to_o he_o as_o be_v his_o disciple_n for_o who_o he_o there_o particular_o pray_v the_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o the_o great_a force_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o respect_n what_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o in_o st._n matthew_n i_o be_o not_o send_v but_o unto_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n so_o 24._o matth._n 15._o 24._o that_o as_o christ_n before_o his_o resurrection_n show_v himself_o very_o nice_a how_o he_o deal_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o the_o gentile_n so_o may_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n declare_v a_o more_o special_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a servant_n than_o of_o other_o for_o we_o know_v which_o be_v another_o answer_n how_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o by_o a_o note_n of_o denial_n do_v not_o intend_v a_o absolute_a exclusion_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o comparative_a only_o as_o where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v christ_n pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n so_o intense_o and_o particular_o or_o at_o that_o time_n therefore_o he_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o be_v no_o good_a consequence_n and_o no_o more_o be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v from_o a_o adequateness_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o actual_a application_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o same_o death_n by_o such_o intercession_n as_o prayer_n so_o that_o though_o christ_n do_v not_o actual_o pray_v for_o all_o yet_o he_o may_v die_v for_o all_o according_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a 17._o quantum_fw-la in_o medico_n est_fw-la sâ—nare_fw-la merit_n aegrotum_fw-la ipse_fw-la se_fw-la interimit_fw-la qui_fw-la pâ—aecepta_fw-la medici_n â—â—servare_fw-la non_fw-la vult_fw-la aug._n in_o joan._n cap._n 3._o 17._o exhibition_n of_o christ_n abovesaid_a for_o christ_n be_v exhibit_v as_o a_o efficacious_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o a_o efficacious_a cure_n a_o precious_a antidote_n or_o salve_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o compounder_n equal_o operative_a and_o effectual_a to_o all_o person_n in_o like_a manner_n affect_v all_o man_n natural_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o evil_n alike_o affect_v and_o infect_v and_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n alike_o sovereign_a to_o all_o person_n and_o ordain_v for_o all_o and_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o first_o case_n and_o the_o second_o be_v only_o in_o the_o actual_a application_n thereof_o for_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v that_o be_v certain_o cure_v and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o christ_n to_o they_o give_v 12._o john_n 1._o 12._o he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n therefore_o the_o main_a enquiry_n be_v much_o more_o about_o the_o difference_n and_o variety_n outward_a then_o in_o the_o mean_n itself_o and_o how_o and_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o apply_v to_o one_o above_o another_o that_o to_o one_o they_o become_v actual_o efficacious_a and_o to_o another_o in_o aptitude_n and_o general_a institution_n only_o if_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o doubt_n we_o shall_v say_v that_o by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v answer_v most_o true_o but_o not_o sufficient_o because_o the_o same_o difficulty_n return_v upon_o we_o how_o some_o believe_v and_o embrace_v christ_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o not_o other_o see_v so_o great_a salvation_n be_v tender_v to_o all_o here_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o take_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o free_a love_n towards_o mankind_n in_o some_o sense_n at_o least_o by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o not_o by_o wisdom_n make_v void_a the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o free_a and_o general_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n which_o covenant_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v as_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n be_v simple_a and_o inconditionate_n so_o far_o as_o nothing_o shall_v be_v require_v thereby_o of_o man_n to_o the_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o it_o will_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n must_v be_v have_v by_o such_o as_o receive_v any_o benefit_n thereby_o for_o else_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v fulfil_v in_o any_o manner_n the_o condition_n require_v be_v it_o no_o more_o than_o some_o will_v make_v it_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n then_o to_o believe_v themselves_o into_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n by_o a_o tacit_a internal_a act_n and_o this_o and_o no_o more_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o love_n and_o gracious_a purpose_n for_o which_o no_o natural_a cause_n can_v be_v find_v out_o to_o certify_v or_o satisfy_v any_o man_n in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o be_v ordain_v for_o any_o special_o it_o must_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o not_o ratiocination_n and_o all_o extraordinary_a revelation_n beside_o and_o above_o what_o nature_n can_v discover_v be_v pure_o act_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o work_n and_o therefore_o why_o god_n do_v reveal_v his_o gospel_n to_o one_o people_n or_o person_n and_o not_o to_o another_o can_v have_v no_o other_o original_n cause_n then_o the_o beneplacitum_fw-la good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o be_v plain_o 27._o matth._n 11._o 27._o affirm_v by_o christ_n himself_o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o before_o i_o thank_v 25._o v._o 25._o thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v those_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n and_o in_o st._n peter_n 14._o matth._n 16._o 11_o 1_o cor._n 2_o 14._o case_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o thou_o and_o st._n paul_n say_v the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o though_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o a_o man_n by_o christ_n yet_o this_o general_a intention_n can_v possible_o take_v effect_n without_o a_o superadd_v act_n of_o free_a grace_n whereby_o this_o reparation_n be_v make_v know_v again_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o god_n antecedent_n to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o inclination_n move_v he_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o and_o that_o only_a out_o of_o congruity_n not_o of_o justice_n or_o necessity_n as_o suppose_v a_o decree_n give_v to_o man_n which_o will_v be_v whole_o unprofitable_a and_o vain_a without_o such_o revelation_n but_o why_o one_o man_n or_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o this_o gift_n rather_o than_o another_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o congruity_n to_o be_v fair_o allege_v or_o reasonable_o offer_v and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o god_n on_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n towards_o his_o restitution_n so_o be_v the_o second_o act_n of_o man_n flow_v mixt_o from_o his_o will_n and_o understanding_n both_o altogether_o owe_v to_o god_n grace_n and_o that_o be_v believe_v what_o before_o he_o know_v for_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a no_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o be_v profit_v or_o not_o by_o christ_n st._n paul_n thus_o write_v for_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o 2._o hebr._n 4._o 2._o but_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_v they_o not_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o this_o diversity_n be_v very_o great_a but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o for_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o come_v from_o the_o difference_n find_v in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n he_o be_v know_v to_o be_v mistake_v by_o what_o be_v say_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n and_o free_a election_n of_o man_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o worse_a absurdity_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o free_a act_n or_o work_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o as_o determine_v either_o by_o its_o self_n or_o by_o some_o other_o and_o if_o by_o itself_o either_o simple_o and_o absolute_o or_o joint_o with_o another_o cause_n and_o this_o cause_n must_v be_v either_o take_v from_o somewhat_o outward_a as_o the_o object_n due_o propound_v or_o inward_a by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n but_o it_o can_v be_v any_o outward_a object_n present_v itself_o only_o as_o a_o final_a cause_n which_o have_v only_o a_o moral_n and_o not_o natural_a influence_n for_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v to_o what_o end_n such_o a_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o will_n
