gen._n 22.18_o that_o be_v with_o all_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o faith_n of_o so_o great_a a_o believer_n as_o abraham_n to_o hang_v in_o the_o thicket_n of_o carnal_a thing_n when_o he_o have_v such_o spiritual_a promise_n before_o his_o eye_n our_o saviour_n say_v abraham_n see_v his_o day_n and_o rejoice_v joh._n 8.56_o he_o see_v the_o day_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o as_o some_o the_o day_n of_o his_o passion_n how_o far_o god_n carry_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o faith_n i_o know_v not_o however_o he_o see_v so_o much_o as_o put_v he_o into_o those_o joy_n and_o triumph_n of_o faith_n which_o point_v beyond_o this_o world_n to_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o faith_n to_o i_o it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o abraham_n rest_v upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o then_o christ_n righteousness_n though_o unknown_a to_o abraham_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o the_o author_n say_v that_o from_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o nation_n be_v bless_v to_o impute_a righteousness_n be_v a_o train_n of_o thought_n beyond_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o yet_o abraham_n discern_v the_o messiah_n in_o that_o promise_n it_o may_v be_v absolve_v in_o two_o short_a word_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v merit_v spiritual_a blessing_n for_o we_o and_o that_o that_o merit_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o apply_v of_o what_o be_v another_o but_o by_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n and_o imputation_n on_o god_n the_o author_n ask_v the_o question_n be_v there_o no_o possible_a way_n for_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o world_n but_o by_o impute_a righteousness_n i_o answer_v have_v not_o christ_n dye_v for_o we_o which_o involve_v a_o imputation_n nothing_o of_o blessing_n can_v have_v be_v expect_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n will_v no_o more_o have_v spare_v we_o than_o it_o do_v lapse_v angel_n the_o jew_n about_o christ_n come_n think_v only_o of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n the_o very_a apostle_n for_o a_o time_n think_v not_o of_o christ_n death_n but_o this_o be_v because_o they_o then_o live_v in_o the_o dregs_o and_o darkness_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o suppose_v in_o former_a age_n the_o jew_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o prospect_n of_o christ_n and_o above_o other_o abraham_n who_o faith_n stand_v in_o scripture_n with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a crown_n on_o it_o probable_o have_v so_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o if_o all_o good_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n be_v sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o heb._n 11._o that_o he_o discourse_v there_o of_o a_o justify_v faith_n that_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o render_v man_n approve_v of_o god_n and_o which_o he_o will_v count_v for_o highteousness_n appear_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n that_o be_v the_o father_n be_v approve_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o faith_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o abel_n obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a ver_fw-la 4._o that_o enoch_n have_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n ver_fw-la 5._o that_o noah_n become_v heir_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n ver_fw-la 7._o now_o this_o justify_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o firm_a and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o those_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v faith_n be_v such_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n as_o make_v we_o confident_o hope_v for_o they_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v unseen_a thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o those_o unseen_a thing_n as_o produce_v some_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v answer_n answer_n heb._n 11._o this_o say_v erasmus_n be_v encomium_fw-la fidei_fw-la rather_o than_o definitio_fw-la dialectica_fw-la however_o be_v it_o that_o justify_v faith_n be_v here_o mean_v christ_n the_o marrow_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v include_v in_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o that_o be_v hope_v for_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o a_o special_a signal_n way_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o prime_n fundamental_a promise_n touch_v the_o messiah_n which_o as_o we_o see_v gen._n 3.15_o be_v deliver_v to_o adam_n as_o a_o heavenly_a treasure_n more_o worth_a than_o a_o world_n and_o by_o he_o be_v no_o doubt_n hand_v down_o to_o his_o posterity_n not_o mere_o in_o the_o bare_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o it_o for_o that_o protevangelium_fw-la or_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v ministerium_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la but_o with_o such_o divine_a commentary_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o illuminate_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o give_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o believe_v adam_n faith_n such_o be_v its_o excellent_a nature_n presentiate_n and_o make_n to_o subsist_v the_o good_a thing_n hope_v for_o in_o such_o a_o lively_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o at_o hand_n and_o before_o our_o eye_n nay_o as_o learned_a pareus_n observe_v on_o the_o place_n it_o make_v they_o subsist_v not_o only_o speculative_o and_o assentive_o in_o the_o mind_n but_o fiducial_o in_o the_o heart_n now_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n the_o elder_n have_v their_o divine_a testimony_n abel_n be_v righteous_a before_o god_n enoch_n please_v god_n noah_n be_v a_o heir_n of_o righteousness_n all_o of_o they_o be_v justify_v and_o accept_v in_o their_o person_n and_o holy_a walk_n the_o author_n make_v faith_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n only_o without_o any_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o romanist_n thus_o bellarmine_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v only_o assensum_fw-la firmum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d certum_fw-la ad_fw-la ea_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la deus_fw-la credendae_fw-la proponit_fw-la and_o to_o that_o purpose_n among_o other_o quote_v this_o text_n heb._n 11._o but_o i_o can_v find_v that_o this_o will_v down_o with_o protestant_n faith_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confidence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o firm_a persuasion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fiducial_a liberty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o persuasion_n with_o full_a sail_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fiducial_a subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o which_o expression_n speak_v more_o than_o a_o naked_a assent_n faith_n receive_v christ_n put_v on_o christ_n feed_v upon_o christ_n such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o the_o father_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o before_o his_o incarnation_n 1_o cor._n 10.3_o 4._o mere_a assent_n can_v do_v this_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v and_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o we_o have_v our_o heart_n purify_v act._n 15.9_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o all_o grace_n joh._n 7.38_o we_o quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n eph._n 6.16_o we_o have_v a_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.2_o nay_o not_o only_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o but_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o as_o if_o we_o have_v a_o piece_n of_o heaven_n here_o below_o mere_a assent_n can_v reach_v such_o admirable_a effect_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v in_o wicked_a man_n who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o mite_n of_o those_o grace_n or_o comfort_n our_o saviour_n have_v excellent_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n every_o one_o which_o see_v the_o son_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o have_v eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.40_o here_o be_v two_o act_n the_o one_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o see_v the_o son_n to_o assent_v that_o he_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o believe_v on_o he_o by_o fiducial_a recumbency_n by_o which_o say_v bishop_n davenant_n 165._o dau._n det._n 165._o vitam_fw-la à _fw-la aquavitae_fw-la fonte_fw-la haurimus_fw-la &_o in_o
ipsum_fw-la quasi_fw-la totos_fw-la nos_fw-la immergimus_fw-la we_o draw_v life_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o whole_o drown_v ourselves_o in_o he_o it_o be_v well_o say_v of_o the_o school-man_n nullus_fw-la potest_fw-la justificari_fw-la nisi_fw-la per_fw-la unionem_fw-la ad_fw-la christum_fw-la prima_fw-la autem_fw-la unio_fw-la ad_fw-la christum_fw-la fit_a per_fw-la fidem_fw-la none_o can_v be_v justify_v but_o by_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o union_n be_v by_o faith_n faith_n do_v not_o only_o look_v upon_o christ_n but_o it_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a intellectual_a thing_n but_o as_o philip_n say_v act._n 8.37_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o whole_a heart_n the_o whole_a not_o a_o plece_n only_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v resign_v up_o to_o christ_n in_o believe_v mere_a assent_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o all_o of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v fiducial_a recumbency_n in_o it_o thus_o our_o church_n salvation_n 3._o hom._n of_o salvation_n the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o devil_n believe_v they_o believe_v all_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o new_a and_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v true_a and_o for_o all_o this_o faith_n they_o be_v but_o devil_n remain_v still_o in_o their_o damnable_a estate_n lack_v the_o very_a true_a christian_a faith_n for_o the_o right_n and_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o also_o to_o have_v a_o sure_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n merciful_a promise_n to_o be_v save_v from_o everlasting_a damnation_n by_o christ_n whereof_o do_v follow_v a_o love_a heart_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o again_o faith_n 1._o hom._n of_o faith_n our_o church_n set_v forth_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o trust_n in_o god_n commit_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o he_o hang_v only_o upon_o he_o and_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o author_n place_n faith_n in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n as_o produce_v some_o effect_n in_o our_o life_n and_o so_o not_o in_o mere_a assent_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v according_a to_o our_o author_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n stand_v only_o in_o assent_n obedience_n indeed_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a ingredient_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n neither_o be_v it_o indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o faith_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v total_a and_o genuine_a that_o be_v which_o be_v assentive_a and_o fiducial_a also_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o faith_n result_v from_o the_o different_a object_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n make_v a_o three_o which_o be_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o first_o we_o may_v call_v a_o natural_a faith_n that_o be_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o natural_a demonstration_n or_o moral_a argument_n as_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n whereby_o they_o please_v god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n because_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sincere_o religious_a or_o do_v any_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will._n second_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o noah_n believe_v god_n be_v warn_v of_o the_o deluge_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o provide_v a_o ark_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n leave_v his_o country_n and_o father_n house_n and_o go_v into_o a_o strange_a land_n thus_o sarah_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o isaac_n which_o be_v as_o heroical_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o man_n the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n and_o moses_n etc._n etc._n who_o firm_o believe_v all_o the_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o confident_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o these_o day_n be_v justify_v viz._n such_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o as_o make_v they_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o learned_a dr._n prideaux_n answer_n answer_n that_o in_o the_o dark_a age_n of_o the_o schoolman_n paulus_n cessit_fw-la aristoteli_fw-la &_o gratia_fw-la naturae_fw-la st._n paul_n be_v fain_o to_o yield_v to_o aristotle_n and_o grace_n to_o nature_n and_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v so_o again_o we_o have_v here_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n natural_a faith_n i'faith_o natural_a in_o its_o believe_a principle_n and_o natural_a in_o its_o object_n reason_n of_o itself_o and_o without_o any_o elevation_n of_o grace_n may_v nay_o i_o suppose_v must_v admit_v the_o thing_n of_o natural_a theology_n as_o be_v within_o its_o own_o sphere_n and_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o