pretend_v touch_v their_o interpretation_n who_o be_v account_v the_o expositor_n of_o it_o so_o that_o perspicuity_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o they_o be_v implicit_o and_o in_o effect_n grant_v even_o by_o those_o who_o direct_o deny_v it_o and_o still_o persist_v in_o the_o hold_n of_o many_o corruption_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a scripture_n to_o wit_v the_o papist_n for_o whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o have_v those_o controversy_n that_o be_v agitate_a betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o to_o be_v decide_v only_o by_o the_o scripture_n yea_o whence_o be_v it_o else_o that_o they_o pretend_v the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v setcht_v from_o their_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o know_v or_o distrust_n that_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o evident_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o make_v against_o they_o and_o yet_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o they_o be_v at_o length_n force_v themselves_o also_o to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o the_o say_a scripture_n to_o prove_v thence_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o arrogate_v to_o their_o church_n without_o which_o pretend_v and_o thus_o seem_o prove_v authority_n they_o can_v find_v how_o they_o may_v so_o much_o as_o in_o show_n or_o appearance_n in_o any_o manner_n maintain_v their_o false_a opinion_n since_o than_o it_o may_v appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v and_o still_o have_v be_v some_o common_a and_o universal_o receive_v principle_n among_o all_o christian_n namely_o the_o holy-scripture_n from_o which_o the_o falsehood_n of_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o hindrance_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o since_o also_o that_o the_o say_v scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o all_o those_o that_o receive_v they_o direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o in_o effect_n confess_v to_o be_v so_o there_o can_v be_v any_o necessity_n imagine_v why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v continue_v or_o at_o present_a renew_v for_o the_o declare_v of_o what_o be_v divine_a truth_n in_o this_o kind_n notwithstanding_o the_o foresay_a great_a defection_n from_o and_o corruption_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n so_o remain_v and_o acknowledge_v be_v as_o a_o stand_a rule_n by_o the_o conformity_n or_o dissonance_n to_o which_o all_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o say_v may_v for_o the_o soundness_n or_o unsoundnesse_n of_o they_o sufficient_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v of_o and_o therefore_o as_o to_o require_v or_o expect_v other_o rule_n or_o evidence_n beyond_o this_o namely_o those_o extraordinary_a one_o of_o miracle_n for_o discern_v such_o divine_a truth_n will_v be_v a_o tempt_a of_o god_n on_o our_o part_n so_o if_o god_n shall_v in_o this_o case_n when_o he_o have_v so_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o end_n confer_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n on_o man_n it_o will_v be_v in_o he_o a_o recede_a from_o that_o way_n of_o wisdom_n which_o he_o have_v former_o observe_v by_o do_v that_o where_o no_o necessity_n require_v which_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n he_o have_v use_v to_o do_v but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o we_o see_v no_o such_o effect_n that_o the_o scripture_n have_v as_o to_o keep_v those_o who_o receive_v and_o entertain_v they_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o profession_n of_o all_o necessary_a save_a truth_n christian_n be_v still_o divide_v by_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o many_o ensnare_v in_o destructive_a error_n 1._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o all_o point_n and_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o of_o that_o importance_n as_o to_o be_v repute_v necessariò_fw-la credenda_fw-la or_o fundamental_o some_o there_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n imply_v in_o that_o discourse_n of_o his_o touch_a day_n and_o meat_n rom._n 14._o to_o which_o other_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v reduce_v in_o which_o as_o man_n may_v err_v without_o necessary_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n so_o difference_n of_o judgement_n about_o such_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v that_o charity_n which_o ancient_o have_v be_v and_o ought_v still_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v among_o christian_n will_v not_o produce_v any_o breach_n of_o peace_n or_o amity_n among_o they_o that_o shall_v so_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o so_o long_o as_o upon_o this_o supposal_n so_o much_o of_o divine_a truth_n be_v joint_o receive_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o as_o be_v sufficient_a towards_o the_o make_n of_o they_o that_o thus_o differ_v the_o child_n of_o god_n here_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o inheritance_n which_o be_v design_v only_o for_o such_o hereafter_o 2._o those_o error_n or_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n either_o in_o fundamental_o or_o in_o some_o lesser_a point_n among_o christian_n be_v not_o true_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o any_o defect_n in_o scripture_n as_o if_o it_o through_o its_o obscurity_n be_v the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o the_o gospel_n which_o sure_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o and_o other_o apostelical_a writing_n now_o extant_a be_v hide_v or_o obscure_a it_o be_v so_o only_o to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v 4.3_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o that_o be_v to_o such_o as_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a impiety_n or_o carelessness_n in_o seek_v make_v themselves_o incapable_a of_o find_v and_o discern_v the_o save_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o these_o error_n and_o difference_n be_v of_o right_a to_o be_v reckon_v to_o have_v their_o original_n hence_o namely_o from_o a_o contempt_n or_o slight_v of_o the_o say_a scripture_n while_o many_o be_v not_o willing_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v sole_o unto_o they_o or_o to_o fetch_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n thence_o but_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o almost_o equal_a to_o that_o which_o they_o pay_v to_o these_o have_v recourse_n to_o counsel_n and_o father_n and_o antiquity_n and_o judgement_n or_o confession_n of_o church_n count_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n piacular_a to_o dissent_v from_o or_o contradict_v these_o in_o sacred_a matter_n whereas_o all_o these_o aught_o with_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o be_v of_o no_o far_a use_n or_o authority_n but_o only_o to_o acquaint_v they_o what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n or_o of_o such_o person_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o then_o live_v or_o that_o yet_o be_v remain_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o light_o and_o without_o good_a reason_n recede_v from_o those_o opinion_n which_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o but_o for_o any_o to_o extend_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o these_o far_o that_o be_v obstinate_o to_o retain_v some_o opinion_n because_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o foresay_a father_n etc._n etc._n when_o as_o the_o scripture_n in_o our_o apprehension_n and_o it_o may_v be_v real_o make_v true_o against_o they_o this_o be_v to_o put_v out_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o only_o to_o see_v by_o they_o yea_o this_o be_v to_o put_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o their_o judgement_n in_o stead_n of_o his_o word_n the_o scripture_n and_o so_o be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o debase_v of_o ourselves_o into_o a_o degree_n of_o servility_n below_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v