in_o their_o kind_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o noble_a and_o better_a purpose_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o other_o other_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o noble_a purpose_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o other_o and_o most_o study_v by_o every_o christian_a and_o hence_o therefore_o do_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o come_v at_o any_o time_n to_o speak_v of_o divine_a knowledge_n not_o only_o bare_o enjoin_v the_o attainment_n of_o it_o as_o of_o other_o virtue_n but_o do_v moreover_o add_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n to_o endow_v they_o therewith_o and_o to_o increase_v they_o therein_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o again_o i_o cease_v not_o say_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o eph._n 1.16_o 17._o so_o that_o though_o to_o be_v excellent_o well_o skilled_a in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatsoever_o which_o terminate_v only_o in_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o profaneness_n fit_a to_o be_v renounce_v by_o every_o christian_a to_o prefer_v such_o to_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o to_o apply_v your_o mind_n whole_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o skill_n to_o the_o neglect_v of_o those_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o let_v your_o profession_n and_o call_v be_v what_o it_o will_v you_o must_v make_v it_o your_o first_o care_n and_o study_n to_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n knowledge_n the_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n how_o that_o it_o be_v a_o body_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n and_o law_n all_o of_o they_o tend_v whole_o to_o render_v you_o holy_a and_o good_a liver_n and_o then_o to_o make_v you_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o father_n for_o his_o acceptance_n thereof_o to_o your_o justification_n you_o must_v also_o next_o make_v it_o more_o your_o study_n to_o understand_v thorough_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o any_o humane_a covenant_n or_o contract_n whatsoever_o and_o since_o we_o must_v build_v our_o hope_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o particular_a article_n and_o as_o exact_o as_o possible_a square_n our_o life_n according_a to_o each_o single_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o more_o concernment_n to_o every_o christian_a lay_v as_o well_o as_o clergy_n than_o thorough_o to_o understand_v both_o the_o mean_v and_o importance_n of_o every_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o every_o christian_a duty_n and_o last_o since_o a_o good_a end_n can_v never_o be_v obtain_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o use_v of_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n the_o nature_n therefore_o and_o use_v of_o prayer_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o sacrament_n must_v be_v a_o most_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n so_o much_o must_v our_o appetity_n after_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n be_v renounce_v in_o comparison_n of_o our_o desire_n after_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n but_o last_o above_o all_o we_o must_v renounce_v that_o prevail_a appetite_n in_o such_o as_o be_v of_o most_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a mind_n viz._n the_o set_n up_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o spiritual_a notion_n and_o those_o more_o mysterious_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n scripture_n 3._o when_o out_o of_o pride_n prejudice_n and_o contradiction_n to_o all_o sacred_a truth_n we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o carnal_a imagination_n and_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o spiritual_a notion_n and_o those_o mysterious_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n in_o the_o more_o deprave_a nature_n of_o some_o man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o untowardness_n and_o difficulty_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o sacred_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o such_o article_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v one_o that_o be_v conceit_v of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n of_o part_n or_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n will_v not_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o entertain_v notion_n which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v and_o penetrate_v the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o will_v disdain_n to_o have_v his_o understanding_n baffle_v or_o puzzle_v with_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v quarrel_v at_o any_o thing_n too_o high_a for_o his_o wit_n to_o reach_v or_o too_o knotty_a for_o he_o to_o unloose_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v for_o this_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v true_a this_o point_n be_v not_o intelligible_a and_o perhaps_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n either_o because_o some_o thing_n be_v obscure_a to_o he_o or_o the_o phrase_n be_v not_o quaint_a and_o fine_a enough_o thus_o the_o carnal_a mind_n treat_v the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o christian_n thus_o to_o indulge_v their_o own_o carnal_a reason_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o for_o certain_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n both_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o method_n he_o have_v best_a to_o express_v himself_o those_o that_o do_v thus_o proud_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n measure_v it_o according_a to_o their_o own_o talon_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n do_v at_o first_o and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n most_o fatal_o miscarry_v for_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 1.19_o i_o will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a but_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v enlighten_v by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.5_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o a_o obedient_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 13.11_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v not_o prepare_v with_o a_o humble_a mind_n it_o be_v not_o give_v nor_o be_v this_o a_o hard_a imposition_n upon_o mankind_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v deliver_v such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v sufficient_o witness_v to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o the_o article_n or_o mystery_n themselves_o which_o be_v contrary_a or_o contradictory_n to_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o man._n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v especial_o in_o this_o its_o state_n of_o weakness_n must_v yet_o be_v believe_v will_v not_o seem_v hard_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o appearance_n even_o in_o nature_n itself_o which_o no_o man_n have_v be_v yet_o find_v who_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n for_o and_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v so_o and_o so_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n pride_n this_o humour_n of_o oppose_a reason_n to_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o mere_a pride_n in_o short_a this_o humour_n of_o oppose_v our_o own_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o divine_a revelation_n which_o we_o can_v now_o
possible_a care_n to_o avoid_v it_o pag._n 201_o but_o three_o when_o employment_n and_o necessary_a occasion_n draw_v man_n forth_o into_o the_o world_n they_o must_v refuse_v to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o ill_a company_n first_o by_o discountenance_v their_o profaneness_n and_o riot_n second_o by_o divert_v they_o by_o useful_a discourse_n from_o both_o three_o if_o all_o method_n fail_v by_o open_o reprove_v they_o to_o do_v this_o service_n to_o god_n we_o be_v particular_o list_a in_o our_o baptism_n we_o shall_v be_v much_o discourage_v from_o this_o by_o men._n but_o have_v infinite_a encouragement_n to_o such_o fidelity_n from_o god_n pag._n 202_o lect_n xviii_o three_o flattery_n a_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o ground_n thereof_o our_o own_o immoderate_a self-love_n pag._n 204_o this_o flattery_n keep_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a quality_n in_o they_o thereupon_o the_o good_a never_o come_v to_o perfection_n and_o the_o ill_a that_o be_v in_o man_n do_v thereby_o grow_v incorrigible_a pag._n 205_o first_o in_o order_n to_o renounce_v flattery_n we_o must_v cashier_v every_o vain_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o self_n second_o we_o must_v so_o far_o renounce_v the_o flattery_n of_o man_n as_o to_o take_v it_o kind_o to_o be_v reprove_v pag._n 206_o especial_o the_o reproof_n of_o god_n minister_n be_v to_o be_v kind_o receive_v and_o regard_v four_o wicked_a man_n tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n by_o their_o false_a and_o fallacious_a arguing_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n pag._n 207_o all_o which_o wicked_a reason_n we_o must_v fortify_v ourselves_o against_o as_o when_o they_o plead_v first_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o god_n mercy_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o short_a life_n to_o condemn_v the_o guilty_a to_o a_o eternity_n of_o woe_n and_o misery_n pag._n 208_o second_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v hard_a say_n which_o no_o man_n can_v bear_v three_o that_o they_o be_v make_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o that_o therefore_o sure_a god_n will_v not_o require_v man_n upon_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n last_o that_o god_n have_v set_v we_o in_o a_o world_n full_a of_o temptation_n and_o abound_v with_o sensual_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n and_o that_o he_o therefore_o