although_o they_o teach_v that_o adam_n through_o his_o fall_n lose_v part_n of_o that_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v at_o his_o first_o creation_n &_o be_v great_o wound_v both_o in_o mind_n and_o will_n through_o his_o disobedience_n and_o that_o now_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perceive_v &_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v he_o to_o understand_v &_o practice_v without_o the_o help_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o ascribe_v that_o whole_a ignorance_n and_o blindness_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n neither_o yet_o that_o deadly_a wound_n of_o sin_n whereby_o all_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o attain_v either_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o practice_v of_o righteousness_n be_v take_v from_o we_o which_o by_o these_o title_n of_o right_n they_o ought_v our_o light_n with_o they_o in_o heavenly_a matter_n be_v in_o some_o part_n darken_v but_o not_o clean_o put_v out_o our_o understanding_n diminish_v but_o not_o extinguish_v the_o image_n of_o god_n it_o be_v appair_v but_o not_o utter_o deface_v the_o free_a will_n of_o man_n to_o good_a it_o be_v wound_v &_o weaken_v but_o not_o quite_o take_v away_o but_o further_o we_o say_v that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v become_v plain_a ignorance_n our_o light_n darkness_n our_o righteousness_n sinfulness_n our_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n servitude_n and_o bondage_n the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o image_n of_o satan_n that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o deprive_v of_o all_o goodness_n but_o further_o defile_v with_o all_o naughtiness_n that_o our_o former_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o only_o shake_v and_o weaken_v through_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o that_o we_o be_v utter_o become_v unable_a &_o impotent_a to_o know_v or_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n and_o of_o all_o ability_n and_o readiness_n to_o commit_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n most_o just_a then_o and_o true_a be_v that_o accusation_n wherewith_o paul_n charge_v all_o mankind_n in_o general_a 3.10_o rom._n 3.10_o that_o there_o be_v none_o righteous_a no_o not_o one_o that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v none_o that_o seek_v god_n that_o all_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o we_o be_v become_v altogether_o abominable_a that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o our_o mouth_n to_o be_v as_o a_o open_a sepulchre_n our_o tongue_n to_o be_v use_v to_o deceit_n the_o poison_n of_o asp_n to_o be_v under_o our_o lip_n our_o mouth_n to_o be_v full_a of_o curse_v and_o bitterness_n our_o foot_n to_o be_v swift_a to_o shed_v blood_n nothing_o but_o calamity_n and_o destruction_n to_o be_v in_o our_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n no_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v before_o our_o eye_n thus_o it_o be_v apparent_a what_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n think_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o in_o they_o of_o all_o man_n consider_v in_o himself_o to_o be_v corrupt_a abominable_a without_o understanding_n and_o thereof_o he_o conclude_v he_o can_v not_o be_v iustify_v by_o the_o law_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o evident_a it_o be_v save_v to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o know_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v in_o general_n most_o plain_o and_o plentiful_o deprive_v the_o whole_a progeny_n of_o man_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d all_o goodness_n yea_o of_o all_o ability_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o yet_o for_o our_o further_a assurance_n herein_o &_o that_o this_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a and_o clear_a unto_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o in_o this_o general_a sort_n as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o have_v even_o in_o particular_a so_o deny_v that_o unto_o we_o as_o it_o can_v but_o compel_v every_o man_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n thereof_o for_o to_o the_o obtain_n or_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n requisite_a the_o mind_n to_o think_v and_o conceive_v it_o the_o will_n to_o atchive_v it_o and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o and_o if_o any_o of_o these_o point_n be_v want_v what_o can_v be_v perform_v or_o do_v by_o we_o but_o neither_o to_o do_v nor_o to_o will_v neither_o yet_o to_o think_v lie_v in_o our_o power_n how_o far_o be_v we_o therefore_o from_o have_v power_n or_o ability_n either_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n the_o first_o christ_n himself_o witness_v in_o the_o first_o of_o john_n 15.5_o joan._n 15.5_o sine_fw-la i_o nihil_fw-la potestis_fw-la facere_fw-la without_o i_o you_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o saint_n augustine_n joan._n august_n in_o joan._n weigh_v &_o press_v these_o word_n notable_o non_fw-la enim_fw-la inquit_fw-la sine_fw-la i_o difficulter_fw-la potestis_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n say_v austin_n say_v not_o without_o i_o you_o can_v hardly_o do_v any_o thing_n neither_o say_v he_o without_o i_o you_o can_v absolve_v or_o finish_v any_o thing_n or_o do_v any_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n but_o he_o say_v simple_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o