and_o of_o different_a degree_n of_o goodness_n the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n the_o appletree_n if_o a_o appletree_n produce_v the_o best_a fruit_n in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o equal_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n it_o be_v perfect_o good_a thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v several_a condition_n of_o life_n among_o man_n some_o be_v in_o place_n of_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n other_o of_o subjection_n and_o service_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o excel_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o be_v equal_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o other_o in_o a_o high_a order_n he_o that_o gain_v two_o talent_n be_v esteem_v as_o faithful_a as_o he_o that_o gain_v five_o because_o the_o profit_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n be_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o stock_n entrust_v with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n relative_n to_o the_o various_a spiritual_a state_n of_o christian_n here_o st._n john_n address_v his_o counsel_n to_o 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a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a his_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o man_n understanding_n god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o he_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o dangerous_a curiosity_n often_o fatal_a to_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o supernatural_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o reason_n that_o when_o man_n use_v all_o mean_n sincere_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o involuntary_a speculative_a error_n i_o will_v now_o particular_o consider_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n and_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n and_o love_n hope_v and_o fear_v be_v the_o internal_a principle_n of_o christian_a perfection_n i_o will_v first_o discourse_n of_o divine_a faith_n the_o first_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n 11._o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o bounty_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o holy_a worship_n this_o grace_n be_v most_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o the_o understanding_n be_v our_o supreme_a faculty_n and_o by_o submit_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o pay_v the_o most_o humble_a homage_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o conceive_v of_o god_n become_v his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v encompass_v with_o opposition_n and_o seem_a impossibility_n we_o glorify_v his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a testimony_n set_v his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a ratify_v his_o word_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n faith_n be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n derive_v their_o flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n it_o be_v not_o only_o productive_a of_o its_o own_o act_n but_o excite_v and_o animate_v every_o grace_n in_o its_o distinct_a exercise_n like_o the_o animal_n spirit_n that_o give_v motion_n and_o vigour_n to_o all_o the_o sense_n faith_n in_o christ_n convey_v to_o a_o weak_a christain_n a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o apostle_n declare_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 11._o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o the_o most_o eminent_a effect_n of_o other_o grace_n either_o active_a or_o suffer_a fortitude_n zeal_n self-denial_n patience_n be_v attribute_v to_o faith_n as_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o victory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o general_n by_o who_o conduct_n and_o courage_n the_o battle_n be_v manage_v though_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v from_o the_o guilt_n 1._o of_o our_o many_o and_o mighty_a sin_n we_o be_v 15._o purify_v from_o their_o deep_a pollution_n we_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o line_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v save_v from_o misery_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v consider_v divine_a faith_n under_o three_o head_n 1._o doctrinal_a faith_n 2._o justify_v faith_n 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o roll_a providence_n of_o god_n doctrinal_a faith_n i_o will_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o motive_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n agree_v in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thus_o trust_n be_v call_v faith_n because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o one_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v his_o faith_n inviolate_a when_o he_o perform_v the_o promise_n that_o another_o rely_v on_o faith_n in_o the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n be_v a_o assent_n for_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n according_o divine_v faith_n be_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o imagination_n and_o from_o comprehensive_a reason_n fancy_n draw_v a_o copy_n of_o those_o object_n that_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o external_a sense_n or_o compound_v many_o copy_n together_o but_o create_v no_o image_n of_o thing_n not_o perceptible_a by_o the_o sense_n we_o can_v imagine_v mountain_n of_o gold_n because_o we_o have_v see_v gold_n and_o mountain_n we_o conceive_v monstrous_a mixture_n in_o dream_n but_o no_o actor_n can_v appear_v on_o the_o theatre_n of_o fancy_n but_o in_o borrow_a habit_n from_o sensible_a thing_n but_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v and_o of_o the_o external_a sense_n to_o represent_v yet_o infidel_n blaspheme_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o fiction_n of_o fancy_n 2._o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n and_o from_o reason_n reason_n imply_v a_o progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o but_o faith_n assert_n to_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o superior_a authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v
