then_o will_v some_o say_v if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o do_v of_o every_o good_a duty_n be_v unto_o such_o a_o one_o a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v he_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o do_v it_o because_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v all_o thing_n wherein_o he_o shall_v certain_o sin_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o inference_n be_v good_a if_o this_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o one_o sin_n do_v not_o draw_v he_o upon_o another_o sin_n that_o be_v worse_o but_o here_o see_v what_o a_o snare_n sin_n have_v lay_v to_o entrap_v a_o wicked_a man_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o turn_v he_o fall_v &_o be_v take_v if_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n he_o sin_n because_o he_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o word_n he_o sin_n because_o he_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n if_o he_o pray_v he_o sin_n because_o he_o pray_v not_o in_o faith_n if_o he_o pray_v not_o he_o sin_n and_o be_v accurse_v because_o he_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o shall_v he_o do_v then_o i_o answer_v he_o must_v do_v his_o duty_n what_o god_n command_v though_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o do_v of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n of_o two_o sin_n whereupon_o not_o god_n but_o himself_o have_v put_v himself_o inevitable_o to_o commit_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v choose_v the_o least_o rather_o sin_v in_o the_o manner_n in_o not_o do_v of_o it_o so_o well_o as_o he_o shall_v than_o â—ailing_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o quite_o neglect_v the_o duty_n itself_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a when_o god_n command_v a_o duty_n absolute_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o than_o to_o do_v it_o amiss_o because_o our_o disobedience_n be_v totall_n in_o not_o do_v but_o only_o partial_a in_o do_v it_o otherwise_o than_o we_o ought_v as_o for_o a_o man_n wilful_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v a_o foul_a fault_n than_o to_o hear_v it_o with_o a_o forgetful_a and_o disobedient_a heart_n though_o this_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n too_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a wherefore_o we_o may_v not_o pretend_v our_o infirmity_n as_o a_o just_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n i_o can_v do_v it_o well_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o at_o all_o be_v no_o good_a collection_n unless_o i_o may_v be_v blameless_a in_o my_o omission_n of_o it_o which_o here_o i_o can_v be_v minister_n than_o be_v to_o urge_v upon_o all_o man_n indifferent_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o christian_a endeavour_n tend_v to_o their_o conversion_n and_o hearer_n be_v not_o to_o balk_v god_n command_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o own_o sinful_a disability_n god_n must_v be_v obey_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v go_v if_o we_o sin_v it_o be_v our_o fault_n beside_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o who_o know_v whether_o our_o diligence_n in_o do_v something_o may_v not_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o we_o than_o our_o sin_v in_o many_o thing_n may_v prove_v hurtful_a whilst_o god_n bestow_v grace_n upon_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n whereto_o in_o some_o sort_n we_o conform_v ourselves_o though_o with_o much_o sinfulness_n and_o infirmity_n this_o of_o our_o first_o position_n the_o second_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o the_o reprobate_n unregenerate_a in_o who_o these_o preparation_n to_o grace_n be_v wrought_v may_v and_o do_v wilful_o neglect_v they_o thereby_o procure_v their_o final_a obduration_n in_o sin_n the_o three_o be_v this_o 3._o that_o the_o elect_a unregenerate_a may_v and_o do_v for_o a_o time_n resist_v these_o preparation_n to_o conversion_n thereby_o deserve_v this_o final_a obduration_n but_o god_n by_o his_o special_a grace_n continue_v these_o beginning_n unto_o their_o perfect_a conversion_n i_o will_v handle_v both_o these_o position_n together_o contain_v the_o manner_n how_o far_o and_o by_o who_o those_o mean_n and_o preparation_n to_o conversion_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o make_v fruitless_a we_o affirm_v then_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n whether_o elect_a or_o reprobate_n to_o neglect_v and_o oppose_v those_o gracious_a mean_n whereby_o god_n call_v they_o unto_o conversion_n this_o be_v apparent_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o outward_a or_o inward_a mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o the_o outward_a in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n they_o may_v every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v neglect_v man_n have_v the_o command_n over_o their_o body_n to_o move_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o they_o may_v sit_v at_o home_n or_o travel_v abroad_o without_o worldly_a or_o wicked_a employment_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o church_n they_o may_v stop_v their_o ear_n talk_v with_o a_o companion_n read_v some_o book_n that_o please_v they_o while_o the_o minister_n be_v in_o speak_v they_o may_v set_v their_o thought_n a-work_o in_o their_o chest_n in_o the_o stew_n in_o their_o storehouse_n any_o where_o but_o where_o their_o body_n be_v about_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o sermon_n they_o may_v avoid_v the_o often_o use_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o make_v such_o shift_n as_o not_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n scarce_o once_o a_o year_n man_n may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v sleep_v or_o pray_v fast_o or_o surfeit_v of_o fullness_n read_v and_o study_v god_n word_n or_o man_n write_n again_o for_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n all_o unregenerate_a man_n oppose_v the_o light_n of_o their_o knowledge_n resist_v the_o check_n of_o conscience_n by_o presumptuous_a sin_n strive_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o almighty_n punishment_n they_o may_v stupefy_v all_o such_o motion_n of_o affection_n as_o tend_v to_o goodness_n by_o divert_v they_o upon_o vain_a delight_n these_o thing_n and_o more_o they_o may_v do_v yea_o and_o they_o do_v also_o though_o some_o more_o some_o less_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n thus_o ordinary_o call_v unto_o grace_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v ever_o so_o dutiful_o obedient_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n calling_n as_o to_o yield_v present_o without_o strive_v and_o much_o opposition_n no_o let_v the_o best_a man_n live_v who_o have_v well_o observe_v himself_o before_o and_o â—8_o after_o his_o sound_a conversion_n be_v bring_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o case_n and_o he_o will_v confess_v that_o in_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o god_n fair_o woo_v he_o to_o convert_v unto_o he_o he_o always_o be_v strange_o perverse_a careless_a scornful_a and_o froward_a in_o every_o motion_n of_o grace_n till_o god_n spirit_n have_v thorough_o wrought_v upon_o his_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o affirm_v that_o every_o one_o whatsoever_o do_v carry_v himself_o so_o stubborne_o against_o this_o preparatory_a grace_n of_o his_o conversion_n as_o that_o he_o deserve_v thereby_o to_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o left_a to_o final_a impenitency_n nor_o can_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n convert_v this_o man_n and_o not_o another_o 10._o quia_fw-la hic_fw-la novam_fw-la opponit_fw-la contumaciam_fw-la â—llâ—_n non_fw-la opponit_fw-la as_o the_o arminian_n false_o affirm_v for_o all_o be_v contumacious_a and_o rebellious_a against_o this_o grace_n of_o their_o vocation_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o both_o rebel_n god_n just_o forsake_v one_o in_o his_o rebellion_n and_o most_o mereiful_o follow_v the_o other_o with_o fresh_a supply_n of_o more_o powerful_a grace_n till_o he_o have_v heal_v his_o rebellion_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o return_v thus_o then_o both_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n resist_v but_o the_o elect_a for_o a_o time_n the_o reprobate_n final_o the_o difference_n be_v from_o god_n the_o reprobate_a neglect_n and_o cast_v off_o he_o 2d_o wherefore_o in_o justice_n he_o neglect_v and_o cast_v off_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o reprobate_a mind_n be_v so_o forsake_v their_o heart_n become_v as_o hard_o as_o the_o â—â—ather_n millstone_n their_o conscience_n scare_v their_o affection_n dead_a all_o sense_n of_o grace_n or_o sin_n wear_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o â—…all_a obstinacy_n against_o god_n fix_v therein_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v a_o â—…all_a resistency_n against_o grace_n namely_o in_o the_o reprobate_n oppose_v and_o wilful_o neglect_v all_o those_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n all_o those_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v invite_v and_o prepare_v to_o conversion_n of_o this_o rebellion_n do_v the_o scripture_n in_o every_o place_n complain_v and_o accuse_v the_o ungodly_a that_o when_o 17_o god_n bid_v they_o walk_v in_o the_o good_a
vindiciae_fw-la gratiae_n a_o plea_n for_o grace._n more_o especial_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a lecture_n as_o touch_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace._n and_o faith_n wherein_o among_o other_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n the_o main_a sinew_n of_o arminius_n doctrine_n be_v cut_v asunder_o deliver_v by_o that_o late_a learned_a and_o godly_a man_n william_n pemble_n in_o magdalen_n hall_n in_o oxford_n aug_n de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbitr_n cap._n 16._o certum_fw-la est_fw-la nos_fw-la velle_fw-la cum_fw-la volumus_fw-la sed_fw-la ille_fw-la facit_fw-la ut_fw-la velimus_fw-la bonum_fw-la certum_fw-la est_fw-la nos_fw-la facere_fw-la cum_fw-la facimus_fw-la sed_fw-la ille_fw-la facit_fw-la ut_fw-la faciamus_fw-la praebendo_fw-la vires_fw-la efficacissimas_fw-la voluntati_fw-la london_n print_v by_o r._n young_a for_o i._o bartlet_n at_o the_o golden_a cup_n in_o cheapside_n 1627._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a nathanael_n stephen_n esquire_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o jesus_n christ._n sir_n book_n be_v more_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n than_o arm_n arm_n be_v to_o defend_v we_o from_o the_o invasion_n of_o foe_n book_n be_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o error_n enemy_n can_v but_o kill_v the_o body_n error_n endanger_v the_o soul_n there_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n a_o number_n of_o false_a opinion_n some_o that_o oppugn_v other_o that_o obscure_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o earth_n be_v of_o itself_o prone_a enough_o to_o bring_v forth_o weed_n but_o shall_v one_o withal_o sow_v tare_n we_o shall_v have_v much_o ado_n at_o harvest_n our_o heart_n be_v rank_n enough_o to_o breed_v error_n and_o our_o wit_n cunning_a enough_o to_o defend_v they_o but_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o envious_a man_n come_v and_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o of_o weed_n tare_n be_v the_o very_o worst_a since_o therefore_o error_n be_v so_o plenty_n book_n can_v but_o be_v very_o necessary_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o and_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o complaint_n too_o many_o book_n abroad_o already_o because_o many_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n some_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o of_o good_a and_o learned_a book_n book_n fit_v to_o the_o error_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o time_n as_o this_o be_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o well_o can_v be_v too_o many_o many_o error_n require_v many_o book_n nay_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o many_o book_n be_v more_o necessary_a now_o than_o ever_o for_o that_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o very_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o as_o disease_n in_o the_o body_n so_o error_n the_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v and_o must_v abound_v for_o error_n be_v necessary_a evil_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o