faith_n or_o belief_n in_o general_a as_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a extent_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o civil_a or_o natural_a thing_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o special_a about_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o open_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o general_n will_v give_v much_o light_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o special_a consideration_n thereof_o therefore_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o first_o not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o improper_a acception_n of_o this_o word_n fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n or_o trustiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o speak_v bonafide_fw-la faithful_o or_o trust_o and_o in_o that_o exclamation_n vestram_fw-la fidem_fw-la etc._n etc._n sometime_o for_o argument_n or_o proof_n from_o reason_n or_o authority_n bring_v to_o breed_v belief_n in_o another_o which_o acception_n be_v usual_a in_o rhetoritian_n arist._n 1._o rhet._n c._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n quintil._n l._n 5._o cap._n 10._o haec_fw-la omne_fw-la argumenta_fw-la generaliter_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n etc._n etc._n faith_n or_o belief_n in_o the_o proper_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o matter_n aâ—_n be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n from_o another_o this_o definition_n agree_v to_o belief_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n the_o genus_fw-la iâ—_n assent_n the_o difference_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n whereto_o assent_n be_v yield_v and_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o understand_v only_o by_o another_o revelation_n both_o part_n will_v be_v plain_o understand_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o three_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n cognitionis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v incident_a unto_o man_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v scientia_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d knowledge_n proper_o so_o unica_fw-la call_v which_o be_v breed_v in_o we_o by_o the_o evident_a certainty_n of_o thing_n present_v unto_o our_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o understand_v such_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o evident_a and_o infallible_a reason_n or_o when_o we_o know_v such_o particular_n as_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n when_o they_o be_v right_o dispose_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v opinio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opinion_n a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n not_o clear_o present_v unto_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o apprehend_v thing_n in_o part_n and_o obscure_o so_o that_o we_o can_v absolute_o say_v it_o be_v this_o or_o it_o be_v that_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d belief_n which_o be_v a_o knowledge_n ground_v on_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o those_o thing_n whereof_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o evidence_n only_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o such_o and_o such_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v so_o these_o three_o divers_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o express_v in_o form_n of_o speech_n agreeable_a the_o first_o when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v so_o the_o second_o thus_o i_o think_v it_o be_v so_o the_o last_o in_o this_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o a_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o three_o apprehension_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o every_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v but_o more_o clear_o thus_o it_o stand_v 1._o knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v have_v evermore_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v know_v must_v be_v always_o apparent_a to_o the_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o sense_n by_o the_o proportionablenesse_n of_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o object_n and_o due_a application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o organ_n to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o reason_n shine_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherefore_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n be_v evermore_o evident_a and_o be_v thus_o evident_a and_o apparent_a the_o apprehension_n thereof_o in_o the_o subject_a by_o the_o sense_n and_o understanding_n must_v needs_o be_v clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a whence_o arise_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o firm_a and_o certain_a exclude_v all_o doubt_v whatsoever_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n moist_a the_o sun_n light_n that_o quicquid_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la vniversali_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la particulari_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la tertio_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la with_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n be_v evident_a make_v such_o a_o lively_a impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o clear_o discover_v their_o reasonableness_n to_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o strong_o assent_v unto_o their_o truth_n without_o all_o doubt_n 2._o opinion_n be_v contrary_a unto_o knowledge_n and_o always_o have_v uncertainetie_n in_o the_o subject_a and_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n attend_v on_o it_o for_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n uncertain_a and_o contingent_a whereof_o our_o best_a knowledge_n be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a conjecture_n as_o that_o a_o red_a evening_n and_o a_o gray_a morning_n shall_v bring_v a_o fair_a day_n again_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a enough_o and_o necessary_a yet_o unto_o we_o they_o will_v be_v but_o only_o probable_a and_o conjectural_a if_o either_o our_o sense_n through_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n perceive_v they_o not_o thorough_o or_o our_o understanding_n do_v not_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o for_o want_v of_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o our_o assent_n unto_o their_o truth_n will_v be_v always_o waver_v &_o doubtful_a without_o any_o fix_a determination_n to_o embrace_v any_o side_n resolve_o but_o so_o hold_v itself_o to_o that_o part_n which_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v most_o probable_a as_o