then_o will_v some_o say_v if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o do_v of_o every_o good_a duty_n be_v unto_o such_o a_o one_o a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v he_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o do_v it_o because_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v all_o thing_n wherein_o he_o shall_v certain_o sin_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o inference_n be_v good_a if_o this_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o one_o sin_n do_v not_o draw_v he_o upon_o another_o sin_n that_o be_v worse_o but_o here_o see_v what_o a_o snare_n sin_n have_v lay_v to_o entrap_v a_o wicked_a man_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o turn_v he_o fall_v &_o be_v take_v if_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n he_o sin_n because_o he_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o word_n he_o sin_n because_o he_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n if_o he_o pray_v he_o sin_n because_o he_o pray_v not_o in_o faith_n if_o he_o pray_v not_o he_o sin_n and_o be_v accurse_v because_o he_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o shall_v he_o do_v then_o i_o answer_v he_o must_v do_v his_o duty_n what_o god_n command_v though_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o do_v of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n of_o two_o sin_n whereupon_o not_o god_n but_o himself_o have_v put_v himself_o inevitable_o to_o commit_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v choose_v the_o least_o rather_o sin_v in_o the_o manner_n in_o not_o do_v of_o it_o so_o well_o as_o he_o shall_v than_o â—ailing_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o quite_o neglect_v the_o duty_n itself_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a when_o god_n command_v a_o duty_n absolute_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o than_o to_o do_v it_o amiss_o because_o our_o disobedience_n be_v totall_n in_o not_o do_v but_o only_o partial_a in_o do_v it_o otherwise_o than_o we_o ought_v as_o for_o a_o man_n wilful_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v a_o foul_a fault_n than_o to_o hear_v it_o with_o a_o forgetful_a and_o disobedient_a heart_n though_o this_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n too_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a wherefore_o we_o may_v not_o pretend_v our_o infirmity_n as_o a_o just_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n i_o can_v do_v it_o well_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o at_o all_o be_v no_o good_a collection_n unless_o i_o may_v be_v blameless_a in_o my_o omission_n of_o it_o which_o here_o i_o can_v be_v minister_n than_o be_v to_o urge_v upon_o all_o man_n indifferent_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o christian_a endeavour_n tend_v to_o their_o conversion_n and_o hearer_n be_v not_o to_o balk_v god_n command_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o own_o sinful_a disability_n god_n must_v be_v obey_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v go_v if_o we_o sin_v it_o be_v our_o fault_n beside_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o who_o know_v whether_o our_o diligence_n in_o do_v something_o may_v not_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o we_o than_o our_o sin_v in_o many_o thing_n may_v prove_v hurtful_a whilst_o god_n bestow_v grace_n upon_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n whereto_o in_o some_o sort_n we_o conform_v ourselves_o though_o with_o much_o sinfulness_n and_o infirmity_n this_o of_o our_o first_o position_n the_o second_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o the_o reprobate_n unregenerate_a in_o who_o these_o preparation_n to_o grace_n be_v wrought_v may_v and_o do_v wilful_o neglect_v they_o thereby_o procure_v their_o final_a obduration_n in_o sin_n the_o three_o be_v this_o 3._o that_o the_o elect_a unregenerate_a may_v and_o do_v for_o a_o time_n resist_v these_o preparation_n to_o conversion_n thereby_o deserve_v this_o final_a obduration_n but_o god_n by_o his_o special_a grace_n continue_v these_o beginning_n unto_o their_o perfect_a conversion_n i_o will_v handle_v both_o these_o position_n together_o contain_v the_o manner_n how_o far_o and_o by_o who_o those_o mean_n and_o preparation_n to_o conversion_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o make_v fruitless_a we_o affirm_v then_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n whether_o elect_a or_o reprobate_n to_o neglect_v and_o oppose_v those_o gracious_a mean_n whereby_o god_n call_v they_o unto_o conversion_n this_o be_v apparent_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o outward_a or_o inward_a mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o the_o outward_a in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n they_o may_v every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v neglect_v man_n have_v the_o command_n over_o their_o body_n to_o move_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o