commandment_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o with_o i_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o man_n arrive_v to_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o business_n which_o they_o have_v in_o like_n and_o esteem_n because_o they_o frequent_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o daily_o employ_v their_o thought_n about_o it_o now_o that_o veneration_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o value_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n which_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o sincere_a intent_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v incomparable_o great_a and_o more_o operative_a and_o effectual_a than_o that_o which_o be_v found_v either_o upon_o desire_n of_o praise_n or_o preferment_n or_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o speculation_n only_o therefore_o that_o esteem_n which_o the_o good_a man_n have_v for_o divine_a truth_n will_v enforce_v a_o more_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a meditation_n thereupon_o and_o that_o assiduity_n will_v procure_v a_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o this_o again_o more_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o if_o such_o proficiency_n and_o such_o satisfaction_n do_v thus_o whet_v one_o another_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o cause_v but_o by_o a_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v of_o divine_a truth_n than_o the_o good_a man_n who_o value_v it_o most_o have_v a_o singular_a advantage_n in_o his_o study_n and_o search_v after_o it_o 4._o every_o prevail_a lust_n and_o passion_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o instance_n the_o affection_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v that_o which_o frequent_o pervert_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o expostulation_n with_o the_o jew_n how_o can_v you_o believe_v that_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o that_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n john_n 5.44_o one_o will_v wonder_v what_o a_o strange_a delusion_n the_o pride_n of_o the_o pharisee_n keep_v they_o under_o the_o delusion_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v not_o judge_v whether_o they_o believe_v or_o disbelieved_a what_o they_o read_v in_o moses_n for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o v._o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v also_o have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o can_v we_o or_o can_v they_o themselves_o have_v think_v that_o they_o who_o trust_v in_o moses_n that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o great_a teacher_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o who_o reject_v jesus_n because_o they_o think_v his_o doctrine_n overthrow_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o own_o belief_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o he_o add_v v._o 47._o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o writing_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o thing_n 1._o if_o vain_a glory_n have_v not_o infatuate_v these_o man_n if_o the_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n have_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o what_o they_o once_o think_v if_o they_o have_v be_v humble_a enough_o to_o permit_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n to_o convince_v they_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v read_v there_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 2._o if_o one_o sin_n be_v predominant_a in_o a_o man_n heart_n as_o pride_n he_o may_v be_v so_o delude_v by_o it_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_o there_o and_o this_o too_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n as_o the_o case_n now_o mention_v plain_o show_v 3._o much_o more_o will_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v pervert_v by_o several_a lust_n and_o vice_n in_o conjunction_n with_o one_o another_o if_o to_o pride_n and_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o envy_n and_o revengefulness_n be_v add_v the_o fatal_a influence_n whereof_o upon_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o plain_o discernible_a in_o the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v engage_v to_o serve_v a_o because_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o party_n against_o all_o the_o world_n do_v we_o not_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o incredible_a that_o in_o these_o circumstance_n man_n of_o learning_n and_o subtlety_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o argument_n of_o the_o true_a or_o false_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o pertinent_a or_o impertinent_a application_n of_o it_o even_o where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o require_v neither_o subtlety_n nor_o learning_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o it_o can_v any_o disintere_v man_n believe_v that_o from_o the_o say_n of_o saint_n john_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o revelation_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o that_o from_o this_o say_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o all_o human_a form_n and_o constitution_n in_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v infer_v that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o a_o curse_n be_v threaten_v to_o any_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o bible_n by_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n therefore_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o positive_o require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o such_o application_n of_o scripture_n as_o this_o the_o pretence_n have_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o man_n of_o name_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n will_v it_o ever_o have_v come_v into_o a_o man_n head_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n to_o depose_v king_n and_o emperor_n may_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n if_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n and_o the_o serve_v of_o a_o cause_n have_v not_o intervene_v he_o will_v think_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n under_o persecution_n and_o not_o with_o those_o inhuman_a principle_n which_o turn_v they_o into_o wolf_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o without_o any_o wit_n and_o with_o infinite_o great_a probability_n the_o quite_o contrary_a conclusion_n may_v be_v several_a way_n infer_v from_o these_o word_n the_o quite_o contrary_a i_o say_v to_o what_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v infer_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o expose_v their_o argue_v from_o those_o word_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o universal_a supremacy_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o allusion_n of_o petrus_n to_o petra_n which_o if_o it_o will_v hold_v good_a for_o st._n peter_n be_v the_o rock_n how_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o make_v boniface_n or_o clement_n the_o rock_n too_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v or_o if_o it_o do_v that_o rock_n imply_v universal_a supremacy_n will_v not_o sudden_o have_v be_v think_v of_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o serve_v a_o cause_n there_o will_v be_v a_o little_a more_o colour_n in_o those_o word_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o when_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o till_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o full_o and_o effectual_o as_o to_o he_o but_o suppose_v that_o have_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n which_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v upon_o he_o which_o be_v a_o say_v more_o likely_a to_o conclude_v a_o universal_a pastorship_n from_o than_o the_o other_o how_o many_o learned_a treatise_n may_v we_o think_v have_v be_v write_v upon_o it_o before_o now_o but_o for_o all_o that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o earnest_n offer_v that_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v christ_n vicar-general_n on_o earth_n he_o will_v be_v answer_v no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o contempt_n so_o foul_o be_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n overrule_v by_o their_o affection_n after_o they_o have_v wed_v a_o cause_n and_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o to_o maintain_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o that_o which_o be_v still_o worse_o be_v this_o that_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o faction_n prevail_v and_o worldly_a interest_n be_v carry_v on_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v frequent_o disable_v from_o judge_v right_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a otherwise_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o lie_v and_o perjury_n and_o murder_n and_o treason_n be_v in_o some_o case_n not_o only_o excusable_a but_o laudable_a that_o they_o
well_o as_o they_o do_v the_o just_a live_v by_o that_o faith_n with_o which_o other_o perish_v how_o be_v that_o faith_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o do_v but_o aggravate_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o nay_o how_o be_v that_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o they_o assent_v and_o therefore_o believe_v and_o tremble_v because_o they_o believe_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n viz._n to_o make_v man_n attain_v to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v now_o if_o upon_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o will_v make_v they_o obedient_a and_o holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o wicked_a want_n faith_n that_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v and_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n require_v than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v why_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v represent_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o the_o force_n of_o faith_n lie_v to_o govern_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o then_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o holiness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o together_o and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o ungodly_a man_n now_o 2._o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v believe_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v they_o 3._o in_o the_o permanency_n of_o the_o belief_n itself_o or_o rather_o in_o the_o dwell_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o consider_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v 1._o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v do_v represent_v good_a and_o evil_n to_o we_o they_o be_v not_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o worse_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o but_o they_o be_v of_o very_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a to_o work_v upon_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n 2._o what_o we_o believe_v do_v represent_v to_o we_o our_o great_a good_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o fear_v on_o the_o other_o if_o a_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v offer_v we_o may_v be_v disparage_v by_o a_o great_a good_a that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o do_v not_o much_o inflame_v or_o move_v the_o affection_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v aright_o apprehend_v the_o joy_n of_o another_o life_n to_o be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o to_o rival_n they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o patriarch_n to_o count_v themselves_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n they_o desire_v a_o better_a i._n e._n a_o heavenly_a country_n 3._o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o inheritance_n belong_v to_o we_o upon_o our_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n if_o we_o have_v absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a country_n this_o faith_n may_v well_o cause_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o benefit_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n or_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v exclude_v if_o we_o assent_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o our_o faith_n work_v by_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n but_o if_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v because_o it_o will_v be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o need_v not_o 4._o we_o be_v also_o persuade_v that_o the_o condition_n viz._n do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n possible_a otherwise_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v will_v not_o stir_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n tremble_v only_o though_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a but_o not_o active_a and_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o short_a if_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n