the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n open_v be_v a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o romans_z by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n edward_n elton_n bachelor_n in_o divinity_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o mary_n magdalen_n bermondsey_n near_o london_n jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v rom._n 9.13_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rom._n 11.33_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o license_v enter_v print_v and_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_a by_o j._n l._n for_o christopher_n meredith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crane_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o to_o the_o courteous_a and_o christian_a reader_n good_a reader_n this_o book_n which_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n to_o read_v be_v such_o of_o which_o thou_o may_v just_o say_v as_o jacob_n do_v of_o his_o pretend_a venison_n 20._o venison_n gen._n 27.19_o 20._o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o thy_o hand_n rise_v up_o therefore_o and_o eat_v of_o this_o savoury_a meat_n such_o as_o thy_o soul_n love_v or_o shall_v do_v at_o least_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o most_o pious_a and_o skilful_a scribe_n excellent_o instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 13.52_o god_n matth._n 13.52_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n 5.35_o light_n joh._n 5.35_o burn_v with_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o that_o crooked_a generation_n wherein_o he_o live_v 2.15_o live_v phil._n 2.15_o but_o he_o be_v now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n either_o of_o thy_o prayer_n or_o my_o praise_n who_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v 11.4_o speak_v heb._n 11.4_o so_o that_o his_o own_o work_n may_v just_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n 31.31_o gate_n prov._n 31.31_o leave_v therefore_o the_o author_n who_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n i_o come_v to_o the_o book_n itself_o wherein_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o new_a truth_n yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v old_a truth_n confute_v old_a and_o new_a error_n sin_v sharp_o rebuke_v holy_a duty_n earnest_o and_o seasonable_o press_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n advance_v and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n sweet_o open_v evidence_n of_o election_n clear_o discover_v here_o thou_o may_v know_v whether_o thy_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 10.20_o heaven_n luk._n 10.20_o only_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o follow_v the_o author_n method_n who_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o sinner_n combat_v and_o conflict_v then_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a triumph_v and_o so_o come_v to_o open_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n so_o do_v thou_o read_v the_o first_o treatise_n to_o learn_v to_o complain_v of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a at_o last_o to_o triumph_v with_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o so_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o look_v into_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o to_o such_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 13.11_o heaven_n matth._n 13.11_o and_o again_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o doer_n of_o god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n 7.17_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o get_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o store_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n add_v to_o thy_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o thy_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o that_o patience_n and_o to_o that_o godliness_n and_o to_o that_o brotherly_a kindness_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 11._o christ_n 2_o pet._n 1_o 5â—_n etc._n etc._n 11._o beside_o let_v i_o recommend_v unto_o thou_o a_o fit_a treasure_n for_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n where_o the_o rust_n and_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o nor_o steal_v 6.20_o steal_v matth._n 6.20_o in_o a_o word_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o store_v up_o in_o thy_o heart_n soundness_n of_o knowledge_n strength_n of_o faith_n purity_n of_o heart_n clearness_n of_o conscience_n holiness_n of_o life_n assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n many_o sanctify_a sabbath_n fervent_a prayer_n holy_a conference_n heavenly_a meditation_n day_n of_o humiliation_n sincere_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n righteous_a deal_n with_o the_o brethren_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6.24_o christ_n ephes_n 6.24_o a_o universal_a hatred_n of_o every_o know_a sin_n and_o of_o all_o alse_a way_n 119.104_o way_n psal_n 119.104_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 3.5_o godliness_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o this_o counsel_n observe_v and_o follow_v will_v enable_v thou_o to_o live_v christianly_o and_o to_o die_v comfortable_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o when_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v thou_o shall_v have_v a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 5.17_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o lord_n q_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n where_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n that_o last_o for_o evermore_o ult_n evermore_o psai_n 16._o ult_n such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o joy_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 29._o he_o 1_o cor._n 29._o let_v i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o and_o affectionate_o beseech_v thou_o good_a reader_n speedy_o to_o fall_v to_o work_v and_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n 6.33_o