the_o grace_n of_o contentment_n by_o great_a consideration_n and_o diligent_a care_n of_o himself_o in_o several_a condition_n not_o as_o if_o the_o habit_n of_o this_o grace_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o he_o at_o once_o phil._n 4._o 11_o 12._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o the_o true_a and_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n the_o two_o particular_n which_o remain_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n finish_v in_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n ix_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o observation_n i_o be_o still_o upon_o from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n express_v here_o by_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o propose_v the_o do_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v the_o â—rue_a import_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o oâ—â—_n justification_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o have_v consider_v some_o doctrine_n as_o found_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a not_o only_o to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o experience_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n whether_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n or_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o handle_v it_o in_o a_o more_o contentious_a way_n than_o be_v usual_a with_o i_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o love_n to_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o less_o fond_a of_o every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o from_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o controversy_n and_o quarrelling_n in_o the_o dark_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a state_n and_o plain_a issue_n and_o likewise_o to_o undeceive_v good_a man_n concern_v some_o current_a notion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o great_a perplexity_n and_o discomfort_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o real_a discouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o become_v better_o upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o be_v strong_o urgent_a to_o search_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o contribute_v what_o in_o i_o lay_v to_o the_o rescue_v of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o disquiet_n and_o entanglement_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o few_o caution_n not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o charge_v upon_o he_o the_o final_a impenitency_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n signify_v nothing_o such_o as_o these_o make_v you_o new_a heâ—â—ts_n and_o new_a spirit_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n where_o if_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n be_v mean_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n that_o be_v of_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v our_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o with_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n unless_o to_o be_v very_o active_a and_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o and_o a_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o do_v nothing_o again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o utmost_a degeneracy_n and_o depravation_n which_o man_n ever_o arrive_v at_o by_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a practice_n the_o standard_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o last_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v some_o particular_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o some_o person_n as_o namely_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o jailor_n in_o the_o act_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n conversion_n so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v strike_v down_o by_o a_o light_n and_o power_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v with_o a_o fit_a of_o tremble_a and_o fright_v almost_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n or_o find_v in_o himself_o something_o equal_a to_o this_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o conversion_n whereas_o a_o much_o sure_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o this_o change_n than_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o that_o apt_a resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o original_a cause_n whereof_o and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o cease_n or_o continuance_n and_o why_o it_o blow_v strong_a or_o gentle_a this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a but_o that_o it_o be_v we_o be_v sensible_a from_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a though_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o various_a that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o reduce_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n to_o any_o certain_a rule_n or_o standard_n but_o chief_o to_o regard_v the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o secret_a work_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contend_v by_o any_o argument_n against_o clear_a and_o certain_a experience_n if_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o many_o be_v insensible_o change_v and_o make_v good_a by_o pious_a education_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o somâ—_n who_o have_v long_o live_v in_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o calm_a consideration_n without_o any_o great_a terror_n and_o amazement_n visible_o change_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o these_o case_n to_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n be_v not_o real_a because_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o some_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o our_o experience_n and_o because_o these_o person_n can_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o instance_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v a_o man_n beyond_o sea_n who_o i_o have_v know_v in_o england_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n because_o he_o say_v he_o have_v a_o smooth_a and_o easy_a
happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o which_o i_o have_v now_o do_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o likewise_o be_v all_o those_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o by_o my_o doctrine_n and_o example_n recommend_v to_o you_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o you_o must_v likewise_o do_v they_o the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n what_o we_o know_v it_o be_v necessary_a indeed_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o knowledge_n alone_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o happiness_n which_o religion_n design_n to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o if_o our_o knowledge_n have_v not_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n nay_o so_o far_o will_v our_o knowledge_n be_v from_o make_v we_o happy_a if_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v one_o of_o the_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n woe_n be_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o from_o these_o word_n then_o i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o first_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n which_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v know_v our_o duty_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v be_v and_o too_o often_o be_v separate_v this_o likewise_o the_o text_n suppose_v that_o man_n may_v know_v their_o duty_n and_o yet_o not_o do_v it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v very_o frequent_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o caution_n three_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a â—re_n you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a at_o first_o view_n that_o nothing_o can_v obscure_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o in_o question_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o spend_v time_n in_o that_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o it_o just_o to_o reprove_v that_o preposterous_a course_n which_o be_v take_v and_o open_o avow_v and_o justify_v by_o some_o as_o the_o safe_a and_o best_a way_n to_o make_v man_n religious_a and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n namely_o by_o take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o the_o best_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o know_v it_o for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o maxim_n so_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n or_o of_o that_o strange_a and_o injurious_a practice_n of_o they_o of_o lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n that_o great_a storehouse_n and_o treasury_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o justification_n of_o this_o hard_a usage_n of_o their_o people_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o contentious_a refractory_a and_o disobedient_a and_o heretical_a and_o what_o not_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o free_a and_o familiar_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n permit_v to_o the_o people_n have_v minister_v occasion_n to_o the_o people_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n and_o of_o make_v great_a disturbance_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o pretence_n i_o desire_v these_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o unless_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o knowledge_n than_o this_o reason_n will_v reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o accidental_a and_o proceed_v from_o man_n abuse_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o ignorance_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a and_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_o occasion_v by_o knowledge_n four_o that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a for_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o people_n five_o that_o this_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o well_o know_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n first_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o unless_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a or_o high_o useful_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o ill_a purpose_n if_o it_o ought_v than_o not_o only_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o all_o other_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n up_o and_o liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v to_o many_o ill_a purpose_n at_o this_o rate_n light_n and_o liberty_n and_o reason_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o they_o be_v all_o great_o abuse_v by_o many_o man_n to_o some_o ill_a purpose_n or_o other_o so_o that_o unless_o these_o ill_a effect_n do_v natural_o and_o necessary_o spring_v from_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n the_o objection_n from_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o if_o they_o do_v necessary_o flow_v from_o it_o than_o this_o reason_n will_v reach_v a_o great_a way_n further_o than_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o make_v man_n proud_a and_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a and_o disobedient_a to_o authority_n than_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o this_o will_v fall_v upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o reveal_v so_o pernicious_a a_o doctrine_n and_o upon_o his_o apostle_n for_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a schism_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n secondlyâ—_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o accidental_a and_o proceed_v from_o man_n abuse_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o thus_o much_o certain_o they_o will_v grant_v because_o it_o can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v deny_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o only_a man_n be_v to_o be_v caution_v not_o to_o prevert_v and_o abuse_v they_o and_o if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o patronise_a of_o error_n or_o heresy_n or_o to_o any_o other_o bad_a purpose_n he_o do_v it_o at_o his_o peril_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o it_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o we_o must_v not_o hinder_v man_n from_o be_v christian_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v heretic_n and_o put_v out_o man_n eye_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o dispute_v their_o way_n with_o their_o guide_n i_o remember_v that_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o take_v notice_n of_o this_o accidental_a inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n that_o it_o puff_v up_o and_o that_o this_o pride_n occasion_v great_a contention_n and_o division_n among_o
they_o but_o the_o remedy_n which_o he_o prescribe_v against_o this_o mischief_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o withhold_v from_o man_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o quite_o contrary_a chap._n 14._o of_o that_o epistle_n he_o strict_o enjoin_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o perform_v as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o remedy_n he_o prescribe_v against_o the_o accidental_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o ignorance_n but_o charity_n to_o govern_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o help_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20._o of_o that_o chapt._n after_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n he_o immediate_o add_v brethren_n be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n howbeit_a in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v you_o men._n he_o commend_v knowledge_n he_o encourage_v it_o he_o require_v it_o of_o all_o christian_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o check_v the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v design_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o man_n make_v any_o other_o use_n of_o their_o knowledge_n it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n for_o it_o certain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o so_o good_a a_o purpose_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v of_o it_o three_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o ignorance_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a and_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_o occasion_v by_o knowledge_n for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v do_v it_o he_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v a_o bad_a christian_a but_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o can_v be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o if_o ignorance_n do_v beget_v and_o promote_v some_o kind_n of_o devotion_n in_o man_n it_o be_v such_o a_o devotion_n as_o be_v not_o proper_o religion_n but_o superstition_n the_o ignorant_a man_n may_v be_v zealous_o superstitious_a but_o without_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o good_a say_v solomon_n prov._n 19_o 2._o because_o good_a practice_n depend_v upon_o our_o knowledge_n and_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o when_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v train_v up_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o say_n over_o so_o many_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n this_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a because_o nothing_o be_v religious_a that_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o no_o service_n can_v be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n indeed_o if_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o give_v god_n to_o understand_v what_o we_o want_v it_o be_v all_o one_o what_o language_n we_o pray_v in_o and_o whether_o we_o understand_v what_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o or_o not_o but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o testify_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o any_o tolerable_a propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v who_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o ask_v and_o the_o say_n over_o so_o many_o pater_fw-la noster_n by_o one_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o a_o prayer_n than_o the_o repeat_n over_o so_o many_o verse_n in_o virgil._n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a reason_v that_o man_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v in_o religion_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v grow_v troublesome_a with_o their_o knowledge_n then_o certain_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v be_v to_o let_v the_o people_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n will_v be_v to_o keep_v the_o priest_n as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o people_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v teach_v they_o nothing_o but_o then_o the_o mischief_n will_v be_v that_o out_o of_o a_o fondness_n to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o will_v be_v no_o church_n nor_o no_o christianity_n which_o will_v be_v the_o same_o wise_a contrivance_n as_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v destroy_v his_o subject_n to_o keep_v his_o kingdom_n quiet_a four_o let_v we_o likewise_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a for_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o people_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o start_a error_n and_o heresy_n and_o countenance_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o manage_v they_o plausible_o and_o with_o advantage_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v show_v that_o the_o great_a broacher_n and_o abettor_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o wit_n and_o most_o of_o the_o famous_a heresy_n that_o be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n have_v their_o name_n from_o some_o learned_a man_n or_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n so_o long_o as_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o skill_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v it_o be_v much_o great_a the_o ancient_a father_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v frequent_o prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n the_o constant_a and_o careful_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o sure_a antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o dangerous_a error_n and_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o seduction_n into_o error_n from_o the_o oracle_n of_o truth_n by_o what_o other_o or_o better_a mean_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v secure_v against_o this_o danger_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o cross_a and_o improper_a a_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v much_o less_o effectual_a so_o that_o man_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o ignorance_n or_o they_o must_v be_v permit_v to_o learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o force_n this_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o heresy_n have_v in_o it_o to_o deprive_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a to_o wrest_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a because_o they_o be_v much_o more_o capable_a of_o pervert_v they_o to_o so_o bad_a a_o purpose_n five_o and_o last_o this_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o visible_a in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o yet_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n there_o be_v heresy_n then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o think_v by_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o take_n of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n a_o proper_a remedy_n the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o charge_v they_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o they_o and_o st._n peter_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o some_o man_n wrest_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o where_n speak_v of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n he_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a
