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book_n read_v scripture_n see_v 3,134 5 3.6292 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09277 VindiciƦ gratiƦ. = A plea for grace More especially the grace of faith. Or, certain lectures as touching the nature and properties of grace and faith: wherein, amongst other matters of great use, the maine sinews of Arminius doctrine are cut asunder. Delivered by that late learned and godly man William Pemble, in Magdalen Hall in Oxford. Pemble, William, 1592?-1623.; Capel, Richard, 1586-1656. 1627 (1627) STC 19591; ESTC S114374 222,244 312

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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 mach●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
actual_a etc._n concurrence_n yet_o we_o true_o and_o proper_o ascribe_v such_o effect_n to_o their_o visible_a apparent_a immediate_a cause_n but_o in_o this_o point_n concern_v the_o replantation_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o sinful_a man_n we_o affirm_v against_o pelagian_n semipelagian_n papist_n arminian_n or_o other_o sectary_n however_o brand_v that_o as_o the_o agent_n or_o efficient_a of_o man_n sanctification_n be_v simple_o supernatural_a viz._n the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o work_v altogether_o divine_a beyond_o the_o power_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o man_n a_o assertion_n that_o lay_v nature_n flat_a on_o her_o back_n and_o yet_o give_v unto_o she_o as_o much_o as_o sin_n have_v leave_v she_o and_o that_o be_v just_a nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v without_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n consult_v the_o scripture_n or_o common_a experience_n i_o think_v when_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n these_o and_o such_o like_a say_n that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o that_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v and_o seek_v after_o god_n that_o they_o be_v become_v altogether_o filthy_a none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o can_v he_o know_v they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_a that_o we_o be_v blind_a till_o god_n open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o be_v deaf_a till_o god_n bore_n our_o ear_n that_o we_o be_v darkness_n utter_o destitute_a of_o spiritual_a light_n that_o the_o wissdome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n or_o hatred_n against_o god_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o he_o that_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n rebel_a against_o the_o work_n thereof_o even_o in_o the_o regenerate_a much_o more_o before_o regeneration_n that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o think_v a_o good_a think_v as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n that_o it_n be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o 5._o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o in_o our_o conversion_n we_o be_v new_a beget_v new_a bear_a new_a creature_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n in_o fine_a to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o our_o sanctification_n be_v the_o first_o resurrection_n from_o death_n effect_v in_o we_o by_o the_o same_o almighty_a power_n which_o god_n declare_v in_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o grave_n when_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n be_v we_o not_o too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o ourselves_o and_o hold_v some_o scorn_n to_o con_v god_n all_o the_o thanks_n for_o our_o salvation_n our_o heart_n and_o tongue_n will_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n not_o unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n we_o give_v the_o glory_n for_o thy_o love_a mercy_n and_o for_o thy_o 8._o truth_n sake_n beside_o i_o wish_v we_o will_v descend_v unto_o a_o unpartial_a examination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o make_v discovery_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o body_n of_o death_n we_o be_v be_v about_o with_o we_o what_o strong_a rebellion_n there_o be_v of_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n what_o secret_a and_o powerful_a attractive_n the_o affection_n of_o sin_n have_v to_o pull_v we_o unto_o disobedience_n what_o violent_a and_o bitter_a opposition_n they_o make_v against_o grace_n check_v their_o disorderly_a motion_n how_o seldom_o any_o bless_a resolution_n tend_v to_o sanctity_n rise_v up_o in_o our_o thought_n how_o unwieldy_a we_o be_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o any_o gracious_a motion_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o what_o slackness_n and_o cumber_v we_o prosecute_v such_o holy_a inspiration_n to_o action_n and_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o a_o word_n how_o pass_v slow_a our_o course_n towards_o heaven_n be_v when_o we_o have_v all_o help_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n to_o carry_v we_o forward_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o whatsoever_o any_o man_n may_v conceive_v in_o abstract_n speculation_n there_o be_v no_o convert_a person_n if_o he_o make_v application_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a but_o will_v confess_v free_o if_o he_o deal_v true_o with_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o not_o only_o if_o god_n have_v not_o do_v more_o for_o he_o than_o he_o can_v for_o himself_o but_o if_o god_n have_v not_o do_v all_o for_o he_o he_o have_v utter_o perish_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v in_o and_o of_o himself_o such_o preparation_n and_o forward_a disposition_n to_o work_v his_o own_o conversion_n who_o be_v convert_v be_v hinder_v by_o none_o so_o much_o in_o the_o finish_n of_o his_o salvation_n as_o by_o his_o own_o perpetual_a indisposition_n to_o goodness_n this_o