mean_n be_v the_o sacrifice_n burn_v up_o christ_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n temper_n spittle_n and_o clay_n together_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n to_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n then_o to_o cause_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v thus_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n christ_n give_v life_n not_o by_o life_n but_o by_o death_n and_o he_o send_v man_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o gate_n and_o suburb_n of_o hell_n he_o show_v his_o great_a power_n in_o the_o great_a weakness_n nay_o his_o power_n 9_o be_v make_v perfect_a through_o weakness_n he_o will_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o old_a foundation_n but_o he_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v all_o that_o man_n may_v have_v no_o hope_n at_o all_o in_o himself_o but_o that_o all_o the_o hope_n he_o have_v may_v be_v in_o god_n first_o he_o kill_v and_o then_o he_o make_v alive_a as_o anna_n 2._o speak_v first_o he_o wound_v and_o then_o he_o heal_v he_o make_v man_n to_o sow_v in_o tear_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v reap_v in_o joy_n and_o he_o that_o know_v god_n deal_n to_o be_v this_o must_v herewith_o rest_v content_a and_o satisfy_v because_o in_o wrath_n god_n use_v to_o remember_v his_o mercy_n yea_o his_o mercy_n be_v never_o sweet_a unto_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n until_o it_o be_v season_v with_o some_o taste_n of_o his_o wrath_n the_o paschall_n lamb_n be_v eat_v with_o sour_a herb_n to_o signify_v that_o we_o can_v feel_v no_o sweetness_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o first_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o corruption_n second_o these_o person_n use_v to_o allege_v against_o themselves_o that_o if_o they_o can_v feel_v any_o comfort_n at_o all_o than_o they_o will_v stay_v their_o mind_n and_o yield_v to_o good_a persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n child_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o above_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o case_n of_o affliction_n we_o must_v not_o live_v by_o feeling_n but_o by_o faith_n this_o rule_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n the_o just_a man_n shall_v live_v 4._o by_o his_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v neither_o sight_n nor_o sense_n nor_o any_o taste_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o only_o apprehend_v his_o wrath_n even_o than_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o mercy_n in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n sense_n &_o feeling_n be_v not_o always_o fit_a direction_n for_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n for_o he_o may_v be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n that_o in_o present_a feel_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a triail_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o even_o above_o and_o against_o reason_n we_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o anger_n so_o do_v david_n out_o of_o the_o deep_a say_v he_o that_o be_v be_v now_o deep_o plunge_v into_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o distress_a conscience_n have_v i_o call_v upon_o thou_o o_o lord_n 130._o and_o job_n in_o the_o like_a case_n lord_n though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o abraham_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n among_o other_o thing_n for_o this_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o god_n above_o hope_n that_o be_v against_o all_o matter_n of_o hope_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v conceive_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n feel_v nothing_o but_o woe_n and_o see_v nothing_o in_o christ_n but_o misery_n and_o contempt_n yet_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v save_v in_o a_o word_n christ_n 18._o himself_o when_o he_o be_v sorsaken_v of_o all_o man_n and_o void_a of_o all_o worldly_a comfort_n and_o feel_v nothing_o but_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wrath_n god_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o passion_n yet_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o manhood_n hestaied_a himself_o and_o say_v my_o god_n my_o god_n three_o they_o use_v to_o plead_v that_o their_o case_n be_v desperate_a that_o never_o any_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o they_o be_v never_o any_o touch_v with_o the_o like_a distress_n of_o mind_n answ._n it_o be_v false_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v pen_v three_o notable_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o book_n of_o job_n and_o two_o psalm_n of_o david_n 77._o wherein_o be_v propound_v unto_o we_o the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o david_n god_n own_o dear_a servant_n who_o be_v in_o as_o great_a distress_n as_o ever_o they_o or_o any_o other_o have_v be_v and_o they_o may_v not_o think_v that_o they_o ever_o can_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v great_a pain_n than_o christ_n who_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o cross_n cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o first_o kind_n of_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n call_v the_o divine_a temptation_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o second_o special_a distress_n arise_v from_o outward_a affliction_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o distress_n be_v that_o which_o arise_v from_o outward_a affliction_n by_o affliction_n i_o understand_v all_o manner_n of_o misery_n and_o calamity_n in_o this_o life_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a from_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o little_a finger_n to_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n now_o the_o question_n be_v how_o the_o trouble_v of_o mind_n arise_v by_o affliction_n may_v be_v remedy_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o question_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o the_o party_n distress_v practice_n and_o meditation_n sect._n 1_o the_o practice_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o affliction_n all_o distress_n of_o mind_n what_o soever_o and_o it_o be_v a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o regard_n of_o sin_n a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a confession_n thereof_o unto_o god_n and_o deprecation_n that_o be_v earnest_a prayer_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o same_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v do_v true_o and_o unfeigned_o from_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o present_a remedy_n against_o this_o trouble_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o much_o comfort_n manasses_n the_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o have_v commit_v much_o wickedness_n when_o he_o be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babel_n and_o there_o put_v in_o chain_n he_o humble_v himself_o acknowledge_v 12_o his_o sin_n and_o pray_v earnest_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o issue_n be_v good_a for_o god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o and_o give_v he_o deliverance_n job_n be_v long_o in_o outward_a affliction_n humble_v himself_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o at_o length_n receive_v comfort_n daniel_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n people_n make_v request_n unto_o 11._o god_n earnest_o for_o they_o and_o even_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v the_o lord_n send_v his_o angel_n gabriel_n to_o give_v he_o notice_n of_o deliverance_n last_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o cross_n perform_v the_o like_a duty_n let_v we_o 40._o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n in_o mercy_n give_v a_o ear_n unto_o her_o mourning_n and_o lamentation_n by_o all_o these_o place_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a remedy_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n grieve_v by_o mean_n of_o outward_a affliction_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o name_v sect._n 2._o the_o next_o thing_n unto_o practice_n be_v the_o meditation_n of_o the_o comfortable_a doctrine_n that_o be_v affliction_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n touch_v affliction_n all_o which_o doctrine_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o five_o principal_a and_o main_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o ground_n be_v that_o all_o affliction_n from_o providence_n the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a do_v come_v to_o pass_v not_o by_o accident_n chance_n or_o fortune_n but_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n i_o explain_v it_o thus_o in_o every_o particular_a cross_n and_o affliction_n there_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n and_o that_o in_o three_o regard_n first_o because_o god_n decree_v and_o foreappoint_v every_o particular_a cross_n mark_v the_o word_n of_o paul_n who_o god_n have_v foreknow_v they_o he_o 28._o have_v predestinate_a to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o image_n of_o his_o sâ—â—ne_n and_o what_o be_v this_o image_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n in_o