who_o have_v place_v we_o in_o it_o will_v not_o command_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o overcome_v those_o strong_a temptation_n and_o to_o deny_v these_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n five_o wicked_a man_n will_v add_v kindness_n and_o promise_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v ill_a thing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_n much_o discourage_v we_o nay_o sometime_o threaten_v we_o to_o forbear_v our_o duty_n pag._n 210_o 211_o first_o kindness_n must_v not_o corrupt_v we_o to_o sin_n second_o promise_n must_v not_o bribe_v we_o three_o discouragement_n must_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o discharge_v our_o duty_n nor_o four_o must_v threaten_n or_o frown_v fright_v we_o from_o it_o pag._n 212_o last_o the_o evil_a custom_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o powerful_a temptation_n to_o sin_n custom_n take_v off_o the_o sense_n and_o fear_n of_o hurt_n in_o the_o most_o unchristian_a practice_n pag._n 213_o a_o christian_n must_v courageous_o and_o vigorous_o renounce_v and_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o sinful_a custom_n whatsoever_o such_o only_a as_o be_v immoral_a be_v to_o be_v renounce_v pag._n 214_o the_o great_a courage_n require_v to_o this_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n warfare_n cowardice_n the_o cause_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o duel_v or_o any_o other_o custom_n of_o sin_v pag._n 215_o lect_v xix_o first_o thereby_o be_v ancient_o mean_v those_o pompous_a spectacle_n play_n and_o scenical_a representation_n exhibit_v in_o the_o roman_a theater_n pag._n 217_o our_o modern_a play_n no_o less_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o impiety_n than_o in_o pompousness_n and_o have_v such_o a_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o faith_n and_o manner_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v frequent_v by_o christian_n pag._n 218_o second_o by_o pomp_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v mean_v the_o solemn_a procession_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o honour_n of_o their_o go_n the_o idolatrous_a procession_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n answerable_a to_o these_o and_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v join_v in_o three_o by_o pomp_n reduâ—ely_a may_v be_v mean_v the_o revel_n and_o drunken_a riot_n of_o our_o youth_n at_o wake_n and_o festival_n pag._n 219_o â—o_o be_v abstain_v from_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n what_o first_o when_o perrou_n outgo_v their_o ability_n 〈◊〉_d building_n and_o furniture_n pag._n 220_o â—dly_a it_o appear_v in_o strive_v for_o precedence_n three_o in_o affect_v title_n above_o one_o quaâ—_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v virtuous_a above_o one_o desert_n iv_o in_o the_o vain_a affectation_n of_o costly_a apâ—el_n and_o ornament_n as_o first_o when_o person_n exceed_v what_o become_v their_o rank_n and_o degree_n 〈◊〉_d â—hat_n they_o wear_v second_o when_o they_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o ornament_n three_o when_o they_o â—orn_v themselves_o to_o undue_a end_n and_o purpose_n pag._n 221_o 222_o 〈◊〉_d when_o they_o spend_v too_o much_o time_n and_o at_o unfitting_a season_n therein_o decency_n according_a to_o â—t_a be_v suitable_a to_o age_n sex_n or_o quality_n the_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n pag._n 223_o lect_n xx._n â—ow_o ourselves_o especial_o our_o natural_a imperfection_n a_o most_o useful_a part_n of_o knowledge_n pag._n 225_o â—lesh_n various_o express_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o flesh_n 1._o the_o whole_a unregenerate_a nature_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d and_o body_n 2._o the_o whole_a man_n not_o as_o create_v by_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v now_o in_o the_o state_n of_o corâ—ted_a nature_n 3._o as_o spoil_v in_o his_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n as_o despoil_v of_o the_o image_n 〈◊〉_d god_n and_o as_o inordinate_o tend_v towards_o the_o creature_n pag._n 226_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n what_o the_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o man_n 〈◊〉_d at_o first_o create_v what_o pag._n 227_o â—ent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n what_o 1._o in_o the_o unregenerate_a nature_n the_o oriâ—al_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v be_v break_v pag._n 228_o â—e_v image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v first_o create_v deface_v last_o the_o tendency_n of_o all_o the_o faculâ—_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v towards_o the_o creature_n pag._n 229_o 〈◊〉_d renounce_v the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n after_o 〈◊〉_d image_n of_o god_n the_o image_n of_o god_n must_v be_v restore_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n 〈◊〉_d must_v be_v renew_v to_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n though_o not_o of_o degree_n pag._n 230_o 〈◊〉_d renounce_v the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v in_o the_o whole_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n pag._n 231_o lect_n xxi_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o pag._n 232_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n what_o 1._o when_o we_o be_v curious_a to_o know_v thing_n which_o be_v either_o artful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v pag._n 253_o â—hen_o we_o do_v immoderate_o study_v to_o be_v exquisite_o skill_v in_o whatever_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o â—ves_v to_o noble_a purpose_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o any_o other_o pag._n 234_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n 3._o when_o out_o of_o pride_n prejudice_n and_o contradiction_n 〈◊〉_d all_o sacred_a truth_n we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o carnal_a imagination_n and_o fleshly_a reason_n against_o those_o â—iritual_a notion_n and_o those_o mysterious_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 235_o 〈◊〉_d humour_n of_o oppose_a reason_n to_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o mere_a pride_n this_o corrupt_a will_n what_o â—d_a how_o to_o be_v renounce_v pag._n 236_o â—he_n affection_n what_o and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v pag._n 437_o as_o they_o be_v misplace_v upon_o wrong_a object_n 2._o as_o they_o be_v disproportionate_a to_o the_o love_n worth_n â—nd_v evil_a that_o be_v in_o those_o object_n towards_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v well_o or_o evil_o affect_v in_o moderate_a degree_n 3._o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n be_v such_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o be_v to_o be_v renounce_v pag._n 238_o as_o they_o do_v desire_v undue_a object_n 2._o as_o they_o desire_v they_o in_o immoderate_a measure_n last_o the_o
much_o upon_o this_o one_o article_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o i_o have_v at_o length_n do_v with_o this_o no_o less_o important_a than_o copious_a subject_n the_o renounce_v of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n it_o may_v seem_v indeed_o as_o if_o i_o have_v be_v too_o long_o upon_o the_o explication_n of_o one_o single_a article_n of_o our_o covenant_n viz._n the_o renounce_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o half_o the_o business_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v perform_v in_o resist_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o blame_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o point_n especial_o in_o instruct_v of_o youth_n about_o it_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o forearm_v in_o order_n to_o their_o come_n off_o conqueror_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v this_o renounce_v of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n that_o be_v the_o resist_a and_o overcome_v of_o all_o their_o numerous_a host_n of_o temptation_n be_v the_o christian_n warfare_n and_o great_a work_n for_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o text_n represent_v our_o state_n as_o a_o state_n of_o warfare_n fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n for_o hereunto_o you_o have_v be_v call_v before_o many_o witness_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o that_o be_v we_o list_a ourselves_o in_o this_o warfare_n at_o our_o baptism_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o state_n i_o say_v be_v a_o state_n of_o warfare_n against_o all_o these_o spiritual_a enemy_n so_o it_o do_v infinite_o concern_v all_o of_o we_o to_o know_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o their_o art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o deceive_v we_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a apology_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o improportionable_o long_a to_o what_o i_o have_v and_o shall_v be_v upon_o other_o head_n in_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o you_o must_v renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o xxii_o lecture_n second_o that_o i_o shall_v believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v large_o explain_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o show_v you_o what_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i_o come_v now_o to_o do_v the_o like_a as_o to_o the_o second_o condition_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v to_o have_v our_o sin_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o have_v also_o covenant_v with_o god_n to_o do_v and_o that_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o will_v declare_v to_o you_o the_o general_n nature_n of_o those_o article_n or_o christian_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v 2._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v those_o article_n or_o christian_a truth_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o 3._o i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o we_o