n of_o famine_n when_o there_o be_v no_o food_n to_o satisfy_v it_o and_o thirst_v in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n or_o fruit_n to_o refresh_v it_o be_v more_o burn_a and_o torment_v sometime_o through_o impotence_n or_o age_n man_n be_v disable_v from_o do_v the_o sin_n they_o still_o love_n as_o a_o disease_n cause_v such_o a_o distaste_n of_o please_a meat_n and_o drink_n that_o a_o intemperate_a person_n be_v force_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o sometime_o a_o man_n from_o his_o constitution_n may_v be_v averse_a from_o a_o particular_a lust_n without_o a_o spiritual_a change_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o be_v frighten_v from_o sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n they_o dare_v not_o drink_v the_o pleasant_a wine_n from_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o dregs_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o other_o be_v allure_v from_o a_o sin_n by_o a_o new_a temptation_n but_o spiritual_a mortification_n consist_v in_o this_o the_o carnal_a affection_n be_v spiritualise_v sensual_a love_n be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n covetous_a desire_n change_v their_o object_n and_o be_v ardent_a after_o the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o dear_a lust_n be_v kill_v now_o the_o more_o easy_a frequent_a and_o clear_v the_o victory_n over_o sin_n be_v in_o proportion_n grace_n be_v advance_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o power_n be_v see_v every_o renew_a person_n be_v a_o soldier_n under_o the_o illuminate_a conduct_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o acquire_v new_a strength_n by_o every_o new_a victory_n over_o the_o carnal_a part_n sometime_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n so_o strong_o solicit_v the_o will_n to_o consent_v to_o a_o proposal_n that_o it_o be_v waver_v and_o although_o the_o inclination_n do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conception_n be_v abortive_a the_o victory_n be_v then_o imperfect_a and_o obtain_v with_o difficulty_n there_o be_v linger_a inclination_n still_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n towards_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o throne_n it_o enable_v a_o man_n free_o and_o ready_o to_o resist_v those_o entice_a object_n that_o ravish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n we_o have_v a_o admirable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o joseph_n when_o tempt_v to_o folly_n by_o his_o mistress_n he_o present_o and_o constant_o reject_v her_o importunity_n and_o repeat_v solicitation_n and_o as_o paul_n easy_o shake_v the_o viper_n from_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o fire_n without_o hurt_n so_o he_o preserve_v his_o purity_n untainted_a this_o argue_v the_o dominion_n grace_n have_v over_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o more_o frequent_a our_o prevalency_n over_o temptation_n be_v argue_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v break_v and_o the_o firm_a radication_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n grow_v weak_a every_o day_n the_o house_n of_o david_n grow_v strong_a as_o the_o old_a man_n decay_v the_o new_a man_n increase_v in_o strength_n the_o more_o complete_a the_o victory_n be_v over_o sin_n the_o more_o clear_a indication_n we_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n the_o compleatness_n either_o imply_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o victory_n over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o desire_v and_o angry_a appetite_n when_o no_o sin_n be_v indulge_v though_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v never_o so_o small_a for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v strict_a and_o severe_a against_o every_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o amalekite_n all_o must_v be_v destroy_v indeed_o no_o sin_n be_v true_o subdue_v but_o all_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n mortify_v or_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o victory_n imply_v not_o only_o the_o abstain_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n but_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o inward_a affection_n the_o first_o seed_n of_o sin_n in_o short_a the_o excellent_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o destroy_v the_o select_a and_o superior_a lust_n that_o lead_v and_o animate_v many_o other_o as_o the_o honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v from_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o be_v vanquish_v and_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v discover_v in_o secure_v we_o from_o be_v foil_v by_o sudden_a unexpected_a temptation_n we_o read_v of_o the_o tempter_n he_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n but_o find_v nothing_o in_o he_o and_o can_v not_o fasten_v any_o impression_n on_o he_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n to_o be_v always_o watchful_a in_o this_o state_n of_o frail_a flesh_n then_o militant_a holiness_n will_v be_v triumphant_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v so_o fortify_v by_o holy_a resolution_n and_o so_o vigilant_a that_o though_o we_o be_v surround_v by_o innumerable_a enemy_n we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o they_o the_o present_a reward_n of_o subdue_a carnal_a lust_n exceed_v all_o
