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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n faith_n justify_v salvation_n 3,033 5 8.0315 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58850 The method and means to a true spiritual life consisting of three parts, agreeable to the auncient [sic] way / by the late Reverend Matthew Scrivener ... ; cleared from modern abuses, and render'd more easie and practicall. Scrivener, Matthew. 1688 (1688) Wing S2118; ESTC R32133 179,257 416

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end_n of_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n believe_v firm_o but_o not_o sound_o nor_o true_o his_o faith_n like_a to_o the_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v innumerable_a mistake_n not_o to_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a evil_a consequence_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a and_o willing_a to_o divide_v and_o rend_v faith_n from_o itself_o i_o mean_v the_o form_n or_o inward_a act_n of_o believe_v from_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o faith_n alone_o so_o take_v give_v we_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o give_v we_o sanctification_n too_o for_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v thereunto_o prepare_v by_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v and_o more_o dangerous_o presume_v no_o man_n be_v more_o justify_v alone_o by_o faith_n than_o he_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o alone_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o faith_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o rest_v upon_o such_o faith_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o upon_o such_o work_n of_o faith._n but_o this_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o pass_v 4._o however_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o at_o least_o form_n of_o speak_v as_o have_v late_o prevail_v disow_v the_o necessary_a ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o allow_v yea_o urge_v much_o good_a work_n and_o with_o many_o flourish_n commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o advance_v immoderate_o and_o injudicious_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n cripple_n it_o and_o bind_v it_o up_o from_o the_o free_a course_n and_o full_a influence_n it_o may_v and_o otherwise_o will_v have_v upon_o man_n life_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o evil_a and_o impregnate_v it_o to_o good_a work_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 5._o but_o leave_v that_o controversy_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v without_o controversy_n show_v by_o plain_a instance_n what_o we_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o militant_a state_n here_o and_o let_v it_o be_v ingenuous_o judge_v how_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o one_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o man_n especial_o and_o their_o heart_n and_o action_n and_o infallible_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a can_v easy_o omit_v the_o good_a so_o ample_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remunerate_v or_o rash_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a of_o sin-tempting_a stand_v by_o his_o christian_a faith_n assure_v that_o his_o temporary_a trifle_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o feel_v pleasure_n shall_v end_v infallible_o in_o bitterness_n and_o never-failing_a sorrow_n who_o will_v sow_v that_o seed_n in_o his_o field_n which_o he_o may_v easy_o believe_v will_v rise_v up_o to_o a_o harvest_n of_o serpent_n which_o will_v sting_v he_o to_o death_n or_o can_v a_o man_n steadfast_o believe_v that_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n teach_v and_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v appear_v a_o second_o time_n in_o glory_n and_o severe_a justice_n towards_o quick_a and_o dead_a render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n viz._n life_n everlasting_a or_o shame_n and_o torment_v everlasting_a and_o not_o fear_v or_o fear_v and_o yet_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v weigh_v he_o down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o misery_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v so_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o desireablenesse_n of_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o golden_a cup_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o deadly_a poison_n or_o will_v any_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o bread_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o perhaps_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n which_o he_o know_v will_v sudden_o after_o breed_v gravel_n and_o stone_n in_o his_o reins_o and_o bladder_n and_o infinite_o torture_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n persuasion_n which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o his_o fondness_n strong_a which_o can_v impose_v so_o hard_a thing_n on_o he_o unreject_v 6._o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a glory_n thereof_o yea_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fallacy_n vicious_a practice_n put_v on_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o less_o if_o less_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v not_o this_o next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n for_o what_o way_n we_o call_v a_o miracle_n if_o not_o delude_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o man_n eye_n and_o common_a sense_n that_o he_o shall_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o have_v no_o other_o opinion_n of_o flame_n into_o which_o he_o must_v be_v cast_v than_o of_o a_o feather_n bed_n 7._o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o present_a sweet_a be_v most_o sweet_a and_o the_o present_a bitter_a most_o bitter_a but_o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n the_o future_a exceed_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o to_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o hardship_n in_o this_o world_n no_o more_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o misery_n wicked_a man_n suffer_v hereafter_o than_o the_o joy_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n be_v to_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v hereafter_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o righteous_a it_o may_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v the_o least_o of_o evil_n and_o