practice_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o by_o their_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n they_o do_v dishonour_n god_n rom._n 2._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o together_o with_o the_o jew_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v condemn_v because_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n joh._n 3._o 19_o and_o he_o that_o may_v know_v all_o mystery_n may_v yet_o want_v charity_n and_o be_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o life_n of_o god_n but_o although_o all_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v void_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o come_v short_a of_o happiness_n yet_o it_o may_v also_o through_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n become_v effectual_a unto_o happiness_n if_o god_n make_v it_o fruitful_a which_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n in_o give_v save_a faith_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v that_o it_o may_v become_v obedient_a to_o all_o his_o will_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o become_v true_o happy_a this_o knowledge_n than_o do_v not_o otherwise_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o as_o it_o bring_v we_o unto_o this_o estate_n as_o for_o the_o other_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n which_o follow_v upon_o our_o union_n with_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v unto_o life_n and_o a_o enlargement_n thereof_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o power_n for_o christ_n do_v give_v we_o two_o promise_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o obedience_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o doubt_n concern_v intellectual_a matter_n for_o joh_n 7_o v._o 17._o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o second_o be_v that_o upon_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v manifest_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o love_v they_o their_o presence_n in_o love_n for_o christ_n say_v joh._n 14._o 21_o 23._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v my_o love_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o here_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n which_o be_v both_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o consequent_a of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o that_o of_o st_n john_n 1_o epist_n chap._n 5._o 20._o and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o reflexive_a knowledge_n from_o god_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o our_o happiness_n and_o so_o be_v that_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o then_o we_o see_v that_o all_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o contemplation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o preparative_a to_o or_o a_o consequent_a of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o action_n the_o practical_a truth_n than_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v heed_v for_o to_o it_o the_o theoretical_a be_v either_o subservient_fw-fr and_o subordinate_a or_o a_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a effect_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o evident_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o tit._n 1._o 1._o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n intimate_v clear_o that_o as_o his_o apostle-ship_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o elect_n by_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n be_v appoint_v to_o beget_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n in_o believer_n therefore_o as_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v the_o beget_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o be_v he_o warrant_v to_o teach_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n and_o effect_v so_o the_o end_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n be_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v any_o knowledge_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n warrantable_a or_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v account_v a_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n and_o effect_n godliness_n therefore_o which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o intellectual_a truth_n for_o whatsoever_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o proportionate_a subordinate_a and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o production_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o none_o other_o truth_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v after_o godliness_n from_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o study_n of_o practical_a divinity_n be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n unto_o all_o and_o far_o more_o to_o be_v heed_v esteem_v and_o entertain_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n then_o the_o study_n of_o contemplative_a mystery_n and_o notion_n of_o divinity_n whereupon_o controversal_a matter_n be_v ordinary_o attendant_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o body_n and_o systeme_n of_o theoretical_a and_o controversal_a matter_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o any_o man_n to_o reckon_v they_o all_o up_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o complete_a body_n or_o systeme_n of_o practical_a divinity_n find_v in_o all_o the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o see_v nevertheless_o that_o all_o theoretical_a truth_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v &_o direct_v as_o to_o their_o end_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o therein_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a defect_n and_o that_o much_o be_v want_v hereby_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o public_a edification_n to_o the_o supply_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o to_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o sound_a reformation_n in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o a_o body_n of_o this_o nature_n now_o by_o this_o which_o we_o call_v a_o body_n of_o divinity_n be_v mean_v a_o full_a collection_n and_o a_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n under_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o matter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o instruct_v and_o thorough_o furnish_v with_o sufficient_a help_n and_o direction_n which_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o only_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n but_o able_a also_o to_o work_v all_o his_o work_n in_o god_n and_o concern_v this_o body_n see_v i_o be_o entrust_v and_o conscionable_o oblige_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o solicit_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o contribute_v their_o talent_n to_o make_v it_o up_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o work_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o part_n thereof_o unto_o their_o consideration_n that_o the_o number_n of_o task_n be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v such_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o manifest_v his_o truth_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o complete_n this_o work_n may_v know_v what_o task_n to_o choose_v and_o how_o to_o concur_v with_o each_o other_o in_o elaborate_n the_o same_o i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n unto_o better_a judgement_n offer_v these_o follow_a thought_n unto_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v undertaker_n in_o this_o work_n first_o i_o lay_v this_o fundamental_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o work_n viz._n that_o the_o number_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o this_o body_n shall_v be_v make_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o as_o nothing_o shall_v be_v
up_o of_o the_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n by_o practical_a divinity_n be_v mean_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v yield_v unto_o his_o will_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a divine_a truth_n the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o remembrance_n the_o other_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o first_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n when_o we_o conceive_v aright_o of_o his_o meaning_n therein_o the_o second_o as_o we_o partake_v 2._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 22._o &_o 3._o 1._o 1_o john_n 1._o 16._o rom._n 12._o 1_o 2._o of_o it_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n will_v when_o we_o prove_v how_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v that_o first_o be_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o beget_v knowledge_n this_o other_o be_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o beget_v resolution_n and_o obediential_a performance_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o truth_n christ_n say_v if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n joh._n 8._o 31_o 32._o of_o the_o second_o he_o say_v he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n joh._n 3._o 21._o so_o then_o as_o there_o be_v a_o contemplative_a and_o intelligible_a so_o there_o be_v a_o practicable_a truth_n that_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v the_o action_n of_o virtue_n for_o christ_n in_o joh._n 3._o five_o 20_o 21._o do_v oppose_v the_o do_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o do_v of_o truth_n that_o be_v vice_n and_o virtue_n to_o one_o another_o he_o say_v every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v who_o be_v vicious_a in_o his_o life_n hate_v the_o light_n but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n that_o be_v who_o life_n be_v virtuous_a and_o upright_a come_v to_o the_o light_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n so_o truth_n be_v opposite_a to_o all_o falsehood_n not_o only_o to_o that_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o of_o lie_v and_o deceitfulness_n which_o be_v no_o less_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o vice_n than_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n be_v of_o virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n now_o both_o the_o intellectual_a and_o practical_a truth_n be_v original_o existent_v in_o the_o live_a word_n