righteousness_n matth._n 6.33_o for_o herein_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a for_o the_o long_o thou_o stay_v thou_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n grow_v more_o angry_a satan_n more_o strong_a thyself_o more_o unable_a to_o repent_v sin_n more_o unconquerable_a thy_o conversion_n more_o difficult_a and_o thy_o salvation_n more_o impossible_a a_o ruinous_a house_n the_o long_o delay_v the_o more_o 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shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 15.58_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o only_o be_v sure_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o keep_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n till_o thou_o finish_v thy_o course_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o of_o a_o immortal_a crown_n which_o jesus_n christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o such_o as_o love_v his_o appear_v 9_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 47_o 8_o 9_o against_o who_o glorious_a come_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v let_v i_o advise_v thou_o once_o more_o to_o a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a treatise_n in_o the_o read_n whereof_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n shall_v be_v with_o and_o for_o thou_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o hereby_o thy_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v
i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n i_o have_v lay_v up_o my_o reward_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o will_v never_o fail_v i_o but_o sure_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o for_o i_o who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o ever_o amen_n here_o you_o see_v and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v both_o true_a man_n and_o true_a god_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o christ_n into_o one_o person_n and_o the_o observation_n arise_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v god-man_n or_o man-god_n doctrine_n christ_n jesus_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o and_o personal_o unite_v to_o his_o manhood_n so_o that_o in_o christ_n god_n and_o man_n make_v but_o one_o person_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o misconceive_v this_o truth_n touch_v the_o combination_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o unite_v with_o any_o composition_n or_o commixture_n as_o in_o mix_v water_n and_o wine_n no_o nor_o it_o by_o conversion_n and_o turn_v the_o one_o into_o the_o other_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o turn_v into_o the_o manhood_n nor_o the_o manhood_n into_o the_o godhead_n the_o godhead_n in_o christ_n be_v distinct_a in_o essence_n from_o the_o manhood_n and_o the_o manhood_n in_o christ_n distinct_a in_o substance_n from_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o property_n of_o both_o nature_n remain_v incommunicable_a the_o property_n of_o the_o one_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o omnipotent_a be_v not_o communicate_v to_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v every_o where_n at_o one_o time_n nor_o the_o property_n of_o the_o manhood_n to_o the_o godhead_n as_o to_o be_v 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come_v we_o to_o the_o application_n first_o this_o serve_v to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n use_v in_o a_o particular_a point_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o fullness_n of_o merit_n be_v find_v only_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o and_o no_o other_o the_o merit_n of_o life_n and_o of_o salvation_n be_v proper_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o all_o merit_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n only_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n be_v meritorious_a his_o holy_a suffering_n and_o his_o holy_a action_n these_o be_v meritorious_a and_o none_o else_o the_o work_n of_o no_o man_n or_o woman_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o meritorious_a none_o but_o christ_n and_o why_o because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n only_o and_o alone_o in_o one_o person_n the_o papist_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o true_a believer_n from_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o true_a believer_n because_o true_a believer_n be_v one_o with_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o make_v one_o mystical_a body_n as_o they_o do_v indeed_o and_o be_v knit_v by_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o because_o they_o be_v thus_o combine_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n therefore_o the_o papist_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o prove_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o good_a work_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o because_o of_o this_o union_n they_o be_v meritorious_a but_o their_o ground_n fail_v they_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o because_o true_a believer_n be_v one_o with_o christ_n that_o therefore_o their_o good_a work_n do_v merit_n for_o true_a believer_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n mystical_o not_o personal_o for_o christ_n and_o a_o believer_n be_v two_o distinct_a person_n though_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o personal_o now_o personal_a union_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o merit_n in_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o person_n that_o must_v merit_v and_o deserve_v life_n and_o salvation_n must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n apart_o and_o by_o itself_o consider_v merit_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v into_o unity_n of_o person_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o merit_n for_o if_o adam_n have_v stand_v in_o his_o innocency_n he_o can_v not_o have_v merit_v a_o better_a estate_n to_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v but_o