6.24_o 29._o how_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n our_o lord_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v nay_o further_o as_o a_o faith_n of_o adherence_n or_o acceptance_n give_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n so_o a_o faith_n of_o full_a assurance_n be_v this_o salvation_n itself_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o for_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v in_o its_o justify_v act_n it_o give_v a_o title_n to_o salvation_n in_o its_o assure_v act_n it_o give_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v much_o at_o one_o to_o a_o strong_a faith_n to_o believe_v heaven_n and_o to_o enjoy_v it_o second_o faith_n do_v compendious_o further_a and_o promote_v the_o work_n out_o of_o our_o salvation_n in_o actual_a possession_n and_o that_o because_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n which_o fetch_v all_o that_o ability_n and_o strength_n from_o christ_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v enable_v to_o work_v faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o grace_n of_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v steward_n and_o purveyor_n for_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o its_o office_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o provision_n for_o they_o while_o they_o be_v work_v and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n faith_n grow_v either_o strong_a or_o weak_a so_o his_o work_n go_v on_o more_o or_o less_o vigorous_o when_o other_o grace_n be_v in_o want_n and_o cry_v give_v give_v than_o faith_n betake_v itself_o to_o christ_n and_o say_v lord_n such_o a_o grace_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o strength_n to_o support_v it_o and_o such_o a_o grace_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o support_v to_o act_v it_o and_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v it_o myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o come_v to_o fetch_v supply_n from_o thou_o and_o certain_o this_o faith_n that_o come_v thus_o emptyhanded_a unto_o christ_n never_o go_v away_o emptyhanded_a from_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o that_o you_o complain_v of_o be_v it_o that_o the_o work_n stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o you_o can_v make_v it_o go_v forward_o be_v it_o that_o temptation_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a that_o duty_n be_v hard_a irksome_a and_o difficult_a why_o set_v faith_n on_o work_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o there_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v supply_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o omnipotent_a grace_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o that_o because_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o that_o god_n and_o to_o that_o christ_n on_o who_o faith_n be_v act_v there_o be_v no_o grace_n nor_o no_o supply_n nor_o mercy_n lay_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o it_o be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o believer_n faith_n and_o he_o may_v take_v from_o thence_o whatsoever_o he_o need_v to_o supply_v the_o present_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o his_o soul_n second_o another_o work_a grace_n be_v the_o fervent_a act_n of_o love_n love_n be_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o set_v all_o the_o rest_n a_o move_a and_o make_v it_o like_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n to_o run_v swift_o towards_o its_o desire_a object_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n between_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o work_n love_n depend_v upon_o faith_n to_o strengthen_v it_o and_o faith_n depend_v again_o upon_o love_n to_o act_v it_o as_o we_o love_v not_o that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n be_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o vision_n so_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v know_v and_o which_o we_o do_v believe_v yet_o if_o we_o love_v they_o not_o we_o shall_v never_o endeavour_v after_o they_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n now_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a spiritual_a love_n require_v to_o expedite_v our_o great_a work_n first_o a_o transcendent_a love_n of_o god_n second_o a_o regular_a love_n of_o ourselves_o three_o a_o complacential_a love_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o our_o work_n itself_o now_o when_o the_o affection_n go_v out_o after_o these_o object_n of_o love_n this_o will_n much_o facilitate_v our_o great_a work_n first_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o our_o duty_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o urge_v obedience_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n 5.3_o john_n 14.15_o 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n or_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a effect_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a they_o be_v not_o grievous_a because_o they_o be_v his_o commandment_n who_o be_v the_o love_n and_o joy_n of_o our_o soul_n divine_a love_n always_o conform_v itself_o to_o divine_a precept_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o this_o grace_n as_o it_o desire_v the_o beatifical_a union_n to_o god_n in_o glory_n hereafter_o for_o love_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o union_n so_o now_o it_o cause_v a_o unspeakable_a union_n of_o will_n and_o a_o supernatural_a sympathy_n of_o affection_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o union_n can_v be_v a_o union_n of_o equality_n or_o entity_n as_o be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o union_n of_o subordination_n of_o a_o christian_n will_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v this_o will_n of_o god_n why_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 4.3_o 1_o thes_n 4.3_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v he_o even_o your_o sanctification_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o another_o place_n 2.10_o eph._n 2.10_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n that_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o be_v this_o god_n will_v and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v our_o work_n have_v god_n ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v therein_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v averse_a from_o or_o slothful_a thereunto_o how_o can_v we_o pretend_v we_o love_v god_n while_o we_o neglect_v the_o only_a thing_n he_o require_v from_o we_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n god_n will_v our_o holiness_n because_o there_o be_v no_o better_a a_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v will_n next_o unto_o himself_o the_o image_n of_o god_n next_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o chief_a good_a every_o thing_n the_o near_a it_o approach_v unto_o god_n the_o more_o desirable_a it_o become_v in_o itself_o now_o that_o which_o come_v most_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o soul_n in_o some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n to_o he_o be_v holiness_n and_o endeavour_n after_o obedience_n whereby_o we_o become_v conformable_a unto_o god_n and_o attain_v some_o faint_a shadow_n and_o essay_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o soul_n will_v in_o order_n unto_o god_n will_n god_n now_o will_v holiness_n because_o it_o be_v most_o desirable_a and_o we_o must_v will_v our_o own_o holiness_n because_o if_o we_o love_v god_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v our_o will_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o his_o holy_a will._n second_o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o help_n to_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v in_o and_o by_o duty_n that_o we_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o these_o be_v the_o lattice_n through_o which_o god_n appear_v to_o the_o long_a soul_n and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n vouchsafe_v but_o