righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o all_o salvation_n only_o by_o fellowship_n with_o he_o through_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o christ_n or_o slight_v and_o contemn_v of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v pollute_v sinner_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o affront_a and_o contemn_v of_o the_o saving-grace_n merit_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ourselves_o righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n loathe_v not_o to_o touch_v a_o leper_n and_o condescend_v to_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v wash_v and_o perfume_v before_o hand_n as_o some_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n be_v say_v to_o do_v when_o they_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o poor-man_n in_o imitate_v of_o christ_n three_o those_o that_o receive_v christ_n with_o a_o unfeigned_a faith_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o wedding_n garment_n to_o adorn_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n faith_n itself_o be_v very_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o most_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.1_o judas_n 20._o god_n love_v it_o because_o it_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n only_o to_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 4.16_o and_o renounce_v all_o dependence_n on_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o procure_v a_o right_n to_o christ_n or_o to_o make_v ourselves_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a love_n to_o christ_n as_o saviour_n and_o a_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a appetite_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mouth_n whereby_o the_o soul_n feed_v hungry_o upon_o he_o what_o wedding_n garment_n can_v sinner_n bring_v with_o they_o more_o delightful_a than_o this_o to_o their_o bountiful_a god_n who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o abundant_a riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n and_o bounty_n in_o this_o wedding_n feast_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v they_o because_o they_o love_v christ_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v out_o from_o god_n jo._n 16.27_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o it_o account_v not_o itself_o or_o any_o other_o work_n of_o we_o a_o sufficient_a ornament_n to_o make_v we_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v our_o wedding-garment_n itself_o but_o it_o buy_v of_o christ_n white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n may_v not_o appear_v rev._n 3.18_o though_o it_o love_v and_o desire_v the_o free-gift_n of_o holiness_n yet_o it_o abandon_v all_o thought_n of_o practise_v holiness_n immediate_o before_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o holy_a nature_n it_o put_v on_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 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rational_o expect_v before_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n first_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o repent_v before_o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n because_o repentance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n luke_n 13.3_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o christ_n place_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n before_o faith_n mar._n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o christ_n require_v repentance_n first_o as_o the_o end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o and_o though_o the_o end_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n yet_o the_o mean_n be_v first_o in_o practice_n and_o execution_n though_o both_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o what_o be_v repentance_n but_o a_o hearty_a turn_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o what_o way_n be_v there_o to_o 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he_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act_v 19.4_o two_o regeneration_n also_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n joh._n 3_o 3._o and_o therefore_o many_o will_v find_v it_o wrought_v in_o themselves_o before_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o consider_v what_o regeneration_n be_v it_o be_v a_o new_a beget_n or_o create_v we_o in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o eph._n 2.10_o in_o who_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o unite_n grace_n whereby_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n wrought_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o you_o true_o believe_v you_o be_v regenerate_v and_o not_o till_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v christ_n by_o believe_v and_o those_o only_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o 13._o three_o they_o account_v it_o necessary_a to_o receive_v christ_n as_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o a_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o his_o government_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n before_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o saviour_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a lesson_n of_o the_o new_a divinity_n and_o such_o a_o receive_a christ_n as_o lord_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o great_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n without_o which_o such_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v whereby_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v reckon_v no_o better_a than_o gross_a presumption_n they_o teach_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o bestow_v his_o salvation_n on_o those_o that_o do_v not_o first_o yield_v their_o subjection_n to_o his_o kingly_a authority_n but_o he_o call_v they_o his_o enemy_n because_o they_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o require_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v and_o slay_v before_o he_o luke_n 19.27_o and_o i_o own_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o sincere_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o royal_a authority_n and_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o this_o holy_a resignation_n or_o to_o any_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n before_o they_o receive_v his_o salvation_n but_o rather_o by_o receive_v it_o man_n that_o be_v never_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a death_n in_o sin_n do_v easy_o bring_v themselves_o to_o resolve_v universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v on_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o any_o eminent_a danger_n or_o when_o they_o will_v prepare_v
and_o soul_n be_v and_o the_o spirit_n lively_a instrument_n rather_o than_o the_o principal_a cause_n neither_o will_v a_o believer_n be_v necessary_o perfectin_a holiness_n here_o by_o or_o christ_n make_v a_o sinner_n for_o christ_n know_v how_o to_o dwell_v in_o a_o believer_n by_o certain_a measure_n and_o degree_n and_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a so_o far_o only_o as_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o though_o this_o union_n seem_v too_o high_a a_o preferment_n for_o such_o unworthy_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v yet_o consider_v the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v redeem_v we_o shall_v dishonour_v god_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o expect_v a_o miraculous_a advancement_n to_o the_o high_a dignity_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o blood_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o union_n contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n because_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o union_n be_v spiritual_a fall_v not_o at_o all_o under_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n several_a learned_a man_n of_o late_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n than_o such_o as_o person_n or_o thing_n whole_o separate_v may_v have_v by_o their_o mutual_a relation_n each_o to_o other_o and_o according_o they_o interpret_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o this_o union_n when_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n they_o account_v that_o a_o political_a head_n or_o governor_n be_v the_o thing_n mean_v when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o his_o people_n and_o they_o in_o he_o they_o think_v that_o the_o proper_a meaning_n be_v that_o christ_n law_n doctrine_n grace_n salvation_n or_o that_o godliness_n be_v in_o they_o and_o embrace_v by_o they_o so_o that_o christ_n here_o must_v not_o be_v take_v for_o christ_n himself_o but_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o christ_n when_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o spirit_n and_o one_o flesh_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o if_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o union_n mention_v ephes_n 5.32_o consist_v rather_o in_o a_o harsh_a hope_n or_o a_o dark_a improper_a expression_n than_o in_o the_o depth_n and_o abstruceness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o as_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v affect_v obscure_a intricate_a expression_n when_o they_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n of_o thing_n very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v