come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therefore_o much_o less_o can_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o merit_v it_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o affirm_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o good_a work_n proceed_v from_o grace_n be_v meritorious_a of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n alas_o what_o be_v our_o prayer_n our_o sigh_n our_o tear_n yea_o our_o very_a blood_n shall_v we_o spend_v it_o for_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o poor_a imperfect_a thing_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v in_o they_o any_o infinite_a worth_n and_o value_n to_o counterbalance_v our_o sin_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o they_o add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o other_o transgression_n they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o make_v one_o blot_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n remembrance_n but_o may_v well_o make_v more_o item_n there_o against_o we_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v quit_v score_n with_o divine_a justice_n by_o what_o they_o can_v do_v or_o suffer_v heaven_n will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o needless_o lavish_a as_o to_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o lead_v a_o afflict_a life_n and_o to_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n only_o for_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n second_o the_o pardon_v grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o free_a in_o respect_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o cost_v he_o the_o price_n of_o blood_n it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o cross_v the_o debt-book_n without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 9.22_o and_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n matth._n 26.28_o and_o although_o possible_o god_n may_v according_a to_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n have_v free_o remit_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n only_o by_o a_o free_a and_o gracious_a act_n of_o mercy_n yet_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v otherwise_o declare_v in_o his_o unalterable_a word_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o recompense_n make_v he_o for_o all_o our_o offence_n it_o have_v be_v a_o wrong_n to_o his_o veracity_n if_o not_o to_o his_o justice_n to_o have_v grant_v the_o pardon_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o full_a price_n and_o satisfaction_n no_o satisfaction_n can_v be_v make_v correspondent_a to_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o a_o infinite_a god_n but_o by_o a_o infinite_a person_n who_o be_v god_n himself_o for_o have_v the_o person_n be_v finite_a the_o suffering_n must_v have_v be_v eternal_a otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o offence_n which_o require_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n but_o if_o the_o suffering_n have_v be_v eternal_a satisfaction_n can_v never_o have_v be_v make_v but_o will_v for_o ever_o have_v be_v make_v unto_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o our_o sin_n can_v never_o have_v be_v pardon_v and_o therefore_o god_n appoint_v to_o this_o work_n of_o reconcile_a himself_o to_o fall_v man_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n god_n coequal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o himself_o and_o every_o way_n infinite_a as_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o whole_a wrath_n of_o god_n at_o once_o and_o at_o one_o bitter_a draught_n drink_v off_o the_o whole_a cup_n of_o fury_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v drain_n by_o little_a drop_n to_o all_o eternity_n so_o that_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o person_n and_o who_o guilt_n he_o sustain_v upon_o the_o cross_n mercy_n have_v now_o a_o way_n open_v to_o glorify_v its_o riches_n in_o their_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n thus_o in_o these_o two_o position_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o remit_v of_o our_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o purchase_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n god_n pardon_n sin_n to_o they_o who_o commit_v they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o he_o pardon_n be_v not_o those_o very_a sin_n to_o christ_n to_o who_o they_o be_v impute_v but_o exact_v satisfaction_n from_o he_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a rigour_n of_o justice_n hence_o it_o follow_v three_o that_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o mere_a free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n but_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v also_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n indeed_o both_o mercy_n and_o justice_n be_v concurrent_a in_o it_o for_o since_o by_o the_o union_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v make_v one_o mystical_a body_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o own_o person_n for_o this_o will_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o punish_v they_o twice_o for_o the_o same_o offence_n once_o in_o their_o surety_n and_o again_o in_o themselves_o now_o what_o abundant_a cause_n of_o comfort_n may_v this_o be_v to_o all_o true_a believer_n that_o god_n justice_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n shall_v acquit_v they_o that_o that_o attribute_n of_o god_n at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o tremble_v shall_v interpose_v on_o their_o behalf_n and_o plead_v for_o they_o yet_o through_o the_o all-sufficient_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o our_o sin_n this_o mystery_n be_v effect_v and_o justice_n itself_o bring_v over_o from_o be_v a_o formidable_a adversary_n to_o be_v of_o our_o party_n and_o to_o plead_v for_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1.9_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o st._n paul_n 2_o thessaly_n 1.6_o 7._o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_n with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n four_o when_o god_n pardon_v he_o do_v no_o long_a account_n of_o we_o as_o sinner_n indeed_o after_o pardon_n we_o still_o retain_v sinful_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v that_o original_a pollution_n in_o we_o that_o can_v never_o be_v total_o dislodge_v in_o this_o life_n but_o yet_o when_o god_n pardon_v he_o look_v not_o upon_o we_o as_o sinner_n but_o as_o just_a the_o malefactor_n that_o be_v legal_o discharge_v either_o by_o satisfy_v the_o law_n or_o by_o his_o prince_n grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o he_o be_v no_o more_o repute_v a_o malefactor_n but_o as_o just_a and_o righteous_a as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v so_o be_v it_o with_o we_o we_o be_v both_o way_n discharge_v of_o our_o guilt_n both_o by_o satisfy_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n in_o christ_n our_o surety_n and_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v seal_v to_o we_o a_o gracious_a act_n of_o pardon_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v just_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o sin_v five_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o our_o justification_n justification_n consist_v of_o these_o two_o part_n remission_n and_o acceptance_n we_o have_v they_o both_o join_v together_o ephes_n 1.6_o 7._o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n remission_n of_o sin_n take_v away_o our_o liableness_n to_o death_n acceptation_n of_o our_o person_n give_v we_o a_o title_n unto_o life_n now_o to_o be_v free_a from_o our_o obnoxiousness_n to_o death_n and_o instate_v in_o a_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n these_o two_o constitute_v a_o perfect_a justification_n for_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o other_o than_o for_o god_n through_o the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v we_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o pardon_n and_o a_o inheritance_n together_o in_o st._n paul_n commission_n to_o his_o ministry_n act_v 26.18_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o o_o soul_n a_o bare_a negative_a righteousness_n that_o god_n intend_v thou_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o remove_v the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n thy_o sin_n have_v deserve_v though_o that_o alone_o can_v never_o sufficient_o be_v admire_v but_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o pluck_v thou_o out_o of_o hell_n by_o pardon_n lift_v thou_o up_o to_o heaven_n by_o what_o he_o give_v thou_o together_o with_o
