be_v damn_v we_o can_v make_v law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o must_v receive_v they_o however_o some_o may_v flatter_v err_v person_n in_o their_o security_n it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o infidelity_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n will_v have_v no_o excuse_n before_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o fire_n that_o be_v darkness_n to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o enlighten_v the_o israelite_n in_o their_o passage_n out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o proud_a and_o reveal_v to_o the_o humble_a the_o humane_a mind_n be_v imperious_a and_o turbulent_a and_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o command_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o understanding_n to_o yield_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o mean_a capacity_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n 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be_v derive_v the_o heathen_n have_v very_o disparage_v conceit_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o nothing_o happen_v without_o the_o knowledge_n the_o will_n either_o permissive_a or_o approve_v and_o the_o order_v providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v very_o influential_a to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n 4._o i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v premise_v there_o be_v a_o common_a delusion_n that_o have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o many_o that_o those_o be_v true_a believer_n who_o yield_v a_o dry_a and_o barren_a assent_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o practical_a belief_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o foment_n and_o authorise_v doubt_n by_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n nor_o excite_v revolt_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o entertain_v objection_n against_o supernatural_a truth_n but_o they_o never_o feel_v the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o low_a descent_n of_o carnal_a mind_n and_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o the_o love_n of_o the_o present_a world_n like_o a_o stupify_a wine_n cause_n in_o they_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a idolatry_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v seat_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o understanding_n submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o will_n be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o divine_a command_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o speculative_a faith_n that_o cost_v nothing_o and_o will_v go_v with_o they_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v supernatural_a truth_n they_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n but_o poor_a in_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n save_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v productive_a of_o such_o affection_n and_o action_n as_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v if_o the_o head_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n in_o darkness_n if_o one_o profess_v never_o so_o full_o his_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o visible_a in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v christ_n or_o 4._o which_o be_v equivalent_a believe_v in_o he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o every_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n unfeigned_a faith_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o part_n doctrine_n command_n promise_n not_o only_o as_o infallible_o true_a but_o superlative_o good_a and_o precious_a and_o entire_o embrace_v they_o with_o a_o despise_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o and_o express_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n the_o two_o inseparable_a property_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v dutiful_a and_o obedient_a to_o divine_a precept_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o will_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n proceed_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o from_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a application_n of_o the_o object_n to_o our_o heart_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v now_o between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o entice_v good_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o fearful_a evil_n in_o this_o present_a state_n there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a difference_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n 5._o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n victory_n suppose_v a_o fight_n and_o a_o fight_n suppose_v a_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n be_v declare_v the_o world_n include_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o this_o enemy_n be_v in_o combination_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh._n he_o be_v style_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o manage_n the_o temptation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n he_o try_v his_o poison_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o work_n in_o they_o he_o present_v to_o some_o a_o charm_a cup_n to_o intoxicate_a they_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o tempt_v other_o with_o thing_n of_o lustre_n with_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n that_o dazzle_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o true_a and_o safe_a judgement_n of_o thing_n he_o allure_v other_o with_o riches_n and_o as_o heat_n be_v double_v by_o reflection_n so_o he_o enforce_v his_o
temptation_n from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o these_o motive_n upon_o man_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n if_o these_o method_n be_v unsuccessful_a to_o turn_v man_n from_o god_n he_o try_v to_o make_v terrible_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o afflict_a evil_n by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o perverse_a world_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o victorious_a principle_n that_o defeat_v all_o his_o design_n and_o overcome_v all_o his_o strength_n in_o mechanical_a operation_n we_o judge_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o mover_n how_o easy_o a_o weight_n will_v be_v move_v thus_o when_o eternal_a reality_n be_v by_o faith_n put_v into_o the_o scale_n against_o temporal_a vanity_n they_o infinite_o outweigh_v they_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o judicious_a comparison_n our_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v 4._o but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o