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vindiciae_fw-la gratiae_n a_o plea_n for_o grace._n more_o especial_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a lecture_n as_o touch_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace._n and_o faith_n wherein_o among_o other_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n the_o main_a sinew_n of_o arminius_n doctrine_n be_v cut_v asunder_o deliver_v by_o that_o late_a learned_a and_o godly_a man_n william_n pemble_n in_o magdalen_n hall_n in_o oxford_n aug_n de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbitr_n cap._n 16._o certum_fw-la est_fw-la nos_fw-la velle_fw-la cum_fw-la volumus_fw-la sed_fw-la ille_fw-la facit_fw-la ut_fw-la velimus_fw-la bonum_fw-la certum_fw-la est_fw-la nos_fw-la facere_fw-la cum_fw-la facimus_fw-la sed_fw-la ille_fw-la facit_fw-la ut_fw-la faciamus_fw-la praebendo_fw-la vires_fw-la efficacissimas_fw-la voluntati_fw-la london_n print_v by_o r._n young_a for_o i._o bartlet_n at_o the_o golden_a cup_n in_o cheapside_n 1627._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a nathanael_n stephen_n esquire_n grace_n 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have_v occasion_n to_o peruse_v it_o while_o it_o be_v under_o the_o press_n do_v perceive_v to_o be_v as_o most_o necessary_a for_o these_o time_n so_o also_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a for_o your_o purpose_n for_o i_o find_v in_o it_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o effectual_a call_n conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o elect_a most_o plain_o propound_v and_o strong_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n also_o true_a save_v and_o justify_v faith_n most_o accurate_o describe_v &_o unfold_v with_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o special_a property_n of_o it_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_o know_v and_o discern_v from_o common_a fade_a hypocritical_a faith_n second_o the_o main_a error_n of_o arminian_n and_o papist_n and_o their_o most_o gross_a absurdity_n about_o universal_a grace_n and_o man_n free-mill_n and_o power_n in_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n true_o relate_v their_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o our_o church_n doctrine_n detect_v and_o discover_v and_o their_o principal_a argument_n carnal_a reason_n and_o objection_n with_o wonderful_a brevity_n and_o singular_a dexterity_n answer_v and_o refute_v three_o by_o the_o way_n the_o authority_n perspicuity_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n strong_o maintain_v and_o popish_a error_n about_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o they_o beat_v down_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o by_o a_o hammer_n that_o beat_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n though_o the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o handle_v be_v somewhat_o scholastical_a sit_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o place_n and_o person_n where_o and_o among_o who_o these_o exercise_n be_v first_o perform_v to_o wit_n in_o one_o of_o the_o school_n of_o the_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
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 revelationeâ—_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 bulâ—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
not_o book-learned_a do_v conceive_v to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o must_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a because_o man_n be_v careless_a be_v the_o bible_n a_o hard_a book_n because_o common_a people_n understand_v it_o not_o in_o latin_a be_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o darksome_a and_o intricate_a because_o one_o man_n understand_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o another_o do_v or_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n perceive_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prophecy_n which_o the_o next_o age_n may_v clear_o understand_v these_o be_v weak_a inference_n and_o such_o as_o can_v overturn_v our_o first_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o all_o doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o narration_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n bad_a and_o good_a for_o what_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v name_v that_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o understand_v i_o say_v not_o by_o a_o learned_a or_o godly_a but_o even_o by_o any_o man_n what_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v plain_o find_v out_o what_o text_n of_o doctrine_n whereof_o some_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v out_o may_v not_o all_o understand_v what_o one_o do_v yea_o take_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n life_n everlasting_a regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o obscure_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n any_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o common_a unto_o the_o unregenerate_a for_o charity_n though_o it_o can_v wish_v yet_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o to_o write_v or_o preach_v sound_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o man_n true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n experience_n and_o reason_n make_v good_a the_o contrary_a that_o a_o singular_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o no_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v compatible_a who_o see_v