over_o man_n in_o his_o sin_v state_n where_o all_o have_v sin_v away_o their_o mercy_n to_o exercise_v justice_n and_o mercy_n on_o who_o he_o please_v not_o from_o his_o eternal_a will_n without_o relation_n to_o sin_n and_o obstinacy_n but_o as_o a_o punishment_n of_o former_a rebellion_n which_o in_o justice_n he_o may_v exercise_v on_o many_o who_o probable_o he_o will_v make_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n to_o understand_v it_o otherwise_o viz._n that_o god_n will_v damn_v who_o he_o please_v from_o his_o own_o will_n and_o power_n and_o save_o who_o he_o will_v from_o his_o own_o will_n and_o power_n let_v man_n believe_v and_o obey_v do_v what_o they_o will_v or_o can_v it_o be_v all_o nothing_o but_o he_o will_v after_o all_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o from_o his_o power_n in_o his_o eternal_a will_n have_v prepare_v some_o to_o honour_n and_o some_o to_o dishonour_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o sin_n or_o obedience_n this_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o contradict_v his_o general_a grace_n to_o man_n and_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o gospel_n grace_n which_o promise_v life_n to_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o indeed_o must_v put_v all_o to_o a_o loss_n for_o no_o man_n on_o earth_n can_v conclude_v from_o this_o principle_n but_o that_o after_o all_o his_o willing_a run_v believe_v repent_v obey_v watch_v and_o war_a he_o must_v leave_v all_o to_o the_o eternal_a will_n and_o power_n who_o as_o probable_o as_o not_o have_v design_v he_o a_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n from_o eternity_n if_o it_o be_v object_v i_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o special_o elect_v one_o i_o answer_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o and_o then_o you_o be_v go_v for_o ever_o if_o your_o assurance_n arise_v not_o from_o your_o be_v under_o the_o law-promise_n of_o grace_n by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o eternal_a will_n and_o power_n of_o god_n without_o relation_n to_o gospel-willing_a and_o run_v you_o destroy_v all_o gospel-assurance_n and_o gospel-comfort_n of_o christian_n if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o gospel-grace_n the_o promise_n of_o life_n by_o believe_v i_o answer_v there_o you_o shall_v be_v and_o there_o be_v your_o safety_n and_o the_o controversy_n be_v over_o whoever_o believe_v and_o obey_v to_o the_o end_n be_v a_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n though_o god_n may_v as_o before_o i_o say_v as_o a_o punishment_n for_o former_a sin_n make_v some_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o to_o show_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n make_v other_o in_o the_o same_o state_n vessel_n of_o mercy_n yet_o this_o no_o whit_n derogate_v from_o the_o freeness_n of_o gospel-grace_n nor_o shall_v discourage_v any_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v final_o and_o to_o conclude_v this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o method_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n relative_a to_o his_o election_n especial_o to_o a_o church-state_n his_o election_n in_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v to_o the_o child_n of_o promise_n from_o v._o 4._o to_o 12._o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n yet_o say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n of_o ishmael_n gal._n 4._o 29._o but_o of_o isaac_n who_o be_v a_o son_n of_o promise_n and_o so_o of_o jacob_n and_o not_o of_o esau_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o elect_v church_n be_v believer_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o elect_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v faithful_a in_o this_o relation_n shall_v obtain_v the_o glory_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v state_v as_o a_o word_n of_o encouragement_n to_o the_o gentile_a church_n of_o believer_n that_o though_o god_n have_v make_v the_o jew_n his_o elect_a church_n former_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o the_o jew_n present_v reject_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v any_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o take_v off_o this_o stumble_v he_o give_v two_o argument_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o reject_v the_o gospel_n but_o many_o believe_v v._o 6._o and_o chap._n 10._o 1_o 2._o and_o 2._o that_o god_n may_v in_o justice_n harden_v they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o though_o they_o do_v will_n and_o run_v yet_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-grace_n v._o 31_o 32._o and_o chap._n 10._o 2_o 3._o so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o take_v off_o discouragement_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n that_o may_v arise_v 1._o from_o doubt_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o gospel-grace_n to_o they_o see_v the_o jew_n be_v of_o old_a the_o only_a visible_a elect_a church_n of_o god_n and_o 2._o that_o the_o jew_n reject_v the_o gospel_n shall_v occasion_v no_o temptation_n on_o the_o gentile_n to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o also_o afterward_o to_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o insult_v over_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n for_o these_o be_v the_o temptation_n that_o the_o gentile-believer_n be_v liable_a to_o chap._n 11._o 18._o the_o four_o scripture_n be_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v answ_n the_o natural_a animal_n or_o sensual_a man_n do_v not_o can_v understand_v viz._n either_o 1._o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n that_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o gospel-light_n which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o willing_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o it_o joh._n 3._o 19_o 20._o satan_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n helping-on_a the_o blindness_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o 3._o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o where_o it_o come_v shall_v understand_v and_o believe_v it_o but_o it_o be_v those_o only_a that_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v believe_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o have_v this_o spiritual_a understanding_n 4._o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o gospel-mystery_n and_o there_o may_v and_o must_v be_v a_o growth_n in_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o after_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v proper_a only_o for_o the_o obedient_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o gospel-mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o unconverted_a person_n eph._n 1._o 15._o to_o 20._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o so_o that_o it_o suppose_v not_o any_o impossibility_n for_o the_o dark_a and_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o obtain_v light_n and_o life_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o gospel-law_n the_o 5_o scripture_n be_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v and_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v all_o from_o god_n natural_a part_n and_o ability_n christ_n the_o gospel_n and_o grace_n thereby_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o perform_v its_o term_n of_o life_n it_o be_v he_o by_o his_o gospel-grace_n that_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v or_o distinguish_v his_o church_n from_o other_o so_o that_o it_o no_o whit_n derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n the_o 6_o scripture_n be_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o or_o from_o ourselves_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a as_o of_o ourselves_o only_o we_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o christ_n and_o gospel_n grace_n we_o be_v not_o but_o by_o the_o help_v afford_v there_o be_v power_n both_o to_o will_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o disobedient_a to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o do_v and_o in_o christian_n in_o many_o case_n be_v a_o power_n to_o do_v more_o than_o they_o have_v a_o will_v to_o do_v which_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o will_v be_v their_o loss_n in_o the_o end_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 6._o and_o in_o other_o a_o will_v to_o do_v in_o some_o case_n more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 18._o and_o this_o will_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o if_o what_o be_v will_v be_v do_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 12._o the_o seven_o scripture_n be_v phil._n 2._o 13._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o
the_o new-covenant_n church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o common_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v scarce_o doubt_v of_o any_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2_o 3._o 1_o thes_n 1._o 1_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 5._o to_o 10._o 2._o there_o be_v a_o second_o and_o special_a election_n in_o the_o new-covenant_n and_o this_o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o understand_v to_o be_v two_o fold_n the_o 1._o be_v such_o or_o some_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o choose_v of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n before_o the_o world_n be_v to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n in_o the_o restauration_n and_o this_o election_n be_v from_o the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n in_o god_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o fore-seen_a faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o meritorious_a or_o deserve_a cause_n thereof_o though_o this_o election_n be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o persevere_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n as_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n and_o this_o election_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v be_v intend_v in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n eph._n 1._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o rom._n 8._o 29_o 30._o and_o we_o may_v rational_o conceive_v and_o that_o ground_o from_o the_o scripture_n something_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o choice_n or_o election_n viz._n that_o the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o restauration_n may_v be_v assure_v not_o to_o be_v in_o vain_a on_o the_o most_o special_a account_n some_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n as_o a_o sure_a and_o certain_a reward_n of_o his_o gracious_a and_o glorious_a undertake_n joh._n 6._o 39_o and_o 10._o 15_o 16._o and_o thus_o the_o prophet_n personate_n christ_n seem_v to_o reason_n isa_n 49._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o god_n answer_v that_o his_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o declare_v the_o work_n that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v by_o he_o in_o which_o this_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o election_n be_v include_v the_o special_a