meditation_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o soul_n be_v accustom_v to_o meditation_n on_o god_n it_o will_v become_v their_o very_a nature_n altera_fw-la natura_fw-la pleasant_a and_o delightsome_a however_o if_o there_o be_v not_o always_o a_o express_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v always_o such_o a_o disposition_n and_o temper_n of_o spirit_n as_o it_o may_v be_v construe_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o than_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o seed_n and_o fruit_n if_o not_o in_o itself_o now_o when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o lamentabel_n and_o tragical_a fall_n from_o that_o bless_a station_n we_o be_v constitute_v into_o all_o man_n have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 23._o his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o that_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v come_v short_a of_o that_o glory_n o_o strange_a short-comming_a short_a of_o all_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v for_o what_o be_v he_o now_o meet_v for_o for_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o chief_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n now_o the_o salt_n if_o it_o lose_v its_o saltness_n be_v meet_v for_o nothing_o for_o wherewithal_o shall_v it_o be_v season_v mark_v 9_o 50._o even_o so_o when_o man_n be_v render_v unfit_a for_o his_o proper_a end_n he_o be_v meet_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v upon_o he_o be_v like_o a_o wither_a branch_n that_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n joh._n 15._o 6._o some_o thing_n if_o they_o fail_v in_o one_o use_n they_o be_v good_a for_o another_o but_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o so_o corruptio_fw-la optimi_fw-la pessima_fw-la as_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n shall_v wood_n be_v take_v off_o the_o vine_n tree_n for_o my_o work_n even_o so_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n ezech._n 15._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o if_o it_o yield_v not_o wine_n it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o so_o if_o man_n do_v not_o glorify_v god_n if_o he_o fall_v from_o that_o he_o be_v meet_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o burn_v for_o ever_o he_o be_v for_o no_o use_n in_o the_o creation_n but_o to_o the_o fuel_n to_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n but_o behold_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o kindness_n and_o love_n have_v appear_v towards_o man_n not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n tit._n 3._o 4_o 5._o our_o lord_n jesus_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v and_o for_o who_o will_v not_o let_v this_o excellent_a workmanship_n perish_v so_o therefore_o he_o go_v about_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n a_o second_o creation_n more_o laborious_a and_o also_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o that_o so_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o father_n and_o our_o father_n thus_o the_o breach_n be_v make_v up_o thus_o the_o unsavoury_a salt_n be_v season_v thus_o the_o wither_a branch_n be_v quicken_v again_o for_o that_o same_o fruit_n of_o praise_n and_o glorify_v of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o second_o creation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o first_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v to_o good_a work_n in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 2._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n and_o to_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o all_o his_o attribute_n joh._n 6._o 29._o and_o 3._o 33._o we_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o glorify_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n he_o make_v we_o with_o a_o word_n and_o that_o bind_v we_o but_o now_o he_o have_v make_v we_o again_o and_o pay_v a_o price_n for_o we_o and_o so_o we_o be_v twice_o bind_v not_o to_o be_v our_o own_o but_o he_o 1_o cor._n 6._o ult_n and_o so_o to_o glorify_v he_o in_o our_o body_n and_o spirit_n i_o beseech_v you_o gather_v your_o spirit_n call_v they_o home_o about_o the_o business_n we_o once_o come_v short_a of_o our_o end_n god_n glory_n and_o our_o happiness_n but_o know_v that_o it_o be_v attainable_a again_o we_o lose_v both_o but_o both_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n awake_v then_o and_o stir_v up_o your_o spirit_n else_o it_o shall_v be_v double_a condemnation_n when_o we_o have_v the_o offer_n of_o be_v restore_v to_o our_o former_a bless_a condition_n to_o love_v our_o present_a misery_n better_o once_o establish_v this_o point_n within_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o ask_v why_o come_v i_o hither_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_o i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o you_o do_v not_o ask_v it_o what_o will_v you_o answer_v when_o he_o ask_v you_o at_o your_o appearance_n before_o his_o tribunal_n i_o beseech_v you_o what_o will_v many_o of_o you_o say_v in_o that_o day_n when_o the_o master_n return_v and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o your_o dispensation_n you_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n only_o for_o this_o business_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n now_o what_o will_v many_o of_o you_o answer_v if_o you_o speak_v the_o truth_n as_o then_o you_o must_v do_v it_o you_o can_v lie_v then_o you_o must_v say_v lord_n i_o spend_v my_o time_n in_o serve_v my_o own_o lust_n i_o be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o have_v no_o leisure_n i_o be_v occupy_v in_o my_o calling_n etc._n etc._n even_o as_o if_o a_o ambassador_n of_o a_o king_n shall_v return_v he_o his_o account_n of_o his_o negotiation_n i_o be_v busy_a at_o card_n and_o dice_n i_o spend_v my_o money_n and_o do_v wear_v my_o clothes_n though_o you_o think_v your_o plow_a and_o borrow_v and_o traffic_v and_o reap_v very_o necessary_a yet_o certain_o these_o be_v but_o as_o trifle_n and_o toy_n to_o the_o main_a business_n o_o what_o dreadful_a account_n will_v soul_n make_v they_o come_v here_o for_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o serve_v their_o body_n and_o sense_n to_o be_v slave_n to_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v once_o put_v under_o man_n foot_n now_o man_n be_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o all_o and_o he_o have_v put_v himself_o so_o if_o you_o be_v of_o these_o creature_n than_o you_o may_v be_v for_o they_o you_o seek_v they_o as_o if_o you_o be_v create_v for_o they_o and_o not_o they_o for_o you_o and_o you_o seek_v yourselves_o as_o if_o you_o be_v of_o yourselves_o and_o have_v not_o your_o descent_n of_o god_n know_v my_o belove_a that_o you_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o purpose_n nor_o yet_o redeem_v either_o to_o serve_v yourselves_o or_o other_o creature_n but_o that_o other_o creature_n may_v serve_v you_o and_o you_o serve_v god_n luk._n 1._o 74_o 75._o and_o this_o be_v real_o the_o best_a way_n to_o serve_v ourselves_o and_o to_o save_v ourselves_o to_o serve_v god_n self-seeking_a be_v self-destroying_a self-denying_a be_v soulsaving_a he_o that_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v himself_o and_o follow_v i_o be_v my_o disciple_n will_v you_o once_o sit_v down_o in_o good_a earnest_n about_o this_o business_n