that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o shift_v itself_o unto_o the_o other_o side_n when_o better_a reason_n shall_v be_v discover_v 3._o belief_n partly_o agree_v partly_o differ_v both_o from_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o partake_v but_o of_o one_o property_n namely_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_a though_o very_o variable_a but_o never_o of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n both_o shall_v appear_v unto_o you_o in_o order_n for_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n it_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o quâ_fw-la tale_n it_o be_v never_o evident_a to_o the_o believer_n for_o evident_a as_o i_o say_v before_o those_o thing_n only_o be_v which_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a quality_n and_o light_n work_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n or_o both_o now_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o believe_v but_o know_v as_o for_o instance_n what_o we_o see_v hear_v touch_n taste_n or_o smell_v by_o these_o sense_n orderly_o dispose_v we_o do_v not_o say_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o we_o know_v it_o as_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n cold_a he_o that_o relate_v unto_o i_o a_o accident_n that_o himself_o have_v see_v he_o know_v it_o but_o i_o that_o hear_v he_o do_v believe_v it_o again_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o manifest_a and_o infallible_a reason_n those_o also_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o astronomer_n foretell_v a_o eclipse_n to_o fall_v out_o a_o hundred_o year_n hence_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o he_o know_v this_o effect_n will_v ensue_v by_o the_o infallible_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o a_o unlearned_a man_n that_o find_v this_o in_o a_o ephemerides_n he_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n thereof_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o understanding_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n for_o thing_n believe_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v of_o thing_n past_a before_o we_o be_v and_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o get_v any_o knowledge_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v astronomical_a demonstration_n as_o be_v touch_v before_o or_o such_o physical_a effect_n as_o depend_v upon_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o their_o cause_n touch_v thing_n
at_o all_o or_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o habitual_a faith_n which_o we_o maintain_v to_o be_v give_v we_o as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o regeneration_n these_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o conversion_n have_v utter_o confound_v our_o adversary_n in_o their_o opinion_n and_o write_n about_o this_o point_n they_o speak_v of_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n to_o produce_v the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o virtue_n when_o the_o question_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n in_o produce_v the_o habit_n of_o all_o inherent_a holiness_n now_o as_o in_o the_o former_a example_n of_o the_o sick_a man_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o health_n and_o strength_n christ_n give_v he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o walk_v another_o thing_n to_o demand_v what_o virtue_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v he_o that_o health_n and_o strength_n so_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o ask_v whether_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a health_n or_o sanctification_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o action_n of_o a_o sanctify_a man_n another_o thing_n to_o ask_v what_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n itself_o wherefore_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o affirm_v that_o as_o health_n when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o natural_a action_n though_o always_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a because_o we_o make_v not_o use_v of_o our_o strength_n at_o all_o time_n but_o to_o work_v health_n in_o a_o sick_a man_n no_o virtue_n be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v apply_v prove_v effectual_a to_o restore_v it_o so_o where_o sanctification_n be_v it_o be_v always_o sufficient_a to_o every_o gracious_a action_n if_o it_o be_v due_o exercise_v thereabouts_o but_o may_v sometime_o be_v ineffectual_a through_o our_o default_n in_o not_o apply_v it_o aright_o but_o now_o to_o work_v sanctification_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o have_v it_o not_o there_o be_v no_o other_o gift_n whatsoever_o sufficient_a but_o the_o only_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o wheresoever_o this_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a virtue_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n there_o it_o be_v always_o infallible_o effectual_a to_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n give_v to_o man_n as_o sufficient_a to_o sanctify_v the_o soul_n and_o yet_o after_o it_o be_v give_v ineffectual_a to_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o fancy_n never_o think_v of_o till_o of_o late_a time_n wherein_o man_n heart_n be_v strange_o embitter_v in_o fierce_a opposition_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o second_o follow_v and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o sanctification_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consectary_n of_o the_o former_a for_o see_v sufficient_a and_o effectual_a be_v all_o one_o in_o this_o case_n &_o see_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o some_o who_o be_v never_o sanctify_v it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o such_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v be_v say_v against_o this_o opinion_n of_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n give_v to_o all_o within_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la for_o our_o better_a satisfaction_n i_o desire_v your_o patience_n and_o attention_n in_o the_o further_a examination_n of_o this_o second_o conclusion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v clear_v by_o consider_v what_o the_o grace_n be_v which_o be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n now_o this_o grace_n be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o external_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n make_v unto_o all_o man_n in_o common_a by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o ordinary_a consequent_a whereof_o be_v knowledge_n or_o illumination_n and_o this_o be_v term_v our_o external_a vocation_n by_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o