1._o 26._o brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n be_v choose_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v renounce_v his_o own_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o but_o the_o more_o wit_n and_o learning_n a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o attribute_v to_o it_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n whereas_o they_o who_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o these_o gift_n do_v not_o trust_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n witness_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n to_o win_v a_o fool_n to_o wisdom_n than_o one_o who_o think_v or_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o so_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o great_a ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n now_o for_o the_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 2._o 13._o 13._o man_n have_v forsake_v god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o then_o what_o wisdom_n can_v be_v in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n so_o be_v he_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v natural_o so_o void_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o bruit_n beast_n but_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a proportion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v nay_o he_o be_v more_o ignorant_a than_o be_v the_o brute_n beast_n whereof_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o which_o know_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o teacher_n even_o by_o the_o secret_a instinct_n of_o nature_n what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o itself_o yea_o the_o secret_a virtue_n of_o some_o herb_n or_o of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v stand_v they_o in_o stead_n but_o man_n be_v any_o way_n distress_v know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v either_o to_o god_n or_o any_o natural_a thing_n for_o help_v be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v other_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o part_n temperamente_n frame_n disposition_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o the_o preserve_n or_o heal_v of_o it_o save_v only_o the_o outward_a member_n and_o fashion_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o man_n shall_v brag_v of_o that_o great_a knowledge_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o search_v it_o out_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n grant_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o industrious_a man_n that_o they_o attain_v to_o knowledge_n some_o more_o other_o less_a but_o the_o learnede_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n but_o also_o natural_o unable_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dulness_n &_o shallowness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n form_n reason_n and_o virtue_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o why_o the_o loadstone_n draw_v iron_n to_o it_o of_o the_o which_o kind_a infinite_a instance_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o find_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o consider_v the_o cause_n but_o by_o mark_v the_o effect_n and_o so_o not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o good_a cunning_n as_o we_o say_v but_o by_o chance_n and_o by_o experience_n the_o schoolmaster_n of_o fool_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a knowledge_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n do_v renew_v in_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n this_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o glorious_a image_n we_o call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n because_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n both_o have_v the_o first_o place_n and_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n holiness_n 23._o for_o as_o christ_n do_v teach_v math._n 6._o 23._o if_o the_o eye_n have_v light_a in_o it_o it_o do_v enlighten_v the_o whole_a body_n but_o if_o it_o be_v dark_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v with_o knowledge_n there_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o if_o there_o be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o trust_v or_o hope_n in_o god_n or_o love_n fear_v &_o obey_v he_o or_o perform_v any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n unto_o god_n who_o he_o do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o mercy_n love_n goodness_n promise_n power_n justice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n merciful_a bountiful_a and_o just_a and_o not_o be_v affect_v to_o he_o according_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frame_v the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o elect_a be_v to_o take_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n their_o natural_a dulness_n unbelief_n and_o ignorance_n and_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v believe_v and_o know_v god_n 2._o thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n so_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n knowledge_n thus_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1._o 9_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o 9_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v 14._o act._n 16._o 14._o that_o whilst_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o understand_v it_o yet_o god_n open_v the_o hart_n that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o lydia_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n this_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a thing_n in_o regeneration_n and_o that_o whereby_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o faithful_a may_v most_o plain_o be_v convince_v for_o what_o be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o that_o man_n who_o before_o be_v dull_a rude_a simple_a and_o unlearned_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a become_v able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o mind_n most_o steadfast_o &_o to_o express_v in_o word_n very_o sensible_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o christian_n religion_n yet_o this_o experience_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a &_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o same_o 15._o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n this_o come_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v this_o knowledge_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o who_o will_v feel_v in_o himself_o this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o change_v his_o mind_n to_o give_v himself_o diligent_o and_o continual_o to_o the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o this_o renew_a knowledge_n be_v not_o either_o so_o great_a or_o yet_o so_o general_a as_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n wherein_o he_o know_v god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n perfect_o but_o the_o faithful_a know_v god_n his_o word_n will_n &_o action_n so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v wherein_o we_o hope_v for_o our_o full_a adoption_n even_o the_o redention_n of_o our_o body_n the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n whereof_o be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n as_o dull_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a as_o touch_v this_o secundarie_n knowledge_n of_o the_o sensible_a creature_n as_o do_v the_o other_o yea_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o
