deliver_v unto_o we_o another_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n that_o faith_n be_v give_v we_o use_v 3_o this_o may_v also_o teach_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v a_o gracious_a respect_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o forthwith_o to_o condemn_v they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o god_n do_v not_o call_v any_o into_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o ordinary_o he_o first_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o door_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o of_o burn_v and_o then_o bring_v they_o in_o by_o the_o true_a door_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o door_n joh._n 10.9_o though_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v bear_v under_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o elect_a seed_n they_o will_v choose_v life_n by_o their_o work_n and_o so_o fall_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n gal._n 4.24_o to_o 30._o so_o will_v professor_n also_o gal._n 4.21_o yea_o the_o elect_a themselves_o before_o their_o effectual_a call_v will_v seek_v life_n by_o their_o work_n hence_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n may_v belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o pray_v for_o they_o therefore_o paul_n be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n steven_n pray_v for_o he_o and_o as_o most_o conceive_v that_o prayer_n be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o conversion_n and_o paul_n be_v as_o dear_a unto_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n as_o steven_n himself_o be_v and_o thus_o paul_n himself_o speak_v of_o onesimus_n he_o therefore_o depart_v for_o a_o season_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v for_o ever_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o man_n under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o lord_n may_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o home_o unto_o himself_o by_o dash_v all_o his_o work_n in_o piece_n and_o show_v he_o the_o presidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n though_o the_o lord_n have_v melt_v he_o former_o in_o his_o prayer_n and_o preach_n and_o hear_v and_o sacrament_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a yet_o the_o lord_n will_v discover_v that_o he_o be_v but_o harden_v by_o it_o into_o another_o lump_n of_o pride_n against_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v also_o pluck_v away_o the_o cawl_n from_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o they_o will_v have_v none_o in_o heaven_n but_o christ_n nor_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v they_o of_o this_o sin_n above_o all_o their_o other_o sin_n that_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o therefore_o censure_v any_o such_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n for_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o holy_a reverence_n and_o fear_n these_o have_v now_o receive_v some_o secret_a smoke_a affection_n beside_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o quench_v use_v 4._o it_o may_v serve_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o clear_v up_o our_o judgement_n in_o sundry_a passage_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o answer_n unto_o these_o 6_o question_n follow_v quest_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o first_o gift_n that_o ever_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o his_o elect_n answ_n first_o of_o all_o he_o give_v himself_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v lay_v save_v qualification_n in_o the_o foundation_n before_o these_o the_o foundation_n will_v lie_v uneasy_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a shall_v not_o lie_v long_o in_o peace_n christ_n must_v therefore_o be_v first_o and_o with_o he_o faith_n to_o receive_v he_o first_o he_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o and_o he_o come_v in_o with_o faith_n and_o fear_n that_o we_o never_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o he_o give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o he_o give_v we_o in_o he_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o our_o justification_n and_o in_o he_o some_o degree_n of_o glory_n also_o and_o in_o he_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n no_o other_o foundation_n but_o he_o take_v he_o first_o for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n give_v he_o take_v we_o by_o give_v we_o faith_n and_o we_o take_v he_o by_o exercise_v our_o faith_n on_o he_o object_n but_o whether_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o some_o save_a preparation_n before_o jesus_n christ_n for_o there_o be_v those_o that_o be_v gracious_a saint_n that_o have_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v some_o gracious_a qualification_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o prepare_v for_o jesus_n christ_n answ_n there_o be_v save_a grace_n which_o do_v sanctify_v we_o unto_o god_n our_o father_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v make_v way_n for_o jesus_n christ_n there_o prove_v a_o difference_n but_o you_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v any_o save_a qualification_n before_o christ_n than_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a unto_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v but_o only_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o name_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o fellowship_n with_o he_o than_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o save_v work_n there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o there_o before_o christ_n be_v there_o it_o be_v true_a john_n baptist_n be_v send_v to_o subdue_v all_o flesh_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a which_o burn_v up_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v their_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o it_o and_o all_o their_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n here_o be_v indeed_o preparation_n for_o christ_n but_o these_o be_v not_o save_v they_o be_v still_o child_n of_o wrath_n you_o serpent_n you_o generation_n of_o viper_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o john_n do_v indeed_o dispense_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o yet_o though_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o yet_o the_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v there_o unto_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o also_o whether_o they_o know_v it_o or_o know_v it_o not_o that_o be_v not_o great_o material_a in_o this_o argument_n but_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v there_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o first_o otherwise_o it_o will_v prove_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o save_a preparation_n before_o consolation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o gracious_a union_n with_o he_o but_o for_o our_o first_o union_n there_o be_v no_o step_n unto_o the_o altar_n exod._n 20._o last_o but_o christ_n do_v prepare_v his_o tabernacle_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o instruction_n concern_v what_o be_v the_o first_o gift_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n before_o any_o work_n or_o promise_n he_o give_v save_v communion_n in_o spiritual_a union_n with_o his_o son_n this_o stand_v firm_a from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n and_o therewith_o give_v we_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o save_v qualification_n and_o condition_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n quest_n 2._o in_o what_o order_n the_o lord_n give_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o whether_o faith_n before_o they_o or_o those_o blessing_n before_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v they_o answ_n he_o do_v give_v himself_o in_o work_v faith_n before_o faith_n can_v be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o faith_n do_v receive_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o do_v also_o receive_v adoption_n and_o justification_n but_o to_o be_v able_a actual_o to_o apply_v it_o our_o first_o birth_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o for_o a_o man_n be_v as_o passive_a in_o his_o regeneration_n as_o in_o his_o first_o generation_n only_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o his_o spirit_n that_o do_v unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n together_o with_o adoption_n and_o justification_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v we_o be_v justify_v
