bring_v to_o understand_v or_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v any_o true_a felicity_n or_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o infallible_a symptom_n of_o infidelity_n but_o a_o degree_n of_o sottishness_n beneath_o that_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o epicurean_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o branch_n of_o reprehension_n remain_v and_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o presumptuous_a the_o person_n i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o do_v either_o obstinate_o oppose_v or_o wretched_o neglect_v this_o duty_n as_o not_o have_v it_o in_o design_n to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o so_o be_v most_o direct_o peccant_a against_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o precept_n but_o there_o be_v other_o no_o less_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o deficiency_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v indeed_o project_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v but_o be_v extreme_o far_o from_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o fear_n and_o tremble_v which_o the_o text_n require_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o be_v transport_v with_o presumptuous_a confidence_n and_o vain_a hope_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n promise_v themselves_o to_o be_v save_v upon_o far_o easy_a term_n than_o those_o which_o from_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v declare_v as_o upon_o a_o mere_a idle_a fruitless_a faith_n that_o be_v either_o a_o historical_a dogmatical_a beleif_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o fable_n but_o real_a truth_n some_o of_o which_o thing_n be_v as_o well_o believe_v by_o turk_n and_o all_o by_o the_o devil_n more_o effectual_o than_o by_o they_o for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v or_o else_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a fiducial_a confidence_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n only_o without_o regard_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n or_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o his_o precept_n as_o of_o any_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n hereupon_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n or_o if_o they_o do_v against_o their_o will_n they_o account_v it_o their_o great_a sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o than_o the_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n this_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o many_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a justify_v save_a faith_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v such_o a_o easy_a doctrine_n and_o that_o have_v entertain_v it_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o presumption_n to_o think_v nothing_o else_o of_o necessity_n require_v to_o qualify_v they_o for_o salvation_n certain_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v wish_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n than_o this_o be_v but_o this_o error_n in_o they_o that_o can_v and_o do_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o wilful_o affect_v there_o be_v so_o many_o hundred_o text_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n altogether_o as_o clear_v and_o positive_a as_o any_o that_o can_v seem_v to_o favour_v this_o doctrine_n that_o require_v other_o condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o salvation_n than_o that_o of_o faith_n beside_o many_o that_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n to_o which_o salvation_n be_v any_o where_o promise_v i_o say_v hundred_o of_o text_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n which_o do_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o positive_o as_o be_v possible_a declare_v that_o repentance_n holiness_n of_o life_n mortification_n of_o fleshly_a lust_n with_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v condition_n of_o salvation_n no_o less_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a than_o faith_n be_v and_o many_o text_n before_o allege_a that_o do_v clear_o show_v the_o true_a justify_v faith_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o work_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a believer_n and_o therefore_o comprehend_v they_o all_o in_o those_o text_n where_o it_o be_v make_v the_o sole_a condition_n of_o salvation_n i'faith_o that_o purify_v the_o heart_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n that_o be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n if_o these_o text_n be_v as_o good_a gospel_n and_o as_o authentic_a as_o any_o of_o those_o which_o make_v mention_v of_o faith_n alone_o without_o any_o addition_n or_o interpretation_n what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wilful_a presumption_n to_o expect_v salvation_n upon_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v not_o join_v with_o these_o condition_n other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v quit_v themselves_o of_o all_o this_o fear_n and_o tremble_a all_o the_o solicitude_n which_o the_o text_n require_v upon_o a_o summary_n consideration_n and_o confidence_n of_o god_n mercy_n let_v their_o life_n be_v what_o they_o will_v god_n be_v merciful_a they_o be_v sure_a especial_o to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v whatever_o duty_n else_o they_o neglect_v and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v his_o justice_n yet_o they_o will_v hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n even_o against_o hope_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o devil_n do_v so_o too_o if_o he_o can_v do_v not_o he_o know_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a o_o but_o he_o know_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o he_o and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v that_o have_v he_o any_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o than_o this_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o be_v not_o his_o word_n so_o yet_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v so_o severe_a in_o his_o last_o judgement_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o threaten_n but_o that_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 145.9_o psal_n 145.9_o be_v above_o