they_o may_v sit_v at_o home_n or_o travel_v abroad_o without_o worldly_a or_o wicked_a employment_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o church_n they_o may_v stop_v their_o ear_n talk_v with_o a_o companion_n read_v some_o book_n that_o please_v they_o while_o the_o minister_n be_v in_o speak_v they_o may_v set_v their_o thought_n a-work_o in_o their_o chest_n in_o the_o stew_n in_o their_o storehouse_n any_o where_o but_o where_o their_o body_n be_v about_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o sermon_n they_o may_v avoid_v the_o often_o use_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o make_v such_o shift_n as_o not_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n scarce_o once_o a_o year_n man_n may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v sleep_v or_o pray_v fast_o or_o surfeit_v of_o fullness_n read_v and_o study_v god_n word_n or_o man_n write_n again_o for_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n all_o unregenerate_a man_n oppose_v the_o light_n of_o their_o knowledge_n resist_v the_o check_n of_o conscience_n by_o presumptuous_a sin_n strive_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o almighty_n punishment_n they_o may_v stupefy_v all_o such_o motion_n of_o affection_n as_o tend_v to_o goodness_n by_o divert_v they_o upon_o vain_a delight_n these_o thing_n and_o more_o they_o may_v do_v yea_o and_o they_o do_v also_o though_o some_o more_o some_o less_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n thus_o ordinary_o call_v unto_o grace_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v ever_o so_o dutiful_o obedient_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n calling_n as_o to_o yield_v present_o without_o strive_v and_o much_o opposition_n no_o let_v the_o best_a man_n live_v who_o have_v well_o observe_v himself_o before_o and_o â—8_o after_o his_o sound_a conversion_n be_v bring_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o case_n and_o he_o will_v confess_v that_o in_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o god_n fair_o woo_v he_o to_o convert_v unto_o he_o he_o always_o be_v strange_o perverse_a careless_a scornful_a and_o froward_a in_o every_o motion_n of_o grace_n till_o god_n spirit_n have_v thorough_o wrought_v upon_o his_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o affirm_v that_o every_o one_o whatsoever_o do_v carry_v himself_o so_o stubborne_o against_o this_o preparatory_a grace_n of_o his_o conversion_n as_o that_o he_o deserve_v thereby_o to_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o left_a to_o final_a impenitency_n nor_o can_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n convert_v this_o man_n and_o not_o another_o 10._o quia_fw-la hic_fw-la novam_fw-la opponit_fw-la contumaciam_fw-la â—llâ—_n non_fw-la opponit_fw-la as_o the_o arminian_n false_o affirm_v for_o all_o be_v contumacious_a and_o rebellious_a against_o this_o grace_n of_o their_o vocation_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o both_o rebel_n god_n just_o forsake_v one_o in_o his_o rebellion_n and_o most_o mereiful_o follow_v the_o other_o with_o fresh_a supply_n of_o more_o powerful_a grace_n till_o he_o have_v heal_v his_o rebellion_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o return_v thus_o then_o both_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n resist_v but_o the_o elect_a for_o a_o time_n the_o reprobate_n final_o the_o difference_n be_v from_o god_n the_o reprobate_a neglect_n and_o cast_v off_o he_o 2d_o wherefore_o in_o justice_n he_o neglect_v and_o cast_v off_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o reprobate_a mind_n be_v so_o forsake_v their_o heart_n become_v as_o hard_o as_o the_o â—â—ather_n millstone_n their_o conscience_n scare_v their_o affection_n dead_a all_o sense_n of_o grace_n or_o sin_n wear_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o â—…all_a obstinacy_n against_o god_n fix_v therein_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v a_o â—…all_a resistency_n against_o grace_n namely_o in_o the_o reprobate_n oppose_v and_o wilful_o neglect_v all_o those_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n all_o those_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v invite_v and_o prepare_v to_o conversion_n of_o this_o rebellion_n do_v the_o scripture_n in_o every_o place_n complain_v and_o accuse_v the_o ungodly_a that_o when_o 17_o god_n bid_v they_o walk_v in_o the_o good_a
