〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d root_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o undoubted_a persuasion_n of_o this_o 23._o truth_n we_o be_v all_o very_o backward_o in_o this_o study_n and_o that_o be_v one_o argument_n the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o our_o wretched_a sinfulness_n can_v brook_v they_o and_o again_o we_o be_v very_o dull_a of_o understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v also_o a_o good_a proof_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o most_o divine_a understanding_n because_o our_o natural_a wit_n be_v sharp_a enough_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o comprehend_v not_o these_o mystery_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o let_v we_o be_v persuade_v with_o prayer_n in_o humility_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ._n search_v the_o scripture_n &_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o king_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o set_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o head_n of_o our_o study_n therein_o lay_v a_o sure_a groundwork_n of_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n follow_v this_o course_n we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o expect_v a_o full_a resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n and_o experience_n will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v it_o manifest_a a_o most_o sure_a word_n as_o s._n peter_n call_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o whereon_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o word_n be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n and_o that_o god_n who_o in_o the_o creation_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n shine_v also_o into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o 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 as_o it_o be_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v constant_a in_o our_o religious_a profession_n while_o we_o live_v and_o also_o unconquerable_a in_o our_o spiritual_a consolation_n when_o we_o be_v to_o die_v hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o strength_n of_o taiths_n assent_n be_v build_v namely_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o divine_a revelatinos_n i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o next_o two_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellent_a worth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o be_v not_o toy_n &_o tristes_fw-la matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o god_n propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v embrace_v &_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o we_o hos._n 8._o 12._o a_o law_n that_o be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n a_o testimony_n that_o be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a statute_n that_o be_v right_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n commandment_n that_o be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n judgement_n that_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o what_o man_n desire_v most_o than_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a than_o the_o heny_n that_o drop_v from_o the_o best_a honey_n comb_n as_o the_o holy_a prophet_n david_n ps._n 19_o 7._o etc._n etc._n most_o emphatical_o amplify_v the_o dignity_n &_o worth_n of_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v in_o his_o time_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n since_o than_o we_o have_v a_o large_a increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n the_o gospel_n full_o reveal_v and_o write_v for_o our_o benefit_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n &_o that_o in_o a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n v_o 10._o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a mystery_n col._n 1._o â—7_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o all_o both_o law_n &_o gospel_n old_a &_o new_a testament_n be_v full_a of_o admirable_a perfection_n goodness_n &_o excellency_n in_o themselves_o and_o towards_o we_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o scripture_n shall_v live_v in_o they_o if_o he_o do_v they_o not_o then_o curse_v be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o bâ—oke_n to_o fulfil_v they_o again_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mar._n 16._o 16._o no_o less_o matter_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n than_o blessing_n and_o curse_v salvation_n and_o damnation_n grace_n &_o sin_n god_n favour_n and_o his_o displeasure_n heaven_n and_o hell_n now_o lay_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n together_o there_o be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o speak_n of_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o or_o that_o can_v bear_v any_o proportion_n of_o worth_n &_o greatness_n with_o they_o wherefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o forceable_a motive_n unto_o we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n that_o we_o fasten_v our_o faith_n upon_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o strength_n and_o steadfastness_n not_o bare_o and_o slight_o pass_v they_o over_o as_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o deep_a &_o most_o attentive_a meditation_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o â—xedulous_a and_o apprehensive_a man_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n that_o may_v concern_v they_o in_o their_o name_n good_n or_o life_n