this_o spiritual_a joy_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o although_o they_o can_v clean_o extinguish_v it_o yet_o they_o cool_v and_o diminish_v it_o yea_o and_o so_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o corner_n as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o any_o way_n appear_v yea_o even_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v work_n in_o the_o faithful_a sorrow_n sigh_n and_o groan_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 8._o 13._o beside_o this_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n which_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o 13._o they_o be_v continual_o sore_o grieve_v and_o even_o torment_v in_o themselves_o when_o as_o they_o behold_v the_o vain_a and_o wretched_a estate_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v move_v to_o pity_n even_o by_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o brute_n beast_n the_o horrible_a sin_n which_o abound_v every_o where_n and_o the_o general_a atheism_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o much_o more_o whenas_o they_o consider_v the_o calamity_n misery_n abuse_n corruption_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n do_v and_o that_o just_o work_v continual_a grief_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o grief_n be_v moderate_v with_o patience_n and_o contentation_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o desperation_n and_o death_n as_o carnal_a sorrow_n do_v but_o be_v at_o length_n the_o cause_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o thus_o omit_v for_o brevity_n sake_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o have_v not_o so_o common_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n we_o conclude_v this_o second_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n to_o wit_n his_o conformity_n to_o god_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o change_n hapen_v in_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n chapter_n i._o of_o the_o change_n hapen_v in_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o man_n in_o general_n the_o mutability_n of_o the_o creature_n whereby_o the_o identity_n of_o god_n be_v illustrate_v appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o general_a diversity_n of_o man_n state_n which_o sometime_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a man_n other_o time_n sinful_a and_o miserable_a and_o again_o become_v holy_a here_o on_o earth_n and_o glorious_a in_o heaven_n but_o also_o in_o the_o particular_a change_n hapen_v in_o his_o several_a state_n whereof_o none_o can_v make_v he_o so_o immutable_a as_o that_o he_o may_v say_v true_o of_o himself_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_v and_o will_v be_v that_o i_o be_o and_o no_o otherwise_o as_o touch_v his_o create_a holiness_n it_o can_v not_o be_v either_o so_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n diminish_v or_o so_o absolute_o perfect_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v daily_o to_o be_v increase_v but_o this_o uncertainty_n and_o mutability_n appear_v far_o more_o plain_o in_o his_o other_o estate_n the_o one_o of_o natural_a sinfulness_n the_o other_o of_o renew_a holiness_n of_o both_o which_o there_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o many_o degree_n as_o there_o be_v carnal_a &_o regenerate_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o although_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n have_v already_o so_o possess_v all_o the_o part_n &_o faculty_n of_o body_n &_o soul_n &_o be_v as_o deep_o imprint_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o spot_v be_v in_o the_o skin_n of_o a_o leopard_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o increase_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n or_o any_o decrease_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o naturalnes_n of_o it_o yet_o both_o these_o change_n may_v be_v see_v the_o one_o usual_o in_o most_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o do_v daily_o plunge_v themselves_o deep_o and_o deep_o in_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v the_o other_o in_o diverse_a both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n likewise_o in_o regeneration_n the_o faithful_a man_n never_o stand_v at_o one_o stay_v but_o do_v always_o grow_v either_o upwarde_a or_o downward_o in_o godliness_n for_o as_o usual_o he_o increase_v his_o spiritual_a strength_n change_v his_o christian_n infancy_n with_o a_o ripe_a and_o constant_a age_n and_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o sometime_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n as_o we_o see_v the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v in_o old_a age_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v return_v the_o same_o way_n he_o come_v fall_v into_o one_o sin_n after_o another_o and_o so_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n although_o not_o total_o and_o final_o yet_o greivous_o and_o fearful_o thus_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n change_v itself_o from_o less_o to_o more_o and_o from_o more_o to_o less_o from_o good_a to_o evil_n and_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a yea_o from_o good_a to_o better_v and_o from_o evil_a to_o worse_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o be_v the_o moon_n which_o continual_o decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o light_n appear_v every_o night_n in_o a_o new_a form_n these_o change_n difference_n and_o degree_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o all_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v either_o seek_v