must_v believe_v all_z the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o i_o be_o to_o declare_v to_o you_o something_o in_o general_n nature_n article_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o what_o nature_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o article_n or_o christian_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o whole_a bible_n both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o 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of_o what_o nature_n they_o will_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v sure_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v establish_v isa_n 7.9_o and_o so_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n new_a new_a our_o saviour_n upon_o his_o entrance_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o say_v the_o time_n be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n repent_v you_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mark_v 1.14_o 15._o and_o when_o he_o be_v also_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o commission_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v he_o save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_a mark_v 16.15_o 16._o so_o that_o 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upon_o our_o life_n and_o more_o powerful_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o other_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o to_o send_v we_o to_o god_n the_o father_n to_o seek_v for_o acceptance_n mere_o through_o christ_n his_o son_n and_o upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n therefore_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o be_v more_o particular_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o summary_n and_o collection_n of_o such_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o concern_v nature_n than_o the_o rest_n believe_v and_o must_v therefore_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o explicit_o believe_v all_o those_o other_o truth_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o contain_v 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condemn_v in_o the_o next_o these_o now_o be_v some_o of_o those_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o divine_a truth_n as_o be_v more_o particular_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o yet_o be_v doctrine_n withal_o of_o extraordinary_a force_n to_o remove_v all_o conceit_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n concern_v our_o own_o merit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o rely_v sole_o upon_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a performance_n and_o let_v this_o suffice_v as_o to_o the_o first_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o declare_v unto_o you_o something_o in_o general_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n or_o of_o those_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n and_o now_o second_o i_o will_v also_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v these_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o must_v believe_v these_o thing_n happiness_n what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v those_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o life_n and_o happiness_n why_o we_o must_v be_v so_o thorough_o and_o firm_o persuade_v of_o their_o undoubted_a truth_n as_o to_o be_v according_o influence_v as_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o the_o belief_n thereof_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o their_o gracious_a acceptance_n practical_a our_o belief_n thereof_o must_v be_v operative_a and_o practical_a i_o say_v our_o faith_n must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v influence_n we_o to_o a_o good_a life_n for_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v now_o require_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n gal._n 5.6_o in_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n some_o render_v the_o word_n and_o that_o more_o right_o faith_n that_o be_v perfect_v by_o love_n which_o do_v more_o express_o signify_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n that_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v save_v we_o must_v be_v such_o which_o be_v perfect_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o st._n james_n do_v with_o great_a industry_n show_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n be_v a_o powerful_a practical_a belief_n and_o that_o none_o other_o have_v any_o promise_n what_o say_v st._n james_n 2.14_o do_v it_o profit_v my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o i'faith_o if_o it_o have_v not_o work_n be_v dead_a be_v alone_o v._o 17._o and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o devil_n have_v for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v v._o 19_o saint_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o faith_n indeed_o for_o which_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o saint_n be_v renown_v of_o old_a and_o be_v now_o so_o high_o reward_v in_o heaven_n be_v a_o powerful_a practical_a and_o work_v faith_n indeed_o which_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o high_a and_o the_o hard_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o perform_v thus_o heb._n 11.17_o 18._o we_o read_v that_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o he_o a_o son_n too_o in_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o great_a blessing_n and_o yet_o at_o god_n command_n he_o ready_o obey_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o promise_n to_o he_o though_o it_o be_v by_o raise_v he_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n v._o 24_o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o moses_n to_o be_v make_v a_o prince_n if_o he_o please_v in_o which_o estate_n he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o high_a pleasure_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v infinite_o reward_v he_o
article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n which_o bring_v i_o last_o to_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v all_z the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n faith_n what_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o 1._o to_o believe_v all_z these_o article_n do_v import_n that_o we_o must_v assent_v with_o a_o through_o persuasion_n of_o their_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o of_o their_o divine_a authority_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o great_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n creed_n 1._o to_o believe_v they_o all_o do_v import_n that_o we_o must_v assent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o great_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n this_o collection_n or_o summary_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6.17_o that_o form_n of_o 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whole_a world_n and_o according_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o pet._n 3.18_o that_o christ_n once_o suffer_v for_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o 21.24_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o himself_o do_v bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o grand_a article_n but_o also_o this_o other_o doctrine_n that_o he_o suffer_v to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n that_o be_v he_o suffer_v on_o the_o cross_a the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o see_v how_o odious_a a_o thing_n sin_n be_v which_o can_v not_o be_v atone_v for_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n less_o valuable_a than_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v therefore_o abhor_v it_o and_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o be_v also_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o very_a place_n now_o cite_v from_o st._n peter_n viz._n 1_o ep._n 2.24_o he_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o 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they_o and_o the_o socinian_o on_o the_o other_o side_n own_v that_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n deny_v that_o he_o make_v any_o satisfaction_n for_o we_o so_o that_o both_o do_v fundamental_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n though_o they_o believe_v the_o article_n in_o the_o gross_a that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v because_o neither_o of_o they_o believe_v the_o whole_a truth_n contain_v in_o that_o article_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o must_v believe_v all_o the_o article_n so_o all_o those_o divine_a and_o necessary_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o every_o article_n of_o your_o christian_a faith_n according_a to_o the_o full_a explication_n and_o mean_v thereof_o give_v we_o in_o the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n these_o creed_n do_v not_o contain_v more_o or_o different_a article_n of_o faith_n than_o