extreme_o vilify_v thing_n present_a and_o magnify_v thing_n 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the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n our_o most_o comprehensive_a faculty_n there_o be_v more_o shadow_n than_o light_n in_o our_o bright_a condition_n more_o gall_n than_o honey_n in_o our_o sweet_a fruition_n but_o suppose_v the_o appearance_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n gild_v with_o specious_a tincture_n be_v true_o great_a and_o goodly_a joyful_a and_o satisfy_a according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o carnal_a man_n yet_o the_o price_n will_v extreme_o fall_v by_o consider_v they_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n than_o the_o flight_n and_o expire_a breath_n of_o our_o present_a life_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n be_v like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n in_o its_o appear_v and_o vanish_v the_o long_a line_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o rise_n to_o its_o last_o period_n be_v but_o a_o point_n to_o eternity_n now_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v fade_v be_v not_o true_a happiness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n nor_o correspondent_a to_o our_o reasonable_a desire_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o its_o approach_a end_n will_v embitter_v the_o relish_n of_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v double_o infinite_a in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o happiness_n be_v a_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o any_o touch_n or_o shadow_n of_o evil._n humane_a language_n have_v not_o word_n worthy_a or_o full_o significant_a to_o describe_v it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o goodness_n communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o immortal_a soul_n according_a to_o its_o utmost_a capacity_n and_o desire_n it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o offer_v such_o violence_n to_o their_o understanding_n as_o calm_o consider_v and_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o prefer_v the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n that_o pass_v away_o before_o the_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a happiness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o future_a eternal_a thing_n such_o be_v their_o victorious_a power_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o objective_a efficacy_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o their_o existence_n but_o from_o their_o evidence_n to_o our_o mind_n now_o according_a as_o our_o apprehension_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o our_o belief_n more_o steadfast_a of_o thing_n future_a such_o impression_n be_v make_v either_o of_o terror_n or_o desire_n in_o our_o breast_n the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o 11._o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v it_o represent_v thing_n future_a and_o distant_a as_o present_v and_o in_o our_o actual_a possession_n a_o superficial_a fluctuate_a belief_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o state_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o encounter_v present_a temptation_n and_o vanquish_v the_o carnal_a affection_n the_o report_n of_o the_o sense_n concern_v thing_n present_a will_v preponderate_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o declare_v thing_n future_a infinite_o to_o exceed_v they_o all_o fire_n have_v heat_n but_o not_o strong_a enough_o to_o melt_v down_o gold_n and_o silver_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n in_o every_o degree_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o world_n a_o radicate_v firm_a belief_n of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n the_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o our_o sure_a right_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n will_v cause_v all_o the_o false_a colour_n of_o this_o world_n the_o shadow_n in_o masquerade_n to_o disappear_v the_o evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n fix_v our_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o the_o son_n of_o a_o king_n and_o heir_n of_o a_o kingdom_n will_v invincible_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o title_n a_o sincere_a believer_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o his_o eternal_a interest_n in_o it_o will_v live_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o die_v for_o it_o if_o necessity_n require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o have_v a_o vital_a taste_n a_o joy_n sincere_a and_o sweet_a that_o make_v the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n nauseous_a as_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o so_o hope_n be_v reciprocal_o as_o a_o strong_a pillar_n that_o establish_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v fix_v for_o one_o voluntary_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n the_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o prepare_a plague_n for_o those_o who_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n hereafter_o will_v make_v all_o the_o evil_n threaten_v and_o inflict_v upon_o the_o godly_a here_o to_o be_v contemptible_a if_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o a_o army_n of_o evil_n let_v faith_n draw_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n there_o be_v many_o temptation_n we_o can_v avoid_v there_o be_v none_o but_o we_o may_v vanquish_v by_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n like_o aaron_n rod_n turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n that_o swallow_v up_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o magician_n will_v over-rule_v the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o make_v those_o evil_n that_o to_o naked_a nature_n be_v invincible_a easy_o endure_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n who_o despise_v the_o proud_a tyrant_n upon_o their_o throne_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a executioner_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o triumph_n if_o the_o same_o object_n have_v not_o the_o same_o efficacy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o faith_n if_o faith_n decline_v we_o shall_v faint_v and_o die_v away_o peter_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o when_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n shake_v his_o faith_n he_o present_o sink_v the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o christ_n power_n when_o a_o storm_n fall_v upon_o the_o ship_n our_o saviour_n first_o rebuke_v their_o fear_n before_o he_o lay_v the_o storm_n why_o be_v you_o afraid_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n as_o a_o danger_n more_o near_o and_o of_o worse_a consequence_n let_v we_o try_v the_o singular_a efficacy_n of_o faith_n by_o exercise_v of_o it_o upon_o eternal_a object_n let_v our_o faith_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o as_o lively_a a_o manner_n the_o eternal_a judgement_n as_o enoch_n have_v a_o prospect_n of_o it_o behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o judge_v all_o the_o ungodly_a let_v faith_n direct_v its_o view_n to_o he_o rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v in_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o father_n glory_n as_o constitute_v by_o he_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o mighty_a angel_n his_o attendant_n let_v