salvation_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v assure_v there_o 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o special_a election_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_z that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n in_o truth_n persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n be_v elect_v to_o be_v save_v and_o this_o election_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n as_o the_o first_o election_n to_o the_o church-state_n only_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v the_o first_o include_v all_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n this_o include_v all_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n and_o this_o likewise_o include_v all_o the_o special_a elect_n even_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o must_v obtain_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o way_n viz._n of_o faith_n obedience_n and_o perseverance_n matth._n 10._o 22._o of_o the_o election_n under_o this_o consideration_n viz._n of_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v declare_v in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n joh._n 6._o 40._o &_o 3._o 16._o &_o 8._o 31._o rom._n 2._o 7._o heb._n 5._o 9_o col._n 1._o 21._o 23._o rev._n 22._o 14._o and_o this_o second_o election_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n seem_v most_o to_o adhere_v unto_o both_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o because_o the_o first_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n no_o man_n know_v it_o in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o know_v who_o be_v he_o we_o know_v our_o election_n by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 10._o the_o first_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v the_o second_o that_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n seem_v rather_o to_o adhere_v to_o this_o both_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o as_o that_o wherein_o our_o assurance_n consist_v 1._o for_o himself_o he_o build_v not_o his_o assurance_n on_o special_a election_n but_o on_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 26_o 27._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o 2._o direct_v all_o other_o the_o same_o way_n viz._n to_o look_v to_o their_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n rom._n 2._o 7._o 10._o col._n 1._o 21._o 23._o heb._n 3._o 6._o to_o prove_v that_o more_o may_v be_v save_v than_o the_o first_o and_o special_a elect_n and_o gift_n to_o christ_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v from_o these_o follow_a ground_n 1._o we_o may_v not_o so_o understand_v particular_a and_o special_a election_n as_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o universal_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o all_o man_n nor_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n which_o call_v upon_o all_o and_o encourage_v all_o and_o promise_v life_n to_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v so_o understand_v election_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n as_o to_o shut_v out_o all_o beside_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o contradict_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o general_a tender_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o and_o so_o contradict_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o bless_a gospel_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n and_o be_v a_o great_a stumbling-block_n in_o the_o hopeful_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o poor_a sinner_n in_o their_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o may_v not_o so_o understand_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o be_v secret_a as_o to_o make-null_n the_o plain_a declare_v will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 3_o 4._o but_o we_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o assure_v sinner_n that_o if_o they_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n therein_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v the_o gospel_n law_n of_o grace_n and_o will_v of_o the_o lord_n mark_v 16._o 15_o 16._o mat._n 10._o 22._o 2._o because_o the_o lord_n himself_o make_v this_o distinction_n with_o suitable_a promise_n alike_o to_o both_o i._n e._n he_o allow_v a_o latitude_n beyond_o the_o first_o and_o special_a election_n or_o gift_n to_o his_o son_n with_o promise_n of_o life_n on_o the_o universal_a account_n of_o grace_n joh._n 6._o 37._o there_o be_v first_o a_o description_n of_o the_o first_o and_o special_a gift_n all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o 2._o a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o comer_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o he_o that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o come_v for_o it_o can_v right_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o that_o come_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o first_o gift_n for_o they_o shall_v come_v i._n e._n believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o be_v cast_v out_o that_o be_v give_v and_o shall_v come_v but_o to_o prevent_v a_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o gift_n the_o second_o promise_n follow_v to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o special_a gift_n no_o whit_n derogate_v from_o the_o freedom_n of_o universal_a grace_n and_o v._o 39_o 40._o more_o full_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n v._o 39_o christ_n state_n the_o first_o gift_n &_o they_o shall_v come_v this_o be_v the_o father_n will_n which_o have_v send_v i_o that_o of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o but_o shall_v raise_v it_o up_o again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o v._o 40._o declare_v the_o universal_a grace_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o every_o one_o that_o see_v the_o son_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o may_v have_v everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o agree_v full_o with_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospeli_n so_o frequent_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 3._o 16._o matth._n 11._o 28._o isa_n 55._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 6_o 7._o rev._n 22._o 17._o 3._o suitable_a to_o this_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o book_n of_o life_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n 1._o of_o god_n foreknowledge_n and_o election_n to_o the_o special_a and_o espouse_a relation_n to_o his_o son_n heb._n 12._o 23._o rev._n 13._o 8._o and_o 17._o 8._o and_o 21._o 27._o 2._o it_o intend_v the_o gospel_n book_n of_o life_n in_o which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o life_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o all_o believer_n it_o work_v life_n and_o propound_v and_o promise_v life_n on_o the_o term_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a book_n of_o life_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o proper_o belong_v
unite_v 3_o it_o inform_v we_o how_o great_o it_o concern_v all_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o extreme_n in_o our_o notion_n and_o principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n many_o miscarriage_n among_o christian_n come_v in_o by_o extreme_n when_o a_o error_n be_v apprehendded_a on_o one_o hand_n we_o ordinary_o run_v into_o another_o on_o the_o other_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o and_o often_o it_o prove_v as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o other_o and_o this_o tend_v to_o harden_v and_o divide_v rather_o than_o to_o cure_v for_o instance_n the_o protestant_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o popish_a meritorious_a work_n run_v themselves_o too_o much_o in_o both_o principle_n and_o practice_n beyond_o almost_o all_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o because_o some_o lie_v low_a in_o christianity_n more_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o form_n than_o in_o the_o power_n thereof_o other_o to_o cure_v this_o from_o supposition_n of_o obtain_v the_o power_n throw_v away_o christ_n and_o christianity_n itself_o other_o to_o beware_v of_o formality_n in_o prayer_n will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o without_o some_o special_a impulse_n there-unto_a so_o suppose_v to_o gain_v the_o power_n lose_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o ordinary_o the_o power_n with_o it_o and_o other_o into_o those_o various_a extreme_n in_o their_o notion_n about_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v on_o about_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n but_o certain_o extreme_n will_v prove_v bad_a cure_n in_o the_o end_n our_o great_a concern_v be_v to_o study_v truth_n and_o unity_n not_o extreme_n and_o division_n unity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o to_o dread_a extreme_n especial_o such_o as_o do_v tend_v to_o division_n object_n yourself_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n and_o have_v sometime_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n than_o now_o about_o those_o thing_n you_o have_v now_o discourse_v on_o answ_n i_o easy_o grant_v it_o and_o can_v deny_v it_o nor_o dare_v i_o say_v that_o yet_o i_o be_o free_a from_o all_o extreme_n in_o my_o understanding_n and_o shall_v hearty_o rejoice_v to_o see_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v free_a from_o all_o extreme_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n hereof_o and_o design_v a_o freedom_n here_o from_o and_o learn_v to_o pity_v each_o other_o and_o above_o all_o look_v that_o we_o make_v not_o our_o extreme_n in_o principle_n and_o opinion_n ground_n of_o breach_n and_o separation_n in_o love_n and_o affection_n 4thly_a if_o god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o as_o indeed_o he_o be_v and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v save_v it_o inform_v we_o then_o how_o great_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o seek_v the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o all_o to_o exhort_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o to_o 6._o and_o not_o to_o lay_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o any_o see_v god_n have_v lay_v none_o but_o rather_o to_o be_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n isa_n 57_o 14_o and_o 62._o 10._o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a stumble_n block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v the_o salvation_n of_o but_o very_o few_o it_o may_v be_v not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o nay_o not_o probable_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n one_o in_o ten_o thousand_o a_o great_a block_n be_v this_o in_o the_o hopeful_a way_n of_o salvation_n of_o poor_a sinner_n and_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o so_o few_o be_v like_a to_o be_v save_v yet_o if_o this_o block_n be_v remove_v the_o fault_n will_v rest_v in_o themselves_o and_o not_o on_o god_n therefore_o i_o say_v let_v there_o be_v no_o principle_n own_v nor_o doctrine_n publish_v nor_o any_o thing_n practise_v in_o the_o conversation_n that_o may_v