be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n you_o may_v as_o well_o see_v a_o angel_n by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n as_o see_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o natural_a mind_n their_o reality_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n so_o as_o saving_o to_o believe_v they_o faith_n 17._o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n who_o discover_v the_o object_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n to_o see_v it_o and_o by_o free_a prevent_a grace_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n alone_o can_v pull_v down_o strong_a 10._o hold_n and_o cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n the_o spirit_n overcome_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o enlighten_v the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o infallible_a revelation_n violence_n and_o temporal_a respect_n may_v by_o terror_n and_o allurement_n make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o can_v make_v they_o sincere_a believer_n there_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o it_o be_v special_a grace_n inspire_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n with_o light_a to_o see_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o require_v special_a thankfulness_n let_v we_o humble_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o light_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n 4._o of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n a_o speculative_a assent_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v not_o save_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o object_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o the_o frequent_a application_n of_o they_o to_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v present_a and_o those_o that_o be_v future_a the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o fix_v our_o assent_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a justify_v faith_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o purify_n virtue_n faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n from_o whence_o many_o practical_a consequence_n be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n 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in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
our_o judgement_n for_o that_o which_o have_v least_o now_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v than_o to_o deny_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o declare_v those_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o gloss_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o without_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o word_n rack_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v not_o and_o use_v all_o art_n to_o silence_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v reveal_v unhappy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o affect_v to_o be_v esteem_v ingenious_a and_o subtle_a to_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n how_o much_o safe_o and_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o turn_n and_o shift_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o elude_v it_o and_o extricate_v heretical_a person_n out_o of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v their_o opinion_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o redemption_n shall_v have_v declare_v it_o and_o engage_v his_o disciple_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n in_o a_o error_n of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_v those_o who_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o a_o person_n sincere_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o supernatural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o involuntary_a and_o speculative_a error_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o pretence_n have_v deceive_v many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_n deceive_v man_n still_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o most_o deceitful_a to_o itself_o who_o can_v say_v that_o neither_o interest_n nor_o passion_n neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n neither_o anger_n nor_o ambition_n have_v intervene_v in_o his_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n but_o he_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n before_o all_o temporal_a respect_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v this_o imaginary_a man_n produce_v his_o plea_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v reason_n the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o determine_v such_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v true_a prodigious_a inference_n the_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o error_n that_o make_v the_o narrow_a mind_n of_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o that_o horrible_a compofition_n of_o heresy_n and_o execrable_a impiety_n which_o so_o many_o that_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n but_o antichristian_o in_o belief_n bold_o publish_v they_o will_v choose_v to_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o infinite_a importance_n rather_o than_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n and_o which_o be_v astonish_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o 2._o the_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o but_o insolent_o arrogate_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a ignorance_n the_o more_o invincible_a be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o when_o the_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v from_o a_o vicious_a will_n both_o the_o error_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a when_o the_o corrupt_a will_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o carnal_a lust_n when_o a_o temptation_n divert_v it_o from_o a_o serious_a and_o sincere_a consider_v the_o reason_n that_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v divine_a doctrine_n their_o unbelief_n will_v be_v just_o punish_v the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o evil_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o carnal_a lust_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o so_o many_o renounce_v those_o eternal_a truth_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o speculative_a error_n can_v be_v damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o his_o original_a state_n be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o regular_a in_o its_o direction_n now_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o disorder_a and_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o give_v and_o of_o man_n to_o receive_v brief_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n without_o faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o redemption_n by_o he_o when_o christ_n perform_v miraculous_a cure_n he_o require_v of_o the_o person_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v elect_v mercy_n ordain_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indispensable_a qualification_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o his_o incarnate_a son_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n this_o infinite_o provoke_v 10._o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o indignation_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o despise_v he_o it_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o his_o acquire_v glory_n by_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v not_o only_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n have_v declare_v when_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n whoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v whoever_o believe_v not_o shall_v
