Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n doctrine_n faith_n scripture_n 4,706 5 5.7256 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26810 Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1699 (1699) Wing B1128; ESTC R4307 200,199 485

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o christian_n under_o several_a title_n to_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a age_n in_o christianity_n a_o child_n be_v perfect_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o child_n when_o he_o have_v the_o stature_n the_o strength_n the_o understanding_n that_o be_v become_v his_o age_n though_o he_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o complete_a state_n to_o which_o he_o will_v arrive_v in_o his_o mature_a age._n a_o young_a man_n have_v the_o perfection_n proper_a to_o his_o age._n a_o new_a convert_n that_o have_v such_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o his_o time_n of_o advancement_n by_o they_o be_v esteem_v complete_a in_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n other_o have_v make_v a_o high_a progress_n in_o it_o to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o stature_n beyond_o the_o perfection_n attainable_a here_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o part_n and_o intention_n of_o degree_n it_o be_v our_o present_a duty_n to_o aspire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o this_o but_o attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n where_o every_o saint_n be_v renew_v into_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o by_o gradation_n christian_n ascend_v to_o that_o consummate_v state_n the_o period_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vi_o particular_a grace_n consider_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o perfection_n divine_a faith_n doctrinal_a justify_v and_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n doctrinal_a faith_n be_v not_o imagination_n nor_o reason_n the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n consider_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n faith_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n god_n truth_n a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v mountain_n of_o gold_n because_o we_o have_v see_v gold_n and_o mountain_n we_o conceive_v monstrous_a mixture_n in_o dream_n but_o no_o actor_n can_v appear_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o fancy_n but_o in_o borrow_a habit_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v and_o of_o the_o external_a sense_n to_o represent_v yet_o infidel_n blaspheme_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o fiction_n of_o fancy_n 2._o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n and_o from_o reason_n reason_n imply_v a_o progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o but_o faith_n assert_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superior_a authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n bu●_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a foundation_n faith_n may_v be_v absolute_o true_a and_o relative_o false_a many_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n because_o it_o be_v the_o reign_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o example_n from_o hence_o their_o faith_n be_v like_o the_o house_n build_v on_o the_o sand_n and_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o essential_a supreme_a perfection_n of_o god_n unerring_a knowledge_n immutable_a truth_n infinite_a goodness_n almighty_a power_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o deceive_v his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o will_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n for_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v
our_o judgement_n for_o that_o which_o have_v least_o now_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v than_o to_o deny_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o declare_v those_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o gloss_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o without_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o word_n rack_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v not_o and_o use_v all_o art_n to_o silence_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v reveal_v unhappy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o affect_v to_o be_v esteem_v ingenious_a and_o subtle_a to_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n how_o much_o safe_o and_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o turn_n and_o shift_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o elude_v it_o and_o extricate_v heretical_a person_n out_o of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v their_o opinion_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o redemption_n shall_v have_v declare_v it_o and_o engage_v his_o disciple_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n in_o a_o error_n of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_v those_o who_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o a_o person_n sincere_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o supernatural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o involuntary_a and_o speculative_a error_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o pretence_n have_v deceive_v many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_n deceive_v man_n still_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o most_o deceitful_a to_o itself_o who_o can_v say_v that_o neither_o interest_n nor_o passion_n neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n neither_o anger_n nor_o ambition_n have_v intervene_v in_o his_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n but_o he_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n before_o all_o temporal_a respect_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v this_o imaginary_a man_n produce_v his_o plea_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v reason_n the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o determine_v such_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v true_a prodigious_a inference_n the_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o error_n that_o make_v the_o narrow_a mind_n of_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o that_o horrible_a compofition_n of_o heresy_n and_o execrable_a impiety_n which_o so_o many_o that_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n but_o antichristian_o in_o belief_n bold_o publish_v they_o will_v choose_v to_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o infinite_a importance_n rather_o than_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n and_o which_o be_v astonish_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o 2._o the_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o but_o insolent_o arrogate_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a ignorance_n the_o more_o invincible_a