every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o they_o fear_v or_o hope_n for_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v scarce_a any_o thing_n will_v '_o work_n upon_o we_o we_o heed_v not_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v promise_n or_o threaten_n exhortation_n or_o admonition_n all_o be_v one_o to_o we_o we_o pass_v little_a for_o one_o or_o other_o but_o as_o the_o iâ—â—es_n of_o old_a we_o count_v these_o thing_n as_o strange_a matter_n that_o little_o concern_v us._n naturally_n we_o be_v all_o atheist_n &_o insidel_n and_o that_o of_o saluian_a be_v true_a even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o us._n omma_n a_o mamus_fw-la 5._o omne_fw-la colimus_fw-la solus_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o comparatione_fw-la omnium_fw-la deus_fw-la vilis_fw-la est_fw-la we_o can_v study_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o can_v love_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n &_o goodness_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o religion_n be_v far_o from_o any_o through_o apprehension_n of_o the_o excellency_n &_o worth_n thereof_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v sleight_n and_o vanish_v our_o affection_n towards_o it_o cold_a and_o force_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o near_o to_o a_o fancy_n &_o weak_a imagination_n than_o a_o well_o ground_a faith_n wherefore_o let_v we_o henceforth_o value_v divine_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o better_v to_o we_o then_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o the_o world_n have_v in_o high_a account_n hence_o shall_v we_o gather_v strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o zealous_a affection_n the_o last_o ground_n remain_v whereupon_o the_o firmness_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o assent_n stand_v and_o that_o be_v the_o manifest_a experience_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o believe_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o commendation_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o can_v believe_v before_o &_o against_o experience_n and_o abraham_n faith_n be_v herein_o a_o glorious_a pattern_n to_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v strong_o the_o promise_n when_o for_o a_o long_a time_n he_o find_v but_o small_a performance_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o his_o life_n but_o general_o faith_n be_v but_o weak_a till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o experience_n this_o give_v it_o life_n make_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n strong_a in_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n see_v this_o in_o a_o example_n or_o two_o 1_o sam._n 30._o we_o find_v david_n &_o his_o man_n in_o great_a distress_n for_o the_o loss_n they_o have_v sustain_v at_o zâ—klaâ—_n david_n sorrow_n as_o well_o as_o his_o servant_n &_o his_o loss_n be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o pacific_a they_o david_n be_v their_o captain_n and_o they_o think_v this_o nuthap_n come_v by_o his_o fault_n so_o in_o their_o rage_n they_o intend_v to_o stone_n he_o what_o shall_v david_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o furious_a multitude_n slight_a or_o resistance_n can_v help_v he_o see_v how_o his_o faith_n help_v he_o out_o in_o this_o exigent_n he_o be_v now_o in_o danger_n but_o he_o have_v be_v in_o as_o great_a many_o a_o time_n before_o and_o very_o narrow_o have_v he_o escape_v the_o snare_n that_o saul_n and_o his_o courtier_n have_v lay_v for_o his_o life_n but_o god_n deliver_v he_o there_o and_o
truth_n as_o themselves_o have_v either_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancestor_n or_o learn_v by_o new_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o church_n grow_v out_o of_o a_o family_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o as_o man_n multiply_v so_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n increase_v god_n himself_o write_v a_o catechism_n for_o the_o jew_n describe_v a_o short_a compendium_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o two_o authentic_a table_n of_o the_o law_n contain_v ten_o word_n so_o few_o and_o so_o plain_a that_o the_o short_a memory_n and_o shallow_a wit_n may_v easy_o comprehend_v they_o and_o withal_o god_n now_o lay_v a_o express_a command_n upon_o his_o people_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o the_o word_n be_v emphatical_a thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v sharpen_v they_o by_o often_o and_o seasonable_a instruction_n give_v a_o edge_n or_o point_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v pierce_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o unlearned_a how_o careful_o this_o strict_a injunction_n be_v afterward_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o levite_n in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a by_o master_n of_o family_n we_o can_v certain_o define_v where_o scripture_n be_v silent_a of_o both_o their_o practice_n but_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o carefulness_n of_o former_a time_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o these_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o both_o levite_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o governor_n in_o their_o private_a house_n be_v negligent_a enough_o in_o discharge_v this_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v that_o there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o who_o godly_a industry_n in_o this_o particular_a may_v just_o shame_v the_o