because_o the_o pope_n it_o seem_v and_o no_o body_n else_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o council_n at_o least_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o declare_v it_o and_o therefore_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v at_o the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o after_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o council_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o expound_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o to_o represent_v that_o religion_n to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v define_v in_o that_o council_n because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o its_o definition_n as_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o even_o betwixt_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n when_o those_o definition_n be_v make_v none_o but_o the_o pope_n himself_o can_v certain_o tell_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o now_o in_o this_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n twelve_o or_o thirteen_o new_a article_n as_o concern_v purgatory_n transubstantiation_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o it_o and_o several_a other_o point_n all_o which_o have_v either_o no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o esteem_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v now_o obtrude_v upon_o christian_n as_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n with_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o this_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n in_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o impose_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o declare_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v for_o this_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o decide_v these_o controversy_n and_o to_o he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o right_n a_o contentious_a and_o confiâ—â—nt_a man_n shall_v desire_v a_o reference_n and_o contrive_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o have_v it_o refer_v to_o himself_o upon_o a_o sleeveless_a pretence_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v authority_n and_o infallible_a skill_n to_o decide_v all_o such_o difference_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o noonday_n as_o whether_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n whether_o our_o saviour_n do_v institute_n the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o kind_n whether_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o have_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n these_o and_o the_o like_a they_o will_v have_v we_o refer_v to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o when_o we_o ask_v who_o he_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o their_o church_n which_o have_v impose_v these_o thing_n upon_o christian_n and_o make_v these_o addition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o infallible_a judge_n but_o if_o she_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o she_o pretend_v to_o be_v even_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n st._n paul_n have_v denounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o she_o for_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o common_a term_n of_o salvation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o if_o any_o go_v about_o to_o impose_v upon_o we_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o authority_n soever_o they_o pretend_v for_o it_o yea_o though_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v insallible_a the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o they_o for_o he_o have_v put_v the_o case_n as_o high_a as_o be_v possible_a here_o in_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o counsel_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 3._o 3_o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o chap._n 2._o 10._o fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n in_o the_o world_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o sect_n and_o party_n do_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n pretend_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a be_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o question_n be_v by_o what_o mean_v man_n may_v be_v secure_v from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n for_o this_o end_n some_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o infallible_a church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o every_o man_n may_v be_v secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o wrong_a belief_n but_o if_o seem_v god_n have_v not_o think_v this_o necessary_a if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v have_v reveal_v this_o very_a thing_n more_o plain_o than_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o express_o and_o in_o the_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o will_v likewise_o have_v tell_v we_o as_o plain_o who_o he_o be_v and_o where_o we_o may_v find_v he_o and_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n because_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n depend_v upon_o he_o we_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a from_o mistake_n in_o particular_a point_n without_o so_o plain_a and_o clear_v a_o revelation_n of_o this_o infallible_a judge_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n about_o he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o any_o other_o controversy_n in_o religion_n unless_o this_o infallible_a judge_n both_o that_o there_o be_v one_o and_o who_o he_o be_v be_v out_o of_o controversy_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v it_o plain_a who_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o have_v reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o that_o bishop_n and_o that_o church_n who_o only_o have_v arrogate_a infallibility_n to_o themselves_o have_v give_v the_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o have_v be_v detect_v and_o stand_v convince_v of_o the_o great_a error_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n so_o long_o as_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v be_v much_o great_a and_o clear_a than_o any_o proof_n they_o can_v produce_v for_o their_o infallibility_n if_o then_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o other_o way_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v
government_n of_o religion_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o continual_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n and_o be_v as_o hearty_o concern_v to_o be_v good_a man_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o grow_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o this_o world_n nay_o so_o much_o more_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o better_a and_o noble_a design_n to_o improve_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o prosper_v and_o thrive_v in_o our_o temporal_a estate_n and_o we_o do_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n if_o this_o be_v not_o our_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v our_o lust_n and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o our_o outward_a conversation_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o do_v require_v great_a diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o care_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o become_v true_o and_o thorough_o good_a to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o patient_a and_o content_v and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o placable_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v these_o be_v great_a and_o difficult_a thing_n and_o whatever_o we_o think_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o wish_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a resolution_n before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o nor_o the_o fruit_n of_o frequent_a and_o â—ervent_a prayer_n without_o the_o hearty_a concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o render_v our_o life_n such_o as_o we_o pray_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o be_v three_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v further_a imply_v zeal_n and_o earnestness_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n and_o this_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o diligence_n for_o zeal_n be_v a_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o