it_o be_v through_o want_n of_o something_o in_o themselves_o namely_o sanctify_a ability_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o as_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o word_n so_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n it_o suffice_v that_o god_n only_o command_v they_o if_o they_o can_v obey_v who_o fault_n be_v that_o but_o their_o own_o god_n command_n presuppose_v that_o strength_n to_o obey_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n if_o that_o through_o sin_n be_v make_v weak_a god_n be_v yet_o just_a in_o command_v and_o punish_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o second_o question_n by_o way_n of_o knowledge_n let_v we_o brief_o see_v what_o use_n we_o may_v make_v thereof_o to_o our_o practice_n it_o learn_v we_o a_o threefold_a lesson_n 1._o what_o our_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o same_o that_o in_o teachable_a scholar_n towards_o a_o most_o wise_a master_n or_o in_o sick_a patient_n towards_o the_o skilful_a physician_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v â—â—ld_a and_o every_o way_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o discretion_n of_o that_o our_o heavenly_a doctor_n we_o must_v remember_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o more_o than_o man_n in_o this_o business_n it_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o do_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o sacred_a ordinance_n when_o therefore_o we_o go_v to_o hear_v let_v we_o put_v on_o all_o holy_a humble_a obedient_a and_o tractable_a affection_n a_o proud_a disdainful_a self-conceited_a contentious_a mind_n be_v unâ—it_v for_o man_n instruction_n most_o opposite_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n teach_v who_o must_v needs_o scorn_v to_o be_v their_o master_n that_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v his_o scholar_n again_o a_o malicious_a unclean_a worldly_a voluptuous_a heart_n stand_v contradictory_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o this_o bless_a spirit_n those_o proud_a affection_n hinder_v we_o in_o know_v these_o impure_a lust_n in_o do_v our_o master_n will_n both_o together_o or_o each_o alone_o make_v the_o word_n utter_o unprofitable_a unto_o we_o 2._o what_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n be_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n this_o be_v threefold_a one_o respect_v the_o work_n two_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o for_o the_o work_n itself_o the_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a quality_n thereof_o shall_v teach_v they_o faithfulness_n to_o speak_v god_n word_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v speak_v which_o be_v oppose_v as_o to_o negligence_n and_o accause_v carelessness_n in_o the_o handle_n thereof_o contrary_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o majesty_n of_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o overmuch_a diligence_n &_o humane_a curiosity_n contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o save_a virtue_n thereof_o not_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v too_o diligent_a in_o do_v god_n work_v or_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o define_v precise_o what_o and_o how_o far_o humane_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divinity_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v apparent_a a_o singular_a fault_n there_o be_v in_o man_n preparation_n to_o this_o work_n who_o either_o intend_v not_o at_o all_o the_o save_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o think_v themselves_o must_v do_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o god_n spirit_n whence_o else_o or_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v so_o much_o of_o man_n be_v mingle_v with_o that_o of_o god_n why_o so_o much_o study_n to_o please_v man_n â—ares_n why_o so_o much_o care_n to_o win_v credit_n to_o their_o own_o person_n etc._n etc._n sure_a it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o admirable_a to_o any_o that_o will_v observe_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n stand_v as_o god_n ambassador_n speak_v as_o from_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o name_n to_o make_v a_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o his_o preach_n to_o bless_v his_o meditation_n that_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a in_o the_o hearer_n etc._n etc._n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o in_o his_o study_a preparation_n he_o seek_v for_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o preach_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o publish_v the_o word_n not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n wisdom_n in_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v a_o double_a duty_n 1._o if_o it_o succeed_v well_o thankful_a humility_n oppose_v to_o pride_n that_o 10._o when_o man_n be_v convert_v by_o his_o ministry_n he_o ascribe_v all_o to_o god_n nothing_o to_o himself_o who_o be_v but_o the_o saw_n in_o the_o workman_n hand_n etc._n etc._n 2._o if_o it_o succeed_v ill_a content_v patience_n oppose_v to_o repine_a thought_n as_o why_o shall_v not_o my_o ministry_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o another_o be_v let_v a_o minister_n remember_v he_o only_a sow_n the_o seed_n god_n must_v give_v it_o a_o body_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o be_v it_o himself_o but_o god_n who_o the_o people_n here_o cast_v off_o he_o may_v take_v comfort_n and_o shall_v have_v reward_n for_o his_o godly_a painâ—…_n in_o the_o conscionable_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n albeit_o god_n see_v it_o not_o good_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o bless_v in_o the_o effect_n as_o 〈◊〉_d can_v desire_v 3._o this_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o conversion_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v namely_o by_o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o by_o have_v and_o frequent_v the_o public_a ordinance_n silly_a wretch_n they_o be_v that_o so_o far_o misâ—ake_v themselves_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o think_v the_o go_n to_o church_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o sermon_n the_o remember_v and_o discourse_v â—f_n it_o the_o commend_v of_o the_o preacher_n outward_a reverence_n to_o his_o person_n and_o ministry_n some_o kind_n of_o reformation_n of_o manner_n wrought_v out_o of_o very_a shame_n not_o to_o follow_v such_o plain_a direction_n as_o they_o must_v needs_o confess_v to_o be_v good_a and_o other_o allow_v of_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n that_o think_v i_o say_v these_o thing_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o a_o sound_a conversion_n by_o the_o word_n let_v we_o not_o beguile_v ourselves_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o high_a consequence_n these_o thing_n be_v outward_a but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n be_v inward_a also_o upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o sanctification_n thereof_o with_o all_o sacred_a affection_n to_o holiness_n look_v then_o inward_o and_o try_v how_o we_o be_v affect_v in_o and_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n do_v we_o find_v a_o holy_a fear_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o when_o our_o sin_n be_v threaten_v be_v we_o willing_a to_o abide_v the_o surgeon_n hand_n upon_o our_o tender_a sore_n and_o though_o it_o be_v painful_a yet_o do_v hearty_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sharp_a stroke_n and_o deep_a cut_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o