impious_a slothfulness_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o latter_a age_n where_o will_v a_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n be_v now_o find_v personage_n of_o high_a quality_n yet_o count_v it_o no_o disgrace_n to_o read_v a_o lecture_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n to_o a_o yongue_n solomon_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o practice_n 2._o chron._n 28._o 8._o prov._n 31._o 1._o and_o solomon_n himself_o seem_v to_o give_v that_o precept_n out_o of_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o most_o excellent_a education_n teach_v a_o child_n the_o trade_n of_o his_o way_n and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o though_o himself_o scarce_a do_v so_o yea_o albeit_o infinite_a corruption_n have_v at_o this_o day_n deform_v all_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o even_o to_o these_o time_n may_v be_v see_v some_o print_n of_o their_o ancient_a discipline_n among_o they_o who_o child_n be_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n first_o teach_v the_o law_n and_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o after_o that_o their_o talmudicall_a tradition_n with_o such_o care_n and_o industry_n as_o their_o skill_n in_o judaism_n at_o 17._o exceed_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o among_o we_o in_o christianity_n at_o 70._o whereof_o see_v the_o learned_a buxd._n synag_n judaic._n c._n 3._o but_o come_v we_o unto_o those_o time_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o holy_a thing_n shine_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o we_o may_v trace_v this_o practice_n by_o its_o apparent_a footstep_n even_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o downward_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v but_o a_o copy_n and_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o primitive_a catechism_n &_o the_o apostle_n paul_n commend_v to_o timothy_n custody_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o pattern_n and_o delincation_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o which_o also_o rom._n 12._o 6._o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o all_o fundamental_a point_n of_o sacred_a doctrine_n with_o which_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n must_v bear_v due_a proportion_n now_o very_a necessity_n drive_v they_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o draw_v religion_n into_o compendious_a head_n and_o short_a summary_n partly_o in_o regard_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a belief_n a_o thorough_a knowledge_n and_o open_a confession_n whereof_o be_v require_v of_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n who_o because_o of_o the_o dangerous_a solicitation_n of_o idolatrous_a gentile_n and_o heretical_a christian_n privy_o creep_v in_o to_o beguile_v by_o craftiness_n ignorant_a and_o unstable_a soul_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o have_v their_o mind_n settle_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a conclusion_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o sophistical_a seducement_n both_o these_o whether_o new_a convert_v or_o yongue_n christian_n be_v ancient_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o their_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n and_o for_o such_o who_o narrow_a wit_n can_v not_o comprehend_v large_a discourse_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o epitome_n touch_v the_o word_n we_o find_v it_o more_o ancient_a than_o this_o custom_n and_o more_o general_o understand_v than_o of_o it_o only_o in_o general_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o metonymicall_a signification_n be_v to_o teach_v other_o viuâ_fw-la voâ—â—_n by_o speech_n sound_v into_o their_o ear_n in_o special_a to_o instruct_v any_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o a_o art_n or_o science_n because_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a learn_v more_o by_o other_o teach_v than_o their_o own_o study_n in_o the_o general_a acception_n beside_o profane_a author_n we_o find_v it_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n five_o several_a time_n luke_n 1._o 4._o that_o thou_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereof_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v say_v s._n luke_n to_o theophilus_n render_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o gospel_n unto_o he_o of_o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n &_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 18._o 25._o &_o rom._n 2._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instuct_v by_o the_o law_n again_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 19_o i_o have_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o may_v also_o teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n but_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n gal._n 6._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n in_o all_o his_o good_n in_o all_o which_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v teach_v or_o instruct_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v but_o in_o time_n present_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o since_o the_o word_n have_v be_v usual_o take_v by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o first_o instruction_n of_o yongue_n beginner_n in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n for_o now_o begin_v the_o gentile_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v catechise_v daily_o