after_o or_o avoid_v as_o they_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o declare_v the_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n not_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o estate_n into_o another_o the_o which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o the_o proper_a change_n of_o each_o state_n as_o first_o how_o adam_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n may_v either_o have_v decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o holiness_n second_o how_o a_o carnal_a man_n abide_v in_o his_o natural_a sinfullnesse_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o sinful_a and_o last_o how_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o these_o in_o order_n if_o first_o we_o put_v the_o reader_n in_o mind_n that_o these_o change_n be_v make_v from_o that_o measure_n of_o create_a holiness_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o renew_a holiness_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o although_o sometime_o for_o illustration_n a_o high_a degree_n both_o of_o holiness_n and_o of_o sin_n be_v mention_v yet_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v down_o that_o mediocrity_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v of_o holiness_n both_o create_v and_o renew_v which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v ordinary_o and_o usual_o in_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o regeneration_n and_o likewise_o that_o measure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n and_o may_v be_v see_v in_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n not_o in_o all_o because_o in_o some_o it_o be_v diminish_v nor_o in_o most_o because_o usual_o it_o be_v increase_v as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v chap._n ii_o of_o the_o change_n of_o create_a holiness_n it_o may_v be_v doubt_v how_o man_n live_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o innocent_a and_o happy_a estate_n can_v decrease_v in_o holiness_n especial_o see_v that_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o part_n chap._n 3_o sect._n 2._o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v so_o tie_v and_o link_v together_o that_o he_o can_v not_o loose_v any_o particular_a grace_n without_o lose_v all_o nor_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n because_o by_o commit_v sin_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o moment_n of_o commit_v it_o he_o shall_v fall_v from_o his_o innocency_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o all_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o there_o must_v a_o difference_n be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o want_n of_o a_o grace_n and_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o decrease_a in_o holiness_n which_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o that_o this_o decrease_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o that_o any_o grace_n or_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v whole_o want_v holiness_n for_o thereof_o sin_n will_v necessary_o follow_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o continual_a or_o final_a but_o only_o for_o some_o short_a space_n of_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o particular_a grace_n as_o faith_n love_n temperance_n may_v be_v in_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n sometime_o in_o great_a and_o sometime_o in_o small_a measure_n
give_v 29._o and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o diverse_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o abundance_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v call_v plerophoria_fw-la a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n say_v to_o be_v in_o abraham_n rom._n 4._o 21._o hereof_o come_v abundance_n of_o faith_n 21._o of_o love_n rom._n 5._o 3._o and_o 15._o 13._o and_o of_o all_o grace_n 13._o as_o 1._o thess._n 1._o 3._o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o work_n of_o their_o faith_n 3._o their_o laborious_a love_n 3._o and_o their_o patient_a hope_n and_o 2_o thess._n 1._o 3._o that_o their_o faith_n superaugescit_fw-la that_o be_v increase_v above_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a measure_n and_o that_o their_o love_n do_v abound_v according_o this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o therefore_o be_v make_v type_n and_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v and_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n as_o lantern_n full_a of_o light_n and_o as_o shine_v and_o blaze_a star_n that_o we_o may_v both_o admire_v and_o labour_v to_o overtake_v they_o in_o their_o excellent_a grace_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o particular_a virtue_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o uprightness_n of_o enoch_n who_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n 11._o the_o patience_n of_o job._n jam._n 5._o 11_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n the_o courage_n of_o josua_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o samuel_n the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o david_n be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n the_o zeal_n of_o phiny_n josias_n and_o many_o other_o thus_o paul_n mention_v his_o own_o painfulness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v far_o above_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o he_o say_v rom_n 16._o 7._o that_o andronicus_n and_o junia_n be_v man_n notable_a among_o the_o apostle_n 7._o and_o of_o timothy_n that_o none_o be_v like_a to_o he_o in_o faithful_a labour_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n philip._n 2._o 20._o 20._o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o this_o abundance_n may_v be_v know_v be_v these_o a_o burn_a zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o set_v forward_o his_o worship_n and_o gospel_n a_o vehement_a hatred_n of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o shadow_n of_o superstition_n a_o tender_a and_o bountiful_a love_n towards_o the_o godly_a a_o mind_n undaunted_a with_o any_o torment_n death_n or_o misery_n a_o constant_a course_n of_o godliness_n in_o all_o outward_a change_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o philip._n 4._o 13._o 13._o that_o he_o can_v want_v and_o abound_v be_v full_a and_o empty_a and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n a_o life_n free_a from_o any_o gross_a sin_n a_o extraordinary_a contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n last_o a_o manner_n of_o freedom_n from_o be_v either_o overcome_v or_o almost_o tempt_v by_o