wherein_o the_o great_a good_a be_v promise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o condition_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o great_a punishment_n and_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v perform_v then_o in_o this_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o holiness_n &_o good_a work_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o this_o but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o our_o unfruitfulness_n may_v well_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o go_v very_o far_o to_o satisfy_v the_o difficulty_n because_o many_o believe_v all_o needful_a truth_n and_o yet_o remain_v unholy_a wherefore_o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v divine_a truth_n for_o there_o be_v very_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o sanctify_v we_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n or_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v this_o considerate_o and_o distinct_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v a_o omnipresent_v be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o now_o our_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v we_o circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n and_o careful_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o by_o such_o distinct_a persuasion_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o faith_n nor_o will_v these_o distinct_a consideration_n have_v much_o power_n neither_o unless_o they_o be_v distinct_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v with_o i_o and_o see_v i_o in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o know_v every_o one_o of_o my_o secret_n and_o even_o every_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v i_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o to_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v extreme_a folly_n as_o well_o as_o sin_v to_o follow_v my_o own_o will_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o now_o all_o this_o be_v faith_n or_o believe_v true_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o application_n as_o these_o that_o we_o must_v be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a doctrine_n and_o to_o go_v no_o far_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v operative_a much_o more_o than_o if_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o one_o article_n be_v therefore_o fruitless_a because_o it_o be_v but_o general_a and_o not_o resolve_v into_o the_o awaken_n consideration_n that_o be_v under_o it_o nor_o apply_v distinct_o to_o ourselves_o under_o such_o consideration_n than_o also_o will_v the_o believe_v of_o the_o whole_a creed_n in_o this_o fashion_n without_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n be_v fruitless_a also_o and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o understand_v neither_o what_o we_o say_v nor_o whereof_o we_o affirm_v and_o than_o what_o we_o say_v and_o affirm_v can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o mend_v our_o life_n but_o though_o this_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o resolve_v the_o unholiness_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o want_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o do_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v that_o where_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o holy_a mind_n and_o a_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o present_a he_o be_v as_o much_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_a fit_n there_o be_v indeed_o life_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o motion_n and_o for_o the_o time_n he_o differ_v not_o from_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a or_o rather_o as_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o one_o without_o any_o act_n of_o either_o so_o be_v there_o indeed_o in_o the_o other_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o act_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v therefore_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o distinct_a and_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v will_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o restrain_v of_o a_o man_n lust_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o faith_n but_o then_o that_o faith_n which_o once_o be_v and_o now_o be_v not_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o always_o believe_v they_o as_o he_o shall_v do_v under_o a_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o great_a concernment_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o will_v come_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n that_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o through_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v just_o affect_v with_o they_o more_o than_o with_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o because_o these_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o now_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constancy_n of_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v they_o present_a to_o we_o that_o we_o come_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o worship_n for_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o for_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n stand_v that_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o have_v be_v torment_v many_o of_o they_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o here_o say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v etc._n etc._n have_v also_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deni_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o so_o that_o although_o confess_v christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o enough_o for_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a to_o it_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o that_o force_n that_o one_o may_v conclude_v nothing_o else_o be_v want_v and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o confess_v with_o great_a hazard_n to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o so_o exceed_o praiseworthy_a and_o signify_v all_o other_o necessary_a quality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v always_o a_o duty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o breach_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o when_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n require_v we_o to_o forbear_v in_o a_o word_n confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n assemble_v ourselves_o together_o for_o prayer_n baptism_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o every_o other_o part_n of_o outward_a religion_n in_o which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n stand_v be_v all_o of_o they_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o charity_n to_o man_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o 1._o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o require_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v by_o we_o i._n e._n confess_v praise_v and_o pray_v unto_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o private_a single_o but_o in_o public_a joint_o unless_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o speech_n give_v to_o we_o for_o transact_v common_a affair_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a viz._n those_o which_o concern_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o david_n in_o the_o psalm_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n because_o he_o do_v therewith_o praise_n and_o confess_v and_o glorify_v god_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v not_o only_o exhort_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o our_o mind_n but_o with_o our_o mouth_n too_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a at_o first_o fight_n than_o that_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v honour_v as_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o 2._o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o we_o in_o charity_n be_v to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o although_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o our_o very_a nature_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o natural_a inclination_n may_v be_v strange_o weaken_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o common_a sense_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o all_o man_n shall_v encourage_v and_o animate_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o single_a person_n withdraw_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o so_o do_v he_o grow_v a_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o but_o then_o 3._o above_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n require_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o in_o meet_v together_o also_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a instance_n of_o outward_a profession_n for_o when_o our_o lord_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v afterward_o gather_v man_n to_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o believer_n shall_v be_v a_o body_n or_o a_o society_n as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o man_n that_o live_v without_o christian_a communion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o christian_a profession_n can_v right_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a but_o have_v rather_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n by_o declare_v in_o effect_n that_o although_o he_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o now_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o if_o the_o secret_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n will_v deserve_v very_o ill_o of_o christianity_n to_o conceal_v his_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v by_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v uphold_v in_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v among_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o that_o dissemble_v his_o faith_n do_v therefore_o his_o part_n and_o give_v his_o consent_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n the_o gospel_n require_v that_o believer_n shall_v profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o worshipper_n that_o so_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v that_o wickedness_n among_o man_n that_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o be_v ready_o entertain_v and_o there_o be_v that_o folly_n and_o superstition_n everywhere_o that_o so_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o take_v with_o most_o people_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n error_n and_o superstition_n be_v thing_n that_o man_n will_v run_v into_o of_o themselves_o when_o therefore_o our_o lord_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o way_n how_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o do_v therefore_o make_v his_o disciple_n a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n that_o his_o doctrine_n may_v spread_v in_o the_o world_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o shall_v gain_v by_o every_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n for_o which_o reason_n origen_n think_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o rock_n every_o christian_a that_o shall_v do_v as_o st._n peter_n have_v do_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v make_v open_a confession_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v because_o the_o profession_n of_o every_o christian_a do_v something_o to_o support_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n i._n e._n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n stand_v upon_o plain_a command_n and_o plain_a reason_n nay_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o though_o it_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n