as_o in_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o as_o to_o a_o receptacle_n and_o vessel_n when_o by_o it_o we_o be_v sanctify_v according_a to_o christ_n prayer_n john_n 17_o 17._o sanctify_v they_o in_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n the_o word_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v both_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o be_v both_o practical_a and_o theoretical_a concern_v that_o truth_n which_o in_o god_n be_v essential_a but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n tit._n 2._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o nothing_o ought_v or_o may_v be_v call_v theology_n but_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o divine_a oracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v only_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v true_a theology_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o theoretical_a or_o practical_a matter_n nothing_o be_v true_a divinity_n but_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a truth_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n a_o divine_a truth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n then_o to_o we_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n now_o although_o the_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o our_o act_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o will_n be_v a_o know_a faculty_n and_o can_v act_v orderly_o without_o the_o understanding_n yet_o the_o theoretical_a truth_n notional_o apprehend_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o no_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n except_o they_o become_v fruitful_a in_o the_o action_n of_o virtue_n the_o notional_a science_n of_o all_o god_n truth_n and_o of_o his_o whole_a will_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o brain_n alone_o and_o without_o the_o practice_n whereunto_o that_o science_n do_v oblige_v the_o heart_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o profitable_a to_o our_o felicity_n it_o have_v be_v better_a say_v peter_z not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 21._o john_n 3._o 17._o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v christ_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o you_o be_v not_o happy_a although_o you_o know_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n do_v place_n the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o man_n in_o his_o deed_n as_o distinct_a from_o his_o bare_a knowledge_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o 25._o jam._n 1._o 21_o 25._o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o â—eed_n the_o happiness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o deed._n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o practical_a truth_n import_v we_o and_o reach_v our_o happiness_n more_o near_o then_o theoreticall_a because_o that_o which_o we_o know_v although_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o felicity_n nor_o a_o true_a blessing_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o except_o it_o either_o bring_v forth_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o else_o result_v from_o that_o enjoyment_n to_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o our_o felicity_n unto_o all_o eternity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o union_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v only_o enjoy_v then_o when_o by_o his_o truth_n he_o live_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o his_o life_n in_o we_o be_v spiritual_a light_n and_o power_n light_n be_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o power_n be_v to_o move_v conformable_o to_o god_n will_v in_o the_o whole_a inward_a man_n the_o light_n show_v he_o to_o we_o the_o power_n make_v we_o and_o he_o one_o we_o may_v know_v he_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o we_o can_v feel_v his_o life_n and_o move_v in_o he_o except_o he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o one_o with_o he_o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o have_v less_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n than_o the_o power_n of_o life_n but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o one_o go_v before_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o the_o knowledge_n which_o go_v before_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n life_n be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n joh._n 1._o 9_o &_o this_o light_n be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n which_o he_o do_v manifest_a in_o man_n and_o show_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v manifest_a in_o man_n both_o that_o which_o do_v make_v they_o clear_o see_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n and_o that_o also_o which_o make_v they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o 15._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o rom._n 2._o 15._o his_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o this_o be_v manifest_v in_o they_o and_o show_v unto_o they_o partly_o by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n partly_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o yet_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o than_o this_o revealed_z both_o in_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n give_v both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i_o say_v all_o this_o both_o natural_a which_o be_v common_a and_o supernatural_a which_o be_v special_o reveal_v knowledge_n nay_o although_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n as_o to_o manifest_v all_o mystery_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v fruitless_a and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o without_o blessedness_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v both_o manifest_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n heart_n and_o show_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o creation_n be_v hold_v up_o by_o he_o in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o 18._o and_o although_o he_o do_v know_v god_n yet_o he_o glorifi_v he_o not_o as_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n and_o can_v teach_v other_o do_v not_o
bring_v into_o it_o which_o be_v not_o proper_a and_o useful_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n so_o nothing_o shall_v be_v leave_v out_o which_o may_v be_v requisite_a and_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o we_o shall_v therefore_o look_v upon_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o work_n that_o we_o may_v find_v the_o part_n thereof_o without_o defect_n and_o without_o superfluity_n the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o practical_a divinity_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o aim_n for_o which_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v attest_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o practise_v by_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v god_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o this_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicable_a unto_o we_o by_o none_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 14._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 7._o 3._o eph_n 4._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o colos_n 3._o 10._o and_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o that_o which_o christ_n do_v communicate_v unto_o we_o of_o this_o life_n be_v make_v perceptible_a unto_o we_o by_o two_o property_n of_o life_n wrought_v in_o we_o the_o one_o be_v the_o light_n the_o other_o be_v the_o power_n of_o life_n by_o the_o light_n of_o life_n we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o life_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o our_o work_n in_o god_n this_o then_o be_v the_o complete_a end_n of_o practical_a divinity_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o whole_a conversation_n to_o god_n will_v that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v whatever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v all_o in_o god_n by_o walk_v in_o his_o light_n and_o what_o doctrine_n soever_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v unto_o this_o end_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o body_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o it_o but_o whatsoever_o do_v thus_o tend_v thereunto_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v to_o deliver_v then_o all_o and_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n which_o may_v direct_o be_v helpful_a to_o advance_v a_o man_n unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n i_o conceive_v that_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o general_n part_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o positive_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n the_o second_o the_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n that_o part_n which_o be_v positive_a shall_v contain_v concern_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n three_o thing_n first_o the_o precognition_n to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o that_o life_n second_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o that_o life_n be_v beget_v three_o the_o part_n or_o act_n wherein_o that_o life_n do_v consist_v by_o the_o precognition_n i_o mean_v such_o truth_n as_o must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v or_o at_o least_o not_o contradict_v and_o doubt_v of_o before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v teach_v and_o without_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v rational_o deal_v withal_o or_o induce_v to_o intend_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o beget_v love_n unto_o god_n and_o thereby_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n unto_o all_o dutifulnesse_n of_o obedience_n towards_o he_o by_o the_o part_n and_o act_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n do_v consist_v i_o mean_v all_o thing_n which_o either_o substantial_o or_o circumstantial_o belong_v thereunto_o to_o make_v it_o up_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n in_o god_n by_o the_o substantial_o of_o this_o life_n i_o mean_v two_o thing_n first_o all_o truth_n which_o discover_v the_o inward_a frame_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n second_o all_o