mere_a man_n so_o than_o these_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o must_v prove_v which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v that_o true_a believer_n be_v one_o with_o christ_n by_o personal_a union_n before_o they_o can_v conclude_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o that_o because_o of_o that_o mystical_a union_n they_o be_v meritorious_a but_o to_o make_v application_n to_o ourselves_o use_v this_o truth_n that_o 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vengeance_n upon_o they_o now_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v knit_v together_o into_o one_o person_n they_o make_v a_o perfect_a mediator_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o comfort_n he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n and_o so_o we_o may_v approach_v with_o comfort_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o come_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o appertain_v unto_o we_o yea_o we_o be_v one_o by_o faith_n with_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n we_o come_v to_o be_v make_v one_o with_o the_o godhead_n and_o so_o to_o have_v access_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o excellent_a comfort_n again_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o rest_n in_o describe_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v god_n over_o all_o but_o add_v further_o bless_v for_o ever_o he_o break_v out_o into_o a_o addition_n of_o praise_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o magnify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o time_n to_o be_v bless_v praise_v magnify_v and_o glorify_v and_o he_o subjoin_v to_o this_o the_o word_n amen_o thereby_o signify_v the_o inward_a assent_n of_o his_o heart_n amen_n for_o the_o word_n amen_o be_v not_o here_o vox_fw-la optantis_fw-la a_o word_n of_o wish_v but_o vox_fw-la approbantis_fw-la et_fw-la vox_fw-la affirmantis_fw-la a_o word_n of_o approve_v and_o a_o word_n of_o affirm_v certain_o he_o be_v so_o amen_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o think_v upon_o with_o reverence_n
be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n but_o to_o answer_v more_o full_o i_o hope_v the_o papist_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o david_n have_v as_o well_o moral_a work_n as_o ceremonial_a work_n if_o they_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o these_o two_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v or_o save_v by_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o themselves_o but_o even_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n object_n 2_o again_o say_v the_o papist_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n why_o then_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n and_o therefore_o work_v have_v some_o stroke_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a faith_n be_v a_o work_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n call_v it_o so_o joh._n 6.29_o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n say_v believe_v in_o god_n that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o all_o work_n the_o best_a work_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n no_o not_o by_o the_o worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o faith_n the_o very_a act_n of_o believe_v justifi_v not_o for_o the_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o but_o it_o justifi_v relatiuè_fw-la as_o a_o instrument_n or_o hand_n apply_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o do_v faith_n justify_v apprehend_v christ_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n yet_o further_o they_o object_n say_v the_o papist_n in_o the_o place_n allege_v where_o object_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o opposition_n between_o grace_n and_o work_n the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v work_n of_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v do_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n no_o these_o two_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o work_n that_o come_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n these_o two_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v with_o i_o that_o place_n in_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n then_o he_o subjoin_v not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v of_o what_o work_n do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o work_n of_o nature_n no_o such_o matter_n but_o work_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n how_o may_v that_o appear_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n he_o say_v we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o work_v he_o speak_v of_o be_v work_n do_v by_o we_o frame_v anew_o in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n we_o be_v in_o christ_n make_v new_a creature_n so_o to_o leave_v the_o papist_n be_v it_o so_o that_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o his_o choose_a before_o all_o time_n and_o use_v 2_o effectual_a calling_n in_o time_n be_v mere_o and_o only_o of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o favour_n and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o ground_n we_o must_v learn_v our_o lesson_n and_o duty_n howsoever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o do_v of_o good_a work_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n both_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n duty_n of_o love_n equity_n mercy_n and_o justice_n to_o man_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v rich_a and_o plentiful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n for_o necessary_a use_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n evidence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n unto_o we_o in_o christ_n testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n to_o god_n before_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n so_o that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a yet_o mark_v the_o lesson_n howsoever_o