able_a to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o a_o insufferable_a perversion_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v it_o to_o affix_v such_o a_o sense_n to_o any_o text_n of_o it_o as_o this_o force_a exposition_n here_o do_v which_o manifest_o turn_v a_o most_o devout_a confession_n to_o almighty_a god_n into_o a_o piece_n of_o courtship_n a_o principal_a truth_n into_o a_o mere_a trope_n or_o figure_n and_o in_o a_o word_n one_o of_o the_o high_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a into_o a_o false_a fulsome_a and_o at_o best_o a_o empty_a expression_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o iii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o value_n between_o the_o action_n and_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o foundation_n already_o lay_v by_o we_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n consist_v proper_o in_o exchange_n and_o that_o we_o know_v must_v proceed_v according_a to_o a_o parity_n of_o worth_n on_o both_o side_n commutation_n be_v most_o proper_o between_o thing_n equivalent_a but_o now_o the_o prize_n we_o run_v for_o in_o all_o our_o religious_a performance_n be_v no_o less_o a_o thing_n than_o life_n eternal_a and_o a_o beatific_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o ever_o and_o can_v any_o man_n not_o quite_o abandon_v by_o his_o reason_n imagine_v a_o few_o weak_a break_a action_n a_o competent_a price_n for_o heaven_n and_o immortality_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o a_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o can_v deserve_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o angel_n oâ—_n can_v we_o who_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o sense_n do_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o those_o joy_n which_o not_o only_o exceed_v our_o sense_n but_o also_o transcend_v our_o intellectual_n can_v wâ—_n do_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v think_v and_o deserve_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v do_v for_o let_v we_o rate_v our_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a service_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v so_o steady_a a_o hand_n in_o any_o religious_a performance_n as_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o condition_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o answer_v the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o law_n no_o this_o be_v such_o a_o pitch_n of_o act_v as_o the_o present_a strength_n of_o nature_n must_v not_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o not_o how_o can_v a_o action_n short_a of_o complete_a morality_n set_v up_o for_o meritorious_a the_o papist_n we_o know_v in_o their_o dispute_n upon_o this_o subject_n distinguish_v of_o merit_n into_o that_o which_o be_v de_fw-fr condigno_fw-la which_o merit_v a_o reward_n upon_o term_n of_o justice_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o inherent_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o the_o work_v do_v and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la which_o though_o it_o can_v claim_v a_o reward_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o and_o from_o the_o precise_a worth_n and_o value_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o yet_o be_v such_o that_o god_n will_v not_o act_v suitable_o and_o congruous_o to_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o reward_v it_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o merit_n i_o say_v they_o hold_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v which_o of_o the_o two_o they_o shall_v state_n the_o merit_n of_o their_o good_a work_n upon_o for_o some_o bold_o assert_v that_o they_o merit_v the_o former_a way_n to_o wit_n by_o their_o own_o inherent_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o some_o that_o they_o merit_v only_o the_o latter_a way_n that_o be_v by_o be_v such_o as_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v but_o reward_n and_o last_o other_o as_o particular_o bellarmine_n hold_v that_o they_o merit_v both_o way_n to_o wit_n partly_o by_o condignity_n and_o partly_o by_o congruity_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o without_o dispute_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o merit_n of_o condignity_n since_o it_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v itself_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o whole_a foundation_n of_o their_o merit_n de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la as_o to_o any_o obligation_n on_o god_n part_n to_o reward_v our_o religious_a service_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o equity_n since_o upon_o that_o account_n god_n can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o as_o much_o as_o therâ—_n be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o equity_n in_o god_n distinct_a from_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n must_v on_o all_o hand_n needs_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v free_a how_o much_o soever_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v otherwise_o among_o man_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o obligation_n as_o that_o of_o equity_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n stand_v oblige_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n to_o exercise_v mercy_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n which_o god_n do_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o meritum_fw-la de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o between_o god_n and_o man_n since_o god_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o show_v mercy_n where_o his_o own_o word_n have_v not_o first_o oblige_v he_o no_o such_o merit_n can_v take_v place_n but_o beside_o this_o be_v not_o the_o point_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o reward_v such_o or_o such_o action_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thousand_o of_o thing_n and_o action_n very_o congruous_a for_o god_n to_o do_v which_o yet_o by_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v do_v so_o â—hat_n the_o bare_a congruity_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o god_n to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o point_n lie_v here_o to_o wit_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o congruous_a to_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n and_o good_a action_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o his_o nature_n not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v for_o if_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o his_o nature_n not_o to_o reward_v they_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o reward_v they_o and_o then_o indeed_o merit_n must_v upon_o equal_a necessity_n take_v place_n but_o if_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reward_v every_o act_n which_o it_o may_v be_v suitable_a or_o congruous_a for_o he_o to_o reward_v as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o then_o meritum_fw-la de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la be_v but_o merit_n equivocal_o so_o call_v and_o the_o forementioned_a division_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o a_o division_n of_o a_o genus_fw-la into_o two_o several_a species_n but_o only_o a_o distribution_n of_o a_o equivocal_a term_n into_o its_o several_a signification_n and_o consequent_o to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o only_a de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la be_v a_o mere_a trifle_a about_o word_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o here_o object_n the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o term_n mereri_fw-la and_o meâ—â—ritum_fw-la by_o the_o father_n and_o other_o ancient_a church-writer_n for_o they_o use_v they_o not_o in_o a_o sense_n import_v claim_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o strict_a justice_n but_o only_o as_o they_o signify_v the_o actual_a obtainment_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o free-promise_a by_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o by_o no_o mean_n reach_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o dispute_v against_o in_o short_a therefore_o the_o question_n stand_v thus_o do_v this_o meritum_fw-la do_v congruo_fw-la from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o oblige_v god_n to_o reward_v it_o or_o do_v it_o not_o if_o it_o do_v than_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o merit_n of_o condignity_n do_v the_o same_o and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o so_o the_o distinction_n between_o they_o be_v but_o verbal_a and_o superfluous_a but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v god_n then_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o merit_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o one_o side_n there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n on_o the_o other_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v this_o further_a consideration_n that_o the_o assert_v of_o such_o a_o merit_n of_o congruity_n be_v altogether_o as_o arrogant_a as_o to_o assert_v that_o of_o condignity_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o equal_o bind_v god_n and_o bring_v he_o under_o as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o reward_v as_o the_o other_o can_v and_o that_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o