increase_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n to_o be_v more_o frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o business_n and_o as_o the_o burden_n grow_v heavy_a so_o new_a mean_n be_v devise_v for_o their_o better_a institution_n hence_o beside_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o special_o depute_v to_o attend_v this_o office_n who_o from_o their_o employment_n be_v call_v catechistae_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o also_o in_o school_n open_v for_o that_o purpose_n do_v teach_v such_o as_o be_v rude_a and_o ignorant_a the_o element_n of_o christian_a religion_n famous_a above_o other_o be_v that_o school_n at_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n wherein_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n teach_v and_o so_o many_o holy_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v their_o first_o education_n there_o it_o be_v that_o origen_n
the_o blame_n upon_o their_o sickly_a body_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o their_o own_o indiscretion_n who_o feed_v they_o not_o with_o child_n bread_n but_o force_n upon_o they_o strong_a meat_n which_o they_o can_v digest_v but_o vomit_v up_o again_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o my_o first_o conclusion_n i_o come_v unto_o the_o second_o which_o the_o word_n afford_v unto_o we_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v always_o increase_v and_o fruitful_a i_o couple_v both_o property_n together_o as_o both_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o apostle_n let_v us_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n he_o that_o know_v all_o and_o do_v nothing_o he_o know_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o he_o that_o do_v his_o master_n will_n and_o know_v it_o not_o shall_v have_v no_o thanks_n for_o do_v he_o know_v not_o what_o science_n and_o conscience_n join_v both_o together_o make_v up_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n perfect_a indeed_o in_o all_o his_o part_n but_o yet_o imperfect_a still_o in_o every_o degree_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o must_v be_v so_o they_o must_v also_o grow_v together_o god_n spirit_n never_o arise_v upon_o that_o man_n heart_n by_o supernatural_a light_n of_o save_v knowledge_n where_o the_o light_n grow_v dark_a and_o dimmer_n and_o shine_v not_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n till_o at_o last_o it_o illighten_v the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonetide_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o brightness_n never_o be_v that_o man_n bear_v again_o of_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n both_o which_o be_v of_o lively_a and_o mighty_a operation_n who_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n add_v one_o grace_n unto_o another_o until_o he_o abound_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o great_a eyesore_n to_o god_n when_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o beautiful_a garden_n of_o the_o church_n to_o delight_v himself_o among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n and_o to_o gather_v of_o their_o pleasant_a fruit_n if_o then_o he_o shall_v see_v any_o plant_n which_o come_v not_o forward_o in_o so_o kind_o a_o soil_n or_o which_o grow_v great_a and_o green_a but_o bear_v no_o fruit_n at_o all_o certain_o we_o may_v well_o think_v there_o be_v a_o canker_n at_o the_o root_n and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o such_o a_o tree_n be_v blast_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n fiery_a displeasure_n which_o in_o a_o moment_n shall_v consume_v both_o branch_n and_o root_n you_o know_v the_o doom_n take_v it_o away_o why_o shall_v it_o trouble_v the_o ground_n and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o our_o apostle_n the_o sentence_n be_v dreadful_a against_o non-prosicients_a the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v often_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n be_v reprove_v and_o be_v near_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v for_o 8._o the_o godly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o they_o they_o that_o be_v good_a will_v be_v better_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a will_v be_v holy_a still_o he_o that_o be_v just_a will_v be_v yet_o more_o just_a that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n be_v most_o heavenly_a the_o righteous_a shall_v flourish_v like_o a_o palmo_n tree_n and_o shall_v grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n such_o as_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n even_o in_o their_o age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a psal._n 90._o 11_o 12_o 13._o but_o no_o more_o in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n let_v we_o turn_v our_o thought_n for_o a_o while_n unto_o some_o application_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o ourselves_o who_o profession_n be_v to_o know_v much_o and_o desire_v to_o know_v all_o let_v it_o be_v our_o chief_a study_n to_o become_v good_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o great_a scholar_n you_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v no_o needless_a admonition_n if_o you_o well_o consider_v both_o how_o easy_a and_o also_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v graceless_a and_o yet_o learned_a which_o unhappy_a separation_n how_o oft_o it_o be_v make_v the_o experience_n of_o former_a and_o present_a time_n do_v witness_n and_o both_o church_n and_o state_n in_o all_o age_n have_v feel_v the_o mischievons_fw-fr