and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n here_o the_o danger_n object_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o to_o take_v â—â—om_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n â—ut_v after_o he_o have_v caution_v against_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o error_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o that_o be_v see_v you_o be_v so_o plain_o tell_v and_o warn_v of_o this_o danger_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n believe_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n they_o have_v in_o religion_n the_o less_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o damnable_a error_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n viz._n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v and_o often_o be_v separate_v this_o likewise_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n that_o man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o suppose_v that_o many_o know_v their_o master_n will_n who_o do_v not_o do_v it_o and_o he_o compare_v those_o that_o hear_v his_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o some_o who_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o not_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o the_o attain_n to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v no_o difficult_a task_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a as_o we_o have_v live_v here_o in_o this_o world_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v to_o be_v pray_v to_o for_o what_o we_o want_v and_o to_o be_v praise_v for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v thus_o far_o nature_n instruct_v man_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o morality_n as_o justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o for_o reveal_v religion_n as_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v we_o by_o reveal_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_o and_o full_o to_o we_o by_o give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o his_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n may_v easy_o understand_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v difficulty_n bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o remarkable_o separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o may_v call_v they_o by_o these_o three_o name_n the_o speculative_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o hypocritical_a christian_a the_o first_o of_o these_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n the_o second_o take_v it_o up_o for_o a_o fashion_n the_o three_o make_v some_o worldly_a advantage_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v some_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o all_o these_o be_v upon_o several_a account_n concern_v to_o understand_v something_o of_o religion_n but_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o who_o i_o call_v the_o speculative_a christian_a be_v he_o who_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n and_o study_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o learning_n and_o part_n of_o that_o general_a knowledge_n in_o which_o he_o affect_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o master_n he_o have_v no_o design_n to_o practise_v it_o but_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o good_a ornament_n of_o conversation_n and_o will_v serve_v for_o discourse_n and_o entertainment_n among_o those_o who_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o practise_v it_o he_o pass_v over_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v himself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a and_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o subtle_a dispute_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n predestination_n freewill_n and_o the_o like_a of_o this_o temper_n seem_v many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n of_o old_a to_o have_v be_v who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a study_n and_o business_n to_o puzzle_v religion_n and_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o intricate_a by_o start_v infinite_a question_n and_o difficulty_n about_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n usual_o be_v the_o head_n and_o leader_n of_o party_n and_o faction_n in_o religion_n who_o by_o needless_a controversy_n and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o common_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n hinder_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o mind_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n second_o there_o be_v the_o formal_n châ—istian_n who_o take_v up_o religion_n for_o a_o fashion_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o nation_n where_o christianity_n be_v profess_v and_o countenance_v and_o therefore_o think_v it_o convenient_a for_o he_o to_o know_v something_o of_o it_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v i_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n sometime_o as_o other_o do_v to_o know_v the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n come_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o bend_v themselves_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o fashion_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o they_o think_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n profess_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o though_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n these_o be_v they_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 6._o 46._o who_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v three_o hypocritical_a christian_n who_o make_v a_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v some_o worldly_a design_n by_o it_o these_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v religion_n more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o they_o may_v counterfeit_v it_o handsome_o and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o those_o person_n who_o he_o foretell_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o last_o day_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a heady_a highminded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o these_o man_n do_v not_o love_v religion_n but_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o will_v just_o serve_v their_o purpose_n and_o design_n and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n needs_o no_o more_o than_o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o will_v serve_v he_o to_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o upon_o occasion_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o but_o
define_v and_o determine_v so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n can_v easy_o mistake_v in_o any_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o his_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o such_o a_o character_n of_o he_o give_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o render_v he_o both_o awful_a and_o amiable_a for_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o great_a and_o good_a powerful_a and_o merciful_a a_o perfect_a hater_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o have_v the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n clear_o express_v and_o lay_v down_o and_o as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n a_o plain_a discovery_n make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n to_o have_v it_o so_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o so_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o see_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o advantage_n we_o have_v of_o do_v god_n will_n by_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o it_o we_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n will_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o more_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o who_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o design_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a by_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v the_o great_a obligation_n to_o do_v they_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o our_o own_o excuse_n we_o know_v the_o law_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o keep_v it_o and_o the_o penalty_n of_o break_v it_o and_o if_o after_o this_o we_o will_v transgress_v there_o be_v no_o apology_n to_o be_v make_v for_o we_o they_o have_v something_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o who_o can_v say_v that_o though_o they_o have_v some_o apprehension_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o dictate_v to_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v some_o thing_n yet_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n about_o several_a of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o be_v carry_v off_o from_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n and_o the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o have_v they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o have_v certain_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v his_o will_n this_o will_v have_v conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o all_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o if_o it_o have_v not_o will_v have_v stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o take_v away_o all_o excuse_n from_o they_o there_o be_v some_o colour_n in_o this_o plea_n that_o in_o many_o case_n they_o do_v not_o know_v certain_o what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v but_o for_o we_o who_o own_o a_o clear_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o to_o mitigate_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o pour_v forth_o all_o his_o wrath_n and_o execute_v upon_o we_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n three_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o know_v it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n if_o we_o know_v it_o and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o fault_n be_v sole_o in_o our_o will_n and_o the_o more_o wilful_a any_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_o wicked_a be_v it_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o crime_n than_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o mere_a obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n and_o if_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v we_o think_v this_o to_o be_v but_o a_o small_a aggravation_n to_o affront_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o break_v his_o law_n but_o to_o trample_v upon_o they_o and_o despise_v they_o when_o we_o know_v who_o law_n they_o be_v will_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v or_o oppress_v or_o defraud_v thy_o brother_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o will_v we_o notwithstanding_o venture_v to_o break_v these_o law_n know_v who_o authority_n they_o be_v stamp_v withal_o after_o this_o contempt_n of_o he_o what_o favour_n can_v we_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o why_o any_o one_o of_o those_o many_o stripe_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v abate_v to_o we_o ignosci_fw-la aliquatenus_fw-la ignorantiae_fw-la potest_fw-la contemptus_fw-la veniam_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la something_n may_v be_v pardon_v to_o ignorance_n but_o contempt_n can_v expect_v no_o forgiveness_n he_o that_o strike_v his_o prince_n not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o though_o he_o do_v a_o disloyal_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o disloyal_a mind_n but_o he_o that_o first_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o prince_n and_o then_o affront_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v prosecute_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n because_o he_o do_v it_o wilful_o and_o in_o mere_a contempt_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o we_o go_v against_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a excuse_n from_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o we_o shall_v offend_v he_o who_o have_v both_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o and_o power_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o aggravation_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n because_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o the_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n so_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o it_o and_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v without_o great_a wilfulness_n and_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o lord_n will_n and_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n and_o it_o concern_v we_o the_o more_o because_o we_o in_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o enjoy_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n plentiful_o shed_v among_o we_o by_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o we_o but_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o we_o this_o spiritual_a food_n be_v rain_v down_o like_o manna_n round_o about_o our_o tent_n and_o every_o one_o may_v gather_v so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a we_o be_v not_o stint_v nor_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v out_o to_o
