to_o god_n and_o they_o become_v his_o proper_a name_n god_n be_v holy_a wise_a powerful_a just_a merciful_a true_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v likewise_o some_o of_o his_o most_o excellent_a creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v like_o unto_o himself_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o they_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v original_o from_o he_o they_o derivative_o from_o he_o his_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a they_o limit_v and_o stint_v his_o invariable_a and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v subject_n to_o mutation_n and_o decay_n and_o total_a abolition_n so_o that_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n even_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v themselves_o incommunicable_a and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o be_v know_v and_o difference_v from_o all_o other_o being_n whatsoever_o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v here_o say_v to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v to_o manoah_n judge_n 13.18_o why_o ask_v thou_o after_o my_o name_n see_v it_o be_v secret_a and_o wonderful_a indeed_o we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v out_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o perfection_n than_o we_o can_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n for_o both_o be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o there_o be_v two_o expression_n in_o scripture_n that_o make_v this_o knowledge_n impossible_a the_o one_o of_o they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o one_o be_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o that_o light_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v 1_o tim._n 6.16_o scrutator_fw-la majestatis_fw-la opprimetur_fw-la à _fw-la gloriâ_fw-la he_o that_o will_v too_o busy_o pry_v into_o majesty_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o dazzle_v with_o glory_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o thick_a darkness_n 2_o chron._n 6.1_o both_o imply_v the_o same_o impossibility_n of_o search_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n as_o job_n speak_v ch_n 11._o 7._o but_o though_o this_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n be_v impossible_a yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o hint_n and_o trace_n of_o himself_o by_o which_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o for_o our_o adoration_n though_o not_o perhaps_o for_o our_o satisfaction_n and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o name_n unto_o we_o and_o they_o be_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o word_n first_o we_o may_v spell_v out_o god_n name_n by_o his_o work_n and_o to_o this_o end_n serve_v those_o two_o great_a capital_a letter_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o sea_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o one_o creature_n how_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o read_v we_o lecture_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o 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inexcusable_a if_o we_o worship_v he_o not_o as_o god_n for_o so_o do_v the_o heathen_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n rom._n 1.20_o but_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n that_o we_o know_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v we_o eternal_o bless_a and_o happy_a here_o he_o have_v display_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o alone_o have_v he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o appoint_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o himself_o that_o may_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o now_o we_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n his_o title_n as_o king_n lord_n creator_n father_n redeemer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o his_o attribute_n both_o communicable_a as_o justice_n holiness_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o incommunicable_a as_o infinite_a 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so_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o lord_n exod._n 13.2_o and_o that_o because_o among_o man_n the_o first-born_a be_v to_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o among_o beast_n they_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o thus_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levi_n who_o god_n take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v consecrate_a and_o sanctify_a exod._n 28.41_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o thus_o at_o least_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o baptism_n ephes_n 5.26_o that_o be_v we_o be_v by_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o one_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v and_o make_v another_o holy_a namely_o by_o dedication_n or_o separatiom_n to_o some_o sacred_a use_n and_o service_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o hallow_v the_o 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and_o thus_o only_o it_o be_v that_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n so_o we_o have_v it_o use_v isa_n 29.23_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v my_o name_n and_o sanctify_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob_n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n now_o thus_o to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o other_o expression_n that_o common_o occur_v in_o scripture_n of_o glorify_v god_n we_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n nor_o to_o the_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o crown_n yet_o then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o sanctify_v and_o glorify_v god_n when_o in_o our_o most_o reverend_a thought_n we_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o holiness_n and_o the_o bright_a coruscation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v by_o all_o holy_a way_n to_o declare_v they_o
honour_n thy_o glory_n lie_v bleed_v and_o suffer_v through_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n why_o commit_v thy_o care_n to_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o so_o wield_v their_o lust_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v bring_v about_o and_o effect_v his_o own_o end_n god_n be_v glorify_v himself_o even_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v trouble_v this_o thought_n keep_v alive_a on_o our_o heart_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v amid_o all_o the_o tumult_n we_o observe_v and_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o unwind_v these_o ravel_v dispensation_n to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o he_o can_v and_o will_n there_o be_v a_o invisible_a and_o wise_a hand_n that_o mould_v and_o fashion_n all_o and_o though_o the_o part_n by_o themselves_o may_v appear_v rude_a and_o unpolished_a yet_o put_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o series_n of_o providence_n together_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v most_o admirable_a and_o glorious_a 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he_o declare_v he_o take_v from_o he_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o they_o