effect_n of_o it_o let_v i_o but_o discover_v the_o danger_n wherewith_o our_o peaceable_a and_o happy_a course_n of_o life_n be_v yet_o encompass_v withal_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o other_o motive_n to_o make_v we_o heedful_a of_o our_o own_o welfare_n our_o adversary_n be_v chief_o two_o 1._o our_o own_o corruption_n which_o be_v once_o stir_v work_v strange_o when_o civil_a education_n moral_a instruction_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o part_n shall_v work_v upon_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a they_o will_v begin_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n rectify_v the_o distemper_a affection_n and_o give_v a_o assay_n to_o pluck_v up_o impiety_n and_o incivillity_n by_o the_o root_n but_o all_o together_o be_v too_o weak_a where_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n help_v not_o and_o without_o its_o ingredient_n virtue_n be_v like_o a_o potion_n that_o stir_v the_o humour_n but_o can_v purge_v they_o whence_o corruption_n once_o move_v become_v violent_a the_o affection_n rage_n conscience_n be_v overbear_v the_o light_n be_v resist_v all_o those_o band_n wherewith_o sinful_a nature_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v fetter_v be_v break_v like_o a_o thread_n of_o tow_n and_o such_o a_o one_o carry_v furious_o beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o ordinary_a iniquity_n to_o all_o transcendent_a wickedness_n for_o none_o so_o desperate_o evil_a as_o they_o that_o may_v be_v good_a and_o will_v not_o or_o have_v be_v good_a and_o be_v not_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o have_v another_o enemy_n and_o that_o be_v 2._o satan_n by_o his_o most_o powerful_a instigation_n contrive_v with_o much_o cunning_n enforce_v with_o secret_a and_o irre_v stable_a violence_n good_a reason_n this_o lion_n shall_v roar_v fierce_a upon_o so_o hopeful_a a_o prey_n a_o scholar_n be_v at_o least_o one_o degree_n of_o eminency_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n and_o his_o example_n prevail_v much_o on_o either_o side_n if_o knowledge_n dare_v venture_v what_o shall_v ignorance_n doubt_v if_o learning_n can_v defend_v itself_o from_o common-vice_n how_o shall_v rudeness_n and_o simplicity_n be_v safe_a and_o thus_o he_o perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o transgression_n again_o this_o be_v like_a poison_n in_o the_o fountain_n like_o a_o worm_n in_o the_o root_n like_o corruption_n and_o rottenness_n in_o the_o seed_n when_o those_o that_o be_v spes_fw-la gregis_fw-la the_o hope_n of_o present_a and_o after_o time_n who_o shoulder_n shall_v bear_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v themselves_o become_v vile_a light_a and_o vain_a person_n corrupt_a and_o corrupt_a child_n sure_o the_o devil_n can_v work_v a_o more_o compendious_a mischief_n than_o to_o deform_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o other_o reformation_n think_v not_o then_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a from_o danger_n than_o other_o man_n nay_o my_o brethren_n satan_n have_v his_o quiver_n full_a of_o fiery_a shaft_n fit_v for_o all_o occasion_n all_o affection_n all_o calling_n and_o we_o in_o our_o scholastical_a study_n lie_v as_o open_v to_o the_o stroke_n of_o his_o spiritual_a temptation_n as_o other_o do_v in_o their_o civil_a and_o mechanical_a employment_n i_o will_v describe_v some_o two_o or_o three_o of_o those_o weapon_n of_o death_n prepare_v for_o our_o ruin_n and_o so_o pass_v on_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v grosser_n temptation_n to_o ill_a manner_n and_o open_a profaneness_n for_o some_o there_o be_v of_o a_o base_a mettle_n and_o more_o impure_a temper_n fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o the_o mean_a service_n the_o devil_n shall_v put_v they_o to_o these_o shame_n of_o learning_n and_o ingenuous_a education_n who_o bring_v up_o a_o ill_a report_n upon_o these_o place_n dedicate_v to_o piety_n and_o modesty_n you_o may_v common_o see_v and_o do_v i_o hope_v unfeigned_o detest_v but_o this_o way_n succeed_v not_o in_o all_o in_o who_o learning_n breed_v civility_n at_o the_o least_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o second_o supply_n at_o hand_n of_o such_o poison_n as_o will_v be_v more_o general_o and_o easy_o swallow_v of_o which_o drug_n there_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v four_o most_o deadly_a 1._o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n a_o bastard_n beget_v betwixt_o a_o learned_a head_n and_o a_o unsanctified_a heart_n
direction_n for_o the_o right_n and_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fancy_n overvalue_v nature_n ability_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a experience_n and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o christ._n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o must_v be_v know_v whereof_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o heathen_a be_v it_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o some_o inward_a suggestion_n vision_n or_o dream_n or_o by_o outward_a instruction_n from_o a_o preacher_n or_o prophet_n invisible_o convey_v unto_o they_o by_o miracle_n or_o extraordinary_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o again_o when_o be_v this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n bestow_v on_o pagan_n have_v they_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o so_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o be_v it_o give_v afterward_o at_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o