so_o call_v also_o and_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v either_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o assent_v to_o some_o needful_a truth_n which_o perhaps_o do_v not_o often_o happen_v or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n to_o themselves_o which_o happen_v more_o often_o or_o they_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o frequent_a assent_v of_o a_o permanent_a persuasion_n fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o consideration_n which_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o frequent_a defect_n but_o now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o bare_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n but_o moreover_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n that_o christ_n shall_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_o to_o require_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o 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profess_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o tit._n 1.16_o but_o work_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v any_o thing_n they_o only_o show_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o do_v one_o or_o the_o other_o if_o then_o all_o that_o be_v disobedient_a be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n unbeliever_n then_o all_o who_o full_o believe_v be_v holy_a by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n but_o if_o the_o command_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o have_v he_o not_o obey_v his_o belief_n have_v not_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o where_o the_o belief_n be_v true_a where_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n where_o it_o do_v not_o come_v in_o as_o a_o sojourner_n but_o dwell_v rich_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o in_o short_a this_o permanent_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o and_o with_o which_o we_o shall_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v final_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n stand_v have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n but_o above_o all_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christian_a truth_n be_v our_o armour_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o humble_a man_n prayer_n be_v we_o and_o our_o care_n answerable_a lord_n we_o believe_v help_v thou_o our_o unbelief_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o the_o second_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o word_n be_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n for_o bring_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o true_a nature_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o proper_a use_n of_o faith_n under_o one_o text_n which_o possible_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o very_a deep_a and_o yet_o clear_a sense_n of_o these_o excellent_a word_n the_o first_o clause_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o general_a proposition_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n the_o second_o contain_v a_o proof_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v etc._n etc._n by_o compare_v the_o proposition_n prove_v with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o word_n of_o the_o text._n for_o if_o we_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o please_a god_n in_o the_o general_a proposition_n let_v we_o see_v what_o answer_v thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o please_a god_n be_v mean_v the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v a_o obvious_a phrase_n signify_v to_o worship_n god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o apostle_n form_n of_o argue_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o to_o worship_n god_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o be_v to_o please_v he_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o to_o please_v god_n signify_v the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o god_n because_o the_o apostle_n intent_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o general_a proposition_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o each_o part_n thereof_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v all_o along_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n beside_o
well_o as_o they_o do_v the_o just_a live_v by_o that_o faith_n with_o which_o other_o perish_v how_o be_v that_o faith_n impute_v to_o they_o for_o righteousness_n which_o do_v but_o aggravate_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o nay_o how_o be_v that_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o they_o assent_v and_o therefore_o believe_v and_o tremble_v because_o they_o believe_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n viz._n to_o make_v man_n attain_v to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v now_o if_o upon_o a_o just_a examination_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o they_o will_v make_v they_o obedient_a and_o holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o wicked_a want_n faith_n that_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v and_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n require_v than_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v why_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v represent_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v in_o which_o the_o force_n of_o faith_n lie_v to_o govern_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o then_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o holiness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o together_o and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o ungodly_a man_n now_o 2._o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v believe_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v they_o 3._o in_o the_o permanency_n of_o the_o belief_n itself_o or_o rather_o in_o the_o dwell_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o consider_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v 1._o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v do_v represent_v good_a and_o evil_n to_o we_o they_o be_v not_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o worse_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o but_o they_o be_v of_o very_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o fit_a to_o work_v upon_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n 2._o what_o we_o believe_v do_v represent_v to_o we_o our_o great_a good_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o fear_v on_o the_o other_o if_o a_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v offer_v we_o may_v be_v disparage_v by_o a_o great_a good_a that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o do_v not_o much_o inflame_v or_o move_v the_o affection_n now_o he_o that_o believe_v aright_o apprehend_v the_o joy_n of_o another_o life_n to_o be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o to_o rival_n they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o patriarch_n to_o count_v themselves_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n they_o desire_v a_o better_a i._n e._n a_o heavenly_a country_n 3._o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o inheritance_n belong_v to_o we_o upon_o our_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n if_o we_o have_v absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a country_n this_o faith_n may_v well_o cause_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o benefit_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n or_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v exclude_v if_o we_o