it_o be_v lamentable_a to_o be_v yet_o to_o begin_v to_o learn_v to_o live_v when_o you_o must_v die_v you_o will_v be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n almost_o ere_o you_o bethink_v yourself_o why_o come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n quidam_fw-la tunc_fw-la vivere_fw-la incipiunt_fw-la cum_fw-la definendum_fw-la est_fw-la imò_fw-la quidam_fw-la ante_fw-la vivere_fw-la defiêrunt_fw-la quam_fw-la inciperent_fw-la this_o be_v of_o all_o most_o lamentable_a many_o soul_n end_v their_o life_n before_o they_o begin_v to_o live_v for_o what_o be_v our_o life_n but_o a_o live_a death_n while_o we_o do_v not_o live_v to_o god_n and_o while_o we_o live_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v better_a say_v christ_n that_o such_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v you_o who_o be_v create_v again_o in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v you_o to_o ask_v why_o be_o i_o make_v and_o why_o be_o i_o redeem_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_o that_o you_o may_v glorify_v your_o heavenly_a father_n mat._n 5._o 16._o psal._n 58._o 13._o and_o you_o shall_v glorify_v he_o if_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n &_o continue_v in_o his_o love_n joh._n 15._o 8._o and_o this_o you_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v unto_o ver_fw-la 16._o and_o therefore_o abide_v in_o he_o that_o you_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o if_o you_o abide_v in_o he_o
lord_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n &_o love_n to_o add_v a_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o that_o law_n &_o command_n &_o so_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o voluntary_a covenant_n and_o agreement_n whereby_o he_o do_v mitigate_v and_o sweeten_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o condescend_v so_o low_a to_o man_n as_o to_o take_v on_o himself_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o he_o put_v upon_o man_n do_v this_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v he_o may_v then_o out_o of_o his_o absoluteness_n &_o power_n have_v require_v at_o the_o creature_n hand_n any_o term_n he_o please_v even_o the_o hard_a can_v be_v imagine_v and_o yet_o no_o injustice_n in_o he_o he_o may_v have_v put_v law_n on_o man_n to_o restrain_v all_o their_o natural_a liberty_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o proclaim_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o supremacy_n but_o o_o what_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n be_v even_o in_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n &_o then_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o prescribe_v it_o with_o a_o promise_n in_o the_o matter_n so_o just_a &_o equitable_a to_o convince_v all_o man_n conscience_n yea_o even_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n that_o he_o lay_v not_o many_o burden_n on_o but_o what_o man_n conscience_n must_v lay_v on_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o all_o when_o sum_v up_o hard_a than_o this_o love_n god_n most_o of_o all_o &_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o which_o all_o man_n must_v proclaim_v to_o be_v due_a though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v require_v and_o but_o one_o precept_n add_v by_o his_o mere_a will_n which_o yet_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o put_v no_o other_o condition_n on_o the_o creature_n and_o then_o for_o the_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v propound_v in_o covenant-wise_a with_o a_o promise_n not_o to_o expect_v the_o creature_n consent_n for_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o his_o acception_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o accept_v any_o term_n his_o lord_n propound_v but_o because_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o be_v so_o equitable_a &_o the_o condition_n so_o ample_a that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v propound_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n he_o will_v have_v consent_v with_o a_o admiration_n at_o god_n goodness_n indeed_o if_o we_o speak_v strict_o there_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o such_o unequal_a party_n our_o obedience_n and_o performance_n be_v absolute_o in_o his_o power_n we_o can_v promise_v it_o as_o our_o own_o and_o it_o be_v but_o our_o duty_n we_o can_v crave_v or_o expect_v a_o reward_n in_o justice_n neither_o can_v he_o owe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o creature_n yet_o it_o please_v his_o majesty_n to_o propound_v it_o in_o these_o term_n and_o to_o stoop_v so_o low_a unto_o man_n capacity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v come_v off_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n both_o to_o repuire_v such_o duty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o promise_v unto_o they_o such_o a_o free_a reward_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v be_v plain_a upon_o god_n part_n &_o upon_o we_o in_o such_o deal_n he_o consult_v his_o own_o glory_n &_o man_n good_a his_o own_o glory_n i_o say_v be_v manifest_v in_o it_o &_o chief_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n &_o love_n that_o the_o most_o high_a come_v down_o so_o low_a as_o to_o article_n with_o his_o own_o footstool_n that_o he_o change_v his_o absolute_a right_n into_o a_o moderate_a and_o temperate_a government_n and_o temper_n his_o lordly_a &_o true_o monarchical_a power_n by_o such_o a_o commixâ—…ure_n of_o gentleness_n &_o goodness_n in_o require_v nothing_o but_o what_o man_n behove_v to_o call_v reasonable_a and_o due_a and_o in_o promise_v so_o much_o as_o no_o creaâ—…ure_n can_v challenge_v any_o title_n of_o it_o when_o the_o law_n be_v promulgate_v do_v this_o eat_v not_o of_o this_o tree_n adam_n conscience_n behove_v to_o say_v amen_n lord_n all_o be_v due_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o but_o when_o the_o promise_n be_v add_v &_o the_o trumpet_n sound_v long_o thou_o shall_v live_v o_o more_o than_o reason_n more_o than_o be_v due_a must_v his_o conscience_n say_v it_o be_v reason_n that_o the_o most_o high_a lord_n shall_v use_v his_o footstool_n as_o his_o footstool_n &_o set_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o so_o keep_v distance_n from_o he_o but_o how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o make_v friendship_n with_o man_n to_o assume_v he_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o familiarity_n &_o equality_n and_o this_o christ_n be_v not_o forgetful_a of_o when_o he_o restore_v man_n he_o put_v they_o in_o all_o their_o former_a dignity_n i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n next_o his_o wisdom_n do_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o take_v a_o way_n of_o deal_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o bring_v forth_o willing_a and_o free_a obedience_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o such_o a_o punishment_n he_o most_o wise_o do_v enclose_v the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v one_o both_o side_n with_o hedge_n of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n which_o may_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a defence_n or_o guard_n against_o all_o the_o eruption_n of_o contrary_a persuasion_n that_o man_n may_v continue_v in_o obedience_n and_o that_o when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o