be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v take_v up_o with_o a_o few_o of_o they_o and_o principal_o with_o three_o to_o which_o all_o other_o may_v be_v refer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o they_o be_v purposely_o design_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o the_o two_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o distinct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n we_o have_v propound_v i._n e._n what_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o direct_v the_o admonition_n in_o the_o text._n when_o the_o gaoler_n sympathize_v with_o the_o quake_a earth_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a come_v to_o he_o and_o silas_n his_o fellow-prisoner_n inquire_v what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o be_v save_v they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act_n 16.30_o 31._o the_o same_o answer_n be_v give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o put_v the_o question_n to_o he_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v that_o they_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o question_n bear_v the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o the_o gaoler_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o express_v in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n where_o our_o saviour_n have_v bid_v they_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o eternal_a life_n hereupon_o they_o move_v this_o question_n what_o be_v that_o work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v they_o that_o be_v to_o obtain_v that_o mean_a which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n mean_v not_o now_o the_o work_n which_o god_n work_v but_o which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o to_o work_v that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v john_n 6.27_o 28_o 29._o this_o then_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a work_n so_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o design_n to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n viz._n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o term_n by_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v most_o common_o express_v both_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n especial_o of_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v much_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n wherefore_o also_o he_o say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n eph._n 2.8_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o in_o reason_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o they_o that_o will_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a author_n thereof_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o especial_o since_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o that_o of_o his_o own_o blood_n it_o be_v most_o high_o equitable_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o which_o be_v give_v he_o by_o faith_n as_o that_o import_v a_o affiance_n or_o trust_n in_o he_o for_o the_o attainment_n thereof_o faith_n in_o christ_n therefore_o be_v the_o undoubted_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o prime_a title_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v so_o prove_v that_o every_o man_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o work_v out_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n which_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o be_v at_o least_o very_a requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v understand_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v although_o the_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o notion_n that_o a_o man_n have_v of_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n that_o have_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o it_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o eternal_a life_n although_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o exact_a notion_n thereof_o in_o this_o life_n or_o than_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o to_o act_v reasonable_o thereby_o though_o a_o man_n know_v neither_o what_o the_o soul_n nor_o yet_o what_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o sadducee_n that_o believe_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o spirit_n at_o all_o be_v nevertheless_o inform_v with_o rational_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n may_v render_v a_o man_n liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v as_o well_o in_o the_o practice_n as_o in_o the_o notion_n thereof_o it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o this_o work_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v take_v leave_n to_o call_v it_o after_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o forementioned_a text_n joh._n 6.29_o and_o after_o st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 1._o remember_v your_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o term_n 1.11_o 2_o thes_n 1.11_o beside_o that_o agreement_n that_o it_o have_v with_o my_o text_n be_v useful_a towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o often_o attribute_v the_o effect_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n for_o by_o these_o text_n and_o many_o other_o hereafter_o to_o be_v quote_v we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o true_a justify_n and_o save_v faith_n be_v not_o 1._o a_o bare_a notional_a historical_a or_o intellectual_a faith_n consist_v altogether_o in_o the_o asseâ—_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thâ—_n holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christiâ—â—_n creed_n which_o in_o itself_o or_o as_o such_o differ_v not_o froâ—_n the_o faith_n of_o devil_n jam._n 2.19_o save_o that_o it_o seem_v neâ—_n to_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o free_a from_o all_o degree_n of_o doubt_n as_o they_o be_v for_o want_v of_o that_o forcible_a evidence_n sense_n and_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o truâ—_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o felâ—â—_n viz._n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n resurrect_v on_o and_o ascension_n etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o second_o the_o single_a act_n of_o affiance_n reliance_n trust_n or_o roll_a man_n self_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o eminent_a act_n or_o effect_v of_o faith_n and_o so_o muâ—â—_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o it_o exclude_v all_o glory_v in_o our_o own_o work_n rom._n 3.27_o much_o lâ—_n three_o that_o reflex_n act_n or_o consequent_a of_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o full_a assurance_n confidence_n â—â—perswasion_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o scripture_n be_v nowhere_o to_o my_o understanding_n â—â—led_a faith_n and_o therefore_o although_o it_o be_v indeâ—_n the_o first_o notion_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o be_v catechise_v 〈◊〉_d in_o english_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d definition_n in_o sense_n find_v in_o many_o of_o the_o most_o 〈◊〉_d thentick_a catechism_n of_o reform_a church_n yeâ—_n must_v profess_v myself_o least_o satisfy_v with_o it_o of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o because_o all_o the_o assurance_n salvation_n that_o can_v ordinary_o be_v have_v in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v nothing_o but_o a_o consequence_n of_o faith_n ground_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o he_o that_o 〈◊〉_d believe_v and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o my_o 〈◊〉_d vation_n i_o must_v first_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o do_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d then_o my_o believe_a can_v be_v my_o assurance_n of_o my_o salvation_n because_o that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o consequent_a of_o itself_o and_o import_v no_o less_o absurdity_n than_o this_o that_o i_o believe_v or_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v because_o i_o believe_v or_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o that_o say_v faith_n be_v assurance_n say_v also_o that_o assurance_n be_v faith_n and_o than_o if_o my_o assurance_n or_o confidence_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v ground_v upon_o my_o faith_n as_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o salvation_n be_v promise_v it_o must_v
have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n whereto_o the_o right_a of_o universal_a dominion_n do_v necessary_o belong_v and_o add_v thereunto_o a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o to_o the_o verity_n of_o his_o existence_n i.e._n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o thereby_o oblige_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n be_v notable_o declare_v and_o exemplify_v by_o s._n paul_n in_o heb._n 11.2_o 4_o 7_o 8_o 17._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o yet_o move_v with_o fear_n prepare_v a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n by_o the_o which_o he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o righteouness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o go_v into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v afterward_o receive_v for_o a_o inheritance_n obey_v etc._n etc._n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaak_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v by_o which_o he_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n rom._n 4.3_o gal._n 5.6_o but_o for_o a_o final_a confirmation_n of_o this_o notion_n of_o save_a faith_n as_o the_o only_a complete_a one_o i_o mean_v this_o practic_a notion_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o argument_n than_o what_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o express_v it_o that_o be_v those_o text_n wherein_o this_o save_a faith_n be_v describe_v by_o no_o other_o act_n than_o that_o by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o verity_n of_o these_o proposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n john_n 20.39_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o believe_a you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n rom._n 10.9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n 1_o john_n 5.1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o eunuch_n faith_n whereupon_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n by_o saint_n philip_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act_v 8.37_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v simon_n peter_n bless_v matth._n 16.16_o 17._o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o same_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o martha_n whereupon_o she_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n declare_v by_o christ_n john_n 11.26_o 27_o i_o demand_v now_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o these_o text_n be_v it_o no_o other_o than_o a_o certain_a real_a and_o unfeigned_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n and_o shall_v every_o such_o believer_n be_v save_v or_o be_v he_o bear_v of_o god_n sure_o no_o man_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n can_v think_v so_o if_o then_o this_o speculative_a dogmatical_a faith_n though_o never_o so_o true_a in_o a_o philosophical_a sense_n that_o be_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assent_n be_v not_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n what_o can_v â—t_a be_v but_o the_o practical_a faith_n which_o answer_v to_o the_o forementioned_a notion_n of_o a_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o