by_o evil_a he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o evil_n whoever_o be_v tempt_v to_o any_o thing_n be_v either_o tempt_v by_o his_o own_o inclination_n or_o by_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o object_n or_o by_o some_o external_a motive_n and_o consideration_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n to_o tempt_v he_o to_o evil_n for_o first_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o from_o his_o own_o inclination_n the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o â—vil_n and_o at_o the_o great_a contrariety_n to_o it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o inclination_n to_o â—vil_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o irreconcilable_a antipathy_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a emphatical_a manner_n psal_n 5._o 4._o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o word_n be_v a_o diminution_n and_o less_o be_v say_v than_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v pleasure_n in_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o hab._n 2._o 13._o thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o iniquity_n as_o when_o man_n hate_v a_o thing_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o turn_v away_o their_o eye_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o light_a and_o darkness_n be_v not_o more_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o than_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v to_o sin_n what_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n second_o there_o be_v no_o allurement_n in_o the_o object_n to_o stir_v up_o any_o inclination_n in_o he_o towards_o it_o sin_n in_o its_o very_a nature_n be_v imperfection_n and_o irregularity_n crookedness_n and_o deformity_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o inclination_n to_o it_o beforehand_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o move_v any_o one_o like_v or_o desire_n towards_o it_o it_o have_v no_o attractive_n or_o enticement_n in_o it_o but_o to_o a_o corrupt_a and_o ill-disposed_a mind_n three_o neither_o be_v there_o external_a motive_n and_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o tempt_v god_n to_o it_o all_o argument_n that_o have_v any_o temptation_n be_v either_o found_v in_o hope_n or_o fear_n either_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v some_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n or_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o some_o mischief_n or_o inconvenience_n now_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o happy_a and_o perfect_o secure_v in_o its_o own_o happiness_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o of_o these_o temptation_n man_n be_v many_o time_n tempt_v to_o evil_a very_o strong_o by_o these_o consideration_n they_o want_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o they_o fear_v many_o thing_n which_o may_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o work_v very_o powerful_o upon_o they_o to_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o sin_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v firm_a against_o all_o these_o attempt_n by_o its_o own_o fullness_n and_o security_n so_o that_o you_o seâ—_n now_o the_o proposition_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n ground_n his_o argument_n be_v evidental_o true_a and_o beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a let_v we_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v the_o consequence_n that_o clear_o follow_v from_o it_o that_o because_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a therefore_o he_o can_v tempt_v any_o man_n to_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v he_o desire_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o abhor_v and_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o disposition_n when_o man_n tempt_v one_o another_o to_o sin_n they_o do_v it_o to_o make_v other_o like_o themselves_o and_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n it_o be_v either_o out_o of_o direct_a malice_n to_o god_n or_o out_o of_o envy_n to_o men._n but_o none_o of_o these_o consideration_n can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n or_o be_v any_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n bad_a man_n tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n to_o make_v they_o like_o themselves_o and_o that_o with_o one_o of_o these_o two_o design_n either_o for_o the_o comfort_n or_o pleasure_n of_o company_n or_o for_o the_o countenance_n of_o it_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o apology_n and_o excuse_v for_o they_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n of_o company_n man_n do_v not_o love_n to_o be_v alone_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n bad_a man_n endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o like_o themselves_o that_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o manner_n they_o may_v be_v fit_a company_n for_o they_o for_o no_o man_n take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o society_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o contrary_a temper_n and_o inclination_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v continual_o war_a and_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n bad_a man_n hate_v and_o persecute_v those_o that_o be_v good_a let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n say_v they_o for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n and_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n so_o that_o wicked_a man_n tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n of_o their_o society_n but_o now_o for_o this_o reason_n god_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n because_o that_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o unlike_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o his_o soul_n can_v take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o another_o design_n that_o bad_a man_n have_v in_o seduce_v other_o to_o sin_n be_v thereby_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o their_o bad_a action_n and_o to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o excuse_n and_o apology_n for_o they_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n do_v sometime_o procure_v impunity_n but_o it_o always_o give_v countenance_n to_o vice_n and_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o allege_v it_o in_o their_o excuse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o alone_o guilty_a of_o such_o a_o fault_n that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o without_o company_n and_o example_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o law_n exod._n 23._o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a imply_v that_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o take_v encouragement_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v bad_a from_o company_n and_o example_n but_o neither_o have_v this_o reason_n any_o place_n in_o god_n who_o be_v far_o from_o do_v evil_a himself_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o tempt_v other_o to_o do_v so_o by_o way_n of_o excuse_n and_o vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n it_o be_v either_o out_o of_o direct_a malice_n to_o god_n or_o out_o of_o envy_n to_o men._n out_o of_o malice_n to_o god_n to_o spoil_v his_o workmanship_n and_o to_o pervert_v that_o which_o come_v innocent_a and_o upright_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o debauch_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o he_o to_o strengthen_v the_o rebellion_n which_o he_o have_v raise_v against_o god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o as_o many_o enemy_n as_o he_o can_v but_o for_o this_o end_n god_n can_v tempt_v any_o man_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o procure_v dishonour_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o deface_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n another_o reason_n why_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n be_v envy_n when_o he_o be_v fall_v from_o god_n and_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o own_o rebellion_n have_v make_v himself_o miserable_a he_o be_v discontent_v to_o see_v the_o happy_a condition_n of_o man_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o this_o move_v he_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v involve_v he_o in_o the_o same_o misery_n into_o which_o he_o have_v plunge_v himself_o it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n to_o envy_n to_o over-turn_a the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o to_o lay_v they_o level_v with_o themselves_o but_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v full_a of_o goodness_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n his_o own_o incomparable_a felicity_n have_v place_v he_o as_o much_o above_o any_o temptation_n to_o envy_v
author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o that_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v god_n do_v not_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n but_o every_o man_n be_v then_o tempt_v when_o by_o his_o own_o lust_n his_o irregular_a inclination_n and_o desire_n he_o be_v seduce_v to_o evil_a and_o entice_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v catch_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bait_n for_o so_o the_o greek_n word_n signify_v in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o prevalency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n upon_o men._n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n have_v any_o design_n to_o ensnare_v man_n in_o sin_n but_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n seduce_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o particular_a temptation_n the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v of_o persecution_n &_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o avoid_v which_o many_o do_v then_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o apostatise_v from_o their_o christian_a profession_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o which_o be_v not_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o those_o suffering_n but_o their_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o their_o unreasonable_a fear_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o they_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n more_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o in_o another_o life_n and_o they_o fear_v the_o persecution_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n for_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o part_v with_o ease_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o quit_v their_o religion_n by_o this_o bait_n they_o be_v catch_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o temptation_n man_n be_v betray_v by_o themselves_o and_o the_o temptation_n without_o have_v a_o party_n within_o they_o with_o which_o it_o hold_v a_o secret_a correspondence_n and_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v and_o give_v consent_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o consent_n and_o treachery_n to_o ourselves_o that_o make_v any_o temptation_n master_n of_o we_o and_o without_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v overcome_v every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v it_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n comply_v with_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o which_o render_v they_o effectual_a and_o give_v they_o the_o victory_n over_o we_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n so_o he_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n second_o that_o he_o ascribe_v the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n which_o seduce_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n that_o be_v present_v to_o they_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v these_o two_o observation_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n first_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o tempt_a mâ—n_z to_o sin_n so_o he_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o prevalency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o acquit_v god_n i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o he_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o concern_v temptation_n make_v no_o express_a mention_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o suppose_v indeed_o that_o bait_n be_v lay_v for_o man_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v i_o e._n when_o he_o play_v with_o the_o bait_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o he_o and_o swallow_v they_o and_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o frequent_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o tempt_v man_n and_o be_v continual_o lay_v bait_n before_o they_o but_o their_o own_o lust_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o be_v catch_v by_o they_o and_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o this_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o lay_v great_a load_n upon_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o business_n of_o temptation_n hope_v thereby_o either_o whole_o or_o at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v here_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o temptation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o man_n by_o compliance_n with_o those_o temptation_n be_v draw_v into_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o for_o ever_o since_o he_o fall_v from_o god_n partly_o out_o of_o enmity_n to_o he_o and_o partly_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v make_v it_o his_o great_a business_n and_o employment_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o earth_n and_o watch_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o so_o far_o as_o his_o power_n reach_v and_o god_n permit_v he_o he_o lay_v bait_n and_o temptation_n before_o they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n present_v they_o wiâ—h_v the_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o sin_n and_o with_o such_o bait_n and_o allurement_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o temper_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o their_o particular_a inclination_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o can_v surprise_v man_n with_o these_o at_o the_o easy_a time_n of_o access_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v give_v his_o temptation_n the_o great_a force_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o in_o general_a when_o it_o tell_v we_o of_o these_o wile_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o the_o method_n of_o his_o temptation_n so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o particular_o discern_v how_o and_o when_o he_o do_v this_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o thing_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n particular_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o god_n from_o who_o nothing_o be_v hide_v and_o who_o see_v all_o the_o secret_a engine_n which_o be_v at_o work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v we_o good_a or_o harm_n have_v in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n give_v we_o particular_a warning_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o our_o enemy_n and_o their_o malicious_a design_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v continual_o upon_o our_o guard_n aware_a of_o our_o danger_n and_o arm_v against_o it_o second_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o only_o present_a to_o man_n the_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o he_o be_v permit_v to_o make_v near_a approach_n to_o they_o do_v excite_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o comply_v with_o these_o temptation_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o by_o employ_v his_o instrument_n to_o solicit_v for_o he_o and_o to_o draw_v man_n to_o sin_n by_o bad_a counsel_n and_o example_n which_o we_o see_v frequent_o do_v and_o probable_o very_o often_o by_o the_o devil_n instigation_n those_o who_o be_v very_o wicked_a themselves_o and_o consequent_o more_o enslave_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o under_o his_o power_n be_v as_o it_o be_v factor_n for_o he_o to_o seduce_v other_o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o devil_n himself_o do_v many_o time_n immediate_o excite_v man_n to_o sin_n by_o work_v upon_o the_o humour_n of_o their_o body_n or_o upon_o their_o imagination_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n infuse_v and_o suggest_v evil_a motion_n into_o they_o or_o by_o divert_v they_o from_o those_o thought_n and_o consideration_n which_o may_v check_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o that_o wickedness_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tempt_v they_o or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n
this_o pattern_n have_v be_v since_o not_o only_o close_o follow_v but_o outdo_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o we_o have_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o remember_v upon_o 88_o this_o day_n but_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o far_a explication_n of_o the_o text_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o ritual_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o law_n and_o duty_n concern_v they_o be_v of_o less_o value_n and_o esteem_n with_o god_n than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n especial_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o piety_n and_o humanity_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a and_o intrinsical_a goodness_n but_o the_o ritual_a and_o instrumental_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o please_v to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o these_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o promote_v they_o in_o we_o they_o be_v not_o natural_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v subordinate_a and_o give_v way_n to_o they_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n which_o take_v place_n in_o all_o law_n that_o law_n of_o less_o importance_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a quoties_fw-la leges_fw-la ex_fw-la circumstantiâ—_n colliduntur_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la utraque_fw-la seruari_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la servanda_fw-la est_fw-la lex_fw-la potior_fw-la when_o ever_o two_o law_n happen_v to_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o so_o that_o both_o of_o they_o can_v be_v observe_v that_o law_n which_o be_v better_o and_o of_o great_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o tully_n give_v much_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o compare_v of_o law_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v which_o law_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o when_o two_o law_n or_o more_o or_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v can_v be_v observe_v because_o they_o clash_n with_o one_o another_o ea_z maxim_n conservanda_fw-la putetur_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la maximas_fw-la res_fw-la pertinere_fw-la videatur_fw-la it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o that_o law_n shall_v be_v observe_v which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o say_v which_o our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o prosecute_v the_o two_o proposition_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o namely_o first_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n second_o that_o no_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v they_o and_o both_o these_o be_v sufficient_o ground_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n from_o this_o rule_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n i._o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o