infant_n and_o so_o not_o in_o all_o the_o heathen_a and_o at_o what_o year_n be_v it_o bestow_v and_o what_o if_o they_o die_v before_o that_o age_n all_o which_o quaeres_fw-la be_v inexplicable_a and_o draw_v into_o most_o vex_v and_o torture_v absurdity_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n give_v to_o indian_n american_n tartarian_n and_o other_o pagan_n when_o they_o that_o defend_v it_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o see_v it_o be_v neither_o any_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a knowledge_n i_o think_v none_o will_v be_v so_o senseless_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v some_o natural_a or_o supernatupower_v or_o ability_n for_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v not_o grace_n if_o supernatural_a it_o will_v be_v know_v to_o what_o purpose_n a_o supernatural_a ability_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o ignorant_a infidel_n to_o do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o 2._o let_v we_o come_v to_o experience_n and_o judge_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v possible_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o virginian_n and_o other_o american_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o southern_a unknown_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v at_o this_o day_n or_o ever_o have_v have_v before_o or_o since_o christ_n sufficient_a grace_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n what_o instance_n and_o example_n can_v be_v give_v in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o any_o one_o among_o these_o or_o other_o gentile_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n strange_a that_o what_o be_v ordinary_o bestow_v on_o all_o shall_v never_o take_v effect_n in_o any_o if_o it_o do_v take_v effect_n extraordinary_o in_o some_o how_o know_v they_o that_o if_o ordinary_o in_o many_o then_o farewell_n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o the_o gentile_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n above_o pagan_n if_o god_n ordinary_o have_v his_o church_n his_o convert_v his_o right_a worshipper_n even_o amid_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o his_o word_n these_o opinion_n be_v as_o moulin_n speak_v like_o sick_a man_n dream_n or_o rather_o mad_a man_n rave_n 3._o let_v we_o inquire_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o speak_v as_o favourable_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o these_o pitiful_a remonstrant_n doe_n in_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v another_o manner_n of_o censure_n both_o touch_v their_o forlorn_a estate_n in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n as_o also_o the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n into_o grace_n except_o by_o great_a help_n than_o the_o arminian_n afford_v they_o of_o the_o ephesian_n paul_n testify_v that_o before_o they_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephes._n 2._o 12._o and_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n witness_v of_o all_o the_o gentile_n that_o before_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rise_v to_o they_o they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n mat._n 4._o 15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o pure_a natural_n so_o full_o express_v by_o those_o place_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o significant_o declare_v now_o for_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v convert_v the_o scripture_n deny_v they_o all_o unto_o they_o god_n favour_v they_o not_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o bestow_v grace_n on_o they_o for_o in_o time_n past_a he_o suffer_v all_o the_o gentile_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n say_v paul_n act_v 14._o 16._o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o have_v not_o for_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o every_o nation_n neither_o have_v they_o know_v his_o judgement_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o a_o preacher_n they_o have_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10._o 14._o natural_a ability_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o power_n give_v they_o from_o god_n for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o and_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o what_o shall_v we_o think_v then_o the_o poor_a american_n can_v either_o know_v or_o do_v in_o point_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o pretend_a power_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n when_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o jew_n yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o a_o special_a gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o christ_n whereof_o they_o will_v not_o say_v those_o pagan_n be_v make_v partaker_n wherefore_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v this_o monstrous_a opinion_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o conversion_n bestow_v upon_o savage_n and_o infidel_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o absurdity_n thereof_o although_o the_o sequel_n of_o their_o other_o tenant_n one_o error_n draw_v on_o another_o have_v enforce_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o defend_v this_o also_o and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o go_v abroad_o without_o the_o patronage_n of_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n they_o proceed_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o upon_o