it_o be_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v further_o then_o from_o the_o negative_a notion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o no_o justify_v faith_n but_o a_o shadow_n of_o it_o not_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o forementioned_a faith_n be_v or_o may_v be_v real_a and_o good_a but_o hypocritical_a can_v never_o be_v so_o as_o hypocritical_a but_o we_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o a_o other_o observation_n we_o conceive_v have_v occasion_v misbelief_n concern_v justify_v faith_n for_o it_o be_v too_o common_o believe_v that_o all_o justify_v faith_n mun_o and_o do_v necessary_o and_o actual_o justify_v all_o in_o who_o it_o be_v but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o but_o that_o be_v true_o justify_v faith_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v thereunto_o though_o peradventure_o defeat_v of_o its_o effect_n for_o if_o natural_a cause_n have_v not_o always_o their_o proper_a effect_n through_o outward_a impediment_n may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o rather_o the_o case_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o work_v not_o natural_o but_o free_o to_o the_o former_a distinction_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v well_o add_v another_o and_o that_o of_o faith_n explicite_fw-la and_o implicit_a much_o insist_v on_o and_o therefore_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o can_v be_v neither_o be_v it_o deny_v but_o real_o such_o case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o good_a christian_n have_v not_o that_o plenitude_n of_o faith_n desirable_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a for_o otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o faith_n of_o st._n peter_n himself_o so_o much_o commend_v by_o christ_n himself_o 18._o mat._n 16._o 16_o 17_o 18._o when_o he_o open_o profess_v the_o deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o not_o long_o after_o christ_n sharp_o rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o ignorance_n of_o this_o passion_n of_o he_o 23_o mat._n 16._o 23_o say_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o and_o so_o be_v the_o disciple_n ignorant_a of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n suppose_v his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v rather_o a_o temporal_a than_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a as_o appear_v by_o their_o question_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v 6._o act._n 1._o 6._o again_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n after_o so_o much_o evidence_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o many_o eminent_o holy_a person_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o christ_n be_v very_o mean_o see_v and_o settle_v in_o divers_a of_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v since_o impose_v as_o necessary_a on_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o aught_o to_o be_v how_o this_o can_v be_v allow_v be_v therefore_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o to_o this_o end_n first_o it_o must_v be_v determine_v what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o implicit_a and_o explicit_fw-la faith_n that_o we_o call_v explicit_fw-la faith_n which_o clear_o distinct_o and_o express_o belieu_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v implicit_a then_o must_v be_v such_o a_o faith_n that_o belieu_v obscure_o and_o confuse_o only_a second_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v this_o distinction_n itself_o for_o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v implicit_a either_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n or_o of_o its_o act._n the_o first_o impliciteness_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o a_o christian_a believe_v some_o one_o material_a article_n of_o faith_n clear_o and_o express_o may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v include_v in_o that_o and_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v believe_v that_o christ_n consist_v of_o a_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v that_o article_n contain_v as_o it_o be_v under_o it_o viz._n that_o christ_n have_v a_o humane_a will_n as_o well_o as_o divine_v though_o his_o ignorance_n be_v such_o as_o never_o to_o have_v particular_o consider_v the_o same_o but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n i_o call_v implicit_a be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v as_o they_o say_v a_o christian_a or_o believer_n at_o large_a and_o like_v that_o religion_n very_o well_o shall_v without_o search_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n shuffle_v all_o together_o and_o conclude_v all_o as_o he_o think_v sufficient_o in_o this_o that_o he_o believe_v as_o a_o good_a christian_a or_o catholic_n believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v the_o first_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o faith_n must_v necessary_o be_v allow_v as_o good_a and_o laudable_a provide_v it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o a_o affect_a ignorance_n or_o sloth_n hinder_v a_o man_n proficiency_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o intention_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o this_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o say_v i_o have_v feed_v you_o with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o meat_n for_o hitherto_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 2._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 6._o neither_o yet_o now_o be_v you_o able_a and_o again_o 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 etc._n etc._n which_o intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n imitate_v their_o master_n herein_o do_v not_o present_o pour_v forth_o all_o the_o several_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n but_o proceed_v gradual_o lay_v first_o the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n and_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o convert_v open_v the_o rest_n more_o explicit_o afterward_o and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o obscure_a and_o narrow_a faith_n of_o the_o unlearned_a be_v general_o more_o sincere_a and_o firm_a than_o that_o of_o the_o know_v and_o inquisitive_a shall_v lead_v they_o to_o heaven_n no_o less_o than_o that_o more_o ample_a christ_n equal_a proceed_n be_v such_o as_o not_o to_o require_v the_o same_o of_o all_o in_o quantity_n of_o measure_n but_o of_o proportion_n to_o their_o state_n and_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n confer_v on_o man_n but_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o faith_n which_o satisfy_v itself_o with_o the_o sincerity_n and_o catholickness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o sort_n not_o attend_v to_o or_o endeavour_v after_o any_o further_a illumination_n or_o information_n in_o the_o branch_n arise_v from_o that_o root_n we_o can_v see_v how_o man_n can_v speak_v reasonable_o or_o conscionable_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o or_o such_o who_o be_v owner_n of_o it_o can_v hope_v to_o receive_v