half_a smile_n and_o little_a glance_n yet_o in_o these_o reserve_a communication_n the_o soul_n find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n as_o engage_v it_o to_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o duty_n all_o its_o day_n here_o say_v the_o soul_n god_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n here_o have_v i_o hear_v his_o voice_n here_o have_v i_o see_v his_o face_n his_o spirit_n have_v here_o breathe_v upon_o i_o his_o consolation_n have_v here_o refresh_v i_o and_o therefore_o here_o will_v i_o wait_v upon_o he_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v i_o remember_v well_o say_v the_o soul_n when_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n my_o heart_n have_v be_v fill_v by_o he_o pour_v out_o to_o he_o and_o accept_v with_o he_o i_o remember_v when_o he_o fill_v i_o first_o with_o sigh_n and_o then_o with_o song_n and_o both_o alike_o unutterable_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v keep_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n wait_v for_o the_o further_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o my_o god_n unto_o i_o second_o as_o love_n to_o god_n so_o a_o regular_a self-love_n will_v much_o help_v and_o further_a our_o obedience_n and_o duty_n and_o then_o be_v
so_o shall_v a_o christian_a pass_n from_o one_o duty_n to_o another_o and_o draw_v forth_o the_o sweetness_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o work_n 3._o to_o work_v for_o salvation_n a_o difficult_a work_n three_o to_o evince_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o work_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o against_o many_o encounter_n and_o strong_a opposition_n that_o a_o christian_n will_v certain_o meet_v with_o within_o be_v strong_a corruption_n without_o be_v strong_a temptation_n you_o have_v a_o treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n within_o and_o this_o traitor_n hold_v intelligence_n and_o league_n with_o your_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n without_o you_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n affront_v and_o discouragement_n from_o a_o peevish_a ill-conditioned_a world_n in_o which_o you_o live_v never_o any_o yet_o can_v escape_v free_a to_o heaven_n without_o meeting_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o all_o this_o call_v upon_o you_o to_o work_v and_o strive_v for_o salvation_n be_v it_o a_o time_n to_o sit_v still_o when_o you_o have_v all_o this_o opposition_n to_o break_v through_o so_o many_o temptation_n to_o resist_v so_o many_o corruption_n to_o mortify_v satan_n that_o old_a serpent_n to_o repel_v and_o make_v he_o become_v a_o fly_a serpent_n do_v not_o all_o this_o require_v a_o morose_a constancy_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o sour_a resolvedness_n to_o go_v through_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n these_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v achieve_v without_o great_a pain_n and_o labour_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o resolve_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o few_o heartless_a wish_n no_o more_o than_o a_o few_o more_o heartless_a duty_n will_v amount_v to_o never_o raise_v your_o expectation_n so_o high_a as_o salvation_n for_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o salvation_n will_v not_o be_v obtain_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o this_o no_o there_o must_v be_v great_a struggle_n and_o labour_n with_o earnest_a contending_n if_o ever_o you_o intend_v to_o be_v save_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o work_n to_o work_v salvation_n out_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o require_v great_a pain_n but_o lest_o the_o set_n out_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o work_n shall_v rather_o deter_v and_o fright_v man_n from_o it_o than_o excite_v and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n to_o it_o let_v i_o add_v a_o second_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o sinner_n may_v work_v for_o salvation_n incomparable_a mercy_n it_o be_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v you_o to_o work_v for_o your_o life_n that_o he_o set_v life_n and_o death_n before_o you_o and_o give_v they_o into_o your_o hand_n to_o take_v your_o choice_n if_o you_o will_v indulge_v your_o sloth_n than_o you_o choose_v death_n but_o life_n may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v it_o will_v indeed_o cost_v you_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v you_o and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n may_v be_v you_o though_o upon_o any_o term_n wicked_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v o_o how_o happy_a have_v we_o be_v if_o god_n have_v never_o command_v we_o to_o work_n if_o he_o have_v never_o require_v from_o we_o such_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a duty_n if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o free_a from_o this_o hard_a task_n and_o heavy_a burden_n of_o obedience_n but_o alas_o foolish_a sinner_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v as_o happy_a as_o they_o count_v this_o to_o be_v yet_o if_o god_n require_v no_o work_n from_o they_o he_o shall_v then_o show_v they_o just_a so_o much_o mercy_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n and_o no_o more_o from_o who_o god_n require_v no_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v no_o duty_n and_o unto_o who_o he_o intend_v no_o mercy_n you_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a restraint_n possible_o to_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o the_o law_n oh_o that_o god_n require_v no_o such_o observance_n from_o you_o but_o what_o do_v you_o desire_v herein_o but_o only_o the_o unhappy_a privilege_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v without_o law_n and_o without_o command_n but_o shall_v god_n send_v to_o the_o spirit_n now_o imprison_v and_o shall_v he_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v work_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v oh_o how_o will_v they_o leap_v in_o their_o chain_n at_o such_o glad_a tiding_n as_o these_o be_v and_o count_v it_o part_n of_o salvation_n that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o possibility_n of_o it_o no_o but_o god_n command_v nothing_o from_o they_o because_o he_o intend_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n upon_o they_o he_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o mercy_n to_o they_o as_o to_o require_v those_o duty_n from_o they_o that_o you_o repine_v and_o murmur_v at_o as_o grievous_a and_o furthermore_o consider_v this_o if_o you_o do_v not_o now_o work_v but_o perish_v under_o your_o sloth_n in_o hell_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n if_o god_n will_v command_v you_o more_o rigid_a and_o severe_a obedience_n than_o ever_o he_o command_v from_o you_o on_o earth_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n there_o if_o it_o may_v be_v your_o duty_n to_o repent_v and_o pray_v and_o believe_v nay_o you_o will_v count_v a_o command_n then_o to_o be_v as_o comfortable_a as_o a_o promise_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o command_n but_o connote_v a_o promise_n no_o but_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v your_o duty_n in_o hell_n for_o there_o you_o shall_v be_v free_v for_o ever_o from_o this_o rigorous_a and_o dreadful_a law_n of_o god_n that_o now_o you_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o and_o murmur_n against_o oh_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v while_o you_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o law_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o call_v it_o so_o and_o while_o you_o have_v so_o many_o promise_v couch_v in_o every_o command_n before_o god_n have_v leave_v off_o his_o merciful_a command_v before_o the_o time_n of_o duty_n be_v expire_v be_v persuade_v to_o work_n delay_v not_o you_o know_v not_o how_o long_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o