be_v assure_v that_o a_o heart_n surcharge_v with_o covetous_a desire_n ambitious_a thought_n voluptuous_a unclean_a and_o impure_a affection_n be_v far_o un_fw-we fit_n for_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o save_a understanding_n thereof_o again_o be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a sober_a and_o not_o curious_a neglect_v no_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n that_o may_v be_v get_v nor_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o either_o as_o foolish_a anabaptist_n do_v on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o presumptuous_a wit_n on_o the_o other_o who_o stock_n will_v soon_o decay_v study_v to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v turn_v not_o conscience_n into_o question_n and_o controversy_n lest_o whilst_o thou_o be_v resolve_v what_o to_o do_v thou_o do_v just_o nothing_o draw_v not_o all_o to_o reason_n leave_v something_o for_o faith_n where_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v the_o bottom_n admire_v the_o depth_n kiss_v the_o book_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o weep_v over_o thy_o ignorance_n and_o send_v one_o hearty_a wish_n to_o heaven_n oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v to_o know_v as_o i_o be_o know_v go_v not_o without_o nor_o before_o thy_o guide_n but_o let_v thy_o eye_n be_v always_o towards_o that_o lamb_n who_o only_o can_v open_v this_o book_n and_o thy_o understanding_n and_o then_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n yea_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o all_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o we_o must_v be_v accountable_a when_o art_n shall_v cease_v tongue_n shall_v be_v abolish_v knowledge_n shall_v vanish_v away_o do_v but_o think_v now_o one_o think_v what_o will_v be_v the_o joy_n of_o thy_o conscience_n in_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o may_v true_o say_v lord_n thou_o have_v write_v to_o i_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o i_o have_v not_o account_v they_o a_o strange_a thing_n or_o with_o david_n i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n within_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o err_v from_o thy_o commandment_n 2._o this_o for_o your_o private_a in_o the_o second_o place_n attend_v to_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o read_n it_o be_v a_o fault_n great_o reprovable_a in_o many_o who_o despise_v all_o but_o their_o own_o study_n god_n ordinance_n of_o preach_v and_o a_o month_n pain_n of_o the_o learned_a can_v do_v they_o so_o much_o good_a as_o a_o hour_n study_v of_o their_o own_o who_o therefore_o out_o of_o scorn_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o other_o man_n ability_n will_v keep_v home_o and_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o that_o who_o god_n look_v for_o at_o the_o church_n he_o may_v find_v they_o in_o their_o study_n they_o shall_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o busy_v as_o they_o ought_v yet_o not_o so_o ill_o employ_v as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o i_o spare_v they_o in_o this_o place_n hope_v that_o none_o hear_v i_o who_o do_v not_o hate_v this_o practice_n and_o tremble_v to_o cast_v such_o contempt_n upon_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o ordination_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n i_o will_v rather_o touch_v upon_o our_o private_a a_o exercise_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n yet_o of_o excellent_a use_n and_o great_a necessity_n let_v that_o before_o speak_v persuade_v your_o attention_n and_o diligence_n in_o thrive_a by_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o know_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v such_o that_o how_o simple_a soever_o the_o messenger_n be_v that_o bring_v it_o yet_o god_n word_n will_v always_o accomplish_v that_o whereto_o it_o be_v send_v in_o harden_v or_o soften_a the_o heart_n here_o only_o let_v i_o commend_v unto_o your_o acceptance_n and_o expectation_n a_o double_a plainness_n needful_a to_o be_v use_v 1._o of_o stile_n and_o speech_n that_o matter_n may_v have_v leave_n to_o command_v word_n and_o not_o be_v constrain_v to_o follow_v they_o in_o servile_a attendance_n how_o many_o excellent_a discourse_n be_v torture_v wrest_a and_o pinch_v in_o &_o obscure_v through_o curiosity_n of_o pen_v hide_a allusion_n force_a phrase_n uncouth_a epithet_n with_o other_o deformity_n of_o plain_a speak_n your_o own_o ear_n and_o eye_n may_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n a_o great_a slavery_n to_o make_v the_o mind_n a_o servant_n to_o the_o tongue_n and_o so_o to_o tie_v she_o up_o in_o fetter_n that_o she_o may_v not_o walk_v but_o by_o number_n and_o measure_n good_a speech_n make_v the_o most_o on_o it_o be_v but_o the_o garment_n of_o truth_n and_o she_o be_v so_o glorious_a within_o she_o need_v no_o outward_a deck_v yet_o if_o she_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o raiment_n of_o needlework_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o more_o majestic_a comeliness_n not_o gawdy_a gayness_n truth_n be_v like_o our_o first_o parent_n most_o beautiful_a when_o naked_a it_o be_v sin_n cover_v they_o it_o be_v ignorance_n hide_v this_o let_v perspicuity_n and_o method_n be_v ever_o the_o grace_n of_o speech_n and_o distinctnesse_n of_o delivery_n the_o daughter_n of_o a_o clear_a apprchension_n for_o myself_o i_o must_v always_o think_v they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v who_o so_o speak_v as_o other_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v if_o they_o do_v it_o of_o purpose_n they_o be_v envious_a to_o