his_o own_o free-word_n and_o promise_v oblige_v he_o to_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o but_o because_o of_o a_o certain_a worth_n and_o value_v inherent_a in_o the_o work_n itself_o which_o make_v it_o incongruous_a and_o consequent_o impossible_a for_o god_n not_o to_o reward_v it_o since_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n incongruous_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o three_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v a_o action_n meritorious_a be_v here_o fail_v also_o which_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o so_o i_o be_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o condition_n or_o ingredient_n of_o merit_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o who_o do_v a_o work_n whereby_o he_o will_v merit_v of_o another_o do_v it_o sole_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o not_o by_o the_o strength_n or_o power_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v to_o merit_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o otherwise_o the_o work_n will_v not_o be_v entire_o a_o man_n own_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o property_n there_o can_v be_v no_o exchange_n all_o exchange_n be_v the_o alienation_n of_o one_o property_n or_o title_n for_o another_o and_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n be_v found_v in_o commutation_n but_o now_o how_o great_a a_o hand_n or_o rather_o what_o a_o total_a influence_n god_n have_v in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o know_v maxim_n joint_o receive_v both_o by_o heathen_n and_o christian_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v namely_o that_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o so_o intimate_o and_o inseparable_o do_v this_o influence_n join_v itself_o with_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o it_o puzzle_v the_o deep_a and_o most_o acute_a philosopher_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o action_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o first_o so_o as_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o a_o downright_a identity_n according_o in_o philip._n 2.13_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v but_o also_o to_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o if_o in_o every_o good_a inclination_n as_o well_o as_o action_n god_n be_v the_o worker_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o recipient_a subject_n of_o what_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o be_v recipient_a certain_o be_v not_o meritorious_a in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n though_o we_o natural_o fix_v our_o eye_n only_o upon_o some_o visible_a agent_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a invisible_a spring_n which_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o and_o convey_v a_o activity_n to_o every_o power_n and_o faculty_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n though_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o neither_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o st._n austin_n say_v that_o in_o all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o we_o he_o only_o crown_v his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o the_o same_o hand_n still_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v which_o shall_v hereafter_o reward_v we_o for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o if_o according_a to_o these_o term_n and_o those_o word_n also_o of_o the_o spouse_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n cantic_a 1.4_o draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v follow_v thou_o our_o come_v to_o god_n be_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o his_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o how_o can_v we_o merit_v of_o he_o by_o our_o follow_v he_o or_o come_v to_o he_o for_o can_v any_o one_o obligeâ—_n i_o by_o a_o present_v buy_v with_o my_o own_o money_n or_o by_o give_v i_o that_o which_o i_o first_o give_v he_o and_o yet_o the_o case_n here_o be_v much_o the_o same_o for_o as_o apt_a as_o we_o be_v to_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v big_a upon_o this_o subject_n yet_o in_o truth_n by_o all_o that_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v we_o do_v but_o return_v god_n something_o of_o his_o own_o much_o like_o the_o river_n which_o come_v roll_v with_o a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o poâ—â—â—_n themselves_o into_o the_o sea_n and_o yet_o as_o high_a as_o they_o swell_v and_o as_o loud_o as_o they_o roar_v they_o only_o restore_v the_o sea_n she_o own_o water_n that_o which_o flow_v into_o she_o in_o one_o place_n have_v be_v first_o draw_v from_o she_o in_o another_o in_o a_o word_n can_v the_o earth_n repay_v the_o heaven_n for_o their_o influence_n and_o the_o cloud_n for_o that_o verdure_n and_o fertility_n which_o they_o bestow_v upon_o it_o or_o can_v dirt_n and_o dunghill_n requite_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n for_o shine_v upon_o they_o no_o certain_o and_o yet_o what_o poor_a shadow_n and_o faint_a representation_n be_v these_o of_o that_o infinite_o great_a inability_n even_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o god_n creature_n to_o present_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o first_o behold_v to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v clear_a therefore_o that_o since_o man_n in_o all_o his_o duty_n and_o service_n never_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o to_o set_v up_o with_o but_o have_v traffic_v all_o along_o upon_o a_o borrow_v stock_n the_o four_o and_o last_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v his_o performance_n meritorious_a utter_o fail_v he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v distinct_o go_v over_o the_o several_a condition_n of_o merit_n as_o first_o that_o the_o meritorious_a act_n be_v not_o due_a second_o that_o it_o real_o add_v to_o and_o better_a the_o condition_n of_o he_o from_o who_o it_o merit_v three_o that_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n of_o value_n between_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o four_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o sole_a strength_n of_o he_o who_o merit_n and_o not_o by_o the_o help_n and_o strength_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o merit_v these_o four_o i_o say_v be_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n and_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o merit_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o all_o agree_v to_o the_o very_o best_a of_o man_n action_n with_o reference_n to_o almighty_a god_n nevertheless_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o these_o deplorable_a impotence_n we_o see_v what_o a_o tower_a principle_n of_o pride_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o how_o mighty_o it_o make_v they_o affect_v to_o be_v their_o own_o saviour_n and_o even_o while_o they_o live_v upon_o god_n to_o depend_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v poor_a and_o proud_a be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o man_n ever_o since_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n throw_v we_o into_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o and_o main_a particular_a propose_v from_o the_o wordâ—_n and_o express_v in_o they_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o best_a service_n to_o merit_v of_o godâ—_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o exhibit_v to_o we_o something_o by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n be_v the_o source_n and_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o those_o be_v pelagianism_n and_o popery_n and_o first_o for_o pelagianism_n it_o chief_o spring_v from_o and_o be_v resolvable_a into_o this_o one_o point_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n contribute_v something_o of_o his_o own_o which_o he_o have_v not_o from_o god_n towards_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o not_o a_o bare_a something_o only_o but_o such_o a_o something_o also_o as_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o effectual_a cause_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n according_a to_o pelagius_n be_v only_o a_o power_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v which_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o have_v and_o carry_v to_o hell_n with_o he_o as_o those_o who_o go_v to_o hell_n no_o doubt_n do_v but_o that_o which_o obtain_v heaven_n and_o actual_o save_v a_o man_n be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o power_n and_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n which_o as_o the_o same_o pelagius_n teach_v a_o man_n have_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o according_o may_v whole_o thank_v himself_o for_o so_o that_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.7_o quis_fw-la te_fw-la discrevit_fw-la who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o grand_a discrimination_n of_o saint_n and_o reprobate_a the_o pelagian_a must_v reply_v if_o he_o will_v speak_v pertinent_o and_o consistent_o with_o himself_o why_o i_o make_v myself_o to_o differ_v by_o use_v the_o power_n which_o god_n
