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 appetite_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 scripture_n iii_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 &_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 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 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 in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n so_o full_o comprehend_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o pride_n of_o those_o man_n who_o disdain_v to_o own_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n which_o every_o modest_a man_n experience_n do_v make_v he_o too_o sensible_a of_o in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n do_v overvalue_v their_o talon_n of_o wit_n far_o beyond_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o this_o therefore_o be_v such_o a_o proud_a luciferian_a temper_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v renounce_v as_o the_o most_o impious_a of_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v our_o renounce_v of_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o that_o sort_n renounce_v the_o corrupt_a will_n what_o and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v 2._o let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o will_n and_o the_o innate_a corruption_n which_o reside_v in_o that_o faculty_n render_v it_o fleshly_a and_o tend_v in_o all_o its_o choice_n towards_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o christian_n renunciation_n and_o as_o to_o this_o faculty_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o that_o god_n give_v to_o man_n a_o righteous_a law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o while_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o this_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a but_o instead_o thereof_o there_o be_v now_o a_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o this_o law_n subdue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7.23_o and_o the_o will_n be_v thus_o captivate_v be_v make_v carnal_a and_o fill_v with_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o that_o law_n which_o he_o once_o plant_v in_o we_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o will_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v unregenerate_a rom._n 8.7_o but_o in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n be_v always_o averse_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n law_n and_o right_a reason_n it_o perverse_o choose_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v only_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o become_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o immediate_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n a_o sinful_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n but_o as_o obstinate_o bend_v as_o the_o corrupt_a will_n be_v find_v to_o be_v against_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o will_v guide_v our_o soul_n upward_o we_o must_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o that_o habit_n of_o self-denial_n so_o as_o ready_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n law_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o the_o reason_n be_v we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o our_o own_o deprave_a will_n ought_v not_o to_o bear_v rule_n in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v god_n creature_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n and_o therefore_o his_o alwise_a will_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o and_o preside_v over_o all_o our_o action_n and_o this_o it_o must_v do_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a case_n when_o his_o
at_o first_o create_v what_o 227_o the_o bend_v 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 original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v be_v break_v 228_o 2._o the_o 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 faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v towards_o the_o creature_n 229_o 1._o to_o 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 the_o 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 it_o must_v be_v renew_v to_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n though_o not_o of_o degree_n 230_o 2._o to_o 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 231_o lect_n xxi_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o 232_o the_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 hurtful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o not_o proper_a for_o man_n to_o know_v 233_o 2._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 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 234_o the_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 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 235_o this_o 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 and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v 236_o 3._o the_o affection_n what_o and_o how_o to_o be_v renounce_v 237_o 1._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 and_o 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 238_o 1._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 inferior_a and_o bodily_a power_n viz._n the_o affection_n lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o be_v renounce_v as_o they_o rebel_v against_o right_a reason_n 239_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o reduce_v man_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a to_o his_o primitive_a state_n of_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o keep_v under_o our_o fleshly_a lust_n it_o be_v that_o our_o reason_n be_v give_v we_o 240_o 3._o to_o renounce_v all_z the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o there_o must_v be_v no_o one_o fleshly_a lust_n suffer_v to_o reign_v in_o we_o our_o business_n be_v particular_o to_o oppose_v lust_n of_o temper_n and_o constitution_n this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a doctrine_n to_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v much_o evade_v 241_o the_o objection_n from_o rom._n 7._o clear_v we_o must_v renounce_v the_o flesh_n and_o all_o its_o sinful_a lust_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o aversion_n a_o antipathy_n in_o our_o heart_n thereunto_o this_o the_o hard_a part._n 242_o 243_o the_o reason_n of_o have_v enlarge_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o one_o article_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n 244._o lect_n xxii_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o what_o nature_n the_o whole_a bible_n the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 259_o some_o instance_n of_o such_o truth_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 261_o our_o belief_n thereof_o must_v be_v operative_a and_o practical_a such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o such_o a_o operative_a and_o practical_a principle_n be_v faith_n whenever_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n or_o concernment_n to_o we_o 262_o 263._o 2._o to_o believe_v save_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o intercede_v with_o god_n the_o father_n for_o our_o gracious_a acceptance_n what_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n 1._o to_o believe_v they_o all_o do_v import_v 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 264_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o destroy_v a_o good_a life_n and_o send_v we_o to_o other_o mediator_n than_o christ_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o its_o acceptance_n no_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n 2._o to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o all_o and_o of_o every_o of_o those_o single_a truth_n contain_v in_o each_o of_o those_o article_n 265_o a_o heretic_n may_v be_v such_o by_o believe_v only_o of_o one_o of_o those_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o article_n 266_o lect_n xxiii_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o christian_a obedience_n 267_o 1._o 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 do_v not_o forbid_v we_o all_o intend_v our_o own_o advantage_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o commandment_n 268_o but_o one_a that_o man_n obedience_n be_v insincere_a who_o together_o with_o his_o intention_n of_o serve_v god_n join_v another_o intention_n of_o serve_v sin_n 2_o when_o he_o design_v some_o temporal_a end_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o he_o intend_v god_n service_n 2._o evangelical_n obedience_n must_v be_v entire_a viz._n one_a the_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n two_o of_o the_o will._n 3_o of_o the_o affection_n 269_o 270_o this_o the_o distasteful_a part_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o be_v shift_v off_o 271_o two_o it_o must_v be_v a_o obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n this_o endeavour_v to_o be_v evade_v by_o excuse_n but_o in_o vain_a three_o what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n 272_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o constant_a revolution_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n 273_o the_o difference_n between_o evangelical_n and_o a_o legal_a obedience_n this_o difference_n not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o our_o wilful_a and_o choose_a sin_n will_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o our_o salvation_n 274_o some_o sin_n be_v direct_o and_o express_o wilful_a some_o indirect_o and_o interpretative_o 275_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v one_a that_o those_o who_o sincere_o and_o entire_o obey_v shall_v not_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o unchosen_a and_o involuntary_a sin_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o a_o innocent_a involuntariness_n ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n provide_v it_o be_v not_o wilful_a 2d_o inconsideration_n excuse_n 1._o when_o through_o surprise_n 276_o 2._o when_o through_o natural_a weariness_n and_o the_o length_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o temptation_n last_o when_o by_o the_o violent_a discomposure_n of_o our_o think_a power_n our_o mind_n be_v so_o disturb_v that_o we_o can_v think_v what_o we_o do_v ignorance_n and_o inconsideration_n excuse_v not_o those_o sin_n 1._o which_o we_o have_v time_n to_o understand_v and_o observe_v nor_o 2._o cry_v sin_n nor_o three_o those_o we_o do_v not_o endeavour_v against_o nor_o last_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sorry_a for_o 277_o the_o 2d_o difference_n between_o legal_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n that_o our_o wilful_a and_o more_o heinous_a sin_n when_o repent_v of_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o term_n he_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o remission_n of_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v to_o our_o pardon_n for_o our_o unknown_a or_o secret_a sin_n whether_o wilful_o or_o unwilling_o commit_v but_o now_o forget_v though_o general_o repent_v of_o 2._o for_o our_o most_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n if_o
from_o the_o profane_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o understand_v which_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o sad_a pass_n and_o be_v miserable_o estrange_v from_o god_n the_o world_n indeed_o soon_o after_o the_o creation_n begin_v to_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n and_o to_o take_v part_n with_o the_o devil_n but_o by_o the_o time_n that_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o flesh_n the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 3.11_o 12._o concern_v as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v there_o be_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n that_o they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v all_o become_v unprofitable_a that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v charge_v rom._n 11.23_o 24.28_o 29._o to_o have_v change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o be_v thereupon_o give_v up_o to_o uncleanness_n and_o vile_a affection_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n be_v fill_v with_o all_o vnrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o void_v the_o force_n of_o god_n law_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n as_o you_o will_v see_v in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n which_o cost_v he_o so_o much_o pain_n to_o clear_v the_o text_n from_o their_o false_a gloss_n and_o to_o show_v they_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o their_o duty_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o do_v christ_n come_v to_o call_v out_o such_o as_o will_v obey_v his_o call_n to_o call_v they_o out_o i_o say_v out_o of_o the_o wicked_a world_n to_o a_o holy_a profession_n and_o call_v for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v save_v we_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_v 2_o tim._n 1.9_o and_o in_o a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n christian_n be_v therefore_o style_v the_o call_v and_o joh._n 17.6_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n ver_fw-la 11._o that_o be_v live_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n ver_fw-la 16._o true_a it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o every_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o do_v effectual_o obey_v this_o holy_a call_v and_o in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n show_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v liken_v mat._n 13.24_o to_o a_o field_n in_o which_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o to_o a_o net_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o gather_v of_o every_o kind_a but_o however_o though_o too_o many_o of_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n ungodly_a yet_o i_o say_v four_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o holy_a profession_n and_o call_v as_o namely_o to_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n work_n i._o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o come_v to_o call_v the_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9.13_o and_o thus_o also_o his_o apostle_n preach_v unto_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v turn_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o idolworship_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o act_v 14.15_o which_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o repentance_n that_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v particular_o call_v to_o and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n ghost_n ii_o to_o the_o knowledge_n belief_n and_o service_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o distinguish_a character_n give_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n joh._n 17.2_o be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o or_o give_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v ver_fw-la 6._o that_o they_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 3._o be_v eternal_a life_n or_o the_o way_n by_o which_o we_o can_v only_o come_v by_o eternal_a life_n 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 the_o gentile_n they_o know_v not_o the_o only_a true_a god_n but_o ow_v and_o worship_v many_o god_n and_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o devil_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o and_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o believe_v indeed_o in_o the_o only_a true_a god_n yet_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v to_o be_v also_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o be_v call_v 1_o joh._n 5.20_o and_o now_o both_o these_o enemy_n to_o truth_n our_o saviour_n call_v the_o world_n joh._n 17._o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 3._o that_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_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 so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o who_o be_v peculiar_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o they_o be_v such_o also_o who_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o the_o knowledge_n belief_n and_o service_n of_o three_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o that_o one_o godhead_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o particular_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_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 iii_o to_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o 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
