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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n father_n life_n way_n 6,604 5 5.4332 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A86420 Fourteen queries and ten absurdities about the extent of Christ's death, the power of the creatures, the justice of God in condemning some, and saving others, presented by a free-willer to the Church of Christ at Newcastle, and answered by Paul Hobson a member of the said Church. In which answer is discovered, the extent of Christs death, the nature and truth of election, the condition of the creature both before and after conversion, &c. Published in tenderness of love for the good of all, especially for the Churches of Christ. Hobson, Paul. 1655 (1655) Wing H2273; Thomason E1492_4; ESTC R208520 40,720 127

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over_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_a in_o his_o language_n command_v of_o they_o but_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o his_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o by_o the_o application_n or_o make_v good_a of_o his_o mercy_n which_o work_n or_o privilege_n be_v but_o to_o some_o and_o be_v sole_o his_o work_n as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o show_v you_o four_o though_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o the_o declaration_n and_o be_v the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v the_o manifestation_n yet_o a_o want_n in_o faith_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o foundation_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o scripture_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o apply_v to_o v._o 19_o 2_o sam._n 23.2_o 3_o 4._o mind_v well_o now_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o foundation_n be_v god_n unchangeable_a love_n and_o grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v to_o all_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n give_v a_o propriety_n in_o the_o foundation_n than_o any_o want_n in_o faith_n will_v work_v some_o alteration_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n five_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n consider_v this_o scripture_n john_n 17.4_o where_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o father_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o do_v now_o if_o christ_n be_v ordain_v or_o appoint_v of_o the_o father_n to_o satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o and_o to_o purchase_v life_n and_o salvation_n for_o all_o than_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o and_o they_o must_v be_v save_v or_o else_o christ_n do_v not_o speak_v truth_n which_o be_v sad_a to_o aver_v but_o you_o see_v and_o must_v know_v all_o be_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o give_v he_o by_o the_o father_n to_o do_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o christ_n have_v finish_v the_o work_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o any_o who_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o i_o answer_v the_o work_n can_v be_v finish_v if_o it_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n 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say_v in_o his_o book_n he_o declare_v a_o cause_n in_o all_o the_o seven_o thing_n yet_o he_o show_v you_o no_o cause_n why_o god_n shall_v love_v we_o now_o election_n or_o choose_n be_v so_o consider_v in_o the_o singularity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o do_v so_o live_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o cause_n for_o the_o one_o than_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o and_o he_o require_v nothing_o without_o himself_o to_o beget_v or_o maintain_v that_o in_o himself_o for_o we_o and_o now_o the_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v follow_v three_o consider_v what_o we_o mind_n by_o election_n it_o consist_v in_o god_n foreknowledge_n wherein_o he_o be_v please_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o pitch_v upon_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n who_o he_o elect_v in_o the_o election_n of_o his_o son_n who_o be_v the_o public_a person_n 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this_o you_o must_v deny_v his_o prerogative_n and_o prove_v that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o scripture_n matth._n 20.15_o exod._n 33.19_o rom._n 9.15_o 16_o 18_o 20_o 23._o now_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o prove_v that_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o effect_n and_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n mind_n these_o reason_n first_o if_o election_n be_v before_o man_n have_v faith_n than_o faith_n can_v be_v a_o cause_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o effect_n but_o election_n be_v before_o we_o have_v faith_n ergo._n the_o major_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v the_o minor_a which_o be_v that_o election_n be_v before_o faith_n be_v prove_v from_o these_o scripture_n act_n 13.48_o 1_o tim._n 1.9_o ephes_n 1.4_o 5._o reason_n 2._o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o cause_n and_o whatsoever_o do_v take_v its_o rise_n or_o be_v immediate_a from_o him_z have_v no_o other_o cause_n the_o 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god_n have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o also_o the_o same_o in_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 