give_v i_o as_o i_o shall_v do_v which_o my_o neighbour_n do_v not_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o he_o to_o hell_n and_o as_o he_o can_v blame_v none_o but_o himself_o for_o the_o one_o â—o_z i_o be_o behold_v to_o none_o but_o myself_o for_o the_o other_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o main_a of_o the_o pelagian_a divinity_n though_o much_o more_o compendious_o deliver_v in_o that_o know_v but_o lewd_a aphorism_n of_o they_o a_o deo_fw-la habemus_fw-la quòd_fw-la sumus_fw-la homines_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la autem_fw-la ipsis_fw-la quod_fw-la sumus_fw-la justi._n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v another_o of_o their_o principlâ—â—_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v all_o that_o natural_o he_o can_v do_v still_o understand_v hereby_o the_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n god_n be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o supply_v whatsoever_o more_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n which_o premise_n if_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o unavoidable_o infer_v in_o man_n a_o power_n of_o merit_v of_o god_n the_o world_n be_v yet_o to_o seek_v what_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o merit_n be_v according_o both_o gelasius_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o set_v down_o the_o point_n wherein_o the_o catholic_n church_n differ_v from_o the_o pelagian_n assign_v this_o for_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a that_o the_o pelagian_n hold_v gratiam_fw-la dei_fw-la secundùm_fw-la hominum_fw-la merita_fw-la conferri_fw-la and_o the_o truth_n be_v upon_o their_o principle_n a_o man_n may_v even_o merit_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o save_a grace_n without_o it_o and_o a_o man_n may_v do_v that_o which_o â—hall_v oblige_v god_n in_o justice_n to_o vouchsafe_v he_o such_o grace_n as_o with_o no_o small_a self-contradiction_n these_o man_n use_v to_o speak_v then_o let_v they_o qualify_v and_o soften_v the_o matter_n with_o what_o word_n they_o please_v i_o affirm_v that_o upon_o these_o term_n a_o man_n real_o merit_v his_o salvation_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v necessary_a thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n throughout_o all_o this_o pelagian_a scheme_n we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o man_n natural_a impotency_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n though_o inculcate_v and_o write_v in_o both_o testament_n with_o a_o sunbeam_n nor_o consequent_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o powerful_a divine_a energy_n to_o bend_n incline_v and_o effectual_o draw_v man_n will_n to_o such_o object_n as_o it_o natural_o resist_v and_o be_v averse_a to_o not_o a_o word_n i_o say_v of_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o for_o those_o man_n use_v to_o explode_v and_o deny_v it_o all_o as_o their_o modern_a offspring_n among_o we_o also_o do_v and_o yet_o this_o pass_v for_o sound_n and_o good_a divinity_n in_o the_o church_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o within_o less_o thâ—â—_n a_o hundred_o year_n since_o in_o our_o church_n too_o till_o pelagianism_n and_o socinianism_n deism_n tritheism_n atheism_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o innovation_n the_o root_n of_o all_o and_o worse_o than_o all_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o by_o false_a scheme_n of_o model_n countenance_v and_o encourage_v have_v give_v quite_o a_o new_a face_n to_o thing_n though_o a_o new_a face_n be_v certain_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o unbecoming_a that_o can_v be_v set_v upon_o a_o old_a religion_n but_o second_o to_o proceed_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n famous_a for_o corrupt_a christianity_n more_o way_n than_o one_o to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o popery_n also_o even_o the_o great_a diana_n which_o some_o of_o the_o most_o experience_a craftsman_n in_o the_o world_n do_v with_o so_o much_o zeal_n sacrifice_n to_o and_o make_v shrine_n for_o and_o by_o so_o do_v get_v their_o live_n and_o that_o a_o very_a plentyful_a and_o splendid_a one_o too_o as_o know_v full_a well_o that_o without_o it_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v all_o their_o religion_n will_v quick_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n than_o no_o supererogation_n and_o if_o no_o supererogation_n no_o indulgence_n and_o if_o no_o indulgence_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o silversmiths_n trade_n will_v run_v low_a and_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o pontifical_a bank_n begin_v to_o fail_v so_o that_o the_o very_a marrow_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o popery_n lie_v in_o a_o stiff_a adherence_n to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o grand_a question_n still_o insist_v upon_o by_o these_o merchant_n be_v quid_fw-la dabitis_fw-la and_o the_o great_a commodity_n set_v to_o sale_n by_o they_o be_v merit_n for_o can_v any_o one_o think_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o cardinal_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a grandee_n care_v a_o rush_n whether_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v free_a or_o no_o as_o the_o jesuit_n state_n the_o freedom_n of_o it_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o dominican_n and_o jansenist_n on_o the_o other_o or_o that_o they_o at_o all_o concern_v themselves_o about_o justification_n and_o free_a grace_n but_o only_o as_o the_o artificial_a state_v of_o such_o point_n may_v sometime_o serve_v they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a traffic_n and_o now_o and_o then_o help_v they_o to_o turn_v the_o penny_n no_o they_o value_n not_o their_o school_n any_o further_a than_o they_o furnish_v their_o market_n nor_o regard_v any_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o cardinal_n palaviâ—cini_n which_o profess_o own_v it_o for_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v man_n as_o rich_a as_o great_a and_o as_o happy_a as_o they_o can_v be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o grand_a instrument_n to_o compass_v all_o this_o by_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o in_o that_o communion_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o do_v so_o much_o less_o than_o they_o know_v they_o be_v require_v to_o do_v for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o that_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o again_o in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v very_o well_o keep_v their_o neighbour_n lamp_n from_o go_v out_o by_o have_v oil_n enough_o both_o to_o supply_v their_o own_o and_o a_o comfortable_a overplus_n beside_o to_o lend_v or_o which_o be_v much_o better_o to_o sell_v in_o such_o a_o case_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o the_o foundation_n and_o the_o house_n must_v fall_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n beat_z down_z merit_n and_o down_o go_v popery_n too_o and_o so_o at_o length_n that_o i_o may_v not_o trespass_v upon_o your_o patience_n too_o much_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a propose_v at_o â—â—â—st_n from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n natural_o apt_a to_o issue_v â—â—om_o the_o foregoing_a particular_n the_o objection_n be_v obvious_a and_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o need_v not_o be_v long_o it_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o doctrine_n hitherto_o advance_v be_v true_a can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o man_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n than_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o their_o obedience_n all_o their_o duty_n and_o choice_a performance_n be_v nothing_o worth_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o after_o they_o have_v do_v their_o best_a their_o utmost_a and_o their_o very_o all_o in_o his_o service_n be_v still_o for_o all_o that_o vseless_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o such_o as_o can_v plead_v no_o recompense_n at_o all_o at_o his_o hand_n this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a but_o to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o neither_o aught_o nor_o use_n to_o be_v any_o discouragement_n to_o a_o beggar_n â—s_v we_o all_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o continue_v ask_v a_o alm_n and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o though_o he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o claim_v it_o but_o second_o i_o deny_v that_o our_o disavoâ—â—ing_n this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n cut_v we_o 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o plea_n to_o a_o recompense_n for_o our_o christian_a obedience_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n it_o cut_v we_o off_o indeed_o from_o all_o plea_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o condignity_n and_o strict_a justice_n but_o than_o shall_v we_o not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n consider_v whether_o god_n justice_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v oblige_v he_o in_o hiâ—_n transacting_n with_o man_n for_o do_v not_o hâ—â—_n veracity_n and_o his_o promise_n oblige_v he_o aâ—_n much_o as_o his_o justice_n can_v and_o have_v hâ—_n
