ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n p._n 9_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n especial_o conduce_v thereunto_o p._n 12_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v p._n 20_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v p._n 40_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o note_v and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v p_o 51_o sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o the_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state._n p._n 63_o sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n p._n 76_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v page_n 99_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n p._n 105_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n not_o neglect_v outward_a severity_n p._n 114_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n p._n 124_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n p._n 129_o sect_n vi_o that_o this_o purgative_a repentance_n must_v be_v general_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a p._n 147_o sect_n vii_o of_o self_n denial_n require_v to_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will._n p._n 156_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o custody_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v have_v over_o the_o outward_a man_n especial_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o tongue_n p._n 174_o sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n and_o modesty_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n p._n 189_o sect_n x._o the_o connexion_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seven_o capital_a sin_n p._n 201_o sect_n xi_o of_o pride_n the_o first_o deadly_a or_o capital_a sin._n p._n 203_o sect_n xii_o of_o anger_n a_o second_o capital_a sin_n its_o concomitant_n and_o remedy_n p._n 219_o sect_n xiii_o of_o the_o deadly_a sin_n of_o envy_n its_o nature_n and_o remedy_n p._n 233_o sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n p._n 244_o sect_n xv._o of_o luxury_n and_o uncleanness_n p._n 254_o sect_n xvi_o of_o gluttony_n its_o sinfullnesse_n and_o cure._n p._n 265_o sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n p._n 277_o sect_n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o part_n with_o some_o short_a advice_n relate_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therein_o p._n 288_o the_o three_o part._n treat_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n with_o god._n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a union_n with_o god_n and_o of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o p._n 297_o sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a p._n 304_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v p._n 309_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n for_o this_o latter_a p._n 317_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o union_n we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n habitual_a and_o actual_a as_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o worship_n p._n 328_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o defect_n incident_a to_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o their_o remedy_n p._n 334_o sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n p._n 342_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v or_o fix_v as_o also_o of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n p._n 350_o sect_n ix_o of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n to_o which_o certain_a instruction_n be_v premise_v p._n 359_o sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n here_o discuss_v p._n 367_o sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o with_o their_o proper_a remedy_n p._n 378_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o before_o with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o consolation_n p._n 387_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o true_a spiritual_a life_n the_o first_o part_n treat_v of_o spiritual_a illumination_n sect_n 1._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o vsefulnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a 1._o there_o be_v three_o principal_a stage_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v to_o pass_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n towards_o that_o sabbath_n of_o blessedness_n hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o aspire_v to_o it_o may_v seem_v both_o very_a methodical_a and_o profitable_a to_o that_o great_a end_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thither_o by_o clear_n up_o the_o deface_a character_n write_v by_o god_n own_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o in_o general_a that_o such_o a_o fundamental_a persuasion_n be_v well_o receive_v the_o edification_n in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a absolute_a and_o better_o advance_v 2._o for_o what_o may_v we_o call_v religion_n speak_v here_o more_o practical_o than_o artificial_o but_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o power_n able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v everlasting_o infer_v a_o strong_a and_o just_a obligation_n upon_o all_o creature_n especial_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o present_a be_v and_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o subsistence_n and_o upon_o who_o depend_v his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n 3._o but_o may_v it_o not_o here_o also_o be_v say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v too_o many_o obstinate_o refuse_v any_o better_a guidance_n or_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o as_o may_v favour_v their_o degenerous_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n of_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n hurry_v they_o to_o a_o liberty_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n freedom_n when_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o renounce_v the_o servitude_n and_o turpitude_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v ourselves_o apprentice_n to_o learn_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o religion_n the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indent_v