and_o oblige_v ourselves_o thereby_o to_o do_v he_o be_v appeal_v to_o as_o a_o judge_n of_o our_o performance_n whether_o we_o be_v faithful_a or_o not_o and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o revenger_n and_o a_o severe_a one_o too_o if_o we_o shall_v false_o and_o perfidious_o break_v our_o vow_n of_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n of_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_a give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n live_v like_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n nor_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n deny_v not_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n as_o we_o be_v command_v and_o have_v promise_v but_o deny_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o say_v he_o will_v be_v a_o severe_a revenger_n of_o our_o perjury_n and_o of_o our_o apostasy_n i_o say_v of_o our_o apostasy_n for_o he_o will_v then_o consider_v we_o not_o as_o ordinary_a sinner_n but_o as_o those_o who_o have_v in_o effect_n renounce_v our_o religion_n and_o will_v allot_v to_o we_o therefore_o not_o the_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o punishment_n due_a to_o unbelieve_a jew_n turk_n and_o infidel_n but_o extraordinary_a one_o such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o faithless_a and_o perfidious_a renegado_n oh_o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o we_o if_o we_o have_v never_o be_v baptise_a if_o after_o those_o vow_n we_o have_v therein_o make_v to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o destroy_v satan_n kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v fight_v against_o god_n by_o our_o impious_a and_o wicked_a deed_n better_o it_o be_v that_o thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v than_o that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v and_o not_o pay_v eccl._n 5.5_o it_o be_v a_o less_o fault_n not_o to_o vow_v at_o all_o than_o have_v vow_v not_o to_o perform_v the_o one_o be_v but_o a_o neglect_n the_o other_o a_o affront_n nay_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o majesty_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o scorn_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o himself_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v why_o take_v therefore_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n v._o 4._o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n unto_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v and_o say_v resolute_o with_o holy_a david_n psal_n 119.106_o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o have_v solemn_o resolve_v and_o bind_v myself_o by_o the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n which_o i_o will_v never_o break_v but_o do_v now_o confirm_v that_o i_o will_v careful_o perform_v my_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o find_v to_o be_v most_o just_a and_o good_a the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n the_o xxvii_o lecture_n and_o by_o god_n help_n so_o i_o will_n and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o give_v i_o his_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o my_o live_n end_n in_o those_o several_a exposition_n i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o your_o catechism_n i_o have_v now_o full_o declare_v unto_o you_o first_o the_o general_a nature_n term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n second_o the_o sacrament_n whereby_o you_o solemn_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o last_o day_n have_v represent_v to_o you_o those_o vast_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o faithful_o and_o conscientious_o to_o discharge_v the_o same_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o so_o fit_a next_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v this_o our_o covenant_n and_o what_o they_o be_v these_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v do_v declare_v unto_o you_o and_o by_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o you_o be_v give_v to_o to_o understand_v i._o that_o in_o order_n to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n you_o must_v put_v on_o a_o fix_a and_o firm_a resolution_n faithful_o to_o discharge_v the_o same_o ii_o but_o a_o resolution_n it_o must_v be_v take_v up_o not_o in_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n iii_o and_o accompany_v therefore_o with_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n not_o to_o let_v we_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o so_o i_o will_v these_o word_n import_v the_o firm_a resolution_n by_o god_n help_n so_o i_o will_v these_o show_n it_o must_v be_v a_o resolution_n make_v not_o in_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o give_v i_o his_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o my_o live_n end_n these_o express_v how_o necessary_a prayer_n will_v be_v to_o obtain_v that_o assistance_n which_o alone_o can_v fortify_v our_o resolution_n i_o shall_v enlarge_v here_o only_o on_o the_o former_a namely_o first_o that_o to_o put_v on_o a_o fix_a and_o firm_a resolution_n faithful_o to_o discharge_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n towards_o your_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o make_v which_o appear_v 1._o i_o will_v brief_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n 2._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o resolution_n you_o ought_v to_o put_v on_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o 3._o i_o will_v then_o manifest_v to_o you_o how_o much_o such_o a_o holy_a resolution_n will_v conduce_v to_o your_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o first_o let_v we_o brief_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v brief_o this_o namely_o that_o in_o your_o baptism_n you_o be_v incorporate_v into_o that_o holy_a society_n of_o man_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v yourselves_o member_n of_o it_o you_o be_v adopt_a to_o be_v his_o child_n and_o such_o as_o he_o will_v have_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o and_o will_v indulge_v with_o singular_a favour_n and_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o you_o have_v then_o a_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n insure_v to_o you_o so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o legal_a right_o confer_v upon_o you_o to_o all_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n contain_v in_o that_o state_n all_o these_o peculiar_a favour_n you_o have_v then_o confer_v upon_o you_o on_o god_n part_n on_o these_o term_n and_o condition_n to_o be_v make_v good_a on_o you_o namely_o that_o you_o will_v first_o utter_o renounce_v those_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n the_o devil_n because_o he_o have_v rebel_v against_o his_o creator_n for_o which_o he_o be_v banish_v heaven_n and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v mankind_n to_o partake_v and_o side_n with_o he_o in_o the_o same_o wicked_a revolt_n but_o you_o have_v covenant_v with_o god_n that_o you_o will_v utter_o abhor_v so_o base_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o side_n with_o so_o curse_a a_o spirit_n either_o by_o your_o own_o sin_n or_o by_o tempt_v of_o other_o to_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v always_o upon_o your_o guard_n against_o all_o his_o curse_a wiles_n whereby_o he_o will_v withdraw_v you_o into_o so_o foul_a a_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o to_o the_o world_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o this_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o desert_n their_o creator_n you_o have_v covenant_v to_o renounce_v their_o way_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o their_o example_n their_o company_n their_o persuasion_n their_o threat_n or_o their_o promise_n to_o desert_n also_o the_o great_a captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o to_o the_o material_a world_n that_o neither_o the_o riches_n the_o honour_n nor_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o shall_v allure_v you_o nor_o the_o evil_a and_o vexatious_a thing_n of_o it_o shall_v fright_v you_o into_o sin_n and_o last_o as_o to_o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o we_o you_o do_v solemn_o engage_v yourselves_o to_o exercise_v a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o your_o sinful_a nature_n which_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o rebel_a against_o the_o dictate_v of_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n thus_o in_o your_o baptism_n you_o do_v covenant_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o you_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a then_o engage_v as_o you_o have_v see_v that_o you_o will_v give_v a_o hearty_a and_o ready_a assent_n to_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o you_o in_o
according_a as_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o he_o upon_o who_o testimony_n we_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a according_o more_a or_o less_o be_v the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o what_o he_o speak_v if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_o certain_a for_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n be_v insufficient_a to_o give_v we_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o as_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o deliver_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o exact_a truth_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o may_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o the_o best_a nor_o very_o honest_a though_o they_o do_v know_v what_o they_o say_v yet_o may_v deceive_v other_o so_o that_o the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o any_o man_n live_v can_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o human_a faith_n such_o as_o be_v 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divine_a faith_n proper_a only_o to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n testimony_n and_o word_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o christian_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o whatever_o god_n have_v deliver_v and_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o and_o especial_o it_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o those_o main_a truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o several_a truth_n 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conceive_v mean_o and_o unworthy_o of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o either_o one_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v the_o truth_n himself_o of_o what_o he_o speak_v or_o one_o that_o be_v insincere_a and_o do_v design_n to_o delude_v we_o into_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o conceive_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o god._n there_o be_v nothing_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v not_o most_o clear_o know_v and_o apprehend_v there_o be_v not_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4.13_o so_o that_o let_v his_o revelation_n and_o divine_a mystery_n seem_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o we_o or_o be_v never_o so_o incomprehensible_a and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o human_a understanding_n to_o fathom_n we_o may_v notwithstanding_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v since_o the_o infinite_a the_o omnipotent_a the_o almighty_a god_n say_v it_o nor_o be_v he_o insincere_a and_o one_o that_o will_v delude_v we_o into_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n no_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o be_v insincere_a and_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n john_n 8.44_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v heb._n 6.18_o and_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o deceive_v we_o by_o make_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o falsehood_n what_o interest_n can_v he_o serve_v by_o it_o our_o be_v deceive_v can_v in_o no_o wise_a profit_n he_o false_a and_o deceitful_a man_n do_v indeed_o love_v to_o delude_v other_o to_o believe_v error_n and_o falsehood_n thereby_o to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o they_o but_o we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a advantage_n god_n by_o our_o misperswasion_n so_o that_o we_o be_v in_o such_o manner_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n even_o the_o most_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o divine_a declaration_n concern_v these_o thing_n be_v true_a since_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o but_o 2._o they_o be_v those_o revelation_n and_o those_o only_a special_a 2._o those_o revelation_n and_o those_o only_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n nââ_n such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o unwritten_a tradition_n nor_o any_o particular_a proposition_n concern_v myself_o as_o my_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o justification_n in_o special_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o believe_v we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o as_o found_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n such_o doctrine_n and_o tenet_n as_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o unwritten_a tradition_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n from_o which_o corrupt_a fountain_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v all_o those_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n wherein_o she_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o romish_a doctor_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_n god_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mark_v 7.7_o nor_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n any_o particular_a proposition_n concern_v ourselves_o in_o special_a as_o some_o think_v who_o define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n not_o only_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n heidelbergen_n fides_n est_fw-la non_fw-la tantum_fw-la certa_fw-la notitia_fw-la qua_fw-la firmiter_fw-la assentior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la quae_fw-la deus_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la svo_fw-la patefecit_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la certa_fw-la siducia_fw-la à _fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la per_fw-la evangelium_fw-la in_o cord_n meo_fw-la accensa_fw-la qua_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la acquiesco_fw-la certo_fw-la statuens_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la aliis_fw-la sed_fw-la mihi_fw-la quoque_fw-la remissionem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la aeternam_fw-la justitiam_fw-la &_o vitam_fw-la donatam_fw-la idque_fw-la gratia_fw-la ex_fw-la misericordia_fw-la dei_fw-la propter_fw-la unius_fw-la christi_fw-la meritum_fw-la cattche_n heidelbergen_n but_o also_o a_o certain_a assurance_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o i_o put_v my_o full_a trust_n in_o god_n be_v assure_o persuade_v that_o not_o only_o to_o other_o but_o to_o i_o in_o particular_a remission_n of_o sin_n justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v bestow_v and_o that_o free_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o agreeable_o
a_o endless_a life_n of_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n this_o in_o few_o word_n be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o purport_n of_o those_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n and_o the_o same_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o show_v life_n 2._o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o main_a truth_n of_o scripture_n must_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v incumbent_a upon_o we_o all_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16.17_o that_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v more_o or_o less_o serviceable_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o far_o indeed_o be_v it_o from_o a_o christian_a to_o entertain_v in_o his_o breast_n a_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n however_o this_o undoubted_a persuasion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v a_o true_a believer_n must_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v have_v of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n because_o more_o do_v depend_v upon_o our_o have_v a_o steadfast_a and_o unwavering_a belief_n of_o they_o than_o of_o other_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n if_o therefore_o our_o faith_n shall_v stagger_v as_o to_o these_o upon_o every_o temptation_n there_o will_v ensue_v a_o fall_n if_o not_o a_o fall_v away_o and_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o article_n concern_v the_o transaction_n between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n with_o relation_n to_o man_n be_v make_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o man_n salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17.3_o indifferent_o 4._o to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o several_a truth_n 1._o it_o be_v firm_o to_o assent_v with_o the_o mind_n to_o all_o scripture-truths_n indifferent_o 4._o and_o as_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n so_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o several_a reveal_v truth_n for_o why_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o act_n of_o mind_n which_o can_v but_o receive_v their_o stamp_n and_o modification_n from_o the_o thing_n believe_v must_v with_o reference_n thereunto_o be_v according_o various_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v several_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n especial_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o however_o they_o concern_v the_o jew_n whilst_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o force_n be_v not_o of_o that_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o christian_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n that_o may_v suffice_v we_o to_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v not_o of_o great_a importance_n be_v only_o a_o general_a firm_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o we_o yield_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v certain_o so_o as_o god_n have_v declare_v because_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v true_a have_v speak_v it_o rom._n 3.4_o and_o