not_o therefore_o upon_o every_o lean_v of_o your_o soul_n upon_o conditional_a promise_n for_o so_o you_o may_v build_v upon_o a_o covenant_n make_v upon_o a_o work_n and_o so_o you_o and_o your_o covenant_n may_v fail_v together_o but_o when_o you_o read_v how_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n to_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n then_o consider_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o you_o but_o who_o be_v there_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n that_o can_v work_v they_o in_o you_o there_o be_v none_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o unless_o you_o have_v he_o to_o be_v in_o you_o you_o can_v have_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n wrought_v in_o you_o but_o will_v a_o poor_a soul_n say_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o all_o the_o promise_n do_v fall_v heavy_a upon_o a_o man_n and_o he_o see_v that_o they_o be_v too_o burdensome_a and_o too_o weighty_a for_o he_o he_o do_v not_o say_v here_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o here_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v it_o to_o myself_o but_o one_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n do_v forthwith_o go_v and_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v set_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o that_o so_o he_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o they_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o his_o son_n and_o that_o he_o will_v adorn_v he_o with_o his_o grace_n as_o a_o bride_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o while_o the_o soul_n do_v look_v towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o grace_n in_o he_o the_o lord_n do_v secret_o transform_v he_o into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n by_o work_v such_o qualification_n in_o he_o and_o then_o bear_v witness_n to_o that_o sanctification_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n thereby_o enlarge_a his_o soul_n with_o strong_a consolation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v accomplish_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o law_n fullfil_v in_o i_o so_o far_o as_o christ_n be_v in_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o come_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o make_v good_a those_o promise_n unto_o i_o in_o a_o right_a way_n which_o will_v have_v be_v preposterous_o apply_v before_o christ_n be_v give_v and_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o answer_n to_o the_o 5_o question_n quest_n 6._o we_o come_v now_o unto_o a_o sixth_o question_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v himself_o first_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n this_o may_v then_o be_v a_o doubt_n and_o a_o question_n in_o a_o christian_a soul_n if_o god_n give_v himself_o before_o any_o blessing_n before_o any_o promise_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o he_o give_v himself_o always_o in_o a_o promise_n if_o we_o can_v claim_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n at_o the_o first_o in_o any_o conditional_a promise_n therefore_o not_o by_o any_o condition_n in_o ourselves_o but_o as_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n from_o god_n so_o we_o claim_v all_o thing_n from_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o do_v first_o seek_v for_o he_o and_o for_o all_o thing_n in_o he_o if_o thus_o to_o what_o use_n then_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o require_v such_o and_o such_o condition_n in_o we_o do_v we_o not_o abrogate_v the_o law_n &_o make_v it_o of_o none_o effect_n and_o root_v it_o out_o from_o have_v any_o power_n over_o christian_n and_o true_o some_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v think_v it_o altogether_o bootless_a to_o bind_v christian_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o look_v at_o it_o as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o course_n now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o imputation_n usual_o reflect_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n let_v we_o confider_v therefore_o and_o inquire_v to_o what_o use_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o god_n give_v himself_o first_o unto_o his_o people_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n answ_n though_o the_o lord_n give_v himself_o free_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o his_o son_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o respect_n unto_o any_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o the_o law_n be_v of_o special_a and_o notable_a use_n unto_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n both_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v home_o unto_o god_n by_o convert_v grace_n and_o also_o to_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v observe_v that_o the_o question_n will_v arise_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n gal._n 3.16,17,18_o for_o if_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v the_o law_n which_o come_v 430_o year_n after_o it_o can_v disannul_v grace_n to_o make_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v it_o some_o say_v it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n other_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o such_o use_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o it_o but_o the_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v of_o especial_a use_n both_o unto_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a man_n first_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o belong_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n though_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v other_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n but_o will_v in_o the_o end_n final_o perish_v and_o the_o law_n be_v yet_o of_o use_n unto_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o for_o the_o elect_n it_o be_v of_o use_n unto_o they_o to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o multiply_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o aggravate_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o set_v home_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n unto_o their_o soul_n thereby_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o feel_v their_o great_a need_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o have_v despise_v thus_o the_o apostle_n answer_v in_o the_o place_n aforenamed_a the_o law_n be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n that_o they_o may_v clear_o appear_v and_o be_v aggravate_v thereby_o that_o a_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v how_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o liable_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o so_o manifold_a breach_n of_o so_o many_o commandment_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o the_o law_n give_v clear_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v it_o set_v on_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n work_v fear_n in_o the_o heart_n rom._n 