truth_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o outward_a frame_n the_o way_n of_o walk_v and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o profession_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o life_n and_o inseparable_a from_o the_o end_n thereof_o by_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n i_o understand_v all_o the_o different_a outward_a state_n and_o particular_a calling_n of_o professor_n wherein_o god_n do_v set_v people_n in_o this_o life_n as_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n and_o such_o like_a to_o all_o which_o several_a duty_n belong_v and_o thereunto_o several_a direction_n be_v according_o to_o be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o every_o one_o shall_v walk_v in_o all_o truth_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n and_o man._n in_o this_o discovery_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v find_v concern_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n as_o it_o be_v the_o foil_n prepare_v before_o it_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o precognition_n the_o root_n which_o be_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o principle_n the_o stem_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o the_o substantial_o and_o the_o branch_n after_o the_o full_a growth_n in_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o in_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n the_o man_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v complete_v and_o set_v forth_o first_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o head_n and_o intellectual_n by_o the_o recognition_n and_o principle_n second_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o vital_a motion_n by_o the_o substantial_o and_o last_o in_o his_o limb_n and_o outward_a member_n without_o which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a man_n by_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o his_o life_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o part_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o make_v up_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n so_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o each_o of_o these_o head_n ought_v to_o be_v deliver_v full_o yet_o not_o superfluous_o that_o be_v to_o say_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o contain_v the_o marrow_n but_o the_o flesh_n and_o full_a substance_n of_o all_o profitable_a truth_n yet_o without_o needless_a repetition_n large_a amplification_n retorical_a digression_n and_o enlargement_n which_o to_o move_v man_n affection_n rather_o than_o to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n and_o inlighten_v their_o understanding_n be_v frequent_o use_v by_o writer_n of_o practical_a matter_n and_o as_o these_o general_n part_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n ought_v thus_o to_o follow_v one_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o natural_a dependence_n upon_o each_o other_o so_o the_o matter_n subordinate_a unto_o every_o one_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o method_n which_o be_v positive_a and_o proper_a to_o their_o nature_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o coherence_n of_o all_o the_o parcel_n in_o the_o whole_a without_o any_o redundancy_n and_o although_o such_o a_o body_n of_o truth_n full_o and_o clear_o deliver_v may_v suffice_v to_o man_n that_o be_v free_a from_o all_o prejudice_n and_o of_o able_a part_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o all_o case_n of_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o because_o the_o work_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compile_v for_o they_o alone_o but_o for_o other_o also_o and_o because_o many_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v and_o will_v be_v raise_v partly_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o partly_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o which_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n be_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v able_a ready_o to_o resolve_v by_o itself_o although_o it_o be_v help_v with_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n with_o the_o stand_a truth_n and_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n which_o such_o a_o complete_a body_n of_o divinity_n may_v contain_v therefore_o to_o supply_v this_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n which_o although_o but_o accidental_a yet_o be_v unavoidable_a a_o appendix_n or_o supplement_n of_o special_a doubt_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n for_o i_o suppose_v the_o common_a doubt_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v be_v clear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o shall_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o body_n in_o a_o method_n relate_v the_o order_n of_o matter_n deliver_v in_o each_o part_n where_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v i_o can_v see_v what_o can_v be_v desire_v or_o further_o wish_v for_o in_o
thereof_o i_o suppose_v the_o ground_n be_v prepare_v upon_o which_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a faith_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v truth_n which_o by_o natural_a reason_v no_o man_n can_v reach_v unto_o may_v be_v offer_v for_o as_o god_n do_v make_v a_o man_n first_o by_o a_o live_a soul_n to_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n and_o afterward_o he_o become_v by_o grace_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o spiritual_a man_n so_o i_o suppose_v he_o do_v 46._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 46._o cause_n the_o truth_n of_o rationality_n concern_v himself_o first_o to_o become_v effectual_a upon_o the_o conscience_n before_o the_o understanding_n be_v oblige_v conscionable_o to_o entertain_v reveal_v truth_n for_o he_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o measure_n of_o faith_n which_o common_a reason_n itself_o do_v beget_v upon_o the_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n how_o can_v he_o be_v think_v susceptible_a of_o the_o other_o measure_n which_o depend_v only_o upon_o revelation_n and_o divine_a tradition_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o these_o precognition_n be_v first_o to_o be_v handle_v as_o matter_n requisite_a to_o fit_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o receive_v that_o which_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o because_o i_o conceive_v not_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v be_v to_o be_v deliver_v as_o the_o product_n of_o these_o foregoing_a truth_n but_o only_o as_o matter_n subsequent_a unto_o the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v teach_v these_o praecognita_fw-la be_v praesupponenda_n but_o not_o principia_fw-la because_o i_o take_v a_o principle_n of_o godliness_n to_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n from_o which_o a_o conclusion_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n may_v flow_v but_o that_o can_v flow_v from_o any_o truth_n which_o be_v entertain_v upon_o mere_a natural_a ground_n as_o i_o suppose_v without_o spiritual_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n for_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o product_n of_o humane_a reason_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o high_a principle_n than_o these_o precognition_n namely_o some_o truth_n as_o reveal_v immediate_o by_o god_n unto_o the_o conscience_n to_o convince_v it_o that_o he_o do_v offer_v himself_o unto_o it_o to_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o will_v have_v the_o precognition_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o godliness_n distinguish_v namely_o because_o they_o be_v truth_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a but_o so_o that_o the_o latter_a can_v follow_v the_o former_a without_o some_o special_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o principle_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n be_v such_o truth_n as_o set_v the_o mind_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o supernatural_a object_n and_o beget_v thereby_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a faith_n therein_o which_o work_v through_o love_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n all_o which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o beget_v divine_a faith_n and_o love_n proceed_v from_o one_o root_n which_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o name_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o entertain_v by_o all_o for_o all_o that_o god_n do_v aim_n at_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n next_o unto_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n be_v chief_o this_o to_o show_v himself_o a_o saviour_n in_o unite_n man_n by_o a_o covenant_n 7._o psal_n 73._o 24._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o of_o grace_n unto_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o counsel_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n therein_o may_v afterward_o be_v receive_v into_o glory_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n for_o as_o there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n appoint_v to_o unite_v man_n unto_o god_n and_o restore_v we_o again_o from_o our_o fall_n to_o integrity_n but_o this_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v acceptable_o towards_o god_n or_o profitable_o for_o our_o own_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o whence_o follow_v also_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o otherwise_o useful_a nor_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o upon_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o as_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o to_o be_v entertain_v for_o any_o other_o aim_n but_o as_o it_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o for_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v be_v or_o can_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o god_n so_o no_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v save_v to_o any_o man_n but_o that_o which_o enable_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o tenor_n thereof_o hereunto_o than_o all_o truth_n both_o theoretical_a and_o practical_a be_v final_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o life_n of_o