lawgiver_n and_o judge_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v prove_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o that_o principle_n be_v that_o he_o must_v be_v honour_v and_o serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o most_o instructive_a and_o permanent_a way_n in_o write_v that_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o corruption_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v in_o it_o such_o conspicuous_a character_n of_o its_o descent_n from_o heaven_n beside_o the_o most_o undoubted_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o infallible_a that_o without_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o sound_a discourse_n we_o must_v yield_v our_o assent_n to_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o amplify_v and_o illustrate_v these_o particular_n have_v in_o some_o discourse_n former_o publish_v of_o the_o existency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n manifest_v how_o desperate_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n be_v to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n now_o though_o the_o deduction_n specify_v be_v according_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o ratiocination_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o account_v it_o a_o slavery_n to_o fix_v their_o belief_n upon_o any_o authority_n but_o will_v be_v free_a in_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o action_n i_o will_v therefore_o brief_o produce_v some_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o carry_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o they_o the_o abolish_n idolatry_n in_o the_o pagan_a world_n in_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o palpable_a proof_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o instrument_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o have_v neither_o learning_n nor_o arm_n nor_o treasure_n patience_n be_v their_o strength_n poverty_n their_o choice_n disgrace_v their_o honour_n that_o without_o any_o force_n but_o of_o illumination_n and_o persuasion_n of_o humility_n and_o charity_n and_o endure_v the_o most_o terrible_a suffering_n they_o shall_v vanquish_v the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n the_o tyrannous_a power_n of_o prince_n the_o rebellious_a opposition_n of_o man_n carnal_a lust_n be_v not_o conceivable_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a strength_n that_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a enemy_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a by_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v search_v for_o that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o in_o vain_a for_o although_o philosophy_n afford_v some_o notice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a sufficient_a to_o check_v many_o notorious_a vice_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o universal_a duty_n towards_o god_n other_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o instructive_a light_n of_o our_o full_a duty_n it_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o change_v its_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a rule_n reveal_v in_o it_o now_o can_v a_o imposture_n produce_v such_o a_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o wicked_a world_n the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o vâ—x_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la sonat_fw-la can_v such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v without_o visible_a miracle_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v and_o propagate_v without_o the_o confirmation_n of_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o transcendent_a miracle_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o see_v the_o permanent_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o true_a christian_n infidel_n be_v apt_a to_o reply_v if_o they_o see_v miracle_n perform_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n that_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n who_o deny_v his_o authority_n make_v know_v in_o that_o eminent_a degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o his_o word_n abraham_n answer_v the_o rich_a man_n who_o desire_v a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v send_v to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o short_a those_o who_o resist_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n as_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o delusion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v from_o their_o deprave_a heart_n speculative_a truth_n obtain_v the_o present_a and_o easy_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o truth_n directive_n of_o practice_n if_o opposite_a to_o man_n lust_n though_o their_o evidence_n be_v unexceptionable_a yet_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v very_o averse_a from_o receive_v they_o this_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o pharisee_n infidelity_n they_o repent_v not_o that_o 32._o they_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o when_o the_o will_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o sanctity_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o reject_v it_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n hinder_v the_o due_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o stain_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o do_v not_o sincere_o judge_v of_o they_o though_o infidel_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_o discourse_v wit_n of_o the_o age_n to_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o breast_n and_o despise_v other_o as_o captive_n of_o a_o blind_a belief_n yet_o their_o folly_n be_v palpable_a and_o penal_a for_o have_v provoke_v god_n by_o their_o infidelity_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o of_o the_o tempter_n and_o sink_v deep_o into_o darkness_n and_o become_v more_o harden_v and_o presumptuous_a those_o who_o embark_v with_o these_o distract_a pilot_n in_o such_o dangerous_a sea_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o perish_v for_o ever_o 2._o hyprocrisie_n be_v a_o spiritual_a pollution_n in_o its_o theological_a consideration_n it_o imply_v a_o counterfeit_a religion_n and_o virtue_n a_o affectation_n of_o the_o name_n join_v with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o the_o thing_n the_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n with_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o according_o 1._o every_o titular_a christian_a who_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n the_o action_n be_v the_o incarnate_a issue_n of_o the_o heart_n wherein_o they_o be_v form_v and_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o a_o rebellious_a course_n of_o sin_n declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v a_o infidel_n notwithstanding_o his_o own_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o king_n