all_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o not_o to_o save_v his_o own_o creature_n though_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o 27.11_o isai_n 27.11_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n more_o merciful_a than_o just_a or_o true_a or_o holy_a more_o merciful_a in_o his_o deed_n than_o true_a in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a as_o he_o say_v though_o he_o swear_v to_o it_o when_o he_o threaten_v damnation_n to_o man_n 19_o heb._n 3.11.18_o 19_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n divers_a other_o ground_n there_o be_v of_o presumption_n whereby_o wretchless_n soul_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o yoke_n as_o well_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o law_n be_v wilful_o deceive_v such_o be_v all_o single_a instance_n of_o partial_a virtue_n as_o temperance_n continence_n just_o deal_v some_o work_n of_o pretend_a charity_n some_o particular_a practice_n of_o external_n piety_n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n side_v with_o party_n form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n thereof_o freedom_n from_o some_o kind_n of_o gross_a vice_n that_o other_o live_v in_o the_o pharisee'_v plea_n they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v no_o murderer_n thief_n common_a drunkard_n no_o heretic_n nor_o schismatic_n nor_o rebel_n &c_n &c_n and_o what_o then_o why_o without_o doubt_n if_o they_o say_v true_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o any_o of_o these_o vice_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o fast_a and_o give_v tithe_n and_o alm_n too_o yet_o have_v no_o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o as_o do_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v save_v no_o sure_o if_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o will_v keep_v to_o his_o word_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5.20_o but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o application_n with_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o give_v force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n first_o by_o some_o powerful_a argument_n second_o by_o some_o general_a direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o so_o important_a a_o duty_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o argument_n or_o motive_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o this_o business_n the_o infinite_a weight_n worth_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o end_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o
art_n of_o logic_n or_o extraordinary_a perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o practicab_n precept_n so_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v inculpable_a as_o i_o suppose_v 3._o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a the_o doubt_n be_v so_o too_o 4._o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o concomitant_a as_o causal_n do_v excuse_v the_o act_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o though_o contrary_a to_o a_o precept_n from_o sin_n not_o only_o a_o tanto_fw-la but_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la i_o use_v the_o term_n inculpable_a rather_o than_o invincible_a because_o it_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v nor_o be_v those_o term_n equivalent_a for_o both_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v invincible_a in_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v not_o inculpable_a and_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a which_o be_v not_o simple_o invincible_a for_o to_o render_v ignorance_n inculpable_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o possible_a industry_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o mean_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v use_v or_o from_o any_o other_o fault_n of_o the_o ignorant_a person_n inculpable_a ignorance_n i_o say_v excuse_v any_o action_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o from_o sin_n as_o well_o à _fw-la tanto_fw-la as_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la and_o as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v bare_o concomitant_a as_o when_o it_o be_v causal_n this_o conclusion_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o ordinary_a resolution_n of_o the_o school_n and_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o this_o reason_n because_o inculpable_a ignorance_n bar_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n which_o can_v oblige_v till_o it_o be_v so_o promulge_v as_o oblige_v all_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o though_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o yet_o promulgation_n be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o to_o render_v it_o not_o inculpable_a and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n actual_o oblige_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o of_o the_o law_n as_o of_o the_o fact_n excuse_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o cause_n sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o know_v of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o when_o the_o ignorance_n do_v only_o accompany_v the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v have_v do_v though_o he_o have_v know_v the_o law_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v such_o a_o evil_a action_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o action_n itself_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o the_o agent_n by_o any_o oblige_a law_n to_o apply_v these_o proposition_n to_o the_o question_v premise_v see_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o that_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a and_o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a so_o be_v the_o doubt_n and_o inculpable_a igrance_n of_o a_o law_n take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o excuse_v from_o sin_n it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o such_o law_n as_o forbid_v the_o action_n which_o he_o deliberate_v about_o he_o may_v act_v with_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o to_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o law_n may_v not_o be_v for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o oblige_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o act_v or_o