apostle_n but_o to_o other_o be_v either_o reason_n or_o will_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o produce_v of_o these_o or_o be_v it_o a_o brute_n way_n unbeseeming_a god_n be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_v inbred_a in_o nature_n and_o free_o give_v of_o god_n be_v therefore_o man_n reason_v a_o brute_n way_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a against_o this_o opinion_n than_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o put_v work_n upon_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o deserve_v by_o justice_n the_o performance_n of_o 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to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v god_n law_n be_v of_o no_o import_n unless_o he_o do_v keep_v it_o and_o so_o god_n part_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o conversion_n but_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n after_o the_o course_n of_o man_n life_n do_v appear_v the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o moment_n of_o man_n resolution_n which_o be_v as_o the_o early_a cloud_n or_o morning_n dew_n which_o quick_o pass_v away_o neither_o will_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o will_v go_v much_o further_a than_o the_o endeavour_n of_o other_o 5._o some_o divine_n in_o england_n have_v make_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n because_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o be_v hold_v sufficient_a as_o if_o all_o righteousness_n have_v be_v perform_v but_o this_o have_v be_v still_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n accept_v one_o work_n in_o place_n of_o entire_a obedience_n but_o abraham_n believe_v in_o that_o place_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o former_a place_n of_o scriptnre_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v abraham_n believe_v which_o be_v concern_v his_o son_n isaac_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a act_n of_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o be_v proper_o a_o act_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v so_o impute_v or_o repute_v as_o a_o act_n of_o righteousness_n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o abraham_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v believe_v in_o god_n through_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o glorify_v 6._o some_o reform_a divine_n in_o france_n and_o england_n bring_v good_a work_n on_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o perfect_v and_o complete_n faith_n for_o only_o a_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o love_n be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v not_o by_o love_n the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v isaac_n see_v thou_o how_o faith_n wrought_v with_o his_o work_n and_o abraham_n believe_v and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n by_o work_v a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o yet_o paul_n reason_v be_v much_o more_o full_a and_o accurate_a discuss_v the_o point_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o consist_v if_o james_n speak_v of_o faith_n as_o justify_v whereas_o james_n take_v off_o a_o error_n of_o those_o that_o think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n without_o holiness_n which_o he_o redargues_fw-la as_o a_o wrong_a consequence_n from_o paul_n and_o show_v that_o not_o to_o be_v true_a faith_n but_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o devil_n have_v which_o can_v be_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o man_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o salvation_n through_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a abraham_n faith_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o true_a faith_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o justify_v act_n nor_o be_v the_o justification_n there_o mean_v the_o justification_n in_o conversion_n which_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o that_o which_o manifest_v his_o justification_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n for_o paul_n say_v if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o work_n can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v right_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o land_n or_o inheritance_n be_v call_v the_o right_n thereof_o as_o sighify_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o explicatory_a word_n be_v subjoin_v and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n to_o the_o city_n all_z other_o but_o the_o romanist_n that_o bring_v in_o work_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o not_o as_o a_o deserve_a meritorious_a cause_n much_o less_o as_o a_o superfluous_a supererrogatory_n merit_n see_v christ_n have_v declare_v so_o clear_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o shait_fw-fr love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n