assent_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o our_o faith_n work_v by_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n but_o if_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obey_v because_o it_o will_v be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o need_v not_o 4._o we_o be_v also_o persuade_v that_o the_o condition_n viz._n do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n possible_a otherwise_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v will_v not_o stir_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n tremble_v only_o though_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_v as_o make_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v want_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a but_o not_o active_a and_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o short_a if_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n wherein_o the_o great_a good_a be_v promise_v and_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o condition_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o great_a punishment_n and_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v perform_v then_o in_o this_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o holiness_n &_o good_a work_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o this_o but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o our_o unfruitfulness_n may_v well_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o go_v very_o far_o to_o satisfy_v the_o difficulty_n because_o many_o believe_v all_o needful_a truth_n and_o yet_o remain_v unholy_a wherefore_o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o believe_v divine_a truth_n for_o there_o be_v very_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o sanctify_v we_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n let_v we_o for_o instance_n take_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n or_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v this_o considerate_o and_o distinct_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v a_o omnipresent_v be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o now_o our_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v we_o circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n and_o careful_a of_o our_o thought_n but_o by_o such_o distinct_a persuasion_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o faith_n nor_o will_v these_o distinct_a consideration_n have_v much_o power_n neither_o unless_o they_o be_v distinct_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v with_o i_o and_o see_v i_o in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o know_v every_o one_o of_o my_o secret_n and_o even_o every_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o therefore_o how_o shall_v i_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o to_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v extreme_a folly_n as_o well_o as_o sin_v to_o follow_v my_o own_o will_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o now_o all_o this_o be_v faith_n or_o believe_v true_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o application_n as_o these_o that_o we_o must_v be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a doctrine_n and_o to_o go_v no_o far_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v operative_a much_o more_o than_o if_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o if_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o one_o article_n be_v therefore_o fruitless_a because_o it_o be_v but_o general_a and_o not_o resolve_v into_o the_o awaken_n consideration_n that_o be_v under_o it_o nor_o apply_v distinct_o to_o ourselves_o under_o such_o consideration_n than_o also_o will_v the_o believe_v of_o the_o whole_a creed_n in_o this_o fashion_n without_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o application_n be_v fruitless_a also_o and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o understand_v neither_o what_o we_o say_v nor_o whereof_o we_o affirm_v and_o than_o what_o we_o say_v and_o affirm_v can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o mend_v our_o life_n but_o though_o this_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o resolve_v the_o unholiness_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o want_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o do_v not_o altogether_o satisfy_v that_o where_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o holy_a mind_n and_o a_o
godly_a life_n because_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o clear_a and_o active_a thought_n and_o conversant_a in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o confuse_a and_o indeterminate_a persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a by_o experience_n that_o some_o such_o do_v retain_v the_o faith_n but_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o three_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n consist_v viz._n 3._o the_o permanence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o constancy_n of_o frequent_a consideration_n upon_o what_o we_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v needful_a and_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o particular_o and_o with_o application_n to_o himself_o but_o likewise_o by_o very_a much_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v make_v they_o present_a and_o habitual_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o believer_n have_v two_o advantage_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a man_n 1._o his_o persuasion_n or_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a to_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o most_o need_v it_o i.e._n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o now_o though_o one_o believe_v all_o the_o awaken_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n when_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v busy_a with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o at_o the_o time_n as_o if_o he_o 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nothing_o at_o present_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o too_o many_o person_n profess_v christianity_n that_o their_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v often_o absent_a than_o present_a because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v govern_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o under_o temptation_n but_o by_o chance_n or_o when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o put_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o fix_v they_o there_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o one_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v present_a to_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o indeed_o never_o at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o second_o be_v this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o often_o as_o they_o return_v to_o his_o mind_n 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to_o that_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o other_o mean_n do_v without_o this_o and_o indeed_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v ineffectual_a without_o it_o and_o they_o be_v then_o effectual_a when_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n that_o we_o make_v be_v unprofitable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n and_o by_o their_o frequent_a return_n make_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n natural_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v good_a doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o our_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o godliness_n otherwise_o than_o by_o accustom_v of_o we_o to_o