our_o disabilitie_n whereof_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o by_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v enforce_v we_o if_o our_o pride_n be_v not_o as_o great_a as_o our_o poverty_n to_o confess_v whence_o we_o have_v our_o riches_n without_o stammer_n shift_a and_o mine_a of_o the_o matter_n as_o the_o fashion_n of_o too_o many_o be_v who_o by_o many_o pretty_a scholastical_a device_n distinguish_v god_n out_o of_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n or_o at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n due_a unto_o he_o for_o our_o conversion_n and_o thrust_v in_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o own_o freewill_n as_o co-worker_n with_o god_n spirit_n &_o joynt-purchaser_n of_o this_o inheritance_n of_o grace_n but_o let_v god_n have_v glory_n and_o every_o man_n shame_n and_o let_v all_o who_o grace_n have_v teach_v to_o judge_v of_o their_o corruption_n say_v with_o the_o church_n es._n 26._o 12._o thou_o o_o lord_n have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o i_o will_v not_o prevent_v myself_o by_o large_a explication_n of_o this_o point_n at_o this_o time_n but_o wrapp_v up_o all_o touch_v this_o first_o conclusion_n in_o a_o needful_a distinction_n or_o two_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o man_n concurrence_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o sanctification_n be_v double_a 1_o passive_a which_o be_v the_o capacity_n or_o aptness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n nature_n for_o the_o receive_v of_o grace_n for_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o be_v natural_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v with_o such_o a_o substance_n and_o faculty_n as_o be_v meet_a subject_n to_o receive_v the_o habit_n and_o instrument_n to_o perform_v the_o action_n of_o grace_n this_o concurrence_n of_o man_n to_o his_o regeneration_n be_v most_o necessary_a nor_o do_v god_n sanctify_v senseless_a or_o irrational_a creature_n nor_o be_v man_n in_o his_o conversion_n in_o such_o sort_n passive_a as_o be_v a_o stone_n block_n or_o brute_n beast_n as_o our_o adversary_n absurd_o cavil_v 2_o active_a which_o be_v some_o strength_n or_o power_n that_o man_n have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o faculty_n especial_o of_o his_o will_n for_o the_o production_n of_o grace_n this_o strength_n of_o man_n in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o regard_n 1_o of_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o act_n of_o our_o conversion_n when_o holiness_n be_v at_o the_o first_o reimplant_v in_o the_o soul_n 2_o of_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o conversion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o sanctification_n in_o this_o second_o respect_n none_o deny_v man_n actual_a concurrence_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o be_v sanctify_v and_o inward_o enable_v in_o his_o faculty_n by_o spiritual_a life_n put_v into_o they_o he_o can_v move_v himself_o in_o and_o towards_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o live_a action_n of_o grace_n even_o as_o lazarus_n of_o nature_n whereas_o yet_o you_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o even_o in_o these_o action_n we_o can_v work_v alone_o we_o be_v but_o fellow-worker_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o not_o in_o a_o equality_n but_o subordination_n to_o he_o we_o indeed_o move_v our_o hand_n to_o write_v but_o like_o raw_a scholar_n we_o shall_v draw_v mishapen_a character_n unless_o our_o heavenly_a master_n guide_v our_o hand_n nevertheless_o these_o action_n take_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o next_o agent_n and_o though_o perform_v by_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v man_n action_n so_o that_o when_o a_o regenerate_a person_n believe_v praies_n give_v alm_n rejoice_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_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 gainsayer_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o crafty_a seducer_n of_o the_o uninstruct_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o understand_v that_o in_o point_n touch_v man_n conversion_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o circumstance_n that_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o but_o it_o be_v quarrel_v at_o and_o corrupt_v with_o false_a opinion_n not_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o say_v they_o be_v not_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a sanctity_n into_o the_o soul_n but_o through_o grace_n acquire_v by_o much_o pain_n and_o industrious_a action_n of_o our_o own_o excite_a &_o assist_v by_o some_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o the_o move_a cause_n which_o be_v affirm_v by_o they_o to_o be_v not_o god_n special_a and_o actual_a love_n to_o his_o elect_n but_o his_o common_a and_o equal_a love_n to_o all_o mankind_n alike_o not_o the_o efficient_a cause_n which_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o say_v be_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o will_n not_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o without_o and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n as_o we_o hold_v but_o so_o far_o be_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o power_n that_o we_o may_v help_v or_o hinder_v it_o at_o our_o pleasure_n not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o the_o word_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o the_o word_n work_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o inward_a virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o last_o not_o the_o subject_a the_o elect_a only_o as_o we_o maintain_v but_o all_o in_o common_a upon_o who_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n be_v bestow_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o