faith_n justify_v faith_n which_o be_v nature_n &_o nothing_o but_o nature_n justify_v faith_n if_o we_o believe_v scripture_n be_v every_o way_n supernatural_a supernatural_a in_o its_o principle_n &_o supernatural_a in_o its_o object_n supernatural_a in_o its_o principle_n it_o be_v call_v faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.12_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.8_o not_o a_o natural_a gift_n but_o a_o gift_n of_o mere_a grace_n unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 1.29_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v free_o gracious_o give_v to_o you_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a grace_n divine_o give_v hence_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o believe_v be_v per_fw-la infusionem_fw-la &_o inspirationem_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la can._n 6._o nay_o the_o very_a council_n of_o trent_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n on_o those_o that_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v without_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o faith_n be_v also_o supernatural_a in_o its_o object_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d above_o mere_a natural_a theology_n it_o be_v fix_v in_o a_o god_n in_o covenant_n and_o in_o his_o free_a grace_n it_o hang_v upon_o christ_n and_o his_o sweet-smelling_a sacrifice_n it_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o remission_n and_o all_o these_o be_v supernatural_a only_o as_o in_o the_o author_n natural_a faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o true_a justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o supernatural_a grace_n but_o the_o author_n give_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o natural_a faith_n in_o abel_n and_o enoch_n who_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o have_v abel_n and_o enoch_n only_o a_o natural_a faith_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v in_o a_o messiah_n be_v that_o first_o precious_a promise_n gen._n 3._o give_v to_o be_v hide_v and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n or_o be_v it_o not_o hand_v down_o to_o abel_n and_o enoch_n sure_o it_o be_v and_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n how_o can_v they_o come_v to_o god_n without_o a_o mediator_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o say_v
sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o 1_o joh._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o suture_a and_o so_o thrust_v holiness_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v perfect_v while_o we_o be_v unholy_a and_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o holiness_n than_o before_o for_o now_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o remove_v the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n to_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v obey_v christ_n out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o good_a nature_n and_o thank_v fullness_n they_o may_v but_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o wrath_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n without_o it_o still_o the_o author_n go_v on_o with_o this_o charge_n answer_n answer_n that_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n mr._n shephard_n hold_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o be_v believer_n wicked_a man_n they_o receive_v christ_n whole_a christ_n as_o their_o prophet_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o priest_n to_o satisfy_v for_o they_o their_o king_n to_o rule_v they_o and_o upon_o account_n of_o this_o receive_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o and_o be_v they_o wicked_a man_n for_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o justification_n act._n 13.39_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n joh._n 7.38.39_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o may_v we_o call_v they_o wicked_a man_n if_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v entitle_v to_o such_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o holiness_n or_o obedience_n but_o say_v the_o author_n a_o holy_a life_n must_v not_o only_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v without_o doubt_v that_o faith_n which_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n do_v come_v to_o christ_n receive_v christ_n put_v on_o christ_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n must_v needs_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o of_o this_o faith_n obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o a_o part_n but_o a_o fruit_n all_o those_o worthy_n heb._n 11._o first_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o that_o faith_n produce_v all_o those_o act_n of_o obedience_n there_o record_v first_o we_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o we_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n rom._n 7.4_o and_o in_o that_o five_o chapter_n of_o john_n quote_v by_o the_o author_n first_o there_o be_v branch_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o there_o be_v holy_a fruit_n bring_v forth_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o presuppose_v faith_n it_o flow_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v such_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o that_o rule_n can_v be_v assure_v to_o be_v such_o but_o by_o faith_n it_o be_v level_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o single_a eye_n which_o look_v at_o that_o great_a end_n be_v faith_n without_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o work_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n now_o if_o faith_n unite_v to_o christ_n and_o precede_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n do_v not_o go_v before_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o follow_v after_o it_o but_o say_v the_o author_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o obedience_n hence_o our_o saviour_n say_v herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n joh._n 15.8_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o indeed_o perfect_a before_o obedience_n as_o to_o its_o fruit_n and_o consequence_n but_o it_o be_v as_o to_o its_o essential_o for_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o believe_v have_v a_o true_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o shall_v he_o immediate_o and_o before_o any_o one_o act_n of_o obedience_n depart_v this_o life_n he_o shall_v undoubted_o and_o without_o any_o scruple_n enter_v that_o bless_a region_n where_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a as_o for_o that_o place_n joh._n 15.8_o where_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o bear_v of_o fruit_n they_o shall_v be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v parallel_v to_o that_o place_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n joh._n 8.31_o in_o both_o they_o be_v disciple_n before_o in_o that_o joh._n 8.31_o they_o be_v disciple_n before_o that_o period_n of_o life_n unto_o which_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o word_n extend_v itself_o or_o else_o their_o discipleship_n must_v have_v be_v adjourn_v to_o the_o other_o world_n and_o in_o that_o joh._n 15.8_o they_o be_v disciple_n before_o their_o bear_n of_o fruit_n for_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v fruit_n without_o be_v branch_n in_o christ_n and_o branch_n they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o be_v disciple_n when_o there_o before_o our_o saviour_n say_v so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o by_o their_o fruitfulness_n they_o shall_v give_v a_o real_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o true_a disciple_n and_o branch_n of_o christ_n but_o say_v the_o author_n this_o doctrine_n destroy_v the_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v perfect_v while_o we_o be_v unholy_a and_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o holiness_n than_o before_o for_o now_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v as_o to_o that_o that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v perfect_v while_o we_o be_v unholy_a if_o by_o unholy_a be_v mean_v only_o before_o a_o holy_a life_n believer_n before_o that_o be_v so_o perfect_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o have_v a_o true_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n the_o spirit_n and_o salvation_n if_o by_o unholy_a be_v mean_v a_o wicked_a man_n no_o wicked_a man_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n this_o will_v be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o saviour_n a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o one_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n who_o be_v light_n as_o st._n john_n speak_v but_o a_o believer_n who_o before_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n be_v not_o must_v not_o be_v call_v a_o wicked_a man._n as_o to_o the_o other_o that_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o holiness_n because_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o i_o answer_v that_o before_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o this_o assertion_n that_o impute_a righteousness_n make_v holiness_n needless_a be_v but_o a_o popish_a calumny_n and_o without_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o sect_n v_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o get_v into_o christ_n the_o method_n prescribe_v be_v conviction_n compunction_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n now_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o all_o this_o and_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o it_o himself_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v act_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o give_v such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o no_o man_n can_v follow_v this_o only_a tell_v we_o by_o what_o method_n god_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o what_o we_o must_v do_v but_o what_o we_o must_v suffer_v in_o order_n to_o this_o union_n a_o sinner_n may_v stir_v up_o in_o himself_o some_o natural_a conviction_n of_o sin_n some_o natural_a fear_n sorrow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o this_o may_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n of_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o perform_a duty_n but_o all_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o unless_o this_o conviction_n compunction_n humiliation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o
gift_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o and_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n col._n 2.12_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.8_o and_o such_o a_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v free_o gratuitous_o give_v phil._n 1.29_o see_v then_o it_o be_v thus_o shall_v we_o not_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o every_o crumb_n of_o bread_n drop_v of_o drink_n and_o moment_n patience_n because_o they_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o must_v we_o not_o submit_v to_o he_o for_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v such_o have_v not_o god_n give_v a_o jesus_n a_o saviour_n to_o man_n they_o can_v not_o have_v make_v a_o just_a complaint_n against_o he_o and_o now_o there_o be_v one_o that_o he_o be_v not_o know_v all_o the_o world_n over_o the_o pagan_n may_v not_o open_v their_o lip_n against_o god_n and_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o all_o man_n have_v no_o faith_n no_o man_n may_v question_v god_n about_o it_o gift_n be_v free_a and_o must_v be_v submit_v for_o the_o apostle_n assert_v god_n sovereignty_n clear_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v rom._n 9.18_o and_o if_o any_o dare_v repy_a or_o find_v fault_n the_o apostle_n take_v he_o up_o nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o any_o sentiment_n of_o thy_o own_o nothingness_n or_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n thou_o will_v never_o dare_v to_o question_v or_o to_o implead_v thy_o maker_n before_o who_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o worm_n a_o piece_n of_o clay_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n owe_v we_o nothing_o though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n earnest_o to_o seek_v christ_n &_o faith_n and_o not_o in_o a_o careless_a indifferent_a manner_n as_o without_o cause_n the_o author_n will_v hint_n mr._n shepherd_n mind_n to_o be_v yet_o we_o must_v still_o adore_v god_n sovereignty_n and_o lie_v at_o his_o foot_n for_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o particular_o for_o faith_n it_o be_v horrible_a insolence_n and_o presumption_n in_o he_o who_o pray_v red_a mihi_fw-la vitam_fw-la aeternam_fw-la quam_fw-la debes_fw-la and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o for_o any_o one_o to_o pray_v red_a mihi_fw-la fidem_fw-la vivam_fw-la quam_fw-la debes_fw-la verbum_fw-la debet_fw-la venenum_fw-la habet_fw-la as_o peter_n lombard_n have_v it_o these_o thing_n consider_v mr._n shepherd_n word_n need_v no_o more_o but_o only_o a_o candid_a interpretation_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v sherlock_n mr_n sherlock_n in_o order_n to_o our_o close_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o hitherto_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n why_o you_o must_v not_o catch_v at_o christ_n but_o stay_v till_o god_n give_v he_o to_o you_o till_o god_n take_v you_o into_o his_o arm_n that_o you_o may_v lean_v upon_o your_o belove_a you_o must_v stay_v till_o god_n give_v you_o a_o particular_a call_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o whether_o that_o will_v be_v ever_o or_o never_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v many_o a_o wound_a sinner_n will_v be_v scramble_n from_o some_o general_a report_n of_o he_o such_o as_o his_o gospel_n make_v before_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o