godliness_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v make_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n from_o which_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n must_v flow_v and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v both_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o find_a reason_n which_o a_o natural_a moral_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a testimony_n and_o spiritual_a experience_n that_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n in_o divinity_n whether_o they_o concern_v the_o point_n of_o knowledge_n or_o of_o practice_n may_v not_o only_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o god_n aim_v towards_o we_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o the_o resolution_n thereof_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o and_o apply_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o covenant_n before_o ever_o they_o can_v bring_v true_a peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o my_o advice_n shall_v be_v unto_o those_o who_o will_v undertake_v any_o part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o they_o keep_v always_o the_o covenant_n in_o their_o eye_n as_o mariner_n do_v the_o north_n point_n of_o the_o compass_n to_o steer_v their_o course_n by_o it_o in_o all_o their_o meditation_n for_o it_o be_v main_o for_o want_v of_o this_o directory_n that_o both_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o action_n concern_v religion_n we_o run_v such_o wild_a course_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o conceive_v ever_o to_o unite_v the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o each_o other_o to_o heal_v their_o breach_n and_o division_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o live_v together_o as_o brethren_n in_o one_o spirit_n ought_v to_o do_v without_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v make_v to_o perceive_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n do_v unite_v all_o those_o that_o be_v his_o child_n unto_o himself_o and_o upon_o which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n through_o love_n unto_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v his_o child_n who_o all_o alike_o and_o by_o the_o same_o very_a way_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n whereunto_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a faith_n be_v which_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o which_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o subordination_n be_v able_a to_o beget_v love_n towards_o god_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n for_o no_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n do_v otherwise_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o god_n then_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o manifest_a god_n love_n unto_o we_o as_o he_o be_v become_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o make_v we_o faithful_a towards_o he_o in_o the_o covenant_n i_o conceive_v then_o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a faith_n tend_v either_o to_o the_o erect_n and_o settle_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o we_o or_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o erect_v and_o settle_v the_o covenant_n with_o we_o we_o must_v needs_o know_v 1._o the_o true_a instrument_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v 2._o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a tenor_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v offer_v
to_o we_o in_o that_o instrument_n 3._o the_o motive_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v embrace_v and_o entertain_v the_o same_o for_o if_o any_o of_o these_o three_o point_n be_v want_v we_o can_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o observation_n thereof_o concern_v the_o true_a instrument_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n whereof_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v know_v first_o what_o the_o proper_a character_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v second_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v therein_o offer_v unto_o we_o concern_v the_o first_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o no_o book_n be_v to_o be_v account_v canonical_a scripture_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o covenant_n to_o mankind_n but_o such_o as_o be_v write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o their_o profession_n in_o order_n to_o the_o covenant_n or_o be_v write_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n for_o the_o same_o end_n concern_v the_o second_o this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o these_o book_n offer_v the_o covenant_n unto_o our_o consideration_n and_o all_o divine_a truth_n belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o with_o infallible_a and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n most_o perfect_o and_o very_o clear_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o upright_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o and_o concern_v these_o three_o matter_n of_o infallibility_n perfection_n and_o evidence_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v further_o more_o distinct_o to_o be_v believe_v 1._o concern_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o high_o and_o incontrolable_o credible_a that_o no_o man_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n himself_o nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v who_o shall_v contradict_v the_o same_o but_o all_o man_n church_n counsel_n father_n school_n and_o their_o write_n say_n action_n and_o thought_n concern_v divine_a matter_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v thereby_o as_o by_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o they_o agree_v not_o therewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v 2._o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o canon_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o be_v so_o complete_a both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n that_o neither_o any_o thing_n unprofitable_a be_v therein_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n profitable_a or_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v therein_o omit_v but_o all_o thing_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n of_o correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o comfort_n whether_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v unto_o salvation_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o lay_v open_a and_o prescribe_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alter_v so_o that_o all_o heathenish_a philosophy_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o all_o humane_a tradition_n and_o will-worship_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v utter_o reject_v nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v speak_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n more_o exact_o and_o proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o more_o convenient_o and_o fit_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v do_v in_o those_o write_n 3._o concern_v their_o clearness_n this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o desirous_a to_o do_v god_n will_v search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o may_v without_o difficulty_n comprehend_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o none_o ought_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o suppose_a darkness_n to_o be_v therein_o to_o abstain_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n most_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v first_o who_o the_o party_n be_v which_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o what_o their_o relation_n be_v to_o one_o another_o second_o what_o the_o form_n of_o the_o contract_n be_v according_a to_o which_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o those_o that_o be_v concern_v therein_o three_o what_o the_o way_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o man_n that_o they_o may_v embrace_v it_o and_o have_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o of_o the_o party_n the_o party_n concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v god_n and_o man_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o reconcile_v they_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n god_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o our_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v of_o he_o further_o than_o what_o serve_v for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o be_v in_o his_o will_n and_o in_o his_o work_n his_o be_v be_v reveal_v in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o subsistence_n thereof_o which_o we_o call_v personalitie_n the_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v reveal_v to_o show_v what_o he_o be_v and_o who_o he_o be_v the_o property_n show_v what_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n live_v of_o himself_o joh._n 4._o 24._o and_o 5._o 26._o the_o property_n show_v who_o he_o be_v be_v these_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n alone_o in_o be_v infinite_a eternal_a incomprehensible_a every_o where_o present_a simple_a unchangeable_a all-knowing_a all_o wise_a all-free_a all-just_a all-ho_o almighty_a all-happy_a all-good_a all-true_a all-faithfull_a and_o full_a of_o all_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n his_o subsistence_n be_v in_o three_o who_o bear_v witness_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 7._o the_o father_n unbegotten_a the_o son_n only_o beget_v and_o the_o holy-ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n his_o will_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o counsel_n which_o be_v wise_a good_a free_a and_o establish_v for_o ever_o his_o work_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o creation_n preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o of_o mankind_n therein_o over_o who_o he_o delight_v to_o exercise_v love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o own_o 24._o jer._n 9_o 24._o glory_n and_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o man._n man_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v of_o god_n to_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o oblige_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n in_o his_o threefold_a state_n 1._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n 2._o in_o the_o state_n of_o gild_n and_o misery_n 3._o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n unto_o god_n of_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n to_o relate_v unto_o both_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o twofold_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o threefold_a office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n whereunto_o he_o be_v anoint_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o those_o office_n in_o his_o twofold_a state_n the_o one_o of_o humiliation_n by_o his_o life_n and_o death_n on_o earth_n the_o other_o of_o exaltation_n by_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n in_o all_o which_o as_o the_o fitness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n person_n nature_n and_o office_n to_o work_v out_o redemption_n for_o we_o and_o to_o settle_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o the_o work_n first_o of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o this_o be_v effect_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n second_o of_o the_o restitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n
