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 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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
what_o beautify_v the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o divine_a truth_n one_o illustrate_v and_o infer_v another_o there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a agreement_n between_o they_o one_o support_v another_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o apply_v our_o mind_n intense_o to_o understand_v they_o how_o many_o that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_a proficient_o in_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o reprehension_n they_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o that_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n whereas_o other_o be_v come_v to_o full_a age_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v more_o perfect_o good_a and_o evil_n how_o many_o professor_n need_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o they_o pretend_v to_o exempt_v their_o ignorance_n from_o discredit_n that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n they_o shall_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o provisional_a establishment_n as_o the_o levitical_a law_n there_o be_v no_o other_o alliance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n no_o other_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v for_o sin_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n be_v complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ._n now_o some_o understand_v more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o the_o contrivance_n and_o part_n of_o our_o mysterious_a redemption_n and_o be_v comparative_o perfect_a all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o real_a value_n infinite_o inferior_a to_o save_v truth_n there_o may_v be_v knowledge_n without_o save_a grace_n but_o no_o save_a grace_n without_o knowledge_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o lead_a faculty_n conversion_n begin_v in_o the_o renew_a mind_n you_o be_v darkness_n now_o you_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_a for_o our_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n but_o by_o the_o intervening_a of_o the_o enlighten_v applicative_a understanding_n the_o conscience_n that_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o from_o whence_o our_o immediate_a obligation_n arise_v to_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a and_o some_o be_v perfective_a some_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o clearness_n as_o other_o and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o damn_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o save_v but_o every_o divine_a truth_n be_v worthy_a of_o our_o attentive_a consideration_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o they_o contribute_v to_o our_o perfection_n we_o shall_v strive_v to_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n that_o as_o the_o sun_n gradual_o ascend_v the_o horizon_n till_o it_o give_v light_a to_o the_o day_n and_o day_n to_o the_o world_n so_o our_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a till_o we_o be_v complete_o transform_v into_o his_o glorious_a image_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v entire_o like_o he_o 2._o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v more_o vital_a affective_a and_o practical_a it_o be_v more_o perfective_a of_o we_o divine_a truth_n have_v a_o goodness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o due_o know_v without_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o their_o goodness_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n be_v influential_a upon_o our_o life_n the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v mere_o speculative_a one_o know_v that_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v from_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o moon_n between_o that_o globe_n of_o light_n and_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o mind_n acquiesces_fw-la in_o the_o theory_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o practical_a use_n but_o the_o knowledge_n that_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o intercept_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o shine_v upon_o we_o be_v infinite_o profitable_a to_o make_v we_o fearful_a to_o offend_v he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o joyful_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n spiritual_a knowledge_n include_v a_o correspondent_a permanent_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o sanctify_a truth_n in_o civil_a matter_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o discourse_n and_o direction_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o performance_n and_o in_o holy_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n and_o in_o word_n and_o a_o knowledge_n that_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o the_o first_o be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o accidental_o pernicious_a according_a to_o solomon_n expression_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n a_o small_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v productive_a of_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v far_o more_o valuable_a than_o a_o more_o large_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o a_o spot_n of_o ground_n cultivate_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n be_v more_o profitable_a than_o a_o large_a field_n that_o lie_v waste_a 2._o moral_a perfection_n be_v evident_a by_o a_o threefold_a comparison_n 1._o of_o the_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n 2._o of_o the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o 3._o of_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o grace_n with_o low_a act_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n 1._o the_o comparison_n of_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n make_v they_o appear_v as_o perfect_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o principle_n in_o the_o best_a here_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n inherent_a corruption_n and_o infuse_v grace_n and_o the_o operation_n flow_v from_o they_o according_o be_v mix_v but_o as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o bright_a colour_n of_o white_a and_o red_a in_o the_o complexion_n appear_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n