indeed_o to_o all_o scripture-revelation_n indifferent_o consider_v and_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v we_o must_v yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n declare_v they_o to_o we_o truth_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o consent_v with_o the_o will_n to_o live_v agreeable_o to_o the_o importance_n of_o practical_a truth_n 2._o but_o beside_o some_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n of_o weighty_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o only_o assent_v unto_o they_o with_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a to_o give_v we_o the_o title_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o in_o reference_n to_o such_o concern_v truth_n we_o shall_v withal_o give_v up_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n to_o live_v as_o be_v fit_a for_o person_n of_o such_o persuasion_n thus_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n have_v send_v unto_o we_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o declare_v on_o what_o covenant_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o that_o this_o same_o jesus_n will_v hereafter_o come_v as_o a_o king_n in_o all_o pomp_n and_o glory_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o either_o of_o happiness_n or_o of_o misery_n according_a as_o we_o have_v perform_v or_o not_o perform_v that_o gracious_a covenant_n he_o have_v make_v with_o we_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o in_o the_o creed_n be_v particular_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o these_o that_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o bare_o assent_v and_o yield_v that_o they_o be_v true_a but_o we_o must_v consent_v with_o our_o whole_a will_n that_o we_o will_v live_v and_o act_v as_o those_o who_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o such_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n christ_n by_o be_v crucified_a dead_a and_o bury_v have_v purchase_v pardon_n for_o none_o other_o but_o those_o who_o abandon_v their_o evil_a way_n do_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o we_o shall_v consent_v to_o obey_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o again_o if_o we_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o he_o will_v final_o come_v to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o their_o work_n we_o shall_v hearty_o consent_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o which_o do_v so_o much_o concern_v we_o do_v almost_o inseparable_o carry_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o a_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o live_v as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o as_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n to_o believe_v indeed_o in_o propriety_n and_o strictness_n of_o speech_n may_v seem_v to_o signify_v a_o act_n of_o the_o intellect_n only_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o scripture_n believe_v be_v a_o more_o practical_a word_n and_o include_v a_o compliance_n of_o the_o will_n with_o such_o practice_n and_o course_n as_o be_v consequent_a upon_o such_o belief_n if_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10.9_o 10._o call_v a_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o mention_a act_n 11.21_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o instance_n here_o in_o abraham_n faith_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o so_o that_o in_o short_a the_o scriptural_a notion_n of_o faith_n or_o belief_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o practical_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o true_a serious_a resolute_a embrace_v of_o christianity_n not_o only_o a_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a but_o a_o consent_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n and_o command_n in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o receive_v and_o accept_n of_o he_o as_o our_o prophet_n to_o instruct_v
inheritance_n by_o adopt_v they_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o a_o consimilitude_n to_o he_o in_o they_o and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v do_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o his_o word_n for_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n god_n be_v first_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n before_o his_o word_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o creditableness_n of_o his_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n or_o belief_n or_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o this_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n a_o man_n believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o god_n reveal_v or_o declare_v as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n let_v the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_n but_o then_o this_o faith_n operate_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o import_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a import_n it_o work_v a_o hatred_n to_o he_o that_o threaten_v it_o and_o a_o fear_n of_o the_o thing_n threaten_v if_o it_o be_v apprehend_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n who_o believe_v and_o hate_v god_n who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v jam._n 2.19_o but_o if_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o believe_v by_o man_n betoken_v unspeakable_a love_n and_o goodwill_n in_o god_n to_o man_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o he_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o such_o love_n than_o it_o work_v love_n to_o he_o that_o express_v such_o love_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o and_o a_o long_a desire_n after_o the_o promise_a benefit_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o in_o love_n with_o god_n because_o of_o his_o love_n in_o love_n with_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o divine_a perfection_n such_o as_o be_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n purity_n and_o patience_n mercifulness_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v which_o render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a so_o it_o contract_v a_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o these_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o change_n and_o renew_v the_o moral_a habit_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a life_n there_o be_v a_o aptness_n and_o promptness_n in_o man_n to_o imitate_v that_o in_o other_o and_o so_o in_o god_n for_o which_o they_o love_v they_o and_o frequent_a imitate_v act_n beget_v habit_n custom_n change_v nature_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o cor._n 3.18_o this_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o faith_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n 2._o cor._n 5.7_o and_o by_o it_o moses_n see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a heb._n 11.27_o and_o the_o medium_n by_o which_o this_o prospect_n be_v take_v be_v the_o gospel_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o lovely_a perfection_n be_v now_o open_o reveal_v and_o faith_n be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n busy_v in_o behold_v of_o and_o converse_v with_o these_o perfection_n it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o same_o image_n or_o likeness_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o be_v gradual_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v through_o the_o co-operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n with_o man_n faith_n to_o comprehend_v the_o breadth_n length_n depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n by_o transcribe_v all_o his_o imitable_a perfection_n upon_o the_o soul_n ephes_n 3.18_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v thus_o beget_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n conformable_a to_o god_n that_o man_n can_v with_o confidence_n call_v god_n father_n this_o bless_a effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n by_o which_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o it_o be_v this_o new_a nature_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o good_a life_n of_o all_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a so_o it_o be_v true_a of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n thus_o renew_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v good_a the_o fruit_n will_v be_v good_a and_o as_o this_o new_a creature_n grow_v up_o to_o strength_n and_o maturity_n so_o do_v of_o good_a and_o act_v worthy_o will_v become_v natural_a and_o pleasant_a to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o be_v to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o he_o will_v be_v able_a in_o some_o good_a measure_n to_o say_v i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o for_o sin_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o new_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o moral_a impotency_n in_o he_o in_o who_o it_o be_v to_o commit_v sin_n he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.9_o or_o if_o such_o a_o one_o be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n it_o will_v work_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o soul_n just_a as_o that_o will_v in_o the_o stomach_n which_o a_o man_n have_v eat_v against_o which_o he_o have_v a_o antipathy_n in_o nature_n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o perform_v religious_a duty_n and_o do_v thing_n material_o good_a only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o extrinsical_a motive_n and_o not_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n or_o love_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o such_o those_o action_n be_v unnatural_a become_v grievous_a and_o burdensome_a and_o will_v be_v continue_v in_o no_o long_o than_o those_o motive_n continue_v in_o their_o strength_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v about_o god_n promise_n to_o abraham_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o god_n count_v abraham_n faith_n to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3.17_o that_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o time_n then_o to_o come_v do_v reckon_v his_o practical_a faith_n to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o new_a law_n shall_v pass_v in_o his_o estimation_n for_o righteousness_n subordinate_a to_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o procure_v this_o grant_n or_o law_n for_o otherwise_o faith_n neither_o as_o it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n through_o christ_n nor_o as_o it_o work_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a or_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v righteousness_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o original_a law_n for_o that_o account_v no_o man_n that_o have_v though_o but_o once_o transgress_v it_o to_o be_v righteous_a either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o another_o suffering_n for_o his_o sin_n or_o his_o own_o repentance_n or_o sincere_a imperfect_a obedience_n but_o curse_v every_o man_n that_o from_o first_o to_o last_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o law_n but_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v a_o act_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o christ_n that_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v come_v to_o be_v reckon_v or_o impute_v to_o a_o man_n for_o righteousness_n and_o through_o god_n impute_v it_o for_o righteousness_n to_o stand_v a_o man_n in_o the_o same_o if_o not_o in_o better_a stead_n as_o to_o his_o eternal_a concern_v as_o a_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o original_a law_n from_o first_o to_o last_o will_v have_v do_v christ_n righteousness_n be_v presuppose_v the_o only_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o this_o grant_n or_o covenant_n and_o thus_o indeed_o the_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v describe_v be_v a_o man_n righteousness_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o this_o new_a law_n because_o it_o be_v summary_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o himself_o to_o make_v he_o capable_a
of_o god_n promise_n until_o it_o have_v produce_v that_o repentance_n regeneration_n love_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v a_o full_a and_o a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o render_v faith_n justify_v and_o save_v now_o this_o consent_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_v to_o repent_v and_o obey_v christ_n and_o to_o forsake_v all_o for_o he_o be_v the_o moral_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o new_a life_n in_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o so_o a_o man_n first_o effectual_a belief_n be_v his_o whole_a christian_a life_n in_o its_o beginning_n and_o a_o man_n first_o faith_n be_v perfect_v afterward_o by_o work_n jam._n 2.22_o as_o a_o child_n be_v perfect_v in_o his_o manly_a state_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o to_o manly_a action_n or_o as_o the_o seed_n be_v perfect_v when_o it_o grow_v to_o a_o full_a ear._n by_o this_o first_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n we_o restipulate_v and_o strike_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o hereby_o begin_v also_o to_o keep_v and_o perform_v covenant_n with_o he_o on_o our_o part_n when_o this_o consent_n be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o will_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v first_o put_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o by_o this_o we_o first_o begin_v to_o become_v save_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o as_o he_o by_o covenant_n and_o promise_n become_v a_o god_n unto_o we_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a heb._n 8.10_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o 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 3._o the_o other_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o of_o the_o will_v conjunct_a be_v a_o affiance_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n a_o trust_n in_o he_o or_o a_o rely_v on_o he_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n of_o save_a benefit_n while_o we_o continue_v sincere_o to_o consent_v resolve_v and_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n this_o be_v that_o or_o part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o believe_v on_o god_n a_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o a_o trust_v in_o he_o note_v the_o soul_n dependence_n upon_o christ_n for_o the_o save_a benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n by_o his_o mediation_n office_n and_o undertake_v and_o on_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o through_o his_o son_n and_o upon_o the_o term_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o not_o otherwise_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o save_a benefit_n be_v make_v but_o upon_o the_o condition_n beforementioned_a a_o true_a believer_n or_o he_o that_o be_v rational_a and_o wise_a consider_v as_o well_o upon_o what_o term_v the_o benefit_n be_v promise_v as_o who_o have_v promise_v they_o and_o what_o they_o be_v and_o expect_v the_o one_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o sincere_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o perform_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o any_o shall_v rely_v on_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o those_o benefit_n in_o who_o yet_o the_o qualify_a condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o find_v such_o a_o reliance_n be_v but_o a_o groundless_a presumption_n and_o not_o faith_n or_o affiance_n due_o so_o call_v for_o such_o do_v not_o only_o rely_v on_o christ_n for_o that_o for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o promise_n but_o for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v express_o declare_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o share_n in_o whilst_o they_o remain_v destitute_a of_o that_o qualification_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o and_o not_o without_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o those_o benefit_n be_v make_v these_o three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n exercise_v on_o their_o object_n do_v make_v up_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v and_o when_o justify_v faith_n in_o the_o complete_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n all_o these_o three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o especial_o the_o two_o first_o though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mention_v several_o and_o apart_o faith_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o one_o of_o they_o and_o sometime_o by_o another_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o sometime_o by_o one_o attribute_n sometime_o by_o another_o chap._n ii_o wherein_o the_o defect_n lie_v of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o save_v by_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v wherein_o the_o defect_n lie_v of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o and_o the_o defect_n lie_v chief_o in_o the_o will_n in_o its_o not_o consent_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o repent_v and_o in_o receive_v christ_n as_o lord_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o defect_n in_o part_n may_v be_v in_o the_o understanding_n when_o its_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o that_o it_o can_v make_v but_o