his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a lie_n he_o vain_o presume_v that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n when_o his_o action_n declare_v he_o to_o 44._o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o hypocrisy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v when_o man_n presume_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a upon_o false_a ground_n it_o be_v observable_a no_o man_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o choice_n he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o deceive_v himself_o but_o one_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n without_o his_o knowledge_n by_o ignorance_n and_o error_n he_o may_v think_v his_o inclination_n to_o some_o virtue_n and_o his_o aversion_n from_o some_o vice_n to_o be_v divine_a grace_n but_o sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n proceed_v often_o from_o natural_a temper_n and_o not_o from_o the_o renew_a mind_n and_o will_n from_o judgement_n and_o choice_n a_o tame_a dog_n be_v as_o true_o a_o beast_n as_o a_o wild_a wolf_n a_o man_n that_o perform_v only_o some_o good_a thing_n and_o abstain_v from_o some_o evil_n from_o natural_a conscience_n be_v as_o true_o in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n as_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o careless_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o free_o indulge_v every_o carnal_a lust._n one_o may_v be_v exact_a in_o light_a matter_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v substantial_a duty_n he_o may_v be_v zealous_a in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o neglect_v righteousness_n and_o mercy_n and_o think_v to_o compensate_a his_o defect_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n by_o strict_a observe_v the_o duty_n
be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o be_v of_o it_o this_o include_v first_o a_o conformity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o god_n as_o a_o good_a complexion_n fluorish_v in_o the_o countenance_n from_o the_o root_n of_o a_o good_a constitution_n within_o so_o real_a holiness_n shine_v in_o the_o conversation_n proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o life_n seat_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n the_o understanding_n esteem_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n as_o best_a in_o themselves_o and_o best_a for_o we_o the_o will_n consent_n to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o royalty_n of_o the_o law_n david_n declare_v i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o commandment_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n if_o the_o divine_a will_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v impartial_a many_o elude_v duty_n and_o deceive_v conscience_n by_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o law_n they_o will_v make_v amends_o for_o delinquency_n in_o some_o thing_n by_o supererogate_a in_o other_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o interest_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n be_v mighty_a son_n of_o the_o church_n very_o accurate_a in_o sanctimonious_a form_n great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n but_o stain_v religion_n with_o injustice_n and_o uncharitableness_n they_o pretend_v to_o love_n god_n but_o hate_v their_o neighbour_n they_o fast_v twice_o a_o week_n but_o devour_v widow_n house_n they_o be_v very_o nice_a in_o observe_v the_o numerous_a rite_n of_o religion_n but_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o substantial_a goodness_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o exact_a resemblance_n between_o the_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o face_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o by_o reflection_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o true_a glass_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o old_a pharisees_n be_v like_o the_o formalist_n in_o every_o age._n thus_o among_o the_o papist_n how_o many_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o virginity_n conceal_v the_o gross_a impurity_n and_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o poverty_n be_v covetous_a and_o rapacious_a but_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o unless_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o our_o obedience_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n to_o the_o rule_n if_o there_o be_v a_o indulgence_n to_o contravene_n any_o precept_n the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n be_v decisive_a and_o convince_a whoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o own_o instance_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o in_o one_o allow_v sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a disobedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n although_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o without_o sin_n yet_o the_o least_o be_v without_o guile_n 2._o sincerity_n produce_v constancy_n there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o lead_a faculty_n and_o their_o inward_a operation_n with_o the_o outward_a action_n according_a to_o the_o renew_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o life_n pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n that_o be_v exercise_v from_o divine_a principle_n and_o eternal_a motive_n will_v fortify_v a_o christian_a against_o all_o temptation_n he_o will_v neither_o be_v allure_v nor_o terrifle_v from_o his_o duty_n some_z when_o religion_n be_v in_o public_a esteem_n be_v forward_a professor_n but_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n as_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o reproach_n they_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o time_n to_o secure_v their_o secular_a interest_n and_o as_o there_o be_v change_n of_o garment_n summer_n and_o winter_n garment_n according_a to_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n so_o they_o have_v change_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o time_n vary_v persecution_n discover_v they_o to_o have_v be_v formal_a professor_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o depth_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o