place_v we_o and_o which_o indeed_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o by_o make_v ourselves_o thus_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n 7.23_o 1_o cor._n 7.23_o but_o be_v also_o a_o direct_a contempt_n and_o slight_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o which_o may_v expect_v the_o fall_n into_o error_n both_o as_o the_o effect_n and_o punishment_n of_o such_o contempt_n to_o attend_v upon_o it_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v among_o papist_n and_o so_o proportionable_o with_o other_o that_o love_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n the_o truth_n be_v as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o perplex_a and_o endless_a way_n to_o go_v about_o to_o trace_v or_o find_v out_o divine_a truth_n by_o consult_v the_o writing_n of_o father_n or_o write_v canon_n and_o decree_n of_o counsel_n of_o several_a age_n some_o of_o which_o be_v certain_o lose_v and_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v extant_a be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v get_v nor_o possible_a to_o be_v read_v by_o all_o and_o withal_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o way_n liable_a to_o the_o same_o or_o rather_o far_o great_a uncertainty_n then_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o against_o scripture_n for_o the_o seem_a obscurity_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n those_o father_n and_o counsel_n do_v not_o only_o abound_v in_o equal_o obscure_a expression_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o
beauty_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o proportionable_a mixture_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v we_o true_o amiable_a to_o god_n and_o sure_o as_o he_o who_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o life_n how_o unfaithful_a and_o uncertain_a it_o be_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v terminate_v every_o moment_n and_o be_v often_o sudden_o and_o when_o we_o least_o think_v of_o it_o can_v think_v no_o time_n too_o soon_o to_o set_v about_o and_o begin_v this_o work_n so_o he_o who_o consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o the_o work_n in_o itself_o or_o '_o its_o importance_n in_o the_o infinite_a consequence_n of_o it_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o perdition_n of_o our_o soul_n depend_v on_o the_o performance_n or_o neglect_n thereof_o will_v think_v no_o wariness_n or_o diligence_n and_o consequent_o no_o time_n too_o much_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o exhibit_v towards_o the_o manage_n and_o accomplish_v of_o it_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n as_o some_o i_o conceive_v will_n be_v ready_a to_o object_v that_o this_o press_v of_o work_n &_o obedience_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n tend_v 1_o to_o confound_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o law_n 2_o to_o detract_v from_o and_o diminish_v the_o privilege_n of_o faith_n and_o 3_o to_o require_v of_o man_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o very_a hardly_o attainable_a by_o any_o man_n in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v in_o answer_n reply_v these_o thing_n thereunto_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v and_o so_o ought_v careful_o to_o be_v maintain_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o this_o that_o the_o law_n require_v work_n and_o obedience_n as_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v none_o for_o this_o to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v the_o gospel_n and_o especial_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v false_a but_o that_o the_o law_n thus_o oppose_v to_o the_o gospel_n require_v perfect_a work_n and_o obedience_n undiminish_a with_o any_o antecedent_n sin_n and_o unstained_a with_o any_o present_a defect_n in_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o say_a work_n that_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v perform_v will_v give_v a_o man_n cause_n of_o glory_v and_o make_v that_o the_o reward_n shall_v be_v reckon_v to_o he_o not_o of_o grace_n rom._n 4.4_o but_o of_o debt_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v only_o or_o rather_o allow_v as_o sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n such_o work_v as_o in_o those_o respect_n be_v imperfect_a that_o be_v such_o as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v many_o and_o great_a sin_n go_v before_o and_o proportionable_a fail_n accompany_v the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o so_o can_v give_v a_o man_n no_o title_n but_o only_o through_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n hold_v forth_o and_o seal_v by_o he_o in_o his_o blood_n to_o the_o doer_n of_o such_o work_n that_o be_v to_o all_o true_o penitent_a person_n and_o from_o this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o work_n require_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v another_o arise_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o those_o work_n of_o the_o law_n if_o perform_v will_v constitute_v the_o performer_n of_o they_o equal_o righteous_a they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v live_v without_o sin_n and_o to_o have_v constant_o and_o perfect_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o these_o of_o the_o gospel_n admit_v a_o inequality_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o time_n some_o beginning_n soon_o and_o some_o late_a to_o practice_v they_o but_o also_o of_o degree_n some_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o natural_a infirmity_n or_o the_o want_n of_o outward_a help_n not_o attain_v that_o exactness_n or_o express_v that_o fruitfulness_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o which_o other_o do_v and_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v put_v off_o all_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o perform_v proportional_o to_o their_o strength_n and_o assistance_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a hindrance_n they_o may_v they_o shall_v be_v as_o sure_o hereafter_o reward_v as_o those_o who_o have_v outdo_v they_o herein_o by_o perform_v the_o say_a thing_n in_o a_o high_a measure_n 2_o i_o say_v touch_v faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n touch_v the_o law_n by_o a_o little_a alter_n and_o invert_v his_o word_n we_o do_v not_o abrogate_v but_o establish_v faith_n by_o require_v work_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n law_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o way_n of_o urge_v work_n with_o which_o faith_n be_v inconsistent_a and_o that_o be_v to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_a and_o every_o way_n commensurate_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o admit_v or_o have_v need_n of_o repentance_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n dispute_v against_o they_o or_o rather_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o five_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o such_o work_v faith_n be_v oppose_v yet_o not_o as_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o but_o as_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a to_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a faith_n therefore_o i_o say_v be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o have_v those_o privilege_n of_o justification_n and_o so_o of_o salvatiou_n astribe_v to_o it_o do_v true_o include_v work_n &_o obedience_n that_o be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o press_v as_o necesssary_a in_o it_o for_o the_o clear_a manifest_v of_o which_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o this_o word_n faith_n like_a as_o many_o other_o word_n and_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o various_a acception_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o a_o strict_a sometime_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n 1._o strict_o and_o proper_o take_v it_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o firm_a assent_n give_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o such_o assent_n namely_o a_o answerable_a confidence_n and_o