any_o gross_a sin_n for_o although_o the_o corruption_n of_o flesh_n and_o the_o impudency_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o tempt_v christ_n to_o commit_v sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o neuer_o so_o holy_a may_v lay_v away_o his_o weapon_n and_o be_v secure_a in_o respect_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o long_a practice_n of_o all_o godliness_n the_o faithful_a come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o surpass_a strength_n in_o grace_n that_o as_o the_o courageous_a horse_n go_v into_o the_o battle_n scorn_v the_o fearful_a sound_n &_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n so_o this_o godly_a man_n whereof_o we_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n laugh_v at_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o entisemente_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o presume_v on_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o seek_v it_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n but_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v in_o give_v it_o be_v diverse_a some_o good_a some_o evil_a in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v all_o holy_a exercise_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n &_o continual_a increase_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o careful_a diligent_a long_o and_o continual_a use_n whereof_o god_n do_v often_o grant_v this_o happy_a success_n even_o as_o he_o bless_v the_o diligent_a and_o painful_a hand_n with_o great_a plenty_n in_o temporal_a thing_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n before_o regeneration_n the_o which_o it_o please_v god_n some_o time_n to_o change_v into_o this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o high_a flood_n follow_v the_o low_a ebb_n this_o god_n do_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o elect_a which_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o holiness_n out_o of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n as_o clear_a light_n out_o of_o palpable_a darkness_n this_o christ_n teach_v us._n 41._o luk._n 7._o 41._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o debtor_n whereof_o the_o great_a have_v great_a cause_n and_o also_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o woman_n verse_n 47._o who_o love_v much_o because_o many_o sin_n be_v forgive_v unto_o she_o 47._o sowhere_o sin_n do_v abound_v there_o grace_n abound_v much_o more_o yea_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n do_v sometime_o use_v the_o hot_a fierceness_n of_o affection_n and_o the_o violent_a disposition_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o as_o of_o itself_o it_o carry_v a_o man_n headlong_o into_o the_o most_o outrageous_a sin_n so_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o become_v the_o whetstone_n of_o holiness_n thus_o be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n both_o natural_o and_o spiritual_o affect_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o be_v a_o most_o superstitious_a pharisee_n more_o than_o mad_a in_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o become_v a_o faithful_a man_n pass_v all_o other_o in_o unquenchable_a zeal_n of_o god_n spirit_n last_o as_o touch_v this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v sit_v down_o as_o be_v at_o his_o iorneis_n end_n but_o as_o the_o great_a riches_n that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o great_a be_v his_o gain_n desire_v and_o increase_v of_o riches_n so_o the_o more_o holiness_n that_o any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o careful_o aught_o and_o the_o more_o fruitful_o may_v he_o labour_n in_o increase_a it_o phil._n 3._o 13._o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n 13._o i_o count_v not_o that_o i_o have_v attain_v unto_o any_o such_o perfection_n but_o still_o i_o do_v forget_v that_o which_o be_v behind_o and_o endevore_fw-mi myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o that_o be_v i_o do_v not_o mind_v that_o holiness_n which_o i_o have_v already_o receive_v but_o do_v continual_o think_v on_o that_o which_o i_o do_v want_n as_o yet_o chap._n ix_o of_o celestial_a holiness_n although_o we_o have_v now_o go_v as_o far_o in_o declare_v the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o any_o man_n can_v in_o this_o world_n either_o in_o have_v or_o in_o practise_v it_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o rest_v as_o be_v come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n for_o if_o the_o aforesaid_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a can_v possible_o be_v void_a of_o sin_n be_v absolute_o the_o high_a degree_n holiness_n this_o inconvenience_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v admit_v will_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o regeneration_n recover_v as_o good_a a_o state_n and_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o lose_v by_o his_o own_o sin_n in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o go_v on_o a_o little_a further_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o in_o our_o desire_n till_o we_o come_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o renew_a holiness_n as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o least_o spot_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o this_o perfection_n may_v without_o all_o question_n yea_o most_o necessare_o be_v attain_v unto_o for_o man_n can_v not_o be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n into_o the_o which_o nothing_o be_v sinful_a can_v enter_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v imperfect_o holy_a yet_o he_o