man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n one_o with_o he_o eph_n 3._o 17._o now_o whosoever_o be_v by_o faith_n unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v elect_v call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_a the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a for_o in_o a_o chain_n the_o two_o extreme_n be_v knit_v together_o by_o the_o middle_a link_n and_o in_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n of_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n faith_n have_v a_o middle_a place_n and_o by_o it_o have_v the_o child_n of_o god_n assure_v hold_n of_o his_o election_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o glorification_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n say_v s._n john_n c._n 3._o v._n 36._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o c._n 5._o v._n 24._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n now_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o question_n diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v skan_v wherein_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v full_o answer_v and_o resolve_v sect._n 1_o the_o first_o place_n be_v rom._n 8._o 16._o and_o the_o spirit_n 16._o of_o god_n testify_v together_o with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o testimony_n of_o our_o adoption_n set_v down_o the_o first_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o testify_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n but_o some_o will_v happy_o demand_v how_o god_n spirit_n give_v witness_v see_v now_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n answ._n extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n reveal_v some_o thing_n unto_o man_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v true_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n eph._n 3._o 5._o again_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v testimony_n by_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ_n particular_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v general_o propound_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o many_o be_v ready_a presumptuous_o to_o say_v they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o want_v it_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o this_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o the_o true_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v discern_v one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o first_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o true_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wrought_v ordinary_o by_o the_o preach_n read_v and_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o also_o by_o prayer_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o presumptuous_a testimony_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v frame_v in_o the_o brain_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n or_o though_o in_o the_o use_n yet_o with_o want_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o the_o mean_n the_o second_o be_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n zach._n 12._o 10._o yea_o it_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o cry_v and_o call_v earnest_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n with_o a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o own_o misery_n and_o with_o deep_a sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v to_o craâ—e_v mercy_n and_o grace_n at_o his_o hand_n as_o of_o a_o love_a father_n rom._n 8._o 26._o thus_o do_v moses_n cry_v unto_o heaven_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o be_v in_o distress_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n exod._n 14._o 15._o and_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o unfallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o can_v stand_v with_o carnal_a presumption_n the_o second_o testimony_n of_o our_o adoption_n be_v our_o spirit_n that_o be_v our_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o also_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v first_o by_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o offend_a god_n call_v godly_a sorrow_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 10._o second_o by_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v god_n three_o by_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 5._o that_o be_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n now_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v then_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o other_o testimony_n the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v suffice_v to_o assure_v us._n we_o know_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o paint_a fire_n if_o there_o be_v heat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o flame_n put_v the_o case_n again_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v uncertain_a unto_o we_o how_o then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o must_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o first_o beginning_n and_o motion_n of_o sanctification_n which_o be_v these_o first_o to_o feel_v our_o inward_a corruption_n second_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o ourselves_o for_o they_o three_o to_o begin_v to_o hate_v sin_n four_o to_o grieve_v so_o oft_o as_o we_o fall_v and_o offend_v god_n five_o to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n six_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o use_v good_a mean_n seven_o to_o desire_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o and_o last_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n where_o these_o and_o the_o like_a motion_n be_v there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v one_o apple_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o life_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o one_o good_a and_o constant_a motion_n of_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v sanctification_n again_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o must_v be_v do_v if_o both_o be_v want_v answ._n man_n must_v not_o despair_v but_o use_v good_a mean_n and_o in_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v assure_v sect._n 2._o the_o second_o place_n be_v the_o 15._o psalm_n in_o the_o 15._o first_o verse_n whereof_o this_o question_n be_v propound_v namely_o who_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v his_o habitation_n in_o heaven_n the_o answer_n be_v make_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v and_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o three_o general_a note_n of_o the_o say_a person_n one_o be_v to_o walk_v upright_o in_o sincerity_n approve_v his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o god_n the_o second_o be_v to_o deal_v just_o in_o all_o his_o do_n the_o three_o be_v for_o speech_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n without_o guile_n or_o flattery_n and_o because_o we_o be_v easy_o deceive_v in_o general_a sin_n in_o the_o 3_o 4_o and_o 5._o verse_n there_o be_v set_v down_o seven_o more_o evident_a and_o sensible_a note_n of_o sincerity_n justice_n and_o truth_n one_o be_v in_o speech_n not_o to_o take_v up_o or_o carry_v abroad_o false_a report_n and_o slander_n the_o second_o be_v in_o our_o deal_n not_o to_o do_v wrong_a to_o our_o neighbour_n more_o than_o to_o ourselves_o the_o three_o be_v in_o our_o company_n to_o contemn_v wicked_a person_n worthy_a to_o be_v contemn_v the_o four_o be_v in_o our_o estimation_n we_o have_v of_o other_o &_o that_o be_v to_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_n god_n the_o five_o be_v in_o our_o word_n to_o swear_v and_o not_o to_o change_v that_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n especial_o if_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o oath_n the_o six_o be_v in_o take_v of_o gain_n not_o to_o give_v money_n to_o usury_n that_o be_v not_o to_o take_v increase_n for_o bare_a lend_n but_o to_o lend_v free_o to_o the_o poor_a the_o last_o be_v to_o give_v testimony_n without_o bribery_n or_o partiality_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n be_v add_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o answer_n he_o that_o in_o his_o endeavour_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v never_o be_v move_v that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n as_o a_o hypocrite_n sect._n 3_o the_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o epistle_n epistle_n of_o john_n the_o principal_a scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a resolution_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n touch_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o