effectual_o produce_v all_o such_o affection_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n with_o dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o proposition_n oblige_v a_o man_n to_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o these_o text_n and_o all_o other_o wherein_o faith_n be_v name_v as_o the_o sole_a condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o that_o single_a one_o of_o s._n paul_n above_o mention_v gal._n 5.6_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n so_o much_o for_o that_o first_o resolution_n to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o s._n paul_n viz._n that_o he_o that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n must_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n not_o as_o jesus_n only_o or_o a_o saviour_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n and_o christ_n and_o to_o work_v out_o this_o condition_n 1.3_o 1_o thess_n 1.3_o be_v that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o work_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o heb._n 5.9_o that_o be_v to_o they_o that_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o to_o obey_v he_o to_o this_o agree_v a_o other_o answer_v which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v to_o one_o that_o put_v the_o question_n to_o he_o in_o express_a term_n matth._n 19.17_o and_o mark_v 10.17_o and_o behold_v one_o come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n which_o word_n be_v the_o answer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o salvation_n and_o who_o best_o know_v the_o condition_n whereupon_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o have_v least_o reason_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n in_o some_o sense_n or_o other_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v as_o well_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o the_o law_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v receive_v such_o a_o interpretation_n from_o divers_a modern_a interpreter_n as_o seem_v to_o imply_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o inference_n viz._n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o design_v for_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o young_a man_n question_n as_o serve_v to_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n but_o intend_v rather_o to_o discover_v unto_o he_o his_o inability_n to_o attain_v salvation_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v do_v and_o thereby_o to_o draw_v he_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o of_o himself_o and_o dispose_v he_o to_o embrace_v the_o evangelical_n way_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o saviour_n without_o work_n but_o this_o interpretation_n with_o due_a reverence_n to_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n thereof_o seem_v to_o i_o improbable_a upon_o diverse_a account_n 1._o because_o it_o make_v our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o be_v indirect_a and_o insufficient_a at_o least_o if_o not_o untrue_a for_o whereas_o the_o man_n be_v inquiry_n be_v what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o answer_n by_o this_o interpretation_n give_v he_o either_o no_o direction_n at_o all_o or_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v either_o not_o true_a or_o not_o sufficient_a and_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v either_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n while_o he_o seem_v so_o plain_o to_o affirm_v it_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o intend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v how_o can_v this_o be_v a_o true_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n 2._o because_o i_o neither_o find_v any_o circumstance_n in_o or_o about_o this_o text_n nor_o any_o necessity_n from_o any_o other_o to_o incline_v i_o to_o prefer_v such_o a_o indirect_a obscure_a interpretation_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n before_o that_o which_o be_v direct_a and_o plain_a 3._o because_o this_o sense_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o a_o second_o answer_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o reply_n of_o this_o questionist_n allege_v himself_o how_o true_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o have_v keep_v those_o commandment_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a go_v and_o sell_v that_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o
art_n of_o logic_n or_o extraordinary_a perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o practicab_n precept_n so_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v inculpable_a as_o i_o suppose_v 3._o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a the_o doubt_n be_v so_o too_o 4._o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o concomitant_a as_o causal_n do_v excuse_v the_o act_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o though_o contrary_a to_o a_o precept_n from_o sin_n not_o only_o a_o tanto_fw-la but_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la i_o use_v the_o term_n inculpable_a rather_o than_o invincible_a because_o it_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v nor_o be_v those_o term_n equivalent_a for_o both_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v invincible_a in_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v not_o inculpable_a and_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a which_o be_v not_o simple_o invincible_a for_o to_o render_v ignorance_n inculpable_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o possible_a industry_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o mean_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v use_v or_o from_o any_o other_o fault_n of_o the_o ignorant_a person_n inculpable_a ignorance_n i_o say_v excuse_v any_o action_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o from_o sin_n as_o well_o à _fw-la tanto_fw-la as_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la and_o as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v bare_o concomitant_a as_o when_o it_o be_v causal_n this_o conclusion_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o ordinary_a resolution_n of_o the_o school_n and_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o this_o reason_n because_o inculpable_a ignorance_n bar_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n which_o can_v oblige_v till_o it_o be_v so_o promulge_v as_o oblige_v all_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o though_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o yet_o promulgation_n be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o to_o render_v it_o not_o inculpable_a and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n actual_o oblige_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o of_o the_o law_n as_o of_o the_o fact_n excuse_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o cause_n sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o know_v of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o when_o the_o ignorance_n do_v only_o accompany_v the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v have_v do_v though_o he_o have_v know_v the_o law_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v such_o a_o evil_a action_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o action_n itself_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o the_o agent_n by_o any_o oblige_a law_n to_o apply_v these_o proposition_n to_o the_o question_v premise_v see_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o that_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a and_o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a so_o be_v the_o doubt_n and_o inculpable_a igrance_n of_o a_o law_n take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o excuse_v from_o sin_n it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o such_o law_n as_o forbid_v the_o action_n which_o he_o deliberate_v about_o he_o may_v act_v with_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o to_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o law_n may_v not_o be_v for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o oblige_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o act_v or_o forbear_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o may_v do_v either_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v upon_o some_o uncertain_a account_n not_o oblige_v his_o belief_n whether_o the_o action_n to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o and_o therefore_o leave_v he_o free_a till_o he_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v the_o law_n forbid_v a_o action_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o express_o and_o the_o only_a evidence_n thereof_o depend_v upon_o doubtful_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o subtle_a consequence_n dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o equal_a credit_n and_o not_o declare_v or_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n i_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n may_v suppose_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o of_o other_o verity_n and_o point_n of_o belief_n that_o have_v no_o other_o or_o no_o better_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o yet_o pretension_n of_o reason_n not_o cogent_a together_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o doubt_v as_o well_o of_o the_o uncertain_a precept_n as_o of_o other_o verity_n i_o inquire_v now_o whether_o notwithstanding_o this_o doubt_n i_o may_v not_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o still_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v because_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o it_o be_v so_o under_o this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n do_v not_o yet_o oblige_v i_o and_o if_o i_o believe_v myself_o not_o oblige_v by_o a_o law_n i_o may_v act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o free_a whether_o my_o ignorance_n be_v in_o truth_n inculpable_a or_o not_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o its_o certain_a i_o may_v have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n that_o i_o do_v against_o no_o other_o law_n than_o that_o whereof_o i_o think_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a it_o be_v true_a if_o my_o ignorance_n be_v not_o inculpable_a i_o shall_v sin_v in_o this_o action_n but_o shall_v notwithstanding_o act_v in_o faith_n notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n whilst_o that_o doubt_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n in_o this_o case_n of_o ignorance_n for_o that_o will_v impart_v a_o contradiction_n to_o my_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v but_o only_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o law_n forbid_v the_o action_n in_o general_n and_o oblige_v all_o that_o know_v it_o or_o shall_v know_v it_o but_o not_o oblige_v i_o as_o i_o suppose_v because_o i_o be_o as_o yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o i_o believe_v inculpable_o but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o sin_v whilst_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o he_o say_v i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 26.9_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v may_v act_v in_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o sin_v not_o except_o his_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a and_o if_o he_o only_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v likewise_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o certain_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o his_o act_n than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o inculpableness_n of_o his_o ignorance_n if_o this_o hypothesis_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o second_o principle_n before_o deliver_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n make_v upon_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v that_o that_o principle_n in_o those_o indefinite_a term_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o the_o common_a presumption_n of_o the_o universal_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o respective_a resolution_n suppose_v it_o be_v according_o frame_v but_o 2._o if_o that_o principle_n be_v restrain_v as_o i_o understand_v it_o to_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v make_v not_o only_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a law_n but_o concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o i_o that_o be_v if_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o
