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work_n faith_n good_a james_n 14,239 5 9.1170 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61281 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions never before published / by George Stanhope ... Stanhope, George, 1660-1728. 1700 (1700) Wing S5233; ESTC R15305 178,532 482

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at_o all_o nor_o capable_a of_o be_v cure_v by_o all_o the_o balm_n in_o the_o spiritual_a gilead_n but_o pure_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o only_o to_o be_v compose_v by_o bodily_a application_n so_o that_o four_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n truth_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o these_o promise_n of_o inward_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n to_o good_a man_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o all_o those_o other_o promise_v of_o long_a life_n and_o health_n and_o riches_n and_o prosperous_a success_n and_o every_o temporal_a blessing_n that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o be_v true_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o except_v some_o better_a thing_n be_v give_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o not_o so_o universal_o true_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a and_o reserve_a case_n nor_o to_o oblige_v god_n never_o to_o send_v trouble_v of_o mind_n or_o any_o other_o affliction_n upon_o his_o best_a and_o
which_o that_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o 1._o and_o first_o from_o that_o expression_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v we_o may_v i_o think_v fair_o infer_v the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o he_o give_v it_o liberal_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o it_o be_v what_o no_o merit_n of_o we_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o give_v in_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n have_v labour_v much_o chapter_n much_o rom._n xi_o iv_o ix_o chapter_n show_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o work_n and_o of_o debt_n that_o abraham_n the_o father_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o faithful_a receive_v the_o call_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o among_o idolater_n and_o can_v have_v no_o work_n to_o boast_v of_o that_o when_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v both_o conclude_v under_o sin_n god_n choose_v the_o gentile_n as_o he_o do_v jacob_n before_o esau_n free_o while_o yet_o in_o the_o womb_n not_o that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o have_v any_o wrong_n do_v he_o or_o be_v use_v worse_a than_o he_o deserve_v but_o the_o other_o find_v great_a favour_n and_o be_v use_v better_a than_o he_o deserve_v and_o so_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o be_v thankful_a and_o rejoice_v but_o the_o reject_v can_v not_o complain_v nor_o have_v he_o any_o thing_n to_o accuse_v god_n of_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n god_n give_v we_o his_o prevent_a grace_n free_o he_o impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a blessing_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o those_o happy_a region_n which_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o pure_a lustre_n of_o it_o when_o we_o believe_v this_o gospel_n it_o be_v his_o grace_n that_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o when_o that_o faith_n exert_v itself_o in_o work_n of_o obedience_n this_o also_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n when_o we_o improve_v to_o high_a excellency_n and_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a life_n this_o be_v again_o from_o the_o more_o abundant_a communication_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n have_v engage_v to_o give_v a_o increase_n of_o talent_n to_o they_o who_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o 29._o the_o matth._n xxv_o 29._o talent_n they_o already_o have_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o our_o 13._o our_o luke_n xi_o 13._o heavenly_a father_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o grant_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o the_o aid_n and_o influence_n of_o that_o very_a spirit_n that_o we_o ask_v the_o talent_n we_o have_v not_o and_o that_o we_o improve_v those_o we_o have_v so_o that_o this_o do_v but_o enhance_v god_n mercy_n and_o bounty_n so_o much_o the_o more_o which_o first_o enable_v we_o to_o act_v and_o then_o reward_v we_o for_o act_v for_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o crown_n and_o complete_a his_o own_o work_n rather_o than_o our_o desert_n since_o what_o we_o do_v acquire_v a_o title_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v what_o we_o can_v not_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o impart_v to_o we_o the_o power_n of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v indeed_o another_o sense_n of_o this_o expression_n fix_v upon_o by_o a_o cajetan_n a_o cajetan_n interpreter_n of_o note_n which_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n blow_v upon_o man_n mind_n in_o so_o gentle_a a_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o take_v away_o the_o listing_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v the_o will_v the_o same_o exercise_n of_o its_o freedom_n though_o in_o conjunction_n with_o and_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n but_o this_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o though_o it_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o text_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o other_o passage_n thou_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v by_o which_o i_o conceive_v we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o 2._o second_o reflection_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_v upon_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v that_o as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o rise_v the_o increase_n the_o quiet_v of_o the_o wind_n where_o it_o begin_v where_o it_o will_v stop_v or_o how_o long_o it_o will_v last_v so_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v many_o time_n very_o remote_a from_o our_o understanding_n he_o may_v move_v we_o without_o our_o have_v any_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o thing_n nor_o can_v we_o always_o say_v then_o the_o impulse_n begin_v thus_o long_o it_o continue_v and_o now_o it_o cease_v to_o move_v i_o and_o this_o can_v seem_v very_o strange_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v consider_v by_o what_o step_n he_o have_v come_v off_o from_o a_o wicked_a life_n or_o proceed_v in_o a_o good_a one_o for_o in_o all_o this_o he_o will_v find_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o external_n