2._o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o now_o though_o they_o acknowledge_v these_o word_n yet_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v or_o turn_v the_o meaning_n another_o way_n by_o give_v this_o answer_n from_o rom._n 4.17_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n declare_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o have_v make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o in_o rev._n 13.8_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n now_o from_o thence_o they_o reason_v thus_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 4.17_o declare_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n say_v that_o god_n call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v for_o say_v he_o abraham_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o isa●●_n in_o who_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v blessed_v and_o yet_o god_n say_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n but_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o apostle_n do_v declare_v it_o say_v he_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v and_o so_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v not_o slay_v many_o thousand_o year_n after_o so_o say_v he_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v election_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o do_v choose_v and_o elect_v we_o before_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o only_a god_n call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v therefore_o man_n say_v he_o be_v not_o elect_v till_o they_o be_v call_v now_o dear_a friend_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o tender_v the_o information_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n serious_o consider_v what_o a_o evasion_n here_o be_v without_o any_o way_n in_o truth_n discover_v what_o the_o apostle_n intend_v in_o these_o expression_n for_o without_o controversy_n when_o god_n say_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n he_o speak_v truth_n without_o any_o such_o evasion_n as_o our_o carnal_a wit_n will_v prompt_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n judge_v that_o if_o that_o cover_n be_v remove_v the_o truth_n will_v lie_v naked_a i_o desire_v you_o to_o mind_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o every_o action_n there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o life_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o act._n 2._o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o act._n 3._o the_o form_n of_o the_o act._n the_o life_n of_o the_o act_n be_v that_o which_o produce_v the_o form_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o act_n live_v in_o the_o life_n and_o be_v speak_v out_o or_o bring_v forth_o by_o the_o form_n have_v not_o this_o be_v so_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n can_v never_o have_v bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o his_o posterity_n for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o act_n be_v in_o unity_n in_o all_o that_o be_v comprehend_v in_o his_o person_n and_o the_o evil_a fruit_n of_o his_o act_n take_v place_n upon_o all_o in_o that_o sense_n when_o it_o take_v place_n upon_o he_o but_o the_o manifestation_n or_o execution_n of_o this_o take_v place_n successive_o as_o creature_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o so_o it_o appear_v the_o form_n of_o the_o act_n be_v to_o be_v make_v manifest_a according_a unto_o the_o succession_n or_o appearance_n of_o form_n in_o creature_n but_o the_o life_n of_o the_o act_n from_o whence_o the_o denomination_n of_o the_o act_n come_v be_v real_o act_v and_o execute_v in_o adam_n so_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o life_n
or_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o performance_n which_o be_v but_o the_o mouth_n and_o language_n to_o speak_v out_o the_o life_n by_o which_o be_v make_v good_a when_o isaac_n and_o his_o seed_n successive_o take_v place_n so_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o life_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n death_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o author_n and_o life_n of_o the_o act_n that_o take_v place_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o god_n do_v promise_n christ_n the_o form_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v the_o language_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o to_o speak_v out_o the_o life_n that_o take_v place_n in_o time_n and_o be_v not_o formal_o present_v till_o lively_o perform_v but_o the_o life_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o form_n that_o take_v place_n for_o we_o when_o first_o promise_v and_o so_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v 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life_n and_o virtue_n though_o it_o want_v its_o outward_a form_n and_o be_v so_o real_o before_o the_o form_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v christ_n love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n before_o the_o world_n be_v prov._n 8.31_o second_o consider_v as_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o some_o act_n take_v place_n before_o the_o form_n and_o be_v real_o in_o be_v before_o the_o form_n appear_v either_o of_o our_o act_n or_o god_n so_o further_o mind_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v not_o only_o of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o god_n for_o we_o the_o life_n and_o