reliance_n on_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v so_o take_v when_o other_o thing_n pertinent_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n be_v add_v to_o it_o which_o thing_n so_o add_v the_o more_o they_o be_v the_o more_o be_v the_o word_n faith_n restrain_v in_o it_o be_v signification_n 2._o large_o and_o more_o improper_o take_v it_o may_v either_o have_v some_o one_o or_o other_o thing_n add_v to_o it_o or_o else_o be_v place_v single_o by_o itself_o and_o yet_o have_v salvation_n or_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o sense_n ascribe_v to_o it_o which_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v simple_o the_o large_a as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o remain_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n he_o take_v faith_n strict_o so_o as_o not_o to_o compriz_v in_o it_o the_o other_o two_o virtue_n but_o when_o he_o say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n nothing_o avail_v but_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o he_o take_v it_o a_o little_a more_o large_o so_o as_o to_o contain_v hope_n in_o it_o and_o that_o not_o without_o cause_n for_o he_o that_o cordial_o believe_v christ_n promise_v heavenly_a and_o eternal_a glory_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o can_v but_o most_o earnest_o desire_v the_o same_o glory_n and_o thereupon_o hope_v for_o it_o and_o trust_v in_o christ_n but_o when_o he_o say_v and_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n heb._n 2.5_o rom_n 1.17_o act._n 16.31_o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o assure_v the_o jailor_n of_o salvation_n by_o his_o believe_v only_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o take_v faith_n in_o '_o its_o large_a extent_n comprise_v both_o the_o former_a virtue_n in_o it_o and_o what_o ever_o exercise_n of_o it_o or_o they_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n commend_v to_o or_o require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o that_o faith_n we_o say_v which_o through_o god_n mercy_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o justify_v and_o save_v we_o annex_v to_o it_o comprize_v beside_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o and_o strict_o signify_v by_o it_o that_o obedience_n or_o piety_n of_o life_n which_o exclude_v all_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o grievous_a and_o voluntary_a act_n of_o it_o though_o otherwise_o as_o we_o have_v before_o say_v this_o piety_n be_v not_o in_o all_o equal_a the_o truth_n of_o which_o namely_o of_o this_o large_a comprehension_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v thus_o dignify_v may_v appear_v from_o these_o
follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o disobedience_n or_o impiety_n be_v that_o which_o be_v oppose_v to_o this_o faith_n as_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o those_o word_n of_o st._n john_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v he_o that_o as_o beza_n and_o other_o render_v it_o obey_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n etc._n etc._n john_n 3.36_o 2._o because_o that_o which_o be_v one_o where_n ascribe_v to_o faith_n thus_o single_o name_v as_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n through_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o plain_a term_n ascribe_v to_o obedience_n or_o such_o piety_n of_o life_n as_o we_o have_v mention_v thus_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o heb._n 5.9_o and_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o 1._o cor._n 7.19_o and_o again_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6.15_o 3_o because_o it_o be_v full_o evident_a from_o abundant_a and_o that_o most_o clear_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o for_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o eternal_a life_n repentance_n that_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n also_o to_o the_o better_o as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v be_v simple_o necessary_a and_o st._n james_n express_o testify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n only_o but_o by_o work_n also_o join_v with_o it_o james_n 2.14_o and_o demonstrate_v this_o thing_n by_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n who_o st._n rom._n 4.3_o paul_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v simple_o justify_v by_o faith_n by_o that_o very_a same_o place_n of_o gen._n 15.6_o which_o st._n james_n also_o cite_v in_o this_o business_n and_o last_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o also_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galathian_o large_o teach_v that_o for_o escape_v the_o severity_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o become_v partaker_n of_o god_n heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o we_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5._o but_o after_o the_o spirit_n which_o phrase_n what_o kind_n of_o exactness_n and_o piety_n it_o emplye_v may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o say_a place_n by_o all_o which_o i_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o faith_n can_v otherwise_o privilege_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v or_o entitle_v we_o to_o heavenly_a happiness_n than_o as_o it_o have_v obedience_n or_o true_a piety_n join_v with_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o whensoever_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v these_o or_o the_o like_a privilege_n unto_o this_o term_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_v single_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o mean_v not_o faith_n bare_o in_o it_o be_v strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n but_o include_v also_o and_o comprize_v under_o this_o notion_n the_o same_o obedience_n or_o piety_n so_o necessary_o require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o this_o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a agregate_v thing_n make_v up_o of_o faith_n strict_o and_o proper_o take_v and_o of_o its_o effect_n that_o be_v such_o piety_n and_o obedience_n neither_o be_v it_o without_o great_a and_o important_a reason_n that_o the_o scripture_n thus_o speak_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o be_v that_o not_o only_o it_o rather_o use_v especial_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o our_o justification_n the_o word_n faith_n than_o other_o word_n more_o plain_o signify_v piety_n of_o life_n but_o also_o that_o it_o understand_v by_o and_o usual_o comprize_v in_o this_o word_n faith_n all_o that_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n which_o be_v now_o requisite_a under_o the_o gospel_n for_o attain_v salvation_n for_o 1._o hereby_o be_v intimate_v that_o the_o say_a holiness_n or_o obedience_n proceed_v from_o faith_n proper_o and_o strict_o take_v as_o the_o root_n or_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o or_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v bind_v and_o as_o the_o law_n true_o require_v that_o we_o be_v such_o holy_a and_o obedient_a person_n but_o that_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v the_o object_n and_o cause_n of_o such_o faith_n namely_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n promulgate_v by_o christ_n and_o confirm_v in_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o which_o have_v original_o wrought_v and_o produce_v the_o say_a holiness_n in_o we_o and_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n thus_o gracious_o make_v and_o confirm_v the_o say_a promise_n to_o we_o and_o thereby_o exciting_a we_o hereunto_o that_o we_o become_v such_o holy_a person_n 2._o hereby_o be_v also_o signify_v that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v namely_o the_o impersection_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o ordinary_o presuppose_v many_o and_o great_a transgression_n and_o course_n of_o unrighteousness_n go_v before_o and_o also_o imply_v some_o proportionable_a fail_n still_o accompany_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o worth_n of_o its_o own_o but_o from_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n that_o it_o