god_n glorious_a call_n now_o for_o any_o man_n to_o receive_v christ_n before_o he_o be_v call_v be_v presumption_n ay_o unpardonable_a presumption_n too_o to_o attempt_v impossibility_n for_o no_o body_n can_v come_v till_o he_o be_v call_v no_o man_n shall_v come_v unless_o first_o call_v and_o therefore_o no_o crime_n to_o stay_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o call_v to_o a_o office_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o call_n to_o special_a grace_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n heb._n 5.4_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o a_o priest_n prophet_n or_o king_n without_o a_o designation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n or_o christian_a without_o a_o particular_a call_n for_o what_o have_v any_o man_n to_o do_v with_o christ_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v care_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o happy_a but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n well_o sinner_n wait_v with_o patience_n till_o thou_o be_v call_v and_o so_o thy_o work_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o this_o time_n the_o author_n laugh_v at_o mr._n shepherd_n particular_a call_n answer_n answer_n let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v it_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n a_o general_a external_a call_n reach_v to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o particular_a internal_a call_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o the_o first_o be_v a_o command_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o second_o be_v a_o special_a act_n of_o grace_n which_o infallible_o produce_v forth_o in_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v this_o distinction_n be_v clear_o found_v in_o scripture_n all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v but_o all_o be_v not_o draw_v of_o the_o father_n all_o do_v not_o hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n joh._n 6.44_o 45._o for_o these_o teach_v and_o draw_v one_o do_v all_o of_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n which_o all_o man_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v but_o all_o be_v not_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n rom._n 8.28_o for_o then_o all_o will_v love_v god_n as_o those_o call_v once_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n all_o will_v have_v that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o which_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.23_o 24._o all_o of_o they_o have_v a_o external_a general_n call_v those_o to_o who_o christ_n be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o foolishness_n have_v such_o a_o call_n for_o a_o unknown_a a_o unreveiled_a christ_n can_v not_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o foolishness_n but_o beside_o this_o call_v there_o be_v another_o a_o internal_a effectual_a call_n such_o as_o make_v christ_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o man_n such_o as_o work_v faith_n and_o other_o grace_n in_o man_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o call_v call_v with_o a_o more_o internal_a and_o efficacious_a call_n than_o other_o man_n be_v these_o thing_n lay_v down_o all_o thing_n in_o mr._n shephard_n be_v very_o easy_a all_o man_n in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o external_a call_n and_o so_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v no_o presumption_n at_o all_o in_o they_o to_o do_v so_o the_o object_n jesus_n christ_n be_v evident_o set_v forth_o before_o their_o eye_n but_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v in_o he_o indeed_o they_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o particular_a internal_a call_n for_o that_o grace_n which_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n if_o not_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v their_o own_o they_o must_v believe_v of_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o fear_v though_o the_o object_n christ_n be_v free_a for_o they_o will_v be_v presumption_n because_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n all_o man_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o evangelical_n command_n make_v it_o their_o duty_n yet_o if_o we_o believe_v our_o saviour_n there_o must_v be_v internal_a teach_n and_o traction_n from_o the_o father_n to_o make_v we_o true_o come_v to_o he_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n call_v to_o be_v believer_n &_o so_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n to_o be_v son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o to_o the_o divine_a office_n to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n rev._n 1.6_o but_o this_o believe_v be_v produce_v by_o that_o internal_a efficacious_a call_n which_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v i_o mean_v which_o call_v faith_n into_o be_v where_o it_o be_v not_o before_o but_o than_o say_v mr._n sherlock_n the_o sinner_n must_v only_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v call_v and_o so_o his_o work_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o this_o time_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v his_o work_n be_v not_o at_o a_o end_n because_o he_o be_v still_o to_o wait_v if_o the_o scripture_n which_o make_v faith_n the_o free-gift_n of_o god_n be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o near_a passage_n to_o heaven_n then_o by_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o faith_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n the_o saint_n
to_o say_v that_o which_o he_o can_v know_v and_o that_o against_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v there_o any_o such_o reprobation_n in_o scripture_n as_o bar_n out_o of_o heaven_n such_o as_o by_o faith_n venture_v upon_o christ_n no_o sure_o christ_n have_v so_o far_o dye_v for_o all_o man_n as_o to_o find_v for_o they_o that_o general_a promise_n whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a sure_a foundation_n for_o man_n to_o venture_v upon_o none_o that_o by_o faith_n venture_v upon_o christ_n shall_v be_v bar_v out_o of_o heaven_n by_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n because_o his_o decree_n can_v clash_v with_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v very_o irregular_a argue_v to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o god_n decree_n therefore_o i_o will_v neglect_v my_o duty_n st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o may_v the_o philippian_n have_v say_v how_o do_v we_o know_v what_o god_n pleasure_n be_v or_o what_o he_o will_v work_v in_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o work_v at_o such_o a_o venture_n or_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o no_o the_o fear_n and_o tremble_a in_o the_o text_n be_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o argue_v at_o that_o rate_n suppose_v now_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o election_n will_v there_o not_o be_v a_o paucity_n and_o a_o hard_a venture_n still_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o few_o find_v the_o way_n to_o life_n matth._n 7.14_o and_o god_n who_o prescience_n be_v immutable_a eternal_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o what_o must_v we_o do_v now_o may_v we_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n word_n or_o of_o god_n prescience_n sure_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o may_v we_o argue_v thus_o few_o enter_v into_o life_n why_o shall_v i_o venture_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a venture_n and_o great_a odds_o against_o i_o may_v i_o now_o cry_v out_o good_a god_n what_o merchant_n adventurer_n be_v poor_a sinner_n sure_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v i_o i_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o word_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v my_o duty_n duty_n belong_v to_o we_o and_o issue_n to_o god_n but_o to_o pass_v on_o according_a to_o mr._n shephard_n it_o seem_v assurance_n itself_o can_v secure_v we_o to_o which_o the_o bare_a recital_n of_o mr._n shepherd_n word_n will_v be_v answer_n enough_o they_o be_v these_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n be_v the_o ground_n by_o which_o we_o first_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o constant_a ground_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o you_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o you_o have_v assurance_n or_o because_o you_o feel_v such_o and_o such_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a impression_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o you_o you_o may_v then_o many_o a_o day_n and_o year_n keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o lie_v without_o christ_n for_o the_o feel_n of_o grace_n and_o assurance_n of_o favour_n be_v not_o constant_a his_o meaning_n be_v very_o plain_a the_o call_v of_o christ_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o first_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a ground_n if_o by_o after_o renew_v act_n of_o faith_n we_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o we_o have_v assurance_n we_o may_v many_o a_o day_n live_v without_o christ_n for_o assurance_n be_v no_o constant_a thing_n as_o the_o call_n be_v the_o author_n i_o suppose_v take_v out_o a_o little_a out_o of_o mr._n shephard_n not_o to_o interpret_v he_o but_o to_o sport_v with_o he_o afterward_o we_o have_v the_o author_n conclude_v from_o mr._n shepherd_n particular_a call_n that_o the_o general_a call_n signify_v nothing_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o particular_a call_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v god_n will_n to_o save_v believer_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n a_o great_a warrant_n we_o can_v have_v for_o it_o than_o god_n own_o charter_n seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o which_o work_v this_o faith_n in_o we_o be_v a_o special_a call_n or_o internal_a grace_n which_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o call_v forth_o faith_n into_o be_v but_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n aocord_v to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v a_o special_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o what_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n 65._o dr._n jacomb_n pag._n 65._o do_v it_o purify_v the_o heart_n overcome_v the_o world_n work_v by_o love_n be_v you_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o a_o heir_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v your_o nature_n change_v do_v you_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n have_v you_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o lust_n do_v you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n that_o be_v you_o must_v prove_v your_o justification_n by_o your_o sanctification_n your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n i_o be_o glad_a it_o be_v no_o worse_o that_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n may_v at_o least_o put_v in_o for_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o holiness_n and_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n a_o holy_a life_n can_v no_o more_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n than_o it_o can_v justify_v we_o it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v answer_n answer_n that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v impossible_a thus_o the_o author_n impossible_a nothing_o plain_o in_o scripture_n we_o read_v of_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n eph._n 1.13_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o
may_v we_o receive_v christ_n and_o be_v as_o we_o be_v do_v he_o bring_v nothing_o at_o all_o with_o he_o may_v we_o receive_v he_o and_o not_o have_v his_o righteousness_n impute_v and_o his_o spirit_n impart_v to_o we_o it_o be_v utter_o vain_a and_o impossible_a but_o now_o a_o touch_n for_o worthy_a mr._n watson_n christ_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n as_o mr._n watson_n have_v it_o say_v to_o a_o believer_n with_o my_o body_n yea_o with_o my_o blood_n i_o endow_v thou_o and_o a_o believer_n say_v to_o christ_n with_o my_o soul_n i_o thou_o worship_n as_o if_o say_v the_o author_n christ_n and_o a_o believer_n be_v marry_v by_o the_o liturgy_n i_o suppose_v our_o church_n intend_v some_o such_o thing_n answer_n answer_n and_o i_o mean_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n for_o in_o the_o communion_n service_n she_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o we_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o and_o excellent_o pray_v that_o our_o sinful_a body_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o by_o his_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n wash_v through_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o that_o we_o may_v evermore_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o sure_o such_o passage_n import_v a_o near_a union_n and_o communication_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n but_o say_v mr._n watson_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n no_o condemnation_n can_v fall_v upon_o he_o a_o woman_n be_v marry_v her_o debt_n light_a upon_o her_o husband_n o_o bless_a privilege_n say_v the_o author_n and_o who_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o run_v into_o debt_n with_o god_n when_o he_o have_v such_o a_o husband_n to_o discharge_v all_o and_o then_o how_o vile_a and_o impure_a soever_o man_n be_v their_o comfort_n be_v they_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o beauty_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v no_o man_n be_v more_o afraid_a to_o run_v into_o debt_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o taste_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o forgive_v all_o and_o drink_v of_o that_o blood_n which_o pay_v for_o