it_o pierce_v in_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n marrow_n and_o joint_n part_v we_o and_o our_o best_a belove_a sin_n do_v our_o heart_n secret_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a in_o hear_v those_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n publish_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v our_o soul_n bring_v under_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n captivate_v all_o our_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o no_o command_n of_o a_o king_n arm_v with_o great_a terror_n can_v lay_v the_o like_a necessity_n of_o obedience_n upon_o our_o outward_a man_n as_o god_n injunction_n do_v upon_o our_o conscience_n have_v the_o word_n wrought_v in_o we_o a_o unfeigned_a hatred_n of_o that_o evil_n which_o we_o outward_o forsake_v a_o sincere_a love_n of_o that_o good_a which_o outward_o we_o practice_v can_v we_o true_o mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n when_o the_o word_n discover_v unto_o we_o the_o infinite_a corruption_n and_o loathsome_a uncleanness_n of_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o wish_v for_o nothing_o more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o we_o and_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o perfect_a holiness_n final_o do_v we_o love_v the_o word_n that_o have_v beget_v we_o prefer_v that_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o our_o appoint_a bodily_a food_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v a_o witness_n to_o our_o soul_n that_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v be_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n have_v make_v it_o his_o most_o bless_a instrument_n of_o our_o effectual_a conversion_n to_o god_n but_o if_o the_o case_n stand_v
do_v it_o as_o god_n command_v and_o see_v the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o good_a work_n be_v a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o cause_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o end_n which_o give_v such_o beauty_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o relish_n to_o all_o action_n as_o that_o without_o they_o they_o be_v deform_v and_o unsavoury_a in_o the_o eye_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v short_a of_o their_o complete_a perfection_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o person_n be_v unholy_a their_o conscience_n defile_v their_o purpose_n perverse_a and_o crooked_a and_o their_o best_a intention_n final_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o temporal_a worldly_a and_o selfe-consideration_n but_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o we_o shall_v find_v little_a difference_n between_o many_o action_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o of_o christian_n there_o be_v as_o exact_v proportion_n and_o correspondence_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n observe_v by_o the_o one_o as_o by_o the_o other_o yea_o many_o time_n more_o by_o the_o heathen_a than_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o consideration_n worth_a one_o labour_n to_o parallel_v the_o law_n custom_n and_o famous_a action_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o those_o which_o we_o find_v like_a unto_o they_o record_v in_o humane_a history_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o many_o particular_n will_v carry_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n between_o themselves_o and_o have_v the_o same_o stamp_n of_o virtue_n imprint_v on_o both_o this_o moral_a goodness_n in_o heathen_a man_n be_v no_o doubt_n please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o far_o forth_o that_o he_o like_v the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o it_o with_o that_o common_a allowance_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o all_o thing_n that_o bear_v any_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n but_o not_o so_o that_o he_o like_v the_o person_n and_o accept_v of_o it_o into_o any_o special_a favour_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o justice_n temperance_n valour_n chastity_n of_o a_o aristides_n cato_n scipio_n lucretia_n etc._n etc._n shall_v stand_v condemn_v before_o god_n with_o the_o same_o censure_n of_o dislike_n as_o the_o rapine_n luxury_n cowardice_n lust_n etc._n etc._n of_o a_o sardanapalus_n caligula_n messalina_n or_o such_o other_o miscreant_n nay_o he_o approve_v of_o their_o virtue_n and_o civility_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n in_o common_a bestow_v on_o the_o gentile_n for_o a_o common_a good_a and_o in_o testimony_n of_o this_o his_o approbation_n he_o prosper_v those_o person_n and_o commonwealth_n among_o who_o sobriety_n of_o life_n strictness_n of_o discipline_n &_o severity_n of_o good_a law_n be_v best_o maintain_v and_o heathenism_n itself_o can_v discern_v the_o ruin_n of_o commonwealth_n to_o spring_v original_o from_o the_o neglect_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o conclude_v then_o and_o sum_n up_o all_o touch_v this_o point_n god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n his_o godhead_n and_o eternal_a power_n and_o providence_n be_v indeed_o clear_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o creature_n if_o the_o heathen_a have_v eye_n to_o see_v they_o as_o adam_n have_v at_o first_o but_o though_o they_o be_v still_o as_o visible_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v behold_v they_o it_o be_v very_o little_a the_o naturallman_n have_v see_v not_o much_o that_o he_o can_v see_v what_o he_o know_v may_v teach_v he_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v otherwise_o than_o he_o do_v but_o can_v show_v he_o how_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v whatever_o he_o do_v or_o can_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v do_v aright_o for_o matter_n or_o manner_n his_o inward_a worship_n be_v unholy_a because_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o his_o outward_a worship_n be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a because_o he_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o god_n appointment_n both_o be_v false_a and_o displease_a be_v present_v to_o god_n without_o a_o mediator_n of_o who_o the_o heathen_a have_v no_o knowledge_n again_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o heathen_n knowledge_n and_o therefore_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o desire_n both_o which_o yet_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o true_a conversion_n final_o for_o their_o virtue_n they_o be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o root_n pervert_v in_o their_o bud_n defective_a in_o their_o whole_a practice_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v think_v that_o a_o civil_a conversation_n without_o all_o sanctity_n of_o heart_n to_o be_v true_a conversion_n a_o kind_n of_o bare_a natural_a reverence_n of_o the_o creator_n in_o some_o cold_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v etc._n etc._n or_o a_o external_a superstitious_a invent_a worship_n without_o all_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o be_v god_n true_a &_o right_a worship_n in_o part_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n the_o heathen_a can_v attain_v unto_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a assertion_n to_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v afford_v sufficiency_n of_o ability_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o good_a use_n of_o nature_n to_o convert_v true_o to_o the_o right_a worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n this_o of_o the_o first_o the_o second_o ground_n be_v that_o if_o the_o heathen_a