what_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a subject_n be_v towards_o the_o supreme_a and_o subordinate_a magistrate_n 2._o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n 3._o wherein_o a_o christian_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o subjection_n or_o a_o servant_n unto_o man_n hitherto_o we_o have_v mention_v the_o head_n of_o matter_n which_o relate_v unto_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o professor_n the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o professor_n do_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n either_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o member_n to_o make_v one_o body_n or_o as_o in_o it_o be_v office_n and_o officer_n with_o several_a charge_n concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v know_v 1._o what_o right_a and_o relation_n a_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n have_v to_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o what_o use_v he_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o that_o right_n and_o relation_n and_o how_o he_o shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n where_o his_o conveniency_n of_o edification_n be_v great_a 3._o how_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v notwithstanding_o the_o application_n may_v be_v ordinary_o make_v unto_o one_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o what_o the_o care_n be_v which_o member_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n to_o build_v up_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a profession_n 5._o what_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n and_o respect_n be_v which_o all_o professor_n owe_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o other_o in_o the_o profession_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 6._o how_o all_o member_n and_o professor_n ought_v to_o walk_v towards_o those_o that_o be_v without_o as_o to_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n concern_v those_o that_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o must_v know_v 1._o what_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v and_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o discharge_v it_o 2._o what_o the_o office_n of_o the_o teacher_n be_v and_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o discharge_v it_o 3._o how_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v conjoynt_v and_o how_o distinct_a and_o separate_a 4._o what_o the_o office_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o discharge_v it_o 5._o what_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v and_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o discharge_v it_o 6._o what_o correspondence_n and_o communion_n these_o officer_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o each_o other_o hand_n in_o their_o duty_n towards_o the_o flock_n 7._o what_o correspondence_n and_o communion_n the_o officer_n of_o several_a congregation_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n among_o themselves_o to_o prevent_v or_o remedy_v difference_n and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o truth_n unto_o other_o that_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v it_o of_o all_o these_o state_n and_o relation_n the_o duty_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n distinct_o then_o the_o state_n and_o call_v which_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o society_n joint_o as_o be_v the_o seedplot_n and_o seminary_n of_o all_o virtue_n to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o be_v the_o state_n of_o school_n where_o ought_v to_o be_v deliver_v 1._o what_o kind_n of_o school_n ought_v to_o be_v constitute_v suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n 2._o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o erect_v and_o reform_v of_o school_n do_v belong_v and_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o this_o work_n 3._o what_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n be_v of_o schoolmaster_n and_o mistress_n and_o of_o scholar_n of_o both_o sex_n hitherto_o i_o have_v reckon_v up_o summary_o the_o head_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o will_v make_v a_o full_a body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n if_o they_o be_v thorough_o handle_v and_o if_o the_o particular_n which_o may_v be_v refer_v thereunto_o be_v fit_o bring_v in_o as_o concern_v the_o supplement_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o for_o the_o present_a hope_v that_o if_o the_o positive_a truth_n be_v complete_o handle_v and_o a_o general_n rule_v show_v how_o to_o draw_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o resolution_n of_o conscionable_a difficulty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o any_o large_a treatise_n in_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o full_a body_n of_o case-divinity_n may_v be_v useful_a if_o well_o order_v and_o publish_v by_o itself_o but_o i_o will_v not_o have_v the_o body_n of_o positive_a truth_n overburden_v with_o case_n because_o our_o main_a study_n ought_v to_o be_v about_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o our_o exercise_n about_o the_o application_n of_o the_o same_o to_o our_o way_n therefore_o we_o need_v not_o to_o propose_v a_o body_n of_o difficulty_n to_o be_v resolve_v but_o our_o wisdom_n will_v be_v either_o to_o avoid_v they_o so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v by_o a_o clear_a direction_n prevent_v they_o or_o to_o overcome_v they_o when_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o may_v be_v easy_a and_o follow_v by_o all_o that_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n meaning_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n thus_o i_o have_v adventure_v to_o cut_v out_o work_v and_o offer_v task_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o join_v in_o complete_n this_o pious_a undertake_n not_o that_o i_o presume_v to_o precribe_v or_o limit_v any_o within_o these_o bound_n or_o to_o follow_v this_o method_n but_o that_o i_o will_v give_v occasion_n unto_o such_o general_n hint_n as_o these_o be_v for_o unto_o these_o three_o head_n of_o principle_n substantial_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o practice_n i_o suppose_v all_o the_o collection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v out_o of_o our_o author_n may_v be_v refer_v and_o if_o this_o effect_n can_v be_v obtain_v in_o any_o competent_a measure_n i_o shall_v have_v what_o i_o intend_v by_o these_o proposal_n hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n which_o i_o conceive_v will_v answer_v the_o request_n of_o foreign_a protestant_a divine_n make_v unto_o we_o now_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v compile_v and_o impart_v unto_o they_o of_o the_o second_o what_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n be_v which_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o make_v up_o this_o body_n of_o divinity_n and_o communicate_v it_o to_o foreign_a protestant_a church_n if_o to_o advance_v this_o gospel-work_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o move_v we_o but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o call_v which_o we_o have_v thereunto_o by_o foreign_a church_n with_o those_o argument_n which_o in_o their_o letter_n they_o have_v allege_v true_o these_o inducement_n alone_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v and_o aught_o to_o engage_v we_o most_o effectual_o thereunto_o for_o if_o we_o have_v any_o true_a zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sincere_a inclination_n to_o entertain_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fervency_n of_o love_n towards_o the_o brother_n hood_n or_o affection_n of_o serviceableness_n towards_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o other_o reason_n beside_o those_o which_o they_o offer_v unto_o we_o will_v be_v find_v superfluous_a and_o of_o little_a use_n to_o persuade_v because_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v right_o set_v in_o heavenly_a place_n and_o raise_v unto_o the_o true_a object_n which_o unite_v the_o same_o with_o god_n be_v not_o act_v by_o earthly_a motive_n although_o it_o may_v reflect_v sometime_o not_o unprofitable_o upon_o matter_n of_o particular_a concernment_n but_o we_o find_v too_o often_o and_o that_o to_o our_o great_a grief_n when_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v even_o with_o man_n that_o be_v account_v emninent_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v of_o good_a ability_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o yet_o those_o reason_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v best_a most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o universal_a be_v not_o towards_o they_o most_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v but_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a more_o outward_a and_o of_o lesser_a worth_n do_v rather_o work_v and_o take_v more_o powerful_o with_o they_o whether_o this_o do_v fall_v out_o either_o because_o good_a man_n do_v