leave_v he_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o ample_a promise_n &_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o dreadful_a threaten_n but_o then_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n do_v appear_v in_o this_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o illustrate_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o judge_n then_o when_o the_o malefactor_n have_v before_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o punishment_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n when_o the_o law_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o man_n now_o he_o have_v man_n subscribe_v already_o to_o his_o judgement_n and_o so_o all_o the_o world_n must_v stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o become_v guilty_a in_o case_n of_o transgression_n of_o such_o a_o righteous_a command_n after_o such_o warning_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v no_o less_o for_o man_n good_a what_o a_o honour_n and_o dignity_n be_v put_v upon_o man_n when_o he_o be_v take_v into_o friendship_n with_o god_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n of_o friendship_n with_o a_o king_n o_o what_o a_o dignity_n be_v it_o account_v and_o some_o do_v account_v it_o a_o great_a privilege_n to_o be_v in_o company_n and_o converse_v with_o some_o eminent_a and_o great_a person_n but_o may_v not_o man_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o psal._n 8._o again_o what_o way_n more_o fit_a and_o suitable_a to_o stir_v up_o and_o constrain_v adam_n unto_o a_o willing_a and_o constant_a obedience_n when_o he_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o such_o a_o gracious_a reward_n &_o the_o determent_n of_o such_o a_o fearful_a punishment_n between_o these_o two_o bank_n may_v the_o silver_n stream_n of_o obedience_n have_v run_v for_o ever_o without_o break_v over_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o though_o nothing_o have_v be_v promise_v but_o then_o to_o have_v such_o a_o hope_n what_o spirit_n may_v it_o add_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v free_a upon_o man_n obedience_n either_o to_o continue_v he_o his_o happy_a estate_n or_o to_o denude_v he_o of_o it_o or_o to_o annihilate_v he_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n lie_v on_o he_o but_o now_o what_o confirmation_n may_v man_n have_v by_o look_v upon_o the_o certain_a recompense_n of_o reward_n when_o god_n bring_v himself_o free_o under_o a_o obligation_n of_o a_o promise_n and_o so_o ascertain_v it_o to_o his_o soul_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v dream_v of_o &_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o challenge_v he_o upon_o his_o faithfulness_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o then_o last_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o fit_a to_o commend_v god_n and_o sweeten_v he_o unto_o his_o soul_n as_o this_o adam_n know_v that_o his_o goodness_n can_v not_o extend_v to_o god_n that_o his_o righteousness_n can_v not_o help_v he_o nor_o his_o wickedness_n hurt_v he_o and_o so_o can_v expect_v nothing_o from_o his_o exact_a obedience_n but_o now_o when_o god_n goodness_n do_v so_o overflow_v unto_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o make_v other_o happy_a though_o he_o have_v need_n of_o none_o o_o how_o must_v it_o engage_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o a_o delightful_a remembrance_n and_o converse_n with_o
their_o nakedness_n and_o filthiness_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o menstruous_a and_o unclean_a as_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v now_o the_o very_a propension_n and_o natural_a inclination_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o stand_v upright_o in_o ourselves_o faith_n bow_v a_o soul_n back_o and_o take_v on_o christ_n righteousness_n but_o presumption_n lift_v up_o a_o soul_n upon_o its_o own_o bottom_n how_o can_v you_o believe_v that_o seek_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o the_o engagement_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o its_o own_o credit_n or_o estimation_n the_o engagement_n of_o self-love_n and_o self-honour_n do_v lift_v up_o a_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v submit_v to_o god_n righteousness_n to_o righteousness_n in_o another_o and_o therefore_o many_o do_v dream_n and_o think_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n who_o shall_v awake_v in_o the_o end_n and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n or_o night-fancy_n now_o from_o all_o this_o i_o will_v enforce_v this_o duty_n upon_o your_o conscience_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n search_v they_o if_o you_o will_v know_v christ_n who_o to_o know_v be_v eternal_a life_n than_o again_o search_v they_o for_o these_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o he_o search_v import_v diligence_n much_o diligence_n it_o be_v a_o serious_a work_n it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a seek_v of_o a_o easy_a and_o common_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v a_o search_n and_o scrutiny_n for_o some_o hide_a thing_n or_o some_o special_a thing_n it_o be_v not_o bare_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o will_v answer_v this_o duty_n except_o it_o be_v diligent_a and_o daily_o read_v and_o it_o be_v not_o that_o alone_a except_o the_o spirit_n within_o meditate_v on_o they_o and_o by_o meditation_n accomplish_v a_o diligent_a search_n there_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_n that_o you_o must_v search_v for_o that_o be_v enclose_v within_o the_o cover_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o wisdom_n that_o you_o must_v apply_v your_o heart_n to_o search_v out_o eccles._n 7._o 5._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o this_o field_n o_o precious_a treasure_n of_o eternal_a life_n now_o then_o soul_n search_v into_o the_o field_n of_o the_o scripture_n pro._n 2._o 4._o for_o he_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n it_o be_v not_o only_a truth_n you_o must_v seek_v and_o buy_v and_o not_o sell_v it_o but_o it_o be_v life_n you_o will_v search_v here_o be_v a_o object_n that_o may_v not_o only_o take_v up_o your_o understanding_n but_o satisfy_v your_o heart_n think_v not_o you_o have_v find_v all_o when_o you_o have_v find_v the_o truth_n there_o and_o learn_v it_o no_o except_o you_o have_v find_v life_n there_o you_o have_v find_v nothing_o you_o have_v miss_v the_o treasure_n if_o you_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n you_o must_v bring_v both_o your_o understanding_n &_o your_o affection_n to_o they_o and_o depart_v not_o till_o they_o both_o 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satisfy_v the_o mind_n and_o he_o have_v life_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o to_o satiate_v the_o heart_n therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v find_v jesus_n christ_n bring_v thy_o whole_a soul_n to_o seek_v he_o as_o paul_n express_v it_o he_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n then_o bring_v thy_o judgement_n to_o find_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o thy_o affection_n to_o embrace_v the_o life_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o he_o now_o as_o much_o as_o you_o find_v of_o he_o so_o much_o have_v you_o profit_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o find_v command_n there_o