reconciliation_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o they_o therefore_o at_o any_o time_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o unnatural_a three_o this_o evangelical_n truth_n it_o be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v most_o in_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o he_o desire_v more_o to_o extol_v or_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n or_o which_o he_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o careful_a of_o as_o he_o be_v of_o this_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a indignity_n and_o prosumption_n so_o that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o particular_n now_o that_o as_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o against_o any_o truth_n indefinite_o so_o not_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o we_o may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n either_o against_o this_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v haply_o demand_v as_o pertinent_a to_o this_o present_a discourse_n when_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n be_v we_o say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v or_o may_v be_v do_v divers_a manner_n of_o way_n by_o we_o first_o more_o gross_o and_o direct_o by_o the_o teach_n and_o spread_v of_o error_n when_o any_o do_v deliver_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v therein_o propound_v they_o do_v then_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 5._o such_o a_o one_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o truth_n and_o as_o destitute_a of_o truth_n and_o as_o opposire_v to_o it_o to_o set_v up_o error_n be_v to_o deject_v and_o pull_v down_o truth_n second_o we_o act_n against_o the_o truth_n when_o we_o do_v any_o way_n hinder_v or_o retard_v the_o progress_n and_o propagation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o suffer_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o run_v or_o to_o have_v free_a course_n and_o be_v glorify_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2_o thes_n 3.12_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n guilty_a in_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v herein_o be_v guilty_a of_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o stop_v it_o as_o to_o other_o or_o else_o to_o ourselves_o three_o by_o pervert_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o abuse_v it_o to_o a_o contrary_a purpose_n and_o intent_n as_o when_o man_n shall_v make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o a_o wrest_n and_o strain_v of_o they_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o own_o lust_n they_o do_v thus_o far_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n complain_v of_o some_o in_o his_o time_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n even_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o and_o what_o he_o complain_v of_o then_o be_v that_o also_o which_o may_v still_o be_v find_v frequent_a in_o many_o person_n even_o to_o this_o present_a day_n in_o these_o way_n and_o such_o as_o these_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v and_o reduce_v unto_o they_o may_v we_o be_v say_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n now_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o do_v any_o way_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o especial_o which_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v wary_a how_o they_o be_v any_o way_n faulty_a in_o this_o regard_n to_o have_v this_o sentence_n here_o of_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o often_o and_o frequent_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o real_o and_o deep_o in_o their_o heart_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o especial_o consider_v the_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o do_v so_o there_o be_v none_o which_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o least_o kind_n that_o be_v but_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n for_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n as_o namely_o first_o of_o all_o the_o have_v of_o truth_n itself_o take_v away_o from_o they_o god_n infatuate_v and_o blind_v they_o more_o and_o take_v away_o those_o remainder_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v yet_o abide_v in_o they_o when_o as_o they_o presume_v to_o act_v against_o it_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v that_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.11_o 12._o second_o the_o give_v up_o to_o strange_a and_o enormous_a practice_n when_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o truth_n god_n do_v many_o time_n withdraw_v his_o restrain_v grace_n from_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o very_o vile_a and_o fearful_a lust_n as_o it_o be_v note_v of_o the_o gentile_n that_o because_o they_o retain_v not_o god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n nor_o like_v not_o to_o do_v so_o therefore_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a be_v fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o rom._n 1.28_o 29._o three_o the_o follow_v with_o many_o outward_a and_o temporal_a calamity_n this_o be_v a_o consequent_a of_o the_o depart_n from_o truth_n and_o of_o oppose_v and_o act_v against_o it_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v very_o much_o secure_v those_o place_n and_o person_n which_o maintain_v it_o and_o be_v faithful_a to_o it_o but_o those_o which_o prove_v opposer_n of_o it_o and_o adversary_n to_o it_o they_o do_v oftentimes_o find_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n go_v out_o in_o revenge_n upon_o they_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o particular_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o which_o cause_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o do_v it_o but_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o as_o i_o conceive_v attain_v to_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o expression_n here_o before_o we_o there_o be_v somewhat_o yet_o further_o intend_v in_o it_o than_o as_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v unto_o when_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o be_v by_o take_v truth_n not_o only_o notional_o and_o as_o limit_v to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n but_o also_o moreover_o as_o take_v practical_o and_o as_o extend_v to_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o truth_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n do_v seem_v to_o denote_v the_o whole_a business_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o it_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n thus_o 1_o joh._n 3.19_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o so_o 2_o joh._n 4._o i_o rejoice_v great_o that_o i_o find_v of_o thy_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n and_o 3_o joh._n 12._o demetrius_n have_v good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o in_o all_o which_o place_n and_o the_o like_a the_o word_n truth_n be_v take_v not_o only_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n and_o so_o also_o here_o in_o the_o text_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o may_v be_v offensive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o brief_o do_v with_o god_n assistance_n first_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o second_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o first_o for_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n we_o may_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o christianity_n be_v express_v by_o truth_n when_o the_o apostle_n will_v signify_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o he_o say_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o this_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n i.e._n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o one_o express_v the_o other_o this_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o