any_o great_a benefit_n than_o to_o be_v number_v among_o true_a believer_n without_o the_o reward_n for_o it_o be_v express_o against_o god_n word_n which_o require_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o symbolum_n col._n 3._o 16._o ignea_fw-la res_fw-la fie_v est_fw-la ubicunque_fw-la ociosa_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la in_o lucerna_fw-la oleum_fw-la alit_fw-la flammam_fw-la ne_fw-la extinguatur_fw-la ita_fw-la charitatis_fw-la opera_fw-la fidem_fw-la alunt_fw-la ne_fw-la deficiant_fw-la fides_n gignit_fw-la bona_fw-la opera_fw-la sed_fw-la illa_fw-la vicissim_fw-la nutriunt_fw-la parentem_fw-la erasmus_n in_o symbolum_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o before_o be_v general_o proportionable_a to_o the_o faith_n itself_o from_o whence_o it_o spring_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n act_n as_o all_o man_n be_v tie_v with_o a_o universal_a obedience_n who_o know_v not_o nor_o believe_v what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v but_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v want_v in_o they_o and_o rude_o and_o effect_o to_o rest_v quiet_o under_o the_o immaginarie_a protection_n of_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v may_v indeed_o keep_v man_n which_o be_v all_o common_o look_v after_o here_o from_o be_v heretic_n but_o it_o do_v not_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v heathen_n for_o what_o ever_o be_v say_v and_o pretend_a such_o ignorant_a person_n do_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v for_o when_o the_o church_n believe_v express_o and_o they_o believe_v confuse_o do_v they_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v when_o the_o church_n believe_v she_o know_v what_o and_o they_o believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o do_v they_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v last_o when_o the_o church_n believe_v direct_o and_o positive_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v propound_v and_o these_o believe_v negative_o that_o be_v no_o otherwise_o then_o the_o church_n not_o opposite_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o do_v they_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v may_v not_o a_o heathen_a believe_v not_o otherwise_o then_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o heathen_a nay_o the_o more_o natural_o stupid_a and_o indocil_a man_n be_v the_o safe_a catholic_n they_o shall_v be_v because_o
allege_a more_o pregnant_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o that_o fiducial_a faith_n as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o man_n before_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v here_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o trust_n be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o faith_n contend_v for_o and_o that_o from_o hence_o or_o the_o like_a text_n not_o a_o different_a virtue_n in_o nature_n or_o kind_n though_o peradventure_o more_o effectual_a and_o prevalent_a be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o above_o other_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n all_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o our_o sanctification_n than_o our_o justification_n for_o we_o be_v altogether_o as_o much_o sanctify_a by_o faith_n alone_o as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o or_o only_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o say_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v 9_o john_n 15._o 3._o act_n 15._o 9_o purify_v by_o faith_n so_o that_o in_o this_o much_o dispute_v question_n i_o know_v no_o ready_a way_n of_o satisfy_v the_o fearful_a and_o dubious_a mind_n than_o by_o take_v a_o due_a estimate_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n or_o particular_a faith_n in_o reference_n to_o supr_fw-la fides_n nos_fw-la à _fw-la peccatis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la purgat_fw-la mentes_fw-la nostras_fw-la illuminat_fw-la deo_fw-la concliat_v prosper_n ubi_fw-la supr_fw-la our_o sanctification_n and_o judge_v alike_o of_o our_o justification_n thereby_o for_o we_o be_v sanctify_v as_o free_o by_o grace_n as_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o as_o much_o by_o faith_n too_o as_o prosper_v before_o cite_v say_v and_o therefore_o last_o in_o answer_n to_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o ancient_n which_o be_v produce_v to_o confirm_v the_o modern_a sense_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v true_a their_o word_n seem_v to_o attest_v so_o much_o but_o their_o meaning_n be_v plain_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o faith_n many_o time_n do_v justify_v without_o work_n that_o be_v any_o outward_a manifestation_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o such_o fruit_n but_o never_o without_o inward_a act_n of_o repentance_n and_o charity_n distinct_a from_o this_o special_a faith_n nor_o without_o such_o a_o devotion_n to_o good_a work_n which_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n to_o exert_v they_o which_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a clemency_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n accept_v for_o the_o thing_n itself_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n by_o they_o give_v to_o manifest_v their_o meaning_n of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v so_o justify_v and_o save_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o good_a work_n answerable_a thereunto_o because_o his_o sudden_a faith_n be_v prevent_v by_o sudden_a death_n nevertheless_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o alone_o as_o to_o exclude_v repentance_n and_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v compatible_a to_o one_o in_o his_o condition_n from_o a_o proportionable_a concurrence_n to_o that_o effect_n be_v not_o where_o say_v nor_o intend_v by_o any_o of_o the_o father_n who_o judgement_n be_v of_o account_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n chap._n xxi_o a_o three_o effect_v of_o justify_v faith_n assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o salvation_n and_o how_o far_o this_o assurance_n may_v be_v obtain_v the_o reason_n common_o draw_v from_o scripture_n prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o assurance_n not_o sufficient_a etc._n etc._n another_o effect_n of_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o consequence_n upon_o it_o have_v the_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n be_v common_o repute_v the_o better_a to_o understand_v which_o we_o must_v take_v as_o suppose_v and_o grant_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o or_o the_o certainty_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o the_o knowledge_n that_o so_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o doubt_v of_o our_o justification_n or_o salvation_n do_v not_o make_v the_o thing_n infallible_o so_o but_o leave_v we_o under_o fear_n and_o sometime_o disconsolation_n but_o a_o competent_a remedy_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o our_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o be_v no_o good_a conclusion_n against_o ourselves_o but_o rather_o be_v found_v in_o humility_n and_o disow_v of_o our_o worth_n and_o righteousness_n a_o introduction_n to_o a_o comfortable_a hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n who_o have_v begin_v at_o least_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o render_v we_o studious_a and_o anxious_a about_o his_o service_n and_o our_o salvation_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v which_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o whether_o so_o or_o not_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o direct_v command_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v this_o assurance_n in_o we_o for_o as_o saint_n john_n say_v hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assurt_v 20._o 1_o john_n 3._o 19_o 20._o our_o heart_n before_o he_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n i_o e._n the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v frequent_o condemn_v they_o but_o their_o comfort_n