that_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a say_v saint_n paul_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o satan_n have_v get_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o corrupt_a wit_n and_o pen_n of_o many_o abroad_o and_o some_o at_o home_n to_o write_v they_o care_v not_o what_o now_o we_o do_v begin_v to_o see_v that_o truth_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o time_n truth_n be_v never_o new_a but_o let_v a_o old_a truth_n be_v new_o propose_v and_o at_o first_o we_o suspect_v it_o let_v it_o settle_v a_o little_a and_o in_o time_n truth_n gain_v ground_n and_o win_v upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o erroneous_a opinion_n just_a like_o new_a fashion_n when_o they_o be_v first_o on_o foot_n many_o dote_v upon_o they_o give_v they_o but_o some_o time_n and_o they_o grow_v stale_a and_o vain_a so_o now_o what_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o write_n and_o preach_n of_o the_o learned_a time_n have_v bring_v it_o so_o about_o that_o there_o be_v few_o scholar_n or_o other_o that_o mind_n these_o matter_n but_o do_v begin_v to_o see_v through_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o arminian_n though_o then_o this_o treatise_n may_v have_v be_v abroad_o soon_o yet_o i_o dare_v promise_n that_o it_o come_v not_o in_o too_o late_o for_o he_o that_o read_v it_o with_o judgement_n shall_v soon_o see_v that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o arminius_n there_o be_v more_o wit_n than_o truth_n i_o do_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o your_o read_n as_o to_z one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o able_a to_o judge_v as_o also_o under_o your_o name_n unto_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o love_n unto_o you_o and_o of_o your_o zeal_n and_o love_n unto_o the_o truth_n you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n rich_a capel_n to_o all_o that_o love_n and_o desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n my_o dear_a and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o these_o day_n and_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o sinful_a age_n wherein_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o old_a condemn_a heretic_n pelagius_n that_o notable_a profess_a enemy_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v again_o revive_v and_o raise_v up_o out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o restless_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n that_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n work_v powerful_o in_o and_o by_o that_o new_a upstart_n sect_n of_o arminian_n the_o wolf_n of_o this_o age_n who_o come_v abroad_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o protestant_n yea_o profess_v themselves_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v indeed_o pelagian_n heretic_n and_o disciple_n also_o of_o blasphemous_a servetus_n and_o socinus_n yea_o and_o also_o have_v join_v heart_n and_o hand_n in_o many_o main_a fundamental_a error_n with_o the_o papist_n our_o enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n and_o faction_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o as_o you_o grieve_v and_o sorrow_n in_o your_o soul_n to_o see_v this_o smoke_n of_o pestilent_a heresy_n ascend_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o our_o land_n obscure_v the_o light_n and_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o church_n so_o you_o do_v in_o your_o heart_n earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o worthy_a work_n &_o painful_a labour_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n as_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n like_a to_o prove_v by_o god_n grace_n and_o blessing_n most_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n both_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o also_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o your_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v neither_o be_v daunt_v with_o the_o reproachful_a calumny_n and_o slander_n nor_o trouble_v and_o entangle_v with_o the_o deceitful_a cavil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n which_o these_o subtle_a sophister_n have_v devise_v against_o god_n sacred_a truth_n in_o our_o church_n profess_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v presume_v to_o commend_v unto_o you_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o peruse_v it_o while_o it_o be_v under_o the_o press_n do_v perceive_v to_o be_v as_o most_o necessary_a for_o these_o time_n so_o also_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a for_o your_o purpose_n for_o i_o find_v in_o it_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o effectual_a call_n conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o elect_a most_o plain_o propound_v and_o strong_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n also_o true_a save_v and_o justify_v faith_n most_o accurate_o describe_v &_o unfold_v with_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o special_a property_n of_o it_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_o know_v and_o discern_v from_o common_a fade_a hypocritical_a faith_n second_o the_o main_a error_n of_o arminian_n and_o papist_n and_o their_o most_o gross_a absurdity_n about_o universal_a grace_n and_o man_n free-mill_n and_o power_n in_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n true_o relate_v their_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o our_o church_n doctrine_n detect_v and_o discover_v and_o their_o principal_a argument_n carnal_a reason_n and_o objection_n with_o wonderful_a brevity_n and_o singular_a dexterity_n answer_v and_o refute_v three_o by_o the_o way_n the_o authority_n perspicuity_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n strong_o maintain_v and_o popish_a error_n about_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o they_o beat_v down_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o by_o a_o hammer_n that_o beat_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n though_o the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o handle_v be_v somewhat_o scholastical_a sit_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o place_n and_o person_n where_o and_o among_o who_o these_o exercise_n be_v first_o perform_v to_o wit_n in_o one_o of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o
all_o uncleanness_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a vessel_n of_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n now_o whereas_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v by_o divine_n call_v donatio_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la the_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v you_o be_v to_o note_v brief_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o his_o essence_n and_o grace_n both_o together_o and_o so_o be_v he_o give_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o who_o 9_o dwell_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a or_o substantial_o who_o god_n have_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n and_o that_o above_o all_o his_o brethren_n have_v give_v 38._o he_o the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n 2._o in_o his_o grace_n and_o virtue_n only_o and_o so_o be_v he_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ._n touch_v this_o send_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_n the_o inhabitation_n thereof_o in_o their_o heart_n how_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n albeit_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o be_v god_n must_v needs_o be_v present_a every_o where_o by_o his_o essence_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o to_o agree_v best_a with_o christian_a modesty_n to_o let_v pass_v curious_a speculation_n about_o such_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o to_o rest_v ourselves_o content_v with_o this_o that_o it_o suffice_v abundant_o for_o our_o comfort_n if_o we_o enjoy_v his_o gracious_a presence_n replenish_n we_o with_o all_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o consolation_n now_o this_o donation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v double_a 1._o one_o respect_v the_o public_a when_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n either_o of_o inferior_a gift_n or_o of_o sanctify_a grace_n be_v bestow_v upon_o some_o man_n for_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o this_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o which_o donation_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o may_v read_v joh._n 7._o 39_o act._n 2._o &_o act._n 19_o 2._o 6._o eph._n 4._o 8._o 11._o 2._o another_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o private_a good_a of_o every_o elect_a person_n when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o he_o effectual_o to_o call_v convert_v and_o sanctify_v he_o and_o this_o only_o be_v that_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o now_o seek_v after_o when_o the_o power_n of_o that_o holy_a one_o overshadowe_v our_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o his_o own_o most_o gracious_a virtue_n frame_v in_o we_o the_o new_a man_n create_v according_a to_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n let_v this_o suffice_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v brief_o wrap_v up_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 5._o 5._o the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o i_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o circumstance_n viz._n the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a ghost_n breathe_v into_o our_o soul_n the_o supernatural_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o scrutiny_n as_o difficult_a as_o to_o search_v whence_o and_o whither_o the_o wind_n blow_v or_o for_o a_o dead_a man_n raise_v up_o to_o tell_v how_o life_n and_o sense_n come_v into_o he_o or_o for_o a_o man_n bear_v into_o the_o world_n to_o describe_v in_o what_o manner_n each_o of_o his_o member_n be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n there_o be_v not_o i_o suppose_v any_o mortal_a man_n not_o inspire_v with_o special_a revelation_n that_o can_v declare_v unto_o we_o this_o way_n of_o the_o heavenly_a spirit_n any_o more_o than_o the_o skilful_a anatomist_n the_o way_n of_o the_o earthly_a spirit_n nor_o how_o the_o bone_n do_v grow_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o she_o that_o be_v with_o child_n as_o saloman_n speak_v eccle._n 11._o 5._o to_o tell_v the_o month_n day_n or_o hour_n wherein_o they_o be_v convert_v be_v in_o most_o convert_v impossible_a in_o all_o of_o exceed_v difficult_a observation_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o time_n may_v be_v in_o some_o of_o sensible_a mark_n but_o even_o in_o they_o or_o other_o to_o show_v we_o by_o which_o way_n the_o spirit_n go_v out_o from_o god_n to_o speak_v unto_o their_o heart_n by_o what_o secret_a motion_n it_o move_v upon_o their_o soul_n how_o and_o in_o which_o part_v its_o quicken_a and_o sanctify_a virtue_n give_v life_n and_o heat_n unto_o they_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o they_o any_o declaration_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o observe_v do_v not_o look_v than_o i_o shall_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o in_o you_o whereof_o i_o be_o ignorant_a in_o myself_o this_o i_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n both_o you_o and_o i_o may_v say_v with_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n one_o thing_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v blind_a but_o 25._o now_o we_o see_v we_o be_v dead_a but_o now_o we_o be_v alive_a we_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v now_o find_v we_o be_v darkness_n but_o be_v now_o light_a in_o the_o lord_n albeit_o how_o our_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v how_o we_o be_v recover_v from_o our_o wander_a in_o the_o vale_n of_o death_n we_o can_v in_o every_o particular_a exact_o recount_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o find_v this_o change_n in_o himself_o and_o far_o more_o bless_v than_o they_o who_o betray_v themselves_o to_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o work_n by_o their_o pride_n and_o bitterness_n in_o quarrel_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o who_o as_o the_o learned_a moulin_n armin._n censure_n not_o too_o sharp_o be_v themselves_o lead_v by_o a_o reprobate_a spirit_n whilst_o captious_o and_o carnal_o they_o inquire_v after_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v nevertheless_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o grace_n