joy_n and_o comfort_v also_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v minister_v to_o we_o in_o a_o sanctify_a course_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o we_o grow_v up_o and_o perfect_v our_o holiness_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o name_n there_o be_v growth_n in_o grace_n this_o sanctification_n be_v not_o bedrid_a christian_n be_v not_o as_o weak_a now_o as_o they_o be_v seven_o year_n ago_o nor_o do_v they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o go_v forward_o in_o christianity_n and_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o ephesian_n chap._n 4.16_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n imply_v that_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n aught_o to_o grow_v on_o unto_o perfection_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n job_n 17.9_o and_o many_o sweet_a mean_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n the_o communion_n of_o god_n people_n tend_v hereto_o prov._n 13.20_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o wise_a shall_v learn_v wisdom_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n also_o to_o beget_v and_o increase_v faith_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n do_v not_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o be_v still_o thrive_a and_o grow_v and_o that_o not_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n seek_v for_o his_o acceptance_n and_o help_n in_o every_o duty_n he_o go_v about_o and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v the_o colossian_n unto_o chap._n 2.6,7_o this_o ought_v christian_n main_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o as_o you_o see_v the_o branch_n the_o more_o juice_n it_o suck_v the_o more_o fruitful_a it_o be_v so_o also_o it_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o know_v that_o the_o more_o need_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o be_v fruitful_a the_o more_o need_n we_o have_v to_o derive_v a_o continual_a fresh_a supply_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o his_o spirit_n renew_v grace_n in_o we_o we_o may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o carry_v a_o end_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n whereas_o otherwise_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n will_v soon_o fail_v to_o go_v on_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v grow_v up_o unto_o perfection_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o many_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o lively_a in_o their_o profession_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o true_o we_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n but_o it_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o they_o and_o not_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o this_o be_v many_o time_n want_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n but_o true_o if_o this_o be_v our_o constant_a frame_n and_o we_o do_v not_o recover_v ourselves_o then_o be_v not_o our_o sanctification_n such_o as_o flow_v from_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o you_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o no_o sanctification_n accompany_v salvation_n but_o it_o do_v knit_v we_o near_o and_o near_o unto_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o true_a spiritual_a gift_n the_o more_o empty_a we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o self_n conceit_n and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v constant_o find_v this_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o preserve_v this_o empty_a frame_n in_o we_o the_o more_o full_a we_o be_v of_o any_o gift_n the_o more_o full_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o need_n shall_v we_o feel_v of_o christ_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o constant_a frame_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a argument_n that_o our_o best_a sanctification_n will_v not_o endure_v but_o fall_v away_o unless_o we_o be_v knit_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o by_o all_o true_a sanctification_n we_o be_v the_o more_o knit_v unto_o he_o so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o the_o superscription_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o image_n be_v stamp_v upon_o his_o sanctification_n this_o you_o shall_v ever_o find_v to_o be_v the_o stamp_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o more_o you_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o more_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o he_o in_o so_o much_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v not_o the_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o his_o gift_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o knit_v you_o unto_o christ_n you_o will_v find_v as_o great_a need_n to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o ever_o you_o do_v the_o first_o day_n when_o you_o come_v tremble_v into_o the_o pulpit_n if_o therefore_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o full_a so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o more_o sufficient_a we_o be_v and_o go_v not_o about_o the_o duty_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n in_o fear_n &_o tremble_a but_o in_o selfe-confidence_n if_o this_o be_v our_o usual_a and_o constant_a practice_n it_o be_v but_o counterfeit_a christianity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o gift_n be_v counterfeit_a for_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o man_n may_v by_o they_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o church_n and_o commonweal_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o more_o your_o gift_n be_v if_o you_o sit_v loose_a from_o christ_n the_o empty_a your_o heart_n be_v of_o he_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o a_o christian_a be_v full_a of_o himself_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n yes_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v deny_v that_o for_o the_o best_a christian_n have_v go_v astray_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o best_a gift_n and_o hereupon_o abraham_n have_v be_v want_v in_o faith_n moses_n in_o meekness_n peter_n in_o courage_n and_o sarah_n in_o her_o modesty_n they_o have_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o trust_v upon_o those_o grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v most_o abound_v that_o they_o have_v principal_o fail_v therein_o but_o this_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v overtake_v once_o or_o twice_o as_o the_o burn_a child_n dread_v the_o fire_n so_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n more_o fearful_a of_o depart_v from_o he_o more_o careful_a to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o all_o well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o