and_o covenant_v with_o believer_n so_o faithful_o serve_v he_o when_o their_o time_n come_v out_o by_o death_n in_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o desirable_a freedom_n by_o make_v they_o citizen_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o than_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v no_o great_a or_o better_a event_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o good_a nor_o great_a remuneration_n 4._o who_o will_v not_o then_o sometime_o retire_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o divine_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n shall_v we_o see_v so_o many_o artist_n of_o this_o world_n strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o not_o only_o for_o lucre_n sake_n but_o esteem_v of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n and_o trade_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v cold_a indifferent_a and_o careless_a in_o this_o of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o how_o many_o have_v become_v poor_a infamous_a
proper_a cause_n of_o christian_a illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o useful_a distinction_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o learned_a not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o unlearned_a into_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n propound_v to_o our_o assent_n by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n so_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o very_o expedient_a for_o the_o better_a inform_v every_o plain_a and_o sincere_a capacity_n to_o make_v some_o recital_n of_o those_o thing_n our_o faith_n christian_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o principal_o by_o revelation_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a herein_o any_o more_o than_o st._n luke_n be_v in_o write_v his_o gospel_n luke_n 1._o 1._o for_o as_o much_o as_o many_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o in_o order_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o we_o because_o several_a form_n and_o phrase_n may_v help_v towards_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o end_n of_o believe_v and_o illumination_n 2._o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o believe_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o discovery_n make_v to_o man_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n say_v ch._n 11._o v._n 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n not_o that_o christ_n malign_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o other_o but_o that_o he_o admire_v the_o privilege_n confer_v by_o god_n upon_o his_o mean_a flock_n and_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o how_o and_o to_o who_o reveal_v st._n paul_n certify_v we_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8_o say_v howbeit_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o naught_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n for_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god._n mean_v hereby_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o whatever_o knowledge_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o our_o service_n of_o he_o and_o salvation_n by_o he_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o some_o other_o way_n than_o by_o our_o natural_a reason_n darken_v by_o our_o own_o apostasy_n and_o infatuation_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a bible_n may_v be_v call_v one_o entire_a book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o jew_n have_v receive_v many_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o christian_a have_v receive_v from_o god_n more_o clear_a dispensation_n and_o sublime_a than_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o behold_v thing_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o other_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o the_o dark_a shadow_n which_o be_v to_o flee_v away_o at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 1._o 5._o tell_v we_o of_o god_n elect_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n which_o last_o time_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o those_o last_o day_n be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unto_o we_o and_o not_o these_o last_o day_n fancy_v by_o some_o 3._o now_o notwithstanding_o innumerable_a be_v the_o divine_a document_n and_o notice_n extraordinary_o deliver_v through_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a catalogue_n give_v we_o heb._n 11._o of_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o reveal_v divine_a thing_n yet_o because_o we_o now_o speak_v chief_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n or_o st._n john_n little_a child_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o assist_v the_o weak_a without_o offence_n of_o the_o strong_a in_o give_v some_o special_a instance_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o green_a christian_a be_v either_o actual_o improve_v or_o improveable_a to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o can_v ready_o be_v find_v in_o alien_n from_o christ_n 4._o there_o have_v be_v in_o former_a year_n some_o lead_a man_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o learned_a who_o have_v collect_v ten_o several_a and_o considerable_a ground_n in_o which_o all_o religion_n concur_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o bibliander_n since_o which_o divers_a with_o tolerable_a design_n but_o i_o fear_v with_o no_o good_a event_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a have_v in_o these_o very_a late_a year_n write_v about_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n manifest_v by_o natural_a light_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v to_o beget_v a_o better_a opinion_n in_o many_o rank_a rationalist_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o perhaps_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o evil_a consequence_n follow_v from_o hence_o viz._n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v hereby_o weaken_a and_o more_o slight_v as_o judge_v from_o hence_o not_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o common_o be_v receive_v for_o revelation_n