religious_a fast_o ans._n it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o extraordinary_a abstinence_n take_v up_o for_o a_o religious_a end_n what_o this_o end_n be_v we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o first_o i_o call_v it_o voluntary_a because_o the_o time_n and_o particular_a manner_n of_o fast_v be_v not_o impose_v or_o determine_v but_o leave_v free_a to_o our_o own_o liberty_n again_o i_o term_v it_o extraordinary_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o ordinary_a fast_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n whereby_o the_o appetite_n be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n that_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_v moderation_n now_o this_o kind_n of_o fast_o be_v to_o be_v use_v of_o all_o christian_n at_o all_o time_n whereas_o the_o extraordinary_a be_v not_o daily_a and_o ordinary_o to_o be_v practise_v but_o upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o at_o special_a time_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o more_o straight_o and_o severe_a abstinence_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o question_n how_o a_o religious_a fast_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v ans._n for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v i._o a_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n ii_o a_o right_a manner_n iii_o right_a end_n sect._n 1_o fast_v be_v then_o to_o be_v use_v when_o a_o just_a and_o face_fw-mi weighty_a cause_n or_o occasion_n thereof_o be_v offer_v there_o be_v two_o just_a cause_n of_o a_o fast_n the_o first_o be_v when_o some_o judgement_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n whether_o it_o be_v public_a as_o famine_n pestilence_n the_o sword_n destruction_n etc._n etc._n or_o private_a the_o prophet_n joel_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o strait_a and_o solemn_a fast_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o just_a occasion_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v a_o great_a dearth_n upon_o the_o land_n joel_n 2._o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n hester_n and_o her_o company_n fast_v when_o she_o have_v hear_v news_n of_o the_o intend_a destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n ester_n 4._o 16._o the_o people_n of_o nineveh_n which_o be_v not_o jew_n but_o foreigner_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o covenant_n when_o the_o prophet_n come_v and_o denounce_v destruction_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o give_v themselves_o general_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n jon._n 3._o 5._o 8._o the_o second_o cause_n of_o fast_v be_v when_o we_o be_v to_o sue_v &_o seek_v by_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o some_o special_a blessing_n or_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o some_o great_a want_n thus_o when_o daniel_n desire_v to_o obtain_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o fast_v dan._n 10._o 3._o thus_o christ_n fast_v and_o spend_v the_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n before_o he_o choose_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n luk._n 6._o 12._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n paul_n and_o silas_n when_o they_o be_v to_o found_v and_o plant_v church_n use_v prayer_n and_o fast_v act._n 14._o 23._o because_o in_o these_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n they_o look_v for_o special_a direction_n from_o god_n himself_o last_o anna_n that_o she_o may_v be_v more_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n fast_v night_n and_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n luc._n 2._o 37._o sect._n 2._o the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o fast_v which_o stand_v in_o three_o thing_n fast_v the_o first_o be_v abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_v for_o therein_o consist_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o fast_o and_o if_o that_o be_v want_v it_o be_v no_o fast_o at_o all_o thus_o ester_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o fast_o for_o she_o bid_v they_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v for_o three_o day_n ester_n 4._o 16._o the_o second_o be_v a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o delight_n which_o may_v any_o way_n cheer_n and_o refresh_v nature_n in_o this_o sort_n daniel_n fast_v three_o whole_a week_n of_o day_n abstain_v from_o all_o pleasant_a bread_n flesh_n wine_n and_o ointment_n dan._n 10._o 3._o so_o when_o david_n fast_v it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o lie_v all_o the_o night_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o he_o neither_o wash_v nor_o anoint_v himself_o nor_o change_v his_o apparel_n 2._o sam._n 12._o 16_o 20._o in_o the_o solemn_a fast_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o bridegroom_n and_o bride_n must_v come_v out_o of_o their_o chamber_n joe_v 2._o 15_o 16._o by_o these_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o a_o true_a fast_n there_o be_v require_v not_o only_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_v but_o from_o all_o delight_n recreation_n &_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v refresh_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n by_o this_o the_o popish_a fast_n be_v just_o reprove_v wherein_o though_o man_n be_v enjoin_v to_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n yet_o there_o be_v give_v liberty_n to_o use_v other_o delicate_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o fast_a be_v so_o far_o forth_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o other_o delight_n as_o the_o body_n may_v be_v thereby_o afflict_v ezra_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o that_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n may_v afflict_v themselves_o ezra_n 8._o 2._o this_o afflict_v of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v expound_v by_o paul_n 1._o cor._n 9_o 27._o where_o he_o say_v i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n now_o though_o we_o must_v humble_v and_o afflict_v our_o body_n by_o fast_v yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o weaken_v abolish_v or_o destroy_v nature_n or_o do_v that_o whereby_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v away_o for_o such_o afflict_a be_v forbid_v coloss._n 2._o 23._o and_o contrariwise_o we_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o pray_v for_o daily_a bread_n that_o be_v such_o food_n as_o be_v fit_n to_o sustain_v our_o substance_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v by_o such_o exercise_n overthrow_v the_o same_o yet_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o fast_v three_o question_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v i._o question_n how_o long_o the_o fast_n must_v continue_v ans._n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o a_o fast_a be_v leave_v unto_o our_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v so_o long_o to_o be_v keep_v as_o the_o principal_a action_n of_o the_o fast_o that_o be_v humiliation_n and_o prayer_n do_v continue_v and_o though_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n thereof_o be_v free_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o meet_a &_o convenient_a that_o solemn_a fast_n shall_v begin_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o last_o till_o the_o evening_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n ii_o question_n whether_o in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_o a_o man_n may_v eat_v any_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o he_o may_v what_o and_o how_o often_o ans._n we_o may_v eat_v and_o that_o if_o need_v require_v once_o or_o twice_o yet_o here_o we_o must_v take_v with_o we_o two_o caveat_n first_o concern_v the_o quantity_n of_o our_o meat_n it_o must_v be_v less_o than_o ordinary_a and_o only_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o proserue_v nature_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o we_o abolish_v our_o fast_n