come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v accept_v but_o reward_v as_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o declare_v he_o will_v with_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o glory_n 3._o by_o this_o word_n faith_n thus_o use_v be_v intimate_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n add_v a_o great_a price_n or_o value_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v to_o our_o work_n and_o obedience_n though_o otherwise_o imperfect_a and_o make_v that_o we_o please_v god_n namely_o in_o this_o that_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o though_o we_o have_v never_o see_v he_o that_o we_o firm_o believe_v his_o promise_n especial_o those_o which_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n seem_v impossible_a neither_o suffer_v ourselves_o by_o any_o opposition_n or_o any_o difficulty_n of_o performance_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o hope_n so_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v god_n constant_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n goodness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v so_o often_o single_o use_v in_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v intend_v and_o indeed_o can_v be_v otherwise_o that_o that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n elsewhere_o plain_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v signify_v by_o and_o include_v in_o it_o 3._o touch_v the_o last_o particular_a of_o the_o foresay_a suppose_a objection_n wherein_o the_o exception_n be_v against_o that_o obedience_n or_o habitual_a observance_n of_o the_o most_o righteous_a law_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o have_v labour_v to_o show_v and_o enforce_v as_o indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n or_o extraordinary_a hardness_n of_o it_o though_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v on_o this_o subject_n may_v in_o great_a part_n serve_v to_o manifest_v the_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o exception_n yet_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n i_o shall_v add_v somewhat_o also_o direct_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o say_v by_o this_o obedience_n or_o observe_v christ_n law_n i_o mean_v true_o a_o great_a light_n of_o persecution_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o than_o i_o see_v most_o christian_n attain_v unto_o or_o as_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v ever_o intend_v or_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o be_v a_o habitual_a and_o customary_a keep_n of_o the_o say_a law_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o answeruble_a care_n of_o know_v and_o remember_v they_o and_o which_o be_v do_v necessary_o exclude_v the_o habit_n and_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n in_o the_o say_a person_n i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v they_o christian_n indeed_o who_o have_v a_o intention_n and_o desire_n to_o obey_v these_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o real_o obey_v they_o neither_o can_v i_o think_v they_o regenerate_a person_n and_o so_o in_o a_o salvable_a condition_n as_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o that_o good_a which_o they_o will_v but_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o will_v not_o as_o be_v in_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o ch_n the_o apostle_n i_o know_v use_v these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a word_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o as_o of_o himself_o but_o they_o that_o will_v heedful_o observe_v either_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n enter_v into_o that_o discourse_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o extant_a of_o he_o rom._n 9.2_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 1_o thes_n 2.10_o concern_v his_o zeal_n and_o exemplary_a
a_o holy_a life_n here_o the_o only_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o or_o a_o discourse_n ground_v on_o these_o word_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n etc._n etc._n 2._o cor._n 10.4_o wherein_o among_o other_o thing_n set_v down_o in_o a_o follow_a index_n this_o truth_n be_v especial_o assert_v namely_o that_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o the_o habitual_a observe_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n whereunto_o be_v add_v a_o appendix_n lay_v open_a the_o common_a neglect_n of_o the_o say_a law_n among_o christian_n and_o vindicate_v such_o necessity_n of_o observe_v they_o from_o those_o general_a exception_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o r.s._n b._n d._n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n and_o james_n allestrye_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o bell_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1652._o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o discourse_n here_o present_v to_o thy_o eye_n be_v for_o some_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o only_o at_o first_o intend_v for_o and_o so_o deliver_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o country_n auditory_a and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v easy_o especial_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v any_o thing_n curious_a discern_v by_o the_o homeliness_n of_o its_o dress_n here_o be_v no_o rhetorical_a flourish_n or_o study_v obscurity_n to_o please_v thy_o fancy_n or_o exercise_v thy_o wit_n nobis_fw-la non_fw-la licet_fw-la esse_fw-la tam_fw-la disertis_fw-la neither_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o hearer_n nor_o my_o own_o ability_n will_v permit_v i_o to_o be_v thus_o eloquent_a and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_o far_o either_o from_o approve_v rudeness_n of_o speech_n in_o sacred_a matter_n or_o envy_v those_o ability_n of_o expression_n in_o other_o which_o i_o can_v attain_v unto_o myself_o yet_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o wholesome_a meat_n may_v be_v too_o much_o sweeten_v and_o thereby_o lose_v much_o of_o their_o wholsomnesse_n or_o nourish_a virtue_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o solid_a and_o material_a truth_n may_v be_v too_o artificial_o deck_v so_o as_o such_o art_n or_o deck_v shall_v come_v to_o be_v more_o regard_v than_o the_o truth_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o the_o ear_n rather_o be_v thereby_o tickle_v than_o the_o understanding_n convince_v or_o the_o heart_n affect_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o mean_v especial_o in_o the_o popular_a part_n of_o it_o and_o more_o full_o confirm_v in_o the_o annex_v appendix_n be_v i_o conceive_v one_o of_o that_o rank_n that_o be_v such_o a_o plain_a and_o important_a truth_n as_o will_v rather_o seem_v less_o serious_a &_o be_v make_v to_o abate_v of_o its_o proper_a efficacy_n then_o be_v any_o thing_n advance_v by_o a_o affect_a wisdom_n of_o word_n or_o human_a eloquence_n it_o be_v not_o other_o but_o what_o the_o apost_n long_o since_o affirm_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n or_o to_o deliver_v it_o in_o word_n more_o significant_a of_o my_o own_o sense_n that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n bless_v in_o and_o after_o death_n a_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o withal_o of_o so_o good_a a_o sound_n that_o most_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o the_o first_o view_n or_o hear_n will_v ready_o grant_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o so_o unquestionable_a and_o full_a a_o light_n namely_o of_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n how_o any_o shall_v see_v cause_n to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o so_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o task_n unnecessary_a which_o i_o have_v herein_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o belief_n thereof_o and_o yet_o indeed_o the_o matter_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o i_o know_v at_o this_o day_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n more_o general_o discredit_v among_o christian_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o