you_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o cease_v true_o you_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n to_o press_v this_o duty_n upon_o you_o work_v and_o that_o speedy_o too_o while_o you_o may_v work_v there_o be_v hope_n that_o upon_o your_o work_n you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o while_n god_n call_v upon_o you_o and_o whilst_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o obedience_n from_o you_o it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o to_o begin_v to_o work_v short_a 3._o time_n to_o work_v for_o salvation_n in_o be_v very_o short_a three_o consider_v what_o a_o short_a scantling_n of_o time_n be_v allow_v you_o to_o do_v your_o great_a work_n in_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v branch_v out_o into_o two_o particular_n first_o consider_v how_o sad_a it_o will_v be_v for_o your_o time_n to_o be_v run_v out_o before_o your_o great_a work_n be_v do_v alas_o what_o be_v threescore_o year_n if_o we_o be_v all_o sure_a to_o live_v so_o long_o from_o the_o date_n of_o this_o present_a moment_n how_o short_a a_o space_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v of_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o of_o we_o shall_v live_v to_o that_o which_o we_o so_o improper_o call_v old_a age_n our_o candle_n be_v light_v and_o it_o be_v but_o small_a at_o the_o best_a and_o to_o how_o many_o of_o we_o be_v it_o already_o sink_v in_o the_o socket_n and_o bring_v to_o a_o snuff_n and_o how_o soon_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n may_v blow_v it_o out_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o know_v night_n be_v hasten_v upon_o we_o the_o grave_n expect_v we_o and_o bid_v other_o corpse_n make_v room_n for_o we_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o grasp_v we_o in_o its_o cold_a arm_n and_o to_o carry_v we_o before_o god_n tribunal_n and_o alas_o how_o little_a of_o our_o great_a work_n be_v do_v what_o can_v any_o show_v that_o they_o have_v do_v where_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o perfect_a work_n of_o patience_n where_o be_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v either_o beget_v or_o increase_v where_o be_v the_o corruption_n that_o you_o have_v mortify_a these_o be_v work_n that_o require_v age_n to_o perform_v they_o in_o and_o yet_o you_o neglect_v they_o that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o day_n nay_o possible_o but_o a_o few_o minute_n to_o do_v they_o in_o but_o what_o be_v god_n severe_a be_v god_n unjust_a to_o require_v so_o
my_o soul_n burn_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o bright_a in_o love_n as_o my_o body_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o avail_v i_o nothing_o i_o burn_v only_o what_o be_v dead_a before_o and_o offer_v a_o carcase_n instead_o of_o a_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v no_o work_n or_o duty_n how_o specious_a soever_o that_o be_v of_o any_o profit_n to_o the_o soul_n if_o that_o work_n or_o duty_n have_v not_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o other_o express_v in_o it_o well_o then_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n why_o work_n without_o grace_n be_v fruitless_a because_o they_o be_v empty_a and_o liveless_a grace_n be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o good_a work_n second_o all_o work_n and_o duty_n whatever_o without_o grace_n leave_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o person_n in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n as_o before_o for_o first_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a expiation_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n shall_v such_o man_n pray_v and_o sigh_v till_o their_o breath_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o cloud_n and_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a sky_n shall_v they_o weep_v till_o they_o drown_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o tear_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v only_o the_o remorse_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o true_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n they_o will_v still_o be_v under_o the_o same_o state_n of_o condemnation_n as_o the_o most_o fear_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n micah_n tell_v of_o some_o that_o bid_v very_o high_a for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o carry_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o wherewith_o say_v they_o 7._o micah_n 6.6_o 7._o shall_v we_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n ourselves_o before_o the_o most-high_a god_n shall_v we_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n and_o with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o first-born_a for_o our_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o high_a rate_n be_v here_o bid_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o fall_v short_a there_o be_v but_o one_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o righteousness_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n second_o all_o attainment_n and_o attempt_n all_o endeavour_n and_o duty_n without_o grace_n can_v never_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o any_o one_o lust_n or_o corruption_n man_n may_v divert_v and_o chain_v and_o restrain_v their_o corruption_n and_o impale_v in_o their_o lust_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o any_o outrageous_a wickedness_n but_o yet_o without_o grace_n they_o can_v never_o subdue_v they_o because_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o that_o can_v lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o evil_a tree_n well_o then_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n what_o man_n may_v do_v thereby_o and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v yet_o here_o you_o see_v what_o impotency_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n without_o grace_n and_o what_o it_o can_v reach_v to_o perform_v but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v that_o hereby_o any_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o work_v and_o because_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v desist_v from_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n this_o be_v plain_o to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o subject_a no_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o any_o work_n of_o obedience_n or_o religion_n in_o which_o some_o grace_n be_v not_o breathe_v or_o exercise_v nor_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o all_o as_o inductive_a to_o salvation_n as_o in_o themselves_o but_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o true_a grace_n how_o many_o poor_a soul_n be_v there_o who_o because_o they_o run_v on_o in_o a_o round_a of_o duty_n because_o they_o do_v something_o that_o they_o call_v good_a work_n think_v that_o salvation_n be_v as_o sure_a their_o own_o as_o if_o all_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o poor_a creature_n never_o examine_v or_o regard_v from_o what_o principle_n this_o their_o obedience_n flow_v whether_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o from_o the_o old_a corrupt_a principle_n of_o nature_n new-vampt_a from_o some_o new_a operation_n of_o the_o common_a spirit_n believe_v it_o this_o be_v not_o that_o obedience_n that_o god_n require_v nor_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v a_o inward_a groan_n if_o breathe_v by_o grace_n be_v of_o more_o account_n with_o god_n and_o will_v be_v more_o available_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o most_o pompous_a and_o specious_a service_n of_o unregenerate_a men._n what_o be_v it_o to_o god_n when_o you_o offer_v not_o only_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a but_o the_o dead_a also_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o a_o abomination_n than_o obedience_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o without_o work_n 3.20_o jam._n 3.20_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n also_o that_o work_v