not_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o knowledge_n he_o surpass_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o in_o malice_n far_o exceed_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n unto_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o so_o essential_o link_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o teach_v whilst_o yet_o the_o heart_n remain_v froward_a unbroken_a and_o untractable_a the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n prefer_v they_o in_o our_o choice_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o gracious_a motion_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n powerful_o bind_v and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o right_n and_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a illumination_n to_o go_v far_o i_o say_v by_o common_a illumination_n understand_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o usual_a in_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n skill_n of_o language_n use_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n in_o their_o write_n and_o commentary_n conference_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o learned_a live_n and_o accustom_a painfulness_n in_o study_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o these_o mean_n a_o christian_a presuppose_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a writ_n may_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n prove_v excellent_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n he_o may_v understand_v all_o and_o every_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a belief_n all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o christian_a practice_n any_o sermon_n or_o treatise_n tend_v to_o holy_a instruction_n any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o dark_a and_o doubtfull_a interpretation_n yea_o in_o these_o thing_n many_o time_n sanctity_n go_v not_o so_o far_o as_o those_o common_a grace_n do_v and_o you_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o happy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n nor_o sound_a determiner_n of_o controversy_n but_o that_o both_o of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n many_a time_n man_n of_o ungodly_a life_n and_o idolatrous_a profession_n have_v equal_v and_o exceed_v other_o in_o their_o commentary_n and_o treatise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o every_o day_n show_v that_o many_o a_o wretched_a man_n and_o vile_a hypocrite_n may_v yet_o make_v so_o good_a a_o sermon_n even_o about_o the_o most_o spiritual_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o prayer_n that_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quick_a sight_n yet_o see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o may_v deem_v he_o sound_v heart_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o learn_v religion_n by_o rote_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v what_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o affect_v this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o next_o be_v this_o 2._o all_o history_n and_o prediction_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o most_o illuminate_v understanding_n by_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o the_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v stand_v long_o in_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n in_o many_o precept_n and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n sense_n and_o reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o do_v but_o in_o matter_n historical_a and_o prophetical_a faith_n only_o bear_v sway_v for_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o go_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o from_o authority_n of_o scripture_n relation_n that_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v noah_n save_v in_o the_o ark_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o by_o the_o story_n so_o for_o prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n they_o be_v not_o evident_a till_o the_o event_n make_v they_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o papacy_n root_v out_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o word_n foretell_v they_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o kind_n can_v our_o sense_n be_v inform_v or_o our_o understanding_n convince_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o revelation_n believe_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n principal_o be_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o make_v heb._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o where_o he_o use_v two_o word_n to_o express_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hope_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v of_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n and_o comprise_v all_o both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v thing_n hope_v for_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a both_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o drown_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v unseen_a and_o possession_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o 3._o precept_n and_o discourse_n of_o dogmatic_a point_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o both_o to_o the_o regenerate_a &_o also_o the_o unregenerate_a this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o manifest_a truth_n as_o shall_v appear_v thus_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v doctrinal_a discourse_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o of_o matter_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o morality_n other_o of_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o divinity_n