forbear_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o may_v do_v either_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v upon_o some_o uncertain_a account_n not_o oblige_v his_o belief_n whether_o the_o action_n to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o and_o therefore_o leave_v he_o free_a till_o he_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v the_o law_n forbid_v a_o action_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o express_o and_o the_o only_a evidence_n thereof_o depend_v upon_o doubtful_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o subtle_a consequence_n dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o equal_a credit_n and_o not_o declare_v or_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n i_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n may_v suppose_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o of_o other_o verity_n and_o point_n of_o belief_n that_o have_v no_o other_o or_o no_o better_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o yet_o pretension_n of_o reason_n not_o cogent_a together_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o doubt_v as_o well_o of_o the_o uncertain_a precept_n as_o of_o other_o verity_n i_o inquire_v now_o whether_o notwithstanding_o this_o doubt_n i_o may_v not_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o still_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v because_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o it_o be_v so_o under_o this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n do_v not_o yet_o oblige_v i_o and_o if_o i_o believe_v myself_o not_o oblige_v by_o a_o law_n i_o may_v act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o free_a whether_o my_o ignorance_n be_v in_o truth_n inculpable_a or_o not_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o its_o certain_a i_o may_v have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n that_o i_o do_v against_o no_o other_o law_n than_o that_o whereof_o i_o think_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a it_o be_v true_a if_o my_o ignorance_n be_v not_o inculpable_a i_o shall_v sin_v in_o this_o action_n but_o shall_v notwithstanding_o act_v in_o faith_n notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n whilst_o that_o doubt_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n in_o this_o case_n of_o ignorance_n for_o that_o will_v impart_v a_o contradiction_n to_o my_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v but_o only_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o law_n forbid_v the_o action_n in_o general_n and_o oblige_v all_o that_o know_v it_o or_o shall_v know_v it_o but_o not_o oblige_v i_o as_o i_o suppose_v because_o i_o be_o as_o yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o i_o believe_v inculpable_o but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o sin_v whilst_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o he_o say_v i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 26.9_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v may_v act_v in_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o sin_v not_o except_o his_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a and_o if_o he_o only_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v likewise_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o certain_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o his_o act_n than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o inculpableness_n of_o his_o ignorance_n if_o this_o hypothesis_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o second_o principle_n before_o deliver_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n make_v upon_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v that_o that_o principle_n in_o those_o indefinite_a term_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o the_o common_a presumption_n of_o the_o universal_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o respective_a resolution_n suppose_v it_o be_v according_o frame_v but_o 2._o if_o that_o principle_n be_v restrain_v as_o i_o understand_v it_o to_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v make_v not_o only_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a law_n but_o concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o i_o that_o be_v if_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o
there_o be_v some_o store_n of_o example_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n and_o whether_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n with_o so_o full_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o he_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o man_n be_v so_o much_o discourage_v and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n so_o much_o shake_v be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o that_o of_o any_o martyr_n be_v a_o reasonable_a problem_n that_o be_v whether_o upon_o all_o due_a consideration_n it_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o faith_n to_o believe_v in_o a_o die_a saviour_n as_o it_o can_v be_v to_o die_v for_o a_o live_a one_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a evident_a truth_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o man_n faith_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o any_o person_n live_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o bless_a mother_n true_a it_o be_v the_o heathen_a centurion_n and_o some_o other_o that_o be_v with_o he_o do_v make_v a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o a_o like_a faith_n in_o he_o when_o they_o say_v true_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n matth._n 27.54_o but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o that_o persuasion_n be_v raise_v in_o they_o only_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o many_o miracle_n and_o prodigy_n which_o follow_v his_o death_n which_o the_o thief_n live_v not_o to_o see_v beside_o to_o dismiss_v this_o example_n with_o one_o consideration_n more_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o happen_v for_o any_o wilful_a impenitent_a sinner_n to_o presume_v of_o pardon_n at_o last_o notwithstanding_o his_o present_a delay_n by_o the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o singular_a example_n have_v apparent_o no_o more_o of_o reason_n in_o it_o than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o common_a