be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o when_o the_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v from_o a_o vicious_a will_n both_o the_o error_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a when_o the_o corrupt_a will_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o carnal_a lust_n when_o a_o temptation_n divert_v it_o from_o a_o serious_a and_o sincere_a consider_v the_o reason_n that_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v divine_a doctrine_n their_o unbelief_n will_v be_v just_o punish_v the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o evil_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o carnal_a lust_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o so_o many_o renounce_v those_o eternal_a truth_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o speculative_a error_n can_v be_v damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o his_o original_a state_n be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o regular_a in_o its_o direction_n now_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o disorder_a and_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o give_v and_o of_o man_n to_o receive_v brief_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n without_o faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o redemption_n by_o he_o when_o christ_n perform_v miraculous_a cure_n he_o require_v of_o the_o person_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v elect_v mercy_n ordain_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indispensable_a qualification_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o his_o incarnate_a son_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n this_o infinite_o provoke_v 10._o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o indignation_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o despise_v he_o it_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o his_o acquire_v glory_n by_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v not_o only_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n have_v declare_v when_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n whoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v whoever_o believe_v not_o shall_v
be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n you_o may_v as_o well_o see_v a_o angel_n by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n as_o see_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o natural_a mind_n their_o reality_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n so_o as_o saving_o to_o believe_v they_o faith_n 17._o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n who_o discover_v the_o object_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n to_o see_v it_o and_o by_o free_a prevent_a grace_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n alone_o can_v pull_v down_o strong_a 10._o hold_n and_o 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 the_o spirit_n overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o enlighten_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n violence_n and_o temporal_a respect_n may_v by_o terror_n and_o allurement_n make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o can_v make_v they_o sincere_a believer_n there_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o it_o be_v special_a grace_n inspire_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n with_o light_a to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o require_v special_a thankfulness_n let_v we_o humble_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o light_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 4._o of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n a_o speculative_a assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v not_o save_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o object_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o the_o frequent_a application_n of_o they_o to_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o those_o that_o be_v future_a the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o fix_v our_o assent_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a justify_v faith_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o purify_n virtue_n faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n from_o whence_o many_o practical_a consequence_n be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
by_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n 2._o propound_v direction_n how_o we_o shall_v follow_v it_o 1._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v whether_o we_o be_v proceed_v to_o perfection_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o premise_v there_o may_v be_v a_o easy_a mistake_n in_o the_o judgement_n about_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o man_n soul_n indeed_o there_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a state_n but_o the_o dark_a and_o crooked_a heart_n of_o man_n misapply_v they_o carnal_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v presumption_n for_o faith_n and_o think_v the_o bold_a they_o be_v in_o presume_v without_o a_o promise_n the_o strong_a they_o be_v in_o believe_v they_o mistake_v a_o fruitless_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v repentance_n they_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o after_o repentance_n they_o sin_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o circle_n of_o repenting_n and_o relapsing_n take_v not_o one_o step_n towards_o heaven_n but_o real_a saint_n be_v often_o complain_v of_o their_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o their_o not_o improve_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n their_o desire_n be_v ardent_a and_o ascend_a to_o perfection_n and_o they_o judge_v of_o their_o defect_n by_o that_o measure_n he_o that_o sail_n before_o the_o wind_n in_o a_o river_n and_o see_v man_n walk_v on_o the_o shore_n to_o his_o eye_n they_o seem_v to_o stand_v still_o because_o of_o the_o swift_a motion_n of_o the_o boat_n thus_o the_o saint_n judge_v of_o their_o imperfection_n by_o the_o swiftness_n of_o their_o desire_n after_o complete_a holiness_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o two_o general_a rule_n of_o trial_n concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n and_o proceed_v to_o particular_a discovery_n 1._o the_o vanqui_v of_o sin_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n during_o the_o present_a life_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o fall_n the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n in_o some_o degree_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o will_v now_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v discover_v by_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o temptation_n some_o be_v entangle_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o a_o pleasant_a object_n the_o tempter_n need_v not_o raise_v a_o battery_n