necessary_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o have_v force_v most_o of_o our_o english_a divine_n to_o reject_v that_o definition_n not_o only_o as_o improper_a but_o also_o as_o dangerous_a and_o uncomfortable_a dangerous_a because_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o tempt_v a_o man_n to_o the_o pernicious_a self-deceit_n of_o presume_v or_o assume_v a_o strong_a conndence_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n without_o any_o just_a ground_n upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o such_o a_o a_o confidence_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o give_v he_o a_o assure_a right_n thereunto_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o most_o uncomfortable_a notion_n it_o be_v too_o not_o to_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n but_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o good_a christian_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o only_a save_a faith_n consist_v in_o a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o a_o full_a one_o as_o it_o be_v define_v whosoever_o find_v himself_o to_o want_v that_o assurance_n which_o very_o few_o of_o the_o best_a christian_n will_v pretend_v to_o must_v needs_o conclude_v himself_o to_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n whereas_o in_o truth_n this_o assurance_n be_v pure_o accidental_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v always_o before_o it_o and_o most_o common_o without_o it_o but_o the_o two_o forementioned_a act_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o a_o direct_a affiance_n upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n do_v indeed_o true_o and_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n but_o do_v noâ—_n make_v it_o complete_a perfect_a or_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n for_o without_o controversy_n a_o true_a save_a faith_n do_v import_v such_o a_o practical_a habit_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v a_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v distinctâ—_n teach_v not_o only_o by_o that_o large_a discourse_n of_o st._n jaâ—_n chap._n 2._o where_o he_o purposely_o dispute_v this_o point_n and_o positive_o declare_v that_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a by_o work_n v._o 22._o and_o that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v null_n and_o void_a v._o 17.26_o but_o also_o by_o thâ—_n express_v word_n of_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5.6_o for_o in_o josâ—_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v anything_o nor_o we_o circumcision_n 〈◊〉_d circumcision_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o faith_n which_o wâ—â—â—eth_v by_o love_n in_o which_o text_n as_o conceive_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_a to_o both_o sense_n be_v render_v active_o or_o passive_o i.e._n act_v or_o work_v by_o love_n 〈◊〉_d we_o translate_v or_o actuate_v and_o make_v effectual_a as_o thâ—_n syriack_n understand_v it_o and_o as_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d most_o common_o use_v in_o scripture_n which_o way_n â—eever_n the_o word_n be_v render_v the_o sense_n be_v the_o samâ—_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apost_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n be_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d distinct_a character_n or_o description_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o justifi_v a_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o cauâ—_n on_o against_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n the_o abstract_n from_o this_o energy_n or_o efficacy_n for_o thâ—_n word_n be_v exegetical_a and_o limitative_a as_o if_o he_o haâ—_n say_v not_o every_o kind_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o live_a energetical_a effectual_a faith_n which_o act_v or_o be_v actuate_v 〈◊〉_d love_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o avail_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n appear_v evident_o from_o two_o parallel_a text_n wherein_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v thus_o vary_v by_o himself_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n gal._n 6.15_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o second_o be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n where_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n i.e._n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o with_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o commandment_n 1_o joh._n 5.3_o rom._n 13.10_o i'faith_o that_o work_v by_o love_n be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o purify_v the_o heart_n 5.4_o act._n 15.9_o â—_o joh._n 5.4_o and_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o be_v therefore_o by_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o &_o 16_o 26._o the_o same_o thing_n be_v signify_v by_o that_o apostle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o gaolers_n question_n before_o allege_a require_v he_o to_o believe_v on_o â—â—e_z lord_n jesus_n christ_n act_n 16.31_o which_o can_v mean_v nothing_o less_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o lord_n and_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o his_o saâ—our_n and_o therefore_o shall_v hold_v himself_o oblige_v â—y_a his_o faith_n to_o obey_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o as_o the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n the_o anointed_a king_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n for_o faith_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o respect_v he_o only_o as_o a_o saviour_n but_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o his_o authority_n as_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o prophet_n joh._n 1.12_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n be_v confirmable_a from_o that_o common_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o affectus_fw-la that_o verba_fw-la scientiae_fw-la connotant_n affectus_fw-la word_n of_o knowledge_n iâ—_n scripture-phrase_n do_v connotate_n both_o affection_n and_o action_n agreeable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o in_o this_o place_n one_o special_a instance_n shall_v suffice_v joh._n 17_o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a thâ—_n they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesuâ—_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v where_o to_o know_v god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v faith_n and_o faith_n be_v ofttime_n call_v knowledge_n in_o scripture_n 1._o tim._n 2.4_o 2_o pâ—_n 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o joh._n 2.3_o isa_n 53.11_o by_o his_o knowâ—_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n meaning_n christ_n jusino_o many_o as_o to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n import_v 〈◊〉_d the_o duty_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o such_o so_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n who_o the_o father_n have_v send_v be_v to_o embrace_v he_o in_o the_o quality_n wherein_o he_o be_v send_v thaâ—_n be_v with_o full_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o commission_n froâ—_n the_o father_n and_o with_o submission_n thereunto_o by_o receive_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o name_n so_o run_v the_o commission_n that_o oâ—_n saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v theâ—_n to_o make_v disciple_n and_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o 〈◊〉_d command_v matth._n 28.20_o this_o must_v needs_o 〈◊〉_d the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o word_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o because_o no_o knowledge_n that_o mean_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o this_o can_v 〈◊〉_d the_o sole_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o so_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o scripture-phrase_n do_v import_v obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n that_o s._n john_n say_v hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v 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 1_o joh._n 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o if_o that_o be_v so_o what_o truth_n can_v be_v in_o he_o that_o say_v he_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n for_o either_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o our_o belief_n and_o than_o what_o be_v true_a of_o the_o one_o must_v be_v equal_o true_a of_o the_o other_o or_o if_o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n as_o in_o a_o philosophical_a notion_n it_o be_v than_o our_o belief_n suppose_v our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o we_o
of_o good_a and_o evil_a contain_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o some_o action_n antecedent_n to_o any_o positive_a or_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n so_o do_v it_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o the_o practical_a observation_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v that_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n rom._n 2.