malefactor_n to_o adventure_v upon_o capital_a crime_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o general_a pardon_n by_o the_o example_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n once_o grant_v by_o his_o prince_n at_o his_o coronation_n a_o 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effect_v by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n for_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n from_o our_o vain_a conversation_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v we_o now_o neglect_v that_o great_a salvation_n that_o infinite_a grace_n that_o cost_v so_o dear_a the_o procure_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o estimate_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o end_n by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v effect_v will_v any_o wise_a agent_n bestow_v more_o cost_n upon_o a_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o infinite_a worth_n of_o the_o mean_n use_v by_o so_o wise_a a_o contriver_n do_v full_o confirm_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n which_o in_o itself_o do_v so_o much_o transcend_v the_o hope_n of_o such_o 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about_o he_o will_v spare_v no_o travail_n no_o pain_n to_o gain_v his_o end_n how_o do_v the_o covetous_a maâ—_n cark_n and_o care_n and_o drudge_n to_o get_v wealth_n the_o ambitious_a man_n to_o get_v honour_n the_o voluptuons_a man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o brutish_a sensual_a appetite_n while_o this_o spiritual_a eternal_a interest_n be_v so_o general_o neglect_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o valuable_a concernment_n whereas_o no_o common_a notion_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o be_v that_o this_o salvation_n if_o man_n admit_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o supreme_a interest_n of_o a_o man_n as_o a_o man._n the_o common_a interest_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v their_o safety_n and_o welfare_n now_o who_o be_v there_o that_o understand_v and_o believe_v any_o thing_n mean_v by_o this_o term_n of_o salvation_n that_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o consist_v his_o only_a possible_a 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or_o imagine_v what_o portion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n will_v full_o content_v he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o can_v work_v out_o the_o obtainment_n thereof_o his_o desire_n will_v be_v so_o full_o satisfy_v as_o not_o to_o extend_v any_o â—urther_a as_o to_o any_o more_o of_o the_o same_o or_o to_o any_o other_o thing_n doubtless_o it_o be_v experimental_o and_o sensible_o evident_a to_o all_o but_o idiot_n and_o infant_n that_o all_o the_o object_n which_o this_o world_n afford_v be_v â—o_o more_o able_a to_o fill_v the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a â—_z than_o a_o pint_n of_o water_n will_v be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o whole_a channel_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o to_o satisfy_v the_o thirst_n of_o the_o droughty_a earth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n can_v but_o believe_v that_o this_o salvation_n once_o effectual_o wrought_v out_o and_o obtain_v secure_v a_o man_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o evil_a and_o bring_v with_o it_o as_o perfect_v a_o fullness_n of_o 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every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v cramp_v when_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o work_v it_o out_o which_o be_v the_o main_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o preach_n what_o lazy_a listless_a yawn_a posture_n do_v they_o appear_v in_o how_o weary_o do_v they_o sit_v if_o they_o pray_v how_o cold_a heartless_a and_o zeal-less_a be_v their_o formal_a devotion_n if_o they_o give_v alm_n how_o penurious_a how_o degenerous_a be_v their_o charity_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o salvation_n have_v so_o frequent_o and_o particular_o describe_v this_o as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o work_v out_o ouâ—_n salvation_n yet_o except_o man_n can_v find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n advantage_n or_o motive_n for_o their_o charity_n what_o a_o poor_a pittance_n be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v part_v with_o upon_o this_o design_n when_o man_n be_v frequent_o admonish_v exhort_v and_o persuade_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a application_n of_o god_n word_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n watchfulness_n holiness_n of_o conversation_n how_o will_v they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o invent_v excuse_n and_o pretence_n to_o evade_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o practice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o have_v so_o perfect_o learn_v from_o our_o first_o parens_fw-la as_o the_o art_n of_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o sin_n nothing_o that_o man_n so_o vehement_o desire_v as_o to_o evade_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n when_o it_o make_v towards_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v towards_o they_o to_o overshadow_v they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v and_o form_v in_o they_o how_o strong_o be_v he_o resist_v how_o do_v the_o harlot_n mind_n strive_v to_o prevent_v the_o conception_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o force_v abortion_n such_o a_o desperate_a averseness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o carnal_a mind_n to_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n fly_v from_o his_o approach_n loathe_v his_o embrace_n despise_v his_o allurement_n slight_v his_o rich_a present_n and_o bountiful_a promise_n struggle_v against_o all_o his_o importunity_n whereas_o let_v but_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n come_v with_o any_o sleight_n temptation_n to_o corrupt_v and_o deflower_v the_o soul_n no_o common_a strumpet_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o prostitute_v her_o body_n as_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v to_o abandon_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v why_o there_o be_v a_o double_a prejudice_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n