sincere_a christian_n be_v conspicuous_o such_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n it_o be_v observe_v in_o dig_v well_n in_o the_o hot_a month_n of_o july_n and_o august_n if_o a_o vein_n of_o water_n flow_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o last_a spring_n thus_o if_o in_o the_o burn_a heat_n of_o persecution_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a religion_n be_v declare_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o proceed_v from_o sincere_a grace_n that_o will_v be_v spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o be_v numerous_a example_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o enrage_a world_n as_o a_o swarm_n of_o angry_a fly_n and_o turn_v persecution_n into_o a_o pleasure_n and_o with_o undecline_a fervour_n and_o courage_n persevere_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a life_n unfeigned_a faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n be_v the_o strong_a security_n against_o apostasy_n he_o that_o be_v sound_a at_o the_o centre_n be_v unshaken_a by_o storm_n the_o double-minded_n who_o heart_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n and_o their_o carnal_a affection_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n some_o have_v short_a expire_a fit_n of_o devotion_n while_o they_o be_v in_o afflict_a circumstance_n either_o by_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o disease_n in_o their_o body_n or_o disaster_n in_o their_o estate_n they_o resolve_v to_o be_v regular_a and_o reform_v in_o their_o life_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o but_o when_o they_o be_v release_v from_o their_o trouble_n they_o degenerate_a from_o their_o design_n and_o falsify_v their_o resolution_n and_o like_o a_o lion_n slip_v from_o his_o chain_n that_o return_v to_o his_o fierceness_n with_o his_o liberty_n so_o they_o relapse_n into_o their_o old_a rebellious_a sin_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v not_o inward_o cleanse_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n nor_o change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o their_o misery_n they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n though_o restrain_v from_o the_o visible_a eruption_n of_o it_o but_o real_a saint_n have_v their_o conversation_n all_o of_o a_o colour_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n they_o be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o short_a sincere_a christian_n study_v the_o divine_a law_n to_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v the_o strict_a scrutiny_n it_o be_v david_n prayer_n lord_n search_v i_o and_o try_v i_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n in_o i_o and_o discover_v it_o to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v forsake_v it_o conscience_n will_v be_v quick_a and_o tender_a like_o the_o eye_n which_o if_o any_o dirt_n be_v in_o it_o weep_v it_o out_o there_o may_v be_v rebel_n in_o a_o loyal_a city_n but_o they_o be_v not_o conceal_v and_o cherish_v the_o loyal_a subject_n search_v to_o discover_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n hate_v the_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a they_o cherish_v a_o wilful_a ignorance_n that_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v their_o lusts._n the_o sincere_a christian_a aim_n at_o perfection_n he_o pray_v resolve_v watch_n mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o every_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o uprightness_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v without_o spot_n or_o blemish_v here_o but_o the_o hypocrite_n though_o he_o external_o comply_v with_o some_o precept_n of_o easy_a obedience_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o sweet_a sin_n now_o if_o any_o sin_n be_v entertain_v or_o unrenounce_v by_o a_o person_n he_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o a_o captive_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o a_o bird_n be_v ensnare_v by_o one_o leg_n it_o be_v as_o sure_o the_o prey_n of_o the_o the_o fowler_n as_o if_o it_o be_v seize_v by_o both_o wing_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v sincerity_n commend_v we_o to_o god_n it_o give_v value_n to_o the_o mean_a service_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o corrupt_v the_o most_o eminent_a service_n jehu_n zeal_n be_v a_o bloody_a murder_n though_o the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n family_n be_v command_v by_o god_n the_o consciousness_n of_o sincerity_n rejoice_v the_o live_a saint_n with_o present_a comfort_n and_o the_o die_a with_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n the_o apostle_n when_o surround_v with_o calamity_n declare_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o 〈◊〉_d with_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n hezekiah_n have_v receive_v a_o mortal_a message_n by_o the_o prophet_n address_v himself_o to_o god_n remember_v o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n truth_n and_o perfection_n be_v equivalent_a this_o be_v a_o revive_a cordial_n
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a foundation_n faith_n may_v be_v absolute_o true_a and_o relative_o false_a many_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n because_o it_o be_v the_o reign_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o example_n from_o hence_o their_o faith_n be_v like_o the_o house_n build_v on_o the_o sand_n and_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o essential_a supreme_a perfection_n of_o god_n unerring_a knowledge_n immutable_a truth_n infinite_a goodness_n almighty_a power_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o deceive_v his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o will_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n for_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v
