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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n word_n world_n worthy_a 276 4 6.3413 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26810 Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1699 (1699) Wing B1128; ESTC R4307 200,199 485

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what_o beautify_v the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o degree_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o divine_a truth_n one_o illustrate_v and_o infer_v another_o there_o be_v a_o harmonious_a agreement_n between_o they_o one_o support_v another_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o apply_v our_o mind_n intense_o to_o understand_v they_o how_o many_o that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_a proficient_o in_o the_o school_n of_o heaven_n of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o reprehension_n they_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o that_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n whereas_o other_o be_v come_v to_o full_a age_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v more_o perfect_o good_a and_o evil_n how_o many_o professor_n need_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o they_o pretend_v to_o exempt_v their_o ignorance_n from_o discredit_n that_o it_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n they_o shall_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o provisional_a establishment_n as_o the_o levitical_a law_n there_o be_v no_o other_o alliance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n no_o other_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v for_o sin_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n be_v complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ._n now_o some_o understand_v more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o the_o contrivance_n and_o part_n of_o our_o mysterious_a redemption_n and_o be_v comparative_o perfect_a all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o real_a value_n infinite_o inferior_a to_o save_v truth_n there_o may_v be_v knowledge_n without_o save_a grace_n but_o no_o save_a grace_n without_o knowledge_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o lead_a faculty_n conversion_n begin_v in_o the_o renew_a mind_n you_o be_v darkness_n now_o you_o be_v light_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_a for_o our_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n but_o by_o the_o intervening_a of_o the_o enlighten_v applicative_a understanding_n the_o conscience_n that_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o from_o whence_o our_o immediate_a obligation_n arise_v to_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a and_o some_o be_v perfective_a some_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o clearness_n as_o other_o and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o damn_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o save_v but_o every_o divine_a truth_n be_v worthy_a of_o our_o attentive_a consideration_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n for_o they_o contribute_v to_o our_o perfection_n we_o shall_v strive_v to_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n that_o as_o the_o sun_n gradual_o ascend_v the_o horizon_n till_o it_o give_v light_a to_o the_o day_n and_o day_n to_o the_o world_n so_o our_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a till_o we_o be_v complete_o transform_v into_o his_o glorious_a image_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v entire_o like_o he_o 2._o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v more_o vital_a affective_a and_o practical_a it_o be_v more_o perfective_a of_o we_o divine_a truth_n have_v a_o goodness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o due_o know_v without_o a_o 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nature_n of_o sanctify_a truth_n in_o civil_a matter_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o discourse_n and_o direction_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o performance_n and_o in_o holy_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n and_o in_o word_n and_o a_o knowledge_n that_o order_v the_o conversation_n aright_o the_o first_o be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o accidental_o pernicious_a according_a to_o solomon_n expression_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n a_o small_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v productive_a of_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v far_o more_o valuable_a than_o a_o more_o large_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o a_o spot_n of_o ground_n cultivate_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n be_v more_o profitable_a than_o a_o large_a field_n that_o lie_v waste_a 2._o 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express_v he_o destroy_v the_o perfect_a and_o the_o 22._o wicked_a it_o be_v record_v of_o noah_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n in_o his_o generation_n 6._o in_o a_o age_n when_o wickedness_n reign_v when_o chastity_n be_v expel_v from_o the_o number_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n be_v censure_v as_o a_o vice_n when_o impiety_n be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o deluge_n be_v necessary_a to_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o such_o sinner_n then_o the_o sanctity_n and_o piety_n of_o noah_n shine_v as_o brightness_n issue_v from_o the_o star_n he_o appear_v perfect_o good_a compare_v with_o the_o prodigious_o bad_a 2._o in_o compare_v the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o some_o be_v style_v perfect_a there_o be_v different_a degree_n among_o sinner_n some_o be_v so_o dispose_v to_o wickedness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v denominate_v from_o as_o many_o ruffinum_n vice_n that_o possess_v their_o soul_n as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o man_n speak_v 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to_o the_o
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n bu●_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n respect_v man_n redemption_n never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v but_o be_v as_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v god_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o or_o as_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v and_o divine_a attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v know_v a_o person_n and_o his_o excellent_a virtue_n intellectual_a and_o moral_a but_o we_o can_v believe_v in_o he_o without_o some_o discovery_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o we_o 3._o the_o motive_n of_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v divine_a faith_n 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work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
