that_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o thy_o soul_n as_o god_n have_v lay_v he_o in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o sure_a foundation_n that_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a what_o ever_o beside_o a_o soul_n be_v establish_v on_o though_o it_o appear_v very_o solid_a and_o the_o soul_n be_v settle_v &_o fix_v upon_o it_o yet_o a_o day_n will_v come_v that_o will_v unsettle_v that_o soul_n and_o raze_v that_o foundation_n either_o it_o shall_v be_v now_o do_v in_o thy_o conscience_n or_o it_o must_v be_v do_v at_o length_n when_o that_o great_a tempest_n of_o god_n indignation_n shall_v blow_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n then_o shall_v thy_o house_n fall_v and_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v great_a but_o a_o soul_n establish_v upon_o the_o sure_a promise_n and_o upon_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o shall_v abide_v that_o storm_n and_o in_o that_o 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the_o side_n of_o this_o house_n contend_v and_o wrestle_v one_o against_o another_o when_o here_o be_v such_o a_o cornerstone_n join_v they_o together_o be_v not_o there_o many_o christian_n who_o can_v endure_v to_o look_v one_o upon_o another_o who_o be_v yet_o both_o place_v in_o one_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n alace_o this_o be_v sad_a and_o shameful_a but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v especial_o have_v observe_v in_o this_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v such_o a_o foundation_n that_o reach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a building_n and_o immediate_o touch_v every_o stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v such_o a_o foundation_n as_o rise_v from_o the_o bottom_n to_o the_o top_n and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o stone_n &_o the_o last_o 〈◊〉_d of_o our_o building_n must_v rise_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o he_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o it_o both_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o christian_n shall_v be_v most_o dependent_a creature_n dependent_a in_o their_o first_o be_v and_o in_o after_o well-being_n in_o their_o be_v and_o grow_v whole_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n that_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n they_o may_v receive_v grace_n and_o then_o more_o grace_n for_o grace_n that_o all_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v grace_n indeed_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o my_o belove_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v whereupon_o you_o be_v build_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v build_v there_o be_v two_o great_a error_n in_o the_o time_n take_v heed_n of_o they_o one_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o and_o another_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o part_n some_o do_v prefer_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o night-dream_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n of_o new_a light_n do_v cast_v a_o mist_n upon_o that_o word_n of_o god_n 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a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o practice_n that_o in_o themselves_o which_o they_o condemn_v in_o the_o papist_n you_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o upon_o that_o foundation_n you_o may_v build_v your_o faith_n in_o the_o question_v truth_n of_o this_o age_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o you_o alas_o simple_a soul_n you_o believe_v every_o thing_n and_o yet_o real_o believe_v nothing_o because_o you_o believe_v not_o the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n but_o take_v it_o from_o man_n upon_o their_o authority_n therefore_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v when_o any_o gainsaying_n of_o the_o truth_n you_o can_v stand_v against_o it_o because_o your_o faith_n have_v no_o foundation_n but_o the_o say_n of_o man_n or_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n who_o you_o trust_v with_o hold_v out_o light_a unto_o you_o hold_v out_o darkness_n 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according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o receive_v no_o more_o upon_o trust_n from_o man_n but_o as_o you_o find_v it_o upon_o trial_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 〈◊〉_d 13._o hold_v fast_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n here_o you_o have_v a_o compend_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n i'faith_o &_o love_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o have_v to_o learn_v what_o have_v we_o to_o know_v but_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v but_o what_o he_o command_v we_o in_o a_o word_n what_o have_v we_o to_o learn_v in_o this_o world_n but_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n &_o love_v he_o and_o so_o live_v to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n &_o this_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o our_o path_n contain_v a_o perfect_a and_o exact_a rule_n credendorum_fw-la &_o faciendorum_fw-la of_o faith_n and_o manner_n or_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n many_o truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n many_o precious_a truth_n