first_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n very_a case_n rom._n 7.8_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o command_n wrought_v in_o i_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n now_o this_o effect_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n which_o take_v a_o hint_n so_o desperate_o corrupt_a be_v it_o from_o god_n forbid_a sin_n to_o put_v itself_o in_o mind_n of_o commit_v it_o second_o thou_o complain_v that_o the_o word_n excit_v to_o corruption_n but_o it_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o sun_n draw_v smoak_n and_o stink_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n it_o do_v increase_v but_o unhappy_o excite_v they_o the_o very_a same_o lust_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o there_o they_o lie_v like_o so_o many_o viper_n and_o serpent_n asleep_a till_o the_o light_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o stir_v and_o crawl_v about_o and_o this_o advantage_n thou_o may_v make_v of_o it_o that_o when_o thy_o corruption_n swarm_v thick_a about_o thou_o upon_o the_o disturbance_n the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v make_v among_o they_o thou_o may_v thence_o see_v what_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o nature_n thou_o have_v how_o much_o filth_n and_o mud_n there_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o present_o rise_v upon_o the_o first_o stir_v this_o may_v make_v thou_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sad_a and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thy_o indwelling_a sin_n it_o be_v the_o very_a use_n the_o apostle_n make_v in_o the_o same_o case_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n when_o humour_n be_v in_o motion_n we_o soon_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o body_n and_o when_o corruption_n be_v once_o stir_v we_o may_v thereby_o easy_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n three_o the_o same_o word_n that_o do_v thus_o occasional_o stir_v up_o sin_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o beat_v it_o down_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o this_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o do_v so_o rise_v and_o arm_n against_o it_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o alarm_n that_o they_o take_v be_v but_o before_o their_o overthrow_n it_o may_v be_v the_o mud_n be_v only_o stir_v that_o it_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o their_o heart_n cleanse_v from_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n so_o apposite_a to_o the_o destruction_n and_o subdue_a of_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n though_o at_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v instead_o of_o subdue_a of_o sin_n to_o strengthen_v they_o six_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o their_o memory_n be_v so_o treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a they_o can_v retain_v nothing_o when_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v recollect_v what_o they_o have_v read_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o nothing_o abide_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o be_v as_o good_a give_v over_o as_o thus_o continual_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o sieve_n and_o inculcate_v truth_n upon_o such_o a_o leaky_a memory_n where_o all_o run_v out_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o but_o first_o this_o shall_v put_v thou_o on_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o discourage_v thou_o from_o it_o more_o pain_n will_v supply_v this_o defect_n thou_o must_v the_o often_o prompt_v and_o the_o often_o examine_v thyself_o the_o more_o forgetful_a thou_o be_v memory_n be_v the_o soul_n steward_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unfaithful_a call_v it_o the_o often_o to_o account_v be_v still_o follow_v it_o with_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o continual_o instill_v somewhat_o into_o it_o a_o vessel_n set_v under_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o spring_n can_v leak_v fast_o than_o it_o be_v supply_v a_o constant_a drop_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n into_o the_o memory_n will_v keep_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v leaky_a yet_o it_o never_o shall_v be_v empty_a second_o scripture_n truth_n when_o they_o do_v not_o enrich_v the_o memory_n yet_o they_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n according_a to_o what_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o according_a to_o what_o effect_n it_o leave_v behind_o lightning_z you_o know_v than_o which_o nothing_o soon_o vanish_v away_o yet_o it_o often_o break_v and_o melt_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o firm_a body_n in_o its_o sudden_a passage_n such_o be_v the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n often_o dart_v it_o through_o we_o it_o seem_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v break_v and_o melt_v down_o our_o hard_a heart_n before_o it_o when_o it_o leave_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o memory_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o one_o who_o return_v from_o a_o affect_a sermon_n high_o commend_v it_o to_o some_o and_o be_v demand_v what_o he_o remember_v of_o it_o answer_v true_o i_o remember_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o only_o while_o i_o hear_v it_o it_o make_v i_o resolve_v to_o live_v better_a than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v and_o so_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_n here_o be_v now_o a_o sermon_n lose_v to_o the_o memory_n but_o not_o to_o the_o affection_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o complain_v to_o a_o age_a holyman_n that_o he_o be_v much_o discourage_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o his_o memory_n be_v so_o slippery_a he_o can_v fasten_v nothing_o upon_o it_o that_o he_o read_v the_o old_a hermit_n for_o so_o as_o i_o remember_v he_o be_v describe_v bid_v he_o take_v a_o earthen_a pitcher_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o water_n when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o bid_v he_o empty_v it_o again_o and_o wipe_v it_o clean_o that_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o which_o when_o the_o other_o have_v do_v and_o wonder_v to_o what_o this_o tend_v now_o say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o water_n remain_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o pitcher_n be_v clean_a than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o though_o thy_o memory_n retain_v nothing_o of_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v yet_o thy_o heart_n be_v the_o clean_a for_o its_o very_a passage_n through_o three_o never_o fear_v your_o memory_n only_o pray_v for_o good_a and_o pious_a affection_n affection_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v make_v the_o memory_n retentive_a of_o they_o most_o man_n memory_n be_v like_o jet_n or_o electrical_a body_n that_o attract_v and_o holdfast_v only_a straw_n or_o feather_n or_o such_o vain_a and_o light_a thing_n discourse_n to_o they_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o idle_a and_o romantic_a story_n their_o memory_n retain_v this_o as_o faithful_o as_o if_o it_o be_v engrave_v on_o leaf_n of_o brass_n whereas_o the_o great_a important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n and_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n leave_v no_o more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o word_n on_o the_o air_n in_o which_o they_o be_v speak_v whence_o be_v this_o but_o only_o that_o the_o one_o sort_n work_v themselves_o into_o the_o memory_n through_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v get_v in_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o other_o can_v do_v have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o delight_n in_o heavenly_a object_n do_v we_o but_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o mingle_v it_o with_o faith_n in_o the_o hear_n this_o will_v fix_v that_o volatileness_n and_o flittiness_n of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v every_o truth_n as_o indelible_a as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o 6_o objection_n seven_o other_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o with_o as_o good_a success_n attempt_v to_o spy_v out_o what_o lie_v at_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a and_o hide_a mystery_n which_o no_o humane_a understanding_n can_v fathom_v or_o comprehend_v and_o this_o discourage_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v such_o profound_a depth_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v a_o system_n and_o compendium_n of_o his_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n that_o wisdom_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n those_o deep_a truth_n which_o your_o understanding_n can_v reach_v