temptation_n from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o these_o motive_n upon_o man_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n if_o these_o method_n be_v unsuccessful_a to_o turn_v man_n from_o god_n he_o try_v to_o make_v terrible_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o afflict_a evil_n by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o perverse_a world_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o victorious_a principle_n that_o defeat_v all_o his_o design_n and_o overcome_v all_o his_o strength_n in_o mechanical_a operation_n we_o judge_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o mover_n how_o easy_o a_o weight_n will_v be_v move_v thus_o when_o eternal_a reality_n be_v by_o faith_n put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o temporal_a vanity_n they_o infinite_o outweigh_v they_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o judicious_a comparison_n our_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v 4._o but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o extreme_o vilify_v thing_n present_a and_o magnify_v thing_n future_a all_o that_o be_v pleasant_a or_o painful_a here_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o in_o true_a value_n be_v infinite_o inferior_a to_o the_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v i_o count_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o affliction_n of_o the_o present_a time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o since_o the_o impression_n of_o pain_n be_v incomparable_o strong_a and_o more_o affect_v humane_a nature_n than_o impression_n of_o pleasure_n one_o sharp_a pain_n dead_v the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o the_o most_o vehement_a pleasure_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o true_a value_n infinite_o inferior_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o the_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n here_o can_v satisfy_v the_o narrow_a faculty_n of_o sense_n the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v but_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n our_o most_o comprehensive_a faculty_n there_o be_v more_o shadow_n than_o light_n in_o our_o bright_a condition_n more_o gall_n than_o honey_n in_o our_o sweet_a fruition_n but_o suppose_v the_o appearance_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n gild_v with_o specious_a tincture_n be_v true_o great_a and_o goodly_a joyful_a and_o satisfy_a according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o carnal_a man_n yet_o the_o price_n will_v extreme_o fall_v by_o consider_v they_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n than_o the_o flight_n and_o expire_a breath_n of_o our_o present_a life_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n be_v like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n in_o its_o appear_v and_o vanish_v the_o long_a line_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o period_n be_v but_o a_o point_n to_o eternity_n now_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v fade_v be_v not_o true_a happiness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n nor_o correspondent_a to_o our_o reasonable_a desire_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o its_o approach_a end_n will_v embitter_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v double_o infinite_a in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o happiness_n be_v a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o any_o touch_n or_o shadow_n of_o evil._n humane_a language_n have_v not_o word_n worthy_a or_o full_o significant_a to_o describe_v it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o goodness_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o immortal_a soul_n according_a to_o its_o utmost_a capacity_n and_o desire_n it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o offer_v such_o violence_n to_o their_o understanding_n as_o calm_o consider_v and_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o prefer_v the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n that_o pass_v away_o before_o the_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a happiness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o future_a eternal_a thing_n such_o be_v their_o victorious_a power_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o objective_a efficacy_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o their_o existence_n but_o from_o their_o evidence_n to_o our_o mind_n now_o according_a as_o our_o apprehension_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n more_o steadfast_a of_o thing_n future_a such_o impression_n be_v make_v either_o of_o terror_n or_o desire_n in_o our_o breast_n the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o 11._o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o represent_v thing_n future_a and_o distant_a as_o present_v and_o in_o our_o actual_a possession_n a_o superficial_a fluctuate_a belief_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o state_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o encounter_v present_a temptation_n and_o vanquish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n concern_v thing_n present_a will_v preponderate_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o declare_v thing_n future_a infinite_o to_o exceed_v they_o all_o fire_n have_v heat_n but_o not_o strong_a enough_o to_o melt_v down_o gold_n and_o silver_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n in_o every_o degree_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o world_n a_o radicate_v firm_a belief_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n the_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o our_o sure_a right_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v cause_v all_o the_o false_a colour_n of_o this_o world_n the_o shadow_n in_o masquerade_n to_o disappear_v the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n fix_v our_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o the_o son_n of_o a_o king_n and_o heir_n of_o a_o kingdom_n will_v invincible_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o title_n a_o sincere_a believer_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o his_o eternal_a interest_n in_o it_o will_v live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o die_v for_o it_o if_o necessity_n require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o have_v a_o vital_a taste_n a_o joy_n sincere_a and_o sweet_a that_o make_v the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n nauseous_a as_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o so_o hope_n be_v reciprocal_o as_o a_o strong_a pillar_n that_o establish_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v for_o one_o voluntary_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n the_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o prepare_a plague_n for_o those_o who_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n hereafter_o will_v make_v all_o the_o evil_n threaten_v and_o inflict_v upon_o the_o godly_a here_o to_o be_v contemptible_a if_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o army_n of_o evil_n let_v faith_n draw_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n there_o be_v many_o temptation_n we_o can_v avoid_v there_o be_v none_o but_o we_o may_v vanquish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n like_o aaron_n rod_n turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n that_o swallow_v up_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o magician_n will_v over-rule_v