use_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o god_n be_v ready_a yea_o bind_v in_o justice_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o supernatural_a light_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o we_o need_v not_o be_v long_o it_o be_v support_v by_o the_o former_a together_o with_o it_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o dust_n a_o mere_a imagination_n it_o be_v without_o all_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n though_o for_o it_o they_o bring_v that_o place_n matth._n 25._o 29._o for_o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n i._n e._n say_v the_o arminian_n he_o that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o use_v it_o well_o to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o grace_n a_o arminian_n gloss_n that_o corrupt_v the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o painfulness_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o employment_n of_o such_o gift_n as_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o gift_n and_o ability_n be_v well_o use_v increase_v through_o god_n blessing_n but_o if_o neglect_a decay_n utter_o through_o his_o secret_a curse_n as_o experience_n show_v in_o painful_a or_o idle_a minister_n if_o the_o argument_n be_v frame_v only_o by_o analogy_n from_o this_o text_n and_o the_o general_a equity_n of_o it_o that_o whosoever_o use_v any_o thing_n well_o shall_v have_v more_o give_v unto_o he_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a large_a interpretation_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o many_o exception_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o their_o deduction_n they_o mistake_v the_o proportion_n observe_v in_o the_o text_n and_o parable_n which_o speak_v of_o a_o increase_n in_o the_o same_o not_o in_o a_o divers_a kind_n he_o that_o have_v mean_a gift_n for_o the_o ministry_n and_o use_v they_o well_o he_o shall_v have_v great_a gift_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o thence_o to_o collect_v he_o that_o use_v nature_n well_o shall_v have_v grace_n give_v he_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v he_o that_o use_v his_o health_n well_o shall_v have_v riches_n or_o honour_n give_v he_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n it_o have_v be_v true_a if_o they_o have_v say_v he_o that_o use_v natural_a light_n well_o i._n e._n studious_o in_o the_o search_n of_o all_o good_a knowledge_n in_o he_o that_o light_n shall_v be_v increase_v as_o it_o be_v in_o philosopher_n but_o this_o make_v not_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v a_o wide_a step_n from_o nature_n to_o grace_n in_o scripture_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o conceit_n beside_o there_o be_v these_o three_o error_n in_o it_o 1._o against_o experience_n which_o show_v that_o grace_n have_v not_o be_v bestow_v where_o they_o have_v have_v the_o best_a natuturall_a disposition_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o rejection_n of_o the_o tyrian_n and_o sidonian_n and_o vocation_n of_o the_o capernaite_n though_o they_o be_v natural_o better_a fit_v to_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n than_o these_o as_o also_o by_o the_o long_a rejection_n of_o all_o the_o civil_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a reason_n far_o better_o than_o other_o barbarous_a people_n yet_o be_v leave_v destitute_a so_o many_o age_n of_o all_o supernatural_a help_n as_o well_o as_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v found_v upon_o two_o false_a supposition_n 1._o one_o that_o the_o
man_n unto_o god_n repent_v and_o believe_v thâ—_n gospel_n so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o now_o for_o conclusion_n at_o this_o time_n lie_v all_o these_o error_n together_o and_o see_v what_o be_v the_o final_a upshot_n of_o this_o opinion_n all_o thing_n be_v reckon_v it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a there_o be_v natural_o very_o little_a or_o no_o corruption_n and_o unto_o his_o regeneration_n there_o be_v require_v little_a or_o no_o grace_n that_o i_o be_v not_o think_v to_o slander_v they_o both_o will_v appear_v unto_o you_o to_o be_v true_a thus_o first_o that_o they_o annihilate_v and_o overthrow_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v in_o our_o conversion_n chief_o to_o be_v respect_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o their_o doctrine_n grace_n have_v no_o work_n upon_o any_o of_o these_o not_o upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o enlighten_v it_o for_o say_v they_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o upon_o the_o affection_n to_o rectify_v their_o motion_n for_o say_v they_o the_o affection_n follow_v the_o understanding_n and_o be_v present_o in_o order_n as_o soon_o as_o that_o be_v inform_v last_o not_o upon_o the_o will_v to_o incline_v that_o to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n for_o that_o say_v they_o be_v leave_v absolute_o to_o its_o own_o liberty_n and_o of_o itself_o it_o may_v consent_v or_o dissent_v where_o then_o be_v any_o work_n leave_v for_o grace_n unless_o that_o glorious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o bring_v a_o sinner_n unto_o himself_o so_o much_o magnify_v in_o scripture_n and_o by_o all_o man_n be_v now_o at_o last_o nothing_o but_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o mankind_n which_o we_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a grace_n but_o yet_o without_o another_o that_o be_v great_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n thus_o grace_n be_v exclude_v let_v we_o see_v what_o they_o think_v of_o man_n inherent_a corruption_n this_o they_o also_o extenuate_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o weak_a nor_o wicked_a as_o we_o have_v be_v always_o think_v to_o be_v for_o why_o our_o understand_v need_v not_o any_o supernatural_a restore_n of_o decay_a sight_n if_o divine_a thing_n be_v plain_o set_v forth_o to_o view_v we_o can_v see_v well_o enough_o our_o affection_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o vicious_o dispose_v but_o only_o through_o the_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n correct_v that_o and_o all_o be_v amend_v final_o our_o will_n have_v not_o rebellious_a inclination_n in_o they_o but_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o without_o further_a help_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o that_o if_o arminius_n be_v not_o deceive_v in_o his_o we_o may_v now_o change_v our_o opinion_n of_o ourselves_o and_o think_v that_o we_o be_v at_o lest_o something_o but_o what_o then_o be_v become_v of_o that_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o of_o that_o universal_a corruption_n and_o disorder_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o be_v it_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o but_o these_o man_n have_v vanish_v away_o in_o their_o imagination_n and_o have_v dispute_v so_o long_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o man_n corruption_n till_o in_o conclusion_n they_o have_v lose_v both_o and_o be_v become_v wilful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o one_o and_o malicious_a enemy_n to_o the_o other_o hitherto_o the_o explication_n of_o their_o opinion_n their_o error_n and_o the_o general_a issue_n of_o they_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o unfold_v and_o confirm_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v touch_v this_o question_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v in_o man_n power_n so_o to_o resist_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o final_o to_o hinder_v his_o own_o conversion_n