be_v a_o dull_a and_o stupid_a people_n so_o they_o be_v a_o incredulous_a and_o pertinacious_a people_n they_o be_v a_o people_n which_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v and_o much_o ado_n there_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o to_o believe_v hence_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n complain_v isa_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v and_o again_o isa_n 65.2_o to_o israel_n he_o say_v all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n to_o a_o disobedient_a and_o gain_v say_v people_n so_o joh._n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o receive_v he_o not_o i.e._n believe_v not_o in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o this_o people_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o eye_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n there_o declare_v they_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o do_v of_o their_o work_n have_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o approve_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n yea_o but_o satan_n have_v blind_v these_o man_n eye_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v they_o up_o unto_o satan_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.10_o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v well_o let_v it_o teach_v we_o all_o for_o our_o particular_n to_o take_v heed_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v the_o hebrew_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o we_o a_o heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n yea_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o admit_v any_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o we_o begin_v once_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v this_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v here_o it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v sure_a foot_n and_o to_o trust_v perfect_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o 1_o pet._n 1.13_o for_o the_o more_o we_o doubt_v the_o more_o still_o we_o may_v doubt_v and_o one_o doubt_n beget_v another_o we_o must_v have_v a_o reason_n and_o a_o demonstration_n and_o a_o sign_n and_o these_o also_o multiply_v and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o unbelieving_a heart_n yea_o we_o know_v not_o how_o we_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o unsettle_a spirit_n whenever_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a judgement_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o evil_a in_o this_o demand_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o ask_v a_o sign_n to_o wit_n their_o infidelity_n the_o three_o be_v their_o hypocrisy_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o false-heartedness_n and_o double-dealing_n in_o this_o request_n of_o they_o for_o why_o they_o intend_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o to_o receive_v the_o truth_n they_o ask_v a_o sign_n for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o if_o they_o have_v have_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v resolve_v for_o all_o that_o to_o hold_v their_o own_o and_o to_o be_v never_o the_o more_o stir_v by_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o have_v they_o here_o be_v now_o their_o dissimulation_n they_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o do_v as_o if_o they_o have_v mean_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o sign_n when-as_a indeed_o they_o mean_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o luk._n 11.16_o it_o be_v say_v they_o seek_v a_o sign_n of_o christ_n tempt_v he_o so_o they_o do_v here_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o hypocrite_n to_o pretend_v a_o unsatisfiableness_n in_o the_o mean_n when_o they_o do_v not_o relish_v the_o thing_n when_o they_o savour_v not_o the_o conclusion_n they_o call_v in_o question_n the_o argument_n and_o to_o require_v a_o condition_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o avoid_v that_o which_o the_o condition_n refer_v to_o these_o jew_n because_o christ_n crucify_v as_o we_o shall_v hear_v god_n will_v hereafter_o be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o they_o a_o thing_n which_o displease_v and_o offend_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v it_o present_o think_v so_o therefore_o to_o put_v it_o off_o with_o a_o pretence_n and_o plausibility_n and_o fair_a outside_n and_o appearance_n they_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o sign_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o they_o they_o require_v a_o sign_n four_o and_o last_o here_o be_v their_o insolency_n and_o unworthy_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n in_o the_o lay_n of_o this_o demand_n and_o that_o as_o express_v itself_o also_o in_o sundry_a particular_n which_o we_o may_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o first_o here_o be_v their_o preposterousness_n and_o presumption_n in_o that_o they_o will_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v god_n to_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o they_o ask_v a_o sign_n take_v a_o sign_n consider_v in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n in_o it_o one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o may_v have_v it_o or_o not_o have_v it_o without_o any_o hurt_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v have_v even_o with_o god_n own_o like_n and_o approbation_n too_o as_o there_o be_v sundry_a example_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n even_o in_o good_a man_n themselves_o but_o here_o be_v the_o miscarriage_n in_o these_o jew_n in_o this_o present_a place_n that_o they_o will_v teach_v god_n and_o set_v he_o a_o rule_n and_o point_n which_o they_o will_v determine_v he_o unto_o that_o when_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o do_v by_o preach_v they_o will_v have_v it_o do_v by_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n bring_v they_o a_o sermon_n they_o will_v needs_o have_v a_o sign_n this_o presumption_n and_o boldness_n and_o self-conceitedness_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o they_o be_v that_o especial_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o much_o censure_n and_o just_a exception_n and_o which_o no_o question_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o that_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n especial_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n we_o must_v take_v thing_n as_o god_n offer_v they_o to_o we_o and_o not_o herein_o be_v our_o own_o carver_n or_o deviser_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v very_o offensive_a and_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v tax_v in_o another_o place_n this_o very_a ask_n of_o a_o sign_n mat._n 12.38_o 39_o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n come_v there_o to_o christ_n with_o this_o demand_n in_o their_o mouth_n master_n we_o will_v see_v a_o sign_n from_o thou_o what_o do_v he_o answer_v they_o hereunto_o why_o say_v he_o a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n seek_v after_o a_o sign_n he_o call_v they_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a for_o their_o labour_n in_o ask_v such_o a_o business_n they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v degenerate_a from_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o a_o demand_n it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o teach_v god_n how_o he_o shall_v teach_v we_o but_o to_o leave_v it_o rather_o to_o himself_o to_o ask_v a_o sign_n be_v here_o a_o presumption_n again_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o ask_v one_o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n likewise_o by_o the_o way_n in_o refuse_v one_o when_o god_n offer_v one_o to_o we_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o ahaz_n isa_n 7.11_o 12._o when_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o sign_n then_o forsooth_o he_o will_v have_v none_o i_o will_v not_o ask_v a_o sign_n etc._n etc._n and_o true_o common_o this_o be_v our_o fashion_n then_o when_o we_o shall_v not_o ask_v any_o thing_n than_o we_o will_v and_o when_o we_o shall_v than_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o it_o be_v just_a in_o this_o present_a business_n as_o concern_v a_o sign_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n among_o the_o rest_n and_o in_o none_o more_o than_o in_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o their_o humour_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o how_o much_o they_o be_v for_o sign_n and_o indeed_o so_o they_o be_v where_o they_o have_v no_o thanks_o for_o