form_n of_o that_o act_n as_o to_o god_n take_v place_n together_o and_o both_o be_v in_o be_v before_o it_o do_v appear_v though_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o be_v not_o till_o the_o object_n to_o which_o the_o action_n relate_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o this_o be_v true_a election_n for_o that_o be_v a_o act_n do_v as_o well_o in_o god_n as_o by_o god_n and_o so_o life_n and_o form_n take_v place_n together_o as_o to_o god_n though_o as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o discovery_n to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o till_o formable_o we_o be_v bring_v forth_o so_o this_o act_n be_v not_o to_o be_v parallel_v with_o such_o act_n that_o god_n do_v for_o we_o though_o by_o himself_o yet_o our_o of_o himself_n as_o redemption_n or_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n be_v and_o therefore_o what_o be_v say_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4.17_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o election_n be_v before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n ephes_n 1.4_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o tim._n 1.9_o a_o second_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n by_o the_o forementioned_a party_n and_o some_o other_o be_v from_o these_o word_n in_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o elect_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o in_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v thanks_o always_o to_o god_n for_o you_o brethren_n belove_v of_o the_o lord_n because_o god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n whereunto_o you_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o they_o reason_n thus_o if_o we_o be_v choose_v through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o none_o be_v choose_v before_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o saint_n be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v that_o through_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n then_o say_v they_o man_n be_v not_o choose_v before_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n and_o before_o they_o do_v hear_v the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v answer_n that_o kind_n of_o reason_v be_v very_o sad_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o expression_n and_o that_o their_o argument_n have_v no_o foundation_n from_o thence_o serious_o view_v the_o word_n the_o apostle_n say_v in_o both_o the_o place_n that_o we_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n unto_o obedience_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n all_o that_o can_v from_o thence_o be_v gather_v be_v thus_o much_o that_o sanctification_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o obedience_n be_v the_o way_n to_o accomplish_v that_o end_n unto_o which_o election_n do_v intend_v for_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o act_n of_o election_n and_o that_o have_v be_v punctual_o prove_v both_o to_o matter_n manner_n and_o time_n 2._o the_o end_n of_o election_n which_o be_v the_o advancement_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o bring_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n to_o glory_n 3._o the_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n which_o be_v by_o or_o through_o sanctification_n or_o believe_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v no_o other_o way_n discover_v but_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n no_o where_o as_o the_o cause_n or_o foundation_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o thence_o to_o prove_v that_o sanctification_n and_o election_n must_v be_v both_o at_o one_o time_n no_o more_o than_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v through_o the_o wilderness_n to_o canaan_n to_o be_v a_o discovery_n that_o god_n do_v not_o ordain_v they_o for_o canaan_n or_o give_v they_o promise_v of_o canaan_n before_o they_o come_v into_o wilderness_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n heb._n 12.13_o but_o i_o know_v no_o scripture_n that_o declare_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o nor_o be_v not_o elect_v till_o he_o be_v holy_a though_o they_o that_o be_v elect_v must_n and_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o they_o that_o be_v holy_a shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o live_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n not_o as_o the_o efficient_a and_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o such_o a_o end_n if_o man_n will_v draw_v syllogism_n from_o such_o corrupt_a apprehension_n of_o such_o divine_a expression_n as_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o those_o scripture_n they_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v from_o thence_o and_o with_o as_o small_a a_o paradox_n that_o sanctification_n be_v before_o man_n be_v bear_v as_o to_o prove_v from_o they_o scripture_n election_n which_o be_v before_o the_o world_n to_o be_v not_o till_o man_n be_v sanctify_v but_o to_o exercise_v wit_n to_o prove_v either_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v