8.15_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gal._n 3.24_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o schoolmaster_n drive_v his_o scholar_n through_o fear_n unto_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n either_o to_o do_v it_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o can_v to_o get_v other_o to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o so_o the_o law_n of_o god_n drive_v the_o soul_n through_o fear_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n not_o that_o it_o do_v reveal_v christ_n a_o saviour_n of_o freegrace_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o bring_v down_o under_o sense_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n will_v ready_o &_o willing_o hearken_v unto_o the_o news_n of_o christ_n a_o saviour_n for_o be_v once_o make_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o inability_n to_o redeem_v himself_o and_o unworthines_n to_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n now_o be_v the_o soul_n fit_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o be_v the_o news_n of_o christ_n beautiful_a and_o glad_a tiding_n and_o of_o this_o use_n be_v the_o law_n unto_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n before_o they_o come_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 2._o but_o of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o law_n unto_o other_o man_n first_o the_o disobedience_n of_o it_o be_v of_o use_n second_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o disobedience_n for_o if_o man_n have_v not_o know_v sin_n it_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n though_o they_o have_v commit_v sin_n but_o when_o man_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o commit_v sin_n willing_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n rom._n 1.21_o compare_v with_o 32._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o though_o they_o know_v god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o wickedness_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yet_o
his_o own_o work_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o resolve_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sort_n also_o that_o fall_n far_o short_a of_o christ_n too_o and_o yet_o go_v beyond_o all_o these_o they_o go_v beyond_o work_n and_o beyond_o this_o faith_n also_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o man_n justify_v themselves_o by_o it_o god_n do_v not_o justify_v they_o now_o this_o four_o sort_n come_v plain_o to_o see_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o he_o it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_a man_n can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_a but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n also_o be_v so_o far_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a nor_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v what_o say_v the_o soul_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o will_v say_v i_o see_v it_o be_v not_o my_o reformation_n nor_o my_o faith_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o see_v that_o now_o i_o must_v wait_v upon_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v and_o unto_o he_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o help_v be_v not_o this_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n true_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n many_o time_n bring_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n unto_o but_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o there_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o do_v they_o good_a for_o i_o will_v examine_v again_o how_o come_v thou_o to_o wait_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o have_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o thy_o former_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v be_v force_v and_o have_v see_v a_o necessity_n to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n for_o faith_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o believe_v force_n of_o argument_n have_v constrain_v thou_o thus_o far_o if_o thou_o have_v take_v up_o a_o course_n of_o wait_v only_o upon_o this_o ground_n here_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o old_a adam_n still_o keep_v alive_a in_o thou_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o seek_v and_o wait_v upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v promise_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v any_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o he_o but_o a_o soul_n will_v say_v have_v not_o the_o lord_n make_v gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o he_o have_v he_o not_o say_v that_o all_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o wait_n for_o he_o isa_n 30.18_o and_o be_o not_o i_o wrap_v up_o hereby_o in_o a_o bundle_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n mind_v you_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v &_o seek_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n who_o be_v drive_v to_o it_o have_v take_v it_o up_o by_o their_o own_o resolution_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o that_o wait_v for_o and_o seek_v the_o lord_n aright_o be_v drive_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o ever_o the_o lord_n mean_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v rend_v as_o it_o be_v the_o caule_v from_o the_o heart_n i_o mean_v he_o will_v pluck_v away_o all_o the_o confidence_n you_o have_v build_v upon_o a_o as_o man_n will_v rend_v the_o entrails_n of_o a_o beast_n from_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o flat_a denial_n of_o yourselves_o and_o that_o you_o have_v neither_o good_a will_n nor_o deed_n as_o of_o yourselves_o and_o you_o will_v find_v you_o know_v not_o what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o you_o but_o this_o you_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v most_o righteous_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v as_o a_o comforter_n he_o will_v in_o this_o manner_n convince_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v heretofore_o hang_v upon_o his_o reformation_n for_o hope_n &_o comfort_n but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v plain_o to_o see_v and_o flat_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n in_o he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v unto_o his_o own_o excellency_n now_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o far_o bring_v on_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o judgement_n but_o in_o his_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o david_n sometime_o do_v if_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o i_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v unto_o i_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o i_o this_o only_a the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o support_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o for_o i_o that_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o if_o he_o show_v i_o no_o mercy_n he_o be_v just_a if_o he_o be_v gracious_a i_o shall_v live_v to_o praise_v he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n