a_o too_o weak_a and_o faint_a impression_n upon_o the_o will_n to_o procure_v its_o consent_n unto_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o then_o that_o defect_n in_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n do_v usual_o at_o least_o in_o great_a part_n proceed_v from_o the_o will_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o now_o that_o the_o defect_n lie_v main_o in_o the_o will_v his_o not_o consent_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n appear_v by_o this_o because_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n testimony_n and_o may_v trust_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n which_o contain_v the_o other_o two_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o no_o man_n true_o consent_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o in_o do_v so_o he_o be_v regenerate_v in_o the_o first_o act_n and_o justify_v 1._o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o assent_n in_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o degree_n as_o the_o regenerate_v may_v they_o may_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v his_o only_a son_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o they_o may_v believe_v in_o great_a part_n that_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o yet_o hold_v that_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n which_o they_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1.18_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v on_o christ_n who_o yet_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v not_o confess_v he_o joh._n 12.42_o 43._o as_o also_o do_v many_o other_o when_o they_o see_v his_o maricles_n who_o yet_o be_v such_o as_o christ_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o commit_v himself_o to_o joh._n 2.23_o 24._o and_o simon_n magus_n believe_v wonder_v and_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o sign_n which_o be_v do_v by_o philip_n who_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n act_v 8._o such_o as_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o stony_a ground_n believe_v who_o yet_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o worldly_a interest_n more_o than_o christ_n and_o those_o that_o st._n james_n expostulate_v with_o chap._n 2._o be_v thus_o far_o believer_n also_o 2._o except_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n unregenerate_a man_n may_v hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o rely_v on_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o regenerate_v only_o for_o want_v of_o their_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n their_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v groundless_a and_o will_v deceive_v they_o but_o otherwise_o man_n that_o be_v but_o carnal_a and_o live_v in_o some_o know_a sin_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n jesus_n because_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o because_o they_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o perform_v some_o act_n of_o religion_n our_o saviour_n say_v many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n to_o who_o he_o will_v say_v for_o all_o that_o depart_v from_o
immoderate_a affection_n but_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a they_o deceive_v themselves_o whatever_o their_o external_n conformity_n to_o divine_a precept_n otherwise_o may_v be_v they_o be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n that_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n god_n observe_v more_o what_o man_n be_v inward_o than_o what_o they_o be_v outward_o and_o judge_n of_o they_o according_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n nor_o he_o a_o christian_n who_o be_v one_o outward_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o who_o be_v so_o inward_o in_o heart_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o and_o therefore_o st._n james_n count_v they_o but_o earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n how_o high_a soever_o they_o profess_v and_o such_o as_o do_v lie_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o indulge_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o their_o heart_n jam._n 3.14_o 15._o and_o if_o lust_v and_o passion_n within_o shall_v break_v out_o in_o a_o unbridled_a tongue_n in_o slander_v revile_v backbiting_a evil-speaking_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_v or_o the_o like_a how_o religious_a soever_o such_o a_o man_n may_v otherwise_o seem_v to_o himself_o or_o other_o yet_o st._n james_n have_v plain_o determine_v his_o case_n such_o a_o one_o have_v deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v vain_a jam._n 2.26_o mat._n 5.22_o man_n may_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o religion_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o until_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n yea_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o order_n thereto_o and_o yet_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a for_o want_v of_o strive_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a thereto_o and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o because_o of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o christian_n fall_v short_a though_o they_o have_v go_v far_o and_o do_v much_o be_v they_o so_o earnest_o exhort_v to_o work_v out_o or_o to_o work_v through_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v with_o a_o fear_n of_o fall_v short_a phil._n 2.12_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o fear_v even_o a_o seem_a to_o come_v short_a of_o the_o promise_a rest_n heb._n 4.1_o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o that_o huge_a consequence_n that_o every_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o despise_v his_o own_o soul_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o do_v or_o omit_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o seem_a show_n or_o appearance_n of_o put_v his_o salvation_n into_o any_o hazard_n and_o therefore_o all_n diligence_n be_v not_o too_o much_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n live_v to_o use_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o thus_o when_o man_n understanding_n be_v bribe_v by_o their_o corrupt_a will_n they_o then_o take_v up_o with_o a_o partial_a faith_n a_o partial_a repentance_n and_o a_o partial_a obedience_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v evangelical_o complete_a and_o hope_v it_o be_v a_o fulfil_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o when_o man_n shut_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o own_o ear_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o quiet_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n god_n many_o time_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n after_o much_o strive_v and_o long-suffering_a withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o delusion_n and_o to_o be_v practise_v upon_o by_o the_o devil_n for_o their_o far_a harden_v according_a to_o that_o dreadful_a prophecy_n in_o isa_n 6.9_o 10._o mention_v not_o less_o than_o five_o or_o six_o time_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n mat._n 13.14_o mar._n 4.12_o luke_n 8.10_o joh._n 12.40_o act_n 28.26_o rom._n 11.8_o go_v tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n god_n sometime_o send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o good-ground_n hearer_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o heart_n into_o which_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n they_o study_v no_o trick_n or_o shift_n nor_o use_v any_o shuffle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o dishonest_a interest_n to_o evade_v the_o plain_a truth_n but_o be_v content_a that_o shall_v take_v place_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n give_v place_n to_o it_o they_o suffer_v that_o word_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o assent_v to_o in_o the_o judgement_n before_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o sink_v down_o into_o their_o heart_n by_o which_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n become_v change_v chap._n iu._n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n faith_n in_o the_o understanding_n work_v saving_o upon_o the_o will._n the_o faith_n of_o assent_n in_o the_o understanding_n work_v a_o consent_n in_o the_o will_n unto_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o its_o operative_a and_o affect_a influence_n upon_o the_o passion_n of_o hope_n fear_v and_o love_n the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o action_n in_o man._n for_o though_o faith_n in_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o action_n as_o christian_a yet_o not_o that_o but_o the_o will_n as_o it_o be_v affect_v with_o hope_n fear_v or_o love_n be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a principle_n of_o action_n the_o understanding_n when_o it_o right_o perform_v its_o office_n do_v not_o only_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o competent_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o also_o consider_v and_o weigh_v as_o in_o a_o balance_n the_o import_n of_o it_o and_o how_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o as_o whether_o it_o betoken_v good_a or_o evil_a to_o he_o and_o how_o much_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n whether_o absolute_o or_o conditional_o and_o what_o the_o condition_n be_v all_o which_o when_o bring_v down_o to_o the_o subordinate_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v apt_a to_o affect_v they_o and_o work_v upon_o they_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v apprehend_v more_o or_o less_o to_o concern_v a_o man._n and_o the_o thing_n believe_v eternal_a life_n and_o eternal_a death_n in_o another_o world_n be_v invisible_a and_o absent_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o man_n faith_n touch_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o that_o supply_v the_o room_n or_o absence_n of_o sense_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o we_o neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v the_o glorious_a thing_n promise_v nor_o the_o dreadful_a thing_n threaten_v in_o another_o world_n otherwise_o than_o by_o faith_n which_o give_v the_o believer_n a_o prospect_n of_o they_o but_o a_o man_n by_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v have_v a_o foresight_n of_o they_o as_o abraham_n have_v of_o christ_n day_n and_o that_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n in_o give_v such_o a_o hope_n and_o this_o hope_n fear_v and_o love_n puts_z man_n upon_z more_o or_o less_o care_n diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o one_o and_o escape_v the_o other_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o influence_v by_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v weak_a or_o strong_a or_o more_o or_o less_o active_a and_o exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o hence_o come_v that_o change_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o true_a believer_n who_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v they_o govern_v their_o life_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o invisible_a and_o not_o sensible_a thing_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o this_o in_o general_n but_o more_o particular_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n in_o the_o understanding_n work_v the_o faith_n of_o consent_n in_o the_o will_n by_o its_o operation_n upon_o those_o three_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n hope_v fear_v and_o love_n 1._o as_o a_o firm_a assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n through_o christ_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o
very_a bowel_n of_o christendom_n that_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o heretic_n who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o under_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n do_v sad_o weaken_v christ_n and_o most_o effectual_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o who_o have_v spill_v more_o blood_n perhaps_o in_o establish_v their_o heresy_n their_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n than_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o heathen_a rome_n and_o all_o the_o other_o pagan_a persecution_n put_v together_o so_o much_o you_o see_v it_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n utter_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n truth_n 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 and_o now_o the_o question_n be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o his_o persecute_v temptation_n and_o fiery_a trial_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o end_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o to_o let_v loose_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o dragon_n upon_o we_o as_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o age_n from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n down_o to_o our_o present_a time_n in_o which_o he_o have_v not_o and_o do_v not_o in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n exercise_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n why_o then_o our_o part_n must_v be_v after_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n 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 upon_o we_o rather_o than_o deny_v christ_n or_o his_o truth_n million_o i_o say_v of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o way_n of_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o persecute_v method_n of_o tempt_v and_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o tell_v what_o trial_n they_o have_v of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n yea_o moreover_o of_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n how_o they_o be_v stone_v be_v saw_v asunder_o be_v tempt_v be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n how_o they_o wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_v heb._n 11.36_o 37._o and_o all_o this_o they_o suffer_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o idolatry_n or_o heresy_n or_o with_o any_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o which_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n will_v have_v force_v '_o they_o and_o so_o must_v we_o likewise_o we_o must_v all_o of_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n utter_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o resist_v unto_o blood_n his_o tempt_v we_o to_o heresy_n or_o sin_n if_o call_v thereunto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v make_v it_o the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n so_o to_o do_v matth._n 16.24_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o indeed_o those_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n who_o be_v persecute_v for_o their_o adherence_n to_o christ_n and_o true_a religion_n against_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a invention_n bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5.10_o their_o persecution_n tend_v in_o the_o end_n both_o to_o their_o own_o great_a reward_n great_a be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o 12._o and_o to_o the_o far_a increase_n and_o propagation_n of_o truth_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v do_v his_o worst_a the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n like_o the_o palmtree_n be_v find_v to_o spread_v the_o wide_a for_o be_v oppress_v and_o therefore_o he_o ii_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 second_o when_o those_o bloody_a method_n fail_v he_o and_o instead_o of_o extinguish_v christianity_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n prove_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n then_o with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o close_a contrivance_n possible_a do_v he_o endeavour_v 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 christianity_n they_o may_v dishonour_v he_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o debase_v his_o authority_n among_o man_n together_o with_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o thing_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o provide_v he_o compass_n this_o end_n he_o care_v not_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v whether_o by_o force_n or_o by_o fraud_n and_o according_o he_o have_v his_o title_n give_v he_o in_o the_o scripture_n from_o both_o where_o he_o be_v call_v a_o lion_n from_o his_o fury_n a_o serpent_n from_o his_o subtlety_n and_o indeed_o if_o by_o the_o former_a he_o have_v slay_v his_o thousand_o by_o these_o he_o have_v destroy_v his_o ten_o thousand_o so_o that_o of_o all_o his_o method_n to_o ruin_n we_o it_o do_v infinite_o 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 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sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n from_o which_o parable_n and_o explication_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v observe_v 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 skilfulness_n of_o the_o seedsman_n 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 here_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 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 other_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 under_o 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necessity_n of_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 but_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 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 