to_o god_n and_o they_o become_v his_o proper_a name_n god_n be_v holy_a wise_a powerful_a just_a merciful_a true_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v likewise_o some_o of_o his_o most_o excellent_a creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v like_o unto_o himself_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o they_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v original_o from_o he_o they_o derivative_o from_o he_o his_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a they_o limit_v and_o stint_v his_o invariable_a and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v subject_n to_o mutation_n and_o decay_n and_o total_a abolition_n so_o that_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n even_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v themselves_o incommunicable_a and_o so_o they_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o be_v know_v and_o difference_v from_o all_o other_o being_n whatsoever_o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v here_o say_v to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v to_o manoah_n judge_n 13.18_o why_o ask_v thou_o after_o my_o name_n see_v it_o be_v secret_a and_o wonderful_a indeed_o we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v out_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o perfection_n than_o we_o can_v his_o nature_n and_o essence_n for_o both_o be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o there_o be_v two_o expression_n in_o scripture_n that_o make_v this_o knowledge_n impossible_a the_o one_o of_o they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o one_o be_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o that_o light_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v 1_o tim._n 6.16_o scrutator_fw-la majestatis_fw-la opprimetur_fw-la à _fw-la gloriâ_fw-la he_o that_o will_v too_o busy_o pry_v into_o majesty_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o dazzle_v with_o glory_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o thick_a darkness_n 2_o chron._n 6.1_o both_o imply_v the_o same_o impossibility_n of_o search_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n as_o job_n speak_v ch_n 11._o 7._o but_o though_o this_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n be_v impossible_a yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o hint_n and_o trace_n of_o himself_o by_o which_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o for_o our_o adoration_n though_o not_o perhaps_o for_o our_o satisfaction_n and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o name_n unto_o we_o and_o they_o be_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o word_n first_o we_o may_v spell_v out_o god_n name_n by_o his_o work_n and_o to_o this_o end_n serve_v those_o two_o great_a capital_a letter_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o sea_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o one_o creature_n how_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o read_v we_o lecture_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n second_o more_o express_o and_o distinct_o by_o his_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v nomenclatura_fw-la dei_fw-la by_o these_o we_o come_v to_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a knowledge_n of_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o a_o more_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a manner_n and_o by_o this_o likewise_o we_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v never_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o as_o of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o temporal_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v thing_n that_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n indeed_o we_o may_v from_o the_o work_n of_o god_n alone_o gather_v knowledge_n enough_o of_o he_o to_o make_v we_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o worship_v he_o not_o as_o god_n for_o so_o do_v the_o heathen_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n rom._n 1.20_o but_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o word_n that_o we_o know_v so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v we_o eternal_o bless_a and_o happy_a here_o he_o have_v display_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n here_o alone_o have_v he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o appoint_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o himself_o that_o may_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o now_o we_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n his_o title_n as_o king_n lord_n creator_n father_n redeemer_n and_o the_o like_a and_o his_o attribute_n both_o communicable_a as_o justice_n holiness_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o incommunicable_a as_o infinite_a eternal_a vnchangeable_n omnipotent_a independent_a and_o such_o like_a and_o that_o both_o this_o name_n both_o of_o title_n and_o attribute_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o work_v of_o god_n or_o by_o his_o word_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o hallow_v this_o name_n of_o god_n to_o hallow_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o sanctify_v or_o make_v holy_a so_o that_o hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n be_v no_o other_o than_o let_v thy_o name_n be_v make_v holy_a but_o here_o may_v be_v a_o question_n how_o can_v creature_n be_v say_v to_o make_v god_n holy_a whereas_o it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v they_o holy_a i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o threefold_a way_n of_o hallow_v or_o sanctify_v a_o thing_n or_o person_n one_o by_o dedication_n a_o second_o by_o infusion_n and_o a_o three_o by_o declaration_n first_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v hallow_v or_o make_v holy_a by_o dedication_n set_v they_o a_o part_n for_o holy_a uses_n and_o service_n so_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o lord_n exod._n 13.2_o and_o that_o because_o among_o man_n the_o first-born_a be_v to_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o among_o beast_n they_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o thus_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levi_n who_o god_n take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v say_v to_o be_v consecrate_a and_o sanctify_a exod._n 28.41_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o thus_o at_o least_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o baptism_n ephes_n 5.26_o that_o be_v we_o be_v by_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o one_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v and_o make_v another_o holy_a namely_o by_o dedication_n or_o separatiom_n to_o some_o sacred_a use_n and_o service_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v sanctify_v and_o hallow_v the_o element_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n set_v they_o apart_o from_o common_a and_o ordinary_a use_n to_o that_o bless_a mystery_n second_o there_o be_v a_o sanctification_n or_o hallow_v by_o infusion_n or_o implant_n the_o real_a principle_n and_o habit_n of_o holiness_n into_o that_o which_o be_v hallow_v and_o thus_o god_n sanctify_v his_o elect_n by_o infuse_v of_o his_o grace_n into_o they_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a in_o some_o measure_n and_o similitude_n like_o himself_o so_o our_o saviour_n pray_v john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 5.23_o prays_n the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n be_v god_n name_n to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o hallow_v by_o we_o for_o thus_o to_o pray_v be_v to_o blaspheme_n three_o there_o be_v a_o sanctify_a by_o declaration_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v that_o as_o holy_a that_o be_v indeed_o so_o and_o thus_o only_o it_o be_v that_o creature_n may_v sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n so_o we_o have_v it_o use_v isa_n 29.23_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v my_o name_n and_o sanctify_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob_n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n now_o thus_o to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o other_o expression_n that_o common_o occur_v in_o scripture_n of_o glorify_v god_n we_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n nor_o to_o the_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n of_o his_o crown_n yet_o then_o be_v we_o say_v to_o sanctify_v and_o glorify_v god_n when_o in_o our_o most_o reverend_a thought_n we_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o holiness_n and_o the_o bright_a coruscation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o when_o we_o endeavour_v by_o all_o holy_a way_n to_o declare_v they_o