fail_v of_o the_o prize_n he_o run_v for_o by_o mistake_v the_o way_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o st._n paul_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v express_v a_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o only_o as_o such_o nay_o he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o gift_n in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n in_o which_o he_o affirm_v death_n to_o be_v as_o due_a to_o a_o sinner_n as_o wage_n be_v to_o a_o work_n man_n roman_n 6.23_o than_o which_o word_n nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o full_a and_o conclusive_a that_o salvation_n proceed_v whole_o upon_o free-gift_n though_o damnation_n upon_o strict_a desert_n nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n or_o rather_o sottishness_n of_o manâ—_n corrupt_a nature_n that_o this_o do_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mean_n satisfy_v he_o for_o though_o indeed_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v happy_a yet_o fain_o will_v he_o also_o thank_v none_o for_o it_o but_o himself_o and_o though_o he_o find_v that_o not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o necessity_n bring_v he_o every_o day_n upon_o his_o knee_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o very_a bread_n he_o eat_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_n thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n he_o appear_v and_o act_n not_o as_o a_o suppliant_a but_o as_o a_o merchant_n not_o as_o one_o who_o come_v to_o be_v relieve_v but_o to_o traffic_n for_o something_o he_o will_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o something_o he_o will_v give_v he_o and_o nothing_o will_v content_v this_o insolent_a yet_o impotent_a creature_n unless_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o buy_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o beg_v such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o baseness_n of_o some_o spirit_n that_o where_o they_o receive_v a_o benefit_n too_o big_a for_o they_o to_o requite_v they_o will_v even_o deny_v the_o kindness_n and_o disow_v the_o obligation_n now_o this_o great_a self-delusion_n so_o prevalent_a upon_o most_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o encounter_v in_o the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o which_o by_o a_o usual_a way_n of_o speech_n under_o a_o interrogation_n couch_v a_o positive_a assertion_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o true_a proper_a and_o strict_a sense_n of_o merit_n noâ—_n do_v this_o interrogative_n way_n of_o expression_n import_v only_o a_o bare_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o also_o a_o manifest_a undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o say_a impossibility_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v profitable_a to_o god_n for_o god_n to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n by_o man_n righteousness_n or_o to_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o make_v his_o way_n perfect_a and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—â—an_z for_o a_o man_n to_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v so_o irrational_a a_o conceit_n or_o to_o affirm_v so_o gross_a a_o paradox_n and_o that_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n but_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n will_v appear_v from_o a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n which_o we_o may_v not_o improper_o define_v a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o good_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o some_o good_a do_v together_o with_o a_o equivalence_n or_o parity_n of_o worth_n between_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a do_v so_o that_o although_o according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n of_o justice_n into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a that_o which_o be_v call_v commutative_a be_v employ_v only_o about_o the_o strict_a value_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n and_o the_o other_o species_n of_o justice_n call_v distributive_a as_o consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n admit_v of_o some_o latitude_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o truth_n even_o this_o distribution_n itself_o must_v so_o far_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o commutation_n that_o the_o good_a to_o be_v dispense_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n aught_o in_o justice_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o work_n or_o action_n which_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o compensation_n of_o so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o sink_v below_o it_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o full_a value_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o upon_o a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o true_a philosophy_n merit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o instance_n or_o exemplification_n of_o that_o note_a saying_n or_o maxim_n that_o one_o benefaction_n or_o good_a turn_n require_v another_o and_o import_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o man_n claim_n or_o title_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o good_a from_o another_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o thus_o much_o therefore_o be_v premise_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o drift_n or_o design_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o need_v any_o further_a exposition_n we_o shall_v observe_v and_o draw_v from_o they_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o something_o suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o they_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o second_o something_o express_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o absurd_a and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o three_o something_o infer_v from_o both_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v the_o very_a source_n or_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o four_o and_o last_o something_o object_v against_o the_o particular_n discourse_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v â—o_o answer_v and_o remove_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o the_o thing_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o place_n too_o high_a a_o value_n both_o upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o performance_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o universal_a experience_n which_o prove_v it_o no_o less_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o bear_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o love_n we_o know_v be_v found_v in_o and_o result_v from_o a_o proportionable_a esteem_n of_o the_o object_n love_v so_o that_o look_v in_o what_o degree_n any_o man_n love_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o must_v esteem_v himself_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v his_o own_o price_n upon_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v whether_o the_o world_n will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o or_o no_o as_o it_o seldom_o do_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o mat._n nineteeen_o 27_o master_n say_v he_o we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v therefore_o in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o lord_n and_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o of_o he_o as_o he_o think_v but_o strict_o a_o pennyworth_n for_o his_o penny_n and_o all_o this_o from_o a_o conceit_n that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o aâ—_n so_o exceed_o meritorious_a that_o it_o must_v even_o nonplus_n his_o master_n bouâ—â—y_n to_o quit_v score_n with_o he_o by_o a_o just_a requital_n nay_o so_o far_o have_v the_o same_o proud_a ferment_n get_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n that_o neither_o can_v their_o own_o low_a condition_n nor_o the_o constant_a sâ—rmons_n of_o that_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n who_o they_o daily_o converse_v with_o nor_o last_o the_o corrective_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n total_o clear_a and_o cure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o principle_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n work_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o consider_v also_o â—he_v
they_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o teach_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o find_v their_o bitter_a enmity_n and_o most_o inveterate_a hatred_n only_o upon_o religion_n which_o have_v teach_v they_o first_o to_o call_v their_o malice_n zeal_n and_o then_o to_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v malicious_a and_o implacable_a 3._o a_o enemy_n may_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o love_n because_o though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v change_v and_o make_v a_o friend_n by_o it_o which_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v next_o to_o impossible_a yet_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v shame_v and_o render_v inexcusable_a and_o shame_n may_v smooth_v over_o his_o behaviour_n though_o no_o kindness_n can_v change_v his_o disposition_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n shame_v his_o enemy_n so_o far_o he_o also_o disarm_v he_o for_o he_o leave_v he_o strip_v of_o the_o 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with_o good_a work_n they_o will_v abound_v and_o even_o overflow_v with_o good_a intention_n if_o you_o will_v allow_v they_o in_o quite_o contrary_a action_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o want_v for_o sacrifice_n if_o that_o may_v compound_v for_o obedience_n nor_o last_o will_v they_o grudge_v to_o find_v money_n if_o some_o body_n else_o will_v find_v merit_n but_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o do_v well_o be_v thing_n of_o too_o hard_a a_o digestion_n according_o our_o saviour_n who_o well_o know_v all_o these_o false_a hope_n and_o fallacious_a reason_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v never_o so_o subtle_a as_o when_o it_o will_v deceive_v itself_o tell_v his_o hearer_n that_o all_o these_o little_a trifle_a invention_n will_v avail_v they_o