compulsion_n but_o such_o motive_n all_o along_o as_o be_v entire_o agreeable_a to_o his_o faculty_n and_o the_o method_n by_o which_o he_o proceed_v in_o other_o case_n for_o do_v not_o this_o change_n begin_v with_o a_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o consequent_a hereunto_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n ground_n upon_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n displease_v to_o god_n destructive_a to_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o render_v both_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n and_o that_o eternity_n of_o misery_n which_o the_o present_a fleet_a pleasure_n of_o wickedness_n be_v a_o very_a poor_a and_o silly_a exchange_n for_o again_o will_v not_o his_o advance_n in_o virtue_n be_v find_v to_o owe_v itself_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o beauty_n the_o reasonableness_n the_o advantage_n of_o holiness_n the_o allure_a reward_n it_o propose_v the_o happiness_n it_o secure_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o how_o then_o do_v these_o argument_n prevail_v at_o last_o be_v it_o not_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n by_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n by_o degree_n by_o the_o common_a method_n of_o read_v or_o hear_v and_o weigh_v god_n word_n by_o vanquish_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n by_o discuss_v and_o display_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n by_o faithful_a and_o honest_a application_n by_o exciting_a good_a desire_n strengthen_v those_o desire_n with_o holy_a resolution_n and_o make_v good_a these_o resolution_n by_o diligent_a endeavour_n and_o steadfast_a perseverance_n but_o still_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o this._n it_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v these_o consideration_n into_o our_o heart_n at_o first_o he_o that_o fasten_v they_o upon_o we_o when_o they_o be_v there_o he_o that_o add_v new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o desire_n and_o intention_n and_o give_v efficacy_n and_o success_n to_o our_o otherwise_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a attempt_n he_o convince_v our_o judgement_n kindle_v good_a inclination_n persuade_v allure_v threaten_v deterr_v terrify_v reproach_n comfort_n commend_n and_o perform_v all_o other_o office_n necessary_a to_o piety_n but_o these_o he_o perform_v in_o we_o and_o with_o we_o and_o by_o we_o from_o he_o as_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o daily_a prayer_n all_o holy_a desire_n all_o good_a counsel_n and_o all_o just_a work_n proceed_v but_o they_o proceed_v from_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o still_o to_o be_v our_o desire_n our_o counsel_n and_o our_o work_n we_o know_v we_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n exceept_v the_o father_n draw_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o as_o many_o as_o come_v be_v draw_v but_o then_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n invite_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n by_o the_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o admonition_n and_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o their_o rational_a nature_n and_o faculty_n in_o a_o way_n that_o require_v their_o own_o cooperation_n and_o consent_n and_o the_o more_o man_n work_v the_o more_o god_n will_v work_v with_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n act_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o assistant_n against_o our_o infirmity_n but_o not_o as_o a_o undertaker_n of_o the_o work_n or_o a_o bearer_n of_o the_o whole_a burden_n and_o all_o he_o do_v be_v by_o infusion_n so_o gentle_a so_o sweet_a so_o secret_a so_o tender_a as_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o if_o scripture_n have_v not_o declare_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o be_v from_o god_n we_o can_v not_o many_o time_n distinguish_v between_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o those_o of_o our_o own_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v both_o reason_n
and_o experience_n and_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o revelation_n abundant_o inform_v we_o hence_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 26._o be_v john_n xvii_o 17._o ephes_n v._o 26._o sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o wash_v of_o water_n and_o to_o be_v 16._o be_v rom_n xv._o 16._o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n and_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o sanctification_n 3._o sanctification_n 1_o pet._n i._n 3._o god_n be_v say_v to_o beget_v man_n to_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o 15._o the_o 1_o cor._n iu_o 15._o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o beget_v they_o also_o and_o very_o proper_o both_o for_o we_o apply_v argument_n and_o god_n render_v they_o effectual_a our_o people_n attend_v to_o those_o argument_n and_o god_n give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o set_v they_o home_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o thus_o convey_v to_o they_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o ministry_n god_n promise_v to_o give_v sinner_n 31._o sinner_n ezek._n xviii_o 31._o a_o new_a heart_n and_o be_v command_n sinner_n to_o make_v themselves_o a_o 25._o a_o ezek._n xxxvi_o 25._o new_a heart_n and_o what_o can_v any_o reasonable_a reader_n gather_v from_o this_o but_o that_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o almighty_a god_n with_o our_o own_o endeavour_n st._n paul_n declare_v himself_o 10._o himself_o 1_o cor._n xv._o 10._o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o declare_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n that_o it_o be_v not_o he_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o he_o the_o plain_a and_o natural_a consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o labour_n be_v he_o but_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o god_n the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n 13._o philippian_n phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o force_n and_o fitness_n of_o that_o motive_n except_o in_o this_o that_o something_o we_o must_v do_v or_o god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o all_o we_o can_v do_v will_v signify_v nothing_o except_o god_n come_v in_o to_o our_o assistance_n and_o do_v something_o too_o the_o point_n before_o we_o may_v be_v far_o confirm_v by_o the_o various_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v sometime_o oppose_v to_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o to_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o law_n sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o outward_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n