of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v those_o manifold_a allusion_n similitude_n and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n about_o the_o property_n of_o live_a creature_n of_o plant_n of_o mineral_n of_o meteor_n and_o other_o natural_a thing_n mention_v often_o in_o job_n ecclesiastes_n and_o divers_a other_o place_n and_o also_o those_o sundry_a precept_n of_o oeconomicke_n ethic_n and_o politics_n scatter_v as_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n so_o special_o collect_v in_o the_o book_n of_o proverbes_n now_o in_o these_o thing_n albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o extreme_a ignorance_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o great_o prejudice_v our_o exactness_n of_o knowledge_n in_o any_o we_o do_v in_o part_n firm_o rest_v even_o in_o these_o common_a matter_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n revelation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n evident_a unto_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o little_a goodness_n to_o make_v a_o exact_a commentary_n of_o all_o philosophical_a matter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n much_o grace_n need_v not_o to_o the_o writing_n or_o understand_v of_o such_o a_o book_n as_o vallosius_fw-la his_fw-la sacra_fw-la philosophia_fw-la and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o mere_a moralist_n or_o politician_n have_v he_o no_o more_o goodness_n in_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v in_o machâ—avoll_n shall_v he_o but_o diligent_o read_v salomon_n proverbes_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o touch_n upon_o thing_n within_o his_o sphere_n will_v evident_o see_v that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o scripture-precept_n the_o most_o pure_a and_o exquisite_a reason_n of_o all_o true_a honesty_n and_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o in_o other_o point_n that_o be_v the_o more_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o divinity_n of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a nature_n some_o there_o be_v that_o can_v never_o be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o evidence_n of_o reason_n no_o not_o of_o the_o most_o illuminate_v in_o this_o life_n such_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o union_n of_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_a church_n etc._n etc._n some_o again_o there_o be_v which_o may_v be_v in_o part_n evident_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n but_o yet_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n not_o by_o the_o unregenerate_a i_o need_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o large_a one_o and_o take_v up_o at_o least_o one_o half_a of_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o man_n regeneration_n and_o his_o estate_n in_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n wherein_o a_o thousand_o particular_n there_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a unto_o the_o sanctify_a and_o spiritual_a man_n which_o the_o carnal_a man_n know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o rote_n and_o relation_n that_o wonderful_a change_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o raise_v a_o sinner_n from_o death_n to_o life_n the_o power_n of_o a_o save_a faith_n the_o nature_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o god_n sweet_a mercy_n in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o infinite_a comfort_n the_o soul_n find_v in_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n our_o communion_n with_o christ_n of_o the_o sanctify_v testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o our_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o adoption_n the_o whole_a art_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfarre_o contain_v the_o wile_n and_o subtle_a method_n of_o satan_n and_o corruption_n in_o tempt_v with_o the_o admirable_a power_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o make_v resistance_n and_o overcome_a these_o thing_n with_o the_o like_a wherein_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_a riddle_n unto_o the_o man_n unregenerate_a &_o when_o he_o hear_v they_o speak_v of_o and_o press_v upon_o he_o his_o heart_n be_v overflow_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o bitter_a humour_n between_o admiration_n and_o scorn_n that_o another_o shall_v speak_v so_o earnest_o about_o that_o wherein_o he_o find_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n of_o consequence_n no_o he_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o book_n experience_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o his_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v cloudy_a uncertain_a hover_v float_v in_o superficial_a flourish_n of_o rhetorical_a discourse_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o substance_n and_o life_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o where_o he_o come_v near_o to_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o imitation_n and_o bare_a repetition_n of_o other_o invention_n whereunto_o his_o own_o barren_a head_n and_o graceless_a heart_n that_o little_a to_o add_v of_o new_a store_n whence_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o common_a experience_n