the_o measure_n of_o the_o distinctness_n of_o the_o object_n be_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o delight_n in_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o possible_a consistent_a perfection_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o several_a divine_a perfection_n in_o that_o order_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v best_o apprehend_v they_o for_o who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v in_o himself_o a_o earnest_n and_o steadfast_a inclination_n to_o promote_v his_o own_o wellbeing_a to_o his_o full_a satisfaction_n which_o alone_o can_v just_o be_v call_v his_o happiness_n and_o must_v comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o have_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v do_v he_o good_a but_o the_o certainty_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o he_o this_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o perpetual_a monitor_n to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n to_o consider_v what_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o his_o good_a and_o in_o what_o way_n he_o may_v retain_v or_o attain_v they_o and_o though_o man_n be_v frequent_o mistake_v in_o the_o application_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o own_o good_a yet_o they_o do_v ever_o desire_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o probability_n of_o attainment_n endeavour_v after_o that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v for_o their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v insinuate_v that_o the_o most_o common_a apprehension_n of_o happiness_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o the_o joy_n arise_v from_o the_o accommodation_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n express_v by_o corn_n and_o wine_n which_o be_v the_o prime_a mean_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n 2._o but_o declare_v also_o his_o own_o sentiment_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n the_o joy_n arise_v from_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n that_o be_v the_o evident_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o favour_n be_v chief_o indicate_v by_o the_o countenance_n as_o well_o as_o aversion_n by_o discountenance_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n signisy_n the_o high_a favour_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o all_o goodness_n requisite_a thereto_o absolute_o secure_v by_o god_n unchangcableness_n the_o countenance_n of_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a seat_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o therefore_o sit_v to_o represent_v the_o amiableness_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o clear_a perception_n and_o attention_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n exciting_a a_o unparallelable_a delight_n so_o than_o man_n happiness_n be_v the_o joy_n arise_v from_o such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v never_o want_v the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n but_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v that_o state_n be_v not_o so_o obvious_a the_o find_v they_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o diligent_a meditation_n for_o therein_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o seduce_v with_o the_o bias_n of_o self-interest_n that_o state_n be_v the_o great_a self-interest_n have_v yet_o groslie_v err_v herein_o so_o that_o there_o be_v hundred_o of_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o philosopher_n wherein_o happiness_n do_v consist_v 3._o the_o favour_n and_o shine_v of_o the_o countenance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v upon_o any_o other_o state_n of_o man_n than_o that_o which_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o seek_v he_o must_v be_v a_o endeavour_n to_o know_v his_o divine_a perfection_n more_o than_o by_o know_v that_o he_o be_v by_o know_v what_o he_o be_v wherein_o the_o believe_a that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v special_o express_v as_o of_o the_o chief_a moment_n as_o it_o be_v immediate_o subjoin_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n which_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o that_o contemplative_a faith_n whereby_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v know_v that_o be_v that_o excellent_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o will_v not_o disappoint_v the_o hope_n or_o trust_v of_o a_o creature_n create_v after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o to_o give_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o have_v but_o that_o actual_a trust_n and_o hope_n for_o pardon_n reconciliation_n and_o glory_n in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v to_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v he_o or_o that_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v abhor_v or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o from_o love_n have_v not_o only_o a_o tender_a fear_n and_o reverence_n to_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v offend_v he_o but_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n devote_v the_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o be_v that_o true_a holiness_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v god_n which_o by_o equivalent_a term_n be_v call_v godliness_n piety_n and_o devotion_n 4._o that_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o countenance_n be_v not_o in_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n or_o good_a will_n which_o he_o have_v in_o election_n and_o still_o have_v before_o conversion_n but_o in_o that_o love_n of_o beneplacence_n or_o delight_n which_o he_o have_v not_o till_o conversion_n nor_o do_v his_o countenance_n always_o shine_v after_o it_o but_o he_o frown_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n until_o they_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o pardon_v 5._o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o clear_a distinction_n and_o difference_n between_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o in_o equivalent_a term_n be_v make_v betwixt_o piety_n and_o probity_n the_o same_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o either_o or_o of_o both_o or_o of_o neither_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o clear_a instance_n in_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a which_o some_o may_v give_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o compassion_n of_o the_o miserable_a without_o consider_v it_o