have_v against_o they_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v promise_n of_o future_a happiness_n 2_o because_o that_o happiness_n be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a 1._o because_o they_o be_v but_o promise_n of_o happiness_n to_o come_v in_o another_o world_n and_o those_o general_o confront_v with_o some_o variety_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o must_v be_v relinquish_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n by_o he_o that_o will_v build_v his_o hope_n upon_o those_o promise_n without_o doubt_n the_o consideration_n which_o so_o much_o abate_v the_o sense_n that_o carnal_a man_n have_v both_o of_o that_o extremity_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v threaten_v and_o also_o of_o all_o that_o felicity_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o another_o world_n be_v the_o futurity_n of_o both_o at_o such_o a_o uncertain_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o consequent_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o all_o that_o stupidity_n which_o be_v show_v in_o their_o so_o great_a neglect_n of_o this_o salvation_n so_o impotent_o childish_a and_o sottish_a be_v the_o passion_n of_o man_n that_o a_o dram_n of_o present_a pleasure_n appear_v more_o valuable_a to_o they_o than_o a_o thousand_o talent_n of_o future_a gain_n which_o be_v a_o judgement_n so_o perfect_o brutish_a as_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o sober_a reason_n 2._o an_o other_o prejudice_n that_o carnal_a man_n have_v against_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a have_v nothing_o of_o the_o turkish_a carnal_a paradise_n in_o it_o nothing_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o those_o high_a raise_a privilege_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n heavenly_a glory_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n fit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o juice_n no_o taste_n in_o they_o to_o carnal_a mind_n who_o be_v not_o easy_o
first_o question_n viz._n what_o this_o salvation_n mean_v and_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n collect_v from_o divers_a description_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o first_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o second_o a_o obtainment_n of_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o infinite_a concernment_n without_o a_o hyperbole_n because_o in_o the_o extension_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o as_o be_v eternal_a in_o both_o part_n a_o deliverance_n from_o everlasting_a death_n unto_o a_o eternal_a life_n now_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a that_o the_o intention_n of_o man_n affection_n shall_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o real_a value_n of_o their_o object_n it_o follow_v that_o that_o solicitude_n &_o care_n which_o the_o text_n require_v though_o it_o can_v so_o much_o exceed_v that_o which_o we_o have_v for_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n do_v because_o we_o have_v no_o capacity_n of_o such_o a_o excess_n yet_o that_o it_o shall_v real_o and_o effectual_o surpass_v all_o other_o care_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v either_o because_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o it_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v i_o fear_v not_o a_o few_o pretend_v christian_n that_o to_o save_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n and_o the_o care_n of_o work_v out_o this_o salvation_n do_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o it_o to_o disengage_a themselves_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o strict_a will_v needs_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v but_o a_o politic_a fiction_n a_o mere_a invention_n a_o handsome_a philosophical_a fable_n impose_v upon_o man_n credulity_n to_o keep_v they_o civil_a by_o the_o common_a engine_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n they_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o life_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o other_o though_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o deny_v it_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o such_o person_n i_o shall_v turn_v away_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n which_o they_o will_v only_o admit_v viz._n that_o of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o another_o world_n their_o own_o sense_n i_o say_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v i_o that_o no_o other_o will_v move_v they_o if_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v see_v or_o feel_v there_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v 16.31_o luk._n 16.31_o for_o they_o have_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n only_o but_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o all_o the_o martyr_n together_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n witness_v with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o persuade_v their_o belief_n and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v insufficient_a i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o give_v they_o any_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v reason_n to_o pass_v they_o by_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.8_o as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n the_o motive_n which_o i_o be_o urge_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o work_n which_o the_o text_n require_v suppose_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o salvation_n and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a but_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o design_n above_o any_o other_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v put_v to_o issue_n the_o question_n in_o short_a be_v whether_o we_o desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o glory_n and_o happiness_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n or_o have_v our_o portion_n with_o devil_n and_o reprobate_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o place_n of_o utter_a darkness_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n now_o be_v there_o no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a possibility_n or_o probability_n at_o most_o of_o these_o event_n to_o a_o man_n