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their_o brethren_n thus_o crave_v pardon_n of_o you_o for_o my_o boldness_n in_o this_o behalf_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o further_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o all_o now_o and_o evermore_o amen_n write_a this_o first_o of_o april_n 1596_o your_o hearty_a well-willer_n and_o countryman_n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v the_o last_o and_o chief_a end_n why_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n make_v the_o world_n with_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o glory_n the_o which_o before_o the_o creation_n do_v shine_v in_o and_o to_o himself_o only_o whereas_o now_o all_o the_o creature_n do_v praise_v his_o holy_a name_n for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o mean_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o creator_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n even_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n be_v keep_v down_o and_o debase_v from_o the_o state_n of_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v momentanie_n variable_a and_o diverse_a the_o other_o be_v eternal_a constant_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o so_o we_o read_v exod._n 3._o 14._o whenas_o god_n will_v even_o paint_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o do_v any_o way_n exist_v he_o say_v that_o his_o name_n be_v i_o will_v be_v who_o i_o will_v be_v or_o who_o i_o be_o that_o be_v i_o be_o not_o a_o changeable_a creature_n but_o the_o almighty_a jehova_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o creature_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o permanent_a state_n to_o be_v find_v and_o to_o let_v pass_v the_o base_a sort_n of_o they_o which_o be_v make_v for_o corruption_n and_o to_o be_v consume_v in_o the_o use_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n even_o those_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n angel_n and_o man_n of_o who_o estate_n the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o changeable_a but_o also_o strange_o change_v for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o creation_n most_o happy_a glorious_a and_o holy_a become_v afterward_o most_o impure_a wretched_a and_o vile_a neither_o do_v it_o stay_v here_o but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o first_o excellency_n so_o we_o read_v job._n 4._o 18._o 19_o behold_v in_o 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moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n this_o the_o heathen_a orator_n witness_v say_v all_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o do_v fear_n for_o although_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o love_n and_o mercy_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o innocency_n yet_o they_o do_v consider_v not_o only_o what_o they_o will_v do_v but_o also_o what_o they_o may_v do_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v the_o surpass_a and_o incomprehensible_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v full_o reveal_v have_v force_n not_o only_o to_o astonishe_v and_o amaze_v but_o also_o to_o confound_v and_o consume_v any_o creature_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o the_o say_a creature_n be_v not_o stain_v with_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o subject_a to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o a_o brittle_a glass_n be_v fill_v with_o some_o extreme_a strong_a liquor_n can_v but_o burst_v in_o sunder_o not_o because_o of_o any_o antipathy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o they_o but_o because_o the_o glass_n be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o contain_v the_o liquor_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n do_v appear_v in_o perfect_a glory_n in_o regard_n whereof_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v their_o face_n lest_o they_o shall_v behold_v it_o 2_o how_o much_o more_o than_o have_v man_n who_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o who_o life_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n just_a cause_n of_o fear_n yea_o the_o brute_n beast_n and_o senseless_a creature_n themselves_o who_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o fear_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n 29._o thus_o we_o read_v psal._n 29._o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n show_v itself_o forth_o in_o power_n and_o glory_n do_v break_v the_o cedar_n of_o libanus_n it_o make_v they_o skip_v like_o young_a calf_n yea_o it_o make_v the_o desert_n to_o quake_v the_o hind_n to_o calf_n the_o mountain_n to_o smoke_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o creature_n what_o soever_o to_o melt_v away_o before_o his_o face_n and_o thus_o do_v man_n fear_n god_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o although_o he_o have_v daily_a conversation_n with_o god_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o as_o a_o vessel_n of_o glass_n clay_n or_o any_o brittle_a matter_n often_o meet_v with_o vessel_n of_o brass_n or_o iron_n may_v easy_o get_v a_o knock_n and_o so_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n so_o may_v he_o be_v confound_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o god_n do_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o full_o unto_o he_o three_o man_n be_v in_o his_o first_o state_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_n god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mutability_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v overcome_v with_o some_o temptation_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v easy_o forsake_v god_n and_o embrace_v evil_a by_o the_o which_o mean_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o eternal_a death_n but_o also_o displease_v and_o dishonour_n god_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o so_o love_v and_o bountiful_a a_o father_n and_o creator_n unto_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o it_o first_o it_o serve_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o disobedience_n for_o although_o man_n in_o this_o holy_a estate_n do_v obey_v god_n more_o for_o love_n then_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n yet_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o keep_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o propound_v not_o only_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n to_o his_o obedience_n but_o also_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n to_o his_o disobedience_n whensoever_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o we_o read_v gen._n 2._o 17._o 17._o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v incontinent_o die_v second_o this_o fear_n serve_v to_o keep_v man_n as_o from_o sin_n so_o from_o all_o presumptuous_a bold_a &_o undecent_a behaviour_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o we_o know_v as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v familiar_a conversation_n will_v easy_o breed_v contempt_n last_o man_n be_v by_o this_o fear_n put_v in_o mind_n and_o make_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o baseness_n infirmity_n &_o mutability_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n so_o also_o the_o infinite_a power_n authority_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o want_n of_o fear_n the_o three_o head_n of_o man_n rebellion_n be_v the_o want_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a fear_n of_o god_n for_o since_o the_o fall_n man_n have_v no_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o power_n might_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n fear_n or_o yet_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o he_o have_v before_o but_o conceive_v amiss_o both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o but_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o fear_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mutability_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o may_v fall_v into_o sin_n when_o as_o he_o fear_v not_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a anger_n due_a unto_o himself_o for_o sin_n already_o commit_v for_o if_o man_n in_o his_o innocence_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o fear_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v he_o be_v sinful_a for_o if_o he_o be_v righteous_a be_v scarslie_o save_v how_o shall_v he_o now_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o yet_o man_n in_o this_o sinful_a state_n have_v although_o great_a cause_n of_o fear_n â—et_o less_o fear_n than_o he_o have_v before_o yea_o in_o truth_n â—one_n at_o all_o but_o be_v benumb_v with_o a_o senseless_a security_n have_v no_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_v of_o punishment_n for_o sin_n commit_v neither_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n this_o appear_v â—oth_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o rom._n 3._o 18._o 18._o where_o a_o carnal_a â—an_v be_v describe_v by_o this_o note_n that_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n as_o also_o by_o â—ayly_a experience_n which_o show_v we_o that_o â—ery_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v in_o their_o action_n regard_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a whether_o please_v or_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o which_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o doer_n some_o heavy_a judgement_n or_o no_o whereas_o if_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o will_v think_v he_o to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o and_o to_o behold_v their_o do_n and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v both_o restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o prick_v forward_o to_o do_v good_a but_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o in_o commit_v sin_n man_n think_v that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o secret_o as_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o shame_n slander_n reproach_n and_o anger_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o