Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	believe_v	faith_n	reason_n	4,345	5	5.9961	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A85050	Vindiciæ mediorum & mediatoris. or, the present reigning errour arraigned, at the barr of Scripture and reason. Wherein is discovered the falshood and danger of that late borne opinion, that pretends to an immediate enjoyment and call of the Spirit of God, both above and against its owne fffects, [sic] cause, word, ministry, and witness, in all respects. Occasioned by a pamphlet, intituled, The saints travell to the land of Canaan, or a discovery of seventeen false rests, &c. By one R. Wilkinson, a preacher of this errour about Totnes in the West. In the treatise following, the reader shall finde, most of the maine fundamentall doctrinall truths that this age doth controvert, faithfully vindicated, cleared, confirmed. By F. Fullwood, minister of the Gospell at Staple Fitzpane in the county of Somerset.	Fullwood, Francis, d. 1693.	1651 (1651)	Wing F2521; Thomason E1281_1; ESTC R202060	131,348	337

let_v a_o man_n of_o reason_n judge_n 3._o thing_n especial_o do_v make_v this_o difficulty_n more_o difficult_a this_o impossibility_n more_o impossible_a than_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v its_o transcendent_a purity_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v imagine_v even_o as_o body_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o this_o and_o be_v the_o distance_n there_o be_v betwixt_o our_o capacity_n and_o nature_n and_o this_o infinite_a purity_n and_o the_o last_o be_v from_o the_o unconceivable_a subtlety_n of_o satan_n change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n who_o in_o his_o very_a minister_n will_v deceive_v if_o possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o who_o minister_n themselves_o as_o our_o saviour_n warn_v can_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o their_o fruit_n and_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o the_o good_a spirit_n will_v persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o itself_o without_o trial_n much_o more_o will_v the_o evil_a truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n but_o the_o deceiver_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n he_o hate_v the_o light_n because_o his_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o trial_n obj._n though_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o better_o no_o other_o faculty_n of_o discern_v than_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o we_o hope_v that_o the_o believer_n have_v a_o eye_n of_o faith_n wherewith_o he_o be_v able_a to_o see_v far_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o gift_n and_o ability_n both_o of_o sense_n &_o reason_n answ_n and_o therefore_o he_o assure_o partake_v of_o such_o joy_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v ear_n have_v hear_v as_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v of_o i_o answer_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o another_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o know_v distinct_a from_o reason_n it_o be_v but_o a_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a act_n and_o excercise_n of_o reason_n be_v seat_v in_o and_o act_v by_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n 13._o soul_n altior_fw-la cognitio_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la vita_fw-la habetur_fw-la per_fw-la gratiam_fw-la quam_fw-la per_fw-la naturalem_fw-la rationem_fw-la ut_fw-la lumen_fw-la naturale_fw-la intellectus_fw-la confortatur_fw-la per_fw-la infusionem_fw-la luminis_fw-la gratuiti_fw-la par._n 1._o aquin_n sum_fw-la quis_fw-la 13._o art_n 13._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v by_o grace_n far_o above_o what_o be_v attain_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o without_o but_o by_o the_o heighten_v and_o improve_n of_o natural_a reason_n grace_v not_o destoy_v but_o perfect_a nature_n be_v grace_n or_o the_o spirit_n the_o light_n yet_o certain_o reason_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n it_o i_o mean_a reason_n be_v lighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o only_o do_v discover_v the_o ground_n and_o receive_v and_o give_v we_o the_o encouragement_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n be_v always_o ibid._n tide_n cognitio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la quantum_fw-la intellectus_fw-la determinatur_fw-la per_fw-la sidem_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquod_fw-la cognoscibile_fw-la ibid._n determinate_v to_o that_o that_o be_v knowable_a and_o what_o ever_o we_o believe_v be_v know_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v also_o know_v by_o the_o understanding_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o man_n be_v as_o he_o can_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o so_o will_v he_o never_o believe_v and_o know_v not_o why_o i_o will_v have_v some_o ground_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o reason_n why_o i_o believe_v any_o thing_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o understandable_a to_o carnal_a reason_n unsanctified_a nature_n yet_o reason_n enlighten_v nature_n change_v or_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n that_o sound_a mind_n renew_v spirit_n be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o and_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v even_o in_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o err_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o error_n in_o their_o understanding_n not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n both_o which_o to_o wit_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n have_v say_v and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v lay_v a_o foundation_n sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n most_o wed_v to_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o know_v by_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v spirit_n or_o god_n himself_o we_o know_v by_o reason_n yea_o in_o our_o very_a knowledge_n of_o faith_n reason_n be_v and_o whole_o be_v execise_v faith_n bring_v a_o high_a but_o yet_o a_o regular_a knowledge_n faith_n give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a knowledge_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o by_o ibid._n intellectus_fw-la noster_fw-la per_fw-la gratiam_fw-la fidei_fw-la deo_fw-la adhaeret_fw-la ibid._n mend_v and_o widen_v the_o conduit_n pipe_n reason_n not_o by_o forsake_v or_o overflow_a it_o for_o our_o understanding_n themselves_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v to_o god_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n obj._n 2_o but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v spiritualise_v and_o as_o the_o scripture_n call_v we_o we_o be_v spiritual_a man_n this_o principle_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v far_o above_o sense_n or_o reason_n this_o anoint_v can_v teach_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n a_o more_o excellent_a way_n then_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o their_o