sometime_o the_o inward_a persuasion_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o best_a inference_n i_o know_v of_o from_o this_o ambiguity_n of_o expression_n be_v that_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o reason_n and_o purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o our_o brutish_a and_o carnal_a lust_n live_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o work_n govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o observe_v the_o direction_n and_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o we_o mean_v and_o come_v all_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n at_o last_o that_o he_o who_o do_v the_o one_o do_v the_o other_o also_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o live_v after_o the_o spirit_n in_o clude_v they_o all_o in_o which_o soever_o of_o these_o sense_n you_o interpret_v it_o now_o these_o be_v matter_n in_o which_o when_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o they_o nothing_o far_o be_v discernible_a by_o we_o than_o the_o resolution_n and_o the_o probity_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o from_o compare_v these_o text_n it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v all_o the_o while_n behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o work_v strong_o though_o he_o work_v unseen_a and_o methinks_v it_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o seem_v a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o he_o who_o make_v our_o mind_n and_o stamp_v his_o own_o image_n upon_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o intimate_v with_o these_o mind_n of_o we_o as_o to_o communicate_v whatever_o insluence_n he_o see_v sit_v without_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o bodily_a organ_n or_o any_o such_o gross_a mean_n as_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o our_o sense_n we_o know_v our_o own_o soul_n move_v we_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v it_o by_o any_o impulse_n that_o make_v a_o sensible_a impression_n upon_o this_o outward_a structure_n nor_o can_v we_o say_v how_o this_o motion_n be_v convey_v from_o a_o immaterial_a to_o the_o fine_a corporeal_a substance_n how_o that_o command_v so_o powerful_o and_o every_o part_n of_o this_o obey_v so_o ready_o sure_o then_o he_o who_o create_v soul_n and_o body_n both_o and_o find_v a_o way_n to_o move_v matter_n by_o that_o which_o be_v not_o matter_n can_v want_v method_n of_o make_v his_o spirit_n correspond_v with_o we_o the_o spirit_n create_v with_o that_o create_v by_o it_o no_o nor_o of_o carry_v on_o this_o correspondence_n in_o so_o easy_a and_o familiar_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o ourselves_o when_o blow_v upon_o from_o above_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v distinct_o whence_o this_o wind_n come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v i_o will_v just_o mention_v some_o inference_n which_o seem_v undeniable_o to_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o and_o first_o this_o show_v the_o error_n of_o those_o man_n who_o require_v it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o grace_n to_o assign_v the_o instant_a of_o one_o own_o conversion_n for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o suppose_v several_a thing_n which_o contradict_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o can_v as_o i_o presume_v stand_v with_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o the_o text._n they_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o instant_a that_o the_o manner_n of_o effect_v it_o be_v by_o strong_a and_o sensible_a impression_n such_o as_o the_o party_n must_v needs_o be_v conscious_a of_o that_o it_o be_v a_o violent_a as_o well_o as_o a_o sudden_a change_n and_o thus_o they_o raise_v this_o wind_n up_o into_o a_o hurricane_a that_o shall_v carry_v man_n forcible_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o make_v it_o a_o motion_n in_o which_o man_n be_v pure_o passive_a for_o all_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o blow_v of_o such_o a_o wind_n as_o man_n will_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o its_o truth_n but_o require_v a_o account_n whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v and_o last_o they_o stretch_v this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o second_o birth_n too_o far_o and_o make_v that_o signify_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n which_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o import_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n second_o what_o go_v before_o deserve_v to_o be_v well_o consider_v because_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v make_v man_n very_a caresul_n not_o to_o resist_v any_o of_o the_o good_a motion_n nor_o go_v against_o the_o sense_n and_o chide_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n quench_v and_o grieve_v and_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v what_o most_o people_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a dread_a and_o abhorrence_n of_o but_o the_o misfortune_n be_v that_o they_o often_o commit_v these_o crime_n without_o be_v aware_a that_o they_o do_v so_o shall_v god_n in_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n bid_v the_o sinner_n hold_v his_o hand_n it_o be_v probable_a the_o sturdy_a of_o they_o all_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o proceed_v in_o a_o wicked_a act_n shall_v he_o strike_v every_o man_n to_o the_o ground_n with_o such_o a_o dazzle_a light_n as_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n they_o will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v present_o ask_v with_o he_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v one_o to_o do_v but_o as_o it_o be_v they_o see_v no_o visible_a token_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o they_o regard_v not_o his_o call_n now_o god_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o elijah_n show_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n though_o not_o in_o the_o strong_a wind_n nor_o the_o earthquake_n nor_o the_o fire_n and_o if_o his_o spirit_n mingle_v itself_o with_o our_o thought_n if_o as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o act_n upon_o we_o by_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v and_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o effect_n only_o of_o his_o work_n be_v visible_a but_o the_o manner_n