now_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o do_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o as_o they_o discern_v it_o with_o their_o understanding_n so_o they_o likewise_o embrace_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o can_v act_v against_o it_o look_v as_o there_o be_v a_o impotency_n in_o evil_a man_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o impotency_n in_o good_a man_n to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o set_v it_o in_o another_o place_n as_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n in_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o will_v can_v in_o either_o reference_n as_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o flesh_n hinder_v you_o that_o you_o can_v do_v that_o good_a which_o you_o will_v do_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n so_o again_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n hinder_v you_o that_o you_o can_v do_v that_o evil_n which_o you_o will_v do_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n and_o this_o latter_a be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v here_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n he_o mean_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o regenerate_v and_o live_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n in_o they_o so_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n indeed_o though_o otherwise_o when_o as_o leave_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o natural_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v sufficient_o capable_a of_o it_o and_o prone_a and_o inclinable_a to_o it_o as_o in_o case_n of_o desertion_n and_o temptation_n be_v too_o abundant_o declare_v unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o as_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n do_v preserve_v they_o from_o other_o sin_n and_o the_o presumptuous_a commission_n of_o they_o so_o among_o the_o rest_n from_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o set_v against_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o have_v his_o truth_n settle_v in_o they_o three_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o be_v over_o and_o above_o in_o they_o the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o many_o engagement_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o to_o truth_n from_o the_o vow_n and_o promise_n which_o they_o have_v make_v and_o from_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o it_o where_o man_n be_v under_o any_o covenant_n they_o be_v tie_v thoug_a they_o have_v never_o so_o good_a mind_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o affection_n will_v serve_v they_o for_o the_o hinder_v of_o the_o truth_n yet_o their_o promise_n and_o voluntary_a covenant_n be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o they_o they_o have_v solemn_o dedicate_v and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v now_o able_a to_o do_v nothing_o against_o it_o and_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v there_o be_v a_o restraint_n from_o they_o also_o the_o truth_n wherever_o it_o be_v embrace_v it_o do_v sufficient_o reward_v those_o who_o have_v be_v imbracer_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o now_o for_o they_o therefore_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unworthy_a they_o can_v do_v it_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o ingenuity_n that_o be_v another_o and_o the_o three_o consideration_n now_o all_o together_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n in_o this_o particular_a there_o be_v many_o which_o be_v apt_a oftentimes_o to_o wonder_v at_o that_o strictness_n and_o rigidness_n which_o be_v in_o many_o of_o god_n servant_n that_o they_o keep_v so_o close_o to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o shake_v or_o remove_v they_o from_o it_o or_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o here_o be_v now_o a_o true_a account_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o in_o they_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o can_v do_v otherwise_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o himself_o no_o more_o can_v other_o do_v it_o with_o he_o they_o be_v better_o teach_v and_o they_o be_v better_o affect_v and_o they_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o bond_n upon_o they_o and_o restraint_n than_o other_o man_n have_v who_o be_v more_o loose_a and_o at_o liberty_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o for_o they_o they_o can_v do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o selfishness_n or_o peevishness_n or_o perverseness_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o singularity_n as_o the_o world_n be_v ready_a for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o construe_v and_o judge_v and_o interpret_v it_o in_o they_o no_o but_o it_o be_v grace_n and_o religion_n and_o christianity_n we_o can_v i.e._n we_o will_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o we_o of_o principle_n three_o we_o can_v i.e._n we_o shall_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n likewise_o of_o power_n we_o can_v although_o we_o will_v but_o herein_o shall_v be_v prevent_v and_o intercept_v we_o can_v attempt_v it_o and_o we_o can_v effect_v it_o there_o be_v both_o in_o it_o can_v attempt_v it_o as_o prevent_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n deny_v we_o opportunity_n can_v effect_v it_o as_o prevent_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n deny_v we_o success_n first_o we_o can_v attempt_v it_o god_n preserve_v his_o servant_n from_o this_o even_o from_o endeavour_v any_o thing_n against_o truth_n he_o keep_v they_o gracious_o from_o such_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n as_o may_v put_v they_o hereupon_o and_o beside_o what_o we_o speak_v of_o before_o the_o general_a frame_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n consider_v as_o regenerate_v there_o be_v the_o particular_a act_n and_o restraining_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o whereby_o he_o do_v keep_v they_o from_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n and_o sin_n as_o this_o be_v god_n servant_n be_v under_o a_o bless_a conduct_n and_o government_n which_o do_v prevail_v upon_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o those_o evil_n and_o snare_n which_o other_o be_v take_v with_o and_o do_v very_o ready_o fall_v into_o we_o can_v that_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o attempt_v it_o he_o deny_v opportunity_n but_o than_o second_o we_o can_v i.e._n we_o shall_v not_o effect_v it_o as_o deny_v success_n this_o it_o hold_v good_a both_o of_o themselves_o and_o all_o man_n else_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o can_v prosperous_o we_o can_v successful_o we_o can_v safe_o we_o may_v do_v it_o but_o we_o have_v better_o let_v it_o alone_o can_v too_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o but_o we_o have_v as_o good_a spare_v ourselves_o a_o labour_n can_v as_o to_o any_o real_a prejudice_n or_o disparagement_n to_o truth_n itself_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o do_v most_o against_o it_o yet_o indeed_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o never_o shall_v this_o although_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o direct_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n but_o rather_o the_o other_o which_o we_o mention_v before_o with_o some_o other_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o afterward_o as_o also_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o word_n and_o may_v by_o way_n of_o overplus_n and_o redundancy_n be_v take_v in_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o to_o we_o even_o to_o signify_v and_o declare_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o endeavour_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n veritas_fw-la magna_fw-la est_fw-la &_o praevalebit_fw-la the_o truth_n be_v strong_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o prevail_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v against_o it_o yet_o this_o all_o be_v as_o good_a as_o nothing_o it_o will_v at_o last_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n now_o as_o not_o be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o intend_v i_o only_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o it_o by_o the_o way_n so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o word_n of_o emphasis_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v explain_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n can_v there_o be_v a_o force_n in_o that_o the_o second_o be_v the_o word_n anything_o for_o so_o indeed_o it_o