set_v off_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o blackmoor_n so_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o saint_n though_o mix_v with_o blemish_n appear_v complete_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o foul_a deformity_n of_o sinner_n thus_o the_o opposition_n between_o they_o be_v express_v he_o destroy_v the_o perfect_a and_o the_o 22._o wicked_a it_o be_v record_v of_o noah_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n in_o his_o generation_n 6._o in_o a_o age_n when_o wickedness_n reign_v when_o chastity_n be_v expel_v from_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n be_v censure_v as_o a_o vice_n when_o impiety_n be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o deluge_n be_v necessary_a to_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o such_o sinner_n then_o the_o sanctity_n and_o piety_n of_o noah_n shine_v as_o brightness_n issue_v from_o the_o star_n he_o appear_v perfect_o good_a compare_v with_o the_o prodigious_o bad_a 2._o in_o compare_v the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o some_o be_v style_v perfect_a there_o be_v different_a degree_n among_o sinner_n some_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o wickedness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v denominate_v from_o as_o many_o ruffinum_n vice_n that_o possess_v their_o soul_n as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o man_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n answer_v his_o name_n be_v legion_n from_o the_o number_n of_o devil_n that_o possess_v he_o they_o drive_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o esse_fw-la sin_n so_o violent_o and_o furious_o that_o compare_v to_o they_o other_o sinner_n seem_v innocent_a and_o be_v far_o less_o obnoxious_a to_o judgement_n thus_o there_o be_v singular_a saint_n who_o grace_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o convince_v and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n as_o make_v they_o venerable_a among_o the_o vicious_a their_o presence_n will_v restrain_v the_o dissolute_a from_o excess_n either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n as_o effectual_o as_o a_o magistrate_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o power_n other_o saint_n though_o sincere_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o shade_n and_o light_n in_o their_o action_n that_o they_o be_v in_o low_a esteem_n compare_v meek_a moses_n with_o the_o passionate_a prophet_n ionas_n who_o justify_v his_o anger_n to_o the_o
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v
be_v no_o past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o see_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o view_n not_o only_a event_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o constraint_n of_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o depend_v upon_o cause_n various_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a this_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o our_o own_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v true_o felix_n infinite_a and_o our_o mind_n be_v narrow_a and_o finite_a 3._o the_o humane_a understanding_n in_o our_o lapse_v state_n be_v dark_a and_o defile_v weaken_a and_o vitiate_a of_o this_o we_o have_v innumerable_a instance_n although_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o illustrious_o visible_a in_o the_o creation_n yet_o even_o the_o wise_a heathen_a represent_v he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o be_v high_o blasphemous_a they_o can_v not_o conceive_v his_o infiniteness_n but_o make_v every_o attribute_n a_o god_n they_o transform_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o earthly_a die_a man._n and_o the_o papist_n transform_v a_o mortal_a man_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n they_o attribute_v to_o the_o pope_n a_o power_n of_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n for_o though_o god_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n so_o strict_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o have_v annex_v to_o the_o prohibition_n the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_v of_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n yet_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o pope_n command_v all_o his_o adorer_n to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n he_o arrogate_v a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n the_o most_o sacred_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o thereby_o authorise_v perjury_n 4._o though_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v supernatural_a mystery_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o can_v be_v who_o can_v prove_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a can_v by_o a_o infinite_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v in_o distinct_a subsistence_n it_o be_v true_a our_o reason_n may_v find_v unaccountable_a difficulty_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v three_o in_o the_o subsistence_n of_o person_n and_o three_o one_o in_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o two_o nature_n so_o different_a and_o immense_o distant_a as_o finite_a and_o infinite_a mortal_a and_o immortal_a shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n without_o confusion_n of_o their_o property_n but_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v inconceivable_o great_a we_o must_v exalt_v faith_n and_o depress_v reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o infinite_o disparage_v he_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o a_o suspect_a witness_n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o other_o truth_n that_o right_a reason_n comprehend_v and_o receive_v without_o reluctancy_n that_o man_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a conscience_n be_v their_o accuser_n a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o can_v neither_o die_v with_o they_o nor_o without_o they_o that_o every_o sin_n need_v pardon_n be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v just_a be_v know_v by_o the_o general_a light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v become_v god_n to_o pardon_v sin_n in_o a_o way_n honourable_a to_o his_o justice_n be_v as_o certain_a now_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o divine_a justice_n require_v the_o endure_a the_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v