establish_v their_o purgatory_n no_o o_o sinner_n there_o be_v not_o any_o guilt_n leave_v for_o thou_o to_o satisfy_v for_o not_o any_o reserve_n of_o punishment_n for_o thou_o to_o undergo_v but_o all_o thy_o sin_n be_v so_o pardon_v that_o they_o be_v in_o god_n account_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v thy_o comfort_n never_o so_o strong_a and_o flow_a and_o thy_o sense_n of_o god_n pardon_v grace_n never_o so_o clear_a yet_o know_v that_o thy_o pardon_n be_v still_o infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o thy_o joy_n in_o it_o can_v be_v satisfactory_a for_o assurance_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o pardon_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n wrought_v in_o we_o and_o be_v common_o mix_v with_o some_o hesitation_n and_o misgive_a doubt_n but_o our_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o where_o it_o meet_v with_o nothing_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o with_o no_o abatement_n but_o be_v as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a as_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o three_o be_v it_o god_n that_o pardon_n then_o for_o thy_o comfort_n know_v that_o he_o can_v as_o easy_o forgive_v great_a and_o many_o sin_n as_o few_o and_o small_a for_o the_o greatness_n and_o multitude_n of_o thy_o sin_n can_v make_v no_o odds_o in_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n only_o repent_v and_o believe_v god_n proclaim_v his_o name_n exod._n 34_o 7._o the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n and_o size_n of_o sin_n the_o great_a sin_n repent_v of_o be_v no_o more_o without_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o mercy_n than_o the_o least_o unrepented_a of_o be_v without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o one_o though_o but_o one_o sin_n unpardonable_a arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o atrociousness_n of_o the_o fact_n as_o if_o it_o exceed_v mercy_n but_o only_o from_o the_o malignity_n of_o its_o nature_n harden_v the_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o repentance_n otherwise_o can_v they_o who_o commit_v this_o sin_n repent_v even_o they_o also_o shall_v obtain_v pardon_n say_v not_o therefore_o my_o iniquity_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v i_o have_v out-sinned_a mercy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o portion_n for_o i_o in_o god_n his_o fiery_a indignation_n will_v eternal_o devour_v i_o this_o be_v to_o be_v injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o to_o stint_v that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v make_v infinite_a and_o thou_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n and_o reason_n say_v that_o thou_o be_v great_a than_o god_n as_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o his_o mercy_n yet_o here_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o abuse_v this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_n and_o turn_v that_o into_o presumption_n that_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o arm_v you_o against_o despair_n indeed_o both_o presumption_n and_o despair_n tend_v in_o a_o divers_a manner_n to_o encourage_v and_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n the_o despair_v sinner_n argue_v if_o i_o must_v not_o be_v save_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v i_o live_v strict_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v i_o cross_v and_o vex_v myself_o by_o a_o unprofitable_a severity_n it_o be_v too_o great_a niceness_n to_o scruple_n far_o sin_v when_o i_o be_o already_o sure_a of_o damnation_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o must_v go_v to_o hell_n i_o will_v make_v my_o way_n thither_o as_o pleasant_a as_o i_o can_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o despair_n that_o produce_v not_o horror_n as_o it_o do_v in_o some_o but_o a_o most_o wretched_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n presumptuous_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v able_a to_o pardon_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a sinner_n they_o can_v sin_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v they_o yet_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v they_o will_v yet_o indulge_v themselves_o a_o little_a long_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o pardon_v they_o at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n as_o upon_o many_o year_n preparation_n we_o see_v iniquity_n every_o where_o most_o fearful_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o doubtless_o both_o despair_n and_o presumption_n have_v too_o great_a a_o influence_n both_o upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o careless_a in_o their_o eternal_a concernment_n enough_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o despair_v which_o be_v but_o few_o but_o to_o the_o presumptuous_a let_v i_o add_v a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o disingenuous_a use_n they_o can_v make_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o press_v it_o to_o serve_v against_o its_o authority_n shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v shall_v we_o sin_n licentious_o because_o god_n pardon_v free_o no_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n oblige_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v otherwise_o the_o filial_a disposition_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n incline_v otherwise_o gratitude_n and_o retribution_n engage_v otherwise_o but_o if_o these_o motive_n be_v too_o refine_v and_o ingenious_a for_o thy_o sordid_a and_o slavish_a spirit_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o presumption_n of_o thy_o heart_n cry_v peace_n peace_n to_o thyself_o although_o thou_o continue_v add_v one_o iniquity_n to_o another_o know_v o_o vile_a wretch_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v thou_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v blot_v out_o thy_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deutr._n 29.19_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o this_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n or_o trespass_n now_o in_o this_o petition_n we_o pray_v not_o only_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n but_o likewise_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v