a_o christian_a love-letter_n send_v particular_o to_o k.t._n a_o gentlewoman_n mis-styled_n a_o catholic_a but_o general_o intend_v to_o all_o of_o the_o romish_a religion_n to_o labour_v their_o conversion_n to_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o esdras_n 3_o 31._o be_v the_o deed_n of_o babylon_n better_a than_o they_o of_o zion_n by_o john_n swynnerton_n gent_n prudentia_fw-la print_v by_o w._n jaggard_n dwell_v in_o barbican_n 1606._o to_o the_o right_n noble_a and_o honourable_a robert_n earl_n of_o salisbury_n viscount_n cranborne_n baron_n of_o essingdon_n principal_a secretary_n to_o his_o majesty_n master_n of_o the_o court_n of_o ward_n and_o livery_n chancellor_n of_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n knight_n of_o the_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n and_o one_o of_o his_o highness_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n right_o honourable_a and_o my_o most_o honour_a lord_n albeit_o i_o have_v no_o special_a place_n allot_v i_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o behold_v with_o joy_n of_o my_o soul_n the_o rise_n of_o those_o beautiful_a wall_n and_o now_o and_o then_o out_o of_o a_o zealous_a desire_n to_o have_v the_o work_n go_v forward_o set_v my_o hand_n thereunto_o though_o i_o rank_n myself_o but_o among_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o labourer_n those_o 3._o score_n and_o ten_o thousand_o that_o bear_v burden_n i_o presume_v i_o may_v and_o have_v therefore_o bring_v this_o little_a stone_n or_o piece_n of_o mortar_n or_o whatsoever_o it_o prove_v to_o further_a that_o holy_a building_n the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v so_o malicious_o withstand_v by_o the_o crooked_a generation_n of_o jannes_n and_o jambre_n who_o albeit_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v they_o for_o truth_n must_v have_v that_o privilege_n bend_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o power_n against_o it_o &_o do_v their_o uttermost_a to_o lay_v the_o same_o tho_o it_o be_v god_n own_o house_n level_v with_o the_o ground_n who_o can_v be_v silent_a that_o have_v tongue_n or_o pen_n in_o such_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v our_o master_n own_o quarrel_n cane_n latrant_fw-la pro_fw-la dominis_n suis_fw-la tu_fw-la non_fw-la i_o vis_fw-la say_v a_o learned_a father_n latrare_fw-la pro_fw-la christo_fw-la yet_o what_o i_o have_v write_v be_v but_o a_o letter_n and_o that_o a_o love-letter_n but_o it_o be_v most_o noble_a lord_n a_o christian_n love-letter_n persuade_v all_o though_o particular_o direct_v to_o one_o of_o the_o romishe_a religion_n with_o mild_a and_o charitable_a phrase_n to_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n jesus_n this_o letter_n i_o make_v bold_a but_o in_o most_o humble_a manner_n to_o present_a unto_o your_o ho._n which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o author_n after_o the_o philosopher_n rule_v i_o will_v neither_o praise_v nor_o dispraise_v laudare_fw-la se_fw-la vani_fw-la vituperare_fw-la stulti_fw-la yet_o thus_o much_o it_o concern_v i_o to_o make_v know_v &_o without_o imputation_n of_o arrogancy_n i_o may_v report_v that_o when_o i_o have_v write_v this_o treatise_n dread_v the_o insufficiency_n or_o partiality_n of_o my_o own_o judgement_n i_o appeal_v unto_o two_o most_o reverend_a and_o learned_a divine_n for_o their_o censure_n who_o when_o they_o have_v peruse_v it_o send_v i_o away_o my_o pain_n commend_v the_o book_n not_o discommend_v nor_o myself_o any_o way_n discourage_v otherwise_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v selt_z the_o press_n at_o least_o never_o have_v presume_v upon_o so_o honourable_a patronage_n notwithstanding_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v unworthy_a your_o regard_n but_o i_o hope_v your_o hon_n will_v deal_v no_o worse_o with_o i_o than_o christ_n do_v with_o the_o poor_a widow_n in_o the_o gospel_n she_o bring_v her_o farthing_n i_o bring_v as_o much_o joffer_n all_o i_o have_v she_o offer_v no_o more_o and_o that_o which_o make_v a_o mite_n a_o million_o with_o a_o free_a hart_n i_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o treasury_n as_o a_o pledge_n therefore_o of_o my_o love_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n my_o loyalty_n to_o my_o king_n and_o country_n and_o last_o of_o my_o most_o humble_a and_o my_o most_o dutiful_a affection_n unto_o your_o ho_o though_o i_o be_o unknow_v unto_o you_o as_o for_o any_o extraordinary_a mean_n i_o have_v i_o be_o ever_o likely_a to_o be_v i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o lo_n that_o the_o same_o may_v find_v your_o how_n and_o