will_n be_v thus_o subdue_v that_o he_o have_v no_o will_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v true_a brokennesse_n of_o heart_n when_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n but_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v break_v the_o soul_n be_v thus_o convince_v that_o neither_o his_o work_n nor_o believe_v nor_o wait_a nor_o seek_v as_o of_o himself_o will_v do_v he_o any_o good_a there_o be_v no_o mercy_n that_o he_o can_v challenge_v for_o any_o goodness_n sake_n of_o his_o own_o then_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o declaration_n of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o pant_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o nor_o in_o the_o earth_n beside_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v take_v possession_n before_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26,27_o he_o alone_o must_v help_v we_o and_o no_o other_o finis_fw-la certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodation_n and_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a &_o congregationall_a church_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n to_o who_o the_o author_n himself_o send_v they_o over_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o john_n allen_n and_o francis_n eglesfield_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1654._o certain_a query_n tend_v to_o the_o mutual_a accommodation_n &_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n deliver_v in_o 11_o proposition_n &_o humble_o present_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o according_a to_o god_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n the_o 1._o query_n whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n subject_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n preach_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o overgrow_v with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o such_o church_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n at_o least_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o sit_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o for_o the_o form_n they_o do_v agree_v together_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n in_o attend_v due_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impli_v a_o real_a and_o visible_a though_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n requisite_a to_o church-estate_n object_n the_o parish-church_n in_o england_n be_v antichristian_a if_o not_o in_o their_o first_o institution_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_v never_o since_o unchurch_v nor_o new_o mould_v out_o of_o their_o anchristian_a apostasy_n answ_n 1._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v in_o england_n ten_o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o rome_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o gildas_n and_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o baronius_n also_o annal._n anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 35.5_o &_o 45.1_o and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o doubtless_o do_v at_o first_o institute_v church_n not_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o rome_n which_o then_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o neither_o be_v they_o unchurch_v by_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n which_o afterward_o grow_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o leprosy_n but_o be_v only_o corrupt_v and_o pollute_v even_o
deliver_v unto_o we_o another_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n that_o faith_n be_v give_v we_o use_v 3_o this_o may_v also_o teach_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v a_o gracious_a respect_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o not_o forthwith_o to_o condemn_v they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o god_n do_v not_o call_v any_o into_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o ordinary_o he_o first_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o door_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o of_o burn_v and_o then_o bring_v they_o in_o by_o the_o true_a door_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o door_n joh._n 10.9_o though_o the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v bear_v under_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o elect_a seed_n they_o will_v choose_v life_n by_o their_o work_n and_o so_o fall_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n gal._n 4.24_o to_o 30._o so_o will_v professor_n also_o gal._n 4.21_o yea_o the_o elect_a themselves_o before_o their_o effectual_a call_v will_v seek_v life_n by_o their_o work_n hence_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n may_v belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o pray_v for_o they_o therefore_o paul_n be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n steven_n pray_v for_o he_o and_o as_o most_o conceive_v that_o prayer_n be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o conversion_n and_o paul_n be_v as_o dear_a unto_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n as_o steven_n himself_o be_v and_o thus_o paul_n himself_o speak_v of_o onesimus_n he_o therefore_o depart_v for_o a_o season_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v for_o ever_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o man_n under_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o lord_n may_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o home_o unto_o himself_o by_o dash_v all_o his_o work_n in_o piece_n and_o show_v he_o the_o presidence_n of_o his_o spirit_n though_o the_o lord_n have_v melt_v he_o former_o in_o his_o prayer_n and_o preach_n and_o hear_v and_o sacrament_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a yet_o the_o lord_n will_v discover_v that_o he_o be_v but_o harden_v by_o it_o into_o another_o lump_n of_o pride_n against_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v also_o pluck_v away_o the_o cawl_n from_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o they_o will_v have_v none_o in_o heaven_n but_o christ_n nor_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o then_o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v they_o of_o this_o sin_n above_o all_o their_o other_o sin_n that_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o therefore_o censure_v any_o such_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n for_o if_o the_o lord_n make_v they_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o spirit_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o holy_a reverence_n and_o fear_n these_o have_v now_o receive_v some_o secret_a smoke_a affection_n beside_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o quench_v use_v 4._o it_o may_v serve_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o clear_v up_o our_o judgement_n in_o sundry_a passage_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o answer_n unto_o these_o 6_o question_n follow_v quest_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o first_o gift_n that_o ever_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o