unto_o other_o that_o they_o may_v observe_v and_o admire_v they_o with_o we_o and_o give_v unto_o god_n that_o holy_a veneration_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o sanctify_v or_o hallow_v this_o name_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n and_o here_o first_o in_o that_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o make_v this_o the_o first_o petition_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o indeed_o that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v the_o last_o and_o utmost_a of_o all_o his_o end_n and_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o utmost_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n and_o prefer_v before_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o yea_o before_o our_o very_a life_n themselves_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n practice_n john_n 12.27_o 28._o father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o life_n be_v natural_o dear_a and_o the_o cup_n which_o i_o be_o to_o drink_v very_o bitter_a and_o the_o wrath_n that_o i_o be_o to_o undergo_v heavy_a and_o infinite_a yet_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a to_o i_o as_o thy_o glory_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v by_o agony_n by_o death_n by_o the_o cross_n yet_o father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n the_o same_o mind_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o likewise_o and_o we_o shall_v hereby_o be_v instruct_v to_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o other_o thing_n with_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o simple_o father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o if_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o thy_o will_n and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o providence_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o by_o my_o suffer_v or_o sorrow_n yea_o or_o death_n itself_o yet_o father_n even_o in_o this_o glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o out_o of_o my_o very_a ruin_n erect_v thou_o a_o trophy_n and_o monument_n to_o thy_o praise_n be_v thou_o hallow_v and_o sanctify_v although_o at_o my_o cost_n and_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o second_o in_o that_o this_o petition_n be_v place_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n it_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o beg_v assistance_n from_o god_n so_o to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o his_o name_n sanctify_v by_o we_o in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o needful_a request_n to_o beg_v of_o god_n the_o aid_n and_o help_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o hallow_v his_o name_n in_o the_o succeed_a request_n we_o be_v to_o make_v three_o observe_v that_o when_o we_o present_v this_o petition_n before_o god_n we_o beg_v three_o thing_n of_o he_o first_o such_o grace_n for_o ourselves_o as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o sanctify_v and_o glorify_v he_o second_o grace_n likewise_o for_o other_o to_o enable_v they_o thereunto_o three_o that_o god_n will_v by_o his_o almighty_a providence_n direct_a and_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n first_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n we_o beg_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o work_n for_o we_o can_v glorify_v that_o god_n who_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o beg_v likewise_o patience_n and_o contentment_n in_o all_o estate_n thankfulness_n for_o every_o providence_n grace_n that_o do_v high_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o god_n honour_n and_o glory_n we_o beg_v faith_n likewise_o whereby_o we_o give_v the_o high_a and_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n that_o mortal_a man_n be_v able_a to_o ascribe_v for_o to_o trust_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o build_v upon_o his_o promise_n be_v to_o honour_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v that_o expression_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o abraham_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n we_o beg_v also_o that_o our_o speech_n may_v be_v savoury_a and_o such_o as_o may_v minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n and_o last_o a_o humble_a blameless_a and_o exemplary_a life_n for_o by_o our_o good_a work_n we_o be_v to_o glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n i_o can_v stand_v to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n particular_o because_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o brief_o and_o summary_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o most_o excellent_a prayer_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v what_o you_o pray_v for_o when_o you_o present_v these_o petition_n before_o god_n second_o we_o herein_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v so_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v secure_v nay_o promote_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o fall_v out_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n by_o it_o hereby_o we_o pray_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o eminent_a grace_n of_o god_n child_n may_v redound_v unto_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o they_o nor_o ascribe_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o to_o themselves_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v turn_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o outward_a mercy_n may_v not_o make_v they_o careless_a and_o forgetful_a of_o his_o service_n and_o honour_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o fail_n of_o god_n people_n may_v eventual_o turn_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v direct_o to_o blot_v and_o stain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o their_o repentance_n and_o confession_n they_o may_v give_v glory_n to_o he_o who_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o who_o they_o have_v scandalize_v that_o all_o the_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o people_n may_v in_o the_o end_n tend_v unto_o his_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o their_o good_a by_o declare_v his_o power_n in_o support_v they_o and_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o deliver_v they_o that_o all_o the_o device_n and_o conspiracy_n the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n may_v contrary_a to_o their_o intention_n be_v oversway_v to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n may_v praise_v he_o by_o show_v forth_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n either_o in_o restrain_v or_o overturning_a it_o and_o final_o that_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yea_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o several_a station_n in_o which_o he_o have_v set_v they_o some_o by_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o some_o the_o manifester_n of_o they_o brute_n and_o senseless_a creature_n passive_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o rational_a and_o intelligent_a creature_n show_v it_o forth_o active_o and_o all_o concur_v in_o this_o great_a work_n for_o which_o all_o be_v make_v even_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o large_a and_o copious_a request_n we_o present_v before_o god_n when_o we_o pray_v that_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v hallow_v which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v let_v we_o ourselves_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o unholy_a heart_n or_o life_n shall_v sanctify_v a_o holy_a god_n whilst_o we_o persevere_v in_o our_o wicked_a conversation_n we_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n and_o ourselves_o when_o we_o desire_v to_o sanctify_v that_o name_n of_o he_o which_o we_o daily_o profane_v and_o pollute_v nay_o indeed_o we_o do_v but_o pray_v for_o our_o own_o destruction_n even_o that_o god_n will_v sanctify_v his_o name_n part_v whereof_o be_v his_o just_a and_o dreadful_a severity_n upon_o all_o those_o and_o consequent_o upon_o ourselves_o who_o defile_v and_o profane_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n the_o second_o petition_n follow_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v this_o now_o very_o apt_o succeed_v upon_o the_o former_a because_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o hallow_n god_n name_n by_o enlarge_a his_o kingdom_n and_o bring_v in_o many_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o sceptre_n and_o government_n for_o praise_n wait_v for_o god_n in_o zion_n psal_n 65.1_o and_o his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n psal_n 76.1_o now_o here_o for_o our_o clear_a proceed_v we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o god_n