as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o honesty_n and_o probity_n but_o no_o act_n of_o godliness_n or_o piety_n other_o may_v give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o consider_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o piety_n only_o other_o may_v give_v it_o upon_o both_o account_n in_o their_o due_a subordination_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n both_o of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o other_o may_v give_v it_o out_o of_o vainglory_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o neither_o piety_n be_v call_v religion_n à _fw-la religando_fw-la from_o tie_v or_o bind_v again_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o be_v also_o call_v devotion_n à _fw-la devovendo_fw-la from_o vow_v or_o consecrate_v the_o soul_n from_o common_a use_n to_o god_n and_o so_o all_o thing_n consecrate_v be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_v as_o to_o their_o chief_a use_n without_o exclude_v consist_v subordinate_a uses_n 6._o the_o necessary_a and_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v confidence_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o god_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o fountain-grace_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n flow_v neither_o of_o they_o be_v attainable_a without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n so_o qualify_v as_o may_v excite_v these_o affection_n which_o must_v be_v by_o the_o perfection_n in_o the_o object_n on_o which_o these_o affection_n lay_v hold_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v move_v 7._o faith_n be_v describe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v best_a render_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o so_o the_o same_o act_n be_v faith_n as_o the_o promise_n or_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v present_a and_o hope_v as_o the_o performance_n be_v expect_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o both_o be_v faithfulness_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v upon_o knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a at_o least_o by_o
and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n moral_a command_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o positive_a command_n which_o he_o have_v change_v and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o moral_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o command_n the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v only_o moral_o good_a by_o and_o during_o the_o command_n as_o the_o command_n to_o forbear_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o institute_v circumcision_n and_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n and_o many_o of_o the_o judicial_a law_n therefore_o in_o the_o moral_a command_n there_o must_v be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o matter_n command_v than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o more_o than_o the_o command_n itself_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o it_o can_v be_v restrain_v unto_o his_o will_n nor_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o do_v exist_v but_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v his_o essential_a natural_a perfection_n by_o command_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v if_o this_o impossibility_n be_v only_o because_o of_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v all_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v decree_v yea_o it_o will_v lead_v to_o that_o blasphemous_a opinion_n that_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o have_v or_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o power_n be_v no_o large_a than_o his_o will_n therefore_o the_o impossibility_n of_o god_n lie_v must_v not_o alone_o be_v because_o he_o have_v will_v or_o decree_v not_o to_o lie_v whatsoever_o depend_v upon_o mere_a will_n be_v ambulatory_a and_o changeable_a by_o a_o opposite_a act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n and_o both_o act_n will_v be_v equal_o good_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a positive_a law_n and_o precept_n which_o be_v change_v without_o changeableness_n in_o god_n because_o the_o change_n be_v suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o to_o his_o freedom_n of_o indifferency_n and_o if_o he_o may_v so_o change_v his_o promise_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o expression_n no_o creature_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n of_o trust_n which_o will_v overturn_v the_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o horrid_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o have_v free_o from_o eternity_n decree_v be_v consider_v as_o prior_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o of_o time_n to_o these_o decree_n or_o as_o abstract_n from_o these_o decree_n be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o create_v of_o creature_n or_o to_o the_o manner_n kind_n and_o individual_v of_o they_o which_o some_o have_v rather_o incline_v to_o than_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o wicked_a act_n god_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o actor_n to_o maintain_v a_o metaphysical_a extension_n of_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n some_o have_v think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o obligation_n or_o debt_n to_o his_o creature_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o justice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v call_v distributive_a in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o give_v or_o perform_v to_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o not_o by_o commutative_a justice_n but_o though_o