a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o from_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o arise_v a_o full_a obligation_n to_o do_v all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v but_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n our_o propensity_n to_o wickedness_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o other_o motive_n beside_o these_o in_o order_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o we_o we_o know_v we_o be_v sinner_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v our_o continuance_n in_o sin_n by_o pretend_v that_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n we_o know_v our_o best_a action_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o god_n will_v accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v and_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n of_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v we_o know_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n deliver_v ourselves_o from_o all_o care_n of_o please_a god_n under_o colour_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o perform_v it_o by_o humane_a endeavour_n we_o know_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n be_v present_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n better_o if_o we_o shall_v forego_v they_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n require_v it_o it_o have_v please_v therefore_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-good_a god_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o sinner_n to_o remove_v all_o these_o hindrance_n and_o by_o revelation_n to_o supply_v all_o these_o defect_n and_o satisfy_v we_o concern_v all_o these_o doubt_n viz._n by_o add_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n these_o follow_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o that_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o 3._o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v assist_v we_o in_o they_o and_o 4._o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o reward_v we_o for_o they_o all_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v all_o their_o dependence_n upon_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o sermon_n heb._n xi_o 6._o but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o 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 i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n those_o be_v such_o which_o be_v immediate_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n or_o subvert_v of_o those_o doubt_n which_o will_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o care_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v this_o man_n lie_v under_o a_o very_a powerful_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o these_o motive_n be_v not_o subvert_v by_o other_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o care_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o man_n who_o believe_v thus_o much_o shall_v indeed_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o a_o practiser_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o man_n be_v through_o the_o sad_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a even_o all_o mankind_n more_o or_o less_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a question_n in_o religion_n which_o unless_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v afford_v so_o many_o pretence_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o care_n to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o godly_a and_o that_o these_o question_n can_v be_v satisfy_v nor_o consequent_o the_o doubt_n remove_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o principle_n though_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a evil_a state_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o such_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o will_v whole_o remove_v all_o those_o pretence_n which_o will_v be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o ungodly_a vicious_a life_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o other_o displease_v to_o he_o that_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v become_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a because_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o without_o which_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o his_o advantage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o for_o the_o future_a clear_v it_o be_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v a_o hater_n of_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o freewill_n the_o belief_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o revelation_n almighty_a god_n have_v by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_a to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o repentance_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n i._n e._n one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o may_v further_o be_v allege_v that_o though_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v he_o all_o his_o past_a sin_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o obedience_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a what_o degree_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o future_a a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n he_o know_v no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o whether_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v consider_v all_o our_o evil_a circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v unless_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o will_v almighty_a god_n have_v therefore_o by_o revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o a_o good_a life_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o consider_v the_o great_a temptatation_n we_o be_v beset_v withal_o the_o natural_a aversation_n in_o we_o to_o good_a and_o propensity_n to_o evil_n the_o bad_a example_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n the_o prevelancy_n of_o passion_n the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a questionable_a whether_o humane_a endeavour_n can_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n which_o may_v just_o be_v call_v sincerity_n in_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o righteousness_n be_v impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v with_o we_o there_o be_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o repentance_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v but_o weak_a motive_n to_o those_o endeavour_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o to_o encourage_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o frailty_n and_o the_o temptatation_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o manner_n and_o measure_n proportionable_a to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o