effect_n can_v it_o not_o think_v you_o answ_n i_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n darken_v or_o eclipse_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o put_v out_o but_o snuff_v this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o man_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n or_o the_o reasonable_a faculty_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o very_a candle_n that_o receive_v hold_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o eye_n or_o organ_n that_o use_v it_o and_o see_v with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n as_o the_o sun_n to_o bring_v we_o light_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v and_o so_o show_v object_n to_o we_o even_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v but_o we_o see_v they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n therefore_o it_o give_v we_o to_o know_v it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o it_o know_v in_o we_o but_o it_o give_v we_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o as_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n in_o by_z &_o through_o its_o own_o light_n yet_o with_o our_o eye_n videlicet_fw-la of_o sense_n so_o we_o see_v the_o spirit_n only_o in_o its_o own_o light_n &_o yet_o without_o our_o eye_n to_o wit_n of_o reason_n the_o spirit_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hurt_v or_o shut_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o agree_v and_o shine_v together_o but_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o name_n ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la be_v call_v 7._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n who_o office_n be_v answerable_a he_o be_v send_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n &_o revelation_n be_v give_v 18._o ephes_n 1._o 17_o 18._o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n on_o purpose_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o to_o this_o very_a end_n now_o in_o controversy_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n but_o we_o may_v further_o demonstrate_v the_o argue_v three_o way_n of_o argue_v same_o by_o the_o argument_n following_n which_o be_v take_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n to_o a_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o thus_o first_o from_o the_o perfection_n behind_o we_o and_o afterward_o from_o the_o perfection_n before_o we_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o perfect_a recovery_n now_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n in_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o condition_n wherein_o he_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v or_o shall_v attain_v to_o the_o discern_a and_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n immediate_o i_o without_o the_o use_n and_o help_v of_o their_o effect_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o imperfect_a condition_n of_o this_o life_n that_o now_o be_v while_o we_o enjoy_v but_o a_o small_a nothing_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o comparison_n here_o shall_v not_o 1._o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o certain_a then_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o its_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v not_o see_v spirit_n per_fw-la essentiam_fw-la but_o per_fw-la effectum_fw-la which_o i_o shall_v brief_o open_v first_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n

before_o we_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v subjoyne_v these_o necessary_a cautious_a as_o a_o qualification_n to_o qualification_n first_o let_v the_o reader_n take_v a_o special_a difference_n in_o order_n to_o the_o decide_n of_o the_o present_a question_n betwixt_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n for_o as_o assurance_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n so_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v effect_n of_o assurance_n and_o as_o they_o be_v divers_a in_o themselves_o so_o be_v they_o different_o obtain_v by_o we_o even_o as_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o habit._n for_o when_o i_o will_v confirm_v my_o brother_n in_o a_o by_o he_o doubt_v truth_n as_o i_o fetch_v all_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o he_o even_o so_o must_v i_o deal_v with_o my_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o bring_v it_o unto_o a_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o title_n to_o heaven_n this_o as_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o habit_n require_v some_o time_n with_o a_o serious_a deliberate_a exercise_n of_o reason_n but_o as_o when_o we_o have_v get_v a_o habit_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a and_o easy_a then_o to_o act_n therefrom_o so_o spiritual_a comfort_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effluvium_fw-la and_o effect_n of_o assurance_n obtain_v though_o we_o come_v very_o hardly_o to_o the_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o our_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o pass_v most_o easy_o from_o that_o assure_a knowledge_n etc._n etc._n to_o joy_n unspeakable_a as_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v natural_o recoil_v by_o or_o from_o its_o direct_a act_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o glance_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o believe_v reason_n upon_o pardon_n grace_n god_n heaven_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o passion_n must_v have_v its_o object_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n from_o assurance_n so_o do_v it_o immediate_o and_o upon_o a_o sudden_a flash_n take_v life_n from_o thence_o as_o when_o a_o candle_n be_v light_v light_a immediate_o spring_v all_o over_o the_o house_n yet_o this_o joy_n be_v most_o real_a solid_a and_o substantial_a second_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o require_v especial_o from_o such_o as_o be_v already_o persuade_v to_o assurance_n upon_o good_a ground_n that_o every_o act_n of_o their_o spiritual_a joy_n shall_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o immediate_a conception_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a may_v never_o take_v spiritual_a comfort_n to_o himself_o but_o as_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o reason_n upon_o his_o grace_n we_o many_o time_n rejoice_v in_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o even_o bathe_v our_o soul_n in_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o from_o assurance_n already_o make_v and_o not_o now_o question_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_v we_o by_o show_v we_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o thus_o give_v we_o matter_n of_o joy_n do_v comfort_v we_o mediate_o but_o he_o do_v also_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o 16._o john_n 16._o thus_o be_v more_o immediate_o and_o proper_o our_o comforter_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o conclude_v as_o when_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v my_o doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o