second_o concern_v the_o quality_n of_o that_o we_o eat_v it_o must_v not_o be_v dainty_a and_o pleasant_a but_o the_o mean_a food_n and_o such_o as_o have_v least_o delightsomnes_n and_o delicacy_n in_o it_o thus_o daniel_n fast_v for_o three_o week_n of_o day_n from_o morning_n to_o evening_n in_o which_o time_n he_o eat_v but_o a_o small_a quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o dainty_a dan._n 10._o 3._o these_o caveat_n observe_v a_o man_n may_v lawful_o take_v some_o sustenance_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_o for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o meat_n but_o may_v then_o be_v eat_v quantity_n and_o quality_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n no_o clean_a beast_n be_v forbid_v to_o be_v eat_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o fast_n and_o in_o the_o new_a to_o the_o pure_a say_v paul_n tit._n 1._o 15._o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o iii_o quest._n whether_o all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o form_n prescribe_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o solemn_a fast_o ans._n all_o that_o be_v able_a and_o can_v abstain_v be_v bind_v yet_o because_o god_n worship_n stand_v not_o in_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o person_n be_v here_o exempt_v first_o all_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a as_o child_n age_a person_n and_o those_o that_o be_v sickly_a second_o they_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o body_n do_v find_v themselves_o unfit_a to_o
the_o sabbath_n be_v to_o begin_v in_o the_o evening_n because_o in_o the_o first_o of_o gen._n it_o be_v say_v fix_v several_a time_n the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n make_v the_o first_o day_n and_o so_o the_o second_o and_o three_o etc._n etc._n ans._n first_o in_o that_o text_n when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o evening_n and_o the_o morning_n make_v such_o &_o such_o day_n by_o the_o evening_n be_v understand_v the_o night_n and_o by_o the_o morning_n the_o day_n and_o the_o evening_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o morning_n the_o end_n of_o the_o night_n this_o exposition_n be_v ancient_a and_o yet_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v not_o one_o place_n where_o the_o evening_n be_v put_v for_o the_o night_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o collection_n from_o that_o place_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o thus_o the_o reason_n must_v needs_o be_v frame_v that_o which_o god_n do_v in_o appoint_v of_o day_n the_o same_o must_v we_o do_v in_o use_v of_o they_o but_o god_n in_o appoint_v of_o day_n begin_v the_o day_n at_o the_o evening_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o consequent_a be_v false_a for_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o time_n constitute_v and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o thing_n in_o do_v as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o use_n three_o this_o do_v not_o bind_v the_o jew_n for_o they_o in_o all_o likelihood_n begin_v their_o sabboth_n in_o the_o morning_n indeed_o their_o solemn_a feast_n as_o the_o passeover_n and_o such_o like_a begin_v and_o be_v keep_v from_o evening_n to_o morning_n as_o we_o may_v read_v levit._n 23._o 5._o but_o their_o ordinary_a sabbath_n be_v keep_v from_o morning_n to_o morning_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n matthew_n call_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o jew_n matth._n 28._o 1._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o i_o take_v it_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v object_v that_o moses_n say_v levit._n 23._o 32._o from_o even_o to_o even_o shall_v you_o celebrate_v your_o sabbath_n ans._n the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o feast_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v the_o ten_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n which_o be_v solemnize_v and_o keep_v from_o even_o to_o even_o and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sabbath_n because_o it_o be_v by_o special_a commandment_n appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v as_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v holy_a by_o the_o jew_n in_o humble_v themselves_o and_o offer_v sacrifice_n vers_fw-la 27._o second_o because_o upon_o that_o day_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o do_v any_o servile_a work_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n vers_fw-la 25._o 30._o again_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n can_v not_o embaulme_n christ_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o this_o be_v the_o evening_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o jew_n sabbath_n there_o mean_v concur_v with_o the_o day_n of_o their_o passover_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o their_o sabbath_n begin_v in_o the_o evening_n by_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o sabbath_n be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o morning_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o next_o morning_n and_o not_o as_o some_o suppose_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o even_o and_o continue_v till_o the_o next_o even_o and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o special_a question_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o also_o general_o concern_v those_o that_o belong_v to_o man_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o book_n the_o three_o book_n of_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v man_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o man_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v proceed_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o two_o sort_n of_o question_n whereof_o some_o do_v concern_v man_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v apart_o by_o himself_o without_o respect_n unto_o another_o some_o again_o concern_v man_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o first_o relation_n namely_o to_o god_n now_o we_o come_v by_o order_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o and_o last_o head_n of_o case_n propound_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o second_o relation_n to_o man_n and_o under_o this_o head_n be_v comprehend_v all_o those_o question_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o which_o do_v belong_v unto_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o some_o society_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o family_n the_o church_n or_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o this_o discourse_n some_o convenient_a subject_n or_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v whereunto_o all_o the_o question_n that_o follow_v may_v fit_o be_v reduce_v now_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o convenient_a subject_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v virtue_n and_o therefore_o according_a the_o difference_n of_o virtue_n we_o will_v distinguish_v the_o question_n into_o three_o several_a sort_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o particular_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o general_o of_o virtue_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o may_v give_v light_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v touch_v virtue_n two_o thing_n be_v brief_o to_o be_v remember_v first_o what_o it_o be_v and_o then_o what_o be_v the_o distinct_a kind_n thereof_o virtue_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v apt_a to_o live_v well_o i_o call_v it_o first_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o in_o whomesoever_o it_o be_v whether_o in_o christian_n or_o in_o heathen_a man_n it_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o gift_n that_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o confute_v the_o receive_a error_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_a philosopher_n which_o call_v virtue_n a_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n