prove_v just_o stumble_v either_o to_o saint_n or_o sinner_n that_o sinner_n be_v not_o thereby_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o truth_n nor_o the_o lame_a turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n heb_fw-mi 12._o 13._o it_o likewise_o great_o concern_v we_o to_o remove_v those_o block_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o to_o prefer_v the_o great_a and_o good_a design_n of_o salvation_n if_o by_o our_o meat_n we_o may_v not_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14._o 15_o 20._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v heedful_a we_o do_v it_o not_o by_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o bad_a walking_n whatever_a tend_v to_o destroy_v man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o beneath_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o peace_n and_o that_o spirit_n that_o stir_v up_o contention_n division_n enmity_n persecution_n war_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o tend_v to_o hinder_v the_o common_a salvation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o from_o the_o devil_n under_o what_o specious_a pretence_n for_o religion_n soev_a it_o appear_v rom._n 6._o 16_o 17_o 18._o jam._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 5thly_a it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o either_o 1._o own_v no_o holy_a spirit_n at_o all_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o name_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a or_o 2._o such_o who_o own_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o will_v allow_v he_o no_o special_a work_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o building_n up_o of_o saint_n but_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o averse_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n 3._o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o own_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o in_o word_n only_o and_o deny_v he_o indeed_o both_o in_o word_n and_o in_o work_n 1._o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o own_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o do_v all_o without_o he_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n lust_n and_o will_n and_o blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v he_o in_o other_o 2._o those_o who_o pretend_v much_o for_o the_o spirit_n but_o will_v none_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o work_v it_o be_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whoever_o oppose_v that_o can_v have_v the_o spirit_n thereof_o and_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o his._n six_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o mistake_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o in_o their_o notion_n carry_v all_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o gospel-ministration_n be_v carry_v all_o out_o of_o sight_n of_o man_n so_o as_o design_o to_o lose_v they_o therein_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a eph._n 3._o 3_o 5._o so_o that_o now_o if_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o otherwise_a man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o open_a sight_n and_o understanding_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o vailedness_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o man_n perish_v that_o be_v a_o open_a light_n glorious_o shine_v forth_o in_o view_n of_o all_o the_o contrary_a notion_n tend_v to_o cast_v a_o cloud_n on_o the_o revelation_n thereof_o and_o do_v open-wrong_n thereto_a and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o its_o true_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o sensitive_a lust_n and_o the_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o any_o fall_n so_o in_o love_n therewith_o as_o to_o believe_v unto_o life_n without_o a_o measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v suit_v to_o man_n understanding_n else_o the_o conscience_n can_v accuse_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o what_o it_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v understand_v use_v 2d_o of_o exhortation_n 2d_o and_o to_o conclude_v o_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o we_o all_o 1._o to_o study_v more_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o may_v not_o narrow_a this_o large_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n according_a to_o our_o own_o narrow_a mind_n but_o own_o it_o and_o promote_v it_o for_o
the_o good_a of_o all_o yea_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n according_a to_o the_o design_n thereof_o without_o it_o we_o can_v hearty_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o but_o must_v have_v restriction_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o a_o few_o yea_o a_o very_a few_o nor_o 2._o can_v we_o according_a to_o scripture_n exhortation_n pray_v for_o all_o which_o be_v a_o commanded-duty_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o on_o weighty_a ground_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n five_o 3._o 2._o because_o he_o will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v save_v v._o 4._o because_o jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o v._o 6._o these_o be_v weighty_a ground_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v thus_o pray_v who_o limit_v the_o design_n of_o salvation_n to_o so_o few_o 2_o let_v we_o own_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v for_o it_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n thereof_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o minister_n the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o great_a help_n to_o gospel-faith_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o leave_v not_o out_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o you_o do_v you_o leave_v out_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n thereof_o you_o can_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v your_o ministry_n nor_o praise_n god_n for_o what_o be_v wrought_v in_o and_o by_o you_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v humble_a therefore_o and_o give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n 3_o study_v thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n away_o with_o the_o proud_a spirit_n of_o contention_n and_o division_n and_o put_v on_o the_o gospel-spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n love_n all_o as_o christian_n in_o who_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v manifest_a though_o they_o differ_v from_o you_o in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o weighty_a concern_v for_o such_o i_o take_v to_o be_v good_a christian_n who_o believe_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understanding_n though_o among_o such_o may_v be_v differ_v apprehension_n in_o many_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o prosecute_v any_o further_o because_o i_o have_v annex_v here-unto_a a_o essay_n for_o more_o of_o gospel-love_n and_o peace_n among_o all_o true_a christian_n four_o exhortation_n be_v 1._o to_o sinner_n to_o accept_v of_o gospel-grace_n and_o life_n by_o jesus_n it_o be_v free_o tender_v and_o you_o may_v have_v it_o on_o the_o holy_a honourable-term_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o you_o will_n he_o do_v not_o only_o die_v for_o you_o but_o cry_v to_o you_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a come_v to_o i_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_v let_v he_o come_v to_o i_o and_o drink_v whoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v let_v he_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o shall_v live_v o_o let_v not_o your_o lust_n and_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o the_o world_n retain_v you_o any_o long_o from_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o know_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o you_o want_v of_o power_n no_o no_o it_o be_v want_n of_o will_n the_o averseness_n of_o your_o own_o will_n that_o will_v prove_v your_o ruin_n joh_n 5_o 40._o the_o power_n shall_v not_o be_v want_v if_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n there_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v nothing_o want_v on_o god_n part_n for_o your_o good_a o_o be_v not_o like_o the_o fool_n that_o have_v a_o price_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o get_v wisdom_n but_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o reject_v or_o neglect_v this_o great_a salvation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o your_o own_o condemnation_n 2d_o exhortation_n be_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o welldoing_a remember_v it_o be_v sincerity_n and_o perseverance_n that_o shall_v wear_v the_o crown_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o a_o vnbelieve_a heart_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o sin_n let_v not_o your_o lust_n and_o the_o world_n captivate_v you_o rom_n 6._o 16._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n of_o pride_n of_o oppression_n of_o malice_n envy_n and_o evil-speakings_a abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n and_o know_v that_o you_o may_v be_v in_o the_o holy-profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o unholy_a heart_n and_o unholy_a life_n and_o so_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o must_v die_v notwithstanding_o your_o holy-profession_n rom_n 8._o 13._o and_o look_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o assist_v preserve_a grace_n who_o will_v keep_v you_o through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n but_o do_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v you_o may_v deceive_v yourselves_o jam._n 1._o 22._o but_o you_o can_v deceive_v god_n therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v yestedfast_a unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor_fw-la 15._o 58._o finis_fw-la a_o healing_n word_n or_o a_o humble_a hearty_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n and_o all_o man_n humble_o present_v for_o common_a use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o true_a lover_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n write_a by_o thomas_n collier_n zach._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n prov._n 12._o 20._o deceit_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o imagine_v evil_a but_o to_o the_o counsellor_n of_o peace_n be_v joy_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1676._o the_o preface_n or_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n have_v observe_v to_o my_o grief_n the_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n notwithstanding_o we_o have_v all_o ground_n to_o fear_n that_o we_o be_v all_o in_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a be_v but_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mystical_a babylon_n and_o apostasy_n and_o what_o person_n or_o church_n can_v say_v they_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n deliver_v from_o the_o desilement_n of_o that_o estate_n but_o rather_o be_v travel_v from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n and_o o_o that_o we_o can_v go_v together_o in_o