all_o these_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v found_v upon_o other_o rot_a and_o unsound_a principle_n which_o be_v chief_o these_o 1._o that_o god_n have_v not_o precise_o determine_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n or_o damnation_n in_o particular_a but_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o special_a favour_n to_o one_o more_o than_o another_o but_o that_o his_o love_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o in_o general_a and_o his_o desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n alike_o 3._o that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o man_n alike_o procure_v so_o much_o by_o his_o death_n that_o god_n be_v placabilis_fw-la towards_o all_o and_o all_o man_n indifferent_o be_v salvabiles_fw-la if_o they_o list_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v for_o they_o 4._o that_o god_n require_v faith_n in_o christ_n of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o even_o of_o such_o infidel_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n be_v never_o preach_v 5._o that_o god_n can_v in_o justice_n demand_v of_o man_n the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o since_o his_o fall_n he_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o perform_v and_o that_o if_o god_n require_v any_o such_o service_n he_o be_v bind_v in_o equity_n to_o give_v unto_o man_n new_a strength_n for_o to_o perform_v it_o i_o do_v but_o only_o name_v these_o article_n of_o the_o arminian_n faith_n though_o even_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v their_o weakness_n and_o untruth_n to_o any_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o i_o say_v i_o mention_v they_o only_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o perceive_v what_o be_v that_o main_a issue_n whereinto_o they_o be_v final_o resolve_v and_o that_o in_o plain_a term_n be_v this_o that_o all_o man_n whether_o christian_n or_o infidel_n within_o or_o without_o the_o church_n may_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v if_o they_o will_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v broad_o speak_v but_o i_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n read_v their_o book_n compare_v their_o tenant_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o upshot_n of_o all_o their_o discourse_n god_n have_v exclude_v none_o he_o love_v all_o alike_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o all_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o then_o or_o what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o conversion_n or_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o but_o himself_o his_o own_o mere_a freewill_n sure_o a_o opinion_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v gainsay_v by_o any_o but_o ready_o embrace_v by_o all_o if_o it_o have_v as_o much_o truth_n in_o it_o as_o it_o carry_v show_v of_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n to_o mankind_n we_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v judge_v cruel_a but_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o pity_n to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v impiety_n to_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o god_n by_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a largeness_n of_o his_o mercy_n beyond_o the_o bound_n which_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o it_o wherefore_o against_o this_o wide_a and_o vast_a conclusion_n of_o arminianism_n that_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v and_o believe_v if_o they_o will_v i_o oppose_v this_o direct_o 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bestow_v may_v if_o they_o list_v hinder_v their_o conversion_n by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o freewill_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o three_o question_n will_v be_v include_v all_o that_o be_v material_a touch_v this_o business_n i_o will_v use_v as_o much_o brevity_n in_o each_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v give_v leave_n of_o the_o first_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n whether_o the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v grace_v give_v 1._o unto_o they_o sufficient_a for_o their_o conversion_n we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a part_n the_o arminian_n affirm_v that_o all_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n have_v so_o much_o grace_v give_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v believe_v and_o worship_n god_n right_o in_o some_o sort_n even_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o monstrous_a assertion_n every_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n for_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v demand_v what_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n whereto_o the_o gentile_n may_v come_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o it_o be_v some_o other_o supernatural_a revelation_n if_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o double_a error_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o they_o call_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v but_o nature_n for_o if_o universal_a grace_n give_v to_o heathen_n be_v but_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n through_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o man_n heart_n what_o be_v this_o grace_n but_o nature_n &_o what_o this_o opinion_n but_o pelagianisme_n 2._o in_o that_o they_o suppose_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o use_v be_v a_o sufficient_a