and_o he_o who_o rest_v upon_o a_o naked_a belief_n and_o will_v not_o be_v baptize_v when_o he_o may_v expect_v in_o vain_a that_o god_n will_v reckon_v he_o among_o his_o child_n or_o admit_v he_o to_o any_o part_n of_o his_o inheritance_n after_o have_v so_o peremptory_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o in_o any_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o in_o general_n if_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o confess_v the_o suffering_n the_o nature_n the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n if_o to_o the_o most_o orthodox_n opinion_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o add_v the_o reverend_a observation_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n devout_a prayer_n frequent_a receiving_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n he_o who_o neglect_v these_o and_o put_v confidence_n in_o his_o understanding_n or_o own_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a and_o deceitful_a bottom_n his_o hope_n be_v that_o of_o hypocrite_n and_o will_v at_o last_o lose_v both_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o cherish_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a act_n in_o god_n a_o act_n of_o free_a mercy_n as_o such_o it_o be_v what_o no_o collection_n of_o natural_a light_n or_o moral_a justice_n can_v give_v we_o any_o apprehension_n at_o all_o of_o consequent_o we_o can_v enter_v no_o far_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o he_o who_o do_v it_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n think_v fit_a to_o let_v we_o into_o consequent_o again_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o entire_a not_o to_o parcel_n they_o out_o as_o we_o see_v convenient_a and_o so_o make_v one_o clause_n of_o this_o indenture_n repugnant_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o another_o no_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n in_o this_o case_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o revelation_n by_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n now_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n which_o say_v 8._o say_v ephes_n ii_o 8._o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n have_v inform_v we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o selfsame_a pen_n that_o 6._o that_o galat._n v._n 6._o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o 14._o to_o heb._n xii_o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n as_o thing_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v draw_v a_o black_a catalogue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o most_o solemn_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o 21._o of_o galat._n v._n 19_o 20_o 21._o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o now_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o man_n who_o trust_v to_o any_o faith_n except_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o work_v by_o love_n lean_v upon_o a_o break_a reed_n have_v any_o man_n reason_n to_o think_v his_o confess_v christ_n will_v save_v he_o who_o take_v no_o care_n of_o either_o peace_n or_o holiness_n and_o allow_v himself_o in_o those_o abomination_n just_a now_o mention_v can_v he_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n who_o dishonour_v his_o profession_n by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n or_o esteem_v a_o son_n of_o god_n who_o can_v see_v his_o face_n nor_o inherit_v his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o think_v most_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v so_o the_o receive_v christ_n be_v much_o another_o thing_n than_o these_o man_n make_v it_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o one_o simple_a act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o the_o understanding_n but_o a_o large_a and_o a_o permanent_a thing_n a_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n in_o their_o just_a extent_n and_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o in_o our_o conversation_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o harmony_n and_o punctual_a agreement_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o that_o faith_n and_o virtue_n promise_n and_o precept_n may_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o be_v set_v in_o array_n to_o sight_n against_o and_o destroy_v each_o other_o and_o thus_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v for_o he_o that_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v act_n contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n build_v without_o a_o foundation_n he_o form_v a_o new_a gospel_n of_o his_o own_o and_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v in_o short_a god_n can_v away_o with_o these_o partial_a proceed_n these_o consulting_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o own_o institution_n the_o noble_a and_o most_o complete_a that_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v mangle_v and_o deface_v and_o those_o very_a jew_n who_o shut_v christ_n out_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o at_o all_o be_v not_o more_o wicked_a and_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o pretend_a christian_n who_o receive_v he_o by_o half_n and_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o this_o profession_n affront_n and_o deform_v and_o dishonour_v he_o and_o his_o gospel_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v so_o far_o prostitute_v his_o mercy_n as_o to_o admit_v such_o wretch_n to_o the_o incomparable_a advantage_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n they_o may_v usurp_v a_o title_n that_o be_v not_o they_o but_o the_o obedient_a and_o virtuous_a believer_n the_o pious_a and_o the_o respectful_a receiver_n of_o christ_n these_o alone_o be_v the_o person_n who_o receive_v he_o as_o christ_n and_o to_o they_o only_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o benesit_fw-la mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o second_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n upon_o they_o ii_o those_o who_o have_v criticize_v nice_o upon_o this_o passage_n make_v great_a remark_n upon_o the_o evangelist_n cautious_a manner_n of_o express_v himself_o in_o it_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o will_v have_v be_v less_o proper_a to_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n make_v we_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o this_o will_v have_v seem_v a_o act_n of_o omnipotence_n and_o necessity_n such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v interpret_v in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o will_n and_o that_o part_n which_o we_o ourselves_o contribute_v to_o our_o own_o regeneration_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v equal_o prudent_a to_o say_v that_o he_o give_v we_o power_n to_o make_v ourselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o this_o have_v exalt_v our_o faculty_n as_o much_o too_o high_a and_o depress_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n he_o have_v do_v we_o as_o if_o any_o performance_n of_o we_o can_v deserve_v or_o procure_v this_o sonship_n but_o by_o say_v he_o give_v