we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a that_o where_o god_n purpose_v to_o save_v no_o power_n of_o man_n can_v destroy_v the_o truth_n hereof_o will_v plain_o appear_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v distinct_o how_o a_o man_n may_v hinder_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n 1._o in_o the_o antecedent_n and_o preparatory_a mean_n to_o his_o conversion_n 2._o in_o his_o conversion_n itself_o for_o the_o antecedent_n preparation_n to_o bring_v man_n unto_o conversion_n they_o be_v either_o outward_a namely_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o external_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o frequent_v the_o word_n preach_v prayer_n sacrament_n keep_v of_o the_o sabbaoth_n attention_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o inward_a the_o effect_n of_o the_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n as_o 1._o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o religion_n concern_v faith_n and_o practice_n 2._o touch_v of_o conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n arise_v from_o a_o clear_a discovery_n and_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n forlorn_a estate_n 3._o a_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o god_n punish_v vengeance_n join_v with_o a_o natural_a grief_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o so_o much_o unavoidable_a misery_n 4._o a_o thought_n and_o wish_n for_o freedom_n by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o 5._o some_o slight_a hope_n of_o help_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n so_o general_o make_v as_o none_o seem_v to_o be_v exclude_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n whereof_o some_o kind_n of_o joy_n will_v also_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o which_o together_o may_v cause_v some_o kind_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n in_o do_v of_o many_o thing_n glad_o and_o a_o not_o unwilling_a abstinence_n from_o other_o touch_v these_o preparation_n unto_o conversion_n you_o be_v to_o note_v these_o three_o position_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o necessary_a this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v against_o those_o overbroad_o and_o unadvised_a speech_n of_o some_o which_o have_v give_v occasion_n unto_o our_o adversary_n to_o fasten_v upon_o we_o this_o imputation_n that_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n 12._o zelus_n omnis_fw-la cura_fw-la &_o sludium_fw-la ad_fw-la obtinendam_fw-la salutem_fw-la adhibitum_fw-la ante_fw-la ipsam_fw-la fidem_fw-la &_o spiritum_fw-la renovationis_fw-la vanum_fw-la est_fw-la atque_fw-la irritum_fw-la quinimo_fw-la noxium_fw-la magis_fw-la homini_fw-la quam_fw-la utile_fw-la &_o fructuosum_fw-la which_o assertion_n be_v most_o dangerous_a because_o it_o open_v a_o wide_a gap_n to_o let_v in_o all_o profane_a contempt_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n man_n have_v hereby_o a_o good_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n because_o all_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o a_o ill_a purpose_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v true_o convert_v but_o this_o be_v a_o slander_n our_o divine_n teach_v no_o discourage_a doctrine_n to_o blunt_a the_o edge_n of_o man_n good_a desire_n and_o to_o beat_v they_o off_o from_o all_o religious_a endeavour_n no_o they_o press_v upon_o man_n ever_o whilst_o they_o be_v unconvert_v the_o necessity_n and_o profitablenesse_n of_o all_o those_o forementioned_a preparation_n in_o regard_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v good_a and_o our_o very_a necessary_a obedience_n to_o do_v they_o be_v strict_o enjoin_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 2._o of_o the_o event_n that_o follow_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o god_n promise_n and_o his_o ordinary_a proceed_n in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o bestow_v not_o his_o grace_n ordinary_o but_o upon_o those_o that_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n nevertheless_o our_o divine_n teach_v this_o also_o which_o be_v true_a and_o warrantable_a 1._o that_o all_o these_o preparation_n be_v no_o efficient_a cause_n to_o produce_v grace_n of_o conversion_n in_o the_o heart_n however_o they_o prepare_v a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o where_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o afford_v his_o sanctify_a spirit_n they_o prove_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a 2._o that_o how_o good_a and_o necessary_a soever_o these_o preparatory_a work_n be_v yet_o the_o do_v of_o they_o be_v unto_o a_o man_n unregenerate_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o in_o the_o consequent_a to_o he_o they_o may_v prove_v harmful_a as_o for_o example_n when_o a_o unsanctified_a man_n hear_v the_o word_n praies_n perform_v any_o duty_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o in_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o do_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o always_o commit_v some_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d or_o other_o because_o he_o want_v a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a without_o which_o he_o can_v but_o errâ—_n in_o fulfil_a god_n commandment_n but_o
who_o it_o be_v once_o implant_v so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v once_o convert_v can_v so_o shake_v off_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o first_o that_o he_o shall_v need_v a_o second_o conversion_n and_o a_o sinner_n once_o raise_v from_o death_n through_o the_o infusion_n of_o spirituallife_n like_v unto_o christ_n he_o die_v no_o more_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v strong_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1._o pet._n 1._o 23._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v this_o seed_n by_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n either_o alone_o or_o principal_o consider_v because_o that_o be_v but_o a_o instrument_n and_o arbitrary_a too_o the_o force_n whereof_o so_o depend_v on_o the_o chief_a agent_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o without_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a sound_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o word_n live_v &_o endure_v for_o ever_o be_v only_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n w_z ch_z give_v it_o its_o effect_n be_v everlasting_a well_o then_o this_o seed_n be_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n so_o call_v by_o similitude_n because_o that_o as_o of_o seed_n the_o conception_n be_v form_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n immediate_o the_o new_a man_n or_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o but_o why_o be_v this_o divine_a virtue_n the_o seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n call_v incorruptible_a seed_n be_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fruit_n for_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o as_o the_o person_n so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v eternal_a and_o incorruptible_a but_o he_o be_v wilful_o blind_a who_o see_v not_o that_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v so_o style_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o effect_n it_o work_v in_o we_o quatenus_fw-la semen_n as_o it_o be_v seed_n incorruptible_a produce_v fruit_n like_o to_o itself_o incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a and_o the_o opposition_n here_o make_v be_v manifest_a we_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o corruptible_a seed_n for_o that_o perish_v and_o so_o what_o be_v bear_v