without_o any_o convince_a evidence_n of_o their_o certainty_n yet_o be_v it_o extreme_o unreasonable_a to_o neglect_v they_o especial_o when_o as_o the_o mean_n requisite_a to_o the_o secure_v they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o value_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o end_n and_o otherwise_o so_o high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o to_o he_o therefore_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n arise_v in_o his_o mind_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n declare_v concern_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v hell_n and_o heaven_n and_o be_v thereby_o tempt_v to_o neglect_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o propound_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n towards_o his_o rescue_n from_o such_o a_o fatal_a hazard_n these_o three_o question_n to_o be_v deliberate_v upon_o before_o he_o abandon_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o desperate_a course_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o with_o a_o general_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o man_n in_o that_o future_a life_n proportion_v to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n can_v it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o futurity_n of_o these_o event_n do_v import_v contradiction_n to_o any_o know_a verity_n 2._o be_v there_o no_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o all_o the_o testimony_n and_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o their_o confirmation_n with_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o christian_n amount_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o any_o degree_n probable_a do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o then_o my_o three_o question_n that_o i_o will_v advise_v such_o a_o doubtful_a person_n serious_o to_o consider_v of_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o what_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v true_a and_o if_o after_o these_o consideration_n he_o can_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o event_n without_o any_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o can_v arrest_v his_o mind_n with_o hester_n resolution_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o oerish_v who_o can_v help_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o motive_n the_o second_o be_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n work_v to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o hope_v for_o without_o seek_v labour_a work_a strive_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o come_v by_o fate_n or_o fortune_n or_o by_o any_o absolute_a inconditional_a decree_n all_o the_o hope_n we_o can_v have_v of_o this_o happiness_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o limit_v by_o the_o condition_n which_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n wherein_o some_o or_o other_o of_o those_o condition_n be_v not_o express_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n understand_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o semblance_n of_o a_o absolute_a promise_n it_o ought_v certain_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o conditional_a by_o which_o it_o be_v limit_v for_o what_o if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v save_v some_o to_o wit_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o elect_a person_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v that_o sure_o be_v a_o prediction_n rather_o than_o a_o promise_n or_o if_o we_o will_v call_v it_o a_o promise_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o application_n to_o a_o particular_a person_n in_o such_o indefinite_a term_n nor_o till_o it_o be_v explicate_v and_o determine_v by_o some_o conditional_a promise_n but_o against_o this_o necessity_n of_o work_v for_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o salvation_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o free_a grace_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o life_n 1_o pet._n 3.7_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2.8_o and_o if_o by_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n 4.4_o rom._n
of_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o accept_v his_o promise_n and_o refuse_v his_o precept_n or_o will_v we_o have_v a_o pardon_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n pass_v without_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v with_o a_o licence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o still_o if_o we_o please_v will_v we_o be_v happy_a but_o not_o holy_a will_v we_o be_v devil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o angel_n in_o the_o next_o serve_v the_o devil_n the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o yet_o expect_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n hereafter_o in_o heaven_n can_v we_o contrive_v a_o way_n how_o light_n and_o darkness_n righteousness_n and_o unrighteousness_n shall_v have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o a_o other_o will_v we_o have_v god_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n and_o we_o not_o reconcile_v to_o he_o but_o still_o be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o will_v we_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o love_n and_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o or_o will_v we_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a lover_n of_o god_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o commandment_n will_v we_o enjoy_v the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n the_o blessing_n of_o son_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n with_o a_o despensation_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o filial_a obedience_n if_o these_o term_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o no_o man_n can_v have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o own_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o what_o objection_n can_v we_o have_v against_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o consist_v in_o no_o hard_a matter_n than_o those_o which_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v so_o just_a and_o indispensable_a that_o if_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_n about_o they_o and_o have_v have_v our_o negative_a vote_n in_o