more_o unity_n go_v and_o weep_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o our_o face_n thither-ward_n jer._n 50._o 4_o 5._o not_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o because_o all_o have_v not_o attain_v alike_o apprehension_n in_o and_o about_o the_o way_n some_o think_v they_o have_v get_v a_o step_n beyond_o their_o fellow_n and_o hence_o they_o despise_v or_o too_o much_o undervalue_v those_o they_o think_v to_o come_v short_a of_o they_o and_o those_o who_o may_v probable_o come_v short_a of_o other_o in_o some_o principle_n of_o truth_n judge_v those_o who_o it_o may_v be_v be_v get_v beyond_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o christian_n have_v sin_v much_o in_o their_o contesting_n reproaching_n judge_n dividing_n and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n the_o scripture_n warrant_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o babylon_n i_o have_v here_o endeavonr_v to_o put_v my_o poor_a helping-hand_n for_o heal_v if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o wound_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o breach_n and_o controversy_n of_o zion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o o_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o healing_n use_v and_o as_o a_o medicine_n fit_o apply_v it_o be_v not_o a_o scriptureless_a peace_n i_o plead_v for_o but_o a_o just_a and_o lawful_a peace_n a_o christian_a peace_n not_o to_o throw_v church_n into_o confusion_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o confound_v each_o other_o that_o they_o may_v not_o bite_v and_o devour_v each_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o special_a thing_n in_o use_n at_o this_o day_n on_o which_o separation_n among_o church_n and_o christian_n be_v build_v my_o reason_n herein_a be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o provoke_v but_o to_o moderate_v that_o so_o my_o design_a end_n herein_o may_v be_v accomplish_v viz._n that_o those_o who_o break_v on_o those_o ground_n may_v at_o least_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o weight_n that_o sway_n with_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n with_o those_o who_o can_v act_v in_o something_n as_o they_o do_v which_o may_v tend_v to_o moderate_v their_o spirit_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o may_v come_v to_o see_v more_o cause_n to_o learn_v to_o bear_v with_o and_o forbear_v their_o brethren_n in_o love_n that_o if_o their_o
faith_n continue_v in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v have_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o impose_v it_o on_o their_o brethren_n on_o term_n of_o separation_n i_o hope_v the_o sober-spirited_n will_v come_v to_o see_v the_o little_a ground_n they_o have_v to_o make_v breach_n with_o their_o brethren_n about_o these_o matter_n i_o hearty_o desire_v it_o may_v prove_v a_o healing-word_n to_o all_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o burn_a bush_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o consume_v i_o shall_v here_o give_v no_o further_o account_v of_o the_o matter_n or_o method_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n it_o be_v very_o brief_a and_o have_v wait_v a_o opportunity_n of_o come_v into_o public_a for_o some_o year_n but_o for_o some_o reason_n have_v lie_v in_o silence_n till_o this_o time_n hope_v that_o the_o precede_a discourse_n may_v tend_v to_o add_v something_o to_o this_o essay_n for_o peace_n i_o commit_v it_o all_o to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n pray_v his_o blessing_n of_o peace_n may_v attend_v it_o to_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o peace_n amen_n t._n c._n a_o healing_n word_n or_o a_o humble_a hearty_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n for_o peace_n and_o unity_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n of_o the_o ground_n and_o bound_n of_o church-communion_n my_o method_n in_o that_o which_o follow_v shall_v be_v 1._o to_o state_n the_o ground_n and_o so_o the_o bound_n of_o church-communion_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o ground_n of_o churchfellowship_n or_o those_o principle_n on_o which_o the_o church_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ground_n and_o bind_v their_o communion_n be_v most_o clear_o state_v in_o eph._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o reason_n why_o i_o especial_o fix_v on_o this_o scripture_n be_v because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v state_v not_o only_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o engage_v to_o the_o unity_n exhort_v to_o vers_n 3._o but_o be_v likewise_o a_o description_n wherein_o this_o unity_n do_v consist_v 1._o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v one_o body_n i._n e._n one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o who_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o lawful_a head_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o which_o church_n contain_v all_o true_a believer_n in_o all_o nation_n this_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n though_o in_o this_o church_n as_o thus_o consider_v some_o may_v miscarry_v and_o by_o their_o own_o default_n come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n promise_v this_o universal_a church_n be_v thus_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n last_o mention_v and_o in_o vers_n 27_o and_o in_o eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o col._n 1._o 18._o though_o this_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o many_o church_n and_o be_v in_o many_o nation_n and_o it_o may_v be_v through_o ignorance_n pride_n frowardness_n and_o misguided-zeal_n separate_v into_o more_o church_n than_o need_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o part_n thereof_o in_o babylon_n still_o rev._n 18._o 4._o and_o other_o build_v tabernacle_n before_o they_o be_v half_a way_n out_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n the_o head_n there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a universal_a gospel-church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v i_o do_v profess_v myself_o a_o member_n and_o this_o church_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n walk_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o lord_n hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o all_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o for_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o faith_n wherein_o the_o church_n unity_n consist_v it_o here_o follow_v 1._o in_o one_o spirit_n there_o be_v one_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v one_o holy_a spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n by_o which_o this_o one_o body_n the_o church_n be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o joh._n 3._o 3_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o 6._o 17._o 2_o all_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v that_o be_v all_o hope_n for_o one_o thing_n to_o wit_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n rom._n 5._o 2._o tit._n 1._o 2._o ch._n 3._o 7._o and_o in_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 16._o it_o be_v call_v good_a hope_n through_o grace_n in_o which_o hope_n it_o behoove_v they_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o steadfast_a to_o the_o end_n 1_o pet_n 1._o 13._o 3_o one_o lord_n that_o be_v one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o this_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o and_o 12._o 13._o who_o purchase_v it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n act._n 20._o 28._o and_o to_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o her_o lawful_a head_n and_o lord._n eph._n 5._o 24._o 4thly_a one_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o one_o faith_n of_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v principled_a in_o and_o include_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n with_o a_o suitable_a walk_v thereunto_o 5thly_a one_o baptism_n that_o be_v either_o 1._o one_o of_o a_o kind_n one_o of_o water_n one_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o one_o of_o affliction_n or_o 2._o one_o of_o water_n unto_o regeneration_n act._n 22._o 16._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 1_o joh._n 5._o 6._o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o one_o baptism_n most_o probable_o here_o intend_v 1._o because-that_a baptism_n in_o water_n be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v after_o believe_v and_o be_v always_o so_o do_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n mar._n 16._o 15_o 16._o act._n 2._o 38._o and_o 8._o 12._o 37._o and_o so_o it_o be_v state_v in_o this_o place_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n 2_o because_o the_o other_o baptism_n i._n e._n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o affliction_n be_v so_o call_v metaphorical_o and_o not_o proper_o proper_o waterbaptism_n be_v so_o the_o other_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o likeness_n 3_o because_o the_o baptism_n of_o affliction_n may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n for_o any_o man_n to_o throw_v himself_o into_o it_o but_o a_o duty_n when_o lawful_o call_v to_o it_o and_o esteem_v as_o a_o mercy_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o but_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n of_o water_n so_o a_o union_n herein_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o right_a church-communion_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n one_o sort_n of_o member_n â—nd_v so_o the_o body_n can_v be_v one_o in_o the_o head_n 6thly_a one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all._n now_o where_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n in_o these_o principal_a thing_n viz._n one_o spirit_n unite_n this_o one_o body_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n jesus_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o ground_n for_o church-communion_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o other_o matter_n of_o scandal_n in_o conversation_n do_v not_o just_o prevent_v eph._n 5._o 5_o to_o 12._o our_o lord_n sum_v up_o the_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o a_o narrow_a compass_n joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v which_o doubtless_o include_v the_o whole_a of_o faith_n and_o practice_n necessary_a unto_o life_n eternal_a and_o mar._n 16._o 16._o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v of_o which_o obedience_n baptism_n be_v the_o first_o and_o a_o usher_n to_o all_o other_o part_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o which_o by_o the_o gospel-law_n put_v person_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o orderly_a church-communion_n so_o that_o i_o infer_v from_o the_o premise_n that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n nothing_o shall_v prevent_v those_o that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o