but_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v we_o be_v to_o know_v god_n &_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o special_a excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o know_v its_o creator_n and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o be_v now_o we_o have_v to_o know_v of_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v now_o and_o what_o man_n once_o be_v and_o according_o to_o know_v of_o god_n what_o he_o once_o reveal_v of_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o do_v now_o reveal_v i_o say_v the_o scâ—…iptures_n hold_v out_o to_o our_o consideration_n a_o twofold_a estate_n of_o mankind_n &_o according_a to_o these_o a_o twofold_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n we_o look_v on_o man_n now_o and_o we_o find_v he_o another_o thing_n than_o he_o be_v once_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v god_n one_o thing_n at_o one_o time_n and_o another_o thing_n at_o another_o time_n for_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n in_o he_o and_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o therefore_o we_o ask_v not_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o be_v now_o but_o how_o he_o manifest_v himself_o different_o according_a to_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n man_n once_o righteous_a &_o bless_a eccles._n 7._o 29._o and_o god_n make_v he_o such_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n col._n 3._o 10._o eph._n 4._o 25._o in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n we_o find_v he_o in_o communion_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n set_v next_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o above_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n &_o all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n how_o holy_a be_v he_o and_o how_o happy_a and_o happy_a he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v since_o he_o be_v holy_a be_v conform_v and_o like_v unto_o god_n in_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n choose_v that_o same_o delight_n that_o same_o pleasure_n with_o god_n in_o his_o understanding_n know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o likewise_o his_o own_o happiness_n in_o such_o a_o conformity_n he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v much_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o have_v such_o conformity_n to_o he_o union_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o communion_n &_o great_a peace_n &_o solid_a tranquillity_n in_o he_o now_o in_o this_o state_n of_o mankind_n god_n express_v his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n these_o be_v the_o attribute_n that_o shine_v most_o bright_o in_o the_o very_a morning_n of_o the_o creation_n god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n as_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o eye_n can_v behold_v no_o iniquity_n &_o therefore_o he_o make_v he_o upright_o and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n with_o he_o to_o give_v he_o immortal_a &_o eternal_a life_n to_o continue_v he_o in_o his_o happy_a estate_n if_o so_o be_v he_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n rom._n 10._o 5._o do_v this_o and_o live_v in_o which_o covenant_n indeed_o there_o be_v some_o out-breaking_n of_o the_o glorious_a grace_n &_o free_a condescendency_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o free_a grace_n and_o undeserved_a favour_n to_o promise_v life_n to_o his_o obedience_n than_o now_o to_o promise_v life_n to_o our_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v continue_v that_o covenant_n with_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v call_v it_o grace_n and_o will_v have_v be_v save_v by_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o more_o occasion_n give_v to_o man_n nature_n to_o boast_v &_o glory_n in_o that_o way_n yet_o not_o at_o all_o before_o god_n rom._n 4._o 2._o but_o we_o have_v scarce_o find_v man_n in_o such_o a_o estate_n till_o we_o have_v find_v he_o sinful_a &_o miserable_a and_o fall_v from_o his_o excellency_n that_o sun_n shine_v in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o before_o you_o can_v well_o know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v eclipse_v and_o darken_v with_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v only_o set_v up_o such_o a_o creature_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o glory_n to_o let_v he_o know_v how_o bless_v he_o can_v make_v he_o and_o wherein_o his_o blessedness_n consist_v and_o then_o present_o to_o throw_v he_o down_o from_o his_o excellency_n when_o you_o find_v he_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n and_o spread_v himself_o thus_o in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n like_o a_o bay-tree_n behold_v again_o and_o you_o find_v he_o not_o though_o you_o seek_v he_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o his_o place_n do_v not_o know_v he_o he_o be_v like_o one_o that_o come_v out_o with_o a_o great_a majesty_n upon_o a_o stage_n and_o personate_v some_o monarch_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n &_o then_o ere_o you_o can_v well_o gather_v your_o thought_n to_o know_v what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v turn_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o appear_v in_o some_o