his_o elect_n answ_n first_o of_o all_o he_o give_v himself_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v lay_v save_v qualification_n in_o the_o foundation_n before_o these_o the_o foundation_n will_v lie_v uneasy_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a shall_v not_o lie_v long_o in_o peace_n christ_n must_v therefore_o be_v first_o and_o with_o he_o faith_n to_o receive_v he_o first_o he_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o and_o he_o come_v in_o with_o faith_n and_o fear_n that_o we_o never_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o he_o give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o he_o he_o give_v we_o in_o he_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o our_o justification_n and_o in_o he_o some_o degree_n of_o glory_n also_o and_o in_o he_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n no_o other_o foundation_n but_o he_o take_v he_o first_o for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n give_v he_o take_v we_o by_o give_v we_o faith_n and_o we_o take_v he_o by_o exercise_v our_o faith_n on_o he_o object_n but_o whether_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o some_o save_a preparation_n before_o jesus_n christ_n for_o there_o be_v those_o that_o be_v gracious_a saint_n that_o have_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v some_o gracious_a qualification_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o prepare_v for_o jesus_n christ_n answ_n there_o be_v save_a grace_n which_o do_v sanctify_v we_o unto_o god_n our_o father_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v make_v way_n for_o jesus_n christ_n there_o prove_v a_o difference_n but_o you_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v any_o save_a qualification_n before_o christ_n than_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a unto_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v but_o only_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o name_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o fellowship_n with_o he_o than_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o save_v work_n there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o there_o before_o christ_n be_v there_o it_o be_v true_a john_n baptist_n be_v send_v to_o subdue_v all_o flesh_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a which_o burn_v up_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v their_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o it_o and_o all_o their_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n here_o be_v indeed_o preparation_n for_o christ_n but_o these_o be_v not_o save_v they_o be_v still_o child_n of_o wrath_n you_o serpent_n you_o generation_n of_o viper_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o john_n do_v indeed_o dispense_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o yet_o though_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o yet_o the_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v there_o unto_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o also_o whether_o they_o know_v it_o or_o know_v it_o not_o that_o be_v not_o great_o material_a in_o this_o argument_n but_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v there_o jesus_n christ_n be_v there_o first_o otherwise_o it_o will_v prove_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o save_a preparation_n before_o consolation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o gracious_a union_n with_o he_o but_o for_o our_o first_o union_n there_o be_v no_o step_n unto_o the_o altar_n exod._n 20._o last_o but_o christ_n do_v prepare_v his_o tabernacle_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o this_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o instruction_n concern_v what_o be_v the_o first_o gift_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n before_o any_o work_n or_o promise_n he_o give_v save_v communion_n in_o spiritual_a union_n with_o his_o son_n this_o stand_v firm_a from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n and_o therewith_o give_v we_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o save_v qualification_n and_o condition_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n quest_n 2._o in_o what_o order_n the_o lord_n give_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o whether_o faith_n before_o they_o or_o those_o blessing_n before_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v they_o answ_n he_o do_v give_v himself_o in_o work_v faith_n before_o faith_n can_v be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o faith_n do_v receive_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o do_v also_o receive_v adoption_n and_o justification_n but_o to_o be_v able_a actual_o to_o apply_v it_o our_o first_o birth_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o for_o a_o man_n be_v as_o passive_a in_o his_o regeneration_n as_o in_o his_o first_o generation_n only_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o his_o spirit_n that_o do_v unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n together_o with_o adoption_n and_o justification_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v we_o be_v justify_v
to_o engraph_v we_o into_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o nature_n why_o wherein_o be_v it_o so_o contrary_a i_o answer_v whereas_o nature_n be_v active_a for_o itself_o now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whereas_o a_o soul_n have_v be_v stir_v and_o busy_a in_o his_o own_o strength_n at_o length_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v shed_v abroad_o into_o the_o soul_n do_v burn_v up_o root_n and_o branch_n not_o only_o the_o root_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n but_o all_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o root_n of_o the_o wild_a olive_n by_o which_o we_o be_v fat_a and_o lively_a to_o all_o spiritual_a work_n in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n so_o that_o we_o work_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o cut_v we_o quite_o down_o and_o make_v we_o to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o good_a thought_n as_o of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o lord_n be_v wonderful_o gracious_a unto_o we_o we_o can_v be_v save_v till_o it_o come_v unto_o this_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v work_v powerful_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o burn_v up_o their_o root_n and_o branch_n and_o this_o a_o spirit_n of_o burn_a may_v do_v and_o yet_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v and_o such_o as_o many_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v in_o and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v save_v fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o as_o this_o be_v one_o arm_n of_o god_n stretch_v forth_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n when_o he_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n burn_v towards_o christ_n so_o 2_o there_o be_v a_o further_a work_n of_o god_n in_o draw_v we_o home_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o