we_o be_v thus_o bind_v to_o good_a work_n yet_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o they_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o rest_v not_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n we_o must_v renounce_v all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o stick_v only_a and_o whole_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o our_o justification_n our_o comfort_n here_o and_o happiness_n hereafter_o all_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o consummation_n from_o predestination_n to_o glorification_n be_v all_o of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n many_o silly_a ignorant_a people_n there_o be_v that_o say_v they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v but_o ask_v they_o the_o question_n how_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o blind_a answer_n by_o their_o good_a deal_n by_o their_o good_a serve_v of_o god_n and_o by_o their_o good_a prayer_n they_o be_v just_a and_o true_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a popish_a and_o carnal_a and_o do_v shoulder_n and_o thrust_v out_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n alas_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n but_o by_o our_o good_a deal_n and_o good_a serve_v of_o god_n woe_n be_v unto_o we_o for_o than_o no_o flesh_n shall_v ever_o be_v save_v no_o mere_a man_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o heaven_n if_o all_o our_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o our_o own_o goodness_n all_o our_o comfort_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v stain_v like_o menstruous_a clout_n your_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o preach_n and_o prayer_n they_o be_v but_o as_o menstruous_a and_o filthy_a clout_n and_o have_v many_o imperfection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o herein_o learn_v a_o trick_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n if_o satan_n can_v prevail_v with_o a_o man_n to_o be_v abominable_a and_o vile_a in_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o debauch_a creature_n but_o that_o he_o will_v live_v civil_o and_o orderly_o and_o will_v be_v do_v good_a thing_n than_o he_o will_v temper_v with_o he_o and_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o be_v conceit_v of_o his_o goodness_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n when_o a_o man_n do_v avoid_v the_o bloody-faced_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o devil_n make_v he_o to_o think_v he_o be_v a_o right_n honest_a man_n and_o make_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o salvation_n but_o this_o be_v as_o please_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n for_o assure_o the_o trust_n and_o ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o we_o shall_v assoon_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o hell_n as_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o debauch_a course_n of_o life_n oh_o then_o trust_v perfect_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o pet._n 1.13_o the_o word_n be_v very_o significant_a and_o signify_v sound_o holy_o and_o solid_o trust_v to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o if_o thou_o trust_v upon_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o will_v plunge_v thy_o soul_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n yea_o if_o we_o rest_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n though_o the_o lord_n do_v afflict_v and_o bring_v we_o under_o in_o grievous_a affliction_n yet_o happy_a be_v we_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o he_o will_v never_o take_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o as_o he_o say_v to_o david_n 2_o sam._n 7.14_o 15._o if_o thy_o son_n sin_n against_o i_o i_o will_v correct_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n but_o my_o mercy_n will_v i_o never_o take_v from_o thou_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o bless_a estate_n that_o rest_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n verse_n 12._o it_o be_v say_v unto_o she_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a in_o this_o verse_n our_o apostle_n put_v down_o the_o speech_n of_o god_n unto_o rebekah_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o gen._n 25.23_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o that_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o rebekah_n have_v conceive_v twin_n two_o child_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o feel_v the_o child_n to_o strive_v in_o her_o womb_n she_o go_v to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n touch_v that_o matter_n and_o the_o text_n say_v god_n give_v she_o this_o answer_n two_o nation_n be_v in_o thy_o womb_n rebekah_n two_o manner_n of_o people_n shall_v be_v divide_v out_o of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o the_o one_o people_n shall_v be_v mighty_a than_o the_o other_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o
do_v limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n and_o therefore_o mercy_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a property_n in_o god_n answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o of_o all_o this_o cavil_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o mistake_n and_o misconstruction_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o intend_v and_o mean_v the_o natural_a property_n and_o essential_a attribute_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n but_o he_o mean_v the_o act_n exercise_n and_o work_v of_o that_o property_n which_o be_v extend_v and_o reach_v out_o unto_o man_n and_o that_o be_v ever_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n again_o it_o be_v false_a and_o utter_o untrue_a that_o this_o heretic_n affirm_v that_o all_o the_o natural_a property_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o in_o use_n to_o we_o for_o justice_n mercy_n goodness_n and_o power_n and_o the_o like_a be_v essential_a and_o natural_a in_o god_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v