humane_a law_n but_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o enlarge_n of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v so_o manifest_a sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a fear_n the_o three_o head_n of_o renew_a subjection_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v a_o singular_a grace_n and_o have_v great_a use_n in_o regeneration_n howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o fight_v with_o faith_n and_o hope_n morâ—_n than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n see_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v not_o loose_v that_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o therefore_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o evil_n fear_n be_v not_o only_o happy_a but_o also_o sure_a to_o continue_v so_o for_o ever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n can_v stand_v with_o perfect_a faith_n and_o hope_n whereby_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v certain_o expect_v yea_o although_o the_o faithful_a need_v not_o fear_v the_o mutability_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o final_a perseverance_n in_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v move_v to_o fear_v god_n hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o fear_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n whereof_o the_o most_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o fear_n god_n than_o they_o be_v to_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n for_o shall_v man_n
man_n general_o not_o only_a to_o his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n be_v manifest_a even_o to_o the_o gentiles_n for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o know_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godheade_n be_v see_v since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v by_o reason_n or_o the_o understanding_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o creature_n this_o appear_v also_o in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o although_o few_o of_o they_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o true_a worship_n yet_o all_o general_o have_v have_v and_o worship_v some_o god_n yea_o almost_o every_o particular_a country_n city_n town_n village_n and_o family_n have_v have_v their_o proper_a god_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o aforesaid_a knowledge_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o whenas_o man_n see_v the_o creature_n to_o wit_n the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n the_o sea_n he_o must_v needs_o think_v with_o himself_o that_o these_o dead_a and_o senseless_a creature_n can_v not_o make_v themselves_o yea_o that_o no_o man_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n can_v make_v either_o they_o or_o yet_o itself_o for_o how_o shall_v any_o thing_n work_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o do_v exist_v itself_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a man_n but_o what_o be_v this_o incomparison_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n but_o mere_a &_o gross_a ignorance_n for_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n have_v more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n although_o not_o the_o same_o particular_a knowledge_n than_o all_o the_o â—earned_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v have_v or_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o but_o since_o the_o fall_n he_o have_v not_o by_o nature_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o we_o can_v say_v that_o he_o that_o think_v his_o idol_n to_o be_v a_o god_n know_v the_o true_a god_n beside_o this_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o settle_a and_o ground_a persuasion_n but_o a_o light_n and_o waver_a opinion_n a_o mean_a betwixt_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o little_o regard_v or_o follow_v in_o life_n and_o easy_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o relic_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v so_o soon_o lose_v and_o by_o the_o least_o persuasion_n or_o occasion_n turn_v into_o senseless_a idolatry_n wherein_o god_n be_v think_v to_o be_v like_a to_o man_n and_o other_o base_a creature_n but_o to_o proceed_v although_o the_o actual_a ignorance_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v so_o palpable_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o potential_a ignorance_n that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o blockish_a dull_a &_o uncapable_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o attain_v unto_o it_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o so_o be_v he_o list_v to_o go_v about_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o he_o will_v allege_v the_o example_n of_o many_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o although_o they_o never_o know_v indeed_o what_o spiritual_a regenerationment_n but_o do_v always_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o secret_o scorn_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v in_o their_o whole_a life_n carnal_a worldly_a and_o dissolute_a yet_o for_o knowledge_n in_o all_o point_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v count_v the_o most_o profound_a man_n of_o all_o other_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o that_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n 14._o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o be_v the_o carnal_a man_n be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o also_o unable_a to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v heavenly_a thing_n for_o although_o he_o labour_v most_o earnest_o in_o a_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o know_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o to_o this_o agree_v daily_a experience_n for_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v diligent_o plain_o and_o painful_o in_o many_o place_n in_o the_o which_o most_o of_o the_o hearer_n remain_v as_o ignorant_a of_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v tell_v of_o such_o a_o matter_n whereas_o if_o a_o man_n do_v tell_v they_o a_o tale_n of_o any_o worldly_a matter_n belong_v to_o their_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v understand_v it_o at_o the_o first_o and_o carry_v it_o away_o so_o well_o that_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o very_o readely_a in_o it_o as_o touch_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o diverse_a unregenerate_a man_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o god_n do_v bestow_v his_o spiritual_a gift_n not_o only_o on_o the_o elect_a but_o also_o on_o the_o reprobate_n as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v at_o large_a in_o the_o next_o part_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a man_n because_o they_o have_v a_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o man_n howsoever_o it_o carry_v a_o glorious_a show_n yet_o in_o strait_a examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o only_o borrow_v out_o of_o the_o book_n and_o sermon_n of_o other_o man_n have_v no_o steedfast_a ground_n in_o they_o but_o in_o mingle_v with_o much_o doubt_n unbeleef_n error_n &_o ignorance_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a &_o common_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o talk_v and_o reason_n at_o large_a of_o matter_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v 1._o tim._n 1._o 7._o they_o will_v be_v doctor_n of_o the_o law_n 7._o &_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o speak_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v so_o many_o do_v prophecy_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o neither_o know_v christ_n nor_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o he_o 10._o so_o we_o read_v john_n 3._o 10._o of_o nicodemus_n who_o although_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n that_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n so_o many_o preach_v of_o god_n christ_n faith_n the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o dispute_v very_o cunning_o and_o subtle_o of_o these_o thing_n who_o think_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a &_o false_a doctrine_n invent_v perhaps_o for_o a_o good_a end_n to_o make_v man_n live_v a_o honest_a and_o orderly_a life_n but_o such_o as_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o neither_o shall_v ever_o be_v see_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o any_o do_v marvel_v how_o man_n of_o singular_a wit_n of_o great_a capacity_n learning_n read_v judgement_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v so_o dull_a or_o rather_o dead_a and_o senseless_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o action_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v and_o so_o often_o iterate_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v 1._o cor._n 3._o 14._o because_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_o to_o be_v discern_v 14._o that_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n and_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n tri_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o own_o sense_n esteem_v that_o impossible_a and_o false_a which_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n &_o therefore_o incredible_a in_o all_o reason_n as_o namely_o the_o incarnation_n of_o god_n the_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a regeneration_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n eternal_a glory_n and_o many_o other_o the_o full_a knowledge_n and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n whereof_o be_v far_o more_o hardly_o attain_v by_o those_o who_o excel_v in_o natural_a wit_n worldly_a wisdom_n profound_a learning_n then_o by_o those_o who_o be_v simple_a and_o unlearned_a 26._o 1._o cor._n