gracious_a acceptance_n devote_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o service_n unto_o your_o hon_n john_n swynnerton_n a_o christian_a love-letter_n send_v to_o a_o gentlewoman_n mis-stiled_n a_o catholic_a to_o labour_v her_o conversion_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n of_o christ_n jesus_n although_o mistress_n katherine_n from_o the_o hour_n i_o first_o understand_v how_o pitiful_o you_o be_v miscarry_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n how_o erroneouslie_o mislead_v in_o your_o manner_n of_o do_v service_n to_o the_o almighty_a i_o ever_o hold_v and_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o rash_a judgement_n the_o state_n of_o your_o better_a part_n to_o be_v dangerous_a yet_o have_v more_o than_o cursorilie_o peruse_v that_o worthy_a piece_n of_o work_n as_o you_o take_v it_o the_o little_a book_n you_o send_v i_o i_o conceive_v a_o strong_a ground_n for_o my_o opinion_n and_o may_v discern_v methoght_v more_o cleerlie_a even_o a_o lamentablenes_n in_o your_o condition_n to_o have_v your_o soul_n after_o such_o sort_n to_o be_v feed_v or_o rather_o feast_v and_o not_o feed_v or_o rather_o fill_v and_o not_o feast_v but_o to_o speak_v most_o proper_o neither_o feed_v nor_o feast_v nor_o fill_v but_o flat_o poison_v with_o such_o italian_a drug_n with_o such_o superstitious_a and_o antichristian_a confection_n as_o in_o the_o say_a book_n and_o diverse_a other_o your_o irreligious_a pamphlet_n of_o like_a subject_n be_v compound_v while_o that_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o only_o shall_v feed_v it_o be_v not_o hunger_v after_o that_o uncorruptible_a manna_n wherewith_o only_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v feast_v be_v not_o gather_v that_o eternal_a food_n which_o only_o have_v power_n to_o fill_v it_o be_v not_o set_v by_o i_o mean_v while_o the_o true_a wholesome_a receipt_n indeed_o be_v reject_v the_o pure_a and_o heaven_n and_o earth-out_a last_a word_n of_o god_n neither_o read_v nor_o regard_v i_o have_v feel_v my_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o general_a love_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o my_o more_o particular_a affection_n towards_o you_o almost_o melt_v into_o sorrow_n and_o compassion_n to_o think_v how_o you_o slabber_v in_o these_o corrupt_a puddle_n of_o man_n erroneous_a invention_n yet_o never_o the_o more_o cleanse_v when_o you_o may_v with_o asmuch_o ease_n and_o much_o better_a welcome_n enter_v that_o livesome_a bath_n of_o god_n own_o sound_n his_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o water_n be_v of_o admirable_a operation_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o wash_v not_o only_o your_o foot_n as_o job_n speak_v but_o your_o hand_n and_o your_o head_n also_o as_o peter_n pray_v 6_o job._n 29_o 6_o yea_o even_o your_o soul_n likewise_o 7_o john_n 13_o 9_o psal_n 19_o 7_o as_o david_n affirm_v and_o make_v you_o all_o over_o as_o white_a as_o snow_n in_o salmon_n you_o may_v not_o allege_v that_o the_o book_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v or_o cast_v into_o a_o corner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o josias_n or_o that_o his_o sacred_a writing_n 23_o 2_o chr_n 34_o 14_o jere._n 36_o 23_o be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o throw_v into_o the_o fire_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o jehoiachim_n you_o can_v plead_v any_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o of_o all_o other_o infliction_n the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n evermore_o avert_v from_o our_o nation_n that_o shall_v enforce_v you_o to_o feed_v so_o eager_o upon_o such_o gross_a and_o unwholesome_a garbage_n for_o a_o great_a plenty_n and_o free_a passage_n thereof_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n have_v the_o glory_n as_o we_o have_v the_o gain_n never_o any_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o think_v enjoy_v the_o truth_n be_v neither_o you_o nor_o the_o great_a clerk_n that_o ever_o breathe_a superstition_n upon_o you_o can_v bring_v a_o substantial_a reason_n to_o excuse_v your_o unacquaintance_n with_o the_o scripture_n consider_v you_o may_v read_v they_o and_o hear_v they_o true_o read_v and_o expound_v if_o you_o please_v and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o precept_n search_v the_o scripture_n 29_o john_n 5_o 39_o mar._n 12_o 29_o and_o a_o conclusion_n of_o his_o own_o frame_n err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n if_o a_o ordinary_a friend_n shall_v counsel_v you_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n within_o your_o power_n that_o will_v be_v neither_o chargeable_a nor_o trouble_v some_o