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 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 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 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 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 worship_n as_o also_o pray_v in_o spirit_n to_o the_o regard_n of_o bodily_a worship_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 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 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 though_o no_o church_n through_o the_o care_n of_o its_o pious_a bishop_n and_o pastor_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 invention_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 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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 faith_n ii_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-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 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 serve_v 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 or_o something_o like_o it_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o desire_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 weed_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 as_o to_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n he_o be_v dexterous_a in_o accomodate_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 nor_o three_o be_v satan_n less_o subtle_a in_o distinguish_v which_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o advantageous_a season_n of_o sow_v his_o tare_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n in_o the_o field_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n indeed_o his_o great_a dexterity_n and_o policy_n be_v eminent_o see_v in_o suit_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 and_o though_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a endeavour_n to_o exercise_v his_o utmost_a enmity_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o kingdom_n among_o man_n yet_o to_o fit_v his_o counsel_n to_o proper_a season_n to_o suit_v they_o to_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o study_n and_o disposition_n and_o occupation_n of_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v commit_v no_o blunder_n in_o his_o politic_n be_v his_o great_a and_o mighty_a care_n and_o cunning._n of_o which_o among_o other_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v i_o will_v choose_v but_o one._n in_o the_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o about_o the_o nine_o century_n till_o towards_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n when_o man_n study_n and_o disposition_n savour_v whole_o of_o superstition_n we_o hear_v of_o nothing_o so_o much_o in_o the_o story_n of_o those_o time_n as_o of_o the_o apparition_n and_o vision_n superstition_n 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_v to_o introduce_v the_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n image-worship_n and_o the_o like_a superstition_n that_o the_o founder_n of_o their_o several_a order_n and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n do_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o no_o new_a order_n of_o monk_n and_o friar_n nor_o any_o new_a doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n image-worship_n prayer_n to_o saint_n or_o any_o pilgrimage_n to_o the_o shrine_n of_o some_o saint_n depart_v be_v to_o be_v invent_v but_o either_o the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o some_o other_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v and_o to_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o as_o legendary_a and_o fabulous_a as_o be_v the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o apparition_n as_o i_o be_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o samuel_n do_v appear_v to_o saul_n but_o then_o as_o it_o be_v not_o real_o samuel_n himself_o for_o his_o body_n be_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o his_o soul_n in_o paradise_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o one_o from_o the_o dust_n much_o less_o to_o recall_v the_o other_o out_o of_o heaven_n but_o the_o devil_n who_o do_v assume_v samuel_n shape_n so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a he_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o other_o to_o seduce_v the_o superstitious_a people_n of_o those_o time_n into_o idolatrous_a practice_n who_o throw_v aside_o the_o scripture_n give_v heed_n to_o fable_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n it_o be_v infinite_o then_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o to_o do_v but_o pray_v
and_o consequent_o when_o the_o divine_a image_n which_o be_v now_o deface_v be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n restore_v when_o thus_o we_o shall_v have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4.24_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n and_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 8.29_o then_o can_v we_o be_v true_o say_v to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n 2._o to_o 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 430._o ii_o to_o 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 smith_n be_v select_a disc_n p._n 374._o 430._o this_o be_v the_o true_a property_n of_o the_o regenerate_v nature_n to_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n the_o soul_n say_v a_o learned_a and_o pious_a author_n be_v a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o puissant_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v once_o restore_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o its_o own_o be_v than_o to_o be_v bound_v within_o a_o narrow_a prison_n of_o sensual_a and_o bodily_a delight_n but_o it_o will_v break_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a vehemence_n and_o ascend_v upward_o towards_o immortality_n for_o it_o be_v only_o true_a religion_n that_o teach_v and_o enable_v man_n to_o die_v to_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o to_o rise_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a pleasure_n which_o darken_v the_o mind_n and_o blind_v it_o that_o it_o can_v enjoy_v the_o brightness_n of_o divine_a light_n so_o that_o whereas_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n never_o mind_v any_o thing_n but_o flesh_n and_o never_o rise_v above_o the_o outward_a matter_n but_o always_o creep_v up_o and_o down_o like_a shadow_n upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o it_o begin_v at_o any_o time_n to_o make_v any_o faint_a essay_n upward_o it_o present_o find_v itself_o lade_v with_o a_o weight_n of_o sensuality_n which_o draw_v it_o down_o again_o holy_a and_o religious_a soul_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o beauty_n be_v move_v swift_o after_o god_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v himself_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o they_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o deâd_n in_o short_a therefore_o whereas_o there_o be_v now_o a_o continual_a conflict_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n we_o must_v never_o cease_v mortify_v and_o subdue_a all_o the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n tend_v downward_o towards_o the_o creature_n till_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n which_o alone_o can_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o xxi_o lecture_n first_o that_o i_o shall_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 in_o order_n to_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o these_o word_n the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o have_v already_o show_v you_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o how_o far_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o flesh_n 2._o i_o be_o now_o to_o give_v you_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o full_a mean_v and_o importance_n of_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v they_o and_o as_o by_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a unregenerate_a nature_n of_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n in_o its_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o as_o it_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a will_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o proportionable_o by_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o this_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o they_o carry_v we_o out_o to_o commit_v sin_n as_o well_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o the_o bodily_a power_n viz._n the_o affection_n lust_n and_o appetite_n these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n workmanship_n and_o be_v pure_a as_o they_o come_v forth_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n they_o be_v woeful_o corrupt_v and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o faculty_n or_o power_n either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o may_v be_v call_v a_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n every_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v proper_o enough_o term_v a_o lust_n as_o it_o crave_v and_o desire_v its_o object_n and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n just_a as_o the_o whole_a unregenerate_a nature_n be_v say_v to_o be_v flesh_n that_o be_v either_o first_o as_o those_o several_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v move_v downward_o from_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n immediate_o and_o inordinate_o towards_o the_o creature_n or_o second_o as_o the_o inferior_a and_o bodily_a power_n the_o affection_n lust_n and_o appetite_n do_v disorderly_a rebel_n against_o the_o superior_a faculty_n of_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 what_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o fleshly_a mind_n what_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 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 1.21.28_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_v 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 i._o when_o we_o be_v curious_a to_o 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 though_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 though_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 ii_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 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 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 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 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
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 first_o i_o be_o to_o declare_v to_o you_o something_o in_o general_n both_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o what_o nature_n the_o whole_a bible_n the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n both_o 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 christian_n faith_n and_o whatever_o we_o find_v therein_o record_v or_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o divine_a certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n because_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o will_v not_o who_o can_v lie_v who_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o will_v he_o deceive_v other_o as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o jehosophat_n in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n upon_o a_o solemn_a fastday_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o proclaim_a unto_o they_o stand_v up_o and_o say_v hear_v i_o o_o judah_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v establish_v believe_v his_o prophet_n so_o shall_v you_o prosper_v and_o let_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n record_v therein_o be_v 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 be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.15_o 16._o so_o that_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o scripture_n therein_o contain_v be_v firm_o to_o 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himself_o nor_o will_v deceive_v other_o do_v challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o every_o christian_a yet_o among_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o truth_n of_o various_a kind_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v of_o far_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o than_o other_o because_o they_o do_v more_o immediate_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o give_v we_o due_a and_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o only_a sure_a method_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n 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 believe_v and_o must_v therefore_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o explicit_o believe_v 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 all_o those_o other_o truth_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v indeed_o necessary_a also_o to_o be_v believe_v at_o leastwise_o implicit_o that_o be_v we_o be_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o general_n persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o true_a because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o as_o such_o but_o these_o latter_a which_o we_o call_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v positive_o and_o explicit_o believe_v that_o be_v we_o must_v thorough_o understand_v they_o and_o be_v assure_o and_o distinct_o persuade_v of_o each_o single_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o without_o which_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n a_o good_a and_o christian_a life_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o nor_o a_o reliance_n on_o god_n merit_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n thereof_o create_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o for_o instance_n be_v the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n truth_n some_o instance_n of_o such_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o must_v necessary_o make_v we_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o fear_v of_o offend_v he_o if_o we_o thorough_o believe_v and_o consider_v it_o such_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v our_o father_n who_o create_v we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v make_v we_o love_v he_o who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o such_o again_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o he_o exercise_n a_o just_a and_o wise_a providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v make_v we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o all_o his_o dispensation_n as_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o one_o who_o know_v better_a than_o ourselves_o what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o to_o instance_n also_o in_o some_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n pure_o of_o reveal_v religion_n such_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n for_o this_o as_o it_o show_v we_o how_o odious_a a_o thing_n sin_n be_v when_o nothing_o less_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n against_o it_o than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o