and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a 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shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n because_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a consideration_n &_o diligent_a attention_n which_o the_o epicure_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o because_o she_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o mind_n can_v converse_v with_o she_o while_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o fume_n of_o sensuality_n because_o she_o be_v of_o a_o purify_n nature_n and_o not_o more_o a_o enemy_n to_o uncleanness_n than_o the_o voluptuary_n be_v averse_a from_o she_o good_a reason_n therefore_o have_v st._n james_n when_o he_o show_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o meekness_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v such_o a_o sway_n over_o the_o understanding_n that_o daily_a experience_n show_v how_o the_o same_o thing_n appear_v different_o to_o man_n nay_o to_o the_o same_o man_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n they_o be_v in_o for_o instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o thorough_o feel_v as_o when_o it_o make_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o it_o now_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v argue_v to_o ourselves_o fallacious_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n which_o those_o persuasion_n yield_v that_o tend_v to_o carnal_a security_n the_o best_a way_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n rule_n by_o lay_v the_o foundation_n even_o of_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o sincerity_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n because_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o argue_v from_o experience_n but_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v that_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v thing_n flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v nauseous_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o he_o be_v hardly_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n to_o understand_v it_o than_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a can_v apprehend_v that_o say_n of_o solomon_n true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n in_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o wicked_a man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o speculation_n if_o also_o that_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o which_o the_o insincere_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o if_o the_o righteous_a do_v not_o only_o better_a apprehend_v the_o weight_n of_o argument_n but_o understand_v more_o by_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la
he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o this_o righteousness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 2._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v say_v to_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o righteousness_n which_o please_v god_n be_v that_o which_o must_v begin_v from_o faith_n which_o must_v still_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o which_o at_o last_o must_v end_v in_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v a_o say_n like_o to_o that_o in_o rom._n 6.19_o as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n even_o so_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n for_o by_o serve_v iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o daily_o grow_a worse_n and_o by_o serve_v righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v better_o and_o thus_o here_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n which_o first_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o be_v always_o build_v upon_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v at_o last_o perfect_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o these_o word_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a have_v faith_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v increase_v as_o his_o faith_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o more_o he_o be_v root_v and_o strengthen_v in_o faith_n the_o better_a he_o grow_v and_o he_o please_v god_n the_o more_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v all_o along_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o but_o then_o 2._o what_o relation_n have_v that_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v hereby_o design_n to_o show_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n promise_n then_o that_o hold_v good_a man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o habakk_n 2.4_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o captivity_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n v._o 3._o therefore_o say_v he_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v but_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sure_a belief_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v support_v good_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o idolatrous_a land_n and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o return_n into_o their_o own_o country_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n who_o have_v better_a promise_n viz._n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n do_v in_o this_o faith_n work_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o for_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o heavenly_a country_n faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jew_n observe_v their_o law_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o it_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o blessing_n as_o that_o law_n promise_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o true_a but_o in_o a_o much_o high_a sense_n that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n because_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a righteousness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n and_o because_o such_o faith_n shall_v bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text._n and_o now_o my_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o argument_n to_o discourse_v upon_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o of_o the_o reformation_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o we_o often_o have_v be_v with_o solifidianism_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v with_o attribute_v all_o to_o faith_n and_o leave_v no_o necessity_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a work_n we_o do_v indeed_o with_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o just_a do_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o we_o do_v with_o the_o scripture_n also_o affirm_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n nor_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o we_o do_v also_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o resolve_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o not_o impute_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o they_o be_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o but_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o make_v we_o live_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v dead_a without_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v holiness_n will_v follow_v for_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n if_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n than_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v holy_a which_o if_o it_o be_v find_v true_a than_o we_o not_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v in_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v hard_a to_o understand_v how_o those_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o since_o it_o follow_v more_o certain_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v because_o he_o be_v holy_a than_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o believe_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v say_v that_o a_o believer_n shall_v live_v by_o his_o righteousness_n than_o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o yet_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o clear_v this_o difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o 2._o what_o power_n it_o have_v or_o what_o efficacy_n must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o aim_v at_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n clear_a but_o also_o profitable_a unto_o godliness_n one_a then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o that_o be_v affirm_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o that_o affirm_v it_o or_o upon_o some_o other_o reason_n beside_o sensible_a evidence_n or_o immediate_a knowledge_n and_o thus_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v god_n testimony_n for_o and_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n faith_n or_o believe_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v alter_v the_o common_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n but_o can_v we_o think_v that_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v believe_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o
damnation_n and_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n write_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v do_v before_o they_o that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v mean_v something_o else_o by_o the_o word_n than_o what_o it_o signify_v according_a to_o common_a use_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o writer_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v indeed_o treat_v of_o new_a subject_n viz._n of_o those_o new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n that_o have_v be_v late_o make_v but_o when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o word_n that_o have_v a_o know_a meaning_n they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o receive_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n but_o by_o faith_n or_o believe_v man_n always_o understand_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v describe_v most_o full_o in_o 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have_v die_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n as_o to_o those_o that_o think_v there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o come_v to_o they_o either_o return_v to_o this_o in_o other_o word_n or_o add_v something_o that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o those_o that_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n where_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n say_v well_o but_o then_o application_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o or_o a_o assent_n unto_o a_o single_a proposition_n for_o instance_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v mankind_n be_v a_o general_a persuasion_n christ_n come_v for_o my_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o application_n be_v a_o particular_a one_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n therefore_o without_o holiness_n i_o shall_v not_o this_o last_o be_v but_o persuasion_n and_o there_o be_v that_o in_o the_o former_a therefore_o faith_n in_o both_o again_o if_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faith_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v either_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v christ_n will_v save_v i_o and_o this_o be_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o say_n or_o else_o that_o i_o rely_v upon_o his_o person_n but_o a_o person_n can_v be_v believe_v otherwise_o than_o by_o believe_v something_o of_o he_o or_o something_o that_o he_o have_v say_v some_o there_o be_v that_o think_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n and_o the_o romanist_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v infallibility_n in_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o though_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v more_o work_v and_o powerful_a yet_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o least_o last_o some_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n nay_o and_o holiness_n of_o life_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o can_v be_v because_o although_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v in_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o will_v produce_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v sometime_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o comprehend_v those_o good_a affection_n and_o those_o good_a work_n which_o it_o cause_v yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o for_o the_o second_o point_n 2._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n attribute_v to_o it_o our_o justification_n and_o our_o holiness_n or_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v 1._o what_o efficacy_n faith_n have_v as_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o and_o plain_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v or_o save_v in_o that_o it_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a way_n of_o be_v justify_v and_o thus_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o justification_n and_o believe_v his_o precept_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o more_o justify_v faith_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n near_o to_o that_o state_n in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v justify_v but_o 2._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o actual_a justification_n and_o continuance_n in_o god_n favour_n than_o not_o any_o nor_o all_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n take_v together_o but_z separate_z from_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a for_o where_o god_n have_v make_v more_o condition_n than_o one_o necessary_a there_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o suffice_v and_o therefore_o where_o forgiveness_n and_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o one_o single_a condition_n there_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v suppose_v he_o that_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n but_o shall_v cold_a water_n wash_v away_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n or_o the_o injustice_n of_o pilate_n he_o that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n have_v eternal_a life_n but_o still_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v nevertheless_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o where_o nothing_o less_o than_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o believe_v and_o baptism_n all_o that_o which_o in_o reason_n shall_v follow_v be_v mean_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v 3._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o final_a and_o irreversible_a justification_n this_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o faith_n nor_o obedience_n without_o perseverance_n in_o both_o god_n do_v in_o this_o life_n justify_v true_a believer_n but_o not_o once_o for_o all_o till_o they_o have_v fight_v their_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n forgive_v his_o servant_n and_o yet_o call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o his_o debt_n when_o he_o prove_v cruel_a to_o his_o fellow_n for_o this_o show_v that_o his_o pardon_n be_v but_o conditional_a so_o likewise_o say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o now_o i_o confess_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o inquiry_n give_v no_o sufficient_a account_n why_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o more_o unaccountable_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o assent_n to_o truth_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a common_a attainment_n not_o deserve_v those_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o all_o good_a man_n have_v wrought_v righteousness_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n by_o as_o many_o wicked_a and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n can_v that_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_a which_o the_o reprobate_n have_v as_o