the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o make_v those_o evil_n that_o to_o naked_a nature_n be_v invincible_a easy_o endure_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o proud_a tyrant_n upon_o their_o throne_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a executioner_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o triumph_n if_o the_o same_o object_n have_v not_o the_o same_o efficacy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o faith_n if_o faith_n decline_v we_o shall_v faint_v and_o die_v away_o peter_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o when_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n shake_v his_o faith_n he_o present_o sink_v the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o christ_n power_n when_o a_o storm_n fall_v upon_o the_o ship_n our_o saviour_n first_o rebuke_v their_o fear_n before_o he_o lay_v the_o storm_n why_o be_v you_o afraid_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n as_o a_o danger_n more_o near_o and_o of_o worse_a consequence_n let_v we_o try_v the_o singular_a efficacy_n of_o faith_n by_o exercise_v of_o it_o upon_o eternal_a object_n let_v our_o faith_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o as_o lively_a a_o manner_n the_o eternal_a judgement_n as_o enoch_n have_v a_o prospect_n of_o it_o behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o judge_v all_o the_o ungodly_a let_v faith_n direct_v its_o view_n to_o he_o rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v in_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o father_n glory_n as_o constitute_v by_o he_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o mighty_a angel_n his_o attendant_n let_v
mercy_n he_o that_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o charity_n be_v a_o productive_a grace_n that_o enrich_v the_o giver_n more_o than_o the_o receiver_n honour_n the_o lord_n with_o thy_o substance_n and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o increase_n 10._o so_o shall_v thy_o barn_n be_v fill_v with_o plenty_n and_o thy_o press_n burst_v out_o with_o new_a wine_n he_o that_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a lend_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o sign_v himself_o our_o debtor_n for_o what_o be_v lay_v out_o for_o he_o and_o he_o will_v pay_v it_o with_o interest_n not_o only_o with_o eternal_a treasure_n hereafter_o but_o in_o outward_a blessing_n here_o riches_n obtain_v by_o regular_a mean_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o effusion_n of_o his_o bounty_n but_o sometime_o by_o admirable_a way_n he_o give_v a_o present_a reward_n as_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v numerous_a example_n of_o god_n blast_v the_o covetous_a either_o by_o a_o gangrene_n in_o their_o estate_n that_o consume_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n or_o by_o the_o luxury_n and_o profuseness_n of_o their_o child_n so_o it_o be_v as_o visible_a he_o prosper_v the_o merciful_a sometime_o by_o a_o secret_a blessing_n dispense_v by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n and_o sometime_o in_o succeed_v their_o diligent_a endeavour_n in_o their_o calling_n but_o it_o be_v object_v the_o liberal_a be_v not_o always_o prosperous_a to_o this_o a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o external_n act_v of_o charity_n may_v be_v perform_v from_o vicious_a motive_n without_o a_o mixture_n of_o internal_a affection_n which_o make_v they_o accept_v of_o god_n 2._o suppose_v a_o christian_n abound_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o be_v not_o reward_v here_o this_o special_a case_n do_v not_o infringe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o temporal_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v with_o a_o exception_n unless_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n see_v it_o better_o not_o to_o bestow_v they_o but_o he_o always_o reward_v they_o in_o kind_n or_o eminent_o in_o give_v more_o excellent_a blessing_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v a_o reward_n more_o worthy_a the_o desire_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n our_o saviour_n assure_v the_o young_a man_n sell_v all_o and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n eternal_a hope_n be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a than_o temporal_a possession_n the_o apostle_n charge_v 19_o the_o rich_a to_o do_v good_a to_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n not_o of_o merit_n but_o assurance_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o i_o can_v direct_v the_o covetous_a how_o to_o exchange_v a_o weight_n of_o silver_n for_o a_o equal_a weight_n of_o gold_n or_o a_o weight_n of_o gold_n for_o a_o equal_a weight_n of_o diamond_n how_o attentive_o will_v they_o hear_v and_o earnest_o follow_v such_o profitable_a counsel_n but_o what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o earthly_a and_o heavenly_a treasure_n godliness_n of_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o charity_n be_v a_o excellent_a part_n be_v profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n it_o make_v our_o profit_n eternal_o profitable_a it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n not_o on_o earth_n the_o land_n of_o their_o banishment_n but_o in_o the_o celestial_a country_n the_o place_n of_o their_o nativity_n chap._n iii_o pride_n consider_v in_o its_o nature_n kind_n and_o degree_n it_o consist_v in_o a_o immoderate_a appetite_n of_o superiority_n it_o be_v moral_a or_o spiritual_a arrogance_n vainglory_n and_o ambition_n be_v branch_n of_o it_o a_o secret_a undue_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellency_n the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o praise_n the_o aspire_a after_o high_a place_n and_o title_n of_o honour_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o pride_n spiritual_a pride_n consider_v a_o presume_v upon_o self-fufficiency_a to_o obtain_v man_n end_n a_o reliance_n upon_o their_o own_o direction_n and_o ability_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n sin_n commit_v with_o design_n and_o deliberation_n be_v from_o insolence_n a_o vain_a presumption_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o man_n spiritual_a estate_n pride_n be_v in_o the_o front_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v pride_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o cure_n apparent_a from_o many_o consideration_n the_o proper_a mean_n to_o allay_v the_o tumour_n of_o pride_n 4._o pride_n of_o life_n be_v join_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n pride_n destroy_v both_o world_n it_o transform_v angel_n into_o devil_n and_o expel_v they_o from_o heaven_n it_o degrade_v man_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o creation_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o expel_v he_o from_o paradise_n i_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n consist_v in_o a_o irregular_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n of_o superiority_n and_o have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o be_v the_o affectation_n of_o honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n beyond_o their_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n the_o other_o be_v the_o