believe_v because_o the_o father_n believe_v it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o infant_n be_v bear_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v bear_v holy_a and_o sanctify_a answ._n every_o believe_a parent_n sustain_v a_o double_a person_n first_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n descend_v of_o adam_n by_o corrupt_a seed_n and_o thus_o be_v himself_o corrupt_v and_o unclean_a his_o child_n also_o be_v corrupt_a and_o impure_a second_o as_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o believe_a man_n ingraff_v by_o faith_n into_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n and_o thus_o by_o his_o faith_n come_v his_o child_n to_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o be_v a_o believer_n the_o guilt_n of_o original_a corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o infant_n new_o bear_v be_v not_o impute_v unto_o he_o to_o condemnation_n and_o for_o these_o cause_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o absolute_o and_o precise_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sort_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v against_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v object_v that_o christ_n say_v to_o nicodemus_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 5._o to_o this_o objection_n sundry_a answer_n be_v give_v first_o if_o the_o place_n be_v understand_v of_o baptism_n than_o the_o word_n may_v carry_v one_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n first_o that_o our_o saviour_n direct_v this_o speech_n principal_o against_o nicodemus_n who_o be_v a_o timorous_a professor_n and_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o have_v long_o neglect_v his_o baptism_n second_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o put_v not_o for_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o signify_v the_o visible_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v a_o visible_a member_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v make_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o regeneration_n which_o alone_o make_v the_o party_n that_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n to_o be_v a_o live_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n second_o other_o answer_v that_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o baptism_n but_o simple_o of_o regeneration_n and_o that_o christ_n allude_v to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o clean_a water_n and_o expound_v the_o same_o in_o 25._o this_o sort_n thou_o nicodemus_n be_v by_o profession_n a_o pharisie_n and_o use_v many_o outward_a wash_n but_o know_v this_o withal_o that_o unless_o thou_o be_v wash_v inward_o by_o clean_a water_n that_o be_v be_v regenerate_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o god_n kingdom_n last_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n lie_v not_o in_o both_o but_o only_o in_o the_o new_a birth_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v except_o you_o be_v regenerate_v &_o bear_v a_o new_a of_o the_o spirit_n which_o as_o clean_a water_n purge_v and_o cleanse_v you_o from_o your_o sin_n you_o can_v be_v save_v the_o use_n by_o this_o doctrine_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n be_v just_o challenge_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o first_o be_v the_o popish_a sort_n who_o build_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n upon_o false_a and_o unstable_a ground_n for_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o write_n that_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o unless_o they_o be_v cleanse_v from_o it_o they_o can_v never_o be_v save_v now_o baptism_n they_o say_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n and_o sole_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v purge_v from_o sin_n and_o come_v to_o salvation_n and_o this_o they_o snow_v by_o a_o comparison_n of_o baptism_n with_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o which_o be_v stinge_v by_o serpent_n so_o be_v this_o sacrament_n the_o only_a mean_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o that_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o from_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a out_o of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n that_o though_o all_o man_n be_v conceive_v and_o bear_v in_o sin_n and_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o be_v cleanse_v yet_o baptism_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a but_o only_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o purge_n and_o cleanse_v of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n now_o those_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n may_v have_v their_o sin_n remit_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o sign_n thereof_o so_o be_v it_o they_o do_v not_o wilful_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o same_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v again_o the_o serpent_n lift_v up_o by_o moses_n in_o itself_o and_o by_o it_o own_o virtue_n be_v a_o bare_a sign_n and_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o cure_v the_o disease_a israelite_n but_o they_o be_v cure_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n promise_v annex_v unto_o the_o sign_n according_a to_o which_o david_n say_v he_o send_v his_o word_n and_o heal_v they_o psal._n 107._o 20._o and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n augustine_n say_v that_o the_o cure_n and_o health_n of_o the_o israelite_n come_v not_o from_o the_o serpent_n etc._n but_o from_o god_n commandment_n obey_v and_o his_o promise_n believe_v and_o so_o be_v baptism_n a_o remedy_n and_o no_o otherwise_o the_o second_o be_v the_o common_a ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o think_v that_o a_o infant_n die_v without_o baptism_n die_v without_o christendom_n and_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v baptize_v this_o their_o opinion_n be_v very_o erroneous_a for_o by_o it_o they_o make_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a baptism_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a so_o as_o the_o party_n die_v without_o it_o can_v not_o be_v save_v but_o only_o in_o part_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o false_a to_o be_v a_o necessary_a sign_n of_o our_o admission_n and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n yea_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v baptism_n of_o force_n to_o make_v a_o christian_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v and_o declare_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n by_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n ii_o question_n whether_o witness_n which_o we_o common_o call_v godfather_n and_o godmother_n be_v necessary_a to_o this_o there_o be_v give_v two_o answer_n first_o that_o the_o use_n of_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o first_o it_o seem_v that_o of_o ancient_a time_n the_o parent_n of_o child_n which_o be_v heathen_a and_o new_o convert_v to_o christian_a religion_n be_v either_o ignorant_a and_o can_v not_o or_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n agreeable_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o new_o profess_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a that_o some_o person_n of_o good_a knowledge_n and_o life_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o witness_v the_o baptism_n &_o promise_v their_o care_n for_o the_o child_n education_n but_o now_o parent_n among_o we_o be_v better_o teach_v and_o qualify_v the_o other_o be_v not_o of_o such_o necessity_n second_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v in_o his_o word_n all_o thing_n fit_v convenient_a and_o necessary_a unto_o lawful_a baptism_n among_o all_o which_o he_o have_v not_o any_o where_o express_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o surety_n three_o the_o whole_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o at_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n do_v present_a the_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v witness_n that_o the_o child_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v external_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fault_n when_o the_o congregation_n do_v depart_v before_o the_o child_n be_v baptize_v four_o that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o promise_v and_o perform_v may_v you_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v perform_v of_o the_o parent_n of_o the_o baptize_v who_o