it_o be_v universal_a and_o carry_v in_o it_o universal_a grace_n so_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o inconditional_a and_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v without_o any_o term_n on_o man_n part_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o on_o this_o account_n only_o need_v not_o to_o be_v doctrinal_o preach_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o man_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o its_o more_o of_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v preach_v and_o most_o of_o all_o where_o it_o be_v effectual_o believe_v and_o obey_v heb._n 5._o 9_o &_o 9_o 15._o 2._o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o common_a goodness_n to_o man_n psal_n 19_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 10._o 18._o psal_n 145._o 8_o 9_o rom._n 2._o 4._o and_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n not_o only_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o before_o i_o show_v 3._o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n among_o man_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 12._o yet_o we_o must_v own_v that_o many_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v save_v by_o that_o name_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o &_o so_o can_v not_o have_v faith_n in_o he_o for_o we_o may_v not_o suppose_v that_o any_o shall_v die_v the_o second_o death_n for_o not_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o crucify_a that_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o understand_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o teach_v under_o all_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o salvation_n by_o that_o name_n though_o unknown_a to_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v all_o other_o without_o excuse_n which_o can_v not_o be_v be_v there_o not_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o teach_v therein_o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o 2_o 1._o though_o all_o the_o save_v one_o shall_v know_v at_o that_o day_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v and_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n phil._n 2._o 10_o 11._o rev._n 5._o 13._o if_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o lamb_n slay_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n then_o doubtless_o all_o the_o save_v one_o shall_v so_o do_v 4._o if_o the_o great_a design_n of_o gospel-preaching_a to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o universal_a love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o the_o restaurationwork_n and_o to_o gather_v in_o the_o elect_n as_o the_o special_a gift_n to_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o espouse_v relation_n this_o work_n must_v be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o gospel_n must_v come_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o and_o espouse_v of_o such_o to_o his_o son_n wherever_o they_o be_v act._n 18._o 10._o and_o 16._o 6._o 10._o yet_o no_o way_n derogate_a from_o his_o general_a grace_n if_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v and_o shall_v obtain_v as_o certain_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o those_o that_o live_v under_o it_o if_o they_o believe_v and_o live_v to_o god_n suitable_a to_o the_o teach_n they_o be_v under_o though_o not_o the_o same_o for_o degree_n in_o the_o espouse_v relation_n then_o they_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o gospel-salvation_n though_o some_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o sin_n god_n be_v free_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o special_a grace_n where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n be_v send_v for_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n act_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o will_v accomplish_v his_o design_n in_o the_o world_n both_o of_o mercy_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o special_a grace_n where_o the_o gospel_n come_v it_o be_v more_o where_o its_o effectual_a to_o life_n yet_o to_o balance_v this_o grace_n where_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o some_o may_v obtain_v more_o than_o some_o that_o may_v be_v save_v under_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o god_n will_v justify_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n to_o man_n so_o as_o sufficient_o to_o leave_v the_o disobedient_a under_o all_o his_o ministration_n without_o excuse_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o complain_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n and_o to_o save_v all_o upright-hearted_n once_o under_o his_o several_a ministration_n though_o the_o special_a save_v one_o be_v such_o as_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n spirit_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n iii_o of_o election_n and_o its_o place_n and_o use_v in_o this_o wonderful_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o restauration_n and_o redemption-work_n of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o too_o in_o my_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o body_n of_o divinity_n but_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o full_a and_o plain_a election_n or_o to_o elect_v or_o choose_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o scripture_n ordinary_o import_v to_o choose_v or_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o as_o to_o the_o case_n â—n_fw-fr hand_n viz._n god_n elect_v or_o choose_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v either_o 1._o of_o a_o more_o general_a election_n or_o 2._o of_o a_o more_o special_a 1._o of_o the_o more_o general_a election_n viz._n of_o god_n choose_v a_o people_n for_o himself_o to_o be_v his_o church_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o his_o name_n in_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o other_o people_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o peculiar_a covenant-relation_n to_o he_o and_o this_o hold_v true_a in_o the_o church_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o proselyted_a gentile_n be_v the_o elect_v and_o choose_v of_o god_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o he_o make_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n to_o enter_v into_o and_o keep_v that_o covenant_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o that_o covenant-relation_n and_o this_o be_v his_o more_o general_a election_n and_o choice_n gen._n 17._o 6._o to_o 16._o deut._n 4._o 37._o and_o 7._o 6._o and_o 10._o 15._o isa_n 45._o 4._o rom._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 13._o and_o 3_o 1_o 2._o 2._o and_o among_o those_o there_o be_v a_o special_a election_n and_o choice_n of_o those_o who_o walk_v upright_o with_o god_n in_o that_o covenant_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6._o psal_n 4._o 3._o and_o 34._o 11._o 15._o and_o 37._o 18_o 19_o rom._n 9_o 27._o and_o 11._o 4._o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o general_a election_n in_o the_o gospel_n &_o that_o be_v all_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v the_o elect_a church_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v repute_v the_o new-covenant-people_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v their_o great_a concernment_n to_o be_v sincere_a to_o god_n therein_o and_o so_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o end_n and_o of_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hope_n that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o phil._n 1._o 6_o 7._o yet_o out_o of_o this_o elect_a church_n of_o christ_n its_o possible_a that_o many_o may_v fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 12._o 15._o the_o church_n thus_o consider_v as_o the_o elect_a church_n of_o god_n visible_a in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v and_o must_v understand_v in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n matth._n 28_o 19_o 20._o which_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o christ_n for_o state_v and_o constitute_v the_o gospel-church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n with_o they_o in_o their_o walk_a according_a thereunto_o and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o their_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n mark_v 16._o 15_o 16._o and_o it_o will_v be_v their_o great_a damage_n who_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o afterward_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o and_o the_o church_n and_o church_n be_v thus_o consider_v as_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o method_n of_o all_o the_o epistle_n which_o include_v all_o the_o believer_n and_o member_n as_o the_o call_v one_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n of_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o consider_v col._n 1._o 21_o 22_o 23._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 15._o heb_fw-mi 3._o 6._o and_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v
to_o we_o as_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o hide_a book_n of_o life_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o book_n of_o life_n we_o must_v understand_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o scripture_n rev._n 3._o 5._o and_o 20_o 12_o 15._o and_o 22._o 19_o all_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o gospel-book_n of_o life_n in_o which_o all_o believer_n be_v write_v and_o not_o the_o first_o book_n of_o life_n for_o out_o of_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v blot_v rom._n 8._o 29_o 36._o but_o out_o of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o life_n many_o may_v be_v blot_v and_o lose_v their_o part_n therein_o through_o their_o own_o default_n rev._n 22._o 19_o and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v this_o book_n that_o promise_v life_n on_o the_o term_n thereof_o further_o appear_v because_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v open_v and_o they_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n i._n e._n how_o they_o have_v live_v suitable_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o the_o book_n of_o election_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n will_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o judge_v by_o at_o that_o day_n but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o judge_v by_o to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o it_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o joh._n 12._o 48._o rom._n 2._o 16._o jam._n 2._o 12._o 4._o it_o appear_v that_o special_a election_n be_v no_o ground_n to_o discourage_v any_o from_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v because_o we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o any_o be_v discourage_v on_o this_o ground_n among_o the_o many_o thousand_o that_o believe_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o that_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n yet_o they_o stumble_v not_o at_o this_o stumble_a stone_n but_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n which_o discover_v that_o they_o understand_v not_o election_n to_o lie_v as_o any_o block_n in_o the_o hopeful_a way_n thereof_o 5._o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o understand_v not_o this_o of_o election_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o stumble_v thereat_o i_o