be_v no_o past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o see_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o view_n not_o only_a event_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o constraint_n of_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o depend_v upon_o cause_n various_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a this_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o our_o own_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v true_o felix_n infinite_a and_o our_o mind_n be_v narrow_a and_o finite_a 3._o the_o humane_a understanding_n in_o our_o lapse_v state_n be_v dark_a and_o defile_v weaken_a and_o vitiate_a of_o this_o we_o have_v innumerable_a instance_n although_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o illustrious_o visible_a in_o the_o creation_n yet_o even_o the_o wise_a heathen_a represent_v he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o be_v high_o blasphemous_a they_o can_v not_o conceive_v his_o infiniteness_n but_o make_v every_o attribute_n a_o god_n they_o transform_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o earthly_a die_a man._n and_o the_o papist_n transform_v a_o mortal_a man_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n they_o attribute_v to_o the_o pope_n a_o power_n of_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n for_o though_o god_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n so_o strict_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o have_v annex_v to_o the_o prohibition_n the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_v of_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n yet_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o pope_n command_v all_o his_o adorer_n to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n he_o arrogate_v a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n the_o most_o sacred_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o thereby_o authorise_v perjury_n 4._o though_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v supernatural_a mystery_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o can_v be_v who_o can_v prove_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a can_v by_o a_o infinite_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v in_o distinct_a subsistence_n it_o be_v true_a our_o reason_n may_v find_v unaccountable_a difficulty_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v three_o in_o the_o subsistence_n of_o person_n and_o three_o one_o in_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o two_o nature_n so_o different_a and_o immense_o distant_a as_o finite_a and_o infinite_a mortal_a and_o immortal_a shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n without_o confusion_n of_o their_o property_n but_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v inconceivable_o great_a we_o must_v exalt_v faith_n and_o depress_v reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o infinite_o disparage_v he_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o a_o suspect_a witness_n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o other_o truth_n that_o right_a reason_n comprehend_v and_o receive_v without_o reluctancy_n that_o man_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a conscience_n be_v their_o accuser_n a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o can_v neither_o die_v with_o they_o nor_o without_o they_o that_o every_o sin_n need_v pardon_n be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v just_a be_v know_v by_o the_o general_a light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v become_v god_n to_o pardon_v sin_n in_o a_o way_n honourable_a to_o his_o justice_n be_v as_o certain_a now_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o divine_a justice_n require_v the_o endure_a the_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v dishonour_v by_o it_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n must_v be_v by_o a_o person_n of_o equal_a dignity_n and_o consequent_o only_a god_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n now_o reason_n dictate_v that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v satisfaction_n must_v be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o criminal_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n from_o hence_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o deity_n be_v incapable_a of_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v give_v value_n to_o the_o suffering_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisito_fw-la that_o the_o deity_n shall_v assume_v our_o nature_n capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v result_v from_o their_o conjunction_n this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o conspicuous_a character_n and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a this_o maintain_v the_o royalty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_n of_o justice_n this_o secure_v our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whether_o god_n infinite_o provoke_v by_o our_o rebellious_a sin_n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admire_v the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o to_o adore_v those_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o same_o connexion_n in_o error_n as_o in_o divine_a truth_n for_o they_o who_o rob_v our_o saviour_n of_o his_o natural_a glory_n his_o eternal_a deity_n vilify_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o value_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n by_o which_o our_o pardon_n be_v obtain_v in_o short_a the_o fabric_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contrivance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 6._o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o comparison_n and_o example_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n for_o they_o prove_v and_o persuade_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v our_o saviour_n to_o cure_v the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o pharisee_n tell_v they_o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n the_o expression_n be_v strange_a to_o a_o wonder_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o defect_n to_o god_n but_o he_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o declare_v with_o emphasis_n that_o god_n be_v always_o equal_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o strain_v his_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o strong_a opposition_n