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
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 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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 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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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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 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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 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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 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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
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
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 though_o in_o other_o respect_n never_o so_o superior_a to_o the_o good_a man_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n disparage_v by_o the_o pretence_n now_o mention_v but_o we_o have_v still_o as_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v his_o method_n as_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o first_o now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o of_o all_o that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o to_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o former_a have_v great_a advantage_n above_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o both_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o general_a argument_n 1._o that_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n with_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n and_o course_n of_o life_n render_v a_o man_n very_o unfit_a to_o discern_v divine_a truth_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n make_v to_o godly_a man_n and_o to_o none_o else_o but_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n he_o have_v threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a 1._o that_o a_o sincere_a intent_n towards_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o itself_o to_o attain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o the_o one_a place_n it_o take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o be_v search_v the_o scripture_n a_o good_a mean_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n include_v that_o for_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n be_v harken_v to_o our_o sipritual_a guide_n another_o way_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o sincerity_n give_v a_o prosperous_a influence_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o learned_a whereas_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n do_v mix_v itself_o with_o the_o study_n of_o man_n and_o infect_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a disloyalty_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v most_o common_o blast_v their_o endeavour_n through_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n make_v they_o bend_v their_o wit_n not_o so_o much_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v include_v in_o this_o 2._o the_o obedient_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o not_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o after_o they_o they_o have_v know_v his_o wonderful_a work_n he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o direct_a answer_n but_o reply_n to_o their_o question_n with_o another_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o know_v they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v not_o tell_v neither_o tell_v i_o you_o say_v he_o by_o what_o authority_n i_o do_v these_o thing_n how_o evident_a and_o reasonable_a soever_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v satisfy_v all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v it_o hereby_o god_n have_v 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business_n he_o be_v about_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v we_o give_v why_o man_n that_o be_v accurate_a at_o one_o sort_n of_o business_n be_v heavy_a and_o inapprehensive_a at_o other_o for_o the_o soul_n in_o itself_o have_v a_o capacity_n equal_o open_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o all_o reason_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n must_v be_v their_o value_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o one_o subject_n and_o their_o aversion_n from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o david_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n themselves_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o the_o
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 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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
endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n whether_o enjoin_v the_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o or_o promise_v those_o benefit_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o life_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o this_o very_a promise_n we_o have_v again_o repeat_v prov._n 3.32_o his_o secret_a be_v with_o the_o righteous_a it_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o but_o once_o but_o since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o repeat_v it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o better_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o other_o in_o john_n 8._o the_o like_a promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o like_a condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v be_v annex_v ver_fw-la 12._o he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n shall_v know_v all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o life_n eternal_a ver_fw-la 32._o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n ver_fw-la 33._o that_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n and_o john_n 14.21_o i_o will_v love_v and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o every_o one_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a promise_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o ground_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o best_a most_o auspicious_a entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o have_v a_o good_a understanding_n have_v good_a security_n that_o they_o can_v fail_v of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a from_o all_o these_o promise_v we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v secure_v his_o eternal_a life_n and_o even_o that_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o observe_v this_o rule_n if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o angel_n attend_v we_o constant_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n insinuate_v good_a counsel_n and_o exciting_a good_a thought_n when_o our_o passion_n grow_v wild_a and_o we_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v infuse_v a_o great_a regard_n of_o all_o we_o do_v into_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v reckon_v ourselves_o happy_a man_n certain_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o have_v he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o open_n our_o ear_n and_o seal_v instruction_n to_o we_o blessing_n our_o search_n into_o holy_a thing_n and_o accompany_v our_o meditation_n with_o a_o ready_a and_o prosperous_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o do_v god_n will_n because_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o slack_a in_o his_o promise_n but_o this_o advantage_n will_v appear_v so_o much_o the_o great_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v up_o wicked_a man_n to_o darkness_n of_o understanding_n and_o have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o st._n paul_n show_v plain_o rom._n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o first_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v ver_fw-la 21._o so_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o reprobate_n i._n e._n a_o undiscerning_a mind_n which_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a warning_n in_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v and_o now_o they_o be_v in_o turkish_a darkness_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fulfil_v but_o why_o i_o beseech_v you_o shall_v that_o admonition_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o threaten_n there_o denounce_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n as_o well_o as_o of_o asia_n and_o to_o england_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ephesus_n and_o see_v every_o one_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o hear_v therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o severity_n as_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o deliver_v it_o up_o to_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o believe_v lie_n so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o may_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o lie_a spirit_n and_o suffer_v seducer_n to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n nor_o discern_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o monstrous_a error_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n that_o reign_v among_o many_o wicked_a man_n be_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n their_o habitual_a vice_n have_v violate_v their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o raise_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o moreover_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o vileness_n permit_v they_o to_o run_v on_o in_o wickedness_n without_o the_o check_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o to_o defy_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n thereby_o fulfil_v that_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o none_o of_o the_o wich_v shall_v understand_v dan._n 12.10_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o sum_n be_v this_o if_o godliness_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o have_v moreover_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o the_o unrighteous_a have_v not_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n ungodly_a man_n be_v under_o so_o many_o natural_a impediment_n that_o obstruct_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o moreover_o lie_v under_o such_o severe_a threaten_n of_o blindness_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o suppose_v the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a to_o be_v equal_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o understanding_n and_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a have_v vast_a advantage_n yet_o above_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v though_o in_o other_o respect_v he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o superior_a to_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o be_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o power_n of_o good_a principle_n to_o fortify_v he_o against_o temptation_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n to_o keep_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n to_o render_v it_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o to_o moderate_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n and_o to_o support_v he_o in_o adversity_n and_o by_o all_o this_o he_o understand_v the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o man_n who_o can_v talk_v learned_o and_o argue_v dexterous_o about_o it_o but_o never_o feel_v the_o