thus_o that_o great_a mystery_n the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v be_v high_o own_v former_o both_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o many_o eminent_a protestant_a divine_n particular_a writer_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o by_o a_o very_a general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o age_n be_v now_o explode_a out_o of_o the_o new_a model_n of_o divinity_n the_o reason_n of_o explode_v it_o as_o i_o judge_v in_o charity_n be_v not_o because_o our_o late_a learned_a refiner_n of_o divinity_n think_v themselves_o less_o able_a to_o defend_v it_o than_o the_o other_o two_o mysterious_a union_n and_o to_o silence_v the_o objection_n of_o those_o proud_a sophister_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v but_o rather_o because_o they_o account_v it_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sinew_n of_o antinomianism_n that_o lie_v unobserved_a in_o the_o former_a usual_a doctrine_n that_o it_o tend_v to_o puff_n up_o man_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v justify_v and_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o they_o already_o and_o that_o they_o need_v not_o depend_v any_o long_o upon_o their_o uncertain_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o salvation_n whereby_o they_o account_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o a_o holy_a practice_n to_o be_v subvert_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v lay_v another_o manner_n of_o foundation_n for_o a_o holy_a practice_n than_o they_o imagine_v of_o which_o this_o union_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v be_v a_o principal_a stone_n next_o to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o corrupt_a gloss_n upon_o the_o scripture_n that_o prove_v it_o i_o assert_v that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o political_a head_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o abide_n of_o his_o law_n doctrine_n grace_n salvation_n and_o all_o godliness_n in_o we_o and_o of_o our_o agreement_n with_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v altogether_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o this_o assertion_n be_v useful_a for_o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o union_n it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n procure_v by_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o holiness_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v or_o a_o reward_n of_o good_a work_n reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n bestow_v upon_o believer_n in_o their_o very_a first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n on_o which_o all_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a work_n do_v depend_v and_o all_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n do_v follow_v after_o it_o as_o fruit_n produce_v by_o it_o have_v thus_o far_o explain_v the_o direction_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o though_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v above_o the_o search_n of_o natural_a reason_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_o discover_v to_o those_o that_o have_v their_o understanding_n open_v to_o discern_v that_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o mysterious_a way_n of_o sanctification_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o there_o be_v several_a place_n in_o scripture_n that_o do_v plain_o express_v it_o some_o text_n show_v thâ—â—_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v treasure_v 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o comprehend_v in_o his_o fullness_n 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o must_v have_v they_o thence_o or_o 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o col._n 1.19_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n col._n 2.11_o 12_o 13._o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o holy_a nature_n whereby_o we_o live_v to_o god_n be_v first_o produce_v in_o he_o by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_v in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n bury_v with_o he_o quicken_v together_o with_o he_o when_o you_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n ephes_n 1.3_o who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ._n a_o holy_a frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o all_o its_o necessary_a qualification_n must_v needs_o be_v comprehend_v here_o in_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o these_o be_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n person_n in_o heavenly_a place_n as_o prepared_z and_o treasure_v up_o in_o he_o for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v our_o holy_a endowment_n out_o of_o he_o or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o this_o text_n some_o choose_v rather_o to_o read_v heavenly_a thing_n as_o in_o the_o margin_n because_o neither_o place_n nor_o thing_n be_v express_v in_o the_o original_a but_o the_o former_a textual_a read_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o marginal_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o original_a greek_a phrase_n which_o be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v so_o render_v in_o two_o other_o place_n of_o this_o same_o epistle_n chap._n 3.10_o &_o 6.12_o another_o text_n be_v 1_o cor._n 1.30_o which_o show_v that_o christ_n be_v of_o god_n make_v unto_o we_o sanctification_n by_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v holy_o as_o well_o as_o wise_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o which_o we_o be_v save_o wise_a and_o righteousness_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o redemption_n whereby_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o all_o misery_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n other_o text_n of_o scripture_n show_v plain_o that_o we_o receive_v our_o holiness_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n by_o fellowship_n with_o he_o joh._n 1.16_o 17._o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o grace_n answerable_a to_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n which_o must_v needs_o include_v the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o 5_o 6_o 7._o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n god_n be_v light_a if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o hence_o
have_v be_v one_o occasion_n of_o the_o prevail_a of_o heathenish_a jewish_a and_o popish_a superslition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o popery_n fall_v in_o several_a nation_n in_o late_a year_n when_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o if_o these_o legal_a zealot_n be_v force_v by_o strong_a conviction_n to_o endeavour_v the_o practice_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o their_o guilty_a conscience_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o strive_v and_o labour_v earnest_o and_o even_o to_o macerate_v their_o body_n with_o fast_v that_o they_o may_v kill_v their_o lust_n but_o still_o their_o lust_n be_v alive_a and_o as_o strong_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o do_v show_v forth_o their_o enmity_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o inward_a fret_a repine_a and_o grudge_v at_o it_o as_o a_o grievous_a task-mastertho_a '_o a_o slavish_a fear_n restrain_v their_o gross_a outward_a act_n and_o if_o once_o these_o zealot_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n to_o discern_v that_o god_n reject_v all_o their_o slavish_a service_n and_o will_v not_o own_v it_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n than_o they_o fall_v into_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o they_o see_v they_o have_v fail_v in_o their_o high_a attempt_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o discover_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n swell_v in_o anger_n and_o manifest_a hatred_n against_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o prescribe_v such_o hard_a condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o can_v keep_v and_o yet_o expect_v to_o be_v damn_v eternal_o for_o break_v of_o they_o this_o fill_v they_o with_o blasphemous_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o they_o can_v hardly_o refrain_v from_o blaspheme_v with_o their_o tongue_n and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o horrible_a condition_n if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n discover_v to_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n through_o faith_n alone_o they_o will_v endeavour_v if_o they_o can_v to_o sear_v their_o conscience_n past_o feeling_n of_o sin_n and_o full_o to_o abandon_v all_o religion_n which_o have_v prove_v such_o a_o unsufferable_a torment_n to_o they_o or_o if_o they_o can_v sear_v their_o conscience_n some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o prevail_v over_o by_o satan_n rather_o to_o murder_v themselves_o than_o to_o live_v long_o in_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o continual_a horror_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o pestilent_a effect_n of_o legal-doctrine_n upon_o a_o carnal_a heart_n that_o do_v but_o rouse_v up_o and_o terrible_o enrage_v the_o sleep_a lion_n our_o sinful_a gorruption_n instead_o of_o kill_v of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o evident_a