sanctification_n that_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o any_o man_n it_o be_v a_o great_a suspicion_n whether_o the_o gift_n thereof_o flow_v from_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n or_o no_o if_o gift_n be_v true_o spiritual_a a_o man_n shall_v usual_o grow_v up_o in_o they_o habenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la employ_v they_o and_o multiply_v they_o but_o if_o you_o employ_v the_o gift_n you_o have_v receive_v in_o your_o own_o strength_n and_o you_o be_v now_o full_a of_o your_o own_o sanctification_n true_o this_o be_v but_o frothy_a work_n and_o do_v not_o convey_v true_a nor_o lively_a nourishment_n and_o comfort_n but_o the_o comfort_n and_o life_n be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o his_o most_o spiritual_a gift_n &_o best_a performance_n be_v empty_a of_o himself_o and_o only_o full_a of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v or_o die_v be_v his_o advantage_n this_o be_v the_o use_n which_o i_o will_v commend_v unto_o you_o touch_v your_o christian_a sanctification_n thus_o we_o see_v sundry_a thing_n have_v be_v clear_v from_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n there_o remain_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v and_o clear_v from_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v inquire_v how_o god_n the_o father_n give_v himself_o and_o how_o the_o son_n and_o how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v himself_o for_o these_o be_v the_o fundamental_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o necessary_a to_o be_v open_v for_o clear_n the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o quest_n how_o god_n the_o father_n do_v give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n in_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v to_o the_o faithful_a seed_n of_o abraham_n answ_n all_o the_o person_n in_o trinity_n concur_v in_o work_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la in_o work_n upon_o the_o creature_n they_o give_v themselves_o by_o a_o threefold_a work_n or_o act._n 1._o the_o first_o act_n of_o god_n be_v have_v choose_v we_o in_o his_o son_n he_o give_v forth_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o abraham_n &_o his_o seed_n
the_o covenant_n of_o grace._n discover_v the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o sinner_n reconciliation_n to_o god._n by_o john_n cotton_n minister_n at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n whereunto_o be_v add_v certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodadation_n between_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n also_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o same_o author_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o marigold_n and_o rise_v sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1655._o to_o the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a my_o ever_o honour_a and_o much_o esteem_v friend_n m_o ris_z catharine_n hodson_n the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n if_o either_o religion_n or_o civility_n have_v any_o virtue_n to_o oblige_v certain_o i_o be_o much_o your_o debtor_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o compliment_n which_o usual_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o the_o vain_a assentation_n to_o promise_v any_o adequate_a satisfaction_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v i_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o line_n be_v to_o testify_v to_o yourself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o real_o thankful_a or_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a treatise_n which_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v rather_o to_o your_o practice_n then_o protection_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o orphan_n entertain_v it_o for_o the_o father_n sake_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v you_o shall_v gain_v no_o mean_a satisfaction_n for_o your_o pain_n the_o two_o small_a tract_n at_o the_o end_n be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o the_o reverend_a author_n undertake_v a_o good_a office_n which_o be_v to_o become_v umpire_n betwixt_o dissent_v brethren_n next_o to_o their_o not_o fall_v out_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o agree_v i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o if_o man_n do_v more_o attend_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v less_o particular_a in_o their_o end_n the_o quarrel_n about_o the_o way_n will_v not_o be_v so_o endless_a as_o to_o that_o latter_a tract_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n touch_v the_o first_o table_n of_o late_a day_n it_o have_v fall_v much_o under_o question_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o single_a eye_n have_v look_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.4_o under_o the_o name_n of_o evil_n comprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aristot_n eth._n 5._o 13._o whatsoever_o be_v commit_v about_o holy_a thing_n child_n be_v command_v obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.20_o felius_fw-la inquit_fw-la augustinus_n reges_fw-la si_fw-la svam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la cultuum_fw-la maximè_fw-la dilatandum_fw-la majestati_fw-la ejus_fw-la famulam_fw-la faciant_fw-la de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la 5._o c._n 14._o all_o thing_n comprehend_v holy_a thing_n and_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o which_o relate_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v to_o your_o special_a meditation_n every_o truth_n have_v its_o value_n but_o not_o of_o equal_a concernment_n unto_o all_o among_o all_o the_o parcel_n of_o sacred_a word_n none_o more_o just_o challenge_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o affectionate_a inquisition_n than_o this_o mystery_n that_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n colos_n 1.26_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n or_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o constellation_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n communicate_v the_o most_o beneficial_a influence_n of_o rich_a everlasting_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o need_v of_o lose_v heavy_a load_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o sure_a sanctuary_n to_o which_o distress_a soul_n have_v always_o flee_v and_o find_v security_n when_o the_o â—…owes_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n have_v beat_v upon_o they_o here_o they_o have_v successful_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o oh_o thou_o afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v i_o will_v etc._n etc._n isai_n 54.10,11,12_o they_o only_o know_v how_o much_o sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o gen._n 33.9,11_o esau_n look_v upon_o his_o substance_n and_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v much_o or_o abundance_n jacob_n look_v upon_o his_o portion_n in_o jehovah_n &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v all_o thing_n thus_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v large_a content_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v who_o have_v taste_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o you_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v so_o right_o exercise_v that_o your_o experience_n exceed_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o knowledge_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o administer_v but_o this_o covenant_n be_v our_o grand_a charter_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o another_o life_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n