our_o nature_n be_v capable_a and_o whereunto_o we_o willby_o all_o mean_n aspire_v notwithstanding_o your_o commandment_n to_o the_o contrary_a not_o doubt_v but_o that_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n wit_n endeavour_n and_o invention_n we_o shall_v become_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o we_o be_v by_o this_o your_o creation_n upon_o this_o resolution_n the_o creature_n disobey_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o god_n into_o extreme_a misery_n now_o whether_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o fall_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o creature_n itself_o let_v any_o reasonable_a creature_n judge_v for_o god_n do_v neither_o command_n nor_o counsel_n it_o but_o do_v careful_o forewarn_v they_o of_o it_o yea_o he_o do_v neither_o put_v any_o evil_a motion_n into_o their_o mind_n nor_o yet_o withdraw_v from_o they_o any_o natural_a grace_n whereby_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v uphold_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n whither_o they_o will_v be_v clean_a and_o obey_v he_o or_o else_o rebel_v against_o his_o word_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v compel_v the_o creature_n to_o fall_v we_o answer_v affirm_v that_o to_o be_v utter_o untrue_a for_o god_n do_v decree_n that_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o free_a will_n and_o therefore_o his_o decree_n do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o establish_v man_n free_a will_n if_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a that_o the_o same_o action_n shall_v be_v both_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a as_o we_o make_v this_o action_n to_o be_v we_o answer_v that_o to_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o to_o god_n for_o man_n can_v bring_v any_o thing_n certain_o to_o pass_v by_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a mean_n but_o god_n can_v work_v necessary_o by_o those_o mean_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n fall_v out_o by_o chance_n and_o at_o hap_n hazard_v for_o there_o be_v no_o thing_n contingent_a or_o uncertain_a to_o god_n whodoth_a foresee_v all_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o do_v build_v his_o immutable_a decree_n upon_o the_o evente_n themselves_o which_o be_v necessary_a not_o upon_o the_o contingencie_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o in_o this_o instance_n how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o free_a will_n whereby_o he_o may_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n will_v choose_v the_o evil_a part_n to_o decree_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n by_o his_o freewill_n and_o yet_o to_o leave_v man_n in_o the_o very_a action_n free_a either_o to_o stand_v or_o to_o fall_v again_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n may_v have_v uphold_v man_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a grace_n we_o confess_v that_o to_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o thereof_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fall_n for_o the_o natural_a grace_n wherewith_o man_n be_v endue_v and_o which_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o be_v sufficient_a if_o he_o will_v have_v use_v it_o aright_o and_o for_o supernatural_a grace_n god_n be_v neither_o bound_n to_o give_v any_o neither_o do_v he_o think_v the_o creature_n worthy_a of_o any_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n which_o do_v so_o unthankeful_o abuse_v his_o former_a bounty_n or_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o pure_a estate_n will_v illustrate_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o will_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n last_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o god_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v these_o his_o excellent_a creature_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o permanent_a estate_n and_o that_o by_o take_v from_o they_o all_o possibility_n of_o fall_v and_o all_o freedom_n of_o will_n in_o respect_n of_o evil_a as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o man_n and_o as_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v uncapable_a of_o evil_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o which_o be_v allege_v be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o freedom_n of_o will_n do_v not_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v excellent_a without_o it_o for_o where_o no_o will_n be_v there_o be_v no_o understanding_n as_o for_o the_o elect_a both_o man_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o god_n not_o by_o any_o such_o natural_a strength_n &_o disposition_n of_o will_n as_o can_v choose_v evil_a the_o which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o be_v not_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o either_o as_o brute_n beast_n and_o senseless_a tree_n or_o else_o as_o god_n himself_o who_o only_o can_v be_v tempt_v with_o any_o evil_a so_o then_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o wicked_a angel_n and_o man_n kind_n fall_v from_o their_o first_o state_n be_v their_o own_o free_a will_n choose_v sin_n and_o refuse_v life_n offer_v by_o god_n but_o god_n be_v no_o other_o way_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o fall_n than_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o action_n in_o the_o world_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a namely_o in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o in_o that_o he_o make_v the_o freewill_n of_o man_n he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n make_v the_o fall_n which_o come_v of_o it_o &_o second_o in_o that_o he_o give_v a_o effectual_a occasion_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o question_n for_o we_o inquire_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o this_o fall_n the_o whole_a matter_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v declar_v by_o this_o similitude_n a_o wise_a father_n purpose_v to_o let_v his_o son_n see_v his_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o intemperancy_n together_o with_o his_o love_n &_o fatherly_a affection_n towards_o he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o make_v he_o fall_v into_o some_o mortal_a sickness_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v he_o this_o he_o will_v effect_v not_o by_o give_v he_o poison_n to_o drink_v for_o they_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o bear_v the_o blame_n of_o that_o evil_a but_o by_o lay_v it_o in_o his_o way_n as_o it_o be_v a_o bait_n in_o some_o sweet_a meat_n which_o he_o know_v that_o his_o son_n love_v and_o will_v eat_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v it_o and_o lest_o that_o he_o shall_v plead_v ignorance_n and_o so_o avoid_v the_o blame_n of_o wilfulness_n he_o forewarn_v he_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o meat_n charge_v he_o very_o instant_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o as_o be_v unwholesome_a and_o hurtful_a unto_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o intend_v this_o young_a man_n come_v where_o this_o pleasant_a meat_n be_v remember_v his_o father_n counsel_n &_o commandment_n yet_o be_v by_o the_o entisement_n of_o evil_a companion_n and_o his_o own_o appetite_n move_v to_o eat_v of_o it_o persuade_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n in_o it_o as_o his_o father_n will_v make_v he_o believe_v and_o therefore_o no_o cause_n he_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o