the_o pass_n of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o to_o have_v set_v down_o our_o own_o term_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n we_o can_v never_o have_v set_v they_o low_o than_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o four_o motive_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o perform_v it_o if_o we_o have_v a_o design_n to_o work_v out_o a_o business_n of_o much_o difficulty_n be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a necessity_n we_o shall_v attend_v it_o with_o proportionable_a diligence_n most_o true_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o work_n above_o declare_v there_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v hard_a consider_v in_o itself_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a 5.3_o matth._n 11.30_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o his_o apostle_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a christ_n yoke_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o a_o cruel_a or_o hard_a master_n nor_o his_o burden_n like_o that_o of_o a_o tyrannical_a lord_n his_o commandment_n be_v no_o hard_a than_o such_o as_o become_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a father_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o be_v either_o impossible_a or_o unreasonable_a certain_o it_o import_v notorious_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o not_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n therein_o proclaim_v to_o say_v or_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v abuse_v mankind_n with_o pretence_n of_o such_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n promise_v under_o such_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v in_o no_o capacity_n to_o perform_v as_o have_v neither_o any_o sufficiency_n thereunto_o of_o ourselves_o nor_o any_o ground_n of_o expect_v it_o from_o he_o who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n as_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n shall_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o it_o but_o also_o make_v particular_a application_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o comfort_n else_o how_o be_v it_o a_o gospel_n or_o glad_a tiding_n certain_o that_o very_a command_n without_o any_o new_a promise_n imply_v a_o just_a warrant_n of_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o give_v it_o to_o supply_v we_o with_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o ability_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o promise_n if_o be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v they_o and_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n we_o shall_v sincere_o seek_v this_o ability_n from_o he_o but_o to_o balk_v all_o matter_n of_o dispute_n it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o such_o person_n be_v as_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o exhortation_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n already_o begin_v this_o work_n have_v as_o sure_a promise_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o go_v through_o withal_o as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v once_o finish_v 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o the_o promise_n before_o mention_v by_o way_n of_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n after_o my_o text_n be_v indeed_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o this_o work_n but_o do_v not_o therefore_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v none_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a because_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o such_o security_n for_o our_o assistance_n to_o overcome_v it_o but_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o encounter_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o work_n we_o be_v sufficient_o advertise_v as_o well_o by_o scripture_n as_o by_o our_o own_o sensible_a and_o continual_a experience_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straitgate_n 13.24_o luk._n 13.24_o say_v our_o saviour_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v he_o do_v not_o say_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o in_o another_o evangelist_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n 7.14_o mat._n 7.14_o and_o few_o there_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o several_a intimation_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o enter_v into_o life_n eternal_a the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strive_v the_o second_o in_o the_o epithet_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o way_n strait_n and_o narrow_a the_o three_o in_o the_o paucity_n of_o they_o that_o enter_v and_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o many_o that_o seek_v so_o to_o do_v few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o word_n strive_v in_o the_o original_a be_v borrow_v from_o the_o olympic_a game_n wherein_o the_o party_n contend_v for_o the_o victory_n be_v stout_o oppose_v and_o therefore_o engage_v to_o put_v forth_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n and_o with_o the_o same_o allusion_n the_o christian_a course_n be_v by_o saint_n paul_n compare_v to_o three_o several_a kind_n of_o those_o game_n viz._n 1._o to_o run_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o to_o fight_v or_o cuff_v with_o the_o fist_n and_o 3._o wrestle_a 1_o cor_n 9.24.26_o know_v yeâ—_n not_o that_o they_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n run_v all_o but_o one_o obtain_v the_o prize_n so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v i_o therefore_o so_o run_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o uncertain_o so_o fight_v i_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n and_o ephes_n 6.12_o for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n christianity_n be_v a_o warfare_n and_o fight_v against_o spiritual_a adversary_n within_o and_o without_o within_o against_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2_o 11_o jam._n 4.1_o without_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n or_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o high_a place_n ephes_n 6.12_o all_o this_o matter_n of_o combat_n strife_n wrestle_a be_v suppose_v in_o that_o repeat_v promise_n of_o the_o heavenly_a reward_n to_o he_o only_o that_o overcome_v rev._n