the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o reason_n buâ—_n in_o different_a respect_n reason_n may_v discover_v they_o by_o ascend_v from_o effect_n to_o their_o cause_n or_o descend_v from_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n faith_n receive_v they_o as_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n by_o faith_n we_o know_v 11._o the_o world_n be_v make_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a reason_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o special_a be_v those_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n and_o thing_n that_o reason_n can_v discover_v by_o its_o own_o light_n nor_o perfect_o understand_v when_o reveal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n past_a and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o present_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o fire_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a 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away_o sin_n we_o know_v that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v 3._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a supernatural_a doctrine_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v little_a new_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o those_o point_n if_o man_n with_o renew_a mind_n and_o heart_n consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argue_v but_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n that_o prove_v divine_a faith_n to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a act_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n 2._o answer_v the_o objection_n allege_v to_o justify_v the_o disbelief_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v nor_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v true_a be_v a_o principle_n immediate_o evident_a not_o dependent_o upon_o a_o antecedent_n motive_n this_o by_o its_o native_a irresistible_a evidence_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o 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understanding_n by_o light_n our_o will_n by_o empire_n if_o god_n do_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v only_o truth_n in_o themselves_o evident_a our_o receive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v a_o undoubted_a respect_n to_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o obedience_n worthy_a of_o he_o and_o we_o be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o their_o seem_a repugnance_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o obey_v his_o precept_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o the_o inclination_n to_o forbid_a thing_n 3._o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a conviction_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n when_o god_n depute_v any_o by_o commission_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n he_o always_o afford_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o commission_n be_v uncounterfeit_v moses_n be_v send_v from_o god_n with_o a_o command_n to_o pharaoh_n to_o release_v the_o israelite_n from_o their_o cruel_a servitude_n and_o he_o have_v the_o wonder-working_a rod_n to_o authorise_v his_o commission_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o message_n by_o miracle_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shine_v with_o that_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o only_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prevent_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o pervert_v by_o their_o passion_n can_v resist_v it_o colour_a object_n be_v not_o discern_v more_o clear_o by_o their_o colour_n nor_o light_n by_o its_o lustre_n than_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n reason_n be_v a_o essential_a faculty_n of_o man_n and_o by_o it_o we_o be_v direct_v
why_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v to_o turn_v faith_n into_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n the_o man_n of_o samaria_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o come_v and_o see_v 4._o the_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n speak_v they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o word_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o a_o pole_n support_v a_o vine_n but_o do_v not_o give_v life_n and_o virtue_n to_o its_o root_n so_o reason_n assist_v faith_n in_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o faith_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v its_o life_n from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n we_o discover_v the_o relation_n order_n distinction_n and_o dependence_n of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o reject_v the_o vain_a opinion_n of_o man_n when_o propose_v as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o mystery_n of_o faith_n 4._o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o humane_a expression_n according_a to_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o apparent_a sense_n unless_o the_o precise_a literal_a sense_n contain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o disparage_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o sure_a rule_n of_o interpret_n they_o be_v to_o separate_v whatever_o be_v defective_a in_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o read_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n they_o be_v the_o organ_n by_o which_o man_n do_v and_o know_v thing_n but_o it_o be_v infinite_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a operation_n have_v need_n of_o such_o instrument_n thus_o the_o communicate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n be_v express_v by_o generation_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a production_n of_o one_o live_v creature_n from_o another_o especial_o of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v his_o generation_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a generation_n wherein_o the_o effect_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o