against_o they_o for_o the_o treacherous_a party_n within_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o sense_n to_o receive_v his_o temptation_n other_o though_o unrenewed_a by_o sanctify_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o they_o such_o a_o resistance_n between_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n such_o a_o conflict_n between_o conviction_n and_o corruption_n that_o they_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o by_o restrain_v grace_n be_v in_o some_o instance_n keep_v from_o do_v it_o but_o ordinary_o when_o temptation_n be_v very_o invite_v they_o consent_v and_o commit_v sin_n nay_o the_o saint_n be_v sometime_o surprise_v and_o soil_v by_o the_o tempter_n david_n by_o a_o sudden_a glance_n be_v overcome_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a foul_a nature_n pet●●_n at_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o servant_n deny_v his_o master_n and_o be_v almost_o freeze_v to_o death_n with_o fear_n till_o the_o compassionate_a eye_n of_o our_o saviour_n warm_v and_o melt_v he_o into_o tear_n of_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o cease_n from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o proceed_v from_o victorious_a grace_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o allure_a object_n there_o be_v a_o cease_n from_o the_o vicious_a act_n but_o the_o sinful_a affection_n may_v be_v then_o most_o intense_a as_o hunger_n be_v more_o sharp_a in_o a_o time_n of_o famine_n when_o there_o be_v no_o food_n to_o satisfy_v it_o and_o thirst_v in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n or_o fruit_n to_o refresh_v it_o be_v more_o burn_a and_o torment_v sometime_o through_o impotence_n or_o age_n man_n be_v disable_v from_o do_v the_o sin_n they_o still_o love_n as_o a_o disease_n cause_v such_o a_o distaste_n of_o please_a meat_n and_o drink_n that_o a_o intemperate_a person_n be_v force_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o sometime_o a_o man_n from_o his_o constitution_n may_v be_v averse_a from_o a_o particular_a lust_n without_o a_o spiritual_a change_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o be_v frighten_v from_o sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n they_o dare_v not_o drink_v the_o pleasant_a wine_n from_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o dregs_o at_o the_o bottom_n and_o other_o be_v allure_v from_o a_o sin_n by_o a_o new_a temptation_n but_o spiritual_a mortification_n consist_v in_o this_o the_o carnal_a affection_n be_v spiritualise_v sensual_a love_n be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n covetous_a desire_n change_v their_o object_n and_o be_v ardent_a after_o the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o dear_a lust_n be_v kill_v now_o the_o more_o easy_a frequent_a and_o clear_v the_o victory_n over_o sin_n be_v in_o proportion_n grace_n be_v advance_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o power_n be_v see_v every_o renew_a person_n be_v a_o soldier_n under_o the_o illuminate_a conduct_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o acquire_v new_a strength_n by_o every_o new_a victory_n over_o the_o carnal_a part_n sometime_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n so_o strong_o solicit_v the_o will_n to_o consent_v to_o a_o proposal_n that_o it_o be_v waver_v and_o although_o the_o inclination_n do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conception_n be_v abortive_a the_o victory_n be_v then_o imperfect_a and_o obtain_v with_o difficulty_n there_o be_v linger_a inclination_n still_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n towards_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n but_o when_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o throne_n it_o enable_v a_o man_n free_o and_o ready_o to_o resist_v those_o entice_a object_n that_o ravish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n we_o have_v a_o admirable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o joseph_n when_o tempt_v to_o folly_n by_o his_o mistress_n he_o present_o and_o constant_o reject_v her_o importunity_n and_o repeat_v solicitation_n and_o as_o paul_n easy_o shake_v the_o viper_n from_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o fire_n without_o hurt_n so_o he_o preserve_v his_o purity_n untainted_a this_o argue_v the_o dominion_n grace_n have_v over_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o more_o frequent_a our_o prevalency_n over_o temptation_n be_v argue_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v break_v and_o the_o firm_a radication_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n grow_v weak_a every_o day_n the_o house_n of_o david_n grow_v strong_a as_o the_o old_a man_n decay_v the_o new_a man_n increase_v in_o strength_n the_o more_o complete_a the_o victory_n be_v over_o sin_n the_o more_o clear_a indication_n we_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n the_o compleatness_n either_o imply_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o victory_n over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o desire_v and_o angry_a appetite_n when_o no_o sin_n be_v indulge_v though_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a and_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v never_o so_o small_a for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v strict_a and_o severe_a against_o every_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o amalekite_n all_o must_v be_v destroy_v indeed_o no_o sin_n be_v true_o subdue_v but_o all_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n mortify_v or_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o victory_n imply_v not_o only_o the_o abstain_v from_o the_o outward_a act_n but_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o inward_a affection_n the_o first_o seed_n of_o sin_n in_o short_a the_o excellent_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o destroy_v the_o select_a and_o superior_a lust_n that_o lead_v and_o animate_v many_o other_o as_o the_o honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v from_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o be_v vanquish_v and_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v discover_v in_o secure_v we_o from_o be_v foil_v by_o sudden_a unexpected_a temptation_n we_o read_v of_o the_o tempter_n he_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n but_o find_v nothing_o in_o he_o and_o can_v not_o fasten_v any_o impression_n on_o he_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n to_o be_v always_o watchful_a in_o this_o state_n of_o frail_a flesh_n then_o militant_a holiness_n will_v be_v triumphant_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v so_o fortify_v by_o holy_a resolution_n and_o so_o vigilant_a that_o though_o we_o be_v surround_v by_o innumerable_a enemy_n we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o they_o the_o present_a reward_n of_o subdue_a carnal_a lust_n exceed_v all_o