they_o yes_o there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o great_a need_n we_o shall_v make_v this_o prayer_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o common_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v ordinary_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o height_n depth_n and_o largeness_n of_o god_n love_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n the_o pretiousnesse_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n the_o power_n and_o save_a virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o rare_a excellency_n and_o amiableness_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o none_o can_v do_v without_o the_o special_a 169._o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n change_v the_o understanding_n from_o natural_a to_o spiritual_a by_o a_o immediate_a infusion_n of_o such_o a_o quality_n as_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v aright_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n i_o conclude_v this_o point_n with_o one_o reason_n more_o if_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o illumination_n require_v but_o only_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o object_n plain_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n without_o any_o further_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o understanding_n itself_o infuse_v into_o it_o a_o special_a strength_n to_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o it_o than_o it_o will_v be_v know_v whether_o these_o man_n think_v that_o our_o intellective_a faculty_n have_v get_v any_o hurt_n and_o defect_n by_o adam_n fall_n yea_o or_o no._n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o think_v that_o man_n fall_n have_v not_o bring_v any_o defect_n and_o weakness_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o man_n understanding_n no_o not_o in_o spiritualib●…s_n for_o mark_v it_o when_o divine_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o lively_a manner_n declare_v to_o the_o understanding_n be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o faculty_n that_o must_v be_v first_o amend_v by_o the_o spirit_n before_o it_o can_v have_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n no_o say_v they_o so_o therebe_n the_o common_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n preserve_v unto_o we_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o may_v without_o any_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n understand_v spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v plain_o expound_v unto_o we_o why_o then_o here_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o adam_n and_o we_o his_o understanding_n be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a because_o he_o have_v both_o the_o power_n to_o conceive_v of_o thing_n he_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o he_o and_o also_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o wonderful_a variety_n in_o all_o thing_n our_o understanding_n be_v imperfect_a and_o 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or_o of_o scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o obscurity_n and_o darkness_n we_o forsooth_o have_v eye_n and_o we_o need_v not_o that_o god_n shall_v restore_v unto_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o see_v only_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n because_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v be_v in_o darkness_n if_o god_n will_v take_v away_o obscurity_n from_o they_o and_o make_v they_o evident_a to_o be_v know_v there_o be_v no_o such_o infirmity_n in_o we_o but_o we_o may_v know_v they_o if_o we_o be_v attentive_a let_v we_o from_o our_o heart_n detest_v this_o odious_a popish_a imputation_n of_o obscurity_n lay_v upon_o nature_n and_o scripture_n as_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o ignorance_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o let_v we_o detest_v that_o opinion_n which_o lead_v we_o upon_o this_o absurdity_n and_o learn_v we_o to_o confess_v our_o blindness_n to_o pray_v 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 deep_a learning_n shall_v yet_o profess_v so_o much_o ignorance_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n as_o to_o dream_v of_o a_o correspondency_n and_o dutiful_a subjection_n of_o our_o passion_n unto_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o when_o this_o be_v right_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v true_o affect_v even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v say_v of_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n and_o to_o affirm_v this_o touch_a man_n corrupt_v be_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o reason_n authority_n and_o all_o experience_n which_o speak_v the_o contrary_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o as_o we_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o god_n so_o be_v we_o at_o odds_n with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o affection_n be_v not_o more_o often_o mislead_v by_o our_o erroneous_a understanding_n than_o our_o understanding_n and_o right_a judgement_n be_v hale_v aside_o by_o our_o vicious_a affection_n what_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v himself_o but_o will_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o 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 t●n●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