successive_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o god_n shall_v beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a image_n but_o he_o must_v be_v eternal_a as_o the_o father_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n all_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v their_o disparity_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o he_o but_o except_v such_o case_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o our_o mind_n can_v not_o firm_o assent_v to_o his_o word_n but_o will_v be_v float_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_n and_o if_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v his_o mean_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o man_n do_v to_o one_o another_o 5._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v supernatural_a doctrine_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v reveal_v god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o object_n beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o its_o revelation_n we_o can_v see_v a_o object_n more_o full_o than_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o truth_n of_o evangelical_n mystery_n be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o attempt_v the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v perfect_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a impertinent_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a supernatural_a truth_n can_v be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o discover_v by_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o know_v to_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o create_v understanding_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v 18._o son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v declare_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 3._o father_n and_o of_o christ._n because_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o god_n contrive_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o own_o time_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o 9_o his_o will_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n conceal_v 11._o from_o the_o world_n and_o only_o know_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o 20._o clear_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n be_v they_o as_o pure_a as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o sincere_a as_o they_o be_v perverse_a this_o word_n mystery_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_v the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o since_o the_o creation_n it_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n till_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 21._o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v pure_o supernatual_a for_o the_o internal_a distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o their_o incommunicable_a character_n be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v above_o any_o create_a understanding_n who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n so_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n be_v superior_a spirit_n to_o we_o and_o excel_v we_o in_o sublimity_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o can_v never_o know_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n though_o in_o his_o immediate_a presence_n but_o as_o gradual_o reveal_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o counsel_n they_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v form_v a_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o what_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o sensible_a thing_n 2._o the_o attempt_n be_v impertinent_a for_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o great_a mystery_n sufficient_o for_o save_v faith_n though_o not_o to_o satisfy_v rash_a curiosity_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o curiosity_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o do_v and_o performance_n the_o art_n of_o navigation_n require_v a_o knowledge_n how_o to_o govern_v a_o ship_n and_o what_o sea_n be_v safe_a what_o be_v dangerous_a by_o rock_n and_o sand_n and_o terrible_a tempest_n that_o often_o surprise_v those_o who_o sail_v in_o they_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v save_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n that_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v possible_a and_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a mystery_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n be_v
the_o dear_a memorial_n of_o his_o purchase_n blessedness_n for_o we_o his_o precious_a blood_n appease_v the_o just_a anger_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o cool_a and_o calm_a our_o inflame_v passion_n in_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o revenge_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n suffer_v by_o we_o we_o must_v extinguish_v any_o inclination_n to_o revenge_n sin_n begin_v in_o the_o desire_n and_o end_n in_o the_o action_n we_o must_v not_o take_v the_o least_o pleasure_n that_o evil_a befall_v one_o that_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o for_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v devilish_a though_o the_o reparation_n of_o a_o injury_n may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v necessary_a yet_o revenge_n be_v absolute_o forbid_v to_o retaliate_v a_o evil_a without_o any_o reparation_n of_o our_o loss_n be_v to_o do_v mischief_n for_o mischief_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o satan_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o do_v good_a for_o evil_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a perfection_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o assume_v the_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o curse_a disposition_n some_o will_v conceal_v their_o anger_n for_o a_o time_n wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o take_v revenge_n without_o the_o appearance_n of_o passion_n their_o malice_n like_o slow_a poison_n do_v not_o cause_n violent_a symptom_n but_o destroy_v life_n insensible_o some_o have_v such_o fierce_a passion_n that_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o least_o provocation_n their_o breast_n be_v change_v into_o a_o tophet_n some_o inflame_v their_o resentment_n by_o consider_v every_o circumstance_n that_o will_v exasperate_v their_o spirit_n but_o the_o command_n be_v be_v not_o overcome_v with_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a the_o duty_n be_v so_o pleasant_a in_o its_o exercise_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o comfortable_a consequence_n that_o it_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o affection_n love_n suffer_v