two_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v well_o use_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o heathen_a from_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o evil_a way_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o gentile_n use_v the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n well_o and_o with_o their_o best_a endeavour_n god_n be_v ready_a nay_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o one_o further_a grace_n viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o themystery_n of_o redemption_n these_o two_o be_v the_o rot_a pillar_n of_o universal_a grace_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_n which_o how_o shake_v and_o rive_v they_o be_v you_o may_v soon_o perceive_v if_o we_o peel_v off_o that_o plaster_n of_o doubtful_a word_n waver_v and_o dark_a sentence_n 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he_o be_v a_o live_a substance_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v one_o 4._o that_o he_o be_v eternal_a 5._o that_o he_o be_v immutable_a 6._o that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v at_o once_o in_o all_o place_n 7._o that_o his_o substance_n be_v incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a 8._o that_o he_o be_v most_o simple_a without_o all_o mixture_n and_o composition_n 9_o that_o he_o be_v most_o perfect_a most_o happy_a most_o good_a and_o omnisufficient_a in_o and_o of_o himself_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o most_o free_a omniscient_a and_o most_o wise_a 11._o that_o he_o be_v most_o just_a and_o merciful_a in_o reward_v and_o punish_v beside_o these_o invisible_a thing_n of_o the_o godhead_n a_o mere_a natural_a man_n may_v know_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n give_v all_o thing_n their_o be_v of_o nothing_o 2._o that_o this_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n do_v preserve_v and_o rule_v all_o thing_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o a_o natural_a man_n 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the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v so_o discernible_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n as_o those_o other_o point_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o second_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n whereof_o he_o will_v with_o ease_n attain_v unto_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n beside_o that_o in_o nature_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o with_o the_o lystrian_n act._n 14_o 17._o the_o athenian_n in_o that_o long_a and_o excellent_a sermon_n whole_o almost_o of_o this_o subject_n act._n 17._o 24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o a_o exact_a consideration_n and_o resolution_n of_o which_o place_n will_v singular_o declare_v the_o point_n in_o question_n but_o go_v we_o on_o from_o what_o may_v be_v know_v to_o inquire_v in_o brief_a what_o have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a man_n in_o former_a time_n which_o 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those_o treatise_n of_o oeconomicke_n ethic_n and_o politic_n where_o the_o order_n of_o household_n government_n the_o course_n of_o a_o virtuous_a conversation_n the_o law_n of_o state_n and_o policy_n be_v dispute_v large_o and_o in_o most_o point_n consonant_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n so_o that_o in_o many_o of_o these_o virtue_n commend_v unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n we_o may_v with_o much_o profit_n have_v recourse_n unto_o their_o write_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n 2._o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a when_o these_o ancient_n be_v only_o guide_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o by_o some_o supernatural_a illumination_n not_o that_o god_n do_v afford_v divine_a revelation_n concern_v heavenly_a mystery_n unto_o the_o heathen_a except_v haply_o the_o sibyl_n but_o that_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n to_o his_o church_n be_v from_o they_o bring_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o philosopher_n a_o point_n not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o in_o any_o kind_n have_v principal_o flourish_v in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v be_v nigh_a unto_o the_o border_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o breed_v civility_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n in_o the_o country_n wherein_o it_o be_v profess_v and_o also_o spread_v some_o part_n of_o its_o light_n and_o virtue_n into_o the_o country_n next_o adjoin_v witness_v hereof_o be_v the_o country_n of_o chaldea_n syria_n egypt_n arabia_n greece_n and_o asia_n with_o the_o near_a coast_n thereof_o wherein_o the_o church_n have_v its_o original_n and_o first_o breed_n or_o nigh_o whereunto_o it_o have_v its_o abode_n and_o