we_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n both_o these_o inconvenience_n they_o think_v be_v save_v the_o mercy_n be_v still_o represent_v in_o its_o due_a proportion_n in_o that_o this_o honourable_a relation_n be_v a_o grace_n and_o our_o advances_n towards_o it_o not_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o a_o qualification_n only_o and_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o action_n be_v still_o employ_v in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o only_o a_o power_n of_o obtain_v what_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v if_o we_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n without_o be_v so_o curious_a we_o may_v content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o our_o marginal_a read_n suggest_v and_o by_o power_n understand_v the_o privilege_n of_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o even_o thus_o it_o afford_v we_o these_o two_o consideration_n the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o then_o the_o free_a bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o 1._o the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n be_v abundant_o declare_v in_o the_o very_a title_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o some_o astonishment_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a greatness_n of_o the_o condescension_n 1._o condescension_n 1_o john_n iii_o 1._o behold_v say_v he_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n good_a he_o have_v most_o certain_o for_o what_o can_v express_v what_o can_v confer_v great_a happiness_n by_o this_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o promise_v
to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a the_o provision_n bring_v in_o and_o nothing_o but_o guest_n want_v that_o be_v the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n make_v the_o jew_n fresh_a and_o more_o press_a tender_n of_o salvation_n they_o acquaint_v they_o that_o the_o ox_n and_o fatling_n be_v kill_v that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v the_o true_a paschal_n lamb_n be_v slay_v and_o the_o feast_n wait_v for_o they_o so_o that_o now_o the_o master_n of_o the_o entertainment_n have_v do_v his_o part_n and_o only_o wait_v for_o their_o acceptance_n and_o appearance_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o message_n any_o more_o successful_a than_o the_o former_a some_o 5._o some_o verse_n 5._o thought_n scorn_v of_o the_o proffer_n as_o not_o worth_a their_o harken_v to_o some_o again_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o affair_n of_o another_o kind_n and_o will_v not_o permit_v their_o worldly_a business_n to_o give_v way_n or_o allow_v they_o leisure_n for_o this_o spiritual_a entertainment_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n 6._o sort_n verse_n 6._o yet_o worse_o than_o both_o these_o receive_v those_o gracious_a message_n with_o rage_n and_o spite_n fly_v upon_o the_o servant_n that_o bring_v they_o and_o with_o a_o malice_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v implacable_a abuse_v and_o torment_v and_o murder_v they_o this_o be_v a_o indignity_n so_o great_a a_o obstinacy_n so_o affect_v and_o invincible_a that_o the_o king_n be_v provoke_v beyond_o all_o 7._o all_o verse_n 7._o patience_n and_o resolve_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o these_o disobedient_a and_o bloody_a man_n i._n e._n god_n give_v up_o the_o jew_n to_o utter_v excision_n for_o their_o perverseness_n and_o persecution_n he_o issue_v out_o his_o commission_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o by_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slay_v those_o murderous_a wretch_n but_o deliver_v up_o their_o city_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o irretrievable_a destruction_n but_o after_o he_o have_v do_v himself_o and_o his_o honour_n justice_n upon_o these_o base_a these_o bold_a contemner_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o all_o his_o bountiful_a preparation_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o lose_v and_o therefore_o 9_o therefore_o verse_n 8_o 9_o the_o servant_n be_v dismiss_v once_o more_o with_o order_n to_o pick_v up_o all_o the_o straggler_n and_o poor_a for_o such_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o vagabond_n gentiles_n these_o receive_v eager_o what_o the_o former_a refuse_v with_o disdain_n and_o 10._o and_o verse_n 10._o a_o vast_a promiscuous_a number_n come_v in_o so_o as_o to_o fill_v the_o table_n and_o answer_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o provision_n thus_o far_o the_o purport_n of_o several_a other_o parable_n reach_n but_o this_o carry_v the_o matter_n on_o yet_o far_o and_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a come_v in_o and_o accept_v the_o invitation_n be_v not_o sufficient_a unless_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n and_o of_o the_o feast_n be_v consult_v and_o man_n come_v as_o so_o solemn_a a_o entertainment_n require_v and_o therefore_o 12._o therefore_o verse_n 11_o 12._o by_o the_o king_n be_v come_v in_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o guest_n and_o punish_v the_o man_n that_o want_v a_o wedding_n garment_n be_v represent_v that_o strict_a and_o particular_a examination_n which_o shall_v pass_v upon_o every_o christian_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o then_o the_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o visible_a church_n receive_v the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n will_v profit_v man_n nothing_o if_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n be_v either_o foul_a or_o naked_a stain_v with_o evil_a work_n or_o not_o adorn_v with_o good_a one_o that_o however_o some_o may_v pass_v upon_o their_o brethren_n and_o not_o be_v distinguish_v in_o a_o crowd_n of_o believer_n yet_o there_o will_v come_v a_o time_n of_o strict_a search_n and_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v before_o a_o more_o discern_a eye_n one_o that_o will_v separate_a not_o only_o between_o infidel_n and_o believer_n those_o that_o come_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v but_o even_o of_o they_o that_o do_v come_v between_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o real_a good_a men._n and_o though_o but_o one_o such_o be_v mention_v here_o yet_o that_o one_o be_v the_o common_a representative_a of_o all_o disorderly_a and_o careless_a of_o all_o dissemble_a and_o formal_a liver_n the_o type_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o of_o their_o doom_n upon_o the_o whole_a of_o which_o matter_n the_o refusal_n of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o come_v and_o the_o neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o he_o that_o do_v come_v but_o come_v not_o due_o qualify_v our_o bless_a lord_n