that_o matter_n so_o he_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o poyson_v himself_o now_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n have_v a_o hand_n and_o play_v their_o in_o this_o tragedy_n yet_o not_o the_o father_n who_o give_v the_o occasion_n only_o but_o the_o young_a man_n himself_o who_o do_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o take_v that_o hurtful_a meat_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v &_o count_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n in_o like_a manner_n god_n deal_v with_o man_n he_o decree_v his_o fall_n yet_o do_v not_o throw_v he_o down_o but_o only_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o his_o way_n he_o do_v not_o infect_v man_n with_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n but_o put_v it_o into_o a_o goodly_a apple_n which_o he_o know_v that_o man_n will_v devour_v greedy_o whensoever_o occasion_n be_v offer_v this_o he_o do_v by_o forbid_a man_n to_o eat_v of_o that_o fruit_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n he_o make_v the_o eat_n of_o it_o to_o be_v sin_n that_o be_v deadly_a poison_n which_o otherwise_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a so_o then_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n so_o as_o he_o who_o lay_v a_o bait_n for_o fish_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o death_n he_o use_v no_o violence_n towards_o they_o but_o only_o suffer_v they_o to_o follow_v their_o natural_a appetite_n but_o satan_n who_o be_v the_o second_o actor_n play_v a_o far_o diverse_a part_n labour_v by_o promise_n pretence_n enticement_n persuasion_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n god_n sit_v still_o on_o the_o bank_n hold_v a_o angle_n rod_n in_o his_o hand_n with_o bait_n &_o hook_n hang_v at_o it_o wait_v till_o man_n come_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n and_o bite_v but_o satan_n pursue_v man_n up_o and_o
ideae_fw-la or_o species_n engrave_v in_o they_o by_o nature_n but_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n by_o some_o outward_a mean_n and_o so_o to_o replenish_v these_o empty_a room_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o this_o state_n far_o more_o easy_o certain_o and_o soon_o than_o any_o man_n can_v get_v knowledge_n in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o man_n first_o for_o human_a knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n of_o sense_n experience_n observation_n and_o collection_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n man_n have_v great_a subtility_n and_o quickness_n of_o outward_a sense_n arise_v of_o the_o exact_a temperament_n of_o his_o body_n and_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v aright_o without_o error_n the_o impression_n of_o any_o object_n and_o according_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n dispose_v the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n and_o by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v able_a with_o great_a quickness_n facility_n certainty_n and_o truth_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v to_o imagine_v and_o invent_v to_o compound_v and_o divide_v to_o collect_v and_o infer_v to_o reason_n and_o discourse_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o in_o sum_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n action_n and_o motion_n in_o any_o natural_a and_o finite_a object_n without_o fail_v or_o err_v in_o his_o work_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o man_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n call_v human_a knowledge_n not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o any_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o corrupt_a estate_n so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o body_n do_v let_v knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n as_o light_n come_v into_o a_o house_n by_o the_o window_n of_o it_o yet_o man_n do_v not_o get_v knowledge_n only_o by_o open_v his_o eye_n but_o by_o diligent_a use_v and_o employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o work_n hereof_o we_o may_v infer_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o man_n know_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v not_o be_v know_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n as_o for_o example_n he_o can_v not_o give_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o the_o effect_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v contingent_a as_o in_o his_o own_o action_n he_o can_v not_o foresee_v his_o own_o fall_n whether_o he_o shall_v resist_v or_o give_v place_n to_o temptation_n because_o the_o truth_n hereof_o do_v depend_v on_o the_o extemporal_a motion_n of_o his_o freewill_n which_o may_v incline_v itself_o to_o either_o part_n second_o that_o he_o know_v not_o any_o particular_a thing_n which_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apprehend_v by_o his_o outward_a sense_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o know_v the_o secret_a thought_n of_o another_o man_n nor_o define_v the_o number_n of_o thing_n infinite_a as_o to_o tell_v how_o many_o stone_n or_o fish_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n these_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o know_v neither_o be_v it_o needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v they_o again_o hereof_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n have_v not_o any_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o age_n for_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n the_o faculty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o perform_v their_o several_a function_n in_o any_o perfect_a manner_n yea_o further_a that_o in_o his_o youth_n he_o be_v to_o be_v train_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o in_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v knowledge_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v so_o slow_a dull_a and_o untoward_a as_o be_v the_o witty_a and_o most_o forward_a one_o in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n but_o that_o he_o do_v profit_n in_o knowledge_n far_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o can_v do_v in_o this_o sinful_a time_n last_o in_o that_o man_n be_v to_o get_v knowledge_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o actual_a knowledge_n for_o howsoever_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n serve_v for_o the_o get_n of_o knowledge_n be_v much_o alike_o in_o all_o without_o any_o great_a difference_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difference_n