spiritual_a perfection_n unfolded_a and_o enforce_v from_o 2_o cor._n vii_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n 1699._o gulielmus_fw-la batesius_n s._n s._n theol_n prof_n aetat_fw-la 73._o nov_n 1608._o the_o preface_n the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o save_a mercy_n be_v to_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n we_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v holy_a redeem_v to_o be_v holy_a call_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o make_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o descend_a deity_n into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o instruct_v and_o persuade_v man_n by_o his_o perfect_a rule_n and_o example_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o enemy_n of_o soul_n in_o combination_n with_o the_o carnal_a mind_n use_v all_o their_o art_n to_o cool_v our_o endeavour_n in_o follow_a holiness_n and_o raise_v a_o army_n of_o objection_n to_o dismay_v we_o and_o stop_v our_o progress_n to_o perfection_n sometime_o the_o deceiver_n inspire_v a_o temptation_n with_o so_o soft_a a_o breath_n that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v he_o suggest_v the_o counsel_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o compassionate_a charity_n towards_o other_o and_o not_o to_o censure_v they_o with_o rigour_n and_o severity_n for_o humane_a frailty_n the_o tempter_n pervert_v his_o meaning_n to_o make_v we_o remiss_a in_o religion_n and_o shy_a of_o strict_a 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our_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o strict_a holiness_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o scorn_n be_v palpable_o unreasonable_a do_v ever_o any_o artist_n blush_v to_o excel_v in_o the_o art_n that_o he_o profess_v be_v a_o scholar_n ashamed_a to_o excel_v in_o useful_a learning_n and_o shall_v a_o christian_n who_o high_a and_o holy_a call_v oblige_v he_o to_o live_v become_v its_o dignity_n and_o purity_n be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o accurate_a conversation_n can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n his_o peculiar_a glory_n can_v that_o be_v matter_n of_o contempt_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a honour_n of_o the_o intelligent_a creature_n a_o saint_n when_o despise_v with_o title_n of_o ignominy_n by_o the_o carnal_a world_n shall_v bind_v their_o scorn_n as_o a_o diadem_n about_o his_o head_n and_o wear_v they_o as_o beautiful_a ornament_n the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n what_o reproach_n do_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n suffer_v for_o we_o and_o what_o pride_n and_o folly_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o his_o suffer_a reproach_n and_o not_o willing_o endure_v reproach_n for_o his_o glory_n our_o continual_a and_o ardent_a endeavour_n to_o rise_v to_o perfection_n commend_v we_o to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n a_o cold-dead_a heathen_a be_v less_o offensive_a and_o odious_a to_o he_o than_o a_o lukewarm_a christian._n it_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n that_o to_o live_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o rule_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o and_o exact_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o narrow_a way_n will_v not_o only_o infringe_v but_o destroy_v our_o liberty_n this_o be_v so_o precious_a a_o possession_n that_o man_n will_v defend_v their_o liberty_n with_o their_o life_n a_o ingenuous_a person_n will_v rather_o wear_v a_o plain_a garment_n of_o his_o own_o than_o a_o rich_a livery_n the_o mark_n of_o servitude_n but_o if_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o their_o understanding_n they_o will_v clear_o discern_v that_o the_o word_n liberty_n be_v abuse_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o licentiousness_n there_o be_v a_o free_a subjection_n and_o a_o servile_a liberty_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o roman_n when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n and_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n you_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n the_o soul_n have_v two_o faculty_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v truth_n either_o in_o itself_o or_o appearance_n the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n be_v goodness_n either_o real_a or_o counterfeit_a liberty_n be_v radical_o in_o the_o understanding_n which_o free_o deliberate_v and_o by_o comparative_a consideration_n direct_v the_o will_n to_o choose_v good_a before_o evil_a and_o of_o good_a the_o great_a and_o of_o evil_a the_o less_o when_o the_o 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our_o servitude_n
be_v by_o seduction_n eve_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n our_o liberty_n be_v restore_v by_o light_n the_o truth_n make_v we_o free_a the_o necessity_n that_o proceed_v from_o external_a compulsion_n and_o from_o the_o indeliberate_a and_o strong_a sway_n of_o nature_n that_o determine_v to_o one_o thing_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o liberty_n the_o understanding_n be_v a_o free_a faculty_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o object_n the_o will_v free_v in_o the_o election_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o consequent_a choice_n of_o the_o will_n that_o infallible_o proceed_v from_o light_n and_o love_n the_o perfection_n of_o its_o freedom_n consist_v when_o god_n and_o his_o command_n be_v due_o represent_v in_o their_o amiable_a excellency_n the_o love_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o his_o law_n certain_o produce_v obedience_n to_o it_o with_o choice_n and_o complacency_n david_n express_v his_o affection_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o it_o 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of_o god_n severe_a displeasure_n to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o satisfy_v their_o vile_a affection_n some_o be_v seem_v free_a who_o bondage_n be_v esteem_v liberty_n carnal_a man_n presume_v of_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o follow_v the_o swinge_n of_o their_o appetite_n but_o they_o serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n and_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will._n as_o if_o a_o horse_n that_o take_v a_o career_n in_o a_o pleasant_a plain_n be_v free_a when_o the_o bridle_n be_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o be_v carbed_a by_o the_o rider_n at_o his_o pleasure_n the_o apostle_n say_v of_o idolater_n