pass_v this_o reflection_n in_o the_o word_n now_o read_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v so_o that_o any_o man_n who_o consider_v at_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o case_n may_v very_o easy_o resolve_v himself_o who_o in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o call_v and_o who_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n all_o to_o who_o his_o servant_n be_v send_v whether_o they_o receive_v his_o invitation_n or_o no_o and_o all_o who_o do_v receive_v they_o though_o the_o gracious_a end_n of_o those_o message_n be_v not_o full_o attain_v all_o that_o be_v bid_v and_o do_v not_o come_v and_o all_o that_o come_v and_o be_v thrust_v out_o again_o for_o not_o come_v as_o they_o ought_v these_o be_v the_o call_v and_o these_o be_v many_o but_o those_o that_o thankful_o embrace_v the_o good_a proffer_v of_o salvation_n and_o come_v when_o they_o be_v call_v that_o come_v with_o reverence_n and_o decency_n clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n the_o white_a robe_n of_o righteousness_n and_o innocence_n that_o be_v who_o take_v care_n to_o 1._o to_o ephes_n iv_o 1._o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o these_o and_o these_o only_o be_v the_o choose_a and_o they_o it_o seem_v be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n god_n know_v but_o very_o few_o concern_v this_o notion_n then_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v rank_v under_o each_o of_o these_o division_n the_o controversy_n be_v not_o very_o considerable_a but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o disparity_n in_o their_o number_n mighty_a doubt_n and_o dispute_n have_v rise_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o call_v be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o choose_a whether_o from_o he_o who_o call_v but_o never_o intend_v to_o choose_v all_o that_o he_o call_v or_o whether_o from_o they_o who_o be_v call_v but_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o do_v not_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v whether_o the_o damnation_n of_o man_n soul_n ought_v to_o lie_v at_o god_n or_o their_o own_o door_n whether_o his_o election_n be_v absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o unconditional_a so_o that_o some_o shall_v not_o be_v choose_v though_o they_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o or_o whether_o it_o proceed_v upon_o term_n of_o equity_n and_o such_o justice_n as_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v reject_v without_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v not_o choose_v may_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o to_o they_o who_o be_v unpreposse_v and_o will_v submit_v to_o consider_v the_o thing_n fair_o this_o parable_n i_o take_v it_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v great_a satisfaction_n for_o it_o show_v we_o plain_o what_o the_o king_n do_v and_o what_o his_o subject_n do_v not_o do_v why_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v do_v not_o come_v at_o all_o and_o why_o of_o those_o that_o do_v come_v all_o be_v not_o choose_v that_o be_v not_o approve_v and_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o feast_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o hint_n at_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unsuccessful_a in_o any_o respect_n either_o to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o under_o its_o dispensation_n and_o what_o hinder_v that_o some_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v do_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o some_o believer_n be_v yet_o not_o save_v by_o that_o belief_n for_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o latter_a by_o the_o person_n without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o to_o satisfy_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v handle_v each_o of_o the_o case_n distinct_o and_o consider_v what_o circumstance_n the_o parable_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o either_o of_o they_o both_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n call_v and_o choose_v and_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o person_n call_v but_o not_o choose_v first_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n set_v
i_o hope_v too_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o honest_a and_o the_o feeble-minded_n christian_n that_o though_o they_o be_v sad_o sensible_a of_o some_o remain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o need_v to_o be_v help_v yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a with_o they_o neither_o but_o that_o they_o may_v without_o vanity_n that_o profession_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o text_n and_o say_v very_o true_o lord_n i_o believe_v this_o be_v my_o intention_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v not_o so_o well_o bear_v to_o have_v the_o argument_n branch_v out_o to_o these_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n distinct_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o faith_n do_v likewise_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v because_o he_o discover_v some_o imperfection_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o since_o at_o that_o rate_n every_o one_o circumstance_n will_v be_v desperate_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o worthy_a and_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n i_o must_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o general_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o at_o present_a the_o best_a method_n for_o do_v it_o effectual_o be_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o three_o head_n i._n first_o to_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o ii_o second_o to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o many_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o unbelief_n or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v not_o in_o reality_n any_o such_o sign_n and_o iii_o three_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v show_v how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n careful_o may_v discern_v whether_o his_o belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o one_a and_o here_o by_o faith_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o 1_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n nor_o bare_o 2._o a_o outward_a and_o express_a profession_n of_o all_o such_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o christian_n but_o also_o 3_o such_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a assent_n as_o may_v prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o may_v influence_n their_o heart_n and_o practice_n powerful_o such_o as_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o make_v good_a