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that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o restore_v our_o understanding_n to_o its_o first_o perfection_n else_o though_o the_o light_n shine_v round_o about_o we_o make_v all_o thing_n wherein_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v most_o appparant_a and_o visible_a yet_o we_o may_v still_o lie_v in_o darkness_n and_o perish_v in_o our_o ignorance_n this_o be_v their_o first_o error_n touch_v the_o understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o in_o handle_v the_o part_n of_o faith_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o touch_v the_o affection_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o even_o in_o divine_a thing_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v right_o inform_v and_o thorough_o convince_v the_o affection_n be_v present_o excite_v in_o all_o motion_n conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n know_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n of_o so_o 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naturalibus_fw-la and_o moralibus_fw-la much_o more_o in_o spiritualibus_fw-la he_o may_v often_o say_v with_o medea_n video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la wherefore_o we_o reject_v this_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a inclination_n proper_o inherent_a in_o the_o affection_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o per_fw-la tâ—nâ—bras_fw-la mentis_fw-la through_o the_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n we_o detest_v this_o assertion_n as_o a_o fond_a and_o false_a imagination_n and_o we_o confess_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o even_o when_o we_o know_v allow_v of_o consent_n unto_o the_o goodness_n of_o 7._o the_o law_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o in_o part_n yet_o than_o we_o can_v always_o do_v what_o we_o will_v but_o through_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n be_v lead_v captive_a to_o disobedience_n their_o three_o error_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o the_o affection_n may_v be_v excitati_fw-la stir_v up_o and_o quicken_v with_o true_a love_n of_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_a before_o such_o time_n as_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v the_o arminian_n be_v wonderful_a obscure_a in_o explicate_v unto_o we_o their_o new_a invent_a opinion_n concern_v the_o excitation_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o they_o make_v the_o second_o work_n of_o grace_n precede_v man_n true_a conversion_n they_o tell_v we_o not_o in_o plain_a term_n what_o affection_n they_o mean_v nor_o yet_o what_o kind_n of_o excitation_n and_o vivification_n it_o be_v they_o will_v have_v wherefore_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v of_o both_o for_o affection_n or_o passion_n in_o man_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o sensual_a belong_v to_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o fantasy_n these_o be_v common_a to_o brute_n beast_n with_o we_o and_o arise_v from_o one_o like_a temper_n and_o constitution_n in_o both_o the_o object_n of_o these_o
truth_n as_o themselves_o have_v either_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancestor_n or_o learn_v by_o new_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o church_n grow_v out_o of_o a_o family_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o as_o man_n multiply_v so_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n increase_v god_n himself_o write_v a_o catechism_n for_o the_o jew_n describe_v a_o short_a compendium_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o two_o authentic_a table_n of_o the_o law_n contain_v ten_o word_n so_o few_o and_o so_o plain_a that_o the_o short_a memory_n and_o shallow_a wit_n may_v easy_o comprehend_v they_o and_o withal_o god_n now_o lay_v a_o express_a command_n upon_o his_o people_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o the_o word_n be_v emphatical_a thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v sharpen_v they_o by_o often_o and_o seasonable_a instruction_n give_v a_o edge_n or_o point_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v pierce_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o unlearned_a how_o careful_o this_o strict_a injunction_n be_v afterward_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o levite_n in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a by_o master_n of_o family_n we_o can_v certain_o define_v where_o scripture_n be_v silent_a of_o both_o their_o practice_n but_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o carefulness_n of_o former_a time_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o these_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o both_o levite_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o governor_n in_o their_o private_a house_n be_v negligent_a enough_o in_o discharge_v this_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v that_o there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o who_o godly_a industry_n in_o this_o particular_a may_v just_o shame_v the_o impious_a slothfulness_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o latter_a age_n where_o will_v a_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n be_v now_o find_v personage_n of_o high_a quality_n yet_o count_v it_o no_o disgrace_n to_o read_v a_o lecture_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n to_o a_o yongue_n solomon_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o practice_n 2._o chron._n 28._o 8._o prov._n 31._o 1._o and_o solomon_n himself_o seem_v to_o give_v that_o precept_n out_o of_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o most_o excellent_a education_n teach_v a_o child_n the_o trade_n of_o his_o way_n and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o though_o himself_o scarce_a do_v so_o yea_o albeit_o infinite_a