but_o not_o its_o channel_n the_o water_n arise_v in_o one_o place_n but_o it_o stream_n in_o another_o and_o fountain_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o value_v if_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v river_n one_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v god_n sovereignty_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o by_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v before_o they_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v do_v but_o as_o it_o beam_n through_o our_o good_a work_n when_o a_o man_n lead_v a_o pious_a and_o good_a life_n every_o hour_n he_o live_v be_v virtual_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o exert_v and_o draw_v forth_o into_o outward_a practice_n man_n have_v no_o inspection_n into_o our_o heart_n to_o discern_v it_o there_o and_o let_v this_o be_v fix_v upon_o as_o a_o stand_a principle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o honour_n god_n before_o man_n but_o only_o by_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v observable_a by_o man_n it_o be_v our_o faith_n indeed_o that_o recognize_v he_o for_o our_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o obedience_n only_o that_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n second_o the_o other_o end_v of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o good_a and_o mutual_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o way_n of_o society_n and_o herein_o do_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o calculate_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o instrument_n to_o govern_v as_o may_v also_o benefit_v the_o world_n god_n plant_v religion_n among_o man_n as_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o spring_v upward_o direct_o to_o himself_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o spread_v its_o branch_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o below_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o necessity_n or_o convenience_n of_o mankind_n but_o what_o be_v in_o a_o large_a measure_n serve_v and_o provide_v for_o by_o 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contribute_v to_o the_o support_n and_o benefit_n of_o society_n sure_o it_o must_v needs_o consist_v in_o the_o active_a piety_n of_o our_o life_n not_o in_o empty_a thought_n and_o fruitless_a persuasion_n for_o what_o can_v one_o man_n be_v the_o better_a for_o what_o another_o think_v or_o believe_v when_o a_o poor_a man_n beg_v a_o alm_n of_o i_o can_v i_o believe_v my_o bread_n into_o his_o mouth_n or_o my_o money_n into_o his_o hand_n believe_v without_o do_v be_v a_o very_a cheap_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o a_o very_a worthless_a way_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o thus_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o active_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a bottom_n for_o we_o to_o build_v upon_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v namely_o to_o show_v those_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n which_o many_o venture_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o be_v accord_o deceive_v by_o which_o though_o they_o be_v exceed_o various_a and_o according_a to_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o man_n temper_n business_n and_o occasion_n almost_o infinite_a and_o like_o the_o sand_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n not_o only_o infirm_a but_o numberless_a also_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o poor_a judgement_n and_o observation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o three_o head_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v a_o naked_a unoperative_a faith_n ask_v but_o some_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o will_v answer_v because_o they_o firm_o believe_v that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o but_o since_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n to_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o know_v such_o as_o be_v more_o cautious_a will_v tell_v you_o further_o that_o to_o desire_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o desire_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o repent_v but_o as_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a since_o no_o act_n can_v be_v its_o own_o object_n without_o be_v not_o itself_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o act_n and_o the_o object_n be_v distinct_a thing_n and_o consequent_o a_o desire_n to_o believe_v can_v no_o more_o be_v belief_n than_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v save_v can_v be_v salvation_n so_o it_o be_v further_a intolerable_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o quite_o dispirit_n religion_n by_o place_v it_o in_o languid_a abortive_a velleity_n and_o so_o cut_v the_o nerve_n of_o all_o endeavour_n by_o rate_v glory_n at_o a_o bare_a desire_n and_o eternity_n at_o a_o wish_n but_o because_o the_o poison_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v so_o easy_o enter_v and_o so_o strange_o intoxicate_a i_o shall_v presume_v to_o give_v a_o antidote_n against_o it_o in_o this_o one_o observation_n namely_o that_o all_o along_o the_o scripture_n where_o justification_n be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n alone_o there_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v still_o use_v by_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o antecedent_n for_o the_o consequent_a and_o do_v not_o signify_v abstract_o a_o mere_a persuasion_n but_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n perform_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n not_o that_o this_o justify_v meritorious_o by_o any_o inherent_a worth_n or_o value_n in_o itself_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o condition_n appoint_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o free_o impute_v to_o we_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a proper_a and_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n so_o that_o that_o instrumentality_n which_o some_o in_o the_o business_n of_o justification_n attribute_n to_o one_o single_a act_n of_o credence_n be_v by_o this_o ascribe_v to_o the_o whole_a aggregate_v series_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n as_o be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n without_o we_o by_o which_o alone_o we_o stand_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v with_o full_a accord_n both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o state_n the_o business_n of_o justification_n by_o a_o equal_a poise_n both_o against_o the_o arrogant_a assertion_n of_o self-iusticiaries_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o wild_a opinion_n of_o the_o antinomian_o on_o the_o other_o but_o whether_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n perform_v out_o of_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o pass_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o justify_v or_o only_o for_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_a of_o it_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o issue_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o con-natural_a constant_a efficiency_n and_o result_n from_o it_o so_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o be_v distinguishable_a by_o their_o respective_a action_n from_o one_o another_o they_o be_v absolute_o inseparable_a by_o a_o mutual_a and_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n it_o belong_v no_o less_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v to_o be_v operative_a than_o to_o 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enhance_v its_o gild_n as_o it_o will_v look_v like_o a_o very_a strange_a and_o odd_a commendation_n of_o a_o tree_n to_o apologise_v for_o the_o sourness_n of_o its_o fruit_n by_o plead_v that_o all_o its_o goodness_n lie_v in_o the_o root_n but_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o shortness_n of_o its_o reach_n that_o it_o seldom_o suggest_v argument_n à _fw-la priore_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a gradation_n creep_v from_o the_o effect_n up_o to_o the_o cause_n because_o these_o first_o strike_v and_o alarm_n the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n speak_v as_o good_a philosophy_n as_o divinity_n when_o he_o say_v jam._n 2.18_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n every_o action_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a pourtraicture_n and_o impartial_a expression_n of_o its_o efficient_a principle_n as_o the_o complexion_n be_v the_o best_a comment_n upon_o the_o constitution_n for_o in_o natural_a production_n â—here_o be_v no_o hypocrisy_n only_o we_o must_v observe_v here_o that_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n bear_v a_o very_a different_a relation_n to_o their_o respective_a principle_n as_o it_o be_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o argumentation_n so_o it_o be_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n for_o though_o from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n of_o false_a principle_n or_o premise_n may_v