base_a &_o despicable_a appearance_n so_o quick_o be_v man_n strip_v of_o all_o these_o glorious_a ornament_n of_o holiness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o vile_a rag_n of_o sin_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o eminency_n above_o the_o creature_n &_o from_o fellowship_n with_o god_n to_o be_v a_o slave_n and_o servant_n to_o the_o dust_n of_o his_o foot_n and_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o now_o you_o have_v man_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_o wretched_a piece_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o the_o very_a plague_n of_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v under_o he_o rom._n 8._o and_o in_o pain_n to_o be_v deliver_v of_o such_o a_o burden_n of_o such_o a_o execration_n and_o curse_n and_o astonishment_n you_o find_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n condemn_v he_o altogether_o conclude_v he_o under_o sin_n and_o then_o under_o a_o curse_n and_o make_v all_o flesh_n guilty_a in_o god_n sight_n the_o word_n speak_v otherwise_o of_o we_o than_o we_o think_v of_o ourselves_o their_o imagination_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6._o 5._o o_o then_o what_o must_v our_o affection_n be_v that_o be_v certain_o more_o corrupt_a what_o then_o must_v our_o way_n be_v all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n and_o do_v abominable_a work_n and_o none_o do_v good_a psal._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o many_o flee_v in_o unto_o their_o good_a heart_n as_o their_o last_o refuge_n when_o they_o be_v beat_v from_o these_o outwork_n of_o their_o action_n and_o way_n but_o the_o 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but_o a_o name_n they_o have_v some_o outward_a privilege_n of_o baptism_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o it_o may_v be_v have_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o baptize_v in_o heart_n they_o be_v in_o all_o their_o conversation_n even_o conform_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n they_o hate_v personal_a reformation_n and_o think_v it_o too_o precise_a and_o needless_a now_o i_o say_v such_o be_v many_o of_o you_o &_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o have_v it_o question_v whether_o you_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n you_o think_v you_o be_v wrong_v when_o that_o be_v call_v in_o question_n oh_o that_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n indeed_o but_o know_v assure_o that_o you_o be_v but_o christian_n in_o the_o letter_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n many_o of_o you_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o 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as_o the_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o mistake_v it_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sign_n no_o mark_n can_v satisfy_v in_o it_o you_o take_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n that_o calm_v and_o quiet_v the_o mind_n now_o such_o a_o persuasion_n need_v no_o sign_n to_o know_v it_o by_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o its_o own_o presence_n as_o light_v by_o its_o own_o brightness_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a question_n to_o ask_v any_o how_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o another_o affection_n the_o very_a persuasion_n itself_o make_v itself_o more_o certain_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o any_o token_n so_o than_o while_o you_o question_v whether_o you_o have_v faith_n or_o not_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v faith_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o persuasion_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o bring_v any_o mark_n or_o sign_n to_o convince_v you_o that_o you_o have_v faith_n for_o if_o such_o a_o 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which_o you_o question_v if_o you_o have_v such_o a_o persuasion_n you_o will_v not_o question_v it_o so_o then_o as_o long_o as_o you_o be_v in_o that_o mistake_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o word_n can_v settle_v you_o but_o i_o say_v if_o once_o you_o understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a in_o itself_o unto_o you_o than_o ready_o mark_n and_o sign_n can_v make_v it_o especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n if_o you_o will_v know_v then_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o consider_v what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hold_v out_o concern_v himself_o or_o we_o &_o the_o solid_a belief_n of_o that_o in_o the_o heart_n have_v something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o it_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o testimony_n concern_v man_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o all_o his_o imagination_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o now_o i_o say_v to_o receive_v this_o truth_n into_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n testimony_n in_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n and_o wrath_n â—…o_o then_o for_o a_o soul_n to_o conclude_v itself_o also_o under_o sin_n and_o wrath_n be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o soul_n testimony_n to_o god_n truth_n the_o word_n be_v god_n testimony_n now_o then_o if_o a_o soul_n receive_v this_o testimony_n