that_o in_o these_o point_n of_o divinity_n and_o in_o such_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o near_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o man_n you_o shall_v have_v many_o a_o godly_a minister_n of_o mean_a gift_n but_o of_o a_o holy_a heart_n yea_o many_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n in_o regard_n of_o any_o depth_n of_o other_o knowledge_n that_o yet_o will_v discharge_v himself_o with_o great_a skill_n and_o dexterity_n and_o give_v better_a satisfaction_n than_o some_o of_o those_o that_o may_v challenge_v the_o praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o be_v deep_a divine_n and_o learned_a teacher_n in_o israel_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a fault_n wherewith_o popish_a schoolman_n and_o casuist_n be_v tax_v by_o our_o divine_n that_o even_o the_o word_n of_o regeneration_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n be_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o their_o discourse_n and_o decision_n in_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v intentional_a foreign_a dull_a and_o heartless_a thus_o we_o have_v see_v touch_v this_o object_n of_o faith_n namely_o god_n write_v revolation_n how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v evident_a and_o may_v be_v know_v how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v inevident_a and_o must_v be_v believe_v brief_o thus_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o write_a narration_n else_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o vain_a and_o impossible_a attempt_n all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n can_v be_v know_v by_o the_o sight_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o than_o be_v faith_n utter_o take_v away_o wherefore_o again_o point_n of_o nature_n and_o morality_n may_v be_v in_o themselves_o evident_a to_o all_o but_o the_o proper_a mystery_n of_o divinity_n can_v be_v in_o part_n evident_a only_o to_o the_o regenerate_v now_o by_o this_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o make_v obscurity_n one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n faith_n say_v they_o be_v a_o assent_n give_v to_o any_o proposition_n reveal_v by_o god_n propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la and_o two_o essential_a property_n this_o assent_n have_v 1._o certainty_n 2._o obscurity_n of_o certainty_n we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o concern_v obscurity_n we_o yield_v unto_o they_o thus_o far_o that_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v obscure_a that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v and_o comprehend_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n by_o our_o sense_n or_o understanding_n and_o so_o not_o only_o the_o more_o secret_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n who_o depth_n and_o largeness_n our_o reason_n can_v compass_v but_o all_o other_o matter_n historical_a or_o prophetical_a which_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v notwithstanding_o obscure_a that_o be_v inevident_a not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o direct_a view_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o this_o do_v not_o please_v our_o adversary_n it_o be_v not_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o want_v of_o perspicuity_n in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o which_o they_o understand_v by_o obscurity_n their_o meaning_n be_v thus_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o obscure_a proposition_n that_o be_v to_o proposition_n not_o understand_v whereof_o we_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n ay_o this_o be_v it_o this_o be_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n speak_v one_o root_n of_o popery_n in_o grain_n whence_o original_o issue_v out_o that_o black_a darkness_n of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n which_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v here_o also_o gratify_v they_o a_o little_a we_o confess_v that_o christian_n can_v for_o a_o need_n yield_v assent_n to_o such_o proposition_n whereof_o they_o understand_v not_o
the_o light_n and_o for_o the_o absue_v late_a it_o demand_v a_o impossible_a thing_n as_o if_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o sound_a argument_n that_o he_o behold_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v in_o short_a a_o man_n enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n infallible_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a light_n and_o for_o his_o own_o proper_a use_n albeit_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v so_o much_o to_o another_o to_o make_v he_o see_v what_o himself_o do_v now_o here_o we_o shall_v go_v further_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o argument_n as_o do_v demonstrate_v this_o truth_n shall_v be_v lay_v forth_o before_o you_o but_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o long_a discourse_n and_o the_o point_n more_o direct_o belong_v unto_o those_o general_a controversy_n about_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v move_v between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n among_o which_o this_o touch_v the_o infallible_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v at_o large_a handle_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a of_o our_o side_n among_o who_o the_o learned_a â—ackson_fw-mi deserve_v due_a praise_n and_o thanks_n of_o all_o that_o love_n learning_n for_o his_o