appetite_n and_o pretend_v they_o can_v resist_v the_o attractiveness_n and_o unbind_v the_o charm_n that_o fasten_v they_o to_o the_o object_n of_o their_o impure_a desire_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o little_a contempt_n or_o coldness_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v charm_v a_o favourable_a aspect_n upon_o a_o competitor_n will_v turn_v their_o love_n into_o disdain_n and_o break_v all_o society_n between_o they_o and_o shall_v one_o carnal_a passion_n vanquish_v another_o and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o torment_n of_o a_o everlasting_a hell_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o restrain_v they_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o will_v cover_v they_o with_o eternal_a confusion_n in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o traveller_n complain_v of_o the_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n when_o a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n make_v it_o uneasy_a carnal_a man_n complain_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a task_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o their_o lust_n make_v it_o so_o 3._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o strive_v after_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v unnecessary_a by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o before_o i_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o this_o pretence_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o carnal_a man_n that_o they_o may_v live_v easy_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o principle_n correspondent_a with_o their_o practice_n they_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o their_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o will_v not_o order_v their_o life_n by_o the_o holy_a rule_n the_o curse_a and_o crafty_a serpent_n will_v assist_v they_o in_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o true_a premise_n and_o in_o oppose_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o its_o precept_n when_o the_o carnal_a affection_n corrupt_v the_o judgement_n the_o mind_n will_v give_v licence_n to_o the_o affection_n the_o case_n of_o such_o be_v dangerous_a if_o not_o desperate_a thus_o the_o loose_a opinion_n that_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o absolute_a perfection_n therefore_o strive_v after_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a make_v man_n remiss_a in_o religion_n and_o produce_v vain_a delusive_a hope_n that_o end_n in_o fearful_a disappointment_n to_o undeceive_v man_n the_o follow_a consideration_n may_v be_v effectual_a 1._o it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o preceptive_a moral_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n and_o the_o foederal_n they_o agree_v in_o the_o former_a and_o differ_v in_o the_o latter_a the_o gospel_n enjoin_v perfect_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n but_o the_o first_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o the_o second_o make_v provision_n for_o our_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o the_o transgress_a of_o one_o command_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o death_n be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o sin_n for_o entire_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o adam_n sin_v once_o and_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o same_o the_o mediator_n interpose_v between_o the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o the_o sinner_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o kill_a law_n and_o the_o accuse_a conscience_n secure_v we_o from_o revenge_a justice_n only_o final_a impenitence_n and_o unbelief_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o though_o the_o gospel_n allay_v the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pardon_v our_o defect_n yet_o it_o as_o strict_o require_v our_o sincere_a earnest_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n as_o the_o law_n require_v exact_a obedience_n we_o be_v command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v direct_a matter_n of_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o rule_n be_v inflexible_a and_o none_o can_v by_o dispensation_n or_o privilege_n be_v exempt_v from_o serious_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o be_v entire_o like_o god_n those_o who_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretence_n that_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v unattainable_a here_o and_o indulge_v their_o imperfection_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n they_o be_v sure_o they_o shall_v be_v bad_a always_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o labour_v to_o be_v better_o but_o the_o consideration_n that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o spur_n and_o incitation_n to_o the_o saint_n to_o great_a diligence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o cite_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v different_a age_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n some_o be_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n in_o a_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o infirmity_n other_o in_o their_o minority_n other_o be_v arrive_v to_o more_o maturity_n and_o as_o the_o cry_n of_o a_o infant_n discover_v life_n as_o well_o as_o active_a mirth_n so_o mourn_v for_o our_o imperfection_n discover_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o saint_n of_o different_a degree_n be_v receive_v into_o glory_n but_o none_o be_v who_o do_v not_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n for_o without_o sincerity_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n nor_o future_a blessedness_n and_o sincerity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n grace_n be_v a_o plant_n of_o heaven_n productive_a of_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o its_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o nature_n to_o be_v tend_v to_o perfection_n a_o tree_n that_o cease_v to_o grow_v before_o it_o be_v come_v to_o its_o perfection_n and_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n wither_v and_o die_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v unfruitful_a have_v no_o life_n but_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o just_a threaten_n of_o excision_n and_o the_o fire_n he_o that_o limit_n himself_o in_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n i_o have_v insi_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o matter_n that_o by_o clearness_n and_o conviction_n man_n may_v be_v disenchant_v from_o that_o pernicious_a persuasion_n that_o without_o use_v sincere_a endeavour_n to_o be_v perfect_o holy_a they_o may_v safe_o go_v to_o heaven_n 3._o i_o shall_v add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o some_o other_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o be_v intentive_a