pray_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n cheerful_o when_o their_o stomach_n be_v empty_a these_o person_n may_v eat_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_o so_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o caveat_n before_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o in_o these_o country_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v fast_v one_o two_o or_o three_o day_n together_o without_o any_o inconvenience_n we_o can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o hot_a country_n have_v cold_a stomach_n and_o so_o may_v fast_v the_o long_o but_o in_o cold_a climate_n such_o as_o we_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o man_n be_v of_o hot_a stomach_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v fast_v so_o long_o as_o they_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o right_a fast_v end_n of_o a_o religious_a fast_o and_o they_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o so_o the_o bodily_a lust_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n be_v make_v heavy_a the_o heart_n oppress_v the_o sense_n dull_a and_o the_o whole_a man_n unfit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n prayer_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n luk._n 21._o 24._o that_o therefore_o this_o unfitnesse_n may_v be_v take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o unruely_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v by_o this_o exercise_n of_o fast_v the_o second_o end_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o our_o devotion_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o hear_v and_o in_o prayer_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o always_o join_v together_o because_o when_o the_o stomach_n be_v full_a the_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v less_o able_a to_o do_v any_o good_a duty_n and_o contrariwise_o when_o abstinence_n be_v use_v the_o heart_n be_v light_a the_o affection_n in_o better_a order_n the_o whole_a man_n more_o quick_a and_o lively_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n anna_n be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n night_n and_o day_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n luk._n 2._o 37._o and_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v to_o commend_v she_o for_o the_o fervency_n of_o her_o prayer_n which_o she_o testify_v in_o that_o by_o such_o exercise_n she_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v the_o attention_n of_o her_o mind_n the_o three_o end_n be_v to_o testify_v the_o humility_n and_o contrition_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o inward_a sorrow_n and_o grief_n for_o sin_n and_o our_o repentance_n and_o effectual_a turn_n unto_o god_n without_o this_o end_n the_o fast_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n joel_n call_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o fast_v weep_a and_o mourn_a to_o rend_v their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n joel_n 2._o 12_o 13._o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o like_a manner_n reprove_v the_o jew_n because_o when_o they_o fast_v they_o will_v afflict_v their_o soul_n for_o a_o day_n and_o how_o down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o bulrush_n and_o lie_v down_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n isaiah_n 58._o 5_o 6._o therefore_o their_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n the_o four_o end_n of_o a_o fast_o be_v to_o admonish_v we_o of_o our_o guiltiness_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n whereby_o we_o become_v unworthy_a of_o any_o blessing_n gift_n or_o mercy_n yea_o unworthy_a to_o go_v upon_o the_o ground_n to_o breath_n in_o the_o air_n to_o eat_v drink_n sleep_n or_o enjoy_v any_o other_o benefit_n in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o have_v deserve_v by_o our_o sin_n all_o the_o plague_n and_o punishment_n threatue_v in_o the_o law_n against_o sinner_n the_o malefactor_n in_o the_o day_n of_o assize_n can_v give_v great_a testimony_n of_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n then_o by_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n with_o the_o rope_n about_o his_o neck_n neither_o can_v we_o bring_v a_o more_o notable_a sign_n of_o our_o true_a humiliation_n before_o god_n then_o by_o come_v before_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o solemn_a fast_o with_o open_a confession_n and_o proclamation_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o fast_o of_o nineveh_n not_o only_o man_n but_o even_o the_o beast_n be_v forbid_v to_o feed_v or_o drink_v water_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o nivevite_n may_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o heinous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o in_o regard_n thereof_o not_o only_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n themselves_o but_o also_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n for_o their_o sake_n be_v unworthy_a of_o life_n and_o nourishment_n iii_o question_n whether_o popish_a fast_n be_v lawful_a and_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n they_o be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o neither_o approve_v of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o man_n and_o that_o for_o three_o special_a cause_n first_o the_o patron_n &_o maintainer_n of_o they_o do_v appoint_v set_v time_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v keep_v upon_o pain_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o abstinence_n from_o flesh_n with_o they_o be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o prescribe_v set_v time_n necessary_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o governor_n thereof_o have_v for_o this_o purpose_n only_o upon_o special_a occasion_n when_o the_o question_n be_v move_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o johns_n disciple_n why_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n fast_v often_o whereas_o his_o fast_v not_o answer_n be_v give_v in_o this_o manner_n can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_o the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o then_o shall_v they_o fast_v mat._n 9_o 15._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o time_n of_o fast_v must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o mourning_n for_o christ_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o fast_o as_o occasion_n of_o mourning_n be_v offer_v as_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v appoint_v no_o set_a time_n for_o mourning_n no_o more_o can_v there_o be_v enjoin_v a_o set_a time_n for_o fast_v but_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v prescribe_v as_o god_n shall_v give_v occasion_n again_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n for_o observe_v set_v day_n and_o month_n &_o time_n and_o year_n in_o way_n of_o religion_n gal._n 4._o 10._o montanus_n the_o heretic_n be_v think_v in_o 17._o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v law_n for_o set-fasting_a and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o ancient_a time_n fast_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n free_o not_o enforce_v by_o law_n or_o commandment_n but_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n serve_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o challenge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o heresy_n for_o it_o appoint_v and_o observe_v set_v time_n of_o fast_o ans._n nothing_o less_o for_o our_o church_n injoin_v and_o approve_v these_o time_n not_o upon_o necessity_n or_o for_o religion_n sake_n but_o for_o civil_a and_o politic_a respect_n whereas_o the_o romish_a church_n hold_v it_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o put_v off_o a_o set_v fast_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o till_o the_o next_o day_n follow_v the_o second_o reason_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v a_o distinction_n of_o meat_n for_o they_o whole_o forbid_v flesh_n to_o be_v eat_v upon_o day_n of_o fast_n and_o allow_v whitmeate_n only_o then_o to_o be_v use_v and_o that_o of_o necessity_n now_o this_o difference_n of_o meat_n be_v partly_o impious_a partly_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a impious_a it_o be_v because_o they_o make_v it_o for_o religion_n sake_n for_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o eat_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n without_o any_o distinction_n command_v abstinence_n from_o nothing_o which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o hold_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n and_o meat_n but_o how_o not_o in_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o temperance_n &_o health_n for_o civil_a and_o politic_a