he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o that_o this_o righteousness_n proceed_v from_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 2._o that_o this_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o passage_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v say_v to_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o the_o righteousness_n which_o please_v god_n be_v that_o which_o must_v begin_v from_o faith_n which_o must_v still_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o which_o at_o last_o must_v end_v in_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v a_o say_n like_o to_o that_o in_o rom._n 6.19_o as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n and_o to_o iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n even_o so_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n for_o by_o serve_v iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o daily_o grow_a worse_n and_o by_o serve_v righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n be_v mean_v add_v one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o grow_v better_o and_o thus_o here_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n which_o first_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o be_v always_o build_v upon_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v at_o last_o perfect_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v by_o these_o word_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a have_v faith_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v increase_v as_o his_o faith_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o more_o he_o be_v root_v and_o strengthen_v in_o faith_n the_o better_a he_o grow_v and_o he_o please_v god_n the_o more_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v all_o along_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o be_v please_v with_o but_o then_o 2._o what_o relation_n have_v that_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v hereby_o design_n to_o show_v that_o though_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n promise_n then_o that_o hold_v good_a man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o habakk_n 2.4_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o their_o captivity_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n v._o 3._o therefore_o say_v he_o though_o the_o vision_n tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v but_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sure_a belief_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v support_v good_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o captivity_n in_o a_o idolatrous_a land_n and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o return_n into_o their_o own_o country_n in_o god_n appoint_a time_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n who_o have_v better_a promise_n viz._n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n do_v in_o this_o faith_n work_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o for_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o heavenly_a country_n faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jew_n observe_v their_o law_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o it_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o blessing_n as_o that_o law_n promise_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o true_a but_o in_o a_o much_o high_a sense_n that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n because_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a righteousness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n and_o because_o such_o faith_n shall_v bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text._n and_o now_o my_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o disparagement_n at_o all_o to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o argument_n to_o discourse_v upon_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o of_o the_o reformation_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o we_o often_o have_v be_v with_o solifidianism_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v with_o attribute_v all_o to_o faith_n and_o leave_v no_o necessity_n for_o righteousness_n and_o good_a work_n we_o do_v indeed_o with_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o just_a do_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o we_o do_v with_o the_o scripture_n also_o affirm_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n without_o which_o we_o can_v please_v god_n nor_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o we_o do_v also_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o resolve_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o not_o impute_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o they_o be_v the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o but_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o make_v we_o live_v to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v dead_a without_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v holiness_n will_v follow_v for_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n if_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n than_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v holy_a which_o if_o it_o be_v find_v true_a than_o we_o not_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v in_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v hard_a to_o understand_v how_o those_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o since_o it_o follow_v more_o certain_o that_o a_o man_n believe_v because_o he_o be_v holy_a than_o that_o he_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o believe_v it_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v say_v that_o a_o believer_n shall_v live_v by_o his_o righteousness_n than_o that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o yet_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o clear_v this_o difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o 2._o what_o power_n it_o have_v or_o what_o efficacy_n must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o aim_v at_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n clear_a but_o also_o profitable_a unto_o godliness_n one_a then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o that_o be_v affirm_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o that_o affirm_v it_o or_o upon_o some_o other_o reason_n beside_o sensible_a evidence_n or_o immediate_a knowledge_n and_o thus_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v god_n testimony_n for_o and_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n faith_n or_o believe_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v alter_v the_o common_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o word_n but_o can_v we_o think_v that_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v believe_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o