john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o second_o christ_n also_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o send_v christ_n a_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o great_a business_n which_o have_v employ_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o father_n the_o admiration_n and_o ministration_n of_o angel_n the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o revelation_n or_o tradition_n be_v yet_o the_o only_a positive_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o patriarch_n see_v he_o by_o these_o abraham_n see_v my_o day_n and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8.56_o afterward_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n see_v he_o by_o type_n promise_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v that_o excellent_a theme_n that_o have_v fill_v up_o many_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o a_o picture_n represent_v the_o feature_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o person_n but_o afterward_o be_v add_v the_o complexion_n and_o life_n to_o it_o so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o prophet_n draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v add_v the_o life_n and_o sweetness_n to_o it_o in_o the_o new_a yea_o christ_n be_v so_o true_o describe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o his_o life_n by_o his_o death_n by_o all_o the_o great_a remark_n of_o either_o that_o in_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o appeal_v thither_o for_o a_o testimony_n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o st._n peter_n act_v 3.24_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n as_o many_o as_o have_v speak_v have_v foretell_v of_o these_o day_n and_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a expositor_n be_v himself_o the_o true_a author_n make_v they_o all_o speak_v his_o sense_n luke_n 24.27_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o saying_n concern_v himself_o so_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n observation_n hold_v true_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o flow_v forth_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n and_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o both_o these_o lie_v couch_v a_o very_a cogent_a argument_n that_o may_v enforce_v this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n peruse_v these_o book_n which_o he_o have_v compose_v the_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o author_n if_o they_o be_v of_o approve_a integrity_n profound_a knowledge_n solid_a judgement_n their_o work_n be_v esteem_v and_o study_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v much_o more_o conversant_a in_o these_o which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n these_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o quill_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dove_n second_o christ_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o beggarly_a element_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o here_o we_o have_v the_o cabinet_n of_o god_n counsel_n unlock_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n public_o declare_v here_o we_o have_v the_o stupendous_a history_n of_o god_n become_a man_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n this_o god-man_n do_v upon_o earth_n of_o all_o the_o cruelty_n he_o suffer_v here_o we_o have_v the_o description_n of_o his_o victory_n in_o his_o resurrection_n of_o his_o triumph_n in_o his_o ascension_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a sure_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n with_o admiration_n recount_v it_o
angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o 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study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o sum_v it_o up_o in_o one_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o study_v that_o which_o do_v so_o necessary_o concern_v we_o other_o knowledge_n be_v only_o for_o the_o adorn_v and_o embellishment_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n of_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v before_o speak_v enough_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o far_o enlarge_v therefore_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o let_v we_o answer_v whatsoever_o may_v seem_v to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o this_o we_o must_v cleave_v with_o this_o we_o will_v converse_v for_o here_o alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n five_o the_o knowledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n disclose_v be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o impiety_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o very_a eye_n nay_o the_o information_n of_o our_o sense_n what_o we_o see_v what_o we_o hear_v what_o we_o feel_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o speak_v of_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n that_o sound_v from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n hear_v this_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a may_v well_o be_v render_v we_o account_v more_o sure_a the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n what_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o god_n 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first_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n very_a case_n rom._n 7.8_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o command_n wrought_v in_o i_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n now_o this_o effect_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n which_o take_v a_o hint_n so_o desperate_o corrupt_a be_v it_o from_o god_n forbid_a sin_n to_o put_v itself_o in_o mind_n of_o commit_v it_o second_o thou_o complain_v that_o the_o word_n excit_v to_o corruption_n but_o it_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o sun_n draw_v smoak_n and_o stink_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n it_o do_v increase_v but_o unhappy_o excite_v they_o the_o very_a same_o lust_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o there_o they_o lie_v like_o so_o many_o viper_n and_o serpent_n asleep_a till_o the_o light_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o stir_v and_o crawl_v about_o and_o this_o advantage_n thou_o 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that_o do_v thus_o occasional_o stir_v up_o sin_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o beat_v it_o down_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o this_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o do_v so_o rise_v and_o arm_n against_o it_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o alarm_n that_o they_o take_v be_v but_o before_o their_o overthrow_n it_o may_v be_v the_o mud_n be_v only_o stir_v that_o it_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o their_o heart_n cleanse_v from_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n so_o apposite_a to_o the_o destruction_n and_o subdue_a of_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n though_o at_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v instead_o of_o subdue_a of_o sin_n to_o strengthen_v they_o six_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o their_o memory_n be_v so_o treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a they_o can_v retain_v nothing_o when_o they_o 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continual_o instill_v somewhat_o into_o it_o a_o vessel_n set_v under_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o spring_n can_v leak_v fast_o than_o it_o be_v supply_v a_o constant_a drop_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n into_o the_o memory_n will_v keep_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v leaky_a yet_o it_o never_o shall_v be_v empty_a second_o scripture_n truth_n when_o they_o do_v not_o enrich_v the_o memory_n yet_o they_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n according_a to_o what_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o according_a to_o what_o effect_n it_o leave_v behind_o lightning_z you_o know_v than_o which_o nothing_o soon_o vanish_v away_o yet_o it_o often_o break_v and_o melt_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o firm_a body_n in_o its_o sudden_a passage_n such_o be_v the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n often_o dart_v it_o through_o we_o it_o seem_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v break_v and_o 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concern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v which_o nature_n can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o glimpse_n to_o discover_v what_o signature_n be_v there_o stamp_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n or_o temporal_a carnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o creature_n can_v inform_v we_o of_o our_o first_o fall_n and_o guilt_n contract_v by_o it_o where_o can_v we_o find_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o of_o grace_n print_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n all_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v nature_n secretary_n and_o ransack_v its_o abstruse_a mystery_n yet_o all_o their_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n can_v not_o discover_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n these_o be_v truth_n which_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o search_v out_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o receive_v they_o when_o reveal_v 1._o corinth_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v the_o light_n that_o can_v reveal_v these_o must_v break_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n itself_o and_o so_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o singular_a privilege_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v descend_v into_o their_o breast_n and_o so_o possess_v they_o with_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v become_v oracular_a how_o little_o less_o be_v we_o since_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n which_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v to_o they_o god_n heretofore_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o now_o he_o speak_v by_o they_o unto_o we_o their_o revelation_n be_v become_v we_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o what_o god_n teach_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n the_o very_a same_o truth_n he_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a illumination_n of_o his_o spirit_n here_o therefore_o while_o we_o diligent_o converse_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n we_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o prophet_n the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o come_v also_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o without_o those_o severe_a preparation_n and_o strong_a agony_n which_o sometime_o they_o undergo_v before_o god_n will_v inspire_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a truth_n that_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n and_o argument_n second_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o losty_a in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o science_n be_v but_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a element_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o what_o do_v the_o naturalist_n but_o only_o busy_v himself_o in_o dig_v a_o little_a drossy_a knowledge_n out_o of_o the_o entrail_n 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former_a yet_o be_v it_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o royalty_n of_o it_o be_v god_n singular_a delight_n now_o this_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n be_v his_o church_n and_o may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n second_o in_o its_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n in_o the_o former_a respect_n it_o be_v the_o church_n militant_a here_o upon_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n for_o both_o make_v up_o but_o one_o kingdom_n under_o divers_a respect_n first_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v god_n kingdom_n here_o upon_o earth_n or_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o that_o be_v twofold_n visible_a and_o invisible_a the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n open_o profess_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o those_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o 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world_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o church_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n gather_v every_o kind_n of_o fish_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a matth._n 13.47_o both_o sort_n be_v embrace_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o this_o net_n and_o no_o perfect_a separation_n can_v be_v make_v until_o it_o be_v draw_v to_o shore_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o the_o good_a will_v be_v gather_v into_o vessel_n and_o the_o bad_a cast_n away_o as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v again_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o floor_n wherein_o be_v both_o chaff_n and_o wheat_n luk._n 3.17_o and_o these_o will_v be_v mix_v together_o until_o the_o last_o discriminate_v day_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o wheat_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o garner_n and_o the_o chaff_n burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n again_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o field_n wherein_o there_o grow_v tare_n as_o well_o as_o corn_n matth._n 13.24_o which_o must_v grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o tare_n be_v bind_v in_o bundle_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o the_o profitable_a grain_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o barn_n this_o have_v still_o be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o mix_v condition_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o through_o hypocrisy_n and_o gross_a dissimilation_n many_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n will_v yet_o go_v under_o that_o cognisance_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v and_o hate_v the_o power_n of_o it_o second_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o invisible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n a_o great_a mixture_n too_o those_o who_o have_v a_o real_a and_o vital_a union_n to_o christ_n and_o