obtain_v and_o confirm_v by_o custom_n use_n and_o practice_v second_o i_o call_v it_o such_o a_o gift_n as_o be_v also_o a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o this_o be_v add_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o that_o we_o may_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o christian_a and_o heathen_a virtue_n for_o howbeit_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o kind_n and_o name_n be_v and_o may_v be_v find_v both_o in_o they_o that_o profess_v christ_n and_o those_o also_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o they_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n for_o in_o heathen_a man_n they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o not_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n but_o in_o those_o that_o be_v true_a christian_n they_o be_v indeed_o not_o only_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o also_o essential_a part_n of_o regeneration_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a yet_o conceive_v this_o difference_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o man_n be_v twofold_a restrain_v and_o renew_v restrain_v be_v that_o which_o bridle_v and_o restrain_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n from_o break_v forth_o into_o outward_a action_n for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o society_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o one_o man_n may_v live_v orderly_o with_o another_o renew_v grace_n be_v that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o restrain_v the_o corruption_n but_o also_o mortify_v sin_n and_o renew_v the_o heart_n daily_o more_o &_o more_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o heathen_a man_n &_o the_o virtue_n which_o they_o have_v serve_v only_o to_o repress_v the_o act_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o outward_a action_n but_o in_o christian_n they_o be_v grace_n of_o god_n not_o only_o bridle_v and_o restrain_v the_o affection_n but_o renew_v the_o heart_n and_o mortifyin_o all_o corruption_n and_o though_o those_o virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v grace_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o general_a and_o common_a to_o all_o whereas_o the_o virtue_n of_o christian_n be_v special_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n sanctify_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n for_o example_n chastity_n in_o joseph_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n renew_v his_o heart_n but_o chastity_n in_o xevoerates_n be_v a_o common_a grace_n serve_v only_o to_o curb_v and_o restrain_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o abraham_n a_o christian_a and_o of_o aristides_n a_o
affliction_n for_o this_o life_n and_o in_o glory_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v now_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o those_o who_o he_o foreknow_v shall_v be_v conformable_a unto_o his_o son_n in_o these_o respect_n then_o have_v he_o also_o decree_v the_o affliction_n themselves_o second_o god_n do_v not_o only_o bare_o permit_v affliction_n to_o be_v but_o also_o he_o effect_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o execution_n as_o they_o be_v cross_n correction_n trial_n and_o punishment_n i_o make_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o 7._o create_v evil_a that_o be_v not_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n but_o of_o punishment_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o thing_n be_v term_v evil_a two_o way_n some_o be_v evil_a indeed_o some_o be_v evil_a not_o indeed_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o sense_n apprehension_n and_o estimation_n and_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v affliction_n which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o create_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n shall_v there_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o city_n 6._o and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o three_o as_o god_n cause_v affliction_n so_o he_o order_v and_o dispose_v they_o that_o be_v he_o limit_v and_o appoint_v the_o beginning_n the_o end_n the_o measure_n or_o quantity_n and_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o yea_o he_o also_o order_v they_o to_o their_o right_a end_n namely_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o correct_v his_o people_n in_o judgement_n that_o be_v so_o 11._o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o correction_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a against_o he_o in_o sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n for_o silver_n god_n dispose_v it_o for_o good_a 20._o when_o shemei_n curse_v david_n he_o forbid_v his_o servant_n so_o much_o as_o to_o meddle_v with_o he_o and_o why_o because_o say_v he_o the_o lord_n 10._o bid_v he_o to_o curse_v and_o who_o then_o dare_v say_v onto_z he_o why_o have_v thou_o do_v so_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o prophet_n david_n say_v i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o why_o because_o thou_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o psal._n 39_o 9_o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o affliction_n do_v come_v only_o from_o god_n it_o be_v somewhat_o but_o oftentimes_o they_o come_v from_o man_n that_o bear_v we_o no_o good_a will_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o we_o be_v impatient_a answ._n when_o cross_n do_v come_v from_o man_n god_n use_v they_o as_o instrument_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o work_n god_n be_v the_o chief_a doer_n and_o they_o be_v as_o tool_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o the_o lord_n inflict_v they_o upon_o we_o by_o man_n to_o try_v our_o patience_n under_o the_o cross_n joseph_n though_o he_o know_v well_o the_o bad_a deal_n of_o his_o brethren_n towards_o he_o yet_o he_o look_v not_o to_o they_o alone_o but_o to_o a_o high_a cause_n namely_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o execute_v his_o own_o good_a will_n by_o they_o god_n faith_n he_o dispose_v it_o to_o good_a and_o again_o god_n do_v send_v i_o before_o you_o into_o egypt_n for_o your_o 20._o preservation_n the_o second_o ground_n be_v the_o commandment_n commandment_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o cross_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o therein_o this_o commandment_n be_v express_v luk._n 9_o 23._o where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n every_o day_n and_o follow_v christ._n abraham_n be_v command_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n isaac_n and_o to_o this_o commandment_n though_o otherwise_o a_o great_a cross_n unto_o he_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n the_o church_n say_v she_o will_v 9_o boar_n the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v she_o will_v perform_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o the_o cross_n because_o she_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o saint_n peter_n say_v that_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a therefore_o humble_v your_o 6._o self_n under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n to_o he_o in_o every_o affliction_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o obey_v it_o than_o any_o one_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o three_o ground_n be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v present_a presence_n with_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o affliction_n upon_o this_o ground_n david_n comfort_v himself_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o hear_v he_o to_o be_v with_o â—5_n he_o in_o trouble_n and_o to_o deliver_v he_o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n though_o i_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v none_o ill_o for_o thou_o be_v 4._o with_o i_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o end_n or_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v with_o we_o in_o affliction_n whereby_o he_o testify_v