see_v what_o this_o holy_a apostle_n of_o christ_n jesus_n think_v touch_v this_o point_n of_o man_n merit_v and_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v how_o firm_o the_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o church_n cleave_v unto_o the_o same_o doctrine_n my_o first_o place_n out_o of_o paul_n be_v that_o we_o be_v save_v not_o by_o etc._n etc._n and_o saint_n jerom_n one_o who_o your_o church_n high_o reverence_v write_v in_o this_o manner_n pelag_n high_a lib_n 1_o ad_fw-la pelag_n then_o be_v we_o just_a when_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o our_o justice_n consist_v not_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o of_o god_n mercy_n here_o this_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n reject_v with_o s._n paul_n all_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o refer_v the_o same_o whole_o to_o god_n mercy_n my_o second_o place_n out_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o etc._n etc._n origene_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o exposition_n of_o these_o very_a word_n of_o paul_n say_v thus_o 4_o origen_n in_o ep_n ad_fw-la ro_n ca_fw-mi 4_o lib_n 4_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o he_o add_v not_o &_o say_v likewise_o the_o wage_n of_o justice_n be_v eternal_a life_n but_o he_o say_v eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gracious_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o wage_n which_o be_v like_a to_o debt_n and_o reward_n be_v a_o recompense_n of_o pun_a shment_n and_o death_n and_o to_o assign_v eternal_a life_n to_o grace_v only_o thus_o you_o hear_v this_o reverend_a father_n expound_v paul_n that_o our_o wickedness_n just_o merit_v condemnation_n but_o that_o the_o balance_n want_v weight_n the_o other_o way_n and_o that_o our_o best_a deed_n merit_v not_o salvation_n which_o be_v assign_v to_o grace_v only_o and_o if_o only_a to_o grace_v then_o be_v all_o our_o work_n absolute_o exclude_v in_o that_o business_n my_o last_o place_n out_o of_o paul_n be_v the_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n answerable_a to_o this_o say_v saint_n barnard_n on_o this_o manner_n now_o concern_v eternal_a life_n we_o know_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v 1_o barn_n in_o anunt_fw-la mariae_fw-la serm._n 1_o no_o not_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v suffer_v all_o here_o this_o devout_a and_o religious_a father_n remove_v all_o doubt_n touch_v the_o former_a doctrine_n by_o a_o forcible_a supposition_n on_o this_o manner_n admit_v that_o the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n of_o paul_n of_o peter_n of_o james_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o those_o five_o and_o twenty_o bishop_n which_o successive_o be_v martyr_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o all_o the_o torture_n and_o suffering_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o allage_n from_o the_o death_n of_o abel_n to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o blood_n that_o ever_o shall_v be_v shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n truth_n be_v lay_v upon_o one_o man_n to_o bear_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o only_o to_o under_o go_v the_o pain_n torment_n and_o torture_n that_o they_o all_o endure_v yet_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o rich_a a_o guerdon_n for_o those_o his_o suffering_n he_o can_v not_o merit_v heaven_n thereby_o for_o the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n this_o be_v the_o holy_a father_n censure_n hereupon_o no_o not_o say_v he_o if_o one_o man_n shall_v suffer_v all_o now_o let_v i_o reason_n with_o you_o by_o a_o invincible_a and_o familiar_a argument_n if_o the_o suffering_n of_o paul_n or_o of_o any_o of_o these_o holy_a martyr_n who_o continual_a persecution_n and_o torment_n be_v instead_o of_o many_o death_n unto_o they_o nay_o if_o all_o their_o pain_n torture_n and_o death_n join_v together_o will_v not_o make_v up_o a_o desert_n answerable_a to_o the_o meed_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o your_o deed_n and_o suffering_n which_o carry_v no_o near_o a_o proportion_n with_o the_o other_o than_o your_o span_n do_v with_o the_o spatiousnes_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n can_v merit_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o shall_v never_o for_o any_o desert_n they_o be_v of_o come_v home_o so_o reward_v no_o no_o you_o must_v not_o look_v for_o such_o a_o inrichment_n after_o such_o a_o reckon_n but_o rather_o say_v with_o the_o same_o saint_n barnard_n mar_n serm_n 1_o anunt_fw-la