Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n work_n world_n worthy_a 116 3 5.9909 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
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 steadfast_a belief_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o their_o goodness_n when_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n be_v influential_a upon_o our_o life_n the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v mere_o speculative_a one_o know_v that_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v from_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o moon_n between_o that_o globe_n of_o light_n and_o our_o sight_n and_o the_o mind_n acquiesces_fw-la in_o the_o theory_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o practical_a use_n but_o the_o knowledge_n that_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o intercept_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o shine_v upon_o we_o be_v infinite_o profitable_a to_o make_v we_o fearful_a to_o offend_v he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o joyful_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n spiritual_a knowledge_n include_v a_o correspondent_a permanent_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o the_o 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 moral_a perfection_n be_v evident_a by_o a_o threefold_a comparison_n 1._o of_o the_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n 2._o of_o the_o saint_n among_o themselves_o 3._o of_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o grace_n with_o low_a act_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n 1._o the_o comparison_n of_o saint_n with_o visible_a sinner_n make_v they_o appear_v as_o perfect_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o principle_n in_o the_o best_a here_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n inherent_a corruption_n and_o infuse_v grace_n and_o the_o operation_n flow_v from_o they_o according_o be_v mix_v but_o as_o one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o bright_a colour_n of_o white_a and_o red_a in_o the_o complexion_n appear_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n set_v off_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o blackmoor_n so_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o saint_n though_o mix_v with_o blemish_n appear_v complete_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o foul_a deformity_n of_o sinner_n thus_o the_o opposition_n between_o they_o be_v 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 of_o in_o the_o gospel_n answer_v his_o name_n be_v legion_n from_o the_o number_n of_o devil_n that_o possess_v he_o they_o drive_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o esse_fw-la sin_n so_o violent_o and_o furious_o that_o compare_v to_o they_o other_o sinner_n seem_v innocent_a and_o be_v far_o less_o obnoxious_a to_o judgement_n thus_o there_o be_v singular_a saint_n who_o grace_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o convince_v and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n appear_v in_o their_o conversation_n as_o make_v they_o venerable_a among_o the_o vicious_a their_o presence_n will_v restrain_v the_o dissolute_a from_o excess_n either_o in_o word_n or_o action_n as_o effectual_o as_o a_o magistrate_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o power_n other_o saint_n though_o sincere_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o shade_n and_o light_n in_o their_o action_n that_o they_o be_v in_o low_a esteem_n compare_v meek_a moses_n with_o the_o passionate_a prophet_n ionas_n who_o justify_v his_o anger_n 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 must_v have_v a_o divine_a foundation_n faith_n may_v be_v absolute_o true_a and_o relative_o false_a many_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n because_o it_o be_v the_o reign_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o example_n from_o hence_o their_o faith_n be_v like_o the_o house_n build_v on_o the_o sand_n and_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o essential_a supreme_a perfection_n of_o god_n unerring_a knowledge_n immutable_a truth_n infinite_a goodness_n almighty_a power_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o deceive_v his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o perfect_a veracity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o will_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n for_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o experimental_a sense_n be_v a_o clear_a perception_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v to_o see_v the_o original_n the_o other_o be_v to_o see_v the_o copy_n that_o usual_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o say_v we_o now_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n above_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v by_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o often_o deceive_v we_o through_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o discursive_a ratiocination_n the_o objective_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a we_o know_v with_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o lie_v than_o he_o can_v die_v it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o to_o lie_v or_o die_v be_v not_o possibility_n but_o passibility_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o power_n but_o proceed_v from_o weakness_n we_o know_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o signature_n of_o his_o perfection_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n justice_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o that_o prove_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o write_v from_o hence_o faith_n be_v often_o express_v by_o knowledge_n nicodemus_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o know_v thou_o 2._o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernable_a be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n make_v without_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o he_o 5._o be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o critical_a inquiry_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o clear_a character_n it_o be_v the_o saying_n of_o a_o wise_a heathen_a if_o god_n will_v converse_v visible_o with_o man_n he_o will_v assume_v light_n for_o a_o body_n and_o have_v truth_n for_o his_o soul_n god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n truth_n be_v the_o supreme_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o apostle_n build_v the_o assurance_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o their_o strong_a consolation_n upon_o this_o infallible_a rock_n god_n that_o 6._o can_v lie_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o supernatural_a doctrine_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n 2._o god_n jurisdiction_n extend_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o will_n he_o rule_v our_o understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a 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
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