that_o you_o can_v obey_v search_v again_o and_o you_o may_v find_v strength_n under_o that_o command_n dig_v a_o little_a deep_o &_o you_o shall_v find_v jesus_n the_o end_n of_o a_o impossible_a command_n &_o when_o you_o have_v find_v he_o you_o have_v find_v life_n and_o strength_n to_o obey_v &_o you_o have_v find_v a_o prepitiation_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o trantgress_v &_o not_o obey_v if_o you_o find_v curse_n in_o it_o search_v again_o &_o you_o shall_v find_v jesus_n christ_n under_o that_o make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v when_o you_o know_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o you_o must_v search_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v imprint_v into_o your_o spirit_n all_o you_o know_v do_v you_o no_o good_a but_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o love_n unless_o your_o soul_n become_v a_o live_a epistle_n &_o the_o word_n without_o be_v write_v on_o the_o heart_n you_o have_v find_v nothing_o as_o for_o you_o that_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a take_v that_o pain_n to_o learn_v to_o read_v they_o o_o if_o you_o know_v what_o they_o contain_v &_o who_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o you_o will_v have_v little_a quietness_n till_o you_o can_v read_v at_o least_o his_o love-epistle_n to_o sinner_n and_o if_o you_o can_v learn_v be_v not_o discourage_v but_o if_o your_o desire_n within_o be_v servant_n your_o endeavour_n to_o hear_v it_o read_v by_o other_o will_v be_v more_o earnest_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o read_n of_o much_o of_o it_o that_o profit_v as_o the_o ponder_a of_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o digest_v they_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n till_o they_o become_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v david_n way_n and_o by_o this_o he_o grow_v to_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o tall_a &_o well-bodied_n christian._n eph._n 2._o 20._o and_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n believer_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v and_o walk_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o little_a sanctuary_n and_o temple_n to_o his_o majesty_n sanctify_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o your_o heart_n though_o he_o be_v the_o high_a &_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o come_v down_o to_o this_o poor_a cottage_n of_o a_o creature_n heart_n and_o dwell_v in_o it_o be_v not_o this_o as_o great_a a_o humble_v and_o condescend_v for_o the_o father_n to_o come_v down_o off_o his_o throne_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o poor_a base_a footstool_n of_o the_o creature_n soul_n as_o for_o the_o son_n to_o come_v down_o in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o become_v in_o the_o form_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n but_o then_o he_o be_v a_o temple_n and_o sanctuary_n to_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v to_o you_o a_o sanctuary_n isa._n 8._o a_o place_n of_o refuge_n a_o secret_a hiding-place_n now_o as_o every_o one_o be_v a_o little_a separate_a retire_a temple_n so_o they_o all_o conjoin_v make_v up_o one_o temple_n one_o visible_a body_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v therefore_o paul_n call_v they_o live_v stone_n build_v up_o into_o a_o spiritual_a house_n to_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5_o all_o these_o little_a temple_n make_v up_o one_o house_n &_o temple_n fit_o join_v together_o in_o which_o god_n show_v manifest_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o work_n unto_o this_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n allude_v the_o communion_n &_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o god_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o all_o the_o relation_n and_o point_n of_o conjunction_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v take_v to_o resemble_v it_o &_o hold_v it_o out_o to_o we_o we_o be_v citizen_n say_v he_o &_o domestic_n household_n man_n &_o so_o dwell_v in_o his_o house_n and_o then_o we_o be_v his_o house_n beside_o now_o you_o know_v there_o be_v two_o principal_a thing_n in_o a_o house_n the_o foundation_n and_o the_o cornerstone_n the_o one_o support_v the_o building_n the_o
therefore_o when_o once_o divine_a truth_n get_v entry_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n and_o become_v one_o with_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n it_o will_v quick_o command_v the_o whole_a man_n to_o practice_v and_o execute_v and_o then_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n be_v find_v a_o walker_n in_o the_o truth_n many_o person_n captivate_v truth_n in_o their_o understanding_n as_o the_o gentile_n do_v they_o hold_v or_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n but_o because_o it_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o descend_v into_o the_o heart_n &_o possess_v that_o garrison_n it_o can_v command_v the_o man_n but_o o_o its_o better_a to_o be_v truth_n captive_a then_o to_o captive_a truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n you_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o truth_n to_o which_o you_o be_v deliver_v rom._n 6._o o_o a_o bless_a captivity_n to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o truth_n that_o be_v indeed_o freedom_n for_o truth_n make_v free_a joh._n 8._o and_o it_o make_v free_a where_o it_o be_v in_o freedom_n give_v it_o freedom_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o shall_v indeed_o deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o strange_a lord_n and_o thou_o shall_v obey_v it_o from_o the_o heart_n when_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o heart_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n whether_o promise_n or_o threaten_n or_o command_n be_v impress_v into_o the_o heart_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o expression_n of_o they_o in_o the_o conversation_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o empty_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o a_o receive_n of_o it_o in_o love_n &_o when_o the_o truth_n be_v receive_v in_o love_n than_o it_o begin_v to_o work_v by_o love_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n say_v paul_n gal._n 5._o 6._o that_o now_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n of_o its_o operation_n which_o express_v its_o own_o nature_n obedience_n proceed_v from_o love_n to_o god_n flow_v from_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o that_o show_v the_o true_a and_o live_a nature_n of_o that_o faith_n if_o the_o soul_n within_o receive_v the_o seal_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o will_v render_v the_o image_n of_o that_o same_o truth_n in_o all_o its_o action_n love_n be_v put_v for_o all_o obedience_n it_o be_v make_v the_o very_a sum_n and_o compend_v of_o the_o law_n and_o fulfil_v of_o it_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a and_o constrain_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o withal_o the_o most_o sweet_a &_o pleasant_a the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o &_o not_o henceforth_o to_o ourselves_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 15._o as_o i_o say_v a_o man_n and_o his_o will_n be_v one_o if_o you_o engage_v it_o you_o bind_v all_o if_o you_o gain_v