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o can_v be_v blot_v out_o by_o any_o abrogation_n without_o blot_v out_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a can_v without_o contradiction_n become_v indifferent_a or_o lawful_a but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o restrain_v or_o forbid_v by_o any_o bind_a law_n must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o libertine_n and_o antinomian_o affirm_v christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o any_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n as_o such_o be_v not_o only_o false_a and_o heretical_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o import_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o withal_o it_o evacuate_v all_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o conclude_v a_o impossibility_n of_o commit_v it_o for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v common_a to_o both_o covenant_n and_o that_o when_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.15_o his_o meaning_n can_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o rigorous_a exaction_n of_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n without_o afford_v either_o pardon_n for_o any_o offence_n against_o it_o or_o any_o sufficient_a aid_n of_o grace_n to_o perform_v it_o christian_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o now_o they_o be_v under_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o desperate_a state_n which_o the_o law_n leave_v they_o in_o that_o be_v under_o it_o be_v relieve_v by_o a_o double_a grace_n first_o of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n and_o second_o of_o ability_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o yield_v such_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o so_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o burden_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o by_o the_o premise_n have_v be_v assert_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n accept_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n repentance_n join_v with_o faith_n in_o christ_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n require_v in_o the_o old_a be_v a_o sufficienu_fw-fr abatement_n of_o the_o intolerableness_n of_o the_o old_a yoke_n and_o as_o ample_a a_o dispensation_n as_o can_v be_v afford_v to_o sinner_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o salvation_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o that_o repentance_n suppose_v man_n to_o be_v sinner_n admit_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n afford_v a_o remedy_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n thereof_o 2._o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o future_a obedience_n which_o repentance_n signify_v be_v not_o the_o same_o which_o the_o law_n exact_v that_o be_v not_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a without_o any_o manner_n of_o defect_n not_o the_o not-sinning_a at_o all_o but_o the_o not_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o sin_v and_o abide_v therein_o impenitent_o after_o the_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o knowledge_n or_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n heb._n 10.26_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n be_v accept_v for_o repentance_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n condemn_v as_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n not_o affect_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o surreption_n imperfection_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n sincere_o endeavour_v with_o many_o frailty_n which_o a_o christian_a labour_n under_o and_o against_o but_o can_v perfect_o overcome_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o although_o as_o transgression_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n yet_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n thereof_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n lay_v hold_v upon_o that_o mediator_n so_o that_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n but_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o a_o regenerate_a state_n but_o because_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o determine_v precise_o and_o exclusive_o what_o they_o be_v it_o concern_v every_o true_a penitent_a to_o take_v as_o much_o heed_n as_o he_o can_v of_o all_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o presume_v of_o any_o indulgence_n for_o the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o he_o and_o while_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v consistent_a with_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o be_v available_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v employ_v that_o other_o be_v not_o so_o and_o such_o be_v all_o gross_a wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o 3._o neither_o do_v such_o sin_n as_o these_o after_o a_o man_n have_v once_o true_o repent_v exclude_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v still_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o remedy_n which_o be_v allow_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o a_o man_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o before_o his_o first_o conversion_n although_o such_o sin_n do_v evacuate_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o former_a repentance_n so_o far_o as_o to_o render_v he_o uncapable_a of_o expect_v or_o claim_v the_o remission_n of_o they_o thereby_o suspend_v his_o pardon_n for_o the_o present_a till_o he_o have_v renew_v his_o repentance_n or_o repair_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o herein_o consist_v the_o abundance_n of_o gospel-grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n that_o it_o be_v never_o out-dated_n not_o be_v restrain_v to_o one_o general_a pardon_n as_o the_o novatian_o heretical_o teach_v nor_o limit_v to_o any_o number_n of_o repetition_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o any_o time_n unpardonable_a under_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n for_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o it_o exclude_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o repent_v these_o three_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n due_o consider_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o objection_n before_o suggest_v especial_o if_o that_o be_v add_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz_o that_o whosoever_o embrace_v this_o second_o covenant_n shall_v be_v sufficient_o enable_v by_o the_o grace_n thereof_o that_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o help_v he_o though_o not_o to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n exact_o and_o perfect_o without_o sin_n yet_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o by_o that_o covenant_n be_v require_v of_o he_o to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n this_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n i_o take_v to_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o reason_n that_o follow_v after_o it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n of_o which_o afterward_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v proceed_v towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n from_o the_o distinct_a answer_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o two_o of_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o same_o question_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v saint_n paul_n repent_v say_v st._n peter_n keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n these_o three_o answer_n comprehend_v whatever_o be_v require_v of_o a_o christian_a in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n may_v suffice_v for_o a_o complete_a answer_n to_o that_o question_n but_o consider_v the_o infinite_a weight_n and_o moment_n of_o the_o question_n some_o further_a enlargement_n of_o the_o answer_n from_o 3._o or_o 4._o select_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v superfluous_a and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o additional_a text_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n urge_v the_o same_o exhortation_n with_o that_o in_o our_o text_n in_o other_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v
to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n viz._n to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o 〈◊〉_d stranger_n and_o enemy_n as_o brethren_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o brotherly_a kindness_n or_o kindness_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v to_o all_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wherefore_o the_o rather_o brother_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n where_o note_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o to_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o call_v and_o election_n do_v signify_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o christian_n be_v call_v and_o elect_v to_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o that_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n vers_fw-la 3._o life_n and_o godliness_n glory_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o comprehend_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n salvation_n first_o declare_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n thereof_o and_o to_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o this_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v call_v and_o elect_v may_v prove_v effectual_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d firm_a and_o permanent_a and_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n which_o be_v design_v we_o thereby_o 2._o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o end_n be_v to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o these_o virtue_n and_o to_o labour_v for_o a_o proficiency_n in_o they_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v and_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n which_o agree_v with_o the_o interposition_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n vers_fw-la 10._o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n 〈◊〉_d diligence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o good_a work_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a our_o call_v and_o election_n be_v to_o be_v make_v sure_a that_o be_v firm_a and_o effectual_a by_o good_a work_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o abovenamed_a virtue_n and_o this_o be_v to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n 3._o this_o direction_n be_v urge_v with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o assure_a success_n in_o the_o use_n thereof_o in_o those_o word_n if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v or_o afford_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o latter_a word_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o call_v and_o election_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d express_v vers_fw-la 10._o do_v not_o refer_v only_o if_o at_o all_o in_o this_o place_n to_o that_o certitude_n of_o the_o subject_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o call_v that_o be_v to_o our_o be_v assure_v or_o confident_a that_o we_o be_v call_v and_o elect_v or_o to_o our_o acquire_v a_o certain_a plerophorie_n of_o faith_n or_o hope_n that_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o signify_v also_o and_o rather_o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n that_o be_v that_o our_o call_v and_o election_n shall_v be_v and_o remain_v firm_a and_o effectual_a 15.8_o see_v rom._n 4.16_o and_o 15.8_o unto_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o certitude_n arise_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o entrance_n into_o that_o kingdom_n a_o second_o text_n of_o like_a general_a direction_n to_o this_o end_n be_v in_o tit._n 2._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v appear_v or_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o read_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n that_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n what_o manner_n of_o conversation_n be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o look_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o bless_a hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o wit_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n not_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n against_o first_o or_o second_o table_n they_o shall_v live_v sober_o in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o body_n in_o all_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o righteous_o towards_o all_o other_o in_o all_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o godly_a to_o god-ward_o in_o all_o piety_n and_o holiness_n of_o inward_a and_o outward_a worship_n both_o private_a and_o public_a hereunto_o agree_v that_o of_o s._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o a_o complete_a paraphrase_n of_o that_o text_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_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 salvation_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n under_o condition_n of_o