the_o same_o apostle_n argue_v against_o infidel_n that_o say_v how_o be_v the_o dead_a raise_v up_o and_o with_o what_o body_n do_v they_o come_v thou_o fool_n that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v be_v not_o quicken_v except_o it_o die_v and_o that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o sowe_v not_o that_o body_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o bare_a grain_n it_o may_v chance_v of_o wheat_n or_o some_o other_o grain_n but_o god_n tert._n give_v it_o a_o body_n as_o please_v he_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v witness_n of_o such_o a_o admirable_a resurrection_n in_o nature_n which_o our_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v shall_v it_o not_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o wonder_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o both_o all_o difficulty_n vanish_v before_o infinite_a power_n st._n paul_n declare_v i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 1._o able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o till_o that_o day_n we_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n will_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n by_o the_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o clear_a spring_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a foundation_n of_o judge_v thing_n attend_v with_o difficulty_n to_o compare_v the_o difficulty_n and_o to_o determine_v
peace_n with_o god_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v from_o whence_o the_o purify_n virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o justify_v proceed_v for_o it_o necessary_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o desperate_a misery_n that_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n tribunal_n who_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a judge_n angry_a and_o incense_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o will_v be_v a_o revenge_a judge_n to_o all_o that_o continue_v in_o their_o guilty_a state_n and_o that_o our_o pardon_n and_o right_o to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o ascribe_v to_o the_o sovereign_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o original_a cause_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o meritorious_a cause_n 25._o of_o it_o now_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o our_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o reflection_n of_o his_o beam_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o the_o well-grounded_n belief_n that_o god_n will_v save_v we_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a glory_n do_v natural_o and_o necessary_o inspire_v the_o breast_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o sin_n that_o provoke_v he_o and_o a_o constant_a care_n to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n beside_o god_n in_o dispense_n his_o pardon_v mercy_n require_v our_o perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o man_n miraculous_o cure_v of_o his_o inveterate_a disease_n behold_v 14._o thou_o be_v make_v whole_a sin_z no_o more_o lest_o a_o worse_a thing_n befall_v thou_o be_v virtual_o say_v to_o every_o pardon_v believer_n when_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n it_o be_v with_o this_o caution_n let_v they_o not_o return_v any_o more_o to_o folly_n i_o shall_v under_o another_o head_n speak_v of_o faith_n as_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o now_o will_v proceed_v 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o infallible_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o those_o universal_a principle_n those_o prime_a and_o great_a truth_n rich_a in_o practical_a consequence_n that_o be_v powerful_a to_o compose_v and_o calm_v our_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o visible_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o present_a world_n the_o heathen_n measure_v the_o divine_a perfection_n by_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o narrow_a understanding_n they_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o one_o god_n be_v able_a to_o order_v all_o thing_n and_o form_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o subordinate_a god_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a thing_n be_v commit_v they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o imagination_n think_v he_o to_o be_v like_o mortal_a king_n insufficient_a to_o govern_v immediate_o several_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n divers_a in_o their_o custom_n and_o language_n who_o be_v constrain_v to_o manage_v their_o affair_n by_o the_o number_n variety_n and_o order_n of_o officer_n vice-roys_n to_o divide_v the_o government_n counsellor_n to_o advise_v about_o occurrence_n of_o moment_n secretary_n to_o give_v commission_n and_o make_v dispatch_n judge_n to_o dispense_v the_o law_n military_a officer_n to_o prevent_v tumult_n other_o confine_v his_o presence_n and_o agency_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o sequester_v he_o from_o the_o low_a world_n the_o mutable_a sphere_n of_o the_o element_n and_o of_o man_n and_o their_o action_n leave_v they_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o fortune_n other_o think_v that_o he_o be_v so_o content_a with_o his_o own_o felicity_n that_o all_o thing_n without_o he_o be_v distant_a from_o his_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o that_o to_o regard_n and_o regulate_v the_o multitude_n of_o emergency_n in_o this_o low_a world_n will_v disturb_v his_o felicity_n thus_o the_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n like_o the_o foolish_a harpaste_n that_o seneca_n speak_v of_o who_o insensible_a of_o her_o own_o blindness_n always_o complain_v the_o sun_n be_v down_o and_o the_o house_n dark_a think_v all_o thing_n be_v leave_v at_o random_n in_o loose_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n here_o below_o nay_o some_o of_o the_o clear_a spirit_n and_o most_o virtuous_a among_o the_o heathen_a can_v not_o reconcile_v the_o oppression_n and_o infelicity_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a with_o the_o rectitude_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o express_v