in_o the_o mind_n knowledge_n be_v put_v for_o affiance_n as_o the_o cause_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o effect_n 2._o thus_o coll._n 2._o 2._o faith_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o full_a assurance_n and_o certain_a preswasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o so_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n faith_n be_v make_v nothing_o else_o but_o belief_n and_o to_o have_v faith_n nothing_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n be_v true_a but_o in_o truth_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a nature_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v add_v to_o this_o action_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o action_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n to_o wit_n affiance_n we_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o namely_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o strange_a thing_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o knowledge_n work_v miracle_n but_o this_o faith_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o purpose_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o definition_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o object_n or_o thing_n whereat_o faith_n aim_v and_o where_o about_o it_o be_v conversant_a be_v not_o any_o particular_a blessing_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o but_o full_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o grace_n blessing_n pleasure_n and_o joy_n whatsoever_o do_v any_o way_n make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o excellent_a estate_n of_o man_n likewise_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n whereon_o faith_n rely_v be_v those_o which_o be_v make_v concern_v happiness_n yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v some_o one_o particular_a and_o temporary_a blessing_n a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o eternal_a and_o universal_a happiness_n and_o then_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o believer_n rely_v itself_o first_o and_o immediate_o upon_o the_o say_a particular_a promise_n and_o on_o the_o blessing_n therein_o contain_v but_o it_o do_v not_o rest_v there_o but_o through_o that_o particular_a object_n do_v see_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n thus_o god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n be_v now_o strike_v in_o year_n a_o son_n this_o promise_n abraham_n do_v full_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n become_v happy_a and_o be_v account_v just_a before_o god._n rom._n 4._o 22._o 22._o abraham_n believe_v god_n promise_v a_o son_n unto_o he_o &_o this_o his_o particular_a faith_n be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n for_o that_o in_o that_o one_o blessing_n he_o see_v the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o god_n mercy_n love_n and_o bounty_n propound_v unto_o he_o although_o we_o may_v answer_v another_o way_n say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o only_a isaac_n but_o also_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o isaac_n and_o to_o make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n happy_a 9_o likewise_o math._n 9_o the_o man_n sick_a of_o a_o palsy_n under_o his_o bodily_a and_o temporary_a health_n look_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o christ_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v witness_n say_v to_o he_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v and_o purchase_v to_o thou_o thy_o former_a health_n &_o withal_o pardon_v of_o sin_n which_o be_v everlasting_a happiness_n hereof_o arise_v a_o three_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n that_o this_o faith_n do_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n both_o tie_n man_n to_o god_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n for_o as_o this_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o live_a creature_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o in_o a_o good_a estate_n so_o especial_o those_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n namely_o angel_n and_o man_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o exist_v they_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n bend_v all_o the_o force_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o seek_v out_o some_o mean_n of_o continue_v and_o increase_v their_o own_o happiness_n the_o mean_n which_o do_v in_o this_o consideration_n offer_v themselves_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v the_o only_a true_a mean_n even_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o happiness_n on_o who_o word_n &_o promise_n make_v touch_v their_o happy_a estate_n they_o by_o faith_n depend_v and_o rely_v themselves_o and_o so_o they_o be_v join_v to_o god_n for_o ever_o the_o other_o mean_n be_v the_o creature_n itself_o trust_v not_o in_o god_n but_o in_o itself_o whereof_o hereafter_o thus_o faith_n in_o that_o it_o join_v we_o to_o god_n it_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o we_o as_o all_o happiness_n so_o also_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o mean_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o holiness_n follow_a even_o as_o when_o water_n be_v bring_v from_o a_o fountain_n or_o spring_n to_o any_o place_n somewhat_o distant_a by_o pipe_n of_o wood_n lead_z or_o clay_n the_o first_o pipe_n which_o join_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o fountain_n may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v the_o water_n to_o the_o rest_n so_o do_v faith_n convey_v the_o grace_n follow_v to_o we_o and_o that_o both_o by_o the_o immediate_a &_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o multiply_v his_o grace_n upon_o the_o creature_n cleave_v unto_o he_o in_o full_a affiance_n as_o man_n usual_o give_v house_n land_n and_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o those_o that_o rely_v themselves_o upon_o they_o as_o also_o by_o mean_n inherent_a in_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o which_o love_v honour_v and_o serve_v god_n not_o for_o nought_o but_o as_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n follow_v both_o that_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o faith_n bring_v with_o it_o or_o rather_o which_o bring_v forth_o faith_n common_o call_v belief_n and_o also_o faith_n itself_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o definition_n which_o mention_n the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o man_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o be_v first_o perfect_o holy_a as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o often_o declare_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n faith_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n the_o first_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o estate_n to_o wit_n that_o wherewith_o adam_n be_v endue_v in_o his_o creation_n the_o second_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n to_o wit_n that_o whereof_o all_o the_o regenerate_v be_v make_v partaker_n so_o that_o the_o first_o be_v a_o create_v the_o second_o a_o recreated_a faith_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n as_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o all_o those_o point_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n so_o they_o differ_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v the_o difference_n arise_v of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o that_o perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o general_a definition_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o estate_n look_v for_o happiness_n by_o righteousness_n inherent_a in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o by_o his_o own_o natural_a holiness_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n make_v man_n happy_a by_o impute_a righteousness_n &_o supernatural_a holiness_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v this_o god_n create_v man_n perfect_o holy_a &_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v retain_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o but_o man_n by_o his_o fall_n lose_v his_o holiness_n &_o therefore_o be_v now_o sinful_a &_o unrighteous_a must_v in_o this_o three_o state_n cloth_n himself_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o some_o other_o so_o that_o in_o both_o state_n perfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n but_o in_o the_o first_o state_n this_o holiness_n be_v inherent_a in_o adam_n person_n in_o the_o second_o it_o be_v have_v from_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v define_v affiance_n in_o god_n promise_n propound_v happiness_n to_o the_o natural_a proper_a or_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n this_o faith_n be_v usual_o call_v legal_a faith_n although_o not_o proper_o see_v that_o this_o name_n agree_v also_o to_o the_o evangelical_a faith_n the_o which_o do_v require_v perfect_a obedience_n &_o the_o absolute_a fulfil_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o have_v legal_a justice_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n