to_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o reach_v beyond_o all_o the_o former_a work_n he_o have_v cut_v we_o off_o from_o ourselves_o and_o now_o we_o stand_v in_o a_o state_n quite_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o if_o any_o save_a work_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o nature_n if_o any_o thing_n fall_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n to_o bring_v his_o will_n to_o this_o pass_n to_o lie_v down_o at_o god_n foot_n that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n call_v he_o unto_o he_o be_v willing_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v he_o will_v run_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o now_o he_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o to_o believe_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o he_o as_o to_o build_v a_o world_n why_o then_o bid_v he_o wait_v wait_v say_v he_o i_o but_o i_o can_v wait_v and_o if_o i_o seek_v the_o lord_n i_o can_v find_v he_o and_o i_o see_v other_o of_o god_n servant_n wrought_v upon_o gracious_o but_o dead-hearted_n i_o nothing_o will_v work_v upon_o i_o now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o make_v it_o there_o to_o stay_v and_o there_o to_o lie_v down_o and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v draw_v yet_o near_o and_o near_o unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v carry_v a_o end_n by_o he_o to_o take_v all_o from_o he_o &_o to_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o he_o this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v give_v a_o man_n a_o sonlike_a frame_n to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o his_o father_n will_n like_v unto_o the_o prodigal_a son_n luke_n 15.17,18,19_o who_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o see_v how_o unable_a he_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o himself_o and_o how_o unworthy_a he_o be_v that_o his_o father_n shall_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o he_o come_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o father_n for_o he_o be_v unable_a and_o unworthy_a of_o any_o mercy_n now_o this_o stoop_v of_o the_o heart_n unto_o god_n and_o yield_v unto_o he_o to_o do_v with_o we_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n be_v such_o a_o prostration_n of_o the_o heart_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o now_o a_o man_n be_v lead_v unto_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o none_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o that_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o and_o now_o a_o man_n wait_v upon_o christ_n to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o he_o and_o though_o he_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o wait_v yet_o he_o do_v wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v help_v of_o god_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o thus_o he_o receive_v all_o from_o christ_n and_o give_v all_o unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o father_n draw_v of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expound_v to_o be_v the_o hear_n and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n of_o which_o john_n speak_v ch_n 6.45_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o which_o be_v when_o the_o lord_n have_v draw_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n legal_a reformation_n pretence_n of_o faith_n and_o wait_v upon_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v want_v then_o when_o the_o soul_n do_v lie_v at_o his_o foot_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n subject_n unto_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v desire_v and_o therefore_o now_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o content_a or_o bless_v himself_o in_o any_o gift_n or_o work_n of_o his_o own_o but_o yield_v himself_o humble_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o work_v in_o he_o both_o will_n and_o deed_n of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o to_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o seek_v and_o wait_v and_o believe_v and_o long_o after_o jesus_n christ_n these_o thing_n he_o wait_v for_o otherwise_o until_o he_o be_v thus_o teach_v of_o god_n the_o soul_n will_v always_o think_v that_o he_o can_v do_v something_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o come_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o utter_v denial_n of_o himself_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v unto_o christ_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o even_o all_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o good_a work_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o man_n be_v never_o utter_o deny_v until_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v of_o which_o a_o man_n can_v say_v this_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v or_o this_o be_v a_o hopeful_a thing_n in_o i_o and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n then_o will_v the_o soul_n lie_v down_o at_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o show_v he_o mercy_n just_a and_o righteous_a be_v his_o judgement_n now_o when_o the_o soul_n and_o will_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v convince_v of_o these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o his_o judgement_n that_o now_o he_o wait_v upon_o christ_n as_o well_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o wait_v and_o seek_v the_o lord_n as_o he_o do_v for_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n from_o the_o lord_n he_o wait_v now_o upon_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o poor_a spirit_n and_o can_v perk_v up_o himself_o no_o more_o than_o a_o bruise_a reed_n can_v do_v thus_o when_o it_o come_v unto_o save_v work_n the_o will_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v so_o cast_v down_o that_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o himself_o but_o there_o he_o lie_v to_o see_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v with_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v reach_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o salvation_n unto_o he_o or_o no._n in_o this_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v leave_v utter_o void_a and_o have_v in_o himself_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n but_o see_v how_o unable_a he_o be_v in_o himself_o to_o believe_v or_o wait_v nor_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o portion_n and_o now_o do_v the_o lord_n take_v possession_n and_o fill_v the_o empty_a soul_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o spirit_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v it_o thus_o to_o stoop_v unto_o christ_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o convey_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n in_o some_o word_n of_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o show_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n something_a or_o other_o be_v declare_v of_o christ_n this_o word_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n in_o some_o spiritual_a