that_o kind_n of_o justice_n be_v common_o call_v commutative_a because_o it_o be_v frequent_o exert_v in_o exchange_v of_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v thing_n mere_o by_o name_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o gratuitous_a promise_n be_v not_o by_o distributive_a but_o by_o commutative_a justice_n the_o apostle_n paul_n accurate_o discuss_v that_o great_a question_n whether_o salvation_n be_v by_o grace_n or_o by_o work_n do_v clear_o oppose_v god_n give_v any_o thing_n by_o grace_n to_o his_o give_v on_o the_o account_n of_o work_n and_o say_v in_o express_a term_n to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n here_o the_o reckoner_n and_o the_o rewarder_n be_v god_n who_o account_v himself_o debtor_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o work_v good_a perfect_o without_o fail_v i_o know_v it_o sound_v yet_o more_o harsh_o to_o some_o pious_a and_o well-meaning_a soul_n to_o say_v that_o god_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n suppose_v it_o to_o import_v that_o he_o be_v under_o a_o law_n which_o it_o do_v not_o import_v for_o god_n be_v neither_o under_o nor_o above_o his_o own_o moral_a law_n for_o he_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o narrow_a sense_n that_o law_n be_v sometime_o take_v as_o it_o require_v a_o sanction_n by_o a_o penalty_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n a_o law_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n but_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o law_n for_o many_o law_n even_o of_o man_n have_v only_o a_o reward_n annex_v and_o no_o punishment_n and_o other_o have_v neither_o reward_v nor_o punishment_n but_o the_o deed_n otherwise_o do_v be_v only_o annul_v and_o make_v void_a or_o ineffectual_a a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n can_v be_v without_o a_o law_n for_o law_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o a_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o person_n oblige_v be_v determine_v and_o rule_v himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o tie_n metaphorical_o whereby_o one_o be_v tie_v to_o walk_v only_o as_o agree_v with_o that_o tie_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n be_v without_o a_o reason_n or_o cause_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o debt_n be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o law_n it_o will_v sound_v harsh_a to_o these_o tender_a soul_n to_o say_v they_o worship_v a_o lawless_a god_n it_o breed_v horror_n to_o think_v how_o like_o these_o mistake_v will_v render_v god_n to_o tyrant_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o their_o subject_n obedience_n but_o such_o be_v our_o pleasure_n and_o who_o will_v have_v themselves_o think_v to_o be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o to_o be_v tie_v by_o no_o obligation_n to_o their_o subject_n i_o know_v it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v think_v a_o bold_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n who_o do_v all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o who_o may_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o and_o who_o give_v account_n of_o none_o of_o his_o matter_n but_o god_n not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o holiness_n of_o which_o he_o give_v frequent_o a_o account_n but_o concern_v the_o particular_a mean_n and_o expedient_n by_o which_o he_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v neither_o be_v it_o the_o question_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v do_v yea_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o will_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o will_v and_o do_v upon_o a_o anterior_a motive_n not_o from_o the_o creature_n but_o from_o himself_o i_o mean_v anterior_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v save_v to_o search_v so_o high_a but_o of_o those_o only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v capacity_n and_o opportunity_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o though_o the_o simple_a ignorance_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o a_o offence_n error_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v so_o frequent_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v error_n concern_v the_o representation_n and_o character_n of_o god_n reason_n be_v give_v in_o scripture_n so_o oft_o from_o such_o ground_n and_o not_o from_o mere_a will._n and_o beside_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o raise_v and_o increase_v the_o admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o high_a pure_a and_o least_o selfish_a love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o happiness_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o much_o more_o the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o give_v of_o these_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o small_a proportion_n between_o the_o
