promise_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o a_o become_a and_o suitable_a posture_n kneel_v be_v at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n and_o how_o natural_o it_o follow_v where_o people_n entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o come_v unto_o it_o with_o humble_a mind_n nor_o can_v i_o sufficient_o admire_v that_o of_o all_o the_o usage_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o so_o significant_a so_o decent_a a_o ceremony_n shall_v ever_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o ill_a sign_n of_o very_o lofty_a imagination_n when_o there_o be_v such_o stiffness_n in_o man_n knee_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o i_o to_o proceed_v chap._n xii_o of_o our_o behaviour_n after_o receive_v when_o we_o have_v thus_o devout_o employ_v this_o bless_a hour_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o our_o great_a business_n be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o we_o may_v now_o drop_v those_o religious_a consideration_n which_o hitherto_o take_v up_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n that_o we_o may_v now_o go_v home_o leave_v our_o vow_n and_o resolution_n behind_o we_o in_o the_o church_n much_o less_o may_v we_o think_v ourselves_o free_a to_o fall_v afresh_o upon_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n be_v yet_o before_o we_o and_o to_o stop_v and_o rest_v here_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v hitherto_o employ_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o unravel_v our_o whole_a work_n and_o to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o this_o heavenly_a ordinance_n for_o this_o rite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o it_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o and_o intrinsical_o good_a as_o those_o act_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v wherein_o the_o substance_n and_o excellence_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o it_o iâ—_n a_o relative_n thing_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o carry_v on_o that_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o here_o indeed_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n by_o devote_v unto_o god_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o as_o the_o groundwork_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o superstructure_n so_o be_v our_o action_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v build_v up_o more_o and_o more_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o be_v sit_o frame_v together_o and_o compact_a may_v grow_v and_o rise_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n this_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v if_o you_o observe_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o it_o be_v first_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o very_a death_n of_o christ_n a_o representation_n exhibit_v to_o our_o sense_n by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o wine_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n by_o show_v we_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o world_n gild_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n nor_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n at_o a_o low_a rate_n than_o by_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n for_o we_o all_o what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o set_v our_o zeal_n a_o work_n upon_o mortify_v all_o our_o lust_n and_o affection_n and_o upon_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o make_v we_o ever_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a lest_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 26._o it_o be_v second_o a_o memorial_n of_o christ_n love_n love_v strong_a than_o death_n that_o make_v he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n to_o he_o again_o who_o so_o love_v we_o as_o to_o die_v for_o we_o the_o great_a affection_n this_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o mortal_a man_n to_o express_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o yet_o infinite_o short_a of_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n express_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o this_o he_o commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o above_o all_o proportion_n and_o comparison_n in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a it_o be_v three_o a_o foederal_a solemnity_n whereby_o we_o renew_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o at_o our_o baptism_n vow_v promise_v and_o engage_v over_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n and_o swear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o hand_n lay_v upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o will_v henceforth_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o bind_v we_o with_o the_o most_o solemn_a security_n and_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a penalty_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o not_o to_o follow_v or_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o and_o not_o only_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o purity_n but_o to_o present_v even_o our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o farther_n of_o all_o these_o noble_a end_n this_o mystery_n be_v in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o very_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n a_o instrument_n that_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o necessary_a and_o suitable_a assistance_n and_o a_o title_n under_o seal_n to_o all_o the_o evangelical_n promise_v and_o particular_o to_o this_o that_o he_o that_o persever_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a too_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n that_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v and_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n unto_o grace_n sure_a and_o effectual_a by_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n or_o courage_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n charity_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o our_o enemy_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o useful_a for_o the_o present_a but_o of_o mighty_a importance_n for_o the_o future_a it_o have_v a_o tendency_n forward_o and_o it_o drive_v at_o mighty_a end_n which_o our_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v over_o that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o come_v every_o day_n near_o and_o near_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v this_o still_o we_o may_v observe_v second_o that_o those_o very_a preparation_n which_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a communicate_v do_v all_o look_v the_o same_o way_n and_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n thus_o faith_n or_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o those_o evidence_n and_o motive_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o be_v natural_o productive_a of_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o as_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o folly_n the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o show_v