consequent_o do_v extreme_o tend_v to_o create_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o utter_a hatred_n to_o all_o sin_n so_o hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o such_o last_o be_v the_o belief_n for_o i_o need_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o mention_v every_o artiticle_n that_o all_o our_o body_n shall_v rise_v again_o at_o the_o general_n resurrection_n that_o then_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v a_o just_a sentence_n for_o whatever_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a for_o this_o will_v make_v we_o careful_a how_o to_o lead_v our_o life_n so_o in_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v 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 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spirit_n may_v strive_v in_o vain_a with_o we_o no_o doubt_n as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o old_a world_n as_o you_o may_v see_v gen._n 6.3_o yet_o by_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o do_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v attend_v to_o the_o word_n act_v 16.14_o by_o fix_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o consider_v and_o by_o enlighten_v it_o to_o discern_v the_o nature_n tendency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n also_o by_o sweet_o dispose_v the_o will_n to_o weigh_v the_o importance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o give_v it_o to_o taste_v and_o feel_v the_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o these_o method_n it_o add_v such_o a_o perswasiveness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o most_o wicked_o dispose_v person_n shall_v be_v thereby_o convert_v and_o change_v into_o most_o virtuous_a and_o good_a temper_n hence_o from_o this_o powerful_a concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n of_o grace_n whereby_o it_o have_v a_o edge_n give_v it_o to_o pierce_v the_o most_o stony_v harden_v heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v heb._n 4.12_o to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o that_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o hence_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v unto_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o epist_n 1.5_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o they_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v it_o come_v accompany_v not_o only_o with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o some_o do_v interpret_v it_o but_o with_o a_o great_a internal_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v as_o other_o do_v right_o expound_v it_o it_o come_v indeed_o accompany_v with_o both_o in_o those_o day_n both_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o the_o more_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v way_n for_o its_o entrance_n and_o entertainment_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o measure_n of_o grace_n afford_v now_o under_o and_o accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o what_o be_v give_v under_o the_o law_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v dignify_v 2_o cor._n 3_o 6._o with_o the_o title_n of_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o law_n be_v style_v the_o letter_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n here_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o this_o title_n of_o the_o spirit_n say_v a_o learned_a commentator_n because_o grace_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v now_o join_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o law_n which_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o annex_v of_o it_o to_o the_o word_n under_o the_o gospel_n give_v man_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v eternal_a life_n when_o the_o law_n be_v the_o occasion_n and_o by_o accident_n the_o cause_n of_o death_n to_o they_o in_o denounce_v judgement_n against_o sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o give_v strength_n to_o obey_v and_o indeed_o last_o well_o may_v it_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n since_o so_o great_a a_o proportion_n of_o grace_n be_v afford_v we_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o change_n and_o reformation_n and_o so_o main_a and_o principal_a a_o mean_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o such_o a_o change_n that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v call_v tit._n 3.5_o 6._o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o little_a efficacy_n be_v attribute_v bare_o to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o it_o that_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o epist_n 3.7_o who_o by_o prefer_v one_o teacher_n above_o another_o and_o divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n thereupon_o seem_v to_o impute_v the_o whole_a success_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o some_o man_n preach_v above_o other_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n neither_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n where_o the_o whole_a success_n of_o our_o preach_v in_o render_v it_o effectual_a he_o tell_v we_o be_v from_o god_n grace_n not_o from_o our_o skill_n who_o preach_v it_o so_o that_o intensive_o it_o appear_v god_n grace_n be_v very_o strong_a mighty_a and_o powerful_a in_o work_v a_o change_n and_o reformation_n in_o we_o to_o conclude_v then_o this_o second_o mean_n of_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o great_a as_o our_o natural_a weakness_n be_v since_o our_o fall_n you_o see_v we_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o restore_v in_o we_o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o that_o righteousness_n from_o which_o we_o fall_v by_o transgression_n we_o shall_v have_v that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n i_o say_v which_o be_v extensive_o very_o diffusive_a and_o large_a so_o as_o to_o renew_v in_o we_o all_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o by_o sin_n have_v be_v deprave_v and_o intensive_o very_o strong_a mighty_a and_o powerful_a in_o work_v a_o change_n and_o reformation_n within_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v both_o obtain_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o discharge_v our_o covenant_n be_v prayer_n unto_o god_n to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v continue_v faithful_a in_o our_o covenant_n unto_o our_o live_n end_n but_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v speak_v the_o next_o opportuntty_n the_o xxix_o lecture_n and_o i_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o give_v i_o his_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o my_o live_n end_n have_v full_o explain_v to_o you_o so_o far_o as_o lead_v thereunto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church-catechism_n in_o the_o preliminary_a question_n and_o answer_n thereof_o the_o nature_n term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o solemnity_n whereby_o you_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o to_o perform_v it_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v this_o so_o important_a a_o covenant_n wherein_o all_o our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o world_n be_v contain_v and_o wrap_v up_o a_o thing_n indeed_o which_o it_o do_v exceed_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v well_o inform_v about_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o ought_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n and_o the_o first_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o perform_v your_o covenant_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o be_v a_o holy_a christian_n and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o same_o the_o importance_n of_o these_o word_n so_o i_o will_n but_o a_o resolution_n it_o must_v be_v which_o be_v take_v up_o not_o in_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o of_o god_n help_n and_o therefore_o second_o the_o next_o necessary_a mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o discharge_v our_o part_n of_o this_o covenant_n must_v be_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n which_o you_o have_v teach_v you_o in_o these_o word_n and_o by_o god_n help_n so_o i_o will_n and_o concern_v this_o i_o have_v also_o speak_v all_o that_o i_o think_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v show_v you_o in_o this_o place_n for_o one_a i_o have_v declare_v to_o you_o in_o what_o necessity_n we_o do_v stand_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a weakness_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o two_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v and_o what_o measure_v of_o it_o proportionable_o to_o such_o our_o necessity_n god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o now_o the_o three_o mean_v whereby_o we_o shall_v both_o obtain_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o be_v enable_v also_o to_o discharge_v our_o covenant_n be_v prayer_n unto_o god_n to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v continue_v faithful_a in_o our_o covenant_n unto_o our_o life_n end_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o
between_o good_a and_o evil._n 101_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n natural_o desirous_a of_o increase_a knowledge_n experimental_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n cloud_n the_o reason_n and_o stupefy_v the_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o even_o mere_a curiosity_n after_o less_o profitable_a thing_n take_v off_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o happiness_n 102_o by_o these_o mean_n he_o bring_v that_o ignorance_n in_o divine_a matter_n which_o reign_v in_o most_o man_n mind_n and_o be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a man_n be_v easy_o lead_v into_o whatever_o sin_n and_o misery_n this_o therefore_o another_o wile_n of_o satan_n which_o must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v 103_o three_o by_o bribe_v the_o affection_n with_o something_o near_a our_o heart_n and_o rather_o than_o disoblige_v and_o lose_v which_o we_o will_v commit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil._n and_o by_o whatever_o we_o most_o place_n our_o affection_n upon_o do_v he_o still_o inveigle_v we_o to_o do_v what_o be_v forbid_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o bear_v that_o indifferency_n of_o affection_n towards_o our_o near_a relation_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o interest_n rather_o than_o god_n last_o by_o exciting_a their_o lust_n and_o appetite_n after_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n by_o propose_v the_o fair_a object_n and_o most_o delicious_a dainty_n to_o their_o sense_n 104_o and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n do_v he_o prevail_v to_o this_o day_n upon_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o rebel_n against_o god_n for_o man_n be_v make_v up_o very_o much_o of_o sense_n so_o that_o nothing_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o through_o the_o door_n of_o our_o sense_n we_o be_v easy_o prevail_v upon_o by_o what_o gratify_v our_o sense_n especial_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o taste_v 105_o but_o our_o be_v take_v only_o with_o outward_a thing_n be_v such_o a_o high_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v so_o much_o better_a for_o we_o and_o such_o a_o abuse_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o relish_v high_a enjoyment_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v 106_o lect_n xi_o what_o temptation_n satan_n level_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n recover_v out_o of_o the_o fall_v race_n of_o mankind_n a_o body_n of_o man_n the_o church_n to_o his_o service_n list_a they_o under_o jesus_n christ_n to_o fight_n against_o satan_n the_o devil_n enrage_v to_o have_v his_o prey_n snatch_v out_o of_o his_o tooth_n continual_o attack_n it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a endeavour_n be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n 107_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o the_o person_n of_o abel_n and_o when_o afterward_o recruit_v in_o the_o family_n of_o seth_n yet_o he_o reduce_v it_o again_o by_o the_o bloody_a posterity_n of_o cain_n to_o eight_o person_n in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n when_o after_o the_o flood_n god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v a_o special_a people_n unto_o himself_o satan_n endeavour_v utter_o to_o have_v extinguish_v that_o people_n by_o his_o servant_n pharaoh_n and_o in_o all_o period_n till_o our_o saviour_n come_v he_o stir_v up_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n their_o neighbour_n especial_o the_o four_o monarchy_n to_o harrass_n they_o but_o soon_o after_o that_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n do_v he_o most_o vigorous_o exert_v his_o malice_n against_o it_o 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 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 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_a in_o other_o 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 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 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 men._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_v 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 he_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 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 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_n 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._n 117_o lect_n 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
therefore_o no_o man_n that_o own_v himself_o a_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v silent_a when_o the_o creed_n be_v rehearse_v in_o divine_a service_n but_o every_o particular_a person_n ought_v to_o signify_v his_o firm_a belief_n and_o assent_n to_o the_o same_o by_o open_o and_o solemn_o rehearse_v it_o together_o with_o christ_n minister_n i_o say_v by_o open_o and_o solemn_o rehearse_v it_o for_o because_o that_o this_o body_n of_o christian_a truth_n ought_v in_o the_o most_o open_a and_o solemn_a manner_n to_o be_v confess_v our_o church_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o creed_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v rehearse_v and_o pronounce_v by_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o often_o as_o it_o occur_v in_o divine_a service_n but_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v stand_v in_o the_o creed_n 458_o libertas_n ecclesiast_fw-la p._n 458_o we_o do_v profess_o say_v the_o learned_a falconer_n acknowledge_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o our_o only_a lord_n and_o a_o stand_a posture_n well_o become_v a_o servant_n in_o his_o profess_a own_v and_o attend_v upon_o his_o master_n we_o open_o declare_v every_o one_o for_o himself_o in_o the_o word_n i_o believe_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o christian_a hope_n and_o comfort_n that_o in_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o son_n who_o die_v and_o rose_n again_o ascend_v and_o shall_v judge_v all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o have_v expectation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n of_o obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n a_o resurrection_n and_o everlasting_a life_n and_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v all_o these_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o a_o stand_a gesture_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o any_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o matter_n of_o moment_n and_o concernment_n and_o as_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n include_v a_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o continue_v firm_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n this_o in_o particular_a be_v so_o proper_o signify_v by_o the_o stand_a gesture_n that_o stand_v to_o a_o thing_n deut._n 25.28_o and_o in_o several_a other_o scripture_n signify_v a_o assert_v and_o profess_v a_o thing_n with_o resolution_n so_o that_o you_o ought_v both_o open_o with_o a_o audible_a voice_n to_o rehearse_v your_o belief_n after_o the_o minister_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o signify_v your_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o stick_v to_o your_o faith_n and_o to_o remain_v unshaken_a in_o such_o your_o belief_n you_o ought_v to_o stand_v up_o when_o you_o so_o rehearse_v and_o profess_v it_o 3._o but_o yet_o far_o occasion_n 3._o it_o may_v remote_o imply_v god_n command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o confess_v he_o upon_o other_o occasion_n this_o word_n rehearse_v may_v be_v interpret_v remote_o to_o imply_v that_o other_o great_a christian_a duty_n which_o may_v lie_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o be_v frank_o and_o open_o to_o own_o the_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o any_o or_o all_o these_o christian_a truth_n when_o at_o any_o time_n there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n give_v for_o such_o a_o declaration_n though_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o your_o life_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n livelihood_n or_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o you_o or_o though_o you_o shall_v suffer_v the_o utmost_a scorn_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n for_o such_o your_o belief_n and_o confession_n and_o the_o two_o great_a occasion_n for_o such_o a_o declaration_n be_v when_o the_o superior_a power_n shall_v demand_v it_o in_o order_n to_o persecute_v you_o for_o the_o same_o or_o when_o through_o a_o general_a indifference_n to_o religion_n impious_a and_o wicked_a man_n do_v take_v courage_n to_o run_v it_o down_o and_o that_o the_o more_o for_o the_o cowardice_n of_o the_o orthodox_n professor_n of_o it_o as_o if_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o upon_o both_o these_o or_o on_o any_o other_o occasion_n you_o must_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o first_o now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o occasion_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v often_o put_v upon_o this_o duty_n of_o open_o and_o public_o confess_v their_o faith_n when_o such_o a_o confession_n be_v certain_a to_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o severe_a torment_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v inflict_v for_o the_o then_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n be_v pagan_n and_o worshipper_n of_o false_a god_n who_o will_v often_o force_v the_o christian_n either_o to_o renounce_v their_o belief_n in_o the_o one_o true_a god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n or_o they_o will_v tear_v their_o flesh_n with_o burn_a pincer_n will_v throw_v they_o to_o be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n rend_v their_o limb_n asunder_o on_o rack_n and_o put_v they_o to_o infinite_a other_o torture_n but_o such_o be_v the_o constancy_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v not_o through_o fear_n dissemble_v their_o faith_n but_o will_v open_o before_o the_o heathen_a tribunal_n declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o this_o their_o declaration_n of_o their_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v a_o confess_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n that_o do_v so_o be_v entitle_v with_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o confessor_n and_o thus_o to_o confess_v christ_n by_o open_o declare_v your_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o likewise_o your_o belief_n in_o any_o other_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whatever_o shall_v be_v the_o danger_n in_o so_o do_v be_v express_o make_v your_o duty_n rom._n 10.9.10_o