goodness_n of_o god_n decree_a man_n salvation_n by_o this_o mean_n this_o natural_a property_n or_o quality_n to_o appropriate_v to_o a_o man_n christ_n with_o his_o righteousness_n last_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v have_v and_o attain_v unto_o by_o supposition_n of_o perfect_a inherent_a holiness_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gentiles_n themselves_o who_o know_v good_a &_o evil_a and_o also_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n be_v due_a to_o the_o one_o &_o the_o redward_n of_o happiness_n appoint_v for_o the_o other_o bâ—_n evangelicall_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a yea_o it_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o câ—â—_n not_o be_v attain_v unto_o without_o the_o mighty_a â—â—peration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereof_o hereafter_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n may_v be_v gather_v into_o one_o sum_n or_o definition_n in_o this_o manner_n evangelicall_a faith_n be_v affiance_n in_o god_n promise_n propound_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o those_o who_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o it_o be_v affiance_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n or_o thus_o it_o be_v trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o christ_n whereby_o his_o death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n arise_v thereof_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o believer_n now_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o these_o definition_n to_o search_v out_o more_o particular_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n to_o what_o kind_n or_o head_n it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n or_o something_o diverse_a from_o both_o these_o secondlie_o what_o be_v the_o place_n and_o subject_n of_o it_o whether_o the_o mind_n the_o will_n or_o the_o affection_n three_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v wrought_v and_o attain_v four_o by_o what_o sign_n and_o mark_n it_o may_v be_v know_v five_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v or_o no._n last_o how_o it_o have_v this_o force_n that_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o able_a to_o justify_v and_o to_o save_v a_o man_n for_o the_o first_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o recreated_a holiness_n or_o thus_o the_o new_a man_n and_o holiness_n signify_v all_o one_o thing_n to_o wit_n regenerate_a sanctity_n or_o in_o plain_a english_a renew_v holiness_n so_o that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o new_a man_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o holiness_n and_o contrariwise_o if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n of_o the_o new_a man_n and_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n we_o can_v doubt_v see_v it_o be_v a_o holy_a affection_n even_o the_o affiance_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o heart_n rely_v itself_o on_o god_n the_o which_o affection_n be_v also_o in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o new_a man_n for_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o legal_a and_o evangelical_a faith_n as_o touch_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o which_o be_v in_o the_o one_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o his_o mercy_n yet_o both_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o head_n of_o man_n holiness_n legal_a faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o create_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o evangelicall_a faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o regenerate_v or_o recreated_a holiness_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o section_n write_v of_o faith_n in_o general_a for_o legal_a and_o evangelicall_a faith_n agree_v in_o a_o common_a definition_n and_o in_o all_o those_o point_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v the_o which_o do_v also_o show_v we_o what_o to_o think_v of_o the_o subject_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o holy_a affection_n of_o confidence_n trust_v or_o affiance_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o faith_n be_v usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n call_v belief_n as_o infidelity_n be_v unbelief_n the_o which_o be_v a_o action_n not_o of_o the_o will_v but_o of_o the_o mind_n give_v assent_n or_o dissent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o belief_n be_v put_v for_o faith_n or_o affiance_n because_o it_o do_v always_o not_o only_o accompany_v it_o but_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n beget_v it_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n do_v without_o doubt_v believe_v god_n promise_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o rely_v himself_o upon_o they_o so_o that_o belief_n although_o it_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o faith_n yet_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o evangelicall_a faith_n can_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n see_v it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o substance_n with_o natural_a faith_n both_o kind_n be_v affiance_n in_o god_n for_o happiness_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o both_o kind_n be_v command_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n jehova_n shall_v be_v thy_o god_n the_o which_o law_n do_v enjoin_v that_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n his_o love_n fear_v hope_v reverence_n and_o with_o the_o rest_n his_o whole_a affiance_n or_o confidence_n be_v set_v whole_o oâ—_n god_n as_o well_o after_o his_o fall_n to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n yea_o this_o first_o precept_n command_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o his_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o do_v not_o know_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v transgress_v this_o first_o commandment_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v faith_n be_v to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o of_o the_o law_n which_o show_v sin_n death_n and_o damnation_n do_v bruise_v and_o wound_v the_o heart_n and_o second_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v faith_n righteousness_n &_o salvation_n heal_v the_o aforesaid_a wound_n and_o comfort_v the_o sinner_n with_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n this_o knowledge_n must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o faith_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n before_o the_o hart_n and_o affection_n can_v love_v and_o embrace_v it_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o use_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o know_v his_o will_n be_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n perform_v by_o man_n endue_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n yet_o as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o regeneration_n so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o faith_n &_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o work_v of_o god_n spirit_n without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v understand_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o understanding_n soul_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v but_o also_o himself_o to_o invent_v new_a thing_n not_o hear_v of_o before_o shall_v be_v so_o brutish_a and_o blockish_a in_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o come_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n can_v be_v conceive_v by_o it_o yea_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v hard_a it_o be_v straight_o way_n reject_v as_o absurd_a 14_o ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a so_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o perceive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v thus_o to_o make_v instance_n in_o one_o point_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o resurrection_n from_o death_n we_o see_v act._n 17._o 32._o that_o when_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o athens_n hard_a paul_n mention_v it_o 32_o they_o mock_v he_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o 〈◊〉_d religion_n for_o
who_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n live_v in_o so_o miserable_a a_o condition_n and_o die_v so_o shameful_a a_o death_n as_o he_o do_v will_v either_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o to_o be_v able_a to_o save_v other_o who_o do_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n or_o what_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o natural_a wit_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o commodity_n profit_n pleasure_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o endure_v the_o sorrow_n reproach_n trouble_n loss_n danger_n and_o manifold_a cross_n whereunto_o the_o godly_a be_v subject_a in_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o other_o life_n which_o be_v to_o all_o reason_n not_o only_o uncertain_a but_o also_o incredible_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o more_o a_o natural_a man_n do_v excel_v in_o wit_n and_o wisdom_n the_o more_o uncapable_a of_o faith_n he_o be_v 27._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 27._o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n behold_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o noble_a mighty_a or_o scotfree_a be_v call_v to_o faith_n but_o god_n have_v choose_v foolish_a and_o weak_a thing_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a yea_o this_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v be_v great_a in_o these_o last_o day_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v before_o as_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o luc._n 18._o 8._o saying_n 8_o think_v you_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o he_o come_v â—_o shall_v find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n mat._n 24._o 12._o 22._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a insomuch_o that_o unless_o those_o day_n be_v shorten_v no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o defect_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n before_o mention_v in_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o age_n do_v even_o flow_v together_o into_o the_o last_o as_o into_o a_o common_a sink_n second_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o so_o manifest_o and_o sensible_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n in_o apparition_n of_o angel_n in_o vision_n and_o dream_n invisible_a form_n and_o sensible_a voice_n speak_v familiar_o with_o his_o servant_n as_o one_o man_n do_v with_o another_o in_o holy_a oracle_n give_v answer_n to_o every_o question_n propound_v in_o temporal_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o corporal_a punishment_n lay_v on_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o work_v miraculous_a thing_n by_o these_o and_o diverse_a other_o mean_n god_n do_v so_o plain_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v give_v no_o credence_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o in_o these_o last_o age_n god_n have_v once_o reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n &_o in_o the_o gospel_n sufficient_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a