to_o run_v the_o least_o of_o hazard_n too_o as_o that_o poor_a simple_a austere_a man_n vile_o and_o cold_o clad_v and_o as_o ill_o feed_v do_v with_o who_o as_o our_o own_o history_n tell_v a_o boisterous_a and_o soft_a gallant_a meeting_n demand_v of_o he_o why_o he_o use_v himself_o so_o hardly_o and_o be_v answer_v by_o he_o i_o do_v this_o to_o escape_v hell-fire_n but_o say_v the_o gallant_a again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hell_n what_o a_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o use_v thyself_o so_o ill_o but_o he_o more_o witty_o and_o sharp_o reply_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n how_o much_o more_o fool_n be_v thou_o to_o live_v so_o as_o thou_o do_v put_v the_o case_n to_o common_a reason_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doubtful_a point_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o not_o a_o heaven_n or_o no_o heaven_n and_o the_o scale_n weigh_v both_o side_n be_v equal_a will_v not_o general_a reason_n advise_v so_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a course_n and_o live_v that_o life_n which_o may_v lead_v to_o the_o suppose_a happiness_n and_o escape_v the_o threaten_a torment_n what_o hurt_n befall_v that_o man_n that_o live_v continent_o temperate_o modest_o just_o sober_o yea_o and_o selfe-denying_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a though_o no_o reward_n follow_v upon_o his_o rigour_n but_o the_o ordinary_a comfort_n of_o health_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v great_a to_o he_o than_o the_o riotous_a liver_n and_o pleaser_n of_o his_o appetite_n and_o sense_n without_o restraint_n but_o what_o hurt_n do_v not_o befall_v he_o hereafter_o who_o by_o indulge_v to_o his_o sensible_a soul_n bereave_v himself_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o not_o be_v all_o neither_o as_o our_o religion_n true_o inform_v we_o 8._o let_v we_o therefore_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o prove_v ourselves_o know_v of_o our_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o corin._n 13._o 5._o sure_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o event_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o not_o to_o be_v like_o a_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n nor_o like_o such_o man_n who_o have_v
ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n p._n 9_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n especial_o conduce_v thereunto_o p._n 12_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v p._n 20_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v p._n 40_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o note_v and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v p_o 51_o sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o the_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state._n p._n 63_o sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n p._n 76_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v page_n 99_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n p._n 105_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n not_o neglect_v outward_a severity_n p._n 114_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n p._n 124_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n p._n 129_o sect_n vi_o that_o this_o purgative_a repentance_n must_v be_v general_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a p._n 147_o sect_n vii_o of_o self_n denial_n require_v to_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will._n p._n 156_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o custody_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v have_v over_o the_o outward_a man_n especial_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o tongue_n p._n 174_o sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n and_o modesty_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n p._n 189_o sect_n x._o the_o connexion_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seven_o capital_a sin_n p._n 201_o sect_n xi_o of_o pride_n the_o first_o deadly_a or_o capital_a sin._n p._n 203_o sect_n xii_o of_o anger_n a_o second_o capital_a sin_n its_o concomitant_n and_o remedy_n p._n 219_o sect_n xiii_o of_o the_o deadly_a sin_n of_o envy_n its_o nature_n and_o remedy_n p._n 233_o sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n p._n 244_o sect_n xv._o of_o luxury_n and_o uncleanness_n p._n 254_o sect_n xvi_o of_o gluttony_n its_o sinfullnesse_n and_o cure._n p._n 265_o sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n p._n 277_o sect_n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o part_n with_o some_o short_a advice_n relate_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therein_o p._n 288_o the_o three_o part._n treat_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n with_o god._n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a union_n with_o god_n and_o of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o p._n 297_o sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a p._n 304_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v p._n 309_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n for_o this_o latter_a p._n 317_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o union_n we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n habitual_a and_o actual_a as_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o worship_n p._n 328_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o defect_n incident_a to_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o their_o remedy_n p._n 334_o sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n p._n 342_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v or_o fix_v as_o also_o of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n p._n 350_o sect_n ix_o of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n to_o which_o certain_a instruction_n be_v premise_v p._n 359_o sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n here_o discuss_v p._n 367_o sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o with_o their_o proper_a remedy_n p._n 378_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o before_o with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o consolation_n p._n 387_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o true_a spiritual_a life_n the_o first_o part_n treat_v of_o spiritual_a illumination_n sect_n 1._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o vsefulnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a 1._o there_o be_v three_o principal_a