prophet_n in_o the_o famous_a university_n of_o oxford_n yet_o i_o assure_v myself_o that_o whosoever_o read_v this_o book_n with_o good_a attention_n and_o understanding_n shall_v find_v the_o author_n meditation_n therein_o so_o thorough_o digest_v and_o the_o nature_n property_n and_o proper_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n so_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o accurate_o distinguish_v that_o he_o shall_v reap_v to_o himself_o much_o profit_n and_o comfort_v thereby_o and_o shall_v with_o i_o admire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o the_o author_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o in_o all_o knowledge_n lively_a sense_n and_o utterance_n of_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n far_o above_o all_o which_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o or_o be_v ordinary_o find_v in_o one_o of_o his_o age_n and_o year_n if_o as_o we_o know_v tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n so_o we_o may_v pass_v our_o sentence_n upon_o the_o composer_n of_o this_o treatise_n by_o his_o work_n we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v less_o of_o he_o but_o that_o as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o childhood_n train_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o have_v profit_v above_o his_o equal_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o best_a art_n humane_a &_o divine_a so_o undoubted_o he_o have_v from_o his_o tender_a year_n be_v thorough_o discipline_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v by_o much_o and_o daily_a experience_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a ●_z in_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o inward_a sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n attain_v to_o this_o high_a measure_n of_o heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o he_o have_v here_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a experiment_n it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o strong_a out_o stretch_v arm_n of_o humane_a reason_n nor_o the_o most_o swift_a and_o far_o fly_a arrow_n of_o the_o sharp_a natural_a wit_n nor_o the_o far_o extend_a line_n of_o long_a continue_a study_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o high_a to_o these_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n it_o be_v only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v upon_o all_o these_o take_z possession_n of_o man_n soul_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n which_o bring_v this_o kind_a and_o measure_n of_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o this_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n yea_o by_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o inward_a temptation_n only_o do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n drive_v the_o thirs_o soul_n of_o god_n militant_a saint_n to_o dig_v and_o dive_v so_o deep_a into_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o to_o draw_v such_o live_a water_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o those_o well_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o yongue_n abel_n that_o by_o faith_n have_v offer_v up_o a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o his_o elder_a brother_n cain_n he_o by_o it_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n &_o by_o it_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v heb._n 11._o 4._o so_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v nor_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o book_n who_o have_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o a_o public_a place_n these_o exercise_n as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o heavenly_a learning_n do_v not_o long_o after_o leave_v this_o world_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n and_o ascend_v up_o into_o that_o supercelestial_a glory_n towards_o which_o he_o have_v ever_o bend_v all_o his_o study_n and_o desire_n and_o which_o always_o he_o have_v seek_v after_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o by_o faith_n he_o though_o yongue_n in_o year_n have_v offer_v up_o a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o many_o of_o his_o elder_a brethren_n by_o which_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v and_o shall_v speak_v to_o future_a age_n and_o as_o hereby_o he_o shall_v obtain_v witness_n of_o all_o god_n survive_v saint_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n excel_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o on_o earth_n so_o god_n also_o will_v testify_v of_o this_o his_o gift_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o make_v it_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o save_a grace_n faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o such_o as_o read_v and_o peruse_v it_o with_o true_a christian_a docilitie_n diligence_n and_o humble_a devotion_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o which_o gracious_a god_n i_o leave_v this_o work_n and_o to_o his_o grace_n commend_v you_o all_o desire_v in_o my_o daily_a prayer_n to_o be_v and_o continue_v your_o brother_n companion_n and_o fellow_n soldier_n in_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n defend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o spread_a error_n and_o spring_a heresy_n of_o this_o age_n george_n walker_n the_o table_n of_o the_o chief_a matter_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n ability_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o his_o own_o partial_a judgement_n page_n 145_o action_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n how_o far_o they_o be_v in_o a_o godly_a man_n own_o power_n 147_o admonition_n threefold_a about_o search_v the_o scripture_n 217._o etc._n etc._n affection_n twofold_a sensual_a rational_a describe_v 125_o affection_n not_o quicken_v nor_o stir_v up_o to_o love_n of_o goodness_n before_o conversion_n 125_o not_o right_o move_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o when_o thoy_z be_v affect_v spiritual_o 130_o article_n of_o the_o arminian_n faith_n 53_o arminian_n how_o they_o err_v about_o universal_a grace_n 54_o their_o error_n about_o the_o work_n of_o god_n word_n and_o man_n calling_n 99_o their_o objection_n and_o reason_n answer_v 106._o 107._o etc._n etc._n their_o error_n about_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n natural_a affection_n to_o his_o reason_n discover_v 125._o etc._n etc._n they_o give_v large_a allowance_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n unregenerate_a 127_o their_o absurdity_n therein_o 128_o their_a gross_a error_n about_o man_n will_n