other_o and_o injurious_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a interpretation_n i_o can_v make_v of_o such_o misty_a and_o cloudy_a eloquence_n be_v that_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o shadow_v a_o ignorant_a mind_n or_o a_o ill_a meaning_n it_o be_v naught_o in_o all_o discourse_n about_o religion_n much_o more_o as_o if_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o hindrance_n enough_o without_o obscurity_n of_o speech_n and_o of_o all_o i_o be_o sure_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o exercise_n most_o un_fw-we fit_n where_o both_o matter_n and_o auditor_n require_v plainness_n catechism_n be_v pen_v like_o law_n in_o plain_a not_o eloquent_a term_n &_o its_o a_o great_a absurdity_n in_o definition_n &_o summary_n decision_n to_o seek_v after_o trope_n and_o figure_n wherefore_o for_o curious_a discourse_n sit_v to_o rub_v itch_a ear_n let_v aelians_n grave_a censure_n of_o myrmeride_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d coach_n with_o 17._o four_o horse_n so_o little_a you_o may_v hide_v they_o undor_n a_o sly_n wing_n or_o callicrates_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d copy_n of_o verse_n write_v so_o small_a as_o a_o cherry_n stone_n may_v hold_v they_o pass_v likewise_o upon_o they_o they_o be_v to_o say_v the_o least_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o laborious_a loss_n of_o time_n certain_o i_o find_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o cendemn_v in_o paul_n practice_n and_o the_o jew_n example_n he_o be_v learn_v and_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o that_o exact_o eloquent_o if_o god_n teach_v can_v do_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o grammarian_n or_o rhetorician_n school_v yet_o in_o case_n of_o preach_v he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o condemn_v in_o the_o false_a apostle_n but_o profess_v his_o opinion_n and_o practice_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 1._o i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o with_o excellency_n of_o word_n or_o of_o wisdom_n and_o verse_n 4._o nor_o stand_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o verse_n 5._o that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o wrought_v by_o man_n persuasion_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n again_o exekiel_n be_v a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o the_o jew_n take_v a_o pleasure_n to_o hear_v he_o but_o where_o grace_n want_v what_o can_v his_o eloquence_n help_v you_o shall_v have_v it_o in_o god_n own_o word_n ezek_n 33._o 31._o 32._o they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o people_n use_v to_o come_v and_o my_o people_n sit_v before_o thou_o and_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o nâ—rans_a make_v jest_n and_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ezekiels_n utterance_n be_v harsh_a and_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o no_o it_o follow_v and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o this_o for_o speech_n the_o other_o plainness_n be_v 2._o of_o the_o matter_n that_o you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o old_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o plain_a path_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v lay_v forth_o before_o we_o the_o easy_a i_o assure_v i_o to_o
and_o effect_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o we_o maintain_v and_o plead_v for_o this_o point_n will_v fall_v in_o more_o fit_o to_o be_v discuss_v afterward_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o few_o question_n touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n in_o man_n conversion_n whereinto_o though_o i_o be_o somewhat_o unwilling_a to_o enter_v because_o that_o positive_a rather_o than_o polemicall_a divinity_n befit_v this_o place_n yet_o consider_v the_o danger_n whereinto_o mind_n not_o right_o inform_v in_o these_o point_n may_v unhappy_o fall_v and_o that_o herein_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o slip_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o arminianism_n and_o thence_o to_o popery_n there_o be_v but_o a_o thread_n between_o they_o i_o have_v think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a brief_o and_o plain_o to_o touch_v upon_o such_o material_a controversy_n as_o be_v move_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o even_o the_o young_a sort_n may_v have_v something_o to_o oppose_v against_o cavil_v 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the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n open_v to_o discern_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o spiritual_a nature_n herein_o also_o lie_v a_o great_a difference_n because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v inevident_a to_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a be_v not_o so_o to_o the_o regenerate_a these_o thing_n thus_o distinguish_v let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o truth_n touch_v this_o point_n in_o some_o few_o conclusion_n