plantation_n in_o we_o which_o we_o may_v descry_v because_o the_o scripture_n have_v discover_v they_o unto_o we_o namely_o 1._o that_o this_o plantation_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o be_v mere_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o this_o plantation_n of_o grace_n be_v constant_a &_o durable_a not_o to_o be_v root_v up_o again_o two_o circumstance_n about_o the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n into_o man_n heart_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o observe_v as_o nothing_o more_o because_o in_o the_o one_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a humility_n we_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v on_o the_o other_o depend_v all_o our_o unconquerable_a comfort_n in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n that_o we_o have_v so_o receive_v grace_n as_o we_o shall_v never_o lose_v it_o again_o in_o both_o these_o satan_n have_v not_o be_v want_v by_o his_o instrument_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o pervert_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o poison_v religion_n even_o in_o the_o root_n advance_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o proud_a imagination_n by_o ascribe_v so_o much_o unto_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a ability_n in_o point_n of_o convesion_n as_o it_o need_v not_o be_v much_o behold_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o again_o breed_v in_o the_o soul_n terror_n unsufferable_a and_o fearful_a doubt_n of_o its_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n receive_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o no_o strong_a support_n in_o grace_n than_o the_o reed_n of_o man_n freewill_n which_o have_v receive_v may_v as_o easy_o reject_v grace_n and_o have_v make_v they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o power_n eternal_o undo_v they_o again_o so_o look_v how_o man_n be_v exalt_v in_o pride_n on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o low_o be_v they_o throw_v down_o in_o discomfort_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o scarce_o be_v there_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n wherein_o we_o may_v err_v more_o easy_o and_o dangerous_o well_o then_o let_v this_o be_v our_o first_o conclusion_n touch_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o conversion_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o elect_a in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v mere_o supernatural_a id_fw-la est_fw-la above_o the_o strength_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o ability_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n though_o a_o supernatural_a agent_n yet_o work_v many_o thing_n by_o natural_a mean_n and_o in_o a_o natural_a manner_n whilst_o he_o do_v but_o only_o give_v his_o assistance_n and_o coworking_a power_n to_o &_o with_o the_o natural_a ability_n original_o plant_v in_o every_o creature_n and_o then_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o god_n
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
and_o effect_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o we_o maintain_v and_o plead_v for_o this_o point_n will_v fall_v in_o more_o fit_o to_o be_v discuss_v afterward_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o few_o question_n touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n in_o man_n conversion_n whereinto_o though_o i_o be_o somewhat_o unwilling_a to_o enter_v because_o that_o positive_a rather_o than_o polemicall_a divinity_n befit_v this_o place_n yet_o consider_v the_o danger_n whereinto_o mind_n not_o right_o inform_v in_o these_o point_n may_v unhappy_o fall_v and_o that_o herein_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o slip_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o arminianism_n and_o thence_o to_o popery_n there_o be_v but_o a_o thread_n between_o they_o i_o have_v think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a brief_o and_o plain_o to_o touch_v upon_o such_o material_a controversy_n as_o be_v move_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o even_o the_o young_a sort_n may_v have_v something_o to_o oppose_v against_o cavil_v gainsayer_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o crafty_a seducer_n of_o the_o uninstruct_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o understand_v that_o in_o point_n touch_v man_n conversion_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o circumstance_n that_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o but_o it_o be_v quarrel_v at_o and_o corrupt_v with_o false_a opinion_n not_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o say_v they_o be_v not_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a sanctity_n into_o the_o soul_n but_o through_o grace_n acquire_v by_o much_o pain_n and_o industrious_a action_n of_o our_o own_o excite_a &_o assist_v by_o some_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o the_o move_a cause_n which_o be_v affirm_v by_o they_o to_o be_v not_o god_n special_a and_o actual_a love_n to_o his_o elect_n but_o his_o common_a and_o equal_a love_n to_o all_o mankind_n alike_o not_o the_o efficient_a cause_n which_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o say_v be_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o will_n not_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o without_o and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n as_o we_o hold_v but_o so_o far_o be_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o power_n that_o we_o may_v help_v or_o hinder_v it_o at_o our_o pleasure_n not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o the_o word_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o the_o word_n work_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o inward_a virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o last_o not_o the_o subject_a the_o elect_a only_o as_o we_o maintain_v but_o all_o in_o common_a upon_o who_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n be_v bestow_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o all_o these_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v found_v upon_o other_o rot_a and_o unsound_a principle_n which_o be_v chief_o these_o 1._o that_o god_n have_v not_o precise_o determine_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n or_o damnation_n in_o particular_a but_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o special_a favour_n to_o one_o more_o than_o another_o but_o that_o his_o love_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o in_o general_a and_o his_o desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n alike_o 3._o that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o man_n alike_o procure_v so_o much_o by_o his_o death_n that_o god_n be_v placabilis_fw-la towards_o all_o and_o all_o man_n indifferent_o be_v salvabiles_fw-la if_o they_o list_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v for_o they_o 4._o that_o god_n require_v faith_n in_o christ_n of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o even_o of_o such_o infidel_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n be_v never_o preach_v 5._o that_o god_n can_v in_o justice_n demand_v of_o man_n the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o since_o his_o fall_n he_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o perform_v and_o that_o if_o god_n require_v any_o such_o service_n he_o be_v bind_v in_o equity_n to_o give_v unto_o man_n new_a strength_n for_o to_o perform_v it_o i_o do_v but_o only_o name_v these_o article_n of_o the_o arminian_n faith_n though_o even_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v their_o weakness_n and_o untruth_n to_o any_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o i_o say_v i_o mention_v they_o only_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o perceive_v what_o be_v that_o main_a issue_n whereinto_o they_o be_v final_o resolve_v and_o that_o in_o plain_a term_n be_v this_o that_o all_o man_n whether_o christian_n or_o infidel_n within_o or_o without_o the_o church_n may_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v if_o they_o will_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v broad_o speak_v but_o i_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n read_v their_o book_n compare_v their_o tenant_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o upshot_n of_o all_o their_o discourse_n god_n have_v exclude_v none_o he_o love_v all_o alike_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o all_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o then_o or_o what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o conversion_n or_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o but_o himself_o his_o own_o mere_a freewill_n sure_o a_o opinion_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v gainsay_v by_o any_o but_o ready_o embrace_v by_o all_o if_o it_o have_v as_o much_o truth_n in_o it_o as_o it_o carry_v show_v of_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n to_o mankind_n we_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v judge_v cruel_a but_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o pity_n to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v impiety_n to_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o god_n by_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a largeness_n of_o his_o mercy_n beyond_o the_o bound_n which_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o it_o wherefore_o against_o this_o wide_a and_o vast_a conclusion_n of_o arminianism_n that_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v and_o believe_v if_o they_o will_v i_o oppose_v this_o direct_o contradictory_n god_n have_v not_o give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o and_o in_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v such_o grace_n it_o depend_v not_o on_o their_o freewill_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v convert_v or_o no._n these_o two_o proposition_n destroy_v one_o another_o and_o one_o be_v confute_v by_o that_o which_o confirm_v the_o other_o i_o will_v proceed_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o in_o this_o order_n man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o vocation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o these_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o pagan_n and_o heathen_n grace_v sufficient_a for_o their_o conversion_n 2._o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o these_o the_o question_n will_v be_v double_a 1._o whether_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o all_o christian_n grace_v sufficient_a to_o work_v their_o conversion_n 2._o whether_o those_o upon_o who_o such_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v bestow_v may_v if_o they_o list_v hinder_v their_o conversion_n by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o freewill_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o three_o question_n will_v be_v include_v all_o that_o be_v material_a touch_v this_o business_n i_o will_v use_v as_o much_o brevity_n in_o each_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v give_v leave_n of_o the_o first_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n whether_o the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v grace_v give_v 1._o unto_o they_o sufficient_a for_o their_o conversion_n we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a part_n the_o arminian_n affirm_v that_o all_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n have_v so_o much_o grace_v give_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v believe_v and_o worship_n god_n right_o in_o some_o sort_n even_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o monstrous_a assertion_n every_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n for_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v demand_v what_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n whereto_o the_o gentile_n may_v come_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o it_o be_v some_o other_o supernatural_a revelation_n if_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o double_a error_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o they_o call_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v but_o nature_n for_o if_o universal_a grace_n give_v to_o heathen_n be_v but_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n through_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o man_n heart_n what_o be_v this_o grace_n but_o nature_n &_o what_o this_o opinion_n but_o pelagianisme_n 2._o in_o that_o they_o suppose_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o use_v be_v a_o sufficient_a