the_o apostle_n creed_n do_v but_o in_o these_o creed_n many_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v express_v in_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v and_o do_v still_o pervert_v or_o restrain_v the_o mean_v of_o those_o article_n and_o thus_o you_o also_o see_v how_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o your_o christian_a faith_n that_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o of_o they_o but_o all_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o each_o and_o so_o as_o i_o have_v before_o lay_v before_o you_o how_o you_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n so_o now_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o your_o christian_n faith_n and_o so_o it_o only_o remain_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v full_o explain_v to_o you_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o i_o show_v you_o next_o what_o it_o 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how_o far_o we_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n commandment_n 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n as_o ever_o we_o will_v hope_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n or_o to_o be_v inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o evangelical_n or_o gospel-obedience_n which_o now_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o man_n salvation_n to_o give_v it_o you_o according_a as_o it_o be_v most_o exact_o state_v by_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o christian_a obedience_n obedience_n the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o christian_a obedience_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o do_v think_v for_o any_o one_o to_o do_v it_o more_o exact_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o abstract_n of_o that_o whole_a work_n be_v a_o sincere_a and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n sincere_a it_o must_v be_v by_o be_v a_o true_a and_o 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god_n as_o ever_o you_o hope_v to_o be_v inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o for_o your_o better_a understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o your_o christian_a obedience_n i_o will_v a_o little_a far_o unfold_v each_o part_n of_o this_o description_n of_o it_o and_o i._o our_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v sincere_a by_o be_v a_o true_a and_o undissembled_a service_n of_o god_n opposite_a to_o all_o hypocrisy_n or_o a_o false_a and_o feign_a pretence_n of_o obey_v he_o when_o in_o reality_n we_o only_o serve_v our_o own_o self_n self_n one_a our_o obedience_n must_v be_v sincere_a by_o be_v a_o true_a and_o undissembled_a service_n of_o god_n opposite_a to_o all_o hypocrisy_n or_o a_o false_a and_o feign_a pretence_n of_o obey_v he_o when_o in_o truth_n we_o serve_v our_o own_o self_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o our_o gracious_a god_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v make_v such_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o his_o law_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o real_o make_v for_o our_o own_o interest_n reputation_n or_o profit_n to_o perform_v for_o so_o it_o real_o be_v to_o be_v temperate_a and_o chaste_a and_o content_v and_o humble_a to_o be_v upright_o and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a etc._n etc._n but_o then_o our_o obedience_n be_v sincere_a and_o do_v as_o unto_o god_n when_o we_o observe_v his_o law_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o because_o he_o command_v it_o for_o otherwise_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v god_n will_n but_o our_o own_o his_o command_n have_v no_o share_n in_o what_o we_o do_v because_o it_o have_v be_v do_v although_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o and_o thus_o sincere_a must_v our_o obedience_n be_v unto_o god_n as_o ever_o we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o have_v obey_v he_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v do_v as_o unto_o god_n and_o sincere_o from_o our_o heart_n to_o please_v he_o and_o not_o only_a ourselves_o and_o this_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o accept_v not_o a_o heartless_a service_n nor_o account_v itself_o obey_v by_o what_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o it_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n matth._n 22.36_o 37._o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v pray_v that_o the_o philippian_n may_v be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n or_o good_a work_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n not_o themselves_o phil._n 1.10_o 11._o god_n indeed_o have_v not_o forbid_v we_o all_o intend_v and_o design_v of_o our_o own_o advantage_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o commandment_n commandment_n god_n do_v not_o forbid_v we_o all_o intend_v our_o advantage_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o commandment_n when_o he_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v he_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v we_o all_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o regard_v to_o our_o own_o self-interest_n for_o why_o he_o do_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o great_a reward_n possible_a as_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o obey_v and_o the_o bless_a saint_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o eminent_a for_o their_o service_n to_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v a_o eye_n at_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o then_o our_o intention_n of_o our_o own_o advantage_n in_o god_n service_n be_v forbid_v and_o render_v our_o obedient_a performance_n corrupt_v and_o insincere_a when_o together_o with_o our_o intention_n of_o serve_v god_n we_o either_o join_v first_o another_o intention_n of_o serve_a sin_n or_o second_o when_o we_o design_v some_o temporal_a end_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o we_o design_n god_n service_n first_o i_o
jesus_n act_v 19.5_o that_o be_v into_o the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o assure_v we_o that_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a liar_n and_o a_o antichrist_n 1_o joh._n 2.22_o but_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5.1_o that_o be_v be_v adopt_a into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o family_n gospel_n â—ii_fw-la â—njoy_v the_o pledge_n 〈◊〉_d gospel_n five_o and_o as_o christian_n be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o repentance_n faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n so_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o inestimable_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n 1._o most_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a law_n give_v by_o a_o most_o great_a and_o gracious_a governor_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o heaven_n law_n write_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o in_o their_o heart_n heb._n 8.10_o that_o be_v law_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o very_a dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n 2._o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v privilege_v with_o have_v great_a measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o obey_v those_o law_n for_o whereas_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n joh._n 1.17_o and_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n 3._o they_o be_v such_o who_o have_v assurance_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n for_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n be_v please_v to_o say_v heb._n 8.12_o i_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o vnrighteousness_n and_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n will_v i_o remember_v no_o more_o and_o last_o as_o to_o the_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n christ_n do_v assure_v we_o joh._n 17.2_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o as_o many_o as_o be_v give_v he_o or_o be_v give_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n ver_fw-la 6._o that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o reward_n in_o heaven_n to_o as_o many_o as_o come_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o do_v withal_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n thus_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v forth_o of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o a_o most_o holy_a profession_n and_o call_v so_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o most_o singular_a privilege_n their_o church_n â—h_a who_o 〈◊〉_d end_v of_o â—ncorpoâ—â—nto_n one_o 〈◊〉_d and_o of_o â—g_z god_n 〈◊〉_d their_o six_o and_o they_o be_v such_o who_o to_o the_o end_n of_o be_v incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n and_o of_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o themselves_o his_o people_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o it_o be_v the_o royal_a charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o city_n whereby_o they_o have_v certain_a privilege_n grant_v they_o from_o the_o king_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o discharge_v certain_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o that_o make_v they_o of_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n to_o become_v a_o corporation_n or_o regulate_v society_n and_o those_o who_o stand_v out_o and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o those_o privilege_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o their_o several_a duty_n shall_v not_o be_v repute_v of_o that_o corporation_n nor_o receive_v any_o advantage_n from_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o that_o society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grant_v we_o by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o most_o inestimable_a privilege_n those_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n gracious_o insure_v unto_o we_o and_o most_o reasonable_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n require_v of_o we_o that_o do_v embody_n and_o join_v we_o into_o one_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenantts_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o but_o those_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o as_o by_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o covenant_n christian_n be_v incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n so_o by_o the_o same_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o that_o they_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n peculiarly_a and_o they_o become_v his_o people_n thus_o heb._n 8.10_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o covenant_n to_o unite_v the_o party_n covenant_v together_o and_o to_o give_v to_o each_o party_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o ezek._n 16.8_o so_o that_o by_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o be_v entitle_v to_o his_o particular_a protection_n and_o care_n over_o we_o and_o we_o give_v to_o he_o thereby_o a_o new_a and_o strong_a claim_n to_o our_o obedience_n seven_o baptism_n i._o in_o