it_o as_o first_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o horrid_a odious_a nature_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o woeful_a miserable_a estate_n that_o we_o be_v in_o by_o nature_n and_o how_o much_o more_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o by_o our_o sinful_a life_n that_o he_o will_v set_v home_o the_o terror_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o our_o humiliation_n and_o make_v we_o despair_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o that_o help_n and_o refuge_n he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o second_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v humble_v we_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o manifold_a transgression_n that_o as_o our_o sin_n have_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o god_n eye_n so_o they_o may_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o they_o three_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n cordial_o and_o sincere_o to_o pour_v forth_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o manifold_a provocation_n with_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n upon_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o grant_v we_o pardon_v and_o forgiveness_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o four_o we_o beg_v a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n make_v by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o which_o alone_o all_o pardon_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v to_o know_v both_o what_o it_o be_v and_o why_o ordain_v and_o likewise_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rich_a and_o free_a mercy_n and_o the_o conjunction_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o mercy_n together_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n concur_v to_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n five_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o christ_n and_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n more_o after_o he_o and_o his_o
deliverance_n in_o all_o our_o danger_n for_o support_n under_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o for_o comfort_n under_o all_o our_o sorrow_n because_o he_o be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o god_n who_o have_v heretofore_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v great_a thing_n for_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o forcible_a plea_n with_o god_n in_o former_a time_n a_o plea_n to_o which_o he_o can_v deny_v nothing_o when_o urge_v in_o faith_n have_v still_o the_o same_o efficacy_n and_o validity_n now_o for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o of_o god_n attribute_n be_v he_o for_o ever_o therefore_o o_o christian_n now_o lay_v hold_v on_o god_n strength_n and_o plead_v with_o he_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o child_n in_o former_a age_n how_o he_o have_v forgive_v the_o penitent_a revive_v the_o contrite_a restore_v joy_n and_o salvation_n to_o deject_a and_o despondent_a spirit_n how_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o great_a name_n by_o what_o wonderful_a providence_n and_o wise_a method_n he_o have_v establish_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n how_o he_o have_v strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n and_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v those_o who_o be_v without_o may_v able_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o perform_v the_o hard_a duty_n in_o fulfil_n his_o will_n and_o commandment_n how_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o all_o their_o necessity_n rebuke_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o urge_v lord_n thou_o be_v still_o the_o same_o god_n eternal_a in_o thy_o essence_n immutable_a in_o thy_o attribute_n thy_o power_n thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o mercy_n be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o the_o same_o favour_n this_o plea_n offer_v a_o holy_a violence_n to_o heaven_n a_o violence_n that_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v resist_v if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v of_o god_n hand_n the_o same_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n see_v how_o asaph_n instruct_v the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o memorial_n of_o god_n former_a love_a kindness_n and_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o their_o father_n psal_n 78.4_o 6_o 7._o we_o will_v show_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n and_o the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v do_v that_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v they_o to_o another_o that_o they_o may_v set_v their_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangableness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o vast_a and_o infinite_a comfort_n and_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o the_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o the_o same_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v former_o bestow_v upon_o other_o because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o doxology_n and_o therein_o consider_v the_o four_o glorious_a attribute_n ascribe_v unto_o god_n in_o it_o his_o sovereignty_n his_o omnipotence_n his_o excellency_n and_o his_o eternity_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o prayer_n and_o that_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o ratification_n of_o all_o in_o that_o short_a particle_n amen_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o so_o shut_v up_o this_o whole_a subject_n this_o word_n amen_o be_v sometime_o prefix_v before_o a_o speech_n and_o sometime_o affix_v after_o it_o when_o it_o be_v prefix_v before_o it_o be_v assertory_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o very_o often_o in_o the_o evangelist_n for_o wheresoever_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o word_n very_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o amen_o very_o very_o isay_n unto_o thou_o i._n e._n amen_o amen_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o to_o gain_v the_o more_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o what_o he_o desire_v thus_o john_n 3.5_o amen_n amen_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o john_n 16.23_o amen_n