sophistry_n and_o no_o reason_n and_o not_o become_v a_o saint_n to_o meddle_v with_o objection_n 3._o no_o man_n can_v be_v elect_v in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n till_o they_o believe_v or_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o elect_a ephesian_n be_v once_o out_o of_o christ_n chap._n 2.11_o 12._o answer_n man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v true_o and_o real_o in_o christ_n two_o way_n first_o by_o election_n and_o so_o we_o be_v all_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o public_a person_n in_o who_o all_o election_n be_v comprehend_v and_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v real_o in_o he_o before_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o as_o every_o man_n be_v in_o adam_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v this_o last_o affirmation_n they_o themselves_o do_v grant_v and_o so_o they_o must_v the_o other_o if_o they_o do_v but_o true_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o draw_v reason_n from_o bare_a expression_n without_o discover_v the_o true_a intention_n now_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n in_o no_o sense_n be_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o do_v believe_v than_o they_o say_v something_o or_o else_o their_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o we_o be_v one_o with_o they_o in_o their_o second_o be_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v when_o we_o be_v call_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n even_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v convert_v they_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o hope_n and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ephes_n 2.3_o but_o before_o ever_o they_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n or_o else_o christ_n will_v not_o have_v say_v john_n 10.16_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v in_o so_o that_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o particular_a sheep_n before_o he_o bring_v they_o in_o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o property_n and_o unity_n before_o conversion_n you_o will_v see_v if_o you_o serious_o mind_n these_o scripture_n john_n 10.16_o act_n 18.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o ephes_n 1.3_o now_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a be_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v only_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christ_n that_o man_n may_v be_v in_o and_o fall_v according_a to_o these_o scripture_n john_n 15.2_o 6._o 1_o john_n 2.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o but_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v to_o that_o they_o have_v some_o other_o objection_n about_o trust_v in_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o that_o already_o show_v that_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o cause_n of_o but_o flow_v from_o that_o privilege_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n act_n 13.43_o joh._n 15.16_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o there_o be_v some_o other_o objection_n that_o do_v arise_v from_o some_o other_o mistake_v of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v something_o to_o in_o my_o declare_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o wit_n your_o mistake_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o stumble_n the_o six_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o forementioned_a privilege_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v god_n way_n or_o mean_n to_o effect_n or_o produce_v faith_n or_o other_o gospel_n obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o as_o to_o this_o there_o be_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o you_o and_o i_o and_o the_o speak_v much_o to_o it_o will_v not_o upon_o that_o account_n add_v much_o to_o the_o decide_v the_o controversy_n between_o you_o and_o other_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o set_v down_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o rom._n 10.17_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o 1_o pet._n 4.6_o gal._n 3.2_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o but_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o particular_a seven_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o obedience_n to_o truth_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o bring_n up_o of_o something_o that_o be_v in_o man_n before_o conversion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o god_n which_o nature_n in_o the_o high_a improvement_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o till_o conversion_n or_o the_o new_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v god_n not_o upon_o a_o common_a but_o a_o special_a and_o gospel_n account_v wrought_v by_o he_o now_o dear_a friend_n before_o i_o speak_v to_o this_o particular_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v two_o or_o three_o word_n to_o you_o relate_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o do_v very_o much_o trouble_v i_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v two_o truth_n miserable_o abuse_v even_o by_o they_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o lord_n the_o one_o be_v that_o all_o the_o power_n we_o have_v to_o act_v or_o do_v thing_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n be_v produce_v alone_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o upon_o a_o common_a but_o a_o special_a account_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n while_o they_o live_v here_o have_v sin_n now_o these_o truth_n be_v abuse_v thus_o exhort_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o lord_n to_o exactness_n in_o duty_n or_o reprove_v they_o for_o any_o neglect_n in_o duty_n present_o this_o