discover_v 132_o etc._n etc._n their_o error_n in_o hold_v that_o conversion_n do_v begin_v and_o consist_v in_o the_o act_n only_o of_o believe_v 134_o 135._o etc._n etc._n the_o dangerous_a issue_n and_o conclusion_n of_o their_o error_n 136_o assent_n differ_v in_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n assent_v unto_o 169_o assistance_n effectual_a why_o deny_v by_o god_n at_o some_o time_n to_o the_o regenerate_a 153_o b_o baptise_v of_o infant_n lawful_a 47_o belief_n how_o it_o differ_v from_o faith_n and_o trust_v 170_o c_o calumny_n of_o arminian_n and_o jesuit_n 155_o call_v outward_a and_o inward_a describe_v 94_o how_o the_o arminian_n conceive_v of_o call_v 99_o catechise_v needful_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n preface_n page_n 6_o certainty_n of_o assent_n in_o faith_n spring_v from_o three_o ground_n the_o first_o 206_o the_o second_o 220_o the_o three_o 222_o communion_n with_o christ_n twofold_n 15_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o god_n 6._o 7_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 16._o 24_o the_o subject_a 37_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v 27_o it_o go_v before_o faith_n 4_o it_o signify_v first_o god_n infuse_v of_o habitual_a grace_n second_o the_o regenerate_a man_n actual_a employ_v of_o grace_n infuse_v 89._o 144_o conversion_n mistake_v by_o arminian_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o confusion_n in_o their_o write_n 92_o conversion_n how_o to_o be_v true_o discern_v 115_o preparative_n mean_v unto_o it_o 137._o 138_o how_o weak_a they_o be_v and_o in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a how_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sinful_a 139_o that_o they_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o how_o 140._o etc._n etc._n cooperation_n of_o god_n spirit_n necessary_a in_o all_o holy_a action_n of_o man_n regenerate_v 151_o corruption_n of_o nature_n what_o it_o be_v 5_o d_o desire_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o natural_a manner_n be_v a_o corrupt_a desire_n 130_o e_z elect_a man_n only_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n 41_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n declare_v &_o prove_v 175._o 176_o conclusion_n touch_v it_o the_o first_o 176_o the_o second_o 182_o the_o three_o ibid._n 183_o f_o fall_v from_o grace_n and_o final_a resistance_n describe_v 142_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o sanctification_n 10_o the_o habit_n and_o act_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v ibid._n it_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o root_n of_o all_o grace_n 12_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a life_n before_o it_o 13_o and_o some_o participation_n with_o christ_n 15._o 23_o it_o help_v forward_o and_o increase_v grace_n and_o all_o gracious_a action_n 14_o faith_n be_v command_v in_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 vo●●_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 lyps●_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 cn●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 libanius_n a_o porphyry_n a_o appion_n a_o cresconius_n but_o once_o for_o all_o and_o worst_a of_o all_o take_v the_o jesuit_n of_o these_o last_o time_n who_o as_o they_o have_v almost_o engross_v all_o the_o learning_n and_o honour_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o shave_a friar_n so_o exceed_v they_o all_o in_o villainy_n and_o impiety_n be_v man_n who_o of_o all_o other_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a perverter_n of_o truth_n forger_n of_o new_a and_o sublimate_v superstition_n corrupter_n of_o antiquity_n and_o not_o content_a to_o live_v in_o their_o own_o element_n most_o dangerous_a intermedler_n in_o all_o affair_n of_o state_n most_o mischievous_a contriver_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o kingdom_n wherefore_o let_v i_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n grow_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n and_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v so_o to_o order_v your_o course_n that_o your_o learning_n may_v grace_v your_o religion_n your_o religion_n may_v bless_v your_o learning_n this_o be_v but_o the_o half_a the_o lesser_a the_o worse_a half_n of_o god_n image_n and_o of_o a_o good_a man_n have_v both_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o perfect_a christian_n complete_a scholar_n which_o that_o you_o may_v be_v let_v i_o persuade_v you_o to_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o a_o constant_a and_o serious_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o herein_o take_v heed_n that_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a mind_n do_v always_o bear_v thou_o company_n think_v when_o thou_o open_v this_o book_n thou_o see_v in_o the_o title_n of_o every_o book_n in_o the_o content_n of_o every_o chapter_n this_o inscription_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord._n nay_o every_o line_n breathe_v holiness_n bring_v the_o very_a breath_n of_o that_o ever_o bless_a and_o most_o holy_a ghost_n and_o
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 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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 n●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