by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o many_o that_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o practise_v it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o show_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o be_v invent_v against_o antinomianism_n may_v well_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o worst_a antinomian_a error_n for_o my_o part_n i_o hate_v it_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o count_v it_o my_o enemy_n as_o i_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v and_o i_o have_v find_v by_o some_o good_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o lesson_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o way_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o mastery_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.15_o six_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o work_n be_v blast_v by_o the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o the_o first_o adam_n sin_n so_o that_o now_o it_o can_v work_v life_n in_o we_o or_o holiness_n but_o only_a death_n for_o the_o law_n which_o require_v both_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v know_v to_o adam_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o continue_v the_o happy_a life_n that_o be_v then_o bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v effectual_a for_o this_o end_n if_o he_o have_v not_o transgress_v in_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o bring_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n under_o the_o terrible_a sentence_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2.17_o all_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o his_o law_n that_o before_o wrought_v for_o continuance_n of_o life_n be_v turn_v by_o that_o curse_a sentence_n the_o contrary_a way_n to_o work_v for_o his_o death_n even_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o it_o quick_o move_v he_o to_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n it_o be_v as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v all_z the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v thy_o life_n or_o restore_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v rather_o tend_v to_o thy_o death_n therefore_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o natural_a state_n under_o the_o first_o adam_n gild_n and_o curse_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o all_o such_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n as_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n accurse_v to_o we_o and_o see_v man_n do_v not_o use_v his_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n aright_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o revenge_v the_o abuse_n of_o it_o by_o give_v we_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o it_o that_o seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o whole_o to_o abolish_v the_o way_n of_o live_v by_o any_o of_o our_o work_n or_o by_o any_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n that_o the_o naturalman_n can_v attain_v unto_o for_o it_o be_v write_v i_o will_v destrey_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20_o 21._o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o no_o truth_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v a_o effectual_a principle_n or_o motive_n to_o work_v holiness_n in_o we_o and_o gospel-principle_n and_o motive_n be_v but_o abuse_v when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o legal-way_n of_o salvation_n seven_o the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o holiness_n or_o salvation_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o perfect_a or_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o it_o though_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o way_n of_o salvation_n at_o that_o time_n it_o must_v have_v consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o a_o covenant_n there_o be_v another_o covenant_n make_v before_o that_o time_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n promise_v all_o blessing_n free_o through_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n by_o which_o only_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n be_v add_v that_o they_o might-see_a their_o sinfulness_n and_o subjection_n to_o death_n and_o wrath_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v to_o life_n or_o holiness_n by_o their_o work_n and_o be_v force_v to_o trust_v on_o the_o free_a promise_n only_o for_o all_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n may_v be_v restrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n until_o the_o come_n of_o that_o promise_a seed_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o more_o plentiful_a pour_v out_o of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n by_o he_o this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v large_o gal._n 3.15_o to_o 24._o rom._n 5.20_o 21._o &_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o none_o of_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ever_o save_v by_o the_o sinai-covenant_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o holiness_n by_o the_o term_n of_o it_o some_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o it_o sincere_o though_o imperfect_o but_o those_o be_v first_o justify_v and_o make_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o better_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o the_o new-covenant_n or_o testament_n establish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o better_a covenant_n the_o
from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o christ_n testify_v that_o he_o will_v often_o have_v gather_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.4_o you_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o persuasion_n what_o if_o few_o be_v save_v thy_o salvation_n will_v not_o make_v the_o number_n too_o great_a for_o few_o will_v follow_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v what_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o thou_o in_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o the_o word_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v thou_o and_o christ_n seem_v to_o reckon_v thou_o no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n as_o he_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.26_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v thou_o to_o christ_n as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a dispensation_n of_o they_o rom._n 10.4_o if_o a_o prophet_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n send_v of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n be_v declare_v against_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o timely_a warning_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o thou_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o up_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o himself_o teach_v they_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 11._o jonah_n preach_v nothing_o but_o certain_a destruction_n of_o nineveh_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o within_o 40_o day_n chap._n 3.4_o yet_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o terrible_a message_n be_v that_o those_o heathenish_a people_n may_v escape_v destruction_n by_o repentance_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v always_o understand_v with_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o by_o his_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v escape_v they_o by_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n take_v heed_n of_o foster_a any_o thought_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o show_v no_o save_a mercy_n to_o you_o or_o that_o you_o have_v already_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v because_o god_n will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o it_o if_o such_o thought_n prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v than_o the_o worst_a blasphemous_a thought_n that_o terrify_v you_o or_o any_o of_o the_o gross_a abomination_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o because_o they_o obstruct_v your_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v christ_n say_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o hinder_v our_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o very_o sinful_a and_o pernicious_a arise_v in_o we_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n delusion_n and_o utter_o opposite_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o entertain_v such_o unbelieve_a thought_n have_v god_n make_v we_o of_o his_o privy-council_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o damnation_n before_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n as_o for_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n it_o consist_v in_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o account_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o be_v most_o rancorous_a persecutor_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o they_o that_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n continue_v implacable_a malicious_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n to_o the_o end_n without_o any_o repentance_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v that_o you_o desire_v serious_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v that_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o