to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o moral_a law_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o perfection_n that_o forbid_v sin_n in_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o command_v holiness_n in_o the_o most_o spiritual_a sublimeness_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o personal_a perfect_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v abolish_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v if_o that_o live_v we_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o command_n bind_v without_o relaxation_n there_o be_v no_o permission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o look_v to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o deadly_a quality_n of_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o fiery_a serpent_n but_o stop_v its_o deadly_a operation_n faith_n in_o christ_n do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n to_o make_v it_o lawful_a but_o hinder_v its_o deadly_a malignity_n in_o work_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o before_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o shall_v fail_v that_o be_v lose_v its_o bind_a authority_n it_o be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o purity_n it_o represent_v not_o only_o the_o mysterious_a and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o moral_a duty_n the_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v full_o reveal_v only_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o humane_a understanding_n be_v darkness_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o dim_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n have_v clear_v the_o law_n from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o by_o favourable_a explication_n and_o corrective_n of_o its_o strictness_n instead_o of_o curb_v their_o lust_n do_v cherish_v and_o foment_n they_o but_o the_o oracle_n speak_v without_o ambiguity_n the_o interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v clear_a and_o decisive_a that_o the_o purify_n the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cleanse_v the_o hand_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n holiness_n must_v be_v so_o pure_a that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o pollute_a act_n but_o quench_v all_o pollute_a thought_n and_o desire_n we_o must_v not_o only_o
what_o beautify_v the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o divine_a truth_n one_o illustrate_v and_o infer_v another_o there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a agreement_n between_o they_o one_o support_v another_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o apply_v our_o mind_n intense_o to_o understand_v they_o how_o many_o that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_a proficient_o in_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o reprehension_n they_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o that_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n whereas_o other_o be_v come_v to_o full_a age_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v more_o perfect_o good_a and_o evil_n how_o many_o professor_n need_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o they_o pretend_v to_o exempt_v their_o ignorance_n from_o discredit_n that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n they_o shall_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o provisional_a establishment_n as_o the_o levitical_a law_n there_o be_v no_o other_o alliance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n no_o other_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v for_o sin_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n be_v complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ._n now_o some_o understand_v more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o the_o contrivance_n and_o part_n of_o our_o mysterious_a redemption_n and_o be_v comparative_o perfect_a all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o real_a value_n infinite_o inferior_a to_o save_v truth_n there_o may_v be_v knowledge_n without_o save_a grace_n but_o no_o save_a grace_n without_o knowledge_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o lead_a faculty_n conversion_n begin_v in_o the_o renew_a mind_n you_o be_v darkness_n now_o you_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_a for_o our_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n but_o by_o the_o intervening_a of_o the_o enlighten_v applicative_a understanding_n the_o conscience_n that_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o from_o whence_o our_o immediate_a obligation_n arise_v to_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a and_o some_o be_v perfective_a some_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o clearness_n as_o other_o and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o damn_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o save_v but_o every_o divine_a truth_n be_v worthy_a of_o our_o attentive_a consideration_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o they_o contribute_v to_o our_o perfection_n we_o shall_v strive_v to_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n that_o as_o the_o sun_n gradual_o ascend_v the_o horizon_n till_o it_o give_v light_a to_o the_o day_n and_o day_n to_o the_o world_n so_o our_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a till_o we_o be_v complete_o transform_v into_o his_o glorious_a image_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v entire_o like_o he_o 2._o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v more_o vital_a affective_a and_o practical_a it_o be_v more_o perfective_a of_o we_o divine_a truth_n have_v a_o goodness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o due_o know_v without_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o their_o goodness_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n be_v influential_a upon_o our_o life_n the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v mere_o speculative_a one_o know_v that_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v from_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o moon_n between_o that_o globe_n of_o light_n and_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o mind_n acquiesces_fw-la in_o the_o theory_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o practical_a use_n but_o the_o knowledge_n that_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o intercept_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o shine_v upon_o we_o be_v infinite_o profitable_a to_o make_v we_o fearful_a to_o offend_v he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o joyful_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n spiritual_a knowledge_n include_v a_o correspondent_a permanent_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o sanctify_a truth_n in_o civil_a matter_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o discourse_n and_o