within_o whether_o it_o be_v law_n or_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o a_o soul_n condemn_v itself_o &_o judge_v itself_o that_o be_v a_o set_n to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a who_o speak_v in_o his_o law_n &_o so_o it_o be_v a_o believe_v in_o god_n i_o say_v more_o to_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n that_o we_o can_v believe_v be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o find_v belief_n because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heart_n be_v desperate_o wicked_a and_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o now_o i_o be_o persuade_v if_o such_o soul_n know_v this_o they_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o many_o contention_n and_o wrangling_n about_o this_o point_n and_o will_v rather_o bless_v god_n that_o have_v open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v themselves_o then_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n it_o be_v light_n only_o that_o discover_v darkness_n and_o faith_n only_o that_o descern_v unbelief_n its_o life_n and_o health_n only_o that_o feel_v pain_n &_o sickness_n for_o if_o all_o be_v alike_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v as_o in_o dead_a body_n now_o i_o say_v to_o such_o soul_n as_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o lawgiver_n believe_v also_o in_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o what_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v interest_n in_o he_o no_o that_o must_v come_v after_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n seal_v after_o believe_v which_o put_v itself_o out_o of_o question_n when_o it_o come_v and_o so_o if_o you_o have_v it_o you_o need_v not_o many_o sign_n to_o know_v it_o by_o at_o least_o you_o will_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o more_o than_o he_o that_o see_v the_o light_n can_v question_v it_o but_o i_o say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v simple_o this_o i_o whatsoever_o i_o be_v ungodly_a wretched_a pollute_a desperate_a be_o willing_a to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n for_o my_o saviour_n i_o have_v no_o other_o help_n or_o hope_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o it_o be_v i_o say_v to_o lean_v the_o weight_n of_o thy_o soul_n on_o this_o foundation_n stone_n lay_v in_o zion_n to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n albeit_o general_a as_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n &_o wait_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o to_o make_v christ_n welcome_a to_o say_v even_o so_o lord_n jesus_n i_o be_o content_a in_o my_o soul_n that_o thou_o be_v my_o saviour_n to_o be_v find_v in_o thou_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n i_o be_o well_o please_v to_o cast_v away_o my_o own_o as_o dung_n &_o find_v myself_o on_o other_o not_o a_o ungodly_a man_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o â—…any_n soul_n that_o be_v still_o question_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n yet_o do_v find_v this_o in_o their_o soul_n but_o because_o they_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v faith_n which_o they_o find_v they_o go_v about_o to_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o so_o disquiet_v themselves_o in_o vain_a and_o hinder_v fruitfulness_n now_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o fancy_n it_o be_v no_o light_n vain_a imagination_n of_o the_o brain_n but_o it_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v and_o it_o dwell_v with_o love_n faith_n and_o love_n we_o need_v not_o be_v curious_a to_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o love_n be_v in_o it_o &_o from_o it_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o it_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o soul_n embrace_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o choose_n of_o he_o for_o its_o portion_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o review_n of_o this_o goodly_a portion_n and_o from_o consideration_n what_o he_o be_v and_o have_v do_v for_o we_o the_o soul_n love_v he_o still_o more_o &_o be_v impatient_a of_o so_o much_o distance_n from_o he_o we_o find_v they_o conjoin_v in_o scripture_n but_o they_o be_v one_o in_o the_o heart_n o_o that_o we_o study_v to_o have_v these_o joint_o engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o the_o word_n so_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v a_o live_a epistle_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v two_o word_n but_o one_o thing_n under_o different_a notion_n they_o be_v the_o outgoing_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n for_o life_n the_o breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o he_o for_o more_o of_o he_o when_o it_o have_v once_o taste_v how_o good_a he_o be_v faith_n be_v not_o a_o speculation_n or_o a_o wander_a thought_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n not_o captivate_v into_o the_o mind_n but_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n &_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n you_o know_v a_o man_n and_o his_o will_n be_v one_o not_o so_o a_o man_n and_o his_o mind_n for_o he_o may_v conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o thing_n he_o love_v not_o but_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n love_v that_o and_o he_o in_o a_o manner_n become_v one_o with_o another_o love_n be_v unitive_a it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a union_n of_o distant_a thing_n the_o will_n command_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o have_v the_o office_n of_o apply_v of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o proper_a work_n illa_fw-la imperat_fw-la aliae_fw-la exsequuntur_fw-la