sanctification_n 2_o thes_n 2.13_o and_o be_v therefore_o no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v wrought_v out_o than_o by_o a_o through_o cleanse_v of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o pollution_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o labour_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o by_o way_n of_o general_a direction_n what_o a_o christian_a shall_v do_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v from_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n therefore_o refer_v to_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a chapter_n contain_v a_o ample_a confirmation_n and_o explication_n of_o that_o grand_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n viz._n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o final_a accomplishment_n of_o their_o salvation_n from_o sin_n and_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o doctrine_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o afford_v a_o argument_n abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v and_o encourage_v he_o to_o all_o that_o may_v be_v necessary_a or_o profitable_a to_o the_o attain_n unto_o this_o bless_a estate_n wherein_o his_o labour_n will_v be_v so_o full_o recompense_v and_o therefore_o together_o with_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o apostle_n conclude_v his_o discourse_n with_o special_a direction_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v show_v 1._o what_o that_o work_n be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n 2._o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v pursue_v viz._n with_o all_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n 1._o he_o sheweth_z what_o that_o work_n be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o look_v for_o this_o reward_n it_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o text_n before_o quote_v joh._n 6.29_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v but_o this_o
bring_v to_o understand_v or_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v any_o true_a felicity_n or_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o infallible_a symptom_n of_o infidelity_n but_o a_o degree_n of_o sottishness_n beneath_o that_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o epicurean_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o branch_n of_o reprehension_n remain_v and_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o presumptuous_a the_o person_n i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o do_v either_o obstinate_o oppose_v or_o wretched_o neglect_v this_o duty_n as_o not_o have_v it_o in_o design_n to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o so_o be_v most_o direct_o peccant_a against_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o precept_n but_o there_o be_v other_o no_o less_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o deficiency_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v indeed_o project_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v but_o be_v extreme_o far_o from_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o fear_n and_o tremble_v which_o the_o text_n require_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o they_o be_v transport_v with_o presumptuous_a confidence_n and_o vain_a hope_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n promise_v themselves_o to_o be_v save_v upon_o far_o easy_a term_n than_o those_o which_o from_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v declare_v as_o upon_o a_o mere_a idle_a fruitless_a faith_n that_o be_v either_o a_o historical_a dogmatical_a beleif_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o fable_n but_o real_a truth_n some_o of_o which_o thing_n be_v as_o well_o believe_v by_o turk_n and_o all_o by_o the_o devil_n more_o effectual_o than_o by_o they_o for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v or_o else_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a fiducial_a confidence_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n only_o without_o regard_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n or_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o his_o precept_n as_o of_o any_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n hereupon_o they_o never_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n or_o if_o they_o do_v against_o their_o will_n they_o account_v it_o their_o great_a sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o than_o the_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n this_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o many_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a justify_v save_a faith_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v such_o a_o easy_a doctrine_n and_o that_o have_v entertain_v it_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o presumption_n to_o think_v nothing_o else_o of_o necessity_n require_v to_o qualify_v they_o for_o salvation_n certain_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v wish_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n than_o this_o be_v but_o this_o error_n in_o they_o that_o can_v and_o do_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o wilful_o affect_v there_o be_v so_o many_o hundred_o text_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n altogether_o as_o clear_v and_o positive_a as_o any_o that_o can_v seem_v to_o favour_v this_o doctrine_n that_o require_v other_o condition_n and_o qualification_n for_o salvation_n than_o that_o of_o faith_n beside_o many_o that_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n to_o which_o salvation_n be_v any_o where_o promise_v i_o say_v hundred_o of_o text_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n which_o do_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o positive_o as_o be_v possible_a declare_v that_o repentance_n holiness_n of_o life_n mortification_n of_o fleshly_a lust_n with_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v condition_n of_o salvation_n no_o less_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a than_o faith_n be_v and_o many_o text_n before_o allege_a that_o do_v clear_o show_v the_o true_a justify_v faith_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o work_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a believer_n and_o therefore_o comprehend_v they_o all_o in_o those_o text_n where_o it_o be_v make_v the_o sole_a condition_n of_o salvation_n i'faith_o that_o purify_v the_o heart_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n that_o be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n if_o these_o text_n be_v as_o good_a gospel_n and_o as_o authentic_a as_o any_o of_o those_o which_o make_v mention_v of_o faith_n alone_o without_o any_o addition_n or_o interpretation_n what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wilful_a presumption_n to_o expect_v salvation_n upon_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v not_o join_v with_o these_o condition_n other_o there_o be_v who_o do_v quit_v themselves_o of_o all_o this_o fear_n and_o tremble_a all_o the_o solicitude_n which_o the_o text_n require_v upon_o a_o summary_n consideration_n and_o confidence_n of_o god_n mercy_n let_v their_o life_n be_v what_o they_o will_v god_n be_v merciful_a they_o be_v sure_a especial_o to_o such_o as_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v whatever_o duty_n else_o they_o neglect_v and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v his_o justice_n yet_o they_o will_v hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n even_o against_o hope_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o devil_n do_v so_o too_o if_o he_o can_v do_v not_o he_o know_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a o_o but_o he_o know_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o he_o and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v that_o have_v he_o any_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o than_o this_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o be_v not_o his_o word_n so_o yet_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v so_o severe_a in_o his_o last_o judgement_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o threaten_n but_o that_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 145.9_o psal_n 145.9_o be_v above_o all_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o not_o to_o save_v his_o own_o creature_n though_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o 27.11_o isai_n 27.11_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n more_o merciful_a than_o just_a or_o true_a or_o holy_a more_o merciful_a in_o his_o deed_n than_o true_a in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a as_o he_o say_v though_o he_o swear_v to_o it_o when_o he_o threaten_v damnation_n to_o man_n 19_o heb._n 3.11.18_o 19_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n divers_a other_o ground_n there_o be_v of_o presumption_n whereby_o wretchless_n soul_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o yoke_n as_o well_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o law_n be_v wilful_o deceive_v such_o be_v all_o single_a instance_n of_o partial_a virtue_n as_o temperance_n continence_n just_o deal_v some_o work_n of_o pretend_a charity_n some_o particular_a practice_n of_o external_n piety_n a_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n side_v with_o party_n form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n thereof_o freedom_n from_o some_o kind_n of_o gross_a vice_n that_o other_o live_v in_o the_o pharisee'_v plea_n they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v no_o murderer_n thief_n common_a drunkard_n no_o heretic_n nor_o schismatic_n nor_o rebel_n &c_n &c_n and_o what_o then_o why_o without_o doubt_n if_o they_o say_v true_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o any_o of_o these_o vice_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o fast_a and_o give_v tithe_n and_o alm_n too_o yet_o have_v no_o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o as_o do_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v save_v no_o sure_o if_o our_o saviour_n must_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o will_v keep_v to_o his_o word_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 5.20_o but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o application_n with_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o give_v force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n first_o by_o some_o powerful_a argument_n second_o by_o some_o general_a direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o so_o important_a a_o duty_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o argument_n or_o motive_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o this_o business_n the_o infinite_a weight_n worth_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o end_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o