bespeak_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o your_o meditation_n in_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o still_o you_o pursue_v that_o thrive_a course_n in_o religion_n which_o many_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o and_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o unedifying_a dispute_n and_o question_n which_o have_v add_v nothing_o to_o christianity_n but_o discord_n scruple_n and_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n beside_o the_o expense_n of_o precious_a hour_n which_o you_o have_v improve_v to_o more_o considerable_a advantage_n you_o run_v well_o let_v nothing_o hinder_v you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v wrought_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n live_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n for_o the_o land_n of_o immanuel_n be_v a_o excellent_a soil_n the_o pure_a air_n be_v above_o where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v free_o and_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o condition_n proportionable_a to_o itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o can_v fit_v it_o but_o that_o which_o bear_v some_o similitude_n to_o its_o be_v your_o warfare_n be_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v as_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n so_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr supercoelestibus_fw-la eph_n 6.12_o vide_fw-la mat._n 10.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mei_fw-la causââ—…_n illius_fw-la causa_fw-la vide_fw-la mat._n 26.21_o all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aâ—ovi_fw-la or_o because_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o satan_n be_v to_o tempt_v and_o we_o have_v that_o in_o our_o nature_n fit_v to_o comply_v with_o any_o temptation_n let_v he_o be_v conqueror_n or_o conquer_v he_o be_v restless_a he_o may_v go_v away_o for_o a_o season_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v out_o his_o chain_n and_o then_o he_o come_v again_o be_v we_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n provide_v for_o we_o now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o who_o have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o so_o pray_v your_o very_a much_o oblige_v friend_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o gospel_n w._n retchfordâ—_n to_o the_o reader_n if_o either_o author_n or_o matter_n may_v tend_v to_o commend_v any_o treatise_n i_o may_v take_v occasion_n from_o both_o these_o respect_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o high_a commendation_n of_o all_o these_o three_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o who_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o all_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o epistle_n of_o commendation_n from_o any_o other_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n john_n cotton_n the_o author_n of_o the_o two_o former_a be_v like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n pour_v forth_o and_o although_o his_o bless_a soul_n be_v now_o amid_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o yet_o his_o holy_a work_n and_o labour_v leave_v
and_o loose_v he_o &_o forgive_v he_o the_o debt_n but_o when_o he_o have_v not_o like_a compassion_n on_o his_o fellow-servant_n than_o his_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o charge_v all_o his_o iniquity_n upon_o he_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n until_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o so_o that_o the_o pardon_n be_v not_o everlasting_a but_o only_a respite_n from_o outward_a punishment_n and_o from_o inward_a pang_n of_o conscience_n many_o time_n and_o this_o they_o take_v for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v delude_v so_o likewise_o their_o sanctification_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o they_o be_v sanctify_v heb._n 10.29_o for_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o conditional_a redeemer_n unto_o they_o they_o have_v only_a gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o utterance_n and_o wisdom_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o a_o common_a faith_n which_o thing_n be_v not_o that_o sanctification_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o save_a faith_n but_o only_o such_o gift_n as_o do_v sanctify_v they_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n perhaps_o or_o magistracy_n and_o fit_v they_o for_o household_n government_n or_o the_o like_a and_o so_o much_o positive_a work_n there_o be_v in_o they_o as_o do_v make_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n fit_a for_o the_o work_n or_o service_n they_o be_v call_v unto_o for_o a_o little_a more_o explain_v of_o this_o be_v it_o the_o same_o with_o that_o sanctification_n which_o be_v in_o god_n child_n god_n forbid_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n godly_a or_o ungodly_a righteous_a or_o wicked_a of_o wicked_a man_n two_o sort_n some_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a other_o be_v hopocrite_n of_o hypocrite_n two_o sort_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n some_o be_v wash_v swine_n other_o be_v goat_n 1_o the_o swine_n be_v those_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v that_o they_o return_v unto_o their_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n like_v unto_o these_o be_v such_o man_n who_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o sermon_n have_v be_v stomach_n sick_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v reject_v their_o wicked_a course_n but_o yet_o the_o swine_n heart_n remain_v in_o they_o as_o a_o swine_n when_o he_o come_v where_o the_o puddle_n be_v will_v ready_o lie_v down_o in_o it_o so_o will_v these_o man_n wallow_v in_o the_o puddle_n of_o uncleanness_n when_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o prick_v for_o the_o present_a but_o these_o be_v a_o grosser_n kind_n of_o hypocrite_n 2_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n that_o go_v far_o beyond_o these_o and_o they_o be_v goat_n so_o call_v matth._n 25.32,33_o and_o these_o be_v clean_a beast_n such_o as_o chew_v the_o cudd_v meditate_v upon_o ordinance_n and_o they_o divide_v the_o hoof_n they_o live_v both_o in_o a_o general_a and_o particular_a call_n and_o will_v not_o be_v idle_a they_o be_v also_o fit_a for_o sacrifice_n what_o then_o be_v want_v true_o they_o be_v not_o sheep_n all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o goat_n yet_o a_o goat_n do_v loath_a that_o which_o a_o swine_n will_v ready_o break_v into_o but_o where_o then_o do_v they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o sheep_n a_o difference_n there_o be_v which_o stand_v principal_o in_o these_o particular_n 1_o the_o goat_n be_v of_o a_o capricious_a nature_n and_o affect_v eminency_n his_o gate_n also_o be_v stately_a prov._n 30.30_o agur_n reckon_v the_o he-goat_n among_o the_o 4_o thing_n that_o be_v comely_a in_o go_v and_o they_o be_v full_a of_o ambition_n they_o can_v abide_v swamp_n and_o hole_n but_o will_v be_v climb_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o mountain_n there_o be_v not_o that_o plain_a lowly_a sheepish_a frame_n that_o attend_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n to_o be_v lead_v up_o and_o down_o in_o fresh_a pasture_n they_o attend_v upon_o their_o end_n and_o will_v outshoot_v god_n in_o his_o own_o bow_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o have_v do_v many_o thing_n for_o christ_n he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n more_o eminency_n they_o do_v affect_v than_o they_o be_v guide_v unto_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o jehu_n who_o