the_o power_n therefore_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v flat_o deny_v man_n in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o ancient_a and_o learned_a father_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o will_v any_o thing_n lie_v not_o in_o we_o but_o it_o come_v by_o the_o operation_n and_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o testify_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o second_o to_o the_o philippian_n 2.13_o philip_n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n and_o that_o even_o of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o be_v of_o his_o mere_a mercy_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o us._n if_o by_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a operation_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v but_o yet_o further_o what_o seem_v more_o free_a and_o at_o our_o liberty_n then_o think_v yea_o even_o that_o also_o be_v deny_v we_o for_o to_o think_v any_o good_a thing_n lie_v not_o in_o us._n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o second_o to_o the_o corinth_n 3.5_o â—_o cor._n 3.5_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n wherefore_o if_o both_o in_o general_a sort_n the_o scripture_n thus_o determine_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n that_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o understanding_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_a as_o a_o stone_n that_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perceive_v those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o they_o can_v once_o enter_v into_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n but_o also_o in_o particular_a sort_n do_v deny_v he_o the_o power_n to_o do_v to_o will_v or_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v against_o the_o philosopher_n pelagian_n and_o papist_n with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o flesh_n &_o blood_n have_v not_o reveil_v either_o to_o peter_n or_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n neither_o yet_o can_v do_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o live_a god_n which_o confession_n contain_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n what_o then_o be_v the_o true_a and_o perfect_a cause_n of_o this_o knowledge_n whensoever_o we_o attain_v thereunto_o that_o be_v express_v also_o unto_o we_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o evangelist_n to_o be_v god_n who_o open_v &_o reveal_v this_o unto_o we_o for_o as_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o confirmation_n whereof_o although_o many_o i_o may_v say_v infinite_a testimony_n may_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o for_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o former_a point_n have_v be_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o in_o so_o clear_a a_o matter_n it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o avouche_v one_o or_o two_o manifest_a place_n for_o the_o further_o establish_v thereof_o among_o other_o that_o which_o be_v say_v by_o ezechiel_n must_v needs_o most_o manifest_o and_o clear_o declare_v and_o prove_v this_o point_n for_o the_o prophet_n show_v what_o great_a mercy_n and_o benefit_n he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n he_o promise_v a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o &_o i_o will_v take_v the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o body_n and_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o
i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o you_o shall_v éepe_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o 26_o ezech._n 36_o 26_o in_o which_o word_n ezechiel_n attribute_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o regeneration_n unto_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n he_o it_o be_v that_o take_v away_o that_o old_a &_o stony_a heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o all_o iniquity_n and_o hardness_n from_o give_v ear_n unto_o any_o commandment_n of_o god_n &_o he_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n whereby_o we_o become_v apt_a to_o receive_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n &_o a_o new_a spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o likewise_o moses_n in_o deuteronomie_n 36.6_o deut._n 36.6_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n israel_n he_o ascribe_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o operation_n and_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o god_n promise_v that_o if_o they_o return_v unto_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n the_o lord_n god_n shall_v circumcise_v their_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o that_o they_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n which_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n that_o which_o the_o evangelist_n saint_n john_n write_v in_o the_o first_o of_o his_o gospel_n 1.12_o joan._n 1.12_o how_o jump_v it_o with_o this_o that_o our_o evangelist_n affirm_v here_o and_o how_o evident_o do_v it_o confirm_v both_o those_o point_n we_o have_v hereto_o stand_v upon_o where_o he_o asser_v that_o such_o as_o receive_v christ_n &_o beléeve_v in_o his_o name_n be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n by_o which_o word_n both_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o beléeve_v in_o his_o name_n be_v deny_v to_o man_n &_o give_v to_o god_n alone_o the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v here_o