not_o now_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n nay_o 2_o such_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a person_n do_v draw_v a_o curse_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o this_o cause_n say_v st._n paul_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n whence_o come_v many_o linger_a disease_n many_o sudden_a death_n why_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o irreverent_a use_n of_o this_o bleâ—â—ed_a sacrament_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o as_o god_n threaten_v under_o the_o law_n exod._n 12._o 15._o to_o cut_v off_o those_o soul_n that_o shall_v eat_v leaven_v bread_n at_o the_o passover_n so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n many_o be_v remarkable_o visit_v with_o plague_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o death_n and_o some_o people_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o devil_n too_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o come_v not_o to_o this_o mystery_n well_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o theme_n suppose_v that_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v now_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o due_a preparation_n and_o i_o have_v scarce_o say_v so_o much_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o our_o way_n and_o i_o can_v not_o leap_v over_o it_o with_o a_o honest_a conscience_n in_o many_o other_o case_n man_n need_v a_o bridle_n rather_o than_o a_o spur_n but_o in_o this_o case_n a_o spur_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o bridle_n because_o such_o be_v the_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o use_v protreptic_o to_o provoke_v man_n unto_o their_o duty_n than_o threat_n and_o menace_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o receive_v however_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n it_o behove_v i_o to_o show_v what_o caution_n they_o be_v to_o take_v along_o with_o they_o lest_o they_o take_v a_o step_n towards_o their_o perdition_n keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n as_o the_o royal_a preacher_n say_v eccles_n 4._o 1._o thus_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v strict_o bind_v to_o communicate_v and_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o right_o and_o due_o in_o order_n to_o a_o profitable_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o discourse_v of_o upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o according_a to_o this_o plain_a method_n and_o treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o preparation_n and_o show_v you_o wherein_o that_o do_v consist_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o preparation_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o consideration_n though_o a_o very_a slight_a account_n be_v make_v of_o it_o by_o those_o who_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o whisper_v their_o crime_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o confessor_n and_o to_o undergo_v or_o promise_v some_o trifle_a penance_n and_o if_o after_o these_o little_a practice_n they_o have_v the_o absolution_n of_o a_o priest_n who_o yet_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o involve_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o gild_n with_o his_o penitent_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a and_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o doctor_n who_o teach_v that_o confession_n and_o penance_n be_v the_o necessary_a preparative_n before_o the_o sacrament_n without_o make_v any_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o although_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o contrition_n or_o attrition_n at_o least_o yet_o by_o those_o word_n they_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o a_o little_a grief_n for_o sin_n with_o some_o few_o purpose_n at_o present_a to_o amend_v hereafter_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v sufficient_a because_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n the_o work_n of_o the_o priest_n supply_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o true_a and_o manly_a repentance_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a and_o trifle_a method_n make_v up_o of_o lucrative_a art_n and_o absurd_a performance_n and_o serve_v to_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v christianity_n and_o to_o encourage_v people_n in_o a_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a course_n of_o life_n as_o any_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n thereof_o 1._o therefore_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o particular_a we_o be_v first_o to_o note_n in_o the_o general_n that_o universal_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o a_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a communion_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n even_o of_o a_o pagan_a that_o such_o as_o meddle_v with_o thing_n sacred_a aught_o to_o be_v chaste_a and_o holy_a not_o timocrat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n demoth_n cont._n timocrat_n for_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o day_n only_o but_o throughout_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o certain_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o best_a prepaparative_n for_o a_o due_a celebration_n of_o this_o mystery_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n as_o a_o life_n of_o innocence_n yet_o if_o a_o man_n have_v lose_v his_o innocence_n either_o through_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n or_o through_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o unlawful_a act_n his_o repentance_n nevertheless_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n accept_v of_o in_o lieu_n of_o it_o if_o that_o repentance_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a now_o repentance_n can_v be_v right_a unless_o the_o heart_n be_v entire_o good_a so_o as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v base_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o therefore_o a_o communicant_n