there_o be_v some_o store_n of_o example_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n and_o whether_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n with_o so_o full_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o he_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o man_n be_v so_o much_o discourage_v and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n so_o much_o shake_v be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o that_o of_o any_o martyr_n be_v a_o reasonable_a problem_n that_o be_v whether_o upon_o all_o due_a consideration_n it_o be_v not_o as_o great_a a_o faith_n to_o believe_v in_o a_o die_a saviour_n as_o it_o can_v be_v to_o die_v for_o a_o live_a one_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a evident_a truth_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o man_n faith_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o any_o person_n live_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o bless_a mother_n true_a it_o be_v the_o heathen_a centurion_n and_o some_o other_o that_o be_v with_o he_o do_v make_v a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o a_o like_a faith_n in_o he_o when_o they_o say_v true_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n matth._n 27.54_o but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o that_o persuasion_n be_v raise_v in_o they_o only_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o many_o miracle_n and_o prodigy_n which_o follow_v his_o death_n which_o the_o thief_n live_v not_o to_o see_v beside_o to_o dismiss_v this_o example_n with_o one_o consideration_n more_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o happen_v for_o any_o wilful_a impenitent_a sinner_n to_o presume_v of_o pardon_n at_o last_o notwithstanding_o his_o present_a delay_n by_o the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o singular_a example_n have_v apparent_o no_o more_o of_o reason_n in_o it_o than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o common_a malefactor_n to_o adventure_v upon_o capital_a crime_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o general_a pardon_n by_o the_o example_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n once_o grant_v by_o his_o prince_n at_o his_o coronation_n a_o second_o consideration_n against_o the_o delay_n of_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o example_n of_o such_o as_o by_o unexpected_a circumstance_n in_o their_o death_n have_v be_v prevent_v of_o all_o possibility_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o suddenness_n either_o of_o death_n or_o which_o make_v the_o case_n perfect_o equal_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o understanding_n be_v the_o example_n of_o such_o a_o fatal_a pretention_n as_o rare_a and_o singular_a as_o that_o of_o the_o die_a thief_n be_v effectual_a conversion_n yet_o consider_v the_o infinite_a moment_n of_o its_o consequence_n they_o shall_v in_o reason_n be_v far_o great_a motive_n of_o fear_n and_o caution_n against_o delay_n than_o that_o can_v be_v of_o hope_n or_o encouragement_n in_o it_o but_o this_o consideration_n be_v much_o to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o innumerable_a contingency_n and_o possibility_n that_o may_v cause_v such_o a_o absolute_a prevention_n or_o at_o least_o may_v shorten_v and_o determine_v that_o remainder_n of_o time_n that_o a_o sinner_n can_v hope_v to_o have_v to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n glass_n be_v turn_v for_o his_o life_n but_o what_o the_o content_a of_o it_o be_v be_v impossible_a to_o know_v while_o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o contingency_n of_o its_o be_v break_v or_o sudden_o exhaust_v be_v more_o than_o the_o number_n of_o sand_n in_o the_o big_a glass_n that_o be_v to_o go_v about_o to_o collect_v the_o number_n of_o casualty_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n have_v be_v cut_v off_o be_v a_o endless_a business_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o short_a of_o the_o possibility_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v as_o be_v not_o imaginable_a a_o three_o consideration_n against_o delay_n in_o this_o work_n may_v be_v this_o that_o see_v nothing_o do_v provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o much_o as_o presumption_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o such_o presumption_n be_v the_o most_o probable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v to_o determine_v the_o extent_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o to_o move_v he_o to_o give_v up_o a_o sinner_n to_o such_o a_o penal_a invincible_a hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o will_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o repent_v we_o read_v of_o god_n harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n after_o he_o have_v so_o stubborn_o harden_v himself_o against_o all_o the_o admonition_n that_o have_v be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o mouth_n and_o hand_n of_o moses_n now_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n do_v undoubted_o signify_v the_o withdraw_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o conversion_n which_o leave_v he_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o perdition_n and_o this_o punishment_n the_o severe_a that_o a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o out_o of_o hell_n be_v therefore_o just_o to_o be_v fear_v by_o he_o that_o wilful_o delay_v his_o repentance_n because_o so_o to_o do_v be_v a_o extreme_a presumption_n and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o such_o a_o person_n notwithstanding_o this_o provocation_n to_o obtain_v grace_n not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n yet_o no_o person_n be_v more_o unlikely_a so_o to_o do_v such_o person_n have_v least_o reason_n to_o hope_n for_o that_o grace_n and_o most_o cause_n to_o fear_v the_o privation_n of_o it_o every_o man_n that_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o owe_v his_o whole_a life_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n now_o for_o he_o that_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v he_o owe_v all_o his_o time_n to_o god_n service_n and_o have_v already_o waste_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o in_o follow_v his_o own_o lust_n and_o in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n still_o to_o withhold_v deliberate_o and_o presumptuous_o that_o unknown_a part_n of_o it_o which_o remain_v be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n as_o though_o god_n may_v pardon_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n and_o though_o we_o be_v assure_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n whensoever_o it_o take_v effect_n yet_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_n he_o will_v afford_v that_o grace_n to_o such_o as_o desire_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o till_o it_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o let_v this_o then_o be_v the_o five_o argument_n or_o motive_n to_o stir_v up_o christian_n to_o the_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o work_n the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n that_o we_o have_v to_o finish_v it_o in_o together_o with_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o delay_v it_o 6._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v show_v in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n contrive_v and_o procure_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o effect_v by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n for_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n from_o our_o vain_a conversation_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v we_o now_o neglect_v that_o great_a salvation_n that_o infinite_a grace_n that_o cost_v so_o dear_a the_o procure_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o estimate_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o end_n by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v effect_v will_v any_o wise_a agent_n bestow_v more_o cost_n upon_o a_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o infinite_a worth_n of_o the_o mean_n use_v by_o so_o wise_a a_o contriver_n do_v full_o confirm_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o end_n which_o in_o itself_o do_v so_o much_o transcend_v the_o hope_n of_o such_o poor_a mortal_a creature_n the_o height_n and_o dignity_n of_o that_o far_o more_o exceed_v eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n the_o felicity_n of_o that_o state_n together_o with_o the_o immutability_n thereof_o be_v render_v credible_a by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v purchase_v for_o have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o immutable_a thing_n sure_o god_n will_v never_o have_v design_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o by_o such_o a_o infinite_a project_n and_o though_o god_n need_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v that_o of_o our_o present_a service_n yet_o how_o much_o he_o value_v both_o be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o the_o price_n that_o be_v give_v for_o it_o now_o then_o to_o despise_v or_o neglect_v this_o end_n that_o be_v procure_v by_o such_o a_o costly_a
what_o acceptance_n it_o may_v have_v with_o god_n in_o such_o as_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v but_o to_o all_o they_o to_o who_o this_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v the_o christian_a faith_n or_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v their_o work_n please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v undoubted_o the_o principals_n condition_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o although_o other_o condition_n be_v require_v to_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o this_o faith_n as_o the_o proper_a effect_n and_o verification_n thereof_o whereby_o it_o become_v allowable_a to_o god_n so_o that_o the_o concurrence_n and_o efficacy_n that_o other_o grace_n and_o all_o good_a work_n have_v unto_o salvation_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n the_o saviour_n that_o give_v we_o union_n with_o he_o and_o his_o church_n and_o that_o consequent_o give_v the_o first_o right_n to_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v procure_v by_o he_o and_o be_v the_o only_a privilege_n of_o his_o church_n but_o this_o faith_n must_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o faith_n unfeigned_a which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v join_v with_o repentance_n and_o work_v by_o love_n and_o so_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n faith_n be_v the_o prime_a article_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o in_o congruity_n to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o salvation_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o expiation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n but_o because_o he_o be_v also_o propound_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o gospel_n as_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o well_o for_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n as_o a_o priest_n and_o send_v by_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o to_o publish_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v invest_v with_o all_o power_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o save_v they_o therefore_o be_v all_o christian_n that_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o equal_o oblige_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o lord_n and_o christ_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v his_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o to_o trust_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o faith_n give_v unto_o he_o when_o they_o be_v baptize_v for_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o engage_v our_o faith_n unto_o he_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v profess_v in_o our_o baptism_n be_v undoubted_o the_o same_o with_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v but_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v profess_v in_o baptism_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a trust_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n but_o a_o faith_n give_v unto_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o become_v his_o faithful_a