ensue_v our_o performance_n of_o their_o request_n which_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o itself_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n young_a and_o old_a teacher_n and_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v godly_a and_o ungodly_a peaceable_a and_o contentious_a true_a professor_n and_o those_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n whether_o by_o hypocrisy_n or_o security_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o man_n aswell_o of_o this_o age_n as_o of_o that_o which_o shall_v arise_v hereafter_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n direction_n correction_n comfort_n reproof_n and_o conviction_n tend_v to_o set_v forward_a peace_n and_o joy_n through_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o whatsoever_o blessing_n else_o any_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o their_o several_a condition_n all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o be_v debtor_n to_o procure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n to_o that_o effect_n for_o at_o this_o time_n both_o god_n and_o man_n do_v call_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o our_o peculiar_a talon_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o hold_v it_o forth_o unto_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o shall_v hide_v our_o talon_n and_o put_v this_o candle_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v light_v among_o we_o to_o give_v light_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n under_o a_o bushel_n that_o be_v if_o we_o condescend_v not_o to_o this_o their_o desire_n we_o shall_v wrong_v all_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v rob_v these_o in_o particular_a that_o sue_v for_o it_o of_o what_o be_v their_o due_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o shall_v make_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n ineffectual_a and_o show_v ourselves_o adversary_n to_o his_o virtue_n and_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o which_o how_o the_o lord_n will_v in_o the_o end_n take_v at_o our_o hand_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o mention_v but_o i_o shall_v hearty_o rather_o pray_v that_o in_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o truth_n our_o spirit_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v this_o service_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o answerable_a unto_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v these_o be_v the_o consideration_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n thereof_o which_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o letter_n have_v only_o touch_v and_o point_v at_o i_o have_v think_v good_a a_o little_a further_o thus_o to_o enlarge_v that_o whatever_o shall_v be_v undertake_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v proceed_v from_o the_o right_a principle_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n which_o will_v make_v the_o work_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o profitable_a unto_o those_o that_o go_v about_o it_o for_o if_o the_o work_n be_v not_o intend_v upon_o these_o ground_n and_o upon_o these_o alone_a direct_o and_o principal_o without_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o humane_a respect_n as_o lead_v motive_n it_o will_v find_v but_o small_a success_n and_o little_a conduct_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v it_o a_o furtherance_n because_o no_o enterprise_n can_v have_v more_o strength_n than_o its_o chief_a aim_n and_o object_n can_v give_v it_o and_o although_o some_o other_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n may_v be_v allege_v or_o the_o same_o may_v be_v further_o insist_v upon_o perhaps_o not_o unprofitable_o yet_o because_o these_o motive_n be_v the_o chief_a to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v be_v refer_v and_o so_o evident_a that_o they_o can_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v deny_v and_o of_o such_o efficacy_n if_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o where_o they_o take_v not_o none_o other_o in_o this_o kind_n be_v like_a to_o persuade_v therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v any_o further_a upon_o they_o but_o come_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n which_o in_o order_n unto_o these_o forego_n may_v perhaps_o add_v something_o to_o our_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o mix_a affection_n which_o even_o good_a man_n be_v inclinable_a sometime_o to_o entertain_v rather_o as_o they_o be_v man_n then_o as_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a depend_v immediate_o upon_o his_o will._n if_o we_o look_v then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o we_o be_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n engage_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n but_o to_o advance_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o to_o concur_v with_o foreign_a protestant_n to_o assist_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o our_o own_o and_o other_o reformation_n or_o more_o effectual_a in_o our_o concurrence_n to_o assist_v foreigner_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n than_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o body_n of_o practical_a divinity_n will_v be_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o profession_n do_v include_v a_o twofold_a notion_n the_o one_o do_v look_v at_o the_o profession_n in_o itself_o the_o other_o at_o we_o as_o professor_n in_o both_o these_o there_o be_v some_o matter_n of_o credit_n to_o be_v uphold_v as_o to_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o profession_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n see_v we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o creditable_a and_o honourable_a before_o all_o man_n approve_v it_o unto_o the_o conscience_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v and_o in_o reference_n to_o our-selve_n the_o good_a opinion_n other_o have_v of_o our_o sincerity_n zeal_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o profession_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o honesty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o answer_v their_o expectation_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o good_a name_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o religion_n in_o these_o respect_v i_o say_v the_o complete_n of_o this_o practical_a body_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v of_o special_a use_n as_o well_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o profession_n as_o for_o our_o credit_n in_o uphold_v it_o for_o whereas_o nothing_o do_v so_o much_o either_o scandalize_v the_o weak_a or_o stagger_v the_o ignorant_a at_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o give_v advantage_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n unto_o the_o papist_n to_o seduce_v silly_a soul_n to_o a_o superstitious_a worship_n as_o this_o reproach_n that_o we_o be_v all_o break_a to_o piece_n among_o our-selve_n and_o divide_v in_o our_o sense_n about_o religion_n have_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n unto_o the_o self-conceited_a libertine_n to_o entice_v high_a mind_a zelots_n to_o the_o pride_n of_o singular_a saintship_n as_o this_o other_o reproach_n that_o we_o rest_v in_o practice_n of_o form_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v nothing_o that_o be_v spiritual_a in_o our_o profession_n whereas_o i_o say_v both_o these_o adversary_n labour_v different_a way_n and_o upon_o colourable_a pretence_n take_v from_o particular_a misdemeanour_n wrongful_o apply_v unto_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o religion_n to_o discredit_v and_o blemish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o minister_n be_v chief_o bind_v to_o uphold_v there_o can_v be_v no_o course_n either_o more_o answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o call_v or_o so_o proper_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o these_o adversary_n or_o so_o fit_a to_o settle_v the_o waver_a thought_n of_o unstable_a soul_n or_o more_o effectual_a to_o vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o profession_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o division_n of_o uncertainty_n of_o formality_n and_o of_o the_o want_n of_o spiritual_a power_n then_o to_o make_v up_o this_o practical_a body_n of_o divinity_n for_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o those_o many_o positive_a doctrine_n which_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v understand_v will_v be_v clear_a to_o the_o conscience_n by_o their_o own_o light_n which_o will_v manifest_v all_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n not_o fantastical_o but_o with_o real_a demonstration_n and_o which_o unanimous_o all_o protestant_n will_v full_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o religion_n i_o say_v those_o doctrine_n be_v gather_v into_o a_o full_a body_n will_v stand_v as_o a_o uncontrollable_a witness_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o these_o injurious_a reproach_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o in_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o