in_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n think_v to_o promote_v himself_o and_o herein_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o go_v into_o crooked_a way_n he_o come_v at_o length_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la who_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n yet_o notwithstanding_o you_o may_v recrive_v a_o goat_n into_o church-fellowship_n for_o all_o his_o capricious_a nature_n and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o clean_a creature_n and_o of_o much_o good_a use_n the_o five_o foolish_a mat._n 25.2_o be_v all_o of_o they_o virgin_n all_o of_o they_o abhor_v idolatry_n and_o all_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v foolish_a and_o never_o shall_v you_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o be_v all_o for_o christ_n only_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o voice_n 2_o they_o be_v of_o a_o rankish_n nature_n all_o of_o they_o special_o the_o old_a goat_n will_v have_v a_o unsavoury_a relish_n far_o from_o that_o pleasant_a sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o sheep_n and_o herein_o hypocrite_n be_v great_o different_a from_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v ezek._n 34.21_o and_o they_o mar_v the_o pasture_n with_o their_o foot_n and_o will_v be_v at_o length_n mudle_v the_o fair_a water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n also_o and_o in_o your_o best_a sanctification_n they_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o a_o sheep-like_o frame_v of_o spirit_n diligent_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o best_a hypocrite_n under_o heaven_n they_o may_v go_v far_o and_o yet_o fall_v away_o and_o this_o be_v no_o arminianism_n but_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o you_o will_v find_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o mediator_n gal_n 3.19_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o ordain_v by_o angel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n moses_n be_v a_o mediator_n according_a to_o the_o work_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n john_n 5.45_o you_o have_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v and_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o be_v give_v to_o be_v their_o redeemer_n it_o be_v but_o according_a to_o their_o work_n if_o they_o shall_v obey_v his_o voice_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v sin_v against_o he_o he_o will_v overthrow_v they_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o the_o nethermost_a hell_n but_o now_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n jesus_n christ_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8.6_o thus_o we_o see_v in_o this_o first_o use_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n use_v 2._o i_o may_v also_o here_o in_o the_o 2_o place_n from_o hence_o gather_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o arminianism_n for_o they_o look_v at_o no_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o mere_o upon_o the_o faith_n or_o work_v of_o the_o creature_n foresee_v if_o god_n speak_v of_o election_n or_o any_o other_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n they_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n foresee_v but_o we_o see_v how_o contrary_a it_o be_v unto_o this_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o he_o give_v himself_o first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o he_o give_v any_o thing_n else_o accompany_v salvation_n he_o give_v we_o christ_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n before_o election_n and_o so_o do_v he_o also_o in_o our_o effectual_a call_v not_o any_o grace_n before_o christ_n or_o power_n to_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v have_v he_o or_o not_o have_v he_o but_o he_o be_v god_n and_o first_o give_v himself_o and_o with_o he_o faith_n and_o so_o work_v our_o will_n unto_o himself_o not_o otherwise_o leave_v it_o unto_o we_o to_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v our_o god_n or_o no._n many_o thing_n in_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n come_v to_o be_v consute_v from_o hence_o and_o both_o be_v utter_o root_v out_o for_o in_o truth_n they_o hold_v forth_o no_o more_o but_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o grant_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o will_v take_v it_o marvellous_o unkind_o but_o they_o be_v as_o good_a
give_v they_o and_o so_o to_o discern_v their_o sanctify_a estate_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v i_o see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o so_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 22.12_o wherein_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o his_o work_n and_o this_o do_v fill_n abraham_n with_o strong_a consolation_n together_o with_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o for_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o know_v it_o but_o cause_v he_o to_o know_v it_o also_o so_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v but_o breath_n in_o such_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o he_o do_v but_o give_v power_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n unto_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o do_v make_v it_o appear_v unto_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v indeed_o such_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n then_o do_v the_o lord_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o consolation_n but_o though_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o do_v not_o so_o sweet_o and_o strong_o breath_n and_o clear_v up_o his_o own_o testimony_n by_o the_o comfort_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o promise_n yet_o a_o man_n by_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v enlighten_v of_o god_n discern_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o hereby_o the_o soul_n may_v stay_v itself_o psal_n 9.18_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v meekn_v by_o god_n hand_n and_o the_o lord_n let_v he_o so_o discern_v it_o that_o now_o he_o quiet_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v help_n david_n along_o to_o be_v support_v with_o some_o stay_n and_o beside_o the_o wait_a of_o a_o christian_a upon_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o promise_n do_v make_v he_o yet_o more_o patient_a and_o hopeful_a and_o this_o be_v a_o four_o use_n of_o conditional_a promise_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n 5_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o work_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o we_o to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o exceed_a precious_a promise_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a work_n or_o use_v of_o these_o promise_n that_o from_o they_o shall_v spring_v all_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v such_o blessing_n in_o they_o these_o promise_n be_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v and_o meditate_a on_o by_o we_o we_o behold_v they_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o they_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o this_o great_a power_n there_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n to_o help_v a_o end_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v never_o give_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n they_o be_v give_v to_o work_v all_o those_o qualification_n in_o we_o to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v promise_v yea_o and_o they_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o beget_v by_o any_o promise_n to_o gracious_a qualification_n preaexistent_a in_o we_o yet_o they_o may_v beget_v such_o