mind_n and_o purpose_n must_v be_v resolute_o fix_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a christian_a piety_n though_o some_o particular_a virtue_n be_v here_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v exercise_v because_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n particular_a reason_n and_o special_a object_n to_o exercise_n his_o faith_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o habitual_a presence_n of_o other_o virtue_n too_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o spirit_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n bonum_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la malum_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la defectu_fw-la he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o entire_a good_a man_n nor_o a_o right_n good_a communicant_a that_o have_v not_o a_o entire_a and_o universal_a love_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v now_o accept_v of_o each_o divine_a grace_n must_v contribute_v something_o to_o make_v up_o our_o wedding_n apparel_n the_o cover_n of_o charity_n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o gentle_a spirit_n the_o clothing_n of_o humility_n the_o sackcloth_n of_o repentance_n and_o self-denial_n the_o long_a robe_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n the_o new_a apparel_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o a_o word_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o to_o be_v ready_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n all_o affection_n and_o love_n to_o sin_n must_v be_v cast_v off_o and_o man_n heart_n must_v be_v devote_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o our_o redeemer_n as_o his_o spirit_n shall_v enable_v we_o by_o work_v in_o we_o and_o with_o we_o and_o by_o help_v our_o infirmity_n he_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v can_v communicate_v worthy_o and_o so_o as_o to_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a this_o be_v a_o covenant_n feast_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o paschal_n supper_n and_o other_o sacrifical_a banquet_n be_v under_o the_o law_n by_o taste_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o enter_v into_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o eat_v of_o the_o lamb._n as_o they_o do_v by_o that_o holy_a rite_n addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o engage_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o conformable_a to_o those_o law_n and_o ordinance_n which_o be_v enact_v then_o even_o so_o do_v we_o christian_n
consecrate_v ourselves_o by_o this_o evangelical_n solemnity_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o that_o way_n and_o platform_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o now_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o old_a military_a oath_n bind_v all_o of_o we_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o apostle_n that_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o this_o we_o undertake_v to_o do_v when_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v here_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o right_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v we_o stipulate_v and_o vow_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o promise_v solemn_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o express_a term_n do_v offer_v and_o present_v unto_o god_n ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a reasonable_a and_o lively_a sacrifice_n unto_o he_o now_o unless_o we_o real_o intend_v what_o we_o do_v profess_v and_o do_v steadfast_o purpose_n and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o our_o promise_n good_a what_o else_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v but_o to_o set_v forth_o our_o own_o shameful_a hypocrisy_n instead_o of_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n therefore_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n and_o to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v resolve_v with_o ourselves_o to_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a in_o heart_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o quit_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o like_a men._n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n all_o our_o day_n with_o reverence_n and_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o soul_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o peaceable_a in_o spirit_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o our_o delight_n to_o be_v content_v in_o all_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v patient_n under_o our_o cross_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v under_o he_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o our_o affliction_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o firm_a in_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n as_o he_o himself_o be_v who_o pray_v unto_o his_o father_n at_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o enemy_n man_n must_v not_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v if_o they_o do_v but_o find_v within_o themselves_o some_o present_a rapture_n and_o liquorish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v but_o breathe_v out_o some_o groan_n or_o dissolve_v themselves_o into_o a_o shower_n of_o water_n no_o the_o right_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o virtue_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o honest_a and_o just_o and_o pure_a and_o lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o 8._o and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o quality_n and_o nature_n of_o due_a preparation_n in_o general_a it_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a rectitude_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n a_o entire_a goodness_n of_o disposition_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o such_o a_o divine_a frame_n and_o bent_n of_o soul_n as_o utter_o abhor_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o destructive_a of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a both_o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 2._o but_o then_o we_o must_v note_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n so_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a and_o special_a duty_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v perform_v because_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v special_a object_n and_o reason_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o here_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n merit_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n