be_v that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o their_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o judge_v according_a to_o what_o opinion_n good_a or_o evil_n we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o wiâ—dom_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o just_a inference_n at_o all_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v i_o shall_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v nor_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v only_o they_o have_v great_a cause_n thus_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v against_o themselves_o who_o be_v wont_a on_o the_o contraâ—y_n to_o reason_n i_o believe_v i_o shall_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v abuse_v and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n two_o way_n most_o dangerous_o first_o in_o make_v it_o the_o simple_a and_o direct_a cause_n or_o mean_n unto_o justification_n and_o then_o a_o reason_n of_o a_o reflex_n act_n whereby_o they_o stand_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v so_o acquit_v and_o justify_v before_o god_n but_o st._n john_n in_o the_o former_a word_n cite_v reason_n much_o otherwise_o for_o have_v in_o the_o 18._o verse_n exhort_v to_o and_o urge_v the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a christian_a charity_n he_o infer_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o 19_o verse_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n from_o the_o indication_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o brethren_n â—ere_z be_v then_o a_o assurance_n and_o that_o before_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o we_o have_v see_v there_o rest_v and_o consist_v withal_o a_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v as_o we_o have_v show_v the_o reconciliation_n of_o this_o seem_a opposition_n do_v lead_v we_o to_o a_o necessary_a distinction_n tend_v to_o the_o resolve_v of_o the_o principal_a querie_n and_o it_o be_v between_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o the_o act_n of_o justification_n and_o again_o as_o to_o assurance_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o justification_n and_o another_o of_o our_o salvation_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v first_o then_o i_o hold_v it_o sufficient_o demonstrable_a out_o of_o scripture_n that_o a_o man_n may_v and_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v likewise_o this_o we_o teach_v well_o in_o our_o church_n catechise_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n do_v not_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o they_o have_v promise_v for_o thou_o thus_o yes_o very_o and_o by_o god_n help_v so_o i_o will_v and_o i_o hearty_o thank_v our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o he_o have_v call_v i_o to_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n every_o christian_n that_o in_o baptism_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o thereby_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o justification_n for_o thereby_o god_n have_v especial_o elect_v he_o to_o salvation_n of_o which_o election_n the_o scripture_n chief_o if_o not_o only_o speak_v which_o be_v draw_v to_o signife_n the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n choose_v not_o only_a man_n estrange_v from_o god_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o within_o the_o covenant_n to_o a_o infallible_a justification_n and_o salvation_n this_o i_o say_v be_v rare_o if_o at_o all_o intend_a by_o any_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v to_o
to_o we_o such_o be_v last_o the_o many_o prediction_n and_o revelation_n of_o close_a and_o deep_a secret_n of_o man_n not_o possible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o preternatural_a subtlety_n all_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o report_v in_o history_n of_o all_o sort_n divine_a and_o humane_a that_o who_o ever_o will_v call_v in_o question_n must_v be_v judge_v purposely_o to_o have_v take_v on_o he_o such_o incredulity_n that_o he_o may_v deny_v this_o thing_n see_v there_o be_v infinite_a other_o thing_n which_o upon_o no_o great_a evidence_n he_o firm_o believe_v and_o what_o great_a absurdity_n need_v a_o man_n be_v force_v to_o than_o this_o singularity_n of_o judge_v in_o this_o cause_n for_o can_v they_o who_o resolve_v to_o doubt_v of_o this_o matter_n allege_v any_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n contrary_a to_o this_o if_o they_o can_v why_o have_v they_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o world_n all_o this_o while_n if_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v they_o not_o yield_v to_o better_a ground_n for_o it_o than_o they_o have_v any_o against_o it_o viz._n the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o so_o many_o and_o sober_a person_n affirm_v the_o same_o from_o their_o experience_n but_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v then_o by_o due_a gradation_n may_v we_o easy_o ascend_v unto_o the_o most_o supreme_a be_v of_o all_o which_o be_v god_n no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o determine_v any_o point_n which_o may_v not_o be_v exceed_v until_o we_o come_v to_o infinity_n itself_o and_o this_o present_a visible_a world_n be_v but_o a_o draught_n of_o that_o superâ—â—â—_n god_n be_v please_v to_o ordain_v man_n to_o bear_v his_o image_n in_o a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o earthly_a creature_n that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o as_o one_o creature_n serve_v another_o and_o all_o man_n so_o man_n be_v subordinate_a to_o spirit_n and_o create_v spirit_n to_o god_n as_o their_o only_a absolute_a lord_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v all_o minister_a spirit_n i._n e._n under_o 9_o hebr._n 1._o 9_o hebr._n 12._o 9_o god_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n which_o necessary_a and_o harmonious_a dependence_n of_o all_o thing_n on_o one_o be_v so_o consonant_a to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n that_o the_o contrary_a introduce_v a_o deity_n or_o independence_n do_v withal_o bring_v in_o a_o manifest_a anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o universe_n repugnant_a as_o well_o to_o nature_n as_o reason_n furthermore_o the_o several_a art_n and_o science_n minister_v several_a proof_n of_o this_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o particular_a will_v it_o not_o be_v too_o long_o and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v find_v perform_v by_o divers_a already_o that_o take_v from_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v here_o suffice_v nature_n itself_o and_o common_a observation_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v diversity_n in_o cause_n and_o effect_v and_o that_o there_o be_v generation_n and_o corruption_n and_o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v produce_v itself_o and_o for_o instance_n he_o that_o live_v many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o can_v no_o more_o make_v himself_o than_o he_o that_o live_v but_o yesterday_o or_o be_v bear_v this_o morning_n so_o that_o either_o man_n and_o if_o man_n other_o creature_n also_o for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n make_v himself_o or_o be_v from_o eternity_n or_o be_v make_v by_o another_o the_o first_o be_v disprove_v the_o second_o be_v false_a first_o because_o nothing_o have_v be_v esteem_v more_o absurd_a in_o reason_n than_o for_o to_o arise_v to_o a_o infinity_o of_o cause_n one_o above_o another_o second_o then_o certain_o will_v the_o same_o man_n yea_o all_o man_n be_v eternal_a consequent_o as_o well_o as_o antecedent_o but_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o therefore_o may_v conclude_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o three_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o creature_n constitute_v of_o divers_a and_o contrary_a nature_n which_o be_v opposite_a and_o aver_v to_o all_o union_n as_o fire_n and_o water_n wet_a and_o dry_a heat_v and_o cold_a can_v move_v of_o themselves_o to_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o but_o every_o