needless_a perplexity_n and_o folly_n to_o turn_v back_o for_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o doctrine_n for_o every_o use_n that_o i_o make_v thereof_o so_o for_o a_o saint_n upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a rejoice_v to_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o over_o much_o suspicion_n and_o infidelity_n so_o a_o gross_a in_o that_o a_o ungrateful_a abuse_v of_o assurance_n last_o our_o reason_n most_o diligent_o exercise_v even_o upon_o the_o best_a of_o our_o qualification_n can_v give_v we_o but_o a_o dark_a indistinct_a and_o uncertain_a evidence_n without_o the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o our_o eye_n can_v give_v we_o a_o exact_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o colour_n without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o a_o candle_n now_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n assist_v i_o hope_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o evidence_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o other_o branch_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o root_n which_o have_v be_v before_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_v error_n error_n his_o presence_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a light_n arg._n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n that_o endeavour_v the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o and_o be_v every_o where_o hint_v by_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o false_a rest_n be_v the_o spirit_n sufficiency_n to_o discover_v himself_o immediate_o to_o we_o answ_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o from_o a_o sufficiency_n to_o a_o efficiency_n be_v no_o good_a argue_v the_o death_n of_o that_o person_n that_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v infinite_o meritorious_a then_o how_o fall_v it_o out_o that_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o devil_n themselves_o be_v not_o save_v 2._o from_o the_o power_n to_o the_o act_n give_v no_o good_a argument_n because_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o all_o therein_o therefore_o will_v he_o must_v he_o do_v it_o can_v the_o spirit_n discover_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n immediate_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v use_v no_o mean_n in_o this_o work_n be_v a_o pure_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la yet_o this_o assertion_n be_v build_v especial_o when_o illustrate_v with_o that_o that_o follow_v viz._n arg._n 2_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o sun_n page_n 60._o line_n 17._o now_o the_o sun_n do_v manifest_v itself_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o its_o own_o light_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o our_o heart_n answ_n it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o as_o a_o thief_n come_v to_o do_v that_o that_o be_v sinful_a must_v christ_n also_o such_o it_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o precedent_a argument_n for_o comparison_n run_v not_o on_o four_o foot_n 2._o but_o second_o this_o comparison_n hold_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o first_o the_o sun_n do_v manifest_v itself_o in_o its_o own_o light_n so_o do_v the_o spirit_n again_o the_o sun_n do_v convey_v his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v other_o object_n and_o himself_o through_o a_o medium_fw-la viz._n the_o air_n so_o the_o spirit_n through_o our_o grace_n moreover_o the_o sun_n require_v a_o eye_n of_o sense_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o must_v see_v and_o use_v his_o light_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o spirit_n a_o eye_n of_o reason_n last_o we_o feel_v as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o the_o heat_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o reflection_n only_o and_o thus_o by_o reflection_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v the_o sweet_a and_o comfort_n of_o this_o our_o spiritual_a sun_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o but_o three_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o somewhat_o be_v unlike_a else_o not_o alike_o and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v receive_v for_o full_a solution_n the_o sun_n be_v a_o necessary_a but_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n the_o sun_n must_v shine_v and_o show_v itself_o but_o the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v therefore_o some_o have_v it_o and_o some_o have_v it_o not_o and_o other_o have_v it_o and_o know_v it_o not_o while_o the_o sun_n must_v always_o and_o always_o one_o way_n discover_v himself_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o this_o mean_n nor_o yet_o by_o that_o much_o less_o immediate_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o we_o arg._n 3_o it_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o in_o discourse_n by_o one_o who_o i_o judge_v both_o very_a know_v and_o godly_a that_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v more_o answerable_a to_o that_o relation_n to_o tell_v we_o he_o love_v we_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o immediate_o then_o to_o leave_v his_o spouse_n to_o construe_v his_o love_n from_o his_o token_n only_o answ_n for_o satisfaction_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v suppose_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o seem_v more_o fit_a that_o he_o himself_o declare_v his_o love_n to_o we_o immediate_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v judge_n of_o this_o meetenesse_n our_o fancy_n or_o faith_n we_o

how_o large_a a_o step_n be_v that_o to_o a_o total_a rejection_n of_o scripture_n it_o get_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o what_o be_v not_o provable_a by_o a_o allegorical_a gloss_n wicked_a man_n and_o seducer_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v chap._n vii_o of_o believe_v those_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o now_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o disappoint_v that_o other_o main_a desperate_a engine_n direct_v by_o the_o wicked_a cunning_a hand_n of_o this_o error_n against_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o more_o of_o the_o bible_n than_o the_o error_n error_n spirit_n do_v persuade_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o we_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n thereof_o ground_n ground_n i_o find_v among_o they_o to_o be_v these_o because_o we_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o liable_a to_o corruption_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n against_o this_o error_n according_a unto_o my_o former_a method_n i_o shall_v discover_v the_o error_n first_o and_o then_o the_o danger_n in_o convict_v this_o assertion_n of_o error_n according_a to_o my_o use_n i_o shall_v weaken_v and_o ruin_v the_o ground_n by_o refute_v their_o reason_n arg._n then_o establish_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n that_o because_o we_o can_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o duty_n