think_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n good_a education_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o otherwise_o promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n than_o by_o awaken_n our_o consideration_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n affliction_n and_o judgement_n the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n the_o amaze_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n can_v of_o themselves_o work_v the_o reformation_n of_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o life_n if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v by_o beginning_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o that_o consideration_n which_o they_o continue_v afterward_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o faith_n that_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o believe_v which_o consist_v in_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v but_o by_o a_o constant_a consideration_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o future_a thing_n after_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n believe_v that_o he_o shall_v gain_v his_o health_n by_o such_o a_o method_n or_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o a_o prisoner_n that_o he_o shall_v recover_v his_o liberty_n or_o any_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o end_n in_o this_o world_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v himself_o to_o try_v it_o because_o without_o any_o pain_n take_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v natural_o possess_v with_o a_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o his_o concernment_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v otherwise_o though_o the_o interest_n be_v great_a nay_o the_o great_a of_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sensible_a nor_o a_o present_a interest_n in_o comparison_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o we_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o much_o think_n of_o it_o i._n e._n by_o many_o act_n of_o faith_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n deserve_v and_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n believe_v and_o do_v contrary_a to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o make_v they_o uneasy_a under_o their_o guilt_n somewhat_o loath_a to_o commit_v sin_n and_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a when_o it_o be_v commit_v i_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n true_o so_o call_v but_o then_o they_o want_v faith_n too_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o
worship_n viz._n all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o moral_a goodness_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n fidelity_n and_o truth_n meekness_n and_o patience_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o worship_n that_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v perform_v because_o they_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n be_v please_v withal_o and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v the_o phrase_n of_o please_a god_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o viz._n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n more_o distinct_o thus_o without_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v love_v god_n or_o fear_v he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o obey_v he_o or_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v righteous_a and_o charitable_a meek_n and_o humble_a sober_a and_o temperate_a or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v true_o religious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 2._o what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o follow_a word_n again_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o faith_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v 1._o in_o general_n a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n or_o a_o assent_n thereunto_o that_o it_o be_v true_a for_o he_o say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v therefore_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v likewise_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o or_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o consequent_o by_o faith_n be_v here_o mean_v in_o general_a a_o persuasion_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a 2._o by_o consequence_n also_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v please_v god_n we_o find_v more_o particular_o that_o the_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v he_o he_o say_v also_o that_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o alike_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rewarder_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n induce_v a_o man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v proper_a motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o hence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n beside_o those_o here_o mention_v that_o be_v proper_a motive_n to_o religion_n because_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o i_o note_v before_o be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o general_a proposition_n although_o therefore_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o if_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o a_o man_n can_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n of_o like_a use_n with_o these_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v 3._o whether_o by_o impossible_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n mean_v proper_o something_o that_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o more_o large_o something_o that_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a or_o high_o improbable_a as_o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o that_o purpose_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v by_o consider_v also_o the_o follow_a proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o worship_n and_o virtue_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n without_o this_o belief_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o former_a be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v bare_o possible_a he_o may_v worship_n god_n upon_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o bare_a hope_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o woeful_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n we_o be_v under_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o improbable_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n man_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o please_v god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v rank_v with_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o i_o do_v thus_o understand_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o please_a god_n without_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o also_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o worker_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o one_o instance_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o thus_o i_o have_v by_o compare_v one_o part_n of_o the_o text_n with_o another_o give_v you_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o as_o i_o hope_v with_o great_a clearness_n of_o truth_n and_o plainness_n of_o word_n and_o according_a to_o this_o explanation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o this_o paraphrase_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a motive_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v fear_v god_n and_o work_n righteousness_n for_o some_o doctrine_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v himself_o oblige_v thereto_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n some_o doctrine_n also_o there_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o no_o man_n find_v himself_o encourage_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o if_o