of_o our_o evangelist_n be_v well_o weigh_v do_v sufficient_o argue_v that_o all_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v hide_v from_o we_o until_o they_o be_v open_v and_o manifest_v by_o god_n for_o this_o word_n be_v attribute_v unto_o god_n do_v signify_v a_o reveal_n by_o he_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v quite_o before_o hide_a from_o our_o knowledge_n &_o understanding_n now_o if_o this_o general_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v prove_v by_o particular_a example_n 29.30_o deut._n 29.30_o what_o can_v be_v require_v for_o the_o further_a certainty_n and_o truth_n hereof_o moses_n in_o the_o 29._o of_o deut._n obbray_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o their_o oblivion_n &_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o grace_n &_o mercy_n god_n have_v show_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n yet_o therewithal_o he_o there_o note_v that_o they_o can_v not_o take_v any_o profit_n by_o these_o thing_n but_o through_o the_o work_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n you_o have_v see_v say_v moses_n all_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v before_o your_o eye_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n unto_o pharaoh_n &_o unto_o all_o his_o seruamt_n &_o unto_o all_o his_o land_n the_o great_a temptation_n which_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v those_o great_a miracle_n &_o wonder_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v &_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o math._n christ_n have_v teach_v many_o thing_n by_o parable_n his_o disciple_n come_v to_o he_o and_o demand_v why_o he_o speak_v thus_o in_o parable_n he_o make_v answer_v 13.30_o mat._n 13.30_o because_o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v therefore_o speak_v i_o unto_o they_o in_o parable_n because_o they_o see_v do_v not_o see_v &_o hear_v they_o hear_v not_o neither_o understand_v etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n although_o they_o see_v the_o great_a wonder_n &_o miracle_n which_o god_n do_v for_o they_o in_o egypt_n notwithstanding_o they_o reap_v no_o commodity_n thereby_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o behold_v they_o to_o profit_n neither_o yet_o their_o ear_n to_o attend_v unto_o such_o thing_n or_o their_o hart_n &_o mind_n to_o conceive_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n &_o obedience_n &_o thankfulness_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o perform_v unto_o god_n therefore_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n they_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o profit_v &_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n thereby_o but_o why_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n because_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o learn_v nothing_o thereby_o but_o rather_o be_v come_v more_o blind_a &_o obstinate_a the_o reason_n be_v add_v because_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v so_o that_o it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n cleophas_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o the_o 24._o chapter_n of_o luke_n 24.27.45_o luc._n 24.27.45_o when_o christ_n overtake_v they_o go_v to_o emaus_n although_o christ_n rebuke_v they_o for_o their_o slowenesse_n in_o beléeve_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v and_o accompany_v they_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o yet_o be_v their_o eye_n so_o hold_v that_o they_o know_v he_o not_o who_o before_o they_o have_v often_o see_v neither_o yet_o understand_v they_o the_o scripture_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o understanding_n both_o to_o know_v he_o and_o understande_v the_o scripture_n even_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v no_o knowledge_n no_o understanding_n until_o god_n give_v it_o they_o so_o fare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n hear_v they_o never_o so_o much_o his_o apostle_n preach_v yea_o christ_n himself_o personal_o sounding_z in_o their_o ear_n yet_o except_o the_o lord_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n as_o he_o do_v lydia_n the_o sick_a woman_n in_o the_o act_n 16.14_o act._n 16.14_o it_o avayl_v not_o one_o jot_n wherefore_o flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v not_o christ_n unto_o we_o but_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o remain_v now_o we_o weight_n and_o consider_v what_o commodity_n and_o profit_n we_o ought_v to_o reap_v by_o this_o doctrine_n &_o to_o what_o use_v it_o ought_v to_o serve_v us._n first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n and_o sole_a giver_n of_o all_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o all_o other_o heavenly_a gift_n it_o must_v kindle_v in_o we_o a_o earnest_n and_o fervent_a desire_n to_o prayer_n to_o desire_v he_o to_o give_v we_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o understanding_n for_o that_o otherways_o we_o can_v attain_v thereunto_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o heretofore_o have_v move_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o be_v feruente_a in_o prayer_n unto_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o these_o grace_n among_o other_o how_o often_o and_o how_o vehement_o do_v the_o prophet_n david_n pray_v for_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n as_o in_o the_o 119_o psal_n 36._o psal_n 1_o 19_o 18.27_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o open_v