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true_o he_o so_o intend_v his_o faithfulness_n also_o in_o so_o far_o only_o as_o that_o it_o be_v expect_v he_o will_v punctual_o and_o ready_o perform_v without_o compulsion_n and_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o perform_v untrue_a if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o perform_v when_o he_o engage_v as_o well_o as_o unjust_a by_o not_o perform_v these_o may_v all_o concur_v in_o god_n but_o his_o justice_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o can_v never_o be_v separate_v yet_o his_o faithfulness_n may_v be_v without_o they_o in_o particular_a act_n so_o may_v his_o justice_n in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v without_o any_o word_n and_o consequent_o without_o truth_n in_o that_o word_n and_o both_o may_v be_v without_o exerting_fw-mi faithfulness_n the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v whereby_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o he_o to_o disappoint_v the_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n which_o he_o know_v be_v place_v in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o the_o psalmist_n say_v they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o here_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n name_n which_o signify_v his_o excellent_a nature_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o trust_n and_o special_o that_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o be_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o promise_n the_o psalmist_n find_v his_o prayer_n both_o on_o god_n faithfulness_n and_o on_o his_o justice_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n and_o not_o on_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o say_v hear_v my_o prayer_n o_o lord_n give_v ear_n to_o my_o supplication_n in_o thy_o faithfulness_n answer_v i_o and_o in_o thy_o righteousness_n where_o these_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v the_o same_o psalmist_n say_v in_o another_o place_n thy_o mercy_n o_o 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may_v so_o express_v their_o confidence_n in_o god_n but_o it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n for_o particular_a favour_n as_o be_v more_o the_o homage_n and_o dependence_n of_o his_o creature_n than_o the_o urge_v his_o justice_n on_o general_a promise_n it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o folly_n to_o trust_v in_o any_o but_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o virtue_n and_o moral_a perfection_n or_o in_o these_o for_o thing_n that_o the_o person_n trust_v have_v not_o or_o which_o be_v unbecoming_a for_o he_o to_o bestow_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n on_o which_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v entire_a and_o absolute_a faith_n because_o the_o inconveniency_n may_v occur_v that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v in_o this_o sense_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v only_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o only_o wise_a and_o good_a one_o may_v trust_v when_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o trust_v yet_o he_o may_v become_v unfaithful_a that_o admit_v the_o trust_n they_o be_v 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not_o the_o confidence_n or_o hope_n of_o these_o who_o pertinent_o signify_v it_o do_v fail_v in_o their_o faithfulness_n if_o they_o disappoint_v they_o my_o thought_n upon_o god_n faithfulness_n do_v exceed_o clear_v i_o in_o that_o eminent_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a consideration_n on_o which_o god_n give_v pardon_n reconciliation_n and_o happiness_n and_o not_o upon_o love_n or_o any_o other_o good_a work_n as_o never_o to_o be_v claim_v upon_o reward_v justice_n or_o merit_n but_o of_o free_a favour_n and_o grace_n alone_o albeit_o love_n to_o god_n or_o reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o he_o be_v more_o excellent_a perfection_n than_o faith_n for_o in_o faith_n the_o creature_n have_v consideration_n of_o the_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o much_o more_o in_o fear_n but_o love_n be_v terminate_v alone_o upon_o god_n himself_o and_o upon_o no_o return_n from_o god_n which_o will_v make_v it_o defective_a the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n be_v for_o what_o be_v already_o receive_v but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n pure_o on_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v the_o high_a moral_a perfection_n of_o creature_n if_o happiness_n have_v be_v by_o the_o creature_n love_n reverence_n or_o obedience_n it_o will_v have_v be_v by_o justice_n and_o debt_n not_o by_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n but_o be_v by_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o debt_n or_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n for_o he_o that_o hope_n or_o trust_v to_o attribute_v the_o effect_n to_o himself_o as_o deserve_v it_o by_o his_o faith_n than_o if_o the_o miserable_a shall_v imagine_v his_o misery_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o mercy_n show_v he_o i_o never_o find_v a_o reward_n attribute_v to_o faith_n for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v cast_v not_o away_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n confidence_n there_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o forwardness_n and_o boldness_n for_o in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o fall_a man_n he_o can_v have_v little_o more_o ground_n to_o boast_v of_o happiness_n on_o occasion_n of_o it_o than_o the_o beggar_n of_o his_o poverty_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o alm_n or_o the_o oppress_v of_o oppression_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o relief_n or_o than_o the_o infant_n or_o idiot_n of_o his_o salvation_n god_n can_v have_v give_v all_o good_a thing_n without_o either_o prayer_n or_o faith_n as_o he_o do_v to_o infant_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o benignity_n to_o give_v that_o which_o be_v long_v for_o and_o desire_v by_o prayer_n and_o which_o be_v hope_v and_o trust_v by_o