without_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o dead_a but_o rot_a and_o noisome_a every_o duty_n man_n perform_v in_o a_o graceless_a state_n and_o condition_n god_n must_v needs_o loathe_v it_o and_o they_o for_o it_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n 28.9_o prov._n 28.9_o it_o be_v as_o hateful_a unto_o god_n as_o vapour_n that_o ascend_v up_o out_o of_o tomb_n from_o putrify_a body_n be_v unto_o we_o what_o then_o must_v such_o person_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o sin_n therefore_o god_n forbid_v no_o rather_o let_v such_o think_v thus_o if_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o righteousness_n be_v so_o loathsome_a what_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n though_o every_o sinner_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n yet_o be_v it_o less_o offensive_a to_o have_v a_o dead_a carcase_n embalm_v than_o to_o have_v it_o lie_v open_a still_o therefore_o continue_v work_v but_o in_o your_o work_n first_o aim_v at_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o aim_v at_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n let_v it_o at_o no_o time_n content_v you_o that_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n you_o have_v perform_v but_o look_v what_o grace_n have_v you_o act_v in_o they_o what_o be_v there_o of_o god_n breathe_v in_o this_o prayer_n that_o i_o now_o put_v up_o how_o be_o i_o in_o hear_v in_o meditation_n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v my_o heart_n holy_a and_o spiritual_a be_v my_o affection_n pure_a and_o fervent_a be_v my_o grace_n active_a and_o vigorous_a and_o be_v they_o vigorous_a in_o this_o work_n of_o obedience_n else_o to_o perform_v duty_n and_o to_o neglect_v grace_n that_o alone_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v duty_n acceptable_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n a_o little_a more_o cleanly_a second_o 2._o direct_v 2._o if_o you_o will_v work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n as_o you_o must_v look_v to_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n so_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v most_o active_a and_o work_a and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o grow_v strong_a in_o these_o grace_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o dispatch_v his_o great_a work_n i_o may_v call_v they_o the_o two_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o that_o be_v most_o active_a in_o these_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o both_o hand_n earnest_o first_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o the_o work_n out_o of_o our_o salvation_n two_o sense_n there_o be_v in_o which_o salvation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v out_o first_o in_o title_n and_o second_o in_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n now_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n out_o of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o compendious_a furtherance_n towards_o the_o work_n out_o of_o the_o other_o first_o upon_o our_o believe_a salvation_n be_v already_o wrought_v out_o for_o we_o in_o right_a and_o title_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o title_n the_o great_a work_n be_v then_o do_v and_o finish_v when_o once_o faith_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n 29._o john_n
raise_v they_o up_o to_o all_o those_o moral_a good_a thing_n that_o they_o attain_v to_o short_a of_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n it_o be_v wonderful_a true_o to_o see_v how_o the_o rage_a wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n be_v dare_v by_o a_o command_n charge_v with_o a_o threaten_v herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n who_o doubtless_o lay_v the_o law_n home_o to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n abimelech_n and_o laban_n be_v warn_v in_o a_o dream_n whereby_o god_n overrule_v and_o prevent_v that_o wickedness_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o be_v they_o compel_v to_o what_o they_o do_v no_o god_n love_v to_o rule_v the_o world_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n so_o that_o though_o he_o act_n and_o move_v wicked_a man_n to_o that_o good_a that_o they_o do_v yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o moral_a consideration_n and_o such_o inducement_n as_o do_v most_o comport_v and_o suit_n with_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n promise_v encourage_v threaten_n deter_v counsel_n direct_v command_v enforce_v and_o all_o these_o concur_v instrumental_o to_o awe_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o incline_v the_o will_n even_o of_o wicked_a man_n themselves_o who_o conscience_n can_v gainsay_v this_o let_v the_o vile_a sinner_n free_o speak_v when_o he_o have_v be_v most_o mad_a and_o wild_a upon_o his_o lust_n have_v not_o oftentimes_o some_o command_n or_o threaten_v sudden_o shoot_v itself_o in_o betwixt_o his_o conscience_n and_o sin_n have_v not_o two_o or_o three_o weak_a word_n silent_o whisper_v to_o he_o whence_o or_o from_o who_o he_o know_v not_o stop_v his_o way_n and_o give_v a_o check_n to_o his_o lust_n when_o it_o be_v swell_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o into_o act_n and_o whence_o have_v they_o this_o power_n it_o be_v not_o from_o themselves_o for_o why_o then_o do_v it_o not_o always_o so_o work_v but_o it_o be_v from_o god_n inward_a and_o physical_a though_o but_o common_a work_n that_o when_o the_o affection_n be_v most_o furious_a and_o corruption_n most_o rage_a will_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o restrain_v and_o assuage_v second_o another_o end_n be_v hereby_o god_n leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n if_o they_o perish_v they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o pretend_v against_o god_n have_v he_o not_o often_o warn_v and_o counsel_v and_o threaten_v they_o have_v he_o not_o tell_v they_o with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n and_o vehemency_n as_o the_o word_n of_o his_o minister_n can_v deliver_v it_o that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o the_o end_n of_o those_o way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v will_v be_v shame_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n have_v they_o not_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o entreaty_n be_v call_v upon_o again_o and_o again_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n can_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n or_o man_n speak_v plain_o when_o they_o have_v be_v call_v and_o cry_v after_o any_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v this_o be_v that_o which_o from_o our_o soul_n we_o do_v beseech_v and_o entreat_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n even_o for_o the_o blood_n and_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nay_o for_o the_o blood_n and_o bowel_n of_o their_o own_o precious_a soul_n which_o they_o be_v wilful_o spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v and_o live_v now_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o hear_v this_o serious_a obtestation_n and_o be_v not_o obedient_a to_o it_o but_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v lie_v upon_o he_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n expect_v must_v god_n drive_v man_n to_o heaven_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o he_o have_v lay_v promise_n and_o threaten_n before_o they_o he_o exhort_v and_o command_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n who_o faculty_n be_v entire_a who_o reason_n be_v sound_a and_o who_o will_n be_v free_a think_v not_o foolish_o to_o charge_n god_n for_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n and_o sinner_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v self-murderer_n and_o self-destroyer_n if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v then_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n so_o if_o god_n have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o sinner_n they_o have_v neither_o