arrogate_a they_o as_o due_a to_o a_o person_n beyond_o his_o just_a desert_n the_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v moral_a and_o spiritual_a which_o be_v sometime_o conceal_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o often_o declare_v in_o the_o aspect_n and_o action_n according_o it_o be_v either_o arrogance_n that_o attribute_n a_o undue_a pre-eminence_n to_o a_o man_n self_n and_o exact_v undue_a respect_n from_o other_o or_o vainglory_n that_o affect_v and_o be_v feed_v with_o praise_n or_o ambition_n that_o hot_o aspire_v after_o high_a place_n and_o title_n of_o precedency_n and_o power_n all_o which_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o universal_a name_n of_o pride_n 1._o pride_n include_v a_o secret_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o excellency_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o its_o branch_n self_n love_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o deep_o impress_v in_o the_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o flatterer_n more_o subtle_a and_o conceal_v more_o easy_o and_o willing_o believe_v than_o this_o affection_n love_n be_v blind_a towards_o other_o and_o more_o towards_o one_o self_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o intimate_a and_o dear_a as_o when_o the_o lover_n and_o the_o person_n belove_v be_v the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o high_a opinion_n and_o secret_a sentiment_n man_n entertain_v of_o their_o own_o special_a worth_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n deceitful_a to_o itself_o man_n look_v into_o the_o enchant_a glass_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o be_v vain_o enamour_a with_o the_o false_a reflection_n of_o their_o excellency_n self_n love_n hinder_v the_o sight_n of_o those_o imperfection_n which_o discover_v will_v lessen_v the_o liberal_a esteem_n of_o themselves_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o more_o obscure_a object_n to_o its_o eye_n than_o the_o most_o distant_a star_n in_o the_o heaven_n seneca_n tell_v of_o some_o that_o have_v a_o strange_a infirmity_n in_o their_o eye_n that_o wherever_o they_o turn_v they_o encounter_v the_o visible_a move_a image_n of_o themselves_o of_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n it_o proceed_v from_o quaest_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o visive_a faculty_n that_o for_o want_v of_o spirit_n derive_v from_o the_o brain_n can_v penetrate_v through_o the_o diaphonous_a air_n to_o see_v object_n but_o every_o part_n of_o the_o air_n be_v a_o reflect_a glass_n of_o themselves_o that_o which_o he_o conjecture_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v most_o true_a of_o the_o moral_a the_o subject_a of_o our_o discourse_n it_o be_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o judicative_a faculty_n do_v not_o discover_v the_o worth_n of_o other_o but_o see_v only_o a_o man_n self_n as_o singular_a in_o perfection_n and_o none_o superior_a or_o equal_a or_o near_o to_o he_o a_o proud_a man_n will_v take_v a_o rise_n from_o any_o advantage_n to_o foment_n pride_n some_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o body_n beauty_n or_o strength_n some_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n riches_n or_o honour_n and_o every_o one_o think_v himself_o sufficient_o furnish_v with_o understanding_n for_o reason_n be_v the_o distinguish_a excellency_n of_o a_o man_n from_o the_o brute_n a_o defectiveness_n in_o that_o be_v very_o disgraceful_a and_o the_o title_n of_o fool_n the_o most_o sting_a reproach_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o our_o saviour_n gradation_n whoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n be_v liable_a to_o judgement_n whoever_o say_v racha_n
be_v no_o past_a and_o to_o come_v he_o see_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o view_n not_o only_a event_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o constraint_n of_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o depend_v upon_o cause_n various_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a this_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o our_o own_o for_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v true_o felix_n infinite_a and_o our_o mind_n be_v narrow_a and_o finite_a 3._o the_o humane_a understanding_n in_o our_o lapse_v state_n be_v dark_a and_o defile_v weaken_a and_o vitiate_a of_o this_o we_o have_v innumerable_a instance_n although_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o illustrious_o visible_a in_o the_o creation_n yet_o even_o the_o wise_a heathen_a represent_v he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o be_v high_o blasphemous_a they_o can_v not_o conceive_v his_o infiniteness_n but_o make_v every_o attribute_n a_o god_n they_o transform_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o earthly_a die_a man._n and_o the_o papist_n transform_v a_o mortal_a man_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n they_o attribute_v to_o the_o pope_n a_o power_n of_o contradict_v the_o divine_a law_n for_o though_o god_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n so_o strict_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o have_v annex_v to_o the_o prohibition_n the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_v of_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n yet_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o pope_n command_v all_o his_o adorer_n to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o dead_a saint_n he_o arrogate_v a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o oath_n the_o most_o sacred_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o thereby_o authorise_v perjury_n 4._o though_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v supernatural_a mystery_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o can_v be_v who_o can_v prove_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a can_v by_o a_o infinite_a communication_n of_o himself_o be_v in_o distinct_a subsistence_n it_o be_v true_a our_o reason_n may_v find_v unaccountable_a difficulty_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v three_o in_o the_o subsistence_n of_o person_n and_o three_o one_o in_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o two_o nature_n so_o different_a and_o immense_o distant_a as_o finite_a and_o infinite_a mortal_a and_o immortal_a shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n without_o confusion_n of_o their_o property_n but_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v inconceivable_o great_a we_o must_v exalt_v faith_n and_o depress_v reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n we_o infinite_o disparage_v he_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o credit_n we_o give_v to_o a_o suspect_a witness_n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o other_o truth_n that_o right_a reason_n comprehend_v and_o receive_v without_o reluctancy_n that_o man_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n natural_a conscience_n be_v their_o accuser_n a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o can_v neither_o die_v with_o they_o nor_o without_o they_o that_o every_o sin_n need_v pardon_n be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v