all_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o pure_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o his_o love_n to_o we_o be_v a_o divine_a inflammative_a of_o we_o because_o he_o will_v discharge_v all_o shall_v we_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o extravagant_a some_o gallant_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n hope_v for_o some_o church-land_n run_v out_o desperate_o cry_v out_o solvat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o shall_v believer_n who_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o taste_v the_o hide_a manna_n of_o god_n love_n sin_n on_o and_o say_v solvat_fw-la christus_fw-la nothing_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a because_o they_o know_v themselves_o espouse_v to_o such_o a_o husband_n as_o christ_n shall_v they_o be_v adulterous_a because_o christ_n will_v be_v their_o friend_n shall_v they_o be_v enemy_n these_o be_v strange_a repugnancy_n indeed_o as_o to_o what_o the_o author_n add_v how_o vile_a and_o impure_a soever_o man_n be_v their_o comfort_n be_v they_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n those_o word_n how_o vile_a and_o impure_a soever_o man_n be_v be_v none_o of_o mr._n watson_n but_o add_v by_o the_o author_n after_o which_o rate_n one_o may_v turn_v any_o thing_n into_o non_fw-fr sense_n or_o blasphemy_n and_o to_o crown_v all_o sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n when_o they_o be_v once_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n they_o be_v secure_a to_o eternity_n christ_n be_v not_o divide_v a_o member_n can_v be_v lose_v the_o union_n can_v be_v dissolve_v this_o indeed_o be_v that_o answer_n answer_n wherein_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n lift_v itself_o up_o above_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n in_o that_o of_o work_n the_o stock_n be_v in_o man_n hand_n but_o in_o this_o of_o grace_n it_o be_v in_o god_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o perseverance_n but_o in_o this_o there_o be_v many_o such_o promise_n god_n shall_v confirm_v you_o unto_o the_o end_n 1_o cor._n 1.8_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jer._n 32.40_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n immediate_o add_v faithful_a be_v he_o that_o call_v you_o who_o also_o will_v do_v it_o 1_o thess_n 5.23_o 24_o evident_o god_n undertake_v it_o and_o engage_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o it_o shall_v we_o take_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o god_n hand_n into_o our_o own_o or_o turn_v about_o to_o the_o old_a covenant_n shall_v we_o take_v these_o promise_n conditional_o then_o we_o must_v utter_o evacuate_v these_o promise_n for_o they_o must_v run_v thus_o if_o we_o will_v persevere_v we_o shall_v persevere_v and_o so_o much_o be_v true_a under_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o without_o any_o promise_n at_o all_o mr._n watson_n argue_v thus_o if_o any_o branch_n be_v pluck_v away_o from_o christ_n it_o be_v either_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v it_o or_o because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o lose_v it_o but_o say_v the_o author_n may_v not_o sin_n dissolve_v the_o union_n what_o if_o the_o believer_n will_v not_o stay_v with_o christ_n i_o answer_v this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o answer_n the_o argument_n from_o christ_n power_n have_v he_o not_o power_n to_o prevent_v sin_n from_o be_v or_o from_o be_v final_a have_v he_o not_o power_n to_o strengthen_v believer_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o if_o they_o lapse_n to_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o if_o so_o his_o promise_n can_v fail_v his_o faithfulness_n will_v make_v it_o good_a neither_o do_v sin_n commit_v un-saint_n a_o believer_n as_o the_o author_n hint_n this_o be_v the_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n in_o adam_n one_o sin_n expel_v perfect_a holiness_n but_o in_o believer_n it_o do_v not_o extinguish_v inherent_a grace_n though_o imperfect_a still_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n through_o grace_n they_o shall_v be_v revive_v again_o but_o say_v mr._n shepherd_n christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o purge_v his_o spouse_n upon_o which_o the_o author_n if_o she_o be_v not_o purge_v who_o fault_n can_v it_o be_v but_o his_o own_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v christ_n have_v undertake_v to_o purge_v believer_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o prevent_v all_o lapse_n when_o they_o be_v purge_v it_o be_v mere_o of_o grace_n but_o when_o they_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o by_o such_o lapse_n god_n let_v they_o know_v as_o he_o do_v hezekiah_n what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o consequential_a sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n conjugal_a affection_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v enamour_v with_o christ_n sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o he_o be_v maximè_fw-la diligibilis_fw-la the_o very_a abstract_n and_o quintessence_n of_o beauty_n you_o must_v delight_v in_o his_o embrace_n thirst_v after_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o follow_v he_o from_o one_o ordinance_n to_o another_o and_o never_o be_v satisfy_v unless_o you_o meet_v with_o he_o in_o ordinance_n there_o they_o hear_v of_o his_o beauty_n riches_n fullness_n all-sufficiency_n of_o all_o truth_n they_o savour_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n best_o and_o what_o need_v all_o this_o answer_n answer_n these_o truth_n be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o too_o sacred_a to_o be_v laugh_v at_o such_o sanctify_a soul_n loathe_v all_o dull_a sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n insipid_a moral_a discourse_n which_o be_v perpetual_o inculcate_v duty_n and_o trouble_v they_o with_o a_o great_a many_o rule_n for_o a_o good_a life_n which_o mr._n watson_n call_v the_o quaint_a point_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o ordinance_n i_o suppose_v they_o can_v loathe_v discourse_n of_o duty_n answer_n answer_n for_o as_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o a_o little_a after_o they_o make_v obedience_n to_o christ_n their_o husband_n a_o conjugal_a act_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o must_v hear_v of_o duty_n only_o i_o take_v it_o they_o have_v rather_o hear_v duty_n spread_v before_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a scriptural_a dress_n than_o in_o curious_a speculation_n of_o mere_a humane_a reason_n they_o will_v have_v duty_n inculcate_v but_o not_o so_o perpetual_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o preach_n up_o of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o enable_v thereunto_o without_o this_o they_o despair_v of_o do_v any_o thing_n aright_o but_o say_v the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o proper_a place_n for_o obedience_n in_o this_o new_a religion_n for_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o it_o
glory_n of_o they_o all_o from_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n from_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o other_o from_o the_o aversion_n of_o judgement_n from_o the_o state_n of_o justify_v person_n from_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v but_o poor_a insignificant_a thing_n with_o the_o author_n which_o yet_o with_o i_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n this_o be_v all_o pertinent_a say_v the_o author_n but_o it_o contradict_v itself_o and_o overthrow_v their_o darling-opinion_n what_o the_o necessary_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o neither_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n at_o least_o it_o may_v be_v causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la and_o so_o a_o condition_n but_o the_o author_n may_v have_v observe_v that_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o speak_v ad_fw-la idem_fw-la to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n his_o word_n be_v holiness_n be_v neither_o the_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n of_o justification_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n both_o stand_v well_o together_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o contradiction_n obedience_n be_v subsequent_a to_o justification_n and_o so_o neither_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v antecedent_n to_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n thereunto_o well_o the_o author_n be_v content_a that_o it_o only_o be_v a_o necessary_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o what_o then_o become_v of_o christ_n the_o only_a way_n what_o of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o of_o free_a grace_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fear_n our_o holiness_n unless_o it_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o itself_o into_o the_o room_n and_o throne_n of_o christ_n very_o well_o comport_v with_o christ_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o way_n but_o not_o as_o christ_n a_o expiatory_a meritorious_a one_o it_o stand_v as_o necessary_a in_o sanctification_n but_o eek_v not_o out_o christ_n righteousness_n in_o justification_n it_o flow_v from_o free_a grace_n and_o do_v not_o overturn_v but_o magnify_v its_o fountain_n afterward_o our_o author_n draw_v up_o a_o long_a charge_n against_o these_o man_n that_o they_o prepossess_v their_o fancy_n with_o arbitrary_a notion_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o darlingopinion_n and_o that_o sometime_o with_o so_o ill_a success_n as_o to_o break_v some_o stubborn_a truth_n into_o palpable_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n their_o fancy_n and_o scripture_n agree_v no_o better_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o scripture_n do_v they_o add_v such_o limitation_n distinction_n gloss_n to_o scripture_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o orthodox_n their_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n teach_v man_n hypocrisy_n undermine_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v man_n incurable_o ignorant_a yet_o conceit_v of_o knowledge_n impertinent_a talker_n and_o censurer_n of_o mankind_n despiser_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o if_o ignorant_a and_o mere_a moral_a preacher_n their_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n warm_v their_o fancy_n move_v their_o passion_n sometime_o they_o find_v break_n of_o heart_n and_o feel_v the_o horror_n of_o damn_a spirit_n sometime_o they_o be_v ravish_v with_o his_o love_n and_o beauty_n refresh_v with_o the_o sweet_a caress_n of_o his_o love_n all_o which_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a enthusiastic_a fancy_n the_o transportation_n of_o frantic_a rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o say_v two_o thing_n only_o the_o one_o be_v this_o in_o general_a charge_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v up_o against_o the_o most_o innocent_a soul_n under_o heaven_n the_o intelligent_a reader_n must_v measure_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o only_o by_o the_o instance_n which_o before_o have_v be_v examine_v the_o other_o be_v this_o that_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o their_o break_n for_o sin_n and_o ravishment_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v but_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a enthusiastic_a fancy_n in_o which_o censure_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o over-measure_n of_o charity_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o thing_n behind_o which_o because_o interweave_v with_o the_o general_a charge_n i_o have_v hitherto_o omit_v but_o shall_v now_o recite_v they_o the_o one_o be_v this_o prepossess_v fancy_n force_n man_n say_v the_o author_n to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v the_o orthodox_n language_n to_o this_o we_o owe_v all_o those_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o systematical_a divinity_n which_o common_o have_v not_o other_o design_n than_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o scripture_n or_o to_o bribe_v it_o to_o speak_v on_o their_o side_n i_o will_v now_o wonder_v no_o long_o that_o the_o author_n treat_v a_o few_o nonconformist_n with_o such_o rough_a hand_n behold_v a_o universal_a blast_n put_v on_o those_o excellent_a divine_n which_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o protestant_a world_n like_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n and_o have_v set_v forth_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o worthy_a system_n of_o divinity_n for_o the_o church_n use_n but_o this_o be_v a-la-mode_n with_o the_o remonstrant_n who_o as_o vedelius_fw-la tell_v we_o armind_v de_fw-fr arcan_a armind_v have_v pour_v forth_o convitia_fw-la atrocissima_fw-la in_o formulas_fw-la not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v ista_fw-la ars_fw-la est_fw-la sathanae_fw-la call_v they_o humanam_fw-la tyrannidem_fw-la and_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v that_o that_o preface_n in_o athanasius_n his_o creed_n qui_fw-la vult_fw-la salvus_fw-la esse_fw-la ante_fw-la omne_fw-la credat_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v a_o proud_a one_o system_n of_o divinity_n be_v to_o they_o as_o bond_n and_o fetter_n which_o they_o will_v willing_o break_v off_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o better_a scope_n to_o introduce_v their_o unsound_a and_o novel_a opinion_n the_o other_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o author_n the_o person_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o seem_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n through_o his_o flesh_n may_v be_v stop_v up_o the_o great_a prophet_n may_v want_v the_o title_n of_o truth_n the_o vital_a influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n