his_o presence_n and_o they_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v to_o work_v our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o cross_n call_v upon_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o 15._o time_n of_o thy_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o this_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v simple_o but_o with_o a_o exception_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o good_a for_o all_o promise_n of_o temporal_a deliverance_n be_v conditional_a and_o must_v be_v conceive_v with_o this_o limitation_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o chastisement_n if_o god_n please_v to_o impose_v it_o some_o may_v say_v how_o if_o god_n will_v not_o deliver_v we_o but_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o affliction_n what_o comfort_n shall_v we_o then_o have_v answ._n in_o the_o second_o place_n therefore_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n will_v temper_v and_o moderate_v our_o affliction_n so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o habbakuk_n pray_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o will_v in_o wrath_n remember_v mercy_n and_o paul_n 2._o say_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v but_o will_v give_v 13._o a_o issue_n with_o the_o temptation_n three_o put_v the_o case_n that_o god_n do_v not_o moderate_a our_o affliction_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v upon_o we_o not_o only_o for_o some_o time_n of_o our_o life_n but_o to_o the_o very_a death_n yet_o then_o will_v he_o testify_v his_o holy_a presence_n a_o other_o way_n namely_o by_o give_v the_o party_n distress_v power_n and_o strength_n to_o bear_v his_o affliction_n unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v say_v paul_n for_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o you_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o but_o also_o suffer_v 29._o for_o his_o sake_n the_o four_o ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o affliction_n be_v that_o every_o affliction_n upon_o the_o servant_n of_o affliction_n god_n have_v some_o special_a goodness_n in_o it_o rom._n 8._o 28._o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a unto_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o in_o regard_n hereof_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v endure_v by_o god_n child_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o help_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o same_o now_o this_o goodness_n be_v perceive_v two_o way_n first_o by_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o then_o by_o the_o quality_n and_o condition_n thereof_o in_o both_o which_o respect_n affliction_n be_v good_a touch_v the_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n because_o affliction_n they_o be_v manifold_a i_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o seven_o principal_a head_n i._o affliction_n do_v make_v man_n to_o see_v and_o consideration_n consider_v their_o sin_n josephs_n brethren_n for_o twenty_o year_n together_o be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o trouble_a for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o sell_v their_o brother_n yet_o upon_o their_o affliction_n in_o egypt_n they_o begin_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v do_v we_o have_v say_v they_o very_o sin_v against_o 21._o our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o therefore_o be_v this_o trouble_n come_v upon_o us._n manasses_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o peace_n give_v himself_o to_o witchcraft_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o strange_a god_n but_o when_o he_o be_v captive_a in_o babylon_n then_o be_v he_o bring_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n &_o move_v to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o they_o ii_o
be_v dissolve_v and_o be_v with_o christ._n touch_v this_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o question_n of_o conscience_n be_v move_v i._n first_o how_o may_v we_o in_o this_o life_n have_v and_o nourish_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o true_a taste_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v ans._n first_o by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_n that_o do_v hinder_v or_o prejudice_n our_o happiness_n and_o they_o be_v principal_o four_o one_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v he_o never_o so_o righteous_a that_o can_v true_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o clean_a from_o my_o sin_n prov._n 20._o 9_o yea_o â—uen_o the_o regenerate_v that_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v to_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n do_v find_v by_o experience_n etc._n corruption_n &_o rebellion_n in_o their_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n which_o daily_o afford_v matter_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o on_o the_o otherside_n hinder_v and_o quench_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o again_o such_o be_v the_o irreconciliable_a malice_n of_o satan_n that_o he_o take_v vantage_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o neglect_v no_o time_n or_o opportunity_n to_o intrappethâ—_n child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o his_o temptation_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o corruption_n and_o the_o wicked_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v at_o continual_a strife_n with_o himself_o have_v daily_a occasion_n of_o sorrow_n work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a wade_v as_o it_o be_v even_o while_o he_o live_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o many_o misery_n the_o second_o evil_a be_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o world_n itself_o or_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v do_v or_o suffer_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o sure_a and_o steadie_a whereunto_o man_n have_v attain_v can_v possible_o rest_v full_o satisfy_v and_o content_v or_o which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v most_o vain_a vanity_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o solomon_n himself_o who_o be_v king_n over_o israel_n want_v neither_o authority_n nor_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n to_o take_v knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o all_o worldly_a thing_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n and_o have_v even_o of_o set_a purpose_n careful_o and_o earnest_o search_v into_o they_o all_o at_o length_n he_o conclude_v that_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o be_v unprofitable_a vanity_n and_o vexation_n oâ—_n mind_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o his_o ecclesiastes_n the_o three_o evil_n be_v the_o changeable_n condition_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o be_v always_o in_o a_o fleet_a and_o transitory_a state_n for_o we_o be_v as_o saint_n peter_n speak_v but_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n that_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o in_o a_o 11._o strange_a country_n and_o still_o be_v make_v forward_o to_o our_o own_o home_n we_o have_v here_o no_o abide_v city_n the_o house_n wherein_o we_o dwell_v â—4_n be_v but_o inn_n in_o which_o we_o sojourn_v for_o a_o time_n yea_o the_o body_n which_o we_o have_v be_v but_o â—ents_n and_o â—abernacles_n always_o ready_a to_o be_v shift_v and_o ourselves_o to_o be_v translate_v into_o another_o place_n four_o by_o remember_v that_o christ_n our_o head_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o we_o his_o member_n upon_o the_o earth_n during_o our_o life_n we_o be_v in_o presence_n separate_v from_o our_o head_n and_o consequent_o from_o that_o happy_a and_o glorious_a fellowship_n which_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v with_o he_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n our_o fellow-member_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o s._n paul_n note_v when_o he_o say_v whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o 6._o thereupon_o himself_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ._n 13._o have_v thus_o enter_v into_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n we_o must_v in_o the_o second_o place_n exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n who_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o this_o life_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n be_v full_o and_o perfect_o free_v from_o sin_n from_o satan_n from_o vanity_n and_o misery_n have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v from_o 4._o their_o eye_n do_v behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n be_v make_v like_o unto_o christ_n in_o holiness_n and_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d and_o do_v with_o he_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o from_o the_o foundation_n 34._o of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o three_o place_n have_v thorough_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v compare_v the_o estate_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o the_o respect_n beforenamed_n with_o the_o estate_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o lay_v they_o in_o a_o parallel_n together_o we_o shall_v sinde_v the_o one_o infinite_o far_o to_o excel_v the_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o true_a joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o though_o live_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o use_v it_o as_o if_o we_o use_v it_o not_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n to_o think_v 31._o with_o paul_n that_o to_o be_v loose_v and_o be_v with_o 20._o christ_n be_v best_a of_o all_o for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o true_a and_o 23._o lively_a taste_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o according_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o look_v for_o a_o city_n that_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n 10._o ii_o second_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o man_n may_v true_o discern_v whether_o this_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o or_o no_o for_o answer_v hereunto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v sundry_a property_n whereby_o it_o differ_v from_o carnal_a joy_n and_o these_o be_v principal_o five_o first_o this_o joy_n be_v bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o christ._n you_o shall_v sorrow_n say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n mean_v for_o his_o departure_n 20._o but_o your_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o joy_n these_o word_n be_v not_o only_o mean_v of_o his_o disciple_n but_o of_o all_o believer_n who_o upon_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o spiritual_a want_n of_o christ_n jesus_n do_v mourn_v and_o lament_v for_o not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v there_o oppose_v unto_o the_o world_n again_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v that_o be_v be_v touch_v with_o 4._o cause_n of_o exceed_a grief_n do_v withal_o mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v on_o the_o other_o side_n carnal_a joy_n as_o it_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o the_o flesh_n &_o arise_v of_o thing_n please_v thereunto_o so_o it_o end_v in_o sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n in_o the_o end_n rejoice_v be_v turn_v into_o mourning_n say_v solomon_n and_o woe_n â—e_v to_o you_o 13._o that_o now_o laugh_v for_o you_o shall_v weep_v 25._o second_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o issue_v and_o flow_v from_o christ_n know_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n 17._o sanctification_n and_o full_a redemption_n for_o from_o hence_o follow_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o from_o peace_n come_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n contrariwise_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o flesh_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o sudden_a feel_n of_o some_o worldly_a delight_n and_o therefore_o can_v bring_v any_o sound_a peace_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o man_n possess_v of_o it_o three_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v found_v in_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n of_o mercy_n â—ove_n justice_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o world_n conceive_v a_o joy_n beside_o the_o word_n oâ—â—_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o invocation_n and_o repentance_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o cruelty_n malice_n oppression_n injustice_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o have_v spend_v their_o day_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v at_o length_n in_o a_o moment_n they_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n â—5_n four_o heavenly_a joy_n be_v so_o fix_a &_o
of_o man_n be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o for_o if_o those_o be_v hold_v as_o traitor_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o be_v most_o deserve_o adjudge_v to_o death_n that_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o deny_v his_o lawful_a authority_n then_o they_o that_o call_v into_o question_n the_o godhead_n be_v much_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v esteem_v traitor_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o bear_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o rebellion_n death_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o thereby_o minister_v occasion_n of_o doubt_v and_o deliberation_n in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a main_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o rather_o my_o purpose_n be_v in_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o remove_v or_o at_o least_o to_o help_v a_o inward_a corruption_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v great_a and_o dangerous_a whereby_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n and_o his_o providence_n the_o wound_n in_o the_o body_n that_o pluck_v out_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a wound_n that_o can_v be_v and_o that_o opinion_n that_o take_v away_o the_o godhead_n do_v in_o effect_n rend_v and_o pluck_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o caveat_n premise_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o for_o our_o better_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o man_n a_o threefold_a light_n the_o one_o of_o nature_n the_o other_o of_o grace_n and_o the_o three_o of_o glory_n and_o by_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v by_o god_n receive_v direction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o godhead_n both_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 〈◊〉_d if_o it_o be_v demand_v in_o what_o order_n god_n have_v reveil_v this_o light_n unto_o man_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n serve_v to_o give_v a_o beginning_n and_o preparation_n to_o this_o knowledge_n the_o light_n of_o grace_n minister_v the_o ground_n and_o give_v further_a proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n yield_v perfection_n of_o assurance_n make_v that_o perfect_o and_o full_o know_v which_o by_o the_o former_a degree_n be_v but_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o comprehend_v of_o these_o three_o in_o order_n sect._n 1_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v that_o light_n which_o the_o creation_n view_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o creature_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a afford_v unto_o man_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v five_o distinct_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v best_a settle_v in_o this_o point_n i._o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o creation_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v rom._n 1._o 20._o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v know_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v in_o his_o work_n