stage_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v to_o pass_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n towards_o that_o sabbath_n of_o blessedness_n hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o aspire_v to_o it_o may_v seem_v both_o very_a methodical_a and_o profitable_a to_o that_o great_a end_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thither_o by_o clear_n up_o the_o deface_a character_n write_v by_o god_n own_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o in_o general_a that_o such_o a_o fundamental_a persuasion_n be_v well_o receive_v the_o edification_n in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a absolute_a and_o better_o advance_v 2._o for_o what_o may_v we_o call_v religion_n speak_v here_o more_o practical_o than_o artificial_o but_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o power_n able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v everlasting_o infer_v a_o strong_a and_o just_a obligation_n upon_o all_o creature_n especial_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o present_a be_v and_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o subsistence_n and_o upon_o who_o depend_v his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n 3._o but_o may_v it_o not_o here_o also_o be_v say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v too_o many_o obstinate_o refuse_v any_o better_a guidance_n or_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o as_o may_v favour_v their_o degenerous_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n of_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n hurry_v they_o to_o a_o liberty_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n freedom_n when_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o renounce_v the_o servitude_n and_o turpitude_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v ourselves_o apprentice_n to_o learn_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o religion_n the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indent_v and_o covenant_v with_o believer_n so_o faithful_o serve_v he_o when_o their_o time_n come_v out_o by_o death_n in_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o desirable_a freedom_n by_o make_v they_o citizen_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o than_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v no_o great_a or_o better_a event_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o good_a nor_o great_a remuneration_n 4._o who_o will_v not_o then_o sometime_o retire_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o divine_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n shall_v we_o see_v so_o many_o artist_n of_o this_o world_n strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o not_o only_o for_o lucre_n sake_n but_o esteem_v of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n and_o trade_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v cold_a indifferent_a and_o careless_a in_o this_o of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o how_o many_o have_v become_v poor_a infamous_a
come_v to_o their_o share_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n god_n send_v such_o tempestuous_a and_o dark_a weather_n at_o sea_n to_o the_o skilful_a navigatour_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a ready_o to_o know_v or_o say_v where_o he_o be_v till_o the_o restore_v calm_a light_n better_o inform_v he_o and_o send_v shipwreck_n sometime_o to_o the_o subtle_a merchant_n that_o he_o may_v understand_v better_a who_o it_o be_v that_o give_v skill_n and_o strength_n to_o get_v riches_n and_o diappoint_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o painful_a husbandman_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 44._o make_v diviner_n mad_a and_o turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a teach_v they_o all_o and_o we_o too_o and_o that_o in_o all_o sense_n more_o perfect_o that_o necessary_a lesson_n of_o humility_n deuteronomy_n 8._o 18._o thou_o shall_v remember_v the_o lord_n thy_o god._n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v thou_o power_n to_o get_v wealth_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v luke_n 12._o 21._o for_o undoubted_o god_n may_v and_o do_v apparent_o deny_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n sound_a knowledge_n and_o holy_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o of_o divine_a mystery_n to_o some_o to_o other_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v initiate_v and_o to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n who_o there_o stop_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o as_o tender_a plant_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n wither_v and_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n fall_v on_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v proceed_v no_o far_o towards_o perfection_n and_o some_o proceed_v far_o and_o promise_v fair_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n attain_v not_o to_o the_o intend_a end_n 7._o but_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v reasonable_o be_v take_v into_o a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v such_o talent_n and_o mean_n unto_o that_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o such_o progression_n and_o consummation_n as_o be_v save_v and_o beatifical_a but_o admit_v thou_o be_v becalm_v and_o can_v make_v no_o way_n through_o want_n of_o divine_a aspiration_n and_o influence_n how_o can_v thou_o how_o dare_v thou_o impute_v this_o cessation_n and_o oscitancie_n of_o thou_o in_o not_o do_v the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o unknown_a cause_n or_o rather_o a_o not_o cause_n of_o do_v which_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o as_o thou_o imagine_v or_o give_v out_o at_o least_o that_o thou_o imagine_v when_o thy_o heart_n contradict_v thy_o tongue_n thou_o know_v not_o for_o who_o can_v say_v that_o god_n deny_v he_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v of_o effectual_a grace_n to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o illumination_n faith_n and_o salvation_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v want_v in_o the_o abstruse_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n internal_a of_o god_n and_o know_v to_o he_o can_v be_v so_o know_v to_o a_o man_n without_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o uncharitable_a and_o rash_a act_n in_o any_o man_n direct_o to_o charge_v his_o neighbour_n with_o deny_v he_o