extend_v and_o reach_v they_o out_o to_o who_o he_o please_v according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n when_o he_o will_v and_o where_o he_o will_v and_o how_o it_o please_v he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v that_o mercy_n be_v not_o natural_a and_o essential_a in_o god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n contradict_v it_o in_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n there_o proclaim_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a gracious_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o in_o truth_n yea_o this_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o i_o forbear_v it_o in_o so_o pregnant_a and_o plain_a a_o truth_n and_o come_v we_o then_o to_o that_o which_o may_v be_v true_o conclude_v from_o these_o word_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o i_o will_v and_o compassion_n upon_o who_o i_o will_v these_o word_n be_v understand_v as_o heretofore_o i_o have_v explain_v they_o that_o the_o act_n the_o exercise_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v ever_o by_o god_n extend_v to_o they_o to_o who_o he_o please_v hence_o than_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v thus_o much_o doct._n that_o god_n mercy_n reach_v out_o unto_o his_o choose_a it_o be_v most_o free_a and_o voluntary_a it_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o out_o of_o god_n but_o come_v only_a and_o mere_o out_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o any_o or_o that_o he_o show_v any_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n or_o mercy_n to_o any_o one_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a majesty_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o author_n of_o mercy_n pity_n and_o compassion_n he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o will_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n do_v extend_v and_o reach_v out_o mercy_n unto_o any_o be_v his_o mere_a will_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o mark_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o cor._n 1.3_o the_o apostle_n there_o call_v god_n pater_fw-la misericordiarum_fw-la the_o father_n of_o mercy_n show_v that_o god_n be_v the_o father_n and_o begetter_n of_o mercy_n and_o that_o mercy_n and_o love_n be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o child_n come_v from_o he_o and_o in_o joh._n 1.15_o say_v the_o evangelist_n of_o he_o we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n one_o grace_n to_o another_o and_o christ_n jesus_n say_v luke_n 10.12_o father_n i_o confess_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n even_o the_o thing_n of_o thy_o gospel_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o because_o it_o please_v thou_o it_o be_v so_o of_o thy_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n nothing_o move_v thou_o thereunto_o so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v mercy_n unto_o any_o it_o be_v the_o free_a will_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n nothing_o else_o move_v he_o but_o haply_o then_o some_o may_v say_v to_o i_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v true_a object_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n unto_o his_o choose_a and_o pardon_v for_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o show_v mercy_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n than_o not_o for_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o conclude_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a answ_n as_o we_o speak_v in_o school_n they_o do_v and_o may_v well_o agree_v and_o stand_v together_o god_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o his_o choose_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o mere_o out_o of_o his_o own_o will_n how_o can_v these_o two_o stand_v together_o yes_o very_o well_o for_o why_o god_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o his_o choose_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o his_o choose_a shall_v have_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n shall_v not_o come_v without_o christ_n as_o christ_n affirm_v john_n 6.40_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o every_o one_o that_o see_v the_o son_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o if_o any_o do_v object_n that_o of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n 43.25_o object_n i_o be_o he_o that_o have_v put_v away_o all_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n therefore_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o for_o christ_n sake_n but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n as_o the_o lord_n profess_v i_o answer_v answ_n god_n do_v therefore_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a for_o his_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o do_v it_o for_o christ_n sake_n for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o every_o person_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n that_o which_o the_o son_n work_v the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o unity_n of_o godhead_n so_o that_o mercy_n come_v only_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o any_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n free_a will_n this_o first_o meet_v with_o a_o false_a conclusion_n of_o arminius_n and_o of_o the_o arminian_o use_v 1_o that_o say_v god_n may_v decree_v to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n now_o this_o be_v to_o restrain_v god_n show_v of_o mercy_n to_o man_n qualification_n and_o to_o make_v something_o in_o man_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n show_v mercy_n where_o as_o these_o two_o stand_v together_o never_o they_o can_v possible_o agree_v be_v contraria_fw-la &_o contraria_fw-la sine_fw-la medio_fw-la that_o god_n will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o man_n and_o that_o god_n show_v mercy_n because_o of_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o qualification_n in_o good_a 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