amen_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v of_o the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o evangelist_n how_o backward_o be_v we_o to_o believe_v since_o our_o infidelity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o constrain_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o to_o use_v asseveration_n and_o protestation_n to_o win_v our_o assent_n unto_o he_o second_o as_o this_o particle_n amen_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v assertory_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o it_o so_o when_o it_o be_v subjoin_v and_o use_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v precatory_a and_o signify_v our_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v and_o our_o petition_n grant_v psal_n 41.13_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a amen_o and_o amen_n psal_n 72.19_o let_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o glory_n amen_o and_o amen_n psal_n 106.48_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v prefix_v to_o a_o speech_n it_o signify_v so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o latter_a as_o it_o be_v add_v to_o a_o petition_n or_o request_n it_o signify_v so_o be_v it_o now_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v up_o all_o our_o petition_n first_o with_o understanding_n due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o when_o we_o use_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a babble_n how_o can_v we_o seal_v and_o close_v they_o up_o with_o a_o hearty_a amen_o and_o this_o condemn_v the_o mockery_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o because_o god_n understand_v what_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o language_n to_o they_o unknown_a think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o tongue_n which_o they_o themselves_o understand_v not_o but_o with_o what_o zeal_n with_o what_o affection_n can_v they_o close_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o a_o amen_o this_o be_v like_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o instrument_n which_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o contain_v and_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.16_o how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v second_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o present_v all_o our_o request_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o affection_n amen_o be_v a_o wing_n to_o our_o prayer_n it_o be_v the_o bow_n that_o shoot_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n and_o although_o every_o petition_n as_o we_o utter_v they_o before_o god_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o have_v they_o hear_v and_o grant_v yet_o at_o the_o close_a of_o they_o all_o we_o be_v to_o redouble_v and_o repeat_v this_o our_o desire_n in_o the_o word_n amen_o wherein_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v brief_o and_o succinct_o pray_v over_o again_o all_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v before_o and_o in_o one_o word_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v before_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o whether_o we_o pray_v ourselves_o or_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o other_o and_o make_v their_o petition_n we_o we_o ought_v to_o attest_v our_o understanding_n of_o our_o assent_n unto_o and_o our_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mercy_n that_o be_v beg_v by_o seal_v up_o the_o prayer_n with_o a_o amen_o and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a beseem_a thing_n if_o amen_n be_v audible_a and_o sound_a unless_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v think_v to_o pray_v when_o other_o pray_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o expression_n to_o present_v our_o petition_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o minister_n only_o as_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n which_o he_o present_v they_o pray_v with_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o every_o petition_n that_o he_o
honour_n thy_o glory_n lie_v bleed_v and_o suffer_v through_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n why_o commit_v thy_o care_n to_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o so_o wield_v their_o lust_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v bring_v about_o and_o effect_v his_o own_o end_n god_n be_v glorify_v himself_o even_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v trouble_v this_o thought_n keep_v alive_a on_o our_o heart_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v amid_o all_o the_o tumult_n we_o observe_v and_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o unwind_v these_o ravel_v dispensation_n to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o he_o can_v and_o will_n there_o be_v a_o invisible_a and_o wise_a hand_n that_o mould_v and_o fashion_n all_o and_o though_o the_o part_n by_o themselves_o may_v appear_v rude_a and_o unpolished_a yet_o put_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o series_n of_o providence_n together_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v most_o admirable_a and_o glorious_a 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he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o compose_v it_o and_o likewise_o he_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o which_o it_o principal_o treat_v now_o though_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v more_o especial_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n yet_o also_o may_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o true_o and_o proper_o go_v under_o his_o name_n for_o first_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o he_o may_v well_o write_v this_o title_n upon_o our_o bibles_n the_o work_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o prophet_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v but_o his_o amanuensis_n and_o write_v only_o what_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o certain_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v they_o by_o christ_n authority_n and_o commission_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v he_o take_v from_o he_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o they_o john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o second_o christ_n