inward_a gracious_a work_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n immediate_o exercise_v upon_o the_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o whole_a man._n the_o constant_a effect_n whereof_o be_v regeneration_n and_o this_o be_v call_v our_o internal_a vocation_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n distinction_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o these_o two_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n consist_v the_o further_a clear_n of_o this_o troublesome_a controversy_n the_o orthodox_n sentence_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v touch_v this_o matter_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v ordinary_o wrought_v in_o man_n live_v under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n 1._o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n 2._o a_o touch_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n these_o two_o because_o they_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o outward_a action_n we_o only_o consider_v in_o this_o business_n let_v pass_v such_o effect_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o man_n conversation_n now_o both_o these_o be_v each_o of_o they_o of_o two_o different_a sort_n illumination_n be_v either_o 1._o common_a and_o natural_a when_o a_o man_n in_o hear_v or_o 〈◊〉_d read_v conceive_v the_o literal_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o most_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v dispute_n and_o write_v of_o they_o i_o call_v this_o knowledge_n common_a because_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o reprobate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o i_o call_v it_o also_o natural_a because_o although_o the_o object_n thereof_o be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a nor_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n yet_o be_v reveal_v the_o manner_n of_o apprehend_v it_o in_o such_o a_o one_o be_v mere_o natural_a and_o carnal_a and_o that_o light_n which_o the_o spirit_n afford_v to_o such_o a_o one_o be_v but_o some_o more_o eminent_a degree_n of_o that_o common_a assistance_n which_o he_o give_v to_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n in_o any_o learning_n for_o a_o public_a benefit_n for_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a enough_o a_o learned_a scholar_n unregenerate_a know_v and_o study_v divinity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v any_o other_o art_n and_o as_o in_o they_o so_o in_o this_o he_o may_v attain_v excellent_a knowledge_n by_o a_o special_a but_o no_o sanctify_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n perfect_v his_o natural_a reason_n but_o not_o make_v it_o spiritual_a 2._o proper_a and_o spiritual_a when_o a_o man_n by_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n according_a to_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n in_o their_o native_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n i_o call_v this_o proper_a because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o spiritual_a because_o the_o sanctify_a understanding_n judge_v of_o they_o spiritual_o thus_o for_o knowledge_n next_o touch_v the_o motion_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o will_n they_o be_v likewise_o double_a 2._o 1._o natural_a when_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o threaten_n or_o promise_n the_o will_n be_v touch_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o affection_n towards_o those_o thing_n as_o they_o which_o be_v natural_o hurtful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o it_o as_o to_o love_v hope_v desire_v fear_v or_o hate_v such_o or_o such_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n i_o term_v these_o affection_n natural_a be_v proportionable_a to_o that_o first_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n that_o breed_v they_o for_o when_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v hear_v it_o plain_o and_o ample_o declare_v what_o happiness_n belong_v to_o the_o saint_n what_o comfort_n be_v in_o god_n favour_n what_o glory_n in_o heaven_n what_o horror_n in_o hell_n and_o a_o bad_a conscience_n he_o will_v be_v easy_o stir_v up_o with_o many_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o this_o he_o do_v in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o as_o every_o man_n by_o instinct_n of_o nature_n will_v wish_v and_o seek_v for_o that_o good_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o also_o shun_v the_o contrary_a 2._o spiritual_a when_o upon_o the_o thorough_a apprehension_n of_o all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o evil_a know_v &_o believe_v by_o faith_n the_o will_n be_v strong_o incline_v with_o all_o constant_a and_o vehement_a affection_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n earnest_o to_o embrace_v the_o one_o and_o detest_v the_o other_o above_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o how_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o illumination_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a i_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n short_o have_v
be_v assure_v that_o a_o heart_n surcharge_v with_o covetous_a desire_n ambitious_a thought_n voluptuous_a unclean_a and_o impure_a affection_n be_v far_o un_fw-we fit_n for_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o save_a understanding_n thereof_o again_o be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a sober_a and_o not_o curious_a neglect_v no_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n that_o may_v be_v get_v nor_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o either_o as_o foolish_a anabaptist_n do_v on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o presumptuous_a wit_n on_o the_o other_o who_o stock_n will_v soon_o decay_v study_v to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v turn_v not_o conscience_n into_o question_n and_o controversy_n lest_o whilst_o thou_o be_v resolve_v what_o to_o do_v thou_o do_v just_o nothing_o draw_v not_o all_o to_o reason_n leave_v something_o for_o faith_n where_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v the_o bottom_n admire_v the_o depth_n kiss_v the_o book_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o weep_v over_o thy_o ignorance_n and_o send_v one_o hearty_a wish_n to_o heaven_n oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v to_o know_v as_o i_o be_o know_v go_v not_o without_o nor_o before_o thy_o guide_n but_o let_v thy_o eye_n be_v always_o towards_o that_o lamb_n who_o only_o can_v open_v this_o book_n and_o thy_o understanding_n and_o then_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n yea_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o all_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o