direction_n for_o the_o right_n and_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fancy_n overvalue_v nature_n ability_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a experience_n and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o christ._n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o must_v be_v know_v whereof_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o heathen_a be_v it_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o some_o inward_a suggestion_n vision_n or_o dream_n or_o by_o outward_a instruction_n from_o a_o preacher_n or_o prophet_n invisible_o convey_v unto_o they_o by_o miracle_n or_o extraordinary_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o again_o when_o be_v this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n bestow_v on_o pagan_n have_v they_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o so_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o be_v it_o give_v afterward_o at_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o infant_n and_o so_o not_o in_o all_o the_o heathen_a and_o at_o what_o year_n be_v it_o bestow_v and_o what_o if_o they_o die_v before_o that_o age_n all_o which_o quaeres_fw-la be_v inexplicable_a and_o draw_v into_o most_o vex_v and_o torture_v absurdity_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n give_v to_o indian_n american_n tartarian_n and_o other_o pagan_n when_o they_o that_o defend_v it_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o see_v it_o be_v neither_o any_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a knowledge_n i_o think_v none_o will_v be_v so_o senseless_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v some_o natural_a or_o supernatupower_v or_o ability_n for_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v not_o grace_n if_o supernatural_a it_o will_v be_v know_v to_o what_o purpose_n a_o supernatural_a ability_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o ignorant_a infidel_n to_o do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o 2._o let_v we_o come_v to_o experience_n and_o judge_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v possible_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o virginian_n and_o other_o american_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o southern_a unknown_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v at_o this_o day_n or_o ever_o have_v have_v before_o or_o since_o christ_n sufficient_a grace_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n what_o instance_n and_o example_n can_v be_v give_v in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o any_o one_o among_o these_o or_o other_o gentile_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n strange_a that_o what_o be_v ordinary_o bestow_v on_o all_o shall_v never_o take_v effect_n in_o any_o if_o it_o do_v take_v effect_n extraordinary_o in_o some_o how_o know_v they_o that_o if_o ordinary_o in_o many_o then_o farewell_n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o the_o gentile_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n above_o pagan_n if_o god_n ordinary_o have_v his_o church_n his_o convert_v his_o right_a worshipper_n even_o amid_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o his_o word_n these_o opinion_n be_v as_o moulin_n speak_v like_o sick_a man_n dream_n or_o rather_o mad_a man_n rave_n 3._o let_v we_o inquire_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o speak_v as_o favourable_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o these_o pitiful_a remonstrant_n doe_n in_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v another_o manner_n of_o censure_n both_o touch_v their_o forlorn_a estate_n in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n as_o also_o the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n into_o grace_n except_o by_o great_a help_n than_o the_o arminian_n afford_v they_o of_o the_o ephesian_n paul_n testify_v that_o before_o they_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephes._n 2._o 12._o and_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n witness_v of_o all_o the_o gentile_n that_o before_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rise_v to_o they_o they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n mat._n 4._o 15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o pure_a natural_n so_o full_o express_v by_o those_o place_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o significant_o declare_v now_o for_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v convert_v the_o scripture_n deny_v they_o all_o unto_o they_o god_n favour_v they_o not_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o bestow_v grace_n on_o they_o for_o in_o time_n past_a he_o suffer_v all_o the_o gentile_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n say_v paul_n act_v 14._o 16._o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o have_v not_o for_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o every_o nation_n neither_o have_v they_o know_v his_o judgement_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o a_o preacher_n they_o have_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10._o 14._o natural_a ability_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o power_n give_v they_o from_o god_n for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o and_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o what_o shall_v we_o think_v then_o the_o poor_a american_n can_v either_o know_v or_o do_v in_o point_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o pretend_a power_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n when_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o jew_n yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o a_o special_a gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o christ_n whereof_o they_o will_v not_o say_v those_o pagan_n be_v make_v partaker_n wherefore_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v this_o monstrous_a opinion_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o conversion_n bestow_v upon_o savage_n and_o infidel_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o absurdity_n thereof_o although_o the_o sequel_n of_o their_o other_o tenant_n one_o error_n draw_v on_o another_o have_v enforce_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o defend_v this_o also_o and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o go_v abroad_o without_o the_o patronage_n of_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n they_o proceed_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o upon_o two_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v well_o use_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o heathen_a from_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o evil_a way_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o gentile_n use_v the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n well_o and_o with_o their_o best_a endeavour_n god_n be_v ready_a nay_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o one_o further_a grace_n viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o themystery_n of_o redemption_n these_o two_o be_v the_o rot_a pillar_n of_o universal_a grace_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_n which_o how_o shake_v and_o rive_v they_o be_v you_o may_v soon_o perceive_v if_o we_o peel_v off_o that_o plaster_n of_o doubtful_a word_n waver_v and_o dark_a sentence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v daub_v over_o for_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o shameful_a that_o they_o dare_v scarce_o speak_v out_o their_o mind_n plain_o but_o their_o opinion_n in_o plain_a term_n be_v this_o god_n say_v they_o have_v give_v sufficient_a strength_n to_o all_o the_o gentile_n to_o use_v their_o natural_a gift_n well_o be_v it_o so_o but_o what_o be_v this_o well_o use_v of_o natural_a gift_n it_o be_v that_o say_v they_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n forsake_v their_o idolatrous_a and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n but_o may_v all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n yes_o for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n go_v so_o far_o as_o with_o utmost_a endeavour_n he_o
they_o know_v man_n nature_n to_o be_v corrupt_a but_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o original_a universal_a depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sinful_a infirmity_n utter_o deprive_v of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n and_o ability_n which_o sometime_o we_o enjoy_v they_o know_v the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o inward_a thought_n to_o be_v evil_a but_o they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o so_o high_a perfection_n of_o spiritual_a obedience_n be_v require_v of_o man_n by_o any_o law_n as_o to_o condemn_v he_o for_o every_o disorderly_a thought_n not_o consent_v unto_o to_o wish_v for_o our_o neighbour_n house_n or_o wife_n be_v a_o thought_n which_o allow_v of_o with_o consent_n may_v by_o a_o heathen_a upon_o the_o fundamental_a notion_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n be_v condemn_v as_o repugnant_a to_o charity_n and_o equity_n but_o for_o the_o same_o thought_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o pass_v away_o without_o all_o approbation_n and_o intention_n of_o practice_n yea_o haply_o with_o some_o dislike_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o offence_n be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o discovery_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o first_o brood_n of_o lust_n when_o by_o secret_a entice_n it_o draw_v away_o the_o heart_n and_o shoot_v forth_o only_o in_o sudden_a motion_n arise_v and_o vanish_v without_o notice_n and_o allowance_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o divinity_n of_o a_o high_a strain_n than_o ever_o any_o natural_a man_n can_v reach_v unto_o yea_o paul_n himself_o though_o a_o jew_n &_o a_o learned_a pharisee_n yet_o before_o his_o conversion_n understand_v it_o not_o rom._n 7._o 7._o and_o the_o papist_n to_o this_o day_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v so_o though_o paul_n affirm_v it_o now_o from_o hence_o we_o shall_v learn_v in_o part_n to_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o natural_a man_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n how_o far_o ordinary_o it_o go_v and_o what_o worth_n be_v in_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o it_o i_o will_v brief_o set_v this_o down_o in_o five_o proposition_n 1._o the_o virtuous_a practice_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v more_o busy_v about_o the_o outward_a act_n than_o the_o inward_a affection_n in_o reform_v the_o manner_n not_o amend_v the_o heart_n in_o restrain_v the_o external_a action_n not_o resist_v the_o inward_a desire_n and_o inclination_n as_o the_o true_a christian_a do_v it_o be_v indeed_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o heathen_a come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o condemn_v the_o root_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fruit_n and_o to_o judge_v they_o punishable_a as_o vicious_a person_n not_o only_o who_o lewd_a practice_n testify_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o those_o also_o who_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o thought_n approve_v the_o like_a wickedness_n and_o philosopher_n have_v not_o a_o little_a labour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a mean_n of_o compose_v and_o settle_v that_o more_o distemper_a part_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o our_o unruly_a passion_n and_o perturbation_n whence_o they_o easy_o perceive_v do_v issue_n original_o the_o chief_a provocation_n to_o all_o evil_a and_o in_o this_o point_n they_o do_v right_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v of_o much_o great_a difficulty_n to_o order_v the_o unruly_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o restrain_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o the_o body_n or_o to_o achieve_v any_o hard_a adventure_n they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o will_n over_o the_o appetite_n and_o affection_n be_v but_o a_o civil_a persuasive_a authority_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o withstand_v by_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n only_o over_o the_o outward_a part_n the_o will_n have_v a_o masterly_a and_o absolute_a command_n to_o move_v they_o as_o it_o please_v without_o gainsay_v now_o than_o although_o we_o may_v find_v many_o among_o the_o heathen_a of_o a_o excellent_a temper_n who_o either_o by_o a_o natural_a