his_o due_n or_o take_v away_o his_o good_n from_o he_o when_o he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o against_o he_o and_o much_o more_o injust_a it_o be_v and_o impious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v direct_o that_o god_n deny_v he_o grace_n or_o do_v harden_v his_o heart_n so_o that_o rule_n and_o exhortation_n and_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o become_v faithful_a righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o god_n and_o man_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n upon_o he_o 8._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pardonable_a as_o commendable_a in_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a insufficiency_n and_o infirmity_n to_o do_v any_o good_a act_n st._n paul_n have_v teach_v we_o 2_o corinth_n 3._o v._n 5._o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god._n but_o do_v not_o the_o very_a next_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o argument_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o sufficiency_n for_o we_o and_o god_n do_v make_v we_o able_a minister_n of_o his_o will_n and_o do_v not_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n james_n 1._o 17._o and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v fill_v ourselves_o from_o that_o fountain_n when_o he_o say_v matth._n 7._o 11._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v you_o good_a thing_n that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o good_a thing_n be_v the_o best_a and_o full_a of_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v interpret_v in_o st._n luke_n gospel_n chap._n 11._o 13._o to_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n which_o he_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o querie_n then_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v to_o ourselves_o whether_o upon_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n we_o ever_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v invoke_v almighty_a god_n implore_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o its_o concurrence_n and_o whether_o we_o ever_o submit_v to_o its_o dictate_v and_o direction_n to_o that_o power_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o to_o do_v this_o as_o well_o as_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a precedent_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n wisdom_n 8._o v._n 21._o nevertheless_o i_o perceive_v i_o can_v not_o otherwise_o obtain_v she_o i._n e._n true_a wisdom_n comprehend_v all_o intellectual_a grace_n except_o god_n give_v she_o i_o and_o that_o be_v a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n also_o to_o know_v who_o gift_n she_o be_v i_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o beseech_v he_o and_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n i_o say_v o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n and_o lord_n of_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n which_o prayer_n for_o that_o illuminate_a gift_n and_o grace_n so_o necessary_a may_v not_o very_o unfit_o be_v transcribe_v hither_o and_o use_v by_o all_o true_a lover_n of_o light_n rather_o than_o darkness_n at_o least_o until_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o their_o heart_n according_a to_o which_o true_a believer_n may_v shape_v their_o course_n more_o steady_o towards_o heaven_n but_o i_o shun_v prolixnesse_n sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o the_o same_o and_o necessity_n of_o believe_v 1._o but_o the_o use_n or_o act_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n rest_v not_o here_o but_o be_v wonderful_o assistant_n to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n in_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o as_o the_o discreet_a and_o diligent_a master_n do_v not_o only_o set_v his_o scholar_n who_o he_o teach_v to_o write_v a_o exact_a and_o fair_a copy_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v but_o also_o guide_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o make_v the_o letter_n and_o join_v they_o together_o according_a to_o their_o true_a shape_n and_o order_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v he_o who_o chair_n be_v in_o heaven_n teach_v the_o heart_n as_o his_o instrument_n and_o officer_n do_v the_o ear_n and_o eye_n of_o man_n below_o to_o understand_v receive_v believe_v and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o scope_n prescribe_v for_o man_n natural_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v those_o thing_n only_o which_o his_o reason_n assure_v he_o of_o but_o his_o reason_n how_o acute_a soever_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v so_o if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v good_a christian_n and_o have_v the_o scripture_n in_o that_o esteem_n we_o can_v out_o of_o our_o promptitude_n and_o acuteness_n of_o wit_n discern_v clear_o and_o ready_o many_o useful_a thing_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o direction_n of_o that_o great_a author_n the_o bless_a spirit_n principal_a in_o the_o compose_v they_o for_o it_o be_v true_o say_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o indite_v they_o according_a therefore_o to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o and_o to_o every_o man_n be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 7._o whereby_o that_o light_n reveal_v shine_v unto_o the_o true_a believer_n as_o out_o of_o a_o dark_a place_n so_o that_o
of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o grace_n to_o strive_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o same_o which_o have_v competent_o attain_v unto_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n of_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v we_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v 4._o but_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o preposterous_a faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o fancy_n themselves_o into_o the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v laboursome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v man_n into_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o perhaps_o perdition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v we_o so_o much_o where_o he_o say_v luke_n 17._o 7._o which_o of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n every_o prudent_a and_o pious_a christian_a must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o put_v not_o such_o a_o fallacy_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o infer_v to_o himself_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n upon_o some_o particular_a branch_n thereof_o find_v in_o he_o crowd_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n into_o one_o and_o that_o rather_o a_o preparation_n unto_o true_a religious_a life_n than_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o tend_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n for_o be_v well_o initiate_v in_o those_o necessary_a principle_n and_o help_n of_o devotion_n there_o so_o to_o stop_v or_o in_o they_o to_o improve_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v neglect_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o faith_n itself_o whereof_o no_o small_a part_n be_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o repent_v hearty_o and_o thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