thing_n natural_o cover_v to_o be_v of_o itself_o and_o in_o itself_o fire_n make_v towards_o fire_n and_o water_n to_o water_n and_o earth_n to_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o superior_a power_n as_o well_o to_o bring_v they_o and_o join_v they_o together_o in_o one_o as_o to_o contain_v and_o continue_v they_o there_o which_o must_v be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o that_o first_o cause_n be_v god_n four_o that_o common_a ground_n of_o all_o society_n humane_a justice_n which_o be_v a_o immovable_a and_o indelible_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n approve_v of_o by_o all_o do_v evince_v this_o for_o justice_n suppose_v and_o infer_v a_o deity_n for_o all_o justice_n do_v suppose_v a_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v just_a and_o a_o law_n to_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v which_o be_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o injurious_a for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o every_o man_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o another_o according_a to_o which_o all_o that_o please_v shall_v be_v repute_v just_a but_o this_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o absurd_a ridiculous_a and_o unjust_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o must_v there_o of_o necessity_n be_v a_o common_a rule_n of_o right_n and_o just_a which_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o the_o author_n of_o all_o being_n and_o humane_a society_n itself_o without_o which_o plancio_n meo_fw-la judiciâ—_n pietas_n est_fw-la sumdamentum_fw-la omnium_fw-la virtutum_fw-la cicero_n pro_fw-la plancio_n it_o will_v be_v as_o reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v profitable_a and_o safe_a for_o any_o man_n to_o murder_v his_o prince_n or_o his_o father_n as_o to_o kill_v a_o nitt_n or_o flea_n that_o trouble_v he_o for_o the_o civil_a sanction_n of_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_a do_v not_o make_v the_o foresay_a impiety_n sin_n neither_o be_v they_o simple_o evil_a because_o they_o be_v forbid_v thereby_o but_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o man_n and_o fence_v by_o humane_a law_n because_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o evil_n they_o be_v absolute_o because_o god_n have_v so_o decree_v they_o and_o as_o the_o law_n of_o all_o sovereign_n receive_v their_o original_a vigour_n from_o god_n so_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n law_n fortify_v confirm_v and_o secure_v king_n they_o and_o their_o law_n both_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o trifle_n impertinency_n and_o imposture_n which_o every_o wise_a man_n may_v shake_v off_o and_o confound_v when_o ever_o it_o lay_v in_o his_o power_n for_o where_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n be_v due_a it_o be_v for_o some_o reason_n which_o reason_n be_v form_v into_o a_o law_n but_o no_o man_n can_v make_v a_o law_n whereby_o he_o of_o no_o king_n shall_v become_v a_o king_n for_o before_o he_o can_v make_v any_o law_n he_o must_v be_v a_o king_n or_o supreme_a and_o therefore_o this_o reason_n or_o law_n must_v be_v antecedent_n and_o be_v so_o must_v have_v a_o author_n and_o who_o can_v that_o be_v but_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n five_o add_v hereunto_o that_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o take_v from_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o man_n esteem_v most_o rational_a all_o people_n all_o nation_n concur_v hereunto_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o influence_n so_o incline_v man_n mind_n so_o that_o one_o say_v it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o to_o cicero_n cicero_n be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n who_o deny_v it_o and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o some_o will_v needs_o take_v they_o to_o help_v they_o out_o here_o for_o such_o a_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a principle_n and_o impulse_n as_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o dissent_v from_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n to_o be_v find_v but_o so_o natural_a we_o make_v it_o to_o all_o indifferent_o and_o equal_o dispose_v that_o the_o thing_n once_o fair_o and_o due_o propound_v shall_v not_o find_v contradiction_n without_o violence_n offer_v at_o first_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n bend_v to_o such_o a_o truth_n six_o it_o be_v no_o weak_a argument_n of_o a_o overrule_a and_o supreme_a power_n which_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o contrary_a attempt_n the_o vanity_n and_o infelicity_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v just_a now_o grant_v that_o great_a wit_n as_o they_o will_v be_v call_v may_v nay_o have_v disow_v this_o truth_n
which_o we_o have_v show_v they_o have_v not_o as_o jew_n and_o he_o will_v undoubted_o conclude_v against_o their_o antiquate_a religion_n and_o innovate_v superstition_n chap._n vii_o the_o christian_a religion_n describe_v the_o general_a ground_n thereof_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o after_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o with_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o principal_a false_a pretender_n of_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n it_o follow_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o several_a incomparable_a prerogative_n thereunto_o proper_a and_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o christian_a religion_n and_o what_o it_o be_v christian_n religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n and_o trinity_n of_o person_n through_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o law_n reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n common_o call_v the_o scripture_n this_o description_n whether_o artificial_a enough_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o full_a enough_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v to_o declare_v as_o well_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o wherein_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o other_o and_o therefore_o omit_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o formal_a part_n thereof_o we_o shall_v here_o show_v brief_o what_o great_a advantage_n it_o have_v above_o any_o other_o to_o the_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o faithful_a and_o devout_a observation_n thereof_o and_o that_o this_o only_a and_o no_o other_o can_v true_o please_v god_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o he_o and_o crown_v we_o hereafter_o with_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o it_o follow_v more_o strong_o upon_o that_o ground_n suppose_v that_o such_o a_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a be_v be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o this_o worship_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v religion_n and_o that_o of_o the_o religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a the_o other_o have_v be_v find_v vain_a and_o deficient_a the_o right_a of_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o only_a proper_a worship_n of_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n devolve_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v least_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o or_o like_a exception_n and_o have_v many_o more_o sober_a and_o rational_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v the_o same_o to_o any_o equal_a judgement_n which_o argument_n may_v well_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o very_a body_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o the_o several_a part_n whereof_o it_o consist_v together_o with_o manifold_a pregnant_a circumstance_n attend_v the_o same_o but_o because_o this_o will_v ask_v a_o far_o long_a time_n and_o more_o tedious_a labour_n both_o to_o writer_n and_o reader_n than_o can_v consist_v with_o this_o intend_a compendium_n it_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v to_o give_v such_o probable_a and_o credible_a proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o