this_o be_v though_o i_o think_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n suppose_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n wherein_o it_o concern_v they_o so_o much_o to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v as_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v hardly_o probable_a that_o any_o will_v act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o who_o be_v so_o persuade_v of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v universal_o compose_v their_o life_n to_o those_o divine_a rule_n of_o holiness_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o general_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o man_n sensual_a desire_n and_o their_o worldly_a ease_n and_o interest_n unless_o they_o be_v true_o convince_v of_o a_o necessity_n of_o so_o do_v i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o most_o who_o profess_v christ_n profess_v also_o a_o kind_n of_o confuse_a belief_n of_o this_o necessity_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o grant_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o most_o preacher_n to_o keep_v up_o this_o belief_n in_o man_n and_o thereby_o to_o plant_v such_o holiness_n in_o they_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o of_o that_o call_n who_o do_v not_o in_o one_o manner_n or_o other_o bend_v their_o discourse_n towards_o this_o end_n but_o yet_o as_o we_o say_v of_o the_o papist_n that_o what_o they_o grant_v direct_o and_o in_o word_n they_o do_v indirect_o and_o real_o deny_v as_o not_o to_o mention_v other_o particular_a point_n when_o they_o profess_v to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o hold_v the_o pope_n also_o though_o as_o they_o pretend_v under_o christ_n to_o be_v head_n thereof_o ascribe_v such_o a_o power_n to_o he_o and_o his_o chair_n in_o sacred_a matter_n as_o in_o effect_n deprive_v christ_n of_o his_o headship_n and_o render_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o law_n invalid_a and_o without_o any_o force_n so_o i_o think_v it_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n be_v affirm_v of_o too_o many_o protestant_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o former_a and_o profess_a belief_n of_o both_o in_o this_o point_n holiness_n of_o life_n describe_v and_o extend_v so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v hold_v and_o repute_v by_o they_o a_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n what_o else_o do_v that_o general_a disuse_n and_o neglect_n of_o those_o many_o plain_a duty_n confess_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n imply_v yea_o what_o else_o do_v those_o common_a doctrine_n and_o persuasion_n public_o own_v and_o settle_v in_o man_n mind_n declare_v as_o namely_o touch_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n merit_n and_o righteousness_n be_v mere_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o a_o man_n soul_n which_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o many_o the_o formality_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n &_o also_o touch_v the_o efficacy_n of_o late_a contrition_n or_o mourn_v for_o sin_n wherein_o as_o many_o make_v repentance_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o to_o consist_v both_o which_o be_v thing_n that_o may_v be_v true_o transact_v as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o imply_v and_o as_o the_o patron_n of_o they_o acknowledge_v by_o such_o person_n at_o their_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o live_n in_o it_o before_o have_v constant_o allow_v themselves_o in_o know_v breach_n of_o some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o these_o two_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n true_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v that_o other_o opinion_n general_o profess_v and_o seem_o hold_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o come_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n can_v a_o thing_n in_o any_o sense_n be_v repute_v the_o necessary_a mean_n for_o attain_v some_o end_n when_o the_o say_a end_n may_v be_v ordinary_o come_v at_o without_o these_o mean_n by_o some_o other_o way_n as_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n man_n be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o eternal_a salvation_n may_v be_v certain_o attain_v by_o they_o though_o they_o never_o live_v holy_o if_o so_o be_v that_o now_o when_o they_o be_v a_o die_v they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v then_o possible_a for_o they_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o themselves_o and_o true_o mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n or_o be_v not_o this_o at_o best_o to_o hold_v forth_o two_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o which_o be_v seem_o believe_v and_o which_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n only_o allow_v and_o approve_v of_o namely_o the_o strict_a and_o proportionable_a long_a way_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v much_o easy_a and_o short_a to_o wit_n mourn_v for_o sin_n at_o the_o last_o and_o
belief_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o they_o be_v necessary_o then_o require_v for_o procure_v credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o work_v the_o world_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o it_o the_o gospel_n be_v then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o it_o a_o thing_n quite_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o before_o and_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o man_n to_o entertain_v new_a thing_n in_o this_o kind_n with_o some_o prejudice_n withal_o to_o express_v such_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n to_o thing_n they_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o as_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o easy_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o they_o beside_o the_o world_n be_v then_o general_o possess_v with_o many_o false_a religion_n and_o corrupt_v idolatrous_a worship_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n can_v not_o but_o make_v their_o mind_n more_o enrage_v and_o opposite_a to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o and_o further_o beside_o all_o this_o many_o such_o thing_n be_v affirm_v therein_o namely_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o exceed_v humane_a reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o some_o thing_n hereby_o be_v require_v to_o be_v take_v away_o which_o be_v know_v before_o either_o to_o have_v be_v appoint_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v of_o by_o god_n and_o which_o to_o that_o time_n have_v remain_v without_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n that_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v then_o requisite_a that_o it_o may_v full_o appear_v against_o all_o these_o ground_n of_o prejudice_n that_o what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n have_v indeed_o as_o they_o affirm_v god_n for_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o â—hese_fw-mi miracle_n nor_o any_o just_a reason_n why_o â—ny_n shall_v expect_v they_o or_o imagine_v any_o necessity_n to_o have_v have_v they_o continue_v â—ntil_o these_o time_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o long_o new_a 1._o there_o be_v extant_a still_o permanent_a effect_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n wherewith_o â—t_a be_v at_o first_o confirm_v as_o namely_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o most_o â—arts_n of_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a persecution_n that_o have_v be_v successive_o use_v against_o those_o who_o proâ—essed_v it_o the_o readiness_n that_o have_v be_v in_o many_o and_o still_o be_v and_o may_v be_v suppose_v in_o some_o to_o seal_v such_o profession_n with_o their_o blood_n beside_o we_o see_v the_o real_a accomplishment_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v divine_o therein_o foretell_v as_o the_o destruction_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o spread_a of_o chriâ—an_a religion_n into_o all_o part_n which_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o