disposition_n or_o studious_a education_n and_o wise_a observation_n of_o themselves_o carry_v a_o singular_a command_n over_o some_o of_o their_o passion_n of_o anger_n i_o ove_fw-la and_o the_o rest_n yet_o in_o the_o general_a we_o may_v assure_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o precept_n deliver_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n touch_v the_o calmness_n of_o mind_n be_v far_o too_o weak_a and_o heartless_a in_o their_o practice_n to_o bring_v the_o observer_n of_o they_o to_o true_a tranquillity_n no_o it_o be_v only_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n that_o command_v our_o disorder_a soul_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o even_o in_o the_o sanctify_a christian_n have_v that_o supernatural_a help_n the_o long_a combat_n and_o most_o doubtful_a conflict_n be_v with_o these_o carnal_a affection_n and_o lust_n this_o exceed_a difficulty_n of_o master_v the_o affection_n do_v as_o it_o seem_v turn_v the_o stoic_n quite_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o true_o perceive_v how_o great_a enemy_n these_o desire_n and_o passion_n be_v unto_o wisdom_n tranquillity_n and_o virtuous_a endeavour_n judge_v they_o all_o utter_o evil_a and_o not_o to_o need_v reformation_n so_o much_o as_o abolishment_n whereby_o they_o do_v rather_o astonish_v than_o conquer_v they_o and_o such_o their_o peace_n may_v be_v term_v the_o dull_a stupidity_n and_o unmoveablenesse_n of_o a_o block_n rather_o than_o the_o quiet_a calmness_n of_o a_o man_n which_o thing_n do_v in_o many_o passage_n of_o their_o life_n upon_o occasion_n of_o unexpected_a dangerous_a accident_n discover_v itself_o to_o other_o laughter_n and_o their_o own_o shame_n when_o their_o passion_n which_o be_v former_o stupefy_v and_o charm_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n but_o not_o mortify_v do_v easy_o recover_v their_o strength_n and_o break_v forth_o with_o unresistable_a violence_n so_o then_o the_o natural_a man_n will_v utter_o come_v short_a of_o that_o endeavour_n which_o christian_n make_v their_o chief_n viz._n the_o inward_a reformation_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o strive_v about_o it_o it_o be_v but_o faint_o and_o he_o soon_o give_v it_o over_o find_v the_o contention_n laborious_a and_o the_o victory_n impossible_a outward_a evil_a practice_n he_o may_v in_o part_n forbear_v the_o grossness_n whereof_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o dislike_n in_o the_o natural_a conscience_n and_o also_o bring_v he_o in_o compass_n of_o many_o civil_a inconvenience_n but_o for_o the_o inward_a loathsome_a corruption_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o take_v as_o little_a notice_n of_o they_o to_o amend_v they_o as_o the_o world_n do_v to_o punish_v they_o as_o in_o vice_n so_o it_o be_v in_o virtue_n the_o natural_a man_n will_v love_v and_o practice_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o may_v by_o its_o outward_a splendour_n win_v praise_n honour_n and_o reward_v but_o to_o entertain_v a_o entire_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o virtue_n sever_v from_o all_o these_o by-respect_n have_v be_v seldom_o find_v in_o any_o but_o those_o alone_a in_o who_o grace_n have_v prevail_v more_o than_o nature_n there_o have_v be_v some_o among_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v hold_v on_o in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n even_o when_o they_o have_v get_v disgrace_n and_o smart_n by_o so_o do_v but_o this_o have_v be_v rather_o out_o of_o a_o kind_n of_o surly_a obstinacy_n and_o stiffness_n of_o mind_n than_o any_o zealous_a affection_n to_o goodness_n itself_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o scorn_v a_o ill_a practice_n another_o thing_n to_o hate_n it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o love_n virtue_n and_o another_o to_o practise_v it_o out_o of_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o high_a spirit_n when_o man_n have_v fall_v upon_o some_o good_a course_n and_o continue_v long_o in_o it_o with_o commendation_n they_o now_o scorn_v so_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o other_o man_n will_n and_o wisdom_n as_o for_o their_o pleasure_n to_o alter_v their_o own_o resolution_n out_o of_o mere_a stomach_n they_o will_v endure_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v so_o base_a and_o in_o these_o high_a conceit_n they_o please_v themselves_o much_o more_o than_o in_o the_o goodness_n of_o that_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o those_o cold_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n that_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v love_v for_o it_o own_o sake_n can_v ever_o set_v so_o fair_a a_o gloss_n on_o virtue_n face_n and_o so_o to_o represent_v her_o excellency_n to_o the_o dull_a apprehension_n of_o natural_a man_n as_o to_o make_v any_o of_o they_o so_o far_o enamour_v with_o her_o beauty_n that_o they_o will_v still_o follow_v she_o when_o praise_n or_o profit_n forsake_v they_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o point_n most_o hard_o for_o the_o best_a christian_n to_o attain_v unto_o few_o of_o who_o those_o except_v who_o more_o strong_a and_o lively_a faith_n
not_o 2._o deut._n 29._o 3._o 4._o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n have_v all_o instruction_n and_o persuasion_n that_o may_v be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o by_o miracle_n from_o god_n and_o his_o servant_n moses_n they_o have_v hear_v moses_n and_o god_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o great_a tentation_n miracle_n and_o wonder_n with_o their_o eye_n but_o be_v this_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v they_o no_o there_o want_v that_o within_o which_o god_n deny_v they_o for_o say_v moses_n yet_o though_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n vers_fw-la 4._o parallel_n to_o which_o be_v that_o touch_v the_o jew_n among_o who_o christ_n have_v preach_v so_o much_o and_o so_o plain_o do_v so_o many_o so_o singular_a miracle_n yet_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o joha_n 1â—_n 37._o but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o be_v not_o the_o mean_v sufficient_a no_o god_n have_v deny_v to_o reveal_v unto_o they_o his_o arm_n or_o power_n in_o give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n preach_v the_o gospel_n plain_a and_o yet_o find_v small_a credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n that_o the_o say_n of_o esaias_n the_o prophet_n may_v be_v fulfil_v that_o he_o say_v lord_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v vers_fw-la 38._o a_o very_a unreasonable_a complaint_n say_v the_o arminian_n if_o we_o construe_v it_o so_o for_o it_o be_v as_o if_o isaiah_n have_v say_v lord_n only_o the_o elect_n to_o who_o thy_o arm_n be_v reveal_v they_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o none_o of_o the_o reprobate_n have_v believe_v it_o because_o thy_o arm_n be_v never_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v and_o what_o reason_n have_v isaiah_n then_o to_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v i_o think_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v of_o purpose_n to_o check_v these_o pestilent_a gainsay_v spirit_n add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n vers_fw-la 39_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o thus_o esaias_n say_v again_o he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o so_o god_n spirit_n bring_v that_o for_o a_o good_a reason_n which_o these_o man_n count_v a_o absurdity_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v and_o why_o can_v they_o not_o â—_z the_o want_n of_o that_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n we_o stand_v for_o god_n have_v not_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n nor_o soften_v and_o sanctisy_v their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v 3._o 2._o tim._n 2_o 24_o 25_o 26._o and_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o here_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o preach_v incessant_o use_v all_o gentle_a and_o good_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n but_o will_v this_o diligence_n in_o persuasion_n and_o patient_a industry_n be_v effectual_a at_o last_o it_o may_v prove_v so_o but_o when_o it_o do_v it_o be_v not_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n if_o â—od_v peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o way_n truth_n after_o all_o outward_a mean_n use_v a_o inward_a gift_n be_v still_o to_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v unto_o reason_n and_o experience_n where_o we_o have_v these_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n 1._o from_o the_o like_a experience_n in_o christ_n calling_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o who_o he_o use_v no_o other_o word_n but_o follow_v i_o or_o follow_v i_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o so_o shortan_a invitation_n shall_v work_v so_o strange_a so_o speedy_a a_o alteration_n sraightway_o they_o leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o what_o forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v after_o a_o stranger_n they_o never_o know_v before_o with_o such_o constancy_n and_o yet_o through_o so_o much_o peril_n and_o disgrace_n and_o all_o for_o a_o word_n speak_v follow_v i_o nay_o in_o that_o word_n there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o word_n there_o go_v with_o it_o that_o power_n which_o can_v have_v command_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o those_o few_o word_n accompany_v with_o this_o secret_a virtue_n do_v more_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n than_o many_o a_o long_a sermon_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n and_o obdurate_a jew_n where_o christ_n be_v not_o please_v to_o show_v the_o like_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n so_o christ_n appear_v to_o saul_n accost_v he_o with_o this_o expostulatorie_a salutation_n saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o only_o tell_v he_o be_v ask_v that_o he_o be_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o he_o persecute_v and_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_v but_o see_v what_o a_o change_n these_o few_o word_n have_v make_v in_o a_o fierce_a rage_a persecutor_n he_o be_v on_o the_o sudden_a as_o meek_a as_o a_o lamb_n and_o now_o all_o for_o obedience_n to_o that_o name_n which_o before_o he_o furious_o persecute_v lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v command_v what_o thou_o will_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o obey_v be_v it_o external_a moral_a persuasion_n trow_v you_o that_o have_v make_v this_o wonderful_a alteration_n nor_o be_v these_o example_n to_o be_v account_v so_o extraordinary_a as_o if_o for_o the_o substance_n the_o same_o course_n be_v not_o ordinary_o observe_v be_v not_o man_n wilful_o perverse_a they_o will_v confess_v that_o when_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o hear_v one_o and_o the_o same_o sermon_n some_o one_o or_o two_o it_o may_v be_v the_o worst_a in_o the_o company_n be_v in_o a_o moment_n so_o change_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o man_n they_o be_v new_a heart_n new_a desire_n new_a affection_n all_o new_a in_o they_o they_o will_v i_o say_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a â—inger_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o force_n of_o any_o outward_a persuasion_n whatsoever_o 2._o if_o only_o a_o bare_a propose_v of_o divine_a thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n join_v with_o persuasion_n of_o command_n threaten_v and_o the_o like_a towards_o the_o will_n be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o man_n conversion_n it_o will_v be_v know_v what_o difference_n we_o shall_v make_v between_o the_o work_n of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o man_n of_o a_o divinity_n sermon_n and_o a_o good_a moral_a god_n speech_n nay_o more_o what_o difference_n can_v be_v make_v between_o satan_n temptation_n and_o all_o the_o sacred_a suggestion_n of_o god_n word_n yea_o whether_o satan_n seducement_n to_o evil_a be_v not_o likely_a to_o prove_v always_o more_o powerful_a than_o god_n persuasion_n to_o goodness_n because_o in_o both_o case_n the_o work_n itself_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o our_o arbitrement_n and_o then_o satan_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n clear_o on_o his_o side_n so_o that_o by_o this_o arminian_n doctrine_n man_n conversion_n be_v even_o desperate_a see_v satan_n be_v as_o powerful_a and_o certain_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o pervert_v as_o god_n be_v to_o convert_v this_o blasphemous_a absurdity_n the_o arminian_n can_v shift_v their_o hand_n of_o though_o they_o strive_v in_o vain_a about_o it_o 3._o the_o old_a rule_n must_v here_o be_v remember_v passio_fw-la râ—cipitur_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la per_fw-la conditionem_fw-la agent_n be_v quam_fw-la dispositionem_fw-la patient_a be_v â—idetur_fw-la all_o exhortation_n promise_n command_n take_v effect_v not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o but_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o he_o towards_o who_o they_o be_v use_v and_o so_o we_o see_v a_o word_n do_v more_o with_o some_o than_o a_o frown_n or_o sharp_a menace_n towards_o another_o all_o speech_n work_v as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v affect_v not_o as_o he_o intend_v that_o utter_v it_o wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v do_v on_o god_n part_n towards_o our_o conversion_n but_o the_o only_a proposal_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o accept_v of_o god_n offer_n but_o out_o