voluntary_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o from_o whence_o in_o conclusion_n they_o do_v just_o return_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o according_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v to_o own_a and_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o david_n this_o evil_a thought_n which_o he_o here_o have_v against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o diabolical_a representation_n make_v to_o his_o fancy_n and_o a_o thing_n mere_o apprehend_v by_o he_o in_o the_o proposition_n while_o deny_v and_o contradict_v in_o his_o judgement_n but_o it_o be_v in_o part_n assent_v to_o by_o he_o for_o the_o time_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n though_o occasion_v from_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o so_o he_o do_v here_o very_o just_o and_o deserve_o style_v it_o his_o own_o this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n and_o according_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n of_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o follow_v by_o ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o which_o be_v to_o take_v those_o sin_n upon_o ourselves_o which_o we_o be_v indeed_o guilty_a of_o there_o be_v many_o who_o when_o they_o have_v any_o distemper_n or_o miscarriage_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v withal_o be_v apt_a to_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o it_o and_o to_o charge_v it_o whole_o upon_o satan_n who_o be_v their_o spiritual_a enemy_n now_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v guilty_a of_o much_o of_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o persuade_v and_o tempt_v we_o to_o yet_o withal_o we_o must_v know_v that_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o innocent_a ourselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n in_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n by_o nature_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o devil_n to_o tempt_v he_o will_v of_o itself_o incline_v he_o to_o the_o great_a sin_n that_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o may_v very_o well_o be_v jealous_a and_o suspicious_a of_o it_o upon_o every_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n so_o to_o be_v as_o we_o may_v not_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o satan_n so_o we_o may_v not_o charge_n satan_n with_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v restrain_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v not_o in_o this_o case_n even_o wrong_v the_o devil_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v least_o in_o so_o do_v we_o do_v indeed_o at_o last_o wrong_v ourselves_o the_o psalmist_n here_o give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a pattern_n to_o this_o purpose_n this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n but_o especial_o which_o i_o in_o part_n hint_v and_o touch_v upon_o before_o here_o be_v a_o discharge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n from_o any_o blame_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o david_n have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v reason_v and_o quarrel_v with_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o friendly_a and_o faithful_o with_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n but_o now_o upon_o better_a thought_n he_o resolve_v all_o into_o his_o own_o distemper_n and_o thereby_o free_v the_o lord_n from_o any_o fault_n or_o miscarriage_n at_o all_o then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n that_o be_v when_o i_o have_v consider_v well_o of_o it_o i_o see_v there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o but_o only_o in_o myself_o it_o be_v not_o his_o unfaithfulness_n but_o my_o distrustfulness_n it_o be_v not_o his_o unmercifulness_n but_o my_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n and_o perverseness_n all_o the_o blame_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o drist_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o expression_n and_o so_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o that_o whatever_o exception_n any_o make_v against_o the_o way_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o not_o so_o acceptable_a to_o they_o they_o shall_v at_o last_o upon_o better_a consideration_n find_v the_o fault_n to_o be_v whole_o in_o themselves_o and_o acquit_v and_o discharge_v he_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v true_a when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o liar_n that_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o overcome_v when_o he_o judge_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o rom._n 3.4_o and_o again_o that_o every_o mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v and_o all_o the_o world_n become_v guilty_a before_o god_n rom._n 3.28_o 29._o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o his_o work_n be_v perfect_a for_o all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he_o as_o moses_n proclaim_v he_o deut._n 32.4_o he_o be_v my_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o another_o place_n indeed_o he_o give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n as_o elihu_n speak_v neither_o be_v it_o fit_v he_o shall_v but_o if_o he_o be_v to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v able_a from_o the_o justness_n and_o equity_n and_o fairness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o they_o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n therefore_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o prevent_v all_o contrary_a thought_n in_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o charge_v god_n foolish_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o of_o pass_a censure_n upon_o his_o way_n and_o do_n as_o we_o be_v sometime_o apt_a to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o very_o great_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o we_o and_o so_o at_o last_o when_o we_o come_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o acknowledge_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n here_o do_v before_o we_o in_o this_o present_a text._n god_n will_v one_o day_n have_v the_o better_a of_o all_o his_o servant_n in_o this_o particular_a both_o by_o approve_v himself_o to_o their_o conscience_n and_o also_o make_v they_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o when_o all_o come_v to_o all_o in_o conclusion_n after_o his_o severe_a deal_n with_o they_o they_o shall_v yield_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o he_o and_o take_v shame_n and_o rebuke_v to_o themselves_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o disease_n then_o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n the_o second_o be_v the_o pitch_v or_o fasten_v upon_o the_o remedy_n in_o these_o word_n but_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a where_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o particular_a we_o may_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o general_n and_o so_o in_o it_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o disposition_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a which_o be_v when_o he_o spy_v himself_o to_o be_v under_o any_o temptation_n or_o spiritual_a distemper_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o cure_n and_o recovery_n of_o it_o thus_o do_v david_n here_o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n well_o and_o what_o then_o do_v he_o now_o lie_v down_o under_o it_o or_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o it_o no_o but_o he_o present_o scatter_v it_o and_o shake_v it_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v from_o himself_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o any_o to_o let_v sin_n to_o lie_v long_o upon_o the_o soul_n or_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n which_o he_o do_v offer_v unto_o we_o no_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v to_o suppress_v and_o subdue_v they_o in_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o disease_n out_o of_o hand_n to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o remedy_n and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a ground_n for_o it_o the_o one_o be_v the_o painfulness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o danger_n first_o it_o be_v painful_a and_o troublesome_a like_o a_o thorn_n which_o be_v get_v into_o the_o foot_n it_o breed_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o disquietness_n with_o it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v there_o and_o till_o it_o be_v get_v out_o of_o it_o even_o so_o be_v sin_n in_o the_o conscience_n it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o painfulness_n with_o it_o and_o especial_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v any_o thing_n more_o tender_a and_o sensible_a as_o it_o be_v in_o gracious_a and_o holy_a person_n in_o such_o as_o these_o especial_o it_o be_v full_a of_o grief_n and_o disquietness_n and_o therefore_o out_o with_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v second_o it_o be_v also_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a as_o disease_n which_o be_v long_o continue_v be_v more_o difficult_o cure_v sero_fw-la medecina_fw-la paratur_fw-la cum_fw-la mala_fw-la per_fw-la longas_fw-la inualuêre_fw-la moras_fw-la look_v there_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n such_o