baptism_n and_o christian_n be_v thus_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o thereby_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o their_o baptism_n for_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v not_o usual_o make_v member_n of_o that_o society_n without_o some_o certain_a solemnity_n so_o it_o please_v god_n that_o no_o one_o shall_v be_v enter_v into_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o without_o that_o outward_a rite_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o we_o find_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n send_v his_o apostle_n to_o found_n and_o build_v the_o church_n they_o receive_v as_o a_o commission_n to_o call_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o world_n a_o church_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n so_o a_o appointment_n to_o incorporate_v all_o man_n therein_o by_o baptism_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n matth._n 28.19_o and_o hence_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n or_o admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o one_o church_n eight_o and_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o renew_v the_o same_o supper_n ii_o to_o renew_v it_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o feast_v often_o together_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v ancient_o and_o be_v still_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o unite_n more_o close_o together_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n or_o corporation_n their_o feast_v often_o together_o at_o one_o common_a table_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n nine_o and_o now_o upon_o all_o these_o forementioned_a account_n body_n the_o church_n one_o body_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n thus_o eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v all_o call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o you_o see_v that_o because_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v or_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n to_o one_o faith_n or_o to_o believe_v one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n express_v here_o by_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o because_o incorporate_v by_o one_o baptism_n or_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o body_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o great_a
concern_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o these_o his_o device_n now_o these_o politic_a method_n of_o he_o seed_n these_o politic_a method_n of_o he_o discover_v to_o we_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o malicious_a enemy_n come_v private_o in_o the_o night_n &_o sow_v tare_n where_o the_o husbandman_n have_v before_o sow_o good_a seed_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_n to_o corrupt_v man_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o by_o their_o very_a religion_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o some_o malicious_a enemy_n who_o come_v private_o in_o the_o night_n sow_v tare_n where_o the_o husbandman_n have_v before_o sow_o good_a seed_n the_o parable_n run_v thus_o matth._n 13.24_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n which_o sow_a good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o and_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 39_o ver_fw-la our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v we_o this_o explication_n of_o it_o he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o good_a doctrine_n the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v heretic_n and_o their_o evil_a principle_n the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n seedsman_n like_o a_o skilful_a husbandman_n he_o be_v choice_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o temper_n and_o preparedness_n of_o the_o soil_n the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n and_o the_o skillfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n from_o which_o parable_n and_o explication_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o most_o skilful_a husbandman_n be_v not_o more_o curious_a about_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o seed_n the_o temper_n and_o preparedness_n of_o the_o soil_n and_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n and_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n than_o satan_n be_v choice_n and_o considerate_a about_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o erroneous_a doctrine_n the_o preparation_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o receive_v they_o about_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a time_n of_o disperse_v they_o and_o the_o capacity_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o his_o agent_n who_o he_o employ_v to_o sow_v they_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n and_o discovery_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n he_o take_v care_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o practice_n shall_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o conceal_v their_o discovery_n first_o i_o do_v take_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_o worth_a your_o while_n to_o consider_v that_o those_o heretical_a principle_n and_o opinion_n which_o satan_n do_v choose_v to_o blend_v with_o christianity_n do_v general_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o conceal_v their_o discovery_n so_o that_o as_o the_o tare_n which_o the_o enemy_n sow_v be_v not_o distinguishable_a till_o the_o wheat_n grow_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit_n so_o the_o heretical_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n of_o satan_n infuse_v can_v scarce_o be_v know_v but_o by_o their_o fruit_n to_o which_o way_n of_o try_v they_o our_o saviour_n do_v therefore_o direct_v we_o and_o thus_o he_o do_v usual_o gilled_a over_o his_o error_n other_o thus_o especial_o he_o gild_v his_o error_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v most_o clear_o shine_v as_o here_o i._o when_o under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o advance_v god_n honour_n in_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n he_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o despise_a in_o other_o with_o the_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n especial_o in_o those_o church_n and_o country_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v most_o clear_o shine_v and_o i_o think_v i_o can_v do_v you_o better_a service_n than_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o those_o pernicious_a error_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_a which_o do_v at_o present_a infest_v this_o church_n and_o nation_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o the_o entertainment_n of_o they_o and_o first_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o satan_n here_o among_o we_o under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o colour_n of_o advance_v god_n honour_n in_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n to_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o despise_a in_o other_o thus_o for_o instance_n by_o infuse_v into_o man_n heart_n a_o belief_n that_o god_n have_v create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o manifest_v his_o dominion_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n in_o damn_v they_o afterward_o for_o their_o sin_n he_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v a_o gracious_a merciful_a and_o good_a god_n to_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o all_o veneration_n towards_o he_o and_o love_n of_o he_o insomuch_o that_o the_o very_a atheist_n who_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v not_o so_o much_o affront_v he_o as_o even_o a_o sober_a heathen_a thought_n as_o those_o who_o think_v so_o dishonourble_o of_o he_o life_n ii_o when_o under_o â—â—e_z colour_n of_o advance_v gospel_n truth_n â—â—e_v propagate_v heresy_n wchâ—o_o undermine_v religion_n and_o â—he_n necessity_n â—f_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o set_v up_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n some_o opinion_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n he_o bring_v in_o such_o heresy_n into_o the_o church_n as_o do_v utter_o undermine_v religion_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n thus_o by_o his_o teach_v that_o christ_n have_v so_o pay_v the_o whole_a debt_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o the_o vile_a wretch_n that_o live_v need_v no_o more_o but_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v a_o elect_v person_n and_o that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o he_o on_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o particular_a election_n and_o that_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o will_v save_v he_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o opinion_n of_o satan_n infuse_v no_o doubt_n you_o shall_v too_o often_o find_v a_o envious_a malicious_a viper_n a_o covetous_a worldling_n a_o rebel_n and_o a_o adulterer_n even_o before_o his_o sin_n be_v repent_v of_o talk_v of_o recumb_a and_o lean_v upon_o christ_n and_o roll_v upon_o the_o promise_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o with_o more_o assurance_n than_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a liver_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n another_o iii_o when_o he_o teaâ—hes_v to_o prefer_v â—ome_o eminent_a christian_a duty_n or_o some_o part_n of_o a_o duâ—y_n or_o one_o way_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o another_o three_o a_o most_o fatal_a and_o mischievous_a delusion_n of_o satan_n rise_v among_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n be_v his_o teach_v man_n to_o prefer_v some_o eminent_a christian_a duty_n or_o one_o part_n of_o a_o duty_n or_o one_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o another_o thus_o you_o shall_v often_o see_v some_o careless_a whether_o they_o come_v to_o prayer_n or_o not_o so_o they_o can_v be_v but_o