that_o what_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n they_o sacrifice_v to_o devil_n it_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o when_o man_n serve_v their_o lust_n they_o serve_v the_o devil_n constructive_o do_v thing_n please_v to_o they_o when_o man_n turn_v rebel_n against_o god_n he_o become_v a_o absolute_a slave_n his_o understanding_n be_v now_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n under_o ignorance_n and_o error_n his_o will_n be_v inflave_v by_o infamous_a lust_n his_o affection_n be_v fetter_v by_o ensnare_a object_n if_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n how_o wretched_a be_v their_o condition_n who_o numerous_a and_o fierce_a passion_n exact_a thing_n contrary_a and_o be_v their_o tyrant_n and_o torment_n continual_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o impure_a person_n their_o eye_n be_v full_a of_o the_o adulteress_n they_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o sinner_n who_o heart_n be_v possess_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o lusts._n they_o be_v hurry_v by_o they_o against_o the_o reason_n and_o rest_v of_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o contumelious_a bondage_n and_o the_o more_o shameful_a because_o voluntary_a but_o they_o be_v insensible_a of_o those_o subtle_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o soul_n and_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a free_a man_n as_o when_o the_o angel_n awaken_v peter_n to_o release_v he_o from_o prison_n he_o think_v he_o see_v a_o vision_n so_o when_o they_o be_v excite_v to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o dark_a prison_n they_o think_v the_o freedom_n of_o duty_n the_o gracious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n like_o one_o in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n who_o sing_v and_o talk_v high_a as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o perfect_a health_n but_o after_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o disease_n feel_v his_o strength_n break_v with_o pain_n and_o himself_o near_o death_n thus_o within_o a_o little_a while_n when_o the_o furious_a precipitancy_n of_o their_o passion_n be_v cool_v and_o check_v by_o affliction_n they_o will_v feel_v and_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o woeful_a bondage_n another_o objection_n and_o pernicious_a fallacy_n of_o the_o tempter_n whereby_o he_o fright_v many_o young_a person_n from_o the_o strictness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o sour_a severity_n they_o must_v renounce_v all_o delight_n turn_v capuchin_n if_o they_o serious_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o resolve_v to_o strive_v after_o pure_a and_o perfect_a holiness_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o truth_n nor_o terror_n in_o this_o suggestion_n to_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a true_a holiness_n shall_v make_v man_n joyless_a and_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n miserable_a which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a perfection_n in_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o joyful_a and_o bless_a religion_n do_v not_o extinguish_v the_o joyful_a affection_n but_o transplant_v they_o from_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v only_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o taste_n ravish_v the_o carnal_a sense_n but_o like_o jonathan_n honey_n they_o kill_v by_o taste_v when_o the_o sweetness_n be_v vanish_v the_o sting_n remain_v whereas_o the_o joy_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o 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why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o 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the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o 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consistent_a with_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v to_o humble_v we_o in_o the_o modest_a ignorance_n of_o divine_a mystery_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o enlighten_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o the_o penetration_n of_o reason_n the_o mean_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o raise_v be_v equal_o capable_a of_o salvation_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n there_o be_v a_o hydropic_a curiosity_n that_o swell_v the_o mind_n with_o pride_n and_o be_v thirsty_a after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n unsearchable_a this_o curiosity_n have_v often_o be_v fatal_a 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lose_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n there_o be_v not_o a_o flower_n a_o fly_n a_o stone_n but_o be_v a_o mystery_n we_o can_v full_o understand_v the_o vegetation_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o sensation_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v discover_v its_o defect_n who_o can_v discern_v the_o vital_a band_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v combine_v by_o what_o power_n do_v the_o soul_n represent_v absent_a object_n sound_v without_o noise_n colour_n without_o tincture_n light_n without_o clearness_n darkness_n without_o obscurity_n what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o admirable_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o dream_n when_o the_o sense_n be_v suspend_v from_o work_v and_o the_o body_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o warm_a carcase_n it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o secret_n that_o humane_a wit_n labour_n in_o vain_a to_o explain_v how_o it_o compose_v discourse_n so_o just_a and_o regular_a as_o to_o the_o invention_n and_o stile_n which_o by_o their_o impression_n in_o the_o memory_n we_o know_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o wild_a fancy_n but_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o that_o awake_v and_o intent_n we_o can_v not_o so_o speedy_o and_o orderly_o frame_v it_o be_v as_o strange_a as_o that_o a_o artificer_n shall_v work_v more_o exact_o with_o his_o eye_n cover_v than_o see_v that_o a_o painter_n shall_v draw_v a_o face_n better_o in_o the_o dark_a than_o in_o open_a daylight_n that_o man_n be_v total_o desert_v of_o reason_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n that_o be_v but_o a_o just_a distance_n from_o his_o eye_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n distant_a from_o he_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o horizon_n be_v beyond_o his_o sight_n we_o be_v finite_a being_n there_o be_v some_o proportion_n between_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o nature_n if_o we_o can_v understand_v ourselves_o 1._o what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o presume_v that_o we_o know_v god_n can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o 9_o measure_n be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n who_o can_v unfold_v the_o divine_a attribute_n they_o be_v not_o confuse_v in_o their_o unity_n nor_o divide_v in_o number_n they_o be_v not_o separable_a quality_n but_o his_o essence_n he_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o wisdom_n not_o only_o life_n but_o be_v life_n we_o can_v speak_v of_o some_o attribute_n without_o distinction_n wisdom_n and_o power_n nor_o of_o other_o without_o a_o seem_a opposition_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v separate_a but_o in_o our_o thought_n he_o be_v eternal_a without_o succession_n with_o he_o there_o