yea_o in_a truth_n far_o more_o clear_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o do_v not_o any_o long_o reveal_v himself_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n but_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a insomuch_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o most_o man_n either_o not_o to_o exist_v at_o all_o or_o else_o to_o have_v whole_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o man_n cast_v off_o all_o faith_n belief_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o which_o difficulty_n it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o tender_v his_o own_o salvation_n to_o be_v both_o watchful_a in_o preserve_v faith_n and_o also_o diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o seek_v for_o it_o for_o howsoever_o no_o carefulness_n can_v without_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o use_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o attain_v it_o the_o which_o whosoever_o do_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o success_n for_o so_o much_o as_o god_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n to_o all_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o yea_o further_o whenas_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o that_o common_a error_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o have_v in_o their_o heart_n scarce_o any_o shadow_n of_o true_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v and_o always_o do_v trust_n in_o christ_n whereof_o if_o any_o man_n do_v doubt_n and_o begin_v to_o examine_v their_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o counterfeit_a than_o they_o be_v grievous_o offend_v &_o think_v they_o have_v great_a injury_n offer_v but_o we_o be_v to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o and_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n not_o easy_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o take_v a_o straight_a examination_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a do_v we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o point_n namely_o to_o the_o sign_n whereby_o true_a faith_n may_v be_v discern_v the_o sign_n be_v 〈◊〉_d even_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n spiritual_a grace_n and_o several_a part_n of_o holiness_n all_o which_o come_v from_o faith_n as_o from_o a_o fountain_n or_o root_n and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o declare_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o as_o good_a fruit_n and_o sweet_a water_n show_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o fountain_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v â—ow_o unfeigned_a his_o faith_n be_v must_v look_v at_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n love_n fear_v reâ—erence_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n if_o these_o grace_n be_v plentiful_a in_o his_o life_n his_o heart_n be_v true_o replenish_v with_o faith_n but_o if_o this_o fruit_n do_v not_o appear_v his_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o live_a tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o god_n blessing_n but_o a_o dead_a stock_n have_v nothing_o but_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o a_o tree_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v better_a occasion_n to_o entreat_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o true_a faith_n when_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o temporary_a faith_n which_o often_o have_v place_n in_o the_o reprobate_n the_o five_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o faith_n may_v be_v lose_v or_o no_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o of_o regeneration_n in_o general_a that_o where_o it_o be_v once_o true_o imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n there_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o although_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n or_o meanness_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v clean_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n bring_v forth_o little_a or_o no_o fruit_n yet_o there_o remain_v life_n hide_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o there_o do_v life_n and_o sap_n in_o tree_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a and_o wither_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n work_v such_o a_o total_a &_o strange_a change_n in_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o shall_v become_v of_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o unbeliever_n the_o last_o question_n be_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n this_o only_a shall_v have_v in_o it_o this_o wonderful_a virtue_n and_o force_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o just_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n unfeigned_a love_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o a_o general_a holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v not_o as_o well_o justify_v a_o man_n as_o this_o one_o affection_n of_o confidence_n or_o affiance_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o mean_n of_o justify_v man_n by_o faith_n only_o do_v most_o of_o all_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o the_o decree_n &_o action_n
of_o god_n for_o if_o man_n be_v account_v righteous_a for_o his_o holiness_n or_o love_n he_o may_v impute_v his_o salvation_n to_o his_o own_o desert_n for_o perfect_a love_n deserve_v love_n and_o holiness_n will_v challenge_v life_n as_o of_o due_a debt_n but_o affiance_n impli_v a_o humble_a loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subjection_n acknowledge_v the_o unworthines_n baseness_n insufficiency_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n and_o together_o the_o mercy_n goodness_n love_n favour_n bounty_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n this_o reason_n be_v use_v for_o this_o purpose_n 27._o ro._n 3._o 27._o what_o law_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n do_v take_v away_o all_o boast_n from_o man_n and_o so_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o god_n not_o the_o law_n of_o work_n or_o inherent_a holiness_n but_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o man_n faith_n only_o have_v in_o it_o this_o natural_a property_n to_o make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o salvation_n for_o even_o as_o a_o tenant_n enjoy_v his_o house_n and_o land_n not_o for_o that_o he_o love_v or_o fear_v his_o lord_n or_o for_o any_o virtue_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v but_o only_o because_o he_o do_v depend_v on_o his_o lord_n and_o so_o do_v purchase_v unto_o he_o worship_n and_o honour_n by_o rely_v himself_o whole_o upon_o his_o love_n favour_n liberality_n constancy_n ability_n &_o riches_n so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o no_o grace_n save_v only_o this_o affiance_n on_o god_n and_o on_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n can_v convey_v unto_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v common_o say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o faith_n do_v justify_v not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n whereof_o no_o one_o part_n no_o not_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o be_v want_v will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n righteous_a before_o god_n but_o as_o it_o have_v in_o it_o this_o proper_a virtue_n to_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o death_n of_o the_o believer_n &_o so_o the_o righteousness_n arise_v of_o the_o say_a death_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o belever_n 7._o for_o he_o that_o have_v suffer_v death_n be_v iustisied_a from_o sin_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o object_n nature_n &_o attribute_n of_o evangelical_a faith_n it_o remain_v that_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n we_o shall_v declare_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v betwixt_o faith_n &_o they_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o faith_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o root_n from_o the_o which_o other_o grace_n do_v spring_n in_o that_o it_o ti_v we_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o happiness_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o this_o evangelical_a faith_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o in_o that_o it_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o rather_o cause_v a_o increase_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o regeneration_n be_v although_o not_o in_o time_n yet_o in_o nature_n before_o faith_n therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o new_a man_n 20._o even_o as_o the_o hart_n be_v in_o the_o body_n the_o fountain_n of_o heat_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o &_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o and_o act._n 15._o 9_o peter_n say_v that_o god_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentiles_n 9_o that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v expound_v verse_n 8._o work_v sanctification_n in_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n where_o upon_o the_o whole_a building_n stand_v and_o to_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o give_v heat_n sap_n and_o life_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 2d_o coll._n 1._o 23._o if_o you_o continue_v found_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n 38._o joh._n 7._o 38._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v put_v before_o all_o other_o grace_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 5._o join_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n temperance_n 5._o patience_n godliness_n brotherly_a love_n and_o kyndnes_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o sanctification_n they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n 6._o or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o tress_n 3._o 6._o tymothie_n have_v bring_v we_o tiding_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n 5_o so_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 6._o 5._o