it_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o gain_v any_o party_n to_o engage_v their_o head_n who_o they_o follow_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o depend_v let_v a_o man_n love_n be_v once_o gain_v to_o christ_n &_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n and_o operation_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o pertinent_a question_n that_o christ_n ask_v peter_n when_o he_o be_v go_v away_o if_o peter_n have_v consider_v christ_n purpose_n in_o it_o he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o hasty_a and_o displease_v peter_n love_v thou_o i_o then_o feed_v my_o sheep_n if_o a_o man_n love_n christ_n he_o will_v certain_o study_v to_o please_v he_o and_o though_o he_o shall_v do_v never_o so_o much_o in_o obedience_n it_o be_v no_o pleasure_n except_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n o_o this_o and_o more_o of_o this_o in_o the_o heart_n will_v make_v minister_n feed_v well_o and_o teach_v well_o and_o will_v make_v people_n obey_v well_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o command_n love_v devout_n and_o consecrat_n all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o man_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o he_o love_v therefore_o it_o fashion_n and_o conform_v one_o even_o against_o nature_n to_o another_o humour_n and_o affection_n it_o constrain_v not_o to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o its_o joy_n &_o delight_n be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o all_o be_v give_v up_o &_o resign_v to_o he_o now_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o you_o love_v much_o you_o will_v do_v much_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o little_o be_v accept_v for_o much_o that_o proceed_v from_o love_n &_o therefore_o our_o poor_a maim_a and_o halt_a obedience_n be_v call_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v well_o please_v with_o it_o because_o love_n be_v ill_o please_v withit_z love_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o all_o too_o little_a and_o therefore_o his_o love_n think_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o much_o since_o love_n will_v give_v more_o he_o accept_v that_o which_o be_v give_v the_o lover_n mite_n cast_v into_o the_o treasure_n be_v more_o than_o ten_o time_n so_o much_o outward_a obedience_n from_o another_o man_n he_o meet_v love_n with_o love_n if_o the_o soul_n desire_v be_v towards_o the_o love_n of_o his_o name_n if_o love_n offer_v though_o a_o farthing_n his_o love_n receive_v it_o count_v it_o a_o crown_n love_v offer_v a_o present_a of_o duty_n find_v many_o imperfection_n in_o it_o and_o cover_v any_o good_a that_o be_v in_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o regard_v it_o and_o then_o behold_v it_o as_o a_o recompense_n his_o love_n receive_v the_o present_a from_o we_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o infirmity_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o thus_o what_o in_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v of_o love_n on_o our_o part_n and_o what_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v on_o his_o part_n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a proverb_n all_o thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v take_v love_n be_v the_o â—…ulfilling_n of_o the_o law_n because_o our_o love_a father_n take_v â—…t_v so_o he_o take_v as_o much_o delight_n in_o the_o poor_a child_n willingness_n as_o in_o the_o more_o aged_n strength_n the_o offer_v â—…nd_a endeavour_n of_o the_o one_o please_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o â—…erformance_n of_o the_o other_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d a_o live_a law_n it_o be_v the_o law_n write_v on_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v â—…e_a law_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o life_n within_o quis_fw-la legem_fw-la detamen_fw-la â—…bus_fw-la major_a lexamor_n sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la est_fw-la you_o almost_o need_v not_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n or_o let_v over_o the_o head_n of_o love_n the_o authority_n and_o pain_n of_o a_o command_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a law_n to_o itself_o it_o have_v within_o its_o own_o bosom_n as_o deep_a a_o engagement_n and_o obligation_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v please_v god_n as_o you_o can_v put_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o very_a engagement_n and_o bond_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o this_o it_o be_v indeed_o which_o will_v do_v he_o service_n and_o that_o be_v the_o service_n which_o he_o like_v it_o be_v that_o only_o serve_v he_o constant_o and_o 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that_o god_n as_o his_o authority_n shall_v imprint_v reverence_n so_o his_o goodness_n thus_o manifest_v shall_v engrave_v confidence_n and_o thus_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n but_o a_o life_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n not_o only_o a_o holy_a but_o a_o happy_a life_n yea_o happy_a in_o holiness_n now_o as_o it_o be_v paul_n great_a business_n in_o preach_v to_o ride_v march_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o take_v man_n off_o that_o old_a break_a ship_n to_o this_o sure_a plank_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v offer_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o drown_v soul_n so_o it_o will_v be_v our_o great_a work_n to_o show_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o term_n thereof_o that_o you_o may_v henceforth_o find_v and_o know_v that_o salvation_n to_o be_v now_o impossible_a by_o the_o law_n which_o so_o many_o seek_v in_o it_o we_o have_v no_o errand_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o 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presence_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n now_o this_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n this_o open_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o bargain_n and_o the_o opposition_n between_o the_o present_a covenant_n &_o that_o which_o be_v make_v with_o lose_a sinner_n in_o a_o mediator_n this_o covenant_n be_v call_v of_o work_n do_v this_o and_o live_v to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o promise_n make_v though_o free_o too_o it_o be_v grace_n that_o once_o a_o reward_n shall_v be_v promise_v to_o obedience_n but_o have_v once_o resolve_v to_o give_v it_o herein_o justice_n appear_v in_o a_o equal_a and_o uniform_a distribution_n of_o the_o reward_n according_a to_o work_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o equality_n of_o work_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o equality_n of_o reward_n and_o no_o difference_n put_v between_o person_n equal_a which_o be_v the_o very_a freedom_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o pass_v overall_a such_o consideration_n and_o deal_v equal_o in_o mercy_n with_o unequal_a sinner_n &_o unequal_o it_o may_v be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v equal_a in_o nature_n you_o may_v ask_v be_v not_o adam_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n &_o do_v not_o the_o law_n require_v faith_n i_o answer_v christ_n distinguish_v a_o twofold_a faith_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o no_o question_n he_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n