because_o his_o merit_n be_v available_a to_o such_o only_a as_o do_v believe_v we_o be_v true_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o christ_n die_v for_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o repentance_n that_o our_o pardon_n be_v seal_v and_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o entire_a love_n to_o our_o brethren_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n because_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_v common_o prescribe_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o charity_n as_o most_o necessary_a preparative_n in_o order_n to_o a_o worthy_a receive_v not_o as_o if_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v but_o because_o these_o be_v special_o to_o be_v exercise_v forasmuch_o as_o this_o great_a solemnity_n do_v afford_v we_o special_a and_o eminent_a object_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v the_o usual_a method_n be_v now_o to_o show_v how_o prepare_v you_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o preparation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o for_o your_o more_o profitable_a instruction_n i_o shall_v discourse_v particular_o of_o those_o three_o qualification_n in_o their_o due_a order_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n by_o faith_n i_o mean_v here_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o belief_n by_o divine_a revelation_n distinguish_v faith_n from_o hope_n and_o obedience_n and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n now_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 2._o what_o faith_n be_v require_v or_o what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v i_o know_v not_o what_o more_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v touch_v this_o matter_n 1._o why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v obvious_a because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o do_v influence_n move_v and_o govern_v our_o action_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o either_o to_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n or_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n or_o to_o do_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o exact_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v if_o we_o neglect_v and_o despise_v so_o great_a salvation_n so_o that_o without_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o consequent_o the_o element_n that_o be_v take_v by_o a_o unbeliever_n can_v do_v he_o no_o more_o good_a than_o a_o morsel_n put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n even_o the_o word_n that_o be_v preach_v do_v not_o profit_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4._o 2._o a_o thousand_o homily_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o such_o than_o metaphysical_a discourse_n to_o a_o brute_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n though_o to_o well-prepared_n soul_n it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o avail_v not_o except_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o while_o
our_o saviour_n body_n be_v on_o earth_n local_o though_o a_o medicinal_a virtue_n go_v out_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v but_o touch_v the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n be_v heal_v of_o their_o disease_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o operate_v effectual_o without_o some_o previous_a preparation_n of_o faith_n in_o matth._n 15._o 28._o he_o tell_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n that_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o before_o he_o have_v take_v compassion_n upon_o her_o child_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o when_o the_o woman_n with_o a_o bloody_a issue_n have_v but_o touch_v his_o clothes_n though_o she_o be_v afraid_a for_o her_o presumption_n be_v at_o last_o discover_v yet_o receive_v she_o this_o gracious_a answer_n daughter_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o faith_n have_v make_v thou_o whole_a matth._n 9_o 22._o on_o the_o contrary_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o incredulity_n of_o people_n do_v as_o it_o be_v bound_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n so_o that_o his_o miracle_n be_v very_o few_o where_o their_o faith_n be_v very_o rare_a a_o clear_a instance_n we_o have_v in_o matth._n 13._o in_o his_o own_o country_n at_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n v._o 58._o some_o indeed_o he_o do_v for_o he_o heal_v a_o few_o sick_a person_n who_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v but_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o mighty_a work_n he_o can_v not_o do_v there_o marc._n 6._o 5._o now_o to_o bring_v down_o this_o consideration_n to_o our_o present_a business_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v still_o cast_v like_o influence_n and_o virtue_n from_o heaven_n and_o his_o spirit_n do_v dispense_v they_o at_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o dispense_v they_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o work_v miracle_n on_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o every_o one_o receive_v it_o according_a as_o he_o be_v prepare_v by_o faith_n we_o see_v the_o sun_n dart_v his_o beam_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n insensible_o and_o make_v every_o plant_n to_o bud_n and_o germinate_v and_o shoot_v forth_o but_o yet_o his_o ray_n have_v no_o power_n over_o root_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o irresistible_a power_n over_o thing_n below_o whereas_o the_o influence_n which_o flow_v down_o from_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n do_v not_o act_v physical_o and_o after_o a_o uncontrollable_a manner_n neither_o be_v there_o that_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o the_o sacrament_n or_o such_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o it_o as_o to_o work_v upon_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o open_v to_o its_o operation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n no_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o outward_a and_o ritual_a mean_n but_o faith_n be_v the_o moral_a and_o inward_a instrument_n of_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o every_o man_n receipt_n be_v according_a as_o he_o believe_v and_o therefore_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v into_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o look_v well_o into_o our_o creed_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 13._o 1._o mean_v that_o we_o must_v approve_v our_o faith_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o