we_o must_v be_v accountable_a when_o art_n shall_v cease_v tongue_n shall_v be_v abolish_v knowledge_n shall_v vanish_v away_o do_v but_o think_v now_o one_o think_v what_o will_v be_v the_o joy_n of_o thy_o conscience_n in_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o may_v true_o say_v lord_n thou_o have_v write_v to_o i_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o i_o have_v not_o account_v they_o a_o strange_a thing_n or_o with_o david_n i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n within_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o err_v from_o thy_o commandment_n 2._o this_o for_o your_o private_a in_o the_o second_o place_n attend_v to_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o read_n it_o be_v a_o fault_n great_o reprovable_a in_o many_o who_o despise_v all_o but_o their_o own_o study_n god_n ordinance_n of_o preach_v and_o a_o month_n pain_n of_o the_o learned_a can_v do_v they_o so_o much_o good_a as_o a_o hour_n study_v of_o their_o own_o who_o therefore_o out_o of_o scorn_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o other_o man_n ability_n will_v keep_v home_o and_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o that_o who_o god_n look_v for_o at_o the_o church_n he_o may_v find_v they_o in_o their_o study_n they_o shall_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o busy_v as_o they_o ought_v yet_o not_o so_o ill_o employ_v as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o i_o spare_v they_o in_o this_o place_n hope_v that_o none_o hear_v i_o who_o do_v not_o hate_v this_o practice_n and_o tremble_v to_o cast_v such_o contempt_n upon_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o ordination_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n i_o will_v rather_o touch_v upon_o our_o private_a a_o exercise_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n yet_o of_o excellent_a use_n and_o great_a necessity_n let_v that_o before_o speak_v persuade_v your_o attention_n and_o diligence_n in_o thrive_a by_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o know_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v such_o that_o how_o simple_a soever_o the_o messenger_n be_v that_o bring_v it_o yet_o god_n word_n will_v always_o accomplish_v that_o whereto_o it_o be_v send_v in_o harden_v or_o soften_a the_o heart_n here_o only_o let_v i_o commend_v unto_o your_o acceptance_n and_o expectation_n a_o double_a plainness_n needful_a to_o be_v use_v 1._o of_o stile_n and_o speech_n that_o matter_n may_v have_v leave_n to_o command_v word_n and_o not_o be_v constrain_v to_o follow_v they_o in_o servile_a attendance_n how_o many_o excellent_a discourse_n be_v torture_v wrest_a and_o pinch_v in_o &_o obscure_v through_o curiosity_n of_o pen_v hide_a allusion_n force_a phrase_n uncouth_a epithet_n with_o other_o deformity_n of_o plain_a speak_n your_o own_o ear_n and_o eye_n may_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n a_o great_a slavery_n to_o make_v the_o mind_n a_o servant_n to_o the_o tongue_n and_o so_o to_o tie_v she_o up_o in_o fetter_n that_o she_o may_v not_o walk_v but_o by_o number_n and_o measure_n good_a speech_n make_v the_o most_o on_o it_o be_v but_o the_o garment_n of_o truth_n and_o she_o be_v so_o glorious_a within_o she_o need_v no_o outward_a deck_v yet_o if_o she_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o raiment_n of_o needlework_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o more_o majestic_a comeliness_n not_o gawdy_a gayness_n truth_n be_v like_o our_o first_o parent_n most_o beautiful_a when_o naked_a it_o be_v sin_n cover_v they_o it_o be_v ignorance_n hide_v this_o let_v perspicuity_n and_o method_n be_v ever_o the_o grace_n of_o speech_n and_o distinctnesse_n of_o delivery_n the_o daughter_n of_o a_o clear_a apprchension_n for_o myself_o i_o must_v always_o think_v they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v who_o so_o speak_v as_o other_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v if_o they_o do_v it_o of_o purpose_n they_o be_v envious_a to_o other_o and_o injurious_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a interpretation_n i_o can_v make_v of_o such_o misty_a and_o cloudy_a eloquence_n be_v that_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o shadow_v a_o ignorant_a mind_n or_o a_o ill_a meaning_n it_o be_v naught_o in_o all_o discourse_n about_o religion_n much_o more_o as_o if_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o hindrance_n enough_o without_o obscurity_n of_o speech_n and_o of_o all_o i_o be_o sure_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o exercise_n most_o un_fw-we fit_n where_o both_o matter_n and_o auditor_n require_v plainness_n catechism_n be_v pen_v like_o law_n in_o plain_a not_o eloquent_a term_n &_o its_o a_o great_a absurdity_n in_o definition_n &_o summary_n decision_n to_o seek_v after_o trope_n and_o figure_n wherefore_o for_o curious_a discourse_n sit_v to_o rub_v itch_a ear_n let_v aelians_n grave_a censure_n of_o myrmeride_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d coach_n with_o 17._o four_o horse_n so_o little_a you_o may_v hide_v they_o undor_n a_o sly_n wing_n or_o callicrates_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d copy_n of_o verse_n write_v so_o small_a as_o a_o cherry_n stone_n may_v hold_v they_o pass_v likewise_o upon_o they_o they_o be_v to_o say_v the_o least_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o laborious_a loss_n of_o time_n certain_o i_o find_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o cendemn_v in_o paul_n practice_n and_o the_o jew_n example_n he_o be_v learn_v and_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o that_o exact_o eloquent_o if_o god_n teach_v can_v do_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o grammarian_n or_o rhetorician_n school_v yet_o in_o case_n of_o preach_v he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o condemn_v in_o the_o false_a apostle_n but_o profess_v his_o opinion_n and_o practice_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 1._o i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o with_o excellency_n of_o word_n or_o of_o wisdom_n and_o verse_n 4._o nor_o stand_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o verse_n 5._o that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o wrought_v by_o man_n persuasion_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n again_o exekiel_n be_v a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o the_o jew_n take_v a_o pleasure_n to_o hear_v he_o but_o where_o grace_n want_v what_o can_v his_o eloquence_n help_v you_o shall_v have_v it_o in_o god_n own_o word_n ezek_n 33._o 31._o 32._o they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o people_n use_v to_o come_v and_o my_o people_n sit_v before_o thou_o and_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o nâ—rans_a make_v jest_n and_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ezekiels_n utterance_n be_v harsh_a and_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o no_o it_o follow_v and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o this_o for_o speech_n the_o other_o plainness_n be_v 2._o of_o the_o matter_n that_o you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o old_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o plain_a path_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v lay_v forth_o before_o we_o the_o easy_a i_o assure_v i_o to_o