which_o we_o vehement_o desire_v to_o obtain_v it_o be_v the_o hot_a and_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n mix_v with_o anger_n at_o every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o our_o way_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o obtain_v what_o we_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o heat_n as_o ambition_n do_v common_o inspire_v man_n withal_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o power_n and_o preferment_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o edge_n of_o our_o spirit_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o do_v usual_o possess_v man_n in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o aspire_v after_o not_o like_o the_o unstable_a and_o totter_a kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o so_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o seek_v after_o will_v justify_v and_o warrant_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o discreet_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n use_v word_n that_o import_v the_o great_a vehemency_n and_o earnestness_n bid_v we_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n to_o labour_v and_o watch_v to_o run_v and_o wrestle_v and_o fight_v and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a last_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n do_v imply_v patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o they_o and_o that_o we_o never_o cease_v our_o pursuit_n of_o they_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v they_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o this_o we_o must_v expect_v and_o reckon_v upon_o beforehand_o to_o encounter_v many_o difficulty_n and_o find_v many_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o nay_o we_o must_v count_v to_o be_v grievous_o persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a for_o we_o to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n before_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o a_o very_a firm_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o bear_v up_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o these_o for_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o our_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o mat._n 10._o 22._o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n declare_v rom._n 2._o 7._o that_o they_o only_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n you_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v thâ—_n kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n it_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o seek_v these_o first_o seek_v you_o fâ—rst_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o be_v let_v this_o be_v your_o main_a and_o principal_a design_n so_o as_o to_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o in_o your_o esteem_n and_o affection_n in_o your_o aim_n and_o endeavour_v in_o comparison_n of_o this_o mind_n nothing_o else_o not_o the_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n no_o not_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v and_o wherewithal_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v these_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n instance_v in_o before_o the_o text_n as_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o take_v care_n of_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o not_o only_o none_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v value_v against_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n but_o that_o even_o this_o temporal_a life_n itself_o as_o dear_a as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v part_v withal_o and_o give_v up_o rather_o than_o to_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n mat._n 10._o 37._o 38._o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v son_n or_o daughter_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o near_a relation_n those_o towards_o who_o we_o have_v the_o most_o tender_a and_o relent_a affection_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n of_o these_o nay_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o strong_o and_o vehement_o luke_n 14._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o that_o be_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o religigion_n and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n when_o these_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o be_v to_o regard_v and_o value_v they_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o hatred_n but_o to_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o affection_n to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v tempt_v we_o from_o constancy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n his_o meaning_n be_v thaâ—_n religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o they_o in_o another_o world_n shall_v be_v our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n and_o that_o all_o
to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n holy_a man_n have_v good_a hope_n of_o it_o before_o but_o they_o have_v no_o sure_a distinct_a apprehension_n of_o it_o no_o such_o full_a assurance_n concern_v it_o no_o such_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n of_o it_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v which_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o namely_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o reward_v it_o these_o be_v the_o three_o eminent_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o valuable_a promise_n and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o be_v such_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o they_o carry_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n that_o mankind_n be_v in_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v these_o gracious_a declaration_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o promise_n mankind_n be_v extreme_o degenerate_v all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o that_o misery_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v from_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o our_o immortal_a nature_n be_v design_v and_o which_o make_v our_o condition_n more_o sad_a we_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o it_o by_o our_o repentance_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v if_o god_n will_v have_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o by_o our_o future_a obedience_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v relief_n to_o we_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o thereby_o obviate_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disâ—ouragements_n which_o mankind_n lie_v under_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n free_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o sâ—cures_v we_o from_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n which_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n do_v so_o much_o dread_n and_o without_o this_o promise_n mankind_n will_v have_v be_v under_o the_o great_a doubt_n and_o discouragement_n for_o when_o man_n be_v afraid_a their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o will_v be_v forgive_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o despair_n and_o despair_n be_v a_o effectual_a bar_n to_o repentance_n for_o when_o man_n think_v their_o condition_n be_v desperate_a they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n do_v full_o answer_v all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o objection_n from_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o and_o how_o weak_a soever_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o or_o what_o can_v stand_v against_o we_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o very_a powerful_a enemy_n and_o much_o too_o strong_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o encounter_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v another_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o help_v when_o we_o do_v not_o repulse_v and_o refuse_v his_o assistance_n greâ—ter_n be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwellâ—_n in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v he_o and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v those_o who_o comply_v with_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o do_v vigorous_o put_v forth_o their_o own_o endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o set_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n