goodness_n to_o any_o work_n christ_n say_v of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o worship_v he_o in_o vain_a teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n he_o therefore_o 7._o that_o will_v do_v a_o work_n tend_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v now_o action_n express_o command_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n action_n general_o command_v be_v all_o such_o as_o serve_v to_o be_v help_n and_o mean_n to_o further_o the_o say_v moral_a duty_n and_o here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o action_n indifferent_a in_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n or_o edification_n cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o come_v under_o some_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n to_o which_o purpose_n paul_n say_v if_o eat_v flesh_n will_v offend_v my_o brother_n i_o will_v ult._n eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o though_o his_o eat_n of_o flesh_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o yet_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n his_o mind_n be_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o as_o much_o as_o from_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n again_o if_o a_o action_n indifferent_a come_v within_o the_o case_n of_o further_a the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o church_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o come_v under_o commandment_n and_o so_o all_o kind_n of_o calling_n and_o their_o work_n though_o never_o so_o base_a may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o good_a work_n this_o point_n be_v to_o be_v remember_v for_o it_o serve_v to_o encourage_v every_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n as_o also_o to_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o teach_v that_o only_a alm_n deed_n and_o building_n or_o maintain_v of_o church_n and_o religious_a house_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o good_a work_n now_o to_o the_o manner_n or_o form_n of_o a_o good_a work_n there_o be_v require_v faith_n for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n hebr._n 11._o 6._o so_o whatsoever_o work_n be_v undertake_v without_o faith_n can_v in_o any_o sort_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o what_o faith_n then_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n i_o answer_v first_o a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n second_o a_o particular_a or_o justify_v ult._n faith_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o fit_a to_o bring_v forth_o a_o good_a work_n for_o it_o give_v a_o beginning_n to_o the_o work_n and_o also_o cover_v the_o want_n and_o defect_n thereof_o by_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n again_o a_o good_a work_n for_o the_o manner_n thereof_o must_v be_v do_v in_o obedience_n for_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v command_v of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v a_o mind_n and_o intention_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v according_a to_o his_o commandment_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v see_v work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o obedience_n how_o and_o to_o what_o part_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v direct_v our_o obedience_n i_o answer_v to_o the_o law_n but_o how_o not_o consider_v in_o his_o rigour_n but_o as_o it_o be_v qualify_v mollify_v and_o temper_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n which_o command_v perfect_a obedience_n no_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v a_o good_a work_n furthermore_o touch_v the_o manner_n it_o must_v be_v do_v to_o good_a and_o lawful_a end_n the_o end_n of_o a_o good_a work_n be_v manifold_a first_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n whether_o you_o eat_v or_o 3â—_n drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n second_o the_o testification_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n that_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o christ._n the_o three_o be_v to_o edify_v our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o further_o he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n everlasting_a math._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n &_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o four_o be_v to_o exercise_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n &_o repentance_n both_o which_o be_v much_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n five_o that_o we_o may_v escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o obtain_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteoun_n life_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o paul_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o call_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o say_v from_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n 2._o tim._n 4._o 8._o six_o that_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o call_n in_o do_v the_o duty_n thereof_o and_o in_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n redeem_v by_o christ_n jesus_n when_o david_n keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n he_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o shepherd_n but_o when_o he_o be_v anoint_v king_n over_o israel_n god_n give_v he_o a_o heart_n &_o resolution_n to_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o king_n &_o governor_n of_o his_o people_n look_v then_o as_o david_n do_v so_o ought_v we_o even_o by_o our_o work_n to_o be_v answerable_a to_o our_o calling_n seven_o that_o we_o may_v pay_v the_o debt_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o be_v debtor_n to_o he_o in_o sundry_a regard_n as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n as_o we_o be_v his_o child_n in_o a_o word_n as_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n and_o our_o whole_a debt_n be_v our_o duty_n of_o praise_n and_o thanks_o give_v after_o the_o work_n be_v do_v then_o come_v the_o acceptation_n of_o it_o god_n accept_v of_o our_o work_n diverse_a way_n first_o in_o that_o he_o pardon_v the_o fault_n which_o come_v from_o us._n second_o in_o that_o he_o approve_v his_o own_o good_a work_n in_o us._n three_o in_o that_o he_o do_v give_v unto_o the_o doer_n of_o they_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o glory_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n 2._o tim._n 4._o 8._o rev._n 2._o 10._o we_o then_o after_o we_o have_v do_v the_o work_n must_v humble_v ourselves_o and_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o pardon_v the_o want_n of_o our_o work_n and_o say_v with_o david_n lord_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o 2._o thy_o servant_n &_o with_o daniel_n lord_n unto_o we_o belong_v 9_o open_a shame_n &_o confusion_n but_o to_o thou_o righteousness_n compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o goodness_n no_o holiness_n no_o righteousness_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v present_v we_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n &_o for_o this_o cause_n paul_n say_v i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o thereby_o justify_v great_a reason_n then_o that_o we_o shall_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o our_o want_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v in_o mercy_n accept_v our_o endeavour_n and_o confirm_v the_o good_a work_n begin_v in_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o second_o main_a question_n touch_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n ii_o question_n how_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o conscience_n assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o question_n itself_o this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o main_n ground_n that_o election_n vocation_n faith_n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n &_o eternal_a glorification_n be_v never_o separate_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n but_o like_o inseparable_a companion_n goâ—_n hand_n in_o hand_n so_o as_o he_o that_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o one_o of_o they_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v interest_n in_o all_o the_o other_o in_o his_o due_a time_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n rom._n 8._o 30._o who_o he_o predestinate_a they_o also_o he_o call_v who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o he_o glorify_v in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n to_o a_o chain_n of_o many_o link_n whereof_o every_o one_o be_v so_o couple_v to_o the_o other_o that_o he_o which_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o high_a must_v needs_o carry_v all_o the_o rest_n with_o he_o again_o among_o these_o link_n faith_n be_v one_o a_o principal_a grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o