or_o wish_v and_o propose_v to_o be_v better_o nor_o of_o external_a penance_n fruitless_a ceremony_n vain_a commutation_n purchase_v dispensation_n and_o buy_v indulgency_n not_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o put_v together_o be_v repentance_n any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o repentance_n to_o which_o pardon_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o as_o broad_a and_o as_o long_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o god_n almighty_n have_v not_o issue_v out_o his_o pardon_n to_o any_o one_o sinner_n in_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a term_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o good_a nature_n whether_o he_o will_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v kind_a and_o leave_v his_o sin_n or_o ungrateful_a and_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o fancy_n themselves_o such_o darling_n of_o heaven_n that_o for_o their_o sake_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n in_o determine_v to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n now_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o presumption_n and_o fond_a conceit_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o our_o obedience_n as_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v to_o use_v his_o right_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v forbear_v that_o no_o long_o when_o he_o see_v his_o goodness_n do_v not_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n the_o same_o divine_a revelation_n which_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n do_v likewise_o assure_v we_o he_o be_v so_o just_a and_o wise_a as_o to_o pardon_v he_o only_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o indeed_o to_o pardon_v the_o incorrigible_a be_v not_o mercy_n but_o weakness_n he_o only_o be_v in_o a_o compassionable_a condition_n that_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o see_v then_o repentance_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o that_o out_o pardon_v be_v infallible_o secure_a upon_o that_o condition_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o most_o pregnant_a and_o forcible_a engagement_n to_o the_o great_a care_n we_o can_v exert_v of_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 2._o the_o second_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n this_o likewise_o be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n see_v if_o god_n have_v please_v he_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o require_v unsinning_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o which_o no_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v i.e._n he_o may_v have_v measure_v our_o repentance_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n by_o our_o amendment_n according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o law_n without_o make_v any_o abatement_n for_o human_a frailty_n for_o invincible_a ignorance_n for_o surprise_v and_o those_o undueness_n of_o passion_n and_o those_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v thing_n of_o daily_a incursion_n but_o have_v it_o be_v thus_o little_a comfort_n can_v we_o have_v have_v from_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a if_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o for_o that_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v short_a of_o that_o absolute_a perfection_n which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n to_o arrive_v unto_o for_o he_o that_o proffer_v a_o benefit_n upon_o term_n impossible_a to_o the_o receiver_n do_v but_o disquiet_v he_o the_o more_o take_v away_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o give_v with_o the_o other_o therefore_o almighty_a god_n further_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o former_a sin_n upon_o that_o condition_n but_o he_o have_v so_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o that_o life_n be_v which_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v please_v withal_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v deter_v from_o attempt_v his_o service_n by_o any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o austerity_n and_o rigour_n towards_o we_o that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o service_n and_o duty_n he_o expect_v from_o we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n from_o and_o a_o real_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o he_o which_o be_v to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o very_a possible_a and_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o obedience_n therefore_o must_v be_v so_o too_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n be_v consistent_a with_o sin_n of_o mere_a frailty_n of_o unaffected_a ignorance_n of_o unavoidable_a surprise_n because_o these_o sin_n neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a will_n nor_o be_v whole_o vincible_a in_o our_o present_a state_n but_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o due_a love_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v with_o deliberate_a much_o less_o with_o presumptuous_a sin_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o wilful_a much_o less_o with_o customary_a transgression_n of_o know_a and_o open_a law_n it_o can_v consist_v with_o sin_n proceed_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n much_o less_o with_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o avoid_v it_o can_v consist_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n commit_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o forbear_v they_o but_o he_o that_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v accept_v by_o almighty_a god_n i._n e._n he_o be_v reckon_v by_o he_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o moderation_n and_o gentleness_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n not_o account_v a_o sinner_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o do_v indeed_o stand_v as_o much_o condemn_v and_o will_v as_o as_o certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o original_a law_n or_o the_o first_o covenant_n if_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o by_o those_o measure_n for_o those_o sin_n i_o say_v they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n or_o the_o second_o covenant_n because_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v our_o highpriest_n and_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n through_o who_o intercession_n they_o be_v remit_v upon_o our_o keep_n from_o all_o wilful_a sin_n and_o our_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o sacrifice_n offer_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o make_v such_o sin_n consistent_a with_o a_o justifiable_a state_n no_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v it_o be_v only_o upon_o those_o term_n that_o our_o sacrifice_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o power_n to_o obtain_v our_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n here_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o sin_n of_o wilfulness_n to_o show_v as_o exact_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v wherein_o lie_v that_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o accept_v and_o which_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o but_o this_o will_v be_v to_o slide_v into_o a_o argument_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o general_a
necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o life_n as_o bread_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n we_o must_v understand_v all_o spiritual_a help_n necessary_a for_o our_o improvement_n in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n viz._n which_o hold_v the_o same_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n which_o bread_n etc._n etc._n hold_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o body_n this_o upon_o our_o ask_n i._n e._n upon_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o we_o since_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o viz._n such_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a help_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o none_o of_o we_o less_o and_o he_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o expect_v more_o now_o be_v not_o this_o evident_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o god_n himself_o will_v cherish_v and_o maintain_v we_o will_v help_v and_o support_v we_o will_v prosper_v and_o guard_v we_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o we_o have_v we_o such_o a_o patron_n and_o defender_n to_o overlook_v and_o care_n for_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o want_n of_o necessary_a help_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o be_v dishearten_v and_o dismay_v can_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n leave_v we_o can_v our_o heart_n sink_v within_o we_o when_o such_o powerful_a aid_n be_v near_o when_o such_o mighty_a encouragement_n be_v by_o we_o be_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o do_v those_o thing_n wherewith_o god_n will_v be_v please_v and_o his_o favour_n obtain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o not_o obtain_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n or_o in_o not_o improve_n by_o his_o good_a action_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v arrive_v to_o a_o regenerate_v estate_n and_o persevere_v therein_o for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o feign_a but_o a_o sincere_a promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v real_a it_o can_v imply_v no_o less_o and_o it_o need_v not_o imply_v any_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o our_o spiritual_a need_n and_o if_o that_o provision_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o the_o event_n no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o the_o belief_n therefore_o of_o this_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n both_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v to_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v we_o against_o all_o our_o fear_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o it_o can_v but_o show_v we_o what_o great_a aggravation_n our_o sin_n must_v receive_v if_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o because_o thereby_o we_o resist_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o the_o last_o principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n fundamental_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o point_n of_o belief_n be_v not_o knowable_a but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o pardon_v our_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n assist_v our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o give_v we_o any_o other_o confidence_n about_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o pardon_n and_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o say_v the_o high_a confidence_n we_o can_v arrive_v unto_o about_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o can_v amount_v reasonable_o to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v exempt_v and_o release_v from_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o sin_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v pardon_v sinner_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a law_n as_o shall_v tend_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v recompense_v the_o obedience_n of_o they_o with_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v remit_v the_o penalty_n due_a to_o sin_n this_o must_v needs_o argue_v as_o great_a goodness_n in_o god_n as_o any_o sinner_n can_v with_o reason_n or_o modesty_n expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o towards_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v over_o and_o above_o requite_v our_o imperfect_a if_o sincere_a obedience_n with_o free_a and_o ample_a reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o those_o reward_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o full_a which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o long_o as_o our_o being_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n than_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o righteousness_n than_o life_n everlasting_a than_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o angel_n than_o the_o glorious_a and_o happy_a employment_n of_o spirit_n make_v perfect_a than_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v such_o abundant_a benignity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o sinner_n that_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o nothing_o but_o self-moving_a goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o unsought_a kindness_n and_o benevolence_n this_o can_v never_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o by_o god_n almighty_n revelation_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o with_o modesty_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o the_o declare_a promise_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o have_v not_o give_v we_o confidence_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o want_v no_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n he_o who_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n call_v we_o to_o repentance_n promise_v pardon_n thereupon_o and_o acceptance_n and_o assistance_n have_v moreover_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n who_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a and_o hide_a purpose_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o sinner_n by_o he_o i_o say_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a into_o a_o state_n of_o immortal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n this_o also_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o pregnant_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n since_o as_o the_o rest_n show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o so_o this_o satisfi_v we_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o since_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v our_o rewarder_n if_o we_o diligent_o seek_v he_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o advantage_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n pardon_n and_o to_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n will_v captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o leave_v we_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o bountiful_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v bid_v a_o everlasting_a immense_a reward_n for_o our_o poor_a and_o to_o he_o unprofitable_a but_o to_o ourselves_o most_o beneficial_a service_n what_o can_v be_v say_v in_o our_o excuse_n if_o we_o undervalue_v so_o magnificent_a and_o free_a a_o gift_n such_o rich_a grace_n and_o bounty_n if_o this_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o that_o a_o true_o good_a man_n find_v there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n to_o do_v they_o what_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o if_o we_o prefer_v a_o moment_n before_o eternity_n and_o those_o advantage_n we_o see_v but_o which_o we_o