either_o at_o present_a be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o the_o former_a miracle_n thus_o remain_v in_o their_o effect_n there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o nor_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v now_o desire_v other_o miracle_n that_o be_v still_o to_o have_v new_a one_o 2._o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o way_n convenient_a that_o the_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n shall_v have_v be_v perpetual_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o continuance_n will_v rather_o have_v indeed_o thwart_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o it_o then_o true_o advance_v either_o it_o or_o these_o it_o will_v have_v detract_v from_o the_o worth_n or_o merit_n as_o some_o speak_v of_o faith_n neither_o will_v there_o hereby_o have_v be_v leave_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o that_o be_v inclineable_a to_o virtue_n or_o that_o be_v by_o opposite_a consideration_n seasonable_o suggest_v to_o they_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o and_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_o averse_a from_o it_o and_o not_o by_o any_o such_o consideration_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o which_o difference_n of_o person_n that_o there_o natural_o be_v through_o the_o use_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o commons_o help_n which_o god_n afford_v universal_o to_o man_n not_o only_a experience_n testify_v but_o also_o our_o saviour_n himself_o implicit_o confirm_v and_o that_o as_o where_o he_o put_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o person_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o season_v with_o his_o doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v one_o sort_n that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o come_v to_o he_o 21._o john_n 3.19_o 20_o 21._o and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n that_o do_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o be_v to_o partake_v and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o by_o those_o other_o note_n or_o title_n wherewith_o he_o distinguish_v the_o foresay_a person_n in_o affirm_v the_o one_o sort_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n 8.47.10.27.28_o john_n 8.47.10.27.28_o and_o follow_v he_o and_o the_o other_o sort_n not_o to_o â—e_v of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o hear_v or_o follow_v he_o object_v not_o only_a their_o not_o so_o do_v but_o also_o their_o not_o be_v of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o sheep_n which_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o as_o their_o own_o proper_a crime_n against_o they_o now_o this_o be_v so_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o have_v â—een_n such_o a_o difference_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a yet_o voluntary_a probity_n or_o improbity_n in_o they_o which_o be_v â—o_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o their_o admit_v or_o reject_v â—he_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o of_o their_o inâ—linablenesse_n or_o obstinate_a averseness_n to_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o application_n of_o seasonable_a and_o sufficient_a motive_n make_v to_o they_o this_o difference_n â—ould_v have_v be_v in_o effect_n by_o the_o continuance_n of_o miracle_n quite_o disannul_v and_o â—ken_v away_o for_o who_o will_v have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d perverse_a if_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o reach_a of_o it_o have_v have_v perpetual_o these_o miracle_n join_v to_o it_o which_o will_v have_v be_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o continue_a visible_a maniâ—festation_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o testimony_n oâ—_n god_n that_o at_o length_n will_v not_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o practice_v thâ—_n duty_n require_v in_o it_o yet_o not_o at_o all_o out_o 〈◊〉_d a_o love_n to_o they_o or_o of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n therein_o prescribe_v but_o only_o out_o of_o a_o certain_a hope_n of_o that_o incomparable_a great_a reward_n of_o immortality_n anâ—_n eternal_a blessedness_n therein_o promise_v which_o all_o can_v but_o desire_v and_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o this_o mean_n in_o a_o maâ—ner_n make_v as_o unquestionable_a and_o undoubâ—ed_v unto_o all_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o behold_v it_o with_o our_o eye_n at_o noâ—_n day_n it_o become_v therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o 〈◊〉_d mighty_a god_n so_o to_o order_v thing_n that_o tâ—_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o a_o thiâ—_n new_a and_o unheard_a of_o before_o and_o excee_v in_o many_o thing_n humane_a reason_n shoâ—â—_n have_v for_o some_o time_n these_o miracle_n anneâ—_n to_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v thereby_o so_o faâ—_n confirm_v as_o may_v be_v altogether_o suâ—cient_a for_o work_a man_n that_o be_v inâ—nable_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o recâ—ving_n of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o say_a mirach_n shall_v not_o be_v still_o continue_v lest_o other_o wise_a those_o that_o be_v whole_o averse_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o utter_o unwilling_a to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v by_o this_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v force_v thereunto_o and_o we_o be_v further_a to_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a in_o this_o respect_n namely_o that_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o both_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v his_o promise_n and_o precept_n be_v of_o that_o perfection_n as_o to_o contain_v a_o certain_a impress_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o which_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o stand_a miracle_n speak_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o enjoy_v for_o ever_o unspeakable_a happiness_n and_o comfort_n with_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o all_o the_o other_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v savour_v true_o of_o the_o majesty_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o reward_n full_o suitable_a to_o both_o these_o
fill_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o place_n in_o the_o empire_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o mind_n or_o have_v hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o strength_n in_o that_o way_n they_o can_v easy_o have_v overturn_v that_o frame_n of_o government_n that_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o they_o by_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o so_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o bring_v their_o enemy_n and_o persecuter_n themselves_o into_o that_o condition_n but_o say_v he_o absit_fw-la ut_fw-la auâ—_n igni_fw-la humano_fw-la vindicetur_fw-la aut_fw-la dolent_a pati_fw-la inquo_fw-la probatur_fw-la divina_fw-la secta_fw-la the_o use_n oâ—_n such_o weapon_n in_o that_o way_n they_o well_o enough_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v and_o no_o way_n serviceable_a for_o uphold_v the_o power_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v at_o first_o and_o still_o in_o part_n be_v labour_v to_o be_v maintain_v and_o propagate_v by_o weapon_n of_o far_a another_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v less_o pompous_a in_o show_n but_o more_o powerful_a in_o truth_n be_v mighty_a through_o god_n for_o this_o end_n but_o the_o thing_n i_o now_o urge_v this_o testimony_n for_o be_v only_o to_o show_v the_o effect_n that_o these_o weapon_n have_v for_o the_o actual_a cast_v down_o of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a strong_a hold_n or_o reason_v of_o the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o so_o little_a a_o time_n as_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v and_o this_o wherein_n tertullian_n live_v which_o by_o ordinary_a computation_n be_v within_o a_o little_a of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o