have_v sin_n nor_o condemnation_n but_o now_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o so_o often_o and_o exhort_v they_o so_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o therefore_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n god_n have_v speak_v and_o his_o speak_n will_v strike_v every_o impenitent_a wretch_n dumb_a and_o silent_a at_o the_o great_a day_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v to_o now_o and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o particular_a in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n god_n do_v not_o mock_v man_n weakness_n when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o work_v but_o have_v great_a wise_a and_o weighty_a end_n why_o he_o do_v it_o answ_n 3_o three_o to_o come_v somewhat_o near_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o such_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n in_o man_n but_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o assert_v the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o work_v out_o salvation_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o special_a grace_n to_o incline_v the_o will_n but_o if_o the_o will_v be_v once_o incline_v and_o make_v willing_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a i_o say_v where_o there_o be_v special_a grace_n give_v to_o make_v the_o will_v willing_a to_o convert_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a because_o conversion_n faith_n and_o repentance_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n itself_o now_o if_o the_o will_n will_v repentance_n it_o do_v repent_v if_o it_o will_v faith_n it_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a than_o what_o he_o have_v in_o a_o state_n of_o un-regeneracy_a only_o to_o make_v he_o willing_a be_v require_v special_a grace_n which_o they_o that_o favour_v the_o undue_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_v do_v deny_v and_o therefore_o god_n expostulate_v with_o the_o stubborness_n of_o the_o will_n why_o will_v you_o perish_v ezek._n ezek._n why_o will_v you_o die_v and_o christ_n accuse_v the_o will_n you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v 5.40_o john_n 5.40_o life_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o impotency_n in_o the_o will_n but_o this_o be_v only_o its_o stubborness_n and_o obstinacy_n it_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o god_n call_n it_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o command_n it_o will_v not_o strive_v against_o sin_n nor_o perform_v duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v our_o can_v be_v not_o indeed_o a_o impotency_n that_o we_o lie_v under_o so_o much_o as_o stubborness_n of_o our_o wi_n there_o be_v not_o the_o great_a sinner_n who_o have_v wrought_v iniquity_n with_o both_o hand_n greedy_o but_o may_v work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n if_o he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v but_o once_o willing_a he_o have_v that_o already_o that_o may_v make_v he_o able_a god_n put_v no_o new_a power_n into_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o convert_v it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o will_n can_v incline_v itself_o to_o obedience_n without_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v intend_v it_o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v its_o stubborness_n that_o make_v it_o impotent_a it_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o other_o free_a action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n with_o a_o proportionable_a abatement_n a_o man_n can_v speak_v and_o walk_v if_o he_o will_v but_o if_o he_o be_v resolute_o set_v not_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v they_o so_o long_o as_o that_o resolution_n remain_v though_o simple_o and_o absolute_o he_o can_v do_v they_o do_v this_o argue_v any_o impotency_n so_o be_v it_o here_o you_o may_v obey_v and_o work_v if_o you_o will_v but_o if_o you_o be_v resolute_o bend_v against_o these_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o do_v they_o while_o that_o resolution_n continue_v you_o can_v do_v they_o but_o this_o argue_v not_o any_o natural_a impotency_n but_o a_o moral_a impotency_n only_o this_o be_v a_o impotency_n of_o stubborness_n and_o perverseness_n never_o therefore_o plead_v the_o inability_n of_o your_o will_n no_o it_o be_v through_o your_o own_o stubborn_a resolution_n if_o you_o perish_v you_o be_v resolve_v for_o hell_n and_o destruction_n and_o if_o you_o be_v plunge_v into_o they_o it_o be_v through_o your_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o not_o through_o weakness_n answ_n 4_o four_o to_o come_v yet_o a_o
to_o procure_v it_o not_o to_o implant_v grace_n but_o to_o purchase_v it_o you_o can_v therefore_o sit_v down_o and_o say_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o my_o work_n christ_n have_v already_o do_v all_o my_o work_n for_o i_o to_o my_o hand_n no_o christ_n have_v do_v his_o own_o work_n he_o have_v do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o surety_n but_o he_o never_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o sinner_n if_o christ_n by_o merit_v grace_n have_v bestow_v it_o upon_o thou_o and_o wrought_v it_o in_o thou_o then_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v of_o thou_o to_o become_v holy_a but_o to_o cast_v back_o a_o lazy_a look_v to_o the_o purchase_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o thy_o sloth_n will_v have_v have_v some_o pretence_n why_o thou_o do_v not_o labour_v but_o this_o will_v not_o do_v our_o saviour_n command_v all_o man_n to_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o 8.22_o mat._n 6.33_o act_n 8.22_o and_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v simon_n magus_n himself_o though_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o pray_v say_v he_o if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o do_v not_o therefore_o cheat_v your_o own_o soul_n into_o perdition_n by_o lazy_a notion_n of_o christ_n merit_n what_o though_o christ_n have_v merit_v yet_o god_n require_v that_o you_o shall_v work_v and_o labour_n to_o change_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o reform_v your_o own_o life_n but_o if_o you_o sit_v still_o expect_v till_o the_o merit_a grace_n of_o christ_n drop_v down_o into_o your_o soul_n and_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n and_o change_v your_o heart_n true_o it_o may_v be_v before_o that_o time_n you_o yourselves_o may_v drop_v down_o into_o hell_n with_o your_o old_a unchanged_a heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n christ_n require_v second_o salvation_n 2._o those_o that_o have_v grace_n must_v labour_v for_o salvation_n christ_n expect_v and_o require_v that_o those_o that_o have_v grace_n shall_v put_v forth_o the_o utmost_a strength_n and_o power_n thereof_o in_o labour_v after_o that_o salvation_n that_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o he_o have_v merit_v salvation_n for_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o through_o their_o own_o labour_n and_o industry_n be_v not_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v already_o do_v sufficient_a for_o they_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n and_o procure_v their_o pardon_n for_o they_o but_o must_v christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v and_o obey_v for_o they_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v he_o a_o saviour_n but_o a_o drudge_n he_o have_v do_v what_o be_v meet_v and_o fit_a for_o a_o mediator_n to_o do_v he_o now_o require_v of_o we_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o sinner_n to_o do_v namely_o to_o believe_v to_o repent_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o to_o obey_v he_o now_o bid_v you_o wash_v and_o be_v clean_a and_o what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o will_v you_o have_v the_o great_a prophet_n come_v and_o strike_v off_o your_o leprosy_n and_o you_o only_o mark_v the_o cure_n and_o do_v nothing_o thereunto_o or_o be_v it_o indeed_o enough_o