direction_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o performance_n and_o in_o holy_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n and_o in_o word_n and_o a_o knowledge_n that_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o the_o first_o be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o accidental_o pernicious_a according_a to_o solomon_n expression_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n a_o small_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v productive_a of_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v far_o more_o valuable_a than_o a_o more_o large_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o a_o spot_n of_o ground_n cultivate_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n be_v more_o profitable_a than_o a_o large_a field_n that_o lie_v waste_a 2._o moral_a perfection_n be_v evident_a by_o a_o threefold_a comparison_n 1._o of_o the_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n 2._o of_o the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o 3._o of_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o grace_n with_o low_a act_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n 1._o the_o comparison_n of_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n make_v they_o appear_v as_o perfect_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o principle_n in_o the_o best_a here_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n inherent_a corruption_n and_o infuse_v grace_n and_o the_o operation_n flow_v from_o they_o according_o be_v mix_v but_o as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o bright_a colour_n of_o white_a and_o red_a in_o the_o complexion_n appear_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n set_v off_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o blackmoor_n so_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o saint_n though_o mix_v with_o blemish_n appear_v complete_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o foul_a deformity_n of_o sinner_n thus_o the_o opposition_n between_o they_o be_v express_v he_o destroy_v the_o perfect_a and_o the_o 22._o wicked_a it_o be_v record_v of_o noah_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n in_o his_o generation_n 6._o in_o a_o age_n when_o wickedness_n reign_v when_o chastity_n be_v expel_v from_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n be_v censure_v as_o a_o vice_n when_o impiety_n be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o deluge_n be_v necessary_a to_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o such_o sinner_n then_o the_o sanctity_n and_o piety_n of_o noah_n shine_v as_o brightness_n issue_v from_o the_o star_n he_o appear_v perfect_o good_a compare_v with_o the_o prodigious_o bad_a 2._o in_o compare_v the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o some_o be_v style_v perfect_a there_o be_v different_a degree_n among_o sinner_n some_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o wickedness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v denominate_v from_o as_o many_o ruffinum_n vice_n that_o possess_v their_o soul_n as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o man_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n answer_v his_o name_n be_v legion_n from_o the_o number_n of_o devil_n that_o possess_v he_o they_o drive_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o esse_fw-la sin_n so_o violent_o and_o furious_o that_o compare_v to_o they_o other_o sinner_n seem_v innocent_a and_o be_v far_o less_o obnoxious_a to_o judgement_n thus_o there_o be_v singular_a saint_n who_o grace_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o convince_v and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n as_o make_v they_o venerable_a among_o the_o vicious_a their_o presence_n will_v restrain_v the_o dissolute_a from_o excess_n either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n as_o effectual_o as_o a_o magistrate_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o power_n other_o saint_n though_o sincere_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o shade_n and_o light_n in_o their_o action_n that_o they_o be_v in_o low_a esteem_n compare_v meek_a moses_n with_o the_o passionate_a prophet_n ionas_n who_o justify_v his_o anger_n to_o the_o
be_v no_o past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o see_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o view_n not_o only_a event_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o constraint_n of_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o depend_v upon_o cause_n various_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a this_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o our_o own_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v true_o felix_n infinite_a and_o our_o mind_n be_v narrow_a and_o finite_a 3._o the_o humane_a understanding_n in_o our_o lapse_v state_n be_v dark_a and_o defile_v weaken_a and_o vitiate_a of_o this_o we_o have_v innumerable_a instance_n although_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o illustrious_o visible_a in_o the_o creation_n yet_o even_o the_o wise_a heathen_a represent_v he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o be_v high_o blasphemous_a they_o can_v not_o conceive_v his_o infiniteness_n but_o make_v every_o attribute_n a_o god_n they_o transform_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o earthly_a die_a man._n and_o the_o papist_n transform_v a_o mortal_a man_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n they_o attribute_v to_o the_o pope_n a_o power_n of_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n for_o though_o god_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n so_o strict_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o have_v annex_v to_o the_o prohibition_n the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_v of_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n yet_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o pope_n command_v all_o his_o adorer_n to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n he_o arrogate_v a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n the_o most_o sacred_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o thereby_o authorise_v perjury_n 4._o though_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v supernatural_a mystery_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o can_v be_v who_o can_v prove_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a can_v by_o a_o infinite_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v in_o distinct_a subsistence_n it_o be_v true_a our_o reason_n may_v find_v unaccountable_a difficulty_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v three_o in_o the_o subsistence_n of_o person_n and_o three_o one_o in_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o two_o nature_n so_o different_a and_o immense_o distant_a as_o finite_a and_o infinite_a mortal_a and_o immortal_a shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n