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 hes●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 satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o gross_a stupidity_n and_o dulness_n of_o those_o otherwise_o refine_a and_o sublimate_v wit_n tully_n who_o have_v read_v they_o and_o set_v 1._o down_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o opinion_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o all_o and_o himself_o too_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o stark_a fool_n and_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n of_o search_v out_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o footstep_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o due_a proceed_n from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a they_o give_v heed_n to_o old_a &_o fond_a fable_n or_o vanish_v away_o in_o their_o idle_a imagination_n and_o new_a opinion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o respect_v either_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o how_o quick_a and_o forward_o soever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n be_v dull_a enough_o in_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o disposition_n prove_v who_o be_v excellent_a in_o many_o sort_n of_o learning_n yet_o dunce_n in_o divinity_n or_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o policy_n of_o satan_n who_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o so_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n make_v use_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o pen_n in_o darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n by_o senseless_a fable_n and_o foolish_a fancy_n which_o pass_v unto_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a with_o approbation_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o deep_a learning_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a in_o former_a time_n have_v always_o apply_v their_o industry_n in_o this_o part_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v busy_v therein_o be_v preserve_v to_o our_o time_n nor_o those_o few_o monument_n that_o be_v leave_v do_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o man_n have_v do_v their_o best_a in_o go_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v we_o must_v without_o consideration_n of_o particular_n first_o dispute_n in_o 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 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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 ●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 ●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 ●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 ●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
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 ●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 ●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 ●ll●_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 ●●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 ●…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 ●…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
much_o be_v our_o assent_n weaken_v but_o of_o the_o three_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v the_o chief_a who_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n certain_o know_v unto_o we_o will_v move_v we_o to_o a_o certain_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o apprehend_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o consequence_n nor_o discern_v any_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o all_o whereas_o if_o one_o that_o have_v neither_o wit_n nor_o honesty_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n whereof_o we_o also_o see_v the_o probability_n and_o truth_n in_o part_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o belief_n though_o he_o may_v move_v we_o to_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o assent_n be_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o knowledge_n opinion_n and_o belief_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o exact_a knowledge_n our_o assent_n be_v always_o firm_a and_o unremovable_a in_o opinion_n it_o be_v always_o waver_v and_o mutable_a in_o belief_n it_o be_v certain_a but_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o different_a concurrence_n of_o those_o three_o forename_a ground_n now_o out_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v let_v these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v careful_o observe_v 1._o that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o belief_n which_o rule_v you_o must_v understand_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n not_o of_o divers_a thus_o he_o that_o most_o firm_o believe_v any_o truth_n upon_o the_o former_a ground_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v it_o as_o a_o countryman_n who_o strong_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n or_o least_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o whole_a earth_n upon_o the_o affirmation_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o honest_a mathematician_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o when_o afterward_o he_o know_v it_o by_o infallible_a demonstration_n but_o now_o in_o divers_a kind_n our_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o our_o knowledge_n of_o other_o as_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a thing_n upon_o god_n testimony_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o our_o reason_n because_o our_o understanding_n have_v always_o this_o prejudice_n that_o in_o the_o general_a it_o may_v possible_o err_v but_o god_n word_n can_v err_v at_o all_o 2._o that_o perfect_a knowledge_n take_v away_o all_o belief_n supra_fw-la that_o be_v for_o so_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n exclude_v all_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o one_o thing_n may_v help_v our_o belief_n in_o another_o and_o knowledge_n in_o part_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v much_o strengthen_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o other_o part_n but_o here_o in_o this_o opposition_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n your_o must_v always_o remember_v what_o knowledge_n we_o mean_v namely_o scientiam_fw-la intuitivam_fw-la or_o per_fw-la visionem_fw-la that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v have_v by_o behold_v thing_n