answer_v the_o apostle_n understand_v it_o and_o yet_o lay_v it_o not_o as_o any_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o any_o but_o do_v so_o preach_v and_o so_o write_v as_o to_o encourage_v all_o sinner_n to_o come_v in_o and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v &_o believer_n to_o abide_v faithful_a as_o if_o election_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o the_o faith_n &_o salvation_n of_o any_o act._n 2._o 40._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o to_o 23._o and_o 10._o 32_o 33._o col._n 1._o 28_o 29._o 6._o and_o final_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o import_v that_o many_o yea_o very_o many_o compare_v with_o the_o first_o elect_n and_o espouse_a relation_n shall_v obtain_v some_o great_a privilege_n though_o below_o that_o of_o election_n and_o espouse_v relation_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n else_o what_o mean_v that_o psal_n 45._o 14._o the_o virgin_n her_o companion_n that_o follow_v she_o shall_v be_v bring_v unto_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o christ_n where_o the_o only_a one_o spouse_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o virgin_n her_o companion_n and_o that_o song_n 9_o 6._o where_o be_v multitude_n beside_o the_o espouse_v relation_n of_o queen_n concubine_n and_o virgin_n blessing_n and_o praise_v the_o holy_a and_o happy_a estate_n of_o the_o undefiled_a spouse_n call_v chap._n 5._o 8._o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o friend_n and_o follower_n that_o may_v come_v short_a of_o the_o espouse_v relation_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o share_n at_o that_o day_n and_o that_o matth._n 25._o 1._o to_o 12._o seem_v to_o suit_n with_o those_o scripture_n though_o the_o lord_n and_o bridegroom_n will_v say_v to_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n i_o know_v you_o not_o that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o espouse_v relation_n to_o go_v into_o the_o wedding_n he_o know_v they_o but_o as_o virgin_n that_o have_v be_v his_o spouse_n companion_n or_o else_o what_o mean_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 10._o 41_o 42._o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v have_v a_o prophet_n reward_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o give_v to_o drink_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n or_o because_o he_o belong_v to_o christ_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n lose_v his_o reward_n see_v mark_v 9_o 40_o 41._o and_o matth._n 20._o 16._o many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o first_o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v i._n e._n choose_v to_o the_o espouse_v relation_n yet_o shall_v obtain_v some_o privilege_n as_o the_o parable_n plain_o import_v see_v chap._n 19_o 30._o mark_v 10._o 31._o and_o else_o what_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o first-fruit_n to_o god_n and_o â—o_o the_o lamb_n rev_n 14._o 14._o if_o it_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o special_a save_v one_o in_o the_o election_n and_o the_o multitude_n that_o may_v obtain_v beside_o according_a to_o the_o metaphor_n as_o the_o harvest_n to_o the_o first-fruit_n so_o that_o the_o first-fruit_n import_v multitude_n beside_o and_o further_o it_o will_v be_v beneath_o the_o spirit_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o allow_v no_o salvation_n during_o the_o old_a covenant_n to_o any_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o elect_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n act._n 10._o 34_o 35._o or_o to_o allow_v no_o salvation_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o any_o among_o the_o gentile_n that_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom_n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o yet_o not_o that_o either_o can_v obtain_v the_o same_o espouse_v relation_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o special_a elect_a church_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v intend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a heb._n 12_o 23._o and_o may_v be_v the_o same_o rev._n 14._o 4._o who_o be_v the_o first-fruit_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n of_o which_o the_o church_n in_o its_o militant_a state_n and_o as_o elect_v be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o first-fruit_n jam._n 1._o 18._o yet_o many_o of_o these_o may_v come_v short_a of_o this_o glory_n chap._n iu._n touch_v the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o man._n whether_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o capacity_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o live_v thereby_o that_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o ministery_n of_o god_n under_o which_o they_o live_v to_o understand_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n therein_o suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o ministry_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v unquestionable_a though_o without_o and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o all_o mean_n and_o ministry_n from_o without_o there_o be_v no_o capacity_n either_o of_o will_n or_o power_n in_o any_o man_n but_o suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o ministry_n there_o must_v be_v and_o be_v a_o capacity_n both_o of_o power_n and_o will_n in_o all_o man_n not_o but_o that_o the_o capacity_n both_o of_o power_n and_o will_n be_v of_o god_n but_o that_o of_o he_o there_o be_v such_o a_o capacity_n in_o all_o man_n that_o be_v man_n and_o not_o debilitate_a of_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o man_n appear_v from_o these_o five_o follow_a ground_n 1._o in_o that_o god_n have_v state_v it_o to_o be_v the_o bind_a duty_n of_o all_o man_n suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n and_o ministry_n they_o be_v or_o have_v be_v under_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o that_o this_o be_v true_a full_o appear_v from_o scripture_n 1._o for_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n or_o ministry_n but_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o general_a ministry_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n psal_n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o god_n so_o far_o teach_v thereby_o as_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n without_o excuse_n which_o clear_o import_v that_o god_n expect_v as_o duty_n a_o return_n from_o they_o suitable_a to_o the_o ministry_n they_o be_v under_o which_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v if_o they_o have_v no_o capacity_n to_o perform_v it_o 2._o the_o jew_n under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o high_a and_o additional_a ministry_n and_o suitable_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n therein_o exod._n 19_o 9_o deut._n 6._o throughout_o with_o multitude_n of_o scripture_n of_o like_a import_n 3_o under_o the_o
therefore_o god_n have_v give_v no_o law_n unto_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o can_v sin_v and_o they_o who_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o ministry_n they_o render_v man_n to_o be_v but_o as_o beast_n and_o god_n as_o give_v law_n to_o brute_n which_o will_v not_o only_o be_v dishonourable_a but_o unequal_a therefore_o let_v we_o be_v more_o prudent_a than_o to_o have_v so_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o god_n who_o will_v let_v all_o man_n know_v in_o the_o end_n that_o in_o his_o ministry_n he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n capable_a to_o understand_v he_o and_o suitable_o will_v he_o judge_v they_o in_o righteousness_n act._n 17._o 31._o obj_fw-la god_n make_a man_n upright_o and_o he_o have_v once_o a_o power_n and_o will_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o lose_v it_o by_o sin_n therefore_o he_o may_v just_o require_v of_o he_o what_o once_o he_o give_v he_o though_o he_o can_v perform_v it_o answ_n 1._o god_n do_v not_o require_v under_o any_o of_o his_o ministration_n the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n that_o be_v lose_v but_o the_o power_n that_o be_v yet_o remain_v here_o lie_v the_o great_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n in_o his_o perfect_a and_o sinless_a estate_n to_o have_v yield_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o that_o he_o lose_v and_o that_o be_v not_o now_o require_v but_o since_o the_o fall_n that_o which_o god_n require_v be_v sincere_a obedience_n under_o all_o his_o ministry_n he_o know_v there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a obedience_n by_o reason_n of_o debility_n through_o corruption_n of_o nature_n but_o he_o know_v that_o man_n may_v yield_v sincere_a obedience_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o in_o that_o have_v promise_v both_o assistance_n and_o acceptance_n in_o his_o son_n see_v this_o further_o clear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n viz._n he_o require_v sincere_a obedience_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n fall_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o he_o accept_v we_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v not_o and_o he_o will_v judge_v man_n at_o the_o last_o day_n not_o for_o or_o by_o their_o lose_a power_n in_o adam_n but_o for_o their_o own_o wilful_a wickedness_n and_o not_o improve_n the_o power_n they_o have_v 2._o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o its_o fall_a state_n which_o design_n be_v found_v in_o grace_n by_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a and_o raise_v again_o and_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v know_v a_o new_a design_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n to_o the_o world_n to_o recover_v it_o out_o of_o its_o lose_a estate_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o lay_v a_o new_a foundation_n and_o to_o send_v forth_o his_o gospel_n to_o call_v man_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o glory_n thereof_o on_o such_o term_n as_o no_o man_n on_o earth_n have_v power_n to_o perform_v with_o the_o common_a help_n afford_v be_v not_o only_o inconsistent_a with_o reason_n but_o must_v necessary_o render_v his_o undertake_n in_o this_o matter_n successeless_a and_o cloud_v the_o whole_a design_n to_o most_o of_o man_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o which_o not_o only_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o gospel-grace_n to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o tend_v to_o render_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o design_a trap_n and_o snare_n than_o a_o design_n of_o grace_n to_o command_v man_n to_o repent_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n on_o peril_n of_o damnation_n the_o second_o death_n on_o their_o neglect_n or_o disobedience_n and_o know_v that_o in_o no_o case_n they_o can_v not_o nor_o ever_o intend_v any_o such_o grace_n unto_o they_o in_o any_o sense_n be_v to_o have_v such_o thought_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n as_o be_v uncomely_a for_o sober_a spirit_v christian_n chap._n v._n some_o further_a question_n and_o objection_n answer_v that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v