to_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n more_o than_o the_o spirit_n do_v convince_v we_o of_o i_o answer_v answ_n be_v not_o this_o good_a reason_n because_o our_o debtor_n can_v pay_v his_o debt_n therefore_o he_o owe_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o then_o as_o it_o be_v injustice_n to_o demand_v so_o no_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v but_o cruelty_n to_o punish_v yea_o moreover_o that_o that_o be_v in_o humane_a cruelty_n in_o man_n in_o pharaoh_n though_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n we_o can_v not_o say_v god_n be_v unjust_a yet_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o and_o man_n own_o invention_n trifle_v away_o the_o heat_n and_o fire_n of_o his_o own_o lust_n burn_v up_o and_o waste_v the_o straw_n that_o god_n have_v allow_v he_o for_o to_o do_v his_o work_n now_o shall_v our_o lie_n make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v shall_v our_o self-sought_a self-wrought_a inability_n discharge_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n how_o short_a and_o excellent_a a_o way_n be_v this_o to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v strength_n in_o weakness_n and_o be_v unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o trice_n by_o this_o sleight_n to_o perform_v all_o thing_n but_o second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v in_o order_n hereunto_o of_o a_o double_a faith_n faith_n persuade_v faith_n inspire_v the_o late_a believe_v the_o first_o truth_n for_o itself_o without_o or_o beside_o our_o reason_n be_v indeed_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n or_o geace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n faith_n persuade_v arise_v from_o the_o probability_n of_o reason_n be_v certain_o reachable_a by_o natural_a man_n and_o for_o believe_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o historical_a way_n this_o will_n i_o mean_v this_o faith_n persuade_v by_o reason_n will_v climb_v very_o high_a 1._o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a what_o will_v it_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o conclude_v as_o feasible_a by_o he_o second_o it_o persuade_v we_o further_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o can_v lie_v what_o will_v it_o not_o urge_v we_o to_o believe_v if_o he_o speak_v it_o therefore_o to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n our_o saviour_n repli_v you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 29._o matth._n 22._o 29._o you_o err_v in_o gainsay_v this_o truth_n because_o as_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o neither_o do_v you_o certify_v your_o reason_n about_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v yet_o the_o alwise_a god_n have_v a_o excellent_a use_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o command_n viz._n even_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o justice_n in_o condemn_v of_o sinner_n and_o of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o give_v strength_n by_o command_v for_o the_o obedience_n in_o give_v glory_n hereafter_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o elect._n this_o great_a mystery_n i_o shall_v have_v fit_a occasion_n hereafter_o to_o unfold_v and_o therefore_o lonely_a touch_v it_o here_o and_o lay_v it_o by_o till_o then_o arg._n 2_o the_o second_o argument_n follow_v which_o as_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o inability_n of_o believe_v more_o etc._n etc._n by_o reason_n of_o the_o real_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o believe_v more_o viz._n then_o the_o spirit_n shall_v clear_v to_o be_v truth_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o suppose_a or_o fear_v possible_a or_o probable_a corruption_n of_o god_n word_n answ_n that_o abusive_a comparison_n that_o be_v most_o injurious_o apply_v heretofore_o to_o nonconformist_n and_o puritan_n be_v most_o true_o make_v good_a in_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o error_n for_o while_o they_o may_v happy_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v run_v as_o fast_o from_o the_o pope_n as_o their_o spirit_n can_v move_v they_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n tie_v by_o the_o tail_n to_o he_o as_o sampsons_n fox_n be_v join_v together_o while_o with_o contrary_a face_n they_o endeavour_v to_o run_v from_o each_o other_o yet_o among_o some_o of_o the_o more_o moderate_a papist_n we_o may_v read_v a_o distinction_n that_o will_v sufficient_o salve_v the_o present_a objection_n namely_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o corruption_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o word_n stapleton_n d._n stapleton_n not_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o if_o not_o translation_n sure_o not_o the_o original_n papist_n themselves_z have_v never_o the_o power_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o text_n original_a the_o greek_a &_o hebrew_n though_o they_o have_v sacralegious_o form_v up_o a_o gospel_n even_o to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o humour_n in_o latin_a it_o be_v the_o great_a infidelity_n and_o mistrust_n of_o providence_n to_o think_v or_o imagine_v at_o laest_n upon_o such_o slender_a supposall_n surmise_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o witness_n record_n only_a image_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v falsify_v abuse_v deface_v what_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o think_v as_o hellish_a to_o perform_v there_o be_v a_o excercise_n of_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n then_o in_o believe_v the_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v all_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o yet_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v lay_v on_o divine_a not_o humane_a testimony_n or_o authority_n though_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o express_v god_n mind_n unto_o we_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o scripture_n be_v our_o conversion_n and_o persuasion_n affirmative_a argument_n for_o the_o affirmative_a but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o contrary_a truth_n in_o question_n take_v these_o thing_n follow_v for_o its_o confirmation_n if_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v both_o to_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o by_o command_v we_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v real_a precept_n then_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v more_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v and_o clear_v to_o we_o but_o such_o precept_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v real_a because_o they_o prove_v effectual_a and_o the_o consequence_n be_v also_o undeniable_a because_o a_o command_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o imply_v a_o duty_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v instrumental_o use_v for_o our_o beleif_n then_o as_o the_o mean_n be_v before_o the_o end_n we_o be_v command_v before_o we_o believe_v and_o by_o consequence_n ought_v to_o believe_v before_o we_o believe_v i_o before_o the_o truth_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o unbeleif_n come_v from_o ignorance_n be_v sinful_a than_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o believe_v more_o truth_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v convince_v we_o of_o but_o such_o a_o unbeleif_n be_v sinful_a which_o appear_v first_o from_o etc._n pro._n 2._o 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n of_o knowledge_n second_o faith_n as_o also_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o 15_o mar._n 1._o 15_o such_o a_o unbeleif_fw-mi 2_o thes_n 1._o and_o wherefore_o do_v the_o live_a man_n complain_v a_o man_n for_o nothing_o else_o but_o for_o

whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o be_v by_o a_o self-searching_a examination_n not_o by_o a_o wait_a for_o the_o immediate_a invisible_a shine_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o its_o own_o discovery_n and_o evidence_n arg._n 3_o a_o reflect_v upon_o and_o reason_v from_o grace_n for_o evidence_n of_o our_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v but_o a_o judgeing_a of_o god_n presence_n by_o his_o work_n what_o absurdity_n or_o but_o a_o know_v of_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o be_v this_o a_o strange_a thing_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v we_o to_o see_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o work_n when_o as_o we_o behold_v the_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n so_o the_o new_a creation_n and_o government_n within_o we_o be_v that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o the_o spirit_n arg._n 4_o since_o god_n be_v too_o wise_a a_o workman_n to_o make_v more_o work_n than_o needs_o why_o may_v not_o he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o easy_a and_o open_a and_o ready_a a_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o evidence_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o particular_n follow_v wherein_o i_o shall_v argue_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v exercise_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o evidence_n to_o he_o this_o state_n of_o nature_n then_o why_o may_v he_o not_o by_o the_o same_o faculty_n evidence_n to_o man_n his_o state_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v in_o themselves_o proper_a contrary_n and_o both_o equal_o relative_n unto_o man_n the_o one_o the_o depravation_n the_o other_o the_o recovery_n and_o reparation_n of_o his_o nature_n yet_o we_o find_v the_o first_o footstep_n of_o god_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n tread_v in_o such_o a_o path_n god_n come_v towards_o they_o to_o find_v out_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v etc._n etc._n how_o by_o a_o reasonable_a expostulation_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n any_o other_o way_n then_o this_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v my_o witness_n the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n this_o glorious_a dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n john_n 16._o 8._o the_o spirit_n may_v discover_v sin_n long_o enough_o and_o i_o never_o see_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o show_v i_o grace_n long_o enough_o and_o i_o never_o be_v comfort_v unless_o i_o see_v it_o with_o the_o same_o eye_n he_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n but_o must_v not_o we_o see_v they_o too_o 14._o john_n 16._o 14._o else_o how_o shall_v we_o glorify_v he_o god_n may_v accuse_v but_o he_o can_v convince_v we_o of_o sin_n without_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o therefore_o that_o his_o ancient_a people_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o accuse_v they_o without_o a_o cause_n come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n 1._o 18._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v as_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v not_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n until_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o sin_n by_o most_o clear_a and_o invincible_a evidence_n have_v all_o their_o objection_n answer_v their_o mouth_n quite_o stop_v when_o they_o have_v read_v their_o debt_n in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o judgement_n sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o eternal_a dungeon_n matth._n 25._o 45._o etc._n etc._n so_o if_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v it_o seem_v with_o their_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o christ_n at_o that_o day_n know_v it_o before_o they_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n matth._n 25._o 37._o to_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o his_o conversion_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o his_o consolation_n be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o object_n that_o do_v convert_v man_n to_o and_o comfort_v he_o in_o god_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n hell_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n heaven_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o light_n that_o do_v discover_v the_o same_o object_n though_o for_o these_o divers_a end_n do_v it_o not_o then_o require_v the_o same_o organ_n the_o same_o faculty_n reason_n enlighten_v be_v the_o eye_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o terror_n of_o hell_n law_n justice_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n grace_n and_o happiness_n and_o be_v change_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o way_n and_o sure_o also_o whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o same_o object_n and_o ourselves_o as_o free_v from_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o other_o and_o be_v ravish_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a god_n be_v the_o primum_fw-la movens_fw-la and_o he_o must_v first_o move_v our_o primum_fw-la mobile_a before_o the_o inferior_a orb_n will_v turn_v towards_o he_o the_o will_n have_v its_o immediate_a light_n and_o evidence_n not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o mind_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o understanding_n be_v darken_v it_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n the_o heart_n be_v blind_v but_o if_o this_o candle_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr not_o only_o to_o the_o will_n but_o consequent_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o its_o turn_n from_o sin_n and_o nature_n to_o god_n and_o grace_n now_o the_o same_o light_n that_o do_v convert_v the_o mind_n by_o reflection_n do_v comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o heart_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v work_v by_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o faith_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o hope_n and_o assurance_n god_n have_v provide_v a_o saviour_n for_o sinner_n the_o way_n of_o their_o salvatian_n by_o he_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o god_n may_v work_v up_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v he_o have_v ordain_v a_o ministry_n have_v put_v into_o its_o hand_n