that_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n be_v purchase_v that_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v make_v passable_a that_o the_o bolt_n and_o bar_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o christ_n be_v break_v off_o alas_o what_o of_o all_o this_o thou_o may_v still_o be_v as_o far_o from_o heaven_n and_o glory_n as_o ever_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o still_o thou_o be_v as_o far_o from_o enter_v into_o heaven_n as_o ever_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o strive_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o strait_a gate_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o vain_a that_o christ_n die_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o thou_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o thou_o be_v adopt_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o heaven_n be_v prepare_v for_o thou_o christ_n may_v keep_v heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o his_o crown_n and_o robe_n for_o ever_o to_o himself_o unless_o as_o he_o have_v purchase_v these_o great_a thing_n for_o his_o people_n so_o also_o he_o have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n a_o people_n who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o by_o that_o way_n obtain_v it_o thus_o we_o see_v christ_n do_v all_o for_o we_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o our_o do_v nothing_o he_o have_v indeed_o do_v all_o for_o we_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o mediator_n merit_v and_o procure_v grace_n and_o salvation_n but_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v all_o for_o we_o as_o to_o the_o convey_n of_o they_o to_o we_o and_o make_v of_o they_o we_o no_o that_o be_v still_o to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n work_n alone_o be_v meritorious_a yet_o by_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v apply_v his_o merit_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o obedience_n confirm_v they_o to_o ourselves_o i_o may_v add_v also_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o our_o stead_n as_o well_o as_o to_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n though_o his_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n by_o death_n do_v excuse_v and_o exempt_v we_o from_o suffer_v yet_o his_o obey_v of_o the_o law_n do_v not_o excuse_v our_o obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n christ_n obey_v the_o law_n in_o a_o far_o different_a respect_n to_o the_o obedience_n which_o be_v now_o require_v from_o we_o he_o obey_v as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n we_o only_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n if_o he_o have_v fail_v in_o the_o least_o tittle_n he_o can_v not_o have_v purchase_v life_n that_o be_v promise_v but_o we_o though_o we_o fall_v infinite_o short_a in_o our_o obedience_n may_v yet_o inherit_v that_o life_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v christ_n obedience_n be_v full_o perfect_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o derogatory_n thereunto_o because_o it_o proceed_v from_o other_o ground_n than_o christ_n do_v but_o i_o will_v not_o proceed_v further_o in_o this_o only_o conclude_v this_o answer_n with_o two_o practical_a thing_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o question_n first_o so_o work_v with_o that_o earnestness_n constancy_n and_o unweariedness_n in_o well_o do_v as_o if_o thy_o work_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v and_o save_v thou_o look_v with_o what_o affection_n and_o fervency_n you_o will_v pray_v if_o now_o god_n with_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n shall_v tell_v you_o that_o for_o the_o next_o prayer_n you_o make_v you_o shall_v be_v either_o save_v or_o damn_v look_v with_o what_o reverence_n and_o attention_n you_o will_v hear_v with_o what_o spiritualness_n of_o heart_n you_o will_v meditate_v if_o your_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o fix_v by_o the_o next_o of_o those_o duty_n that_o in_o this_o kind_n you_o be_v to_o perform_v with_o the_o same_o fervency_n affection_n and_o spiritualness_n perform_v all_o the_o obedience_n that_o you_o do_v why_o shall_v you_o not_o do_v so_o be_v not_o god_n command_v as_o peremptory_a and_o as_o authoritative_a for_o obedience_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v not_o obedience_n of_o as_o absolute_a necessity_n now_o as_o ever_o though_o not_o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o since_o the_o end_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v gracious_o change_v do_v not_o this_o change_n lie_v a_o far_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n upon_o we_o to_o obey_v god_n who_o require_v it_o from_o we_o not_o as_o merit_v but_o as_o duty_n still_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v now_o under_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v while_o mankind_n stand_v under_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n certain_o christ_n merit_n be_v never_o give_v to_o slacken_v our_o obedience_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unworthy_a nay_o let_v i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o most_o accurse_a use_n that_o any_o christian_n can_v make_v of_o they_o that_o from_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n he_o shall_v take_v encouragement_n to_o grow_v more_o remiss_a and_o slack_a in_o obedience_n will_v you_o not_o therefore_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n will_v you_o not_o abuse_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o a_o mediator_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o will_v i_o strive_v and_o struggle_v be_v i_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o my_o own_o work_n and_o duty_n use_v the_o same_o diligence_n put_v forth_o the_o same_o endeavour_n as_o indeed_o in_o that_o
the_o work_n out_o of_o their_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o doctrinal_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o some_o build_a hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o a_o foundation_n of_o gold_n 1_o cor._n 8._o but_o in_o respect_n of_o practical_o it_o be_v frequent_a that_o many_o man_n endeavour_v to_o build_v gold_n upon_o a_o foundation_n of_o hay_n and_o stubble_n these_o man_n building_n will_v soon_o totter_v fall_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o ruin_n shame_n and_o disappointment_n now_o the_o right_a dispose_n of_o your_o great_a work_n lie_v thus_o first_o you_o be_v to_o work_v from_o nature_n for_o grace_n and_o then_o from_o grace_n unto_o the_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a performance_n of_o duty_n by_o which_o grace_n be_v much_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v and_o so_o continue_v in_o duty_n to_o arrive_v at_o assurance_n and_o from_o this_o the_o next_o step_n be_v salvation_n from_o nature_n to_o grace_n and_o from_o grace_n to_o duty_n see_v this_o method_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o 12.28_o heb._n 12.28_o say_v he_o have_v grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n this_o be_v the_o ladder_n of_o heaven_n who_o bottom_n step_n be_v below_o grace_n in_o nature_n and_o who_o utmost_a step_n be_v above_o it_o in_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o glory_n first_o there_o must_v be_v grace_n before_o any_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v acceptable_o unto_o god_n but_o now_o most_o man_n pervert_v and_o disturb_v this_o method_n and_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o disturbance_n be_v this_o they_o be_v frequent_a in_o duty_n but_o they_o perform_v they_o not_o either_o for_o grace_n or_o from_o grace_n neither_o that_o they_o may_v attain_v grace_n by_o they_o nor_o that_o they_o may_v exercise_v grace_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o man_n think_v and_o hope_v to_o work_v out_o salvation_n by_o such_o duty_n as_o these_o be_v make_v a_o leap_n from_o duty_n to_o salvation_n neglect_v to_o obtain_v that_o