therefore_o when_o once_o divine_a truth_n get_v entry_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n and_o become_v one_o with_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n it_o will_v quick_o command_v the_o whole_a man_n to_o practice_v and_o execute_v and_o then_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n be_v find_v a_o walker_n in_o the_o truth_n many_o person_n captivate_v truth_n in_o their_o understanding_n as_o the_o gentile_n do_v they_o hold_v or_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n but_o because_o it_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o descend_v into_o the_o heart_n &_o possess_v that_o garrison_n it_o can_v command_v the_o man_n but_o o_o its_o better_a to_o be_v truth_n captive_a then_o to_o captive_a truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n you_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o truth_n to_o which_o you_o be_v deliver_v rom._n 6._o o_o a_o bless_a captivity_n to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o truth_n that_o be_v indeed_o freedom_n for_o truth_n make_v free_a joh._n 8._o and_o it_o make_v free_a where_o it_o be_v in_o freedom_n give_v it_o freedom_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o shall_v indeed_o deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o strange_a lord_n and_o thou_o shall_v obey_v it_o from_o the_o heart_n when_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o heart_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n whether_o promise_n or_o threaten_n or_o command_n be_v impress_v into_o the_o heart_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o expression_n of_o they_o in_o the_o conversation_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o empty_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o a_o receive_n of_o it_o in_o love_n &_o when_o the_o truth_n be_v receive_v in_o love_n than_o it_o begin_v to_o work_v by_o love_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n say_v paul_n gal._n 5._o 6._o that_o now_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n of_o its_o operation_n which_o express_v its_o own_o nature_n obedience_n proceed_v from_o love_n to_o god_n flow_v from_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o that_o show_v the_o true_a and_o live_a nature_n of_o that_o faith_n if_o the_o soul_n within_o receive_v the_o seal_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o will_v render_v the_o image_n of_o that_o same_o truth_n in_o all_o its_o action_n love_n be_v put_v for_o all_o obedience_n it_o be_v make_v the_o very_a sum_n and_o compend_v of_o the_o law_n and_o fulfil_v of_o it_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a and_o constrain_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o withal_o the_o most_o sweet_a &_o pleasant_a the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o &_o not_o henceforth_o to_o ourselves_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 15._o as_o i_o say_v a_o man_n and_o his_o will_n be_v one_o if_o you_o engage_v it_o you_o bind_v all_o if_o you_o gain_v it_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o gain_v any_o party_n to_o engage_v their_o head_n who_o they_o follow_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o depend_v let_v a_o man_n love_n be_v once_o gain_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n and_o operation_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o pertinent_a question_n that_o christ_n ask_v peter_n when_o he_o be_v go_v away_o if_o peter_n have_v consider_v christ_n purpose_n in_o it_o he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o hasty_a and_o displease_v peter_n love_v thou_o i_o then_o feed_v my_o sheep_n if_o a_o man_n love_n christ_n he_o will_v certain_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o though_o he_o shall_v do_v never_o so_o much_o in_o obedience_n it_o be_v no_o pleasure_n except_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n o_o this_o and_o more_o of_o this_o in_o the_o heart_n will_v make_v minister_n feed_v well_o and_o teach_v well_o and_o will_v make_v people_n obey_v well_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o command_n love_v devout_n and_o consecrat_n all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o man_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o he_o love_v therefore_o it_o fashion_n and_o conform_v one_o even_o against_o nature_n to_o another_o humour_n and_o affection_n it_o constrain_v not_o to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o its_o joy_n &_o delight_n be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o all_o be_v give_v up_o &_o resign_v to_o he_o now_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o you_o love_v much_o you_o will_v do_v much_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o little_o be_v accept_v for_o much_o that_o proceed_v from_o love_n &_o therefore_o our_o poor_a maim_a and_o halt_a obedience_n be_v