be_v reply_v we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o we_o have_v power_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o its_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v sad_o apply_v for_o when_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o work_v grace_n in_o we_o the_o way_n to_o increase_v in_o strength_n be_v to_o improve_v what_o we_o have_v by_o careful_a watch_v and_o wait_v hourly_o and_o daily_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o wait_v and_o walk_v have_v experience_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o increase_v strength_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n isai_n 40.31_o john_n 7.17_o chap._n 15._o the_o late_a end_v 4._o v._o isai_n 64.5_o psalm_n 9.10_o matth._n 13.12_o luke_n 8.18_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v this_o practise_v there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o sad_a unsaintlike_a walking_n as_o now_o appear_v to_o be_v among_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o lord_n both_o in_o their_o pride_n fashion_v themselves_o after_o the_o world_n covetousness_n frothy_a language_n wanton_a carriage_n and_o other_o unsaintlike_a practice_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o know_v a_o saint_n from_o a_o sinner_n in_o his_o daily_a practice_n and_o conversation_n unless_o you_o find_v they_o in_o particular_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v that_o which_o do_v sad_o wound_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o for_o to_o accuse_v other_o only_o but_o withal_o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o myself_o for_o my_o former_a unsuitable_a walking_n wherein_o my_o daily_a watch_n and_o waiting_n and_o exact_a conform_v and_o improve_n faith_n be_v not_o keep_v alive_a and_o therefore_o i_o die_v but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v discover_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o to_o my_o soul_n now_o they_o abuse_v the_o second_o truth_n thus_o come_v to_o some_o professor_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o pride_n fashion_n of_o the_o world_n covetousness_n passion_n or_o courtly_a compliment_n frothy_a language_n manifest_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v unbecoming_a ●aints_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o grow_a heart_n this_o present_o be_v reply_v every_o one_o have_v sin_n paul_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o very_o best_a of_o saint_n have_v sin_n and_o so_o i_o confess_v have_v i_o this_o they_o answer_v and_o peradventure_o they_o will_v say_v they_o groan_v under_o it_o which_o be_v a_o perfect_a deceit_n for_o though_o there_o be_v sin_n in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a growth_n and_o get_v ground_n of_o it_o by_o improve_n faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o exact_a wait_a and_o watch_v by_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v keep_v under_o and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o allowance_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n where_o christ_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o do_v shelter_v themselves_o under_o truth_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o do_v not_o daily_o grow_v and_o get_v power_n against_o sin_n let_v they_o know_v this_o from_o a_o heart_n that_o know_v it_o from_o woeful_a experience_n that_o they_o only_o live_v in_o notion_n not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o now_o birth_n or_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o they_o that_o
you_o know_v that_o every_o effect_n be_v cause_v by_o a_o cause_n suitable_a to_o itself_o and_o every_o thing_n be_v producible_a in_o its_o proper_a element_n if_o so_o than_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n can_v produce_v a_o work_n that_o be_v spiritual_a 3._o it_o be_v call_v a_o rise_n or_o quicken_n from_o the_o dead_a ephes_n 2.1_o 5._o colos_n 3.1_o can_v the_o dead_a raise_v itself_o or_o can_v that_o which_o be_v dead_a quicken_v itself_o without_o a_o power_n beyond_o itself_o 4._o it_o be_v to_o deny_v a_o man_n self_n matth._n 16.24_o mank_n 8.34_o self_n can_v deny_v itself_o in_o no_o consideration_n but_o it_o must_v be_v by_o a_o power_n above_o and_o beyond_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o kill_a or_o mortify_v rom._n 8.13_o col._n 3.5_o now_o the_o power_n kill_v or_o mortify_v 〈◊〉_d above_o the_o thing_n kill_v or_o mortify_v four_o consider_v what_o man_n be_v before_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v 1._o he_o be_v not_o only_o in_o sin_n but_o dead_a in_o sin_n ephes_n 2.1_o 5._o 2._o he_o be_v without_o god_n without_o grace_n and_o without_o hope_n ephes_n 2.12_o 3._o they_o be_v in_o blindness_n isai_n 29.18_o chap._n 35.5_o chap._n 42.7_o and_o till_o this_o supernatural_a light_n by_o god_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n he_o can_v see_v nor_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o spiritual_a and_o save_a sense_n 4._o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o gospel_n light_n and_o life_n rom._n 8.7_o col._n 1.21_o rom._n 5.10_o 5._o they_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n ephes_n 2.3_o now_o sum_v up_o all_o together_o 1._o that_o state_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n 2._o a_o state_n of_o be_v without_o god_n and_o grace_n 3._o of_o so_o much_o blindness_n 4._o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o