proper_a cause_n of_o christian_a illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o useful_a distinction_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o learned_a not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o unlearned_a into_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n propound_v to_o our_o assent_n by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n so_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o very_o expedient_a for_o the_o better_a inform_v every_o plain_a and_o sincere_a capacity_n to_o make_v some_o recital_n of_o those_o thing_n our_o faith_n christian_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o principal_o by_o revelation_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a herein_o any_o more_o than_o st._n luke_n be_v in_o write_v his_o gospel_n luke_n 1._o 1._o for_o as_o much_o as_o many_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o in_o order_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o we_o because_o several_a form_n and_o phrase_n may_v help_v towards_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o end_n of_o believe_v and_o illumination_n 2._o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o believe_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o discovery_n make_v to_o man_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n say_v ch._n 11._o v._n 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n not_o that_o christ_n malign_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o other_o but_o that_o he_o admire_v the_o privilege_n confer_v by_o god_n upon_o his_o mean_a flock_n and_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o how_o and_o to_o who_o reveal_v st._n paul_n certify_v we_o 1_o 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infatuation_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a bible_n may_v be_v call_v one_o entire_a book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o jew_n have_v receive_v many_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o christian_a have_v receive_v from_o god_n more_o clear_a dispensation_n and_o sublime_a than_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o behold_v thing_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o other_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o the_o dark_a shadow_n which_o be_v to_o flee_v away_o at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 1._o 5._o tell_v we_o of_o god_n elect_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n which_o last_o time_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o those_o last_o day_n be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unto_o we_o and_o not_o these_o last_o day_n fancy_v by_o some_o 3._o now_o notwithstanding_o innumerable_a be_v the_o divine_a document_n and_o notice_n extraordinary_o deliver_v through_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a catalogue_n give_v we_o heb._n 11._o of_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o reveal_v divine_a thing_n yet_o because_o we_o now_o speak_v chief_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n or_o st._n john_n little_a child_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o assist_v the_o weak_a without_o offence_n of_o the_o strong_a in_o give_v some_o special_a instance_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o green_a christian_a be_v either_o actual_o improve_v or_o improveable_a to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o can_v ready_o be_v find_v in_o alien_n from_o christ_n 4._o there_o have_v be_v in_o former_a year_n some_o lead_a man_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o learned_a who_o have_v collect_v ten_o several_a and_o considerable_a ground_n in_o which_o all_o religion_n concur_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o bibliander_n since_o which_o divers_a with_o tolerable_a design_n but_o i_o fear_v with_o no_o good_a event_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a have_v in_o these_o very_a late_a year_n write_v about_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n manifest_v by_o natural_a light_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v to_o beget_v a_o better_a opinion_n in_o many_o rank_a rationalist_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o perhaps_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o evil_a consequence_n follow_v from_o hence_o viz._n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v hereby_o weaken_a and_o more_o slight_v as_o judge_v from_o hence_o not_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o common_o be_v receive_v for_o revelation_n divine_a and_o that_o these_o writing_n we_o call_v scripture_n be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o make_v credible_a by_o sundry_a topic_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o it_o be_v still_o of_o the_o modern_a not_o illaudable_a but_o to_o offer_v demonstration_n and_o those_o such_o upon_o which_o they_o will_v constrain_v belief_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o rest_n on_o that_o totter_a and_o unstable_a foundation_n and_o of_o divine_a to_o dilute_v our_o faith_n into_o humane_a persuasion_n all_o superior_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o strong_a stay_n than_o such_o a_o bottom_n will_v allow_v they_o 5._o and_o i_o must_v confess_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretend_a golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o divine_a sentence_n of_o plato_n seneca_n and_o especial_o that_o moderne_a vapourer_n or_o rather_o vapour_n itself_o hierocles_n and_o such_o as_o eunapius_n