first_o to_o depend_v on_o god_n the_o self-beeing_a and_o fountain-good_a his_o own_o goodness_n be_v but_o a_o flux_n and_o emanation_n from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n &_o so_o be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v by_o constant_a abide_n in_o his_o sight_n the_o interposition_n of_o man_n self_n between_o he_o and_o god_n do_v soon_o bring_v on_o this_o eternal_a night_n of_o darkness_n nature_n may_v have_v teach_v he_o to_o live_v in_o he_o in_o who_o he_o have_v life_n &_o be_v and_o motion_n and_o to_o forget_v &_o look_v over_o his_o own_o perfection_n as_o evanish_v shadow_n but_o this_o quick_o extinguish_v his_o life_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o to_o live_v in_o himself_o next_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n word_n both_o threaten_a and_o promise_n &_o to_o have_v these_o constant_o in_o his_o view_n and_o certain_o if_o he_o have_v keep_v in_o his_o serious_a consideration_n the_o inestimable_a blessing_n of_o life_n promise_v and_o the_o fearful_a curse_n of_o death_n threaten_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v induce_v first_o to_o doubt_n and_o then_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o he_o have_v not_o attempt_v such_o a_o desperate_a rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n then_o three_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o persuade_v himself_o of_o the_o lord_n fatherly_a love_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v with_o his_o obedience_n and_o this_o faith_n will_v certain_o beget_v much_o peace_n &_o quietness_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o also_o constrain_v he_o to_o love_v he_o and_o live_v to_o he_o who_o love_v he_o and_o give_v he_o life_n and_o happiness_n out_o of_o love_n yet_o this_o hold_v true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n to_o wit_n in_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n it_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o immediate_a friendship_n there_o need_v none_o to_o mediate_v between_o god_n and_o man_n there_o need_v no_o reconciler_n where_o there_o be_v no_o odds_n nor_o distance_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o faith_n in_o a_o mediator_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n plight_v its_o hope_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n in_o its_o desperate_a necessity_n &_o so_o suppose_v man_n sinful_a and_o miserable_a in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n too_o and_o so_o put_v over_o his_o weight_n &_o burden_n upon_o one_o who_o god_n have_v make_v mighty_a to_o save_v the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o of_o perfect_a work_n a_o watchword_n bring_v in_o of_o purpose_n to_o bring_v man_n off_o their_o hanker_a after_o a_o break_a and_o desperate_a covenant_n it_o admit_v no_o repentance_n it_o speak_v of_o no_o pardon_n it_o declare_v no_o cautioner_n or_o redeemer_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v expect_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n but_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n either_o personal_a obedience_n in_o all_o or_o personal_a punishment_n for_o ever_o that_o be_v the_o very_a term_n of_o it_o &_o it_o know_v no_o other_o thing_n either_o bring_v complete_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n or_o expect_v nothing_o but_o death_n this_o may_v be_v a_o sad_a meditation_n to_o we_o to_o stand_v and_o look_v back_o to_o our_o former_a estate_n &_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o into_o which_o we_o
without_o previous_a foresight_n or_o consideration_n of_o their_o do_n &_o prepare_v man_n to_o eternal_a wrath_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o justice_n without_o previous_a consideration_n of_o their_o deserve_n &_o pass_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n upon_o the_o end_n of_o all_o man_n before_o they_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n when_o ever_o any_o secret_a â—…urmises_n rise_v in_o thy_o heart_n against_o this_o learn_v to_o answer_v this_o enter_v not_o the_o list_n of_o disputation_n with_o corrupt_a reason_n but_o put_v in_o this_o bridle_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n greatness_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o thy_o own_o baseness_n &_o labour_n to_o restrain_v thy_o undaunted_a &_o wild_a mind_n by_o it_o ponder_v that_o well_o who_o thou_o be_v who_o dispute_v who_o god_n be_v against_o who_o thou_o dispute_v &_o if_o thou_o have_v speak_v once_o thou_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o what_o thou_o be_v who_o be_v as_o clay_n form_v out_o of_o nothing_o what_o he_o be_v who_o be_v the_o former_a and_o have_v not_o the_o potter_n power_n over_o the_o clay_n consider_v but_o how_o great_a wickedness_n it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o to_o question_v he_o or_o ask_v a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n after_o you_o have_v find_v his_o will_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n then_o to_o inquire_v further_o into_o a_o cause_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v alone_o the_o self-rule_a of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v something_o above_o his_o will_n and_o to_o reduce_v his_o majesty_n into_o the_o order_n of_o creature_n it_o be_v almost_o abominable_a usurpation_n and_o sacrilege_n for_o both_o it_o robe_n he_o of_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o instate_v the_o base_a footstool_n in_o his_o throne_n but_o know_v that_o certain_o god_n will_v overcome_v when_o he_o be_v judge_v psa._n 51._o 6._o if_o thou_o judge_v he_o he_o will_v condemn_v thou_o if_o thou_o opugâ—…_n his_o absolute_a and_o holy_a decree_n he_o will_v hold_v thou_o fast_o bind_v by_o they_o to_o thy_o condemnation_n he_o need_v no_o other_o defence_n but_o to_o call_v out_o thy_o own_o conscience_n against_o thou_o &_o bind_v thou_o over_o to_o destruction_n therefore_o as_o on_o say_v well_o let_v the_o rashness_n of_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v not_o lest_o peradventure_o they_o find_v that_o which_o be_v seek_v not_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o purpose_n lest_o peradventure_o thou_o find_v thy_o own_o death_n and_o damnation_n enfold_v in_o they_o paul_n mention_n two_o objection_n of_o carnal_a &_o fleshly_a wisdom_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n which_o indeed_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v vent_v and_o invent_v even_o to_o this_o day_n to_o defile_v the_o spotless_a truth_n of_o god_n all_o the_o whisper_n of_o man_n tend_v to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o justify_v themselves_o or_o to_o accuse_v god_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o shall_v any_o do_v it_o and_o be_v guiltless_a i_o confess_v some_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o a_o intention_n of_o accuse_v god_n as_o out_o of_o a_o preposterous_a &_o ignorant_a zeal_n for_o god_n even_o as_o job_n friend_n do_v speak_v much_o for_o god_n nay_o but_o it_o be_v not_o well_o speak_v they_o do_v but_o speak_v wicked_o for_o he_o some_o speeak_v much_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o that_o plea_n make_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o these_o to_o fore-ordain_a to_o life_n or_o death_n without_o the_o foresight_n of_o their_o