a_o state_n wherein_o man_n be_v child_n of_o wrath_n i_o say_v consider_v this_o and_o mind_n what_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n be_v lay_v both_o together_o and_o you_o will_v be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o nature_n while_o man_n be_v in_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o nor_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o four_o particular_a which_o be_v for_o the_o make_v good_a of_o the_o seven_o position_n to_o wit_n that_o faith_n that_o be_v produce_v in_o obedience_n to_o truth_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o nature_n in_o the_o high_a improvement_n before_o conversion_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v i_o will_v come_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n but_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o objection_n by_o the_o way_n which_o i_o judge_v some_o may_v make_v against_o what_o i_o hau●_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o creature_n to_o such_o work_n and_o therefore_o in_o way_n of_o query_n for_o your_o satisfaction_n that_o nothing_o may_v be_v leave_v undo_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o my_o power_n to_o satisfy_v and_o inform_v your_o judgement_n which_o in_o tenderness_n of_o love_n i_o desire_v to_o do_v i_o shall_v mention_v they_o and_o give_v you_o my_o answer_n to_o they_o query_n 1_o this_o that_o you_o have_v speak_v or_o declare_v seem_v to_o unpower_v the_o creature_n sole_o as_o if_o it_o have_v no_o power_n before_o the_o new_a birth_n which_o seem_v very_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o creature_n improve_n their_o talon_n answer_n as_o to_o any_o gospel_n work_n or_o work_n relate_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o every_o creature_n be_v uncapable_a of_o and_o averse_a to_o nay_o a_o enemy_n to_o it_o before_o this_o appear_v of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n to_o do_v much_o more_o than_o at_o the_o present_a i_o can_v see_v the_o most_o natural_a man_n do_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o i_o may_v not_o destroy_v o●e_a truth_n by_o maintain_v another_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v i_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o brief_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o every_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o talon_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o improve_v 2._o that_o this_o talon_n or_o power_n in_o the_o high_a improvement_n be_v but_o to_o answer_v the_o moral_a law_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o retain_v 3._o that_o they_o who_o do_v thus_o improve_v it_o do_v very_o much_o come_v up_o to_o the_o answer_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o paul_n do_v before_o conversion_n phil._n 3.5_o 6._o 4._o when_o creature_n do_v thus_o improve_v their_o talon_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o so_o much_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o though_o there_o be_v a_o enmity_n between_o that_o in_o a_o scripture_n sense_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n yet_o christ_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o love_n to_o that_o improvement_n and_o therefore_o you_o may_v see_v in_o mark_n 10.21_o when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o he_o though_o he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o save_v grace_n yet_o in_o his_o improvement_n have_v very_o much_o answer_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o text_n say_v christ_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o so_o that_o such_o improvement_n of_o nature_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o law_n be_v more_o please_v to_o christ_n than_o the_o embezzle_a a_o man_n talon_n pollute_v of_o nature_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o improvement_n 5._o consider_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o such_o a_o improvement_n and_o so_o much_o own_v certain_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o much_o my_o judgement_n that_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o meet_v man_n there_o if_o so_o i_o think_v we_o be_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n there_o and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o man_n have_v power_n by_o improvement_n of_o nature_n to_o work_v up_o their_o heart_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o christ_n though_o this_o improvement_n be_v a_o way_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o for_o even_o gospel_n ordinance_n or_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v common_o that_o which_o god_n be_v meet_v in_o and_o god_n meet_v soul_n there_o but_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o ordinance_n have_v power_n in_o themselves_o to_o bring_v up_o to_o grace_n nay_o if_o man_n so_o rest_v on_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o power_n in_o they_o not_o look_v up_o to_o god_n above_o they_o than_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v to_o god_n that_o they_o and_o their_o performance_n be_v condemn_v and_o loathe_v by_o god_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n isai_n 1.11_o 12_o 13._o &_o 66.3_o the_o same_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v in_o this_o and_o much_o more_o for_o i_o see_v clear_o by_o scripture_n there_o be_v more_o promise_n fix_v to_o