that_o stephen_n be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o spiritual_a holiness_n of_o man_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o salvation_n who_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n free_v from_o sin_n and_o death_n before_o he_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o positive_a holiness_n and_o life_n thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v often_o exhort_v we_o to_o fanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o faith_n 14._o as_o we_o may_v see_v ro._n 6._o 14._o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o because_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o justification_n do_v bring_v forth_o sanctification_n especial_o see_v that_o to_o man_n reason_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o motive_n to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n that_o by_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v pardon_v may_v the_o more_o appear_v 1._o rom._n 3._o 7._o and_o 6._o 1._o we_o answer_v that_o justification_n do_v of_o necessity_n bring_v forth_o sanctification_n and_o that_o diverse_a way_n for_o first_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o eternal_a damnation_n do_v inflame_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o believer_n with_o a_o great_a love_n of_o god_n the_o which_o can_v be_v show_v any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o by_o labour_v to_o glorify_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o god_n do_v save_o the_o faithful_a not_o as_o stock_n or_o stone_n without_o require_v any_o work_n action_n or_o duty_n at_o their_o hand_n but_o so_o as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o be_v his_o fellow_n worker_n not_o that_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o himself_o without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o that_o man_n be_v endue_v and_o renew_v by_o grace_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n work_v his_o own_o salvation_n not_o by_o any_o natural_a virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v commit_v so_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o endeavour_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o commit_v otherwise_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o of_o set_a purpose_n commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v cross_v christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o redemption_n defile_v themselves_o with_o sin_n who_o he_o have_v cleanse_v with_o his_o blood_n yea_o they_o shall_v crucify_v he_o again_o &_o tread_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n as_o a_o vile_a thing_n three_o the_o faithful_a do_v labour_n for_o sanctification_n as_o for_o the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o justification_n for_o faith_n without_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v but_o adeade_o and_o unprofitable_a faith_n last_o the_o faithful_a man_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o sanctification_n sufficient_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o salvation_n for_o although_o it_o alone_o dothful_o justify_v that_o be_v bring_v perfect_a remission_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o yet_o before_o that_o a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a positive_a holiness_n the_o which_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v unless_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o careful_o seek_v after_o
be_v in_o happy_a innocency_n the_o holy_a angel_n be_v in_o perfect_a glory_n yea_o the_o brute_n and_o senseless_a creature_n fear_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v the_o faithful_a be_v sinful_a and_o miserable_a not_o be_v affect_v therewith_o but_o we_o know_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v always_o fear_v his_o glorious_a presence_n thus_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o live_v and_o manach_n sampsons_n fafather_n say_v judg._n 13._o 22._o 22._o we_o shall_v die_v because_o we_o have_v see_v god_n further_n the_o faithful_a be_v not_o free_v from_o the_o fear_n which_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n bring_v with_o it_o for_o although_o they_o know_v that_o no_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a can_v deprive_v they_o of_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n or_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n yet_o they_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fear_v to_o displease_v or_o dishonour_n god_n than_o adam_n do_v in_o his_o innocency_n because_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o more_o loving_a gracious_a and_o bountiful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o regeneration_n than_o he_o do_v to_o adam_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n for_o god_n show_v his_o love_n far_o more_o in_o bring_v some_o few_o from_o the_o common_a death_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n than_o he_o do_v in_o create_v all_o in_o a_o common_a state_n of_o life_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o faithful_a live_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o exempt_v from_o sustain_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o this_o regard_n also_o fear_n god_n for_o although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o faithful_a for_o their_o sin_n the_o which_o he_o have_v already_o punish_v to_o the_o full_a in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o fatherly_a chastisement_n which_o he_o lay_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o great_a &_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o keep_v they_o and_o other_o from_o commit_v the_o like_a be_v often_o so_o sharp_a as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o without_o cause_n seem_v to_o be_v grievous_a and_o fearful_a punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v annex_v to_o those_o grievous_a judgement_n which_o befall_v any_o of_o the_o people_n that_o all_o israel_n may_v hear_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n 2_o the_o use_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v as_o before_o to_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n for_o although_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o heathen_a poet_n say_v odâ—runt_fw-la peccare_fw-la boni_fw-la virtutis_fw-la amore_fw-la oderunt_fw-la peccare_fw-la mali_fw-la formidine_fw-la poenae_fw-la yet_o two_o motive_n be_v more_o effectual_a than_o one_o especial_o in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n wherein_o the_o faithful_a retain_v some_o relic_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v often_o fray_v from_o sin_n by_o fear_n when_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o restrain_v they_o pro._n 16._o 6._o and_o 3._o 7._o and_o 14._o 16._o 1â—_n a_o wise_a man_n fear_v and_o eschew_v evil_a in_o this_o respect_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v of_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n psal._n 10._o 10._o pro._n 11._o 7._o 7._o because_o the_o godly_a man_n do_v always_o behave_v himself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fearful_a god_n of_o heaven_n hitherto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o use_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o section_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o repeat_v yet_o there_o be_v one_o special_a commodity_n which_o the_o faithful_a reap_v by_o this_o grace_n to_o wit_n immunity_n from_o temporal_a plague_n for_o even_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o fierce_a and_o roar_a lion_n that_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o rage_n he_o spare_v those_o beast_n which_o yield_v themselves_o to_o his_o power_n do_v by_o fear_n and_o tremble_a ask_v mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n so_o when_o as_o god_n be_v so_o provoke_v to_o anger_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o no_o prayer_n or_o vow_n can_v pacify_v he_o yet_o this_o submiss_a fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n do_v quench_v the_o burn_a heat_n of_o it_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n do_v not_o breed_v any_o trouble_n or_o disquietness_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o rather_o free_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o all_o evil_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n every_o faithful_a man_n ought_v to_o labour_v with_o all_o care_n both_o to_o have_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o express_v in_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o behaviour_n this_o singular_a grace_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v call_v god_n his_o fear_n as_o he_o be_v call_v the_o fear_n of_o isaac_n gen._n 31._o 42._o 53._o 53_o where_o jacob_n do_v swear_v to_o laban_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n that_o be_v by_o god_n who_o only_o and_o no_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n isaac_n fear_v thus_o we_o be_v exhort_v heb._n 12._o 28._o 28._o let_v we_o labour_n to_o please_v god_n with_o reverence_n and_o fear_n for_o even_o our_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n chap._n vii_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o subjection_n which_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n do_v owe_v to_o god_n as_o to_o his_o father_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o man_n subjection_n with_o the_o particular_a duty_n thereof_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o subjection_n be_v that_o which_o the_o son_n owe_v to_o the_o father_n for_o god_n be_v to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n not_o only_o a_o liege_n lord_n and_o sovereign_a king_n but_o also_o a_o gracious_a and_o love_a father_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n the_o which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o generation_n for_o the_o creator_n give_v be_v and_o existence_n to_o the_o creature_n as_o the_o father_n do_v to_o the_o son_n yet_o