mar_n who_o yourselves_o confess_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sweet_a quirister_n in_o the_o lord_n quire_n what_o be_v all_o our_o merit_n to_o so_o great_a glory_n the_o garden_n of_o all_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thick_o set_v with_o these_o flower_n they_o all_o of_o they_o teach_v if_o true_a understand_v the_o self_n same_o doctrine_n thus_o you_o hear_v then_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n have_v delivere_a touch_v our_o justification_n how_o they_o refer_v the_o same_o whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o shake_v off_o our_o own_o merit_n as_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o that_o work_n nor_o worthiness_n in_o that_o degree_n to_o be_v trust_v unto_o but_o fear_v lest_o you_o be_v make_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o read_v they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o father_n as_o we_o use_v to_o allege_v they_o but_o wrest_v as_o what_o will_v not_o falsehood_n affirm_v to_o discountenance_v the_o truth_n or_o error_n be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v for_o she_o own_o shelter_n i_o will_v yet_o attempt_v another_o mean_a which_o i_o assure_v myself_o will_v cool_v and_o be_o in_o good_a hope_n utter_o extinguish_v that_o your_o conceit_n of_o merrit_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o wonderful_a inconvenience_n you_o incur_v and_o the_o dangerous_a praemunire_n that_o your_o soul_n run_v into_o by_o hold_v your_o work_n in_o such_o estimation_n there_o be_v two_o principal_a virtue_n whereby_o our_o gration_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o know_v ledge_n of_o his_o servant_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o wherein_o it_o please_v his_o divine_a omnipotency_n to_o be_v delight_v and_o they_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n there_o be_v likewise_o 2._o principal_a office_n which_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n daign_v to_o undertake_v for_o our_o sake_n whereby_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o our_o old_a notorious_a prank_n have_v estrange_v be_v regaind_v unto_o we_o and_o through_o the_o bless_a mean_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o become_v gracious_a with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n but_o have_v assurance_n of_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o happy_a fruition_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o those_o be_v his_o redeemershippe_n and_o mediatorshippe_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o your_o religion_n if_o the_o same_o nay_o if_o one_o branch_n thereof_o among_o twenty_o as_o rot_a as_o itself_o if_o this_o only_a point_n of_o attribute_v merit_n to_o your_o work_n in_o the_o act_n of_o your_o justification_n do_v impair_v and_o manifest_o obscure_v the_o dignity_n of_o these_o excellent_a propriety_n of_o god_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o withal_o disparage_v and_o apparent_o detract_v from_o the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n his_o merit_n in_o that_o his_o redeemershippe_n and_o mediatourshippe_n if_o your_o religion_n i_o say_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n will_v you_o not_o then_o judge_v it_o your_o secure_a course_n to_o abandon_v her_o dangerous_a fellowship_n and_o embrace_v instead_o thereof_o for_o your_o comfort_n true_a christianity_n of_o who_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o learn_v nothing_o but_o true_a faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n to_o your_o heavenly_a sovereign_n in_o discovery_n hereof_o it_o be_v behooveful_a for_o you_o to_o conceive_v that_o as_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o perfect_a so_o these_o propriety_n of_o god_n his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n because_o they_o be_v essential_a in_o he_o must_v likewise_o of_o necessity_n be_v perfect_a and_o infinite_a which_o be_v grant_v do_v not_o every_o opinion_n that_o shall_v intimate_v defect_n or_o insufficiency_n therein_o impair_v as_o i_o say_v and_o manifest_o obscure_v the_o dignity_n thereof_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o do_v neither_o shall_v you_o ever_o be_v able_a substantial_o to_o clear_v your_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n from_o this_o high_a and_o perilous_a imputation_n for_o look_v how_o much_o you_o attribute_v to_o your_o own_o merit_n in_o the_o purchase_n of_o salvation_n so_o