qualification_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o promise_n be_v make_v 6_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v christian_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n to_o which_o blessing_n be_v promise_v they_o stir_v they_o up_o effectual_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 6.17,18_o and_o mark_v what_o use_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o be_v a_o conditional_a promise_n chap._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o etc._n etc._n imply_v that_o the_o have_v of_o these_o promise_n stir_v up_o god_n people_n unto_o duty_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_v to_o breath_n in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o set_v forward_o the_o work_n of_o cleanse_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o his_o servant_n 7_o they_o be_v of_o use_n further_o to_o strengthen_v faith_n for_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n will_v accomplish_v they_o for_o his_o servant_n gen._n 32.9,10_o jacob_n there_o put_v the_o lord_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o say_v o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o god_n of_o my_o father_n isaac_n the_o lord_n which_o say_v unto_o i_o return_v unto_o thy_o country_n and_o to_o thy_o kindred_n and_o i_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o thou_o and_o he_o be_v now_o return_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n but_o what_o now_o do_v he_o plead_v the_o condition_n mind_n in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v unto_o thy_o servant_n yet_o now_o though_o he_o plead_v not_o any_o worth_n at_o all_o yet_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v promise_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o he_o he_o pray_v for_o it_o ver_fw-la 11._o deliver_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o brother_n thus_o his_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v though_o he_o do_v not_o plead_v any_o worthiness_n to_o receive_v mercy_n so_o also_o do_v absolute_a promise_n strengthen_v faith_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 2_o sam._n 7.13,14_o &c_n &c_n the_o lord_n there_o promise_v david_n that_o he_o will_v build_v he_o a_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v his_o mercy_n from_o his_o child_n this_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o david_n ver_fw-la 28_o 29_o etc._n etc._n this_o well_o order_v and_o sure_a covenant_n of_o god_n be_v all_o his_o stay_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n though_o his_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o heal_v the_o backslide_n of_o his_o people_n ho._n 14.5_o their_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v to_o come_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n thy_o word_n be_v true_a let_v it_o please_v thou_o to_o heal_v the_o backslide_n of_o thy_o servant_n thus_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o faith_n and_o faithful_a prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v both_o strengthen_v together_o now_o let_v i_o further_o say_v thus_o much_o let_v we_o right_o discern_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n take_v heed_n you_o do_v not_o close_o with_o promise_n before_o we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o especial_o take_v heed_n you_o make_v not_o use_v of_o a_o promise_n to_o a_o gracious_a qualification_n to_o give_v you_o your_o part_n in_o christ_n neither_o be_v take_v aside_o to_o make_v account_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v you_o himself_o gracious_o in_o a_o conditional_a promise_n for_o these_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n consider_v therefore_o well_o what_o the_o promise_n be_v and_o what_o use_v the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o woman_n to_o take_v her_o husband_n inheritance_n before_o she_o take_v his_o person_n &_o you_o know_v that_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o no_o other_o but_o in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o any_o soul_n under_o heaven_n that_o can_v challenge_v his_o right_n in_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o by_o any_o promise_n till_o christ_n first_o be_v give_v either_o in_o that_o promise_n or_o in_o some_o former_a if_o you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v you_o otherwise_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o know_v your_o right_n in_o christ_n by_o your_o right_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o turn_v they_o upside_o down_o beyond_o the_o scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n by_o they_o to_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psal_n 31.19_o thus_o ought_v we_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o whither_o to_o look_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v they_o and_o the_o blessing_n in_o they_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v we_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o have_v have_v gracious_a change_n wrought_v in_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v such_o work_n may_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o conviction_n and_o you_o may_v come_v to_o turn_v your_o back_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v therefore_o do_v ever_o the_o lord_n give_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o with_o you_o whensoever_o the_o lord_n do_v strike_v up_o the_o bond_n of_o union_n it_o be_v in_o a_o free_a promise_n of_o his_o grace_n trust_v
fault_n in_o he_o in_o this_o matter_n she_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o tax_v he_o upon_o this_o point_n it_o be_v she_o own_o counsel_n vers_fw-la 2._o that_o he_o shall_v go_v in_o to_o her_o maid_n that_o i_o may_v have_v child_n by_o she_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o any_o just_a complaint_n on_o her_o part_n yet_o see_v this_o meek_a spirit_a woman_n fail_v in_o the_o point_n of_o her_o meekness_n herein_o and_o do_v express_v no_o great_a fail_v all_o her_o life_n long_o that_o we_o read_v of_o she_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n once_o but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o that_o her_o womb_n be_v dead_a and_o her_o lord_n as_o she_o call_v he_o be_v old_a also_o nor_o do_v the_o angel_n so_o much_o blame_v she_o about_o it_o but_o that_o action_n wherein_o she_o most_o fail_v be_v in_o that_o grace_n wherein_o she_o most_o abound_v and_o though_o every_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o great_a force_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v act_n and_o move_v it_o yet_o let_v a_o man_n go_v forth_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o great_a gift_n and_o if_o ever_o his_o heart_n fail_v he_o it_o will_v be_v in_o they_o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o you_o can_v that_o you_o be_v worthy_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o say_v that_o you_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n for_o though_o sanctification_n be_v the_o way_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v out_o all_o his_o blessing_n upon_o his_o servant_n yet_o he_o do_v require_v they_o to_o boast_v in_o none_o of_o their_o excellency_n but_o look_v at_o they_o all_o as_o free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o right_n unto_o all_o spring_v from_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o not_o only_o the_o gift_n itself_o be_v grace_n but_o the_o blessing_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o gift_n be_v grace_n also_o and_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v attain_v all_o that_o we_o pray_v for_o shall_v we_o then_o