so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n cause_v by_o much_o conversation_n with_o they_o and_o think_v upon_o they_o now_o this_o i_o say_v that_o every_o act_n of_o meditation_n or_o think_v upon_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o distinct_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o true_o and_o proper_o faith_n now_o because_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n therefore_o this_o scripture_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a exhortation_n and_o consequent_o by_o justify_v faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o habitual_a and_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n effect_v by_o a_o frequent_a and_o just_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o such_o faith_n will_v justify_v because_o it_o will_v sanctify_v it_o will_v procure_v the_o relative_a change_n of_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n because_o it_o will_v procure_v the_o real_a or_o personal_a change_n of_o subdue_a our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n by_o constant_a consideration_n to_o have_v gain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o by_o assiduity_n man_n come_v to_o have_v in_o all_o matter_n they_o frequent_o think_v of_o and_o converse_v about_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n but_o man_n be_v but_o half_o persuade_v that_o never_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n wherein_o we_o exercise_v liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viz._n whether_o we_o will_v consider_v or_o not_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o will_v often_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v or_o but_o very_o rare_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n upon_o which_o our_o state_n turn_v and_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a power_n we_o have_v still_o under_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o help_v and_o reform_v ourselves_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o scripture_n insist_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n for_o this_o show_v we_o where_o our_o strength_n lie_v nay_o the_o just_a himself_o live_v by_o his_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o he_o persevere_fw-la in_o righteousness_n and_o where_o such_o faith_n be_v as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n for_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o persuasion_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a and_o when_o a_o man_n do_v ill_a it_o can_v be_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v well_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v of_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v 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to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
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governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n 3._o it_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o man_n believe_v that_o with_o some_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v and_o that_o with_o other_o he_o be_v offend_v i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v alter_v and_o take_v away_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v evil_a and_o some_o thing_n so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a and_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o must_v be_v our_o persuasion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a for_o if_o justice_n be_v a_o indispensible_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v there_o a_o eternal_a relation_n between_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n shall_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v fit_v lovely_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o relation_n between_o compassion_n and_o a_o indigent_a creature_n be_v eternal_a and_o charity_n and_o mercy_n be_v thing_n immutable_o good_a and_o thus_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o virtue_n it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v the_o imitation_n that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a than_o god_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o they_o be_v immutable_o evil_a it_o can_v never_o be_v good_a to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a to_o oppress_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v cruel_a and_o implacable_a to_o be_v sink_v into_o sensuality_n or_o worldliness_n no_o power_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n no_o will_n no_o authority_n can_v make_v it_o ever_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o most_o comely_a fit_v due_a thing_n for_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n to_o praise_v his_o god_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o reverence_v his_o great_a and_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o rectitude_n and_o duty_n hereof_o can_v be_v alter_v any_o more_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o mathematical_a proposition_n upon_o this_o belief_n depend_v the_o persuasion_n that_o worship_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n displease_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v immutable_o good_a and_o love_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a this_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v wrought_v into_o our_o very_a nature_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o want_v a_o revelation_n be_v yet_o subject_a to_o this_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v terrify_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o transgress_v that_o law_n cherish_v and_o reward_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o good_a when_o they_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o give_v they_o courage_n and_o assurance_n when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o that_o touch_v their_o guilty_a mind_n with_o remorse_n and_o make_v they_o tremble_v when_o they_o do_v ill_a i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n in_o sin_n to_o blot_v out_o these_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o let_v a_o man_n conscience_n be_v sear_v never_o so_o incurable_o though_o he_o have_v no_o inward_a sense_n to_o inform_v he_o perpetual_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n yet_o that_o difference_n be_v demonstrable_a to_o he_o from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o irrefragable_a way_n of_o prove_v it_o against_o the_o most_o harden_a sinner_n but_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n hereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o please_a of_o god_n for_o what_o though_o a_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o god_n be_v please_v he_o will_v never_o take_v care_n to_o please_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v by_o the_o do_v whereof_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o can_v never_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v he_o by_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o make_v or_o observe_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o his_o action_n unless_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o practice_n virtue_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o rewardable_a by_o he_o nothing_o can_v effectual_o oblige_v he_o thereunto_o unless_o he_o believe_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v evil_a displease_v and_o punishable_a no_o religious_a belief_n whatsoever_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v this_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o wherewith_o he_o be_v displease_v be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v
of_o disobedience_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exceed_a righteousness_n than_o either_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n because_o they_o must_v become_v new_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o live_v up_o to_o those_o divine_a principle_n and_o holy_a rule_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o practise_v that_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o charity_n in_o all_o their_o conversation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o single_a person_n or_o of_o society_n in_o this_o world_n but_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o here_o be_v these_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o severe_a restraint_n lay_v upon_o our_o natural_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o often_o carry_v we_o as_o violent_o to_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n forbid_v as_o to_o those_o which_o it_o allow_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o love_n either_o of_o pleasure_n or_o greatness_n or_o revenge_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o inclination_n for_o the_o most_o part_n stiffen_v by_o custom_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o self-denial_n and_o put_v himself_o to_o pain_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v so_o grievous_a that_o as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v describe_v it_o it_o may_v be_v like_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n 2._o his_o law_n have_v make_v no_o allowance_n for_o the_o prevail_a opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o common_a account_n to_o forgive_v one_o injury_n be_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o another_o to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n be_v to_o be_v mark_v for_o a_o coward_n to_o use_v plain_a deal_n be_v the_o way_n to_o die_v a_o beggar_n and_o to_o neglect_v several_a opportunity_n of_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n though_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v to_o go_v for_o a_o fool._n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o lie_v under_o contempt_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o consideration_n of_o this_o hard_a case_n have_v tie_v we_o up_o to_o contrary_a rule_n and_o express_o require_v we_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n 3._o we_o must_v guard_v ourselves_o against_o innumerable_a temptation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o lust_n covetousness_n envy_n ambition_n and_o the_o like_a inordinate_a affection_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a must_v by_o no_o mean_n consent_v the_o very_a opportunity_n of_o do_v ill_a be_v in_o some_o case_n hard_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o moreover_o every_o sin_n have_v its_o proper_a incentives_n which_o beset_v we_o in_o all_o place_n and_o these_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o importunate_a that_o some_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a without_o retire_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v there_o be_v in_o perpetual_a circumspection_n and_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o yet_o jesus_n himself_o think_v this_o necessary_a for_o we_o watch_n and_o pray_v say_v he_o that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 4._o the_o law_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o overt_a action_n he_o that_o do_v not_o defile_v his_o neighbour_n bed_n may_v be_v a_o adulterer_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o forbear_v the_o action_n what_o pain_n must_v be_v take_v to_o conquer_v