settle_v plantation_n for_o many_o age_n in_o which_o time_n learn_v art_n and_o all_o civility_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v confine_v to_o those_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rest_n further_o remote_a be_v leave_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n and_o the_o same_o course_n be_v hold_v to_o this_o day_n wherein_o learning_n and_o civility_n have_v abandon_v the_o eastern_a country_n which_o have_v forsake_v true_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o approach_v to_o the_o western_a american_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o then_o in_o the_o course_n of_o time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o sundry_a accident_n will_v fall_v out_o for_o the_o dispearce_a of_o sacred_a knowledge_n as_o trade_v and_o commerce_n of_o merchant_n both_o stranger_n into_o judaea_n and_o jew_n into_o foreign_a part_n entertain_v of_o slave_n and_o captive_n who_o if_o barbarous_a learned_a of_o their_o jewish_a if_o jews_n teach_v their_o barbarous_a master_n many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o peregrination_n and_o sojourn_v of_o many_o jew_n abroad_o in_o foreign_a part_n as_o no_o country_n soever_o but_o have_v some_o of_o its_o people_n in_o all_o country_n which_o jew_n as_o they_o learn_v the_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a so_o they_o bring_v in_o among_o they_o some_o piece_n and_o relic_n of_o true_a religion_n last_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n shame_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o learned_a now_o who_o will_v with_o any_o cost_n purchase_v book_n of_o any_o art_n in_o any_o language_n which_o they_o think_v contain_v some_o secret_a knowledge_n and_o rare_a mystery_n as_o also_o spare_v no_o labour_n in_o travel_v into_o foreign_a part_n wherein_o they_o hear_v be_v any_o man_n or_o mean_n whereby_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v wherefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o ancient_n zoroastres_n hermes_n orpheus_n plato_n and_o other_o draw_v their_o knowledge_n which_o in_o part_n they_o have_v of_o many_o high_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o deep_a and_o clear_a fountain_n than_o the_o muddy_a shallow_a spring_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a reason_n though_o in_o the_o passage_n this_o water_n be_v much_o soil_v by_o they_o with_o the_o mud_n of_o many_o idle_a fable_n and_o silly_a conceit_n a_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v either_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o apprehension_n not_o clear_o discern_v what_o be_v perhaps_o plain_o enough_o deliver_v or_o the_o corruption_n of_o those_o idolatrous_a time_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o least_o innovation_n in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o socrates_n which_o constrain_v the_o learned_a in_o those_o day_n to_o conceal_v much_o of_o what_o they_o know_v or_o to_o declare_v it_o dark_o in_o many_o misty_a and_o foggy_a fable_n who_o interpretation_n aftertime_n forget_v and_o so_o believe_v a_o lie_n for_o a_o true_a tale_n hitherto_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n let_v we_o next_o descend_v to_o the_o effect_n thereof_o in_o regard_n of_o practice_n which_o admit_v of_o a_o double_a consideration_n as_o theformer_n what_o may_v be_v what_o have_v be_v do_v shall_v yet_o here_o be_v handle_v joint_o together_o by_o the_o former_a discourse_n it_o appear_v how_o imperfect_a the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o his_o practice_n will_v come_v as_o far_o short_a of_o his_o knowledge_n as_o his_o knowledge_n do_v of_o perfection_n for_o so_o it_o be_v even_o with_o the_o best_a christian_n who_o practise_v far_o less_o than_o they_o know_v much_o more_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v too_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a to_o cause_v any_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n upon_o his_o will_n and_o sensual_a affection_n which_o will_v be_v too_o too_o violent_a and_o untamed_a to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o command_n of_o his_o understanding_n yea_o shall_v we_o suppose_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o all_o duty_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o much_o better_a his_o practice_n so_o easy_o will_v the_o natural_a conscience_n be_v choke_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v support_v by_o faith_n which_o only_o put_v life_n into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n unto_o our_o practice_n and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o natural_a heathen_a and_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a who_o in_o knowledge_n may_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o he_o in_o practice_n for_o see_v they_o both_o alike_o want_v faith_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o goodness_n of_o natural_a temper_n civility_n of_o education_n strictness_n of_o government_n due_a hope_n of_o reward_n and_o praise_n or_o fear_v of_o the_o contrary_a with_o the_o like_a motive_n may_v carry_v a_o heathen_a as_o far_o in_o virtuous_a course_n as_o bare_a illumination_n can_v a_o christian._n the_o same_o corruption_n in_o both_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o christian_n than_o heathen_a as_o sin_n abound_v more_o where_o unsanctified_a knowledge_n abound_v i_o say_v the_o like_a corruption_n in_o both_o will_v imprison_v this_o knowledge_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o it_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o religious_a practice_n whence_o we_o find_v that_o christian_n much_o more_o philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v the_o same_o man_n in_o the_o chair_n and_o in_o their_o conversation_n but_o that_o their_o opinion_n and_o discourse_n have_v be_v full_a of_o sanctity_n and_o temperance_n when_o their_o life_n have_v be_v defile_v with_o all_o impiety_n and_o sensuality_n wherefore_o for_o the_o general_a let_v we_o set_v down_o this_o conclusion_n as_o most_o