gospel_n ordinance_n than_o be_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o natural_a ability_n though_o both_o be_v good_a yet_o neither_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v up_o to_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o high_a ability_n of_o either_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o new_a birth_n to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n mighty_a power_n above_z and_z beyond_o both_o and_o that_o appear_v clear_o if_o you_o consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o the_o case_n of_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v the_o high_a improvement_n of_o nature_n of_o any_o i_o read_v of_o but_o when_o christ_n bring_v his_o improvement_n to_o the_o touch_n stone_n of_o gospel_n principle_n he_o in_o his_o improvement_n leave_v christ_n matth._n 19.20_o mark_v 10.20_o luke_n 18.21_o 2._o consider_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n far_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o you_o will_v see_v in_o these_o scripture_n rom._n 9.31_o 32._o gal._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o tit._n 3.5_o 6_o 7._o 3._o when_o any_o soul_n that_o ever_o improve_a nature_n as_o paul_n phil._n 3.5_o 6._o or_o any_o other_o when_o once_o they_o be_v come_v to_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o christ_n these_o moral_a improvement_n be_v so_o far_o from_o close_v with_o this_o new_a work_n that_o it_o be_v sole_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o deny_v phil._n 3.8_o 9_o gal._n 3._o i_o mean_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n as_o have_v any_o ability_n or_o power_n perform_v the_o new_a birth_n which_o be_v sole_o do_v of_o
god_n and_o very_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o god_n power_n in_o convert_v such_o a_o man_n who_o by_o improvement_n have_v make_v himself_o righteous_a as_o to_o the_o law_n than_o in_o convert_v he_o that_o be_v a_o great_a sinner_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o scripture_n matth._n 11._o 21_o 22_o 23._o luke_n 10.13_o 14._o chap._n 11.32_o the_o case_n you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi luke_n 18.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o but_o this_o do_v not_o arise_v so_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o righteousness_n as_o from_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o creature_n who_o do_v sinful_o improve_v the_o righteousness_n endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o christ_n though_o they_o do_v use_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v therefore_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o neglect_n to_o improve_v their_o talon_n though_o i_o will_v have_v you_o and_o all_o know_v when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o procure_a heaven_n you_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o far_o below_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o till_o grace_n come_v in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v come_v though_o it_o do_v teach_v you_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n which_o fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o answer_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o do_v teach_v you_o to_o deny_v and_o loath_a all_o your_o former_a improvement_n and_o righteousness_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o gal._n 3.10_o 11_o 12_o 18_o 21._o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o tit._n 3.5_o 6_o 7._o and_o so_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o query_n only_o dear_a friend_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v truth_n true_o let_v we_o draw_v up_o the_o result_n thus_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n before_o the_o new_a birth_n it_o be_v only_o that_o small_a proportion_n of_o power_n which_o be_v to_o be_v improve_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o moral_a law_n so_o far_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v retain_v in_o nature_n and_o when_o i_o declare_v this_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n own_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o creature_n have_v no_o power_n that_o be_v to_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a work_n not_o in_o a_o common_a but_o in_o a_o special_a and_o gospel_n account_v which_o work_v the_o former_a ability_n be_v far_o below_o and_o in_o the_o high_a improvement_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v peradventure_o you_o may_v make_v a_o second_o query_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o express_v when_o i_o see_v you_o which_o be_v query_n what_o be_v do_v before_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v since_o be_v all_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n why_o make_v we_o distinction_n answer_n we_o do_v not_o make_v any_o distinction_n of_o power_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o god_n for_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v individable_a in_o himself_o but_o our_o discourse_n relate_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n power_n as_o to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v distinguishable_a and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o high_o or_o low_o either_o common_a or_o special_a according_a to_o these_o scripture_n deut._n 9.29_o job_n 23.6_o chap._n 26.14_o psalm_n 79.11_o matth._n 9.8_o luke_n 9.43_o