build_v upon_o they_o by_o natural_a religion_n i_o mean_v obedience_n to_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o natural_a light_n without_o any_o express_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n do_v dictate_v to_o men._n these_o lie_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o reverent_o towards_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v his_o revelation_n and_o testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o by_o implore_v his_o aid_n and_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o necessity_n and_o distress_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o shall_v moderate_v our_o appetite_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o use_v they_o temperate_o and_o chaste_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o upright_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o one_o another_o true_a to_o our_o word_n and_o faithful_a to_o our_o trust_n and_o in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n observe_v that_o equity_n towards_o other_o which_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v use_v towards_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a merciful_a and_o compassionate_a one_o towards_o another_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o and_o apt_a not_o only_o to_o pity_v but_o to_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o necessity_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a duty_n and_o they_o be_v of_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n because_o they_o do_v natural_o oblige_v without_o any_o particular_a and_o express_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v they_o and_o build_v upon_o they_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o alter_v nothing_o of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v before_o and_o this_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o jewisâ—_n religion_n second_o that_o no_o institute_v service_n of_o god_n no_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v ever_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o these_o be_v neglect_v three_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n he_o answer_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o one_o will_v have_v expect_v he_o will_v have_v give_v quite_o another_o answer_n and_o have_v pitch_v upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o much_o magnify_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o they_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v instance_a in_o sacrifice_n or_o circumcision_n or_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o he_o overlook_v all_o these_o as_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparision_n and_o instance_n only_o in_o those_o two_o great_a head_n of_o moral_a duty_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o comprehend_v under_o they_o all_o other_o moral_a duty_n and_o these_o be_v those_o which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v mat._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o judicial_a or_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n
he_o may_v redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o servant_n before_o may_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n and_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n but_o how_o do_v his_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n qualify_v he_o to_o redeem_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n thus_o by_o submit_v to_o it_o himself_o he_o show_v that_o he_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o malice_n or_o enmity_n against_o it_o or_o as_o he_o himself_o express_v it_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o be_v fulfil_v and_o have_v serve_v the_o time_n and_o end_n for_o which_o god_n intend_v it_o it_o expire_v of_o itself_o like_o a_o law_n which_o be_v not_o make_v for_o perpetuity_n but_o limit_v to_o a_o certain_a period_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v with_o great_a authority_n than_o moses_n and_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o declare_v the_o expiration_n of_o it_o and_o by_o commission_v his_o disciple_n before_o and_o after_o his_o death_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o particular_a law_n and_o dispensation_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o jewish_a nation_n by_o give_v a_o general_a law_n to_o all_o mankind_n so_o that_o from_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n upon_o which_o follow_v the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n cease_v and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n express_a appointment_n proselyte_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o by_o baptism_n and_o not_o by_o circumcision_n and_o â—f_a circumcision_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v lay_v aside_o than_o the_o whole_a obligation_n of_o that_o law_n and_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v also_o cease_v it_o be_v once_o indeed_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o peculiar_a people_n but_o now_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o his_o son_n and_o offers_z salvation_n to_o all_o mankind_n gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n the_o wall_n of_o separation_n be_v break_v down_o and_o circumcision_n which_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v take_v away_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v peace_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o have_v blot_v out_o and_o take_v away_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n to_o have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n after_o before_o the_o jew_n be_v whole_o wean_v from_o the_o veneration_n and_o use_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v some_o time_n before_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_o convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v after_o his_o departure_n his_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o and_o then_o they_o be_v full_o instruct_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v expire_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v circumcise_a and_o keep_v that_o law_n and_o though_o it_o be_v once_o enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n yet_o now_o by_o christ_n jesus_n god_n have_v offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o other_o term_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n to_o their_o justification_n or_o salvation_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o provide_v they_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v all_o alike_o capable_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v to_o prosecute_v from_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o with_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n three_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o 1._o what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o that_o great_a and_o thorough_a change_n which_o be_v make_v in_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o this_o change_n by_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n by_o conversion_n and_o turn_v from_o our_o iniquity_n unto_o god_n by_o repentance_n which_o signify_v a_o change_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o resolution_n and_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o repentance_n unto_o life_n by_o regeneration_n or_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o rise_v to_o newness_n of_o life_n by_o sanctification_n and_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n which_o three_o last_a metaphor_n be_v imply_v in_o baptism_n which_o be_v call_v regeneration_n tit._n 3._o 5._o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o â—oly_a ghost_n and_o our_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o conscience_n heb._n 10._o 22._o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o final_o our_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n rom._n 6._o 3_o 4._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptise_a into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptise_a into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o last_o this_o change_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o renovation_n and_o our_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o new_a man_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4._o 22_o 23_o 24._o this_o great_a change_n be_v express_v by_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o deceit_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o that_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o expression_n be_v very_o emphatical_a renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o our_o very_a mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inward_a and_o thorough_a change_n reach_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o colos_n 3._o 9_o 10_o 11_o verse_n it_o be_v represent_v much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n see_v you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o greek_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o
uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v these_o external_a mark_n and_o difference_n signify_v nothing_o but_o this_o inward_a change_n the_o new_a creature_n christ_n form_v in_o we_o this_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o in_o all_o but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o understand_v the_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n or_o a_o new_a creation_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o it_o do_v certain_o signify_v by_o compare_v this_o metaphorical_a phrase_n with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o second_o that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a metaphor_n in_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n from_o plain_a text_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v so_o as_o to_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a text_n of_o sripture_n namely_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n as_o if_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n firm_o entertain_v and_o believe_v do_v as_o it_o be_v mould_n and_o fashion_n man_n over_o again_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o quite_o other_o sort_n of_o person_n than_o what_o they_o be_v before_o and_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o as_o the_o create_a power_n of_o god_n do_v in_o bring_v this_o beautiful_a and_o orderly_a frame_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o dark_a and_o rude_a chaos_n thus_o the_o apostle_n represent_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n allude_v to_o the_o first_o creation_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o act_v 26._o 18._o when_o our_o lord_n send_v paul_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n he_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o change_n it_o will_v make_v in_o they_o by_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o st._n peter_n express_v the_o change_n which_o christianity_n make_v in_o man_n by_o their_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o a_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o and_o so_o st._n paul_n eph._n 5._o 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o wherever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o full_a effect_n and_o perfect_a work_n it_o make_v a_o mighty_a change_n both_o in_o their_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n it_o dart_v a_o new_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o see_v thing_n otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v before_o and_o form_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o do_v before_o it_o endue_v they_o with_o a_o new_a principle_n and_o new_a resolution_n give_v they_o another_o spirit_n and_o another_o temper_n a_o quite_o different_a sense_n and_o gust_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o former_o have_v and_o this_o inward_a change_n of_o their_o mind_n necessary_o produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o that_o the_o man_n steer_v quite_o another_o course_n act_n after_o another_o rate_n and_o drive_v on_o quite_o other_o design_n from_o what_o he_o do_v before_o and_o this_o be_v remarkable_o see_v in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n to_o religion_n and_o from_o a_o vicious_a to_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o real_a in_o all_o but_o not_o so_o sensible_a and_o visible_a in_o some_o as_o other_o in_o those_o who_o be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o insensible_a step_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a state_n and_o tâ—rned_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n second_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o create_v the_o world_n and_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a two_o great_a and_o glorious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o these_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o allude_v when_o it_o speak_v of_o this_o new_a creation_n god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o we_o also_o be_v raise_v to_o newness_n of_o life_n say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 4._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 19_o 20._o and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o our_o renovation_n and_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o not_o altogether_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v under_o the_o next_o head_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n proceed_v to_o show_v that_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o man_n will_v extend_v it_o to_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n from_o plain_a text_n but_o this_o i_o reserve_v to_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n vi._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v circumcision_n second_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o two_o parallel_a text_n of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n to_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n as_o to_o which_o i_o show_v first_o what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v so_o as_o to_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a text_n of_o scripture_n namely_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n and_o that_o it_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n i_o now_o proceed_v second_o to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o mere_a and_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n
and_o confirmation_n from_o plain_a text_n such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v this_o new_a creation_n or_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 2._o that_o as_o creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o their_o be_v make_v and_o contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o it_o no_o more_o do_v we_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n 3._o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o effect_v by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n only_o say_v let_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v and_o immediate_o they_o be_v so_o this_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n concern_v these_o three_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n in_o divinity_n i_o shall_v show_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v that_o they_o be_v build_v sole_o â—pon_n metaphor_n of_o scriptuâ—e_n â—orâ—â—â—ed_a aâ—d_n strain_v too_o far_o without_o any_o real_a ground_n and_o foundation_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o other_o nay_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n first_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v the_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o be_v sole_o argue_v from_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v conversion_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o light_n allude_v to_o that_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n be_v quicken_v and_o raise_v to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o from_o this_o metaphor_n here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n in_o divinity_n to_o build_v doctrine_n upon_o metaphor_n especial_o if_o we_o strain_v they_o to_o all_o the_o similitude_n which_o a_o quick_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v find_v out_o whereas_o some_o one_o obvious_a thing_n be_v common_o intend_v in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v absolve_v and_o acquit_v in_o that_o and_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o pursue_v it_o into_o all_o those_o similitude_n which_o a_o good_a fancy_n may_v suggest_v when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v surprise_v the_o careless_a world_n when_o they_o least_o look_v for_o it_o that_o he_o will_v come_v at_o a_o hour_n when_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o though_o he_o resemble_v his_o come_n to_o that_o of_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n yet_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o robbery_n in_o the_o case_n so_o here_o when_o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n make_v in_o man_n be_v call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o only_a import_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o metaphor_n be_v sufficient_o absolve_v in_o this_o plain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o literal_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v this_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v answer_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v altogether_o passive_a in_o this_o