corruption_n have_v at_o this_o day_n deform_v all_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o even_o to_o these_o time_n may_v be_v see_v some_o print_n of_o their_o ancient_a discipline_n among_o they_o who_o child_n be_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n first_o teach_v the_o law_n and_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o after_o that_o their_o talmudicall_a tradition_n with_o such_o care_n and_o industry_n as_o their_o skill_n in_o judaism_n at_o 17._o exceed_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o among_o we_o in_o christianity_n at_o 70._o whereof_o see_v the_o learned_a buxd._n synag_n judaic._n c._n 3._o but_o come_v we_o unto_o those_o time_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o holy_a thing_n shine_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o we_o may_v trace_v this_o practice_n by_o its_o apparent_a footstep_n even_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o downward_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v but_o a_o copy_n and_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o primitive_a catechism_n &_o the_o apostle_n paul_n commend_v to_o timothy_n custody_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o pattern_n and_o delincation_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o which_o also_o rom._n 12._o 6._o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o all_o fundamental_a point_n of_o sacred_a doctrine_n with_o which_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n must_v bear_v due_a proportion_n now_o very_a necessity_n drive_v they_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o draw_v religion_n into_o compendious_a head_n and_o short_a summary_n partly_o in_o regard_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a belief_n a_o thorough_a knowledge_n and_o open_a confession_n whereof_o be_v require_v of_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n who_o because_o of_o the_o dangerous_a solicitation_n of_o idolatrous_a gentile_n and_o heretical_a christian_n privy_o creep_v in_o to_o beguile_v by_o craftiness_n ignorant_a and_o unstable_a soul_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o have_v their_o mind_n settle_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a conclusion_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o sophistical_a seducement_n both_o these_o whether_o new_a convert_v or_o yongue_n christian_n be_v ancient_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o their_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n and_o for_o such_o who_o narrow_a wit_n can_v not_o comprehend_v large_a discourse_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o epitome_n touch_v the_o word_n we_o find_v it_o more_o ancient_a than_o this_o custom_n and_o more_o general_o understand_v than_o of_o it_o only_o in_o general_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o metonymicall_a signification_n be_v to_o teach_v other_o viuâ_fw-la voâ—â—_n by_o speech_n sound_v into_o their_o ear_n in_o special_a to_o instruct_v any_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o a_o art_n or_o science_n because_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a learn_v more_o by_o other_o teach_v than_o their_o own_o study_n in_o the_o general_a acception_n beside_o profane_a author_n we_o find_v it_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n five_o several_a time_n luke_n 1._o 4._o that_o thou_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereof_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v say_v s._n luke_n to_o theophilus_n render_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o gospel_n unto_o he_o of_o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n &_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 18._o 25._o &_o rom._n 2._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instuct_v by_o the_o law_n again_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 19_o i_o have_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o may_v also_o teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n but_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n gal._n 6._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n in_o all_o his_o good_n in_o all_o which_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v teach_v or_o instruct_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v but_o in_o time_n present_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o since_o the_o word_n have_v be_v usual_o take_v by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o first_o instruction_n of_o yongue_n beginner_n in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n for_o now_o begin_v the_o gentile_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v catechise_v daily_o increase_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n to_o be_v more_o frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o business_n and_o as_o the_o burden_n grow_v heavy_a so_o new_a mean_n be_v devise_v for_o their_o better_a institution_n hence_o beside_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o special_o depute_v to_o attend_v this_o office_n who_o from_o their_o employment_n be_v call_v catechistae_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o also_o in_o school_n open_v for_o that_o purpose_n do_v teach_v such_o as_o be_v rude_a and_o ignorant_a the_o element_n of_o christian_a religion_n famous_a above_o other_o be_v that_o school_n at_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n wherein_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n teach_v and_o so_o many_o holy_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v their_o first_o education_n there_o it_o be_v that_o origen_n