that_o you_o want_v faith_n love_n and_o true_a obedience_n yea_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o malicious_o bend_v to_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o prefer_v atheism_n licentiousness_n or_o any_o false_a religion_n before_o it_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 6._o add_v to_o all_o these_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o incomparable_a glorious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a salvation_n and_o true_a happiness_n and_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o have_v in_o it_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v make_v our_o cup_n to_o run_v over_o with_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.8_o incline_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o never_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o christ_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o his_o incomparable_a preciousness_n and_o excellency_n induce_v they_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.46_o this_o make_v they_o to_o say_v lord_z evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.32_o 33_o 68_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o good_a ointment_n his_o name_n be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v he_o cant._n 1.3_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.8_o 10._o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a beauty_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n draw_v worshipper_n to_o god_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o unparalleled_a excellency_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o temple_n do_v more_o powerful_o draw_v believer_n in_o these_o gospel-day_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o our_o salvation_n to_o discern_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v he_o make_v it_o his_o great_a work_n to_o eclipse_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o until_o he_o see_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o
revolt_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o follow_v it_o how_o ancient_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o the_o israelitish_n church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o it_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o many_o by_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n fall_v from_o christ_n phil._n 3.6_o act_n 6.13_o 14._o &_o 21.28_o we_o be_v indeed_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n but_o not_o every_o one_o that_o call_v itself_o so_o nor_o none_o any_o surth_a than_o it_o speak_v as_o a_o true_a church_n according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.27_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o but_o must_v give_v up_o yourselves_o first_o to_o christ_n absolute_o and_o to_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n mat._n 15._o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n whatever_o authority_n they_o pretend_v to_o act_v 17.11_o a_o unlimited_a follow_a church-guides_a bring_v the_o church_n into_o babylon_n and_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o abomination_n you_o be_v not_o baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.13_o 3._o do_v not_o think_v that_o you_o must_v attain_v this_o or_o that_o degree_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o join_v yourself_o in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o when_o you_o have_v give_v up_o yourself_o to_o christ_n and_o learn_v the_o duty_n of_o communion_n give_v up_o yourself_o unto_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o you_o find_v much_o weakness_n and_o inability_n for_o church_n ordinance_n of_o special_a communion_n serve_v to_o strengthen_v you_o and_o how_o can_v you_o get_v heat_n be_v alone_o the_o disciple_n as_o soon_o as_o convert_v embrace_v all_o fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o and_o church_n that_o they_o may_v forward_o holiness_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n weak_a one_o and_o to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n as_o well_o as_o better_v grow_v sheep_n and_o bear_v they_o on_o their_o side_n isa_n 66.12_o how_o else_o shall_v christ_n weak_a one_o grow_v strong_a by_o that_o nourishment_n that_o other_o part_n supply_v they_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o expect_v that_o christian_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o church_n fellowship_n to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o grace_n as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o those_o pasture_n of_o tender_a grass_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v any_o that_o they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v occasion_n to_o bear_v with_o whereas_o bear_v and_o long-suffering_a be_v great_a duty_n of_o church-fellowship_n eph._n 4.2_o 3._o rom._n 14.1_o the_o weak_a have_n most_o need_v to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o church-communion_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v we_o rom._n 15.7_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o separate_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.23_o 24._o but_o put_v more_o honour_n and_o comeliness_n on_o they_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n be_v gain_v upon_o profession_n with_o a_o show_n of_o seriousness_n though_o tare_n get_v in_o among_o the_o wheat_n and_o many_o scandal_n arise_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a strictness_n will_v not_o keep_v out_o all_o hypocrite_n yet_o the_o best_a care_n must_v be_v take_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o truth_n of_o grace_n 4._o keep_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o zech._n 8.23_o therefore_o you_o must_v keep_v communion_n in_o christ_n pure_a way_n only_o and_o in_o they_o seek_v christ_n by_o faith_n that_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o advantage_n you_o may_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n formention_v and_o aim_v at_o spiritual_a flourish_a and_o growth_n in_o grace_n choose_v therefore_o fellowship_n with_o the_o most_o spiritual_a church_n judge_v of_o church_n and_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.16_o 17._o and_o try_v they_o rev._n 2.2_o and_o 3.9_o otherwise_o a_o church_n may_v corrupt_v you_o see_v that_o thy_o communion_n answer_v its_o end_n tend_v to_o thy_o edification_n not_o to_o destruction_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o you_o be_v a_o member_n but_o by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n as_o occasional_o providence_n cast_v you_o among_o they_o for_o your_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n oblige_v to_o communion_n with_o all_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o way_n as_o you_o be_v call_v thereto_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n to_o say_v we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o london_n and_o therefore_o refuse_v fellowship_n with_o a_o church_n in_o the_o country_n see_v if_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o another_o whether_o single_a person_n or_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o place_n where_o you_o live_v that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o more_o sequent_a and_o constant_a communion_n onesimus_n though_o convert_v at_o rome_n must_v be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n because_o he_o live_v there_o col._n 4.9_o compare_v with_o philemon_n 10._o the_o union_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o in_o distinct_a society_n according_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v be_v the_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o can_v be_v violate_v without_o sin_n such_o can_v best_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v comfort_n and_o edify_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o communion_n and_o they_o indeed_o destroy_v communion_n that_o seek_v a_o communion_n where_o they_o can_v have_v this_o benefit_n i_o only_o add_v to_o this_o head_n that_o church-fellowship_n without_o practise_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o conspiracy_n to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o a_o counterfeit_a church-fellowship_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v impudence_n for_o such_o to_o invite_v other_o to_o their_o communion_n tyranny_n to_o compel_v they_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o seek_v a_o better_a church-fellowship_n by_o reformation_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o christ_n church_n who_o inquire_v be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n a_o churchway_n be_v appoint_v to_o enjoy_v christ_n therein_o 5._o especial_o leave_v not_o the_o church_n in_o persecution_n when_o you_o need_v its_o help_n most_o and_o be_v then_o most_o try_v whether_o you_o will_v cleave_v to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o apostasy_n heb._n 10.25_o 26._o mat._n 24.9.10_o 12_o 13._o we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o one_o another_o as_o one_o flesh_n even_o to_o prison_n and_o death_n or_o else_o we_o deny_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n mat._n 25.43_o direct_v fourteen_o that_o you_o may_v seek_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n