diligent_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n in_o his_o first_o &_o second_o book_n of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o apostle_n creed_n book_n that_o be_v fruitful_a of_o exquisite_a observation_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o be_v as_o painful_o study_v as_o they_o be_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o labour_n compile_v will_v i_o persuade_v myself_o give_v much_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o honest_o seek_v for_o it_o i_o conclude_v all_o touch_v this_o point_n with_o a_o threefold_a admonition_n which_o by_o way_n of_o application_n i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v intend_v 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revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n when_o we_o feel_v upon_o our_o fowl_n the_o awful_a command_a power_n of_o they_o to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n unto_o obedience_n to_o master_v our_o unruly_a lust_n and_o whole_o to_o captinate_v we_o unto_o their_o sovereignty_n we_o must_v not_o now_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o we_o so_o sensible_o see_v and_o feel_v because_o another_o cavil_n &_o dispise_v we_o and_o will_v not_o be_v win_v with_o our_o persuasion_n to_o think_v as_o we_o think_v for_o he_o that_o see_v the_o sun_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o distrust_v his_o own_o eyesight_n because_o he_o can_v persuade_v a_o blind_a man_n by_o any_o argument_n possible_a that_o he_o behold_v a_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a light_n 2_o admonition_n be_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o danger_n wherein_o careless_a man_n who_o build_v without_o have_v lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n come_v to_o most_o man_n and_o ask_v they_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o these_o point_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o they_o their_o answer_n be_v because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o what_o persuade_v you_o to_o think_v so_o here_o they_o be_v stagger_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o they_o be_v lead_v unto_o this_o belief_n by_o custom_n of_o education_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n be_v general_o receive_v for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o see_v other_o doubt_v not_o of_o else_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n themselves_o have_v never_o labour_v to_o get_v infallible_a assurance_n unto_o their_o own_o conscience_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o prayer_n study_n &_o all_o due_a observation_n now_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o ill_a ground_a belief_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v partly_o disobedience_n against_o and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n partly_o despair_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o time_n of_o need_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o slight_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n there_o easy_o follow_v disobedience_n to_o all_o their_o command_n tell_v the_o ambitious_a and_o distrustful_a worldling_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v first_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o then_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o he_o that_o godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n that_o humility_n go_v before_o honour_n etc._n etc._n tell_v the_o unclean_a person_n that_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v tell_v the_o drunkard_n that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n tell_v the_o swearer_n that_o for_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in vain_o what_o do_v these_o man_n think_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o bring_v against_o their_o fault_n do_v they_o very_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o say_v otherwise_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o strange_a a_o disproportion_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o particular_n no_o they_o laugh_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o silly_a man_n who_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n and_o dare_v not_o for_o their_o life_n venture_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o forbid_v which_o they_o mean_v while_o free_o follow_v to_o their_o great_a contentment_n furthermore_o these_o man_n that_o do_v thus_o rebel_v against_o god_n in_o one_o religion_n will_v be_v ready_a if_o occasion_n serve_v to_o revolt_v from_o that_o unto_o another_o religion_n see_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o they_o embrace_v any_o religion_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o beside_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o thus_o much_o that_o this_o loose_a and_o unsettle_a faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ficry_n dart_n &_o forcible_a engine_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o affault_n and_o overthrow_n the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o a_o die_a man_n who_o have_v not_o strengthen_v himself_o on_o this_o point_n by_o undoubted_a argument_n and_o experiment_n be_v there_o lay_v at_o where_o he_o lie_v open_a and_o unarm_v by_o such_o cunning_a cavil_n shift_n and_o elusion_n bring_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o poor_a man_n not_o able_a to_o clear_v himself_o from_o such_o suggestion_n fall_v