the_o desire_n to_o make_v it_o a_o obedient_a slave_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n neither_o body_n nor_o mind_n neither_o deed_n nor_o thought_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o terrible_a law_n but_o we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o suffer_v yet_o if_o need_n be_v we_o must_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v always_o in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o endure_v reproach_n the_o loss_n of_o good_n yea_o and_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o chastisement_n for_o the_o present_a be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a so_o that_o in_o give_v up_o our_o name_n to_o christ_n we_o seem_v to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n instead_o of_o make_v to_o a_o haven_n of_o rest_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v jesus_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o which_o make_v all_o more_o grievous_a be_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o complaint_n 2._o the_o penalty_n of_o disobedience_n for_o this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o exclusion_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o more_o intolerable_a sentence_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o those_o shall_v receive_v that_o never_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o rule_n the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_n shall_v be_v judge_v the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v you_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o now_o that_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v exceed_o amaze_v as_o our_o lord_n first_o disciple_n be_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o say_v who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o at_o least_o where_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o the_o consequence_n so_o terrible_a if_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o condition_n that_o the_o extreme_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n seem_v to_o create_v a_o new_a trouble_n not_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o promise_a rest_n he_o be_v indeed_o true_a and_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v but_o whilst_o my_o soul_n be_v trouble_v how_o can_v i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v at_o rest_n how_o therefore_o shall_v we_o bring_v these_o thing_n together_o the_o truth_n be_v nothing_o have_v more_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n than_o to_o find_v out_o expedient_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v that_o experience_n of_o human_a frailty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v on_o the_o other_o that_o i_o never_o lend_v my_o ear_n more_o willing_o than_o to_o he_o that_o show_v i_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o attaque_v my_o affection_n to_o so_o much_o advantage_n that_o i_o can_v have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o his_o way_n and_o nothing_o but_o evident_a want_n of_o truth_n can_v make_v i_o afraid_a to_o trust_v it_o some_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n himself_o have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o our_o stead_n and_o that_o upon_o our_o faith_n his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o justification_n this_o i_o confess_v will_v cut_v the_o knot_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o untie_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o release_v i_o from_o punishment_n but_o from_o duty_n too_o but_o where_o have_v our_o lord_n or_o his_o apostle_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n indeed_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o save_v i_o from_o god_n angry_a justice_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v in_o my_o stead_n but_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o i_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o that_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o in_o my_o stead_n too_o nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o follow_v his_o example_n if_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o need_v not_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o other_o merit_n can_v and_o these_o man_n not_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o own_o invention_n
regard_n to_o each_o consideration_n under_o these_o several_a head_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a now_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v 1._o all_o that_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n which_o interpretation_n will_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v for_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v under_o any_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deliver_v or_o to_o continue_v as_o we_o be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o wisdom_n and_o whatever_o our_o particular_a desire_n be_v to_o wish_v in_o the_o general_n what_o god_n see_v be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o we_o can_v utter_v in_o particular_a because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o that_o be_v but_o god_n know_v it_o and_o withal_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v whole_o dispose_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o choice_n and_o then_o he_o add_v and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v in_o particular_a what_o god_n will_v choose_v for_o we_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o whatever_o our_o lot_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o life_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o best_a so_o that_o by_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o thus_o they_o take_v in_o the_o prosperous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o adverse_a part_n of_o our_o life_n now_o because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n in_o prosperity_n which_o do_v often_o prove_v hurtful_a to_o man_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o his_o piety_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o harm_n which_o may_v come_v of_o a_o plentiful_a enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a blessing_n but_o also_o make_v they_o true_o serviceable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o work_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o god_n will_v continue_v he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o long_o as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o but_o then_o 2._o although_o this_o meaning_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v exclude_v yet_o the_o principal_a sense_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o even_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o afraid_a of_o and_o will_v willing_o escape_v that_o be_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o support_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v under_o the_o trouble_v they_o endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o this_o meaning_n be_v chief_o intend_v so_o it_o represent_v a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v most_o desire_v for_o 1._o relief_n be_v needful_a only_o against_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n such_o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o here_o it_o be_v give_v the_o best_a man_n common_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n but_o we_o think_v that_o the_o prosperous_a part_n will_v take_v care_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o other_o only_o that_o call_v for_o assistance_n and_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o all_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o divine_a truth_n give_v security_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o security_n and_o administer_v ease_v and_o help_v in_o every_o case_n that_o require_v it_o and_o then_o 2._o because_o we_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a accident_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o misfortune_n to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v particular_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n make_v our_o comfort_n and_o security_n equal_a to_o our_o danger_n for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o can_v dismay_v we_o where_o without_o exception_n to_o any_o one_o provision_n be_v make_v against_a all_o where_o the_o remedy_n will_v not_o fail_v not_o only_o if_o any_o one_o but_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o which_o we_o be_v liable_a and_o 3._o because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o grievous_a to_o every_o man_n because_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o tenderness_n in_o every_o part_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o one_o thing_n affect_v this_o man_n with_o more_o grief_n and_o smart_n and_o another_o be_v more_o sensible_o wound_v by_o other_o adversity_n therefore_o the_o consolation_n afford_v by_o this_o truth_n be_v still_o more_o desirable_a inasmuch_o as_o it_o bring_v remedy_n in_o this_o case_n also_o for_o where_o all_o evil_n be_v say_v the_o worst_a be_v not_o except_v and_o last_o because_o the_o affirmation_n be_v general_a it_o be_v a_o equal_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a and_o against_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sorrow_n when_o it_o happen_v it_o suffer_v not_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n to_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o future_a and_o it_o supply_v we_o with_o hope_n and_o patience_n when_o evil_a be_v present_a so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rich_a promise_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n since_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v need_v comfort_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o it_o to_o satisfy_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o consider_v the_o manner_n whereby_o these_o evil_n of_o life_n produce_v good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o work_v together_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n for_o here_o be_v these_o two_o particular_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a tendency_n in_o these_o evil_n themselves_o to_o procure_v we_o some_o good_a 2._o that_o nevertheless_o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o effect_v it_o 1._o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o work_v for_o good_a not_o only_o that_o good_a be_v wrought_v out_o from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o work_v it_o for_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o improper_a and_o unfit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n afflict_v any_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o suffer_v no_o nor_o do_v he_o afflict_v he_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o he_o nay_o not_o always_o so_o much_o as_o to_o show_v how_o by_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n he_o can_v make_v thing_n produce_v effect_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o he_o do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v will_v natural_o lead_v towards_o a_o good_a end_n and_o we_o know_v it_o by_o undeniable_a experience_n that_o a_o uninterrupted_a prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n be_v that_o which_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v bear_v as_o little_o as_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o for_o we_o than_o that_o mixture_n of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o mankind_n now_o therefore_o because_o in_o choose_v our_o condition_n god_n have_v still_o a_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o be_v for_o our_o good_a every_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n under_o distress_n may_v not_o only_o conclude_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o be_v afflict_v but_o likewise_o in_o particular_a that_o that_o affliction_n which_o he_o be_v under_o be_v more_o for_o his_o good_a than_o another_o will_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o improvement_n and_o the_o procure_n of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o therefore_o also_o if_o more_o burden_n than_o one_o be_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o if_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o that_o none_o of_o