change_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v no_o way_n concur_v to_o it_o by_o any_o act_n of_o our_o own_o or_o that_o this_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o step_n and_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n god_n may_v do_v so_o when_o he_o please_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o no_o wrong_a to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v make_v good_a and_o happy_a against_o his_o will_n and_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n sometime_o do_v so_o the_o call_v of_o the_o disciple_n to_o follow_v christ_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a sudden_a and_o forcible_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n without_o any_o appear_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o leave_v his_o call_v and_o follow_v every_o one_o that_o bid_v he_o do_v so_o the_o conversion_n of_o saul_n from_o a_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n to_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o it_o be_v certain_o effect_v if_o not_o in_o a_o irresistible_a yet_o in_o a_o very_a forcible_a and_o violent_a manner_n the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o at_o one_o sermon_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v certain_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o so_o many_o person_n from_o heathenism_n and_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o life_n to_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n nor_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o so_o overpower_v much_o less_o in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v both_o from_o experience_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o many_o perhaps_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o insensible_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o have_v be_v never_o vicious_a can_v give_v no_o great_a account_n of_o any_o sensible_a change_n only_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o consider_v thing_n more_o and_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v instill_a into_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o more_o vigorous_o at_o that_o time_n as_o seed_n sprout_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n after_o they_o have_v a_o good_a while_n be_v bury_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o make_v a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o divine_a power_n necessary_a to_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n because_o this_o necessary_o involve_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a first_o that_o no_o man_n repent_v upon_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o violent_a necessity_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o repentance_n whatever_o virtue_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o consequent_a act_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n second_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o god_n do_v not_o work_v irresistible_o be_v impossible_a which_o be_v the_o utmost_a can_v be_v say_v to_o excuse_v the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n by_o take_v it_o off_o from_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o a_o utter_a disability_n in_o they_o to_o choose_v and_o do_v otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o suppose_v that_o man_n do_v very_o frequent_o resist_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 7._o 30._o that_o they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o that_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o that_o they_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o some_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v resistible_a and_o such_o as_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v they_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n else_o why_o be_v the_o pharisee_n say_v to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o that_o be_v to_o their_o own_o ruin_n imply_v that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v it_o they_o may_v have_v be_v save_v and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o have_v be_v without_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v actual_o resist_v by_o they_o other_o text_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n be_v not_o
be_v make_v be_v only_o passive_a in_o their_o creation_n and_o as_o they_o can_v make_v no_o resistance_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o contribute_v any_o thing_n â—o_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o argue_v from_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o from_o several_a other_o metaphor_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o describe_v our_o natural_a state_n as_o namely_o darkness_n blindness_n and_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o we_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o our_o renovation_n than_o darkness_n do_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o light_n than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v do_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o sight_n or_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o his_o own_o resurrection_n but_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o to_o countenance_v this_o notion_n they_o make_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o most_o degenerate_a heathen_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v the_o true_a standard_n of_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o insist_v particular_o upon_o that_o description_n of_o the_o gentile_a idolater_n eph._n 4._o 18_o 19_o have_v the_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v past_a feeling_n have_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o description_n of_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n but_o not_o of_o all_o but_o of_o such_o as_o by_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o vicious_a practice_n of_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o most_o abominable_a lewdness_n be_v degerated_a to_o the_o utmost_a so_o that_o their_o condition_n seem_v desperate_a without_o a_o miraculous_a and_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v probable_o afford_v to_o many_o of_o these_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o argue_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o description_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n before_o god_n bring_v the_o flood_n upon_o they_o gâ—n_n 6._o 5._o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o this_o they_o make_v the_o character_n of_o all_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n whereas_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a degeneracy_n of_o man_n signify_v that_o the_o world_n be_v then_o extreme_o bad_a and_o deprave_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v man_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o their_o wickedness_n be_v grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o mankind_n this_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a reason_n for_o bring_v a_o flood_n upon_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a sure_o they_o consider_v the_o scripture_n very_o superficial_o that_o interpret_v it_o at_o this_o rate_n it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v sad_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v but_o not_o so_o bad_a as_o by_o vicious_a practice_n and_o habit_n it_o may_v be_v make_v all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n some_o be_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o other_o and_o less_o force_n and_o violence_n will_v serve_v to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o prevalency_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n make_v a_o unregenerate_a state_n as_o the_o prevalency_n of_o grace_n put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o regenerate_v state_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o necessary_o as_o bad_a as_o be_v possâ—ble_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o regenerate_a state_n that_o a_o man_n be_v perfect_o good_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o argue_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n from_o the_o description_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o devoid_a of_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o have_v many_o conviction_n of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v and_o under_o those_o conviction_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o persuasion_n which_o dead_a man_n be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v only_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n experience_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o can_v do_v something_o that_o we_o can_v cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o same_o and_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n because_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o just_a discouragement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o all_o endeavour_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n to_o tell_v man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o it_o he_o that_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o this_o work_n be_v a_o fool_n if_o he_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o become_v better_a because_o he_o struggle_v with_o a_o impossibility_n and_o if_o the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v at_o all_o it_o will_v be_v do_v without_o he_o and_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o but_o will_v any_o metaphor_n bear_v man_n out_o against_o so_o palpable_a a_o absurdity_n as_o this_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o these_o metaphor_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o by_o they_o for_o if_o to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n signify_v a_o utter_a impotency_n to_o goodness_n then_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n must_v on_o the_o contrary_n signify_v a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v for_o just_a as_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n so_o he_o that_o be_v regegenerate_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o best_a of_o regenerate_a man_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o alive_a to_o god_n do_v offend_v in_o many_o thing_n and_o too_o frequent_o fall_v into_o sin_n why_o then_o shall_v the_o metaphor_n be_v so_o strong_a on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n in_o sâ—ort_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o man_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a and_o unconvert_v state_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o have_v no_o more_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n have_v of_o natural_a object_n than_o all_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o all_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o argue_v and_o persuade_v man_n thereto_o be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o it_o will_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o proper_a and_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o churchyard_n over_o the_o grave_n of_o dead_a man_n as_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o unregenerate_a because_o they_o can_v no_o more_o act_n and_o move_v towards_o their_o own_o recovery_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n than_o the_o dead_a body_n can_v rise_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o exhortation_n and_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o declare_v to_o man_n their_o power_n but_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o be_v insensible_a it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o declare_v to_o they_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o power_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v their_o duty_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o declare_v to_o they_o to_o be_v out_o of_o their_o power_n but_o this_o be_v pelagianism_n to_o say_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v repent_v
to_o ourselves_o as_o concur_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o this_o work_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o repent_v to_o turn_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o self_n hence_o likewise_o be_v those_o frequent_a command_n in_o scripture_n to_o amend_v our_o way_n and_o do_n to_o wash_v our_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n so_o that_o all_o these_o cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n his_o minister_n his_o word_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v all_o some_o way_n or_o other_o concur_v and_o contribute_v to_o this_o effect_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n from_o beginning_n to_o end_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n and_o we_o do_v well_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o it_o that_o no_o flesh_n may_v glory_v in_o his_o sight_n but_o nevertheless_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n sufficient_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v all_o cooperate_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o by_o ascribe_v to_o any_o of_o these_o such_o part_n as_o they_o true_o have_v in_o this_o work_n god_n be_v not_o rob_v of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a much_o less_o be_v it_o the_o ascribe_v it_o all_o to_o ourselves_o who_o we_o affirm_v to_o have_v the_o least_o part_n in_o it_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o we_o and_o yet_o unless_o we_o do_v something_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n be_v it_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v passive_a to_o the_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o hinder_v what_o we_o can_v neither_o hinder_v nor_o promote_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n so_o then_o to_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o hindrance_n or_o furtherance_n of_o this_o work_n and_o if_o this_o be_v thâ—_n meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n just_a as_o fit_v for_o stone_n as_o for_o man_n that_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o either_o 2._o objection_n but_o however_o we_o do_v extenuate_v and_o lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v any_o active_a concurrence_n and_o endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n towards_o this_o change_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o three_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n that_o they_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v not_o dâ—minish_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o confine_v it_o to_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o comparison_n nay_o they_o will_v needs_o face_v we_o down_o that_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n they_o do_v very_o much_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v it_o and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a by_o how_o much_o the_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o but_o i_o hope_v they_o only_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n be_v great_a to_o themselves_o in_o which_o conceit_n there_o be_v common_o as_o much_o of_o envy_n as_o gratitude_n but_o sure_o they_o can_v mean_v that_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o few_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n than_o that_o which_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o great_a many_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v magnify_v by_o be_v confine_v for_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o reason_v the_o lesser_a it_o be_v the_o great_a it_o must_v be_v and_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n will_v be_v great_a of_o all_o if_o it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v extenuate_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o but_o when_o we_o do_v so_o we_o must_v say_v we_o magnify_v it_o second_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o objection_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n do_v not_o do_v all_o it_o do_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o if_o it_o do_v all_o yet_o this_o be_v real_o no_o injury_n or_o dishonour_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o though_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o do_v extenuate_v it_o it_o do_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n take_v off_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v not_o the_o less_o in_o offer_v a_o pardon_n to_o a_o traitor_n who_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o glad_o receive_v it_o than_o if_o he_o force_v it_o upon_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o case_n much_o fit_a to_o give_v it_o and_o he_o on_o who_o it_o be_v confer_v much_o better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o prince_n favour_n that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o one_o who_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o in_o one_o case_n than_o the_o other_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o both_o case_n the_o man_n owe_v his_o life_n to_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o lessen_v the_o grace_n that_o the_o miserable_a object_n of_o it_o the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_a person_n be_v either_o by_o his_o humble_a submission_n or_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o it_o in_o some_o degree_n better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v such_o a_o favour_n than_o a_o obstinate_a refuser_n of_o it_o three_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a consideration_n of_o all_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v god_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n charge_v upon_o he_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o impenitency_n and_o ruin_n their_o utter_a impotency_n and_o disability_n to_o repent_v and_o we_o certain_o make_v this_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o impenitency_n and_o ruin_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n but_o this_o between_o penitent_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n namely_o that_o in_o the_o one_o god_n work_v repentance_n by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o his_o power_n so_o that_o he_o can_v but_o repent_v and_o deny_v this_o grace_n to_o the_o other_o without_o which_o he_o can_v possible_o repent_v but_o the_o scripture_n charge_v the_o destruction_n of_o man_n upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v their_o impenitency_n at_o their_o own_o door_n oh_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n hosea_n 13._o 9_o but_o where_o be_v the_o help_n when_o the_o grace_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o repentance_n be_v deny_v and_o how_o be_v their_o destruction_n of_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v isa_n 5._o 3_o 4._o god_n appeal_v to_o his_o people_n israel_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a obedience_n and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o between_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o wherefore_o when_o i_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n bring_v it_o forth_o wild_a grape_n be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n then_o if_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v necessary_a he_o afford_v they_o that_o but_o that_o be_v not_o afford_v they_o because_o than_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v repent_v and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o this_o complaint_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afford_v it_o but_o only_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o repentance_n without_o the_o inward_a grace_n as_o some_o say_v then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v why_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v because_o they_o can_v not_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o cause_n either_o of_o wonder_n or_o complaint_n beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o justify_v that_o say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o