temptation_n from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o these_o motive_n upon_o man_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n if_o these_o method_n be_v unsuccessful_a to_o turn_v man_n from_o god_n he_o try_v to_o make_v terrible_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o afflict_a evil_n by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o perverse_a world_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o victorious_a principle_n that_o defeat_v all_o his_o design_n and_o overcome_v all_o his_o strength_n in_o mechanical_a operation_n we_o judge_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o mover_n how_o easy_o a_o weight_n will_v be_v move_v thus_o when_o eternal_a reality_n be_v by_o faith_n put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o temporal_a vanity_n they_o infinite_o outweigh_v they_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o judicious_a comparison_n our_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v 4._o but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o extreme_o vilify_v thing_n present_a and_o magnify_v thing_n 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the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n our_o most_o comprehensive_a faculty_n there_o be_v more_o shadow_n than_o light_n in_o our_o bright_a condition_n more_o gall_n than_o honey_n in_o our_o sweet_a fruition_n but_o suppose_v the_o appearance_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n gild_v with_o specious_a tincture_n be_v true_o great_a and_o goodly_a joyful_a and_o satisfy_a according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o carnal_a man_n yet_o the_o price_n will_v extreme_o fall_v by_o consider_v they_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n than_o the_o flight_n and_o expire_a breath_n of_o our_o present_a life_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n be_v like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n in_o its_o appear_v and_o vanish_v the_o long_a line_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o period_n be_v but_o a_o point_n to_o eternity_n now_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v fade_v be_v not_o true_a happiness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n nor_o correspondent_a to_o our_o reasonable_a desire_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o its_o approach_a end_n will_v embitter_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v double_o infinite_a in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o happiness_n be_v a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o any_o touch_n or_o shadow_n of_o evil._n humane_a language_n have_v not_o word_n worthy_a or_o full_o significant_a to_o describe_v it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o goodness_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o immortal_a soul_n according_a to_o its_o utmost_a capacity_n and_o desire_n it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o offer_v such_o violence_n to_o their_o understanding_n as_o calm_o consider_v and_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o prefer_v the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n that_o pass_v away_o before_o the_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a happiness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o future_a eternal_a thing_n such_o be_v their_o victorious_a power_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o objective_a efficacy_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o their_o existence_n but_o from_o their_o evidence_n to_o our_o mind_n now_o according_a as_o our_o apprehension_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n more_o steadfast_a of_o thing_n future_a such_o impression_n be_v make_v either_o of_o terror_n or_o desire_n in_o our_o breast_n the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o 11._o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o represent_v thing_n future_a and_o distant_a as_o present_v and_o in_o our_o actual_a possession_n a_o superficial_a fluctuate_a belief_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o state_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o encounter_v present_a temptation_n and_o vanquish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n concern_v thing_n present_a will_v preponderate_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o declare_v thing_n future_a infinite_o to_o exceed_v they_o all_o fire_n have_v heat_n but_o not_o strong_a enough_o to_o melt_v down_o gold_n and_o silver_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n in_o every_o degree_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o world_n a_o radicate_v firm_a belief_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n the_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o our_o sure_a right_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v cause_v all_o the_o false_a colour_n of_o this_o world_n the_o shadow_n in_o masquerade_n to_o disappear_v the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n fix_v our_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o the_o son_n of_o a_o king_n and_o heir_n of_o a_o kingdom_n will_v invincible_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o title_n a_o sincere_a believer_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o his_o eternal_a interest_n in_o it_o will_v live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o die_v for_o it_o if_o necessity_n require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o have_v a_o vital_a taste_n a_o joy_n sincere_a and_o sweet_a that_o make_v the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n nauseous_a as_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o so_o hope_n be_v reciprocal_o as_o a_o strong_a pillar_n that_o establish_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v for_o one_o voluntary_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n the_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o prepare_a plague_n for_o those_o who_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n hereafter_o will_v make_v all_o the_o evil_n threaten_v and_o inflict_v upon_o the_o godly_a here_o to_o be_v contemptible_a