without_o confusion_n of_o their_o property_n but_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v inconceivable_o great_a we_o must_v exalt_v faith_n and_o depress_v reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o infinite_o disparage_v he_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o a_o suspect_a witness_n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o other_o truth_n that_o right_a reason_n comprehend_v and_o receive_v without_o reluctancy_n that_o man_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a conscience_n be_v their_o accuser_n a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o can_v neither_o die_v with_o they_o nor_o without_o they_o that_o every_o sin_n need_v pardon_n be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v just_a be_v know_v by_o the_o general_a light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v become_v god_n to_o pardon_v sin_n in_o a_o way_n honourable_a to_o his_o justice_n be_v as_o certain_a now_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o divine_a justice_n require_v the_o endure_a the_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v dishonour_v by_o it_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n must_v be_v by_o a_o person_n of_o equal_a dignity_n and_o consequent_o only_a god_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n now_o reason_n dictate_v that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v satisfaction_n must_v be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o criminal_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n from_o hence_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o deity_n be_v incapable_a of_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v give_v value_n to_o the_o suffering_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisito_fw-la that_o the_o deity_n shall_v assume_v our_o nature_n capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v result_v from_o their_o conjunction_n this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o conspicuous_a character_n and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a this_o maintain_v the_o royalty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_n of_o justice_n this_o secure_v our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whether_o god_n infinite_o provoke_v by_o our_o rebellious_a sin_n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admire_v the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o to_o adore_v those_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o same_o connexion_n in_o error_n as_o in_o divine_a truth_n for_o they_o who_o rob_v our_o saviour_n of_o his_o natural_a glory_n his_o eternal_a deity_n vilify_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o value_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n by_o which_o our_o pardon_n be_v obtain_v in_o short_a the_o fabric_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contrivance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 6._o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o comparison_n and_o example_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n for_o they_o prove_v and_o persuade_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v our_o saviour_n to_o cure_v the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o pharisee_n tell_v they_o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n the_o expression_n be_v strange_a to_o a_o wonder_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o defect_n to_o god_n but_o he_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o declare_v with_o emphasis_n that_o god_n be_v always_o equal_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o strain_v his_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o strong_a opposition_n the_o same_o apostle_n argue_v against_o infidel_n that_o say_v how_o be_v the_o dead_a raise_v up_o and_o with_o what_o body_n do_v they_o come_v thou_o fool_n that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v be_v not_o quicken_v except_o it_o die_v and_o that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o sowe_v not_o that_o body_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o bare_a grain_n it_o may_v chance_v of_o wheat_n or_o some_o other_o grain_n but_o god_n tert._n give_v it_o a_o body_n as_o please_v he_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v witness_n of_o such_o a_o admirable_a resurrection_n in_o nature_n which_o our_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v shall_v it_o not_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o wonder_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o both_o all_o difficulty_n vanish_v before_o infinite_a power_n st._n paul_n declare_v i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 1._o able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o till_o that_o day_n we_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n will_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n by_o the_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o clear_a spring_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a foundation_n of_o judge_v thing_n attend_v with_o difficulty_n to_o compare_v the_o difficulty_n and_o to_o determine_v
equal_a admiration_n and_o confusion_n there_o be_v a_o rare_a and_o most_o affect_a example_n of_o humble_a thankfulness_n record_v in_o scripture_n when_o david_n say_v to_o mephibosheth_n fear_v 8._o not_o i_o will_v sure_o show_v thou_o kindness_n for_o jonathan_n thy_o father_n sake_n and_o will_v restore_v thou_o the_o land_n of_o saul_n thy_o father_n and_o thou_o shall_v eat_v bread_n at_o my_o table_n continual_o he_o bow_v himself_o and_o say_v what_o be_v thy_o servant_n that_o thou_o shall_v look_v on_o such_o a_o dead_a dog_n as_o i_o be_o mephibosheth_n be_v of_o royal_a extraction_n and_o the_o son_n of_o jonathan_n who_o infinite_o deserve_v of_o david_n yet_o how_o do_v he_o vilify_v himself_o to_o magnify_v the_o king_n favour_n what_o a_o extreme_a disparity_n be_v there_o between_o the_o kindness_n of_o david_n and_o the_o condescend_v compassionate_a love_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o and_o have_v our_o portion_n with_o dragon_n yet_o he_o have_v receive_v we_o into_o his_o family_n and_o adopt_v we_o into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n 2._o consider_v the_o promise_v so_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a so_o stable_a and_o sure_a be_v conditional_a and_o not_o to_o be_v obtain_v without_o consent_n to_o the_o term_n specify_v in_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o free_a in_o their_o original_n and_o rise_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o their_o performance_n be_v suspend_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o the_o bountiful_a god_n require_v of_o we_o it_o be_v true_a his_o grace_n assist_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o and_o the_o performance_n be_v