as_o in_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n so_o also_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o great_a their_o actual_a knowledge_n be_v less_o of_o man_n yet_o as_o man_n do_v give_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o the_o search_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o man_n humane_a knowledge_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o sense_n &_o therefore_o to_o be_v know_v by_o some_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o answer_n hereof_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o to_o two_o part_n the_o one_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n the_o other_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o action_n counsel_n decree_n and_o will_v this_o latter_a part_n be_v altogether_o unknowen_a to_o man_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v extraordinary_o reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n otherwise_o no_o man_n yea_o no_o angel_n in_o heaven_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o secret_a counsel_n as_o no_o angel_n know_v when_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n math._n 24._o 36._o 36._o thus_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o fall_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o he_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o need_n of_o this_o knowledge_n yet_o god_n do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v his_o counsel_n unto_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o that_o by_o vision_n apparition_n dream_n â—_o ectasy_n inspiration_n &_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n but_o most_o common_o by_o a_o create_a voice_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o adam_n in_o the_o garden_n this_o part_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n may_v easy_o be_v attain_v to_o by_o man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v and_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n essence_n and_o nature_n which_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a how_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o man_n although_o the_o same_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v a_o finite_a thing_n comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a again_o whatsoever_o man_n know_v or_o conceave_v in_o his_o mind_n he_o conceive_v it_o by_o a_o similitude_n or_o image_n of_o the_o say_a thing_n abstract_v from_o it_o by_o his_o outward_a sense_n but_o whereunto_o shall_v man_n resemble_v or_o compare_v god_n who_o be_v not_o like_a to_o any_o thing_n either_o true_o exist_v or_o which_o can_v be_v imagine_v we_o answer_v confess_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v god_n full_o as_o a_o man_n may_v know_v the_o whole_a nature_n form_n force_n matter_n virtue_n and_o ability_n of_o a_o tree_n beast_n or_o any_o other_o creature_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o do_v give_v to_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o due_a unto_o he_o and_o yet_o man_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n even_o by_o know_v it_o to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o get_v a_o likeness_n or_o form_n of_o it_o by_o know_v it_o to_o be_v incomparable_a to_o any_o thing_n and_o unlike_a to_o all_o thing_n whereof_o arise_v this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n be_v a_o certain_a thing_n or_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o incomparable_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o man_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o his_o happiness_n or_o of_o his_o holiness_n to_o have_v a_o general_a and_o confuse_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o certain_a thing_n or_o nature_n there_o be_v innumerable_a nature_n beside_o he_o in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o have_v a_o privative_a knowledge_n that_o god_n can_v be_v comprehend_v of_o any_o creature_n or_o resemble_v to_o any_o thing_n for_o this_o knowledge_n
general_a renovation_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o also_o sin_n itself_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o accuse_a conscience_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o hereof_o follow_v diverse_a effect_n in_o they_o as_o namely_o fear_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o temporal_a punishment_n whereunto_o they_o by_o their_o sin_n have_v lay_v themselves_o open_a second_o a_o increase_n of_o humiliation_n in_o regard_n thereof_o and_o last_o this_o accuse_a conscience_n be_v as_o a_o bit_n to_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n check_v they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o tooth_n with_o the_o judgment_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v by_o commit_v sin_n pull_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o accuse_a conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o then_o work_v when_o they_o fall_v by_o force_n of_o temptation_n into_o some_o great_a sin_n conscience_n otherwise_o it_o do_v not_o great_o vex_v and_o trouble_v they_o yet_o as_o sin_n be_v never_o want_v so_o it_o be_v never_o altogether_o idle_a now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o contrary_a work_n of_o the_o conscience_n excuse_v the_o faithful_a before_o god_n the_o which_o it_o do_v first_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o their_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o also_o of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o first_o respect_n their_o conscience_n excuse_v they_o not_o as_o be_v perfect_o just_a but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n perform_v unto_o he_o though_o imperfect_a yet_o true_a unfeigned_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n thus_o do_v the_o prophet_n david_n often_o in_o the_o psalm_n offer_v his_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n this_o excuse_v conscience_n dare_v not_o show_v his_o face_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n where_o it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o a_o filthy_a and_o defile_a clout_n but_o it_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n who_o reward_v the_o godliness_n of_o his_o servant_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o security_n from_o temporal_a judgment_n but_o the_o true_a excuse_v conscience_n look_v on_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o do_v justify_v and_o absolve_v the_o faithful_a as_o be_v full_o and_o perfect_o just_a and_o free_a from_o all_o guilt_n of_o sin_n this_o excuser_fw-fr