which_o follow_v 1._o all_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o be_v doctrinal_a historical_a or_o prophetical_a may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n not_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sanctify_v but_o by_o those_o also_o who_o remain_v unregenerate_a enjoy_v only_o the_o benefit_n of_o common_a illumination_n this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v against_o that_o injurious_a accusation_n wherewith_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v slander_v god_n and_o his_o write_a word_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o 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hard_a poet_n on_o some_o intricate_a crabbed_a scholastical_a discourse_n of_o some_o jesuite_n do_v they_o not_o great_o mistrust_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o own_o error_n by_o such_o a_o insinuation_n of_o scripture_n facility_n they_o will_v never_o discourage_v their_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o yet_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o study_n of_o many_o a_o obscure_a author_n for_o ourselves_o we_o have_v learn_v better_a thing_n than_o to_o bring_v god_n in_o suspicion_n with_o man_n of_o envy_n and_o fraud_n as_o if_o he_o have_v cause_v a_o word_n to_o be_v write_v for_o instruction_n of_o man_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o in_o it_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n to_o entrap_v man_n soul_n in_o heresy_n and_o false_a opinion_n by_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n no_o against_o such_o calumny_n we_o oppose_v christ_n censure_n of_o his_o own_o word_n for_o such_o be_v the_o scripture_n prov._n 8._o 8_o 9_o all_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n be_v in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o no_o danger_n of_o heretical_a infection_n they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n nor_o intricate_a obscurity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v on_o it_o yea_o we_o dare_v avouch_v that_o do_v the_o simple_a of_o people_n use_v but_o half_a that_o diligence_n that_o they_o ought_v in_o attain_v christian_a knowledge_n and_o will_v take_v but_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o landâ—_n or_o the_o statute_n book_n or_o such_o like_a experience_n will_v quick_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n as_o now_o general_o all_o man_n
of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v those_o manifold_a allusion_n similitude_n and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n about_o the_o property_n of_o live_a creature_n of_o plant_n of_o mineral_n of_o meteor_n and_o other_o natural_a thing_n mention_v often_o in_o job_n ecclesiastes_n and_o divers_a other_o place_n and_o also_o those_o sundry_a precept_n of_o oeconomicke_n ethic_n and_o politics_n scatter_v as_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n so_o special_o collect_v in_o the_o book_n of_o proverbes_n now_o in_o these_o thing_n albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o extreme_a ignorance_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o great_o prejudice_v our_o exactness_n of_o knowledge_n in_o any_o we_o do_v in_o part_n firm_o rest_v even_o in_o these_o common_a matter_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n revelation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n evident_a unto_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o little_a goodness_n to_o make_v a_o exact_a commentary_n of_o all_o philosophical_a matter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n much_o grace_n need_v not_o to_o the_o writing_n or_o understand_v of_o such_o a_o book_n as_o vallosius_fw-la his_fw-la sacra_fw-la philosophia_fw-la and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o mere_a moralist_n or_o politician_n have_v he_o no_o more_o goodness_n in_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v in_o machâ—avoll_n shall_v he_o but_o diligent_o read_v salomon_n proverbes_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o touch_n upon_o thing_n within_o his_o sphere_n will_v evident_o see_v that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o scripture-precept_n the_o most_o pure_a and_o exquisite_a reason_n of_o all_o true_a honesty_n and_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o in_o other_o point_n that_o be_v the_o more_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o divinity_n of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a nature_n some_o there_o be_v that_o can_v never_o be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o evidence_n of_o reason_n no_o not_o of_o the_o most_o illuminate_v in_o this_o life_n such_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o union_n of_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_a church_n etc._n etc._n some_o again_o there_o be_v which_o may_v be_v in_o part_n evident_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n but_o yet_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n not_o