which_o be_v once_o conceive_v in_o the_o soul_n cause_v it_o to_o swell_v till_o it_o burst_v asunder_o with_o unthankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o the_o bestow_n with_o envy_n scorn_n and_o disdain_n of_o man_n in_o the_o impart_v of_o such_o gift_n as_o may_v be_v to_o they_o beneficial_a 2._o surfeit_v upon_o humane_a and_o inferior_a learning_n with_o contempt_n of_o divine_a study_n think_v you_o that_o christian_a academy_n be_v now_o grow_v so_o holy_a that_o this_o age_n breed_v no_o politian_n nor_o lypsâ—_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v child_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v despiser_n of_o prophecy_n true_a humanist_n that_o relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v of_o man_n have_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o mystery_n of_o divinity_n in_o base_a contempt_n esteem_v the_o simplicity_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v silliness_n and_o folly_n the_o plainness_n of_o holy_a stile_n to_o be_v but_o mere_a dunsery_n the_o familiar_a delivery_n of_o wholesome_a precept_n to_o be_v good_a honest_a and_o dry_a matter_n a_o bawdy_a epigrame_n of_o some_o rank_n poet_n a_o drunken_a song_n of_o some_o anacreon_n a_o flatter_a ode_n of_o a_o pindarus_n a_o smart_a invective_n of_o some_o fleer_a satirist_n the_o obscure_a phrase_n of_o some_o cloudy-pated_n lycophron_n a_o acute_a moral_a discourse_n of_o a_o seneca_n or_o a_o well_o compose_v story_n of_o some_o tacitus_n all_o these_o any_o of_o these_o deserve_v more_o study_n relish_v better_o to_o those_o aguish_a tongue_n carry_v with_o they_o more_o life_n and_o quickness_n of_o sense_n more_o strength_n of_o invention_n more_o juice_n and_o blood_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o the_o holy_a ditty_n that_o ever_o the_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n set_v the_o most_o exemplary_a story_n that_o god_n spirit_n ever_o indict_v the_o most_o powerful_a sermon_n that_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n ever_o preach_v the_o deep_a mystery_n that_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v strange_a contempt_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v thus_o ignorant_a of_o his_o creator_n voice_n thus_o presumptuous_a to_o censure_v he_o of_o rudeness_n but_o it_o be_v so_o the_o tongue_n the_o pen_n the_o practice_n of_o not_o a_o few_o discover_v unto_o we_o this_o leprosy_n of_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o god_n wisdom_n arise_v in_o their_o forehead_n it_o be_v well_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n that_o he_o can_v speak_v eloquent_o as_o well_o as_o plain_o but_o be_v it_o otherwise_o yet_o be_v it_o well_o still_o and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v best_a rhetorician_n and_o artist_n that_o can_v learn_v god_n art_n and_o not_o teach_v he_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o danger_n and_o that_o be_v 3._o profane_a study_n of_o sacred_a thing_n to_o know_v only_o not_o to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v curiosity_n or_o give_v contentment_n to_o a_o all_o search_a and_o comprehend_v wit_n who_o study_n divinity_n as_o they_o will_v do_v other_o art_n look_v for_o no_o further_a aid_n than_o nature_n ability_n or_o as_o man_n do_v trade_n and_o occupation_n mere_o to_o make_v a_o live_n by_o it_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o do_v moral_a author_n collect_v what_o please_v their_o fancy_n to_o be_v scatter_v as_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n here_o and_o there_o for_o the_o garnish_n of_o their_o discourse_n but_o no_o whit_n for_o sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o all_o these_o there_o lie_v a_o poisonous_a humour_n which_o bane_n the_o soul_n and_o you_o shall_v observe_v it_o that_o there_o be_v few_o in_o who_o be_v find_v such_o invincible_a hardness_n of_o heart_n conscience_n so_o far_o stupefy_v and_o senseless_a in_o sin_n mind_n so_o devoide_v of_o all_o true_a touch_n of_o piety_n as_o those_o who_o frequent_o converse_v in_o holy_a thing_n do_v as_o often_o pollute_v they_o by_o unhallowed_a heart_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o disease_n mortal_a to_o he_o that_o be_v sick_a of_o it_o and_o also_o spread_v its_o contagion_n unto_o other_o that_o be_v 4._o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a opinion_n breed_v and_o maintain_v by_o pride_n and_o self-love_n or_o some_o other_o unsanctified_a affection_n which_o man_n give_v way_n unto_o join_v with_o bitter_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o here_o be_v a_o mischief_n able_a to_o trouble_v a_o whole_a world_n council_n conference_n persuasion_n argument_n edict_n of_o banishment_n confiscation_n and_o death_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o word_n and_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n join_v together_o shall_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o put_v to_o death_n this_o monstrous_a birth_n of_o a_o heretical_a brain_n so_o tender_o cherish_v by_o the_o master_n and_o his_o dear_a disciple_n well_o then_o you_o see_v in_o how_o slippery_a place_n we_o stand_v and_o how_o easy_o we_o be_v supplant_v by_o that_o strong_a one_o against_o who_o we_o wrestle_v look_v but_o a_o little_a into_o the_o story_n of_o time_n and_o you_o shall_v plain_o read_v your_o own_o danger_n in_o other_o misfortune_n never_o have_v christ_n so_o much_o to_o do_v with_o any_o as_o with_o the_o learned_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o by_o malicious_a depravation_n captious_a interrogatory_n secret_a practice_n and_o open_a violence_n most_o desperate_o resist_v his_o ministry_n in_o so_o much_o that_o our_o saviour_n profess_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a publican_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v themselves_o nor_o suffer_v other_o that_o will_v to_o come_v in_o the_o athenian_n be_v the_o learn_a of_o the_o grecian_n account_v then_o the_o only_a learned_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o you_o see_v how_o course_n entertainment_n they_o give_v