exalt_v our_o own_o gift_n no_o but_o let_v we_o say_v with_o jacob_n i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o truth_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v unto_o thy_o servant_n do_v not_o trust_v as_o not_o upon_o gift_n nor_o upon_o duty_n perform_v by_o those_o gift_n to_o reach_v the_o blessing_n so_o look_v not_o for_o your_o justification_n from_o thence_o at_o all_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v plain_a that_o he_o look_v not_o for_o any_o thing_n for_o his_o righteousness_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o after_o his_o conversion_n he_o count_v it_o all_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n phil._n 3.6,7,8_o and_o for_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v upon_o as_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o and_o so_o it_o do_v by_o all_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o they_o be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n than_o faith_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o use_v which_o christian_n be_v to_o make_v of_o their_o sanctification_n 3_o there_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n a_o point_n of_o witness_n which_o this_o sanctification_n do_v yield_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o it_o the_o water_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o blood_n to_o the_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n unto_o both_o 1_o john_n 5.6,7,8_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v also_o rom._n 8.16_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o god_n unto_o our_o faith_n we_o may_v lawful_o hear_v what_o it_o speak_v but_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a evidence_n that_o all_o these_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v not_o bear_v witness_n any_o further_a than_o a_o man_n see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n work_v they_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o for_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o make_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n active_a and_o it_o be_v a_o condition_n so_o requisite_a that_o unless_o our_o work_n be_v of_o faith_n and_o flow_v from_o it_o they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a before_o god_n heb._n 11.6_o therefore_o unless_o faith_n carry_v a_o end_n our_o work_n they_o be_v not_o work_n of_o holiness_n such_o as_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o this_o main_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o if_o he_o do_v exhort_v they_o to_o examination_n it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n &_o therefore_o reverend_a forbes_n of_o middleburgh_n who_o have_v write_v a_o sermon_n upon_o that_o text_n say_v well_o that_o unless_o man_n find_v faith_n in_o their_o holiness_n none_o of_o all_o their_o sanctification_n will_v become_v a_o sound_a witness_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o but_o if_o faith_n be_v find_v than_o you_o shall_v see_v jesus_n christ_n accept_v you_o and_o breathe_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n there_o be_v a_o marvellous_a gracious_a witness_n that_o sanctification_n give_v unto_o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o work_v from_o he_o and_o for_o he_o this_o only_a be_v that_o sanctification_n which_o the_o lord_n commend_v unto_o his_o servant_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o 4_o a_o four_o use_v of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v we_o by_o it_o in_o point_n of_o rejoice_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n rejoice_v in_o their_o holiness_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n he_o rejoice_v at_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v by_o he_o and_o with_o he_o gal._n 6.4_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o apostle_n rejoice_v before_o god_n when_o he_o rejoice_v in_o his_o work_n before_o the_o lord_n you_o shall_v ever_o find_v he_o rejoice_v at_o the_o lord_n act_v these_o gift_n in_o he_o and_o blessing_n he_o in_o his_o work_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o two_o or_o three_o scripture_n for_o this_o end_n 1_o tim._n 1.12,13_o so_o that_o mind_n you_o as_o he_o â—eeth_v god_n give_v he_o these_o gift_n and_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o work_n so_o he_o bless_v god_n in_o that_o behalf_n you_o shall_v find_v he_o also_o blessing_n god_n that_o have_v prosper_v this_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n wheresoever_o he_o come_v 2_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o lord_n work_v in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o make_v he_o to_o triumph_v and_o to_o overwrastle_a all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o he_o meet_v withal_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o gift_n &_o teach_v he_o to_o exercise_v those_o gift_n and_o do_v accept_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o marvellous_a strong_a speech_n phil._n 1.20,21_o i_o be_o in_o nothing_o ashamed_a etc._n etc._n for_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v no_o life_n but_o from_o christ_n i_o put_v forth_o no_o act_n of_o life_n but_o for_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o his_o conversation_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v his_o life_n than_o death_n will_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o christ_n will_v be_v magnify_v in_o either_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o their_o sanctification_n they_o be_v careful_a to_o see_v that_o it_o flow_v from_o christ_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o have_v it_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v in_o their_o best_a gift_n for_o the_o least_o duty_n neither_o do_v they_o look_v for_o their_o faith_n from_o their_o best_a gift_n but_o they_o expect_v their_o best_a gift_n to_o flow_v from_o their_o faith_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o holiness_n when_o they_o see_v christ_n in_o it_o and_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v they_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o duty_n thereof_o thus_o they_o see_v their_o holiness_n and_o take_v comfort_n in_o it_o &_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o it_o as_o that_o by_o which_o the_o lord_n dispense_v comfort_n unto_o his_o people_n when_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n &_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o which_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o carry_v a_o end_n their_o whole_a conversation_n in_o his_o name_n 5_o furthermore_o as_o we_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n and_o trust_v not_o in_o it_o but_o in_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o we_o receive_v