they_o can_v be_v well_o spare_v but_o that_o they_o work_v together_o one_o for_o one_o good_a end_n another_z for_o another_o all_o joint_o for_o his_o true_a happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a with_o reference_n to_o single_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o body_n of_o christian_n adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o watchful_a for_o a_o common_a than_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o since_o this_o truth_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o believer_n that_o feel_v the_o same_o trouble_n so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o to_o all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n to_o consider_v god_n not_o as_o arbitrary_o dispose_v of_o our_o concern_v but_o rather_o as_o wise_o choose_v fit_a mean_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o repel_v all_o murmur_a thought_n against_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o dispose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o contentation_n but_o even_o to_o thankfulness_n under_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n and_o that_o because_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ill_o mean_v by_o providence_n towards_o we_o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o proper_a mean_n work_v for_o our_o good_a not_o only_o adversity_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o happen_v in_o particular_a more_o than_o other_o will_v have_v do_v but_o then_o 2._o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a for_o our_o good_a i_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o work_v together_o for_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o the_o apostle_n may_v mean_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o god_n servant_n shall_v work_v together_o that_o be_v one_o with_o another_o promote_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o they_o in_o the_o end_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o other_o cause_n must_v be_v present_a to_o work_v together_o with_o these_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o they_o will_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o 1._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o good_a effect_n which_o his_o providence_n design_n to_o work_v in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v want_v for_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a befall_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v we_o that_o inward_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n towards_o a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v needful_a because_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o do_v we_o good_a be_v not_o of_o our_o own_o choose_n but_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reasonable_a account_n of_o that_o say_n of_o david_n in_o very_a faithfulness_n thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o promise_n be_v so_o make_v good_a by_o those_o trouble_n that_o befall_v he_o and_o the_o support_v he_o have_v under_o they_o and_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n as_o much_o as_o for_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n that_o ever_o fall_v to_o his_o share_n but_o then_o 2._o something_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o convert_v all_o evil_n that_o do_v or_o may_v befall_v we_o into_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o they_o indeed_o give_v we_o the_o opportunity_n and_o god_n give_v we_o the_o ability_n but_o then_o we_o must_v perform_v our_o duty_n they_o work_v as_o occasion_n and_o mean_n god_n work_v as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o mover_n but_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o work_v as_o the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o good_a and_o that_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o more_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o worldly_a cross_n to_o do_v we_o good_a that_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o dispose_v a_o good_a man_n to_o those_o thing_n more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n for_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a that_o be_v to_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v dispose_v to_o consider_v more_o serious_o for_o it_o take_v away_o all_o that_o levity_n and_o ariness_n of_o thought_n which_o in_o some_o degree_n do_v almost_o necessary_o attend_v a_o unmixed_a prosperity_n and_o it_o do_v also_o suggest_v many_o profitable_a thought_n which_o seldom_o come_v to_o our_o mind_n at_o another_o time_n this_o very_a divine_a truth_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o so_o often_o think_v of_o when_o we_o need_v not_o the_o support_n of_o it_o as_o when_o we_o do_v nor_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n nor_o the_o rich_a promise_n of_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o must_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a otherwise_o this_o text_n be_v set_v here_o in_o vain_a nor_o need_v we_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o if_o without_o lay_v it_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o heart_n they_o will_v work_v good_a for_o we_o by_o themselves_o 2._o fervent_a prayer_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o same_o end_n for_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n need_v not_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v in_o which_o word_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o apostle_n encourage_v his_o christian_n to_o earnest_a prayer_n assure_v they_o that_o in_o their_o circumstance_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v guide_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o they_o though_o in_o all_o their_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a thing_n to_o submit_v their_o desire_n entire_o to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v according_o answer_v they_o by_o do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o now_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n do_v wonderful_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o a_o strong_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o bring_v back_o great_a consolation_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o confirm_v it_o in_o a_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a resolution_n of_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o look_v for_o that_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v by_o such_o action_n of_o our_o own_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o all_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v themselves_o work_v for_o it_o by_o dispose_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n i.e._n to_o consideration_n and_o devotion_n to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n our_o infinite_a concern_v in_o a_o better_a life_n more_o serious_o and_o close_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n more_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o now_o where_o such_o disposition_n as_o these_o be_v follow_v there_o all_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o worldly_a evil_n will_v grow_v plentiful_o which_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o use_v they_o aright_o and_o cherish_v those_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n which_o they_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o will_v actual_o produce_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o what_o kind_n of_o good_a it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n send_v the_o temporal_a evil_n to_o bring_v about_o a_o temporal_a good_a thus_o joseph_n who_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o egypt_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o granary_n of_o that_o part_n of_o
wisdom_n if_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n we_o be_v well_o recompense_v though_o the_o outward_a man_n decay_v fast_o 2._o god_n do_v sometime_o send_v evil_a to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v so_o sensible_a what_o we_o gain_v by_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o that_o danger_n we_o be_v run_v into_o if_o god_n have_v not_o apply_v a_o timely_a prevention_n who_o consult_v our_o safety_n not_o always_o by_o stay_v till_o a_o sudden_a remedy_n be_v needful_a but_o by_o keep_v off_o a_o approach_a mischief_n which_o he_o forsee_v whilst_o we_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o those_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a which_o keep_v we_o from_o backslide_v and_o grow_v worse_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n the_o benefit_n be_v as_o real_a though_o not_o so_o sensible_a as_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o we_o may_v rest_v without_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o objection_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n that_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o submission_n no_o ill_a ever_o have_v or_o shall_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n without_o redound_v to_o a_o great_a good_a i_o have_v thus_o speak_v concern_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n whereby_o good_a be_v produce_v by_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o that_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v together_o i_o proceed_v 4._o to_o consider_v the_o qualification_n require_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n i._n e._n to_o all_o righteous_a and_o godly_a person_n who_o be_v say_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n that_o be_v who_o answer_v their_o call_n to_o christianity_n by_o a_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o die_v for_o it_o now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o such_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o this_o life_n may_v bring_v a_o wicked_a man_n to_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a abundant_o that_o they_o work_v for_o good_a to_o the_o righteous_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n they_o do_v already_o value_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o mind_n above_o outward_a advantage_n they_o be_v already_o dispose_v to_o receive_v all_o good_a instruction_n and_o upon_o all_o vicissitude_n to_o turn_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n they_o have_v already_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v therefore_o prepare_v to_o seek_v consolation_n from_o his_o word_n more_o diligent_o when_o any_o press_a need_n require_v to_o they_o it_o be_v less_o hard_a to_o obey_v in_o suffering_n have_v be_v already_o accustom_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o do_v love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o dispose_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n in_o good_a part_n from_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n final_o they_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n already_o and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o more_o abundant_a supply_n upon_o all_o needful_a occasion_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a but_o just_a to_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n towards_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o all_o accident_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v they_o will_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o point_n and_o that_o not_o of_o the_o least_o consideration_n viz._n 5._o that_o we_o know_v they_o will_v thus_o work_v for_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n which_o bring_v all_o the_o rest_n home_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v thus_o it_o will_v be_v if_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v present_a the_o remedy_n be_v absent_a it_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v absent_a from_o we_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n in_o general_n we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o expect_v a_o total_a exemption_n from_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o know_v likewise_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v for_o good_a to_o we_o as_o for_o those_o in_o particular_a which_o we_o be_v natural_o most_o afraid_a of_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o they_o will_v all_o befall_v we_o or_o not_o but_o under_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o be_v again_o relieve_v by_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o benefit_n but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v it_o we_o know_v it_o many_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o grief_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o he_o will_v not_o therefore_o send_v affliction_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o great_a good_a the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n of_o this_o life_n be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o some_o good_a or_o other_o for_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a in_o their_o consequence_n 2._o we_o know_v it_o far_o because_o we_o be_v sure_a our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v a_o complete_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a so_o complete_a that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n they_o be_v neither_o liable_a to_o temporal_a nor_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o yet_o god_n sometime_o punish_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n he_o often_o visit_v they_o with_o affliction_n since_o therefore_o his_o justice_n be_v already_o satisfy_v it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o wise_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n