present_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o rather_o turn_v my_o stomach_n at_o their_o emulation_n of_o christian_a perfection_n thereby_o to_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o than_o draw_v i_o to_o affect_v or_o admire_v they_o for_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 1._o 14._o tell_v we_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o again_o that_o our_o faith_n itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o humane_a reason_n thus_o come_v officious_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a faith_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a mind_n about_o the_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o faith_n will_v in_o the_o end_n prove_v so_o saucy_a and_o domineer_a as_o to_o give_v law_n to_o faith_n and_o like_o ivy_n which_o cling_v to_o the_o tree_n for_o a_o subsistence_n will_v weaken_v it_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o in_o time_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n or_o as_o scholastical_a man_n speak_v the_o very_a formal_a reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n illuminate_v otherwise_o than_o the_o humane_a light_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v not_o see_v by_o sense_n nor_o learned_a by_o experience_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n we_o now_o be_v possess_v of_o be_v the_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a conversation_n
before_o he_o and_o the_o world_n 6._o now_o from_o this_o foundation_n lay_v this_o principle_n grant_v this_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n open_v do_v issue_n all_o particular_a branch_n of_o our_o faith_n illuminate_v we_o some_o few_o of_o which_o article_v reduce_v into_o the_o three_o eminent_a creed_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n viz._n the_o apostolical_a the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n which_o may_v yet_o be_v more_o plain_o and_o vulgar_o thus_o order_v to_o easy_a capacity_n 1._o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o god_n but_o one_o in_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o infinite_a eternal_a immutable_a be_v and_o there_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v no_o more_o number_n herein_o destroy_v all_o perfection_n proper_a to_o the_o divine_a be_v which_o article_n though_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a naturalist_n do_v give_v their_o cold_a assent_n unto_o yet_o scarce_o ever_o so_o but_o they_o tolerate_v such_o opinion_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o as_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a feel_v rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n be_v after_o god_n than_o find_v he_o or_o hold_v he_o fast_o by_o such_o a_o strong_a faith_n as_o christian_n be_v and_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o know_v assure_o that_o religion_n and_o our_o salvation_n receive_v by_o no_o one_o superstition_n so_o deadly_a a_o blow_n and_o destructive_a to_o all_o sound_n christianity_n as_o to_o err_v about_o this_o first_o principle_n by_o acknowledge_v direct_o or_o indirect_o more_o than_o one_o god_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o proposition_n profess_v more_o than_o one_o which_o total_o subvert_v christianity_n or_o in_o practice_n worship_v that_o for_o god_n which_o be_v not_o god_n though_o under_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o what_o we_o worship_v be_v that_o one_o true_a god_n and_o though_o in_o mind_n and_o intention_n we_o design_v to_o worship_v only_o the_o true_a god._n for_o such_o a_o fact_n upon_o involuntarie_a error_n and_o all_o error_n be_v say_v by_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v involuntarie_a may_v mitigate_v the_o offence_n before_o god_n and_o man_n but_o it_o can_v at_o all_o change_n the_o thing_n itself_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o be_v idolatry_n or_o that_o no_o heresy_n which_o be_v heresy_n in_o itself_o but_o only_o by_o certain_a circumstance_n may_v alleviate_v and_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o little_a or_o much_o the_o crime_n of_o the_o offender_n which_o crime_n be_v in_o itself_o direct_o damnable_a and_o so_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v repute_v and_o even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n to_o be_v avoid_v 2._o and_o the_o same_o faith_n likewise_o teach_v we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v aright_o of_o the_o several_a and_o distinct_a way_n of_o the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o person_n which_o we_o common_o call_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v three_o and_o not_o one_o person_n so_o must_v we_o believe_v to_o be_v one_o in_o nature_n and_o substance_n and_o not_o three_o so_o that_o the_o father_n beget_v the_o son_n and_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o any_o and_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n by_o a_o eternal_a and_o incorrupt_a generation_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o any_o other_o production_n though_o dim_o represent_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n by_o such_o a_o divine_a emanation_n as_o be_v not_o imitable_a by_o any_o create_a procession_n and_o in_o this_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n christian_n be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o all_o natural_a assistance_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a must_v redound_v to_o the_o power_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n reveal_v these_o thing_n and_o render_v they_o credible_a our_o faith_n upon_o that_o ground_n receive_v they_o 3._o and_o a_o three_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n proceed_v to_o reunite_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n those_o person_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o stand_v so_o distinguish_v by_o their_o intrinsical_a relation_n mention_v in_o their_o outward_a operation_n such_o as_o be_v act_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o this_o visible_a world_n and_o in_o that_o or_o those_o world_n which_o be_v to_o we_o invisible_a call_v celestial_a 4._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o be_v teach_v more_o express_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o nothing_o produce_v what_o we_o see_v and_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o more_o than_o we_o can_v behold_v and_o apprehend_v