divine_a and_o that_o these_o writing_n we_o call_v scripture_n be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o make_v credible_a by_o sundry_a topic_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o it_o be_v still_o of_o the_o modern_a not_o illaudable_a but_o to_o offer_v demonstration_n and_o those_o such_o upon_o which_o they_o will_v constrain_v belief_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o rest_n on_o that_o totter_a and_o unstable_a foundation_n and_o of_o divine_a to_o dilute_v our_o faith_n into_o humane_a persuasion_n all_o superior_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o strong_a stay_n than_o such_o a_o bottom_n will_v allow_v they_o 5._o and_o i_o must_v confess_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretend_a golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o divine_a sentence_n of_o plato_n seneca_n and_o especial_o that_o moderne_a vapourer_n or_o rather_o vapour_n itself_o hierocles_n and_o such_o as_o eunapius_n present_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o rather_o turn_v my_o stomach_n at_o their_o emulation_n of_o christian_a perfection_n thereby_o to_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o than_o draw_v i_o to_o affect_v or_o admire_v they_o for_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 1._o 14._o tell_v we_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o again_o that_o our_o faith_n itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o humane_a reason_n thus_o come_v officious_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a faith_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a mind_n about_o the_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o faith_n will_v in_o the_o end_n prove_v so_o saucy_a and_o domineer_a as_o to_o give_v law_n to_o faith_n and_o like_o ivy_n which_o cling_v to_o the_o tree_n for_o a_o subsistence_n will_v weaken_v it_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o in_o time_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n or_o as_o scholastical_a man_n speak_v the_o very_a formal_a reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n illuminate_v otherwise_o than_o the_o humane_a light_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v not_o see_v by_o sense_n nor_o learned_a by_o experience_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n we_o now_o be_v possess_v of_o be_v the_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a conversation_n
obstinacy_n and_o obduratenesse_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o v._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n martin_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o marvellous_a gift_n or_o faculty_n of_o cure_v sick_a and_o impotent_a person_n the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o decrepit_a who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o beg_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o lest_o be_v cure_v of_o such_o their_o defect_n and_o impotency_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o livelihood_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o get_v a_o miserable_a and_o beggarly_a livelihood_n by_o serve_v and_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v blind_a and_o cripple_v in_o a_o heavenly_a sense_n refuse_v that_o light_n and_o life_n and_o renovation_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n prepossess_v and_o captivate_v with_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o thereupon_o say_v thou_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o our_o ear_n in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a than_o true_a and_o though_o it_o be_v mannah_n itself_o and_o that_o drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n man_n out_o of_o their_o scepticalnesse_n and_o curiosity_n will_v question_v it_o and_o perhaps_o in_o time_n loathe_v it_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o bread_n from_o heaven_n there_o be_v general_o too_o little_a agreement_n between_o the_o notion_n of_o half-sighted_n natural_a reason_n and_o delectation_n of_o our_o sense_n natural_a and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o more_o spiritual_a prescription_n give_v we_o by_o religion_n though_o natural_a reason_n not_o counterfeit_v nor_o corrupt_v by_o base_a alley_n of_o vicious_a man_n may_v pass_v also_o as_o god_n true_a coin_n but_o that_o pure_a gold_n it_o be_v not_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v revel_v 3_o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v get_v white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o get_v that_o eyesalve_n that_o we_o may_v see_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o the_o knowledge_n or_o illumination_n which_o we_o have_v from_o thence_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o that_o money_n a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o or_o that_o which_o the_o tradesman_n have_v present_a in_o his_o bank_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o book_n which_o must_v put_v he_o sometime_o to_o trouble_v to_o fetch_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o fetch_v in_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n understand_v the_o scripture_n until_o which_o time_n that_o will_v be_v find_v too_o true_a which_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 8._o 12._o complain_n of_o in_o god_n behalf_n i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o shall_v inquire_v faithful_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n we_o may_v find_v they_o too_o often_o in_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o man_n influence_v the_o understanding_n with_o mistake_n and_o gross_a error_n which_o yet_o some_o to_o cover_v with_o show_n of_o great_a candour_n in_o judge_v and_o ingenuity_n have_v wish_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o thing_n christianity_n require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o reality_n and_o common_a integrity_n be_v not_o also_o lay_v aside_o here_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o do_v not_o their_o own_o prime_a reason_n and_o of_o all_o civilise_a people_n tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o