be_v every_o way_n perfect_a perfect_a in_o the_o full_a number_n of_o its_o subject_n and_o every_o subject_a perfect_a in_o his_o entire_a and_o complete_a reward_n his_o soul_n make_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o his_o body_n make_v unconceivable_o glorious_a by_o the_o redundancy_n of_o that_o glory_n that_o fill_v his_o soul_n and_o both_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v both_o universal_a and_o peculiar_a the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v militant_a here_o on_o earth_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o it_o be_v triumphant_a in_o heaven_n the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n be_v to_o show_v how_o this_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v this_o word_n come_v imply_v that_o we_o pray_v for_o a_o kingdom_n that_o be_v yet_o in_o its_o progress_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v expect_v and_o desire_v for_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v be_v not_o as_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o state_n in_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o so_o proper_o pray_v that_o the_o universal_a kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v for_o his_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n be_v actual_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o more_o especial_o we_o pray_v that_o the_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v and_o that_o as_o to_o both_o part_n of_o it_o militant_a and_o triumphant_a now_o this_o peculiar_a kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o three_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n for_o where_o these_o be_v right_o dispense_v i_o mean_v the_o holy_a word_n and_o sacrament_n there_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n begin_v and_o erect_v and_o therefore_o we_o find_v it_o call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n matth._n 13.19_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o mean_n when_o all_o ready_a and_o cordial_a obedience_n be_v yield_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o do_v this_o kingdom_n come_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o be_v advance_v and_o increase_v three_o in_o respect_n of_o perfection_n and_o so_o it_o come_v when_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a depart_v this_o life_n be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n and_o when_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o perfect_a consummation_n and_o bliss_n in_o the_o glorification_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n after_o the_o general_n re-surrection_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o must_v inquire_v what_o it_o be_v we_o pray_v for_o when_o we_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v various_a thing_n lie_v couch_v under_o this_o petition_n as_o first_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o plant_v his_o church_n where_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n give_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o his_o son_n for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n that_o the_o dark_a place_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v yet_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n may_v be_v illustrate_v with_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v into_o they_o that_o god_n will_v reveal_v his_o son_n to_o those_o poor_a wretched_a people_n that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o will_v rescue_v they_o from_o their_o blind_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o strong_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o will_v translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n especial_o that_o he_o will_v remove_v the_o veil_n from_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o who_o a_o sad_a judicial_a hardness_n have_v long_o lie_v that_o they_o at_o length_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o unity_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n body_n we_o pray_v that_o all_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n may_v be_v gather_v into_o one_o sheep-fold_n under_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n so_o that_o as_o god_n be_v one_o so_o his_o name_n and_o service_n may_v be_v one_o throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o pray_v that_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v come_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o this_o petition_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v intimate_v our_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v may_v be_v increase_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o those_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o enemy_n to_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o those_o in_o it_o who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o a_o powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n may_v by_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o thus_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n kingdom_n may_v come_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n three_o we_o pray_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o ruin_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overrun_v with_o superstition_n or_o idolatry_n that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o his_o wrath_n remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o they_o as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n do_v from_o other_o church_n which_o be_v once_o glorious_a and_o splendid_a we_o pray_v likewise_o that_o god_n will_v make_v up_o all_o breach_n and_o compose_v all_o difference_n and_o silence_v all_o controversy_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o who_o trouble_v the_o peace_n and_o rend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n break_v it_o into_o faction_n and_o schism_n which_o be_v the_o most_o fatal_a symptom_n and_o portender_n of_o god_n withdraw_v himself_o and_o carry_v away_o his_o gospel_n and_o give_v of_o it_o to_o another_o people_n who_o will_v better_a bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o be_v peace_n meekness_n and_o love_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n christian_n be_v diverse_o mind_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v they_o may_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n and_o thus_o we_o pray_v that_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v come_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o perfection_n and_o entireness_n four_o it_o intimate_v our_o humble_a request_n to_o god_n that_o his_o ordinance_n may_v be_v pure_o and_o powerful_o dispense_v hence_o as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n matth._n 13.19_o that_o be_v the_o word_n whereby_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o fit_v for_o his_o triumphant_a kingdom_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n the_o seed_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o as_o a_o kingdom_n can_v be_v well_o establish_v or_o govern_v without_o good_a law_n so_o for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n christ_n have_v establish_v law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o his_o word_n be_v the_o law_n so_o his_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o so_o every_o believe_a partaker_n god_n do_v under_o his_o seal_n confirm_v the_o grant_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o petition_n we_o pray_v also_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o church_n able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o may_v know_v how_o right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o accompany_v the_o outward_a administration_n of_o his_o ordinance_n with_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o effectual_a to_o turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o god_n elect_n may_v in_o his_o due_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a thing_n that_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n militant_a when_o we_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v attain_v a_o perfection_n of_o extent_n
deliverance_n in_o all_o our_o danger_n for_o support_n under_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o for_o comfort_n under_o all_o our_o sorrow_n because_o he_o be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o god_n who_o have_v heretofore_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v great_a thing_n for_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o forcible_a plea_n with_o god_n in_o former_a time_n a_o plea_n to_o which_o he_o can_v deny_v nothing_o when_o urge_v in_o faith_n have_v still_o the_o same_o efficacy_n and_o validity_n now_o for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o of_o god_n attribute_n be_v he_o for_o ever_o therefore_o o_o christian_n now_o lay_v hold_v on_o god_n strength_n and_o plead_v with_o he_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o child_n in_o former_a age_n how_o he_o have_v forgive_v the_o penitent_a revive_v the_o contrite_a restore_v joy_n and_o salvation_n to_o deject_a and_o despondent_a spirit_n how_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o great_a name_n by_o what_o wonderful_a providence_n and_o wise_a method_n he_o have_v establish_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n how_o he_o have_v strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n and_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v those_o who_o be_v without_o may_v able_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o perform_v the_o hard_a duty_n in_o fulfil_n his_o will_n and_o commandment_n how_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o all_o their_o necessity_n rebuke_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o urge_v lord_n thou_o be_v still_o the_o same_o god_n eternal_a in_o thy_o essence_n immutable_a in_o thy_o attribute_n thy_o power_n thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o mercy_n be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o the_o same_o favour_n this_o plea_n offer_v a_o holy_a violence_n to_o heaven_n a_o violence_n that_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v resist_v if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v of_o god_n hand_n the_o same_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n see_v how_o