in_o the_o history_n though_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v as_o ancient_a the_o scripture_n contain_v a_o continue_a history_n from_o age_n to_o age_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 4000_o year_n before_o christ_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n humane_a history_n that_o be_v of_o any_o certainty_n or_o continuance_n begin_v only_o about_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v only_a fragment_n and_o of_o no_o certainty_n the_o second_o property_n be_v consent_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o part_n both_o for_o the_o matter_n scope_n and_o end_n the_o write_n of_o man_n do_v dissent_v from_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n &_o forgetfulness_n in_o the_o author_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n agree_v with_o itself_o most_o exact_o and_o the_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o disagree_v may_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v which_o show_v that_o holy_a man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v be_v not_o guide_v therein_o by_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n but_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sect._n 5._o the_o five_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrary_n the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v in_o contraries_n judgement_n and_o disposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n i_o prove_v it_o thus_o let_v a_o man_n read_v any_o book_n of_o philosophy_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o any_o one_o point_n therein_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n but_o if_o the_o same_o man_n read_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v they_o he_o shall_v have_v within_o himself_o many_o motion_n and_o temptation_n not_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o now_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o but_o that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o oppugn_v with_o might_n and_o main_a again_o consider_v the_o same_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o will_v not_o brook_v the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o sin_n namely_o their_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o other_o notorious_a crime_n by_o scripture_n but_o will_v seek_v the_o blood_n and_o life_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v sharp_o tax_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o wicked_a king_n so_o persecute_v the_o lord_n prophet_n yea_o further_o let_v it_o be_v mark_v that_o these_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v taint_v with_o these_o horrible_a crime_n and_o can_v abide_v the_o word_n nor_o teacher_n thereof_o to_o the_o death_n have_v common_o fearful_a end_n now_o the_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n to_o the_o word_n show_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a word_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n sect._n 6._o the_o six_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o sundry_a testimony_n testimony_n first_o of_o holy_a martyr_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n who_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n blood_n yea_o suffer_v the_o most_o horrible_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o that_o most_o patient_o and_o willing_o not_o be_v daunt_v or_o dismay_v the_o story_n of_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n confirm_v this_o truth_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o suffer_v before_o in_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ten_o bloody_a persecution_n and._n unless_o they_o have_v be_v support_v by_o a_o dâ—â—ine_a power_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n they_o can_v never_o so_o many_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v the_o second_o be_v the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o heathen_a man_n who_o have_v record_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n at_o lest_o many_o of_o the_o principal_a that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o bible_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o colourable_a excuse_n of_o his_o unbelief_n and_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o record_v be_v not_o all_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v register_v to_o memory_n by_o historiographer_n that_o live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v such_o be_v the_o story_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flood_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o circumcision_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n and_o such_o like_a and_o these_o we_o take_v for_o true_a in_o humane_a story_n much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o three_o testimony_n be_v of_o miracle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o teacher_n thereof_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n above_o all_o power_n &_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o such_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o counterfeit_v as_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n the_o four_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o all_o argument_n to_o settle_v and_o resolve_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o seal_v up_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v how_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o be_v obtain_v how_o we_o may_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o answer_v by_o do_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o become_v true_o obedient_a to_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v joh._n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v my_o father_n will_n say_v christ_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n second_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n to_o certify_v our_o conscience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n reveil_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n ask_v faith_n our_o saviour_n christ_n &_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o he_o that_o ask_v receive_v mat._n 7._o 7_o 8._o again_o your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v he_o luc._n 11._o 13._o and_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o reproach_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1._o 7._o sect._n 7._o now_o have_v set_v down_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o scripture_n point_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o question_n some_o special_a objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v and_o resolve_v for_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o all_o age_n both_o atheist_n and_o other_o who_o have_v profess_o except_v against_o it_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n have_v undertake_v to_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n into_o question_n such_o be_v celsus_n lucian_n julian_n porpherie_n apelles_n and_o other_o from_o who_o some_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n have_v not_o cease_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o oppugn_v sundry_a part_n and_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n their_o principal_a reason_n and_o exception_n i_o will_v propound_v and_o answer_v one_o by_o one_o and_o first_o they_o except_z against_o that_o which_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v god_n 1._o make_v the_o sun_n the_o four_o day_n now_o say_v they_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v not_o be_v three_o day_n before_o the_o sun_n be_v create_v consider_v that_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o before_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n for_o of_o cause_n some_o be_v the_o high_a some_o subordinate_a unto_o they_o the_o high_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v god_n himself_o from_o who_o all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o immediate_o flow_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o their_o cause_n in_o nature_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o day_n create_v and_o appoint_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o night_n by_o a_o intercourse_n of_o light_n ordain_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o subordinate_a and_o inferior_a cause_n of_o the_o day_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o sun_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o cause_n be_v not_o set_v in_o nature_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n before_o the_o four_o day_n of_o creation_n for_o than_o it_o please_v he_o
