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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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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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 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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 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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 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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 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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
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 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
person_n he_o be_v style_v love_n and_o light_n love_n signify_v his_o communicative_a goodness_n the_o inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n to_o make_v his_o people_n happy_a and_o his_o complacency_n in_o their_o happiness_n he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o they_o with_o sing_v now_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n we_o be_v sure_a his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v correspondent_a in_o make_v they_o happy_a god_n be_v style_v light_n which_o imply_v his_o most_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n for_o light_n discover_v all_o thing_n his_o unspotted_a holiness_n for_o light_n can_v never_o be_v stain_v or_o sully_v by_o shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n his_o sovereign_a joy_n for_o light_n join_v with_o vital_a heat_n inspire_v universal_a nature_n with_o joy_n in_o heaven_n god_n enlighten_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glorious_a nature_n of_o his_o wise_a counsel_n that_o be_v now_o seal_v in_o his_o eternal_a mind_n and_o of_o his_o admirable_a work_n wherein_o the_o clear_a impression_n of_o his_o perfection_n appear_v he_o draw_v his_o image_n upon_o they_o in_o all_o the_o celestial_a colour_n that_o give_v final_a perfection_n to_o it_o and_o from_o hence_o result_v that_o joy_n that_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a and_o be_v eternal_o exuberant_a in_o high_a and_o solemn_a praise_n of_o god_n bless_a be_v those_o who_o be_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o be_v always_o praise_v thou_o now_o can_v a_o unholy_a soul_n delight_n in_o these_o emanation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v those_o who_o feed_v without_o fear_n and_o revel_v without_o restraint_n of_o their_o brutish_a lust_n taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v suppose_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n a_o un-renewed_n person_n be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n can_v the_o place_n make_v he_o happy_a you_o may_v as_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o a_o swine_n who_o inseparable_a quality_n be_v to_o love_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n can_v delight_v in_o a_o clean_a room_n adorn_v with_o beautiful_a picture_n if_o the_o tongue_n be_v deprave_v with_o a_o foul_a humour_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v the_o taster_n the_o most_o relish_v food_n be_v insipid_a till_o the_o palate_n be_v cleanse_v and_o recover_v its_o true_a temper_n it_o can_v judge_v aright_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o a_o unholy_a creature_n can_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n till_o we_o be_v purify_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n the_o divine_a presence_n can_v be_v heaven_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v carnal_a man_n do_v not_o love_v and_o desire_v the_o heaven_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o fear_v the_o hell_n threaten_v because_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n be_v terrible_a to_o sense_n 2._o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n purify_v we_o from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o explicit_a in_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o that_o shall_v possess_v it_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o shall_v see_v god_n follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n the_o promise_n be_v infallible_a to_o those_o who_o be_v qualify_v and_o the_o exclusion_n be_v peremptory_a and_o universal_a of_o those_o who_o be_v unprepared_a these_o be_v not_o condition_n prescribe_v by_o minister_n of_o a_o preciser_n strain_n but_o by_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o with_o great_a solemnity_n declare_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o sovereign_a dispenser_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n may_v by_o his_o un-accountable_a will_v appoint_v what_o term_n he_o please_v in_o bestow_v they_o to_o which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o consent_v with_o humble_a thankfulness_n but_o the_o vital_a qualification_n require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o found_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n and_o irregularity_n in_o the_o architecture_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o its_o part_n it_o be_v less_o dishonourable_a than_o if_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n between_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o the_o first_o will_v only_a reflect_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o the_o other_o will_v asperse_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n the_o most_o divine_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n 3._o christian_n hope_n purify_v by_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a thought_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n the_o object_n of_o hope_n fill_v the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o give_v order_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o riches_n or_o honour_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o expectation_n the_o soul_n will_v entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o pleasant_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o contrive_v how_o to_o obtain_v they_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v fix_v upon_o the_o same_o object_n and_o have_v the_o same_o efficacy_n they_o transport_v the_o soul_n to_o their_o distant_a object_n and_o transform_v they_o into_o their_o likeness_n the_o object_n be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o it_o have_v a_o warm_a influence_n into_o the_o affection_n purify_v and_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o earth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v often_o conversant_a upon_o the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n we_o feel_v its_o attractive_a force_n more_o strong_o work_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o chase_n if_o there_o be_v a_o cold_a scent_n it_o be_v but_o cold_o pursue_v but_o when_o the_o game_n be_v in_o view_n it_o be_v eager_o prosecute_v when_o heaven_n be_v seldom_o think_v of_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n be_v cool_v towards_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o near_o we_o our_o inclination_n and_o endeavour_n be_v more_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a the_o apostle_n say_v our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o look_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 4._o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n purify_v we_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n who_o be_v donor_n of_o it_o st._n john_n break_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n those_o comprehensive_a spirit_n be_v astonish_v that_o worthless_a rebel_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o a_o relation_n so_o high_a and_o near_o to_o god_n who_o deserveto_fw-la be_v irrevocable_o banish_v from_o his_o kingdom_n the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o various_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v now_o we_o be_v adopt_v but_o the_o height_n of_o our_o felicity_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v be_v a_o secret_a but_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a original_a of_o all_o perfection_n now_o the_o confirm_a hope_n of_o this_o transcendent_a happiness_n inflame_v a_o believer_n with_o sincere_a and_o supreme_a love_n to_o god_n that_o will_v make_v we_o zealous_a to_o please_v he_o by_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o precept_n and_o a_o likeness_n to_o his_o nature_n 3._o the_o purity_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o christ._n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v both_o the_o author_n of_o our_o holiness_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o first_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o a_o crystal_n globe_n fill_v with_o light_n may_v be_v a_o secondary_a fountain_n transmit_v the_o beam_n unto_o we_o so_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o create_a holiness_n but_o it_o be_v transmit_v through_o the_o mediator_n in_o his_o life_n on_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o globe_n of_o precept_n a_o perfect_a model_n of_o holiness_n all_o the_o active_a and_o suffer_a grace_n appear_v in_o their_o exaltation_n in_o his_o practice_n our_o relation_n to_o he_o infer_v our_o likeness_n for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n the_o image_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n have_v the_o head_n of_o fine_a gold_n the_o breast_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o silver_n the_o belly_n and_o thigh_n of_o brass_n the_o leg_n of_o iron_n the_o foot_n part_v of_o iron_n part_n of_o clay_n but_o christ_n unite_v to_o his_o church_n be_v not_o such_o a_o irregular_a composition_n as_o the_o head_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v all_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