asaph_n instruct_v the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o memorial_n of_o god_n former_a love_a kindness_n and_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o their_o father_n psal_n 78.4_o 6_o 7._o we_o will_v show_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n and_o the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v do_v that_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v they_o to_o another_o that_o they_o may_v set_v their_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangableness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o vast_a and_o infinite_a comfort_n and_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o the_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o the_o same_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v former_o bestow_v upon_o other_o because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o doxology_n and_o therein_o consider_v the_o four_o glorious_a attribute_n ascribe_v unto_o god_n in_o it_o his_o sovereignty_n his_o omnipotence_n his_o excellency_n and_o his_o eternity_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o prayer_n and_o that_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o ratification_n of_o all_o in_o that_o short_a particle_n amen_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o so_o shut_v up_o this_o whole_a subject_n this_o word_n amen_o be_v sometime_o prefix_v before_o a_o speech_n and_o sometime_o affix_v after_o it_o when_o it_o be_v prefix_v before_o it_o be_v assertory_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o very_o often_o in_o the_o evangelist_n for_o wheresoever_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o word_n very_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o amen_o very_o very_o isay_n unto_o thou_o i._n e._n amen_o amen_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o to_o gain_v the_o more_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o what_o he_o desire_v thus_o john_n 3.5_o amen_n amen_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o john_n 16.23_o amen_n amen_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v of_o the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o evangelist_n how_o backward_o be_v we_o to_o believe_v since_o our_o infidelity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o constrain_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o to_o use_v asseveration_n and_o protestation_n to_o win_v our_o assent_n unto_o he_o second_o as_o this_o particle_n amen_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v assertory_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o it_o so_o when_o it_o be_v subjoin_v and_o use_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v precatory_a and_o signify_v our_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v and_o our_o petition_n grant_v psal_n 41.13_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a amen_o and_o amen_n psal_n 72.19_o let_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o glory_n amen_o and_o amen_n psal_n 106.48_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v prefix_v to_o a_o speech_n it_o signify_v so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o latter_a as_o it_o be_v add_v to_o a_o petition_n or_o request_n it_o signify_v so_o be_v it_o now_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v up_o all_o our_o petition_n first_o with_o understanding_n due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o when_o we_o use_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a babble_n how_o can_v we_o seal_v and_o close_v they_o up_o with_o a_o hearty_a amen_o and_o this_o condemn_v the_o mockery_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o because_o god_n understand_v what_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o language_n to_o they_o unknown_a think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o tongue_n which_o they_o themselves_o understand_v not_o but_o with_o what_o zeal_n with_o what_o affection_n can_v they_o close_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o a_o amen_o this_o be_v like_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o instrument_n which_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o contain_v and_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.16_o how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v second_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o present_v all_o our_o request_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o affection_n amen_o be_v a_o wing_n to_o our_o prayer_n it_o be_v the_o bow_n that_o shoot_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n and_o although_o every_o petition_n as_o we_o utter_v they_o before_o god_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o have_v they_o hear_v and_o grant_v yet_o at_o the_o close_a of_o they_o all_o we_o be_v to_o redouble_v and_o repeat_v this_o our_o desire_n in_o the_o word_n amen_o wherein_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v brief_o and_o succinct_o pray_v over_o again_o all_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v before_o and_o in_o one_o word_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v before_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o whether_o we_o pray_v ourselves_o or_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o other_o and_o make_v their_o petition_n we_o we_o ought_v to_o attest_v our_o understanding_n of_o our_o assent_n unto_o and_o our_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mercy_n that_o be_v beg_v by_o seal_v up_o the_o prayer_n with_o a_o amen_o and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a beseem_a thing_n if_o amen_n be_v audible_a and_o sound_a unless_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v think_v to_o pray_v when_o other_o pray_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o expression_n to_o present_v our_o petition_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o minister_n only_o as_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n which_o he_o present_v they_o pray_v with_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o every_o petition_n that_o he_o
require_v your_o humble_a veneration_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v suit_v to_o every_o capacity_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v common_o express_v a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n swim_v and_o herein_o be_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v in_o wreathe_v together_o plain_a truth_n with_o obscure_a that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n by_o the_o one_o instruct_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o other_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a this_o also_o add_v a_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o graceful_a variety_n of_o hill_n and_o valley_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v sublime_a truth_n that_o the_o most_o aspire_a reason_n of_o man_n can_v overtop_n and_o there_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o weak_a capacity_n may_v converse_v with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n no_o man_n be_v offend_v with_o his_o garden_n for_o have_v a_o shady_a thicket_n in_o it_o no_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o among_o so_o many_o fair_a and_o open_a walk_n we_o here_o and_o there_o meet_v with_o a_o thicket_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o humane_a reason_n can_v look_v through_o three_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v as_o plain_o without_o either_o obscurity_n or_o ambiguity_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o the_o mahometans_n think_v concern_v their_o alcoran_n write_v with_o ink_n make_v of_o light_n there_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n of_o repentance_n for_o dead_a work_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o mortify_a life_n so_o clear_o set_v down_o that_o scarce_o have_v there_o any_o be_v find_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o peevish_a to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o word_n for_o be_v obscure_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o if_o thou_o have_v use_v thy_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o understand_v the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n thy_o salvation_n bless_v god_n rather_o that_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v the_o necessary_a and_o practical_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o those_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o any_o mystical_a or_o obscure_a intimation_n but_o thou_o may_v without_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v know_v what_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o what_o with_o all_o thy_o labour_n and_o diligence_n thou_o can_v not_o understand_v thou_o need_v not_o and_o what_o be_v needful_a be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o thou_o may_v easy_o understand_v it_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o have_v not_o god_n offer_v we_o sufficient_a help_n for_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o