dishonour_v by_o it_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n must_v be_v by_o a_o person_n of_o equal_a dignity_n and_o consequent_o only_a god_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n now_o reason_n dictate_v that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v satisfaction_n must_v be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o criminal_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n from_o hence_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o deity_n be_v incapable_a of_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v give_v value_n to_o the_o suffering_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisito_fw-la that_o the_o deity_n shall_v assume_v our_o nature_n capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v result_v from_o their_o conjunction_n this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o conspicuous_a character_n and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a this_o maintain_v the_o royalty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_n of_o justice_n this_o secure_v our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whether_o god_n infinite_o provoke_v by_o our_o rebellious_a sin_n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admire_v the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o to_o adore_v those_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o same_o connexion_n in_o error_n as_o in_o divine_a truth_n for_o they_o who_o rob_v our_o saviour_n of_o his_o natural_a glory_n his_o eternal_a deity_n vilify_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o value_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n by_o which_o our_o pardon_n be_v obtain_v in_o short_a the_o fabric_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contrivance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 6._o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o comparison_n and_o example_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n for_o they_o prove_v and_o persuade_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v our_o saviour_n to_o cure_v the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o pharisee_n tell_v they_o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n the_o expression_n be_v strange_a to_o a_o wonder_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o defect_n to_o god_n but_o he_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o declare_v with_o emphasis_n that_o god_n be_v always_o equal_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o strain_v his_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o strong_a opposition_n the_o same_o apostle_n argue_v against_o infidel_n that_o say_v how_o be_v the_o dead_a raise_v up_o and_o with_o what_o body_n do_v they_o come_v thou_o fool_n that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v be_v not_o quicken_v except_o it_o die_v and_o that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o sowe_v not_o that_o body_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o bare_a grain_n it_o may_v chance_v of_o wheat_n or_o some_o other_o grain_n but_o god_n tert._n give_v it_o a_o body_n as_o please_v he_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v witness_n of_o such_o a_o admirable_a resurrection_n in_o nature_n which_o our_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v shall_v it_o not_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o wonder_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o both_o all_o difficulty_n vanish_v before_o infinite_a power_n st._n paul_n declare_v i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 1._o able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o till_o that_o day_n we_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n will_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n by_o the_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o clear_a spring_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a foundation_n of_o judge_v thing_n attend_v with_o difficulty_n to_o compare_v the_o difficulty_n and_o to_o determine_v
the_o dear_a memorial_n of_o his_o purchase_n blessedness_n for_o we_o his_o precious_a blood_n appease_v the_o just_a anger_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cool_a and_o calm_a our_o inflame_v passion_n in_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o revenge_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n suffer_v by_o we_o we_o must_v extinguish_v any_o inclination_n to_o revenge_n sin_n begin_v in_o the_o desire_n and_o end_n in_o the_o action_n we_o must_v not_o take_v the_o least_o pleasure_n that_o evil_a befall_v one_o that_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o for_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v devilish_a though_o the_o reparation_n of_o a_o injury_n may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v necessary_a yet_o revenge_n be_v absolute_o forbid_v to_o retaliate_v a_o evil_a without_o any_o reparation_n of_o our_o loss_n be_v to_o do_v mischief_n for_o mischief_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o satan_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o do_v good_a for_o evil_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a perfection_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o assume_v the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o curse_a disposition_n some_o will_v conceal_v their_o anger_n for_o a_o time_n wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o take_v revenge_n without_o the_o appearance_n of_o passion_n their_o malice_n like_o slow_a poison_n do_v not_o cause_n violent_a symptom_n but_o destroy_v life_n insensible_o some_o have_v such_o fierce_a passion_n that_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o least_o provocation_n their_o breast_n be_v change_v into_o a_o tophet_n some_o inflame_v their_o resentment_n by_o consider_v every_o circumstance_n that_o will_v exasperate_v their_o spirit_n but_o the_o command_n be_v be_v not_o overcome_v with_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a the_o duty_n be_v so_o pleasant_a in_o its_o exercise_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o comfortable_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o affection_n love_n suffer_v long_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n and_o what_o be_v more_o engage_v than_o the_o delightful_a disposition_n of_o love_n the_o do_v good_a for_o evil_a