design_n of_o that_o subject_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o will_v also_o draw_v out_o the_o discourse_n upon_o this_o head_n into_o a_o unfitting_a length_n to_o supply_v therefore_o the_o want_n of_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o those_o case_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o god_n will_v accept_v be_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o defeat_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obedience_n lie_v on_o this_o side_n lest_o man_n shall_v mistake_v that_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o be_v not_o i._n e._n reckon_v those_o to_o be_v mere_a infirmity_n which_o be_v wilful_a sin_n and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o know_v vice_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o this_o danger_n may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n prevent_v by_o exhort_v of_o you_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o those_o many_o strong_a and_o clear_a motive_n thereunto_o which_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o for_o he_o that_o true_o love_v god_n be_v under_o the_o constraint_n of_o a_o inward_a law_n though_o of_o the_o high_a liberty_n yet_o of_o the_o great_a necessity_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v his_o love_n to_o god_n while_o he_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v it_o in_o he_o will_v guard_v and_o secure_v he_o from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n most_o diligent_o and_o careful_o it_o will_v keep_v he_o far_o from_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n and_o from_o any_o approach_n to_o presumption_n it_o need_v not_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a limit_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v too_o curious_a in_o do_v well_o to_o want_v the_o knowledge_n how_o far_o we_o may_v go_v without_o do_v ill_o love_n be_v the_o noble_a principle_n of_o well_o do_v it_o give_v large_o without_o pinch_v it_o obey_v liberal_o without_o grudge_v it_o study_v not_o what_o liberty_n may_v be_v take_v without_o displease_v so_o much_o as_o how_o to_o please_v abundant_o and_o in_o doubtful_a case_n it_o always_o determine_v on_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a side_n viz._n on_o that_o side_n where_o our_o love_n be_v a_o party_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n it_o be_v a_o safe_a it_o be_v a_o infallible_a principle_n of_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o be_v not_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o hereby_o we_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o our_o former_a sin_n shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n but_o neither_o also_o shall_v our_o infirmity_n and_o frailty_n for_o the_o future_a separate_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n how_o do_v this_o belief_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o serve_v a_o rigorous_a and_o a_o austere_a master_n that_o will_v not_o consider_v our_o frailty_n nor_o make_v abatement_n for_o the_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o no_o god_n be_v very_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n he_o will_v not_o only_o pardon_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v impossible_a or_o grievous_a task_n upon_o they_o he_o consider_v we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n he_o require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o than_o what_o such_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o indeed_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o justifiable_a before_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n how_o cheerful_o therefore_o shall_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v he_o who_o charity_n to_o we_o be_v so_o large_a who_o government_n over_o we_o be_v so_o gentle_a who_o yoke_n be_v so_o easy_a and_o light_a how_o resolute_o shall_v we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o that_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o although_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o many_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v certain_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o that_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o to_o be_v own_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o belove_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o commend_v be_v the_o high_a glory_n that_o a_o creature_n can_v aspire_v unto_o 3._o the_o three_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o our_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o please_v he_o though_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n pardon_v sin_n upon_o repentance_n though_o he_o believe_v that_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o sincerity_n which_o though_o it_o exclude_v wilful_a sin_n yet_o it_o exclude_v not_o imperfection_n and_o humane_a frailty_n yet_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o very_a sincerity_n be_v above_o a_o human_a attainment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n this_o will_v very_o much_o discourage_v he_o from_o endeavour_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o truth_n be_v consider_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o unreadiness_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o importunity_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o vigilance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n if_o man_n be_v leave_v mere_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o cherish_n and_o maintain_v good_a principle_n and_o good_a affection_n in_o man_n than_o it_o be_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n the_o happy_a temper_a man_n will_v make_v but_o very_o inconsiderable_a improvement_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o any_o at_o all_o and_o the_o general_a inability_n of_o man_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v not_o only_o testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o may_v be_v collect_v by_o experience_n now_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o remove_v the_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o this_o consideration_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o honest_o and_o uprighte_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o our_o way_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o we_o in_o so_o special_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o crown_v our_o endeavour_n with_o success_n and_o perseverance_n i._n e._n such_o divine_a help_n as_o shall_v answer_v our_o need_n and_o bear_v a_o full_a proportion_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o must_v go_v through_o with_o that_o god_n will_v do_v this_o for_o we_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o unperceptible_o as_o that_o his_o motion_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o viz._n our_o good_a purpose_n and_o practice_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assist_v good_a man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n for_o though_o one_o man_n can_v persuade_v another_o man_n or_o convey_v his_o own_o thought_n into_o another_o mind_n but_o by_o make_v way_n by_o his_o sense_n yet_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v inform_v and_o persuade_v we_o by_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n without_o make_v use_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a frame_n now_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n for_o all_o those_o purpose_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n and_o happiness_n be_v plain_o understand_v by_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o now_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o earthly_a parent_n be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o impart_v to_o their_o child_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o