inconvenience_n in_o it_o first_o that_o this_o supposition_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n as_o to_o any_o real_a effect_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n because_o not_o one_o person_n more_o be_v save_v notwithstanding_o this_o universal_a sufficient_a grace_n which_o they_o say_v be_v afford_v to_o all_o for_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v never_o effectual_a and_o then_o it_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o mean_v sufficient_a to_o its_o end_n shall_v universal_o prove_v ineffectual_a nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o demonstration_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o mean_n if_o perpetual_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n it_o fail_v of_o its_o end_n this_o will_v tempt_v any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n in_o it_o or_o something_o that_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o if_o be_v perpetual_o and_o general_o afford_v it_o do_v perpetual_o and_o universal_o miscarry_v without_o so_o much_o as_o one_o instance_n among_o so_o many_o million_o to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o this_o opinion_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v contrive_v for_o a_o colour_n and_o shelter_v against_o some_o absurdity_n which_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v otherwise_o than_o to_o sâ—rve_v any_o good_a purpose_n or_o to_o be_v embrace_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o probability_n of_o it_o the_o other_o middle_a opinion_n be_v that_o some_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n when_o god_n please_v and_o who_o he_o design_n to_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o that_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v afford_v to_o other_o which_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o and_o reject_v by_o a_o great_a many_o and_o this_o avoid_v all_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o other_o opinion_n and_o be_v evident_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o best_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o give_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o men._n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n that_o man_n destruction_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o this_o make_v all_o the_o exhortation_n and_o motive_n of_o scripture_n to_o repentance_n to_o be_v of_o some_o force_n and_o significancy_n and_o give_v encouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o become_v better_o this_o clear_o acquit_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o six_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o ruin_n upon_o their_o own_o choice_n this_o perfect_o reconcile_v the_o operation_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n in_o our_o sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o a_o good_a course_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o make_v those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o significancy_n in_o they_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o evil_a way_n make_v you_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n these_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o metaphor_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v something_o towards_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sure_a that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o text_n signify_v nothing_o final_o these_o text_n which_o speak_v most_o clear_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o our_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a do_v suppose_v something_o to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o imply_v that_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o imply_v that_o what_o we_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o our_o own_o act_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n nor_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n st._n paul_n it_o seem_v know_v very_o well_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o and_o to_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n its_o due_a without_o reject_v all_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n 1_o corin._n 15._o 10._o but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o and_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a not_o because_o it_o be_v irresistible_a and_o he_o mere_o passive_a in_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o because_o he_o do_v concur_v and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o his_o grace_n that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o our_o concurrence_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n provide_v that_o we_o ascribe_v the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o which_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o due_a than_o to_o our_o own_o activity_n and_o endeavour_n and_o so_o st._n paul_n do_v i_o labour_v abundant_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v advance_v to_o its_o due_a pitch_n without_o assert_v that_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v abundant_o bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v labour_v abundant_o god_n may_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o doctrine_n ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n sermon_n viii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n that_o which_o i_o be_v last_o upon_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n viz._n such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o three_o first_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v this_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n second_o that_o as_o creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o their_o be_v make_v and_o contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereto_o no_o more_o do_v we_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n three_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n only_o by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n so_o this_o new_a creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o and_o show_v that_o as_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a foundation_n in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o three_o doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n namely_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o effect_v by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n say_v let_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v and_o immediate_o they_o be_v so_o this_o new_a creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o far_a pursuit_n of_o the_o metaphor_n and_o admit_v the_o two_o former_a doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a and_o well_o ground_v upon_o this_o
metaphor_n this_o three_o doctrine_n follow_v well_o enough_o from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o that_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o why_o shall_v omnipotence_n use_v delay_n and_o take_v time_n and_o proceed_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o can_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n especial_o consider_v how_o well_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o other_o metaphor_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o this_o of_o a_o new_a creation_n viz._n the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n and_o resurrection_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v either_o upon_o scripture_n or_o experience_n not_o but_o that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o if_o he_o please_v and_o work_v this_o change_n in_o some_o much_o soon_o and_o quick_a than_o in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o experience_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a much_o less_o the_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o a_o instant_n without_o any_o sensible_a step_n and_o degree_n but_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o what_o mistake_a ground_n and_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n rely_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n second_o i_o shall_v plain_o show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o admit_v of_o degree_n three_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o so_o in_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n four_o that_o all_o this_o be_v very_a consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o constant_o declare_v concern_v it_o first_o i_o shall_v discover_v several_a mistake_v upon_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v and_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n viz._n that_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n as_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o only_o different_a expression_n but_o do_v signify_v two_o thing_n real_o different_a but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o self_n self_n same_o thing_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v our_o translation_n and_o change_n from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v over_o again_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o another_o father_n and_o from_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o sanctification_n be_v our_o be_v make_v holy_a our_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n principal_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o if_o sanctification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a and_o regeneration_n make_v we_o holy_a then_o regeneration_n be_v sanctification_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o regeneration_n only_o signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n and_o sanctification_n our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o for_o it_o be_v use_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v our_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n for_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n of_o this_o change_n but_o during_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o our_o first_o change_n be_v as_o well_o call_v our_o sanctification_n as_o our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o neither_o in_o this_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n they_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v both_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o our_o continuance_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o '_o thou_o regeneration_n do_v more_o frequent_o denote_v the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n and_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n be_v incapable_a of_o degree_n and_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v equal_o so_o and_o one_o regenerate_v person_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o regenerate_v than_o another_o whereas_o sanctification_n be_v a_o gradual_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o and_o of_o â—hem_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o holy_a one_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n without_o any_o real_a ground_n for_o as_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n do_v plain_o admit_v of_o degree_n so_o likewise_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n admit_v of_o degree_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o and_o thereby_o more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o like_a god_n be_v more_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o regenerate_v that_o be_v more_o renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a assertion_n and_o evident_o false_a to_o affirm_v that_o regeneration_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o more_o regenerate_v than_o another_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o they_o ground_n this_o conceit_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n which_o teach_v that_o in_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la together_o and_o at_o once_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o regard_n much_o less_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infuse_a habit_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o in_o divinity_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n these_o word_n serve_v only_o to_o obscure_v the_o thing_n for_o to_o say_v that_o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v infuse_v together_o and_o at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o a_o instant_a man_n that_o be_v vicious_a before_o in_o several_a kind_n be_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o contraâ—y_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_o and_o meek_a and_o humble_a as_o if_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n they_o have_v become_v so_o that_o