determine_v that_o knotty_a controversy_n which_o the_o philosopher_n can_v make_v no_o work_n with_o concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o some_o will_v have_v never_o to_o have_v be_v but_o subsist_v from_o eternity_n of_o itself_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o understand_v by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o illumination_n how_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o brain_n or_o a_o model_n lay_v before_o the_o eye_n or_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o hand_n the_o sweat_n of_o the_o face_n and_o tedious_a but_o necessary_a toil_n of_o many_o day_n year_n or_o age_n but_o by_o the_o light_a and_o easy_a way_n we_o can_v possible_o understand_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v wrought_v for_o thus_o we_o read_v heb._n 11._o 2._o through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v and_o so_o we_o read_v psalm_n 33._o 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o by_o the_o word_n or_o mouth_n of_o god_n as_o that_o any_o such_o part_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o god_n or_o that_o proper_o god_n so_o speak_v vocal_o for_o to_o what_o or_o who_o shall_v god_n speak_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n yea_o nothing_o to_o hear_v but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a simple_a pure_a velleity_n or_o willing_a of_o he_o so_o effectual_a as_o to_o produce_v the_o universe_n without_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o of_o any_o other_o agent_n or_o instrument_n under_o he_o as_o some_o have_v vain_o imagine_v contrary_a to_o our_o divine_a faith._n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o god_n can_v create_v a_o worm_n he_o can_v create_v a_o elephant_n and_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n that_o he_o can_v create_v a_o mite_n he_o may_v create_v the_o huge_a monster_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n bare_a yea_o the_o earth_n itself_o and_o that_o without_o delay_n or_o distance_n of_o time_n though_o to_o show_v his_o liberty_n and_o not_o necessity_n of_o work_v and_o to_o teach_v we_o advisednesse_n in_o all_o our_o action_n of_o importance_n he_o vouchsafe_v to_o distribute_v his_o act_n into_o several_a order_n and_o space_n of_o duration_n call_v day_n for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o six_o day_n the_o lord_n make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o etc._n etc._n 5._o and_o from_o this_o general_a work_n or_o act_v of_o god_n we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n more_o near_o concern_v ourselves_o for_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n affirm_v he_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o psalm_n 95._o and_o that_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n very_o good_a so_o the_o more_o noble_a in_o rank_n such_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o unblameable_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o they_o come_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_n or_o proceed_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o nature_n from_o imperfect_a to_o perfect_v as_o all_o natural_a production_n be_v ill_o form_v and_o defective_a at_o first_o and_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n arise_v to_o their_o ordain_a perfection_n but_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n and_o especial_o man_n at_o once_o most_o perfect_a both_o as_o to_o inward_a endowment_n and_o outward_a form_n stature_n and_o part_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v either_o to_o the_o ornament_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o body_n crown_v both_o with_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n immortal_a wherein_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n principal_o consist_v add_v unto_o they_o here_o in_o this_o life_n power_n and_o dominion_n under_o he_o over_o all_o earthly_a thing_n 6_o furhermore_o the_o same_o faith_n teach_v we_o the_o original_a
of_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v various_o canvas_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n without_o resolution_n satisfactory_a and_o that_o he_o and_o not_o natural_a generation_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o he_o work_v john_n 5._o 17._o 7._o seven_o we_o learn_v from_o holy_a writ_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n lead_v not_o such_o a_o sedentarie_a and_o careless_a life_n as_o some_o philosopher_n imagine_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o great_a man_n who_o build_v fair_a and_o stately_a house_n and_o furnish_v they_o rich_o but_o so_o leave_v they_o to_o fall_v to_o decay_v and_o the_o thing_n therein_o to_o be_v lose_v and_o spoil_v neither_o do_v he_o trouble_v his_o head_n or_o vex_v his_o heart_n as_o some_o man_n do_v about_o the_o management_n of_o their_o house_n and_o land_n but_o by_o a_o mean_a way_n of_o sufficient_a protection_n and_o providence_n dispose_v all_o thing_n even_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o wise_o and_o harmonious_o that_o no_o molestation_n be_v give_v to_o himself_o nor_o any_o damage_n to_o the_o universe_n itself_o though_o innumerable_a change_n be_v constant_o wrought_v to_o the_o detriment_n of_o some_o particular_n there_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n to_o other_o thing_n not_o before_o note_a so_o that_o what_o for_o its_o time_n lay_v hide_v and_o contemptible_a be_v raise_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o exalt_v to_o greatness_n and_o splendour_n and_o for_o a_o season_n have_v so_o continue_v by_o the_o same_o all-disposing_a hand_n relapse_n into_o its_o ancient_a obscurity_n and_o this_o by_o a_o perpetual_a vicissitude_n which_o some_o time_n a_o age_n or_o two_o declare_v some_o time_n not_o many_o century_n of_o year_n and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n we_o according_a to_o st._n peter_n doctrine_n 2_o ep._n 3._o 7._o understand_v that_o as_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v form_v and_o stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n so_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 8._o by_o faith_n likewise_o we_o know_v that_o the_o fine_a and_o admirable_a masterpiece_n of_o god_n himself_o man_n create_v in_o the_o foresay_a perfection_n and_o be_v in_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n through_o his_o own_o folly_n as_o do_v the_o angel_n