christian_n do_v believe_v without_o question_n for_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_o so_o call_v and_o profess_v be_v found_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o there_o express_o contain_v if_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a original_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v so_o likewise_o and_o consequent_o the_o religion_n build_v upon_o they_o but_o because_o it_o be_v one_o principle_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v build_v upon_o in_o common_a with_o all_o religion_n that_o somewhat_o must_v so_o be_v believe_v that_o no_o natural_a reason_n or_o mathematical_a can_v invincible_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o such_o demonstation_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_v in_o point_n of_o right_n rather_o than_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v reveal_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o certain_a select_a person_n to_o that_o end_n be_v altogether_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o not_o proceed_v from_o such_o a_o necessary_a and_o natural_a agent_n as_o that_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n it_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o from_o a_o free_a agent_n which_o certain_o may_v have_v suspend_v such_o act_n of_o reveal_v his_o will._n and_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v against_o all_o proper_a demonstration_n from_o effect_n for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o such_o a_o cause_n must_v necessary_o have_v such_o a_o effect_n it_o can_v be_v infallible_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o effect_n must_v have_v such_o a_o cause_n for_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o fire_n must_v necessary_o burn_v it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v that_o what_o we_o see_v burn_v must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o fire_n for_o before_o this_o can_v be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v show_v that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o same_o virtue_n but_o fire_n and_o this_o suppose_n that_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n take_v we_o a_o instance_n yet_o near_o to_o our_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v a_o common_a maxim_n among_o the_o schoolman_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v work_v a_o miracle_n of_o itself_o but_o it_o must_v have_v the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o any_o spirit_n inferior_a to_o god_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v confess_v withal_o that_o diverse_a such_o work_n which_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o extraordinary_a and_o above_o nature_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o some_o perhaps_o evil_a creature_n must_v it_o not_o then_o first_o be_v know_v what_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v wrought_v before_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o how_o can_v this_o infallible_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o another_o miracle_n and_o this_o by_o a_o three_o a_o three_o by_o a_o infinity_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n be_v thorough_o examine_v the_o contrary_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o reasonable_a of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o we_o must_v rather_o first_o of_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a power_n precedent_n and_o effect_v this_o extraordinary_a stupendous_a work_n before_o we_o may_v call_v it_o a_o miracle_n than_o first_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o then_o and_o thence_o infer_v a_o divine_a power_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v very_o difficult_a and_o dubious_a to_o make_v scientifical_a conclusion_n of_o any_o thing_n divine_a and_o that_o after_o all_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a presumption_n to_o render_v a_o thing_n credible_a without_o lightness_n and_o rashness_n yet_o the_o argument_n persuade_v shall_v not_o be_v so_o press_v and_o cogent_a but_o due_a place_n shall_v remain_v for_o a_o faith_n or_o assent_v which_o may_v not_o be_v proper_o humane_a and_o natural_a which_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v if_o it_o proceed_v simple_o from_o sense_n or_o reason_n natural_a but_o divine_a and_o a_o admirable_a temperament_n be_v find_v in_o that_o we_o call_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n inward_o move_v and_o incline_v the_o will_n to_o embrace_v that_o to_o which_o it_o may_v notwithstanding_o all_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a not_o altogether_o unreasonable_o have_v dissent_v and_o yet_o with_o reason_n do_v assent_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n pull_v down_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n excellent_o say_v speak_v of_o the_o carnal_a warfare_n of_o humane_a ratiocination_n either_o for_o or_o against_o divine_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o might_n but_o through_o god_n as_o he_o suffer_v by_o his_o justice_n the_o reason_n and_o eloquence_n of_o man_n to_o take_v place_n against_o his_o doctrine_n or_o to_o prevail_v towards_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o superadded_a power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o to_o this_o end_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_n be_v not_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n
private_a reason_n persuade_v he_o that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o fallible_a than_o another_o man_n and_o therefore_o may_v possible_o embrace_v and_o hug_v a_o false_a conception_n with_o as_o much_o fondness_n as_o a_o true_a and_o withal_o that_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o so_o safe_a as_o public_a nor_o single_a as_o many_o what_o violence_n be_v this_o to_o his_o reason_n nay_o how_o much_o more_o rational_a than_o the_o first_o simple_a act_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o other_o who_o reason_n also_o require_v to_o listen_v to_o and_o obey_v and_o scripture_n much_o more_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v right_o conclude_v against_o both_o extreme_n in_o these_o day_n who_o yet_o agree_v in_o this_o very_a ill-grounded_a opinion_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a director_n or_o judge_n or_o we_o can_v submit_v to_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v absolute_o untrue_a both_o in_o humane_a and_o divine_a matter_n who_o see_v not_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v for_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n desire_v who_o see_v not_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n for_o want_n of_o such_o a_o standard_n of_o opinion_n as_o this_o but_o can_v we_o rational_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o so_o it_o be_v or_o have_v god_n or_o ought_v he_o of_o his_o necessary_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n as_o some_o have_v venture_v to_o affirm_v to_o grant_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v infallible_o good_a for_o man_n be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o a_o fair_a though_o not_o infallible_a way_n be_v open_v to_o attain_v the_o truth_n here_o and_o bliss_n hereafter_o but_o every_o one_o must_v find_v it_o be_v it_o little_a or_o no_o absurdity_n that_o infinite_a never_o come_v to_o mean_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o great_a that_o many_o who_o enjoy_v they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o benefit_n by_o they_o again_o be_v good_a manner_n and_o virtue_n no_o less_o essential_a to_o salvation_n than_o faith_n and_o be_v there_o no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o manner_n be_v there_o no_o infallible_a casuist_n and_o must_v there_o be_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n how_o many_o have_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o yet_o mistake_v either_o in_o the_o sense_n or_o application_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o