true_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o application_n of_o his_o knowledge_n unto_o practice_n as_o he_o may_v do_v and_o as_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o gentile_n be_v condemn_v for_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o injustice_n for_o sin_v against_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o for_o know_v god_n and_o yet_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a although_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v or_o know_v so_o much_o as_o he_o ought_v yet_o he_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v ever_o willing_a to_o practice_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n his_o knowledge_n be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v he_o of_o his_o unrighteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o false_a worship_n of_o god_n himself_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o true_a mean_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n right_a worship_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o thus_o in_o god_n wonderful_a judgement_n he_o be_v leave_v as_o without_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o well_o do_v so_o without_o all_o lawful_a excuse_n for_o his_o ill_a do_v but_o come_v we_o to_o particular_n the_o natural_a man_n practice_n respect_v either_o god_n in_o his_o inward_a worship_n outward_a man._n 1._o in_o thing_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n the_o natural_a man_n utter_o pervert_v himself_o in_o his_o practice_n there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a deformity_n and_o disagreement_n that_o may_v be_v between_o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o speculation_n and_o his_o application_n thereof_o to_o practice_n consider_v he_o in_o the_o inward_a worship_n of_o the_o heart_n how_o he_o stand_v affect_v towards_o the_o deity_n in_o those_o inward_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v credence_n and_o confidence_n which_o be_v require_v as_o part_v of_o our_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o see_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n heart_n in_o this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n how_o feeble_a cold_a and_o force_v these_o affection_n will_v be_v how_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o falsehood_n be_v secret_o fasten_v to_o the_o creature_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o creator_n just_a like_o unregenerate_a christian_n that_o will_v make_v show_n of_o love_n fear_v faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o intend_v nothing_o less_o in_o their_o affection_n consider_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v far_o more_o defective_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o manifest_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n who_o corrupt_v their_o way_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mistake_v the_o object_n and_o seek_v for_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o apprehend_v in_o a_o general_a notion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o similitude_n but_o in_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o those_o many_o time_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o
much_o be_v our_o assent_n weaken_v but_o of_o the_o three_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v the_o chief_a who_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n certain_o know_v unto_o we_o will_v move_v we_o to_o a_o certain_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o apprehend_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o consequence_n nor_o discern_v any_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o all_o whereas_o if_o one_o that_o have_v neither_o wit_n nor_o honesty_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n whereof_o we_o also_o see_v the_o probability_n and_o truth_n in_o part_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o belief_n though_o he_o may_v move_v we_o to_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o assent_n be_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o knowledge_n opinion_n and_o belief_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o exact_a knowledge_n our_o assent_n be_v always_o firm_a and_o unremovable_a in_o opinion_n it_o be_v always_o waver_v and_o mutable_a in_o belief_n it_o be_v certain_a but_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o different_a concurrence_n of_o those_o three_o forename_a ground_n now_o out_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v let_v these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v careful_o observe_v 1._o that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o belief_n which_o rule_v you_o must_v understand_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n not_o of_o divers_a thus_o he_o that_o most_o firm_o believe_v any_o truth_n upon_o the_o former_a ground_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v it_o as_o a_o countryman_n who_o strong_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n or_o least_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o whole_a earth_n upon_o the_o affirmation_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o honest_a mathematician_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o when_o afterward_o he_o know_v it_o by_o infallible_a demonstration_n but_o now_o in_o divers_a kind_n our_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o our_o knowledge_n of_o other_o as_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a thing_n upon_o god_n testimony_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o our_o reason_n because_o our_o understanding_n have_v always_o this_o prejudice_n that_o in_o the_o general_a it_o may_v possible_o err_v but_o god_n word_n can_v err_v at_o all_o 2._o that_o perfect_a knowledge_n take_v away_o all_o belief_n supra_fw-la that_o be_v for_o so_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n exclude_v all_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o one_o thing_n may_v help_v our_o belief_n in_o another_o and_o knowledge_n in_o part_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v much_o strengthen_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o other_o part_n but_o here_o in_o this_o opposition_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n your_o must_v always_o remember_v what_o knowledge_n we_o mean_v namely_o scientiam_fw-la intuitivam_fw-la or_o per_fw-la visionem_fw-la that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v have_v by_o behold_v thing_n in_o their_o proper_a nature_n but_o not_o scientiam_fw-la disciplinarem_fw-la or_o per_fw-la revelationeâ—_n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v get_v by_o discourse_n and_o relation_n of_o other_o