ascribe_v unto_o man_n heart_n corruption_n and_o grace_n as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o part_n of_o man_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a work_n out_o of_o it_o come_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o defile_v a_o man_n mat._n 15._o 18_o 19_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o wicked_a above_o all_o thing_n jer._n 17._o 9_o that_o in_o regeneration_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v renew_a make_v clean_o soften_v of_o stony_a make_v fleshy_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o uprightness_n purity_n goodness_n and_o honesty_n faith_n lowliness_n and_o many_o more_o speak_v of_o in_o every_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n almost_o in_o which_o place_n by_o the_o heart_n to_o understand_v our_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a affection_n be_v most_o absurd_a and_o if_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v there_o mean_v it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o nice_a subtlety_n beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o scripture_n to_o exclude_v the_o will_n from_o have_v any_o part_n in_o that_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o if_o by_o the_o heart_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o understand_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n 3._o we_o prefer_v the_o uniform_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a hitherto_o above_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o arminiâ—â—_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o as_o they_o make_v the_o understanding_n the_o seat_n of_o all_o speculative_a habit_n so_o for_o all_o practical_a habit_n whether_o moral_a or_o theological_a they_o place_v they_o in_o the_o will._n with_o who_o agreeable_o to_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n we_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v in_o adam_n will_n beside_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o a_o habitual_a holy_a inclination_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a though_o with_o a_o possibility_n of_o embrace_v evil_n again_o there_o be_v in_o our_o will_n since_o the_o fall_n beside_o some_o kind_n of_o liberty_n a_o habitual_a vicious_a quality_n make_v they_o averse_a and_o froward_a in_o choose_v the_o good_a prone_a and_o inclinable_a to_o embrace_v the_o â—vill_n so_o that_o man_n now_o do_v natural_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n job_n 15_o 16._o and_o make_v a_o pastime_n of_o do_v evil_a prov._n 2._o 14._o and_o therefore_o as_o adam_n will_n be_v true_o good_a not_o only_o in_o the_o action_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a quality_n thereof_o so_o our_o will_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o corrupt_v not_o only_o in_o its_o evil_a action_n but_o also_o the_o inward_a vicious_a disposition_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o four_o error_n the_o five_o be_v but_o a_o consectary_n of_o the_o former_a namely_o 5._o that_o the_o will_v of_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a have_v a_o natural_a freedom_n to_o choose_v any_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o for_o say_v they_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v no_o other_o property_n but_o only_a liberty_n when_o man_n fall_v and_o lose_v other_o good_a quality_n his_o will_n have_v no_o hurt_n but_o retain_v its_o liberty_n perfect_a and_o entire_a so_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n after_o once_o he_o know_v any_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n offer_v unto_o he_o have_v natural_o as_o much_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o even_o as_o adam_n have_v in_o his_o innocency_n or_o as_o any_o man_n can_v have_v after_o his_o conversion_n but_o this_o opinion_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n with_o the_o former_a upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a quality_n in_o the_o will_n draw_v it_o to_o evil_a but_o we_o know_v that_o to_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o we_o confess_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n do_v heal_v that_o disease_n and_o replant_v in_o our_o will_n their_o primitive_a integrity_n they_o be_v utter_o dead_a in_o sin_n captive_n and_o bondslave_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o however_o they_o have_v some_o liberty_n in_o natural_a civil_a or_o external_a spiritual_a thing_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o holiness_n they_o have_v no_o liberty_n at_o all_o to_o will_v and_o choose_v that_o but_o be_v whole_o enthrall_v unto_o sin_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 6_o 20._o when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n and_o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v they_o not_o then_o manifest_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o lie_n that_o affirm_v a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n who_o without_o doubt_n be_v if_o any_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o carnal_o mind_v be_v notwithstanding_o free_a unto_o righteousness_n and_o may_v be_v even_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v he_o faith_n and_o obedience_n there_o be_v yet_o other_o error_n the_o six_o therefore_o be_v this_o 6._o that_o man_n conversion_n begin_v in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v 155._o not_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n infuse_v i_o have_v heretofore_o touch_v upon_o this_o point_n in_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o assertion_n of_o they_o that_o conversion_n begin_v in_o some_o work_n that_o we_o do_v not_o in_o a_o work_n that_o god_n first_o do_v here_o you_o be_v further_o to_o note_v whereto_o tend_v this_o opinion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o establish_v their_o other_o opinion_n of_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n for_o see_v conversion_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v &_o this_o act_n be_v free_o in_o our_o power_n as_o not_o to_o do_v it_o at_o first_o so_o when_o it_o be_v once_o do_v not_o to_o repeat_v it_o often_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o conversion_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n not_o to_o become_v convert_v by_o not_o do_v that_o act_n so_o be_v convert_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o relapse_n by_o not_o continue_v to_o do_v it_o for_o which_o purpose_n they_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v any_o constant_a habit_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o term_v a_o believer_n from_o the_o habit_n but_o from_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v transient_a and_o vanish_v faith_n cease_v when_o they_o cease_v so_o that_o belike_o when_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v asleep_a 2d_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n when_o noah_n and_o all_o his_o family_n be_v asleep_a in_o the_o ark_n than_o faith_n cease_v in_o the_o church_n and_o see_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n man_n asleep_a or_o die_a in_o a_o lethargy_n do_v not_o please_v god_n it_o be_v wonder_n but_o these_o man_n will_v deny_v all_o other_o habit_n too_o and_o say_v that_o david_n have_v no_o skill_n in_o music_n but_o that_o his_o right_a hand_n have_v forget_v her_o cunning_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o harp_n aside_o they_o may_v aswell_o deny_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o both_o be_v alike_o ridiculous_a there_o be_v yet_o one_o error_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 7._o that_o man_n conversion_n be_v proper_o nothing_o but_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n this_o restraint_n of_o our_o conversion_n unto_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o first_o to_o bring_v it_o from_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o appropriate_v it_o to_o that_o act_n without_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v any_o other_o grace_n this_o narrow_a conceit_n touch_v our_o conversion_n be_v that_o which_o have_v fill_v the_o write_n of_o many_o learned_a about_o this_o point_n with_o much_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n they_o so_o speak_v and_o write_v of_o conversion_n as_o if_o it_o begin_v in_o that_o one_o and_o only_a action_n of_o man_n will_n consent_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o this_o be_v without_o all_o ground_n to_o convert_v be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o repent_v to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n to_o abstain_v from_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o practice_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n these_o act_n be_v as_o proper_a and_o immediate_a part_n of_o true_a conversion_n as_o faith_n nor_n do_v the_o scripture_n so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o such_o limitation_n as_o to_o appropriate_v our_o conversion_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o manâ—_n turn_v unto_o god_n do_v join_v repentance_n and_o other_o godly_a act_n together_o with_o faith_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o solemn_a invitation_n of_o
be_v manifest_a that_o when_o a_o regenerate_a man_n fail_v in_o his_o obedience_n it_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v because_o his_o will_n be_v free_a and_o so_o willing_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o because_o his_o will_n be_v not_o so_o free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n as_o it_o desire_v to_o be_v but_o be_v partly_o in_o bondage_n under_o the_o command_n thereof_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n there_o be_v in_o every_o regenerate_a man_n a_o possibility_n or_o power_n of_o resistencie_n always_o remain_v so_o long_o as_o any_o corruption_n abide_v in_o he_o which_o will_v perpetual_o make_v some_o opposition_n more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o good_a work_n but_o for_o the_o prevail_a act_n of_o resistency_n whereby_o such_o good_a work_n may_v be_v quite_o hinder_v we_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o assist_a grace_n effectual_o aid_v the_o regenerate_a faculty_n that_o act_n be_v take_v away_o the_o flesh_n may_v strive_v but_o the_o spirit_n do_v overcome_v infidelity_n may_v cast_v many_o doubt_n but_o faith_n at_o last_o prevail_v sin_n and_o the_o world_n may_v plead_v much_o worth_n and_o loveliness_n but_o yet_o in_o fine_a the_o love_n of_o god_n overtop_n all_o earthly_a base_a delight_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o only_a desire_n of_o enjoy_v that_o alone_o most_o bless_a and_o infinite_a goodness_n thus_o amaleck_n may_v fight_v but_o israel_n will_v get_v the_o victory_n a_o victory_n indeed_o certain_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o event_n but_o with_o some_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o combat_n wherein_o israel_n be_v sometime_o put_v unto_o the_o worst_a for_o you_o be_v to_o note_v that_o albeit_o in_o the_o general_a as_o touch_v those_o main_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o believe_a repent_v persevere_v in_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n grace_n do_v work_v so_o effectual_o with_o man_n regenerate_a will_n that_o corruption_n can_v hinder_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o act_n nevertheless_o in_o