unto_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n scornful_o despise_v the_o foolishness_n thereof_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o own_o superfine_a wisdom_n and_o in_o after_o time_n we_o know_v that_o those_o grecian_a wit_n prove_v the_o most_o dangerous_a heretic_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o devil_n can_v make_v a_o mercury_n a_o lie_a deceiver_n of_o any_o wood_n john_n a_o leyden_n cnâ—pperdolling_n or_o our_o henry_n nicholls_n the_o father_n of_o the_o familist_n with_o such_o other_o block_n be_v instrument_n fit_a enough_o for_o a_o common_a disturbance_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o general_a in_o all_o the_o shop_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v no_o anvil_n so_o well_o set_v whereon_o to_o forge_v no_o engine_n so_o apt_a whereby_o to_o execute_v any_o choice_a piece_n of_o mischief_n as_o that_o man_n who_o be_v learned_a and_o lewd_a the_o heresy_n of_o all_o time_n approve_v it_o breed_v by_o man_n as_o vicious_a as_o learned_a even_o from_o arius_n and_o upward_a down_o unto_o arminius_n the_o fire_n of_o persecution_n always_o burn_v hot_a in_o the_o reign_n of_o some_o julian_n and_o none_o so_o bitter_a caviller_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o 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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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will_v also_o evident_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o a_o little_a survey_n the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n both_o those_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o such_o who_o title_n only_o we_o have_v remain_v record_v by_o those_o that_o have_v write_v their_o life_n for_o among_o so_o many_o hundred_o volume_n write_v by_o the_o ancient_n how_o few_o or_o none_o almost_o shall_v we_o find_v touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n those_o great_a scribbler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysippus_n be_v call_v who_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o logic_n oratory_n mathematics_n morality_n policy_n and_o nature_n itself_o unattempted_a but_o with_o a_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a eye_n pry_v into_o the_o small_a matter_n yet_o in_o those_o high_a speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v either_o miserable_o blind_a or_o wilful_o negligent_a aristotle_n a_o man_n of_o the_o deep_a reach_n that_o antiquity_n ever_o breed_v among_o so_o many_o book_n that_o he_o write_v and_o be_v in_o part_n yet_o extant_a have_v not_o leave_v we_o any_o one_o discourse_n by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o bestow_v any_o pain_n in_o search_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n except_o a_o little_a 8._o here_o and_o there_o in_o some_o poor_a pitiful_a dispute_n theophrastus_n his_o scholar_n who_o exceed_v the_o master_n in_o numbersome_a write_n compose_v six_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o which_o we_o wish_v have_v remain_v to_o posterity_n albeit_o by_o the_o very_a title_n we_o may_v suspect_v what_o stuff_n they_o be_v not_o unlike_a to_o hesâ—ods_n theogonia_n and_o such_o other_o foolery_n and_o that_o both_o his_o book_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n by_o crito_n simon_n xenocrates_n strato_n cleanthes_n epicurus_n and_o many_o more_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o laertius_n be_v they_o now_o extant_a will_v give_v we_o but_o small_a 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general_a how_o deep_a the_o eye_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v pierce_v into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o then_o see_v in_o brief_a how_o far_o man_n who_o invention_n be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n have_v proceed_v therein_o concern_v the_o first_o you_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o two_o chief_a branch_n 1._o all_o divine_a truth_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o way_n of_o spiritual_a contemplation_n and_o assent_n and_o the_o summary_n of_o these_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o in_o general_n declare_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v touch_v god_n as_o creator_n in_o the_o first_o article_n redeemer_n in_o the_o rest_n 2._o all_o divine_a and_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o the_o brief_a whereof_o be_v in_o the_o decalogue_n describe_v unto_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o 1._o piety_n in_o god_n worship_n 2._o of_o charity_n in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n within_o these_o bound_n we_o must_v seek_v for_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n which_o we_o will_v do_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o redeemer_n touch_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o position_n as_o infallible_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o most_o industrious_a use_n of_o 1._o all_o nature_n help_n attain_v unto_o any_o the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v man_n redeemer_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o the_o scripture_n whole_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o 12._o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o utter_o deny_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o any_o of_o the_o great_a or_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n yea_o unto_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o agreeable_a to_o good_a reason_n which_o forbid_v to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n fall_v &_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o adam_n in_o his_o perfection_n never_o have_v knowledge_n of_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o redeemer_n with_o all_o the_o dependence_n thereupon_o as_o adam_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o