and_o by_o himself_o three_o in_o man_n eminent_o i._n e._n in_o the_o best_a man_n that_o be_v first_o in_o man_n that_o be_v in_o whole_a mankind_n by_o take_v it_o collective_o it_o be_v as_o i_o in_o part_n hint_v and_o signify_v before_o annex_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n now_o since_o his_o fall_n to_o abound_v with_o vain_a and_o foolish_a device_n when_o you_o name_v a_o man_n you_o name_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v full_a of_o such_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n and_o extravagancy_n as_o these_o be_v thus_o in_o psal_n 14.2_o which_o be_v again_o repeat_v and_o so_o confirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom_n 3.10_o the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v understand_v and_o seek_v god_n they_o be_v all_o go_v aside_o they_o be_v altogether_o become_v unprofitable_a there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o second_o in_o man_n distributive_o and_o particular_o take_v they_o one_o by_o one_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o person_n in_o who_o that_o nature_n be_v yea_o but_o this_o of_o vain_a thought_n and_o unprofitable_a contrivance_n be_v so_o either_o more_o or_o less_o this_o have_v i_o find_v count_v one_o by_o one_o to_o find_v out_o the_o account_n eccles_n 7.27_o and_o what_o do_v he_o find_v out_o loe_o he_o find_v this_o that_o god_n make_v man_n righteous_a and_o not_o he_o only_o but_o they_o also_o that_o be_v man_n in_o his_o distrustfullness_n find_v out_o many_o invention_n and_o many_o device_n one_o man_n have_v oftentimes_o many_o device_n three_o in_o man_n eminent_o that_o be_v in_o the_o best_a man_n that_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v not_o only_o be-lev_a adham_n but_o be-lev_a be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n which_o have_v a_o more_o emphatical_a signification_n with_o it_o and_o be_v usual_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o excellency_n and_o advancement_n indeed_o in_o such_o man_n as_o these_o they_o be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o restraint_n and_o qualification_n but_o yet_o even_o in_o they_o they_o be_v at_o least_o by_o fit_n and_o turn_n even_o in_o man_n otherwise_o of_o the_o great_a perfection_n whether_o for_o wisdom_n or_o learning_n or_o power_n or_o even_o piety_n itself_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 3.20_o and_o not_o only_o of_o wise_a to_o the_o world_n but_o sometime_o even_o of_o better_a principle_n when_o they_o swerve_v and_o depart_v from_o they_o as_o we_o give_v you_o a_o instance_n before_o in_o david_n himself_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o he_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o device_n in_o general_n namely_o man._n the_o particular_a subject_n or_o seat_n of_o they_o be_v here_o express_v to_o be_v the_o heart_n many_o device_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o say_v so_o device_n seem_v rather_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o head_n than_o to_o the_o heart_n how_o be_v they_o then_o say_v to_o be_v in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o various_a account_n which_o may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o expression_n device_n in_o the_o heart_n first_o as_o take_v synecdochical_o the_o heart_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v very_o often_o and_o frequent_o take_v especial_o in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n the_o denomination_n be_v take_v from_o that_o part_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a above_o the_o rest_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o affection_n and_o conscience_n and_o memory_n all_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o so_o common_o call_v which_o because_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o the_o device_n of_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n in_o this_o general_a construction_n second_o in_o the_o heart_n original_o as_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o what_o ever_o a_o man_n do_v or_o device_n it_o come_v first_o from_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v generale_fw-mi principium_fw-la a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n as_o solomon_n speak_v prov._n 16.9_o which_o be_v so_o both_o in_o good_a and_o in_o evil._n out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n say_v our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 7.21_o which_o be_v true_a of_o thought_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o whether_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o contrivance_n first_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n if_o you_o take_v it_o so_o man_n device_n they_o here_o proceed_v from_o their_o heart_n all_o these_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n and_o whimsy_n and_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o many_o people_n take_v up_o withal_o they_o take_v their_o rise_n first_o from_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o foul_a and_o distemper_a stomach_n send_v up_o noisome_a vapour_n into_o the_o brain_n and_o disturb_v that_o even_o so_o it_o be_v also_o here_o if_o man_n have_v better_a heart_n they_o will_v have_v better_a head_n than_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o have_v at_o least_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o more_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o will_v make_v they_o better_a to_o relish_v it_o and_o close_o with_o it_o and_o to_o yield_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o whereas_o now_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n restrain_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o off_o from_o it_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o doctrine_n which_o man_n stick_v at_o as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o those_o point_n which_o consider_v as_o truth_n they_o can_v but_o in_o some_o manner_n hearken_v and_o listen_v unto_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o concretion_n of_o their_o judgement_n yet_o as_o holy_a they_o can_v away_o withal_o from_o the_o corruption_n and_o perverseness_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o either_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o attend_v to_o the_o reason_n which_o make_v for_o they_o or_o else_o incline_v they_o contrary_a to_o concretion_n to_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n the_o way_n to_o make_v many_o person_n to_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n divine_v be_v indeed_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o make_v they_o real_a and_o wary_a christian_n especial_o in_o such_o point_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n and_o marrow_n of_o christianity_n where_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v not_o need_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v teach_v they_o but_o as_o the_o anoint_v itself_o will_v teach_v they_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n and_o that_o also_o abide_v in_o they_o so_o also_o second_o in_o matter_n of_o contrivance_n and_o design_n it_o hold_v here_o likewise_o that_o man_n device_n be_v according_a to_o their_o heart_n those_o who_o have_v naughty_a and_o rot_a heart_n they_o have_v common_o answerable_a speculation_n and_o their_o project_n be_v suitable_a thereunto_o the_o liberal_a man_n devise_v liberal_a thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a work_v iniquity_n as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n tell_v we_o in_o isa_n 32.7_o 8._o so_o psal_n 36.4_o it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o mischievous_a person_n that_o he_o devise_v mischief_n upon_o his_o bed_n and_o set_v himself_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o it_o be_v the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v concern_v a_o ungodly_a man_n in_o prov._n 6.14_o who_o be_v there_o call_v a_o naughty_a person_n adham_n belijagnot_n and_o ish_n aven_n that_o frowardness_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o devise_v mischief_n continual_o he_o devise_v it_o and_o he_o devise_v it_o continual_o because_o his_o heart_n carry_v he_o to_o it_o which_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o continue_a principle_n that_o do_v always_o abide_v in_o he_o therefore_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v some_o account_n of_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o reflection_n as_o man_n heart_n be_v so_o be_v he_o and_o as_o a_o man_n device_n be_v so_o be_v his_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o of_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n by_o the_o stream_n which_o issue_v from_o it_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o which_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v it_o in_o rom._n 8.5_o 6._o take_v a_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a condition_n and_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o he_o devise_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o may_v either_o nourish_v or_o at_o least_o gratify_v and_o agree_v with_o such_o a_o