may_v be_v as_o ill_a to_o morrow_n and_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o it_o strike_v he_o into_o a_o dulness_n and_o damp_n his_o spirit_n and_o spoil_v all_o his_o gaiety_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o fool_n be_v paradise_n and_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o be_v merry_a by_o keep_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o take_v care_v not_o to_o think_v belove_a if_o a_o man_n have_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n to_o trust_v to_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v melancholy_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v fail_v we_o one_o time_n or_o other_o but_o have_v rather_o live_v on_o without_o presage_v the_o least_o alteration_n in_o our_o affair_n till_o it_o happen_v avoidable_a and_o thus_o many_o person_n dream_v out_o their_o day_n without_o so_o much_o as_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o the_o most_o common_a and_o yet_o most_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o they_o must_v die_v and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o draw_v to_o the_o last_o gasp_n the_o physician_n must_v in_o charity_n give_v they_o still_o some_o hope_n of_o life_n lest_o they_o shall_v die_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o never_o count_v upon_o their_o mortality_n to_o any_o purpose_n but_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o welfare_n upon_o this_o life_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o without_o consider_v how_o weak_a a_o foundation_n they_o build_v upon_o all_o along_o it_o become_v we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o much_o more_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n to_o take_v this_o life_n as_o it_o be_v and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o affect_v they_o no_o far_o and_o next_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o comparison_n to_o which_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n there_o be_v no_o belief_n that_o make_v a_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o more_o easy_a and_o quiet_a than_o that_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n for_o sure_o that_o belief_n which_o support_v any_o man_n under_o any_o evil_n when_o it_o be_v present_a will_v not_o let_v he_o feel_v any_o disturbance_n at_o all_o from_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o present_a 4._o let_v i_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n conclude_v all_o with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o present_a motive_n that_o then_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o truth_n belong_v to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a if_o we_o be_v to_o study_v what_o to_o wish_v and_o may_v have_v it_o for_o the_o wish_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o desire_v for_o the_o quiet_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o give_v we_o the_o true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o and_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v want_v to_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v have_v a_o assure_a interest_n in_o this_o promise_n and_o in_o that_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v it_o good_a or_o whether_o we_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v the_o disposal_n of_o our_o own_o condition_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o particular_a desire_n and_o be_v always_o master_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v very_a fool_n to_o trust_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o take_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n even_o this_o very_a folly_n will_v show_v how_o unfit_a we_o be_v to_o be_v our_o own_o carver_n and_o what_o foolish_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o be_v whole_o to_o dispose_v of_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o devise_v thing_n to_o our_o own_o hurt_n and_o be_v always_o gratify_v a_o present_a appetite_n and_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n till_o we_o have_v lose_v all_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v grow_v wanton_a and_o self-willed_a and_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o please_v we_o or_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o any_o thing_n almost_o to_o make_v we_o miserable_a and_o in_o who_o hand_n be_v we_o most_o safe_a in_o our_o own_o who_o shall_v undo_v ourselves_o even_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o hurtful_a or_o in_o god_n who_o will_v make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o to_o work_v for_o our_o good_a can_v we_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o than_o to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n he_o that_o make_v we_o know_v our_o nature_n better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o he_o love_v we_o more_o wise_o than_o we_o love_v ourselves_o and_o he_o can_v do_v infinite_o more_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v for_o ourselves_o what_o have_v we_o therefore_o to_o do_v but_o with_o entire_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o guidance_n and_o protection_n and_o to_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v we_o to_o resign_v all_o our_o affair_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o if_o my_o whole_a fortune_n in_o the_o world_n depend_v upon_o a_o affair_n too_o intricate_a for_o my_o skill_n and_o far_o beyond_o my_o power_n to_o manage_v sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o welcome_a than_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o friend_n upon_o who_o fidelity_n i_o can_v rely_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n and_o of_o who_o wisdom_n i_o can_v make_v no_o doubt_n if_o he_o will_v undertake_v it_o for_o i_o and_o if_o he_o direct_v i_o what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a method_n and_o require_v i_o to_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o himself_o and_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o event_n certain_o i_o shall_v at_o once_o follow_v his_o direction_n and_o ease_v my_o mind_n of_o all_o far_a care_n such_o be_v the_o case_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o to_o god_n only_o we_o be_v to_o pay_v absolute_a obedience_n and_o in_o god_n only_o we_o can_v put_v a_o absolute_a confidence_n our_o great_a business_n be_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n beyond_o our_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v for_o ourselves_o but_o god_n have_v undertake_v it_o for_o we_o only_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n a_o plain_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v which_o do_v not_o require_v cunning_a and_o subtlety_n but_o simplicity_n and_o honesty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o the_o 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last_o he_o use_v much_o what_o the_o same_o variety_n of_o method_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o fear_v before_o he_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v i_o