our_o heart_n must_v bear_v we_o witness_n that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v before_o we_o presume_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n 2._o now_o because_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o approve_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o it_o at_o all_o unless_o he_o do_v first_o know_v what_o his_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v require_v to_o extend_v therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o show_v viz._n what_o it_o be_v that_o every_o communicant_a be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o mind_n whether_o you_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o the_o communion_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v the_o rather_o because_o many_o have_v speak_v very_o loose_o and_o extravagant_o upon_o this_o theme_n as_o if_o none_o can_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n except_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o god_n elect_v he_o to_o salvation_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o except_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v certain_o pardon_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v absolute_o and_o infallible_o save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o conceit_n i_o be_o confident_a have_v serve_v to_o deter_v thousand_o from_o this_o admirable_a and_o heavenly_a ordinance_n who_o though_o they_o have_v never_o such_o good_a meaning_n and_o honest_a purpose_n and_o be_v as_o we_o may_v believe_v sincere_a in_o their_o heart_n yet_o because_o they_o can_v not_o find_v themselves_o thus_o persuade_v have_v refrain_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o the_o great_a disquiet_n and_o prejudice_v of_o their_o soul_n therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o rub_n out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n before_o he_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v confident_o assure_v of_o his_o present_a forgiveness_n or_o his_o future_a felicity_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o general_a nor_o do_v we_o deny_v but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o particular_a that_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o shall_v be_v happy_a on_o condition_n that_o he_o sincere_o and_o honest_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v neither_o but_o a_o strong_a assurance_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v before_o he_o do_v communicate_v to_o be_v absolute_o and_o peremptory_o assure_v of_o his_o happiness_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v particular_a condition_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o such_o revelation_n in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o we_o right_o affirm_v against_o the_o romanist_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o tradition_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o affirm_v against_o all_o enthusiast_n too_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o airy_a and_o confident_a opinion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v our_o guide_n and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o say_v be_v not_o necessary_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o believe_v quod_fw-la de_fw-la scripture_n non_fw-la habet_fw-la autoritatem_fw-la eadem_fw-la facilitate_v contemnitur_fw-la qua_fw-la probatur_fw-la as_o st._n jerom_n say_v meaning_n that_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n now_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v your_o name_n write_v there_o or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n if_o you_o can_v any_o where_o find_v it_o say_v that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v or_o if_o you_o can_v discover_v any_o absolute_a decree_n that_o you_o shall_v infallible_o be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v we_o all_o many_o excellent_a promise_n many_o great_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n but_o still_o it_o speak_v in_o general_n that_o they_o who_o believe_v shall_v not_o perish_v that_o they_o who_o repent_v shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o that_o they_o who_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o say_v not_o in_o particular_a that_o i_o be_o such_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v fare_v so_o only_o indeed_o i_o may_v draw_v particular_n out_o of_o general_n by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n and_o rational_a discourse_n and_o i_o may_v judge_v of_o myself_o by_o measure_v myself_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o compare_v my_o condition_n and_o state_n with_o the_o gospel-term_n and_o so_o i_o may_v have_v very_o comfortable_a and_o strong_a hope_n enough_o to_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n will_v show_v mercy_n unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n but_o to_o go_v far_o and_o to_o
be_v absolute_o assure_v of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o we_o have_v no_o plain_a revelation_n to_o ground_n that_o assurance_n upon_o 2._o because_o such_o a_o assurance_n be_v i_o possess_v of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o divine_a but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v fallible_a and_o very_a uncertain_a for_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v mere_o on_o my_o reflect_v upon_o myself_o and_o upon_o my_o compare_v my_o condition_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o my_o judgement_n touch_v my_o own_o state_n be_v still_o but_o a_o humane_a act_n arise_v from_o those_o observation_n which_o i_o myself_o make_v and_o i_o can_v as_o firm_o and_o reasonable_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o a_o penitent_n as_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v penitent_n because_o i_o have_v his_o word_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o only_o my_o own_o word_n for_o the_o former_a and_o we_o know_v that_o every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v partial_a to_o 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to_o the_o difficulty_n by_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o render_v that_o entrance_n impossible_a which_o already_o be_v so_o narrow_a that_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o in_o answer_n then_o to_o this_o enquiry_n what_o it_o be_v that_o every_o communicant_a be_v bind_v to_o believe_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o fair_a and_o satisfactory_a truth_n that_o the_o faith_n require_v be_v a_o cordial_n