not_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v account_v or_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o man_n do_v account_v those_o senseless_a thing_n which_o they_o fashion_n and_o make_v of_o clay_n wood_n or_o any_o such_o matter_n to_o be_v their_o child_n although_o they_o be_v their_o workmanship_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o in_o man_n which_o make_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n of_o man_n to_o god_n for_o man_n do_v resemble_v god_n so_o as_o we_o see_v the_o son_n do_v his_o father_n not_o in_o the_o outward_a shape_n of_o his_o body_n subjection_n for_o god_n have_v no_o shape_n neither_o can_v be_v resemble_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o in_o the_o inward_a holiness_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o image_n of_o god_n whereof_o more_o hereafter_o yet_o this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v note_v that_o although_o man_n be_v by_o his_o original_n and_o natural_a state_n the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o his_o son_n as_o be_v the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n who_o partake_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o father_n whereas_o man_n have_v not_o in_o he_o any_o part_n of_o god_n essence_n but_o only_o a_o shadow_n or_o light_a resemblance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o second_o person_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a son_n beget_v by_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n not_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o any_o respect_n save_v only_o that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o father_n the_o other_o the_o son_n but_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o as_o he_o who_o be_v a_o son_n by_o some_o accidental_a mean_n as_o by_o law_n by_o adoption_n by_o tuition_n by_o susception_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n beside_o natural_a procreation_n for_o these_o son_n do_v not_o participate_v the_o nature_n &_o essence_n of_o their_o father_n but_o only_o do_v resemble_v they_o perhaps_o in_o countenance_n condition_n name_n or_o in_o some_o such_o outward_a respect_n whereas_o in_o nature_n kind_n and_o substance_n they_o be_v far_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o to_o proceed_v man_n be_v not_o a_o senseless_a or_o brutish_a but_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o not_o he_o only_o but_o also_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o be_v likewise_o endue_v with_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n job._n 1._o 6._o 6._o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v on_o a_o
obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n command_v a_o holy_a life_n but_o the_o unlawful_a motion_n of_o his_o sinful_a flesh_n 16._o &_o rom._n 6._o 16._o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o whomesoever_o you_o give_v yourselves_o to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v whether_o of_o sin_n to_o death_n or_o of_o holiness_n to_o life_n yea_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v a_o bondslave_n sell_v into_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o 14._o that_o look_n as_o a_o slave_n 14._o who_o they_o use_v in_o old_a time_n as_o they_o do_v still_o in_o some_o country_n to_o buy_v with_o money_n as_o horse_n sheep_n and_o ox_n be_v no_o more_o his_o own_o man_n as_o we_o say_v then_o be_v the_o aforesaid_a brute_n beast_n but_o be_v compel_v to_o fulfil_v his_o master_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o it_o fare_v with_o man_n who_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v become_v a_o most_o vile_a slave_n of_o satan_n always_o attend_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o perform_v the_o same_o with_o all_o his_o might_n and_o strength_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o particular_a function_n whereof_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n cite_v 13._o rom._n 3._o 13._o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n his_o throat_n be_v a_o open_a sepulchre_n his_o tongue_n speak_v nothing_o but_o deceit_n his_o lip_n whereby_o he_o pretend_v friendship_n have_v under_o they_o the_o poison_n of_o asp_n his_o mouth_n full_a of_o curse_v his_o foot_n swift_a to_o shed_v blood_n &_o so_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o man_n body_n have_v their_o task_n allot_v unto_o they_o the_o which_o they_o do_v not_o grudge_o and_o unwilling_o as_o usual_o bondslave_n do_v but_o most_o readely_a greedy_o &_o joyful_o delight_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o that_o which_o they_o know_v please_v the_o humour_n of_o their_o master_n so_o that_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v in_o a_o great_a bondage_n under_o sin_n than_o any_o of_o they_o be_v under_o their_o temporal_a master_n or_o owner_n for_o there_o be_v no_o slave_n of_o so_o base_a a_o mind_n the_o which_o can_v be_v find_v among_o the_o brute_n beast_n but_o that_o though_o his_o body_n be_v oppress_v and_o keep_v under_o chain_n yet_o he_o desire_v freedom_n and_o so_o he_o be_v detain_v against_o his_o will_n keep_v a_o free_a mind_n and_o will_n but_o man_n be_v in_o this_o most_o filthy_a and_o wretched_a thraldom_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n that_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o last_o as_o touch_v the_o three_o duty_n of_o a_o seruamt_v man_n do_v not_o bring_v any_o advantage_n of_o glory_n to_o god_n but_o do_v dishonour_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n lead_v his_o life_n so_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o as_o if_o he_o neither_o can_v punish_v sinner_n for_o their_o wickedness_n nor_o yet_o do_v any_o good_a to_o the_o righteous_a man_n &_o yet_o will_v he_o will_v he_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n glorify_v god_n in_o be_v a_o open_a spectakle_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n when_o as_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o sentence_n pronounce_v again_o by_o christ_n take_v this_o slothful_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n sect._n 3_o of_o servile_a subjection_n renew_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n be_v the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o sin_n with_o who_o it_o fare_v as_o it_o do_v with_o pharaoh_n servant_n which_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o lord_n 40._o gen._n 40._o for_o some_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o that_o slavery_n and_o therefore_o they_o die_v eternal_o other_o to_o wit_v the_o faithful_a be_v pardon_v &_o restore_v to_o their_o former_a dignity_n insomuch_o that_o be_v by_o christ_n reconcile_v to_o god_n they_o do_v bold_o enter_v again_o into_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o which_o they_o do_v always_o stand_v attend_v his_o pleasure_n obey_v his_o commandment_n perform_v whatsoever_o service_n be_v enjoin_v they_o and_o so_o procure_v god_n advantage_n as_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n do_v to_o their_o earthly_a master_n revenge_v yet_o not_o all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n &_o in_o like_a measure_n for_o as_o among_o earthly_a servant_n so_o also_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o church_n there_o be_v diverse_a function_n and_o degree_n of_o ministration_n and_o as_o some_o serve_v immediate_o &_o direct_o about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o master_n be_v in_o high_a estimation_n with_o he_o so_o some_o of_o the_o faithful_a do_v serve_v god_n in_o public_a function_n and_o do_v in_o great_a measure_n glorify_v he_o than_o other_o do_v in_o this_o order_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o faithful_a patriarch_n preiste_n prophet_n king_n magistrate_n apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o service_n come_v near_o to_o god_n and_o do_v direct_o and_o proper_o enlarge_v his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o in_o lieu_n of_o their_o long_a and_o faithful_a service_n god_n do_v reward_v they_o with_o this_o most_o honourable_a title_n call_v they_o his_o servant_n thus_o god_n call_v abraham_n 24_o gen._n 26._o 24._o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o abraham_n my_o servant_n sake_n 7._o and_o moses_n josu._n 1_o 7._o on_o who_o this_o epitaphe_n be_v write_v deut._n 34._o 5._o there_o die_v moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n 5._o thus_o god_n call_v david_n often_o spare_v jerusalem_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o anger_n for_o his_o servant_n david_n sake_n and_o thus_o be_v josua_n daniel_n and_o other_o call_v and_o all_o they_o who_o godliness_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v great_a and_o notable_a as_o job_n &_o other_o job._n 1._o 8._o yea_o of_o late_a day_n the_o church_n imitate_v god_n herein_o have_v most_o thankful_o and_o worthy_o give_v this_o glorious_a title_n to_o those_o 8._o who_o have_v be_v zealous_a in_o beat_v down_o superstition_n and_o in_o advance_v the_o gospel_n kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v god_n chief_a servant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o his_o house_n beside_o the_o which_o he_o have_v other_o vessel_n of_o honour_n wherewith_o he_o be_v serve_v even_o all_o true_a believer_n &_o true_a heart_a christian_n who_o also_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n yea_o although_o they_o spend_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n in_o such_o calling_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o appertain_v nothing_o to_o god_n neither_o any_o way_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o christian_n be_v bond_n servant_n to_o infidel_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v continual_o employ_v in_o their_o master_n affair_n the_o which_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o service_n of_o god_n than_o darkness_n have_v with_o light_n yet_o these_o christian_n be_v account_v god_n faithful_a servant_n in_o that_o they_o perform_v faithful_a