perish_v in_o unknown_a sin_n and_o yet_o none_o have_v to_o prevent_v that_o great_a and_o common_a evil_n call_v for_o a_o infallible_a censor_n who_o determination_n may_v settle_v doubtful_a conscience_n in_o great_a safety_n and_o silence_v all_o apology_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o so_o bring_v we_o nec_fw-la essary_o to_o truth_n or_o leave_v we_o under_o self_n and_o affect_a condemnation_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v far_o search_v into_o will_v be_v find_v very_o weak_a and_o fallacious_a a_o infallible_a faith_n say_v they_o must_v have_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o of_o these_o some_o assume_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o man_n infallible_a therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v judge_n of_o faith_n other_o assume_v thus_o but_o there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a faith_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n so_o that_o we_o see_v both_o will_v have_v infallible_a judge_n but_o differ_v only_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o they_o for_o the_o former_a will_v have_v the_o scripture_n judge_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v very_o honest_a but_o very_o simple_a the_o late_a will_v have_v some_o external_a judge_n which_o have_v much_o more_o of_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o fail_v only_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o judge_n or_o in_o the_o description_n of_o he_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o ordain_v that_o which_o be_v under_o debate_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o itself_o beside_o the_o great_a absurdity_n of_o confound_v the_o rule_n or_o law_n and_o the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fallacious_a than_o to_o confound_v cause_n and_o occasion_n together_o as_o the_o late_a opinion_n do_v for_o if_o the_o church_n or_o whatever_o judge_n may_v be_v suppose_v be_v the_o true_a direct_a cause_n of_o our_o faith_n then_o indeed_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o our_o faith_n can_v no_o way_n be_v infallible_a unless_o the_o judge_n be_v also_o infallible_a the_o effect_n not_o exceed_v the_o cause_n nor_o the_o conclusion_n the_o premise_n or_o proposition_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v but_o because_o the_o church_n be_v only_o on_o occasion_n or_o a_o cause_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v neither_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o general_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o sentence_n to_o be_v due_o draw_v from_o the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o such_o a_o consequence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n now_o speak_v of_o be_v either_o the_o thing_n believe_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o which_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v be_v no_o cause_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n excite_v and_o exercise_v by_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o the_o mynistery_n of_o the_o church_n serve_v thereunto_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o therefore_o as_o worker_n together_o with_o 1._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o he_o beseech_v you_o also_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a for_o as_o in_o thing_n natural_a he_o that_o apply_v active_n to_o passive_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n proper_a to_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o the_o action_n be_v be_v not_o the_o proper_a or_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o effect_n but_o the_o occasion_n only_o yet_o be_v say_v vulgar_o so_o to_o be_v as_o when_o a_o man_n apply_v fire_n to_o combustible_a matter_n he_o may_v though_o improper_o be_v say_v to_o burn_v it_o when_o it_o be_v the_o fire_n and_o not_o he_o that_o burn_v it_o so_o the_o church_n or_o judge_n of_o scripture_n sense_n apply_v the_o same_o to_o a_o capable_a subject_n the_o effect_n be_v true_a and_o infallible_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o church_n or_o instrument_n or_o mean_v rather_o but_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o produce_v faith_n and_o that_o infallible_a for_o be_v this_o infallibility_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n then_o when_o ever_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o propound_v and_o urge_v point_n of_o faith_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o effect_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o if_o they_o say_v the_o church_n teach_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n they_o say_v she_o teach_v in_o a_o fallible_a way_n which_o overthrow_v all_o and_o from_o this_o be_v clear_v that_o difficulty_n which_o oppose_v a_o judge_n of_o scripture_n and_o faith_n because_o none_o can_v be_v find_v infallible_a for_o not_o make_v the_o judge_n the_o cause_n of_o faith_n but_o occasion_n he_o may_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o faith_n god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a principal_a cause_n with_o his_o holy_a word_n seldom_o or_o never_o concur_v without_o those_o outward_a mean_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o ready_o enough_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_o write_v that_o a_o single_a simple_a person_n want_v great_a help_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o abstruser_n sense_n of_o they_o and_o use_v his_o honest_a and_o simple_a endeavour_n may_v easy_o find_v so_o much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a life_n as_o to_o be_v save_v by_o they_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o any_o man_n who_o presume_v on_o god_n power_n against_o his_o promise_n which_o include_v the_o use_n of_o outward_a mean_n or_o mistake_v his_o promise_n for_o absolute_a when_o it_o be_v conditional_a shall_v look_v no_o far_o than_o their_o own_o wit_n shall_v lead_v they_o now_o the_o outward_a mean_n to_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o promise_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v these_o first_o that_o which_o we_o have_v here_o handle_v a_o general_a and_o sober_a submission_n to_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o our_o spiritual_a father_n and_o pastor_n in_o christ_n which_o to_o forsake_v be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o fornicate_a soul_n according_a to_o solomon_n this_o common_a reason_n and_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o require_v of_o all_o 17._o prov._n 2._o 17._o under_o authority_n by_o the_o disposition_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v educate_v until_o such_o time_n as_o a_o great_a manifestation_n of_o truth_n shall_v withdraw_v they_o unwilling_o from_o the_o same_o for_o so_o long_o as_o sense_n be_v equal_o probable_a on_o both_o