have_v you_o not_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o illuminate_v you_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o his_o minister_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o inmost_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n nay_o have_v we_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o its_o own_o meaning_n usual_o if_o it_o speak_v more_o dark_o in_o one_o place_n it_o speak_v the_o same_o truth_n more_o clear_o in_o another_o now_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n you_o will_v find_v it_o hold_v a_o light_n unto_o its_o self_n the_o often_o you_o read_v and_o the_o more_o you_o ponder_v on_o those_o passage_n that_o be_v abstruse_a the_o more_o you_o will_v find_v they_o clear_v up_o to_o your_o understanding_n so_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o any_o reasonable_a discourgement_n from_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n eight_o other_o may_v say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a because_o they_o see_v many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n how_o they_o have_v be_v pervert_v and_o carry_v aside_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o yet_o still_o have_v plead_v scripture_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o i_o answer_v true_a the_o devil_n have_v in_o these_o our_o day_n busy_v himself_o to_o bring_v a_o reproach_n upon_o scripture_n through_o the_o whimsy_n and_o giddiness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v pretend_v most_o acquaintance_n in_o it_o but_o let_v not_o this_o be_v any_o discouragement_n for_o this_o arise_v not_o direct_o from_o the_o influence_n the_o scripture_n have_v on_o they_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n of_o a_o few_o notionist_n who_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o though_o they_o boast_v much_o of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n yet_o scripture_n misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v be_v not_o scripture_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n right_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o diligent_o to_o search_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v alike_o reasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v because_o that_o some_o eat_v to_o gluttony_n and_o other_o drink_v to_o giddiness_n and_o madness_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o epist_n 1_o chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o that_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o sripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o neither_o his_o epistle_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v by_o we_o because_o that_o in_o some_o instead_o of_o nourishment_n they_o have_v occasion_v only_a wind_n flatulency_n and_o ill_a humour_n if_o this_o have_v be_v his_o purpose_n it_o have_v certain_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v say_v because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o many_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n therefore_o beware_v that_o you_o read_v they_o not_o but_o in_o stead_n of_o this_o he_o draw_v another_o inference_n verse_n 17._o you_o therefore_o belove_v beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o say_v not_o beware_v that_o you_o read_v they_o not_o but_o beware_v how_o you_o read_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a apostolical_a caution_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o make_v we_o more_o studious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o they_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v pervert_v by_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o this_o the_o primitive_a parent_n think_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a mean_n to_o preserve_v their_o people_n from_o error_n and_o seduction_n it_o be_v almost_o endless_a to_o recite_v to_o you_o those_o many_o passage_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o pathetical_o exhort_v all_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o each_o sex_n of_o all_o age_n to_o a_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o take_v it_o up_o in_o a_o language_n unknown_a to_o the_o vulgar_a or_o debar_v the_o laity_n from_o read_v it_o that_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o the_o common_a tongue_n of_o each_o country_n be_v numerous_a and_o their_o exhortation_n scarce_o more_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a in_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o people_n will_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o revolve_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o that_o church_n have_v false_a ware_n to_o put_v off_o which_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o careful_a than_o to_o darken_v the_o shop_n and_o assure_o the_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o some_o who_o read_v they_o can_v occasion_v the_o destruction_n of_o more_o than_o that_o damnable_a idolatry_n and_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n have_v do_v which_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o and_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n through_o the_o not_o read_v of_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v as_o it_o be_v in_o josiah_n time_n how_o much_o dust_n and_o rubbish_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n lie_v under_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o those_o argument_n that_o
may_v persuade_v you_o to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o perusal_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v so_o exact_a or_o rather_o superstitious_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v judge_v a_o despiser_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n who_o do_v not_o ready_o know_v how_o often_o every_o letter_n of_o the_o alphabet_n occur_v in_o they_o this_o preciseness_n god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o deliver_v down_o his_o word_n to_o we_o unvaried_a and_o uncorrupted_a it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o now_o exhort_v you_o to_o but_o as_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o we_o a_o rich_a depositum_fw-la a_o dear_a pledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n so_o we_o shall_v diligent_o attend_v to_o a_o rational_a and_o profitable_a study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a that_o commend_v any_o write_n to_o we_o either_o that_o it_o discover_v knowledge_n or_o direct_v practice_n that_o it_o inform_v the_o judgement_n or_o reform_v the_o life_n both_o of_o these_o be_v eminent_o the_o character_n of_o this_o book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o david_n tell_v we_o psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n convert_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a it_o be_v a_o light_n not_o only_o to_o our_o head_n but_o it_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o let_v we_o consider_v it_o as_o to_o both_o first_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n as_o it_o perfect_v the_o understanding_n and_o so_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o sundry_a particular_n how_o excellent_a a_o study_n it_o be_v for_o first_o the_o scripture_n discover_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o the_o most_o improve_a natural_a reason_n can_v never_o sift_v out_o and_o be_v intelligible_a only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n god_n have_v compose_v two_o book_n by_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o which_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v write_v in_o those_o great_a letter_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o sea_n and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v spell_v out_o somewhat_o of_o god_n he_o make_v they_o for_o our_o instruction_n as_o well_o as_o our_o service_n there_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n that_o god_n have_v breathe_v abroad_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o read_v we_o lecture_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mouth_n so_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o speak_a workmanship_n rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o serious_o consider_v how_o god_n have_v poise_v the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o vast_a and_o boundless_a nothing_o how_o he_o have_v hang_v out_o those_o glorious_a light_n of_o heaven_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o star_n and_o make_v path_n in_o the_o sky_n for_o their_o several_a course_n how_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o sea_n on_o heap_n and_o so_o gird_v it_o in_o that_o it_o may_v possible_o overlook_v but_o not_o overflow_v the_o land_n when_o we_o view_v the_o variety_n harmony_n and_o law_n of_o the_o creation_n our_o reason_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o short_a if_o we_o can_v from_o these_o collect_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o creator_n so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o belong_v