those_o engagement_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o 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we_o these_o fleshly_a body_n again_o at_o the_o general_n resurrection_n notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a and_o unconceivable_a change_n which_o time_n and_o corruption_n bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n these_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o prime_n and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o firm_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o which_o one_o can_v have_v any_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o large_a mind_n be_v too_o narrow_a to_o receive_v they_o the_o most_o penetrate_a wit_n can_v sound_v all_o their_o depth_n nor_o the_o most_o indefatigable_a study_n conquer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o man_n assent_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o their_o apprehension_n the_o mind_n will_v never_o find_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n that_o it_o do_v for_o other_o which_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o daily_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o level_n with_o ourselves_o and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a good_a account_n of_o by_o our_o own_o serious_a thought_n and_o nice_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o our_o belief_n even_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v least_o able_a to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o convince_v that_o these_o be_v his_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o equitable_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o own_o reason_v to_o his_o declaration_n this_o single_a reflection_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v be_v mistake_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v lead_v other_o into_o mistake_n nor_o perfect_a truth_n lie_v be_v a_o foundation_n strong_a enough_o to_o build_v the_o firm_a faith_n upon_o but_o still_o the_o urge_n of_o this_o reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o much_o application_n and_o though_o we_o be_v exceed_o to_o blame_n if_o any_o objection_n which_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o great_a important_a doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o raise_v in_o we_o be_v suffer_v to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n or_o dangerous_o to_o shake_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o where_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n do_v not_o represent_v thing_n to_o we_o plain_o and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n there_o scruple_n and_o cavil_n will_v now_o and_o then_o arise_v and_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o occasion_n and_o try_v by_o they_o to_o loosen_v and_o dissettle_v we_o from_o that_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n even_o they_o who_o struggle_n most_o successful_o against_o such_o attempt_n of_o he_o may_v yet_o sometime_o find_v a_o tendency_n to_o doubt_v or_o some_o little_a disturbance_n from_o they_o but_o those_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v a_o very_a great_a deal_n who_o overlook_a the_o credibility_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n itself_o which_o be_v reason_n proper_a province_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o expect_v their_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o put_v their_o enquiry_n upon_o a_o wrong_a scent_n to_o require_v a_o evidence_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v not_o be_v faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n unseen_a now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o very_a first_o act_n that_o of_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o difficulty_n grow_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o influence_n our_o practice_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o second_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o truth_n come_v to_o gain_v a_o power_n over_o our_o will_n and_o to_o command_v our_o action_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v once_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o enjoin_v be_v enough_o to_o fix_v a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o perhaps_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n it_o be_v so_o after_o any_o point_n have_v be_v due_o consider_v and_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o
and_o against_o it_o have_v be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n together_o that_o side_n which_o preponderates_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o the_o advantage_n be_v visible_a and_o great_a there_o will_v be_v no_o probable_a danger_n of_o have_v this_o undo_v again_o or_o be_v draw_v off_o to_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n but_o where_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o bare_a judgement_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o where_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pursue_v a_o doctrine_n ●…o_v '_o all_o its_o consequence_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n of_o live_v to_o we_o where_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o so_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o like_o man_n serious_o possess_v with_o that_o belief_n there_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o present_a persuasion_n though_o never_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a will_v answer_v the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a faith_n without_o a_o particular_a and_o constant_a application_n and_o in_o this_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v chief_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n fail_v and_o great_a difficulty_n there_o be_v both_o in_o reduce_v general_n acknowledge_v truth_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o in_o have_v the_o application_n always_o ready_a and_o at_o hand_n when_o our_o occasion_n call_v for_o they_o this_o be_v manifest_o see_v in_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o be_v infor_n a_o power_n constant_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o present_a with_o we_o a_o strict_a observer_n and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o mighty_a avenger_n of_o his_o honour_n when_o we_o provoke_v he_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o notion_n which_o either_o nature_n or_o religion_n or_o both_o have_v rivet_v so_o fast_o into_o man_n mind_n that_o we_o find_v very_o few_o of_o those_o who_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o will_v fain_o get_v quit_v of_o they_o able_a to_o do_v it_o effectual_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o