and_o have_v salvation_n promise_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n where_o you_o see_v that_o a_o open_a confession_n and_o profession_n of_o your_o faith_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v make_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n second_o a_o second_o occasion_n for_o a_o frank_a and_o open_a own_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v when_o through_o a_o general_a indifference_n to_o religion_n impious_a and_o wicked_a man_n do_v take_v courage_n to_o run_v it_o down_o and_o that_o the_o more_o for_o the_o cowardice_n of_o the_o orthodox_n professor_n of_o it_o as_o if_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o god_n be_v praise_v it_o be_v not_o now_o make_v by_o the_o power_n that_o be_v above_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n a_o matter_n worthy_a of_o death_n or_o of_o suffering_n for_o any_o to_o own_v himself_o a_o orthodox_n believer_n yet_o so_o many_o be_v the_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a person_n the_o man_n of_o no_o religion_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o will_v scoff_n at_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o believe_v and_o dare_v to_o own_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o few_o be_v those_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o generality_n of_o lay-christians_a gallio_n like_v seem_v to_o care_n for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o think_v it_o only_o the_o clergy_n business_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n that_o the_o adversary_n to_o religion_n be_v mighty_o embolden_v thereby_o to_o bear_v it_o down_o deride_v all_o serious_a christian_n and_o true_a believer_n as_o a_o company_n of_o credulous_a and_o easy_a people_n and_o applaud_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_a man_n of_o reason_n and_o free_a because_o licentious_a thinker_n but_o now_o whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o any_o of_o you_o to_o fall_v among_o such_o who_o will_v scoff_n at_o you_o for_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o you_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n you_o must_v bold_o oppose_v they_o and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o you_o be_v not_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o own_v yourselves_o christian_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o you_o must_v not_o through_o fear_n bashfulness_n or_o cowardice_n dissemble_v such_o your_o faith_n lest_o god_n if_o you_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v your_o own_n of_o he_o here_o shall_v
hereunto_o do_v our_o antinomian_o teach_v their_o disciple_n that_o save_a faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o persuasion_n or_o absolute_a conclude_v within_o ourselves_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o that_o christ_n be_v we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o dangerous_a account_n of_o divine_a faith_n false_a because_o god_n have_v nowhere_o in_o scripture_n tell_v any_o man_n among_o we_o that_o he_o in_o particular_a be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v certain_o save_v and_o dangerous_a also_o because_o it_o tend_v to_o nourish_v presumption_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v better_o of_o their_o state_n than_o it_o be_v god_n do_v indeed_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n to_o all_o man_n in_o general_n and_o conditional_a term_n mark_v 16.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.14_o and_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o prove_v their_o own_o self_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o if_o upon_o strict_a search_n he_o find_v himself_o to_o have_v repent_v thorough_o to_o have_v believe_v practical_o and_o to_o have_v obey_v sincere_o he_o may_v have_v strong_a hope_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o his_o righteousness_n through_o christ_n accept_v only_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a he_o do_v not_o deceive_v himself_o with_o false_a show_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 1_o cor._n 10.10_o but_o as_o for_o a_o divine_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n found_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v that_o concern_v his_o own_o acceptance_n because_o no_o man_n have_v any_o scripture-revelation_n testify_v it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a and_o if_o person_n of_o antinomian_a principle_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o assurance_n kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v such_o assurance_n a_o divine_a faith_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o contain_v all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n among_o which_o they_o count_v this_o particular_a assurance_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a which_o person_n of_o protestant_a principle_n will_v not_o own_o nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o so_o far_o derogate_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o say_v that_o other_o truth_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n beside_o what_o be_v contain_v therein_o except_o it_o be_v such_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o those_o word_n wherewith_o the_o holy_a canon_n be_v close_v rev._n 22.18_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n of_o this_o book_n so_o that_o those_o revelation_n only_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n believe_v but_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n a_o christian_a must_v believe_v and_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n a_o christian_a must_v believe_v as_o true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o declare_v it_o such_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v contain_v declaration_n of_o divers_a kind_n some_o of_o less_o other_o of_o great_a consequence_n whereof_o the_o first_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o express_o apprehend_v but_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v both_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o firm_o believe_v a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o these_o scripture-truths_n of_o consequence_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v those_o various_a precept_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v discharge_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n again_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o have_v promise_n of_o inestimable_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v walk_v upright_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n threaten_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v persist_v in_o rebel_a against_o he_o so_o as_o to_o both_o these_o promise_n and_o threat_n we_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n veracity_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o delivery_n therein_o be_v such_o that_o not_o a_o tittle_n of_o either_o shall_v fail_v but_o since_o neither_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n nor_o the_o encouragement_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v prevail_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o our_o corrupt_a state_n to_o perform_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v be_v find_v sinner_n before_o god_n and_o will_v need_v a_o mediator_n to_o compass_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o among_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o therefore_o christ_n 3._o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n the_o chief_a among_o scripture-truths_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o 1._o therein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o we_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o main_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o be_v declare_v the_o only_a method_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n through_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n do_v import_v as_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v and_o shall_v hereafter_o by_o god_n assistance_n be_v full_o explain_v and_o prove_v this_o comfortable_a scheme_n of_o divine_a truth_n viz._n that_o a_o god_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n do_v at_o first_o create_v and_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o almighty_a father_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o will_v for_o ever_o exercise_v a_o wise_a just_a and_o gracious_a providence_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o man_n the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n have_v rebel_v against_o his_o maker_n god_n the_o father_n do_v in_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v god-man_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n among_o we_o and_o afterward_o return_v to_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o and_o to_o the_o end_n his_o mediation_n may_v be_v effectual_a to_o salve_v the_o dishonour_v do_v to_o god_n by_o our_o revolt_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o our_o allegiance_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o this_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o discharge_v a_o threefold_a office_n viz._n that_o of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n by_o the_o first_o whereof_o he_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o covenant_n and_o those_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n by_o the_o second_o that_o of_o priest_n he_o make_v way_n through_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o give_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o first_o covenant_n for_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o receive_v we_o to_o favour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o second_o and_o do_v still_o intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o our_o acceptance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o condition_n and_o by_o his_o kingly_a office_n he_o so_o govern_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o righteous_a law_n those_o who_o abandon_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v admit_v into_o his_o kingdom_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o in_o the_o execution_n also_o of_o this_o his_o royal_a office_n have_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n raise_v all_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n forgive_a the_o offence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v penitent_a and_o allot_v they_o to_o a_o everlasting_a life_n of_o happiness_n and_o doom_v the_o impenitent_a to_o
lean_v and_o roll_v themselves_o upon_o the_o promise_v of_o christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o for_o any_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o accept_v by_o god_n without_o forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n and_o without_o work_v out_o also_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v without_o be_v extreme_o careful_a themselves_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n most_o holy_a law_n be_v gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o will_v miserable_o deceive_v we_o hypocrisy_n be_v with_o vain_a show_n and_o pretence_n to_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o to_o be_v only_a hearer_n or_o believer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o doer_n be_v to_o deceive_v ourselves_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o 1._o 22._o and_o a_o great_a than_o he_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v assure_v we_o mat._n 7.21_o that_o not_o everyone_o who_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v to_o live_v secure_o in_o unrepented_a habit_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o magnify_v the_o great_a sinner_n they_o be_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o great_a sinner_n they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o mercy_n which_o forgive_v they_o when_o they_o do_v repent_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 5.20_o 21._o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v that_o as_o sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n even_o so_o may_v grace_n reign_v through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n but_o to_o make_v the_o magnify_v of_o god_n grace_n a_o reason_n for_o security_n whilst_o man_n continue_v in_o sin_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o false_a conclusion_n that_o some_o in_o the_o first_o time_n as_o well_o as_o now_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v from_o st._n paul_n doctrine_n of_o justification_n but_o which_o that_o great_a apostle_n reject_v with_o the_o utmost_a indignation_n and_o abhorrence_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n v._o 1_o 2._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o no_o sure_a the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o it_o lay_v aside_o the_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n from_o be_v either_o of_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n in_o conform_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v yet_o this_o doctrine_n most_o strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a reformation_n from_o all_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o a_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o god_n nor_n be_v there_o the_o least_o occasion_n give_v we_o by_o this_o doctrine_n to_o value_v ourselves_o upon_o our_o own_o righteous_a performance_n when_o it_o be_v only_o of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n who_o obtain_v such_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o justification_n for_o we_o which_o consideration_n as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v appear_v do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n and_o do_v exclude_v all_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o boast_v faith_n a_o summary_n account_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a point_n the_o only_a faith_n or_o belief_n that_o will_v justify_v and_o save_v we_o must_v be_v such_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o its_o great_a doctrine_n those_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o through_o persuasion_n i_o say_v of_o those_o great_a and_o powerful_a truth_n as_o will_v purify_v we_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o will_v effectual_o excite_v we_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o make_v we_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o withal_o as_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o depend_v sole_o upon_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o imperfect_a righteousness_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o all_o those_o kind_n of_o faith_n call_v they_o what_o you_o will_v which_o be_v barren_a of_o unfruitful_a in_o good_a work_n or_o if_o they_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o encounter_v some_o difficulty_n do_v not_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o all_o temptation_n nor_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o more_o difficult_a instance_n of_o christian_a duty_n and_o obedience_n those_o which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o lust_n and_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o easy_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n the_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o carry_v we_o through_o all_o temptation_n be_v defective_a to_o the_o great_a purpose_n of_o justify_v and_o save_v we_o faith_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o often_o incalculate_v such_o a_o faith_n and_o moreover_o i_o must_v acquaint_v you_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o work_a faith_n to_o that_o end_n as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v thorough_o explain_v and_o often_o insist_v upon_o by_o we_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o fear_v of_o people_n mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o will_v be_v most_o dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n and_o according_o st._n paul_n lay_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o we_o tit._n 3.8_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o have_v already_o do_v explain_v and_o inculcate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n unto_o you_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n for_o these_o thing_n or_o these_o doctrine_n be_v profitable_a unto_o men._n the_o xxxi_o lecture_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v such_o as_o rectify_v and_o renew_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o move_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a instance_n of_o christian_a duty_n and_o such_o as_o after_o all_o cause_n we_o to_o rely_v sole_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o now_o by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o explain_v unto_o you_o all_o those_o sacred_a truth_n contain_v in_o your_o creed_n which_o be_v of_o such_o mighty_a importance_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o such_o powerful_a and_o practical_a truth_n imply_v in_o this_o one_o article_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n towards_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o that_o it_o may_v effectual_o work_v a_o bless_a change_n both_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o will_v do_v these_o thing_n i._o i_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n ii_o i_o will_v prove_v to_o you_o that_o this_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a therein_o contain_v maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n iii_o i_o will_v explain_v and_o prove_v that_o this_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v now_o exercise_v a_o most_o wise_a just_a and_o good_a providence_n over_o it_o and_o every_o thing_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n almighty_a in_o this_o article_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o iv_o i_o may_v here_o demonstrate_v to_o you_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n for_o so_o the_o nicene_n creed_n which_o be_v but_o a_o paraphrase_n upon_o this_o do_v teach_v we_o i_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n and_o last_o that_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o other_o two_o person_n be_v also_o mention_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o because_o i_o will_v be_v as_o little_a guilty_a as_o possible_a in_o this_o exposition_n of_o repeat_v hereafter_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o