call_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v well_o please_v with_o it_o because_o love_n be_v ill_o please_v withit_z love_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o all_o too_o little_a and_o therefore_o his_o love_n think_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o much_o since_o love_n will_v give_v more_o he_o accept_v that_o which_o be_v give_v the_o lover_n mite_n cast_v into_o the_o treasure_n be_v more_o than_o ten_o time_n so_o much_o outward_a obedience_n from_o another_o man_n he_o meet_v love_n with_o love_n if_o the_o soul_n desire_v be_v towards_o the_o love_n 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search_v we_o can_v find_v they_o out_o unto_o perfection_n but_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v speak_v till_o the_o day_n break_v and_o the_o shadow_n flee_v away_o and_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n be_v whole_o dispel_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n we_o be_v call_v then_o to_o receive_v this_o truth_n that_o god_n be_v one_o true_o one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o in_o this_o one_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o i_o say_v you_o must_v believe_v because_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n faith_n it_o though_o you_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v or_o how_o it_o can_v be_v though_o it_o seem_v a_o contradiction_n in_o reason_n a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n yet_o you_o must_v lead_v your_o reason_n captive_a to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n &_o silence_v it_o with_o this_o one_o answer_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v it_o if_o thou_o go_v on_o to_o dispute_v and_o to_o inquire_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v thou_o be_v escape_v from_o 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religion_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a reason_n neither_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o it_o though_o it_o be_v high_a above_o it_o in_o this_o place_n of_o moses_n you_o have_v the_o unity_n of_o god_n assert_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v indeed_o engrave_v on_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n that_o god_n be_v one_o for_o all_o may_v know_v that_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n most_o wise_a most_o powerful_a &_o infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n now_o common_a reason_n may_v tell_v any_o man_n that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o thing_n most_o perfect_a &_o excellent_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o infinite_a one_o almighty_a one_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o one_o first_o mover_n one_o first_o cause_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v of_o none_o again_o in_o this_o place_n of_o john_n you_o have_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o person_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o that_o holy_a unity_n of_o essence_n the_o great_a point_n which_o john_n have_v in_o hand_n be_v this_o fundamental_a of_o our_o salvation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o all_o our_o confidence_n shall_v be_v place_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o shall_v lean_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o soul_n &_o this_o he_o prove_v by_o a_o twofold_a testimony_n one_o out_o of_o heaven_n another_o in_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v three_o bear_a witness_n to_o this_o truth_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o this_o apostle_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o wisdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 1._o 1._o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n witness_v to_o this_o truth_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n out_o of_o heaven_n when_o christ_n be_v baptize_v mat._n 3._o 17._o this_o be_v my_o wel-beloud_a son_n hear_v he_o here_o be_v the_o father_n testimony_n of_o the_o son_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v which_o be_v give_v very_o solemn_o in_o a_o great_a congregation_n of_o people_n and_o divine_o with_o great_a glory_n and_o majesty_n from_o heaven_n as_o if_o the_o heaven_n have_v open_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o inaccessible_a light_n of_o god_n have_v shine_v down_o on_o he_o which_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o transfiguration_n mat._n 17._o 5._o where_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o glorious_a evidence_n to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o three_o disciple_n how_o he_o do_v account_n of_o he_o how_o all_o saint_n and_o angel_n must_v serve_v he_o him_n have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v say_v john_n indeed_o the_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n in_o such_o a_o excellent_a manner_n upon_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v a_o seal_n set_v on_o by_o god_n the_o father_n signify_v &_o confirm_v his_o approbation_n of_o his_o 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the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v at_o his_o baptism_n in_o his_o resurrection_n after_o his_o ascension_n the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v his_o presence_n and_o consent_n