many_o particular_a action_n after_o his_o first_o conversion_n in_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o sanctification_n he_o may_v obey_v the_o entice_n of_o his_o corrupt_a concupiscence_n against_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o many_o time_n in_o sundry_a particular_n of_o christian_a practice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o deny_v that_o effectual_a assistance_n which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o afford_v and_o then_o he_o leave_v we_o unto_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o experiment_n to_o try_v what_o be_v in_o we_o for_o humiliation_n in_o discovery_n of_o our_o weakness_n unto_o we_o for_o exercise_v of_o christian_a watchfulness_n in_o make_v diligent_a use_n of_o all_o gracious_a help_n and_o the_o like_a good_a purpose_n in_o which_o case_n a_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o leave_v unto_o himself_o present_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o the_o deceivable_a suggestion_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n whereby_o want_v a_o rescue_n to_o bring_v he_o off_o clear_a in_o this_o assault_n he_o be_v vanquish_v and_o though_o with_o much_o unwillingness_n lead_v away_o a_o prisoner_n unto_o those_o his_o spiritual_a adversary_n during_o the_o time_n of_o which_o bondage_n though_o grace_n show_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o cause_v many_o a_o heavy_a sigh_n a_o hearty_a prayer_n and_o longing_n wish_v after_o its_o former_a freedom_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o make_v a_o fair_a escape_n from_o his_o corruption_n till_o god_n spirit_n return_n and_o bring_v liâ—…_n with_o 〈◊〉_d break_v the_o gate_n of_o brass_n and_o cut_v in_o sunder_o the_o 17._o bar_n of_o iron_n that_o be_v enlarge_a the_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v again_o free_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o thus_o we_o confess_v that_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v resist_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v 19_o quench_v the_o spirit_n he_o may_v 30._o grieve_v the_o the_o spirit_n he_o may_v 12._o depart_v away_o from_o god_n through_o a_o evil_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n he_o may_v 11_o rebel_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o most_o high_a oppose_v all_o motion_n of_o grace_n in_o these_o rage_a fit_n of_o his_o corruption_n which_o still_o furious_o struggle_v for_o life_n after_o it_o be_v mortal_o wound_v in_o our_o regeneration_n but_o these_o desertion_n be_v not_o perpetual_a corruption_n may_v for_o a_o time_n let_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n but_o in_o all_o and_o always_o it_o shall_v never_o hinder_v god_n who_o have_v give_v unto_o a_o regenerate_a man_n a_o power_n to_o believe_v by_o the_o change_n of_o his_o will_n through_o the_o infusion_n of_o a_o constant_a inclination_n to_o all_o spiritual_a good_a will_v also_o cause_v the_o act_n of_o believe_v infallible_o to_o ensue_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o cooperate_a grace_n so_o powerful_o strengthen_v the_o regenerate_a will_n and_o so_o effectual_o restrain_v the_o rebellious_a motion_n of_o corruption_n that_o the_o will_n shall_v not_o choose_v but_o do_v that_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o most_o desire_v to_o do_v namely_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n now_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o touch_v this_o point_n of_o man_n liberty_n in_o resist_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o before_o true_a conversion_n all_o unregenerate_a person_n do_v resist_v the_o gracious_a mean_n and_o preparation_n to_o their_o conversion_n the_o reprobate_n final_o the_o elect_a for_o a_o time_n till_o grace_n become_v victorious_a in_o their_o perfect_a sanctification_n in_o this_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o regeneration_n the_o elect_n be_v no_o way_n active_a either_o to_o work_v it_o or_o to_o hinder_v it_o after_o their_o conversion_n in_o the_o do_n of_o all_o good_a work_v immanent_a or_o transient_a they_o resist_v not_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v spiritual_a they_o can_v but_o resist_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o though_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o spiritual_a desertion_n the_o flesh_n do_v not_o only_o resist_v but_o also_o prevail_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o many_o particular_a gracious_a action_n yet_o for_o those_o main_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n hatred_n of_o evil_n etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n be_v infallible_o victorious_a both_o to_o do_v they_o after_o the_o first_o conversion_n and_o also_o final_o to_o persevere_v in_o do_v of_o they_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v thus_o 1._o by_o habitual_a grace_n infuse_v the_o sanctify_a will_n be_v constant_o determine_v to_o embrace_v all_o spiritual_a good_a 2._o by_o assist_v grace_n the_o will_n be_v stir_v up_o provoke_v allure_v and_o incline_v to_o obedience_n through_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o heavenly_a suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 3._o by_o the_o same_o assist_a grace_n all_o contrary_a motion_n of_o concupiscence_n be_v subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v obedience_n to_o follow_v because_o by_o grace_n the_o will_n be_v make_v willing_a to_o obey_v and_o by_o grace_n all_o impediment_n in_o obey_v be_v take_v away_o now_o when_o all_o let_n be_v remove_v what_o can_v let_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o desire_v hence_o you_o may_v perceive_v the_o vanity_n and_o odiousness_n of_o those_o imputation_n of_o manicheisme_n and_o stoicism_n which_o our_o adversary_n the_o jesuit_n and_o arminian_n throw_v upon_o this_o orthodox_n doctrine_n cry_v out_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o destroy_v nature_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o will_n take_v away_o all_o liberty_n from_o the_o will_n and_o turn_v it_o in_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o those_o natural_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v in_o brute_n beast_n yea_o as_o if_o we_o make_v the_o will_n like_o a_o dull_a and_o senseless_a block_n that_o can_v move_v itself_o a_o jot_n in_o any_o action_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v unworthy_a calumny_n raise_v out_o of_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n for_o refutation_n we_o need_v but_o deny_v what_o they_o bare_o affirm_v and_o tell_v they_o again_o that_o by_o our_o doctrine_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a nature_n it_o take_v not_o away_o but_o restore_v unto_o the_o will_v the_o true_a liberty_n thereof_o which_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o instability_n of_o a_o weathercock_n to_o move_v any_o way_n in_o a_o indifferency_n to_o will_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o fix_a determination_n to_o will_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a which_o determination_n be_v not_o from_o any_o violent_a compulsion_n of_o a_o external_a agent_n as_o if_o the_o will_n be_v move_v by_o grace_n unwilling_o nor_o yet_o by_o impose_v upon_o the_o will_v any_o natural_a necessity_n from_o some_o internal_a principle_n as_o if_o the_o will_n do_v
it_o unless_o himself_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a revelation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a god-where_a he_o come_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n brightness_n and_o clearness_n imprint_v on_o those_o revelation_n that_o mortal_a mind_n be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o their_o divinity_n yea_o balaam_n himself_o though_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o to_o have_v know_v or_o believe_v those_o revelation_n that_o so_o unkind_o cross_v his_o hope_n of_o preferment_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o 2._o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o he_o utter_v his_o parable_n with_o this_o preface_n 4._o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n have_v say_v and_o the_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_a have_v say_v he_o have_v say_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a fall_v into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o that_o be_v at_o other_o time_n drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o furious_a motion_n of_o mind_n procure_v by_o spell_n &_o enchantment_n be_v now_o as_o forcible_o move_v 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bear_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o in_o this_o revelation_n make_v so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n and_o strong_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o balaam_n that_o the_o wizard_n etc._n can_v but_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v though_o it_o quite_o undo_v his_o own_o desire_n of_o greatness_n and_o balacks_n hope_n of_o victory_n whence_o also_o this_o rule_n follow_v general_o true_a that_o where_o the_o revelation_n be_v infallible_o know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v lie_n now_o we_o be_v further_o to_o note_n that_o upon_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v ground_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v usual_o style_v the_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n a_o gift_n proper_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n bestow_v then_o on_o many_o for_o the_o better_a establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o unbelieved_a gentile_n or_o jew_n though_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_v run_v large_o marc._n 16_o 17._o yet_o it_o seem_v not_o likely_a that_o every_o private_a true_a believer_n have_v this_o privilege_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d be_v preacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o among_o they_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o true_o faithful_a believer_n but_o to_o other_o also_o as_o appear_v by_o judas_n to_o who_o this_o power_n be_v give_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o matt._n 10_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o reprobate_n matt._n 7._o 22._o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o by_o thy_o name_n prophesy_v &_o c_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o work_v some_o miraculous_a effect_n be_v the_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n other_o motive_n there_o be_v further_o off_o as_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o god_n omnipotency_n the_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o christ_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n matt._n 17._o 20._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o to_o yonder_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o you_o but_o more_o special_o that_o large_a promise_n he_o make_v at_o his_o ascension_n mark_n 16._o 17._o 18._o and_n these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v but_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v assurance_n of_o perform_v this_o or_o that_o miraculous_a act_n without_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v they_o inward_o both_o touch_v the_o time_n when_o and_o matter_n wherein_o they_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o as_o all_o believer_n have_v not_o that_o power_n so_o such_o as_o have_v it_o can_v not_o do_v wonder_n when_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o please_v but_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o special_a warrant_n and_o direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n like_v unto_o peter_n who_o though_o a_o faithful_a believer_n yet_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o a_o miraculous_a attempt_n of_o walk_v dry-shod_a upon_o the_o water_n without_o a_o special_a word_n from_o christ_n bid_v of_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n matt._n 14._o 28._o 29._o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o this_o special_a direction_n cease_v and_o also_o miracle_n have_v no_o use_n unless_o for_o conversion_n of_o a_o country_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v never_o be_v preach_v this_o gift_n also_o be_v cease_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o revelation_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o other_o follow_v 2._o some_o mediate_v deliver_v from_o god_n by_o other_o unto_o we_o such_o be_v the_o answer_n &_o