reprobate_n for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o word_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v word_n which_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n so_o there_o be_v a_o double_a end_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o they_o there_o be_v finis_fw-la operis_fw-la and_o finis_fw-la operantis_fw-la both_z and_o so_o we_o must_v here_o take_v it_o the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o work_n and_o worker_n truth_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n people_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o in_o its_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n likewise_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o discharge_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o have_v a_o arm_n and_o eye_n to_o those_o gracious_a end_n and_o purpose_n whereunto_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n look_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o these_o two_o they_o be_v two_o thing_n and_o be_v sometime_o separate_v one_o from_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o which_o the_o office_n they_o sustain_v and_o the_o ministry_n wherein_o they_o be_v employ_v that_o be_v not_o against_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o end_n themselves_o in_o their_o exercise_n and_o discharge_v of_o they_o now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a and_o mindful_a of_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o employ_v in_o any_o public_a service_n he_o shall_v labour_v to_o have_v affection_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o place_n which_o he_o sustain_v or_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v undertake_v by_o he_o even_o to_o have_v such_o end_n in_o undertake_v of_o it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n respect_n otherwise_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o for_o it_o nay_o we_o may_v do_v much_o for_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o manage_n of_o it_o yea_o may_v fulfil_v our_o lust_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o we_o perform_v our_o duty_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o here_o who_o in_o the_o word_n here_o before_o we_o express_v not_o only_o to_o we_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o also_o the_o gracious_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o motive_n or_o reason_n especial_o which_o do_v make_v for_o our_o activity_n for_o truth_n the_o one_o be_v because_o it_o need_v it_o and_o the_o other_o be_v because_o it_o deserve_v it_o the_o text_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o it_o be_v here_o propound_v to_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o make_v up_o to_o we_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o text._n first_o in_o the_o negative_a how_o it_o be_v not_o in_o these_o word_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o second_o in_o the_o affirmative_a how_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n we_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o negative_a proposition_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n he_o speak_v it_o of_o himself_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v true_a both_o of_o all_o other_o minister_n and_o christian_n beside_o it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n and_o condition_n which_o they_o be_v in_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o various_a interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o several_a force_n of_o the_o word_n first_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o may_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o command_n secon_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o will_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o principle_n three_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o shall_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o power_n first_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o may_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o command_n or_o prohibition_n from_o god_n himself_o a_o christian_n may-not_a and_o he_o can_v be_v all_o one_o id_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la potest_fw-la that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n and_o so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n of_o resist_v and_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v because_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o he_o be_v god_n allow_v no_o man_n in_o this_o and_o least_o of_o all_o those_o who_o by_o special_a service_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v prejudice_v religion_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n in_o any_o respect_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o be_v do_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v his_o own_o natural_a and_o genuine_a offspring_n so_o that_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o be_v consequent_o to_o do_v somewhat_o against_o he_o which_o be_v that_o which_o he_o can_v approve_v of_o as_o even_o gamaliel_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o act._n 5.39_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o happy_o you_o be_v find_v even_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n god_n he_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n and_o so_o all_o truth_n it_o issue_v from_o he_o and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o therefore_o let_v none_o take_v liberty_n to_o themselves_o in_o it_o as_o too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v who_o make_v nothing_o of_o truth_n nor_o of_o injure_v and_o oppose_v of_o it_o think_v they_o may_v do_v with_o it_o as_o they_o please_v without_o control_v no_o they_o may_v not_o do_v so_o god_n take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o his_o truth_n above_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v nothing_o offensive_a to_o it_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o may_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o command_n second_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o will_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o principle_n it_o be_v against_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o can_v do_v it_o i._n e._n and_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o pretend_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n consider_v as_o christian_n under_o that_o notion_n and_o reduplication_n be_v uncapable_a of_o oppose_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v altogether_o incompatible_a to_o they_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o christian_a condition_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a particular_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o as_o first_o from_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o fullness_n of_o conviction_n in_o their_o undershanding_n there_o be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o they_o from_o thence_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o oppose_v truth_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v they_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o 2_o pet._n 2.12_o but_o those_o which_o do_v know_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v much_o engage_v for_o it_o as_o paul_n while_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o state_n of_o opposition_n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o than_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o he_o this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o they_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v against_o the_o truth_n they_o shall_v contradict_v their_o own_o light_n which_o they_o can_v so_o well_o do_v light_n it_o have_v a_o restrain_v power_n with_o it_o and_o do_v keep_v man_n from_o many_o strange_a practice_n which_o they_o will_v otherwise_o fall_v into_o second_o as_o from_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o judgement_n so_o also_o from_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o gracious_a savour_n and_o tincture_n in_o their_o affection_n this_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o keep_v they_o in_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v pretty_a good_a judgement_n and_o their_o understanding_n be_v indifferent_o well_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o free_a from_o oppose_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v rot_v and_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o their_o spirit_n be_v unsound_a in_o they_o from_o whence_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o extinguish_v that_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o but_o