long_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n and_o what_o be_v more_o engage_v than_o the_o delightful_a disposition_n of_o love_n the_o do_v good_a for_o evil_a often_o gain_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o enemy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o vital_a spark_n of_o humanity_n it_o can_v be_v resist_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o record_v in_o scripture_n saul_n the_o unrighteous_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o david_n yet_o be_v spare_v when_o he_o be_v entire_o at_o his_o mercy_n be_v move_v and_o melt_v into_o tenderness_n be_v this_o thy_o voice_n my_o son_n david_n before_o he_o in_o contempt_n call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o jesse_n thou_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o i_o i_o will_v do_v thou_o no_o more_o evil_a how_o will_v some_o of_o the_o heathen_n condemn_v christian_n both_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o pusillanimity_n or_o stupidity_n to_o bear_v frequent_a and_o great_a injury_n unrevenged_a one_o of_o their_o poet_n mix_v this_o counsel_n among_o other_o excellent_a rule_n of_o morality_n that_o man_n be_v arrive_v at_o a_o heroic_a degree_n of_o goodness_n who_o be_v instruct_v in_o a_o dispassionate_a manner_n to_o bear_v great_a injury_n and_o when_o photion_n who_o have_v deserve_v so_o high_o of_o the_o athenian_n be_v condemn_v unjust_o to_o die_v his_o son_n attend_v he_o to_o receive_v his_o last_o command_n immediate_o before_o his_o death_n he_o charge_v he_o never_o to_o revenge_v it_o on_o the_o athenian_n chap._n ix_o divine_a hope_n have_v a_o eminent_a causality_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n the_o nature_n of_o christian_a hope_n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n it_o be_v natural_a congruous_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o present_a state_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o carnal_a presumption_n by_o its_o purify_n virtue_n fear_v consider_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o cleanse_a virtue_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o motive_n of_o holy_a fear_n there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n and_o of_o caution_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o faith_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n hope_v and_o joy_n it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o fortitude_n 3._o divine_a hope_n have_v a_o eminent_a causality_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a likeness_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o divine_a world_n infer_v from_o it_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a three_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a by_o his_o hope_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o this_o hope_n from_o its_o counterfeit_n by_o its_o inseparable_a effect_n purify_v himself_o 3._o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o pattern_n even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1._o christian_n hope_n be_v a_o firm_a expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o worldly_a hope_n by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o its_o foundation_n the_o object_n be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o glory_n and_o joy_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n worldly_n hope_n be_v terminate_v on_o empty_a vanish_v thing_n gild_v over_o with_o the_o thin_a appearance_n of_o good_n the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a hope_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n that_o always_o second_v his_o word_n god_n can_v lie_v and_o consequent_o neither_o deceive_v our_o faith_n nor_o disappoint_v our_o hope_n and_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n i_o know_v in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n all_o the_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v engage_v for_o our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n sometime_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o hope_n 21._o may_v be_v in_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o hope_n and_o that_o we_o may_v abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n worldly_n hope_n be_v always_o uncertain_a in_o this_o sphere_n of_o mutability_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o impotence_n or_o deceit_n in_o all_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o obtain_v humane_a desire_n that_o the_o success_n be_v doubtful_a fear_n mix_v with_o the_o desire_n and_o often_o despair_v with_o fear_n young_a man_n be_v flush_a with_o hope_n and_o of_o bold_a expectation_n than_o ancient_a man_n who_o from_o experience_n of_o many_o unforeseen_a and_o inevitable_a difficulty_n that_o have_v traverse_v their_o hope_n be_v incline_v to_o fear_n but_o experience_n incourage_v and_o fortify_v the_o hope_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o patience_n and_o joy_n if_o we_o hope_v we_o 5._o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o intervening_a difficulty_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o we_o expect_v no_o undiscernible_a accident_n can_v blast_v their_o assurance_n the_o interval_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n do_v not_o weaken_v abraham_n hope_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n comfort_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o patience_n of_o hope_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n the_o final_a security_n of_o the_o blessedness_n promise_v be_v very_o joyful_a in_o a_o afflict_a condition_n this_o hope_n be_v the_o character_n by_o which_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v denominate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o heathen_n who_o be_v without_o god_n without_o christ_n and_o without_o hope_n for_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o christ_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v he_o this_o grace_n be_v most_o natural_a congruous_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o present_a state_n 1._o natural_a bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o 4._o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o the_o supernatural_a birth_n entitle_v to_o the_o supernatural_a inheritance_n if_o son_n than_o heir_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o consequent_a affection_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n the_o most_o early_o exercise_v of_o reason_n excite_v desire_n and_o hope_n to_o obtain_v what_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a life_n when_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o celestial_a blessendness_n reveal_v in_o