such_o multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a opposition_n and_o discouragement_n appear_v from_o the_o world_n bring_v in_o to_o become_v subject_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n say_v of_o his_o time_n and_o so_o we_o may_v conceive_v it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v and_o will_v be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o all_o time_n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v that_o be_v effectual_o call_v so_o as_o to_o relinquish_v or_o come_v out_o be_v wrought_v thereunto_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o weapon_n that_o accompany_v it_o of_o their_o hold_n and_o bring_v all_o their_o high_a reason_n and_o thought_n in_o subjection_n unto_o christ_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v either_o any_o antecedent_n decree_n of_o god_n hinder_v they_o or_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n of_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v afford_v to_o other_o for_o as_o the_o salvation_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o common_a salvation_n 3._o jud._n 3._o so_o all_o without_o distinction_n of_o high_a or_o low_a rich_a or_o poor_a be_v at_o first_o and_o still_o be_v indifferent_o invite_v to_o come_v in_o and_o partake_v of_o it_o the_o promise_n run_v in_o the_o general_a whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v 10._o rom._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o as_o tribulatioe_v and_o anguish_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a so_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o work_v good_a which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v without_o fix_v the_o black_a aspersion_n of_o insincerity_n &_o hypocrisy_n upon_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o righteous_a god_n conceive_v that_o those_o who_o he_o so_o general_o thus_o invite_v and_o declare_v himself_o ready_a to_o admit_v he_o have_v before_o by_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n irrevocable_o exclude_v and_o make_v incapable_a of_o reap_v any_o benefit_n of_o this_o offer_n this_o then_o be_v not_o i_o say_v to_o be_v conceive_v the_o reason_n why_o not_o many_o of_o these_o rank_n be_v call_v that_o be_v effectual_o bring_v in_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n neither_o be_v the_o reason_n hereof_o simple_o to_o be_v conceive_v the_o strength_n of_o these_o strong_a hold_n or_o reason_n wherewith_o such_o person_n above_o other_o be_v wont_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v batter_v and_o demolish_v by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o for_o some_o such_o person_n though_o not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o other_o be_v daily_o bring_v in_o and_o submit_v themselves_o as_o captive_n unto_o christ_n such_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o great_a counsellor_n and_o nicodemus_n a_o centurion_n and_o dionysius_n a_o philosopher_n and_o the_o great_a chamberlain_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n and_o zenas_n learn_v in_o law_n and_o luke_n learn_v in_o physic_n and_o publius_n the_o governor_n of_o a_o island_n and_o so_o hereby_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vigour_n in_o those_o weapon_n for_o true_o pull_v down_o of_o these_o hold_v that_o be_v silence_v and_o vanquish_a all_o such_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n namely_o their_o learning_n or_o worldly_a wisdom_n or_o high_a dignity_n be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o they_o so_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o neither_o any_o antecedent_n decree_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o impregnable_a strength_n of_o the_o forementioned_a hold_v be_v to_o be_v conceive_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o stand_v out_o of_o such_o person_n and_o why_o not_o many_o mighty_a etc._n etc._n be_v call_v but_o the_o true_a reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v persuade_v unto_o though_o it_o promise_v many_o excellent_a thing_n hereafter_o yet_o it_o require_v much_o severity_n and_o exactness_n of_o live_v at_o present_a for_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o a_o submission_n after_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o to_o the_o causeless_a reproach_n and_o injury_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o constant_a continue_a practice_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n and_o so_o a_o slight_a care_n and_o esteem_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o account_n in_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v that_o the_o very_a outward_a profession_n and_o own_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o then_o so_o every_o where_o be_v speak_v against_o and_o persecute_v will_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n not_o only_o of_o that_o honour_n and_o repute_v which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o but_o also_o of_o that_o safety_n and_o outward_a prosperity_n they_o enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o of_o these_o person_n be_v willing_a admirer_n and_o lover_n of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o that_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n and_o esteem_v they_o enjoy_v in_o it_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o call_v they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o be_v though_o they_o have_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a enough_o to_o persuade_v and_o convince_v they_o that_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o certain_a way_n to_o come_v thither_o will_v be_v for_o they_o to_o profess_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o yet_o in_o regard_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o part_v with_o those_o great_a advantage_n and_o ease_n and_o privilege_n they_o enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o contrary_a evil_n and_o hazard_n from_o it_o they_o resolve_v out_o of_o their_o settle_a love_n to_o these_o still_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o rather_o than_o make_v any_o such_o exchange_n if_o they_o may_v have_v have_v hope_n allow_v they_o of_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o together_o with_o those_o privilege_n and_o emolument_n they_o be_v at_o present_a possess_v of_o or_o if_o the_o doctrine_n commend_v to_o they_o may_v have_v be_v profess_v by_o they_o without_o incur_v any_o hazard_n or_o inconvenience_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o will_v ready_o have_v come_v in_o and_o submit_v but_o see_v that_o great_a good_a that_o be_v promise_v in_o it_o can_v not_o be_v come_v at_o but_o upon_o such_o harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a term_n farewell_o all_o they_o will_v put_v all_o to_o a_o venture_n rather_o than_o so_o entertain_v it_o thus_o i_o say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o not_o many_o noble_a not_o many_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v that_o be_v wrought_v to_o a_o