disciple_n import_v our_o desire_n to_o learn_v and_o stipulation_n to_o observe_v his_o precept_n and_o therefore_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n eph._n 2.8_o so_o s._n peter_n say_v baptism_n do_v also_o save_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o interpret_n his_o meaning_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n or_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o discipleship_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o imply_v that_o their_o profession_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o import_n of_o their_o baptisin_n do_v signify_v their_o engagement_n to_o observe_v his_o precept_n and_o to_o live_v like_o christian_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o disciple_n if_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o first_o title_n of_o believer_n act._n 11.26_o but_o that_o title_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o precept_n import_v contradiction_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n therefore_o and_o not_o to_o observe_v his_o commandment_n be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n as_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o a_o explicit_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o title_n to_o that_o name_n sâ—_n be_v they_o to_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n upon_o the_o grounâ—_n of_o this_o faith_n with_o desire_n and_o confidence_n of_o please_a god_n through_o christ_n and_o not_o expect_v any_o acceptant_a of_o their_o work_n otherwise_o than_o by_o and_o through_o christ_n col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n dâ—_n all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o the_o original_a of_o the_o first_o transgression_n by_o which_o thâ—_n whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n fall_v into_o a_o state_n that_o need_v salvation_n be_v unbelief_n eve_n by_o the_o temptation_n of_o thâ—_n devil_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o quit_v her_o faith_n in_o goâ—_n word_n that_o have_v say_v the_o day_n thou_o eat_v there_o of_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v the_o death_n this_o unbelief_n be_v that_o which_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedâ—_n ence_o to_o the_o command_n for_o have_v she_o not_o doubt_v thâ—_n truth_n of_o god_n word_n she_o can_v never_o have_v be_v perâ—_n swade_v to_o taste_v of_o that_o forbid_a fruit._n thus_o wâ—_n unbelief_n the_o prime_a cause_n of_o man_n ruin_n and_o â—_z before_o the_o first_o step_n and_o principle_n of_o his_o restauration_n anâ—_n salvation_n be_v faith_n and_o as_o unbelief_n of_o the_o threaâ—_n ning_n by_o which_o the_o first_o law_n be_v fortify_v be_v thâ—_n cause_n of_o our_o destruction_n so_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o promit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o justification_n bâ—_n believe_v the_o serpent_n the_o abaddon_n and_o apollyoâ—_n the_o destroyer_n we_o be_v undo_v by_o believe_v in_o jesuâ—_n the_o saviour_n we_o be_v save_v but_o as_o that_o unbelief_n become_v destructive_a by_o its_o effect_n as_o a_o practical_a infidelity_n produce_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n so_o be_v our_o faith_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n then_o only_o when_o it_o be_v sincere_o practical_a reduce_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n if_o that_o say_n of_o the_o father_n must_v stand_v for_o a_o catholic_n axiom_n bona_fw-la opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la via_fw-la ad_fw-la regnum_fw-la non_fw-la causa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la i_o must_v have_v leave_n to_o interpret_v the_o latter_a clause_n so_o as_o may_v import_v no_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o that_o be_v that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n not_o the_o cause_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o reign_v for_o a_o cause_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o be_v a_o moral_a cause_n if_o they_o be_v the_o way_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o reign_v as_o that_o signify_v not_o only_o the_o term_n or_o end_v of_o this_o way_n but_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o walk_n in_o it_o when_o therefore_o s._n paul_n exclude_v work_n from_o justification_n i_o take_v it_o his_o only_a scope_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o freedom_n and_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a grace_n purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o promise_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o he_o say_v a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n he_o sometime_o mean_v ceremonial_a work_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o obedience_n to_o that_o whole_a law_n which_o a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o debtor_n to_o keep_v by_o his_o circumcision_n gal._n 5.3_o otherwhiles_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n he_o seem_v to_o understand_v perfect_a indefective_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n or_o will_v of_o god_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o sinner_n as_o he_o conclude_v all_o man_n to_o be_v now_o rom._n 3.23_o gal._n 3.22_o to_o be_v justify_v because_o his_o be_v so_o import_v a_o contradiction_n to_o such_o work_n beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o s._n paul_n do_v never_o say_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o work_n but_o that_o he_o be_v justify_v without_o they_o speak_v general_o of_o the_o first_o
about_o he_o will_v spare_v no_o travail_n no_o pain_n to_o gain_v his_o end_n how_o do_v the_o covetous_a maâ—_n cark_n and_o care_n and_o drudge_n to_o get_v wealth_n the_o ambitious_a man_n to_o get_v honour_n the_o voluptuons_a man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o brutish_a sensual_a appetite_n while_o this_o spiritual_a eternal_a interest_n be_v so_o general_o neglect_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o valuable_a concernment_n whereas_o no_o common_a notion_n or_o principle_n of_o truth_n can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o be_v that_o this_o salvation_n if_o man_n admit_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o supreme_a interest_n of_o a_o man_n as_o a_o man._n the_o common_a interest_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v their_o safety_n and_o welfare_n now_o who_o be_v there_o that_o understand_v and_o believe_v any_o thing_n mean_v by_o this_o term_n of_o salvation_n that_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o consist_v his_o only_a possible_a safety_n and_o happiness_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o other_o petty_a point_n of_o temporal_a safety_n and_o content_a in_o this_o world_n which_o some_o man_n call_v happiness_n but_o in_o truth_n he_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o christian_a that_o do_v think_v his_o chief_a good_n can_v consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o that_o do_v not_o consider_v which_o be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o know_v the_o notorious_a vanity_n of_o all_o this_o world_n good_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o duration_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o secure_v his_o temporal_a enjoyment_n for_o any_o definite_a time_n though_o never_o so_o short_a but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n of_o the_o large_a fancy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o name_n set_v down_o or_o imagine_v what_o portion_n of_o worldly_a thing_n will_v full_o content_v he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o can_v work_v out_o the_o obtainment_n thereof_o his_o desire_n will_v be_v so_o full_o satisfy_v as_o not_o to_o extend_v any_o â—urther_a as_o to_o any_o more_o of_o the_o same_o or_o to_o any_o other_o thing_n doubtless_o it_o be_v experimental_o and_o sensible_o evident_a to_o all_o but_o idiot_n and_o infant_n that_o all_o the_o object_n which_o this_o world_n afford_v be_v â—o_o more_o able_a to_o fill_v the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a â—_z than_o a_o pint_n of_o water_n will_v be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o whole_a channel_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o to_o satisfy_v the_o thirst_n of_o the_o droughty_a earth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n can_v but_o believe_v that_o this_o salvation_n once_o effectual_o wrought_v out_o and_o obtain_v secure_v a_o man_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o evil_a and_o bring_v with_o it_o as_o perfect_v a_o fullness_n of_o happiness_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o this_o safety_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n once_o possess_v be_v secure_v to_o eternity_n beyond_o any_o fear_n of_o mutation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o stupendous_a piece_n of_o irrationality_n for_o any_o man_n that_o know_v and_o believe_v all_o this_o to_o neglect_v the_o work_n of_o it_o out_o that_o be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o to_o regard_v it_o or_o to_o make_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a by-business_n the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o care_n yet_o what_o be_v more_o common_a than_o this_o extremity_n of_o folly_n even_o among_o they_o who_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o christian_n when_o they_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n towards_o this_o end_n how_o pitiful_o do_v they_o go_v to_o work_v instead_o of_o this_o fear_n and_o tremble_a this_o spiritual_a shake_a palsy_n they_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o torpedo_fw-la a_o dead_a palsy_n or_o numbness_n as_o if_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v cramp_v when_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o work_v it_o out_o which_o be_v the_o main_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o preach_n what_o lazy_a listless_a yawn_a posture_n do_v they_o appear_v in_o how_o weary_o do_v they_o sit_v if_o they_o pray_v how_o cold_a heartless_a and_o zeal-less_a be_v their_o formal_a devotion_n if_o they_o give_v alm_n how_o penurious_a how_o degenerous_a be_v their_o charity_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o salvation_n have_v so_o frequent_o and_o particular_o describe_v this_o as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o work_v out_o ouâ—_n salvation_n yet_o except_o man_n can_v find_v out_o some_o other_o end_n advantage_n or_o motive_n for_o their_o charity_n what_o a_o poor_a pittance_n be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v part_v with_o upon_o this_o design_n when_o man_n be_v frequent_o admonish_v exhort_v and_o persuade_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a application_n of_o god_n word_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n watchfulness_n holiness_n of_o conversation_n how_o will_v they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o invent_v excuse_n and_o pretence_n to_o evade_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o practice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o have_v so_o perfect_o learn_v from_o our_o first_o parens_fw-la as_o the_o art_n of_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o sin_n nothing_o that_o man_n so_o vehement_o desire_v as_o to_o evade_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n when_o it_o make_v towards_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v towards_o they_o to_o overshadow_v