and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a change_n make_v in_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o mind_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o very_a many_o by_o very_o silent_a and_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o length_n the_o seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o by_o a_o good_a education_n do_v visible_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n do_v apparent_o prevail_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_v sâ—ate_n though_o perhaps_o very_a few_o of_o these_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o change_n for_o thing_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v never_o very_o sensible_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n who_o never_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a course_n shall_v escape_v those_o pang_n and_o terror_n which_o unavoidable_o happen_v unto_o other_o from_o a_o course_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v in_o this_o gradual_a and_o insensible_a manner_n regenerate_v and_o make_v good_a this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v so_o frequent_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o be_v visible_o reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n in_o these_o we_o likewise_o frequent_o see_v this_o change_n gradual_o make_v by_o strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o their_o mind_n most_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n whereby_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o awaken_v to_o consideration_n and_o melt_v into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o perhaps_o exercise_v with_o great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n till_o at_o length_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o after_o many_o struggle_n and_o conflict_n with_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o evil_a habit_n this_o resolution_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o prevail_v and_o make_v a_o real_a change_n both_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o all_o the_o while_n this_o be_v a_o do_v the_o new_a man_n be_v form_v and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v go_v on_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a state_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o experience_n of_o most_o person_n who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o by_o so_o manifold_a experience_n be_v find_v to_o take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o degree_n and_o whereas_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o this_o the_o preparatory_a work_n to_o regeneration_n but_o not_o the_o regeneration_n itself_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a contention_n about_o word_n for_o if_o these_o preparation_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o gradual_a tendency_n towards_o it_o than_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v by_o they_o and_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n a_o do_v and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v the_o point_n or_o instant_n when_o a_o man_n just_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o not_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o change_n when_o it_o be_v real_o make_v will_v soon_o discover_v itself_o by_o plain_a and_o sensible_a effect_n four_o and_o last_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n isa_n 1._o 16._o where_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v to_o this_o change_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o gradual_a thing_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o be_v break_v off_o evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n and_o gain_v the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o far_a from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a plain_o declare_v the_o great_a difficulty_n equal_a almost_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o reclaim_v those_o to_o goodness_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o near_a to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n from_o his_o youth_n that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n power_n this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v how_o be_v one_o man_n near_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o far_o from_o it_o than_o another_o if_o all_o that_o be_v make_v good_a must_v be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o not_o at_o all_o than_o no_o man_n be_v near_o be_v make_v good_a than_o another_o for_o if_o he_o be_v near_o to_o it_o he_o may_v soon_o be_v make_v so_o but_o that_o can_v be_v if_o all_o must_v be_v make_v good_a in_o a_o instant_n for_o soon_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v so_o if_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n be_v strict_o take_v no_o man_n be_v near_a a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o new_a life_n than_o another_o as_o he_o that_o die_v but_o a_o week_n ago_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o as_o he_o that_o die_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o the_o resurrection_n of_o both_o require_v a_o omnipotent_a act_n and_o to_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o easy_a the_o two_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13._o 31_o 33._o be_v by_o many_o interpreter_n understand_v of_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n that_o wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o herb_n and_o to_o leaven_n which_o a_o woman_n take_v and_o hide_v in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v leaven_v intimate_v the_o progress_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o by_o degree_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a temper_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n into_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o good_a ground_n do_v represent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v say_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n which_o sure_o do_v express_v to_o we_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n the_o new_a testament_n indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a change_n of_o many_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o be_v not_o a_o standard_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o not_o consider_v of_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a those_o which_o be_v thus_o convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o faith_n be_v a_o virtual_a principle_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o not_o formal_o the_o habit_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o acquire_v
passage_n and_o be_v waâ—ted_v over_o by_o a_o gentle_a wind_n and_o can_v tell_v no_o story_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v full_o and_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o open_a to_o you_o the_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o phrase_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o new_a creation_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v namely_o that_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o parallel_a text_n to_o this_o of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o this_o text_n which_o affirm_v that_o in_o thâ—_n christian_n religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v we_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o likewise_o from_o many_o other_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o whether_o by_o justification_n be_v mean_v our_o first_o justification_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o state_n or_o our_o final_a justification_n by_o our_o solemn_a acquital_n and_o absolution_n at_o the_o great_a day_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o first_o justification_n that_o be_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o all_o those_o text_n where_o this_o change_n be_v express_v by_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n by_o our_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n by_o our_o purification_n and_o sanctification_n or_o by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n for_o under_o every_o one_o of_o these_o notion_n this_o change_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n act_v 2._o 38._o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 3._o 19_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v make_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o 1_o john_n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a tit._n 3._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o apostle_n declare_v at_o large_a what_o change_n be_v require_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v also_o sometime_o foolish_a disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v that_o be_v not_o for_o any_o precedent_a righteousness_n of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o the_o change_n of_o our_o former_a temper_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o restitution_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o likewise_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o purification_n and_o sanctification_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n enumerate_v several_a sin_n and_o vice_n which_o will_v certain_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o favour_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o must_v be_v cleanse_v before_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v or_o save_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o make_v our_o purification_n a_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o reckon_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o child_n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n and_o that_o by_o not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n be_v here_o certain_o mean_v our_o sanctification_n and_o purification_n from_o sin_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o upon_o this_o condition_n we_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n let_v we_o purify_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n for_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o and_o last_o this_o be_v also_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o final_a justification_n and_o absolution_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 5._o 8._o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n joh._n 3._o 3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_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 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o what_o we_o must_v do_v if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o this_o condition_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n of_o our_o be_v new_a creature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o expression_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o two_o parallel_a text_n to_o this_o where_o faith_n which_o be_v perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n gal._n 5._o 6._o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v or_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o design_n and_o mean_v of_o these_o three_o text_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o these_o three_o expression_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v certain_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o new_a creature_n signify_v â—he_n change_v of_o our_o state_n from_o a_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o sin_n to_o a_o state_n of_o obedience_n and_o
that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v precede_v the_o general_a judgement_n and_o what_o more_o magnificent_a and_o suitable_a to_o this_o glorious_a solemnity_n than_o the_o awful_a circumstance_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o great_a judge_n that_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n in_o great_a majesty_n and_o glory_n attend_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n and_o that_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o that_o upon_o his_o appearance_n the_o frame_n of_o nature_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o agony_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o flame_n and_o confusion_n that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v obscure_v and_o by_o degree_n extinguish_v the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n turn_v into_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n shake_v yea_o the_o heaven_n themselves_o shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o great_a noiseâ—_n and_o the_o element_n dissolve_v with_o â—ervent_a heat_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o representation_n of_o thing_n very_o proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o that_o great_a dayâ—_n wherein_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v it_o and_o whether_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n ever_o devise_v any_o thing_n so_o awful_a and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemn_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o description_n which_o virgil_n make_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o world_n of_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o the_o infernal_a region_n how_o infinite_o do_v they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o description_n there_o make_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o in_o comparison_n they_o be_v childish_a and_o trifle_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o he_o have_v the_o most_o regular_a and_o most_o govern_a imagination_n of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o observe_v the_o great_a decorum_n in_o his_o character_n and_o description_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o to_o who_o god_n shall_v reveal_v they_o second_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o â—â—ath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o only_o imply_v the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o likewise_o something_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o discovery_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n will_v severe_o punish_v â—inners_n but_o he_o have_v take_v care_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o this_o matter_n in_o a_o very_a particular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o collect_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n but_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o send_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o thing_n plain_o to_o the_o world_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n that_o be_v god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o wrath_n against_o all_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o he_o may_v effectual_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a world_n to_o repentance_n he_o have_v send_v a_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v warning_n to_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o to_o summon_v they_o before_o his_o dreadful_a tribunal_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n act_n 17._o 30_o 31._o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n â—very_n where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a three_o this_o expression_n imply_v likewise_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o discovery_n if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v only_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o wise_a man_n though_o ground_v upon_o very_o probable_a reason_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o doubt_n by_o the_o contrary_a reason_n of_o subtle_n and_o dispute_a man_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n we_o have_v a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o it_o and_o god_n have_v confirm_v it_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n especial_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o by_o this_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a thus_o you_o see_v in_o what_o respect_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v make_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a and_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n than_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o namely_o that_o every_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a practice_n do_v expose_v man_n to_o this_o dreadful_a danger_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o two_o chief_a head_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v impiety_n towards_o god_n and_o unrighteousness_n towards_o menâ—_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o every_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n comprehend_v under_o these_o general_a head_n so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v entire_o religious_a and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o because_o the_o live_n in_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n of_o god_n though_o a_o man_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o his_o dealing_n with_o man_n yet_o if_o he_o neglect_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n this_o will_v certain_o bring_v he_o under_o condemnation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o a_o man_n may_v serve_v god_n never_o so_o diligent_o and_o devout_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n if_o he_o deal_v false_o and_o fraudulent_o with_o his_o neighbour_n he_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n though_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o never_o so_o much_o piety_n and_o devotion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v unrighteous_a he_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n overreach_v and_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o such_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 4._o 6._o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o careful_a discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o either_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o action_n and_o course_n of_o their_o life_n because_o any_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n any_o one_o sort_n of_o vicious_a course_n lay_v man_n open_a to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o exception_n in_o the_o case_n we_o must_v forsake_v all_o sin_n subdue_v every_o lust_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n otherwise_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o observation_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o apostle_n here_o aggravate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n but_o contradict_v it_o in_o their_o life_n hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o heathen_a be_v