abstain_v then_o come_v unprovided_a to_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o their_o unfitness_n in_o this_o and_o other_o respect_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n to_o induce_v they_o at_o least_o to_o use_v all_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o every_o day_n rather_o than_o a_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o back_o for_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v abstain_v upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o variance_n discontentment_n and_o infirmity_n he_o shall_v never_o receive_v and_o so_o consequent_o have_v no_o benefit_n by_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n daily_a preparation_n therefore_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o be_v call_v and_o have_v opportunity_n they_o may_v come_v as_o welcome_a guest_n unto_o that_o heavenly_a banquet_n ii_o question_n how_o may_v a_o man_n right_o use_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o his_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n ans._n three_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o a_o right_a preparation_n a_o right_n receive_v and_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o afterward_o sect._n 1_o that_o preparation_n be_v needful_a the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v which_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o communicant_n without_o exception_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 28_o let_v a_o man_n that_o be_v let_v every_o man_n examine_v himself_o now_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v right_o prepare_v he_o must_v bring_v with_o he_o four_o several_a thing_n first_o knowledge_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n special_o of_o the_o use_n of_o both_o the_o sacrament_n that_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o preparation_n it_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o paul_n require_v in_o a_o good_a communicant_a 1._o cor._n 11._o 26._o to_o wit_n the_o show_v forth_o of_o christ_n death_n which_o be_v do_v by_o confession_n and_o thanks_o give_v and_o these_o two_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n the_o second_o thing_n require_v be_v faith_n for_o all_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o faith_n be_v hereby_o discern_v when_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n content_v itself_o only_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v believe_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a but_o that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v to_o he_o in_o particular_a the_o three_o be_v repentance_n stand_v in_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n commit_v in_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o a_o resolve_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o renew_v repentance_n for_o sin_n commit_v be_v principal_o require_v before_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o believe_a corinth_n with_o unworthy_a receive_n because_o they_o come_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o renovation_n of_o their_o repentance_n the_o four_o be_v charity_n towards_o man_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o communion_n whereby_o all_o the_o receiver_n joint_o unite_v together_o in_o love_n do_v participate_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o christ._n and_o therefore_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o old_a law_n may_v offer_v his_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o beforehand_a agreement_n with_o his_o brother_n so_o no_o communicant_a may_v partake_v with_o other_o at_o this_o table_n without_o reconciliation_n love_n and_o charity_n now_o further_o touch_v preparation_n there_o be_v three_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v resolve_v i._o case_n what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v if_o after_o preparation_n he_o find_v himself_o unworthy_a ans._n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o unworthines_n of_o a_o evili_fw-la conscience_n and_o of_o infirmity_n unworthiness_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v when_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n this_o we_o must_v especial_o take_v heed_n of_o for_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o reprobate_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o in_o this_o sense_n questionless_a he_o shall_v eat_v his_o own_o judgement_n if_o not_o condemnation_n the_o unworthines_n of_o infirmity_n be_v when_o a_o man_n true_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o good_a duty_n but_o yet_o see_v and_o feel_v want_n in_o they_o all_o and_o in_o regard_n hereof_o himself_o unfit_a to_o the_o supper_n such_o unworthines_n can_v just_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o come_v to_o this_o sacrament_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o make_v he_o to_o abstain_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o lord_n require_v not_o therein_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o the_o truth_n &_o sincerity_n of_o they_o both_o though_o they_o be_v imperfect_a if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v know_v i_o answer_v by_o these_o note_n i._o if_o our_o faith_n be_v direct_v upon_o the_o right_a object_n christ_n alone_o ii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n iii_o if_o we_o have_v a_o constant_a and_o serious_a purpose_n not_o to_o sin_n iv._o if_o there_o follow_v a_o change_n in_o the_o life_n thus_o we_o read_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekias_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o do_v eat_v the_o passeover_n which_o have_v not_o cleanse_v themselves_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o for_o those_o among_o they_o that_o have_v prepare_v their_o whole_a heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n the_o text_n say_v that_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o hezekias_n and_o heal_v the_o people_n though_o they_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 2._o chron._n 30._o 18_o 19_o 20._o ii_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o preparation_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v fast_v to_o this_o supper_n ans._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n christian_n do_v first_o feast_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o feast_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o receiver_n bring_v with_o they_o attentive_a mind_n reverend_a and_o sober_a heart_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o they_o come_v fast_v or_o not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_v as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 14._o 17._o iii_o case_n whether_o such_o person_n as_o be_v at_o contention_n and_o go_v to_o law_n one_o with_o a_o other_o may_v with_o good_a conscience_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o question_n be_v because_o man_n think_v when_o they_o go_v to_o law_n that_o they_o do_v not_o forgive_v ans._n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o revenge_n of_o the_o penalty_n and_o of_o judgement_n ofrevenge_n when_o man_n be_v content_a to_o lay_v aside_o all_o hatred_n and_o requital_n of_o evil_a of_o penalty_n when_o be_v wrong_v they_o be_v content_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n up_o and_o not_o proceed_v to_o revenge_v by_o inflict_a punishment_n of_o judgement_n when_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v thing_n bad_o do_v as_o well_o do_v and_o to_o judge_v a_o bad_a man_n no_o evil_a person_n nor_o a_o enemy_n though_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o these_o three_o the_o first_o be_v always_o necessary_a a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o forgive_v the_o revenge_n and_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o vengeance_n proper_o belong_v but_o to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o penalty_n and_o judgement_n we_o be_v not_o always_o bind_v we_o must_v shun_v and_o decline_v injury_n offer_v as_o much_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v but_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o may_v with_o good_a conscience_n seek_v a_o remedy_n of_o they_o and_o use_v any_o lawful_a mean_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o therefore_o i_o answer_v to_o the_o question_n thus_o that_o if_o a_o man_n go_v to_o law_n with_o a_o other_o forgive_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o revenge_n when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n he_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o do_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o other_o as_o have_v be_v say_v sect._n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o right_n receive_v of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v first_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o knowledge_n or_o general_n faith_n and_o then_o second_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o special_a faith_n in_o christ._n let_v the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v observe_v this_o sacrament_n contain_v many_o particular_a sign_n as_o not_o only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o the_o action_n about_o the_o same_o the_o sign_n may_v be_v thus_o distinguish_v some_o of_o they_o be_v represent_v sign_n some_o be_v sign_n apply_v represent_v sign_n be_v such_o as_o do_v lively_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o christ_n with_o his_o benefit_n as_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n