and_o out_o of_o this_o excellent_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o godhead_n may_v be_v sundry_a way_n prove_v and_o maintain_v first_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o question_n this_o goodly_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n have_v it_o a_o beginning_n or_o no_o beginning_n let_v either_o part_n or_o both_o be_v take_v let_v it_o first_o be_v say_v it_o have_v no_o beginning_n but_o be_v eternal_a as_o the_o atheist_n hold_v then_o i_o reason_v thus_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n the_o world_n itself_o be_v god_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o great_a and_o high_a to_o the_o least_o and_o base_a yea_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o every_o corn_n of_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n be_v god_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n they_o have_v their_o be_v of_o themselves_o without_o beginning_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o substance_n of_o itself_o &_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v very_o god_n again_o if_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n than_o it_o have_v also_o no_o end_n for_o that_o which_o be_v without_o beginning_n be_v without_o end_v now_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o end_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v corruptible_a the_o same_o be_v finite_a therefore_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n now_o if_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n then_o i_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v make_v do_v it_o make_v itself_o or_o be_v it_o make_v of_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o make_v itself_o than_o the_o world_n be_v before_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o come_v from_o nothing_o that_o also_o can_v be_v for_o nothing_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o and_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o in_o itself_o can_v bring_v forth_o something_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a in_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o nothing_o bring_v forth_o this_o world_n and_o hereupon_o it_o must_v needs_o remain_v for_o a_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v some_o substance_n eternal_a and_o almighty_a that_o frame_v this_o goodly_a creature_n the_o world_n beside_o itself_o if_o a_o man_n come_v into_o a_o large_a forest_n and_o behold_v therein_o goodly_a fair_a building_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o herb_n and_o tree_n and_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o no_o man_n he_o will_v present_o reason_v thus_o with_o himself_o these_o building_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o some_o man_n they_o be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n they_o do_v not_o rear_v themselves_o neither_o do_v the_o herb_n the_o tree_n the_o bird_n or_o the_o beast_n build_v they_o but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v have_v some_o first_o â—ounder_n which_o be_v man_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o we_o consider_v this_o world_n so_o goodly_a a_o creature_n to_o behold_v though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o maker_n thereof_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o either_o it_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v make_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creator_n of_o it_o be_v some_o uncreated_a substance_n most_o wise_a most_o cunning_a and_o everlasting_a and_o that_o be_v god_n second_o from_o this_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o i_o reason_v thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n the_o first_o bare_a and_o naked_a substance_n that_o have_v neither_o life_n sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n the_o moon_n the_o star_n the_o second_o that_o have_v substance_n and_o life_n but_o no_o sense_n nor_o reason_n as_o plant_n tree_n and_o herb_n the_o three_o that_o have_v no_o reason_n but_o both_o substance_n life_n sense_n and_o power_n to_o move_v themselves_o as_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o land_n and_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o four_o be_v such_o as_o have_v all_o namely_o substance_n life_n sense_n and_o reason_n as_o man_n now_o these_o four_o sort_n of_o creature_n excel_v one_o another_o in_o property_n and_o degree_n for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o be_v mere_a substance_n do_v serve_v those_o that_o have_v life_n as_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o plant_n the_o tree_n &_o the_o plant_n serve_v the_o creature_n that_o have_v sense_n &_o life_n as_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o fish_n the_o beast_n and_o the_o fish_n serve_v man_n that_o have_v substance_n life_n sense_n and_o reason_n and_o among_o they_o all_o we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o have_v more_o gift_n be_v serve_v of_o those_o which_o have_v less_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n serve_v the_o plant_n the_o plant_n and_o herb_n serve_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o beast_n serve_v man_n and_o that_o creature_n that_o have_v most_o gift_n be_v serve_v of_o all_o man_n therefore_o excel_v all_o these_o must_v have_v something_o to_o honour_n and_o serve_v which_o must_v be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o creature_n yea_o than_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v a_o substance_n uncreate_v most_o holy_a most_o wise_a eternal_a infinite_a and_o this_o be_v god_n three_o all_o particular_a creature_n whether_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n be_v refer_v to_o their_o certain_a particular_a and_o peculiar_a end_n wherein_o every_o one_o of_o they_o even_o the_o base_a and_o mean_a be_v employ_v and_o which_o they_o do_v all_o accomplish_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v one_o that_o excel_v in_o wisdom_n providence_n and_o power_n that_o create_v all_o these_o to_o such_o
themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v do_v it_o a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v by_o policy_n and_o natural_a reason_n but_o be_v holy_a man_n guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guide_v by_o reason_n they_o will_v never_o have_v write_v that_o which_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o their_o own_o disgrace_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v commend_v themselves_o their_o name_n stock_n and_o lineage_n again_o humane_a author_n in_o their_o discourse_n do_v common_o write_v of_o the_o praise_n and_o virtue_n of_o man_n of_o who_o they_o write_v but_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n with_o one_o consent_n give_v all_o to_o god_n yea_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o commendation_n due_a to_o man_n thy_o give_v it_o all_o to_o god_n in_o man_n god_n be_v in_o their_o write_n the_o beginning_n the_o end_n &_o all_o sect._n 2._o a_o second_o head_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o scripture_n the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v manifold_a the_o principal_a be_v these_o first_o the_o scripture_n do_v that_o which_o no_o other_o book_n can_v do_v for_o it_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n by_o sin_n the_o fountain_n of_o this_o corruption_n &_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o same_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o discover_v sinful_a man_n particular_a thought_n lust_n and_o affection_n which_o never_o any_o book_n have_v do_v beside_o it_o no_o philosopher_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o make_v so_o true_a record_n and_o so_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o thought_n motion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v discern_v they_o by_o nature_n unless_o it_o receive_v a_o further_a light_n by_o grace_n than_o it_o have_v natural_o in_o itself_o