if_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o army_n of_o evil_n let_v faith_n draw_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n there_o be_v many_o temptation_n we_o can_v avoid_v there_o be_v none_o but_o we_o may_v vanquish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n like_o aaron_n rod_n turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n that_o swallow_v up_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o magician_n will_v over-rule_v the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o make_v those_o evil_n that_o to_o naked_a nature_n be_v invincible_a easy_o endure_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o proud_a tyrant_n upon_o their_o throne_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a executioner_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o triumph_n if_o the_o same_o object_n have_v not_o the_o same_o efficacy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o faith_n if_o faith_n decline_v we_o shall_v faint_v and_o die_v away_o peter_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o when_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n shake_v his_o faith_n he_o present_o sink_v the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o christ_n power_n when_o a_o storm_n fall_v upon_o the_o ship_n our_o saviour_n first_o rebuke_v their_o fear_n before_o he_o lay_v the_o storm_n why_o be_v you_o afraid_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n as_o a_o danger_n more_o near_o and_o of_o worse_a consequence_n let_v we_o try_v the_o singular_a efficacy_n of_o faith_n by_o exercise_v of_o it_o upon_o eternal_a object_n let_v our_o faith_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o as_o lively_a a_o manner_n the_o eternal_a judgement_n as_o enoch_n have_v a_o prospect_n of_o it_o behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o judge_v all_o the_o ungodly_a let_v faith_n direct_v its_o view_n to_o he_o rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v in_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o father_n glory_n as_o constitute_v by_o he_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o mighty_a angel_n his_o attendant_n let_v
peace_n with_o god_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v from_o whence_o the_o purify_n virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o justify_v proceed_v for_o it_o necessary_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o desperate_a misery_n that_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n tribunal_n who_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a judge_n angry_a and_o incense_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o will_v be_v a_o revenge_a judge_n to_o all_o that_o continue_v in_o their_o guilty_a state_n and_o that_o our_o pardon_n and_o right_o to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o ascribe_v to_o the_o sovereign_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o original_a cause_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o meritorious_a cause_n 25._o of_o it_o now_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o our_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v the_o reflection_n of_o his_o beam_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o the_o well-grounded_n belief_n that_o god_n will_v save_v we_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a glory_n do_v natural_o and_o necessary_o inspire_v the_o breast_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o sin_n that_o provoke_v he_o and_o a_o constant_a care_n to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n beside_o god_n in_o dispense_n his_o pardon_v mercy_n require_v our_o perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o man_n miraculous_o cure_v of_o his_o inveterate_a disease_n behold_v 14._o thou_o be_v make_v whole_a sin_z no_o more_o lest_o a_o worse_a thing_n befall_v thou_o be_v virtual_o say_v to_o every_o pardon_v believer_n when_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n it_o be_v with_o this_o caution_n let_v they_o not_o return_v any_o more_o to_o folly_n i_o shall_v under_o another_o head_n speak_v of_o faith_n as_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o now_o will_v proceed_v 3._o faith_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o infallible_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o those_o universal_a principle_n those_o prime_a and_o great_a truth_n rich_a in_o practical_a consequence_n that_o be_v powerful_a to_o compose_v and_o calm_v our_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o visible_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o present_a world_n the_o heathen_n measure_v the_o divine_a perfection_n by_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o narrow_a understanding_n they_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o one_o god_n be_v able_a to_o order_v all_o thing_n and_o form_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o subordinate_a god_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a thing_n be_v commit_v they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o imagination_n think_v he_o to_o be_v like_o mortal_a king_n insufficient_a to_o govern_v immediate_o several_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n divers_a in_o their_o custom_n and_o language_n who_o be_v constrain_v to_o manage_v their_o affair_n by_o the_o number_n variety_n and_o order_n of_o officer_n vice-roys_n to_o divide_v the_o government_n counsellor_n to_o advise_v about_o occurrence_n of_o moment_n secretary_n to_o give_v commission_n and_o make_v dispatch_n judge_n to_o dispense_v the_o law_n military_a officer_n to_o prevent_v tumult_n other_o confine_v his_o presence_n and_o agency_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o sequester_v he_o from_o the_o low_a world_n the_o mutable_a sphere_n of_o the_o element_n and_o of_o man_n and_o their_o action_n leave_v they_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o fortune_n other_o think_v that_o he_o be_v so_o content_a with_o his_o own_o felicity_n that_o all_o thing_n without_o he_o be_v distant_a from_o his_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o that_o to_o regard_n and_o regulate_v the_o multitude_n of_o emergency_n in_o this_o low_a world_n will_v disturb_v his_o felicity_n thus_o the_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n like_o the_o foolish_a harpaste_n that_o seneca_n speak_v of_o who_o insensible_a of_o her_o own_o blindness_n always_o complain_v the_o sun_n be_v down_o and_o the_o house_n dark_a think_v all_o thing_n be_v leave_v at_o random_n in_o loose_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n here_o below_o nay_o some_o of_o the_o clear_a spirit_n and_o most_o virtuous_a among_o the_o heathen_a can_v not_o reconcile_v the_o oppression_n and_o infelicity_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a