their_o discontent_n in_o the_o style_n and_o accent_n of_o their_o passion_n of_o this_o we_o have_v two_o eminent_a instance_n brutus_n who_o with_o inviolable_a integrity_n have_v as_o a_o senator_n manage_v the_o public_a affair_n and_o with_o undecline_a courage_n endeavour_v to_o recover_v his_o country_n from_o ignominious_a bondage_n when_o vanquish_v by_o the_o usurper_n break_v es_fw-la out_o into_o a_o tragical_a complaint_n o_o virtue_n i_o worship_v thou_o as_o a_o substantial_a good_a a_o deity_n but_o thou_o be_v a_o empty_a name_n a_o idol_n the_o emperor_n titus_n who_o be_v the_o delight_n of_o mankind_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n 73._o surprise_v with_o death_n in_o his_o flourish_a age_n accuse_v heaven_n that_o his_o life_n be_v unjust_o snatch_v from_o he_o the_o way_n and_o thought_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v above_o the_o way_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o his_o wisdom_n have_v not_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n we_o shall_v be_v foolish_a and_o like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o happen_v in_o this_o tumultuous_a and_o tempestuous_a world_n without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o approve_v or_o permissive_a and_o efficiency_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o dispose_v the_o worst_a evil_n by_o his_o powerful_a providence_n subordinate_o to_o his_o aug._n main_a end_n that_o be_v always_o good_a nothing_o be_v so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o dominion_n nor_o so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o care_n of_o his_o providence_n 1._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v under_o the_o eye_n and_o inspection_n of_o his_o providence_n no_o silence_n no_o solitude_n nor_o darkness_n can_v hide_v the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o the_o wicked_a nor_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o people_n from_o his_o perfect_a knowledge_n how_o many_o million_o of_o inhabitant_n be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o different_a their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n ebb_v or_o flow_v but_o they_o be_v all_o actual_o and_o distinct_o know_v to_o god_n without_o his_o universal_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o judge_n it_o torquatus_n manlius_n a_o noble_a roman_a though_o blind_a through_o age_n be_v choose_v consul_n and_o general_n to_o rule_v the_o state_n and_o the_o army_n but_o no_o argument_n no_o entreaty_n can_v persuade_v he_o to_o consent_v to_o it_o he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o liv._o absurd_a that_o the_o life_n and_o estate_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n who_o must_v manage_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n qualify_v he_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o trust_n in_o he_o he_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n that_o seem_v innumerable_a psal._n 147._o 41._o and_o from_o hence_o the_o psalmist_n encourage_v the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o disperss_v in_o captivity_n that_o he_o can_v gather_v 7._o the_o outcast_n of_o israel_n though_o scatter_v in_o strange_a country_n and_o build_v up_o jerusalem_n he_o not_o only_a number_n the_o star_n but_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n that_o be_v of_o so_o small_a consideration_n all_o creature_n be_v support_v in_o their_o being_n and_o operation_n by_o his_o power_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o they_o or_o befall_v they_o without_o his_o dispose_n will._n 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o mere_o theoretical_a but_o active_a and_o order_n all_o thing_n he_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n 26._o that_o be_v regulate_v their_o motion_n as_o easy_o as_o a_o skilful_a rider_n manage_n a_o horse_n the_o star_n that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o army_n of_o heaven_n for_o their_o number_n 4._o order_n and_o action_n he_o call_v by_o their_o name_n that_o be_v absolute_o command_v they_o for_o his_o call_n be_v always_o effectual_a and_o exact_o accomplish_v as_o in_o the_o creation_n he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fast_o so_o in_o the_o conservation_n and_o
the_o same_o spiritual_a family_n this_o affection_n proceed_v from_o the_o upper_a spring_n of_o grace_n the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o terminate_v on_o man_n but_o ultimate_o respect_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v perform_v to_o do_v good_a and_o distribute_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well-pleased_n in_o short_a our_o love_n to_o god_n must_v be_v supreme_a and_o for_o himself_o our_o love_n to_o man_n and_o other_o thing_n only_o in_o the_o degree_n he_o allow_v and_o not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o god_n who_o command_v to_o love_v they_o as_o they_o bear_v his_o image_n or_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n otherwise_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n become_v a_o temptation_n to_o we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n either_o to_o obtain_v or_o preserve_v they_o against_o his_o will._n but_o if_o we_o love_v they_o only_o for_o his_o sake_n we_o shall_v ready_o part_v with_o they_o as_o a_o snare_n or_o offer_v they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n if_o his_o will_n require_v it_o as_o if_o we_o love_v some_o particular_a meat_n because_o it_o be_v healthful_a and_o not_o because_o it_o be_v pleasant_a upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n that_o it_o be_v hurtful_a we_o shall_v reject_v it_o the_o property_n of_o this_o love_n be_v specify_v in_o the_o command_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v sincere_a the_o apostle_n direct_v let_v love_n be_v without_o dissimulation_n love_n be_v essential_o sincere_a it_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v in_o real_a action_n it_o be_v cordial_a and_o operative_a there_o be_v a_o empty_a noise_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n that_o proceed_v from_o a_o double_a heart_n not_o