into_o a_o universal_a doubt_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o at_o last_o perccive_v his_o faith_n have_v only_o grasp_v at_o the_o air_n and_o embrace_v the_o empty_a shadow_n of_o man_n authority_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o be_v utter_o confound_v and_o sink_v down_o in_o despair_n if_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n temptation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o this_o weapon_n be_v reserve_v usual_o for_o the_o last_o combat_n and_o that_o many_o a_o man_n faith_n have_v perish_v upon_o this_o rock_n both_o in_o life_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o agony_n &_o conflict_n with_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n 3_o wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v a_o three_o admonition_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v well_o advise_v to_o provide_v ourselves_o of_o such_o argument_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n as_o will_v hold_v water_n and_o abide_v the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o satan_n temptation_n vnde_fw-la seis_n be_v a_o sore_a question_n and_o satan_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o enforce_v his_o argument_n with_o better_a skill_n than_o any_o jesuie_a and_o heretic_n wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v to_o it_o in_o time_n that_o we_o waver_v not_o but_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d
thence_o he_o be_v confident_a god_n will_v help_v he_o now_o wherefore_o when_o his_o man_n rage_n &_o chafe_v and_o forget_v all_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o respect_n to_o their_o captain_n david_n be_v quiet_a and_o comfort_n himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n as_o in_o verse_n 6._o the_o like_a strength_n of_o confidence_n we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a man_n in_o his_o combat_n with_o the_o philistian_n 1_o sam._n 17._o where_o from_o experience_n of_o god_n help_n in_o time_n past_o defend_v he_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n against_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d yond_o he_o confident_o assure_v himself_o of_o the_o like_a assistance_n &_o victory_n in_o that_o his_o righteous_a quarrel_n against_o the_o uncircumcised_a philistim_n v._n 36._o the_o same_o course_n take_v the_o psalmist_n in_o psal._n 77._o where_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n he_o strengthen_v himself_o in_o hope_n of_o comfort_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n work_n of_o old_a and_o all_o his_o mercy_n heretofore_o show_v unto_o his_o people_n thus_o experience_n breed_v confidence_n and_o we_o ready_o trust_v he_o who_o we_o have_v once_o thorough_o try_v where_o let_v i_o commend_v unto_o you_o a_o point_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n the_o practice_n whereof_o will_v cause_v a_o singular_a increase_n of_o faith_n in_o us._n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v careful_o give_v our_o mind_n to_o observe_v all_o such_o experiment_n of_o god_n mercy_n or_o judgement_n on_o ourselves_o or_o other_o as_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o compare_v the_o particular_a event_n that_o we_o see_v with_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_n that_o be_v general_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n look_v over_o all_o the_o passage_n &_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n &_o mark_v wherein_o god_n have_v do_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o his_o word_n thou_o pray_v such_o a_o time_n seruent_o and_o he_o hear_v thou_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o business_n than_o commit_v thy_o way_n to_o he_o and_o he_o bring_v it_o about_o according_a to_o thy_o desire_n beyond_o thy_o expectation_n thou_o be_v cast_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o extremity_n and_o god_n when_o thou_o sought_v to_o he_o deliver_v thou_o beyond_o all_o hope_n such_o a_o grace_n thou_o do_v want_v or_o such_o a_o sin_n thou_o will_v fain_o be_v free_v of_o god_n help_v thou_o to_o the_o one_o and_o against_o the_o other_o when_o thou_o do_v follow_v such_o direction_n as_o his_o word_n prescribe_v thou_o at_o one_o time_n thou_o sin_v and_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v so_o be_v thou_o plague_v at_o another_o time_n thou_o do_v some_o good_a work_n &_o receive_v a_o blessing_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n again_o look_v abroad_o and_o see_v how_o god_n deal_v towards_o other_o see_v in_o one_o place_n a_o kingdom_n plague_v for_o idolatry_n in_o another_o a_o country_n profess_v true_a religion_n yet_o undo_v by_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n see_v here_o a_o usurer_n briber_n oppressor_n and_o cruel_a encloser_n that_o have_v raise_v his_o fortune_n by_o all_o unjust_a deal_n it_o may_v be_v whilst_o he_o live_v himself_o and_o family_n turn_v out_o of_o all_o a_o beg_a or_o in_o his_o three_o heir_n all_o this_o wealth_n blow_v away_o his_o name_n and_o posterity_n root_v out_o or_o leave_v for_o a_o curse_n and_o reproach_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o behold_v a_o murderer_n pursue_v at_o the_o heel_n by_o strong_a vengeance_n that_o never_o leave_v he_o till_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v that_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o another_o see_v elsewhere_o a_o adultorer_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o