just_a be_v know_v by_o the_o general_a light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v become_v god_n to_o pardon_v sin_n in_o a_o way_n honourable_a to_o his_o justice_n be_v as_o certain_a now_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o divine_a justice_n require_v the_o endure_a the_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v dishonour_v by_o it_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n must_v be_v by_o a_o person_n of_o equal_a dignity_n and_o consequent_o only_a god_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n now_o reason_n dictate_v that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v satisfaction_n must_v be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o criminal_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n from_o hence_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o deity_n be_v incapable_a of_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v give_v value_n to_o the_o suffering_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisito_fw-la that_o the_o deity_n shall_v assume_v our_o nature_n capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v result_v from_o their_o conjunction_n this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o honourable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o conspicuous_a character_n and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o a_o doctrine_n true_o divine_a this_o maintain_v the_o royalty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_n of_o justice_n this_o secure_v our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whether_o god_n infinite_o provoke_v by_o our_o rebellious_a sin_n will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admire_v the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o to_o adore_v those_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o same_o connexion_n in_o error_n as_o in_o divine_a truth_n for_o they_o who_o rob_v our_o saviour_n of_o his_o natural_a glory_n his_o eternal_a deity_n vilify_v and_o disbelieve_v the_o value_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n by_o which_o our_o pardon_n be_v obtain_v in_o short_a the_o fabric_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contrivance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 6._o the_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o comparison_n and_o example_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n for_o they_o prove_v and_o persuade_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v our_o saviour_n to_o cure_v the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o pharisee_n tell_v they_o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o men._n the_o expression_n be_v strange_a to_o a_o wonder_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o defect_n to_o god_n but_o he_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o declare_v with_o emphasis_n that_o god_n be_v always_o equal_a to_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o need_n to_o strain_v his_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o strong_a opposition_n the_o same_o apostle_n argue_v against_o infidel_n that_o say_v how_o be_v the_o dead_a raise_v up_o and_o with_o what_o body_n do_v they_o come_v thou_o fool_n that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v be_v not_o quicken_v except_o it_o die_v and_o that_o which_o thou_o sowe_v thou_o sowe_v not_o that_o body_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o bare_a grain_n it_o may_v chance_v of_o wheat_n or_o some_o other_o grain_n but_o god_n tert._n give_v it_o a_o body_n as_o please_v he_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v witness_n of_o such_o a_o admirable_a resurrection_n in_o nature_n which_o our_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v shall_v it_o not_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o wonder_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o both_o all_o difficulty_n vanish_v before_o infinite_a power_n st._n paul_n declare_v i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 1._o able_a to_o keep_v that_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o till_o that_o day_n we_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n will_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o glorious_a body_n by_o the_o power_n whereby_o he_o can_v subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o clear_a spring_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a foundation_n of_o judge_v thing_n attend_v with_o difficulty_n to_o compare_v the_o difficulty_n and_o to_o determine_v
our_o judgement_n for_o that_o which_o have_v least_o now_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v than_o to_o deny_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o many_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o declare_v those_o thing_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o gloss_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o without_o reverence_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o word_n rack_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v not_o and_o use_v all_o art_n to_o silence_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v reveal_v unhappy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d that_o affect_v to_o be_v esteem_v ingenious_a and_o subtle_a to_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n how_o much_o safe_o and_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o turn_n and_o shift_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o elude_v it_o and_o extricate_v heretical_a person_n out_o of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v their_o opinion_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o our_o redemption_n shall_v have_v declare_v it_o and_o engage_v his_o disciple_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n in_o a_o error_n of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_v those_o who_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o a_o person_n sincere_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o supernatural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o involuntary_a and_o speculative_a error_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o pretence_n have_v deceive_v many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_n deceive_v man_n still_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o most_o deceitful_a to_o itself_o who_o can_v say_v that_o neither_o interest_n nor_o passion_n neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n neither_o anger_n nor_o ambition_n have_v intervene_v in_o his_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n but_o he_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n before_o all_o temporal_a respect_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v this_o imaginary_a man_n produce_v his_o plea_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v reason_n the_o sovereign_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o determine_v such_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v true_a prodigious_a inference_n the_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o error_n that_o make_v the_o narrow_a mind_n of_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o that_o horrible_a compofition_n