much_o you_o detract_v away_o from_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a price_n whereby_o the_o same_o be_v purchase_v god_n which_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n say_v paul_n through_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o 4._o esphe_n 2_o 4._o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o in_o christ_n for_o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v and_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o and_o make_v we_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a thing_n through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o another_o place_n former_o allege_v god_n have_v not_o save_v we_o for_o the_o deed_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o of_o his_o mercy_n have_v he_o save_v us._n here_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n appear_v like_o itself_o paul_n give_v it_o his_o due_n and_o make_v it_o the_o only_a doer_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n you_o on_o the_o contrary_a believe_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o your_o work_n only_o or_o at_o least_o by_o your_o work_n &_o this_o grace_n couple_v together_o here_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v show_v forth_o unlike_o itself_o you_o rob_v it_o of_o his_o due_n make_v it_o either_o nothing_o at_o all_o as_o when_o you_o will_v be_v justify_v mere_o by_o your_o own_o deed_n without_o it_o or_o at_o least_o but_o a_o partner_n with_o you_o when_o your_o deed_n must_v draw_v in_o the_o same_o yoke_n with_o it_o as_o coaiutor_n or_o fellow_n worker_n in_o that_o business_n assure_v you_o self_n therefore_o that_o the_o perfect_a and_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o imaginary_a merit_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o be_v and_o that_o not_o a_o little_a indignify_v by_o this_o gross_a and_o presumptuous_a doctrine_n for_o do_v but_o serious_o ponder_v with_o yourself_o whether_o that_o mercy_n can_v be_v infinite_a that_o have_v need_n of_o a_o supplement_n and_o how_o it_o can_v be_v perfect_a when_o it_o must_v be_v eek_z out_o with_o deed_n of_o imperfection_n yet_o be_v it_o perfect_a and_o infinite_a and_o shall_v ever_o remain_v so_o let_v never_o so_o many_o million_o of_o your_o merit_n founder_v deserve_v thereof_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o can_v by_o such_o their_o confidency_n in_o their_o own_o deserving_n the_o same_o indignity_n you_o proffer_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o be_v likewise_o as_o his_o mercy_n be_v perfect_v and_o infinite_a you_o hope_v nevertheless_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o corrupt_a intigrety_n and_o appease_v with_o your_o pollute_a righteousness_n but_o you_o be_v as_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n for_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n that_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o carry_v proportion_n answerable_a thereunto_o it_o require_v a_o entire_a and_o full_a payment_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o low-prized_n dross_n of_o egypt_n our_o stain_a &_o impure_a action_n but_o the_o refine_a gold_n of_o saba_n the_o unspotted_a and_o pure_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o our_o account_n will_v pass_v for_o currant_n no_o no_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o arrogate_a unto_o yourself_o any_o ability_n to_o the_o answer_v of_o that_o so_o infinite_a and_o awful_a justice_n of_o god_n almighty_a as_o rather_o firm_o and_o constant_o to_o rest_v assure_v that_o the_o uprightness_n of_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n though_o the_o same_o indeed_o respective_o be_v please_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o the_o integrity_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n yet_o i_o know_v they_o excel_v in_o strength_n and_o be_v now_o confirm_v from_o ever_o fall_v nor_o the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n albeit_o i_o confess_v they_o make_v up_o that_o church_n which_o christ_n himself_o call_v fair_a and_o without_o spot_n and_o honour_v beside_o with_o the_o title_n of_o his_o sister_n his_o love_n his_o spouse_n his_o dove_n and_o his_o undefiled_a that_o the_o uprightness_n i_o say_v integrity_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o these_o angel_n and_o saint_n nay_o the_o power_n of_o all_o their_o desert_n join_v together_o can_v calm_v the_o tempest_n of_o god_n justice_n from_o shower_v down_o indignation_n upon_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n for_o their_o original_n and_o actual_a transgression_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o qualify_v the_o say_a justice_n towards_o yourself_o in_o particular_a nor_o make_v a_o condign_a satisfaction_n