at_o the_o sermon_n and_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a say_v they_o care_v not_o whether_o they_o shall_v hear_v a_o sermon_n in_o their_o life_n so_o they_o can_v have_v but_o prayer_n but_o the_o most_o notorious_a cheat_n he_o put_v upon_o man_n be_v his_o infuse_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o prefer_v one_o part_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o the_o utter_a contempt_n of_o the_o other_o thus_o because_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o perform_v this_o with_o a_o hearty_a inward_a devotion_n be_v principal_o require_v and_o we_o be_v command_v prayer_n as_o to_o prefer_v prayer_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o preach_v or_o sermon_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o prayer_n that_o since_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n christian_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n hence_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n do_v conclude_v that_o outward_a reverence_n by_o kneel_v lift_v up_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o like_a be_v a_o mere_a outward_a ceremony_n not_o at_o all_o necessary_a under_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o god_n be_v now_o most_o high_o dishonour_v even_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n where_o we_o come_v to_o do_v he_o honour_n by_o the_o shameful_a want_n of_o reverence_n appear_v in_o most_o people_n by_o sit_v at_o their_o very_a prayer_n worship_n as_o also_o pray_v in_o spirit_n â—o_o the_o regard_n of_o bodily_a worship_n so_o true_a it_o be_v what_o one_o say_v that_o such_o a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a kind_a of_o
religion_n have_v make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o world_n by_o this_o policy_n of_o satan_n and_o such_o a_o shameful_a carelessness_n in_o divine_a worship_n that_o shall_v a_o stranger_n to_o our_o religion_n come_v into_o our_o assembly_n he_o can_v not_o by_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n imagine_v what_o they_o be_v do_v and_o that_o they_o be_v worship_v of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n will_v perhaps_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o thing_n he_o can_v conjecture_n prayer_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o the_o utter_a contempt_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o the_o most_o fatal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_a the_o most_o mischievous_a to_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o to_o man_n soul_n therein_o be_v the_o prefer_v a_o way_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n that_o be_v vnpracticable_a by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o utter_a disparagement_n of_o another_o more_o easy_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a way_n of_o discharge_v it_o this_o be_v eminent_o see_v in_o advance_v extemporary_a prayer_n as_o the_o only_a spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o in_o raise_v prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o not_o spiritual_a enough_o if_o at_o all_o lawful_a it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v utter_o unable_a to_o conceive_v for_o themselves_o much_o less_o before_o other_o such_o prayer_n or_o praise_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v offer_v in_o decency_n and_o honour_n to_o so_o great_a and_o wise_a a_o majesty_n as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o consider_v if_o prayer_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n nay_o of_o a_o a_o whole_a church_n compose_v must_v not_o be_v use_v do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o principal_a of_o all_o christian_a of_o all_o natural_a duty_n must_v suffer_v if_o not_o a_o total_a neglect_n at_o leastwise_o that_o it_o must_v be_v very_o indecent_o and_o rude_o perform_v and_o in_o too_o familiar_a a_o manner_n with_o god_n as_o be_v too_o usual_a why_o woeful_a experience_n do_v plain_o show_v we_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n it_o do_v and_o therefore_o though_o no_o church_n through_o the_o care_n of_o its_o pious_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n devotion_n by_o this_o latter_a mean_n satan_n have_v utter_o defeat_v those_o excellent_a help_n we_o have_v in_o our_o church_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o public_a family_n and_o private_a devotion_n do_v ever_o abound_v with_o more_o excellent_a form_n and_o help_n and_o those_o better_o fit_v for_o public_a family_n and_o private_a devotion_n than_o our_o church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o man_n prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o entertain_v against_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o not_o lawful_a or_o not_o expedient_a or_o not_o spiritual_a enough_o never_o do_v person_n so_o sad_o profane_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n so_o heartles_o join_v in_o the_o common-prayer_n so_o scandalous_o throw_v aside_o family_n religion_n and_o so_o universal_o i_o fear_v neglect_v private_a devotion_n as_o now_o they_o do_v i_o fear_v that_o those_o who_o so_o zealous_o decry_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o advance_v in_o its_o stead_n a_o more_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o think_v will_v take_v it_o ill_o that_o their_o darling_n opinion_n shall_v be_v entitle_v to_o the_o policy_n of_o so_o ill_a a_o author_n but_o if_o consider_v the_o mischief_n together_o with_o the_o cunning_a there_o do_v appear_v upon_o examination_n to_o be_v in_o satan_n contrivance_n to_o ruin_n religion_n and_o to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o god_n we_o may_v safe_o conjecture_n any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v pernicious_a in_o its_o effect_n when_o plausible_a in_o its_o appearance_n to_o be_v of_o his_o â—â—vention_n sure_o that_o which_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o advance_v a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n do_v so_o fatal_o destroy_v all_o religious_a worship_n have_v another_o spirit_n for_o its_o author_n than_o be_v common_o pretend_a and_o thus_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o these_o few_o instance_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o happy_a conjecture_n concern_v the_o rest_n how_o cunning_o satan_n do_v gilled_a over_o and_o disguise_v his_o error_n with_o something_o of_o a_o resemblance_n to_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o prevent_v their_o discovery_n and_o this_o he_o do_v especial_o in_o those_o country_n and_o church_n where_o man_n do_v thirst_v after_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o to_o that_o end_n do_v search_v the_o scripture_n the_o devil_n be_v main_a and_o principal_a care_n indeed_o be_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o shine_v upon_o any_o people_n and_o at_o first_o he_o bend_v all_o his_o force_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o that_o so_o the_o world_n be_v detain_v in_o ignorance_n they_o may_v not_o know_v how_o to_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o light_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n do_v once_o begin_v to_o shine_v upon_o any_o people_n than_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v it_o with_o false_a and_o force_a explication_n and_o to_o multiply_v controversy_n and_o contention_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o scruple_n every_o thing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o scrupulous_a humour_n to_o divide_v and_o sub-divide_a into_o innumerable_a sect_n and_o party_n stir_v up_o each_o to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v the_o other_o that_o whilst_o the_o different_a party_n contend_v so_o furious_o with_o one_o another_o he_o may_v secure_o triumph_v over_o all_o and_o bring_v the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o last_o into_o contempt_n with_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a man_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o war_n and_o confusion_n that_o be_v occasion_v in_o the_o world_n by_o religious_a dispute_n when_o alas_o he_o alone_o by_o manage_v the_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a humour_n of_o sinful_a man_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o so_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n though_o none_o make_v more_o confident_a boast_n thereof_o than_o schismatic_n and_o separatist_n usual_o do_v but_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o have_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o sensuality_n whatever_o godliness_n and_o purity_n above_o other_o man_n they_o pretend_v to_o â—aith_n ii_o as_o to_o the_o â—emper_n and_o preparation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o soil_n 〈◊〉_d church_n â—here_o the_o scripture_n â—re_n lock_v up_o â—nd_v ignorance_n prevail_v he_o imâ—ses_v the_o gross_a heresy_n â—s_a article_n of_o â—aith_n but_o second_o be_v the_o soil_n better_o prepare_v to_o his_o mind_n i_o mean_v be_v there_o no_o prophecy_n no_o teach_v be_v the_o scripture_n lock_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n draw_v over_o a_o whole_a church_n why_o then_o he_o throw_v off_o the_o veil_n and_o walk_v as_o at_o noonday_n and_o there_o be_v no_o error_n and_o heresy_n so_o gross_a there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v as_o a_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n there_o be_v not_o that_o ceremony_n so_o absurd_a trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a which_o he_o will_v not_o introduce_v into_o such_o people_n worship_n and_o there_o be_v no_o immorality_n so_o bad_a in_o practice_n which_o he_o will_v not_o teach_v such_o people_n secure_o and_o without_o fear_n of_o damnation_n to_o commit_v and_o i_o do_v call_v such_o soul_n who_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o divine_a thing_n a_o soil_n better_o prepare_v to_o his_o mind_n because_o he_o can_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n reduce_v such_o back_n to_o his_o ancient_a paganism_n and_o idolatry_n or_o something_o like_o it_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o desire_v serve_v especial_o he_o â—â—troduces_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n â—hereby_o he_o be_v â—ost_o immediate_o and_o direct_o serve_v because_o by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n he_o be_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o serve_v as_o a_o politic_a prince_n he_o will_v make_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o division_n of_o another_o subject_n but_o the_o idolater_n be_v his_o immediate_a slave_n and_o therefore_o a_o ignorant_a soul_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o sow_v that_o weeâ—_n in_o be_v the_o soil_n he_o do_v most_o of_o all_o like_a but_o he_o have_v a_o wonderful_a skill_n in_o suit_v his_o seed_n to_o any_o soil_n so_o that_o whatever_o people_n interest_n or_o lust_n do_v incline_v they_o to_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o suggest_v such_o plausible_a argument_n as_o will_v most_o probable_o take_v with_o '_o they_o mankind_n iii_o