of_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v corruptible_a but_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o incorruptible_a seed_n which_o live_v and_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o what_o be_v bear_v of_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v incorruptible_a this_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o this_o quicken_a power_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v live_v for_o ever_o not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o in_o we_o also_o support_v and_o sustain_v our_o soul_n for_o ever_o in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n once_o infuse_v into_o they_o and_o if_o any_o will_v cavil_n st._n john_n put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n when_o speak_v of_o every_o regenerate_a person_n he_o say_v that_o this_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o so_o that_o can_v sin_v 1_o john_n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n and_o this_o for_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n the_o constancy_n whereof_o no_o desperate_a defender_n of_o the_o saint_n apostasy_n be_v he_o papist_n or_o arminian_n shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o shake_v in_o the_o next_o place_n touch_v the_o operation_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o perform_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v not_o such_o constancy_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o as_o in_o the_o former_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o at_o all_o time_n alike_o either_o stir_v up_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o holy_a motion_n or_o assist_v their_o endeavour_n in_o performance_n of_o good_a desire_n some_o presumptuous_a sin_n against_o conscience_n some_o pride_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n some_o neglect_n of_o pious_a duty_n especial_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a meditation_n some_o careless_a entertainment_n of_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o grace_n some_o security_n through_o long_a enjoy_n of_o heavenly_a comfort_n some_o such_o or_o other_o offence_n may_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o soul_n all_o sense_n of_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o assistance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o actual_a concurrence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n falls_z a_o languish_v betray_v present_o its_o natural_a impotency_n like_o hot_a water_n take_v off_o the_o fire_n begin_v to_o return_v to_o its_o first_o coldness_n and_o for_o a_o time_n corruption_n prevail_v against_o grace_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a against_o that_o which_o be_v but_o accidental_a such_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n of_o grace_n as_o these_o be_v all_o man_n grant_v and_o all_o good_a man_n feel_v but_o yet_o though_o the_o act_n fail_v the_o habit_n cease_v not_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n straightway_o barren_a because_o it_o miss_v a_o season_n or_o two_o they_o be_v but_o chastisement_n for_o negligence_n past_a and_o admonition_n to_o ensue_a industry_n both_o end_n in_o a_o large_a augmentation_n of_o all_o comfort_n when_o upon_o submission_n god_n be_v entreat_v again_o to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o shine_v upon_o we_o â—…s_v much_o touch_v the_o second_o circumstance_n about_o our_o conversion_n viz._n the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o viz._n the_o subject_a of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v utter_o weary_v you_o who_o by_o this_o time_n can_v but_o desire_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o i_o pardon_v i_o yet_o a_o small_a trespass_n upon_o the_o time_n and_o your_o patience_n that_o i_o may_v conclude_v all_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o application_n to_o our_o practice_n you_o have_v hear_v touch_v our_o conversion_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v god_n free_a love_n without_o our_o worth_n before_o we_o be_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o our_o help_n when_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o of_o no_o strength_n let_v the_o serious_a thought_n of_o these_o thing_n breed_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o double_a grace_n 1._o of_o thankfulness_n 2._o of_o humility_n le_fw-fr we_o join_v both_o together_o for_o they_o be_v twin_n of_o one_o birth_n and_o as_o you_o shall_v never_o see_v a_o proud_a man_n thankful_a either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n so_o you_o shall_v never_o behold_v a_o humble_a mind_n but_o it_o will_v always_o appear_v in_o the_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o least_o good_a turn_n we_o shall_v see_v how_o great_a cause_n there_o be_v in_o this_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n that_o we_o shall_v empty_v ourselves_o of_o all_o proud_a imagination_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n and_o tongue_n with_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n rich_a grace_n and_o free_a mercy_n if_o we_o will_v enforce_v upon_o our_o dull_a heart_n the_o powerful_a meditation_n of_o these_o four_o point_n 1._o the_o desperate_a and_o forlorn_a estate_n of_o a_o unconverted_a person_n 2._o the_o impossibility_n of_o our_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o damnable_a condition_n by_o any_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o creature_n whatsoever_o 3._o the_o admirable_a graciousnesse_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o provide_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o they_o effectual_o work_v our_o full_a deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n &_o damnation_n 4._o last_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o grace_n whereto_o he_o have_v now_o bring_v we_o and_o wherein_o he_o preserve_v we_o under_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a glory_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o study_n you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v these_o thing_n the_o subject_n of_o your_o best_a advise_a meditation_n hold_v i_o for_o ever_o guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a lie_n if_o you_o find_v not_o by_o experience_n how_o forcible_a this_o course_n will_v be_v to_o take_v down_o our_o foolish_a haughtiness_n and_o swell_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n in_o sweet_a song_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o that_o have_v do_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o our_o soul_n my_o brethren_n slight_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o touch_v we_o near_o do_v but_o conceive_v with_o i_o how_o horrible_a that_o thought_n be_v and_o full_a of_o unspeakable_a terror_n when_o the_o conscience_n free_v from_o the_o clamour_n of_o ill_a company_n cool_v after_o the_o heat_n of_o wine_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n retire_v from_o the_o distract_n business_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o still_v after_o the_o rage_n of_o some_o furious_a passton_n or_o glut_v of_o pleasure_n shall_v in_o silence_n turn_v in_o upon_o itself_o and_o fall_v upon_o the_o inquiry_n