emerge_n a_o true_a conclusion_n yet_o from_o true_a premise_n can_v ensue_v a_o false_a so_o though_o a_o evil_a heart_n may_v frame_v itself_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n in_o its_o kind_n or_o nature_n good_a yet_o a_o renew_a sanctify_a principle_n can_v of_o its_o self_n design_n action_n real_o vicious_a the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o former_a in_o such_o a_o case_n act_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o no_o man_n by_o dissemble_a affect_n to_o appear_v worse_o than_o he_o be_v but_o better_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o single_a action_n but_o of_o a_o conversation_n or_o course_n of_o act_v for_o a_o pious_a man_n may_v do_v a_o evil_a action_n upon_o temptation_n or_o surprise_n but_o not_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o stand_a principle_n and_o resolution_n but_o when_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v his_o business_n and_o the_o form_a purpose_n of_o his_o life_n and_o his_o piety_n shrink_v only_o into_o mean_v and_o intention_n when_o he_o tell_v i_o his_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v in_o my_o pocket_n he_o upbraid_v my_o reason_n and_o outface_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a discourse_n with_o a_o impudence_n equal_a to_o the_o absurdity_n this_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v that_o he_o who_o place_v his_o christianity_n only_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o religion_n in_o his_o mean_v have_v fair_o secure_v himself_o against_o a_o discovery_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v have_v none_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o 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guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o front_n and_o boldness_n to_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n of_o such_o a_o name_n nay_o of_o such_o a_o sneak_a look_n be_v to_o some_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n see_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o build_v upon_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christ_n act_v 26.5_o i_o be_v say_v he_o after_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o sect_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n then_o embark_v his_o salvation_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o fraternity_n or_o sect_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o name_n pharisee_n it_o be_v derive_v from_o parasch_n separavit_fw-la discrevit_fw-la whence_o in_o greek_a they_o be_v call_v puritan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d separati_fw-la so_o that_o the_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n 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suggest_v these_o two_o word_n first_o that_o admit_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o party_n which_o they_o adhere_v to_o may_v be_v true_o pious_a yet_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o party_n can_v sanctify_v its_o proselyte_n a_o church_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v holy_a when_o yet_o that_o holiness_n do_v not_o diffuse_v itself_o to_o each_o particular_a member_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o whole_a may_v receive_v denomination_n from_o a_o quality_n inherent_a only_o in_o some_o of_o its_o part_n company_n may_v occasion_v but_o it_o can_v transfuse_v holiness_n no_o man_n righteousness_n but_o christ_n alone_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o another_o to_o rate_v a_o man_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o companion_n be_v a_o rule_n frequent_a indeed_o but_o not_o infallible_a judas_n be_v as_o much_o a_o wretch_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o among_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a argument_n for_o a_o man_n to_o derive_v his_o saintship_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o society_n he_o belong_v to_o and_o to_o conclude_v himself_o no_o weed_n only_o because_o he_o grow_v among_o the_o corn._n second_o such_o a_o adhesion_n to_o a_o party_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n and_o tangle_n of_o the_o rank_a of_o all_o ill_a quality_n spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n natural_a almost_o to_o all_o men._n first_o a_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o any_o perfection_n but_o especial_o religious_a second_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n or_o contradiction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o way_n now_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o gratify_v by_o a_o man_n list_a himself_n of_o a_o party_n in_o religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o be_v more_o real_o proud_a of_o the_o affect_a sordidness_n of_o a_o pretend_a mortification_n than_o other_o be_v of_o the_o great_a affluence_n and_o splendour_n of_o life_n and_o that_o many_o who_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n persecution_n do_v yet_o suffer_v it_o with_o a_o high_a and_o more_o please_a relish_n of_o pride_n than_o other_o can_v inflict_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a zeal_n rise_v from_o a_o hearty_a concernment_n for_o religion_n but_o a_o ill_a restless_a cross_a humour_n which_o be_v imp_v with_o smart_n and_o quicken_v with_o opposition_n the_o godly_a party_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o adjunct_n for_o he_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o be_v of_o a_o party_n according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n let_v such_o pretender_n therefore_o suspect_v the_o sandiness_n and_o hollowness_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o know_v that_o such_o imitator_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o into_o which_o
a_o jargon_n of_o empty_a senseless_a metaphor_n and_o though_o many_o venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o they_o despise_v good_a work_n and_o strict_a live_n as_o mere_a morality_n and_o perhaps_o as_o popery_n yet_o be_v thorough_o look_v into_o and_o examine_v after_o all_o their_o noise_n they_o be_v real_o nothing_o but_o word_n and_o wind._n another_o flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o ten_o or_o twenty_o or_o perhaps_o thirty_o year_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o man_n have_v be_v ignorant_a and_o confident_a very_o long_o ay_o but_o say_v another_o i_o be_o a_o great_a hearer_n and_o lover_n of_o sermon_n especial_o of_o lecture_n and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o be_v the_o very_a delight_n of_o my_o righteous_a soul_n and_o the_o main_a business_n of_o my_o life_n and_o though_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o good_a old_a puritan_n custom_n i_o use_v to_o walk_v and_o talk_v out_o the_o prayer_n before_o the_o church_n door_n or_o without_o the_o choir_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o be_v always_o in_o at_o sermon_n nay_o i_o have_v so_o entire_o devote_v my_o whole_a time_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n that_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v hardly_o any_o left_a to_o practise_v they_o and_o will_v not_o all_o this_o set_v i_o right_o for_o heaven_n yes_o no_o doubt_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v pull_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o ear_n or_o the_o gospel_n will_v but_o reverse_v its_o rule_n and_o declare_v that_o not_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o hearer_n only_o shall_v be_v justify_v but_o then_o in_o come_v a_o four_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n of_o yet_o a_o high_a class_n as_o have_v get_v far_o above_o all_o their_o mean_n beggarly_a steeplehouse_n dispensation_n by_o a_o happy_a exchange_n of_o they_o for_o the_o pure_a and_o more_o refine_a ordinance_n of_o the_o conventicle_n where_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o powerful_a teach_v indeed_o and_o to_o hear_v will-worship_n and_o superstition_n run_v down_o and_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n pay_v off_o and_o the_o folly_n and_o foppery_n of_o their_o great_a idol_n the_o common-prayer_n lay_v open_a with_o a_o witness_n not_o without_o some_o edify_v fling_v at_o the_o king_n and_o court_n too_o sometime_o by_o all_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v now_o grow_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o go_v to_o heaven_n than_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o heaven_n to_o go_v to_o so_o that_o if_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n offer_v to_o grumble_v at_o he_o he_o will_v present_o stop_v its_o mouth_n with_o this_o that_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o one_o congregation_n and_o then_o conscience_n say_v thy_o worst_a or_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o some_o old_a perjury_n or_o extortion_n shall_v begin_v to_o look_v stern_a upon_o he_o why_o then_o all_o those_o old_a score_n shall_v be_v clear_v off_o with_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o such_o as_o he_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v shrewd_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o his_o only_a way_n of_o prove_v this_o must_v be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lose_v or_o fall_v from_o that_o which_o a_o man_n never_o have_v but_o ah_o thou_o poor_a blind_a self-deluding_a and_o delude_v soul_n be_v these_o the_o best_a evidence_n