so_o be_v he_o before_o his_o fall_n utter_o ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o have_v so_o remain_v forever_o if_o god_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o which_o revelation_n though_o make_v to_o adam_n when_o we_o be_v in_o his_o loin_n yet_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v general_n and_o deriveable_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n as_o the_o first_o connaturall_a and_o imprint_v knowledge_n be_v but_o particular_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o adam_n and_o so_o many_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o though_o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n do_v instruct_v his_o child_n and_o they_o they_o for_o some_o descent_n in_o this_o mystery_n yet_o wickedness_n increase_v in_o man_n as_o fast_o as_o man_n multiply_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darksome_a obscurity_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o knowledge_n quick_o decrease_v be_v almost_o decay_v even_o among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o few_o of_o god_n church_n who_o therefore_o god_n be_v fain_o by_o new_a revelation_n continual_o to_o instruct_v but_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n it_o be_v utter_o extinct_a and_o no_o spark_n of_o it_o leave_v alive_a they_o soon_o forget_v what_o they_o care_v not_o to_o believe_v wherefore_o we_o must_v confine_v the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n within_o these_o two_o limit_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o creator_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o beyond_o these_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o go_v the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o though_o very_o much_o eclipse_v in_o adam_n himself_o but_o more_o and_o more_o darken_a in_o his_o posterity_n as_o they_o further_o degenerate_v from_o his_o original_a purity_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o far_o obscure_v except_o in_o such_o who_o brutish_a and_o savage_a education_n have_v make_v they_o equal_a to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o that_o by_o careful_a education_n and_o vigilant_a industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o help_n it_o may_v be_v somewhat_o repair_v though_o this_o some_o what_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n almost_o nothing_o of_o its_o first_o clearness_n wherefore_o in_o the_o second_o 2._o place_n touch_v the_o knowledge_n god_n as_o creator_n i_o suppose_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n may_v know_v these_o thing_n touch_v god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 2._o that_o
show_v what_o he_o intend_v effectual_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v but_o yet_o here_o they_o urge_v further_o how_o can_v god_n in_o justice_n command_v unto_o a_o man_n by_o his_o word_n the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o he_o without_o the_o inward_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n deny_v this_o inward_a grace_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v god_n justice_n will_v herein_o be_v as_o free_v from_o accusation_n of_o tyranny_n as_o before_o his_o truth_n be_v from_o falsehood_n and_o collusion_n god_n may_v without_o blemish_n to_o his_o justice_n command_v man_n to_o perform_v his_o duty_n although_o he_o have_v now_o no_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o because_o once_o he_o have_v strength_n and_o he_o have_v now_o lose_v it_o yea_o will_v they_o say_v that_o be_v true_a do_v not_o two_o thing_n hinder_v 1._o man_n indeed_o have_v strength_n and_o have_v lose_v it_o but_o how_o himself_o do_v not_o decoquere_fw-la wasteful_o spend_v his_o patrimony_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o sin_v abolish_v the_o image_n of_o god_n within_o he_o but_o god_n for_o a_o punishment_n of_o his_o fault_n do_v by_o a_o immediate_a act_n take_v away_o his_o original_a ability_n and_o it_o be_v then_o as_o great_a injustice_n in_o god_n to_o command_v we_o conversion_n faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o himself_o have_v take_v away_o our_o ability_n whereby_o we_o shall_v perform_v it_o as_o for_o a_o judge_n after_o he_o have_v put_v out_o a_o offender_n eye_n yet_o to_o command_v he_o under_o pain_n of_o further_a punishment_n to_o read_v such_o a_o book_n if_o he_o have_v put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o case_n have_v be_v otherwise_o the_o judge_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o his_o fact_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a god_n for_o our_o sin_n have_v deprive_v we_o of_o his_o image_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v his_o will_n without_o new_a strength_n restore_v unto_o we_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v though_o this_o deprivation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o happen_v through_o our_o merit_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o case_n how_o harsh_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o yet_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o unjust_o to_o command_v we_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o those_o ability_n restore_v which_o himself_o for_o our_o transgression_n have_v take_v from_o we_o and_o will_v not_o give_v we_o again_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o one_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n the_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v require_v of_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o affirm_v that_o god_n give_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o all_o that_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o which_o they_o have_v in_o adam_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v do_v further_o that_o god_n may_v just_o command_v what_o man_n can_v perform_v