for_o the_o full_a and_o final_a glory_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o the_o condition_n be_v indispensable_o require_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o strict_o enjoin_v to_o our_o obtain_n salvation_n as_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o happy_a life_n of_o man_n in_o paradise_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o omnipotence_n to_o admit_v we_o to_o partake_v of_o adoption_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n without_o our_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n it_o will_v disparage_v the_o unspotted_a holiness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v one_o into_o sonship_n and_o to_o manifest_v his_o complacential_a love_n in_o he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o pollute_a nature_n while_o man_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n they_o can_v have_v a_o filial_a relation_n to_o he_o for_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v communion_n with_o he_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o we_o but_o we_o must_v cleanse_v our_o hand_n and_o purify_v our_o heart_n st._n john_n declare_v the_o heavenly_a privilege_n of_o christian_n true_o our_o communion_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o declare_v the_o term_n of_o it_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o communion_n imply_v freedom_n and_o fruition_n a_o mutual_a intercourse_n of_o mercy_n and_o duty_n the_o soul_n ascend_v to_o god_n by_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o god_n descend_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o excitation_n of_o grace_n and_o influence_n of_o joy_n there_o can_v be_v no_o love_n without_o likeness_n nor_o fellowship_n without_o love_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o holiness_n the_o more_o exact_a be_v our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o filial_a relation_n to_o he_o fire_n be_v more_o clear_o discover_v by_o flame_n than_o by_o a_o little_a heat_n so_o grace_n be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o view_n of_o conscience_n by_o its_o radiant_a operation_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n it_o be_v from_o his_o testimony_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o have_v the_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n first_o work_v before_o he_o witness_n and_o his_o testimony_n be_v always_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v down_o the_o testimony_n be_v argumentative_a and_o declarative_a from_o those_o divine_a disposition_n that_o constitute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n god_n be_v terrible_a to_o the_o conscience_n and_o distasteful_a to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o unholy_a the_o bright_a and_o serene_a face_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o sight_n but_o a_o black_a cloud_n charge_v with_o thunderbolt_n and_o that_o threaten_v storm_n be_v look_v on_o with_o fear_n the_o countenance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o refresh_a light_n to_o his_o obedient_a child_n but_o be_v a_o torment_a fire_n to_o the_o unsanctified_a they_o be_v averse_a from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o ordinance_n because_o god_n be_v peculiar_o present_a with_o they_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o retire_v from_o the_o vanity_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n lest_o conscience_n god_n deputy_n shall_v remember_v they_o of_o their_o neglect_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v because_o then_o the_o spirit_n return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o now_o if_o the_o paternal_a relation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o most_o dear_a and_o beneficent_a affection_n to_o we_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o dutiful_a affection_n to_o he_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n we_o be_v command_v to_o follow_v god_n as_o dear_a child_n the_o obligation_n be_v clear_o natural_a from_o our_o heavenly_a original_a and_o end_n we_o be_v excite_v by_o our_o relation_n as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n but_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v cold_a and_o careless_a in_o our_o duty_n how_o just_o may_v we_o be_v upbraid_v with_o that_o question_n of_o confusion_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a be_v he_o not_o thy_o father_n that_o buy_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o natural_a conscience_n and_o supernatural_a grace_n than_o for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o title_n and_o relation_n the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o renounce_v that_o relation_n by_o a_o course_n of_o life_n direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o to_o be_v call_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o title_n of_o the_o high_a honour_n and_o what_o a_o vile_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o what_o a_o stain_n and_o infamy_n be_v it_o for_o such_o to_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n to_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o perish_a vanity_n that_o defile_v and_o debase_v they_o it_o be_v a_o title_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a liberty_n if_o the_o son_n make_v you_o free_a you_o be_v free_a indeed_o what_o a_o disparagement_n be_v it_o to_o believer_n to_o be_v fasten_v by_o the_o chain_n and_o charm_n of_o their_o lust_n in_o a_o most_o ignominious_a slavish_a bondage_n it_o be_v a_o title_n of_o consecration_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v engrave_v in_o their_o forehead_n the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christian_n now_o can_v they_o conform_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n unless_o all_o filial_a affection_n to_o god_n be_v dead_a or_o very_o languish_v in_o their_o breast_n a_o sacred_a ambition_n a_o active_a zeal_n to_o adorn_v the_o gospel_n to_o live_v become_v the_o dignity_n and_o purity_n of_o our_o divine_a relation_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o to_o conclude_v this_o part_n there_o may_v be_v sincere_a grace_n in_o a_o person_n but_o through_o neglect_n of_o improve_n it_o to_o degree_n of_o eminence_n a_o child_n of_o light_n may_v walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n present_a love_n and_o the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n he_o may_v fear_v that_o in_o every_o affliction_n here_o there_o be_v anger_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o favour_n and_o in_o the_o approach_n to_o eternity_n be_v in_o distract_n doubt_n about_o his_o future_a state_n and_o a_o anxious_a expectation_n of_o a_o uncertain_a sentence_n it_o be_v our_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o strive_v to_o excel_v in_o holiness_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n 1