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be_v that_o place_n act._n 14._o 16_o 17._o who_o in_o time_n pass_v suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n from_o hence_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v frame_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n clear_o show_v what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o we_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o gracious_a bounty_n together_o with_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n dictate_v unto_o we_o what_o duty_n it_o be_v we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o do_v of_o good_a or_o forbear_n of_o evil_a these_o two_o book_n be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o man_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o become_v thankful_a but_o all_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o direction_n of_o 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the_o right_a worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n that_o this_o may_v appear_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o your_o patience_n whilst_o once_o for_o all_o we_o take_v a_o general_a survey_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o supernatural_a help_n and_o whilst_o of_o such_o a_o one_o we_o do_v inquire_v how_o far_o he_o may_v go_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o which_o search_n we_o be_v for_o our_o more_o distinct_a proceed_n to_o examine_v 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o far_o they_o may_v proceed_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o mere_o natural_a understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n 2._o the_o effect_n which_o this_o knowledge_n may_v work_v in_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o practice_n and_o obedience_n to_o what_o they_o know_v touch_v the_o former_a there_o may_v be_v a_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o it_o 1._o how_o far_o the_o heathen_a have_v go_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v have_v go_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n if_o they_o have_v careful_o use_v all_o nature_n help_n for_o this_o question_n be_v define_v in_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o hypothesis_n take_v a_o historical_a view_n of_o the_o heathen_n knowledge_n by_o those_o record_n of_o it_o that_o be_v remain_v upon_o their_o write_n we_o must_v ascend_v high_a to_o the_o thesis_n to_o see_v what_o they_o may_v have_v do_v more_o than_o they_o have_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v there_o be_v and_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_a many_o who_o beside_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o nature_n have_v extraordinary_a ability_n and_o endowment_n by_o a_o special_a though_o not_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v fit_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o most_o secret_a hide_a principle_n and_o 31._o conclusion_n in_o all_o learned_a art_n and_o for_o the_o wise_a application_n of_o they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o practice_n a_o point_n easy_o demonstrable_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o singular_a excellency_n of_o some_o few_o in_o all_o time_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n of_o man_n ordinary_a condition_n though_o not_o above_o that_o whereto_o mere_a nature_n be_v advanceable_a which_o whether_o it_o depend_v partly_o on_o some_o peculiar_a temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o spirit_n not_o usual_a partly_o on_o the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o both_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o rare_a privilege_n exempt_v not_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o from_o be_v natural_a man_n and_o no_o more_o now_o whether_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n qualify_v do_v employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o best_a that_o be_v divine_a thing_n it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o guess_v at_o former_a time_n either_o by_o the_o monument_n of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o present_a age_n we_o may_v now_o see_v and_o if_o such_o do_v not_o scorn_v to_o be_v pity_v we_o will_v lament_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o fine_a rare_a and_o most_o heroical_a wit_n who_o do_v general_o spend_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o mean_a and_o inferior_a excellency_n and_o most_o common_o in_o curious_a and_o fruitless_a employment_n scarce_o ever_o aspire_v to_o any_o achievement_n worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o man_n of_o their_o part_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o divine_a and_o sacred_a inquisition_n the_o humble_a and_o painful_a study_n whereof_o be_v most_o opposite_a to_o their_o negligence_n &_o presumption_n for_o former_a time_n it_o
cause_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n few_o i_o say_v will_v be_v find_v who_o love_n to_o virtue_n grow_v not_o hot_a or_o cold_o according_a as_o hope_n of_o temporal_a reward_n or_o fear_v of_o loss_n increase_v or_o slacken_v the_o flame_n as_o for_o hypocrite_n the_o case_n be_v most_o apparent_a in_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o pharisee_n between_o 6._o who_o and_o the_o heathen_a there_o be_v little_a difference_n in_o these_o point_n unless_o that_o these_o hypocry_n be_v the_o worse_o 2._o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v rather_o negative_a than_o positive_a in_o forbear_v more_o than_o in_o do_v he_o be_v magis_fw-la extra_fw-la vitia_n quam_fw-la cum_fw-la virtutibus_fw-la a_o harmless_a conversation_n be_v repute_v for_o a_o virtuous_a innocence_n and_o he_o be_v esteem_v very_o good_a that_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o other_o be_v experience_n show_v it_o in_o all_o natural_a man_n who_o content_n themselves_o in_o a_o freedom_n from_o such_o vice_n as_o they_o see_v and_o dislike_v in_o other_o man_n though_o themselves_o have_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o little_a goodness_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o see_v they_o want_v the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v incline_v they_o to_o good_a practice_n and_o have_v only_o his_o restrain_v grace_n which_o keep_v they_o from_o break_v out_o into_o those_o enormity_n whereby_o they_o will_v short_o disturb_v and_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a society_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n general_o respect_v other_o more_o than_o himself_o his_o righteousness_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v testae_fw-la populo_fw-la be_v great_a than_o his_o sobriety_n in_o regard_n of_o himself_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v testae_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o conscientia_fw-la for_o in_o those_o common_a affair_n between_o man_n and_o man_n which_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o censure_n of_o many_o man_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v their_o credit_n and_o esteem_v as_o know_v that_o common_o man_n judge_v of_o other_o by_o their_o common_a practice_n and_o intercourse_n in_o public_a business_n more_o than_o by_o their_o private_a and_o personal_a quality_n hence_o many_o have_v be_v good_a governor_n and_o commander_n both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n that_o for_o their_o particular_n have_v be_v vicious_a person_n many_o good_a for_o the_o common_a bad_a for_o their_o private_a wealth_n good_a subject_n good_a neighbour_n etc._n etc._n yet_o bad_a man_n deal_v in_o this_o case_n as_o covetous_a man_n do_v in_o feast_v who_o however_o spare_v they_o be_v in_o their_o private_a and_o daily_a spend_n yet_o in_o public_a entertainment_n exceed_v all_o for_o costly_a provision_n few_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o many_o will_v judge_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o that_o which_o they_o