maintain_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o yet_o even_o they_o have_v a_o sad_a mixture_n of_o evil_a with_o all_o their_o good_a of_o sin_n with_o all_o their_o grace_n and_o holiness_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v still_o imperfect_a not_o only_o from_o a_o mixture_n of_o person_n but_o from_o a_o mixture_n in_o person_n as_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n so_o we_o love_v but_o in_o part_n we_o fear_v we_o obey_v god_n but_o in_o part_n and_o with_o our_o profession_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v need_v also_o to_o prefer_v that_o humble_a petition_n mark_v 9.24_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n second_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v triumphant_a in_o heaven_n and_o this_o consist_v of_o such_o glorious_a angel_n as_o never_o fall_v and_o of_o such_o glorify_a saint_n who_o be_v raise_v from_o their_o fall_n and_o restore_v to_o a_o far_o better_a condition_n than_o what_o they_o lose_v this_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o god_n kingdom_n here_o be_v his_o throne_n especial_o establish_v and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o he_o display_v himself_o in_o the_o splendour_n of_o his_o majesty_n 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therefore_o upon_o believer_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o he_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o god_n thus_o take_v vengeance_n on_o our_o sin_n he_o do_v gracious_o pardon_v they_o when_o he_o release_v our_o personal_a obligation_n unto_o punishment_n and_o reckon_v that_o we_o have_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n in_o christ_n suffer_v it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v discharge_v from_o any_o further_a liableness_n unto_o it_o this_o now_o be_v that_o pardon_n of_o sin_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o when_o we_o say_v forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n and_o for_o the_o more_o full_a explication_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a position_n first_o the_o pardon_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v altogether_o free_a and_o undeserved_a we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o scarce_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v forgiveness_n but_o even_o this_o
this_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o be_v god_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v almighty_a in_o that_o it_o produce_v they_o and_o alwise_a in_o that_o it_o govern_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o incomprehensible_a for_o that_o be_v which_o have_v no_o cause_n can_v be_v perfect_o know_v since_o a_o perfect_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v derive_v only_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o now_o whatsoever_o be_v almighty_a alwise_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v that_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v three_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o produce_v himself_o by_o any_o other_o pre-existent_a be_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o time_n wherein_o he_o be_v not_o for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o either_o shall_v never_o be_v or_o must_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n to_o be_v make_v or_o produce_v it_o clear_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v never_o conceive_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n be_v not_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v eternal_a à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la or_o from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o be_v also_o eternal_a a_o part_n post_fw-la or_o to_o everlasting_a appear_v four_o because_o that_o which_o have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o duration_n can_v have_v no_o end_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o not_o depend_v upon_o any_o for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o be_v can_v depend_v upon_o none_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n must_v exist_v to_o all_o eternity_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o much_o reason_n alone_o can_v speak_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n the_o demonstration_n which_o i_o have_v now_o give_v you_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o will_v those_o atheistical_a spirit_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o god_n but_o their_o reason_n 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propound_v let_v we_o here_o make_v some_o few_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o this_o eternity_n of_o god_n first_o glorify_v this_o inconceivable_a and_o glorious_a attribute_n extol_v and_o venerate_v it_o with_o your_o high_a thought_n and_o low_a prostration_n send_v your_o adore_a thought_n as_o far_o into_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n as_o possible_a a_o humane_a and_o finite_a understanding_n can_v dart_v they_o for_o though_o eternity_n be_v such_o a_o deep_a as_o can_v never_o be_v fathom_v since_o it_o have_v no_o bottom_n yet_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o this_o abyss_n of_o be_v those_o prospect_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o bound_v they_o no_o limit_n to_o restrain_v the_o sight_n in_o its_o free_a range_n so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a prospect_n to_o the_o mind_n to_o contemplate_v such_o a_o object_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o boundary_n set_v to_o 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that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a and_o weighty_a sin_n and_o luke_n 12.47_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n this_o they_o have_v read_v and_o this_o deterr_v they_o from_o read_v any_o far_o if_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o if_o to_o know_v and_o not_o practice_v be_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o last_o reckon_n and_o make_v their_o torment_n more_o intolerable_a it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o muffle_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a ignorance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o though_o the_o word_n abound_v with_o multitude_n of_o sublime_a precept_n and_o difficult_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n from_o the_o study_n of_o it_o for_o consider_v that_o this_o same_o
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scripture_n misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v be_v not_o scripture_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n right_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o diligent_o to_o search_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v alike_o reasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v because_o that_o some_o eat_v to_o gluttony_n and_o other_o drink_v to_o giddiness_n and_o madness_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o epist_n 1_o chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o that_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o sripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o neither_o 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