his_o own_o work_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o resolve_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sort_n also_o that_o fall_n far_o short_a of_o christ_n too_o and_o yet_o go_v beyond_o all_o these_o they_o go_v beyond_o work_n and_o beyond_o this_o faith_n also_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o man_n justify_v themselves_o by_o it_o god_n do_v not_o justify_v they_o now_o this_o four_o sort_n come_v plain_o to_o see_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o he_o it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_a man_n can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_a but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n also_o be_v so_o far_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a nor_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v what_o say_v the_o soul_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o will_v say_v i_o see_v it_o be_v not_o my_o reformation_n nor_o my_o faith_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o see_v that_o now_o i_o must_v wait_v upon_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v and_o unto_o he_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o help_v be_v not_o this_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n true_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n many_o time_n bring_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n unto_o but_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o there_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o do_v they_o good_a for_o i_o will_v examine_v again_o how_o come_v thou_o to_o wait_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o have_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o thy_o former_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v be_v force_v and_o have_v see_v a_o necessity_n to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n for_o faith_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o believe_v force_n of_o argument_n have_v constrain_v thou_o thus_o far_o if_o thou_o have_v take_v up_o a_o course_n of_o wait_v only_o upon_o this_o ground_n here_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o old_a adam_n still_o keep_v alive_a in_o thou_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o seek_v and_o wait_v upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v promise_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v any_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o he_o but_o a_o soul_n will_v say_v have_v not_o the_o lord_n make_v gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o he_o have_v he_o not_o say_v that_o all_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o wait_n for_o he_o isa_n 30.18_o and_o be_o not_o i_o wrap_v up_o hereby_o in_o a_o bundle_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n mind_v you_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v &_o seek_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n who_o be_v drive_v to_o it_o have_v take_v it_o up_o by_o their_o own_o resolution_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o that_o wait_v for_o and_o seek_v the_o lord_n aright_o be_v drive_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o ever_o the_o lord_n mean_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v rend_v as_o it_o be_v the_o caule_v from_o the_o heart_n i_o mean_v he_o will_v pluck_v away_o all_o the_o confidence_n you_o have_v build_v upon_o a_o as_o man_n will_v rend_v the_o entrails_n of_o a_o beast_n from_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o flat_a denial_n of_o yourselves_o and_o that_o you_o have_v neither_o good_a will_n nor_o deed_n as_o of_o yourselves_o and_o you_o will_v find_v you_o know_v not_o what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o you_o but_o this_o you_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v most_o righteous_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v as_o a_o comforter_n he_o will_v in_o this_o manner_n convince_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v heretofore_o hang_v upon_o his_o reformation_n for_o hope_n &_o comfort_n but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v plain_o to_o see_v and_o flat_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n in_o he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v unto_o his_o own_o excellency_n now_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o far_o bring_v on_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o judgement_n but_o in_o his_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o david_n sometime_o do_v if_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o i_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v unto_o i_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o i_o this_o only_a the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o support_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o for_o i_o that_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o if_o he_o show_v i_o no_o mercy_n he_o be_v just_a if_o he_o be_v gracious_a i_o shall_v live_v to_o praise_v he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n will_n be_v thus_o subdue_v that_o he_o have_v no_o will_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v true_a brokennesse_n of_o heart_n when_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n but_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v break_v the_o soul_n be_v thus_o convince_v that_o neither_o his_o work_n nor_o believe_v nor_o wait_a nor_o seek_v as_o of_o himself_o will_v do_v he_o any_o good_a there_o be_v no_o mercy_n that_o he_o can_v challenge_v for_o any_o goodness_n sake_n of_o his_o own_o then_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o declaration_n of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o pant_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o nor_o in_o the_o earth_n beside_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v take_v possession_n before_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26,27_o he_o alone_o must_v help_v we_o and_o no_o other_o finis_fw-la certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodation_n and_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a &_o congregationall_a church_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n to_o who_o the_o author_n himself_o send_v they_o over_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o john_n allen_n and_o francis_n eglesfield_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1654._o certain_a query_n tend_v to_o the_o mutual_a accommodation_n &_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n deliver_v in_o 11_o proposition_n &_o humble_o present_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o according_a to_o god_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n the_o 1._o query_n whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n subject_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n preach_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o overgrow_v with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o such_o church_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n at_o least_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o sit_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o for_o the_o form_n they_o do_v agree_v together_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n in_o attend_v due_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impli_v a_o real_a and_o visible_a though_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n requisite_a to_o church-estate_n object_n the_o parish-church_n in_o england_n be_v antichristian_a if_o not_o in_o their_o first_o institution_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_v never_o since_o unchurch_v nor_o new_o mould_v out_o of_o their_o anchristian_a apostasy_n answ_n 1._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v in_o england_n ten_o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o rome_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o gildas_n and_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o baronius_n also_o annal._n anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 35.5_o &_o 45.1_o and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o doubtless_o do_v at_o first_o institute_v church_n not_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o rome_n which_o then_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o neither_o be_v they_o unchurch_v by_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n which_o afterward_o grow_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o leprosy_n but_o be_v only_o corrupt_v and_o pollute_v even_o