in_o their_o proper_a nature_n but_o not_o scientiam_fw-la disciplinarem_fw-la or_o per_fw-la revelatione●_n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v get_v by_o discourse_n and_o relation_n of_o other_o and_o so_o these_o two_o proposition_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v not_o and_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v be_v not_o opposite_a each_o to_o other_o for_o it_o be_v true_a we_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v namely_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o we_o beeleeve_v that_o which_o we_o do_v know_v viz._n by_o relation_n which_o so_o far_o forth_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o it_o be_v we_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o must_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v give_v to_o matter_n thus_o know_v knowledge_n that_o be_v by_o vision_n or_o intuition_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n in_o their_o proper_a evidence_n enforce_v assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n know_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o understanding_n can_v but_o approve_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o college_n of_o the_o sceptike_n of_o old_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o society_n of_o fool_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perpetual_a doubtfulness_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o madness_n when_o they_o will_v not_o assent_v that_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n shine_v when_o they_o look_v on_o it_o nor_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o burn_v nor_o will_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n in_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o such_o be_v anaxagoras_n his_o dull_a melancholy_a or_o wilful_a frenzy_n to_o maintain_v in_o good_a sadness_n that_o the_o snow_n be_v black_a for_o such_o be_v the_o natural_a assinity_n between_o evident_a truth_n and_o our_o understanding_n that_o though_o we_o will_v yet_o wecannot_v but_o subscribe_v and_o yield_v our_o allowance_n and_o assent_n unto_o it_o whence_o it_o fall_v out_o many_o time_n that_o a_o usurer_n a_o chuch-robber_n or_o some_o other_o not_o willing_a to_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o course_n though_o doubtful_a whether_o lawful_a or_o not_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n read_v such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n write_v on_o those_o subject_n for_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v content_a to_o practice_v and_o that_o his_o conscience_n shall_v be_v convict_v in_o spite_n of_o his_o will_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o that_o other_o knowledge_n by_o relation_n let_v a_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o plain_o deliver_v so_o that_o we_o full_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v yet_o if_o neither_o our_o own_o sense_n nor_o reason_n do_v convince_v we_o we_o assent_v may_v choose_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o assent_v unto_o it_o embrace_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o very_a natural_a property_n of_o man_n never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o other_o report_n till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v and_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o by_o evident_a experience_n draw_v the_o lively_a picture_n of_o any_o man_n the_o most_o curious_a landship_n of_o any_o country_n it_o content_v not_o we_o must_v see_v both_o the_o one_o and_o other_o set_a down_o the_o most_o try_a experiment_n in_o nature_n take_v by_o most_o skilful_a artist_n this_o please_v not_o other_o till_o their_o own_o trial_n confirm_v they_o general_o every_o man_n will_v fain_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n hear_v with_o his_o own_o ear_n understand_v by_o his_o own_o not_o another_o man_n reason_n in_o which_o inclination_n of_o nature_n lie_v the_o original_n of_o all_o the_o distrust_n and_o diffidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o restless_a inquiry_n which_o we_o make_v one_o after_o another_o into_o the_o same_o thing_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v bul●ed_v in_o examine_v our_o forefather_n invention_n and_o posterity_n also_o employ_v in_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o examination_n neither_o we_o nor_o they_o have_v much_o time_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o learned_a knowledge_n hence_o also_o may_v we_o guess_v at_o one_o cause_n why_o many_o science_n even_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v keep_v one_o pitch_n and_o not_o grow_v above_o that_o dwarfish_a stature_n they_o have_v in_o their_o infant_n invention_n and_o also_o what_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o many_o that_o read_v most_o prove_v not_o the_o deep_a scholar_n for_o no_o great_a impediment_n to_o exact_a learning_n than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o man_n understanding_n and_o neglect_v our_o own_o it_o will_v also_o hence_o appear_v that_o history_n a_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a employment_n be_v yet_o of_o all_o study_a learning_n the_o weak_a to_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o that_o depend_v whole_o upon_o such_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o man_n mind_n desire_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o at_o all_o namely_o another_o tongue_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o very_o usual_o those_o that_o be_v of_o credulous_a and_o passive_a understanding_n least_o able_a to_o employ_v their_o own_o strength_n in_o painful_a and_o attentive_a inquiry_n after_o knowledge_n such_o do_v not_o unwilling_o apply_v their_o diligence_n to_o that_o course_n of_o study_n but_o i_o