may_v be_v intercept_v and_o all_o this_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o express_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n these_o thing_n i_o suppose_v will_v hardly_o be_v passable_a with_o christian_a ear_n or_o heart_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o way_n there_o be_v no_o approach_n for_o we_o to_o the_o father_n if_o not_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v he_o or_o his_o gospel_n if_o not_o the_o life_n to_o quicken_v our_o dead_a and_o unbelieving_a heart_n we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o he_o though_o he_o be_v both_o the_o former_a chap._n iu._n sect._n i._n next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o which_o as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o be_v build_v all_o those_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a conclusion_n which_o direct_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n by_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o the_o scripture_n mention_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o may_v be_v express_v by_o a_o union_n and_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n abide_v in_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o less_o the_o author_n own_v some_o kind_n of_o union_n answer_n answer_n but_o our_o enquiry_n be_v after_o a_o spiritual_a mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n who_o be_v knit_v together_o by_o the_o divine_a ligature_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o faith_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n as_o the_o right_n reverend_a usher_n have_v it_o descend_v downward_o from_o the_o head_n 1620._o serm._n before_o the_o commons_o 1620._o to_o be_v in_o we_o a_o fountain_n of_o supernatural_a life_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n ascend_v from_o we_o upward_o to_o lay_v fast_o hold_v upon_o he_o this_o union_n be_v full_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.9_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o communion_n can_v but_o import_v union_n we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o son_n and_o to_o have_v life_n by_o he_o 1_o joh._n 5.12_o to_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n so_o as_o to_o live_v by_o he_o joh._n 6.56_o 57_o and_o unless_o we_o dream_v of_o a_o oral_a manducation_n what_o can_v this_o be_v but_o a_o mystical_a
near_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o christian_n hence_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o cup_n the_o communion_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o the_o bread_n the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n one_o body_n represent_v by_o this_o one_o bread_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o sacrament_n be_v symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n answer_n answer_n and_o why_o not_o of_o a_o immediate_a union_n the_o element_n be_v immediate_o apply_v to_o individual_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o signify_v union_n be_v immediate_a else_o how_o do_v it_o correspond_v to_o the_o sign_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o point_n first_o for_o baptism_n unbaptised_a believer_n be_v real_o unite_v to_o christ_n even_o before_o their_o baptism_n how_o else_o shall_v the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n ever_o arrive_v at_o paradise_n or_o which_o way_n shall_v the_o unbaptised_a martyr_n get_v thither_o baptism_n admit_v man_n into_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o if_o believer_n they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n before_o nay_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n say_v philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v act._n 8.37_o and_o after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v down_o on_o the_o gentile_n water_n can_v not_o be_v forbid_v they_o act._n 10_o 47._o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n baptize_v person_n may_v yet_o not_o be_v real_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o in_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o believer_n simon_n magus_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8._o but_o for_o all_o that_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n many_o be_v partaker_n of_o baptismal_a water_n in_o who_o appear_v not_o a_o scintilla_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n man_n may_v be_v nay_o shall_v be_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n before_o their_o receive_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o many_o outward_o receive_v it_o who_o be_v not_o in_o union_n with_o he_o receive_v only_a panem_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o not_o panem_fw-la dominum_fw-la as_o s._n austin_n speak_v and_o eat_v only_a forès_fw-fr non_fw-la intùs_fw-la in_o sacramento_n tantùm_fw-la non_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la participationem_fw-la to_o conclude_v sacrament_n and_o visible_a church_n must_v not_o be_v disparage_v yet_o truth_n must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n may_v be_v before_o the_o use_n of_o sacrament_n nay_o before_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v immediate_a or_o else_o it_o can_v in_o no_o case_n be_v before_o they_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o single_a person_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o combine_v all_o his_o disciple_n into_o a_o public_a society_n to_o unite_v they_o by_o holy_a mystery_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n may_v edify_v itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o own_o any_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n hence_o st._n john_n tell_v 1_o epist_n that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n first_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v you_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n christ_n intend_v to_o erect_v a_o church_n how_o so_o answer_n answer_n common_a philanthropy_n which_o do_v alike_o for_o all_o man_n do_v no_o such_o singular_a thing_n as_o to_o cull_v and_o call_v a_o church_n a_o select_a company_n out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n no_o it_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o love_n be_v common_a and_o the_o work_n singular_a no_o less_o than_o special_a love_n must_v do_v it_o such_o as_o god_n set_v upon_o his_o choose_a once_o christ_n intend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n very_o true_a and_o he_o have_v pitch_v upon_o the_o individual_a person_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o up_o he_o have_v set_v down_o their_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n or_o else_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o accurate_a in_o the_o little_a fly_n and_o gnat_n as_o to_o set_v down_o every_o wing_n and_o little_a part_n which_o make_v up_o those_o minute_n animal_n shall_v be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a in_o that_o great_a design_n of_o a_o church_n a_o church_n only_o be_v design_v and_o not_o the_o person_n of_o which_o it_o shall_v consist_v christ_n intend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o church_n yes_o and_o he_o resolve_v to_o give_v such_o grace_n as_o shall_v infallible_o effect_v it_o providence_n such_o be_v its_o wisdom_n and_o accurate_a perfection_n never_o fail_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o its_o intent_n no_o not_o in_o a_o design_n of_o justice_n and_o that_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o hard_a medium_n can_v be_v use_v by_o it_o we_o need_v not_o scale_v heaven_n for_o this_o but_o have_v a_o scheme_n let_v down_o from_o thence_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o 2_o chron._n 18._o god_n intend_v that_o ahab_n shall_v go_v up_o and_o fall_v at_o ramoth-gilead_n and_o though_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n yet_o it_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v how_o much_o more_o must_v providence_n be_v unfailable_a in_o such_o a_o design_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v true_a suasory_n resistible_a grace_n can_v secure_v it_o because_o it_o leave_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n irresistible_a grace_n must_v come_v in_o or_o else_o we_o may_v lay_v by_o the_o design_n of_o a_o church_n and_o confess_v with_o corvinus_n finis_fw-la mortis_fw-la christi_fw-la constaret_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la nemo_fw-la credidisset_fw-la as_o for_o that_o place_n of_o st._n john_n that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n by_o we_o be_v mean_v s._n john_n or_o the_o apostle_n not_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v that_o church_n mean_v it_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o ordinance_n may_v come_v to_o a_o immediate_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o the_o learned_a grotius_n on_o the_o place_n ut_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la ipsi_fw-la non_fw-la minùs_fw-la quà m_fw-la nos_fw-la frucium_fw-la inde_fw-la percipiatis_fw-la societatem_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la christo_fw-la those_o public_a censure_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n whereby_o rot_a or_o dead_a member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o cast_v such_o person_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a society_n in_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o religious_a office_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o union_n to_o his_o person_n but_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n otherwise_o this_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n can_v be_v no_o visible_a signification_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n nor_o can_v our_o excision_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n signify_v our_o separation_n from_o he_o the_o author_n argue_v thus_o answer_n answer_n if_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v immediate_a than_o our_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n can_v signify_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n nor_o can_v our_o excision_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n signify_v our_o separation_n from_o he_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v just_a before_o our_o author_n say_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o union_n to_o his_o person_n but_o consist_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o he_o afterward_o call_v it_o and_o therefore_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n do_v not_o signify_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o be_v it_o and_o our_o excision_n from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o signify_v our_o separation_n from_o christ_n but_o be_v it_o according_a to_o our_o author_n which_o can_v possible_o stand_v because_o our_o union_n to_o the_o
a_o conduit_n only_o and_o not_o rather_o a_o sea_n or_o ocean_n of_o grace_n s._n chrysostome_n as_o i_o have_v he_o quote_v by_o the_o learned_a jean_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o infinite_a sea_n add_v though_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v do_v do_v or_o shall_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n yet_o will_v he_o never_o be_v empty_v never_o the_o less_o full_a for_o all_o that_o and_o why_o shall_v the_o author_n utter_v such_o a_o word_n as_o dress_v up_o of_o christ_n the_o investiture_n of_o he_o with_o his_o sacred_a office_n of_o mediator_n be_v so_o far_o above_o a_o slight_a that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o work_n of_o infinite_a love_n wisdom_n and_o power_n those_o who_o the_o author_n oppose_v ascribe_v nothing_o to_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n and_o for_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o truth_n i_o very_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o true_a way_n thither_o god_n put_v his_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o but_o these_o man_n ransack_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n what_o be_v this_o for_o must_v we_o not_o own_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o have_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o or_o may_v we_o be_v christian_n without_o it_o but_o they_o will_v have_v we_o build_v all_o our_o hope_n not_o on_o the_o gospel_n but_o on_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o do_v they_o utter_v any_o such_o word_n or_o syllable_n or_o how_o can_v they_o do_v so_o to_o rest_v upon_o christ_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o evangelical_n warrant_v to_o stand_v for_o the_o great_a purchaser_n and_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o charter_n be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o make_v this_o appear_v consider_v sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o saviour_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n and_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v what_o this_o strange_a grace_n of_o union_n be_v it_o be_v the_o unite_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n which_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o saviour_n to_o the_o uttermost_a he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o nature_n zach._n 13.7_o and_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o we_o by_o partake_v of_o our_o nature_n hebr._n 2.14_o and_o become_v a_o daysman_n or_o umpire_n between_o both_o now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n do_v excellent_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a man_n in_o express_v and_o prove_v it_o that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o what_o a_o untoward_a representation_n be_v this_o of_o christ_n mediation_n that_o he_o come_v to_o make_v peace_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o