to_o that_o work_n in_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v it_o in_o the_o power_n that_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o question_n when_o he_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n for_o the_o other_o three_o witness_n on_o earth_n we_o shall_v not_o stay_v upon_o it_o only_o know_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n signify_v by_o water_n the_o justification_n of_o guilty_a soul_n signify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n be_v a_o assure_a testimony_n of_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n the_o change_n pacify_v and_o comfort_v of_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n cry_v aloud_o that_o he_o in_o who_o the_o soul_n believe_v be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n who_o to_o know_v be_v eternal_a life_n but_o mark_v i_o pray_v you_o the_o accuracy_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o change_n of_o the_o speech_n these_o three_o witness_n on_o earth_n say_v he_o agree_v in_o one_o in_o give_v one_o common_a testimony_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n but_o as_o for_o the_o heavenly_a witness_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o holy_a ghost_n how_o ever_o they_o be_v three_o after_o a_o inconceivable_a manner_n
&_o that_o they_o do_v also_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a testimony_n to_o the_o mediator_n of_o man_n yet_o moreover_o they_o be_v one_o they_o not_o only_o agree_v in_o one_o but_o be_v one_o god_n one_o simple_a undivided_a self-being_a infinite_a spirit_n hold_v out_o to_o we_o in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o be_v praise_n and_o glory_n deut._n 6._o 4._o and_o joh._n 5._o 7._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n &_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n for_o direction_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o refuse_n in_o it_o no_o simple_a and_o plain_a history_n but_o it_o tend_v to_o some_o edification_n no_o profound_a or_o deep_a mystery_n but_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o salvation_n whatsoever_o secret_n there_o be_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reserve_v from_o we_o though_o it_o be_v give_v we_o but_o to_o know_v in_o part_n &_o dark_o through_o a_o vail_n yet_o as_o much_o be_v give_v we_o to_o know_v as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n as_o much_o be_v give_v we_o to_o know_v as_o may_v build_v we_o up_o to_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o use_n of_o these_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o silence_v all_o flesh_n &_o restrain_v the_o unlimited_a spirit_n of_o man_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o great_a secret_n will_v teach_v as_o much_o by_o its_o silence_n &_o darkness_n as_o the_o plain_a truth_n do_v speak_v out_o clear_o o_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n do_v compose_v our_o heart_n to_o some_o reverend_a &_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o that_o god_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o &_o do_v imprint_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o more_o feel_a sense_n of_o our_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n this_o be_v more_o advantage_n than_o all_o the_o gain_n of_o light_n or_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n than_o can_v come_v from_o the_o search_n of_o curiosity_n if_o man_n will_v labour_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o light_n they_o have_v attain_v rather_o than_o curious_o inquire_v after_o what_o they_o can_v know_v by_o enquiry_n they_o shall_v soon_o attain_v more_o true_a light_n if_o man_n will_v set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v without_o doubt_n they_o will_v more_o ready_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n &_o clearness_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n religion_n be_v now_o turn_v into_o question_n &_o school-debate_n man_n begin_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o dispute_v every_o thing_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o search_v for_o light_n and_o resolution_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n while_o man_n look_v after_o light_n they_o darken_v themselves_o &_o this_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n or_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v therefore_o he_o 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they_o have_v it_o in_o judgement_n yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o sure_o and_o solid_o in_o affection_n that_o it_o may_v be_v hold_v so_o to_o this_o present_a point_n if_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o adore_v and_o admire_v this_o holy_a holy_a holy_a one_o if_o we_o can_v in_o silence_n and_o faith_n sit_v down_o and_o wonder_n at_o this_o mystery_n it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a to_o we_o and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v search_v and_o inquire_v into_o all_o the_o volume_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o it_o think_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n i_o think_v there_o be_v more_o profoundness_n in_o the_o sobriety_n of_o faith_n than_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n when_o the_o mystery_n be_v such_o a_o