service_n to_o those_o infidel_n thus_o we_o read_v col._n 3._o 22._o 22._o servant_n obey_v your_o master_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o with_o eye_n service_n but_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n as_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n yea_o he_o add_v and_o what_o soever_o you_o do_v do_v it_o not_o as_o to_o man_n but_o as_o to_o god_n know_v that_o you_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n for_o it_o of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o a_o godly_a and_o upright_o life_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v 17._o be_v the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n rom._n 6._o 17._o thank_n be_v unto_o god_n that_o although_o you_o be_v once_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n yet_o now_o you_o be_v make_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o do_v before_o present_v your_o body_n before_o uncleanness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n ready_a to_o commit_v sin_n so_o now_o present_v your_o body_n before_o righteousness_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o all_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o exhortation_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v account_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o as_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n they_o do_v no_o manner_n of_o service_n to_o god_n so_o now_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o labour_v to_o shake_v clean_o from_o their_o neck_n the_o yoke_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v math._n 6._o 24._o 24._o we_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n both_o god_n and_o mammon_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n cleave_v to_o the_o one_o and_o forsake_v the_o other_o the_o which_o we_o can_v but_o do_v if_o that_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o new_a service_n be_v
sin_n be_v thereto_o carry_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o great_a tempest_n by_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n before_o they_o can_v be_v think_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n stay_v itself_o in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o action_n do_v not_o necessary_o argue_v any_o inward_a want_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n or_o any_o inward_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n either_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o because_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o it_o as_o of_o a_o sudden_a before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o immediate_o recover_v his_o former_a station_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n either_o david_n void_a of_o continency_n for_o that_o adultery_n commit_v with_o berseba_n or_o peter_n to_o have_v want_v faith_n because_o he_o do_v at_o one_o time_n renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o noah_n to_o have_v be_v a_o intemperate_a person_n because_o he_o be_v once_o drink_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o stumble_v by_o chance_n at_o a_o block_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o do_v straight_o way_n save_o himself_o from_o fall_v yea_o sudden_a sin_n may_v be_v with_o great_a grace_n than_o they_o have_v who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a sin_n of_o noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o holiness_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o seruamt_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o free_a as_o from_o the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n so_o especial_o from_o open_a &_o gross_a sin_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o by_o they_o they_o dishonour_v god_n his_o religion_n worship_n and_o name_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o holy_a name_n the_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o then_o a_o thousand_o death_n and_o torment_n second_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o lay_v some_o fearful_a punishment_n upon_o they_o who_o howsoever_o he_o suffer_v the_o reprobate_a one_o to_o go_v on_o all_o their_o life_n time_n in_o sin_n yet_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o go_v unpunished_a three_o they_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o god_n heavy_a iudgmente_n holiness_n they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n against_o who_o will_n they_o commite_v that_o sin_n they_o offend_v their_o brethren_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o that_o special_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v restrain_v from_o sin_n yet_o but_o weak_a christian_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n the_o continency_n of_o david_n the_o temperance_n of_o noah_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o fall_n but_o weak_a howsoever_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o other_o grace_n last_o one_o heinous_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o usual_o it_o draw_v more_o after_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o sin_n and_o feel_v the_o sensual_a sweetness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o draw_v to_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o so_o he_o go_v from_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o second_o namely_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o the_o want_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o often_o commit_v and_o iterate_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v often_o by_o repentance_n labour_v to_o purge_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v the_o contrary_a grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o decrease_n also_o have_v sometime_o place_n in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v especial_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v either_o by_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n or_o a_o evil_a custom_n get_v before_o his_o conversion_n natural_o incline_v whether_o it_o be_v pride_n anger_n covetousness_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o first_o degree_n so_o it_o be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v for_o it_o double_v and_o triple_v the_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corrosive_a of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n and_o last_o it_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o high_a degree_n of_o decrease_n to_o wit_n the_o habit_n of_o diverse_a sin_n the_o want_n of_o many_o particular_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o fearful_a degree_n which_o be_v a_o general_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v declare_v where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_a and_o a_o total_a decrease_n a_o general_a decrease_n be_v when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n receive_v be_v diminish_v but_o a_o total_a decrease_n be_v a_o utter_a decay_n of_o holiness_n as_o whereby_o nothing_o be_v leave_v this_o can_v not_o happen_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v who_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n retain_v some_o relic_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o grace_n receive_v yea_o somelife_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o live_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o dead_a rot_a stock_n even_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o tree_n have_v heat_n and_o life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o sharp_a winter_n yea_o as_o many_o beast_n lie_v all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o eat_v drink_v stir_v or_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o heat_n sense_n or_o life_n in_o any_o of_o their_o outward_a part_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o life_n and_o of_o heat_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o summer_n stir_v uppe_o do_v revine_a the_o beast_n so_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o go_v or_o run_v up_o and_o down_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o natural_a action_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o do_v before_o this_o christ_n do_v plain_o teach_v joh._n 4._o 14._o 14._o saying_n whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o be_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v john_n 7._o 38_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 38._o but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o will_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o total_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n yet_o a_o man_n regenerate_v may_v decrease_v not_o only_o in_o one_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o many_o grace_n but_o also_o general_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n this_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n some_o begin_v at_o the_o hart_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n other_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o some_o outward_a and_o inferior_a part_n and_o pierce_v in_o till_o that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n so_o of_o these_o general_n decrease_v of_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n some_o begin_v at_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o have_v stop_v the_o fountain_n do_v easy_o dry_v up_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o other_o begin_v at_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o first_o kill_v the_o fruit_n than_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n till_o at_o length_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o root_n itself_o both_o these_o way_n do_v sathan_n use_v to_o destroy_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o way_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a for_o if_o faith_n once_o fail_v all_o holiness_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n whereas_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o sort_n although_o most_o of_o the_o