most_o certain_a and_o inevitable_a event_n even_o not_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o those_o necessity_n we_o have_v touch_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o here_o be_v suppose_v the_o same_o will_n and_o same_o power_n to_o effect_v this_o as_o they_o and_o the_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o a_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o against_o this_o because_o this_o proceed_v only_o form_v the_o relation_n such_o mean_n have_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o apprehension_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v any_o connexion_n natural_a between_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o effect_n as_o mere_a chance_n for_o instance_n that_o a_o fly_n shall_v kill_v a_o man_n by_o choke_v he_o be_v as_o contingent_a a_o thing_n as_o can_v ordinary_o happen_v and_o who_o can_v believe_v it_o that_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o such_o a_o fly_n move_v light_o and_o wild_o it_o know_v not_o whether_o itself_o perhaps_o a_o mile_n off_o from_o the_o place_n where_o this_o fall_v out_o and_o many_o day_n before_o the_o fact_n shall_v certain_o be_v the_o death_n of_o such_o a_o man_n yet_o no_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o conscience_n can_v deny_v but_o god_n providence_n and_o decree_n may_v impose_v a_o inevitable_a necessity_n upon_o this_o creature_n so_o opportune_o and_o fit_o to_o move_v as_o that_o it_o shall_v certain_o kill_v he_o and_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v hereof_o doubt_v the_o express_a asseveration_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v satisfy_v he_o herein_o say_v one_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n if_o any_o shall_v so_o 29._o matth._n 10._o 29._o contrive_v our_o saviour_n word_n as_o to_o understand_v without_o god_n will_n to_o be_v contrary_a only_o to_o god_n will_v and_o not_o of_o god_n will_v concur_v and_o his_o knowledge_n note_v the_o same_o st._n luke_n will_v instruct_v he_o otherwise_o who_o render_v 6._o luke_n 12._o 6._o the_o same_o speech_n not_o one_o be_v forget_v which_o imply_v observation_n and_o providence_n that_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o most_o free_a irregular_a and_o contingent_a may_v have_v a_o tacit_n and_o unknown_a determination_n from_o god_n which_o shall_v fix_v and_o infallible_o limit_v they_o to_o some_o special_a end_n i_o may_v presume_v no_o man_n can_v pious_o doubt_v and_o especial_o after_o that_o great_a opposer_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o humane_a action_n have_v be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v so_o much_o i_o mean_v socinus_n who_o grant_v god_n the_o liberty_n and_o power_n so_o to_o determine_v 6._o praelect_n car_fw-fr 6._o the_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o acceptation_n and_o improvement_n of_o grace_n offer_v to_o peter_n and_o to_o paul_n that_o the_o effect_n shall_v inevitable_o follow_v which_o be_v allow_v all_o the_o argument_n usual_o bring_v by_o he_o and_o other_o not_o of_o his_o rank_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o inevitable_a decree_n with_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n will_v lie_v as_o heavy_a upon_o he_o to_o solve_v or_o answer_v in_o his_o case_n as_o on_o any_o other_o who_o shall_v extend_v the_o same_o to_o many_o more_o than_o he_o please_v to_o do_v for_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v that_o god_n good_a will_n to_o they_o shall_v first_o make_v they_o brute_n before_o it_o make_v they_o saint_n in_o limit_v their_o choice_n and_o determine_v the_o same_o to_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o other_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v extinguish_v a_o natural_a humane_a principle_n in_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o salvation_n but_o secure_v it_o to_o other_o i_o hope_v not_o therefore_o if_o a_o necessity_n destroy_v not_o their_o humane_a liberty_n how_o can_v it_o be_v conclude_v that_o it_o do_v it_o in_o other_o oâ—_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a concord_n between_o necessity_n and_o contingencie_n indeed_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a whether_o we_o regard_v god_n or_o man_n for_o neither_o to_o god_n nor_o to_o man_n can_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o contingent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o there_o appear_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_o to_o follow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v say_v on_o the_o part_n of_o man_n to_o be_v fortuitous_a free_a and_o chance_n as_o it_o be_v call_v for_o we_o indeed_o vulgar_o call_v that_o only_o necessary_a where_o there_o appear_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n in_o nature_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_v and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o we_o we_o hold_v a_o thing_n necessary_a or_o contingent_a in_o which_o sense_n we_o hold_v it_o necessary_a that_o a_o heavy_a body_n out_o of_o its_o natural_a place_n shall_v leave_v to_o itself_o descend_v to_o it_o and_o possess_v it_o and_o we_o hold_v it_o not_o so_o necessary_a that_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o in_o a_o clear_a red_a evening_n towards_o the_o west_n shall_v portend_v the_o day_n follow_v to_o be_v fair_a and_o clear_a our_o saviour_n when_o he_o affirm_v this_o speak_v after_o the_o observation_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n which_o general_o herein_o fail_v not_o so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n reaâ—y_n and_o the_o appear_v of_o it_o so_o to_o be_v be_v so_o far_o different_a in_o nature_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o that_o so_o it_o be_v intrinsical_o and_o of_o itself_o because_o we_o can_v make_v no_o other_o judgement_n of_o it_o than_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o that_o because_o we_o perceive_v no_o natural_a connexion_n between_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessitate_v it_o therefore_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o some_o thing_n god_n have_v ordain_v so_o open_o inseparable_a one_o from_o the_o other_o that_o we_o easy_o and_o ready_o infer_v the_o one_o from_o or_o by_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o call_v necessity_n in_o nature_n but_o if_o god_n more_o covert_o and_o subtlety_n have_v likewise_o ordain_v the_o like_a connexion_n not_o by_o a_o law_n of_o constant_a nature_n but_o his_o singular_a will_n for_o which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o no_o reason_n this_o we_o present_o call_v contingent_a though_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o other_o and_o name_n be_v give_v to_o thing_n by_o man_n according_a as_o they_o be_v apprehend_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n into_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o man_n as_o signify_v to_o he_o such_o a_o diversity_n of_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n that_o some_o have_v apparent_a natural_a necessary_a cause_n to_o produce_v they_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v necessary_a and_o some_o thing_n have_v no_o such_o natural_a cause_n but_o more_o immediate_o be_v order_v by_o god_n bring_v cause_n by_o his_o special_a providence_n together_o beside_o their_o nature_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n and_o that_o certain_o though_o not_o natural_o and_o this_o we_o call_v contingent_a that_o this_o manner_n of_o proceed_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v possible_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v desire_v and_o in_o many_o thing_n seem_v to_o we_o as_o casual_a as_o may_v be_v that_o actual_o they_o be_v all_o grant_v for_o to_o we_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a whether_o peter_n shall_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n or_o not_o but_o consider_v the_o resolute_a providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v certain_o outward_a cause_n it_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a the_o great_a question_n must_v then_o be_v about_o the_o general_n viz._n whether_o god_n have_v two_o immutable_a law_n whereby_o a_o necessity_n do_v attend_v all_o effect_n as_o well_o such_o as_o we_o term_v free_a and_o contingent_a as_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a with_o this_o difference_n only_o that_o on_o some_o thing_n he_o have_v lay_v a_o law_n natural_a which_o ordinary_o and_o necessary_o move_v to_o one_o certain_a effect_n and_o end_n as_o be_v see_v in_o natural_a generation_n and_o corruption_n as_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v every_o seed_n shall_v have_v its_o own_o body_n i._n e._n produce_v it_o and_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o that_o whatever_o be_v so_o generate_v shall_v by_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n also_o incline_v to_o dissolution_n again_o and_o that_o by_o a_o private_a invisible_a law_n which_o reserve_v to_o he_o or_o particular_a decree_n he_o certain_o bring_v to_o pass_v even_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n and_o there_o appear_v to_o we_o no_o connexion_n or_o order_n of_o cause_n but_o cause_n be_v by_o his_o special_a hand_n bring_v to_o