avoid_v all_o the_o proposterious_a way_n of_o school_n and_o philosophical_a disputation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o the_o pride_n and_o affectation_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n be_v get_v vain_a jangle_n and_o humane_a passion_n multiply_v mistake_n and_o propagate_v impicty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v main_o take_v therewith_o and_o addict_v thereunto_o three_o this_o whole_a body_n of_o divinity_n be_v make_v up_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v desire_v will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o protestant_a minister_n in_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n against_o the_o reproach_n of_o a_o fundamental_a division_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v among_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o centre_n of_o concurrence_n a_o subject_n of_o brotherly_a correspondency_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o mutual_a communion_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o all_o hand_n will_v be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o faint_v now_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o solitary_a walk_n will_v be_v encourage_v they_o to_o proceed_v with_o cheerfulness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o help_n from_o all_o their_o brethren_n and_o true_o beside_o the_o assistance_n and_o support_v which_o the_o truth_n itself_o will_v receive_v from_o this_o work_n by_o be_v publish_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o that_o wherein_o all_o the_o witness_n thereof_o do_v agree_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a help_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o it_o in_o these_o time_n of_o disagreement_n and_o therefore_o shall_v most_o effectual_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n to_o intend_v it_o the_o design_n of_o endeavour_v a_o concurrence_n by_o this_o mean_n with_o our_o brethren_n to_o give_v they_o encouragement_n to_o stand_v last_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v extreme_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o also_o to_o our_o conscience_n every_o way_n bind_v and_o obligatory_a so_o far_o as_o we_o desire_v they_o prosperity_n in_o the_o cause_n and_o here_o i_o mean_v not_o our_o brethren_n only_o that_o be_v abroad_o but_o even_o those_o that_o be_v at_o home_n also_o who_o caâ—â—_n be_v not_o yet_o setâ—â—â—â—_n and_o who_o know_v how_o full_a of_o distraction_n and_o desolation_n it_o may_v be_v hereafter_o 〈◊〉_d god_n in_o mercy_n prevent_v it_o not_o for_o if_o any_o will_v observe_v into_o how_o many_o piece_n we_o be_v fall_v what_o the_o change_n breach_n and_o dissolution_n be_v which_o be_v fall_v and_o may_v fall_v upon_o we_o what_o the_o effect_n be_v which_o this_o have_v bring_v forth_o among_o we_o and_o how_o a_o liberty_n to_o all_o to_o do_v without_o control_v whatsoever_o every_o one_o please_v though_o never_o so_o offensive_a be_v spring_v up_o and_o what_o the_o way_n of_o force_n if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n still_o to_o stand_v under_o it_o may_v further_o bring_v to_o pass_v if_o i_o say_v we_o will_v observe_v this_o which_o be_v apparent_a to_o all_o we_o may_v easy_o gather_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v more_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o strengthen_v each_o other_o heart_n and_o hand_n by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o testimony_n than_o this_o work_n will_v be_v for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o dissipation_n this_o may_v hopeful_o become_v a_o pillar_n to_o uphold_v the_o truth_n and_o therein_o a_o monument_n of_o our_o conjunction_n a_o instrument_n of_o our_o concurrence_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o end_n a_o mean_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v the_o witness_n to_o their_o heavenly_a splendour_n and_o authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o which_o be_v clear_o our_o own_o special_a interest_n yet_o this_o alone_a shall_v waken_v up_o to_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o undertake_v this_o business_n with_o all_o speed_n and_o diligence_n chief_o because_o the_o adversary_n make_v no_o delay_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n against_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v withal_o our_o might_n to_o maintain_v but_o beside_o this_o necessity_n of_o join_v our_o spirit_n to_o a_o correspond_v in_o the_o truth_n among_o ourselves_o against_o common_a adversary_n and_o the_o unlikelihood_n to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n or_o any_o way_n so_o effectual_o and_o so_o easy_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v another_o strong_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o foreign_a protestant_n transcur_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n i_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o last_o parcâ—â—_n this_o discourse_n that_o our_o engagement_n to_o a_o concurrence_n with_o foreign_a protestant_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v lie_n close_o upon_o we_o than_o i_o find_v it_o apprehend_v by_o many_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o apparent_a by_o represent_v two_o thing_n which_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o be_v undeniable_o manifest_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o one_o be_v concern_v god_n judgement_n against_o those_o that_o have_v neglect_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o protestant_n the_o other_o be_v concern_v our_o own_o declaration_n and_o oath_n strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o mind_v the_o same_o for_o look_v we_o upon_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n how_o it_o have_v overtake_v those_o that_o have_v neglect_v the_o state_n of_o foreign_a church_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o because_o the_o late_a king_n and_o his_o persecute_v prelate_n do_v not_o mind_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n because_o they_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a that_o be_v to_o protect_v the_o church_n abroad_o by_o those_o mean_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n and_o because_o the_o way_n of_o their_o policy_n do_v lead_v they_o rather_o to_o fide_fw-la with_o the_o common_a adversary_n for_o self_n end_v to_o betray_v the_o cause_n rather_o than_o to_o uphold_v it_o therefore_o these_o public_a calamity_n have_v just_o overtake_v they_o and_o execute_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v themselves_o only_o without_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n shall_v utter_o lose_v themselves_o without_o recovery_n while_o god_n do_v find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o rescue_v his_o church_n which_o they_o desert_v from_o the_o destruction_n which_o the_o enemy_n design_v against_o they_o i_o allege_v this_o concern_v the_o late_a king_n and_o his_o violent_a prelate_n as_o to_o i_o one_o of_o the_o main_a visible_a cause_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o which_o i_o conceive_v they_o have_v be_v principal_o cast_v off_o namely_o because_o their_o betray_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v a_o quarrel_n with_o they_o both_o as_o hypocrite_n who_o pretend_v to_o stand_v for_o the_o protestant_a cause_n do_v undermine_v it_o and_o despise_v the_o low_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o as_o enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o to_o suppress_v the_o light_n thereof_o then_o break_v forth_o do_v persecute_v those_o most_o who_o do_v most_o sincere_o profess_v and_o practice_v godliness_n at_o home_n these_o sin_n have_v cause_n christ_n to_o fall_v with_o his_o iron_n rod_n upon_o they_o to_o dash_v they_o to_o piece_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n because_o herein_o their_o way_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o their_o sin_n immediate_o commit_v against_o himself_o whereas_o their_o other_o sin_n and_o design_n may_v have_v a_o more_o direct_a relation_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o which_o also_o the_o power_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v just_o make_v use_n of_o to_o overthrow_v they_o for_o see_v in_o the_o great_a battle_n which_o now_o be_v a_o fight_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o power_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o be_v both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o state_n must_v be_v set_v a_o work_n to_o oppose_v each_o other_o respective_o in_o their_o contradictory_n property_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o visible_a power_n among_o man_n can_v remain_v unshaken_a and_o whatever_o be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o christ_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n must_v be_v so_o shake_v as_o
year_n be_v prepare_v abundant_a matter_n for_o it_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v but_o for_o some_o solomon_n to_o call_v his_o workman_n together_o and_o build_v up_o a_o temple_n far_o more_o magnificent_a than_o the_o ceremonial_a one_o be_v the_o expedient_a for_o a_o correspondency_n with_o foreign_a protestant_n the_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v in_o his_o low_a condition_n may_v now_o be_v take_v up_o in_o our_o day_n by_o all_o that_o favour_n the_o dust_n of_o zion_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o her_o stone_n namely_o that_o her_o bone_n be_v scatter_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n as_o one_o cleave_v wood_n upon_o the_o ground_n psal_n 141._o 7._o for_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n as_o now_o they_o be_v divide_v and_o break_v we_o shall_v see_v they_o almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o as_o useless_a one_o to_o another_o as_o dry_a bone_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o ready_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o grave_n or_o as_o chip_n of_o wood_n lie_v on_o the_o ground_n only_o fit_a to_o be_v gather_v and_o burn_v therefore_o our_o resolution_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o prophet_n take_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v upon_o his_o complaint_n but_o our_o eye_n be_v to_o thou_o o_o god_n the_o lord_n in_o thou_o be_v our_o trust_n leave_v not_o our_o soul_n destitute_a there_o be_v none_o other_o that_o can_v help_v but_o he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n let_v then_o our_o eye_n be_v turn_v only_o towards_o he_o because_o our_o expectation_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a if_o we_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n for_o we_o have_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v help_v for_o moses_n have_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n and_o repent_v he_o for_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o see_v that_o their_o power_n be_v go_v and_o there_o be_v none_o 36._o deut._n 32._o 36._o shut_v up_o or_o leave_v and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v declare_v for_o our_o comfort_n that_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o we_o have_v a_o 19_o isai_n 59_o 19_o ground_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o own_o time_n will_v make_v our_o dry_a bone_n to_o stir_v and_o live_v and_o join_v together_o and_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o skin_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n