only_o by_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o former_a direction_n take_v encouragement_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o this_o way_n and_o excellent_a property_n of_o it_o explanation_n this_o direction_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o epilogue_n or_o conclusion_n by_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o lively_a and_o cheerful_a embrace_v these_o gospel_n rule_v foremention_v by_o several_a weighty_a motive_n as_o many_o be_v keep_v from_o seek_v godliness_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o it_o or_o the_o way_n that_o they_o think_v of_o seem_v uncouth_a unpleasant_a disadvantageous_a and_o full_a of_o discouragement_n like_o the_o way_n through_o the_o wilderness_n to_o canaan_n which_o weary_v the_o isralite_n and_o occasion_v their_o many_o murmur_n num._n 21.4_o but_o this_o be_v a_o way_n so_o good_a and_o excellent_a that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o desire_v hearty_o to_o be_v godly_a can_v dislike_v it_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o several_a particular_n but_o you_o shall_v first_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v teach_v viz._n union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n not_o by_o the_o law_n or_o in_o a_o natural_a condition_n or_o by_o think_v to_o get_v it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o procure_v christ_n by_o it_o which_o be_v strive_v against_o the_o stream_n but_o that_o we_o must_v first_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o that_o by_o confident_a faith_n and_o then_o walk_v by_o
that_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o new_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o not_o as_o in_o a_o natural_a condition_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o holiness_n right_o for_o this_o end_n now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a advantageous_a way_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a desirable_a property_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o have_v this_o property_n that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o abasement_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o exaltation_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n design_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o end_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o rom._n 11.6_o isa_n 2.17_o ezek._n 36.21_o 22.31.32_o psal_n 145.4_o and_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o be_v the_o hallow_n sanctify_a and_o glorify_v god_n name_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a petition_n mat._n 6._o and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o act_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o be_v the_o end_n of_o give_v the_o law_n rom._n 3.19_o 20._o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n and_o will_v have_v he_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o col._n 1.17_o 18._o that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n joh._n 14.13_o and_o this_o property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o it_o we_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v like_o he_o and_o a_o way_n according_a to_o his_o heart_n as_o christ_n prove_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o argument_n joh._n 7.18_o and_o paul_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n by_o grace_n through_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o it_o exclude_v all_o boasting_n of_o the_o creature_n rom._n 3.27_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 1.29.30_o 31._o eph._n 3.8_o 9_o this_o property_n appear_v evident_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o sanctification_n by_o christ_n in_o we_o through_o faith_n for_o first_o it_o show_v that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o our_o natural_a will_n or_o any_o power_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o way_n rom._n 7.18_o however_o nature_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o law_n or_o natural_a help_n col._n 3.21_o and_o so_o it_o serve_v to_o work_v self-loathing_a and_o abasement_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o nature_n as_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o past_a cure_n and_o to_o be_v put_v off_o not_o reform_v by_o put_v on_o christ_n it_o remain_v wicked_a and_o only_o wicked_a after_o we_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n 2._o it_o show_v that_o all_o our_o good_a work_n and_o live_n to_o god_n be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n at_o all_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v not_o mere_o according_a to_o our_o natural_a power_n as_o he_o enable_v carnal_a man_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o above_o our_o own_o power_n by_o christ_n unite_v to_o we_o and_o in_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n all_o man_n live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o universal_a support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o be_v and_o activity_n they_o act_n heb._n 1.3_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o act_n as_o creature_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o god_n act_v more_o immediate_o in_o his_o people_n who_o be_v one_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n with_o christ_n and_o act_v not_o by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o immediate_a principal_a agent_n of_o all_o their_o good_a work_n and_o they_o be_v christ_n work_n proper_o who_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o saint_n work_v by_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o who_o light_n and_o power_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v act_n and_o be_v act_v gal._n 2.20_o eph._n 3.16_o 17._o colos_n 1.1_o so_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o work_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thank_v he_o for_o they_o as_o free_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o phil._n 1.11_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v not_o by_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v other_o but_o by_o himself_o the_o wicked_a be_v support_v in_o act_v only_o according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o they_o act_v wicked_o thus_o all_o be_v say_v to_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n act_v 17.27_o but_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n not_o by_o ourselves_o but_o by_o himself_o hos_fw-la 1.7_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o enable_v we_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o he_o which_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o ascribe_v to_o he_o luk._n 18.11_o but_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o work_v as_o one_o with_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o work_v as_o one_o with_o the_o father_n by_o the_o father_n work_v in_o he_o we_o act_v as_o branch_n by_o the_o juice_n of_o the_o vine_n as_o member_n by_o the_o animal_n spirit_n of_o the_o head_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n by_o marriage_n to_o he_o as_o our_o husband_n and_o work_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o he_o as_o the_o live_a bread_n that_o we_o feed_v on_o he_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a man_n colos_n 3.11_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o 2._o it_o have_v this_o property_n that_o it_o consist_v well_o with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contrary_a error_n do_v not_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a by_o its_o harmony_n with_o other_o truth_n and_o sit_v link_a with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o golden_a chain_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o evidence_v they_o to_o be_v true_a by_o their_o harmony_n with_o it_o i_o have_v show_v that_o man_n mistake_v the_o true_a way_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n in_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o popish_a socinian_n and_o arminian_n tenant_n because_o man_n can_v serious_o take_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o they_o judge_v not_o to_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n but_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n will_v evidence_n that_o those_o gospel_n doctrine_n which_o they_o refuse_v be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o that_o those_o tenant_n which_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o holiness_n move_v they_o to_o embrace_v be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o holiness_n however_o satan_n appear_v to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o such_o tenant_n whatever_o man_n say_v its_o certain_a that_o legalist_n be_v indeed_o the_o antinomian_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o truth_n confirm_v by_o it_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n viz._n not_o only_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n and_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o utter_a impotency_n to_o do_v spiritual_a good_a and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n to_o god_n in_o all_o people_n according_a to_o nature_n psal_n 51.5_o rom._n 5.12_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a inability_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n