read_v these_o their_o doom_n in_o mark_n 8.38_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n mark_v not_o only_o ashamed_a of_o i_o but_o ashamed_a of_o my_o word_n that_o be_v of_o my_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o he_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o of_o he_o also_o will_v christ_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o will_v wish_v to_o be_v own_v by_o he_o again_o other_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o own_o truth_n yet_o will_v do_v little_a for_o it_o as_o to_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o though_o as_o a_o ravish_a virgin_n it_o cry_v out_o for_o their_o aid_n and_o relief_n yet_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v helpful_a to_o it_o but_o be_v content_a to_o see_v it_o even_o undo_v before_o their_o eye_n there_o be_v few_o which_o have_v tender_a bowel_n towards_o truth_n or_o active_a hand_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n take_v upon_o he_o here_o in_o this_o text_n in_o the_o behalf_n not_o only_o of_o himself_o but_o also_o of_o his_o fellow-labourer_n and_o brethren_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v all_o act_n against_o it_o but_o close_o with_o all_o opportunity_n for_o it_o not_o any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n nay_o further_a which_o seem_v also_o to_o be_v include_v their_o necessary_a inclination_n hereunto_o for_o so_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o can_v but_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n as_o there_o be_v a_o impotency_n to_o opposition_n so_o there_o be_v a_o impotency_n likewise_o to_o neutrality_n and_o remissness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n in_o their_o reply_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n which_o prohibit_v they_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v act._n 4.20_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n that_o it_o be_v all_o inflame_a with_o a_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o can_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n administer_v to_o it_o but_o express_v and_o show_v itself_o for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v sometime_o with_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n jer._n 20.9_o his_o word_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o burning-fire_n shut_v up_o in_o his_o bone_n he_o be_v weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o can_v not_o stay_v or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o come_v sometime_o to_o athens_n and_o see_v the_o city_n whole_o give_v to_o idolatry_n it_o be_v say_v his_o spirit_n be_v stir_v in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v put_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o a_o fever_n through_o his_o zeal_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n upon_o that_o occasion_n this_o have_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o god_n servant_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o be_v as_o we_o may_v see_v especial_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o martyr_n they_o can_v not_o withhold_v but_o they_o must_v show_v themselves_o for_o truth_n sometime_o even_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o hazard_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o they_o from_o that_o root_n and_o settlement_n and_o foundation_n which_o it_o have_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o so_o much_o for_o that_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o affirmative_a proposition_n likewise_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v seem_v to_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a text._n i_o may_v very_o well_o begin_v it_o again_o and_o make_v a_o new_a sermon_n upon_o it_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v we_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o point_n nor_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n we_o have_v hitherto_o handle_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o relative_n consideration_n of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o we_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o intimate_v in_o the_o connexive_a for_o as_o to_o the_o join_n of_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o former_a both_o together_o and_o to_o make_v they_o dependent_a upon_o one_o another_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o now_o i_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o you_o do_v no_o evil_a not_o that_o we_o shall_v appear_v approve_v but_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v honest_a though_o we_o be_v as_o reprobate_n now_o he_o add_v for_o we_o can_v etc._n etc._n he_o speak_v it_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministerial_a authority_n among_o they_o which_o he_o signify_v to_o be_v in_o he_o not_o for_o himself_o so_o much_o as_o for_o they_o nor_o for_o his_o own_o respect_n and_o advancement_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v chief_o and_o especial_o and_o principal_o regard_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a with_o they_o whether_o in_o the_o reprove_v or_o punish_v of_o offender_n he_o do_v still_o desire_v herein_o to_o approve_v himself_o as_o one_o that_o aim_v at_o justice_n and_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o that_o administration_n as_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o end_n for_o which_o that_o power_n be_v indeed_o bestow_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a and_o direct_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n as_o they_o here_o lie_v before_o we_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o limitation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o ministerial_a power_n and_o that_o again_o twofold_a first_o as_o consider_v in_o the_o office_n and_o ministry_n itself_o and_o second_o as_o consider_v in_o the_o person_n namely_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-apostle_n and_o minister_n which_o be_v then_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o office_n and_o ministry_n itself_o there_o be_v here_o in_o these_o word_n a_o limitation_n fasten_v upon_o that_o while_o it_o be_v say_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o etc._n etc._n and_o thereby_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o ministerial_a authority_n be_v not_o extend_v beyond_o christian_a edification_n the_o apostle_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o consistent_a with_o religiou_n whether_o consider_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o the_o practice_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a likewise_o to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o in_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o for_o though_o i_o shall_v boast_v more_o of_o our_o authority_n which_o the_o lora_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o your_o destruction_n this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v and_o whereunto_o it_o do_v tend_v not_o destruction_n but_o edification_n so_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o over_o rule_v your_o several_a lot_n and_o division_n but_o as_o ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v not_o for_o our_o own_o private_a advantage_n but_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v true_a as_o to_o either_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n whether_o of_o doctrine_n or_o censure_n first_o if_o we_o take_v it_o of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v limit_v and_o bound_v by_o this_o minister_n they_o have_v a_o didactical_a authority_n and_o authority_n of_o teach_v god_n have_v commit_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o to_o they_o alone_o there_o be_v none_o have_v authority_n of_o dispense_n the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o be_v especial_o call_v and_o design_v thereunto_o but_o yet_o this_o authority_n even_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n it_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o truth_n we_o can_v here_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n minister_n have_v not_o power_n to_o impose_v any_o doctrine_n or_o maxim_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o they_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n they_o may_v not_o make_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o require_v assent_n unto_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v it_o also_o in_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o not_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n