and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o particular_o that_o christ_n be_v so_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v all_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o article_n touch_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n these_o be_v plain_a assertion_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o i_o call_v this_o a_o cordial_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o christ_n as_o serve_v to_o apply_v christ_n merit_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n which_o divine_v call_v a_o particular_a faith_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n comfortable_o be_v not_o only_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o large_a and_o in_o a_o general_n proposition_n but_o moreover_o to_o believe_v for_o one_o self_n to_o be_v thorough_o satisfy_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n that_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o save_v even_o i_o among_o other_o that_o he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n and_o in_o particular_a for_o i_o that_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o even_o for_o i_o that_o he_o be_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n for_o my_o brethren_n and_o for_o i_o also_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o all_o that_o do_v obey_v he_o and_o that_o even_o i_o shall_v have_v benefit_n by_o his_o promise_n if_o i_o make_v good_a the_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o with_o he_o there_o be_v plenteous_a redemption_n for_o i_o and_o for_o thou_o and_o for_o we_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o persuade_v be_v enough_o for_o any_o communicant_a in_o genere_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n indeed_o in_o genere_fw-la morum_fw-la as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n repentance_n and_o universal_a obedience_n be_v necessary_a too_o but_o now_o we_o be_v consider_v not_o how_o much_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o communicant_a to_o practice_n but_o how_o much_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v be_v sufficient_a if_o man_n do_v but_o add_v to_o this_o faith_n virtue_n 1._o that_o this_o be_v so_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o impartial_o consider_v first_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n that_o they_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 say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o joh._n 17._o 3._o the_o sense_n of_o which_o place_n be_v that_o the_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n be_v the_o infallible_a way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o truth_n wrap_v and_o fold_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o text_n which_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n have_v draw_v out_o into_o several_a article_n to_o know_v jesus_n or_o to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n signify_v in_o the_o dialect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o own_v he_o to_o have_v be_v send_v by_o god_n commission_n that_o he_o come_v to_o redeem_v we_o and_o to_o bless_v we_o and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o merit_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o power_n both_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o in_o and_o through_o he_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o that_o will_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n now_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a as_o touch_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o entitle_v a_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v enough_o also_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o liberty_n of_o communicate_v because_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n than_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o suffice_v to_o bring_v we_o hereafter_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o confident_a presumption_n of_o a_o man_n absolute_a pardon_n and_o election_n unto_o happiness_n but_o a_o firm_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_o sinner_n which_o be_v a_o most_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n be_v enough_o for_o a_o communicant_a will_v appear_v second_o from_o its_o anaglogy_n and_o proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o disciple_n it_o be_v st._n peter_n confession_n for_o which_o he_o be_v call_v bless_v thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n matth._n 16._o 16._o it_o be_v martha_n confession_n lord_n i_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n joh._n 11._o 27._o it_o be_v the_o eunuch_n confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8._o 37._o nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n before_o every_o particular_a be_v extract_v which_o lie_v hide_v and_o fold_v up_o in_o it_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n joh._n 6._o 69._o now_o do_v but_o consider_v and_o judge_v in_o yourselves_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o ratianal_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o dispose_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o sacrament_n certain_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o the_o disciple_n of_o old_a feel_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o life_n we_o may_v also_o feed_v on_o he_o for_o this_o
universal_a and_o vniform_a or_o that_o we_o habitual_o live_v according_a to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n because_o where_o we_o come_v short_a of_o this_o uniformity_n there_o we_o come_v short_a of_o that_o perfection_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o divine_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o we_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o perfection_n of_o degree_n that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v the_o presence_n of_o every_o virtue_n though_o there_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n such_o a_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n with_o our_o noble_a endowment_n that_o we_o can_v exercise_v they_o in_o that_o high_a pitch_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o next_o life_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o perfect_a stature_n even_o as_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n have_v all_o the_o necessary_a part_n and_o lineament_n of_o a_o man_n though_o it_o will_v be_v long_o before_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a growth_n and_o proportion_n consider_v then_o i_o beseech_v you_o and_o you_o especial_o