of_o heresy_n and_o execrable_a impiety_n which_o so_o many_o that_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n but_o antichristian_o in_o belief_n bold_o publish_v they_o will_v choose_v to_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o infinite_a importance_n rather_o than_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n and_o which_o be_v astonish_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o 2._o the_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o but_o insolent_o arrogate_v a_o right_a to_o determine_v thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a ignorance_n the_o more_o invincible_a be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o when_o the_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v from_o a_o vicious_a will_n both_o the_o error_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o inexcusable_a when_o the_o corrupt_a will_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o carnal_a lust_n when_o a_o temptation_n divert_v it_o from_o a_o serious_a and_o sincere_a consider_v the_o reason_n that_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v divine_a doctrine_n their_o unbelief_n will_v be_v just_o punish_v the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o evil_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n pride_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n and_o carnal_a lust_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o so_o many_o renounce_v those_o eternal_a truth_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o speculative_a error_n can_v be_v damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n in_o his_o original_a state_n be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o regular_a in_o its_o direction_n now_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o disorder_a and_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v any_o error_n induce_v guilt_n and_o if_o obstinate_o defend_v expose_v to_o judgement_n some_o truth_n be_v write_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o write_v 2._o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v the_o hurtfulness_n of_o the_o error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o some_o truth_n be_v necessary_a other_o profitable_a some_o error_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o by_o consequence_n undermine_v they_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a heresy_n capital_a error_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n 19_o 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o a_o speculative_a error_n the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o worship_n in_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o clear_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v of_o three_o infinite_a being_n for_o by_o necessity_n one_o will_v limit_v another_o the_o apostle_n declare_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n be_v to_o form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o obey_v god_n for_o in_o it_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n admirable_a love_n to_o man_n of_o his_o unspotted_a holiness_n his_o incorruptible_a justice_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o divine_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o most_o ravish_a image_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o give_v and_o of_o man_n to_o receive_v brief_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n without_o faith_n in_o he_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o redemption_n by_o he_o when_o christ_n perform_v miraculous_a cure_n he_o require_v of_o the_o person_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v elect_v mercy_n ordain_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n the_o 2._o apostle_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v indispensable_a qualification_n in_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o his_o incarnate_a son_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n this_o infinite_o provoke_v 10._o he_o and_o inflame_v his_o indignation_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o despise_v he_o it_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o essential_a and_o his_o acquire_v glory_n by_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a love_n of_o god_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v not_o only_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n have_v declare_v when_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n whoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v whoever_o believe_v not_o shall_v
few_o have_v a_o natural_a generosity_n or_o christian_a mercy_n and_o mean_n to_o express_v and_o exercise_v it_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o do_v not_o affect_v man_n with_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o part_n with_o their_o money_n to_o relieve_v they_o as_o the_o balsam_n tree_n do_v not_o drop_v its_o heal_a liquor_n till_o the_o bark_n be_v cut._n sometime_o the_o great_a number_n of_o suitor_n be_v a_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o bounty_n none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o divine_a in_o the_o deity_n and_o become_v his_o nature_n than_o his_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o mother_n with_o equal_a pleasure_n nourish_v the_o child_n with_o her_o milk_n as_o the_o child_n draw_v it_o for_o the_o breast_n be_v uneasy_a till_o empty_v god_n much_o more_o rejoice_v in_o do_v good_a than_o we_o in_o receive_v it_o we_o be_v also_o assure_v of_o obtain_v spiritual_a blessing_n by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o power_n with_o god_n he_o take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v as_o to_o the_o father_n perfume_n and_o present_v our_o request_n to_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a reception_n when_o we_o be_v under_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o god_n will_v deny_v our_o prayer_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n it_o be_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o love_n in_o the_o mediator_n nor_o prevalency_n in_o his_o mediation_n beside_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n be_v plenteous_o convey_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o rich_a degree_n be_v reserve_v as_o a_o honour_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o ascension_n it_o be_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v liberal_o shed_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v liberal_o pour_v forth_o but_o the_o bestow_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o the_o triumphant_a ascension_n of_o christ._n thou_o have_v ascend_v on_o high_a thou_o have_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o receive_v gift_n for_o man_n that_o be_v from_o the_o father_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o victory_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v they_o to_o men._n the_o principal_a gift_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o good_a thing_n the_o promise_n be_v perform_v under_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v pour_v forth_o of_o my_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n upon_o all_o flesh_n there_o