the_o unity_n in_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n till_o i_o come_v to_o the_o article_n and_o i_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o principal_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v style_v the_o father_n and_o together_o with_o who_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o conceive_v how_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o to_o proceed_v then_o i_o shall_v consider_v here_o in_o their_o order_n each_o of_o the_o three_o former_a truth_n explain_v their_o full_a mean_v and_o importance_n and_o show_v the_o particular_a influence_n each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o have_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o 1._o i_o be_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n high_o necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n who_o transcendent_a excellency_n deserve_v our_o most_o inward_a and_o retire_a thought_n and_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o meditate_a upon_o by_o we_o so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o attribute_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o be_v understand_v do_v teach_v some_o virtue_n or_o other_o and_o all_o of_o they_o do_v necessary_o create_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v consider_v they_o the_o high_a veneration_n love_n and_o honour_n towards_o that_o be_v which_o do_v possess_v '_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o to_o man_n misapprehension_n concern_v they_o to_o this_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v owe_v all_o those_o high_a enormity_n which_o the_o more_o degenerate_a race_n of_o sinner_n do_v commit_v as_o atheism_n superstition_n and_o whatever_o other_o unrepented_a habit_n of_o sin_n the_o shortsighted_a atheist_n do_v not_o behold_v god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v as_o ignorant_o as_o impious_o deny_v his_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o superstitious_a religionist_n do_v look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o morose_n and_o arbitrary_a a_o humoursome_a and_o captious_a power_n and_o therefore_o do_v study_n to_o flatter_v he_o with_o servile_a rite_n and_o observance_n instead_o of_o pay_v he_o a_o reasonable_a service_n such_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o loose_a libertine_n frame_v his_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o of_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o mercy_n to_o the_o impeachment_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o to_o the_o utter_a disannul_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o fearful_a threaten_n and_o thereupon_o do_v live_v secure_o in_o those_o habit_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o he_o have_v long_o indulge_v himself_o and_o that_o without_o thought_n of_o repent_v of_o they_o so_o mischievous_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n but_o beside_o and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v make_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n joh._n 17.3_o as_o well_o it_o may_v since_o there_o be_v no_o enter_v therein_o till_o we_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v we_o imitate_v that_o nature_n and_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o knowledge_n of_o not_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v know_v to_o perfection_n it_o be_v one_o attribute_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o far_o we_o may_v safe_o enough_o declare_v that_o we_o know_v he_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o account_n which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o derive_v from_o thence_o concern_v he_o i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o give_v this_o very_a imperfect_a description_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v attribute_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n viz._n a_o spirit_n immense_a and_o omnipresent_v omnipotent_a eternal_a independent_a and_o all_o sufficient_a immutable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v transcendent_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o as_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_o happy_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o i._o i_o say_v god_n be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v be_v 1._o he_o be_v a_o self-existent_a be_v he_o it_o be_v that_o be_v be_v itself_o or_o self-existent_a whereas_o all_o other_o being_n whether_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o thing_n on_o earth_n derive_v their_o be_v from_o he_o and_o may_v yet_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o be_v or_o anihiliate_v by_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o heretofore_o not_o have_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o hereafter_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o this_o be_v say_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o crew_n of_o pagan_a go_n they_o either_o have_v no_o be_v but_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o their_o worshipper_n or_o else_o be_v but_o mere_a creature_n deify_v by_o the_o superstition_n of_o man_n but_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o do_v give_v that_o strange_a account_n of_o himself_o when_o moses_n will_v needs_o know_v by_o what_o name_n he_o shall_v set_v he_o forth_o to_o the_o people_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o exod._n 3.14_o ii_o and_o as_o he_o be_v necessary_o existent_a perfect_a 2._o infinite_o perfect_a so_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_n that_o be_v all_o possible_a perfection_n be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o perfection_n can_v be_v conceive_v or_o see_v by_o we_o in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o great_a in_o god_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_o rom._n 11.36_o and_o be_v whatever_o perfection_n be_v find_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v eminent_o great_a in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o produce_v it_o it_o must_v therefore_o follow_v that_o consider_v those_o manifold_a and_o vast_a perfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n from_o the_o low_a to_o to_o the_o high_a god_n who_o create_v all_o these_o and_o give_v they_o these_o several_a perfection_n must_v be_v himself_o infinite_o perfect_a such_o reason_n have_v zophar_n in_o job_n 11.7_o to_o cry_v out_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n which_o bring_v i_o iii_o to_o show_n that_o as_o he_o be_v of_o perfection_n infinite_a in_o themselves_o viz_o 3._o of_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n viz_o so_o of_o such_o as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v finite_a and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v that_o height_n or_o to_o fathom_v that_o depth_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n it_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_a than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n or_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n job_n 11.8_o 9_o such_o reason_n have_v st._n paul_n in_o admiration_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n thereof_o to_o cry_v out_o rom._n 11.14_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v any_o adequate_a conception_n of_o god_n or_o thorough_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n but_o however_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v a_o great_a
the_o word_n god_n be_v deny_v to_o repent_v numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v but_o as_o when_o a_o man_n repent_v he_o change_v his_o action_n so_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o condescension_n to_o our_o way_n of_o expression_n be_v please_v to_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o repent_v of_o the_o destruction_n he_o have_v threaten_v to_o the_o ninevite_n jonah_n 3.10_o when_o upon_o their_o humiliation_n instead_o of_o destroy_v he_o save_v '_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o very_a action_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v there_o be_v real_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o save_v all_o believe_v and_o penitent_a person_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o unbeliever_n and_o impenitent_n and_o though_o the_o person_n who_o be_v threaten_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o shall_v afterward_o be_v save_v this_o show_v indeed_o a_o alteration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v change_v from_o worse_a to_o better_o and_o so_o prevent_v god_n anger_n but_o it_o speak_v no_o variation_n in_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v ever_o fix_v to_o his_o own_o rule_n of_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v james_z 1.17_o hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v such_o divine_a perfection_n as_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o create_a substance_n though_o never_o so_o perfect_a in_o life_n and_o perception_n those_o which_o follow_v be_v such_o as_o transcend_v all_o perfection_n discernible_a in_o the_o rational_a nature_n these_o indeed_o be_v more_o peculiar_o call_v his_o communicable_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v in_o some_o low_a degree_n and_o by_o way_n of_o participation_n communicate_v to_o man_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o as_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o understanding_n do_v belong_v knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n to_o the_o will_v goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n to_o the_o affection_n freedom_n from_o disorder_n or_o perturbation_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a nature_n holiness_n or_o integrity_n and_o the_o result_n thereof_o happiness_n so_o there_o be_v find_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o like_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n but_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v with_o this_o vast_a difference_n that_o in_o god_n they_o be_v transcendent_o above_o what_o be_v find_v in_o man._n to_o proceed_v then_o in_o that_o short_a character_n we_o have_v begin_v to_o give_v you_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o order_n to_o form_n in_o your_o mind_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n a_o thing_n so_o exceed_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o have_v vii_o god_n be_v omniscient_a omniscient_a vii_o omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o great_a be_v the_o attainment_n therein_o that_o man_n may_v arrive_v to_o by_o study_n and_o industry_n and_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v and_o the_o bless_a angel_n their_o knowledge_n be_v vast_o more_o extensive_a and_o their_o faculty_n of_o know_v not_o be_v cloud_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o their_o thought_n more_o free_a and_o disentangle_v from_o matter_n they_o know_v thing_n more_o intimate_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o easy_o than_o we_o do_v and_o since_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o knowledge_n both_o in_o man_n and_o angel_n how_o transcendent_o more_o perfect_o both_o as_o to_o the_o variety_n of_o object_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o know_v must_v god_n apprehend_v '_o they_o he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v psal_n 94.9_o 10._o that_o be_v more_o object_n and_o that_o more_o perfect_o than_o man_n or_o angel_n do_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n he_o know_v all_o thing_n thing_n know_v all_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4.13_o and_o he_o perfect_o understand_v their_o nature_n disposition_n and_o quality_n their_o power_n and_o virtue_n particular_o he_o know_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a disposition_n of_o men._n as_o to_o the_o good_a i_o know_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o gen._n 18.19_o and_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o bad_a he_o see_v and_o view_v the_o perverse_a do_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o all_o their_o way_n they_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o his_o face_n neither_o be_v their_o iniquity_n hide_v from_o his_o eye_n jer._n 16.17_o nay_o and_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o contrivance_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o he_o know_v thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v as_o to_o thing_n past_a come_v past_o present_a and_o to_o come_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v call_v remembrance_n and_o to_o signify_v his_o exact_a remembrance_n of_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n pass_v in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n mal._n 3.16_o as_o to_o his_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n present_a that_o can_v but_o be_v most_o distinct_a when_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a in_o his_o sight_n heb._n 4.13_o and_o as_o to_o his_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o those_o prediction_n and_o prophecy_n of_o future_a event_n be_v so_o many_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v of_o the_o infinite_a extent_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o indeed_o of_o the_o godhead_n itself_o that_o he_o challenge_n any_o of_o the_o idol_n to_o give_v the_o like_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divinity_n let_v they_o bring_v forth_o and_o show_v we_o what_o shall_v happen_v or_o declare_v we_o thing_n to_o come_v show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n isai_n 41.22_o 23._o 2._o and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n angel_n and_o infinite_o more_o perfect_o than_o man_n or_o angel_n the_o perfection_n thereof_o be_v infinite_o beyond_o what_o the_o most_o know_v and_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n can_v pretend_v to_o for_o first_o his_o knowledge_n be_v most_o deep_a and_o intimate_a reach_v to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o thing_n we_o but_o slight_a and_o superficial_a he_o be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a we_o but_o confuse_a and_o dark_a his_o infallible_a we_o liable_a to_o mistake_v and_o last_o his_o easy_n without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n always_o present_a and_o actual_a we_o get_v by_o sore_a travel_n and_o easy_o lose_v again_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o memory_n by_o sickness_n or_o by_o age._n there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n isai_n 40.28_o such_o be_v the_o perfection_n you_o see_v of_o god_n knowledge_n viii_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v he_o also_o transcendent_a in_o wisdom_n wise_a viii_o transcendent_o wise_a wisdom_n be_v another_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n it_o consist_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o in_o fix_v upon_o a_o right_n and_o excellent_a end_n 2._o in_o choose_v fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n 3._o in_o observe_v advantageous_a circumstance_n and_o opportunity_n for_o compass_v a_o design_n by_o its_o proper_a mean_n and_o last_o in_o overrule_a the_o stubbornness_n of_o opposition_n and_o the_o perverseness_n of_o man_n will_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o to_o the_o good_a design_v though_o without_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o purpose_n and_o have_v we_o time_n to_o survey_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o all_o these_o particular_n we_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 147.5_o that_o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_a be_v his_o power_n yea_o and_o that_o his_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a but_o this_o attribute_n will_v be_v far_o illustrate_v when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o providence_n over_o it_o and_o in_o his_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n to_o proceed_v then_o good_a ix_o transcendent_o good_a ix_o god_n be_v transcendent_a in_o goodness_n the_o two_o former_a be_v perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n goodness_n be_v perfective_a