and_o so_o these_o two_o proposition_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v not_o and_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v be_v not_o opposite_a each_o to_o other_o for_o it_o be_v true_a we_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v namely_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o we_o beeleeve_v that_o which_o we_o do_v know_v viz._n by_o relation_n which_o so_o far_o forth_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o it_o be_v we_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o must_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v give_v to_o matter_n thus_o know_v knowledge_n that_o be_v by_o vision_n or_o intuition_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n in_o their_o proper_a evidence_n enforce_v assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n know_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o understanding_n can_v but_o approve_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o college_n of_o the_o sceptike_n of_o old_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o society_n of_o fool_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perpetual_a doubtfulness_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o madness_n when_o they_o will_v not_o assent_v that_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n shine_v when_o they_o look_v on_o it_o nor_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o burn_v nor_o will_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n in_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o such_o be_v anaxagoras_n his_o dull_a melancholy_a or_o wilful_a frenzy_n to_o maintain_v in_o good_a sadness_n that_o the_o snow_n be_v black_a for_o such_o be_v the_o natural_a assinity_n between_o evident_a truth_n and_o our_o understanding_n that_o though_o we_o will_v yet_o wecannot_v but_o subscribe_v and_o yield_v our_o allowance_n and_o assent_n unto_o it_o whence_o it_o fall_v out_o many_o time_n that_o a_o usurer_n a_o chuch-robber_n or_o some_o other_o not_o willing_a to_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o course_n though_o doubtful_a whether_o lawful_a or_o not_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n read_v such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n write_v on_o those_o subject_n for_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v content_a to_o practice_v and_o that_o his_o conscience_n shall_v be_v convict_v in_o spite_n of_o his_o will_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o that_o other_o knowledge_n by_o relation_n let_v a_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o plain_o deliver_v so_o that_o we_o full_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v yet_o if_o neither_o our_o own_o sense_n nor_o reason_n do_v convince_v we_o we_o assent_v may_v choose_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o assent_v unto_o it_o embrace_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o very_a natural_a property_n of_o man_n never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o other_o report_n till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v and_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o by_o evident_a experience_n draw_v the_o lively_a picture_n of_o any_o man_n the_o most_o curious_a landship_n of_o any_o country_n it_o content_v not_o we_o must_v see_v both_o the_o one_o and_o other_o set_a down_o the_o most_o try_a experiment_n in_o nature_n take_v by_o most_o skilful_a artist_n this_o please_v not_o other_o till_o their_o own_o trial_n confirm_v they_o general_o every_o man_n will_v fain_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n hear_v with_o his_o own_o ear_n understand_v by_o his_o own_o not_o another_o man_n reason_n in_o which_o inclination_n of_o nature_n lie_v the_o original_n of_o all_o the_o distrust_n and_o diffidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o restless_a inquiry_n which_o we_o make_v one_o after_o another_o into_o the_o same_o thing_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v bulâ—ed_v in_o examine_v our_o forefather_n invention_n and_o posterity_n also_o employ_v in_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o examination_n neither_o we_o nor_o they_o have_v much_o time_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o learned_a knowledge_n hence_o also_o may_v we_o guess_v at_o one_o cause_n why_o many_o science_n even_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v keep_v one_o pitch_n and_o not_o grow_v above_o that_o dwarfish_a stature_n they_o have_v in_o their_o infant_n invention_n and_o also_o what_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o many_o that_o read_v most_o prove_v not_o the_o deep_a scholar_n for_o no_o great_a impediment_n to_o exact_a learning_n than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o man_n understanding_n and_o neglect_v our_o own_o it_o will_v also_o hence_o appear_v that_o history_n a_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a employment_n be_v yet_o of_o all_o study_a learning_n the_o weak_a to_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o that_o depend_v whole_o upon_o such_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o man_n mind_n desire_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o at_o all_o namely_o another_o tongue_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o very_o usual_o those_o that_o be_v of_o credulous_a and_o passive_a understanding_n least_o able_a to_o employ_v their_o own_o strength_n in_o painful_a and_o attentive_a inquiry_n after_o knowledge_n such_o do_v not_o unwilling_o apply_v their_o diligence_n to_o that_o course_n of_o study_n but_o i_o
not_o book-learned_a do_v conceive_v to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o must_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a because_o man_n be_v careless_a be_v the_o bible_n a_o hard_a book_n because_o common_a people_n understand_v it_o not_o in_o latin_a be_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o darksome_a and_o intricate_a because_o one_o man_n understand_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o another_o do_v or_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n perceive_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prophecy_n which_o the_o next_o age_n may_v clear_o understand_v these_o be_v weak_a inference_n and_o such_o as_o can_v overturn_v our_o first_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o all_o doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o narration_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n bad_a and_o good_a for_o what_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v name_v that_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o understand_v i_o say_v not_o by_o a_o learned_a or_o