they_o can_v be_v well_o spare_v but_o that_o they_o work_v together_o one_o for_o one_o good_a end_n another_z for_o another_o all_o joint_o for_o his_o true_a happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a with_o reference_n to_o single_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o body_n of_o christian_n adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o watchful_a for_o a_o common_a than_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o since_o this_o truth_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o believer_n that_o feel_v the_o same_o trouble_n so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o to_o all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n to_o consider_v god_n not_o as_o arbitrary_o dispose_v of_o our_o concern_v but_o rather_o as_o wise_o choose_v fit_a mean_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o this_o consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o repel_v all_o murmur_a thought_n against_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o dispose_v we_o not_o only_o to_o contentation_n but_o even_o to_o thankfulness_n under_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n and_o that_o because_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ill_o mean_v by_o providence_n towards_o we_o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o proper_a mean_n work_v for_o our_o good_a not_o only_o adversity_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o happen_v in_o particular_a more_o than_o other_o will_v have_v do_v but_o then_o 2._o there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o other_o cause_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a for_o our_o good_a i_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o work_v together_o for_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o the_o apostle_n may_v mean_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n than_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o god_n servant_n shall_v work_v together_o that_o be_v one_o with_o another_o promote_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o they_o in_o the_o end_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o other_o cause_n must_v be_v present_a to_o work_v together_o with_o these_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o they_o will_v be_v suppose_v therefore_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o 1._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o good_a effect_n which_o his_o providence_n design_n to_o work_v in_o and_o for_o we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v want_v for_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a befall_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v we_o that_o inward_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n towards_o a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v needful_a because_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o do_v we_o good_a be_v not_o of_o our_o own_o choose_n but_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reasonable_a account_n of_o that_o say_n of_o david_n in_o very_a faithfulness_n thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o promise_n be_v so_o make_v good_a by_o those_o trouble_n that_o befall_v he_o and_o the_o support_v he_o have_v under_o they_o and_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n as_o much_o as_o for_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n that_o ever_o fall_v to_o his_o share_n but_o then_o 2._o something_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o convert_v all_o evil_n that_o do_v or_o may_v befall_v we_o into_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o they_o indeed_o give_v we_o the_o opportunity_n and_o god_n give_v we_o the_o ability_n but_o then_o we_o must_v perform_v our_o duty_n they_o work_v as_o occasion_n and_o mean_n god_n work_v as_o the_o supreme_a director_n and_o mover_n but_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o work_v as_o the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o good_a and_o that_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o more_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o tendency_n of_o worldly_a cross_n to_o do_v we_o good_a that_o they_o do_v of_o themselves_o dispose_v a_o good_a man_n to_o those_o thing_n more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n for_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a that_o be_v to_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v dispose_v to_o consider_v more_o serious_o for_o it_o take_v away_o all_o that_o levity_n and_o ariness_n of_o thought_n which_o in_o some_o degree_n do_v almost_o necessary_o attend_v a_o unmixed_a prosperity_n and_o it_o do_v also_o suggest_v many_o profitable_a thought_n which_o seldom_o come_v to_o our_o mind_n at_o another_o time_n this_o very_a divine_a truth_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o so_o often_o think_v of_o when_o we_o need_v not_o the_o support_n of_o it_o as_o when_o we_o do_v nor_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n nor_o the_o rich_a promise_n of_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n there_o must_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o make_v all_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a otherwise_o this_o text_n be_v set_v here_o in_o vain_a nor_o need_v we_o to_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n it_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o if_o without_o lay_v it_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o heart_n they_o will_v work_v good_a for_o we_o by_o themselves_o 2._o fervent_a prayer_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o same_o end_n for_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n need_v not_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v in_o which_o word_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o apostle_n encourage_v his_o christian_n to_o earnest_a prayer_n assure_v they_o that_o in_o their_o circumstance_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v guide_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o they_o though_o in_o all_o their_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a thing_n to_o submit_v their_o desire_n entire_o to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v according_o answer_v they_o by_o do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o now_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n do_v wonderful_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o a_o strong_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o bring_v back_o great_a consolation_n and_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o confirm_v it_o in_o a_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a resolution_n of_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o look_v for_o that_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v by_o such_o action_n of_o our_o own_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o all_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v themselves_o work_v for_o it_o by_o dispose_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n i.e._n to_o consideration_n and_o devotion_n to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n our_o infinite_a concern_v in_o a_o better_a life_n more_o serious_o and_o close_o than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n more_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o now_o where_o such_o disposition_n as_o these_o be_v follow_v there_o all_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o worldly_a evil_n will_v grow_v plentiful_o which_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o ourselves_o and_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o use_v they_o aright_o and_o cherish_v those_o good_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n which_o they_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o will_v actual_o produce_v the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v 3._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o that_o good_a be_v for_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o what_o kind_n of_o good_a it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n send_v the_o temporal_a evil_n to_o bring_v about_o a_o temporal_a good_a thus_o joseph_n who_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o egypt_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o granary_n of_o that_o part_n of_o