who_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o bless_a viand_n of_o immortality_n what_o strict_a obligation_n you_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n you_o be_v now_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n you_o be_v now_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n you_o be_v now_o to_o do_v as_o the_o combatant_n in_o the_o old_a olympic_a game_n to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n that_o may_v oppress_v and_o every_o encumbrance_n that_o may_v entangle_v you_o and_o to_o run_v with_o perseverence_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o and_o you_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o jam._n 2._o 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v become_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o disobedience_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o have_v violate_v all_o that_o you_o may_v not_o miscarry_v therefore_o through_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n or_o by_o the_o presumptuous_a commission_n of_o any_o heinous_a sin_n lay_v daily_o before_o your_o eye_n the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o as_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o a_o perfect_o christian_a life_n and_o for_o your_o more_o easy_a performance_n i_o shall_v now_o brief_o represent_v to_o you_o a_o scheme_n and_o platform_n of_o virtue_n agreeable_a to_o those_o precept_n which_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a undertake_n to_o come_v at_o the_o close_a of_o this_o whole_a subject_n i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o source_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n the_o inner_a man._n keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n prov._n 4._o 25._o as_o a_o good_a man_n cut_v of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n so_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n matth._n 12._o 35._o for_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a design_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false_a witness_n blasphemy_n mat._n 15._o 19_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n therefore_o that_o principal_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n heb._n 13._o 9_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n matth._n 5._o 8._o the_o good_a thing_n which_o come_v out_o of_o this_o hide_a treasure_n be_v usual_o divide_v into_o three_o general_a kind_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v reckon_v they_o tit._n 2._o 12._o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n under_o which_o three_o head_n be_v comprehend_v all_o the_o several_a duty_n which_o relate_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o god_n himself_o according_a to_o which_o division_n i_o shall_v proceed_v first_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o those_o virtue_n which_o more_o immediate_o relate_v to_o yourselves_o in_o a_o separate_a and_o personal_a capacity_n as_o i_o find_v they_o propose_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n learn_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o very_a first_o place_n to_o be_v lowly_a in_o heart_n mat._n 11._o 29._o god_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o lowly_a ps_n 138._o 6._o he_o give_v grace_n unto_o the_o lowly_a prov._n 3._o 34._o be_v you_o therefore_o clothe_v with_o humility_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n phil._n 2._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o no_o one_o of_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 6._o that_o you_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v rom._n 11._o 20._o that_o you_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o man_n of_o low_a estate_n rom._n 12._o 16._o that_o you_o think_v not_o of_o yourselves_o more_o high_o than_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 3._o and_o that_o you_o trust_v not_o in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v 1_o tim_n 6._o 17._o next_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n be_v that_o of_o meekness_n such_o a_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v call_v the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o a_o quiet_a spirit_n which_o even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 4._o to_o recommend_v it_o unto_o we_o god_n require_v we_o to_o be_v as_o he_o himself_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n jam._n 1._o 19_o to_o cease_v from_o anger_n ps_n 37._o 8._o not_o to_o be_v angry_a without_o a_o cause_n mat._n 5._o 22._o nor_o to_o be_v angry_a in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o to_o sin_n or_o to_o let_v the_o sun_n go_v down_o upon_o our_o wrath_n ephes_n 4._o 26._o but_o to_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a col._n 3._o 12._o and_o to_o let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n and_o anger_n and_o clamour_n and_o evil-speaking_a be_v put_v away_o from_o we_o with_o all_o malice_n ephes_n 4._o 31._o these_o two_o virtue_n be_v deep_o radicate_v patience_n patience_n will_v natural_o produce_v in_o we_o great_a temper_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n in_o any_o grievous_a circumstance_n god_n himself_o though_o he_o be_v provoke_v every_o day_n be_v long-suffering_a towards_o we_o the_o bless_a jesus_n endure_v all_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o heb._n 12._o 3._o and_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 23._o and_o all_o this_o to_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 21._o that_o we_o shall_v possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n luk._n 21._o 19_o that_o we_o be_v patient_a in_o tribulation_n rom._n 12._o 12._o that_o we_o endure_v affliction_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 5._o that_o we_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 13._o and_o when_o any_o fiery_a trial_n come_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o wonder_v or_o be_v trouble_v as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v but_o rejoice_v inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v we_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 12_o 13._o this_o lead_v on_o the_o slight_n of_o all_o mortification_n mortification_n thing_n here_o below_o when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 15._o therefore_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v without_o covetousness_n heb._n 13._o 5._o lay_v not_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n matth._n 6._o 19_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o your_o heart_n upon_o they_o ps_n 62._o 10._o neither_o take_v