be_v some_o sprinkling_n of_o it_o under_o the_o law_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o separate_a nation_n but_o now_o shower_n be_v pour_v down_o upon_o all_o nation_n to_o purify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o 8._o death_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o fiery_a law_n so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o its_o original_a and_o operation_n convince_v of_o sin_n and_o constrain_v conscience_n to_o inflict_v torment_v impression_n on_o the_o soul_n the_o presage_n of_o future_a judgement_n but_o afford_v no_o spiritual_a grace_n to_o obey_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v weak_a and_o unprofitable_a but_o the_o 19_o gospel_n convey_v supernatural_a strength_n to_o obtain_v supernatural_a happiness_n it_o be_v foretold_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o 8._o be_v feeble_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o david_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v as_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o they_o add_v far_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v our_o desire_n and_o god_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n christ_n be_v our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o inflame_v our_o affection_n and_o exciting_a in_o we_o filial_a trust_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n they_o that_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n if_o we_o be_v impotent_a in_o resist_a temptation_n and_o in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o divine_a assistance_n be_v ready_a upon_o our_o desire_n to_o confirm_v we_o our_o impotence_n be_v voluntary_a and_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o consequent_a sin_n but_o be_v a_o antecedent_n sin_n the_o sharp_a reproof_n we_o read_v from_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o their_o guilty_a impotence_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v o_o faithless_a and_o perverse_a generation_n how_o long_o shall_v i_o be_v with_o you_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o suffer_v you_o he_o have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o heal_v disease_n and_o expel_v evil_a spirit_n but_o they_o have_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v that_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n how_o just_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o sting_a reproach_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o by_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o partake_v of_o a_o rich_a abundance_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v more_o grace_n by_o impatration_n so_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v increase_v frequent_a prayer_n have_v a_o cleanse_a virtue_n in_o that_o as_o those_o who_o often_o come_v into_o the_o king_n presence_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v in_o decent_a habit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disparage_v in_o his_o sight_n so_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n will_v cleanse_v themselves_o from_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o holy_a majesty_n humility_n faith_n reverence_n love_n zeal_n resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n compassion_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o other_o excellent_a grace_n be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o activity_n and_o as_o acquire_v habit_n so_o infuse_v be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n frequent_v shoot_a not_o only_o make_v person_n more_o skilful_a in_o direct_v the_o arrow_n to_o the_o mark_n but_o more_o able_a to_o draw_v a_o strong_a bow_n none_o be_v more_o holy_a in_o conversation_n than_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n our_o saviour_n pray_v himself_o into_o heaven_n and_o a_o divine_a lustre_n appear_v in_o his_o countenance_n by_o our_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n will_v be_v impress_v upon_o we_o and_o brighten_v our_o conversation_n brief_o according_a to_o the_o raise_a operation_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v obtain_v more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o it_o from_o heaven_n for_o in_o bestow_v the_o first_o grace_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a giver_n but_o in_o dispense_n new_a degree_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v 3._o frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n and_o serious_a meditation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n the_o conception_n and_o propagation_n the_o sustain_a and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o productive_a and_o preserve_a cause_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n it_o be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o food_n to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v the_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n wine_n for_o the_o faint_a and_o strong_a meat_n to_o confirm_v those_o of_o mature_a age._n there_o be_v a_o objective_a virtue_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v apt_a and_o sufficient_a to_o regenerate_v we_o and_o to_o increase_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o new_a life_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o to_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v it_o be_v 30._o a_o kind_a of_o miracle_n in_o nature_n that_o a_o p●ma_fw-la sience_n of_o a_o good_a tree_n graft_v into_o a_o sour_a stock_n draw_v the_o vital_a moisture_n from_o the_o root_n and_o convert_v it_o for_o the_o produce_v generous_a and_o pleasant_a fruit_n the_o engraft_a word_n be_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n overrule_v the_o carnal_a nature_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n will_n affection_n and_o action_n holy_a and_o heavenly_a answerable_a to_o its_o quality_n the_o command_v of_o
it_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a direct_v we_o in_o our_o universal_a duty_n the_o promise_n be_v precious_a encourage_v we_o by_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o reward_n the_o threaten_n terrible_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o instrumental_a fitness_n in_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o perfect_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o convey_v the_o revelation_n to_o we_o have_v a_o congruity_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o ear_n the_o first_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n be_v by_o it_o through_o the_o ear_n be_v the_o entrance_n of_o death_n it_o be_v now_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v know_v god_n by_o sight_n now_o by_o hear_v when_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v enlighten_v from_o heaven_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n he_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o work_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n be_v a_o minister_a spirit_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a office_n for_o he_o that_o preach_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o the_o doctrine_n declare_v by_o he_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o