also_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o send_v christ_n a_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o great_a business_n which_o have_v employ_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o father_n the_o admiration_n and_o ministration_n of_o angel_n the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o revelation_n or_o tradition_n be_v yet_o the_o only_a positive_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o patriarch_n see_v he_o by_o these_o abraham_n see_v my_o day_n and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8.56_o afterward_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n see_v he_o by_o type_n promise_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v that_o excellent_a theme_n that_o have_v fill_v up_o many_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o a_o picture_n represent_v the_o feature_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o person_n but_o afterward_o be_v add_v the_o complexion_n and_o life_n to_o it_o so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o prophet_n draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v add_v the_o life_n and_o sweetness_n to_o it_o in_o the_o new_a yea_o christ_n be_v so_o true_o describe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o his_o life_n by_o his_o death_n by_o all_o the_o great_a remark_n of_o either_o that_o in_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o appeal_v thither_o for_o a_o testimony_n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o st._n peter_n act_v 3.24_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n as_o many_o as_o have_v speak_v have_v foretell_v of_o these_o day_n and_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a expositor_n be_v himself_o the_o true_a author_n make_v they_o all_o speak_v his_o sense_n luke_n 24.27_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o saying_n concern_v himself_o so_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n observation_n hold_v true_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o flow_v forth_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n and_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o both_o these_o lie_v couch_v a_o very_a cogent_a argument_n that_o may_v enforce_v this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n peruse_v these_o book_n which_o he_o have_v compose_v the_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o author_n if_o they_o be_v of_o approve_a integrity_n profound_a knowledge_n solid_a judgement_n their_o work_n be_v esteem_v and_o study_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v much_o more_o conversant_a in_o these_o which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n these_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o quill_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dove_n second_o christ_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o beggarly_a element_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o here_o we_o have_v the_o cabinet_n of_o god_n counsel_n unlock_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n public_o declare_v here_o we_o have_v the_o stupendous_a history_n of_o god_n become_a man_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n this_o god-man_n do_v upon_o earth_n of_o all_o the_o cruelty_n he_o suffer_v here_o we_o have_v the_o description_n of_o his_o victory_n in_o his_o resurrection_n of_o his_o triumph_n in_o his_o ascension_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a sure_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n with_o admiration_n recount_v it_o
first_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n very_a case_n rom._n 7.8_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o command_n wrought_v in_o i_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n now_o this_o effect_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n which_o take_v a_o hint_n so_o desperate_o corrupt_a be_v it_o from_o god_n forbid_a sin_n to_o put_v itself_o in_o mind_n of_o commit_v it_o second_o thou_o complain_v that_o the_o word_n excit_v to_o corruption_n but_o it_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o sun_n draw_v smoak_n and_o stink_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n it_o do_v increase_v but_o unhappy_o excite_v they_o the_o very_a same_o lust_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o there_o they_o lie_v like_o so_o many_o viper_n and_o serpent_n asleep_a till_o the_o light_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o stir_v and_o crawl_v about_o and_o this_o advantage_n thou_o 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continual_o instill_v somewhat_o into_o it_o a_o vessel_n set_v under_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o spring_n can_v leak_v fast_o than_o it_o be_v supply_v a_o constant_a drop_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n into_o the_o memory_n will_v keep_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v leaky_a yet_o it_o never_o shall_v be_v empty_a second_o scripture_n truth_n when_o they_o do_v not_o enrich_v the_o memory_n yet_o they_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n according_a to_o what_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o according_a to_o what_o effect_n it_o leave_v behind_o lightning_z you_o know_v than_o which_o nothing_o soon_o vanish_v away_o yet_o it_o often_o break_v and_o melt_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o firm_a body_n in_o its_o sudden_a passage_n such_o be_v the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n often_o dart_v it_o through_o we_o it_o seem_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v break_v and_o melt_v down_o our_o hard_a heart_n before_o it_o when_o it_o leave_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o memory_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o one_o who_o return_v from_o a_o affect_a sermon_n high_o commend_v it_o to_o some_o and_o be_v demand_v what_o he_o remember_v of_o it_o answer_v true_o i_o remember_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o only_o while_o i_o hear_v it_o it_o make_v i_o resolve_v to_o live_v better_a than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v and_o so_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_n here_o be_v now_o a_o sermon_n lose_v to_o the_o memory_n but_o