infinite_a depth_n o_o but_o man_n eloquence_n and_o wisdom_n must_v be_v shallow_a far_o too_o shallow_a either_o to_o find_v it_o out_o or_o unfold_v it_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o 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that_o same_o faith_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o end_n of_o chap._n 10._o by_o which_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v so_o then_o here_o be_v a_o point_n of_o save_a faith_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n in_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o father_n almighty_a to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o sufficient_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n shine_v in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o with_o delight_n and_o admiration_n at_o such_o a_o glorious_a fountain-being_a to_o rise_v up_o to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v the_o climb_a and_o aspire_a nature_n of_o faith_n you_o see_v how_o much_o those_o saint_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o this_o and_o certain_o they_o have_v more_o excellent_a and_o beseem_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o we_o it_o shall_v make_v christian_n ashamed_a that_o both_o heathen_n who_o have_v no_o other_o book_n open_v to_o they_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n do_v read_v it_o more_o diligent_o than_o we_o and_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n as_o we_o now_o have_v yet_o do_v learn_v more_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n than_o we_o do_v both_o out_o of_o it_o and_o the_o scripture_n we_o look_v on_o all_o thing_n with_o such_o a_o careless_a eye_n and_o do_v not_o observe_v what_o may_v be_v find_v of_o god_n in_o they_o i_o think_v very_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v not_o ascend_v into_o those_o high_a and_o ravish_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o his_o be_v and_o work_v as_o will_v become_v even_o mere_a naturalist_n how_o little_o can_v they_o speak_v out_o of_o his_o majesty_n or_o think_v as_o it_o become_v his_o transcendent_a glory_n there_o be_v little_a in_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n that_o hold_v out_o any_o singular_a admire_a thought_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o in_o all_o these_o we_o be_v so_o common_a and_o careless_a as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o idol_n it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o it_o be_v express_v thus_o by_o faith_n we_o know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o certain_o the_o firm_a believe_v &_o ponder_v of_o this_o one_o truth_n will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o use_n to_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o his_o journey_n you_o may_v observe_v in_o what_o stead_n it_o be_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n this_o raise_v up_o a_o soul_n to_o high_a thought_n and_o suitable_a conception_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n &_o so_o conform_v the_o worship_n of_o his_o majesty_n unto_o his_o excllency_n it_o put_v the_o stamp_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o spiritualize_v the_o thought_n and_o affection_n so_o as_o to_o put_v a_o true_a difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o god_n that_o make_v not_o the_o heaven_n &_o the_o earth_n alace_o the_o worship_n of_o many_o christian_n speak_v out_o no_o divine_a or_o high_a object_n than_o a_o creature_n it_o be_v so_o cold_a so_o formal_a and_o empty_a so_o vain_a &_o wander_a there_o be_v no_o more_o respect_n testify_v unto_o he_o than_o we_o will_v give_v to_o some_o eminent_a person_n you_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o strain_n of_o the_o saint_n affection_n and_o devotion_n rise_v when_o they_o take_v up_o god_n in_o his_o absolute_a supremacy_n above_o the_o creature_n &_o look_v on_o he_o as_o the_o alone_a fountain_n of_o all_o that_o be_v worth_a the_o name_n of_o perfection_n in_o they_o a_o soul_n in_o that_o consideration_n can_v choose_v but_o assign_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o eminent_a seat_n in_o the_o heart_n &_o gather_v those_o affection_n which_o be_v scatter_v after_o the_o creature_n into_o one_o channel_n to_o pour_v they_o out_o on_o he_o who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o have_v all_o that_o which_o be_v lovely_a in_o the_o creature_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n therefore_o know_v what_o you_o be_v form_v for_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n to_o gather_v and_o take_v up_o from_o the_o creature_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o praise_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o his_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o man_n &_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a you_o be_v make_v for_o this_o and_o you_o be_v redeem_v for_o this_o to_o read_v upon_o the_o volume_n of_o his_o work_n &_o word_n and_o from_o thence_o extract_v song_n of_o praise_n to_o his_o majesty_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o right_n worship_v of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a holiness_n so_o it_o be_v most_o affectual_a to_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o a_o soul_n by_o faith_n understand_v