for_o your_o sin_n only_o no_o not_o for_o the_o least_o sin_n though_o you_o extenuate_v and_o mince_v it_o to_o the_o least_o of_o your_o venial_a sin_n that_o ever_o you_o commit_v for_o any_o sin_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o who_o know_v not_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o proper_a act_n of_o rebellion_n whereby_o this_o infinite_a justice_n be_v so_o worthy_o incense_v as_o without_o a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n never_o to_o be_v appease_v yet_o be_v you_o bold_a of_o yourself_o to_o rush_v in_o upon_o that_o displease_a majesty_n and_o have_v no_o lawful_a warrant_n to_o present_v the_o same_o with_o a_o hollow_a bird_n of_o your_o own_o worthiness_n but_o you_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v ill_o dallieng_v with_o saint_n and_o let_v i_o by_o the_o way_n advise_v you_o to_o beware_v how_o you_o jest_v any_o more_o with_o such_o edg-toole_n as_o god_n justice_n howbeit_o your_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o all_o these_o wrong_n both_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v not_o yet_o find_v limit_n to_o bound_v his_o outrage_n in_o but_o break_v out_o further_o to_o overflow_v even_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n christ_n jesus_n and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o heresy_n to_o annihilate_v his_o bless_a righteousness_n the_o very_a truth_n only_o and_o al-sufficient_a act_n of_o our_o redemption_n this_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o none_o but_o the_o rabble_n of_o antichrist_n will_v deny_v you_o must_v understand_v be_v perfect_a and_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o it_o encounter_v the_o perfect_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n to_o weigh_v against_o the_o same_o for_o a_o wonderful_a value_n a_o value_n of_o no_o less_o worth_a than_o the_o welfar_n and_o whole_a estate_n of_o every_o christian_n soul_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v imprison_v in_o the_o corrupt_a tabernacle_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n now_o you_o not_o content_v to_o set_v down_o your_o whole_a rest_n upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o righteousness_n either_o pull_v the_o same_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o balance_n and_o put_v in_o steed_n thereof_o your_o own_o or_o at_o least_o lay_v you_o upon_o he_o to_o make_v up_o the_o weight_n as_o though_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a wherein_o what_o derogation_n you_o proffer_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a the_o same_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o absolute_a and_o what_o madness_n you_o show_v therein_o may_v be_v wonder_v at_o when_o all_o your_o merit_n unto_o christ_n be_v for_o substance_n not_o a_o drop_n to_o the_o main_a ocean_n and_o for_o weight_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o feather_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o holy_a charmer_n himself_o will_v quick_o resolve_v you_o herein_o if_o adderlike_a you_o stop_v not_o your_o ear_n against_o he_o as_o methinks_v you_o shall_v not_o howsoever_o you_o be_v enjoin_v by_o man_n because_o he_o always_o charm_v most_o wise_o 3_o esay_n 63_o 3_o in_o one_o place_n christ_n alone_o have_v tread_v down_o the_o winepress_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o at_o all_o that_o help_v he_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o cross_n 14_o gala._n 6_o 14_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n 7_o 1_o joh_n 1_o 7_o now_o if_o christ_n alove_o have_v tread_v down_o that_o press_n that_o will_v have_v press_v we_o to_o death_n if_o we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o nothing_o but_o only_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n jesus_n if_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o that_o sweet_a saviour_n of_o we_o do_v only_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o work_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v that_o of_o ourselves_o be_v but_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o comparison_n what_o have_v our_o work_n to_o do_v that_o of_o themselves_o be_v but_o mere_a unworthines_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o almighty_a what_o i_o say_v have_n we_o