make_v about_o this_o matter_n 1._o object_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n what_o capacity_n then_o can_v be_v in_o dead_a man_n to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n answ_n 1._o negative_o what_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v in_o this_o matter_n 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v dead_a as_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o those_o who_o thus_o think_v and_o speak_v as_o if_o man_n be_v as_o dead_a and_o uncapable_a to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n or_o as_o man_n that_o be_v natural_o dead_a this_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a and_o untrue_a imagination_n if_o you_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n go_v to_o a_o stone_n and_o command_v he_o and_o threaten_v he_o and_o break_v he_o to_o piece_n because_o he_o do_v not_o obey_v he_o will_v you_o not_o think_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v beside_o himself_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o retain_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o reflect_v so_o much_o on_o the_o holy_a and_o infinite_a wise_a and_o righteous_a god_n 2._o nor_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v man_n to_o be_v as_o dead_a that_o be_v as_o uncapable_a to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o mere_o sensitive_a irrational_a and_o brutish_a creature_n for_o so_o to_o understand_v it_o tend_v to_o unman_v man_n and_o to_o equal_v he_o with_o the_o unreasonable_a creature_n and_o little_o less_o than_o to_o un-god_n the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o glorious_a be_v second_o affirmative_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v thereby_o 1._o that_o all_o man_n by_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o that_o natural_a spiritual_a and_o without_o help_n eternal_a 2._o and_o as_o in_o that_o estate_n be_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o must_v die_v heb._n 9_o 27._o rom._n 5._o 12._o 3._o be_v and_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a to_o help_v themselves_o without_o a_o mediator_n and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o help_n by_o god_n afford_v as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v blind_a and_o deaf_a such_o a_o one_o be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o ministry_n from_o without_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o reach_v his_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n uncapable_a to_o understand_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o otherwise_o man_n consider_v as_o man_n be_v not_o so_o dead_a but_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o ministry_n of_o god_n they_o may_v possible_o understand_v believe_v and_o live_v act._n 17._o 24-27_a obj._n there_o be_v many_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o man_n by_o nature_n of_o willing_a and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o obtain_v life_n thereby_o the_o first_o scripture_n be_v joh._n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n without_o gospeldrawing_n which_o be_v the_o way_n in_o and_o by_o which_o the_o father_n draw_v as_o before_o i_o show_v and_o v._o 45._o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o and_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v we_o learn_v and_o come_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v several_a cannot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o all_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o positive_a debility_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n i_o speak_v of_o as_o 1._o no_o man_n can_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o never_o hear_v it_o rom._n 10._o 14._o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n draw_v and_o work_v soul_n to_o himself_o mark_v 16._o 15_o 16._o jam._n 1._o 18._o this_o be_v his_o way_n of_o draw_v hos_fw-la 11._o 4._o and_o without_o this_o draw_n no_o man_n can_v come_v joh._n 30._o 31._o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n in_o man_n with_o the_o help_n that_o god_n afford_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o without_o it_o there_o be_v no_o capacity_n 2._o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o come_v and_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v there_o be_v no_o can_v without_o a_o will-not_a that_o be_v the_o can_v that_o keep_v people_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o life_n it_o arise_v from_o the_o
averseness_n of_o their_o will_n they_o will_v not_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o accept_v christ_n and_o life_n on_o the_o gospel-term_n joh._n 5._o 40._o jer._n 6._o 16._o this_o wilful_a can_v ariseth_z 1._o from_o the_o habit_n and_o custom_n in_o sin_n person_n be_v habitual_o accustom_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o can_v part_v with_o it_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a custom_n in_o sin_n make_v resolute_a and_o wilful_a therein_o to_o the_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n of_o multitude_n this_o be_v the_o can_v which_o keep_v soul_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o god_n under_o all_o his_o ministery_n 3._o as_o a_o effect_n hereof_o person_n can_v leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n because_o they_o love_v they_o and_o will_v keep_v they_o and_o while_o its_o thus_o they_o can_v embrace_v christ_n on_o the_o gospel-term_n they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o leave_v all_o for_o christ_n it_o be_v with_o such_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o jer._n 2._o 25._o after_o all_o the_o lord_n call_n and_o invitation_n to_o return_v they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o for_o i_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o will_v i_o go_v while_o the_o will_n follow_v the_o affection_n &_o lust_n there_o can_v be_v no_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n while_o it_o be_v thus_o they_o be_v like_o those_o job_n 21._o 14._o they_o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n and_o while_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n they_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n because_o their_o will_n be_v averse_a they_o will_v not_o come_v joh._n 3._o 19_o 20._o 4._o the_o devil_n take_v his_o advantage_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o a_o soul_n turn_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o blind_a the_o mind_n and_o harden_v the_o heart_n thereby_o aggravate_v the_o difficulty_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n itself_o be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v viz._n forsake_v sin_n the_o belove_a lust_n love_v and_o cleave_v to_o holiness_n strictness_n of_o life_n reproach_n for_o christ_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o maintain_v a_o will-not_a and_o so_o a_o can_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o but_o there_o be_v no_o can_v arise_v alone_o from_o man_n debility_n i._n e._n want_v of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o refuse_v the_o evil_a and_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o power_n to_o will_n and_o affect_v the_o good_a but_o as_o it_o be_v captivate_v by_o the_o brutish_a sensual_a part_n the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n yield_v thereunto_o rather_o than_o to_o the_o gospel-light_n wilful_o refuse_v the_o proffer_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n on_o the_o gospel-term_n thereof_o joh._n 5._o 40._o quest_n may_v we_o suppose_v that_o person_n may_v believe_v or_o that_o any_o do_v believe_v unto_o life_n only_o by_o the_o objective_a evidence_n or_o external_a ministry_n without_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o and_o with_o the_o gospel_n answ_n if_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o ministry_n to_o go_v without_o the_o spirit_n work_v therein_o than_o we_o may_v suppose_v a_o possibility_n in_o respect_n of_o power_n else_o man_n can_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o believe_v if_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o believe_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o second_o death_n come_v in_o for_o not_o believe_v and_o if_o man_n have_v no_o power_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v unto_o life_n it_o leave_v the_o disobedient_a excusable_a as_o object_n of_o pity_n rather_o than_o of_o wrath._n therefore_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o debility_n in_o man_n by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o averseness_n of_o the_o will_n god_n add_v a_o further_a help_n to_o his_o ministry_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n work_v in_o and_o with_o his_o ministry_n we_o have_v ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o as_o all_o mercy_n have_v be_v in_o some_o true_a sense_n gospel-mercy_n since_o the_o fall_n so_o god_n have_v wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o his_o ministry_n since_o the_o fall_n 1._o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o creation_n gen._n 6._o 3._o prov._n 1._o 20._o 23._o 2._o under_o the_o law_n nehem._n 9_o 20_o act._n 7._o 50._o although_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o spiritual_a ministry_n be_v the_o most_o open_a and_o full_a in_o order_n to_o glory_n it_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v administer_v immediate_o by_o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n thereof_o and_o be_v therefore_o more_o attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o espouse_v of_o soul_n to_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n administer_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o supply_n to_o help_v over_o all_o difficulty_n 3._o god_n require_v not_o perfection_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o before_o i_o say_v but_o sincerity_n he_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o many_o impediment_n in_o the_o way_n do_v in_o all_o require_v the_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v accept_v yea_o even_o under_o the_o law_n though_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n he_o that_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o annex_v to_o it_o as_o clear_o imply_v that_o its_o perfection_n consist_v in_o universality_n and_o sincerity_n rather_o than_o in_o perfection_n without_o any_o imperfection_n or_o fail_v else_o what_o mean_v the_o show_a mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n exod._n 20._o 6._o that_o be_v in_o sincerity_n not_o in_o perfection_n for_o than_o they_o have_v need_v no_o mercy_n for_o mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o they_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o his_o people_n do_v so_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v sincerity_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v be_v evident_a psal_n 25._o 21._o and_o 26._o 1._o and_o 51._o 6._o isa_n 38._o 3._o or_o else_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o acceptance_n on_o repentance_n which_o be_v promise_v ezek._n 18._o 