plentiful_a in_o capacity_n to_o forbear_v to_o reveal_v a_o secret_a he_o lose_v nothing_o by_o keep_v it_o to_o another_o a_o man_n may_v trust_v his_o money_n without_o writ_n or_o witness_n if_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v virtuous_a though_o he_o be_v poor_a much_o more_o if_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o so_o under_o no_o tentation_n to_o abuse_v his_o trust._n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o folly_n to_o require_v a_o promise_n to_o restore_v for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o proof_n he_o may_v as_o safe_o violate_v his_o promise_n as_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o trust_v or_o oblige_v it_o be_v indiscretion_n first_o to_o relate_v a_o matter_n and_o then_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o secret_a or_o to_o require_v secrecy_n because_o he_o that_o accept_v the_o trust_n shall_v do_v it_o free_o his_o promise_n may_v oblige_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o close_o but_o not_o his_o faithfulness_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v a_o secret_a to_o he_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o keep_v close_a that_o he_o may_v forbid_v the_o discovery_n if_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v under_o that_o obligation_n of_o trust_n he_o that_o be_v pursue_v or_o search_v after_o for_o his_o life_n if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v himself_o though_o he_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o confident_a near_o he_o he_o will_v run_v for_o shelter_n to_o the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o fit_a person_n that_o without_o fault_n may_v cover_v he_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v trust_v but_o without_o any_o promise_n or_o paction_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n with_o prudence_n can_v believe_v in_o any_o creature_n because_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v power_n to_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o another_o may_v need_v god_n alone_o be_v absolute_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v alsufficient_a he_o be_v boundless_o benign_a he_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n less_o by_o whatever_o he_o can_v give_v yet_o his_o faithfulness_n do_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o but_o what_o be_v congruous_a for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o they_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v very_o incongruous_a for_o he_o to_o give_v grace_n or_o glory_n to_o one_o who_o know_v he_o or_o taste_v of_o his_o heavenly_a power_n do_v hate_v he_o with_o despite_n he_o do_v much_o good_a by_o his_o bounty_n respect_v nothing_o in_o the_o object_n but_o its_o capacity_n to_o receive_v much_o more_o by_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n upon_o the_o miserable_a but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o expect_v from_o he_o this_o be_v by_o his_o faithfulness_n the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o mercy_n and_o benignity_n the_o weakness_n of_o creature_n have_v make_v he_o not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v yet_o it_o be_v indiscretion_n to_o urge_v he_o upon_o his_o oath_n or_o even_o upon_o his_o promise_n where_o his_o faithfulness_n be_v sufficient_a no_o other_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o and_o those_o may_v be_v trust_v for_o by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o hate_v he_o or_o do_v cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o become_v holy_a and_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o distinction_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o in_o this_o case_n he_o need_v not_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v that_o immediate_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n from_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o love_n purify_n the_o heart_n though_o then_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o save_a faith_n not_o presumption_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o a_o holy_a life_n faith_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o christian_a virtue_n next_o in_o excellency_n to_o love_n and_o as_o love_n make_v the_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o last_o end_n so_o faith_n give_v the_o resolution_n for_o pursue_v all_o the_o mean_n towards_o that_o end_n and_o towards_o the_o next_o subordinate_a end_n the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n trust_v in_o god_n for_o direction_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n towards_o these_o end_n that_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n trust_v to_o and_o rest_v on_o natural_a mean_n for_o obtain_v his_o end_n so_o the_o spiritual_a man_n trust_v to_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n especial_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v and_o give_v warrant_n to_o all_o who_o walk_v christianly_o to_o say_v the_o life_n that_o i_o now_o live_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v be_v whether_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o one_o or_o more_o act_n of_o that_o habit_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o a_o covenant_n can_v be_v enter_v and_o continue_v by_o a_o habit_n but_o it_o do_v necessary_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o universal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o man_n come_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o infant_n come_v into_o that_o covenant_n by_o regeneration_n when_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v undertake_v for_o in_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o from_o eternity_n be_v among_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n till_o they_o be_v not_o only_o make_v creature_n but_o also_o new_a creature_n by_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o that_o habit_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v say_v that_o at_o the_o salutation_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o elizabeth_n the_o child_n