grace_n that_o can_v make_v their_o duty_n acceptable_a and_o save_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o make_v no_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o riddance_n in_o their_o great_a work_n now_o such_o attempt_n as_o these_o be_v first_o discourage_v and_o dishearten_v and_o second_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a first_o they_o be_v very_o discourage_v duty_n never_o flow_v free_o from_o the_o soul_n where_o grace_n be_v not_o like_o a_o continual_a fountain_n to_o supply_v it_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o hypocrite_n 27.10_o job_n 27.10_o ask_v this_o question_n will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o god_n will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o he_o no_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o though_o for_o a_o time_n he_o may_v drive_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n pray_v both_o with_o fervency_n and_o affection_n yet_o will_v he_o soon_o decay_v and_o faint_v because_o he_o have_v no_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o carry_v he_o through_o duty_n but_o he_o find_v they_o to_o flow_v stubborn_o from_o he_o and_o therefore_o through_o weariness_n and_o discontent_n at_o last_o he_o give_v they_o over_o the_o good_a work_n of_o graceless_a person_n may_v be_v as_o flourish_v as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v true_a saint_n but_o they_o have_v not_o a_o root_n to_o supply_v they_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o job_n speak_v be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v soon_o nip_v and_o fade_v away_o it_o be_v simple_o impossible_a that_o a_o person_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o cordial_a affectionate_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n interest_n credit_n respect_n and_o natural_a conscience_n be_v too_o weak_a wheel_n for_o so_o great_a a_o burden_n it_o be_v grace_n only_o that_o can_v overbalance_n all_o outward_a discouragement_n yea_o and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o alone_o can_v remove_v all_o inward_a also_o this_o can_v make_v obedience_n sweet_a to_o a_o child_n of_o god_n which_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v irksome_a and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v no_o relish_n in_o they_o 16.23_o mat._n 16.23_o st._n matth._n 16.23_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v much_o more_o say_v of_o graceless_a person_n because_o they_o have_v not_o salt_n in_o they_o 4.6_o col._n 4.6_o for_o so_o grace_n be_v call_v that_o shall_v make_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o be_v favoury_a to_o they_o what_o a_o torment_n be_v it_o to_o be_v still_o chew_v a_o unsavoury_a prayer_n and_o a_o unsavoury_a meditation_n to_o hear_v and_o speak_v those_o word_n that_o their_o ear_n can_v relish_v must_v i_o always_o say_v the_o sinner_n offer_v this_o force_n to_o myself_o must_v i_o still_o strain_n and_o pump_v for_o tear_n and_o sigh_n be_v holiness_n as_o easy_a to_o i_o as_o it_o be_v to_o some_o no_o life_n will_v i_o choose_v soon_o than_o that_o but_o i_o be_o straighten_a and_o pinch_v up_o and_o all_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o i_o like_o the_o evil_a spirit_n which_o rend_v and_o tare_n i_o and_o be_v a_o torture_n and_o anguish_n to_o my_o heart_n and_o bowel_n and_o it_o be_v so_o because_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o shall_v make_v duty_n become_v easy_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o one_o will_v short_o give_v over_o duty_n themselves_o which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v so_o troublesome_a yea_o and_o also_o give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o attain_v any_o good_a at_o all_o by_o they_o second_o such_o work_n be_v also_o as_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o last_o and_o main_a end_n vain_a and_o fruitless_a and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o all_o our_o work_n without_o which_o they_o be_v all_o but_o carcase_n and_o dead_a thing_n and_o only_o equivocal_o call_v good_a work_n even_o as_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o man._n we_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n as_o after_o the_o first_o creation_n god_n take_v a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o pronounce_v they_o all_o very_a good_a so_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o we_o that_o god_n will_v pronounce_v to_o be_v a_o good_a work_n but_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o create_a power_n that_o be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o second_o creation_n 2.10_o eph._n 2.10_o create_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o good_a work_n good_a work_n be_v no_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o express_v the_o life_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n so_o only_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n how_o shall_v grace_n be_v see_v and_o know_v but_o by_o work_n first_o god_n imprint_v his_o own_o image_n upon_o our_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n and_o stamp_v we_o feature_n for_o feature_n grace_n for_o grace_n and_o glory_n for_o glory_n but_o now_o because_o this_o be_v hide_v and_o conceal_v therefore_o be_v we_o to_o copy_n forth_o this_o image_n in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o to_o express_v every_o grace_n in_o some_o duty_n or_o work_n of_o obedience_n or_o other_o as_o those_o that_o we_o call_v fall_v star_n dart_v from_o heaven_n and_o draw_v after_o they_o long_o train_v of_o light_n so_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o shoot_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o yet_o to_o leave_v a_o train_n of_o light_n behind_o we_o our_o grace_n must_v shine_v always_o we_o must_v go_v on_o in_o good_a work_n and_o these_o good_a work_n be_v of_o no_o value_n or_o account_v with_o god_n of_o which_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o end_n or_o principle_n what_o say_v the_o apostle_n 13.3_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o can_v a_o man_n bestow_v all_o his_o good_n upon_o the_o poor_a and_o not_o be_v charitable_a indeed_o the_o word_n that_o we_o translate_v charity_n might_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o some_o mistake_v better_o have_v be_v translate_v love_n but_o however_o we_o must_v take_v charity_n for_o a_o disposition_n to_o relieve_v the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o with_o respect_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o image_n if_o this_o good_a work_n be_v not_o from_o grace_n through_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v but_o the_o empty_a shell_n and_o husk_n of_o a_o good_a work_n and_o it_o avail_v a_o man_n nothing_o yea_o further_o if_o after_o this_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o if_o