by_o the_o unregenerate_a i_o need_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o large_a one_o and_o take_v up_o at_o least_o one_o half_a of_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o man_n regeneration_n and_o his_o estate_n in_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n wherein_o a_o thousand_o particular_n there_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a unto_o the_o sanctify_a and_o spiritual_a man_n which_o the_o carnal_a man_n know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o rote_n and_o relation_n that_o wonderful_a change_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o raise_v a_o sinner_n from_o death_n to_o life_n the_o power_n of_o a_o save_a faith_n the_o nature_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o god_n sweet_a mercy_n in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o infinite_a comfort_n the_o soul_n find_v in_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n our_o communion_n with_o christ_n of_o the_o sanctify_v testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o our_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o adoption_n the_o whole_a art_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfarre_o contain_v the_o wile_n and_o subtle_a method_n of_o satan_n and_o corruption_n in_o tempt_v with_o the_o admirable_a power_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o make_v resistance_n and_o overcome_a these_o thing_n with_o the_o like_a wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_a riddle_n unto_o the_o man_n unregenerate_a &_o when_o he_o hear_v they_o speak_v of_o and_o press_v upon_o he_o his_o heart_n be_v overflow_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o bitter_a humour_n between_o admiration_n and_o scorn_n that_o another_o shall_v speak_v so_o earnest_o about_o that_o wherein_o he_o find_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n of_o consequence_n no_o he_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o book_n experience_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o his_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v cloudy_a uncertain_a hover_v float_v in_o superficial_a flourish_n of_o rhetorical_a discourse_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o substance_n and_o life_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o where_o he_o come_v near_o to_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o imitation_n and_o bare_a repetition_n of_o other_o invention_n whereunto_o his_o own_o barren_a head_n and_o graceless_a heart_n that_o little_a to_o add_v of_o new_a store_n whence_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o common_a experience_n that_o in_o these_o point_n of_o divinity_n and_o in_o such_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o near_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o man_n you_o shall_v have_v many_o a_o godly_a minister_n of_o mean_a gift_n but_o of_o a_o holy_a heart_n yea_o many_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n in_o regard_n of_o any_o depth_n of_o other_o knowledge_n that_o yet_o will_v discharge_v himself_o with_o great_a skill_n and_o dexterity_n and_o give_v better_a satisfaction_n than_o some_o of_o those_o that_o may_v challenge_v the_o praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o be_v deep_a divine_n and_o learned_a teacher_n in_o israel_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a fault_n wherewith_o popish_a schoolman_n and_o casuist_n be_v tax_v by_o our_o divine_n that_o even_o the_o word_n of_o regeneration_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n be_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o their_o discourse_n and_o decision_n in_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v intentional_a foreign_a dull_a and_o heartless_a thus_o we_o have_v see_v touch_v this_o object_n of_o faith_n namely_o god_n write_v revolation_n how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v evident_a and_o may_v be_v know_v how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v inevident_a and_o must_v be_v believe_v brief_o thus_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o write_a narration_n else_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o vain_a and_o impossible_a attempt_n all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n can_v be_v know_v by_o the_o sight_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o than_o be_v faith_n utter_o take_v away_o wherefore_o again_o point_n of_o nature_n and_o morality_n may_v be_v in_o themselves_o evident_a to_o all_o but_o the_o proper_a mystery_n of_o divinity_n can_v be_v in_o part_n evident_a only_o to_o the_o regenerate_v now_o by_o this_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o make_v obscurity_n one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n faith_n say_v they_o be_v a_o assent_n give_v to_o any_o proposition_n reveal_v by_o god_n propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la and_o two_o essential_a property_n this_o assent_n have_v 1._o certainty_n 2._o obscurity_n