conceive_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o with_o the_o circumstance_n our_o world_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n since_o as_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o govern_v by_o steady_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o our_o condition_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o we_o can_v be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n make_v our_o obedience_n hard_o to_o we_o but_o other_o have_v be_v in_o the_o like_a to_o forgive_v injury_n though_o they_o be_v great_a be_v no_o new_a burden_n for_o no_o man_n perhaps_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a 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so_o wise_a and_o so_o good_a that_o at_o last_o thou_o shall_v not_o wish_v there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o alteration_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v far_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o suppose_v that_o in_o some_o notable_a respect_n thy_o case_n may_v differ_v from_o another_o man_n yet_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v any_o material_a difference_n between_o thy_o obligation_n and_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v less_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v than_o our_o forefather_n be_v for_o in_o every_o age_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v now_o and_o in_o every_o age_n god_n require_v that_o which_o be_v past_a and_o
indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o 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confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o
and_o their_o part_n quick_a than_o those_o of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a and_o moreover_o that_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v arrive_v to_o great_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n than_o thousand_o of_o religious_a person_n ever_o have_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o equality_n of_o other_o mean_n and_o ability_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n have_v many_o advantage_n above_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o wicked_a may_v possible_o arrive_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o the_o other_o continue_v as_o he_o be_v can_v never_o gain_v now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v possible_o to_o both_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o attain_v by_o the_o good_a man_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o other_o respect_n to_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o wicked_a 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we_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o we_o and_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v we_o be_v a_o impartial_a examination_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n in_o christendom_n pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n be_v it_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o command_n of_o try_v their_o doctrine_n who_o pretend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o revelation_n be_v it_o of_o any_o use_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_a church_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_v by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o always_o suppose_v a_o sincere_a desire_n 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of_o the_o untractable_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n accommodate_v his_o instruction_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o willing_a but_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o captious_a pharisee_n he_o return_v they_o answer_n like_o their_o question_n design_v rather_o to_o silence_v their_o arrogance_n than_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o he_o perceive_v all_o that_o labour_n be_v lose_v upon_o man_n of_o their_o perverse_a mind_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o there_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o modest_a and_o disintere_v thus_o after_o they_o have_v be_v cavil_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o say_v david_n if_o david_n then_o say_v he_o call_v he_o lord_n how_o be_v he_o his_o son_n where_o he_o leave_v they_o speechless_a without_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n for_o he_o know_v reason_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o so_o 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shall_v commit_v such_o crime_n as_o these_o not_o only_o without_o regret_n and_o horror_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a conscience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o my_o understanding_n in_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a matter_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v weak_a than_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n i_o will_v never_o engage_v myself_o with_o the_o contentious_a and_o factious_a i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o party_n and_o will_v not_o serve_v a_o cause_n but_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o follow_v truth_n wherever_o it_o lead_v i_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n than_o this_o that_o when_o man_n be_v lead_v aside_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o their_o reputation_n be_v engage_v and_o they_o be_v make_v fast_o to_o a_o party_n their_o understanding_n be_v so_o disable_v that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o confident_o put_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v thing_n most_o unjustifiable_a and_o believe_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o incredible_a and_o impossible_a let_v we_o therefore_o allow_v st._n peter_n direction_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n by_o he_o give_v viz._n that_o we_o may_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o where_o that_o assembly_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v together_o or_o indeed_o where_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v that_o very_a love_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a desire_n of_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v luxury_n also_o and_o voluptuousness_n and_o a_o impure_a course_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a great_a impediment_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o by_o introduce_v such_o disease_n as_o shatter_v the_o understanding_n and_o dull_a the_o apprehension_n they_o that_o always_o swim_v in_o sensual_a delight_n meet_v with_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n sometime_o that_o shake_v their_o body_n and_o at_o length_n reason_n like_o a_o drown_a pilot_n drop_v off_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o pleasure_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o epicure_n grow_v crazy_a before_o his_o time_n and_o when_o his_o airy_a fancy_n be_v evaporate_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o his_o wit_n be_v grow_v flat_a and_o unweild_o he_o himself_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o young_a debauchee_n that_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n temperance_n and_o regular_n live_v have_v a_o kind_a influence_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a ability_n of_o man_n to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o lengthen_v they_o and_o all_o the_o while_n to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a for_o their_o proper_a employment_n but_o much_o more_o be_v they_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o 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instance_n if_o