thou_o have_v for_o heaven_n these_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o thou_o hope_v for_o salvation_n assure_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o thou_o upon_o very_o different_a term_n for_o he_o absolute_o enjoin_v thou_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o christ_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n to_o subdue_v thy_o unruly_a appetite_n to_o curb_v thy_o lust_n to_o restrain_v thy_o anger_n and_o to_o suppress_v thy_o revenge_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o thou_o in_o thy_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o thou_o as_o thy_o right_a eye_n to_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o as_o useful_a to_o thou_o as_o thy_o right_a hand_n to_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o he_o will_v have_v thou_o ready_a to_o endure_v persecution_n revile_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o slander_n not_o only_o patient_o but_o also_o cheerful_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n he_o call_v upon_o thou_o to_o love_v thy_o enemy_n and_o to_o do_v good_a for_o evil_n to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v thou_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v thou_o he_o command_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n strict_o to_o do_v as_o thou_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o not_o to_o cheat_v lie_v or_o overreach_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o then_o call_v it_o a_o fetch_n over_o the_o wicked_a the_o better_a to_o enable_v thou_o to_o relieve_v the_o godly_a he_o will_v not_o allow_v thou_o to_o resist_v evil_a and_o much_o less_o to_o resist_v thy_o governor_n he_o command_v thou_o to_o be_v charitable_a without_o vainglory_n and_o devout_a without_o ostentation_n in_o short_a he_o require_v thou_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a chaste_a and_o temperate_a just_a and_o merciful_a and_o in_o a_o word_n so_o far_o as_o the_o poor_a measure_n of_o humanity_n will_v reach_v perfect_a as_o thy_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o those_o divine_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o he_o himself_o refer_v to_o in_o my_o text_n and_o which_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v and_o do_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o shake_v he_o and_o nothing_o but_o a_o constant_a impartial_a universal_a practice_n of_o these_o will_n or_o can_v speak_v peace_n to_o thy_o conscience_n here_o and_o stand_v between_o thou_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n hereafter_o as_o for_o all_o other_o pretence_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o death_n and_o damnation_n dress_v up_o in_o fair_a word_n and_o false_a show_n nothing_o but_o begin_v and_o snare_n and_o trepan_n for_o soul_n contrive_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o manage_v by_o such_o as_o the_o devil_n set_v on_o work_n but_o i_o have_v do_v and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v or_o can_v say_v be_v that_o every_o spiritual_a builder_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o translate_v his_o foundation_n from_o the_o sand_n to_o the_o rock_n and_o not_o presume_v upon_o christ_n as_o his_o saviour_n till_o by_o a_o full_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n he_o have_v own_v he_o for_o his_o sovereign_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o this_o be_v true_o to_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n even_o that_o rock_n of_o age_n upon_o which_o every_o one_o that_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v by_o a_o inevitable_a dilemma_n either_o build_v or_o split_v now_o to_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n to_o establish_v we_o here_o and_o to_o save_v we_o hereafter_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christ-church_n oxon._n before_o the_o university_n in_o michaelmass_n term_n 1672._o 1_o cor._n viii_o 12_o but_o when_o you_o sin_n so_o against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n you_o sin_n against_o christ._n i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n from_o these_o word_n debate_v the_o case_n of_o a_o weak_a or_o as_o some_o improper_o enough_o call_v it_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o with_o what_o evidence_n i_o can_v show_v both_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o privilege_n it_o may_v just_o claim_v from_o this_o and_o such_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o great_a one_o we_o have_v here_o set_v down_o and_o that_o indeed_o so_o great_a that_o it_o look_v more_o like_o a_o prerogative_n than_o a_o privilege_n namely_o that_o to_o wound_n or_o sin_n against_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o crime_n than_o to_o sin_n against_o christ_n himself_o our_o apostle_n in_o two_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n treat_v profess_o of_o this_o argument_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o 14_o the_o of_o the_o rom._n and_o in_o this_o 8_o the_o of_o the_o 1_o cor._n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o his_o design_n and_o meaning_n in_o both_o which_o place_n it_o â—ill_v be_v requisite_a to_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o in_o the_o 14_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o rom._n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n to_o christianity_n some_o of_o which_o be_v but_o new_a
concern_v a_o truth_n mere_o upon_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o way_n of_o expression_n yet_o till_o the_o reason_v ground_v upon_o it_o be_v disprove_v i_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v despise_v though_o it_o may_v be_v second_v with_o much_o better_a but_o the_o man_n who_o we_o contend_v with_o seem_v huge_o injurious_a to_o he_o who_o they_o call_v their_o saviour_n while_o they_o even_o crucify_v he_o in_o his_o divinity_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v never_o do_v make_v his_o very_a kindness_n a_o argument_n against_o his_o prerogative_n for_o his_o condescend_v to_o be_v a_o man_n make_v they_o infer_v that_o he_o be_v no_o more_o and_o faith_n must_v stop_v here_o because_o sight_n can_v go_v no_o further_o but_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v deign_v to_o be_v familiar_a and_o to_o converse_v with_o those_o upon_o who_o he_o may_v trample_v shall_v his_o condescension_n therefore_o unk_v he_o and_o his_o familiarity_n rob_v he_o of_o his_o royalty_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christ._n man_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o a_o deity_n and_o infinity_o shall_v lie_v within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o contemptible_a dimension_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n that_o omnipotence_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n shall_v be_v ever_o wrap_v in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o abase_v to_o the_o homely_a usage_n of_o a_o stable_a and_o a_o manger_n that_o the_o glorious_a artificer_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n who_o spread_v out_o the_o heaven_n like_o a_o curtain_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v ever_o turn_v carpenter_n and_o exercise_v a_o inglorious_a trade_n in_o a_o little_a cell_n they_o can_v imagine_v that_o he_o who_o command_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n and_o take_v up_o the_o ocean_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o meaness_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v afflict_v in_o all_o his_o appetite_n that_o he_o who_o once_o create_v and_o at_o present_a govern_v and_o shall_v hereafter_o judge_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v abuse_v in_o all_o his_o concern_v and_o relation_n be_v scourge_v spit_v upon_o mock_v and_o at_o last_o crucify_v all_o which_o be_v passage_n which_o lie_v extreme_o cross_v to_o the_o notion_n and_o conception_n that_o reason_n have_v frame_v to_o itself_o of_o that_o high_a and_o impassable_a perfection_n that_o reside_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o judge_v thing_n to_o be_v any_o more_o than_o what_o they_o appear_v and_o it_o be_v also_o as_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o measure_v all_o appearance_n by_o sense_n or_o at_o the_o further_a by_o reason_n though_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v here_o discourse_v of_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n from_o which_o christ_n come_v and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n from_o the_o incomprehensible_a surpass_a glory_n of_o the_o godhead_n from_o a_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o absolute_a uninterrupted_a bliss_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o mutual_a ineffable_a intercourse_n between_o he_o and_o his_o father_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v his_o habitation_n and_o legion_n of_o cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n his_o humble_a and_o constant_a attendant_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o disrobe_v himself_o of_o all_o this_o magnificence_n to_o lay_v aside_o his_o sceptre_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o empty_v himself_o as_o far_o as_o the_o essential_a fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o dispensation_n and_o now_o if_o by_o the_o poor_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n we_o may_v take_v a_o estimate_n