wisdom_n if_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n we_o be_v well_o recompense_v though_o the_o outward_a man_n decay_v fast_o 2._o god_n do_v sometime_o send_v evil_a to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v so_o sensible_a what_o we_o gain_v by_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o that_o danger_n we_o be_v run_v into_o if_o god_n have_v not_o apply_v a_o timely_a prevention_n who_o consult_v our_o safety_n not_o always_o by_o stay_v till_o a_o sudden_a remedy_n be_v needful_a but_o by_o keep_v off_o a_o approach_a mischief_n which_o he_o forsee_v whilst_o we_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o those_o thing_n work_v for_o our_o good_a which_o keep_v we_o from_o backslide_v and_o grow_v worse_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n the_o benefit_n be_v as_o real_a though_o not_o so_o sensible_a as_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o we_o may_v rest_v without_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o objection_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n that_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o submission_n no_o ill_a ever_o have_v or_o shall_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n without_o redound_v to_o a_o great_a good_a i_o have_v thus_o speak_v concern_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o expression_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o manner_n whereby_o good_a be_v produce_v by_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o that_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v together_o i_o proceed_v 4._o to_o consider_v the_o qualification_n require_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n i._n e._n to_o all_o righteous_a and_o godly_a person_n who_o be_v say_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n that_o be_v who_o answer_v their_o call_n to_o christianity_n by_o a_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o die_v for_o it_o now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o such_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o this_o life_n may_v bring_v a_o wicked_a man_n to_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a abundant_o that_o they_o work_v for_o good_a to_o the_o righteous_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n they_o do_v already_o value_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o mind_n above_o outward_a advantage_n they_o be_v already_o dispose_v to_o receive_v all_o good_a instruction_n and_o upon_o all_o vicissitude_n to_o turn_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n they_o have_v already_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v therefore_o prepare_v to_o seek_v consolation_n from_o his_o word_n more_o diligent_o when_o any_o press_a need_n require_v to_o they_o it_o be_v less_o hard_a to_o obey_v in_o suffering_n have_v be_v already_o accustom_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o do_v love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o dispose_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n in_o good_a part_n from_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n final_o they_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n already_o and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o more_o abundant_a supply_n upon_o all_o needful_a occasion_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a but_o just_a to_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n towards_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o all_o accident_n of_o life_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v they_o will_v work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o point_n and_o that_o not_o of_o the_o least_o consideration_n viz._n 5._o that_o we_o know_v they_o will_v thus_o work_v for_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n which_o bring_v all_o the_o rest_n home_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v thus_o it_o will_v be_v if_o when_o the_o evil_a be_v present_a the_o remedy_n be_v absent_a it_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v absent_a from_o we_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n in_o general_n we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o expect_v a_o total_a exemption_n from_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o know_v likewise_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v for_o good_a to_o we_o as_o for_o those_o in_o particular_a which_o we_o be_v natural_o most_o afraid_a of_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o they_o will_v all_o befall_v we_o or_o not_o but_o under_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o be_v again_o relieve_v by_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o benefit_n but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v it_o we_o know_v it_o many_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o grief_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o he_o will_v not_o therefore_o send_v affliction_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o great_a good_a the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n of_o this_o life_n be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o some_o good_a or_o other_o for_o they_o can_v never_o become_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a in_o their_o consequence_n 2._o we_o know_v it_o far_o because_o we_o be_v sure_a our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v a_o complete_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a so_o complete_a that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n they_o be_v neither_o liable_a to_o temporal_a nor_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o yet_o god_n sometime_o punish_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n he_o often_o visit_v they_o with_o affliction_n since_o therefore_o his_o justice_n be_v already_o satisfy_v it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o his_o wise_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n towards_o they_o that_o he_o visit_v they_o with_o his_o rod_n and_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o go_v without_o some_o chastisement_n 3._o we_o know_v it_o because_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o natural_a for_o they_o to_o reap_v great_a advantage_n by_o all_o the_o change_n and_o chance_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n have_v promise_v all_o along_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o but_o 4_o above_o all_o we_o know_v it_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o he_o have_v say_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a on_o his_o part_n to_o make_v it_o good_a he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o