to_o these_o two_o great_a attribute_n of_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o book_n of_o nature_n may_v plain_o discover_v to_o we_o but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o more_o retire_v and_o reserve_v notion_n of_o god_n other_o truth_n that_o near_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v which_o nature_n can_v never_o give_v the_o least_o glimpse_n to_o discover_v what_o signature_n be_v there_o stamp_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n or_o temporal_a carnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o creature_n can_v inform_v we_o of_o our_o first_o fall_n and_o guilt_n contract_v by_o it_o where_o can_v we_o find_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o of_o grace_n print_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n all_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v nature_n secretary_n and_o ransack_v its_o abstruse_a mystery_n yet_o all_o their_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n can_v not_o discover_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n these_o be_v truth_n which_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o search_v out_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o receive_v they_o when_o reveal_v 1._o corinth_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v the_o light_n that_o can_v reveal_v these_o must_v break_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n itself_o and_o so_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o singular_a privilege_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v descend_v into_o their_o breast_n and_o so_o possess_v they_o with_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v become_v oracular_a how_o little_o less_o be_v we_o since_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n which_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v to_o they_o god_n heretofore_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o now_o he_o speak_v by_o they_o unto_o we_o their_o revelation_n be_v become_v we_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o what_o god_n teach_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n the_o very_a same_o truth_n he_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a illumination_n of_o his_o spirit_n here_o therefore_o while_o we_o diligent_o converse_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n we_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o prophet_n the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o come_v also_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o without_o those_o severe_a preparation_n and_o strong_a agony_n which_o sometime_o they_o undergo_v before_o god_n will_v inspire_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a truth_n that_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n and_o argument_n second_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o losty_a in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o science_n be_v but_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a element_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o what_o do_v the_o naturalist_n but_o only_o busy_v himself_o in_o dig_v a_o little_a drossy_a knowledge_n out_o of_o the_o entrail_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o astronomer_n who_o ascend_v high_a mount_v no_o high_a than_o the_o celestial_a body_n the_o star_n and_o planet_n which_o be_v but_o the_o outwork_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o scripture_n pierce_v much_o far_a and_o let_v we_o into_o heaven_n itself_o there_o it_o discover_v the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o throne_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n make_v a_o prevail_a and_o authoritative_a intercession_n for_o we_o the_o glitter_a train_n of_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a so_o that_o indeed_o when_o you_o have_v this_o book_n lay_v open_a before_o you_o you_o have_v heaven_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o inconceivable_a glory_n of_o it_o lay_v open_a to_o your_o view_n what_o can_v be_v more_o sublime_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o have_v it_o so_o plain_o describe_v by_o all_o its_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v but_o beam_n forth_o light_a to_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o gospel_n mystery_n the_o scripture_n relate_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n incarnation_n the_o mystical_a union_n of_o our_o person_n to_o he_o by_o our_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o guilty_a sinner_n that_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n become_v reconcile_v to_o man_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n these_o be_v mystery_n so_o infinite_o profound_a as_o be_v enough_o to_o puzzle_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o
angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o be_v tedious_a to_o read_v the_o work_n and_o writing_n of_o man_n often_o over_o because_o we_o be_v soon_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o our_o understanding_n have_v nothing_o new_a to_o refresh_v it_o but_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o those_o who_o christ_n miraculous_o feed_v the_o bread_n multiply_v under_o their_o tooth_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o very_o chew_v of_o it_o so_o here_o while_o we_o ruminate_v and_o chew_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o multiply_v and_o rise_v up_o thick_a under_o our_o meditation_n one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o neglect_n that_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v but_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o which_o they_o have_v already_o read_v and_o know_v and_o this_o they_o account_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a indeed_o if_o they_o read_v it_o only_o superficial_o and_o slight_o it_o will_v be_v so_o but_o those_o who_o fix_v their_o mind_n to_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n find_v new_a truth_n arise_v up_o to_o their_o understanding_n which_o they_o never_o before_o discover_v look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o starry_a night_n if_o you_o cast_v your_o eye_n upon_o many_o space_n of_o the_o heaven_n at_o the_o first_o glance_n perhaps_o you_o shall_v discover_v no_o star_n there_o yet_o if_o you_o continue_v to_o look_v earnest_o and_o fix_o some_o will_n emerge_n to_o your_o view_n that_o be_v before_o hide_v and_o conceal_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o we_o only_o glance_v curious_o upon_o they_o no_o wonder_n we_o discover_v no_o more_o star_n no_o more_o glorious_a truth_n beam_a out_o their_o light_n to_o our_o understanding_n st._n augustine_n find_v this_o so_o experimental_o true_a that_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o three_o epistle_n that_o though_o he_o shall_v with_o better_a capacity_n and_o great_a diligence_n study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o sum_v it_o up_o in_o one_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o study_v that_o which_o do_v so_o necessary_o concern_v we_o other_o knowledge_n be_v only_o for_o the_o adorn_v and_o embellishment_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n of_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v before_o speak_v enough_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o far_o enlarge_v therefore_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o let_v we_o answer_v whatsoever_o may_v seem_v to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o this_o we_o must_v cleave_v with_o this_o we_o will_v converse_v for_o here_o alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n five_o the_o knowledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n disclose_v be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o impiety_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o very_a eye_n nay_o the_o information_n of_o our_o sense_n what_o we_o see_v what_o we_o hear_v what_o we_o feel_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o speak_v of_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n that_o sound_v from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n hear_v this_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a may_v well_o be_v render_v we_o account_v more_o sure_a the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n what_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o god_n himself_o shall_v vocal_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yes_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o obscure_a in_o comparison_n with_o this_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o obscure_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o clear_a sense_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v know_v thing_n beyond_o all_o danger_n either_o of_o falsehood_n or_o hesitation_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v take_v all_o for_o certain_a upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v six_o the_o scripture_n alone_o give_v we_o the_o true_a and_o unerring_a knowledge_n