personal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n a_o thing_n unnecessary_a in_o this_o kind_n especial_o when_o as_o in_o this_o case_n through_o the_o cunning_a of_o the_o false_a angel_n of_o light_n it_o be_v pretend_v by_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o he_o have_v hereby_o that_o glory_n at_o least_o implicity_n ascribe_v to_o he_o of_o save_v we_o so_o perfect_o by_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n as_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o but_o as_o i_o suppose_v all_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o clear_o affirm_v in_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v not_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nor_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v draw_v off_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o say_a thing_n such_o as_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n be_v these_o position_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n heb._n 12._o joh._n 3._o math._n 7._o except_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o that_o hear_v christ_n word_n and_o do_v they_o not_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n etc._n etc._n so_o i_o answerable_o conceive_v if_o there_o be_v any_o opinion_n which_o either_o express_o or_o by_o its_o natural_a force_n and_o consequence_n shall_v contradict_v such_o thing_n so_o affirm_v or_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o say_a position_n make_v heaven_n true_o possible_a to_o be_v come_v at_o without_o holiness_n or_o be_v regenerate_v or_o do_v of_o christ_n word_n it_o be_v without_o scruple_n to_o be_v reject_v what_o ever_o number_n of_o adherent_n or_o prescription_n of_o time_n or_o seem_a colour_n of_o some_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n it_o may_v have_v for_o commend_v and_o uphold_v the_o credit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o so_o general_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o gospel_n the_o oracle_n of_o truth_n admit_v no_o real_a contradiction_n betwixt_o any_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v i_o conceive_v or_o ought_v to_o be_v not_o much_o less_o certain_a that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o foresay_a position_n together_o with_o those_o other_o form_n of_o speech_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n wherewith_o the_o scripture_n plentiful_o abound_v be_v no_o other_o but_o this_o which_o the_o word_n plain_o and_o in_o their_o literal_a sense_n hold_v forth_o namely_o that_o our_o personal_a and_o actual_a observe_v of_o the_o word_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v precise_o requisite_a to_o constitute_v we_o heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o which_o come_v all_o to_o one_o that_o without_o holiness_n and_o our_o be_v regenerate_v person_n which_o imply_v a_o real_a and_o universal_a change_n of_o of_o our_o course_n and_o affection_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o say_a scripture_n as_o some_o few_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v that_o may_v in_o themselves_o seem_v capable_a of_o a_o contrary_a sense_n that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o afford_v and_o allow_v man_n hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o do_v of_o christ_n word_n or_o have_v such_o a_o effectual_a change_n wrought_v in_o themselves_o who_o may_v not_o see_v hence_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o understand_v the_o say_a expression_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o that_o which_o shall_v evident_o contradict_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o foresay_a plain_n and_o plentiful_a assertion_n shall_v not_o the_o few_o place_n as_o in_o this_o matter_n they_o certain_o be_v be_v rather_o bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o more_o than_o the_o more_o be_v bend_v to_o the_o few_o especial_o when_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o more_o consider_v single_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o be_v plain_a and_o rational_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v but_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o seem_a or_o suppose_a sense_n of_o the_o few_o become_v irrational_a or_o intricate_a shall_v not_o the_o plain_a and_o frequent_a expression_n of_o scripture_n on_o this_o subject_n rather_o make_v we_o confident_o hold_v that_o our_o own_o personal_a performance_n of_o those_o thing_n command_v we_o by_o christ_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o attain_v of_o salvation_n than_o some_o dark_a and_o figurative_a form_n of_o speech_n incline_v we_o to_o hold_v the_o contrary_a and_o make_v we_o promise_v ourselves_o heaven_n without_o such_o performance_n upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o groundless_a reliance_n on_o christ_n merit_n sure_o in_o reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v i_o doubt_v not_o in_o this_o case_n but_o for_o the_o forementiond_v cause_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o heaven_n with_o as_o much_o ease_n as_o may_v be_v be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o believe_v the_o easy_a way_n thither_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o therefore_o through_o the_o devil_n cunning_a be_v soon_o persuade_v to_o take_v more_o notice_n and_o more_o stiff_o insist_v on_o one_o text_n seem_o make_v that_o way_n than_o on_o twenty_o other_o imply_v the_o contrary_a as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v that_o this_o way_n of_o press_a obedience_n to_o christ_n law_n or_o require_v our_o own_o personal_a performance_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o make_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o ourselves_o and_o set_v up_o that_o which_o some_o call_v self-righteousnesse_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a groundless_a pretence_n and_o if_o thorough_o look_v into_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o a_o plausible_a artifice_n of_o the_o great_a impostor_n not_o of_o strength_n sufficient_a to_o deceive_v any_o but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n willing_a to_o be_v delude_v by_o it_o for_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o plain_o enough_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o indeed_o only_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o can_v true_o honour_v he_o and_o that_o all_o verbal_a profession_n and_o magnifying_n of_o he_o with_o high_a title_n separate_v from_o the_o former_a performance_n be_v but_o empty_a formality_n which_o he_o regard_v not_o as_o where_o he_o say_v not_o they_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o math._n 7.21_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v not_o those_o that_o give_v he_o specious_a and_o honourable_a title_n by_o tell_v he_o or_o it_o may_v be_v tell_v it_o to_o other_o that_o they_o will_v account_v he_o their_o perfect_a saviour_n that_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n they_o will_v whole_o look_v and_o rely_v upon_o and_o not_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v in_o or_o do_v by_o themselves_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o they_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o likewise_o where_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n and_o in_o they_o we_o joh._n 15.8_o that_o herein_o be_v his_o father_n glorify_v if_o we_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n ver._n 9_o and_o that_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o can_v only_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n the_o keep_n of_o those_o be_v that_o wherein_o st._n 1_o john_n 5.3_o john_n make_v the_o love_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o only_o our_o honour_v of_o he_o can_v proceed_v true_o to_o consist_v by_o thus_o do_v we_o give_v christ_n that_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o regard_v and_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o law_n we_o give_v he_o also_o hereby_o that_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o our_o purchaser_n and_o redeemer_n in_o limit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n he_o have_v for_o this_o purpose_n by_o the_o expense_n of_o his_o blood_n buy_v we_o or_o do_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o so_o buy_v we_o out_o of_o our_o former_a servitude_n to_o sin_n and_o last_o we_o give_v he_o hereby_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o profession_n heb._n 3.1_o or_o as_o that_o great_a prophet_n and_o ambassador_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o reveal_v and_o promise_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 1.2_o which_o be_v before_o with_o the_o father_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o his_o decree_n by_o show_v ourselves_o hereupon_o so_o undoubted_o to_o believe_v this_o as_o to_o prefer_v the_o expectation_n of_o it_o before_o all_o our_o present_a interest_n and_o worldly_a concernment_n which_o thing_n by_o our_o keep_n of_o his_o word_n we_o must_v needs_o and_o can_v only_o so_o show_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o danger_n hereby_o of_o