before_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o steadfastness_n into_o blindesse_n poverty_n and_o general_a misery_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n contract_v thereby_o disorder_n of_o affection_n inward_a and_o disease_n and_o death_n outward_a the_o seed_n of_o all_o which_o he_o transmit_v to_o his_o posterity_n and_o be_v that_o original_a sin_n all_o be_v infect_v and_o infest_a with_o this_o the_o learning_n of_o this_o world_n can_v hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o instruct_v we_o in_o but_o be_v the_o office_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o inform_v we_o from_o whence_o also_o we_o can_v only_o give_v account_n of_o the_o many_o and_o strange_a exorbitance_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a infirmity_n distemper_n and_o pain_n of_o our_o body_n before_o our_o reason_n come_v to_o that_o ripeness_n as_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o guilt_n of_o erroneous_a action_n or_o free_a election_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 9_o neither_o can_v humane_a learning_n or_o book_n of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n inform_v we_o how_o tie_v and_o bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o common_a destruction_n we_o shall_v recover_v our_o loss_n and_o repair_v our_o breach_n neither_o can_v we_o ourselves_o devise_v any_o more_o than_o we_o can_v real_o desire_v to_o evade_v the_o evil_n we_o be_v surround_v with_o but_o that_o light_a from_o above_o which_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n show_v that_o god_n out_o of_o the_o abyss_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n towards_o mankind_n first_o determine_v the_o redemption_n of_o he_o and_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v actual_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n to_o condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 8._o 3._o galat._n 4._o 4._o 10._o and_o this_o salvation_n be_v ratify_v to_o man_n soon_o after_o his_o fall_n god_n enter_v then_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o man_n to_o the_o re-enstating_a he_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o salvation_n eternal_a upon_o evangelicall_n faith_n and_o obedience_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o that_o these_o term_n of_o this_o covenant_n may_v as_o well_o as_o aught_o be_v perform_v on_o man_n part_n though_o not_o upon_o his_o own_o strength_n be_v a_o material_a point_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o a_o prime_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n for_o be_v it_o not_o that_o man_n bind_v thus_o to_o god_n may_v come_v up_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o god_n to_o have_v perform_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v trouble_v himself_o to_o begin_v such_o a_o impossible_a work_n and_o no_o faithful_a man_n or_o true_a believer_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o salvation_n as_o be_v often_o teach_v we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o rather_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o damnation_n know_v thar_z he_o can_v in_o no_o way_n do_v that_o upon_o which_o his_o salvation_n depend_v 11._o furthermore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o believe_v right_o the_o incarnation_n of_o out_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o take_v flesh_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n become_v a_o apt_a and_o sufficient_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o administratour_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man._n 12._o and_o this_o administration_n be_v wrought_v two_o way_n principal_o first_o by_o the_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o knowledge_n reveal_v unto_o the_o world_n deliver_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o elect_a servant_n to_o that_o end_n inspire_v extraordinary_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o by_o his_o passion_n and_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o lamb_n of_o god_n offer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o which_o god_n rest_v satisfy_v and_o become_v appease_v and_o believer_n have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o become_v accept_v in_o the_o belove_a 13._o but_o to_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o benefit_n as_o this_o be_v somewhat_o more_o require_v of_o all_o true_a believer_n than_o a_o faith_n passive_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o first_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n ordain_v by_o god_n to_o that_o great_a end_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o sound_a hope_n of_o attain_v the_o same_o and_o suppose_v faith_n precede_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o remain_v and_o to_o which_o other_o duty_n may_v be_v reduce_v may_v be_v three_o fold_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n institute_v as_o a_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o form_n of_o initiation_n into_o the_o covenant_n without_o which_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o infidel_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n and_o without_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o natural_a blindness_n which_o hereby_o be_v so_o cure_v that_o the_o new_o baptise_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v illuminate_v or_o enlighten_v heb._n 6._o 4._o hebr._n 10._o 32._o 2._o and_o unto_o this_o come_v in_o as_o a_o auxiliary_a improve_n and_o perfect_v the_o low_a beginning_n of_o those_o once_o initiate_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o ratification_n of_o our_o covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n passion_n and_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o and_o our_o being_n more_o strict_o and_o intimate_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v more_o full_o declare_v 3._o a_o three_o most_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o apply_v christ_n merit_n to_o we_o be_v that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n term_v it_o act_n 5._o 31._o act_n 11._o 18._o repentance_n of_o which_o with_o the_o concomitant_n of_o it_o likewise_o we_o may_v speak_v far_o hereafter_o 14._o of_o the_o resurrection_n likewise_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o reunite_a of_o the_o soul_n unto_o it_o and_o upon_o such_o restauration_n the_o receive_n of_o the_o proper_a