21_o 22._o and_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o with_o phil._n 1._o 10._o eph._n 6._o 24._o quest_n how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n may_v we_o understand_v that_o god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o build_n up_o of_o saint_n answ_n 1._o if_o god_n do_v not_o work_v at_o all_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o only_o give_v the_o gospel_n which_o have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o draw_v sinner_n to_o christ_n if_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n they_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o they_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o if_o not_o it_o will_v leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 18._o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n custom_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o averseness_n of_o the_o will_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o any_o do_v saving_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n without_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o matth._n 13._o 19_o when_o any_o one_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o understand_v or_o consider_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o wicked_a one_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o convince_v of_o sin_n and_o the_o need_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o saviour_n joh._n 16._o 8._o to_o 11._o and_o this_o may_v be_v effect_v in_o many_o that_o may_v come_v short_a of_o a_o effectual_a close_n in_o with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n self_n and_o the_o world_n fear_v of_o tribulation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n lose_v their_o conviction_n and_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n matth._n 13._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 3._o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n work_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o leave_v all_o for_o christ_n to_o turn_v to_o and_o to_o accept_v he_o as_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o the_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o he_o effect_n in_o all_o
no_o other_o than_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o be_v that_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a i_o need_v not_o mention_v any_o more_o it_o frequent_o present_v we_o with_o a_o possibility_n of_o fall_v else_o those_o many_o and_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v useless_a if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n as_o also_o the_o example_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 15._o heb._n 4._o 11._o else_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n appoint_v a_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v eph._n 4._o 11._o to_o 14._o and_o all_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 14._o heb._n 3._o 13._o be_v there_o no_o danger_n of_o miscarry_v 2._o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o elect_n be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o perseverance_n they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v to_o glory_n we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o no_n other_o way_n but_o by_o our_o faith_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v his_o gospel-law_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v his_o and_o 3_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v the_o consolation_n of_o believer_n right_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n for_o gospel-consolation_n for_o person_n to_o pretend_v high_a assurance_n and_o strong_a consolation_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o from_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o be_v under_o the_o gospel-law_n of_o grace_n and_o promise_v thereof_o it_o be_v to_o deceive_v themselves_o jam._n 1._o 22._o ad_fw-la finem_fw-la 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o 11._o so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n of_o christian_n that_o its_o the_o only_a way_n of_o assurance_n and_o preservation_n to_o the_o inheritance_n object_n but_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o live_v in_o fear_n and_o john_n say_v that_o perfect_a love_n cast_v our_o fear_n answ_n it_o do_v concern_v we_o to_o live_v in_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o fear_n god_n to_o fear_v any_o sin_n against_o he_o but_o to_o fear_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o naughty_a nature_n the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o the_o world_n allurement_n and_o this_o fear_n be_v that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v safe_a nor_o expect_v to_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v rom._n 10._o 20._o heb._n 3._o 13._o and_o 4_o 1._o the_o second_o scripture_n be_v joh._n 15._o 5._o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o answ_n this_o doctrine_n suppose_v nothing_o contrary_a unto_o it_o for_o 1._o all_o the_o common_a light_n understanding_n and_o reason_n etc._n etc._n that_o man_n have_v be_v from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n etc._n etc._n joh._n 1._o 9_o and_o be_v there_o no_o more_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o 2._o the_o gospel_n lead_v soul_n to_o he_o where_o their_o help_n be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o capacity_n or_o power_n without_o the_o gospel_n which_o unite_v soul_n to_o christ_n in_o who_o their_o life_n be_v col._n 3._o 3._o and_o where_o the_o draw_v be_v soul_n may_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o enjoy_v his_o power_n in_o their_o work_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o 3d._a scripture_n be_v rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_n nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o negative_o this_o scripture_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o will_n or_o run_v but_o rather_o that_o willing_a and_o run_v will_v not_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o may_v we_o understand_v that_o it_o design_n to_o take-off_a from_o all_o willing_a and_o run_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o gospel-life_n for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o command_v all_o to_o believe_v repent_v &_o obey_v the_o lord_n therein_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v only_o to_o such_o mark_n 16._o 15_o 16._o heb._n 5._o 9_o nor_o 3_o may_v we_o understand_v that_o the_o specially-elect_a only_o shall_v obtain_v and_o that_o all_o other_o be_v debar_v that_o though_o they_o will_v and_o run_v all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a these_o be_v corrupt_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a gospel-law_n which_o commend_v and_o encourage_v all_o to_o repent_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o such_o and_o threat_n of_o damnation_n to_o the_o disobedient_a 2_o thes_n 1._o 7._o 8_o 9_o 10._o these_o i_o take_v as_o true_a and_o unerring_a rule_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o scripture_n 1._o not_o to_o understand_v any_o dark_a scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o gospel-law_n of_o grace_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a 2._o not_o to_o understand_v any_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o contradict_v other_o especial_o so_o as_o to_o contradict_v the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o grace_n as_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n do_v yea_o and_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n and_o set_v he_o against_o himself_o who_o in_o this_o very_a same_o epistle_n encourage_v to_o the_o willing_a and_o do_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o life_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o contrary_a rom._n 2._o 4._o to_o 10._o and_o 8._o 13._o and_o 12._o 1_o 2._o 2._o therefore_o two_o affirmative_o we_o must_v necessary_o understand_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o our_o willing_a and_o run_v to_o the_o right_a rule_n and_o right_a end_n in_o run_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v understand_v either_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o willing_a or_o run_v that_o can_v bring_v we_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o special_a electing-grace_n that_o be_v pass_v in_o god_n will_n before_o the_o world_n be_v or_o 2._o that_o it_o condemn_v all_o willing_a and_o run_v without_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n leave_v out_o christ_n and_o grace_n all_o such_o willing_a and_o run_v will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o most_o probable_o this_o be_v it_o that_o be_v intend_v for_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n act._n 4._o 12._o eph._n 2._o 7_o 8._o tit._n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o or_o three_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o any_o do_v right_o will_n and_o run_v man_n by_o nature_n be_v so_o averse_a thereunto_o so_o that_o it_o no_o whit_n derogate_v from_o the_o power_n to_o will_n and_o run_v but_o regulate_v it_o to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o assistance_n and_o acceptance_n that_o be_v to_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n and_o v._o 8._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 answ_n 1._o he_o have_v let_v we_o know_v in_o his_o word_n as_o to_o his_o general_a law_n of_o grace_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n viz._n on_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o therein_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n act._n 2._o 38._o and_o 3._o 19_o and_o 2_o this_o discover_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n relative_a to_o sinner_n after_o they_o have_v harden_v themselves_o &_o sin_v away_o their_o mercy_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n in_o this_o case_n to_o soften_v in_o mercy_n or_o to_o harden_v in_o judgement_n who_o he_o please_v and_o this_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n take_v this_o sentence_n do_v demonstrate_v exod._n 33._o 19_o the_o people_n have_v all_o sin_v away_o their_o mercy_n in_o make_v a_o calf_n god_n threaten_v to_o destroy_v they_o all_o moses_n intercede_v for_o they_o god_n be_v entreat_v but_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o exalt_v mercy_n and_o judgement_n who_o he_o will_v he_o will_v pardon_v and_o keep_v alive_a to_o go_v into_o the_o good_a land_n and_o who_o he_o will_v shall_v not_o come_v there_o exod._n 32._o 34_o 35._o it_o be_v god_n prerogative_n when_o he_o please_v for_o former_a sin_n and_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n as_o a_o judgement_n to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o a_o harden_a estate_n in_o sin_n but_o still_o this_o stand_v as_o the_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n therein_o and_o vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21._o or_o what_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o this_o chapter_n we_o must_v understand_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o show_v the_o power_n of_o god_n