secret_a curse_n of_o god_n which_o devour_v all_o his_o substance_n no_o man_n know_v how_o one_o the_o other_o side_n mark_v how_o god_n bless_v kingdom_n family_n &_o private_a person_n wherein_o &_o by_o who_o religion_n justice_n discipline_n civility_n &_o sanctity_n be_v profess_v and_o in_o truth_n maintain_v if_o we_o will_v use_v diligent_a observation_n in_o this_o kind_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o god_n be_v most_o constant_a in_o his_o course_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v in_o they_o a_o perpetual_a &_o infallible_a rule_n that_o hold_v true_a in_o all_o time_n &_o age_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o which_o god_n ever_o have_v and_o always_o will_v order_v his_o provident_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o same_o punishment_n still_o attend_v upon_o the_o same_o sin_n &_o the_o like_a reward_n to_o be_v still_o bestow_v upon_o the_o like_a virtue_n that_o god_n be_v as_o near_o to_o help_v we_o now_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v and_o also_o as_o swift_a &_o strong_a to_o plague_v as_o he_o have_v be_v towards_o man_n of_o old_a time_n this_o will_v prove_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o shall_v evident_o see_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n to_o answer_v in_o just_a proportion_n the_o revelation_n make_v touch_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o this_o have_v breed_v in_o the_o world_n those_o monstrous_a sin_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n wherewith_o this_o age_n be_v infect_v as_o much_o as_o any_o we_o have_v indeed_o praise_v be_v god_n the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v unto_o we_o plentiful_o but_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o man_n that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d walk_v exact_o by_o this_o rule_n make_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ground-plot_n of_o all_o his_o practice_n as_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o gal._n 6._o 16._o when_o they_o behold_v many_o strange_a accident_n in_o the_o world_n do_v they_o think_v you_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n search_v into_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n &_o thence_o conclude_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o zach._n 1._o 6._o as_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v determine_v to_o do_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o our_o own_o way_n &_o according_a to_o our_o work_n so_o have_v he_o deal_v with_o us._n nothing_o less_o they_o have_v no_o such_o thought_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n as_o this_o loe_o here_o how_o true_a the_o lord_n be_v such_o a_o promise_n or_o such_o a_o threaten_v set_v down_o in_o such_o a_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o for_o the_o get_n &_o use_v of_o wealth_n honour_n friend_n learning_n health_n or_o other_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o general_n dispatch_v of_o business_n in_o man_n calling_n for_o the_o avoid_v of_o trouble_n that_o come_v upon_o they_o think_v you_o that_o man_n do_v call_v the_o word_n to_o counsel_n as_o david_n do_v and_o do_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n take_v a_o platform_n of_o all_o their_o proceed_n apply_v the_o general_a rule_n to_o cuerie_n particular_a occasion_n and_o thence_o observe_v the_o event_n according_o no_o they_o think_v of_o no_o such_o matter_n &_o it_o seem_v a_o strange_a motion_n to_o they_o that_o you_o will_v offer_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o love_v by_o the_o book_n they_o follow_v no_o such_o rule_n the_o good_a they_o onloy_v or_o the_o evil_n they_o escape_v they_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o compliment_n but_o be_v indeed_o behold_v to_o their_o wit_n friend_n and_o good_a fortune_n it_o be_v their_o direction_n they_o take_v &_o think_v of_o nothing_o further_o thus_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o way_n their_o eye_n be_v never_o towards_o heaven_n to_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o regard_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n their_o thought_n be_v etc._n never_o upon_o the_o word_n to_o observe_v how_o every_o prescription_n thereof_o have_v its_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la write_v under_o it_o in_o visiblâ—_n character_n of_o every_o day_n experience_n let_v we_o not_o my_o brethren_n walk_v as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a have_v our_o eye_n in_o our_o head_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o such_o occurrence_n as_o have_v upon_o they_o a_o character_n of_o god_n special_a work_n of_o providence_n if_o they_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n learn_v thereby_o that_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n which_o ps._n 58._o 11._o be_v gather_v from_o the_o like_a observation_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o 29._o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n if_o they_o be_v private_a that_o concern_v thou_o in_o particular_a take_v such_o exact_a notice_n of_o all_o passage_n of_o thy_o life_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o declare_v unto_o another_o and_o say_v come_v and_o hear_v all_o you_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v what_o thing_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n ps._n 66._o 16._o this_o experimental_a observation_n of_o