true_o in_o any_o point_n many_o deny_v this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o people_n believe_v this_o they_o will_v excuse_v their_o sin_n by_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o despair_v of_o all_o strive_v to_o do_v good_a work_n and_o leave_v off_o all_o endeavour_n and_o grow_v licentious_a and_o they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v more_o conduce_v to_o godliness_n to_o hold_v and_o teach_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o original_a sin_n or_o corruption_n derive_v from_o adam_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v do_v away_o either_o in_o the_o world_n by_o universal_a redemption_n or_o in_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o that_o there_o be_v freewill_n restore_v whereby_o people_n be_v able_a to_o incline_v themselves_o to_o do_v good_a that_o man_n may_v be_v more_o encourage_v to_o set_v upon_o good_a work_n and_o their_o neglect_n make_v inexcusable_a all_o this_o be_v indeed_o forcible_a against_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o holiness_n by_o the_o freewill_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o endeavour_v which_o i_o direct_v you_o to_o avoid_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o new_a way_n to_o holiness_n since_o the_o fall_n original_a sin_n may_v make_v we_o despair_v but_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o
11._o and_o i_o have_v show_v that_o all_o fear_n of_o damnation_n will_v never_o bring_v person_n to_o work_v out_o of_o love_n and_o that_o nothing_o will_v do_v it_o but_o a_o comfortable_a doctrine_n 3_o it_o have_v this_o excellent_a property_n that_o it_o be_v a_o never-failing_a effectual_o powerful_a alone_o sufficient_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o true_a holiness_n they_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n in_o they_o find_v it_o and_o the_o true_o humble_v find_v it_o people_n strive_v in_o vain_a when_o they_o seek_v it_o any_o other_o way_n therefore_o venture_v with_o the_o leper_n else_o you_o die_v 2_o king_n 7._o isa_n 55.2_o 3_o 7._o all_o other_o way_n either_o stir_v up_o sin_n or_o increase_v despair_n in_o you_o as_o seek_v holiness_n by_o the_o law_n and_o work_v under_o the_o curse_n do_v and_o breed_v but_o slavish_a and_o hypocritical_a obedience_n at_o best_a and_o restrain_v sin_n only_o instead_o of_o mortify_v it_o gal._n 4.25_o the_o jew_n seek_v another_o way_n and_o can_v not_o attain_v it_o rom._n 9_o and_o all_o that_o seek_v it_o another_o way_n shall_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50.11_o and_o that_o 1._o because_o as_o we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n in_o our_o natural_a estate_n we_o be_v dead_a and_o child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2.1_o 3._o and_o the_o law_n curse_v we_o instead_o of_o help_v we_o gal._n 3.10_o and_o give_v no_o life_n by_o its_o obligation_n gal._n 3.21_o and_o we_o can_v work_v holiness_n in_o ourselves_o rom._n 5.6_o so_o that_o a_o humble_a person_n find_v it_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v holiness_n by_o the_o law_n or_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o the_o law_n be_v weak_a through_o our_o flesh_n seek_v a_o pure_a life_n without_o a_o pure_a nature_n be_v build_v without_o a_o foundation_n and_o no_o seek_v a_o new_a nature_n from_o the_o law_n for_o it_o bid_v make_v brick_n without_o straw_n and_o say_v to_o the_o cripple_n walk_v without_o give_v any_o strength_n 2._o in_o this_o way_n only_a god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o even_o in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o eph._n 1.7_o and_o so_o he_o love_v we_o and_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o our_o love_n 1_o john_n 4.19_o and_o so_o in_o this_o way_n only_o we_o have_v a_o new_a and_o divine_a nature_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o effectual_o carry_v we_o forth_o to_o holiness_n with_o life_n and_o love_n rom._n 8.5_o gal._n 5.17_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4_o and_o have_v new_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o law_n so_o that_o we_o serve_v god_n hearty_o according_a to_o the_o new_a nature_n and_o can_v but_o serve_v he_o 1_o john_n 3.9_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o godliness_n and_o love_n to_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n may_v and_o soul_n and_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o restrain_v but_o mortify_v and_o not_o only_o the_o outside_n make_v clean_o but_o the_o inside_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n renew_v and_o holy_a act_n sure_o follow_v we_o sin_n not_o according_a to_o the_o new_a nature_n though_o we_o be_v not_o perfect_a in_o degree_n because_o of_o the_o old_a nature_n 4_o it_o be_v a_o most_o pleasant_a way_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o it_o prov._n 3.17_o and_o that_o in_o several_a respect_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o most_o plain_a way_n easy_a to_o be_v find_v to_o one_o that_o see_v his_o own_o deadness_n under_o the_o law_n and_o be_v so_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o to_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o such_o may_v be_v trouble_v and_o pester_v with_o many_o legal_a thought_n and_o working_n yet_o when_o they_o serious_o consider_v thing_n the_o way_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o think_v it_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o go_v any_o other_o way_n so_o that_o the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o a_o fool_n do_v do_v not_o err_v therein_o isa_n 35.8_o prov._n 8.9_o the_o enlighten_v soul_n can_v think_v of_o another_o way_n when_o true_o humble_v prov._n 1.8_o and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o have_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v our_o guide_n in_o this_o way_n 1_o john_n 2.27_o john_n 16.13_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o distract_n thought_n about_o knowledge_n of_o our_o way_n as_o legal_a spirit_n be_v about_o thousand_o of_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o do_v so_o multiply_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o despair_v of_o find_v out_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o various_a doubt_n and_o manifold_a intricacy_n here_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v so_o far_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v with_o error_n so_o as_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o to_o destruction_n psalm_n 25.8_o 9_o 14._o what_o a_o trouble_n be_v it_o to_o a_o traveller_n to_o be_v doubtful_a of_o his_o way_n and_o without_o a_o guide_n when_o his_o business_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n upon_o life_n and_o death_n it_o be_v even_o a_o heart-breaking_a but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o way_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o though_o they_o sometime_o err_v yet_o they_o shall_v not_o err_v destructive_o but_o shall_v discern_v their_o way_n again_o gal._n 4.7_o 10._o 2._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n though_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o get_v into_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o devil_n scare_v we_o or_o seduce_v we_o from_o it_o here_o you_o have_v holiness_n as_o a_o free_a gift_n receive_v by_o faith_n a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n whosoever_o will_v may_v come_v take_v it_o and_o drink_v free_o and_o nothing_o be_v require_v but_o a_o willing_a mind_n joh._n 7.38_o isa_n 55._o 1._o rev._n 22.17_o but_o the_o law_n be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n mat._n 23.4_o act_n 15.10_o if_o duty_n be_v lay_v on_o by_o its_o term_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v in_o this_o way_n to_o conquer_v lust_n by_o our_o endeavour_n which_o be_v a_o successless_a work_n but_o what_o be_v duty_n be_v give_v and_o the_o law_n be_v turn_v into_o promise_n heb._n 8._o ezek._n 36.25_o 26._o jer._n 31.33_o &_o 32.40_o we_o have_v all_o now_o in_o christ_n col._n 3.11_o and_o 2.9_o 10_o 15.17_o this_o be_v a_o catholic_n medicine_n instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o how_o pleasant_a will_v this_o free-gift_n holiness_n be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o know_v our_o own_o want_n and_o inability_n and_o sinfulness_n how_o ready_a be_v some_o to_o toil_n continual_o and_o macerate_v their_o body_n in_o a_o melancholy_n legal_a way_n to_o get_v holiness_n rather_o than_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o how_o ready_a shall_v we_o be_v when_o it_o be_v only_o take_v and_o have_v believe_v and_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v 2_o king_n 5.13_o christ_n burden_n be_v light_a by_o his_o spirit_n bear_v mat._n 11.30_o no_o weariness_n but_o renew_v of_o strength_n isa_n 40_o 31._o 3._o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o peace_n prov._n 3.17_o free_a from_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n that_o those_o meet_v with_o avoidable_a that_o seek_v salvation_n by_o work_n for_o the_o law_n work_v wrath_n rom._n 4.15_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o mount_n sinai_n but_o of_o jerusalem_n heb._n 12.18_o 22._o the_o doubt_n of_o salvation_n that_o