a_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o show_v they_o the_o necessity_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o saviour_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n offer_v they_o a_o saviour_n and_o life_n and_o heaven_n with_o he_o will_v they_o but_o believe_v beseech_v in_o christ_n stead_n that_o through_o he_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o save_v and_o all_o this_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o force_v but_o win_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n that_o faith_n may_v come_v by_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n his_o 110._o psal_n 110._o people_n may_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n as_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v so_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v both_o act_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o now_o what_o shall_v privilege_v the_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o its_o direct_a from_o be_v behold_v to_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v my_o reason_n be_v enlighten_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o stableness_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o close_v with_o this_o offer_n and_o to_o believe_v but_o now_o i_o believe_v can_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o reason_n enlighten_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n reflect_v consolation_n herefrom_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o i_o believe_v therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o my_o salvation_n what_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n cause_v i_o to_o believe_v may_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n together_o with_o the_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o salvation_n cause_v i_o to_o rejoice_v because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o he_o that_o beleive_v shall_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o believe_v so_o for_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v i_o believe_v i_o be_o assure_v of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_o at_o rest_n what_o more_o need_n of_o the_o immediate_a shine_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o for_o faith_n of_o evidence_n then_o for_o faith_n of_o adherence_n as_o i_o reason_n about_o misery_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o so_o i_o reason_n about_o happiness_n for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o second_o that_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n yea_o insomuch_o as_o we_o have_v assurance_n in_o adam_n and_o not_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a work_n second_o insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o habit_n then_o to_o act_n from_o that_o habit_n when_o attain_v to_o act_v faith_n of_o evidence_n be_v far_o

the_o command_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n in_o the_o word_n be_v nothing_o to_o either_o answ_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o positive_o answer_v that_o the_o command_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o vain_a even_o as_o they_o respect_v dead_a natural_a man_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o power_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o in_o the_o clear_n hereof_o i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o god_n do_v lay_v command_n upon_o such_o man_n second_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n thereof_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o god_n do_v lay_v command_n upon_o man_n that_o in_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o present_a they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o obey_v do_v not_o the_o whole_a scripture_n testify_v as_o much_o both_o in_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v not_o this_o a_o command_n repent_v repent_v the_o great_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n 1_o mark_v 1_o now_o can_v a_o leopard_n change_v his_o skin_n or_o a_o sinner_n of_o himself_o repent_v or_o believe_v take_v one_o text_n for_o all_o for_o this_o purpose_n ephes_n 5._o 14._o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o command_n be_v god_n so_o the_o object_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v impotent_a natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n every_o one_o sleep_v or_o dead_a in_o sin_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v this_o command_n lie_v upon_o thou_o whether_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o obey_v it_o or_o no_o thou_o be_v thus_o command_v by_o god_n himself_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o can_v we_o find_v no_o reason_n of_o such_o command_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v they_o have_v their_o reason_n shall_v our_o lie_n make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o when_o we_o read_v such_o command_n viz._n o_o the_o depth_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o goa_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o because_o we_o know_v not_o god_n end_n wicked_o explode_v and_o nullify_v his_o mean_n nor_o term_v it_o in_o any_o point_n tyranny_n or_o cruelty_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o command_v more_o now_o then_o before_o natural_a man_n before_o be_v altogether_o as_o insufficient_a and_o impotent_a as_o to_o their_o obedience_n of_o this_o great_a command_n of_o awaken_n themselves_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o now_o and_o what_o use_n can_v such_o command_n as_o these_o upon_o such_o object_n as_o these_o serve_v for_o then_o more_o than_o now_o but_o it_o be_v query_v what_o possible_a end_n or_o cursit_fw-la cursit_fw-la intention_n can_v god_n have_v with_o himself_o in_o lay_v such_o command_n upon_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o obey_v the_o same_o answ_n i_o make_v my_o reply_n first_o by_o way_n of_o exception_n against_o and_o second_o of_o answer_n unto_o this_o quere_z 1._o i_o except_v against_o it_o for_o that_o most_o usual_o such_o cavil_v as_o these_o be_v the_o bubling_n up_o of_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n flow_v from_o the_o rebellion_n of_o unregeneracy_n for_o this_o savour_n first_o of_o a_o proud_a and_o arrogant_a and_o second_o of_o a_o profane_a and_o disobedient_a heart_n there_o be_v pride_n and_o arrogancy_n discover_v in_o it_o for_o that_o it_o repli_v against_o god_n call_v the_o way_n of_o a_o omnipotency_n itself_o into_o question_n yea_o and_o set_v the_o party_n that_o own_v it_o so_o far_o above_o his_o master_n king_n and_o maker_n as_o he_o that_o be_v the_o party_n question_v be_v superior_a to_o he_o that_o be_v question_v such_o will_v know_v a_o reason_n why_o god_n command_v they_o tax_v the_o authority_n and_o justice_n of_o he_o to_o who_o none_o may_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o 2._o such_o question_n as_o this_o as_o it_o savour_v of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n so_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o profaneness_n