of_o certainty_n we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o concern_v obscurity_n we_o yield_v unto_o they_o thus_o far_o that_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v obscure_a that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v and_o comprehend_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n by_o our_o sense_n or_o understanding_n and_o so_o not_o only_o the_o more_o secret_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n who_o depth_n and_o largeness_n our_o reason_n can_v compass_v but_o all_o other_o matter_n historical_a or_o prophetical_a which_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v notwithstanding_o obscure_a that_o be_v inevident_a not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o direct_a view_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o this_o do_v not_o please_v our_o adversary_n it_o be_v not_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o want_v of_o perspicuity_n in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o which_o they_o understand_v by_o obscurity_n their_o meaning_n be_v thus_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o obscure_a proposition_n that_o be_v to_o proposition_n not_o understand_v whereof_o we_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n ay_o this_o be_v it_o this_o be_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n speak_v one_o root_n of_o popery_n in_o grain_n whence_o original_o issue_v out_o that_o black_a darkness_n of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n which_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v here_o also_o gratify_v they_o a_o little_a we_o confess_v that_o christian_n can_v for_o a_o need_n yield_v assent_n to_o such_o proposition_n whereof_o they_o understand_v not_o
the_o meaning_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o yield_v as_o much_o respect_n to_o god_n write_n as_o socrates_n do_v sometime_o to_o a_o obscure_a book_n of_o heraclitus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o when_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o hard_a sentence_n &_o dark_a socrat_n prophecy_n we_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o we_o also_o can_v say_v that_o which_o i_o understand_v i_o believe_v for_o truth_n that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o yet_o i_o believe_v too_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o assent_n be_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n and_o whereas_o faith_n give_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n this_o fill_v it_o with_o anxiety_n and_o distraction_n will_v any_o man_n not_o strange_o careless_a and_o blockish_a becontent_a with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o i_o believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o and_o if_o in_o some_o particular_n even_o pure_a necessity_n cause_v we_o for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o belief_n because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n must_v it_o therefore_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o general_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n obscure_a or_o unknown_a but_o this_o make_v much_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o catholic_a cause_n and_o therefore_o the_o factor_n for_o rome_n have_v reason_n to_o stand_v stiff_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n for_o so_o when_o they_o have_v drop_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o disciple_n this_o poison_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n obscure_a to_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o have_v at_o one_o stroke_n nail_v their_o ear_n to_o the_o door_n of_o their_o church_n and_o make_v they_o their_o slave_n for_o ever_o and_o win_v they_o over_o to_o their_o blind_a canonical_a obedience_n as_o to_o believe_v so_o to_o do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o adversary_n doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n be_v brief_o express_v by_o becanus_n in_o his_o theolog._n scholasttom_n 3._o cap._n 1._o quaest_n 3._o who_o therein_o follow_v his_o leader_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o schoolman_n to_o the_o question_n an_fw-mi revelatio_fw-la primae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la formale_a objectum_fw-la fidei_fw-la debeat_fw-la esse_fw-la obscura_fw-la he_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v obscure_a and_o that_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n 1._o exit_fw-la partâ—_n rei_fw-la revelatae_fw-la revelatio_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la clard_v &_o evidenter_fw-la ostendere_fw-la rem_fw-la revelatam_fw-la a_o very_a strange_a conceit_n revelation_n must_v not_o declare_v thing_n plain_o and_o evident_o why_o so_o when_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v he_o not_o do_v it_o plain_o and_o do_v not_o they_o clear_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o revelation_n they_o do_v but_o haply_o the_o jesuit_n meaning_n be_v a_o little_a better_o the_o