often_o gain_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o enemy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o vital_a spark_n of_o humanity_n it_o can_v be_v resist_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o record_v in_o scripture_n saul_n the_o unrighteous_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o david_n yet_o be_v spare_v when_o he_o be_v entire_o at_o his_o mercy_n be_v move_v and_o melt_v into_o tenderness_n be_v this_o thy_o voice_n my_o son_n david_n before_o he_o in_o contempt_n call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o jesse_n thou_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o i_o i_o will_v do_v thou_o no_o more_o evil_a how_o will_v some_o of_o the_o heathen_n condemn_v christian_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o pusillanimity_n or_o stupidity_n to_o bear_v frequent_a and_o great_a injury_n unrevenged_a one_o of_o their_o poet_n mix_v this_o counsel_n among_o other_o excellent_a rule_n of_o morality_n that_o man_n be_v arrive_v at_o a_o heroic_a degree_n of_o goodness_n who_o be_v instruct_v in_o a_o dispassionate_a manner_n to_o bear_v great_a injury_n and_o when_o photion_n who_o have_v deserve_v so_o high_o of_o the_o athenian_n be_v condemn_v unjust_o to_o die_v his_o son_n attend_v he_o to_o receive_v his_o last_o command_n immediate_o before_o his_o death_n he_o charge_v he_o never_o to_o revenge_v it_o on_o the_o athenian_n chap._n ix_o divine_a hope_n have_v a_o eminent_a causality_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n the_o nature_n of_o christian_a hope_n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n it_o be_v natural_a congruous_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o present_a state_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o carnal_a presumption_n by_o its_o purify_n virtue_n fear_v consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o cleanse_a virtue_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o motive_n of_o holy_a fear_n there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n and_o of_o caution_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o faith_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n hope_v and_o joy_n it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o fortitude_n 3._o divine_a hope_n have_v a_o eminent_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a likeness_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o divine_a world_n infer_v from_o it_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a three_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o his_o hope_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o this_o hope_n from_o its_o counterfeit_n by_o its_o inseparable_a effect_n purify_v himself_o 3._o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o pattern_n even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1._o christian_n hope_n be_v a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o worldly_a hope_n by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o its_o foundation_n the_o object_n be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o glory_n and_o joy_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n worldly_n hope_n be_v terminate_v on_o empty_a vanish_v thing_n gild_v over_o with_o the_o thin_a appearance_n of_o good_n the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a hope_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n that_o always_o second_v his_o word_n god_n can_v lie_v and_o consequent_o neither_o deceive_v our_o faith_n nor_o disappoint_v our_o hope_n and_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n all_o the_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v engage_v for_o our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n sometime_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o hope_n 21._o may_v be_v in_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o hope_n and_o that_o we_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n worldly_n hope_n be_v always_o uncertain_a in_o this_o sphere_n of_o mutability_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o impotence_n or_o deceit_n in_o all_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o obtain_v humane_a desire_n that_o the_o success_n be_v doubtful_a fear_n mix_v with_o the_o desire_n and_o often_o despair_v with_o fear_n young_a man_n be_v flush_a with_o hope_n and_o of_o bold_a expectation_n than_o ancient_a man_n who_o from_o experience_n of_o many_o unforeseen_a and_o inevitable_a difficulty_n that_o have_v traverse_v their_o hope_n be_v incline_v to_o fear_n but_o experience_n incourage_v and_o fortify_v the_o hope_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o patience_n and_o joy_n if_o we_o hope_v we_o 5._o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o intervening_a difficulty_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o we_o expect_v no_o undiscernible_a accident_n can_v blast_v their_o assurance_n the_o interval_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n do_v not_o weaken_v abraham_n hope_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n comfort_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o patience_n of_o hope_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n the_o final_a security_n of_o the_o blessedness_n promise_v be_v very_o joyful_a in_o a_o afflict_a condition_n this_o hope_n be_v the_o character_n by_o which_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v denominate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o heathen_n who_o be_v without_o god_n without_o christ_n and_o without_o hope_n for_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o christ_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v he_o this_o grace_n be_v most_o natural_a congruous_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o present_a state_n 1._o natural_a bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o 4._o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o the_o supernatural_a birth_n entitle_v to_o the_o supernatural_a inheritance_n if_o son_n than_o heir_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o consequent_a affection_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n the_o most_o early_o exercise_v of_o reason_n excite_v desire_n and_o hope_n to_o obtain_v what_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a life_n when_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o celestial_a blessendness_n reveal_v in_o