with_o the_o rectitude_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o express_v their_o discontent_n in_o the_o style_n and_o accent_n of_o their_o passion_n of_o this_o we_o have_v two_o eminent_a instance_n brutus_n who_o with_o inviolable_a integrity_n have_v as_o a_o senator_n manage_v the_o public_a affair_n and_o with_o undecline_a courage_n endeavour_v to_o recover_v his_o country_n from_o ignominious_a bondage_n when_o vanquish_v by_o the_o usurper_n break_v es_fw-la out_o into_o a_o tragical_a complaint_n o_o virtue_n i_o worship_v thou_o as_o a_o substantial_a good_a a_o deity_n but_o thou_o be_v a_o empty_a name_n a_o idol_n the_o emperor_n titus_n who_o be_v the_o delight_n of_o mankind_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n 73._o surprise_v with_o death_n in_o his_o flourish_a age_n accuse_v heaven_n that_o his_o life_n be_v unjust_o snatch_v from_o he_o the_o way_n and_o thought_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v above_o the_o way_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o his_o wisdom_n have_v not_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n we_o shall_v be_v foolish_a and_o like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o happen_v in_o this_o tumultuous_a and_o tempestuous_a world_n without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o approve_v or_o permissive_a and_o efficiency_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o dispose_v the_o worst_a evil_n by_o his_o powerful_a providence_n subordinate_o to_o his_o aug._n main_a end_n that_o be_v always_o good_a nothing_o be_v so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o dominion_n nor_o so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o care_n of_o his_o providence_n 1._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v under_o the_o eye_n and_o inspection_n of_o his_o providence_n no_o silence_n no_o solitude_n nor_o darkness_n can_v hide_v the_o design_n and_o action_n of_o the_o wicked_a nor_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o people_n from_o his_o perfect_a knowledge_n how_o many_o million_o of_o inhabitant_n be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o different_a their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n ebb_v or_o flow_v but_o they_o be_v all_o actual_o and_o distinct_o know_v to_o god_n without_o his_o universal_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o judge_n it_o torquatus_n manlius_n a_o noble_a roman_a though_o blind_a through_o age_n be_v choose_v consul_n and_o general_n to_o rule_v the_o state_n and_o the_o army_n but_o no_o argument_n no_o entreaty_n can_v persuade_v he_o to_o consent_v to_o it_o he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o liv._o absurd_a that_o the_o life_n and_o estate_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n who_o must_v manage_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n qualify_v he_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o trust_n in_o he_o he_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n that_o seem_v innumerable_a psal._n 147._o 41._o and_o from_o hence_o the_o psalmist_n encourage_v the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o disperss_v in_o captivity_n that_o he_o can_v gather_v 7._o the_o outcast_n of_o israel_n though_o scatter_v in_o strange_a country_n and_o build_v up_o jerusalem_n he_o not_o only_a number_n the_o star_n but_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n that_o be_v of_o so_o small_a consideration_n all_o creature_n be_v support_v in_o their_o being_n and_o operation_n by_o his_o power_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o they_o or_o befall_v they_o without_o his_o dispose_n will._n 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o mere_o theoretical_a but_o active_a and_o order_n all_o thing_n he_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n 26._o that_o be_v regulate_v their_o motion_n as_o easy_o as_o a_o skilful_a rider_n manage_n a_o horse_n the_o star_n that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o army_n of_o heaven_n for_o their_o number_n 4._o order_n and_o action_n he_o call_v by_o their_o name_n that_o be_v absolute_o command_v they_o for_o his_o call_n be_v always_o effectual_a and_o exact_o accomplish_v as_o in_o the_o creation_n he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fast_o so_o in_o the_o conservation_n and_o
appetite_n and_o pretend_v they_o can_v resist_v the_o attractiveness_n and_o unbind_v the_o charm_n that_o fasten_v they_o to_o the_o object_n of_o their_o impure_a desire_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o little_a contempt_n or_o coldness_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v charm_v a_o favourable_a aspect_n upon_o a_o competitor_n will_v turn_v their_o love_n into_o disdain_n and_o break_v all_o society_n between_o they_o and_o shall_v one_o carnal_a passion_n vanquish_v another_o and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o torment_n of_o a_o everlasting_a hell_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o restrain_v they_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o will_v cover_v they_o with_o eternal_a confusion_n in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o traveller_n complain_v of_o the_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n when_o a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n make_v it_o uneasy_a carnal_a man_n complain_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a task_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o their_o lust_n make_v it_o so_o 3._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o strive_v after_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v unnecessary_a by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o before_o i_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o this_o pretence_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o carnal_a man_n that_o they_o may_v live_v easy_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o principle_n correspondent_a with_o their_o practice_n they_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o their_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o will_v not_o order_v their_o life_n by_o the_o holy_a rule_n the_o curse_a and_o crafty_a serpent_n will_v assist_v they_o in_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o true_a premise_n and_o in_o oppose_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o its_o precept_n when_o the_o carnal_a affection_n corrupt_v the_o judgement_n the_o mind_n will_v give_v licence_n to_o the_o affection_n the_o case_n of_o such_o be_v dangerous_a if_o not_o desperate_a thus_o the_o loose_a opinion_n that_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o absolute_a perfection_n therefore_o strive_v after_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a make_v man_n remiss_a in_o religion_n