in_o her_o womb_n do_v spring_n for_o joy_n but_o whether_o the_o spring_a of_o the_o child_n be_v from_o his_o or_o her_o joy_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o infant_n be_v capable_a to_o act_v its_o imbred_a principle_n if_o it_o can_v perceive_v the_o object_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v so_o delight_v in_o that_o tender_a case_n to_o which_o it_o be_v wed_v that_o it_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o experience_n show_v of_o all_o man_n when_o in_o extreme_a passion_n their_o soul_n can_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o god_n may_v so_o far_o manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o infant_n be_v soul_n as_o to_o give_v it_o great_a joy_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n so_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o such_o soul_n shall_v enter_v in_o covenant_n though_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o to_o the_o way_n god_n have_v choose_v that_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a shall_v actual_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n at_o their_o conversion_n when_o it_o be_v say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n i_o do_v rather_o think_v that_o by_o faith_n act_n be_v mean_v rather_o than_o the_o habit_n albeit_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o habit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o a_o act_n but_o as_o a_o quality_n whereas_o to_o please_v signify_v a_o act_n please_v and_o so_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o who_o all_o direction_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v i_o be_o not_o move_v by_o this_o objection_n that_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n child_n and_o idiot_n must_v either_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o different_a way_n of_o save_a child_n and_o man_n of_o discretion_n and_o a_o different_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o child_n for_o it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o god_n way_n with_o child_n and_o idiot_n be_v different_a from_o his_o way_n with_o other_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n relate_v only_o to_o those_o of_o discretion_n capable_a of_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o determine_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n oppose_v the_o hear_n of_o faith_n unto_o work_n and_o say_v likewise_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v which_o neither_o relate_v to_o nor_o be_v exclusive_a
only_o sufficient_a but_o inefficacious_a and_o that_o its_o efficacy_n must_v be_v by_o the_o creature_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o adoration_n thus_o my_o god_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o live_v in_o thy_o favour_n eternal_o who_o feel_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o do_v not_o cleave_v to_o any_o know_a sin_n but_o betake_v themselves_o to_o thou_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o to_o become_v thy_o servant_n trust_v in_o thou_o for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n i_o be_o sensible_a of_o the_o bondage_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o free_v myself_o from_o that_o bondage_n yet_o i_o believe_v thou_o have_v offer_v to_o enable_v i_o and_o do_v humble_o accept_v thy_o offer_n purchase_v through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o do_v resign_v myself_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o happiness_n here_o be_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o covenant_n god_n offer_n manifest_v to_o the_o conscience_n believe_v and_o accept_v wherewith_o the_o believer_n as_o by_o the_o offer_n he_o be_v call_v so_o the_o call_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o justification_n reconciliation_n pardon_v conversion_n regeneration_n adoption_n and_o by_o give_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n never_o to_o be_v eradicate_v this_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v the_o embrace_v the_o atonement_n and_o to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o embrace_v the_o promise_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o come_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v all_o the_o term_n of_o god_n offer_n and_o his_o enable_v the_o sinner_n to_o accept_v be_v at_o once_o and_o together_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o expression_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o all_o different_a nor_o be_v there_o necessity_n of_o a_o express_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o enter_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v this_o exclusive_a of_o what_o other_o way_n god_n may_v take_v to_o glorify_v those_o who_o can_v express_o thus_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v all_o direct_v to_o hearer_n and_o believer_n and_o do_v not_o special_o reveal_v god_n other_o way_n of_o salvation_n though_o what_o be_v say_v of_o child_n in_o scripture_n be_v all_o to_o their_o advantage_n yet_o nothing_o be_v special_o express_v of_o the_o manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o any_o conception_n possible_a which_o can_v so_o much_o exalt_v the_o justice_n the_o mercy_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o creature_n to_o attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o happiness_n to_o itself_o which_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o act_n all_o the_o former_a expression_n in_o scripture_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n be_v imply_v yet_o this_o objection_n arise_v that_o this_o conception_n make_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o consist_v