god_n and_o man_n as_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o part_v a_o fray_n or_o scuffle_v and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v name_v gen._n 1.1_o or_o matth._n 1.1_o or_o any_o other_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o strange_a grace_n of_o union_n answer_n answer_n no_o divine_a be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o gratia_n vnionis_fw-la nay_o the_o author_n himself_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o the_o strangeness_n be_v in_o the_o doctor_n be_v untoward_a express_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o unhappy_a man_n therein_o that_o ever_o the_o author_n meet_v with_o 21._o imman_n fol._n 21._o that_o be_v except_z bishop_n usher_n who_o word_n be_v these_o christ_n the_o only_a fit_a umpire_n to_o take_v up_o this_o controversy_n be_v to_o lay_v his_o hand_n as_o well_o upon_o god_n the_o party_n so_o high_o offend_v as_o upon_o man_n the_o party_n so_o base_o offend_v but_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v name_v matth._n 1._o or_o gen._n 1._o for_o the_o proof_n the_o expression_n be_v take_v from_o job_n 9.33_o and_o if_o that_o expression_n the_o man_n god_n fellow_n zach._n 13.7_o do_v not_o prove_v christ_n divinity_n and_o that_o other_o he_o take_v part_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n heb._n 2.13_o do_v not_o prove_v his_o humanity_n what_o can_v do_v it_o from_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n the_o doctor_n observe_v the_o endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o creature_n no_o not_o of_o the_o humane_a nature_n itself_o that_o can_v serve_v our_o turn_n if_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v as_o separate_v from_o the_o deity_n sure_o so_o many_o thirsty_a guilty_a soul_n as_o every_o day_n drink_v deep_a and_o large_a draught_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n from_o he_o will_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v sink_v he_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n nay_o it_o can_v afford_v no_o supply_n at_o all_o but_o only_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a pitiful_a way_n indeed_o the_o condemn_a pelagius_n will_v allow_v mere_a moral_a grace_n answer_n answer_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o what_o mean_v the_o draw_v quicken_a renew_v regenerate_a create_a conquer_a grace_n so_o signal_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v poor_a lose_v lapse_v corrupt_a man_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n ever_o be_v raise_v up_o into_o the_o divine_a life_n mere_a suasion_n operate_v only_o as_o propose_v a_o object_n and_o not_o as_o ingenerate_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o grace_n how_o shall_v the_o power_n of_o repent_v and_o believe_v which_o be_v thing_n far_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n ever_o be_v produce_v or_o which_o way_n shall_v the_o act_n of_o repent_v and_o believe_v ever_o come_v forth_o without_o a_o power_n s._n austin_n be_v not_o content_a with_o mere_a suasory_n grace_n but_o will_v have_v such_o a_o one_o quâ_fw-la gloriae_fw-la magnitudo_fw-la non_fw-la solùm_fw-la promittitur_fw-la 10._o de_fw-fr grat._n contr_n pelag_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 10._o verum_fw-la etià m_fw-la creditur_fw-la nec_fw-la solùm_fw-la revelatur_fw-la sapientia_fw-la verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la &_o amatur_fw-la nec_fw-la suadetur_fw-la solùm_fw-la omne_fw-la bonum_fw-la verùm_fw-la &_o persuadetur_fw-la and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v pelagius_n that_o he_o must_v confess_v such_o a_o grace_n if_o he_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n the_o dr._n tell_v we_o sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o drink_v free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v from_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o draw_v from_o one_o single_a promise_n they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o sink_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n he_o mean_v say_v the_o author_n one_o hair_n breadth_n the_o infiniteness_n of_o grace_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o spring_n or_o fountain_n will_v answer_v all_o objection_n what_o be_v our_o finite_a guilt_n before_o it_o show_v i_o the_o sinner_n that_o can_v spread_v his_o iniquity_n to_o the_o dimension_n of_o this_o grace_n here_o be_v mercy_n enough_o for_o the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n etc._n etc._n enough_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o what_o a_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o sinner_n to_o have_v such_o a_o god_n for_o their_o saviour_n who_o grace_n be_v bottomless_a and_o boundless_a and_o exceed_v the_o large_a dimension_n of_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n say_v the_o dr._n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n he_o mean_v answer_n answer_n say_v the_o author_n this_o be_v just_a to_o as_o much_o purpose_n as_o if_o the_o author_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o evangelical_n charter_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a purchaser_n can_v consist_v together_o which_o as_o yet_o i_o never_o find_v admit_v among_o divine_n the_o infiniteness_n of_o christ_n grace_n be_v a_o thing_n no_o more_o to_o be_v scruple_v or_o play_v withal_o than_o the_o verity_n of_o his_o deity_n when_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n have_v unjust_o and_o unnatural_o dip_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n crispus_n annal._n spondan_n annal._n and_o nephew_n licinius_n junior_n the_o pagan_a flamen_n be_v nonplus_v and_o can_v tell_v of_o no_o way_n of_o expiation_n for_o so_o horrible_a a_o crime_n but_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n furnish_v he_o with_o one_o no_o soon_o do_v a_o man_n become_v christian_n but_o he_o must_v own_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v infinite_a and_o in_o a_o transcendent_a excess_n above_o all_o the_o dimension_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o old_a and_o great_a transgressor_n may_v find_v
of_o god_n if_o we_o observe_v their_o posture_n in_o the_o scripture_n endeavour_v all_o they_o do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o dependence_n upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o famous_a instance_n be_v david_n in_o the_o 119._o psalm_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o say_v he_o but_o o_o let_v i_o not_o wander_v from_o thy_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 10._o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n but_o do_v thou_o enlarge_v my_o heart_n verse_n 32._o consider_v how_o i_o love_v thy_o precept_n but_o quicken_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n vers_fw-la 159._o lord_n i_o have_v hope_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o do_v thy_o commandment_n vers_fw-la 166._o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v under_o grace_n and_o if_o believer_n in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n wait_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n much_o more_o shall_v sinner_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o faith_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n but_o how_o shall_v a_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n know_v when_o he_o be_v call_v that_o then_o he_o may_v come_v to_o christ_n you_o must_v not_o mistake_v the_o general_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o special_a call_n for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v man_n can_v will_v not_o come_v at_o such_o a_o call_n and_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o all_o therefore_o though_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v presumption_n for_o every_o one_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o for_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o offer_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n as_o a_o saviour_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o serve_v he_o as_o a_o king_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o promise_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o design_n that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v shall_v take_v encouragement_n from_o these_o promise_n to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o but_o first_o as_o a_o king_n command_v they_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o weapon_n and_o stoop_v under_o his_o sceptre_n acknowledge_v that_o if_o ever_o he_o save_v i_o i_o will_v bless_v he_o if_o he_o damn_v i_o his_o name_n be_v righteon_n in_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o that_o be_v every_o man_n be_v invite_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n but_o then_o christ_n reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o save_v or_o damn_v as_o he_o please_v these_o be_v hard_a term_n and_o such_o as_o sound_n wear_v like_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o a_o haughty_a lord_n than_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o gracious_a saviour_n christ_n die_v so_o far_o for_o all_o man_n answer_n answer_n as_o to_z find_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o to_o make_v they_o saveable_a upon_o gospel_n term_n which_o devil_n be_v not_o and_o these_o general_a promise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a groundwork_n and_o warrant_n for_o they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v no_o presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o but_o these_o general_a promise_n be_v not_o that_o internal_a call_n which_o produce_v faith_n in_o men._n christ_n say_v mr._n shephard_n do_v not_o immediate_o offer_v himself_o as_o a_o saviour_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o serve_v he_o as_o a_o king_n that_o be_v say_v the_o author_n he_o do_v not_o promise_v salvation_n with_o a_o design_n to_o encourage_v every_o one_o that_o will_v to_o serve_v he_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v the_o promise_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o man_n to_o serve_v he_o but_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v they_o must_v lay_v down_o their_o weapon_n they_o must_v stoop_v under_o his_o sceptre_n or_o else_o sure_o they_o can_v serve_v he_o but_o mr._n shephard_n go_v on_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v if_o he_o save_v i_o i_o will_v bless_v he_o if_o he_o damn_v i_o he_o be_v righteous_a that_o be_v say_v the_o author_n every_o man_n be_v invite_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n but_o christ_n reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o save_v or_o damn_v which_o be_v hard_a term_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n to_o give_v we_o a_o jesus_n a_o gospel_n a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n what_o if_o there_o have_v be_v none_o will_v not_o the_o term_n have_v be_v hard_a or_o rather_o no_o term_n at_o all_o what_o hope_v of_o salvation_n can_v there_o then_o have_v be_v yet_o in_o all_o this_o god_n will_v have_v be_v like_o himself_o the_o righteous_a one_o man_n can_v not_o have_v utter_v the_o least_o just_a complaint_n against_o he_o but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o liberty_n to_o save_v or_o damn_v which_o christ_n reserve_v be_v it_o a_o liberty_n to_o save_v man_n though_o unbeliever_n or_o damn_v man_n though_o believer_n no_o sure_o the_o gospel_n stand_v firm_a that_o the_o believer_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v damn_v and_o that_o without_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o difference_n among_o man_n but_o still_o christ_n reserve_v to_o himself_o his_o prerogative_n the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o he_o do_v lydia_n to_o believe_v upon_o he_o he_o dispense_v faith_n as_o he_o please_v and_o no_o man_n may_v say_v to_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o he_o give_v not_o a_o account_n of_o such_o matter_n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v now_o why_o sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n the_o only_a remedy_n be_v to_o venture_v and_o try_v god_n have_v elect_v but_o few_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n for_o few_o therefore_o we_o must_v venture_v and_o a_o hard_a venture_n it_o be_v where_o there_o be_v such_o great_a odds-against_a we_o and_o yet_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o success_n too_o great_a a_o stake_n for_o such_o a_o venture_n as_o many_o man_n among_o we_o do_v now_o who_o hear_v of_o a_o good_a live_v fall_v twenty_o will_v go_v for_o it_o though_o but_o one_o can_v have_v it_o though_o do_v they_o know_v it_o be_v irrevocable_o decree_v who_o shall_v have_v it_o none_o of_o they_o will_v stir_v but_o wait_v for_o the_o news_n good_a god_n what_o merchant_n adventurer_n be_v poor_a sinner_n who_o after_o all_o their_o seek_n for_o christ_n be_v in_o such_o danger_n of_o miss_v he_o or_o as_o the_o leper_n in_o samaria_n if_o we_o stay_v here_o we_o must_v die_v if_o we_o go_v out_o to_o the_o assyrian_n we_o may_v live_v which_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o desperate_a man_n as_o it_o seem_v the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o all_o to_o be_v no_o previous_a disposition_n can_v give_v we_o encouragement_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n humiliation_n can_v do_v it_o after_o this_o we_o must_v expect_v a_o call_v still_o we_o be_v but_o probationer_n and_o may_v miss_v he_o nay_o assurance_n itself_o can_v do_v it_o for_o if_o you_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o you_o have_v assurance_n that_o be_v if_o you_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o you_o be_v sure_a you_o be_v come_v or_o because_o you_o feel_v such_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a impression_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o you_o than_o you_o may_v many_o a_o day_n and_o year_n keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o live_v without_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n though_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o distance_n nay_o though_o we_o come_v because_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v come_v already_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o give_v over_o when_o assurance_n be_v no_o security_n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v now_o answer_n answer_n we_o must_v venture_v and_o try_v god_n have_v elect_v but_o few_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n for_o few_o therefore_o we_o must_v venture_v and_o a_o hard_a venture_n it_o be_v and_o great_a odds_o against_o we_o thus_o the_o author_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v god_n have_v elect_v but_o few_o but_o do_v secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o we_o may_v we_o pry_v into_o the_o eternal_a roll_n and_o make_v they_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o act_n no_o sure_o the_o rule_n be_v before_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o must_v not_o wave_v because_o there_o be_v secret_a decree_n a_o man_n that_o will_v argue_v against_o himself_o and_o his_o venture_n upon_o christ_n from_o these_o principle_n must_v do_v it_o thus_o if_o i_o be_o eternal_o reprobate_v than_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o venture_v upon_o christ_n but_o i_o be_o eternal_o reprobate_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o venture_v but_o how_o do_v he_o know_v the_o minor_a or_o what_o reason_n have_v he_o for_o it_o what_o madness_n and_o desperate_a rashness_n be_v it_o