the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n and_o do_v carry_v the_o will_n into_o slavery_n to_o '_o they_o i_o will_v take_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o this_o our_o deprave_a nature_n in_o piece_n that_o so_o view_v that_o corruption_n which_o reside_v in_o every_o of_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n thereof_o render_v all_o of_o they_o so_o many_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o renounce_v each_o of_o those_o sinful_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o corruption_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o render_v it_o fleshly_a and_o consequent_o the_o motion_n even_o of_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n no_o better_a than_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n what_o and_o our_o understanding_n alas_o which_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n such_o as_o may_v be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n be_v in_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n full_a of_o vanity_n ignorance_n of_o and_o prejudice_n against_o divine_a truth_n the_o unregenerate_a man_n neither_o understand_v nor_o seek_v after_o god_n rom._n 3.11_o he_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o his_o knowledge_n or_o to_o consider_v any_o thing_n concern_v he_o but_o be_v vain_a in_o his_o imagination_n have_v his_o foolish_a heart_n darken_v rom._n 1.21_o 28._o nay_o the_o best_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v corrupt_a have_v the_o understanding_n darken_a be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o eph._n 4.18_o and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whereas_o the_o great_a and_o proper_a appetite_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v after_o knowledge_n a_o appetite_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o so_o a_o thing_n beautiful_a and_o good_a this_o very_a desire_n of_o knowledge_n become_v a_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n in_o several_a case_n particular_o in_o these_o follow_n viz._n when_o either_o we_o misplace_v our_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n upon_o wrong_a object_n or_o when_o we_o do_v immoderate_o study_v to_o be_v exquisite_o skilled_a in_o humane_a though_o lawful_a art_n and_o science_n to_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o last_o when_o out_o of_o pride_n prejudice_n and_o contradiction_n to_o all_o sacred_a truth_n we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o fleshly_a imagination_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o spiritual_a notion_n that_o be_v dictate_v to_o we_o and_o according_o such_o our_o appetite_n or_o desire_n even_o of_o knowledge_n itself_o must_v be_v renounce_v as_o so_o many_o sinful_a lust_n of_o a_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o first_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o desire_n of_o know_v wrong_a object_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o gratify_v but_o mortify_v our_o desire_n of_o know_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o hurtful_a to_o be_v know_v know_v 1_o when_o we_o be_v curious_a to_o know_v thing_n which_o be_v either_o hurtful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v now_o as_o to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a distemper_n of_o mind_n call_v curiosity_n which_o as_o it_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n so_o it_o be_v of_o full_a as_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a effect_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o that_o distemper_n be_v to_o the_o body_n which_o stir_v up_o person_n to_o eat_v chalk_n or_o coal_n or_o trash_n or_o whatever_o afford_v either_o none_o at_o all_o or_o a_o very_a ill_a nourishment_n such_o be_v the_o curiosity_n of_o know_v evil_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o ruine_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o afterward_o solomon_n and_o since_o he_o many_o other_o person_n such_o be_v they_o who_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o taste_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o by_o taste_v of_o they_o their_o mind_n be_v defile_v and_o their_o moral_n corrupt_v and_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o they_o do_v ever_o after_o return_v to_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o good_a or_o evil._n thus_o hurtful_a be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o than_o to_o know_v '_o they_o again_o there_o be_v other_o who_o curiosity_n give_v they_o a_o strange_a itch_n to_o know_v hide_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v know_v or_o not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v as_o the_o decree_n of_o predestination_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v the_o ark_n that_o no_o mortal_a eye_n ought_v to_o look_v into_o and_o many_o be_v wonderful_o inquisitive_a to_o learn_v the_o future_a event_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n and_o of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o private_a fortune_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o give_v heed_n to_o every_o pretend_a prophecy_n and_o tho'_o few_o be_v so_o very_o wicked_a as_o to_o consult_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o by_o magical_a art_n yet_o multitude_n will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o resort_v to_o fortune-teller_n and_o conjurer_n and_o those_o that_o do_v consult_v they_o or_o be_v repute_v to_o do_v tho'_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n so_o severe_o threaten_v deut._n 18.11_o 12._o but_o all_o curious_a inquiry_n whatever_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v by_o we_o christian_n as_o be_v the_o gratification_n only_o of_o a_o sinful_a curiosity_n secret_n thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n deut._n 29.29_o knowledge_n â—_o when_o we_o do_v immoderate_o study_v to_o be_v exquisite_o skill_v in_o whatever_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n 2._o we_o must_v renounce_v that_o as_o a_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n which_o improportionable_o to_o the_o true_a worth_n of_o thing_n be_v more_o desirous_a to_o furnish_v itself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v only_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o direct_v we_o to_o life_n everlasting_a now_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a or_o that_o knowledge_n which_o lead_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o life_n eternal_a that_o we_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 17.3_o but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o carnal_o and_o worldly_a wise_a that_o most_o person_n do_v neglect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n when_o certain_o in_o the_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o that_o stead_n as_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n some_o there_o be_v who_o whole_a search_n be_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o cure_n of_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o yet_o alas_o all_o be_v but_o guess_v and_o conjecture_n and_o a_o ordinary_a malady_n not_o very_o seldom_o baffle_v the_o most_o learned_a physician_n and_o he_o sit_v down_o heavy_a in_o disgrace_n and_o disappointment_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o due_o apply_v never_o fail_v to_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o its_o infirmity_n nor_o will_v it_o fail_v to_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o the_o sweet_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n other_o you_o shall_v have_v who_o desire_n and_o care_n for_o nothing_o more_o than_o good_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n whereby_o they_o may_v raise_v themselves_o good_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n but_o alas_o such_o knowledge_n can_v only_o serve_v a_o present_a interest_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o christianity_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o provide_v ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n some_o be_v whole_o bend_v upon_o merchandise_n and_o trade_n but_o when_o the_o most_o skilful_a pilot_n shall_v split_v upon_o the_o rock_n or_o be_v founder_v in_o the_o sand_n he_o who_o have_v heaven_n in_o his_o eye_n may_v steer_v his_o course_n without_o danger_n through_o the_o rough_a billow_n of_o adverse_a fortune_n and_o other_o there_o be_v who_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o no_o high_a knowledge_n than_o how_o to_o till_o their_o land_n and_o feed_v their_o cattle_n and_o when_o after_o all_o the_o crop_n fail_v the_o most_o painful_a husbandman_n he_o who_o know_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n need_v not_o fear_v a_o joyful_a and_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n so_o excellent_a and_o useful_a be_v divine_a knowledge_n above_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n not_o that_o i_o will_v cast_v a_o disparagement_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o useful_a