therefore_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o affect_v other_o when_o a_o holy_a fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n it_o will_v inflame_v the_o lip_n the_o mind_n convince_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o heart_n persuade_v the_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o instrument_n can_v effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v without_o it_o be_v direct_v and_o apply_v for_o that_o end_n so_o without_o a_o superior_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o give_v vital_a power_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v without_o efficacy_n what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o natural_a life_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v from_o god_n mouth_n a_o minister_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o rhetoric_n can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n without_o the_o omnipotent_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o they_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n than_o come_v only_o in_o word_n when_o it_o pierce_v no_o further_a than_o the_o ear_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n to_o try_v word_n and_o distinguish_v different_a sound_n and_o voice_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o ear_n the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o pass_v into_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o heart_n that_o make_v a_o change_n so_o real_a and_o great_a in_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n as_o be_v express_v by_o substantial_a production_n it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n become_v effectual_a for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n when_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o entire_a obedience_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n and_o of_o future_a judgement_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o decision_n the_o divine_a law_n be_v universal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o some_o and_o needless_a for_o other_o but_o must_v be_v obey_v without_o partiality_n notwithstanding_o the_o repugnance_n of_o the_o carnal_a passion_n when_o it_o be_v serious_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o hearer_n be_v induce_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o preparation_n and_o resolution_n of_o yield_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a nor_o injure_v than_o this_o that_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n this_o all_o profess_v in_o the_o general_n but_o contradict_v in_o particular_n when_o a_o temptation_n cross_v the_o precept_n now_o the_o first_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o believe_v it_o with_o so_o steadfast_a a_o assent_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o reform_v the_o whole_a man_n 2._o with_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v join_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n this_o be_v declare_v by_o st._n peter_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a appetite_n of_o food_n to_o maintain_v it_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o its_o necessity_n cause_n a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o suitable_a supply_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v it_o this_o be_v experiment_a in_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o attend_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o not_o mere_o to_o prevent_v the_o sharp_a reflection_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o impious_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o that_o proceed_v from_o fear_n not_o from_o desire_n but_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n not_o in_o a_o airy_a flashy_a knowledge_n that_o be_v only_o fruitful_a to_o increase_v gild_n and_o punishment_n but_o substantial_a and_o save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v influential_a upon_o practice_n hear_v be_v in_o order_n to_o do_v and_o do_v be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o evil_n do_v no_o hurt_n nor_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n do_v no_o good_n feeding_n without_o digest_v the_o food_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n afford_v no_o nourishment_n nor_o strength_n the_o most_o diligent_a hear_n and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o practice_n be_v not_o profitable_a the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v content_v that_o divine_a truth_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o understanding_n if_o he_o can_v intercept_v their_o passage_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o conversation_n he_o practise_v over_o continual_o the_o first_o temptation_n to_o induce_v we_o by_o guile_n to_o choose_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n we_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n 3._o that_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n it_o must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n david_n say_v i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n cause_v his_o continual_a meditation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a root_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o season_n if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o remember_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n prescribe_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o man_n use_v in_o remember_v and_o practise_v rule_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o health_n of_o their_o body_n and_o it_o be_v just_o requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v more_o since_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n infinite_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n how_o holy_a and_o bless_v will_v they_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o roman_a physician_n that_o be_v conducive_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o soul_n after_o celsus_n a_o full_a meal_n abstain_v from_o laborious_a action_n that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v concenter_v in_o the_o stomach_n for_o digestion_n otherwise_o if_o divert_v and_o employ_v in_o labour_n the_o stomach_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o crudity_n thus_o after_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o thought_n shall_v not_o be_v scatter_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v recollect_v and_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v digest_v into_o practice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n she_o keep_v th●se_a say_n and_o 19_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n there_o be_v powerful_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hear_v i_o that_o be_v with_o subjection_n of_o soul_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o in_o one_o instance_n he_o have_v declare_v how_o much_o approve_v and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o for_o when_o martha_n be_v employ_v about_o entertain_v he_o and_o mary_n be_v attentive_a to_o receive_v his_o instruction_n he_o say_v mary_n have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o his_o feed_n mary_n be_v more_o