and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o gentle_a humour_n he_o tell_v the_o poor_a doubt_a soul_n that_o desire_n nay_o that_o a_o desire_v only_a to_o desire_v at_o two_o or_o three_o remove_n be_v enough_o but_o i_o be_o zealous_a so_o be_v jehu_n and_o paul_n while_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o a_o universal_a religious_a well-governed_a zeal_n for_o god_n can_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n but_o i_o be_o constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o godly_a course_n so_o do_v the_o young_a man_n all_o these_o have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n only_o he_o leave_v christ_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o so_o do_v not_o persevere_v but_o i_o do_v all_o with_o a_o good_a heart_n for_o god_n so_o thou_o may_v think_v of_o thyself_o and_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n let_v a_o man_n have_v what_o mark_n he_o will_v the_o objection_n will_v still_o be_v good_a and_o so_o all_o evidence_n signify_v nothing_o for_o after_o all_o a_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o it_o and_o think_v he_o have_v those_o mark_n when_o he_o have_v they_o not_o there_o be_v a_o way_n that_o seem_v right_a to_o man_n but_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v death_n thou_o may_v live_v so_o as_o to_o deceive_v thyself_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o prove_v a_o hypocrite_n as_o if_o because_o some_o man_n may_v think_v themselves_o good_a who_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a estate_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o thus_o farewell_n all_o evidence_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o wound_a soul_n from_o the_o low_a measure_n of_o grace_n answer_v answer_v and_o no_o less_o to_o pluck_v down_o the_o proud_a plume_n of_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o inward_a and_o pure_a spirituality_n of_o religion_n our_o saviour_n do_v both_o he_o give_v out_o gracious_a promise_n to_o mourner_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o he_o pour_v out_o woe_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o their_o external_a righteousness_n but_o say_v the_o author_n they_o do_v so_o magnify_v the_o attainment_n of_o hypocrite_n that_o a_o sanctify_a man_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o so_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n be_v spoil_v but_o how_o so_o do_v they_o paint_v the_o hypocrite_n fair_a than_o he_o be_v do_v they_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o jot_n or_o tittle_n more_o than_o what_o be_v true_a no_o sure_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v no_o drunkkard_n or_o swearer_n he_o may_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v gross_a sin_n and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o so_o a_o swine_n in_o his_o outward_a converse_v yet_o he_o may_v be_v such_o inward_o his_o inward_a part_n may_v be_v wickedness_n and_o uncleanness_n he_o may_v live_v a_o blameless_a innocent_a honest_a smooth_a life_n and_o yet_o be_v foul_a within_o he_o may_v fast_o pray_v hear_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o his_o heart_n not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n he_o may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o sorrow_n or_o repentance_n some_o kind_n of_o love_n to_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o like_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v no_o oil_n in_o his_o lamp_n no_o true_a grace_n with_o his_o profession_n he_o may_v have_v a_o notional_a knowledge_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n he_o may_v keep_v a_o sabbath_n in_o the_o outward_a decorum_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o want_v the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o it_o a_o delight_n in_o the_o almighty_a he_o may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o zeal_n and_o some_o desire_n after_o heaven_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n he_o may_v presume_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n and_o a_o godly_a course_n and_o be_v deceive_v in_o both_o all_o this_o be_v true_a now_o one_o truth_n can_v oppose_v another_o the_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o attainment_n of_o hypocrite_n can_v oppose_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n the_o outward_a reformation_n be_v a_o evidence_n not_o mere_o as_o it_o be_v outward_a but_o as_o it_o flow_v from_o faith_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n fast_v prayer_n hear_v read_v be_v evidence_n not_o mere_o in_o opere_fw-la operato_fw-la in_o the_o work_n do_v but_o in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n faith_n and_o hope_v and_o holy_a love_n be_v actuate_v therein_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n be_v a_o evidence_n not_o mere_o in_o the_o outward_a observation_n of_o it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v fill_v up_o with_o duty_n spiritual_o perform_v knowledge_n zeal_n repentance_n love_n to_o good_a man_n be_v grace_n when_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n but_o mere_a notion_n which_o swim_v in_o the_o brain_n be_v not_o that_o sanctify_a knowledge_n which_o influence_n holiness_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n every_o heat_n upon_o a_o religious_a account_n be_v not_o true_a zeal_n but_o that_o celestial_a fire_n which_o right_o inflame_v the_o heart_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n every_o sorrow_n or_o pressure_n from_o the_o law_n be_v not_o true_a repentance_n but_o that_o which_o melt_v the_o heart_n into_o tear_n for_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n every_o respect_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o the_o right_a love_n but_o that_o which_o flow_v out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o point_n to_o the_o divine_a image_n in_o they_o desire_v after_o heaven_n may_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v virtual_o grace_n and_o issue_n out_o of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n a_o man_n may_v think_v he_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n and_o a_o godly_a course_n and_o be_v deceive_v therein_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o must_v bid_v farewell_n to_o evidence_n a_o holy_a life_n issue_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n will_v still_o be_v a_o evidence_n to_o he_o who_o have_v it_o but_o after_o all_o this_o sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a while_n to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v a_o regenerate_a from_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n and_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o may_v be_v do_v thus_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n let_v he_o go_v never_o so_o far_o do_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o he_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o this_o now_o be_v very_o strange_a what_o go_v never_o so_o far_o and_o do_v never_o so_o much_o and_o yet_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o what_o live_v a_o blameless_a innocent_a honest_a smooth_a life_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o yet_o suppose_v he_o do_v a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v be_v in_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n but_o then_o a_o ungenerate_a man_n can_v be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o so_o carry_v out_o of_o all_o duty_n to_o christ_n that_o be_v if_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v good_a he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n he_o feel_v a_o good_a heart_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o all_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o feel_v not_o a_o want_n of_o all_o good_a which_o be_v true_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n the_o sure_a mark_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v either_o to_o have_v no_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o be_v mistake_v and_o think_v he_o have_v none_o either_o of_o which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o very_a odd_a sign_n of_o grace_n but_o then_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o never_o get_v into_o christ_n never_o take_v up_o his_o eternal_a rest_n and_o lodging_n in_o jesus_n christ_n only_o i_o think_v come_v have_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o believe_a will_v have_v do_v the_o business_n and_o if_o so_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o want_v of_o that_o other_o metaphor_n of_o take_v up_o his_o eternal_a rest_n and_o lodging_n in_o christ_n man_n in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n that_o 〈◊〉_d unregenerate_a man_n under_o such_o distress_n if_o they_o have_v comfort_n from_o christ_n they_o be_v content_v if_o salvation_n from_o hell_n by_o christ_n they_o be_v content_v and_o i_o think_v they_o have_v some_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v content_v but_o christ_n himself_o that_o be_v without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n content_v they_o not_o now_o to_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n without_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o unreasonable_a man_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n answer_n answer_n let_v he_o go_v never_o so_o far_o do_v
therefore_o can_v be_v give_v to_o they_o for_o any_o precedent_a grace_n in_o they_o or_o indeed_o for_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o they_o unless_o which_o be_v very_o odd_a we_o presume_v they_o to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o for_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o scripture_n clear_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n rom._n 9.18_o he_o beget_v we_o of_o his_o own_o will_n ja._n 1.18_o he_o beget_v we_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o he_o work_v to_o will_n &_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n ph._n 2.13_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o great_a origen_n of_o all_o the_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o how_o or_o which_o way_n shall_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o that_o love_n all_o the_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o a_o donative_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o divine_a love_n be_v antecedent_n to_o that_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_o so_o in_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n and_o less_o religion_n to_o say_v that_o god_n love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o without_o reason_n that_o that_o man_n be_v a_o fool_n who_o love_v at_o this_o rate_n that_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n among_o man_n so_o to_o act_n with_o such_o other_o stuff_n which_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v unto_o the_o speaker_n if_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v for_o this_o that_o god_n the_o supreme_a donor_n shall_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o that_o man_n the_o poor_a receiver_n shall_v not_o expostulate_v with_o god_n or_o think_v to_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n that_o the_o regenerate_a spirit_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n and_o breath_n where_o it_o list_v that_o all_o god_n gift_n shall_v be_v free_a and_o of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o what_o be_v a_o mere_a gift_n only_o but_o say_v the_o author_n this_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n if_o god_n love_v for_o no_o reason_n whether_o we_o obey_v he_o or_o disobey_v he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o god_n love_v we_o our_o sin_n can_v hinder_v it_o if_o he_o love_v we_o not_o our_o holiness_n can_v alter_v he_o therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v but_o in_o vain_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v this_o argument_n run_v upon_o two_o or_o