and_o become_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a army_n for_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o weak_a and_o low_a but_o god_n can_v and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a will_v also_o raise_v they_o out_o of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n mean_v which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o that_o effect_n and_o when_o his_o spirit_n will_v breathe_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v they_o a_o work_n the_o business_n will_v be_v accomplish_v now_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v execute_v his_o wonderful_a counsel_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o pass_v his_o excellent_a work_n be_v two_o fold_n the_o one_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o light_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 to_o discover_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o sweep_v away_o the_o refuge_n of_o lie_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o stay_v the_o wicked_a one_o and_o consume_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o part_n of_o his_o work_n be_v already_o well_o advance_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o distraction_n and_o division_n of_o party_n and_o the_o other_o be_v by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a body_n so_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o shall_v appear_v at_o last_o sit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n to_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n and_o this_o part_n of_o the_o work_n although_o it_o be_v very_o little_o advance_v in_o appearance_n yet_o there_o be_v preparative_n towards_o it_o which_o be_v not_o inconsiderable_a if_o right_o weigh_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o whereof_o in_o due_a time_n a_o more_o full_a account_n may_v be_v give_v but_o for_o the_o present_a we_o shall_v only_o show_v some_o motive_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o suggest_v a_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v help_v forward_o the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o become_v instrumental_a towards_o other_o in_o further_a his_o work_n the_o motive_n which_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o mind_v the_o design_n which_o god_n have_v of_o unite_n his_o saint_n together_o be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o clear_o set_v forth_o that_o a_o volume_n may_v be_v write_v thereof_o if_o we_o will_v be_v large_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a only_o to_o point_v at_o the_o place_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v urge_v the_o duty_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o 1_o cor._n 12._o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o profit_v withal_o by_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n in_o the_o unity_n thereof_o and_o in_o chap._n 13._o the_o grace_n of_o charity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o this_o effect_n that_o without_o it_o none_o other_o grace_n be_v profitable_a either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o towards_o other_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephes_n ver_fw-la 1._o till_o 17._o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o no_o man_n do_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v by_o humility_n meekness_n long_o suffer_v and_o forbearance_n of_o other_o in_o love_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o whatsoever_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v command_v concern_v love_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o new_a commandment_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n of_o john_n it_o tend_v all_o to_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n to_o this_o main_a duty_n of_o seek_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n among_o saint_n and_o of_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n word_n phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n they_o will_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o have_v any_o feel_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n etc._n etc._n intimate_v that_o without_o the_o care_n of_o this_o duty_n all_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n which_o saint_n ought_v to_o further_o in_o one_o another_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o utter_o make_v void_a which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n we_o find_v experimental_o to_o be_v too_o true_a by_o reason_n of_o our_o division_n and_o strive_n for_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o adversary_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n among_o ourselves_o be_v dishonour_v now_o to_o remedy_v this_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n arise_v from_o thence_o for_o which_o a_o woe_n be_v denounce_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n execute_v against_o we_o the_o easy_a way_n which_o be_v suggest_v be_v to_o set_v a_o foot_n a_o religious_a correspondency_n with_o foreign_a protestant_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o gospel_n interest_n among_o christian_n not_o by_o strength_n or_o might_n but_o in_o a_o gospel_n way_n by_o a_o friendly_a correspondency_n and_o concurrence_n in_o counsel_n to_o hold_v forth_o unanimous_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o all_o full_o agree_v and_o do_v own_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o to_o set_v a_o foot_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o duty_n by_o walk_v therein_o to_o oppose_v ignorance_n and_o profanness_n to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o disorderliness_n in_o worship_n and_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n to_o one_o another_o condition_n but_o to_o entertain_v a_o mutual_a care_n for_o each_o other_o good_a and_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o effect_n a_o settle_a correspondency_n upon_o religious_a ground_n and_o principle_n between_o we_o and_o our_o neighbour_n protestant_n will_v be_v both_o a_o easy_a and_o in_o god_n way_n a_o powerful_a mean_n which_o correspondency_n may_v be_v thus_o contrive_v and_o bring_v about_o we_o forthwith_o intend_v a_o system_a or_o body_n of_o divinity_n wherein_o all_o the_o english_a writing_n of_o practical_a divinity_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v digest_v in_o english_a and_o latin_a and_o we_o intend_v the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n in_o a_o college_n here_o from_o whence_o our_o learning_n may_v be_v carry_v forth_o in_o most_o language_n by_o such_o student_n and_o all_o good_a work_v advance_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n to_o which_o we_o already_o find_v great_a forwardness_n in_o this_o nation_n not_o only_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n but_o also_o to_o contribute_v in_o matter_n of_o charge_n and_o of_o this_o work_n in_o institute_v a_o college_n propagandis_fw-la bonis_fw-la operibus_fw-la we_o shall_v give_v advertisement_n to_o our_o friend_n as_o occasion_n present_v not_o doubt_v but_o since_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o in_o england_n such_o a_o measure_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n but_o there_o will_v appear_v a_o ready_a heart_n among_o our_o nation_n for_o the_o roll_a away_o the_o reproach_n upon_o we_o of_o have_v much_o of_o faith_n and_o little_a of_o work_n and_o from_o this_o college_n and_o trustee_n about_o this_o work_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v such_o correspondence_n with_o our_o brethren_n beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o and_o we_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o our_o enemy_n to_o mourn_v and_o this_o charge_n of_o correspondency_n fix_v upon_o the_o trustee_n for_o the_o work_n above_o say_v the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o correspondency_n intend_v rise_v much_o from_o the_o unspeakable_a blessing_n have_v accompany_v the_o letter_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o saint_n witness_v those_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o luther_n calvin_n and_o other_o have_v do_v that_o way_n and_o what_o daily_a success_n therein_o of_o epistol_a there_o be_v cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o the_o present_a we_o judge_v it_o meet_v that_o what_o any_o foreign_a divine_a have_v now_o to_o communicate_v may_v come_v either_o to_o the_o vice-chancelour_n of_o the_o university_n or_o the_o minister_n sit_v at_o whitehall_n weekly_o for_o approbation_n of_o minister_n and_o these_o thing_n we_o desire_v may_v be_v remember_v at_o home_n and_o abroad_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n people_n that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v forfeiture_n of_o our_o mercy_n by_o our_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o sit_v down_o by_o the_o starve_a sluggard_n with_o non_fw-la putarem_fw-la finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o the_o name_n subscribe_v to_o the_o latin_a letter_n read_v hopsius_n item_n p._n t._n pastor_n schresheimi_fw-la item_n belsteinensis_n &_o beilsteinensi_fw-la in_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o english_a letter_n read_v hopsius_n &_o schresheim_n &_o orzen_a in_o the_o quotation_n of_o scripture_n place_n pag._n 1._o read_v in_o margin_n 1_o peter_n pag._n 2._o in_o margin_n read_v john_n 13._o ibid._n jam._n 1._o 22._o pag._n 4._o lin_v 39_o read_v 17._o 3._o pag._n 17._o lin_v 36._o read_v luke_n 24._o 47._o p._n 21._o l._n 35._o r._n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o p._n 37._o l._n 11._o r._n isai_n 59_o p._n 41._o l._n 37._o r._n dan._n 12._o 7._o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o discourse_n pag._n 3._o lin_v 17._o read_v manifest_v myself_o pag._n 5._o lin_v 35._o read_v precognition_n pag._n 6._o lin_v 31._o read_v main_a head_n ibid._n lin_v ult_n read_v those_o pag._n 34._o lin_v 21._o read_v disputation_n pag._n 36._o lin_v 26._o read_v pertain_v pag._n 37._o lin_v 15._o read_v from_o my_o judgement_n pag._n 42._o lin_v 4_o read_v to_o one_o end_n ibid._n lin_v 15._o read_v rectify_v pag._n 44._o lin_v 35._o read_v panrani_n pag._n 45._o lin_v 8._o read_v the_o foreign_a p._n 46._o l._n 26._o read_v upon_o reside_v