thou_o my_o eye_n o_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n make_v i_o to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n so_o shall_v i_o talk_v of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o again_o teach_v i_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n make_v i_o to_o go_v into_o the_o path_n of_o thy_o commandment_n incline_v my_o hart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 51._o psalm_n 51._o psalm_n 51._o that_o god_n will_v make_v he_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n with_o in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v thorough_o wash_v he_o and_o cleanse_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n pray_v not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n 17.18_o ephe._n 1.16_o 17.18_o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v yield_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v lighten_v that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o
heathen_a philosopher_n pelagian_n heretic_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a work_n we_o do_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n force_n of_o reason_n or_o free_a will_n and_o industry_n of_o man_n contrary_a not_o only_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o christ_n here_o in_o this_o place_n which_o deprive_v man_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o unto_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n where_o both_o general_o and_o in_o particular_a sort_n be_v take_v away_o all_o understanding_n and_o perceverance_n in_o matter_n apperta_v unto_o faith_n religion_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n first_o for_o proof_n hereof_o that_o it_o be_v general_o deny_v unto_o man_n of_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o understanding_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n &_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o paul_n testify_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinth_n 2._o 1._o cor._n 2._o and_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o natural_a man_n that_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v no_o far_a knowledge_n than_o he_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n who_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n be_v not_o lighten_v and_o clear_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o be_v this_o term_n expound_v by_o jude_n in_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o 19_o verse_n v._n jude._n 19_o v._n that_o that_o man_n perceive_v not_o these_o thing_n which_o appertain_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o adjoin_v two_o reason_n the_o one_o be_v because_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o the_o other_o that_o he_o can_v know_v those_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o be_v they_o can_v be_v know_v but_o of_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o as_o paul_n testify_v 2.11_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o as_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v within_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o show_v 9_o vers_fw-la 9_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o be_v such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v ear_n have_v not_o hear_v neither_o yet_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o neither_o by_o the_o outward_a sense_n nor_o yet_o by_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o open_v they_o unto_o we_o which_o search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o bottom_n of_o god_n secret_n 2.10_o 1._o cor._n 2.10_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o great_a ignorance_n in_o we_o and_o want_v of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perceive_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v by_o most_o notable_a term_n and_o epithet_n whereby_o he_o describe_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n declare_v unto_o we_o how_o utter_o we_o be_v void_a of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n what_o can_v more_o effectual_o and_o significant_o show_v forth_o that_o unto_o we_o then_o for_o we_o to_o be_v term_v darkness_n itself_o which_o be_v do_v not_o in_o a_o few_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o first_o of_o saint_n johns_n gospel_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o that_o life_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n shine_v in_o darkness_n 1.5_o john_n 1.5_o but_o darkness_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o that_o be_v man_n saint_n paul_n thereof_o draw_v a_o exhortation_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n 8._o ephes_n 5_o 8._o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o newness_n of_o life_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v sometime_o in_o darkness_n mean_v before_o their_o conversion_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n now_o be_v light_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n therefore_o they_o shall_v walk_v as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o in_o the_o second_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 4.6_o 2._o cor._n 4.6_o set_v forth_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n he_o set_v down_o that_o as_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n so_o have_v he_o shine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o minister_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n where_o the_o comparison_n be_v to_o be_v note_v