carriage_n but_o shall_v they_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n or_o will_v he_o accept_v their_o person_n he_o who_o look_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n know_v the_o rise_n and_o bottom_n of_o such_o defence_n and_o apology_n for_o his_o holiness_n to_o be_v partly_o self-love_n partly_o narrow_a and_o limit_a thought_n of_o he_o draw_v he_o down_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o own_o great_a enemy_n carnal_a reason_n since_o man_n will_v ascribe_v he_o no_o righteousness_n but_o such_o a_o one_o of_o their_o own_o shape_a conform_v to_o their_o own_o model_n do_v they_o not_o indeed_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n i_o find_v two_o or_o three_o objection_n which_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o head_n first_o it_o seem_v unrighteousness_n with_o god_n to_o predestinate_a man_n to_o eternal_a death_n with_o out_o their_o own_o evil_a deserve_n or_o any_o forethought_a of_o it_o that_o before_o any_o man_n have_v a_o be_v god_n shall_v have_v be_v in_o his_o counsel_n fit_v so_o many_o to_o destruction_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a mock_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o that_o sin_n and_o corruption_n unto_o which_o by_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n they_o be_v fore-ordained_n this_o be_v even_o that_o which_o paul_n object_n to_o himself_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n be_v it_o not_o unrighteousness_n to_o hate_n esau_n before_o he_o deserve_v it_o be_v he_o not_o unrighteous_a to_o adjudge_v he_o to_o death_n before_o he_o do_v evil_a vers_fw-la 14._o let_v paul_n answer_v for_o we_o god_n forbid_v why_o there_o need_v no_o more_o answer_n but_o all_o thought_n or_o word_n which_o may_v in_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o his_o holiness_n be_v abomination_n though_o we_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o it_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a with_o he_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o this_o we_o must_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v it_o be_v his_o own_o property_n to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o counsel_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o reveal_v of_o they_o without_o further_a enquiry_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o it_o be_v clear_o in_o this_o chapter_n this_o far_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o tell_v we_o not_o how_o it_o be_v then_o further_o we_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o learn_v god_n in_o keep_v silence_n of_o that_o may_v put_v we_o to_o silence_n &_o make_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n to_o be_v admire_v not_o sound_v yet_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o indeed_o as_o high_a as_o can_v be_v to_o god_n will_v he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v now_o further_o he_o can_v go_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o above_o this_o we_o may_v descend_v from_o this_o but_o we_o can_v ascend_v or_o rise_v above_o it_o but_o be_v this_o any_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n a_o sophister_n can_v press_v it_o further_o and_o take_v advantage_n from_o that_o very_a ground_n what_o be_v not_o this_o to_o establish_v a_o mere_a tyranny_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n of_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n distribute_v reward_n &_o punishment_n without_o previous_a consideration_n of_o man_n carriage_n but_o here_o we_o must_v stand_v and_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o scripture_n walk_v with_o we_o what_o ever_o reason_n or_o cause_n may_v be_v assign_v yet_o certain_o we_o must_v at_o length_n come_v up_o thither_o all_o thing_n be_v because_o he_o so_o will_v and_o why_o he_o will_v we_o shall_v not_o ask_v a_o reason_n because_o his_o will_n be_v supreme_a reason_n and_o the_o very_a self-rule_a of_o all_o righteousness_n therefore_o if_o once_o we_o know_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v present_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v most_o righteous_a and_o holy_a if_o that_o evasion_n of_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o impenitency_n have_v be_v find_v â—…id_v certain_o paul_n will_v have_v answer_v so_o &_o not_o â—…ve_v have_v his_o refuge_n to_o the_o absolute_a will_n and_o pleasure_n â—…f_n god_n which_o seem_v to_o perplex_v it_o more_o but_o he_o know_v well_o that_o there_o can_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n either_o actual_o be_v without_o his_o will_n or_o be_v to_o come_v without_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o same_o will_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a shiâ—…_n to_o have_v refuge_n to_o that_o start_a hole_n of_o foreknowledge_n out_o of_o which_o he_o must_v present_o flee_v to_o the_o will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n &_o so_o he_o betake_v he_o straight_o way_n to_o that_o he_o must_v hold_v at_o and_o oppose_v that_o will_n to_o man_n do_n it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v mean_v only_o that_o jacob_n and_o esau_n have_v actuallie_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a he_o need_v not_o return_v to_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n will_n for_o still_o it_o may_v be_v say_v it_o be_v of_o he_o â—…hat_o run_v and_o will_n and_o not_o of_o god_n will_n as_o the_o first_o original_a because_o their_o good_a and_o evil_n
foresee_v do_v move_v he_o to_o such_o love_n and_o hatred_n it_o be_v all_o alike_o of_o work_n of_o man_n whether_o these_o work_n be_v present_a or_o to_o come_v therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v every_o one_o of_o you_o what_o ever_o you_o conceive_v of_o his_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n if_o he_o have_v show_v mercy_n to_o you_o o_o then_o rest_v not_o in_o thyself_o but_o arise_v and_o ascend_v till_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o eternal_a free_a purpose_n and_o if_o thou_o conceive_v thy_o sin_n &_o misery_n and_o judgement_n thou_o may_v go_v up_o also_o to_o his_o holy_a counsel_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n &_o silence_v thyself_o with_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o thou_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o misery_n to_o return_v always_o within_o and_o to_o search_v the_o corruption_n of_o thy_o nature_n which_o may_v alone_o make_v thou_o hateful_a enough_o to_o god_n â—…f_n thou_o search_v thy_o own_o conscience_n it_o will_v stop_v thy_o mouth_n &_o make_v thou_o guilty_a before_o god_n let_v not_o the_o â—…hought_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n diminish_v the_o conviâ—…tion_n of_o thy_o guilt_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o thyself_o for_o sin_n and_o â—…orruption_n but_o dwell_v more_o constant_o upon_o this_o because_o thou_o be_v call_v and_o command_v so_o to_o do_v onâ—…_n thing_n remain_v fix_v though_o he_o have_v fore-ordaâ—…_a man_n to_o death_n yet_o none_o shall_v be_v damn_v till_o his_o coâ—…_n science_n be_v â—…orced_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n there_o be_v another_o whisper_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n against_o the_o predestination_n of_o god_n which_o insinuate_v that_o god_n be_v a_o accepter_n of_o person_n &_o so_o accuse_v he_o of_o partial_a and_o unrighteous_a deal_n because_o he_o deal_v not_o equal_o with_o all_o man_n do_v you_o not_o say_v this_o within_o yourselves_o â—…f_o he_o find_v all_o guilty_a why_o do_v he_o not_o punish_v all_o why_o do_v he_o spare_v some_o and_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o man_n in_o his_o first_o and_o primitive_a thought_n of_o they_o as_o neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_n why_o do_v he_o not_o have_v mercy_n on_o all_o but_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o he_o be_v good_a may_v he_o not_o do_v with_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v because_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o some_o soul_n shall_v man_n be_v displease_v &_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a or_o because_o he_o of_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n extend_v it_o shall_v he_o be_v bind_v by_o a_o rule_n to_o do_v so_o with_o all_o be_v not_o he_o both_o just_a and_o merciful_a and_o be_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o both_o be_v show_v forth_o if_o he_o punish_v thou_o thou_o can_v not_o complain_v for_o thou_o deserve_v it_o if_o he_o show_v mercy_n why_o shall_v any_o quarrel_n for_o it_o be_v free_a &_o undeserved_a grace_n by_o save_v some_o he_o show_v his_o grace_n by_o destroy_v other_o he_o show_v what_o all_o deserve_v god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o accepter_n of_o person_n according_a to_o their_o qualification_n &_o condition_n that_o he_o find_v nothing_o in_o any_o creature_n to_o cast_v the_o balance_n of_o his_o choice_n if_o he_o do_v choose_v man_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n or_o outward_a privilege_n &_o 〈◊〉_d other_o for_o the_o want_n of_o theâ—…e_n than_o it_o may_v be_v charge_v on_o he_o but_o he_o rather_o go_v over_o all_o these_o nay_o he_o find_v none_o of_o these_o in_o his_o first_o view_n of_o man_n he_o behold_v they_o all_o alike_o and_o nothing_o to_o determine_v his_o mind_n to_o one_o more_o nor_o another_o so_o that_o his_o choice_n proceed_v whole_o from_o within_o his_o own_o breast_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v but_o than_o three_o our_o heart_n object_n against_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o this_o fatal_a chain_n of_o predestination_n overturn_v all_o exhortation_n &_o persuasion_n to_o godliness_n all_o care_n &_o diligence_n in_o well-doing_n for_o thus_o do_v many_o profane_a soul_n conceive_v if_o he_o be_v in_o one_o mind_n and_o who_o can_v turn_v he_o then_o what_o need_v i_o pray_v since_o he_o have_v already_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o i_o his_o purpose_n will_v take_v effect_n whether_o i_o pray_v or_o pray_v not_o my_o prayer_n will_v not_o make_v he_o change_v his_o mind_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n he_o will_v do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o save_v save_v we_o shall_v be_v live_v as_o we_o list_v if_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o to_o death_n die_v we_o must_v live_v as_o we_o can_v therefore_o man_n in_o this_o desperate_a estate_n throw_v themselves_o headlong_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n and_o that_o with_o quietness_n &_o peace_n thus_o do_v many_o soul_n perish_v upon_o the_o stumble_a stone_n lay_v in_o zion_n and_o wrest_v the_o truth_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n even_o quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o true_a intent_n &_o meaning_n paul_n eph._n 1._o 4._o speak_v another_o language_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n his_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o lose_v the_o reins_o to_o man_n lust_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v the_o very_a spring_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o our_o sanctification_n flow_v by_o a_o infallible_a course_n this_o chain_n of_o god_n counsel_n concern_v we_o have_v also_o link_v together_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n glory_n &_o grace_n happiness_n and_o holiness_n that_o there_o be_v no_o destroy_n of_o they_o without_o holiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v god_n so_o that_o those_o who_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o any_o desire_n of_o &_o endeavour_v after_o the_o other_o they_o be_v upon_o a_o vain_a attempt_n to_o loose_v the_o link_n of_o this_o eternal_a chain_n rom._n 8._o it_o be_v the_o only_a eternal_a choose_v love_n of_o god_n which_o separate_v so_o many_o soul_n from_o the_o common_a misery_n of_o man_n it_o be_v that_o only_a which_o in_o time_n do_v appear_v &_o rise_v as_o it_o be_v from_o under_z ground_n in_o the_o stream_n of_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o life_n stand_v so_o shall_v the_o ordinance_n of_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 16._o eph._n 2._o 9_o if_o he_o have_v appoint_v thou_o to_o life_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v also_o ordain_v theâ—…_n to_o fruit_n and_o choose_v thou_o to_o be_v holy_a so_o that_o what_o ever_o soul_n cast_v by_o the_o study_n of_o this_o there_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o brand_n of_o peâ—…dition_n upon_o its_o forehead_n it_o be_v true_a all_o be_v already_o determine_v with_o he_o &_o he_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o change_n or_o shadow_n of_o â—…urning_v nothing_o then_o want_v but_o he_o be_v in_o one_o mind_n about_o it_o and_o thy_o prayer_n can_v turn_v he_o yet_o a_o godly_a soul_n will_v pray_v with_o more_o confidence_n because_o it_o know_v that_o as_o he_o have_v determine_v upon_o all_o its_o want_n and_o receipt_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v this_o to_o be_v the_o very_a way_n of_o obtain_v what_o it_o want_v this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o familiarity_n and_o grace_n he_o take_v with_o his_o own_o to_o make_v they_o call_v and_o he_o perform_v his_o purpose_n in_o answer_n to_o their_o cry_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o prayer_n yet_o i_o say_v that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n thou_o shall_v look_v to_o but_o what_o be_v require_v of_o thou_o by_o thy_o duty_n to_o do_v that_o simple_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d though_o thou_o shall_v never_o profit_v by_o it_o this_o be_v true_a obedience_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o his_o own_o pleasure_n though_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o certain_o he_o do_v not_o require_v thy_o supplication_n for_o this_o end_n to_o move_v he_o and_o incline_v his_o affection_n towards_o thou_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o thy_o homage_n &_o subjection_n to_o he_o therefore_o though_o they_o can_v make_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n than_o he_o be_v or_o hasten_v performance_n before_o his_o purpose_a time_n so_o that_o in_o reality_n they_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o he_o yet_o in_o pray_v &_o pray_v diligent_o thou_o declare_v thy_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n which_o be_v all_o thou_o have_v to_o look_v to_o and_o to_o commit_v the_o event_n sole_o to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o 2._o objection_n paul_n mention_n tend_v to_o justify_v man_n why_o then_o do_v you_o yet_o find_v fault_n who_o have_v resist_v