three_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v untrue_a the_o author_n suppose_v first_o that_o god_n purpose_n or_o decretive_a love_n be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o act_n next_o that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n what_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o some_o purpose_n or_o decree_n to_o bar_v some_o man_n though_o never_o so_o holy_a out_o of_o heaven_n and_o three_o that_o there_o be_v not_o what_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o complacential_a love_n in_o god_n towards_o all_o holy_a person_n whoever_o they_o be_v now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o we_o say_v that_o god_n command_v all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o do_v so_o and_o withal_o that_o god_n have_v a_o complacential_a love_n towards_o all_o holy_a person_n whoever_o they_o be_v and_o these_o thing_n consider_v sure_o religion_n can_v be_v in_o vain_a or_o to_o no_o purpose_n as_o for_o the_o philosophical_a nicety_n or_o verity_n rather_o if_o god_n be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a donor_n of_o all_o in_o reason_n all_o creature_n as_o creature_n must_v depend_v on_o he_o the_o creator_n and_o as_o receiver_n must_v depend_v on_o he_o the_o donor_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n because_o a_o creature_n must_v depend_v on_o he_o its_o maker_n and_o because_o a_o gift_n must_v depend_v on_o he_o the_o donor_n thereof_o man_n though_o but_o a_o petty_a benefactor_n be_v free_a in_o his_o gift_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v gift_n how_o much_o more_o must_v god_n the_o supreme_a donor_n be_v so_o it_o be_v true_a when_o man_n be_v good_a god_n such_o be_v the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o to_o dispense_v grace_n or_o goodness_n to_o the_o creature_n be_v his_o royal_a prerogative_n he_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o sovereign_a unaccountable_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n he_o be_v under_o no_o natural_a necessity_n to_o give_v a_o christ_n or_o a_o gospel_n or_o a_o dram_n of_o faith_n or_o holiness_n to_o any_o one_o fall_v man_n in_o the_o world_n what_o he_o give_v he_o give_v as_o he_o please_v out_o of_o mere_a free_a grace_n it_o be_v true_a too_o when_o man_n be_v good_a god_n such_o be_v his_o gracious_a promise_n will_v great_o reward_v they_o but_o it_o be_v he_o only_o who_o make_v we_o good_a and_o so_o meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n in_o light_n our_o goodness_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o our_o reward_n be_v grace_n upon_o grace_n remunerate_v grace_n upon_o sanctify_v in_o a_o word_n the_o love_n of_o god_n complacence_n respect_v goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o love_n of_o benevolence_n cause_v it_o and_o that_o free_o in_o a_o way_n of_o unaccountable_a sovereignty_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o love_n without_o reason_n that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v there_o a_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n antecedent_n to_o the_o love_n of_o his_o benevolence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o beam_n without_o a_o sun_n a_o gift_n without_o a_o giver_n a_o strange_a independent_a self-originated_n goodness_n and_o that_o in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v second_o sherlock_n mr._n sherlock_n these_o man_n tell_v we_o too_o that_o christ_n love_n be_v immutable_a have_v once_o fix_v his_o love_n upon_o we_o though_o without_o any_o reason_n he_o can_v never_o alter_v sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n if_o sin_n foresee_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o plant_v his_o heart_n on_o we_o how_o then_o shall_v it_o that_o be_v sin_n commit_v be_v able_a to_o over-turn_a the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a fix_a love_n indeed_o which_o sin_n itself_o can_v alter_v but_o how_o wise_a and_o holy_a a_o love_n it_o be_v let_v any_o man_n judge_n herein_o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o the_o depth_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v that_o whereas_o his_o holy_a soul_n hate_v every_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n a_o abomination_n a_o new_a wound_n to_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a spouse_n that_o be_v sinful_a believer_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n fail_n infirmity_n he_o hide_v all_o covers_z all_z bear_v all_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v loose_v they_o he_o add_v indeed_o by_o his_o power_n preserve_v they_o from_o such_o sin_n as_o a_o remedy_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n provide_v for_o all_o other_o sin_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o other_o sin_n a_o believer_n it_o seem_v may_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o christ_n will_v hide_v all_o rather_o than_o lose_v he_o now_o this_o be_v as_o downright_a antinomianism_n as_o ever_o dr._n crisp_n or_o saltmarsh_n vent_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o great_a many_o wise_a learned_a man_n who_o contend_v for_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v always_o continue_v so_o but_o then_o they_o find_v this_o not_o on_o such_o a_o immutable_a love_n as_o sin_v itself_o can_v alter_v for_o this_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nor_o with_o those_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n against_o such_o backsliders_a when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o a_o wicked_a man_n do_v he_o shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.24_o if_o any_o man_n turn_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a writer_n that_o if_o
such_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o relapse_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n god_n will_v cease_v to_o love_v they_o therefore_o they_o find_v the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o on_o their_o perseverance_n in_o do_v good_a god_n love_v all_o good_a man_n but_o if_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a he_o also_o must_v cease_v to_o love_v herein_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n consist_v not_o that_o he_o always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n but_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v no_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o our_o kindness_n that_o where_o we_o love_v once_o we_o will_v always_o love_v whatever_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v our_o affection_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v to_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o joh._n 14.23_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v to_o love_v you_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n joh._n 15.20_o this_o be_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n always_o act_n upon_o steady_a constant_a principle_n that_o whatever_o change_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v occasion_v very_o different_a administration_n in_o his_o providence_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o never_o change_v whereas_o shall_v god_n always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n however_o he_o change_v and_o alter_v god_n must_v change_v and_o alter_v too_o because_o though_o he_o still_o love_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o he_o must_v love_v for_o different_a or_o contrary_a reason_n or_o for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o much_o great_a change_n of_o the_o two_o to_o alter_v the_o reason_n than_o the_o object_n of_o love_n if_o god_n love_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o continue_v to_o love_v he_o when_o he_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n the_o author_n admit_v a_o immutable_a love_n in_o god_n towards_o goodness_n answer_n answer_n but_o the_o scripture_n assert_v a_o immutable_a love_n in_o god_n towards_o person_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n eph._n 1.4_o elect_v love_n be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o immutable_a non_fw-la enim_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la ubi_fw-la orttur_fw-la nova_fw-la voluntas_fw-la nec_fw-la est_fw-la immortalis_fw-la voluntas_fw-la quae_fw-la alia_fw-la et_fw-la alia_fw-la est_fw-la a_o eternal_a choice_n must_v be_v ever_o the_o same_o and_o after_o one_o there_o can_v rise_v another_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o election_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n be_v sure_a and_o god_n foreknowledge_n which_o include_v invariable_a love_n in_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o it_o the_o book_n of_o life_n have_v all_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_a write_v in_o it_o and_o god_n love_n be_v the_o seal_n that_o confirm_v it_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v rom._n 8.30_o this_o golden_a chain_n of_o grace_n comprise_v in_o it_o certain_a individual_a person_n as_o the_o word_n who_o be_v they_o which_o fasten_v every_o link_n of_o it_o do_v evident_o import_v and_o that_o which_o hold_v all_o the_o link_n of_o it_o together_o be_v immutable_a love_n nay_o beside_o scripture_n evidence_n reason_n will_v evince_v this_o immutable_a love_n of_o the_o elect_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n of_o a_o church_n and_o without_o the_o design_n of_o a_o church_n christ_n blood_n must_v needs_o be_v shed_v irrational_o or_o upon_o a_o mere_a peradventure_o i_o say_v without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o design_n of_o a_o church_n must_v comprise_v in_o it_o those_o individual_a person_n which_o shall_v make_v up_o a_o church_n and_o undertake_v that_o they_o shall_v infallible_o believe_v and_o persevere_v till_o they_o come_v to_o heaven_n it_o must_v first_o comprise_v in_o it_o those_o individual_a person_n which_o shall_v make_v up_o a_o church_n or_o else_o it_o be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a unworthy_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o perfection_n run_v much_o after_o this_o rate_n as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v i_o design_v a_o church_n but_o i_o care_v not_o of_o who_o it_o consist_v which_o be_v much_o one_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v design_v a_o heaven_n and_o not_o what_o star_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o or_o a_o earth_n and_o not_o what_o plant_n shall_v be_v there_o all_o the_o member_n in_o man_n body_n be_v write_v in_o god_n book_n psal_n 139.16_o and_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o those_o who_o shall_v make_v up_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o so_o many_o member_n thereof_o be_v not_o certain_o design_v god_n call_v they_o by_o name_n joh._n 10.3_o your_o name_n be_v all_o down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n phil._n 4.3_o to_o design_v a_o church_n and_o not_o who_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o thing_n for_o the_o alwise_a deity_n again_o the_o design_n of_o a_o church_n must_v undertake_v that_o those_o individual_a person_n shall_v believe_v and_o persevere_v unless_o this_o be_v grant_v the_o design_n of_o a_o church_n must_v be_v frame_v thus_o god_n give_v a_o saviour_n and_o a_o gospel_n in_o common_a and_o over_o and_o above_o a_o power_n to_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o persevere_v and_o so_o though_o the_o issue_n hang_v upon_o man_n will_n hope_n for_o a_o church_n but_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v not_o to_o design_v a_o church_n but_o the_o possibility_n of_o one_o there_o may_v be_v one_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v and_o there_o may_v be_v none_o and_o be_v this_o like_a that_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v perfect_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a design_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o be_v it_o probable_a upon_o these_o term_n that_o any_o shall_v believe_v and_o persevere_v innocent_a adam_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o soon_o be_v that_o star_n shoot_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o stand_v in_o his_o integrity_n than_o any_o man_n since_o upon_o those_o term_n have_v be_v to_o believe_v and_o persevere_v the_o disparity_n clear_v it_o the_o divine_a principle_n in_o adam_n sweet_o incline_v he_o to_o obedience_n but_o the_o power_n of_o believe_v in_o man_n do_v not_o incline_v but_o only_o put_v the_o will_n in_o aequilibrio_fw-la the_o divine_a principle_n in_o adam_n be_v pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n but_o the_o power_n of_o believe_v have_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n where_o it_o dwell_v a_o inmate_n of_o corruption_n which_o continual_o counter-work_n it_o in_o innocency_n the_o temptation_n stand_v without_o a_o court_v the_o sense_n but_o after_o the_o fall_v it_o make_v near_a approach_n as_o have_v a_o party_n within_o ready_a to_o open_v and_o betray_v every_o faculty_n these_o thing_n consider_v methinks_v every_o one_o who_o with_o humble_a eye_n look_n on_o that_o glass_n of_o creature_n defectibility_n which_o be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o break_a piece_n of_o fall_v adam_n shall_v conclude_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o any_o one_o in_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o those_o term_n shall_v believe_v and_o persevere_v it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o proud_a thought_n for_o any_o to_o imagine_v that_o upon_o such_o great_a disparity_n he_o can_v act_v his_o part_n better_o than_o adam_n do_v and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v found_v the_o design_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o such_o improbability_n the_o first_o covenant_n in_o which_o the_o stock_n of_o grace_n