yea_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o thing_n that_o no_o man_n heart_n can_v imagine_v &_o yet_o be_v true_a by_o experience_n for_o example_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thought_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n man_n by_o nature_n can_v imagine_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a in_o experience_n &_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v the_o 14._o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n second_o the_o main_a content_n of_o this_o book_n be_v sundry_a article_n of_o faith_n all_o which_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o against_o it_o but_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o it_o for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v a_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n yet_o not_o against_o the_o same_o for_o in_o natural_a understanding_n god_n be_v not_o all_o justice_n and_o no_o mercy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o redeemer_n then_o shall_v god_n be_v all_o justice_n without_o mercy_n now_o because_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o well_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v just_a reason_n conclude_v there_o be_v a_o redeemer_n again_o that_o this_o redeemer_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o man_n be_v above_o reason_n yet_o not_o against_o it_o for_o reason_n teach_v he_o must_v be_v god_n that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v again_o that_o he_o must_v be_v man_n because_o man_n have_v sin_v man_n must_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n three_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v sundry_a prediction_n make_v before_o hand_n particular_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o 100_o 200_o 300_o year_n after_o &_o all_o these_o prediction_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o have_v be_v foretell_v have_v be_v fulfil_v jacob_n in_o his_o will_n foretell_v that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n till_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n come_v this_o be_v verify_v even_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v for_o a_o little_a before_o christ_n birth_n the_o sceptre_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o translate_v unto_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o herod_n put_v the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o sanedrim_n to_o the_o sword_n in_o which_o college_n be_v the_o heir_n apparent_a of_o the_o king_n blood_n again_o balaam_n num._n 24._o 24._o foretold_a that_o kittim_n that_o be_v the_o grecian_n and_o the_o roman_n shall_v subdue_v eber_n the_o people_n of_o the_o east_n and_o that_o also_o be_v afterward_o verify_v for_o the_o hebrew_n and_o assyrian_n be_v afterward_o overcome_v by_o the_o grecian_n and_o cilician_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o time_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o reveal_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n which_o prophecy_n be_v short_o after_o fulfil_v for_o antichrist_n grow_v from_o those_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a till_o at_o length_n he_o come_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o emperor_n throne_n man_n indeed_o may_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v but_o thing_n foretell_v by_o they_o be_v present_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o they_o know_v and_o foretell_v they_o not_o otherwise_o but_o god_n foretell_v simple_o and_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v simple_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n four_o the_o law_n a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v propound_v most_o pure_o &_o perfect_o without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n whereas_o in_o all_o man_n law_n some_o sin_n be_v condemn_v but_o some_o be_v tolerate_v and_o permit_v but_o in_o god_n law_n every_o sin_n be_v condemn_v &_o none_o either_o forbear_v or_o excuse_v last_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o simple_a without_o affectation_n and_o yet_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o majesty_n for_o in_o that_o simple_a style_n it_o command_v the_o whole_a man_n body_n and_o soul_n it_o threaten_v everlasting_a death_n and_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n and_o it_o do_v more_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o all_o the_o write_n in_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v take_v scripture_n from_o the_o effect_n whereof_o i_o note_v only_o two_o i._o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o law_n and_o special_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n whereupon_o paul_n say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n against_o 〈◊〉_d god_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o word_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o minister_n appoint_v by_o god_n convert_v nature_n and_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o it_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o in_o this_o last_o age_n it_o have_v win_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o now_o in_o reason_n this_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o flat_a against_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n shall_v notwithstanding_o prevail_v with_o it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o cause_v man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o profession_n &_o maintenance_n thereof_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o reject_v the_o write_n of_o man_n if_o they_o please_v not_o our_o humour_n whereas_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o force_n to_o move_v and_o â—â—cline_v our_o affection_n though_o never_o so_o much_o censure_v cross_v and_o control_v by_o it_o and_o this_o show_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o word_n of_o creation_n come_v to_o which_o every_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o yield_v obedience_n ii_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v this_o effect_n to_o be_v able_a to_o minister_v comfort_n and_o relief_n in_o all_o distress_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n yea_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o desperate_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o when_o the_o help_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o force_v in_o other_o case_n have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o effect_n or_o success_n even_o than_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v revive_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o give_v it_o full_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n expetience_n show_v this_o to_o be_v a_o confess_a truth_n in_o particular_a case_n and_o it_o teach_v whence_o and_o from_o who_o this_o word_n proceed_v wherein_o these_o promise_n be_v contain_v namely_o from_o god_n for_o when_o he_o set_v the_o conscience_n upon_o the_o rack_n the_o word_n that_o relieve_v and_o refresh_v the_o same_o must_v needs_o proceed_v and_o come_v from_o he_o alone_o sect._n 4._o the_o four_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o property_n scripture_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v name_v only_o two_o the_o first_o be_v antiquity_n which_o most_o plain_o appear_v