entire_a and_o ingenuous_a some_o by_o fair_a promise_n tacit._n work_v and_o wind_n man_n to_o obtain_v their_o end_n and_o then_o slip_v through_o they_o how_o often_o be_v the_o sincere_a deceive_v by_o the_o liberal_a expression_n of_o love_n untried_a and_o untrue_a mistake_v a_o shine_a counterfeit_n for_o a_o real_a ruby_n but_o though_o the_o humane_a eye_n can_v see_v through_o the_o disguise_n he_o that_o command_v sincere_a love_n pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o be_v want_v there_o his_o anger_n burn_v against_o the_o vain_a pretender_n to_o it_o some_o will_v seem_v to_o grace_v other_o with_o a_o flourish_n of_o word_n that_o they_o may_v tax_v they_o more_o free_o and_o without_o suspicion_n to_o praise_v without_o a_o ground_n of_o real_a worth_n be_v sordid_a flattery_n but_o to_o commend_v with_o a_o mischievous_a intent_n be_v the_o worst_a treachery_n some_o will_v assist_v the_o sick_a day_n and_o night_n and_o seem_v to_o sympathize_v with_o they_o in_o their_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n but_o their_o design_n be_v to_o obtain_v a_o rich_a legacy_n they_o appear_v like_o mourn_a dove_n but_o be_v real_a praetor_n that_o smell_v a_o carcase_n to_o feed_v expectat_fw-la on_o there_o be_v other_o less_o guilty_a who_o esteem_v empty_a compliment_n to_o be_v courtly_a decency_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o their_o design_n to_o be_v injurious_a to_o those_o who_o they_o caress_n yet_o their_o love_n be_v only_o from_o the_o tongue_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n expression_n be_v but_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n their_o pretend_a friendship_n be_v like_a leaf-gold_n very_o extensive_a but_o soon_o wear_v off_o for_o want_n of_o depth_n other_o be_v mercenary_n that_o like_o the_o heathen_n do_v good_a to_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v good_a their_o love_n degenerate_v into_o traffic_n and_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a principle_n ingenuous_a and_o christian_a spirit_n have_v not_o such_o crooked_a inclination_n always_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v true_a christian_a love_n declare_v itself_o in_o alternate_a act_n of_o kindness_n but_o be_v also_o exercise_v where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o inducement_n this_o be_v to_o imitate_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o do_v good_a to_o all_o without_o any_o desert_n in_o the_o receiver_n and_o beyond_o all_o requital_n affliction_n be_v the_o furnace_n wherein_o sincere_a friend_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v from_o the_o deceitful_a their_o affliction_n be_v common_a their_o compassion_n and_o cordial_a assistance_n be_v common_a this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o significant_a character_n of_o unfeigned_a love_n not_o to_o fail_v in_o a_o calamitous_a season_n job_n aggravate_v his_o sorrow_n by_o this_o reflection_n that_o his_o friend_n deal_v deceitful_o as_o brook_n that_o run_v in_o a_o full_a stream_n in_o winter_n when_o snow_n fall_v and_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o refresh_a water_n but_o when_o it_o be_v hot_a they_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o vanish_v we_o may_v secure_o rely_v on_o their_o friendship_n who_o afford_v we_o 11._o undesired_a supply_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o 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the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o precept_n and_o apply_v the_o promise_n without_o regard_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o from_o holy_a premise_n draw_v sinful_a conclusion_n brief_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n the_o psalmist_n put_v the_o question_n he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v not_o he_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v with_o the_o same_o conviction_n he_o that_o give_v we_o the_o faculty_n of_o hear_v shall_v not_o he_o be_v hear_v but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a hear_n for_o it_o be_v a_o introductive_a prepare_v duty_n in_o order_n to_o practice_v there_o may_v be_v a_o increase_n in_o knowledge_n some_o conviction_n like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n some_o melt_a of_o the_o affection_n like_o a_o dash_n of_o rain_n soon_o over_o some_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o without_o sincere_a practice_n the_o man_n be_v a_o hearer_n only_o and_o deceive_v himself_o every_o 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and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o new_a man_n bear_v from_o heaven_n and_o partaker_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n that_o consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o joy_n this_o spiritual_a life_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a nourishment_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o that_o a_o spiritual_a eat_v and_o drink_v our_o saviour_n denominate_v himself_o by_o the_o character_n of_o life_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o sacrament_n he_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n there_o be_v the_o sacred_a memorial_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o be_v drink_v indeed_o that_o afford_v a_o more_o substantial_a and_o excellent_a nourishment_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o perish_a food_n that_o support_v the_o body_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n eat_v mannâ—_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 6._o and_o be_v dead_a the_o bread_n of_o angel_n can_v not_o preserve_v they_o from_o death_n but_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v please_v to_o deal_v familiar_o with_o we_o suitable_o to_o our_o composition_n and_o capacity_n and_o humble_v himself_o in_o a_o sacramental_a union_n with_o the_o element_n that_o sight_n may_v assist_v faith_n this_o be_v a_o positive_a institution_n that_o derive_v its_o authority_n and_o goodness_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v his_o die_a charge_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o which_o a_o special_a and_o