once_o see_v and_o approve_v of_o so_o that_o the_o maxim_n of_o politician_n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o virtue_n be_v a_o commodity_n the_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o a_o burden_n seem_v to_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o very_a dregs_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v general_o the_o utmost_a aim_n of_o a_o sinful_a man_n to_o cover_v his_o shameful_a but_o belove_a vice_n with_o the_o mantle_n of_o otherwise-disdained_n honesty_n 4._o the_o natural_a man_n goodness_n be_v not_o general_n but_o confine_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o one_o or_o few_o virtue_n those_o whereto_o his_o natural_a inclination_n and_o civil_a institution_n do_v best_a lead_v he_o this_o may_v be_v find_v true_a even_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o heathen_a who_o excel_v some_o in_o fortitude_n some_o in_o justice_n some_o in_o liberality_n some_o in_o temperance_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o almost_o have_v their_o great_a vice_n mingle_v with_o their_o great_a virtue_n that_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v love_v for_o the_o one_o or_o hate_v for_o the_o other_o wherein_o yet_o they_o deal_v politic_o pravitatem_fw-la unius_fw-la probitate_fw-la alterius_fw-la compensantes_fw-la as_o salvian_n speak_v so_o counterpoyse_v vice_n with_o virtue_n that_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o some_o virtue_n please_v and_o profitable_a to_o other_o they_o with_o less_o apprehension_n do_v free_o practice_v many_o vice_n no_o less_o please_v and_o commodious_a to_o themselves_o 5_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o entire_o good_a nor_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o far_o the_o action_n of_o the_o heathen_a may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n in_o moral_a action_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v 1._o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n 2._o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o moral_a action_n be_v its_o conformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o law_n when_o that_o thing_n be_v do_v which_o be_v command_v by_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o circumstance_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o action_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n or_o person_n that_o do_v the_o work_n 2._o in_o the_o end_n or_o scope_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o work_v both_o these_o i_o call_v circumstance_n of_o a_o moral_a action_n because_o by_o they_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o action_n be_v not_o vary_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o acceptation_n or_o reward_n for_o that_o he_o be_v a_o liberal_a man_n that_o give_v a_o alm_n or_o a_o true_a friend_n that_o do_v a_o friendly_a office_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o work_n itself_o for_o a_o covetous_a man_n or_o a_o enemy_n may_v do_v the_o like_a but_o with_o this_o difference_n only_o that_o it_o can_v be_v accept_v or_o count_v thanksworthy_a at_o their_o hand_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o make_v a_o good_a work_n please_v to_o god_n its_o necessary_a the_o person_n himself_o be_v first_o sanctify_v and_o regenerate_v but_o to_o do_v a_o work_n good_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a further_o for_o a_o servant_n or_o any_o other_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n upon_o constraint_n upon_o fear_n at_o unaware_o etc._n etc._n alter_v the_o case_n much_o in_o respect_n of_o favourable_a acceptance_n and_o merit_n of_o reward_n but_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o such_o service_n which_o may_v be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o one_o that_o perform_v they_o willing_o and_o out_o of_o regard_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o work_n that_o be_v perform_v out_o of_o hypocrisy_n custom_n formality_n compulsion_n or_o by_o chance_n may_v be_v a_o work_n good_a in_o itself_o but_o never_o find_v favour_n and_o reward_n with_o god_n unless_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conscience_n again_o for_o the_o end_v propose_v in_o all_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o a_o good_a end_n mend_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o bad_a action_n nor_o yet_o a_o bad_a end_n mar_v the_o goodness_n of_o any_o virtuous_a work_n both_o be_v mere_o accidental_a not_o essential_a to_o the_o action_n itself_o true_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o we_o do_v corrupt_v a_o good_a action_n by_o a_o bad_a meaning_n though_o as_o we_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o mar_v then_o than_o to_o make_v we_o can_v infuse_v any_o goodness_n into_o a_o vicious_a action_n by_o a_o virtuous_a intention_n but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o who_o get_v no_o benefit_n by_o such_o a_o work_n otherwise_o the_o action_n of_o a_o liberal_a man_n of_o a_o valiant_a man_n of_o a_o good_a commonwealth_n man_n though_o do_v for_o private_a respect_n of_o commodity_n or_o commendation_n may_v be_v in_o themselves_o as_o good_a and_o by_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o intention_n will_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a affection_n to_o virtue_n and_o sincere_a aim_n at_o public_a benefit_n so_o likewise_o all_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o the_o heathen_a though_o do_v for_o private_a and_o carnal_a end_n may_v be_v the_o same_o for_o goodness_n with_o those_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o christian_n with_o those_o spiritual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n only_o god_n accept_v not_o alike_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o as_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o his_o honour_n as_o man_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n will_v do_v the_o same_o now_o then_o see_v the_o law_n command_v the_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o good_a and_o acceptable_a action_n that_o as_o we_o do_v 5._o all_o so_o we_o
work_n make_v our_o faith_n i._n e._n our_o assent_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n to_o deserve_v eternal_a life_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o least_o intimation_n of_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a meaning_n when_o it_o tell_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n gael_n 5._o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o answer_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o in_o christianity_n no_o outward_a matter_n be_v of_o value_n that_o only_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v be_v faith_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n these_o good_a work_n come_v from_o charity_n or_o inward_a love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n this_o charity_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o work_v through_o faith_n so_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n as_o by_o that_o chief_a instrument_n which_o faith_n employ_v in_o the_o do_n of_o all_o good_a work_n but_o charity_n work_v by_o faith_n as_o by_o the_o move_a cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v excite_v to_o work_v according_a to_o 1._o tim._n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n be_v the_o first_o wheel_n in_o the_o clock_n that_o move_v all_o the_o rest_n faith_n stir_v up_o and_o direct_v the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o their_o operation_n who_o strength_n and_o vigour_n increase_v according_a as_o