in_o the_o history_n though_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v as_o ancient_a the_o scripture_n contain_v a_o continue_a history_n from_o age_n to_o age_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 4000_o year_n before_o christ_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n humane_a history_n that_o be_v of_o any_o certainty_n or_o continuance_n begin_v only_o about_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v only_a fragment_n and_o of_o no_o certainty_n the_o second_o property_n be_v consent_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o part_n both_o for_o the_o matter_n scope_n and_o end_n the_o write_n of_o man_n do_v dissent_v from_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n &_o forgetfulness_n in_o the_o author_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n agree_v with_o itself_o most_o exact_o and_o the_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o disagree_v may_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v which_o show_v that_o holy_a man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v be_v not_o guide_v therein_o by_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n but_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sect._n 5._o the_o five_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrary_n the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v in_o contraries_n judgement_n and_o disposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n i_o prove_v it_o thus_o let_v a_o man_n read_v any_o book_n of_o philosophy_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o any_o one_o point_n therein_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n but_o if_o the_o same_o man_n read_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v they_o he_o shall_v have_v within_o himself_o many_o motion_n and_o temptation_n not_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o now_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o but_o that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o oppugn_v with_o might_n and_o main_a again_o consider_v the_o same_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o will_v not_o brook_v the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o sin_n namely_o their_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o other_o notorious_a crime_n by_o scripture_n but_o will_v seek_v the_o blood_n and_o life_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v sharp_o tax_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o wicked_a king_n so_o persecute_v the_o lord_n prophet_n yea_o further_o let_v it_o be_v mark_v that_o these_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v taint_v with_o these_o horrible_a crime_n and_o can_v abide_v the_o word_n nor_o teacher_n thereof_o to_o the_o death_n have_v common_o fearful_a end_n now_o the_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n to_o the_o word_n show_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a word_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n sect._n 6._o the_o six_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o sundry_a testimony_n testimony_n first_o of_o holy_a martyr_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n who_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n blood_n yea_o suffer_v the_o most_o horrible_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o that_o most_o patient_o and_o willing_o not_o be_v daunt_v or_o dismay_v the_o story_n of_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n confirm_v this_o truth_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o suffer_v before_o in_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ten_o bloody_a persecution_n and._n unless_o they_o have_v be_v support_v by_o a_o dâ—â—ine_a power_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n they_o can_v never_o so_o many_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v the_o second_o be_v the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o heathen_a man_n who_o have_v record_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n at_o lest_o many_o of_o the_o principal_a that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o bible_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o colourable_a excuse_n of_o his_o unbelief_n and_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o record_v be_v not_o all_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v register_v to_o memory_n by_o historiographer_n that_o live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v such_o be_v the_o story_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flood_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o circumcision_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n and_o such_o like_a and_o these_o we_o take_v for_o true_a in_o humane_a story_n much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o three_o testimony_n be_v of_o miracle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o teacher_n thereof_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n above_o all_o power_n &_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o such_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o counterfeit_v as_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n the_o four_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o all_o argument_n to_o settle_v and_o resolve_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o seal_v up_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v how_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o be_v obtain_v how_o we_o may_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o answer_v by_o do_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o become_v true_o obedient_a to_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v joh._n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v my_o father_n will_n say_v christ_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n second_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n to_o certify_v our_o conscience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n reveil_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n ask_v faith_n our_o saviour_n christ_n &_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o he_o that_o ask_v receive_v mat._n 7._o 7_o 8._o again_o your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v he_o luc._n 11._o 13._o and_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o reproach_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1._o 7._o sect._n 7._o now_o have_v set_v down_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o scripture_n point_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o question_n some_o special_a objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v and_o resolve_v for_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o all_o age_n both_o atheist_n and_o other_o who_o have_v profess_o except_v against_o it_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n have_v undertake_v to_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n into_o question_n such_o be_v celsus_n lucian_n julian_n porpherie_n apelles_n and_o other_o from_o who_o some_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n have_v not_o cease_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o oppugn_v sundry_a part_n and_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n their_o principal_a reason_n and_o exception_n i_o will_v propound_v and_o answer_v one_o by_o one_o and_o first_o they_o except_z against_o that_o which_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v god_n 1._o make_v the_o sun_n the_o four_o day_n now_o say_v they_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v not_o be_v three_o day_n before_o the_o sun_n be_v create_v consider_v that_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o before_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n for_o of_o cause_n some_o be_v the_o high_a some_o subordinate_a unto_o they_o the_o high_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v god_n himself_o from_o who_o all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o immediate_o flow_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o their_o cause_n in_o nature_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o day_n create_v and_o appoint_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o night_n by_o a_o intercourse_n of_o light_n ordain_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o subordinate_a and_o inferior_a cause_n of_o the_o day_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o sun_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o cause_n be_v not_o set_v in_o nature_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n before_o the_o four_o day_n of_o creation_n for_o than_o it_o please_v he_o