malice_n against_o it_o pag._n 108_o so_o that_o for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n we_o hear_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o bloody_a persecution_n the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n the_o instrument_n but_o satan_n the_o instigator_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o attempt_n be_v make_v to_o convert_v a_o country_n from_o paganism_n he_o do_v instigate_v the_o prince_n and_o people_n thereof_o to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o be_v no_o less_o industrious_a to_o drive_v christianity_n out_o of_o those_o country_n whereof_o it_o have_v once_o possession_n and_o he_o have_v a_o antichristian_a party_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o christendom_n most_o sad_o weaken_v christ_n and_o most_o effectual_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n pag._n 109_o and_o now_o all_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o to_o renounce_v satan_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o his_o persecute_v temptation_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sore_a suffering_n which_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n can_v inflict_v rather_o than_o deny_v christ_n or_o his_o truth_n second_o when_o those_o bloody_a method_n fail_v satan_n then_o do_v endeavour_n so_o to_o corrupt_v man_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o their_o very_a christianity_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o pag._n 110_o this_o politic_a method_n of_o he_o discover_v to_o we_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o malicious_a enemy_n come_v private_o in_o the_o night_n and_o sow_v tare_n where_o the_o husbandman_n have_v before_o sow_v good_a seed_n like_o a_o skilful_a husbandman_n he_o be_v choice_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n the_o temper_n and_o preparedness_n of_o the_o soil_n the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n and_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n first_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n he_o take_v care_v his_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o practice_n shall_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o conceal_v their_o discovery_n thus_o especial_o he_o gild_v his_o error_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v most_o clear_o shine_v as_o here_o first_o when_o under_o the_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o advance_v god_n honour_n in_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n he_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o despise_v in_o other_o pag._n 111_o second_o when_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o advance_v gospel-truths_n he_o propagate_v heresy_n which_o do_v undermine_v religion_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n three_o when_o he_o teach_v to_o prefer_v some_o eminent_a christian_a duty_n or_o some_o part_n of_o a_o duty_n or_o one_o way_n of_o perform_v a_o duty_n to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o another_o as_o to_o prefer_v prayer_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o preach_v or_o sermon_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o pray_v in_o spirit_n to_o the_o regard_n of_o bodily_a worship_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o the_o utter_a contempt_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n pag._n 112_o by_o this_o latter_a mean_n satan_n have_v utter_o defeat_v those_o excellent_a help_n we_o have_v in_o our_o church_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o public_a family_n and_o private_a devotion_n pag._n 113_o second_o as_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o preparation_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o church_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v lock_v up_o and_o ignorance_n prevail_v he_o impose_v the_o gross_a heresy_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n especial_o he_o introduce_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n whereby_o he_o be_v most_o immediate_o and_o direct_o serve_v three_o as_o to_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n he_o be_v dexterous_a in_o accommodate_v his_o counsel_n his_o action_n and_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v to_o such_o season_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o his_o purpose_n of_o seduce_a mankind_n pag._n 114_o hence_o in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a age_n nothing_o so_o common_a as_o the_o apparition_n of_o saint_n as_o be_v pretend_a to_o introduce_v the_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n image-worship_n and_o the_o like_a superstition_n and_o in_o learned_a and_o philosophical_a age_n he_o be_v as_o shy_a in_o appear_v lest_o she_o shall_v destroy_v the_o prevail_a sadducism_n four_o as_o to_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n satan_n be_v wonderful_o cunning_a in_o make_v choice_n of_o fit_a and_o proper_a instrument_n and_o in_o furnish_v those_o with_o the_o proper_a art_n of_o deceive_v and_o with_o suitable_a quality_n who_o he_o employ_v to_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n pag._n 115_o such_o as_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o morality_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o humanity_n such_o as_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n shall_v be_v gift_v with_o cant_v pag._n 116_o and_o yet_o sometime_o the_o crooked_a serpent_n by_o man_n seem_v godly_a will_v propagate_v principle_n extreme_o immoral_a the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n warfare_n be_v to_o preserve_v one self_o untainted_a with_o heretical_a pravity_n colour_v over_o with_o the_o varnish_n of_o gospel-truth_n but_o yet_o by_o try_v it_o by_o proper_a rule_n it_o may_v be_v do_v viz._n first_o by_o its_o tendency_n to_o a_o ill_a life_n second_o by_o its_o take_n off_o from_o our_o dependence_n upon_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o a_o good_a one_o pag._n 117_o lect_v xii_o three_o satan_n great_a industry_n be_v to_o gain_v over_o to_o his_o party_n or_o to_o tempt_v to_o some_o scandalous_a enormity_n such_o person_n as_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o eminent_a for_o their_o rank_n their_o order_n or_o their_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n first_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o station_n or_o quality_n pag._n 119_o such_o man_n wickedness_n not_o altogether_o from_o the_o temptingness_n of_o riches_n but_o the_o industry_n of_o satan_n to_o get_v over_o such_o lead_a man_n to_o his_o party_n such_o man_n example_n if_o bad_a of_o malignant_a influence_n because_o conspicuous_a and_o will_v bring_v upon_o they_o the_o gild_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o other_o man_n sin_n because_o their_o action_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o pattern_n which_o inferior_n be_v afraid_a to_o show_v their_o dislike_n of_o pag._n 120_o great_a man_n therefore_o must_v of_o all_o other_o renounce_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n second_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o order_n viz._n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v double_o enrage_v against_o such_o both_o because_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v to_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o because_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v altogether_o eye_v they_o for_o their_o pattern_n hence_o no_o temptation_n leave_v untried_a to_o withdraw_v such_o into_o some_o scandalous_a enormity_n pag._n 121_o and_o hence_o the_o more_o industrious_a a_o minister_n be_v the_o more_o industrious_a be_v satan_n to_o overcome_v he_o and_o in_o the_o very_a way_n wherein_o he_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n satan_n do_v endeavour_v to_o make_v he_o most_o mischievous_a as_o by_o turn_v his_o zeal_n into_o faction_n his_o spiritual_a mindedness_n into_o enthusiasm_n if_o he_o can_v prevail_v over_o he_o by_o real_a miscarriage_n he_o will_v render_v he_o useless_a by_o forge_a calumny_n pag._n 122_o it_o wonderful_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o minister_n be_v keep_v unsullied_a hence_o satan_n and_o satanical_a man_n so_o industrious_a to_o blast_v it_o and_o slanderous_a report_n lessen_v the_o authority_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o clergy_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o real_a sin_n pag._n 123_o it_o behoove_v the_o clergy_n therefore_o so_o far_o to_o renounce_v and_o resist_v the_o devil_n temptation_n as_o to_o take_v care_v not_o only_o to_o be_v real_o blameless_a but_o also_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n three_o such_o as_o be_v signal_n for_o their_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n good_a man_n the_o devil_n know_v will_v be_v scandalize_v at_o such_o a_o one_o fall_n and_o the_o atheistical_a will_v triumph_v therein_o and_o withal_o the_o lapse_v person_n will_v be_v render_v almost_o incapable_a ever_o after_o of_o convert_v other_o by_o his_o example_n or_o exhortation_n pag._n 124_o against_o this_o bulwark_n of_o religion_n therefore_o the_o devil_n draw_v up_o all_o his_o artillery_n the_o pride_n and_o pain_n he_o take_v in_o overcome_v such_o a_o one_o represent_v in_o a_o parable_n pag._n 125_o the_o more_o exemplary_o pious_a therefore_o any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o it_o concern_v he_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n pag._n 126_o lect_n xiii_o last_o what_o temptation_n satan_n level_v against_o all_o person_n indifferent_o consider_v the_o devil_n temptation_n not_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v his_o nor_o