can_v threaten_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o constancy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o trâ—th_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n or_o to_o quit_v any_o thing_n upon_o term_n of_o far_o great_a advantage_n and_o what_o great_a consideration_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o encourage_v our_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n than_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v reason_n to_o call_v these_o exceed_a great_a and_o valuable_a promise_n so_o valuable_a that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v want_v our_o redemption_n and_o recovery_n have_v either_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o extreme_o difficult_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o be_v whether_o god_n have_v make_v they_o absolute_o to_o we_o without_o require_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n oâ—_n upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n or_o benefit_n to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o god_n grace_n do_v prevent_v many_o and_o be_v beforehand_o with_o they_o be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v doubt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n move_v and_o incline_v man_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o many_o time_n before_o any_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o on_o their_o part_n but_o as_o to_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o assistance_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v safe_o be_v affirm_v be_v promise_v only_o conditional_o as_o also_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o concern_v each_o of_o these_o the_o matter_n may_v quick_o be_v decide_v by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o condition_n first_o that_o we_o beg_v it_o earnest_o of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n express_v by_o ask_v seek_v and_o knock_v which_o signify_v the_o importunity_n of_o our_o request_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o ask_v it_o and_o then_o second_o that_o we_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o be_v as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o he_o that_o use_v that_o grace_n and_o those_o advantage_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o more_o shall_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o that_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o but_o seem_v to_o have_v because_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n plain_o suspend_v that_o upon_o the_o general_a condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o our_o life_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v you_o and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o forgive_a other_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n then_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 14_o 15._o and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n suspend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v he_o that_o believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o indeed_o imply_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o that_o effectual_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v so_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o obedience_n be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o scripture_n
elsewhere_o express_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o thereby_o imply_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n i_o can_v well_o imagine_v what_o can_v reasonable_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o plain_a text_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v common_o answer_v namely_o that_o god_n give_v the_o condition_n which_o he_o require_v and_o therefore_o though_o these_o promise_v run_v in_o a_o conditional_a form_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v absolute_a because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o another_o upon_o a_o condition_n which_o he_o will_v also_o perform_v do_v in_o effect_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v another_o such_o a_o estate_n upon_o condition_n he_o pay_v such_o a_o sum_n for_o it_o and_o do_v promise_n withal_o to_o furnish_v he_o with_o that_o sum_n this_o in_o effect_n amount_v to_o a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o argue_v if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o we_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v prevent_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n nay_o in_o case_n we_o do_v not_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a but_o be_v real_o so_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o who_o consider_v how_o frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o covenant_n since_o a_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n between_o the_o party_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o if_o the_o gospel_n contain_v only_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v on_o god_n part_n without_o any_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n than_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n make_v over_o certain_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o but_o can_v in_o no_o propriety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o covenant_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v plain_o conditional_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o that_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o not_o otherwise_o can_v there_o be_v any_o plain_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n than_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v your_o trespass_n but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a in_o offer_v such_o great_a blessing_n to_o we_o upon_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v grant_v to_o man_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o will._n four_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v to_o consider_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a namely_o when_o they_o find_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o promise_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o till_o then_o when_o a_o man_n have_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o when_o he_o do_v from_o his_o heart_n forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o have_v lay_v down_o all_o animosity_n against_o they_o and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n then_o have_v he_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o may_v apply_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o all_o his_o transgression_n and_o remember_v his_o iniquity_n no_o more_o when_o a_o man_n do_v constant_o and_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o do_v faithful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o than_o he_o may_v expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sinsincere_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n than_o he_o may_v with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n then_o he_o may_v with_o confidence_n depend_v upon_o god_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v when_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n than_o he_o may_v likewise_o triumph_v as_o he_o do_v henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n apply_v to_o themselves_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v so_o far_o he_o must_v necessary_o question_v his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o doctrine_n too_o uncomfortable_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o reject_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v but_o most_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o find_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n in_o any_o other_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o a_o man_n confidence_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v any_o promise_n to_o himself_o before_o he_o find_v the_o condition_n in_o himself_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o either_o fancy_n or_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n which_o many_o take_v to_o advise_v and_o exhort_v man_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a unbelief_n in_o not_o doint_v it_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v to_o â—ndeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v any_o blessing_n to_o