this_o very_a place_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o many_o as_o contain_v promise_n of_o his_o presence_n will_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n now_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o see_v all_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n none_o except_v shall_v work_v for_o our_o good_a see_v they_o do_v of_o themselves_o contribute_v towards_o it_o by_o offer_v to_o we_o very_o considerable_a opportunity_n of_o benefit_v ourselves_o see_v the_o good_a for_o which_o they_o work_v be_v great_a than_o the_o pain_n we_o endure_v and_o that_o the_o great_a the_o evil_n be_v the_o good_a will_v therefore_o be_v great_a see_v a_o good_a man_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o use_v those_o opportunity_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n which_o they_o yield_v see_v he_o be_v far_o enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v final_o since_o we_o 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indeed_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o that_o mistake_n that_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o real_a power_n of_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o truth_n be_v profess_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a error_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v still_o too_o much_o room_n leave_v for_o this_o practical_a error_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o whilst_o some_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o sin_n by_o error_n do_v not_o other_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v overlook_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o opposition_n to_o those_o error_n and_o the_o profess_v and_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o a_o necessity_n of_o actual_a reformation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o disclaim_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o effectual_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o lay_v one_o particular_a serious_o to_o heart_n under_o this_o general_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o very_a profession_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o that_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o if_o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o profess_v some_o religion_n and_o the_o desire_n we_o have_v to_o keep_v our_o sin_n too_o work_v this_o way_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o trust_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o one_o error_n as_o pernicious_a if_o 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reason_n of_o expect_v his_o reward_n without_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o charity_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o name_n with_o prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n and_o other_o holy_a office_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o these_o thing_n man_n may_v give_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o hear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o work_n applaud_v by_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v they_o have_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o his_o thanks_o and_o favour_n but_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o have_v but_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o who_o perhaps_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o our_o own_o praise_n and_o love_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o believe_v worthy_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v say_v that_o because_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a therefore_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v glorify_v by_o we_o to_o be_v confess_v and_o adore_v not_o that_o he_o need_v we_o or_o be_v take_v with_o our_o commendation_n of_o he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o equitable_a that_o we_o shall_v thus_o worship_v he_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n also_o of_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o action_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v mistake_v if_o we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o keep_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n or_o that_o some_o great_a interest_n of_o he_o be_v serve_v when_o religion_n get_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o to_o speak_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o his_o greatness_n as_o if_o he_o be_v like_o some_o one_o of_o those_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v flatterer_n enough_o and_o can_v make_v other_o seem_v to_o honour_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n be_v very_o well_o please_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o ostentation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o honour_v he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o all_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o humble_a reverence_n and_o we_o be_v most_o inexcusable_a and_o wretched_a creature_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o to_o make_v we_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o design_n take_v so_o far_o he_o approve_v of_o we_o otherwise_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o even_o that_o sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 4._o the_o conceit_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o unpromise_v mercy_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v one_o ingredient_n into_o the_o presumption_n oâ—_n those_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v so_o undeniable_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n under_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v or_o may_v at_o least_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o threaten_a and_o accept_v of_o less_o perhaps_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n of_o less_o i_o say_v than_o he_o have_v require_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v and_o support_v his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o expostulate_v now_o with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o always_o have_v some_o secret_a hope_n this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o beforehand_o but_o to_o prevent_v this_o presumption_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v beforehand_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n which_o plain_a deal_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o threaten_v punishment_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o take_v punishment_n but_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o fault_n yet_o when_o god_n threaten_v for_o this_o end_n and_o add_v moreover_o declaration_n upon_o the_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o prevent_v it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o he_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v for_o all_o that_o to_o conclude_v let_v we_o serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v question_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o that_o can_v say_v i_o be_v by_o my_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n thus_o and_o thus_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o