they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v and_o form_v in_o they_o how_o strong_o be_v he_o resist_v how_o do_v the_o harlot_n mind_n strive_v to_o prevent_v the_o conception_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o force_v abortion_n such_o a_o desperate_a averseness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o carnal_a mind_n to_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n fly_v from_o his_o approach_n loathe_v his_o embrace_n despise_v his_o allurement_n slight_v his_o rich_a present_n and_o bountiful_a promise_n struggle_v against_o all_o his_o importunity_n whereas_o let_v but_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n come_v with_o any_o sleight_n temptation_n to_o corrupt_v and_o deflower_v the_o soul_n no_o common_a strumpet_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o prostitute_v her_o body_n as_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v to_o abandon_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o much_o despise_v why_o there_o be_v a_o double_a prejudice_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n have_v against_o they_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v promise_n of_o future_a happiness_n 2_o because_o that_o happiness_n be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a 1._o because_o they_o be_v but_o promise_n of_o happiness_n to_o come_v in_o another_o world_n and_o those_o general_o confront_v with_o some_o variety_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o must_v be_v relinquish_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n by_o he_o that_o will_v build_v his_o hope_n upon_o those_o promise_n without_o doubt_n the_o consideration_n which_o so_o much_o abate_v the_o sense_n that_o carnal_a man_n have_v both_o of_o that_o extremity_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v threaten_v and_o also_o of_o all_o that_o felicity_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o another_o world_n be_v the_o futurity_n of_o both_o at_o such_o a_o uncertain_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o consequent_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o all_o that_o stupidity_n which_o be_v show_v in_o their_o so_o great_a neglect_n of_o this_o salvation_n so_o impotent_o childish_a and_o sottish_a be_v the_o passion_n of_o man_n that_o a_o dram_n of_o present_a pleasure_n appear_v more_o valuable_a to_o they_o than_o a_o thousand_o talent_n of_o future_a gain_n which_o be_v a_o judgement_n so_o perfect_o brutish_a as_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o sober_a reason_n 2._o an_o other_o prejudice_n that_o carnal_a man_n have_v against_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a have_v nothing_o of_o the_o turkish_a carnal_a paradise_n in_o it_o nothing_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o those_o high_a raise_a privilege_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n heavenly_a glory_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n fit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o juice_n no_o taste_n in_o they_o to_o carnal_a mind_n who_o be_v not_o easy_o
first_o question_n viz._n what_o this_o salvation_n mean_v and_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n collect_v from_o divers_a description_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o first_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o second_o a_o obtainment_n of_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o infinite_a concernment_n without_o a_o hyperbole_n because_o in_o the_o extension_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o as_o be_v eternal_a in_o both_o part_n a_o deliverance_n from_o everlasting_a death_n unto_o a_o eternal_a life_n now_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a that_o the_o intention_n of_o man_n affection_n shall_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o real_a value_n of_o their_o object_n it_o follow_v that_o that_o solicitude_n &_o care_n which_o the_o text_n require_v though_o it_o can_v so_o much_o exceed_v that_o which_o we_o have_v for_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n do_v because_o we_o have_v no_o capacity_n of_o such_o a_o excess_n yet_o that_o it_o shall_v real_o and_o effectual_o surpass_v all_o other_o care_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v either_o because_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o it_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v i_o fear_v not_o a_o few_o pretend_v christian_n that_o to_o save_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n and_o the_o care_n of_o work_v out_o this_o salvation_n do_v reject_v the_o faith_n of_o it_o to_o disengage_a themselves_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o strict_a will_v needs_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v but_o a_o politic_a fiction_n a_o mere_a invention_n a_o handsome_a philosophical_a fable_n impose_v upon_o man_n credulity_n to_o keep_v they_o civil_a by_o the_o common_a engine_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n they_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o life_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o other_o though_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o deny_v it_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o such_o person_n i_o shall_v turn_v away_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n which_o they_o will_v only_o admit_v viz._n that_o of_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o another_o world_n their_o own_o sense_n i_o say_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v i_o that_o no_o other_o will_v move_v they_o if_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v see_v or_o feel_v there_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v 16.31_o luk._n 16.31_o for_o they_o have_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n only_o but_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o all_o the_o martyr_n together_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n witness_v with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o persuade_v their_o belief_n and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v insufficient_a i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o give_v they_o any_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v reason_n to_o pass_v they_o by_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 3.8_o as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o do_v these_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n the_o motive_n which_o i_o be_o urge_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o work_n which_o the_o text_n require_v suppose_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o salvation_n and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a but_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o design_n above_o any_o other_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v put_v to_o issue_n the_o question_n in_o short_a be_v whether_o we_o desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o glory_n and_o happiness_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n or_o have_v our_o portion_n with_o devil_n and_o reprobate_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o place_n of_o utter_a darkness_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n now_o be_v there_o no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a possibility_n or_o probability_n at_o most_o of_o these_o event_n to_o a_o man_n without_o any_o convince_a evidence_n of_o their_o certainty_n yet_o be_v it_o extreme_o unreasonable_a to_o neglect_v they_o especial_o when_o as_o the_o mean_n requisite_a to_o the_o secure_v they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o value_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o end_n and_o otherwise_o so_o high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o to_o he_o therefore_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n arise_v in_o his_o mind_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n declare_v concern_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v hell_n and_o heaven_n and_o be_v thereby_o tempt_v to_o neglect_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o propound_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n towards_o his_o rescue_n from_o such_o a_o fatal_a hazard_n these_o three_o question_n to_o be_v deliberate_v upon_o before_o he_o abandon_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o desperate_a course_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o with_o a_o general_n judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o man_n in_o that_o future_a life_n proportion_v to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n can_v it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o futurity_n of_o these_o event_n do_v import_v contradiction_n to_o any_o know_a verity_n 2._o be_v there_o no_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o all_o the_o testimony_n and_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o their_o confirmation_n with_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o christian_n amount_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o any_o degree_n probable_a do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o then_o my_o three_o question_n that_o i_o will_v advise_v such_o a_o doubtful_a person_n serious_o to_o consider_v of_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o what_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v true_a and_o if_o after_o these_o consideration_n he_o can_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o event_n without_o any_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o can_v arrest_v his_o mind_n with_o hester_n resolution_n if_o i_o perish_v i_o oerish_v who_o can_v help_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o motive_n the_o second_o be_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n work_v to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v have_v or_o hope_v for_o without_o seek_v labour_a work_a strive_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o come_v by_o fate_n or_o fortune_n or_o by_o any_o absolute_a inconditional_a decree_n all_o the_o hope_n we_o can_v have_v of_o this_o happiness_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o limit_v by_o the_o condition_n which_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n wherein_o some_o or_o other_o of_o those_o condition_n be_v not_o express_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n understand_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o semblance_n of_o a_o absolute_a promise_n it_o ought_v certain_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o conditional_a by_o which_o it_o be_v limit_v for_o what_o if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v save_v some_o to_o wit_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o elect_a person_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v that_o sure_o be_v a_o prediction_n rather_o than_o a_o promise_n or_o if_o we_o will_v call_v it_o a_o promise_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o application_n to_o a_o particular_a person_n in_o such_o indefinite_a term_n nor_o till_o it_o be_v explicate_v and_o determine_v by_o some_o conditional_a promise_n but_o against_o this_o necessity_n of_o work_v for_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o salvation_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o free_a grace_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o life_n 1_o pet._n 3.7_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2.8_o and_o if_o by_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n 4.4_o rom._n