sermon_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n make_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n such_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o touch_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o may_v be_v know_v how_o far_o they_o must_v be_v believe_v you_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o difference_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n that_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n evident_a this_o to_o thing_n not-evident_a therefore_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v be_v general_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v diligent_o examine_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o thing_n or_o whether_o any_o at_o all_o that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n who_o make_v obscurity_n one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o open_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v evident_a to_o man_n understanding_n let_v these_o distinction_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 1._o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o three_o sort_n viz._n 1._o precept_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o in_o the_o high_a mystery_n thereof_o as_o of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n &c_n &c_n or_o in_o other_o inferior_a point_n of_o sanctification_n piety_n and_o moral_a practice_n and_o unto_o this_o head_n may_v be_v refer_v all_o such_o discourse_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o wind_n thunder_n etc._n etc._n 2._o history_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a and_o go_v as_o of_o the_o creation_n fall_v of_o man_n the_o flood_n etc._n etc._n 3._o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v hereafter_o whether_o they_o be_v mere_o prophetical_a or_o withal_o do_v contain_v some_o special_a promise_n or_o threaten_v concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o prediction_n be_v make_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a evidence_n 1._o one_o of_o the_o narration_n when_o it_o be_v make_v in_o word_n and_o sentence_n so_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a that_o the_o understanding_n conceive_v clear_o what_o the_o speaker_n or_o written_a mean_n 2._o another_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v relate_v when_o either_o our_o sense_n do_v plain_o perceive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n sensible_a or_o our_o understanding_n do_v manifest_o behold_v the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v only_o intelligible_a this_o distinction_n be_v most_o manifest_a in_o all_o discourse_n and_o special_o in_o mathematics_n where_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n or_o problem_n may_v be_v clear_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v before_o one_o jot_n of_o the_o demonstration_n be_v understand_v how_o and_o wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o man_n understanding_n in_o a_o twofold_a estate_n 1._o of_o natural_a corruption_n as_o it_o attain_v no_o further_a light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o that_o which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o learned_a education_n and_o painful_a study_n of_o humanity_n and_o divinity_n for_o such_o end_n as_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o 2._o of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o
the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n open_v to_o discern_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o spiritual_a nature_n herein_o also_o lie_v a_o great_a difference_n because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v inevident_a to_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a be_v not_o so_o to_o the_o regenerate_a these_o thing_n thus_o distinguish_v let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o truth_n touch_v this_o point_n in_o some_o few_o conclusion_n which_o follow_v 1._o all_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o be_v doctrinal_a historical_a or_o prophetical_a may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n not_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sanctify_v but_o by_o those_o also_o who_o remain_v unregenerate_a enjoy_v only_o the_o benefit_n of_o common_a illumination_n this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v against_o that_o injurious_a accusation_n wherewith_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v slander_v god_n and_o his_o write_a word_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o obscure_a book_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o fond_a and_o impious_a conceit_n if_o ever_o any_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a say_v they_o but_o to_o who_o trow_v you_o to_o their_o learned_a clergy_n and_o illuminate_v doctor_n no_o they_o can_v understand_v they_o well_o enough_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o seem_a contradiction_n to_o reduce_v all_o trope_n and_o figure_n to_o their_o plain_a meaning_n to_o note_v the_o various_a acception_n of_o word_n to_o dive_v into_o all_o hide_a mystery_n of_o the_o text_n and_o over_o and_o above_o the_o just_a meaning_n find_v out_o many_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o the_o author_n never_o thoughton_a this_o they_o can_v do_v and_o for_o witness_v of_o it_o we_o have_v of_o their_o own_o writing_n infinite_a volume_n both_o of_o controversed_a divinity_n decide_v if_o we_o believe_v they_o by_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o also_o of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o text_n which_o testify_v unto_o we_o as_o no_o small_a painfulness_n in_o search_v out_o so_o much_o peremptorinesse_n in_o define_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o sure_o well_o they_o may_v be_v confident_a have_v beside_o their_o own_o and_o other_o wit_n the_o help_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n in_o which_o respect_v one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v now_o make_v a_o end_n of_o writing_n or_o at_o least_o of_o jar_a one_o with_o another_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o interpretation_n for_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v very_o uncharitable_a who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n do_v not_o sit_v at_o ease_n in_o their_o chair_n compile_v at_o last_o a_o absolute_a commentary_n upon_o the_o bible_n after_o which_o no_o jesuite_n of_o they_o all_o shall_v dare_v to_o vent_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v bashfulness_n in_o the_o friar_n not_o to_o trouble_v his_o holiness_n about_o so_o small_a a_o triâ—â—e_n as_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o romish_a apollo_n be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o utter_v oracle_n from_o his_o trivet_n unto_o every_o poor_a friar_n that_o intend_v to_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o a_o new_a book_n here_o questionless_a be_v a_o great_a fault_n but_o let_v they_o take_v it_o among_o they_o mean_v while_o we_o see_v their_o own_o practice_n confute_v their_o own_o opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n obscurity_n unless_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v that_o all_o their_o preach_n dispute_v and_o write_v have_v be_v about_o they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o say_v they_o the_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o laity_n and_o be_v they_o so_o who_o fault_n be_v that_o but_o the_o clergy_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v if_o pride_n and_o laziness_n will_v have_v give_v leave_n to_o have_v see_v their_o people_n better_o instruct_v if_o scripture_n be_v plain_a unto_o themselves_o why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v they_o plain_a unto_o other_o or_o must_v we_o in_o earnest_n speak_v that_o of_o the_o romish_a clergy_n which_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n in_o derision_n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v the_o people_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o as_o for_o the_o poor_a snake_n the_o laicke_n they_o simple_a soul_n have_v not_o 12._o wit_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o plain_a word_n to_o such_o their_o proud_a contempt_n of_o god_n people_n we_o may_v with_o indignation_n oppose_v that_o of_o job_n even_o these_o have_v understanding_n as_o well_o as_o they_o yea_o &_o be_v not_o inferior_a unto_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o can_v give_v the_o world_n better_a proof_n of_o their_o deep_a wisdom_n but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v inferior_a be_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a because_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a mind_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o plain_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v of_o logic_n that_o it_o be_v obscure_a because_o a_o fresh_a man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o declaration_n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o man_n at_o some_o time_n we_o do_v not_o account_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n touch_v christ_n which_o the_o eunuch_n read_v to_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a prediction_n but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a enough_o though_o the_o eunuch_n a_o raw_a proselyte_n understand_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v much_o we_o can_v be_v as_o charitable_o mind_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o be_v of_o other_o book_n in_o our_o ordinary_a study_n wherein_o when_o we_o find_v some_o thing_n difficult_a we_o can_v suspect_v ourselves_o rather_o than_o the_o author_n &_o when_o afterward_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o do_v not_o censure_v he_o of_o obscurity_n but_o blame_v our_o own_o dulness_n that_o can_v not_o apprehend_v thing_n plain_o enough_o express_v and_o i_o think_v the_o jesuit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o give_v god_n almighty_a leave_n to_o write_v but_o even_o as_o man_n of_o great_a understanding_n do_v namely_o to_o comprise_v much_o matter_n in_o few_o word_n they_o may_v know_v that_o in_o such_o writing_n and_o such_o be_v the_o stile_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n thing_n may_v be_v express_v very_o distinct_o and_o proper_o which_o yet_o can_v â—â—ply_o be_v understand_v at_o first_o read_v but_o after_o some_o study_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a thing_n for_o our_o adversary_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o least_o as_o easy_a a_o book_n as_o some_o humane_a author_n and_o that_o the_o abundant_a riches_n of_o knowledge_n in_o it_o do_v by_o the_o least_o deserve_v as_o much_o pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o aristotle_n some_o hard_a poet_n on_o some_o intricate_a crabbed_a scholastical_a discourse_n of_o some_o jesuite_n do_v they_o not_o great_o mistrust_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o own_o error_n by_o such_o a_o insinuation_n of_o scripture_n facility_n they_o will_v never_o discourage_v their_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o yet_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o study_n of_o many_o a_o obscure_a author_n for_o ourselves_o we_o have_v learn_v better_a thing_n than_o to_o bring_v god_n in_o suspicion_n with_o man_n of_o envy_n and_o fraud_n as_o if_o he_o have_v cause_v a_o word_n to_o be_v write_v for_o instruction_n of_o man_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o in_o it_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n to_o entrap_v man_n soul_n in_o heresy_n and_o false_a opinion_n by_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n no_o against_o such_o calumny_n we_o oppose_v christ_n censure_n of_o his_o own_o word_n for_o such_o be_v the_o scripture_n prov._n 8._o 8_o 9_o all_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n be_v in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o no_o danger_n of_o heretical_a infection_n they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n nor_o intricate_a obscurity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v on_o it_o yea_o we_o dare_v avouch_v that_o do_v the_o simple_a of_o people_n use_v but_o half_a that_o diligence_n that_o they_o ought_v in_o attain_v christian_a knowledge_n and_o will_v take_v but_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o landâ—_n or_o the_o statute_n book_n or_o such_o like_a experience_n will_v quick_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n as_o now_o general_o all_o man_n