and_o disobedience_n also_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o it_o clear_o argue_v a_o loath_a and_o unwillingness_n to_o obey_v by_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n but_o likewise_o as_o it_o offer_v a_o easy_a opportunity_n to_o fling_v off_o every_o yoke_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o the_o vile_a extravagancy_n whatsoever_o the_o drunkard_n the_o whoremonger_n the_o murderer_n blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n will_v they_o not_o all_o hence_o argue_v why_o do_v god_n command_v man_n persuade_v and_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v any_o of_o my_o endeavour_n about_o thing_n impossible_a can_v a_o leopard_n change_v his_o spot_n yet_o can_v i_o never_o leave_v my_o lust_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v too_o busy_a too_o witty_a in_o such_o queres_fw-la as_o these_o lest_o we_o discover_v ourselves_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v or_o will_v but_o rather_o let_v we_o see_v the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o command_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o our_o faithful_a endeavour_n and_o prayer_n for_o strength_n to_o obey_v for_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n yet_o man_n of_o sincere_a intention_n may_v possible_o move_v such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o god_n end_n and_o intention_n may_v be_v in_o such_o command_n as_o these_o and_o first_o as_o they_o concern_v natural_a man_n in_o general_a second_o in_o special_a 1._o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o such_o his_o command_n as_o relate_v to_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o common_a i._n without_o difference_n distinction_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v first_o concern_v himself_o second_o his_o creature_n such_o end_n in_o such_o command_n as_o respect_n god_n himself_o may_v be_v 1._o to_o manifest_v that_o free_a and_o most_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o he_o as_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v over_o his_o creature_n what_o though_o we_o can_v come_v up_o to_o obedience_n yet_o we_o way_n learn_v this_o lesson_n even_o by_o that_o command_n that_o we_o can_v obey_v that_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n learn_v in_o the_o wilderness_n viz._n that_o god_n work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n both_o in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o dan._n 4._o 32._o 2._o to_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o change_v not_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v though_o we_o have_v change_v much_o have_v lose_v our_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o obey_v god_n be_v the_o same_o his_o will_n his_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o to_o command_v and_o to_o command_v the_o same_o thing_n god_n make_v man_n perfect_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o ability_n god_n measure_v his_o command_n but_o man_n have_v find_v many_o invention_n to_o loose_v his_o ability_n yet_o retain_v man_n his_o duty_n and_o god_n his_o sovereignty_n therefore_o say_v god_n remember_v the_o former_a thing_n of_o old_a remember_v how_o suitable_a my_o will_n be_v once_o to_o the_o power_n i_o give_v thou_o remember_v the_o former_a thing_n of_o old_a and_o condemn_v thy_o own_o folly_n not_o my_o justice_n thy_o own_o instability_n fickleness_n and_o change_v not_o my_o sameness_n and_o immutability_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o change_v not_o which_o declare_v in_o my_o command_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a now_o to_o obey_v the_o last_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o from_o of_o old_a the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o do_v my_o will_n that_o be_v not_o fulfil_v say_v my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v all_o my_o pleasure_n isa_n 46._o 9_o 10._o 3._o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v that_o he_o a_o holy_a god_n and_o delight_v in_o holiness_n although_o we_o can_v leave_v our_o sin_n and_o become_v as_o holy_a as_o god_n be_v himself_o and_o command_v we_o to_o be_v yet_o his_o command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a declare_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o proclaim_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n you_o know_v what_o command_v we_o give_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o these_o command_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o fornication_n that_o every_o one_o possess_v his_o vessel_n in_o holiness_n even_o our_o sanctification_n 1_o thes_n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 4._o last_o to_o show_v his_o general_a good_a will_n and_o merciful_a respect_n to_o fall_a man_n as_o rather_o incline_v to_o save_v then_o to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v his_o poor_a creature_n god_n

part_n and_o this_o his_o knowledge_n here_o be_v by_o reflection_n in_o a_o glass_n dark_o though_o he_o promise_v to_o himself_o to_o see_v more_o immediate_o face_n to_o face_n hereafter_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v monacham_n si_fw-mi aliquis_fw-la videns_fw-la deum_fw-la intellexit_fw-la quod_fw-la vidit_fw-la non_fw-la ipsum_fw-la vidit_fw-la sed_fw-la aliquid_fw-la corumquae_fw-la sunt_fw-la eius_fw-la dioni_fw-la in_o episto_n 1._o adcapiam_fw-la monacham_n and_o end_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o say_n of_o dionis_fw-la if_o any_o man_n whoever_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o understand_v what_o he_o see_v let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o see_v not_o god_n himself_o but_o only_o some_o effect_n or_o symptom_n of_o he_o we_o may_v further_o proceed_v be_v it_o not_o too_o injurious_a to_o our_o design_n of_o haste_n to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o delusion_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o spirit_n immediate_o without_o regard_n to_o their_o effect_n in_o the_o light_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a maxim_n negative_a arg._n 2_o for_o the_o negative_a nothing_o can_v act_v beyond_o its_o one_o kind_a and_o nature_n now_o it_o be_v infinite_o beyond_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o suum_fw-la nihil_fw-la agit_fw-fr extra_fw-la genus_fw-la suum_fw-la our_o intellect_n to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o their_o effect_n to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_o immediate_o ay_o without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n about_o the_o effect_n or_o sign_n thereof_o the_o office_n and_o natural_a work_n of_o reason_n as_o over_o and_o again_o we_o have_v show_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o spirit_n by_o their_o work_n and_o symptom_n and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n second_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o formalis_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la supplere_fw-la vicim_fw-la causae_fw-la formalis_fw-la even_o god_n himself_o