and_o produce_v vain_a delusive_a hope_n that_o end_n in_o fearful_a disappointment_n to_o undeceive_v man_n the_o follow_a consideration_n may_v be_v effectual_a 1._o it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o preceptive_a moral_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n and_o the_o foederal_n they_o agree_v in_o the_o former_a and_o differ_v in_o the_o latter_a the_o gospel_n enjoin_v perfect_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n but_o the_o first_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o the_o second_o make_v provision_n for_o our_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o the_o transgress_a of_o one_o command_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o death_n be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o sin_n for_o entire_a obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o adam_n sin_v once_o and_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o same_o the_o mediator_n interpose_v between_o the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o the_o sinner_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o kill_a law_n and_o the_o accuse_a conscience_n secure_v we_o from_o revenge_a justice_n only_o final_a impenitence_n and_o unbelief_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o though_o the_o gospel_n allay_v the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o pardon_v our_o defect_n yet_o it_o as_o strict_o require_v our_o sincere_a earnest_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n as_o the_o law_n require_v exact_a obedience_n we_o be_v command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v direct_a matter_n of_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o rule_n be_v inflexible_a and_o none_o can_v by_o dispensation_n or_o privilege_n be_v exempt_v from_o serious_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o be_v entire_o like_o god_n those_o who_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretence_n that_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v unattainable_a here_o and_o indulge_v their_o imperfection_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n they_o be_v sure_o they_o shall_v be_v bad_a always_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o labour_v to_o be_v better_o but_o the_o consideration_n that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n be_v a_o spur_n and_o incitation_n to_o the_o saint_n to_o great_a diligence_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o cite_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v different_a age_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n some_o be_v as_o new_o bear_v babe_n in_o a_o state_n of_o infancy_n and_o infirmity_n other_o in_o their_o minority_n other_o be_v arrive_v to_o more_o maturity_n and_o as_o the_o cry_n of_o a_o infant_n discover_v life_n as_o well_o as_o active_a mirth_n so_o mourn_v for_o our_o imperfection_n discover_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o saint_n of_o different_a degree_n be_v receive_v into_o glory_n but_o none_o be_v who_o do_v not_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n for_o without_o sincerity_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n nor_o future_a blessedness_n and_o sincerity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n grace_n be_v a_o plant_n of_o heaven_n productive_a of_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o its_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o nature_n to_o be_v tend_v to_o perfection_n a_o tree_n that_o cease_v to_o grow_v before_o it_o be_v come_v to_o its_o perfection_n and_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n wither_v and_o die_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v unfruitful_a have_v no_o life_n but_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o just_a threaten_n of_o excision_n and_o the_o fire_n he_o that_o limit_n himself_o in_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n i_o have_v insi_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o matter_n that_o by_o clearness_n and_o conviction_n man_n may_v be_v disenchant_v from_o that_o pernicious_a persuasion_n that_o without_o use_v sincere_a endeavour_n to_o be_v perfect_o holy_a they_o may_v safe_o go_v to_o heaven_n 3._o i_o shall_v add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o some_o other_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o be_v intentive_a to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o moral_a law_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o perfection_n that_o forbid_v sin_n in_o every_o kind_n and_o degree_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o command_v holiness_n in_o the_o most_o spiritual_a sublimeness_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o personal_a perfect_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v abolish_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v if_o that_o live_v we_o must_v die_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o command_n bind_v without_o relaxation_n there_o be_v no_o permission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o look_v to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o deadly_a quality_n of_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o fiery_a serpent_n but_o stop_v its_o deadly_a operation_n faith_n in_o christ_n do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n to_o make_v it_o lawful_a but_o hinder_v its_o deadly_a malignity_n in_o work_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o before_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o shall_v fail_v that_o be_v lose_v its_o bind_a authority_n it_o be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o purity_n it_o represent_v not_o only_o the_o mysterious_a and_o supernatural_a doctrine_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o moral_a duty_n the_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v full_o reveal_v only_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o humane_a understanding_n be_v darkness_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o dim_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n have_v clear_v the_o law_n from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o by_o favourable_a explication_n and_o corrective_n of_o its_o strictness_n instead_o of_o curb_v their_o lust_n do_v cherish_v and_o foment_n they_o but_o the_o oracle_n speak_v without_o ambiguity_n the_o interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v clear_a and_o decisive_a that_o the_o purify_n the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cleanse_v the_o hand_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n holiness_n must_v be_v so_o pure_a that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o pollute_a act_n but_o quench_v all_o pollute_a thought_n and_o desire_n we_o must_v not_o only_o