we_o of_o all_o those_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n that_o now_o he_o heap_v upon_o we_o so_o much_o for_o this_o time_n and_o text._n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n corruption_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o conscience_n with_o account_n of_o the_o moment_n of_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n to_o god_n and_o men._n from_z act_n xxiv_o 16._o by_o ezekiel_n hopkins_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o londonderry_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n a._n and_o j._n churchill_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n 1696._o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n corruption_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o conscience_n act_n xxiv_o 16._o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n in_o this_o chapter_n st._n paul_n give_v a_o account_n to_o felix_n of_o the_o general_a course_n and_o demeanour_n of_o his_o former_a life_n be_v accuse_v by_o tertullian_n a_o flatter_a orator_n as_o one_o who_o be_v profane_a and_o seditious_a after_o that_o he_o have_v purge_v himself_o in_o sundry_a particular_n he_o come_v to_o the_o text_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n have_v make_v it_o his_o constant_a exercise_n all_o his_o life-time_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o word_n have_v little_a or_o no_o difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o give_v you_o a_o elaborate_a exposition_n i_o shall_v only_o run_v they_o over_o with_o a_o brief_a paraphrase_n word_n the_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o that_o be_v i_o make_v it_o my_o constant_a care_n and_o employment_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a that_o it_o may_v not_o just_o accuse_v i_o of_o any_o offence_n do_v either_o against_o god_n or_o against_o man_n that_o be_v i_o labour_v conscientious_o to_o practice_v as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n to_o be_v just_o towards_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v religious_a towards_o god_n know_v that_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o to_o be_v without_o offence_n towards_o man_n only_o be_v but_o mere_a morality_n and_o to_o be_v without_o offence_n only_o towards_o god_n be_v but_o vain_a hypocrisy_n without_o far_a explication_n the_o word_n do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n deliver_v to_o we_o this_o doctrine_n doctrine_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o continual_a care_n and_o employment_n in_o all_o thing_n whether_o relate_v to_o god_n or_o man_n to_o keep_v clear_a and_o inoffensive_a conscience_n conscience_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o practical_a syllogism_n or_o argumentation_n be_v what_o conscience_n be_v and_o always_o infer_v a_o personal_a conclusion_n either_o excuse_v or_o accuse_v and_o it_o have_v three_o office_n first_o conscience_n the_o office_n of_o conscience_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o both_o duty_n 1._o it_o inform_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o thus_o it_o give_v in_o its_o verdict_n according_a to_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v into_o it_o if_o it_o have_v only_o the_o twilight_n of_o nature_n to_o illustrate_v it_o as_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o other_o than_o it_o can_v pass_v judgement_n only_o upon_o natural_a duty_n and_o unnatural_a sin_n thus_o the_o conscience_n of_o heathen_n through_o some_o remainder_n of_o original_a knowledge_n inform_v they_o that_o worship_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o justice_n to_o man_n and_o that_o all_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o all_o injury_n against_o man_n shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v severe_o punish_v but_o if_o conscience_n enjoy_v the_o superadded_a light_n of_o scripture_n it_o judge_n then_o of_o those_o duty_n and_o those_o sin_n that_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o divine_a revelation_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o conscience_n be_v enable_v to_o form_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v this_o proposition_n it_o form_v not_o from_o natural_a light_n but_o from_o the_o super-induced_n light_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o first_o direct_a act_n of_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o pronounce_v of_o man_n work_n whither_o they_o be_v sinful_a or_o not_o and_o what_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v that_o shall_v follow_v they_o according_a as_o it_o find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o superadded_a law_n of_o god_n depose_v 2._o it_o witness_v and_o depose_v second_o when_o conscience_n have_v thus_o pronounce_v whether_o the_o action_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o what_o reward_n or_o punishment_n belong_v to_o it_o it_o be_v next_o office_n be_v to_o witness_v and_o depose_v we_o have_v do_v such_o or_o such_o action_n this_o be_v a_o reflex_n act_n whereby_o when_o conscience_n have_v discover_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n it_o testify_v that_o either_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o one_o or_o that_o we_o have_v commit_v the_o other_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v that_o faith_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n and_o unbelief_n punish_v with_o death_n eternal_a hereupon_o conscience_n make_v reflection_n upon_o itself_o and_o apply_v the_o proposition_n but_o i_o believe_v or_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v its_o witness_v or_o depose_v office_n three_o it_o have_v beside_o this_o condemn_v 3._o it_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n to_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o infer_v a_o comfortable_a or_o a_o terrify_a conclusion_n from_o the_o former_a premise_n apply_v the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o ourselves_o according_a as_o those_o action_n have_v be_v we_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v if_o it_o have_v prove_v we_o unbeliever_n straight_o it_o pronounce_v we_o condemn_v person_n or_o if_o it_o evidence_n our_o faith_n to_o we_o present_o it_o justify_v and_o acquit_v we_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o wicked_a man_n be_v haunt_v with_o pale_a fear_n and_o ghastly_a reflection_n because_o they_o be_v always_o malefactor_n arraign_v at_o a_o bar_n a_o bar_n that_o they_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n where_o they_o hear_v a_o thousand_o witness_n swear_v and_o examine_v where_o they_o hear_v their_o judge_n ten_o thousand_o time_n a_o day_n pronounce_v they_o curse_v and_o damn_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o there_o be_v sometime_o diffuse_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n such_o sweet_a joy_n such_o solid_a peace_n such_o calm_a stayedness_n and_o some_o prelibation_n of_o heavenly_a bliss_n because_o they_o carry_v in_o their_o breast_n a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o their_o earthly_a judge_n conscience_n acquit_v they_o and_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o heavenly_a judge_n will_v do_v so_o also_o this_o be_v conscience_n that_o faithful_a register_n in_o every_o man_n bosom_n that_o write_v down_o the_o action_n discourse_n and_o cogitation_n of_o every_o hour_n and_o minute_n now_o this_o be_v premise_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o follow_a particular_n into_o which_o i_o shall_v digest_v the_o method_n of_o this_o subject_a first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v corrupt_a and_o vitiate_v conscience_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n three_o of_o what_o importance_n and_o consequence_n it_o be_v that_o our_o conscience_n be_v keep_v clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n under_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n four_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o and_o keep_v a_o pure_a and_o clean_a conscience_n first_o conscience_n 1._o what_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v conscience_n what_o be_v it_o that_o do_v corrupt_a and_o vitiate_v conscience_n in_o execute_v of_o its_o office_n now_o this_o i_o shall_v couch_v under_o two_o particular_n and_o they_o be_v ignorance_n and_o wilful_a sin_v 1._o ignorance_n corrupt_v the_o conscience_n ignorance_n 1._o ignorance_n conscience_n be_v the_o guide_n of_o life_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o conscience_n which_o if_o it_o be_v darken_v the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a till_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n conscience_n be_v a_o guide_n that_o lead_v apace_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n see_v its_o way_n before_o it_o which_z some_z not_o be_v well_o able_a to_o discern_v have_v wound_v themselves_o into_o inextricable_a wander_n pursue_v every_o glare_a delusion_n and_o run_v after_o every_o skip_a light_n that_o dance_v before_o it_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v lose_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o