not_o to_o the_o affection_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o complain_v to_o a_o age_a holyman_n that_o he_o be_v much_o discourage_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o his_o memory_n be_v so_o slippery_a he_o can_v fasten_v nothing_o upon_o it_o that_o he_o read_v the_o old_a hermit_n for_o so_o as_o i_o remember_v he_o be_v describe_v bid_v he_o take_v a_o earthen_a pitcher_n and_o 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angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o 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study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o sum_v it_o up_o in_o one_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o study_v that_o which_o do_v so_o necessary_o concern_v we_o other_o knowledge_n be_v only_o for_o the_o adorn_v and_o embellishment_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n of_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v before_o speak_v enough_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o far_o enlarge_v therefore_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o let_v we_o answer_v whatsoever_o may_v seem_v to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o this_o we_o must_v cleave_v with_o this_o we_o will_v converse_v for_o here_o alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n five_o the_o knowledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n disclose_v be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o impiety_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o very_a eye_n nay_o the_o information_n of_o our_o sense_n what_o we_o see_v what_o we_o hear_v what_o we_o feel_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o speak_v of_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n that_o sound_v from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n hear_v this_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a may_v well_o be_v render_v we_o account_v more_o sure_a the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n what_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o god_n 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of_o ourselves_o man_n that_o busy_v himself_o in_o know_v all_o thing_n else_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o ignorant_a than_o of_o himself_o the_o eye_n that_o behold_v other_o thing_n can_v see_v its_o own_o shape_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o understand_v other_o object_n be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o its_o own_o concernment_n now_o as_o the_o eye_n that_o can_v see_v itself_o direct_o may_v see_v itself_o reflexively_a in_o a_o glass_n so_o god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o scripture_n which_o st._n james_n compare_v to_o a_o glass_n james_n 1.23_o and_o hold_v this_o before_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v represent_v our_o true_a state_n and_o idea_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n his_o state_n of_o integrity_n his_o state_n of_o apostasy_n his_o state_n of_o restitution_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v reveal_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v 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of_o god_n have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a particular_n first_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o convince_v and_o humble_v the_o stout_a and_o proud_a sinner_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o secure_a sinner_n those_o who_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v secure_a through_o a_o insensibility_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n both_o these_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v set_v home_o with_o power_n convince_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o dust_n it_o despoil_v the_o self-justitiary_a of_o all_o that_o false_a righteousness_n he_o once_o boast_v of_o and_o trust_v to_o i_o be_v alive_a once_o without_o the_o law_n say_v st._n paul_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7.9_o it_o awaken_v and_o alarm_n the_o senseless_a sear_a sinner_n how_o many_o have_v there_o be_v that_o have_v scorn_v god_n and_o despise_a religion_n who_o yet_o one_o curse_n or_o threat_v of_o this_o word_n have_v make_v to_o tremble_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o convince_a majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o second_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o sweet_o comfort_n and_o raise_v they_o after_o their_o dejection_n all_o other_o application_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v improper_a and_o impertinent_a it_o be_v only_a scripture_n consolation_n that_o can_v ease_v it_o the_o leaf_n of_o this_o book_n be_v like_o the_o leaf_n of_o that_o tree_n rev._n 22._o which_o be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o same_o weapon_n that_o wound_n must_v here_o work_v the_o cure_n three_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o work_v the_o mighty_a change_n upon_o the_o heart_n in_o renovation_n take_v a_o man_n that_o run_v on_o in_o vile_a and_o desperate_a course_n that_o sell_v himself_o to_o do_v iniquity_n and_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n with_o greediness_n and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o reason_n can_v suggest_v these_o seldom_o reclaim_v any_o from_o their_o debauchery_n or_o if_o in_o some_o few_o they_o do_v reform_v the_o life_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o change_v the_o heart_n but_o now_o that_o which_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v effect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n four_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o strengthen_v and_o arm_n the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v the_o great_a temporal_a evil_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o future_a reward_n which_o it_o punish_v five_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o a_o collection_n of_o rule_n and_o duty_n that_o whosoever_o observe_v and_o obey_v shall_v in_o the_o end_n infallible_o obtain_v everlasting_a life_n though_o i_o can_v but_o just_a mention_n these_o head_n unto_o you_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n you_o think_v to_o 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