true_o humane_a be_v more_o natural_a to_o man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v man_n but_o of_o indifferent_a read_n and_o observation_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n nor_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v all_o who_o principle_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o competent_a understanding_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o man_n to_o avoid_v the_o barbarity_n of_o atheism_n must_v believe_v more_o than_o nature_n can_v compel_v they_o unto_o by_o her_o philosophical_a demonstration_n or_o fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n little_a inferior_a to_o atheism_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v frame_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o religious_a as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o no_o far_o and_o which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v call_v his_o freak_n and_o humour_n his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o so_o true_a that_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o he_o will_v not_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o worst_a or_o let_v it_o be_v that_o he_o can_v when_o st._n paul_n if_o he_o be_v but_o so_o far_o believe_v say_v of_o some_o 2_o corinth_n 4._o 4._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o that_o be_v i_o suppose_v be_v well_o know_v have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o vain_a and_o vicious_a man_n have_v by_o their_o presume_a wit_n and_o evil_a life_n tempt_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o be_v accessary_n to_o their_o infatuation_n for_o as_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1._o 17._o so_o do_v every_o notorious_a error_n and_o wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o childeren_n of_o disobedience_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n in_o scripture_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o believe_v it_o reasonable_o propound_v 5._o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o worth_a our_o wonder_v how_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o the_o devil_n in_o scripture_n as_o john_n 12._o 4._o speak_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o scholastical_a difficulty_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n to_o which_o i_o may_v refer_v it_o but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v that_o as_o judge_n or_o prince_n be_v say_v to_o put_v malefactor_n to_o death_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o executioner_n who_o office_n it_o be_v so_o god_n upon_o just_a provocation_n deliver_v great_a sinner_n to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n when_o it_o be_v cause_v direct_o by_o satan_n only_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v most_o proper_o appertain_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 7._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o and_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o god_n assist_v lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 16._o 14._o and_o so_o necessary_a be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v this_o key_n by_o his_o own_o side_n and_o not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o lend_v it_o to_o his_o minister_n no_o not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v christ_n himself_o who_o as_o god_n have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n mind_n always_o succeed_v in_o his_o teach_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o deep_a providence_n suffer_v his_o labour_n to_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v fall_v out_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o beginning_n continue_v and_o consummation_n of_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o repel_v that_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n whereby_o too_o prosperous_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n or_o vineyard_n may_v be_v prone_a to_o attribute_v much_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o
end_n of_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n believe_v firm_o but_o not_o sound_o nor_o true_o his_o faith_n like_a to_o the_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v innumerable_a mistake_n not_o to_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a evil_a consequence_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a and_o willing_a to_o divide_v and_o rend_v faith_n from_o itself_o i_o mean_v the_o form_n or_o inward_a act_n of_o believe_v from_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o faith_n alone_o so_o take_v give_v we_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o give_v we_o sanctification_n too_o for_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v thereunto_o prepare_v by_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v and_o more_o dangerous_o presume_v no_o man_n be_v more_o justify_v alone_o by_o faith_n than_o he_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o alone_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o faith_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o rest_v upon_o such_o faith_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o upon_o such_o work_n of_o faith._n but_o this_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o pass_v 4._o however_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o at_o least_o form_n of_o speak_v as_o have_v late_o prevail_v disow_v the_o necessary_a ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o allow_v yea_o urge_v much_o good_a work_n and_o with_o many_o flourish_n commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o advance_v immoderate_o and_o injudicious_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n cripple_n it_o and_o bind_v it_o up_o from_o the_o free_a course_n and_o full_a influence_n it_o may_v and_o otherwise_o will_v have_v upon_o man_n life_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o evil_a and_o impregnate_v it_o to_o good_a work_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 5._o but_o leave_v that_o controversy_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v without_o