people_n meet_v with_o arise_v from_o put_v some_o condition_n of_o work_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o themselves_o as_o have_v appear_v in_o this_o discourse_n but_o our_o walk_n in_o this_o way_n be_v by_o ftith_n which_o reject_v such_o fear_n and_o doubt_n joh._n 14.1_o mar._n 5.36_o heb._n 10.19_o 22._o it_o be_v free_a from_o fear_n of_o satan_n or_o any_o evil_n rom._n 8.31_o 32._o and_o free_a from_o slavish_a fear_n of_o perish_v by_o our_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 2.1_o 2._o phil._n 4.6_o 7._o it_o lay_v hold_n on_o infinite_a grace_n mercy_n and_o power_n to_o secure_v we_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o keeper_n and_o shade_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n psal_n 121.5_o free_a and_o powerful_a grace_n answer_v all_o objection_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o way_n that_o be_v pave_v with_o love_n like_o solomon_n chariot_n cant._n 3.10_o we_o be_v to_o set_v god_n lovingkindness_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o love_n still_o before_o our_o eye_n psal_n 26.2_o christ_n death_n resurrection_n intercession_n before_o our_o eye_n which_o breed_n peace_n joy_n hope_v love_n rom._n 15.13_o isa_n 35.10_o you_o must_v believe_v for_o your_o justification_n adoption_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o future_a inheritance_n your_o death_n and_o resurrection_n with_o christ_n in_o believe_v for_o these_o thing_n your_o whole_a way_n be_v adorn_v with_o flower_n and_o have_v these_o fruit_n grow_v on_o each_o side_n so_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o garden_n
necessary_a to_o the_o very_o be_v there_o of_o because_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v christ_n as_o manifest_v by_o the_o word_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v raab_n the_o canaanite_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n before_o she_o have_v any_o visible_a commuion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o any_o of_o god_n ordinance_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o the_o same_o word_n for_o substance_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n though_o that_o word_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o she_o by_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o holy_a minister_n but_o by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o heathen_n josh_n 2.9_o 11._o but_o here_o our_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o get_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n you_o must_v not_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n that_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n or_o that_o will_v have_v mystery_n to_o remain_v hide_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o can_v ready_o assent_v to_o and_o receive_v by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n of_o which_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v some_o minister_n be_v who_o unwit_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n in_o a_o fundamental_a of_o their_o heresy_n but_o you_o must_v endeavour_v chief_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n as_o it_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2.2_o 3._o which_o to_o know_v be_v life_n eternal_a and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v death_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o you_o must_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 10.4_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n not_o that_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v by_o that_o knowledge_n to_o practife_n they_o immediate_o and_o so_o to_o procure_v salvation_n by_o your_o work_n but_o rather_o by_o your_o knowledge_n of_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o your_o inablility_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o of_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o your_o heart_n against_o they_o and_o the_o wrath_n that_o you_o be_v under_o for_o break_v of_o they_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v save_v by_o your_o own_o work_n that_o so_o you_o may_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o trust_v only_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o justification_n and_o strength_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n acceptable_o through_o christ_n in_o your_o conversation_n and_o for_o this_o end_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o utmost_a strictness_n of_o the_o command_n the_o exact_a perfection_n and_o spiritual_a purity_n which_o they_o require_v that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o convince_v of_o sin_n and_o stire_v up_o to_o seek_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o spiritual_a obedience_n and_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o christ_n testify_v that_o the_o scribel_n who_o understand_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o command_n of_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mar._n 12.34_o the_o most_o effectual_a knowledge_n for_o your_o salvation_n be_v to_o understand_v these_o two_o point_n the_o desperate_a sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o your_o own_o natural_a condition_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n that_o you_o may_v be_v abase_v as_o to_o the_o flesh_n and_o exalt_v in_o christ_n alone_o and_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o these_o two_o main_a point_n you_o shall_v learn_v how_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o second_o rom._n 5.14_o how_o sin_n and_o death_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n by_o his_o disobedience_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o how_o righteousness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o obedience_n unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n you_o also_o shall_v learn_v the_o true_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o covenant_n the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a or_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o former_a shut_v we_o up_o under_o the_o gild_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o curse_n by_o its_o rigorous_a term_n do_v all_o the_o commandment_n and_o live_v and_o curse_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o and_o fail_v in_o the_o least_o point_n the_o latter_a open_v the_o gate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n to_o all_o believer_n i._n e._n the_o new_a covenant_n by_o its_o gracious_a term_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v i._n e._n all_o your_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o holiness_n and_o glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o free_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o spirit_n furthermore_o you_o shall_v learn_v the_o gospel_n principle_n that_o you_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n in_o christ_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v mind_v you_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a proficient_a in_o christian_a learning_n if_o you_o get_v a_o good_a understanding_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o sanctification_n be_v purposely_o treat_v of_o and_o difference_v from_o those_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a principle_n which_o we_o be_v most_o natural_o prone_a to_o walk_v by_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o commend_v any_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n to_o your_o learning_n for_o if_o you_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principal_a point_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o improve_v it_o to_o a_o right_a end_n which_o be_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n your_o own_o renew_a mind_n will_v covet_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o be_v according_a to_o save_v truth_n god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3.15_o yet_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o lest_o instead_o of_o gain_v christ_n by_o your_o knowledge_n you_o rather_o lose_v he_o by_o put_v your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o trust_v on_o it_o for_o your_o salvation_n one_o cause_n of_o the_o jew_n perish_v be_v that_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.20_o and_o doubtless_o all_o that_o many_o christian_n will_v gain_v by_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o end_n will_v only_o be_v to_o be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n because_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n and_o salvation_n chief_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o lord_n will_v and_o in_o their_o ability_n to_o talk_v and_o dispute_v of_o it_o though_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o the_o tavern_n or_o alebench_n without_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a thereunto_o luk._n 12.47_o much_o less_o be_v you_o to_o place_v your_o religion_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o read_v chapter_n or_o repeat_v sermon_n without_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o papist_n do_v their_o lesson_n in_o the_o latin_a mass_n and_o canonical_a hour_n as_o sad_a experience_n show_v that_o many_o seem_o devout_a and_o frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v in_o lamentable_a and_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaias_n that_o in_o hear_v they_o shall_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v and_o in_o see_v they_o shall_v see_v etc._n etc._n mat._n 13.14_o 15._o 2._o another_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v diligent_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v examination_n of_o our_o state_n and_o way_n according_a to_o the_o word_n whether_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n or_o of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v know_v our_o sickness_n and_o come_v to_o the_o great_a physician_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n w_n may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n by_o