be_v manifest_a by_o god_n command_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v the_o israelite_n go_v which_o yet_o pharaoh_n can_v not_o do_v for_o god_n himself_o harden_v his_o heart_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v they_o depart_v 2._o when_o god_n command_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n here_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v that_o man_n never_o have_v strength_n in_o adam_n to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o if_o god_n do_v require_v a_o new_a duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o afford_v new_a strength_n because_o by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o lose_v he_o be_v never_o enable_v to_o do_v it_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o affirm_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n legal_a and_o evangelicall_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o adam_n in_o innocency_n and_o of_o man_n since_o his_o fall_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o grace_n one_o and_o the_o same_o viz._n credence_n and_o confidence_n of_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o the_o use_n and_o in_o the_o particular_a object_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o that_o point_n of_o faith_n now_o adam_n be_v command_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o believe_v his_o creator_n whether_o reveal_v or_o to_o be_v reveal_v and_o have_v ability_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v of_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o we_o also_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o so_o the_o moral_a law_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o soon_o as_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o this_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o god_n may_v require_v it_o of_o we_o because_o we_o have_v power_n once_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v lose_v god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o restore_v 2._o reason_n if_o the_o word_n at_o any_o time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v of_o itself_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o the_o â—avour_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n which_o only_o put_v life_n unto_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v affirm_v for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v only_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o word_n prove_v the_o â—avour_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n be_v never_o of_o itself_o the_o â—avour_n of_o death_n no_o not_o then_o when_o it_o be_v without_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o reject_v those_o assertion_n as_o utter_o erroneous_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v preach_v unto_o some_o to_o damn_v they_o or_o with_o this_o intent_n to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o publish_v with_o any_o such_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o english_a divine_n in_o the_o synod_n be_v it_o â—ound_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v refuse_v to_o convert_v shall_v be_v make_v more_o inexcusable_a neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ea_fw-la singi_fw-la potest_fw-la homines_fw-la reddere_fw-la inexcusabiles_fw-la per_fw-la verbum_fw-la &_o spiritum_fw-la vocatio_fw-la quae_fw-la eo_fw-la tantum_fw-la fine_a exhibetur_fw-la ut_fw-la reddat_fw-la inexcusabiles_fw-la no_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o show_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o that_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v man_n shall_v perform_v and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n be_v always_o in_o itself_o most_o good_a and_o excellent_a nor_o do_v it_o vary_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n whether_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v with_o it_o or_o no._n for_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o the_o word_n to_o put_v life_n into_o it_o but_o it_o work_v upon_o our_o soul_n to_o put_v life_n into_o they_o so_o that_o whether_o our_o heart_n be_v sanctify_v or_o not_o sanctify_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o word_n it_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n lie_v in_o the_o effect_n where_o the_o heart_n be_v sanctify_v there_o the_o word_n be_v hear_v with_o obedience_n where_o it_o be_v not_o sanctify_v there_o it_o be_v hear_v and_o disobey_v but_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v mere_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n not_o any_o jot_n from_o the_o word_n the_o 13._o preach_v whereof_o be_v good_a and_o to_o a_o good_a intent_n but_o unto_o some_o it_o become_v hurtful_a not_o because_o the_o word_n hurt_v they_o but_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sinnefulnesse_n leave_v themselves_o inexcusable_a in_o their_o fault_n and_o aggravate_v their_o damnation_n by_o wilful_a disobedience_n the_o word_n be_v neither_o dead_a nor_o deadly_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o the_o word_n slay_v ourselves_o 3._o reason_n if_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o destitute_a of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o not_o believe_v and_o be_v convert_v by_o that_o which_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o convert_v as_o the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o but_o that_o be_v injustice_n so_o to_o do_v etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la to_o this_o slight_a argument_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o default_n of_o man_n not_o believe_a and_o convert_v be_v not_o through_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v only_o to_o tell_v they_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o this_o the_o word_n do_v full_o and_o sufficient_o if_o they_o obey_v not_o