of_o this_o great_a action_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v how_o irksome_a it_o be_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o descend_v some_o step_n lower_v to_o exchange_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o prince_n for_o that_o of_o a_o peasant_n and_o to_o view_v our_o happiness_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o memory_n and_o long_a reflection_n for_o how_o hard_o a_o task_n must_v obedience_n need_v be_v to_o a_o spirit_n accustom_v to_o rule_n and_o to_o dominion_n how_o uneasy_a must_v the_o leather_n and_o the_o frieze_n â—it_n upon_o the_o shoulder_n that_o use_v to_o shine_v with_o the_o purple_a and_o the_o ermine_n all_o change_n must_v be_v grievous_a to_o a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a entire_a unmingled_a happiness_n but_o then_o to_o change_v to_o the_o low_a pitch_n and_o that_o at_o first_o without_o inure_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o burden_n by_o gradual_a intermediate_v lessening_n and_o declension_n this_o be_v the_o sharp_a and_o most_o afflict_a calamity_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o christ_n humiliation_n he_o who_o tumble_v from_o a_o tower_n sure_o have_v a_o great_a blow_n than_o he_o who_o slide_v from_o a_o molehill_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o compare_v the_o fall_n of_o a_o crumb_n from_o the_o table_n to_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o star_n from_o the_o firmament_n as_o think_v the_o abasement_n of_o a_o alexander_n from_o his_o imperial_a throne_n and_o from_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o persian_a and_o macedonian_a greatness_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o mean_a scullion_n that_o follow_v his_o camp_n any_o way_n comparable_a to_o the_o descension_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o servant_n and_o crucify_a malefactor_n for_o so_o be_v christ_n treat_v this_o be_v the_o strange_a leap_n that_o he_o make_v from_o the_o great_a height_n to_o the_o low_a bottom_n concern_v which_o it_o may_v be_v well_o pronounce_v the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a so_o 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whereas_o it_o will_v have_v seem_v much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o come_n to_o have_v make_v rome_n at_o that_o time_n the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o western_a world_n and_o hold_v a_o intercourse_n with_o all_o nation_n the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o abode_n as_o when_o a_o prince_n will_v promulge_v a_o law_n because_o he_o can_v with_o any_o convenience_n do_v it_o in_o all_o place_n therefore_o he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o which_o argument_n frequent_o urge_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o who_o will_v seek_v for_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n will_v find_v himself_o defeat_v in_o his_o attempt_n it_o be_v the_o mere_a result_n of_o the_o divine_a good_a
pleasure_n that_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n shall_v derive_v a_o blessing_n to_o all_o nation_n from_o so_o narrow_a and_o contemptible_a a_o head_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o observable_a that_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o mark_n not_o only_o of_o mercy_n but_o of_o mercy_n act_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a sovereignty_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v pure_o mercy_n on_o god_n part_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o merit_n on_o man_n that_o do_v all_o for_o when_o god_n reveal_v a_o saviour_n to_o some_o few_o but_o deny_v he_o to_o more_o send_v he_o to_o a_o people_n despise_v but_o pass_v over_o nation_n victorious_a honourable_a and_o renown_a he_o thereby_o give_v the_o world_n to_o know_v that_o his_o own_o will_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o proceed_n for_o it_o be_v worth_a remark_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o befall_v man_n equal_o and_o alike_o but_o they_o be_v prone_a to_o ascribe_v it_o either_o to_o nature_n or_o merit_n but_o where_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o receiver_n be_v equal_a and_o yet_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o benefit_n vast_o unequal_a there_o man_n be_v teach_v that_o the_o thing_n receive_v be_v grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o courtesy_n of_o the_o dispenser_n and_o the_o largess_n of_o heaven_n which_o can_v be_v question_v because_o it_o water_n my_o field_n while_o it_o scorch_v and_o dry_v up_o my_o neighbour_n if_o the_o sun_n be_v please_v to_o shine_v upon_o a_o turf_n and_o to_o gilled_a a_o dunghill_n when_o perhaps_o he_o never_o look_v into_o the_o bedchamber_n of_o a_o prince_n we_o can_v yet_o accuse_v he_o for_o partiality_n that_o short_a but_o most_o significant_a say_n in_o the_o evangelist_n may_v i_o not_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o matt._n 20.15_o be_v a_o full_a and_o solid_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o objection_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o circumstance_n of_o christ_n come_v relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o it_o he_o come_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v in_o their_o low_a and_o worst_a condition_n and_o that_o in_o a_o double_a respect_n national_a and_o ecclesiastical_a 1._o and_o first_o upon_o a_o civil_a or_o national_a account_n it_o be_v not_o then_o with_o they_o as_o in_o those_o triumphant_a day_n of_o solomon_n when_o for_o plenty_n riches_n and_o grandeur_n they_o have_v little_a cause_n either_o to_o make_v friend_n or_o to_o fear_v enemy_n but_o shine_v as_o the_o envy_n and_o terror_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v neighbourhood_n at_o the_o best_a now_o they_o be_v but_o a_o remnant_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o often_o scatter_v conquer_a and_o captivate_v nation_n but_o two_o tribe_n of_o twelve_o and_o those_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n tributary_n and_o oppress_v and_o void_a of_o any_o other_o privilege_n but_o only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o be_v fleece_v quiet_o by_o whosoever_o be_v appoint_v their_o governor_n this_o be_v their_o condition_n and_o can_v there_o 〈◊〉_d any_o inducement_n upon_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o method_n of_o kindness_n to_o visit_v they_o in_o that_o estate_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o servitude_n and_o to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o oppression_n the_o measure_n of_o man_n kindness_n and_o visit_n bestow_v upon_o one_o another_o be_v usual_o the_o prosperity_n the_o greatness_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o visit_v that_o be_v because_o their_o favour_n be_v profitable_a and_o their_o ill_n will_v formidable_a in_o a_o word_n man_n visit_v other_o because_o they_o be_v kind_a to_o themselves_o but_o who_o ever_o see_v coach_n and_o livery_n throng_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o orphan_n or_o the_o widow_n unless_o peradventure_o a_o rich_a one_o or_o before_o the_o house_n or_o prison_n of_o a_o afflict_a 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despise_v for_o a_o nation_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 1._o c._n 21._o v._n it_o be_v his_o complaint_n that_o the_o faithful_a city_n be_v become_v a_o harlot_n that_o be_v notable_a for_o two_o thing_n as_o harlot_n usual_o be_v paint_v and_o impurity_n which_o grow_v corruption_n in_o all_o the_o intervening_a time_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n receive_v a_o proportionable_a improvement_n so_o that_o their_o teacher_n and_o most_o seraphic_a adore_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v still_o rank_v with_o hypocrite_n for_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n be_v use_v only_o to_o authorize_v a_o false_a comment_n and_o to_o warrant_v the_o impiety_n of_o a_o perverse_a interpretation_n still_o for_o all_o their_o villainy_n and_o hypocrisy_n they_o borrow_v a_o veil_n from_o moses_n and_o his_o name_n be_v quote_v and_o pretend_v as_o a_o glorious_a expedient_a to_o countenance_n and_o varnish_v over_o well_o contrive_v corruption_n nay_o and_o 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love_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v leap_v over_o such_o mountain_n of_o opposition_n that_o it_o shall_v triumph_v over_o so_o much_o jewish_a baseness_n and_o villainy_n and_o be_v gracious_a even_o in_o spite_n of_o malice_n itself_o it_o do_v not_o knock_v at_o but_o even_o break_v open_v their_o door_n bless_v and_o happiness_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n thrust_v upon_o they_o heaven_n will_v have_v take_v they_o by_o force_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v take_v heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v pain_n to_o rid_v themselves_o of_o their_o happiness_n and_o it_o cost_v they_o labour_n and_o violence_n to_o become_v miserable_a second_o it_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o immovable_a veracity_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v reverse_v a_o promise_n and_o untie_v the_o band_n of_o a_o decree_n it_o will_v have_v be_v that_o uncontrolled_a impiety_n which_o then_o reign_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o the_o 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