towards_o they_o that_o he_o visit_v they_o with_o his_o rod_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o go_v without_o some_o chastisement_n 3._o we_o know_v it_o because_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o reap_v great_a advantage_n by_o all_o the_o change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n have_v promise_v all_o along_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o but_o 4_o above_o all_o we_o know_v it_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o he_o have_v say_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a on_o his_o part_n to_o make_v it_o good_a he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o this_o very_a place_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o many_o as_o contain_v promise_n of_o his_o presence_n will_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n now_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o see_v all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n none_o except_v shall_v work_v for_o our_o good_a see_v they_o do_v of_o themselves_o contribute_v towards_o it_o by_o offer_v to_o we_o very_o considerable_a opportunity_n of_o benefit_v ourselves_o see_v the_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v be_v great_a than_o the_o pain_n we_o endure_v and_o that_o the_o great_a the_o evil_n be_v the_o good_a will_v therefore_o be_v great_a see_v a_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o use_v those_o opportunity_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n which_o they_o yield_v see_v he_o be_v far_o enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v final_o since_o we_o know_v all_o this_o and_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o meritorious_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n can_v make_v we_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o divine_a say_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v all_o those_o that_o true_o love_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n or_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o show_v at_o first_o and_o now_o brethren_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o know_v these_o thing_n we_o be_v so_o happy_a and_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v according_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v thorough_o
persuade_v to_o secure_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v either_o by_o keep_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o good_a application_n and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o insist_v upon_o even_o this_o exhortation_n as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o reserve_v to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n intend_v then_o also_o to_o pursue_v some_o other_o point_n viz._n how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n how_o it_o ought_v to_o influence_n the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o the_o happy_a or_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n how_o true_a and_o profitable_a a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o world_n why_o a_o righteous_a man_n only_o can_v do_v it_o without_o solicitude_n and_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o last_o how_o seasonable_o a_o vehement_a exhortaion_n to_o piety_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n the_o six_o sermon_n rom_n viii_o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n the_o remain_a point_n be_v now_o to_o be_v pursue_v the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o 1._o how_o this_o doctrine_n do_v consist_v with_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n against_o adversity_n and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o such_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n 1._o how_o it_o consist_v with_o they_o for_o if_o outward_a pain_n and_o trouble_v work_v for_o a_o good_a much_o great_a than_o the_o evil_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o this_o as_o we_o pretend_v why_o do_v the_o church_n pray_v against_o all_o adversity_n why_o do_v religious_a man_n avoid_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v no_o less_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o general_n and_o to_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n in_o particular_a to_o force_v misery_n upon_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o desire_n god_n to_o send_v they_o but_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o provide_v for_o their_o health_n and_o send_v for_o the_o physician_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o use_v the_o law_n to_o secure_v or_o recover_v their_o right_n for_o their_o welfare_n every_o way_n and_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n take_v counsel_n and_o use_v mean_n for_o their_o relief_n depend_v all_o along_o upon_o god_n for_o success_n by_o continual_a prayer_n so_o that_o none_o seem_v to_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v unless_o perhaps_o something_o of_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o who_o affect_v poverty_n renounce_v all_o propriety_n in_o worldly_a good_n impair_v their_o health_n by_o a_o spare_a and_o ill_a diet_n and_o at_o certain_a time_n whip_v their_o own_o body_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o noise_n than_o truth_n in_o these_o appearance_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v superstition_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o we_o suspect_v hypocrisy_n in_o the_o pretence_n and_o that_o man_n do_v these_o thing_n more_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n than_o to_o benefit_n themselves_o since_o therefore_o we_o know_v that_o evil_a work_n for_o a_o great_a good_a why_o do_v we_o avoid_v evil_a i_o answer_v 1._o when_o all_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o work_v together_o for_o good_a though_o evil_n be_v principal_o mean_v because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o administer_v comfort_n under_o they_o yet_o as_o i_o show_v at_o first_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v and_o therefore_o the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o evil_n can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o run_v into_o adversity_n or_o pull_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o unless_o good_a can_v come_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o text_n affirm_v which_o say_v all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a 2._o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o out_o of_o all_o thing_n choose_v that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v the_o best_a for_o we_o now_o the_o avoid_n of_o adversity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o belief_n that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o bring_v it_o upon_o ourselves_o will_v destroy_v a_o main_a reason_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n choose_n and_o not_o our_o own_o if_o by_o any_o wicked_a way_n i_o compass_v a_o worldly_a end_n the_o good_a thing_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n give_v if_o by_o my_o own_o folly_n and_o wilfulness_n i_o fall_v into_o misery_n the_o evil_n be_v not_o proper_o of_o god_n send_v in_o both_o case_n i_o have_v be_v my_o own_o carver_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v good_a from_o either_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o gods_n blessing_n upon_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o since_o i_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o issue_n of_o my_o affair_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n but_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v my_o own_o chooser_n so_o that_o the_o operation_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v one_o indispensable_a cause_n of_o the_o profit_n which_o good_a man_n make_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n the_o good_a that_o come_v of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o and_o that_o because_o we_o can_v expect_v god_n blessing_n where_o we_o lean_a to_o our_o own_o wisdom_n altogether_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o affair_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o 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untoward_a accident_n of_o life_n as_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o be_v for_o here_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n encouragement_n and_o assistance_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a therein_o as_o there_o ever_o be_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v now_o with_o god_n have_v the_o same_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o govern_v that_o we_o have_v they_o endure_v the_o same_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v and_o be_v encompass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n not_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o court_v by_o man_n but_o to_o be_v see_v and_o reward_v of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o have_v the_o same_o god_n to_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o holy_a word_n of_o 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in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v most_o man_n to_o practise_v it_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o speculation_n fit_a for_o the_o pulpit_n but_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o offer_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o daily_a use_n we_o must_v pardon_v they_o there_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v pursue_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o or_o regard_n of_o the_o daily_a occurrence_n of_o life_n what_o live_v will_v there_o be_v for_o we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o shall_v forgive_v injury_n and_o wrong_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o be_v do_v and_o put_v up_o affront_v as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o this_o will_v encourage_v the_o insolent_a man_n that_o have_v do_v we_o one_o injury_n to_o offer_v a_o great_a and_o by_o our_o tameness_n in_o bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o one_o man_n we_o invite_v another_o to_o deal_v as_o ill_o by_o we_o or_o worse_o than_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v affront_v by_o every_o scoundrel_n and_o trample_v upon_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n no_o but_o let_v we_o make_v man_n afraid_a of_o presume_v to_o do_v we_o any_o harm_n by_o let_v they_o see_v what_o other_o have_v get_v by_o it_o we_o must_v make_v they_o example_n that_o dare_v put_v any_o contempt_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o will_v live_v quiet_o and_o maintain_v our_o honour_n and_o when_o other_o sees_z how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o provoke_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v respect_v and_o court_v by_o they_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v we_o and_o think_v themselves_o happy_a in_o our_o friendship_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o under_o abuse_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v scorn_v and_o insult_v over_o by_o every_o body_n tell_v they_o of_o forgive_a injury_n that_o want_v a_o spirit_n to_o resent_v they_o and_o have_v not_o courage_n enough_o to_o revenge_v they_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n fit_a for_o none_o but_o coward_n or_o fool_n either_o for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v a_o affront_n or_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o dare_v not_o return_v it_o but_o it_o come_v too_o late_o for_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o mettle_n that_o know_v what_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v expose_v themselves_o to_o injury_n and_o abuse_n when_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o courage_n enough_o to_o guard_v themselves_o from_o they_o thus_o in_o truth_n they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o plain_o show_v by_o their_o action_n revenge_v every_o little_a disrespect_n or_o affront_v or_o injury_n of_o any_o kind_n by_o return_v a_o equal_a or_o very_o often_o a_o vast_o great_a mischief_n upon_o the_o wrongdoer_n and_o this_o to_o secure_v themselves_o as_o they_o pretend_v from_o further_a wrong_n by_o 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latter_a word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o offer_v myself_o to_o a_o second_o stroke_n after_o i_o have_v be_v strike_v once_o but_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n i._n e._n venture_v a_o second_o injury_n rather_o than_o go_v about_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o the_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o probable_a that_o the_o wrongdoer_n will_v take_v heart_n by_o thy_o meekness_n to_o add_v another_o abuse_n to_o the_o former_a thou_o shall_v not_o secure_v thyself_o by_o revenge_n for_o all_o that_o and_o so_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o not_o that_o i_o be_o present_o to_o