controversy_n show_v by_o plain_a instance_n what_o we_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o militant_a state_n here_o and_o let_v it_o be_v ingenuous_o judge_v how_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o one_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o man_n especial_o and_o their_o heart_n and_o action_n and_o infallible_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a can_v easy_o omit_v the_o good_a so_o ample_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remunerate_v or_o rash_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a of_o sin-tempting_a stand_v by_o his_o christian_a faith_n assure_v that_o his_o temporary_a trifle_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o feel_v pleasure_n shall_v end_v infallible_o in_o bitterness_n and_o never-failing_a sorrow_n who_o will_v sow_v that_o seed_n in_o his_o field_n which_o he_o may_v easy_o believe_v will_v rise_v up_o to_o a_o harvest_n of_o serpent_n which_o will_v sting_v he_o to_o death_n or_o can_v a_o man_n steadfast_o believe_v that_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n teach_v and_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v appear_v a_o second_o time_n in_o glory_n and_o severe_a justice_n towards_o quick_a and_o dead_a render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n viz._n life_n everlasting_a or_o shame_n and_o torment_v everlasting_a and_o not_o fear_v or_o fear_v and_o yet_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v weigh_v he_o down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o misery_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v so_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o desireablenesse_n of_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o golden_a cup_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o deadly_a poison_n or_o will_v any_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o bread_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o perhaps_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n which_o he_o know_v will_v sudden_o after_o breed_v gravel_n and_o stone_n in_o his_o reins_o and_o bladder_n and_o infinite_o torture_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n persuasion_n which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o his_o fondness_n strong_a which_o can_v impose_v so_o hard_a thing_n on_o he_o unreject_v 6._o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a glory_n thereof_o yea_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fallacy_n vicious_a practice_n put_v on_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o less_o if_o less_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v not_o this_o next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n for_o what_o way_n we_o call_v a_o miracle_n if_o not_o delude_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o man_n eye_n and_o common_a sense_n that_o he_o shall_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o have_v no_o other_o opinion_n of_o flame_n into_o which_o he_o must_v be_v cast_v than_o of_o a_o feather_n bed_n 7._o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o present_a sweet_a be_v most_o sweet_a and_o the_o present_a bitter_a most_o bitter_a but_o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n the_o future_a exceed_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o to_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o hardship_n in_o this_o world_n no_o more_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o misery_n wicked_a man_n suffer_v hereafter_o than_o the_o joy_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n be_v to_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v hereafter_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o righteous_a it_o may_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v the_o least_o of_o evil_n and_o to_o run_v the_o least_o of_o hazard_n too_o as_o that_o poor_a simple_a austere_a man_n vile_o and_o cold_o clad_v and_o as_o ill_o feed_v do_v with_o who_o as_o our_o own_o history_n tell_v a_o boisterous_a and_o soft_a gallant_a meeting_n demand_v of_o he_o why_o he_o use_v himself_o so_o hardly_o and_o be_v answer_v by_o he_o i_o do_v this_o to_o escape_v hell-fire_n but_o say_v the_o gallant_a again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hell_n what_o a_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o use_v thyself_o so_o ill_o but_o he_o more_o witty_o and_o sharp_o reply_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n how_o much_o more_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o live_v so_o as_o thou_o do_v put_v the_o case_n to_o common_a reason_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doubtful_a point_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o not_o a_o heaven_n or_o no_o heaven_n and_o the_o scale_n weigh_v both_o side_n be_v equal_a will_v not_o general_a reason_n advise_v so_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a course_n and_o live_v that_o life_n which_o may_v lead_v to_o the_o suppose_a happiness_n and_o escape_v the_o threaten_a torment_n what_o hurt_n befall_v that_o man_n that_o live_v continent_o temperate_o modest_o just_o sober_o yea_o and_o selfe-denying_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a though_o no_o reward_n follow_v upon_o his_o rigour_n but_o the_o ordinary_a comfort_n of_o health_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v great_a to_o he_o than_o the_o riotous_a liver_n and_o pleaser_n of_o his_o appetite_n and_o sense_n without_o restraint_n but_o what_o hurt_n do_v not_o befall_v he_o hereafter_o who_o by_o indulge_v to_o his_o sensible_a soul_n bereave_v himself_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o not_o be_v all_o neither_o as_o our_o religion_n true_o inform_v we_o 8._o let_v we_o therefore_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o prove_v ourselves_o know_v of_o our_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o corin._n 13._o 5._o sure_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o event_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o not_o to_o be_v like_o a_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n nor_o like_o such_o man_n who_o have_v