or_o our_o work_n to_o do_v in_o this_o high_a and_o worthy_a office_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v already_o merciful_o undertake_v by_o he_o that_o can_v perform_v it_o for_o we_o it_o be_v already_o happy_o perform_v by_o he_o that_o do_v undertake_v it_o for_o we_o and_o be_v so_o undertake_v and_o perform_v to_o our_o hand_n what_o remain_v now_o for_o we_o but_o faithful_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o have_v do_v these_o wonder_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o next_o of_o all_o holy_o to_o live_v in_o he_o because_o he_o command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o be_v it_o but_o to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o such_o his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o us._n yet_o so_o to_o believe_v &_o live_v in_o he_o as_o that_o we_o never_o believe_v we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n while_o we_o live_v that_o shall_v worthy_a we_o to_o partake_v with_o he_o in_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o can_v have_v power_v thou_o issue_v from_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o human_a ability_n to_o merit_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n for_o if_o we_o cold_a than_o this_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n do_v put_v on_o the_o heavy_a garment_n of_o our_o humanity_n in_o vain_a do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n in_o vain_a do_v sweat_v water_n and_o blood_n in_o vain_a do_v want_v the_o privilege_n even_o of_o little_a sparrow_n for_o his_o repose_n in_o vain_a and_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o his_o suffering_n from_o the_o manger_n which_o be_v his_o cradle_n to_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o all_o this_o he_o undergo_v for_o our_o love_n in_o vain_a if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o our_o self_n if_o we_o have_v holiness_n to_o make_v our_o own_o peace_n for_o so_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o for_o we_o but_o what_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o which_o be_v a_o horrible_a &_o blasphemous_a conclusion_n and_o yet_o you_o see_v reasonable_o draw_v from_o this_o your_o sacrilegious_a and_o so_o derogatory_n doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o yet_o derogatory_n further_o for_o it_o leave_v not_o our_o saviour_n here_o but_o second_v this_o injury_n of_o his_o redeemership_n with_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediatorship_n for_o what_o be_v a_o mediator_n among_o man_n or_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n but_o a_o traveller_n or_o one_o that_o interpose_v himself_o between_o several_a party_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offendor_n the_o party_n here_o offend_v be_v god_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n commit_v the_o party_n offender_n be_v man_n that_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n against_o he_o god_n be_v perfect_o just_a and_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o shift_n but_o stand_v upon_o satisfaction_n man_n be_v a_o stark_a bankrupt_a clean_o blow_v out_o and_o have_v nothing_o wherewith_o to_o satisfy_v o_o bless_a god_n that_o be_v so_o righteous_a in_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o thrice_o bless_v be_v thy_o holy_a name_n even_o for_o be_v so_o just_a that_o thou_o will_v be_v satisfy_v but_o o_o curse_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wicked_a in_o his_o way_n as_o to_o forsake_v his_o gracious_a god_n that_o have_v make_v he_o so_o rich_a and_z when_o he_o may_v have_v choose_v to_o plunge_v himself_o in_o such_o extreme_a poverty_n methinks_v i_o see_v he_o soe_v figge-leave_n to_o cover_v his_o shame_n and_o shudder_a himself_o behind_o tree_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a methinks_v i_o hear_v he_o answer_v the_o lord_n frivilous_o and_o prate_v out_o excuse_n to_o no_o purpose_n for_o god_n that_o it_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o see_v all_o thing_n can_v be_v delude_v and_o yet_o methinks_v lift_v up_o myself_o i_o see_v another_o arm_n of_o mercy_n extend_v forth_o to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o that_o arm_n of_o justice_n to_o destroy_v i_o see_v the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o of_o great_a goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o always_o be_v chide_v nor_o continue_v his_o anger_n for_o ever_o that_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o his_o servant_n after_o their_o sin_n nor_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o wickedness_n in_o a_o word_n which_o be_v my_o soul_n ravish_v comfort_n methinks_v i_o see_v his_o mercy_n without_o impeachment_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o shine_v above_o all_o his_o work_n for_o with_o this_o arm_n of_o compassion_n he_o take_v this_o sinner_n up_o and_o even_o he_o himself_o