without_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v on_o god_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v clear_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n work_v in_o and_o by_o creature_n by_o give_v and_o preserve_v in_o they_o inclination_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o act_n no_o considerate_a man_n dare_v say_v that_o god_n can_v give_v a_o operative_a inclination_n for_o one_o single_a act_n as_o well_o as_o for_o one_o species_n of_o act_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o explicate_v his_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o give_v the_o effectual_a inclination_n to_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o conversion_n without_o give_v the_o habit_n for_o exert_v all_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o less_o a_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n than_o love_n or_o any_o other_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v more_o clear_o difference_n the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o holiness_n or_o a_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o if_o any_o require_v the_o accuracy_n of_o the_o school_n they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v a_o disposition_n difference_v from_o a_o habit._n this_o objection_n do_v also_o occur_v that_o acceptance_n of_o a_o offer_n be_v no_o act_n of_o believe_v for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o acceptance_n must_v imply_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o motion_n to_o repent_v or_o return_v or_o to_o admit_v of_o conversion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v such_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o acceptance_n imply_v also_o a_o trust_n or_o rely_v upon_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v good_a his_o offer_n to_o the_o person_n trust_v this_o difficulty_n do_v also_o offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v too_o much_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o creature_n if_o all_o that_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o conversion_n and_o holiness_n be_v elect_v election_n be_v not_o so_o free_a as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v it_o forth_o and_o one_o creature_n make_v itself_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v who_o have_v make_v thou_o to_o differ_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n either_o to_o refuse_v or_o to_o choose_v and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o middle_a condition_n between_o refuse_v and_o choose_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o make_v such_o difference_n between_o refuse_v and_o not_o refuse_v i_o thank_v god_n that_o have_v full_o clear_v i_o in_o all_o these_o for_o as_o to_o god_n freedom_n in_o election_n it_o be_v not_o encroach_v upon_o by_o his_o act_n like_o himself_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n or_o necessity_n to_o have_v elect_v or_o recover_v any_o of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o do_v free_o elect_v all_o that_o with_o congruity_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v eligible_a reject_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v refuse_v his_o offer_n and_o not_o all_o those_o but_o prevail_v by_o the_o superabundance_n of_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o resistance_n of_o some_o of_o those_o especial_o upon_o his_o kindness_n to_o their_o father_n how_o often_o do_v he_o show_v mercy_n to_o rebellious_a israel_n remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n his_o servant_n though_o by_o many_o generation_n distant_a from_o they_o how_o much_o more_o the_o near_a seed_n of_o his_o eminent_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o free_o for_o these_o father_n can_v not_o merit_v happiness_n for_o themselves_o much_o less_o for_o their_o child_n and_o the_o say_n who_o have_v make_v thou_o to_o differ_v can_v be_v oppose_v to_o a_o difference_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o evil_n for_o certain_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v himself_o so_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o obstinate_a sinner_n so_o that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v mean_v of_o do_v any_o good_a and_o holy_a deed_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n between_o accept_v and_o reject_v any_o offer_n be_v without_o question_n first_o negative_o by_o not_o noticing_z or_o consider_v it_o which_o require_v no_o positive_a act._n 2._o by_o a_o positive_a act_n resolve_v to_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n present_o or_o at_o a_o convenient_a time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v most_o opportunity_n without_o diversion_n to_o ponder_v it_o 3._o by_o invent_v collect_v and_o compare_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n on_o both_o part_n which_o in_o the_o most_o weighty_a case_n may_v require_v long_a time_n and_o much_o deliberation_n 4._o by_o irresolution_n vacillate_v and_o doubt_v what_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o last_o by_o suspend_v the_o resolution_n or_o choice_n when_o yet_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o preference_n and_o therefore_o god_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thiatira_n of_o jezebel_n that_o he_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o attribute_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o perish_v of_o the_o wicked_a to_o their_o refuse_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n or_o equivalent_a expression_n and_o 1._o there_o can_v nothing_o signify_v more_o aversion_n to_o a_o motion_v offer_v than_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o those_o who_o see_v