can_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o formal_a cause_n ay_o can_v make_v on_o the_o one_o side_n spirit_n to_o be_v body_n and_o thing_n intelligible_a to_o become_v visible_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v we_o to_o see_v without_o eye_n to_o understand_v without_o understanding_n or_o to_o know_v but_o by_o our_o reason_n all_o which_o god_n must_v do_v before_o we_o can_v be_v able_a and_o yet_o be_v man_n to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n immediate_o or_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o bad_a without_o respect_n have_v unto_o their_o sign_n or_o effect_n but_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o their_o 25._o eccle_n ca._n 3._o 24_o 25._o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o a_o evil_a suspicion_n viz._n of_o qualification_n have_v overthrow_v their_o judgement_n yet_o without_o eye_n thou_o shall_v want_v light_n profess_v not_o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o obj._n 3_o but_o man_n of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n great_a divine_n affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n sib_n dr._n sib_n do_v sometime_o immediate_o comfort_v we_o then_o sure_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v immediate_a also_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n answ_n i_o answer_v and_o grant_v that_o some_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n have_v say_v it_o yet_o questionless_a not_o intend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n thereby_o for_o such_o a_o rejection_n of_o mark_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o trial_n as_o we_o have_v in_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o they_o immediate_o spirit_n dr._n sibbs_n in_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n subjoyn_v this_o question_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o a_o delusion_n they_o set_v down_o such_o rule_n of_o discern_a as_o may_v help_v we_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o upon_o the_o least_o suspicion_n or_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v have_v ready_a and_o speedy_a recourse_n to_o the_o trial_n thereof_o thereby_o but_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v a_o considerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o and_o the_o assurance_n we_o give_v or_o gain_v to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n ability_n the_o measure_n of_o we_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o work_v assurance_n out_o of_o doubt_v than_o comfort_n from_o assurance_n moreover_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o spirit_n can_v and_o sometime_o do_v comfort_v we_o immediate_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o use_v mean_n for_o assurance_n for_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n as_o the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o for_o comfort_n 3._o yet_o far_o for_o my_o part_n though_o i_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o godly_a posse_fw-la i_o must_v conclude_v with_o scotus_n in_o another_o case_n i_o magis_fw-la propter_fw-la autoritatatesquam_fw-la propter_fw-la rationes_fw-la putare_fw-la posse_fw-la man_n yet_o i_o can_v well_o see_v how_o the_o spirit_n do_v comfort_v we_o immediate_o either_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o solid_a and_o consequent_o most_o rational_a if_o rational_a not_o immediate_a because_o then_o they_o be_v convay_v into_o the_o heart_n upon_o reasonable_a ground_n now_o the_o spirit_n can_v supply_v the_o stead_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v in_o comfort_n immediate_o the_o spirit_n can_v inlighten_v our_o heart_n but_o by_o our_o reason_n though_o he_o be_v a_o light_n he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o faculty_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v immediate_o comfort_v we_o if_o we_o take_v suggestion_n upon_o trust_n how_o shall_v our_o reason_n be_v sanctify_v and_o if_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v and_o then_o how_o weak_a how_o superficial_a our_o comfort_n and_o how_o unworthy_a to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n our_o comforter_n or_o to_o be_v call_v that_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o keep_v 4_o phil._n 4_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 4._o we_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v and_o mistake_v a_o flash_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o many_o unknown_a &_o secret_a way_n to_o be_v the_o unspeakable_a ravish_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sensitive_a joy_n to_o be_v spiritual_a comfort_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v as_o wide_a as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v full_o that_o what_o revishment_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v no_o account_n of_o as_o they_o be_v not_o reasonable_a so_o not_o spiritual_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v as_o comforter_n to_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v we_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n be_v ever_o build_v upon_o ground_n most_o rational_a and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o we_o obj._n but_o i_o have_v hear_v man_n of_o part_n and_o piety_n both_o to_o set_v forth_o this_o mediate_a comfort_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o comfort_n we_o have_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o sib_n 20._o sib_n friend_n answ_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o this_o act_n of_o our_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v take_v material_o and_o not_o essential_o i_o undestand_v it_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v hereby_o we_o know_v ult_n joh._n 3._o ult_n that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o but_o second_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o friend_n do_v comfort_v we_o either_o because_o he_o be_v present_a or_o because_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n both_o how_o do_v we_o know_v he_o be_v present_v but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o see_v he_o and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n but_o because_o of_o our_o experience_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o friendship_n and_o comfort_n immediate_a after_o this_o manner_n we_o grant_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o spirit_n viz._n by_o assurance_n of_o its_o friendship_n by_o true_a experience_n of_o as_o also_o of_o its_o presence_n by_o due_a reason_n about_o the_o effect_n thereof_o 3._o but_o now_o unless_o thou_o try_v for_o aught_o either_o i_o or_o thyself_o can_v know_v thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o true_a thy_o joy_n counterfeit_a as_o well_o as_o real_a thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o thy_o comfort_n no_o other_o than_o a_o flash_n of_o hell_n yea_o thou_o may_v be_v act_v by_o no_o other_o than_o thou_o own_o deceitful_a and_o melancholy_a spirit_n and_o thy_o joy_n be_v but_o spark_n of_o