apostle_n here_o express_v it_o and_o nothing_o less_o or_o inferior_a to_o it_o which_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.3_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a 2_o cor._n 5.17_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n either_o of_o our_o state_n or_o conversation_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o still_o with_o reference_n and_o respect_n have_v to_o these_o sometime_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n sometime_o by_o walk_v in_o love_n sometime_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n sometime_o by_o walkng_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o this_o here_o of_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n this_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o be_v to_o act_v in_o we_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la principii_fw-la as_o the_o bias_n whereby_o we_o be_v move_v the_o second_o be_v per_fw-la modum_fw-la metae_fw-la sen_fw-la termini_fw-la as_o the_o mark_n whereunto_o we_o be_v carry_v and_o so_o this_o phrase_n it_o do_v denote_v unto_o we_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o follow_a conversation_n after_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o power_n and_o height_n of_o those_o principle_n in_o they_o and_o so_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o render_v according_a those_o that_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o these_o two_o now_o take_v together_o do_v as_o i_o conceive_v make_v the_o sense_n complete_a and_o the_o latter_a still_o suppose_v the_o former_a as_o many_o as_o be_v indeed_o make_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a creation_n and_o do_v walk_v suitable_o to_o it_o peace_n be_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v that_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o set_v down_o and_o to_o propound_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o working_n of_o that_o that_o they_o conform_v hereunto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n which_o may_v be_v hence_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o we_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o its_o equivalency_n to_o be_v urge_v in_o sundry_a other_o place_n beside_o thus_o eph._n 5.8_o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o you_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n so_o col._n 3.9_o 10._o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n etc._n etc._n put_v on_o therefore_o bowel_n etc._n etc._n so_o again_o 1_o thes_n 5.5_o 6._o you_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o let_v we_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a still_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o principle_n and_o working_n of_o it_o be_v make_v the_o ground_n and_o pattern_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o christian_n ohedience_n and_o the_o frame_n and_o square_n of_o his_o life_n which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o we_o be_v show_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v by_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v as_o regenerate_v a_o bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v lay_v forth_o in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a particular_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o thus_o to_o walk_v first_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v take_v up_o by_o we_o we_o be_v herein_o to_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n in_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v sound_a in_o divinity_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o incongruous_a in_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v hereby_o examine_v those_o point_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o whether_o they_o agree_v with_o this_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v they_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n agree_v both_o together_o and_o look_v as_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o any_o time_n suggest_v by_o he_o to_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o the_o write_a word_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o neither_o by_o he_o set_v down_o in_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o influenre_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o inward_a man_n the_o one_o be_v the_o counterpane_n of_o the_o other_o and_o declare_v what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o when_o i_o say_v the_o mind_n i_o mean_v the_o mind_n as_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v there_o be_v some_o which_o appeal_v to_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o natural_a consideration_n and_o so_o make_v humane_a reason_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o be_v a_o lesbian_a rule_n and_o which_o will_v not_o hold_v no_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v regenerate_v and_o repair_v whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v and_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o it_o in_o order_n hereunto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o best_a discovery_n of_o such_o doctrine_n to_o we_o hence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o unction_n and_o anoint_v which_o shall_v teach_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.20_o 27._o which_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o some_o fanatical_a person_n will_v have_v they_o now_o in_o these_o day_n of_o such_o a_o light_n within_o we_o as_o do_v exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v of_o ordinance_n but_o as_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a hereunto_o there_o be_v some_o point_n in_o divinity_n the_o right_a resolution_n whereof_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o our_o book_n as_o in_o our_o heart_n which_o therefore_o not_o neglect_v the_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o for_o this_o intent_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n in_o they_o be_v indeed_o oftentimes_o and_o most_o usual_o the_o want_n of_o this_o because_o we_o be_v stranger_n at_o home_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o set_v our_o wit_n on_o work_n rather_o than_o our_o conscience_n by_o want_n of_o a_o due_a reflection_n and_o look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o observe_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o carriage_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n or_o if_o not_o so_o yet_o at_o least_o a_o mistake_n of_o common_a grace_n for_o sanctify_v and_o make_v that_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v but_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o civility_n and_o education_n a_o measure_n of_o god_n by_o ourselves_o and_o make_v his_o thought_n to_o be_v like_o our_o thought_n this_o be_v that_o which_o lay_v a_o ground_n to_o those_o error_n about_o freewill_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o perseverance_n and_o such_o as_o these_o which_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o great_a scholar_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n where_o mean_a part_n sometime_o hold_v out_o because_o the_o one_o speak_v out_o of_o conjecture_n and_o the_o other_o out_o of_o christian_a feeling_n now_o therefore_o the_o way_n to_o settle_v we_o in_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o this_o present_a direction_n which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o and_o by_o reduce_v these_o point_n of_o difficulty_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n which_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v circumstantial_a and_o of_o less_o concernment_n may_v be_v different_a one_o from_o another_o look_v as_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a physician_n that_o shall_v deliver_v such_o a_o point_n in_o physic_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o nature_n and_o which_o all_o man_n find_v and_o feel_v in_o their_o body_n so_o he_o must_v also_o be_v as_o weak_a and_o fond_a a_o divine_a who_o shall_v deliver_v such_o a_o point_n in_o divinity_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o grace_n and_o which_o all_o christian_n find_v and_o feel_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v as_o much_o and_o as_o general_a certainty_n in_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o yet_o in_o essential_o and_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o those_o which_o think_v contrary_a to_o they_o must_v deny_v even_a religion_n itself_o that_o be_v one_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n namely_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v take_v up_o by_o we_o second_o in_o matter_n of_o censure_n and_o