revelation_n must_v not_o clarè_v &_o evidenter_v ostendere_fw-la rem_fw-la that_o be_v no_o revelation_n have_v this_o force_n of_o itself_o ut_fw-la rem_fw-la revelatam_fw-la exhibeat_fw-la nobis_fw-la praesentem_fw-la ut_fw-la clarè_v &_o intuitiuè_fw-la videamus_fw-la rem_fw-la narratâ—â—_n if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o jesuit_n mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n we_o will_v subscribe_v unto_o they_o and_o willing_o grant_v that_o revelation_n do_v not_o make_v thing_n present_a and_o offer_v they_o to_o our_o view_n for_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o see_v what_o need_v a_o revelation_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o easy_o admit_v the_o proof_n which_o they_o bring_v for_o faith_n obscurity_n out_o of_o heb._n 11._o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v not_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o 1_o cor_fw-la 13._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o believe_v be_v now_o know_v by_o we_o in_o this_o life_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o do_v know_v a_o man_n who_o face_n we_o behold_v in_o a_o glass_n but_o do_v not_o behold_v his_o person_n but_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v as_o when_o we_o know_v a_o man_n stand_v before_o he_o and_o look_v he_o full_a in_o the_o face_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o shape_n and_o picture_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o it_o be_v the_o picture_n only_o not_o the_o substance_n and_o body_n itself_o be_v this_o all_o our_o adversary_n intend_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n thing_n believe_v be_v obscure_a id_fw-la est_fw-la non-praesentes_a non-visae_a we_o grant_v it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o full_o fit_v their_o turn_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v obscure_a that_o be_v not_o immediate_o see_v and_o look_v upon_o yet_o the_o narration_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v perspicuous_a and_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v now_o they_o like_v not_o this_o all_o be_v quite_o mar_v if_o they_o give_v way_n so_o far_o as_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v this_o may_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o their_o school_n and_o pulpit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n upon_o that_o subject_n they_o so_o bestir_v themselves_o like_o a_o hear_v of_o wild_a beast_n to_o raise_v up_o all_o the_o dust_n they_o can_v whereby_o to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o that_o bright_a most_o sun_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o aim_v at_o in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o obscure_a proposition_n their_o meaning_n be_v villainous_a to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o ignorance_n and_o implicit_a belief_n that_o it_o suffice_v a_o religious_a christian_a to_o salvation_n that_o he_o believe_v in_o gross_a the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n and_o church_n do_v deliver_v though_o he_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o distinct_o let_v he_o jumble_v over_o his_o creed_n in_o latin_a and_o understand_v never_o a_o letter_n yet_o be_v he_o a_o good_a believe_a catholic_a and_o it_o suffice_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v recite_v by_o he_o in_o persona_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la as_o becanus_n out_o of_o thomas_n very_o conceited_o affirm_v 10._o so_o in_o stead_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n necessary_a unto_o save_v faith_n they_o breed_v in_o their_o people_n a_o dull_a turbulent_a and_o confuse_a assent_n to_o something_o but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v indeed_o rather_o a_o stubbornness_n and_o wilfulness_n of_o resolution_n than_o the_o well_o advise_v belief_n 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answer_v by_o remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v &_o by_o bestow_v those_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o knowledge_n there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o twofold_a impediment_n first_o ignorance_n whereby_o our_o eye_n be_v close_v that_o we_o can_v see_v the_o light_a 〈◊〉_d second_o corruption_n whereby_o although_o we_o see_v the_o light_n yet_o we_o can_v but_o natural_o hate_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n cure_v both_o by_o a_o double_a remedy_n first_o of_o illumination_n restore_v our_o decay_a understanding_n to_o some_o â—noâ—uting_n part_n of_o its_o primitive_a perfection_n second_o of_o sanctification_n infuse_v into_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n some_o degree_n of_o their_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o purity_n by_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v 45._o the_o scripture_n &_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n law_n and_o also_o rectify_v our_o corrupt_a 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