be_v he_o who_o only_o can_v abide_v the_o trial_n of_o god_n justice_n saluaâ—tion_n who_o make_v the_o faithful_a rejoice_n in_o all_o misery_n yea_o secure_a in_o regard_n of_o danger_n it_o make_v they_o triumph_v over_o sin_n satan_n hell_n death_n and_o damnation_n and_o replenish_v their_o heart_n with_o such_o a_o perfect_a peace_n whereby_o they_o feel_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n even_o whilst_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n whereof_o whosoever_o have_v once_o taste_v may_v count_v himself_o thrice_o happy_a this_o kind_n of_o excuse_v conscience_n come_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o do_v the_o former_a kind_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o of_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o one_o free_v the_o faithful_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o temporary_a evil_n as_o the_o other_o do_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n of_o both_o of_o they_o arise_v the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a persuasion_n and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a glory_n but_o against_o this_o doctrine_n many_o do_v object_n &_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o such_o knowledge_n see_v that_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v so_o secret_a that_o no_o man_n have_v at_o any_o time_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o be_v of_o his_o counsel_n in_o that_o behalf_n again_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v get_v if_o by_o any_o mean_n then_o either_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o a_o man_n own_o estate_n as_o from_o some_o faith_n or_o holiness_n which_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o first_o mean_n be_v general_o reject_v the_o other_o be_v uncertain_a can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o to_o build_v this_o certain_a persuasion_n last_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o will_v a_o door_n be_v set_v open_a to_o all_o licentiousness_n &_o godless_a security_n for_o what_o need_n he_o who_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v take_v pain_n and_o sustain_v trouble_n &_o grief_n in_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n by_o a_o godly_a &_o holy_a life_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n or_o elect_a can_v be_v know_v and_o also_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o get_v by_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n yet_o affirm_v that_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o by_o that_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o which_o do_v even_o lead_v the_o faithful_a man_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n eternal_a election_n and_o do_v there_o let_v he_o see_v not_o the_o state_n of_o other_o man_n but_o his_o own_o name_n write_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v be_v true_o call_v they_o who_o be_v true_o call_v be_v justify_v they_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v that_o be_v they_o be_v as_o certain_o certain_o as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o glorify_v salvation_n rom._n 8._o 29._o 30._o and_o therefore_o the_o scripure_a speak_v of_o the_o faithful_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v already_o attain_v eternal_a salvation_n 30_o joh._n 3._o 8._o 8._o yea_o this_o be_v do_v not_o without_o good_a cause_n for_o the_o regeneration_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a glory_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v not_o two_o diverse_a state_n or_o condition_n but_o only_o diverse_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o this_o life_n receive_v some_o part_n as_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest-pennie_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o that_o they_o have_v already_o as_o we_o say_v one_o foot_n in_o heaven_n and_o get_v possession_n of_o it_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n but_o may_v confident_o say_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v not_o we_o hope_v or_o gross_a that_o we_o be_v translate_v already_o not_o that_o we_o be_v hereafter_o from_o death_n to_o life_n not_o by_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 14_o that_o be_v because_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o endue_v with_o renew_a holiness_n whereof_o the_o love_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v a_o notable_a part_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n 38._o rom._n 8._o 38._o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n neither_o angel_n nor_o principality_n neither_o thing_n present_v nor_o thing_n to_o come_v can_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o object_v that_o although_o true_a regeneration_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n and_o forerunner_n of_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v whether_o his_o regeneration_n be_v true_a or_o only_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v often_o in_o the_o reprobate_n and_o although_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n at_o one_o time_n yet_o he_o may_v loose_v and_o lack_v they_o at_o a_o other_o and_o so_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o that_o estate_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o he_o be_v in_o both_o which_o respect_n he_o that_o think_v that_o he_o stand_v aught_o to_o fear_v lest_o he_o fall_v rather_o than_o to_o boast_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n we_o answer_v that_o true_a regeneration_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n neither_o make_v so_o light_a a_o change_n in_o a_o man_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o discern_v where_o it_o be_v present_a neither_o be_v it_o any_o uncertain_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v lose_v but_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v there_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v at_o one_o time_n or_o at_o a_o other_o and_o where_o it_o once_o appear_v there_o it_o always_o abide_v for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o total_a and_o a_o supernatural_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n will_n affection_n thought_n word_n and_o dede_n of_o a_o man_n can_v be_v hide_v or_o doubtful_a for_o any_o long_a time_n but_o will_v show_v itself_o both_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o man_n and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o believer_n himself_o salvation_n for_o all_o though_o it_o come_v