through_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n devise_v a_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o restore_v again_o the_o poor_a offender_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o now_o my_o sweet_a saviour_n i_o must_v return_v again_o unto_o thou_o for_o the_o needle_n of_o my_o soul_n true_o touch_v i_o hope_v with_o thy_o grace_n will_v never_o stand_v still_o till_o it_o come_v direct_o against_o thy_o merit_n the_o fix_a point_n of_o my_o salvation_n when_o man_n by_o sin_n have_v thus_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o maker_n and_o the_o jaw_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o a_o deserve_a guerdon_n gape_v wide_a to_o have_v swallow_v he_o up_o at_o this_o dead_a lift_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n former_o be_v make_v come_v to_o help_v out_o and_o draw_v together_o again_o his_o father_n and_o this_o offender_n that_o stand_v in_o such_o opposition_n he_o undertake_v to_o pay_v the_o debt_n set_v a_o certain_a day_n and_o keep_v it_o &_o require_v nothing_o of_o this_o man_n for_o who_o thus_o friendly_a he_o become_v paimaister_n but_o before_o till_o the_o day_n come_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v pay_v it_o and_o after_o when_o the_o day_n be_v past_a to_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o he_o have_v pay_v it_o and_o before_o and_o after_o to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o labour_n and_o observe_v that_o course_n for_o his_o life_n as_o near_o as_o he_o can_v which_o he_o prescribe_v he_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o say_v the_o caviller_n to_o christ_n mediatorship_n i_o may_v answer_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o profitable_a digression_n at_o most_o but_o i_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v no_o digression_n at_o all_o for_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v so_o pertinent_a so_o necessary_o belong_v thereunto_o that_o if_o you_o know_v not_o this_o you_o know_v nothing_o if_o you_o perfect_o conceive_v not_o this_o you_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understande_v the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o learn_v to_o knit_v they_o together_o when_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o perfect_a god_n himself_o have_v for_o the_o sufficient_a and_o more_o proper_a discharge_n of_o this_o debt_n for_o man_n which_o man_n by_o no_o mean_n can_v have_v discharge_v for_o himself_o assume_v our_o humanity_n and_o thorough_o satisfy_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o due_a time_n he_o forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o bless_a bosom_n of_o his_o father_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o because_o he_o know_v that_o man_n for_o all_o this_o kindness_n show_v he_o will_v not_o be_v full_o reclaim_v nor_o thorough_o purge_v during_o his_o abode_n upon_o earth_n of_o that_o pernicious_a humour_n of_o disobedience_n that_o possess_v he_o but_o still_o be_v prone_a to_o offend_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n provoke_v his_o lord_n and_o maker_n to_o indignation_n against_o he_o he_o there_o in_o heaven_n seat_v upon_o that_o glorious_a throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o power_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n continual_o intreat_v present_v satisfaction_n and_o undertake_v for_o he_o i_o mean_v his_o servant_n that_o faithful_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o true_o depend_v upon_o his_o righteousness_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o therein_o i_o pray_v you_o conceive_v that_o his_o mediatorshippe_n as_o with_o god_n the_o party_n offend_v do_v principal_o now_o consist_v i_o say_v in_o entreat_v present_v satisfaction_n and_o undertake_v for_o we_o for_o he_o intreat_v his_o father_n to_o take_v pity_n of_o we_o albeit_o we_o deserve_v it_o not_o to_o love_v we_o although_o we_o have_v not_o love_v he_o and_o to_o embrace_v we_o for_o his_o child_n notwithstanding_o our_o disobedience_n towards_o he_o and_o because_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n in_o this_o his_o office_n of_o mediatorshippe_n it_o concern_v he_o to_o see_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n full_o satisfy_v before_o his_o mercy_n be_v thus_o thorough_o extend_v in_o his_o petition_n he_o comprise_v effectual_a consideration_n to_o stir_v uppe_o compassion_n towards_o we_o namely_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n in_o our_o steed_n for_o his_o righteousness_n sake_n which_o he_o continual_o present_v unto_o his_o father_n as_o a_o satisfaction_n