ephes_n 1.19_o col_fw-fr 1.11_o beside_o we_o see_v clear_o that_o some_o act_n of_o god_n power_n be_v universal_a and_o communicable_a to_o all_o and_o some_o be_v peculiar_a as_o gift_n of_o grace_n to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o all_o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o former_a may_v and_o do_v many_o time_n want_v the_o late_a for_o your_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o truth_n do_v but_o mind_n deut_n 29_o u.2_n and_o moses_n call_v unto_o all_o israel_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v see_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v before_o your_o eye_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n unto_o pharaoh_n and_o unto_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o unto_o all_o his_o land_n in_o vers_fw-la 3._o the_o great_a temptation_n which_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o sign_n and_o those_o great_a miracle_n now_o all_o that_o moses_n discover_v there_o be_v to_o manifest_v the_o exercise_n of_o god_n power_n in_o a_o common_a or_o general_a sense_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o include_v the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o god_n power_n as_o to_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n a_o speak_n of_o therefore_o he_o say_v v._o 4_o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v nor_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n the_o same_o you_o may_v understand_v in_o these_o scripture_n matth._n 11.25_o apply_v to_o matth._n 13.11_o ch_n 19.11_o john_n 6.65_o p●●●_n 1.29_o all_o which_o i_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o truth_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o power_n that_o be_v in_o god_n but_o serious_o mind_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n as_o to_o we_o and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o propound_v such_o a_o query_n or_o to_o stumble_v at_o your_o apprehension_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o power_n in_o god_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o that_o query_n now_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o eight_o particular_a which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v god_n mind_n and_o way_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o that_o this_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v present_v or_o discover_v to_o all_o without_o any_o exemption_n as_o to_o the_o declaration_n itself_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v say_v little_a it_o be_v so_o clear_a only_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o declare_v 1._o god_n will_v so_o present_a or_o declare_v christ_n to_o all_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n matth._n 26.13_o chap._n 28.18_o 19_o mark_v 16.15_o 16._o 2._o that_o god_n end_n be_v for_o work_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o own_o or_o the_o gather_v his_o own_o to_o himself_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n rom._n 10.14_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o col._n 1.5_o 1_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 4.6_o this_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o eight_o position_n now_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v make_v some_o objection_n further_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o i_o desire_v to_o mention_v and_o give_v my_o answer_n to_o obj._n it_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o you_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o all_o and_o that_o he_o be_v enjoy_v by_o none_o but_o through_o believe_v and_o you_o say_v the_o power_n of_o believe_v be_v sole_o of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o any_o improvement_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o new_a birth_n if_o so_o how_o can_v it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o condemn_v they_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v see_v the_o power_n be_v not_o of_o they_o but_o in_o god_n answer_n i_o judge_v this_o very_a mistake_n to_o be_v a_o chief_a ground_n of_o your_o stumble_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o that_o according_a to_o the_o three_o particular_a in_o my_o writing_n wherein_o i_o promise_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o curiosity_n of_o word_n but_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n own_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v with_o i_o these_o particular_n follow_v 1._o that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o disputable_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o way_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o entertertain_v christ_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n that_o be_v clear_a 2._o that_o this_o faith_n thus_o consider_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o perform_v by_o its_o ability_n from_o god_n authority_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o all_o that_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o scripture_n matth._n 13.11_o 16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o matth._n 11.27_o john_n 15.15_o phil._n 1.29_o 3._o mind_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n justice_n be_v clear_a not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o will_n which_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o dispute_v against_o but_o be_v also_o clear_a