obedience_n that_o also_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 27._o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n where_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v we_o to_o subject_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o overthrow_v the_o vow_n of_o regular_a obedience_n for_o in_o that_o a_o man_n bind_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o superior_a yea_o to_o eat_v drink_n sleep_n to_o be_v clothe_v etc._n etc._n according_a to_o a_o certain_a rule_n give_v and_o prescribe_v by_o he_o whereas_o in_o regard_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v bind_v only_o unto_o god_n last_o the_o vow_n of_o voluntary_a poverty_n be_v also_o a_o plain_a abuse_n of_o god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n deut._n 15._o 4._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o beggar_n in_o israel_n but_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o this_o law_n be_v not_o perpetual_a for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o read_v that_o there_o be_v beggar_n as_o namely_o one_o that_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n daily_o to_o ask_v alm_n act._n 3._o ans._n this_o law_n neither_o be_v then_o nor_o be_v now_o abrogate_a by_o god_n but_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n and_o since_o be_v much_o neglect_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o beg_v and_o the_o vow_n of_o perpetual_a poverty_n still_o remain_v as_o a_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o the_o second_o reason_n follow_v monkish_a vow_n as_o they_o be_v against_o god_n commandment_n so_o be_v they_o also_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o we_o have_v by_o christ_n touch_v the_o use_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o riches_n marriage_n meat_n drink_n and_o apparel_n stand_v fast_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a gal._n 5._o 1._o again_o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n or_o in_o drink_n or_o inrespect_n of_o a_o holy_a day_n coloss._n 2._o 16._o in_o these_o place_n there_o be_v grant_v unto_o man_n a_o free_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a so_o it_o be_v not_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n now_o in_o monkish_a vow_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v indifferent_a and_o put_v in_o our_o liberty_n be_v make_v necessary_a whereas_o no_o ordinance_n of_o man_n can_v make_v thing_n simple_o necessary_a and_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o forbid_v of_o meat_n and_o marriage_n be_v term_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 1._o but_o will_n some_o say_v do_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o our_o commonwealth_n forbid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o meat_n ans._n he_o do_v but_o by_o his_o commandment_n he_o take_v not_o away_o the_o liberty_n that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o do_v only_o moderate_v it_o for_o the_o common_a good_a which_o he_o may_v do_v lawful_o iii_o the_o three_o reason_n some_o of_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o he_o that_o vow_v as_o the_o vow_n of_o perpetual_a chastity_n in_o single_a life_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v all_o man_n can_v receive_v this_o word_n but_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v matth._n 19_o 11._o that_o be_v continency_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n whereof_o all_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a but_o those_o only_a to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o when_o and_o as_o long_o as_o it_o please_v he_o neither_o be_v it_o deny_v unto_o some_o because_o they_o will_v not_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a against_o this_o the_o papist_n object_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v any_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n if_o we_o pray_v for_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v say_v ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v matth._n 7._o 7._o ans._n it_o be_v false_a god_n gift_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o faith_n repentance_n obedience_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n some_o again_o be_v special_a gift_n not_o give_v to_o all_o nor_o needs_o full_a to_o salvation_n but_o peculiar_a only_o to_o some_o as_o health_n wealth_n continency_n single_a life_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v be_v mean_v of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a and_o special_a gift_n for_o some_o may_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o never_o receive_v they_o thus_o paul_n pray_v thrice_o that_o the_o prick_n in_o his_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o hear_v nor_o his_o petition_n grant_v and_o why_o because_o that_o which_o he_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o a_o common_a gift_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o a_o special_a grace_n for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o temptation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v present_o assault_v whereupon_o answer_n be_v give_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o hence_o we_o learn_v in_o what_o manner_n to_o ask_v thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o we_o pray_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o may_v ask_v absolute_o and_o simple_o but_o thing_n that_o be_v less_o necessary_a with_o this_o condition_n if_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n again_o the_o papist_n allege_v a_o example_n of_o two_o marry_a person_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v smite_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n with_o the_o dead_a palsy_n the_o other_o must_v needs_o pray_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n ans._n in_o this_o case_n a_o marry_a party_n may_v ask_v it_o and_o by_o god_n mercy_n obtain_v it_o because_o now_o there_o remain_v unto_o he_o or_o she_o no_o other_o remedy_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o single_a person_n consider_v that_o they_o have_v a_o other_o remedy_n which_o be_v marriage_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o look_v or_o hope_v to_o obtain_v such_o a_o gift_n three_o they_o say_v god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o man_n sufficient_a aid_n and_o strength_n that_o if_o they_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n they_o may_v have_v the_o gift_n of_o chastity_n for_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v give_v to_o all_o though_o not_o effectual_a ans._n it_o be_v false_a there_o be_v neither_o sufficient_a nor_o effectual_a grace_n give_v to_o all_o to_o live_v a_o single_a life_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a and_o special_a gift_n give_v only_o to_o some_o paul_n to_o timothy_n will_v young_a woman_n not_o to_o endeavour_n to_o forbear_v when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n but_o in_o want_n thereof_o to_o marry_v 1._o tim._n 5._o 14._o where_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n to_o live_v in_o perpetual_a chastity_n though_o they_o will_v iv._o the_o four_o reason_n popish_a vow_n do_v abolish_v that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n to_o wit_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n out_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o by_o serve_v of_o man_n gal._n 5._o 13._o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o again_o rom._n 13._o 10._o love_n be_v call_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v practise_v not_o apart_o by_o itself_o but_o in_o and_o with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n from_o this_o order_n it_o follow_v that_o every_o man_n beside_o the_o general_n call_v of_o a_o christian_a must_v have_v some_o particular_a kind_n of_o life_n in_o the_o which_o he_o must_v walk_v and_o therein_o do_v service_n to_o man_n which_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o must_v not_o eat_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v 2._o thess._n 3._o 10._o now_o these_o vow_n make_v a_o separation_n between_o these_o two_o for_o they_o bring_v man_n into_o a_o general_a call_n but_o they_o utter_o frustrate_v and_o make_v void_a the_o particular_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o so_o as_o a_o man_n keep_v they_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o man_n either_o in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n beside_o by_o the_o vow_n of_o poverty_n the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v disannul_v 1._o tim._n 5._o 16._o which_o be_v that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o maintain_v himself_o or_o have_v any_o kindred_n able_a to_o do_v it_o he_o shall_v not_o