the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o joh._n 3.19_o 21._o that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o strong_o comfort_v by_o faith_n and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o if_o our_o way_n be_v evil_a we_o may_v turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n through_o christ_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n lam._n 3.40_o joh._n 14.6_o but_o your_o great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v in_o many_o instead_o of_o promote_a it_o therefore_o beware_v lest_o you_o trust_v upon_o your_o self-examination_n rather_o than_o upon_o christ_n as_o some_o do_v that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n mere_o because_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o upon_o their_o sickbed_n or_o before_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o they_o have_v find_v themselves_o stark_o nought_o and_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o christ_n to_o make_v they_o better_o but_o on_o their_o own_o deceitful_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v begin_v this_o work_n with_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v extend_v mercy_n to_o you_o and_o save_v you_o and_o that_o you_o must_v leave_v this_o a_o question_n whole_o under_o debate_n until_o you_o have_v find_v out_o how_o to_o resolve_v it_o by_o self-examination_n this_o be_v a_o common_a and_o very_a pernicious_a error_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o work_n which_o be_v hereby_o lay_v in_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o prevail_v do_v by_o its_o great_a influence_n dash_v and_o obscure_v all_o inward_a gracious_a qualification_n of_o peace_n hope_n joy_n love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n before_o they_o be_v at_o all_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v give_v any_o good_a evidence_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o it_o make_v people_n willing_a to_o think_v their_o own_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o thus_o it_o whole_o mar_v the_o good_a work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v it_o destructive_a to_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a tit._n 1.15_o you_o shall_v rather_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o much_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a at_o present_a as_o many_o of_o god_n choice_a servant_n do_v often_o find_v yet_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_a for_o you_o and_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o save_v you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o his_o grace_n through_o christ_n i_o have_v former_o show_v that_o this_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n shine_v forth_o in_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n if_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o this_o confidence_n it_o will_v make_v we_o impartial_a and_o not_o afraid_a to_o find_v out_o the_o worst_a by_o ourselves_o and_o willing_a to_o judge_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o holy_a qualification_n this_o confidence_n will_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v clear_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n mark_v well_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v gracious_o accept_v and_o save_v i_o though_o a_o vile_a sinner_n through_o christ_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o whether_o i_o be_o already_o bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v resolve_v affirmative_o by_o a_o confident_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o latter_a only_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o self-examination_n misspend_a not_o your_o time_n as_o many_o do_v in_o pore_v upon_o your_o heart_n to_o find_v whether_o you_o be_v good_a enough_o to_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n nor_o to_o find_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n before_o you_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o act_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o know_v that_o though_o you_o can_v find_v that_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n or_o holiness_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v now_o believe-on_a he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a it_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o you_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n 4.5_o and_o if_o you_o love_v christ_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n misspend_v not_o your_o time_n in_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n except_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o assure_v yourself_o more_o and_o more_o that_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a thereof_o for_o any_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o point_n will_v but_o harden_v you_o in_o unbelief_n remember_v well_o that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v resolve_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o resolve_v it_o you_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o best_a by_o yourself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o humility_n bind_v you_o to_o overlook_v your_o good_a qualification_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o your_o corruption_n but_o your_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o find_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o drop_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o ocean_n of_o your_o corruption_n and_o it_o will_v consist_v well_o with_o humility_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o own_o any_o spark_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v in_o you_o because_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o god_n phil._n 1.11_o and_o you_o must_v try_v inherent_a grace_n by_o the_o touchstone_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n by_o its_o nature_n not_o its_o degree_n not_o deny_v any_o lusting_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o because_o of_o the_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n nor_o deny_v that_o you_o be_v spiritual_a in_o some_o degree_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o carnal_a in_o a_o more_o prevail_a degree_n and_o the_o old_a man_n big_a than_o the_o new_a gal._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o especial_o you_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o prove_v whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o if_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o you_o will_v certain_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o qualification_n and_o will_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v mere_o carnal_a and_o counterfeit_n because_o it_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n that_o to_o the_o vnbelieve_v there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a and_o that_o all_o that_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o godly_a 2_o cor._n 13.5_o tit._n 1.15_o and_o let_v not_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n depend_v at_o all_o upon_o your_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n when_o or_o of_o the_o sermon_n conference_n or_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o you_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n though_o that_o be_v good_a to_o know_v too_o if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o some_o who_o have_v former_o live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o manifest_a opposition_n to_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n may_v know_v such_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o may_v reflect_v upon_o they_o comfortable_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v who_o be_v turn_v of_o a_o sudden_a from_o his_o persecute_v rage_n to_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o other_o sincere_a believer_n may_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n luk._n 1.15_o and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o religious_o and_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o childhood_n as_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 3.15_o yea_o and_o many_o that_o be_v first_o turn_v from_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n to_o some_o external_a reformation_n and_o then_o in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o insensible_a degree_n before_o they_o be_v real_o new_a beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v also_o some_o that_o deceive_v their_o soul_n by_o imagine_v that_o