part_v with_o more_o to_o he_o than_o he_o have_v unjust_o get_v by_o a_o wrong_a verdict_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o venture_v another_o loss_n rather_o than_o be_v revenge_v for_o the_o first_o and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o instance_n to_o be_v understand_v 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irreligious_a to_o mix_v our_o talk_n with_o oath_n upon_o every_o occasion_n for_o hereby_o we_o make_v as_o cheap_a with_o god_n as_o by_o prostitute_v any_o other_o sacred_a thing_n to_o a_o common_a and_o trivial_a use_n 2._o it_o argue_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v that_o horrid_a crime_n of_o perjury_n for_o if_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o how_o cautious_a and_o deliberate_a will_v he_o be_v ere_o he_o venture_v to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n upon_o oath_n he_o will_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v exact_o true_a whether_o it_o be_v certain_a or_o only_o probable_a whether_o he_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o mistake_v or_o misinformation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v often_o necessary_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n with_o that_o man_n that_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o perjury_n but_o the_o light_n be_v not_o more_o clear_a at_o midday_n than_o that_o common_a swearer_n trouble_v themselves_o with_o none_o of_o these_o thought_n what_o 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they_o know_v be_v false_a they_o be_v nevertheless_o guilty_a of_o perjury_n for_o not_o mind_v that_o they_o be_v so_o since_o a_o sin_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v mere_o by_o the_o stupidity_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o guilt_n nor_o afraid_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n which_o be_v that_o immorality_n that_o i_o charge_v the_o common_a swearer_n withal_o and_o this_o st._n austin_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v why_o our_o saviour_n prohibit_v unnecessary_a oath_n be_v this_o ne_fw-la perjuri_fw-la simus_fw-la lest_o we_o shall_v be_v forswear_v which_o every_o man_n be_v in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o who_o promiscuous_o add_v oath_n to_o his_o talk_n as_o i_o have_v already_o note_v and_o doubtless_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o secure_v himself_o from_o perjury_n that_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v declare_v plain_o enough_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a against_o it_o as_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o foulness_n of_o that_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o that_o in_o the_o business_n of_o a_o oath_n man_n be_v oblige_v to_o proceed_v with_o great_a care_n and_o deliberation_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o go_v about_o the_o prove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o man_n will_v tie_v themselves_o to_o weigh_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n they_o affirm_v before_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o swear_v to_o it_o they_o will_v spare_v a_o great_a many_o of_o their_o oath_n and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o be_v exact_o true_a they_o will_v be_v immediate_o sensible_a that_o it_o deserve_v not_o so_o solemn_a a_o confirmation_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o vanity_n of_o do_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n to_o no_o purpose_n which_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o more_o particular_o offer_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n 3._o needless_a swear_v argue_v immodesty_n and_o pride_n and_o a_o arrogant_a spirit_n few_o thing_n be_v more_o unseemly_a in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o affirm_v every_o thing_n with_o confidence_n and_o to_o be_v peremptory_a in_o all_o his_o talk_n for_o this_o be_v to_o impose_v upon_o his_o company_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o body_n to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o such_o companion_n be_v shun_v by_o all_o wise_a person_n as_o be_v void_a of_o that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o make_v man_n sociable_a and_o conversible_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o only_o positive_a and_o dogmatical_a in_o their_o common_a discourse_n but_o assert_v every_o thing_n almost_o which_o they_o say_v upon_o oath_n certain_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n there_o be_v as_o much_o ill_a manner_n towards_o man_n as_o there_o be_v rudeness_n towards_o god_n for_o what_o great_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o imperious_a and_o a_o peremptory_a temper_n than_o to_o seal_v our_o talk_n with_o oath_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o another_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o say_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o accuse_v we_o of_o perjury_n a_o modest_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o he_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n in_o many_o thing_n where_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v accuse_v of_o arrogance_n be_v peremptory_a and_o conclusive_a yet_o choose_v to_o declare_v himself_o with_o that_o reservedness_n as_o may_v invite_v another_o man_n to_o show_v all_o his_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a without_o fear_n of_o displease_v he_o and_o this_o we_o all_o know_v be_v a_o great_a ornament_n to_o any_o man_n conversation_n and_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o good_a will_n and_o good_a correspondence_n in_o all_o society_n but_o light_n be_v not_o more_o contrary_a to_o darkness_n than_o the_o custom_n of_o swear_v be_v to_o this_o human_a and_o gentle_a temper_n wherefore_o it_o betray_v immodesty_n and_o arrogance_n last_o it_o proceed_v also_o from_o great_a vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o spirit_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o two_o plain_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v in_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n and_o consideration_n and_o such_o as_o be_v frivolous_a and_o of_o little_a consequence_n in_o treat_v those_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v suitable_a only_o to_o these_o which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n of_o childishness_n and_o a_o frothy_a mind_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o swearer_n be_v apparent_o chargeable_a with_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v he_o in_o the_o same_o light_a humour_n wherein_o he_o be_v deliver_v something_o to_o make_v the_o company_n laugh_v presume_v to_o profane_v so_o sacred_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o oath_n be_v by_o accompany_v a_o poor_a silly_a jest_n with_o it_o do_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n require_v no_o more_o seriousness_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o tale_n or_o can_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o tie_v so_o grave_a a_o thing_n to_o a_o sentence_n which_o if_o it_o be_v write_v down_o will_v within_o a_o hour_n after_o perhaps_o appear_v hateful_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a with_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o this_o sin_n second_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o vanity_n to_o take_v more_o pain_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o what_o we_o say_v than_o the_o thing_n do_v at_o all_o deserve_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o by_o discourse_n and_o correspondence_n do_v not_o require_v any_o solemn_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o word_n much_o less_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n we_o can_v
indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o disclaim_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o lay_v one_o particular_a serious_o to_o heart_n under_o this_o general_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o very_a profession_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o that_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o profess_v some_o religion_n and_o the_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o keep_v our_o sin_n too_o work_v this_o way_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o error_n as_o pernicious_a if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o thousand_o more_o be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o say_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o make_v it_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o sense_n something_o different_a he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o to_o do_v to_o recover_v he_o to_o repentance_n no_o false_a principle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o lie_v open_a to_o exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n and_o every_o serious_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n smite_v his_o very_a conscience_n he_o feel_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o confess_v it_o all_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v he_o be_v quiet_a till_o it_o have_v make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n but_o to_o proceed_v 3._o in_o some_o person_n a_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o
though_o i_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o the_o vice_n of_o my_o natural_a constitution_n yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o quite_o another_o man_n than_o i_o be_v by_o my_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v of_o this_o in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o no_o more_o and_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v who_o can_v thus_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o many_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o no_o more_o all_o other_o relief_n will_v fail_v all_o other_o foundation_n will_v ruin_v a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n they_o will_v deceive_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o man_n may_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v his_o precept_n and_o caution_n in_o this_o effectual_a manner_n therefore_o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o but_o let_v not_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o which_o st._n james_n say_v he_o that_o be_v a_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o doer_n thereof_o be_v like_a to_o a_o man_n that_o behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o for_o the_o time_n know_v himself_o but_o then_o go_v away_o and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v which_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v to_o expose_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o folly_n in_o hear_v and_o believe_v and_o in_o do_v nothing_o as_o to_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o i._n e._n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n take_v care_n that_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v upon_o your_o mind_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o slide_v away_o just_a as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n countenance_n which_o the_o glass_n have_v make_v in_o his_o imagination_n vanish_v away_o when_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o glass_n and_o he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o own_o as_o any_o other_o man_n face_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v represent_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o show_v we_o our_o own_o action_n what_o they_o be_v and_o our_o conscience_n witness_v thereto_o while_o we_o hear_v those_o plain_a and_o powerful_a word_n of_o his_o which_z be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o if_o we_o straightway_o forget_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o make_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o then_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v we_o shall_v be_v hearer_n only_o but_o not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n deceive_v our_o own_o self_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n among_o the_o many_o argument_n in_o scripture_n persuade_v to_o a_o upright_a intention_n and_o honest_a conversation_n this_o in_o the_o text_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v propound_v and_o consider_v as_o be_v not_o only_o weighty_a in_o itself_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o adapt_v to_o allure_v the_o curious_a temper_n of_o man_n and_o most_o proper_a for_o they_o who_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a after_o knowledge_n and_o likely_a to_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o most_o prudent_a who_o aim_v at_o the_o best_a knowledge_n for_o 1._o the_o knowledge_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o his_o revelation_n to_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o 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