which_o the_o apostle_n make_v that_o as_o god_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n create_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n so_o have_v he_o do_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o minister_n that_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o light_n may_v shine_v to_o other_o to_o lighten_v they_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n wherefore_o even_o as_o before_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n there_o be_v no_o light_n but_o mere_a darkness_n even_o so_o before_o god_n work_n in_o we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o but_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n no_o light_n to_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n no_o marvel_v therefore_o if_o saint_n paul_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v tell_v agrippa_n the_o king_n 26.18_o act._n 26.18_o that_o god_n have_v call_v he_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n or_o if_o saint_n peter_n compare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 1.19_o 2._o pet._n 1.19_o and_o compare_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o our_o heart_n hereby_o may_v it_o appear_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n &_o darkness_n to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o light_n &_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n until_o by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o open_v himself_o unto_o us._n before_o which_o time_n as_o paul_n testify_v we_o walk_v as_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n 4.17_o ephes_n 4.17_o have_v our_o understanding_n darken_v be_v stranger_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n in_o we_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n thus_o use_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o paint_v out_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n before_o god_n begin_v to_o work_v our_o regeneration_n to_o ascribe_v ignorance_n &_o blindness_n unto_o our_o mind_n dulness_n and_o hardness_n unto_o our_o heart_n yea_o and_o that_o a_o stony_a hardness_n as_o appear_v by_o ezechiel_n 11.19_o ezech._n 11.19_o where_o he_o promise_v that_o in_o mercy_n he_o will_v take_v away_o our_o stony_a heart_n and_o under_o the_o person_n of_o the_o jew_n esaye_n 48.4_o esa_n 48.4_o say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o obstinate_a that_o our_o neck_n be_v as_o iron_n sinew_n and_o our_o brow_n as_o brow_n of_o brass_n that_o be_v not_o flexible_a unto_o the_o yoke_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o past_o all_o shame_n to_o commit_v wickedness_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v term_v we_o not_o only_o sick_a weaken_a or_o infect_v with_o sin_n but_o even_o to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n for_o so_o paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n where_o he_o set_v out_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v quicken_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o second_o to_o the_o colossian_n 13_o 2._o coloss_n 13_o that_o we_o which_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o uncircumcision_n of_o our_o flesh_n have_v he_o quicken_v together_o with_o he_o forgive_a our_o trespass_n these_o manner_n of_o term_n and_o epithet_n whereby_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o express_v both_o the_o utter_a want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o manner_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a clergy_n who_o
and_o in_o the_o penitent_a as_o in_o the_o receyver_n so_o that_o the_o offer_v hereof_o be_v in_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o effect_n and_o force_v thereof_o in_o the_o sinner_n but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o offer_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o full_a pardon_n to_o such_o as_o have_v lowly_a and_o contrite_a heart_n and_o do_v unfeigned_o repent_v themselves_o pronounce_v unto_o the_o same_o a_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o everlasting_a life_n therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o retain_v and_o forgive_v sin_n not_o because_o god_n have_v endue_v his_o minister_n with_o this_o absolute_a power_n to_o forgive_v and_o retain_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n as_o our_o popish_a priest_n will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n for_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o he_o alone_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o he_o even_o the_o very_a malicious_a scribe_n and_o phariseis_n know_v this_o for_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o the_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n son_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n say_v among_o themselves_o 2.5_o marc._n 2.5_o this_o man_n blaspheme_v who_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n only_o and_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n esai_n esai_n esai_n challenge_v this_o unto_o himself_o i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n even_o as_o to_o create_v to_o alter_v &_o change_v the_o heart_n to_o destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n belong_v only_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o also_o to_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n the_o ancient_a father_n have_v judge_v that_o the_o priest_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o right_a to_o challenge_v any_o authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n ambrose_n 76._o ambr._n li._n 9_o epist_n 76._o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o ambassador_n it_o be_v not_o the_o messenger_n but_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v save_v his_o people_n he_o remain_v one_o for_o this_o can_v be_v common_a to_o any_o man_n with_o christ_n to_o forgive_v sin_n that_o be_v only_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o austin_n august_n august_n god_n give_v the_o ministry_n of_o forgive_n of_o sin_n to_o his_o servant_n but_o the_o power_n thereof_o he_o retain_v to_o himself_o paradisi_fw-la august_n de_fw-fr scalis_fw-la paradisi_fw-la so_o in_o another_o place_n the_o office_n of_o baptise_v god_n have_v grant_v unto_o many_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o forgive_a sin_n he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o alone_o saint_n jerome_n expound_v this_o place_n very_o well_o declare_v what_o power_n and_o commission_n be_v give_v to_o god_n minister_n in_o this_o behalf_n hierony_n hierony_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o leper_n be_v bid_v to_o show_v themselves_o unto_o the_o priest_n that_o if_o they_o be_v leper_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o make_v of_o the_o priest_n not_o that_o the_o priest_n do_v make_v the_o leprous_a or_o unclean_a but_o that_o they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o leprous_a and_o clean_a person_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v who_o be_v clean_a or_o unclean_a even_o therefore_o as_o the_o priest_n make_v the_o clean_a or_o unclean_a so_o do_v the_o bishop_n here_o bind_v and_o lose_v hereby_o we_o see_v that_o jerome_n think_v minister_n have_v no_o further_a power_n then_o to_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o bind_v even_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n have_v no_o power_n but_o to_o judge_v and_o pronounce_v the_o man_n either_o clean_a or_o unclean_a but_o not_o to_o cleanse_v they_o or_o to_o make_v they_o unclean_a so_o say_v bonaventura_n bonaventura_n bonaventura_n they_o do_v cleanse_v because_o they_o show_v the_o clean_a peter_n lombard_n lumb_n pet._n lumb_n one_o of_o their_o own_o doctor_n say_v have_v well_o weigh_v this_o matter_n christ_n give_v to_o priest_n authority_n to_o bind_v or_o lose_v that_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o man_n they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v what_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o forgive_a and_o retain_v of_o sin_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n it_o be_v apparent_a not_o to_o have_v give_v full_a power_n to_o absolve_v and_o bind_v of_o themselves_o at_o their_o will_n but_o to_o publish_v that_o pardon_n that_o god_n in_o christ_n offer_v we_o which_o if_o we_o take_v hold_v on_o by_o faith_n then_o we_o be_v assoil_v if_o we_o contemn_v it_o our_o sin_n be_v retain_v to_o our_o condemnation_n and_o because_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o publish_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n unto_o his_o minister_n therefore_o his_o minister_n be_v say_v to_o forgive_v and_o retain_v not_o because_o the_o power_n thereof_o rest_v in_o themselves_o as_o our_o popish_a priest_n will_v challenge_v for_o therefore_o have_v they_o make_v the_o priest_n to_o hold_v a_o consistory_n and_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o make_v particular_a confession_n of_o their_o secret_a sin_n unto_o the_o priest_n that_o they_o may_v absolve_v they_o and_o enjoin_v they_o a_o penance_n answerable_a to_o their_o offence_n howsoever_o they_o go_v about_o to_o cloak_n and_o colour_v the_o matter_n in_o very_a deed_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o weight_n &_o gréevousnesse_n of_o sin_n to_o appoint_v and_o allot_v to_o every_o one_o a_o just_a satisfaction_n to_o change_v eternal_a pain_n into_o temporal_a to_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o executor_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o dead_a man_n good_n as_o though_o christ_n be_v not_o or_o know_v not_o after_o his_o death_n how_o to_o bestow_v they_o to_o geve_v heaven_n and_o throw_v down_o to_o hell_n who_o they_o will_v to_o rehearse_v the_o particular_a blasphemy_n and_o impiety_n which_o by_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n and_o authority_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v they_o claim_v they_o have_v run_v into_o although_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o consider_v the_o abomination_n of_o that_o church_n yet_o lest_o i_o shall_v grow_v infinite_a it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v but_o lightlye_o touch_v these_o thing_n thus_o i_o trust_v i_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v first_o that_o god_n reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o heavenly_a thing_n secondlye_o that_o not_o peter_n but_o christ_n be_v the_o rock_n whereon_o god_n do_v build_v his_o church_n and_o last_o of_o all_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v consist_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v unto_o we_o the_o reveal_n of_o his_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o the_o true_a rock_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v that_o blessedness_n which_o christ_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o true_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v he_o to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n