faith_n increase_v tantum_n amamâ—…_n quantum_fw-la credimus_fw-la &_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o all_o experience_n those_o that_o have_v the_o strong_a faith_n they_o show_v the_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o in_o abraham_n moses_n paul_n all_o the_o martyr_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o show_v the_o connexion_n between_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o other_o place_n james_n 2._o 26._o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v dead_a even_o so_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a we_o answer_v that_o s._n james_n understand_v by_o that_o similitude_n not_o modum_fw-la informationis_fw-la but_o necessitatem_fw-la vnionis_fw-la that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_o couple_v with_o a_o justify_v faith_n not_o that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n à _fw-la priori_fw-la they_o be_v argument_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n they_o be_v not_o cause_n that_o make_v it_o live_v as_o be_v apparent_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o good_a work_n shall_v go_v before_o justify_v faith_n heb._n 11._o 6._o wherefore_o this_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v strain_v unto_o a_o philosophical_a construction_n where_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n but_o to_o show_v that_o true_a say_n faith_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v conjoin_v with_o good_a work_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n be_v so_o strict_a upon_o the_o term_n of_o this_o similitude_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o fit_v not_o their_o doctrine_n for_o so_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n so_o work_n shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o act_n shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o habit_n which_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o their_o own_o doctrine_n who_o make_v the_o habitual_a grace_n of_o charity_n not_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n s._n james_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n or_o else_o we_o may_v without_o any_o violence_n 32._o interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o that_o place_n not_o spiritum_fw-la i._n e._n animam_fw-la but_o spiritum_fw-la i._n e._n halitum_fw-la &_o respirationem_fw-la and_o thus_o the_o comparison_n be_v exact_a as_o the_o body_n without_o breathe_v and_o motion_n be_v dead_a so_o faith_n without_o work_n thus_o it_o appear_v how_o faith_n be_v slight_v by_o our_o adversary_n whilst_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o assent_n to_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n some_o place_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v they_o will_v fain_o build_v this_o upon_o as_o heb._n 11._o 1._o rom._n 4._o 3._o tit._n 1._o 1._o joh._n 20._o 31._o but_o their_o argument_n thence_o be_v so_o inconsequent_a and_o weak_a they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o mention_v or_o refute_v i_o proceed_v therefore_o from_o this_o general_a faith_n unto_o that_o other_o which_o be_v special_a &_o particular_a particular_a assent_n of_o faith_n be_v when_o all_o thing_n reveal_v by_o god_n be_v assent_v unto_o as_o most_o true_a and_o excellent_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o our_o proper_a occasion_n and_o compare_v with_o all_o desire_n and_o provocation_n whatsoever_o to_o the_o contrary_n when_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o deliver_v for_o ourselves_o in_o application_n to_o our_o own_o use_n and_o practice_n as_o job_n be_v counsel_v by_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o 27._o particular_a aswell_o as_o in_o that_o at_o this_o time_n aswell_o as_o at_o another_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a assent_n i_o propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n two_o thing_n 1._o the_o root_n and_o cause_n whence_o it_o spring_v 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o whereto_o it_o be_v direct_v 1._o the_o true_a root_n and_o fountain_n whence_o this_o bless_a assent_n of_o faith_n arise_v be_v that_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o power_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o common_a illumination_n for_o many_o know_v and_o despise_v the_o truth_n or_o believe_v it_o but_o in_o general_a it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v persuade_v to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o have_v have_v so_o many_o thousand_o â—…rmons_n of_o prophet_n &_o minister_n learned_a holy_a and_o powerful_a in_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o preach_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n with_o the_o most_o of_o mâ—n_z it_o be_v not_o miracle_n and_o strange_a accident_n that_o can_v force_v this_o faith_n the_o jew_n have_v plenty_n of_o they_o yet_o continue_v still_o unbelieved_a it_o be_v only_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v for_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o how_o deadly_o a_o opposition_n there_o be_v between_o a_o man_n unsanctified_a nature_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n all_o his_o counsel_n seem_v but_o craft_n his_o word_n foolishness_n his_o mercy_n light_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o estimation_n his_o exhortation_n promise_n or_o threaten_n be_v entertain_v with_o inward_a disdain_n and_o the_o heart_n say_v within_o itself_o who_o be_v god_n that_o i_o shall_v fear_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v a_o man_n have_v by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n yea_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o ingenuous_a and_o of_o fair_a temper_n in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a of_o secret_a scorn_n and_o despite_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n they_o account_v base_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o religion_n be_v privy_a scoffer_n and_o bitter_a derider_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o by_o themselves_o or_o in_o company_n that_o fit_v they_o they_o make_v a_o tush_o at_o scripture_n and_o smile_v at_o such_o persuasion_n to_o piety_n as_o they_o afford_v count_v it_o a_o indignity_n for_o man_n of_o part_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v move_v with_o fair_a word_n of_o a_o simple_a man_n though_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v good_a in_o the_o general_a yet_o in_o the_o application_n the_o heart_n make_v violent_a opposition_n it_o begin_v to_o hold_v probable_a dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o do_v so_o or_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n consider_v such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n it_o cast_v all_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v think_v on_o to_o discourage_v itself_o yea_o perchance_o the_o truth_n itself_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o it_o think_v sure_o i_o be_o deceive_v god_n meaning_n be_v otherwise_o at_o last_o it_o resolve_v i_o may_v do_v this_o and_o yet_o fare_v well_o enough_o and_o if_o i_o do_v no_o worse_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o amiss_o and_o i_o trust_v that_o these_o commodity_n and_o pleasure_n i_o enjoy_v may_v well_o countervail_v the_o neglect_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o small_a matter_n thus_o the_o heart_n not_o wash_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n but_o abide_v in_o its_o natural_a corruption_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o prove_v either_o impudent_a and_o