godly_a but_o even_o by_o any_o man_n what_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v plain_o find_v out_o what_o text_n of_o doctrine_n whereof_o some_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v out_o may_v not_o all_o understand_v what_o one_o do_v yea_o take_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n life_n everlasting_a regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o obscure_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n any_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o common_a unto_o the_o unregenerate_a for_o charity_n though_o it_o can_v wish_v yet_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o to_o write_v or_o preach_v sound_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o man_n true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n experience_n and_o reason_n make_v good_a the_o contrary_a that_o a_o singular_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o no_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v compatible_a who_o see_v not_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o knowledge_n he_o surpass_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o in_o malice_n far_o exceed_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n unto_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o so_o essential_o link_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o teach_v whilst_o yet_o the_o heart_n remain_v froward_a unbroken_a and_o untractable_a the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n prefer_v they_o in_o our_o choice_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o gracious_a motion_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n powerful_o bind_v and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o right_n and_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a illumination_n to_o go_v far_o i_o say_v by_o common_a illumination_n understand_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o usual_a in_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n skill_n of_o language_n use_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n in_o their_o write_n and_o commentary_n conference_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o learned_a live_n and_o accustom_a painfulness_n in_o study_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o these_o mean_n a_o christian_a presuppose_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a writ_n may_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n prove_v excellent_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n he_o may_v understand_v all_o and_o every_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a belief_n all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o christian_a practice_n any_o sermon_n or_o treatise_n tend_v to_o holy_a instruction_n any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o dark_a and_o doubtfull_a interpretation_n yea_o in_o these_o thing_n many_o time_n sanctity_n go_v not_o so_o far_o as_o those_o common_a grace_n do_v and_o you_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o happy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n nor_o sound_a determiner_n of_o controversy_n but_o that_o both_o of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n many_a time_n man_n of_o ungodly_a life_n and_o idolatrous_a profession_n have_v equal_v and_o exceed_v other_o in_o their_o commentary_n and_o treatise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o every_o day_n show_v that_o many_o a_o wretched_a man_n and_o vile_a hypocrite_n may_v yet_o make_v so_o good_a a_o sermon_n even_o about_o the_o most_o spiritual_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o prayer_n that_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quick_a sight_n yet_o see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o may_v deem_v he_o sound_v heart_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o learn_v religion_n by_o rote_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v what_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o affect_v this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o next_o be_v this_o 2._o all_o history_n and_o prediction_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o most_o illuminate_v understanding_n by_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o the_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v stand_v long_o in_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n in_o many_o precept_n and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n sense_n and_o reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o do_v but_o in_o matter_n historical_a and_o prophetical_a faith_n only_o bear_v sway_v for_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o go_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o from_o authority_n of_o scripture_n relation_n that_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v noah_n save_v in_o the_o ark_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o by_o the_o story_n so_o for_o prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n they_o be_v not_o evident_a till_o the_o event_n make_v they_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o papacy_n root_v out_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o word_n foretell_v they_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o kind_n can_v our_o sense_n be_v inform_v or_o our_o understanding_n convince_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o revelation_n believe_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n principal_o be_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o make_v heb._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o where_o he_o use_v two_o word_n to_o express_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hope_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v of_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n and_o comprise_v all_o both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v thing_n hope_v for_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a both_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o drown_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v unseen_a and_o possession_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o 3._o precept_n and_o discourse_n of_o dogmatic_a point_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o both_o to_o the_o regenerate_a &_o also_o the_o unregenerate_a this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o manifest_a truth_n as_o shall_v appear_v thus_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v doctrinal_a discourse_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o of_o matter_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o morality_n other_o of_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o divinity_n