person_n that_o have_v live_v long_o friendly_a together_o chance_v to_o fall_v out_o immediate_o former_a action_n and_o speech_n be_v remember_v and_o comment_v upon_o and_o a_o ill_a construction_n put_v upon_o they_o though_o till_o that_o time_n they_o be_v take_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v as_o able_a before_o as_o now_o only_o there_o be_v dislike_v now_o instead_o of_o the_o kindness_n that_o be_v before_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o obstruct_v the_o entrance_n of_o truth_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n since_o they_o must_v needs_o create_v a_o aversation_n to_o it_o discourse_n to_o a_o greedy_a worlding_n of_o immortality_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o he_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v it_o be_v as_o insipid_a talk_n to_o he_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philosophy_n to_o a_o child_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o play_n but_o fall_v upon_o some_o discourse_n that_o tend_v to_o get_v drop_v but_o the_o hint_n of_o a_o good_a bargain_n he_o greedy_o embrace_v every_o word_n and_o be_v as_o apprehensive_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o guilty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o their_o belove_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o sin_n do_v more_o or_o less_o bar_v up_o the_o understanding_n against_o divine_a truth_n man_n love_v darkeness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a now_o the_o conclusion_n from_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o one_o side_n one_o habitual_a worldly_a lust_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o true_a apprehensive_a of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o who_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n who_o labour_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n be_v fit_a to_o receive_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o sincere_a intention_n towards_o god_n remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n which_o obstruct_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o moreover_o give_v several_a advantage_n of_o its_o own_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o great_a promise_n of_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o good_a man_n but_o god_n have_v in_o justice_n threaten_v and_o by_o the_o same_o justice_n he_o do_v often_o infatuate_a the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o if_o goodness_n do_v of_o itself_o lead_v to_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a blessing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o the_o sincere_a man_n to_o prosper_v his_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n what_o great_a advantage_n can_v we_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n entitle_v we_o too_o thus_o the_o very_a text_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o promise_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v we_o have_v our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v make_v it_o good_a and_o it_o appear_v by_o other_o place_n that_o something_o more_o be_v here_o mean_v than_o that_o knowledge_n be_v natural_o promote_v by_o goodness_n in_o psal_n 25.9_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a he_o will_v guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o immediate_o again_o the_o meek_a he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n now_o certain_o here_o be_v something_o promise_v to_o the_o meek_a that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o other_o and_o the_o guidance_n and_o teach_v which_o be_v promise_v denote_v clear_o a_o blessing_n on_o their_o understanding_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o meekness_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o god_n will_v more_o plentiful_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o add_v to_o meekness_n purity_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o that_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o such_o person_n ver_fw-la 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n where_o god_n covenant_n explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o secret_n and_o by_o his_o way_n ver_fw-la 9_o that_o way_n of_o god_n in_o ver_fw-la 10._o be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o former_a age_n so_o that_o the_o good_a man_n he_o that_o sincere_o love_v truth_n and_o intend_v obedience_n be_v here_o promise_v a_o signal_n blessing_n on_o his_o
life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o subtle_a reason_n as_o in_o religious_a practice_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o sophister_n because_o they_o have_v that_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v above_o all_o other_o argument_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v entangle_v by_o any_o artificial_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o man_n find_v in_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n be_v always_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n that_o weaken_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v sweet_a to_o the_o carnal_a man_n because_o they_o can_v put_v he_o in_o possession_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v that_o good_a title_n to_o it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v found_v upon_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o false_a nor_o allowable_a always_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o experience_n a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o many_o misguide_a soul_n have_v do_v but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o goodness_n a_o man_n shall_v understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o other_o by_o experience_n better_a than_o he_o can_v by_o mere_a speculation_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v never_o so_o full_o understand_v as_o by_o do_v they_o and_o the_o force_n 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in_o believe_v divine_a truth_n there_o be_v those_o joy_n in_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o just_a conception_n of_o till_o he_o have_v taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a god_n be_v solomon_n say_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o thorough_o understand_v this_o till_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o find_v this_o reward_n but_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o other_o but_o as_o imperfect_o as_o the_o pencil_n do_v life_n and_o motion_n the_o best_a description_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o subject_n and_o if_o we_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n we_o can_v full_o conceive_v it_o nay_o most_o common_o the_o 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and_o evil_a then_o have_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n method_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v this_o blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v procure_v to_o ourselves_o either_o by_o my_o discourse_n or_o by_o your_o hear_n what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n no_o nor_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o illustration_n of_o they_o but_o only_o by_o put_v ourselves_o serious_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o this_o way_n by_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n hold_v good_a of_o this_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n method_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n can_v be_v thorough_o judge_v till_o we_o have_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v finis_fw-la