have_v these_o apprehension_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o take_v a_o due_a care_n to_o drive_v they_o home_o upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o improve_v they_o to_o all_o the_o mighty_a purpose_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o serve_v nay_o how_o often_o do_v even_o they_o who_o revolve_v they_o frequent_o and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o dwell_v and_o converse_v with_o their_o lord_n how_o often_o i_o say_v do_v they_o the_o best_a the_o most_o reverent_a adorer_n of_o the_o godhead_n betray_v their_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o fall_v by_o surprise_n or_o forgetfulness_n if_o not_o by_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n now_o the_o fail_n of_o most_o people_n in_o this_o case_n can_v proceed_v from_o infidelity_n or_o want_v of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o they_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v able_a perhaps_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o convince_v the_o sturdy_a gainsayer_n and_o to_o warm_v the_o cold_a and_o most_o freeze_a neglecter_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o business_n be_v that_o their_o thought_n be_v not_o always_o equal_o bend_v nor_o the_o application_n of_o these_o general_a doctrine_n at_o all_o time_n make_v to_o their_o own_o private_a circumstance_n or_o even_o those_o application_n be_v not_o ever_o powerful_a alike_o and_o because_o the_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o continual_a practice_n and_o use_v and_o not_o one_o single_a act_n of_o persuasion_n and_o assent_n though_o never_o so_o steadfast_a therefore_o every_o one_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o or_o less_o defective_a as_o he_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ready_a performance_n of_o each_o act._n and_o even_o those_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v at_o a_o stake_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o can_v always_o preserve_v their_o mind_n so_o thorough_o awake_a nor_o find_v the_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a as_o to_o prevent_v in_o their_o life_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o such_o a_o belief_n the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o in_o many_o perhaps_o in_o most_o occasion_n exert_n itself_o with_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n but_o it_o be_v their_o misfortune_n that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n the_o clutter_n of_o business_n the_o diversion_n of_o life_n their_o own_o inadvertency_n or_o some_o other_o accidental_a unhappiness_n justle_v the_o more_o necessary_a meditation_n aside_o for_o a_o while_n and_o so_o that_o habit_n lie_v dormant_a and_o idle_a it_o will_v probable_o recover_v and_o rouse_v itself_o very_o quick_o but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a instant_n of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o man_n have_v have_v no_o such_o idea_n at_o all_o 3._o but_o three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o man_n weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o of_o we_o be_v deep_o all_o god_n know_v but_o too_o deep_o concern_v i_o mean_v the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o the_o affection_n we_o bear_v to_o this_o present_a world_n the_o former_a particular_a show_v we_o a_o defect_n owe_v to_o want_v of_o consideration_n but_o this_o go_v far_a &_o discover_v a_o fail_v even_o in_o consideration_n itself_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o judge_v and_o yet_o determine_v wrong_a when_o we_o do_v remember_v our_o duty_n &_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o think_v and_o remember_v without_o success_n and_o this_o be_v a_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fatalconsequence_n because_o person_n of_o high_a perfection_n be_v subject_a to_o it_o for_o that_o the_o heedless_a and_o heady_a shall_v stumble_v and_o fall_v can_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o when_o the_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o slippery_a way_n and_o see_v their_o danger_n and_o intend_v to_o avoid_v the_o precipice_n do_v yet_o slide_v into_o it_o this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v we_o very_o apprehensive_a and_o will_v warrant_v no_o man_n in_o any_o vain_a supposal_n of_o absolute_a security_n and_o perfection_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v give_v we_o to_o check_v and_o control_v the_o extravagance_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o calm_a and_o quiet_a our_o passion_n to_o comfort_n and_o sustain_v we_o in_o all_o our_o disorder_n and_o misfortune_n and_o indeed_o if_o apply_v seasonable_o and_o impartial_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o great_a work_n a_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o all_o our_o disease_n and_o a_o sure_a support_n under_o the_o heavy_a calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o yet_o this_o remedy_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v effectual_a because_o we_o do_v many_o time_n fail_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v its_o full_a force_n and_o just_a operation_n upon_o our_o heart_n but_o incline_v too_o much_o to_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o too_o tender_a a_o concern_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v here_o below_o and_o when_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v due_o consider_v when_o a_o life_n of_o eternity_n and_o uninterrupted_a bliss_n be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n against_o one_o which_o we_o be_v sure_o can_v be_v but_o short_a and_o find_v to_o be_v uneasy_a and_o vexatious_a at_o the_o best_a we_o can_v but_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v reason_n in_o advise_v man_n by_o his_o example_n to_o look_v not_o at_o 18._o at_o 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v and_o be_v temporal_a but_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v because_o they_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v impress_v this_o truth_n pretty_a well_o as_o we_o think_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o frequent_o either_o forsake_v we_o quite_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o encounter_n or_o prove_v too_o feeble_a when_o we_o have_v most_o occasion_n for_o it_o the_o bias_n of_o sense_n draw_v we_o from_o our_o strait_a course_n some_o trifle_a advantage_n some_o please_a gratification_n present_v itself_o and_o though_o we_o pretend_v to_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_o but_o like_o a_o corrupt_a judge_n all_o argument_n against_o inclination_n be_v lessen_v to_o the_o view_n the_o bribery_n upon_o our_o affection_n