mankind_n john_n 15._o 22_o 23_o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n their_o sin_n have_v be_v much_o more_o excusable_a but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o that_o hate_v i_o hate_v my_o father_n also_o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n how_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o they_o have_v now_o sin_v against_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o mankind_n can_v possible_o have_v at_o once_o oppose_v natural_a light_n which_o be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o son_n now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n the_o two_o remain_a observation_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n xi_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n both_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n rome_n i._o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o i_o have_v handle_v four_o of_o the_o observation_n which_o i_o raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o two_o that_o remain_v five_o observation_n that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o hold_v the_o trâ—th_n of_o god_n iâ—_n unrighteousness_n for_o thâ—â—eason_n why_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o be_v because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o that_o god_n have_v show_v it_o â—nto_o they_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o of_o god_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o his_o be_v and_o essential_a perfection_n may_v be_v know_v which_o he_o call_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n thâ—se_a he_o tell_v we_o be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o man_n of_o the_o be_v and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o god_n be_v natural_o know_v to_o man_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o socinus_n positive_o maintain_v though_o therein_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n a_o opinion_n in_o my_o judgement_n very_o unworthy_a of_o one_o who_o not_o without_o reason_n be_v esteem_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o i_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o undermine_v the_o strong_a and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o when_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v once_o take_v away_o will_v certain_o want_v its_o best_a support_n beside_o that_o by_o deny_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n he_o free_o give_v away_o one_o of_o the_o most_o plausible_a ground_n of_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o contempt_n but_o by_o better_a reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v i_o will_v consider_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n and_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v natural_a it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o natural_o know_v the_o schoolman_n indeed_o say_v so_o but_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n faith_n more_o large_o for_o a_o rela_fw-la persuasion_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o ground_v upon_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o our_o saviour_n speech_n to_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v what_o he_o see_v and_o if_o so_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v be_v real_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n from_o natural_a light_n second_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v because_o the_o same_o apostle_n conclude_v enoch_n to_o have_v believe_v god_n because_o he_o please_v god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n may_v be_v without_o this_o belief_n which_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a they_o can_v indeed_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n obey_v and_o please_v he_o than_o the_o inference_n have_v be_v good_a that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o natural_o believe_v a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o please_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a the_o other_o way_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v argue_v thus_o that_o because_o whoever_o act_n reasonable_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o reason_n therefore_o man_n be_v not_o natural_o endow_v with_o reason_n for_o as_o man_n may_v natural_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o man_n may_v natural_o know_v and_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v that_o of_o david_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o certain_o prove_v that_o bad_a man_n live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n nay_o it_o may_v far_o import_v that_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o stifle_v and_o extinguish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v glad_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o whether_o david_n mean_v so_o or_o not_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o some_o may_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o and_o in_o some_o mood_n to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o argument_n on_o that_o side_n but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o not_o natural_a to_o mankind_n nature_n itself_o as_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o it_o be_v admit_v of_o some_o irregularity_n and_o exception_n in_o effect_n that_o be_v mere_o natural_a much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o have_v something_o in_o they_o that_o be_v voluntary_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v monstrous_a against_o what_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o have_v five_o finger_n upon_o a_o hand_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v bear_v otherwise_o but_o in_o voluntary_a agent_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v pervert_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n extinguish_v in_o some_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o this_o objection_n his_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v not_o only_o be_v particular_a person_n but_o whole_a nation_n who_o have_v have_v no_o sense_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o suspicion_n of_o a_o deity_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v of_o great_a force_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o he_o produce_v the_o instance_n of_o brasil_n in_o america_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o bring_v good_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o any_o nation_n but_o of_o any_o city_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v profess_v atheist_n i_o know_v
if_o you_o know_v and_o do_v they_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o so_o important_a a_o truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o first_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n where_o he_o repeat_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n so_o often_o he_o make_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o to_o the_o mere_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o habit_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o pâ—râ—ty_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o matth._n 7._o 2._o our_o saviour_n do_v most_o full_o declare_v that_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o promise_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o doctrine_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o if_o themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o practice_v it_o not_o every_o one_o that_o â—aith_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_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 though_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o because_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o though_o a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o descend_v into_o his_o life_n and_o govern_v his_o action_n all_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v fond_a and_o groundless_a and_o only_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v well_o ground_v who_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v it_o ver._n 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rocâ—_n and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o though_o a_o man_n have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o great_a and_o perfect_a as_o that_o which_o solomon_n have_v of_o natural_a thing_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n yet_o all_o thâ—s_n knowledge_n separate_v from_o practice_n will_v be_v like_o the_o sand_n also_o in_o another_o respect_n a_o weak_a foundation_n for_o any_o man_n to_o build_v his_o hope_n â—f_a happiness_n upon_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 2._o 13._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v just_a before_o god_n but_o the_o dâ—ers_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v justify_v so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o self_n and_o ver_fw-la 25._o who_o be_v look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o libert_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v therein_o he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o word_n and_o order_v of_o our_o life_n ver._n 26._o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n this_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affâ—iction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n man_n talk_v of_o religion_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o but_o nothing_o will_v pass_v for_o true_a religion_n before_o god_n but_o the_o virtuous_a and_o charitable_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o most_o express_o heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n second_o as_o god_n have_v make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o nothing_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n knowledge_n indeed_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n but_o that_o alone_a as_o it_o do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n like_o god_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o dispose_v he_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o angel_n he_o may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o whatever_o knowledge_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v he_o be_v of_o a_o devilish_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o be_v like_o god_n and_o only_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o do_v we_o become_v capable_a of_o the_o â—ight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a by_o the_o bless_a â—ight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o life_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a a_o wicked_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o heaven_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o be_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o religion_n let_v no_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n unless_o he_o do_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v brief_o urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n first_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o respect_n to_o practice_n that_o the_o scripture_n will_v hardly_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v proper_o call_v knowledge_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n 1_o john_n 2._o 3_o 4._o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o second_o practice_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v and_o perfect_v our_o knowledge_n knowledge_n direct_v we_o in_o our_o practice_n but_o practice_n confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n john_n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o be_v like_o he_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o his_o perfection_n imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v
and_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v but_o where_o man_n be_v sincere_o good_a and_o honest_o resolve_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v ward_n off_o these_o fierce_a blow_n and_o put_v by_o these_o violent_a thrust_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a disposal_n of_o thing_n keep_v they_o from_o be_v assault_v by_o these_o irresistible_a kind_n of_o temptation_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_o good_a so_o likewise_o a_o great_a argument_n for_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o this_o use_v the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v that_o be_v confident_a that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v he_o or_o throw_v he_o down_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o be_v humane_a nothing_o but_o what_o a_o humane_a strength_n assist_v by_o a_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v but_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o violent_a temptation_n than_o these_o which_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v try_v with_o and_o when_o those_o happen_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n i_o mention_v whereby_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a good_a man_n in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n which_o no_o humane_a strength_n can_v probable_o resist_v and_o this_o the_o same_o apostle_n assure_v we_o of_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v in_o case_n of_o great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o persecution_n be_v expose_v to_o god_n will_v secret_o minister_v strength_n and_o support_v equal_a to_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o god_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o make_v they_o joyful_o to_o embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endure_v those_o torment_n which_o no_o humane_a patience_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o where_o god_n do_v thus_o secure_a man_n against_o temptation_n or_o support_v they_o under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o god_n permit_v other_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v by_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n for_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o thus_o many_o time_n god_n punish_v great_a and_o notorious_a offender_n by_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o great_a temptation_n which_o meet_v with_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o especial_o consider_v how_o by_o a_o long_a habit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o wilful_a commission_n of_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n they_o have_v make_v themselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o have_v drive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o they_o and_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o thoâ—e_a aid_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o ordinary_o afford_v not_o only_o to_o good_a man_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o very_o bad_a and_o thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v pharaoh_n by_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o send_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o if_o we_o careful_o read_v the_o story_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o first_o harden_v himself_o and_o then_o that_o god_n harden_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v harden_v under_o the_o first_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n send_v more_o which_o meet_v with_o his_o obstinacy_n have_v this_o unnatural_a effect_n upon_o he_o to_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o not_o that_o god_n do_v infuse_v any_o wickedness_n or_o obstinacy_n into_o he_o but_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v more_o plague_n upon_o he_o which_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o and_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o he_o consider_v the_o ill_a temper_n of_o the_o man._n and_o it_o be_v just_a by_o way_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o shall_v and_o so_o likewise_o joshua_n 11._o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n do_v not_o make_v peace_n with_o joshua_n because_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v against_o israel_n in_o battle_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o utter_o that_o be_v for_o their_o former_a iniquity_n the_o measure_n whereof_o be_v now_o full_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v just_o bring_v they_o into_o and_o leave_v they_o under_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o obstinate_a against_o all_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o this_o prove_v fatal_a to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v several_a other_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o likewise_o may_v seem_v very_o harsh_a as_o isaiah_n 6._o 10._o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v all_o which_o expression_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n for_o the_o former_a provocation_n and_o impenitency_n of_o that_o people_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o understand_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n so_o likewise_o rom._n 1._o 24._o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v up_o the_o idolatrous_a heathen_a to_o uncleanness_n to_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o ver._n 28._o to_o a_o reprobate_n and_o injudicious_a mind_n that_o be_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n he_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 11._o the_o apostle_n threaten_v those_o that_o reject_v the_o truth_n that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v as_o a_o just_a punishment_n for_o their_o renounce_v the_o truth_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n their_o error_n have_v its_o full_a scope_n at_o they_o to_o tempt_v they_o with_o all_o its_o colour_n and_o pretence_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o all_o these_o place_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o some_o former_a great_a crime_n and_o provocation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unjust_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o have_v first_o wilful_o forsake_v he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o if_o they_o yield_v and_o be_v conquer_a it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n because_o they_o have_v neglect_v god_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v resist_v those_o temptation_n and_o have_v force_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o open_a and_o naked_a to_o those_o assault_n of_o temptation_n against_o which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v three_o the_o last_o end_n of_o temptation_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v to_o try_v man_n with_o a_o direct_a purpose_n and_o intention_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n thus_o wicked_a man_n tempt_v other_o and_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v men._n thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n thus_o he_o tempt_v job_n by_o bring_v he_o into_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v force_v he_o into_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o find_v