so_o with_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o these_o thing_n mean_v if_o to_o our_o apprehension_n there_o appear_v more_o terror_n in_o the_o angry_a word_n of_o a_o king_n than_o the_o most_o peremptory_a threaten_n of_o god_n if_o a_o reproof_n of_o a_o know_a fault_n will_v be_v reject_v by_o we_o with_o contempt_n and_o gall_n if_o we_o sleight_v the_o sweet_a exhortation_n and_o the_o consolation_n of_o god_n seem_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o we_o if_o we_o can_v with_o a_o confident_a scorn_n of_o all_o god_n counsel_n hold_v a_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o our_o own_o course_n let_v god_n and_o his_o minister_n say_v what_o they_o list_v if_o our_o corruption_n trouble_v we_o not_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n we_o take_v least_o notice_n of_o the_o sinful_a estate_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o of_o all_o pleasure_n and_o study_n we_o find_v least_o content_a in_o hear_v read_v meditate_v on_o the_o word_n these_o thing_n be_v infallible_a symptom_n of_o spiritual_a death_n that_o have_v seize_v on_o we_o and_o that_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o so_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n 25._o of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v make_v alive_a by_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o this_o trial_n be_v certain_a and_o this_o change_n that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n work_v in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v very_o sensible_a if_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o censure_v ourselves_o that_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v it_o not_o to_o conclude_v they_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o find_v in_o it_o god_n seq_n power_n work_v sanctification_n in_o their_o heart_n other_o hear_v it_o only_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n which_o go_v no_o further_a than_o the_o natural_a care_n and_o understanding_n where_o this_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o all_o reformation_n in_o the_o life_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a in_o the_o two_o former_a question_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o pretend_a sufficiency_n of_o grace_n universal_o bestow_v on_o all_o whether_o within_o or_o without_o the_o church_n and_o show_v you_o that_o all_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v ordinary_o give_v either_o to_o christian_n or_o heathen_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a for_o to_o work_v their_o true_a conversion_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o further_a aid_n of_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v on_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o sanctification_n thereof_o we_o be_v at_o this_o time_n to_o come_v unto_o our_o three_o and_o last_o question_n whether_o or_o no_o suppose_v such_o grace_n to_o be_v give_v as_o be_v true_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v it_o be_v notwithstanding_o in_o man_n power_n free_o to_o choose_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v convert_v or_o not_o convert_v by_o it_o the_o arminian_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o when_o god_n direct_o intend_v to_o convert_v a_o man_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n afford_v he_o all_o gracious_a help_n needful_a to_o be_v give_v on_o his_o part_n than_o man_n by_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n may_v resist_v god_n will_n and_o work_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o work_v his_o conversion_n a_o desperate_a error_n which_o whosoever_o maintain_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o christian_a humility_n and_o thankfulness_n can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o that_o man_n heart_n wherefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o much_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o consequence_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o become_v a_o enemy_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o question_n than_o be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o man_n power_n so_o to_o resist_v the_o grace_n of_o question_n god_n as_o final_o to_o hinder_v his_o own_o conversion_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v with_o god_n help_v proceed_v in_o this_o order_n 1._o to_o show_v unto_o you_o in_o brief_a the_o opinion_n and_o error_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o point_n 2._o to_o unfold_v and_o confirm_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o orthodox_n church_n defend_v as_o touch_v this_o matter_n 3._o to_o answer_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v make_v against_o it_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o arminian_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o man_n free_a will_n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v most_o full_o and_o free_o express_v by_o that_o perverse_a sectary_n johannes_n arnoldi_n corvinus_n in_o these_o word_n of_o his_o so_o often_o mention_v in_o 337._o the_o act_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n and_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a detestation_n positis_fw-la say_v he_o omnibus_fw-la operationibus_fw-la gratiae_fw-la quibus_fw-la ad_fw-la conversionem_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la eâ—â—iciendam_fw-la deus_fw-la utitur_fw-la manet_fw-la tamen_fw-la ipsa_fw-la conuersio_fw-la it_o a_o in_o â—ostra_fw-la potestate_fw-la libera_fw-la ut_fw-la possimus_fw-la non_fw-la converti_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la nosmetipsos_fw-la vel_fw-la convertere_fw-la vel_fw-la non_fw-la converter_n id_fw-la est_fw-la suppose_v all_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n use_v to_o work_v conversion_n in_o we_o be_v present_a yet_o conversion_n itself_o remain_v in_o that_o sort_n free_a in_o our_o power_n that_o we_o may_v be_v not_o convert_v that_o be_v we_o may_v convert_v or_o not_o convert_v ourselves_o this_o be_v plain_a deal_n without_o ambiguity_n and_o double_n when_o god_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o his_o part_n it_o be_v still_o on_o our_o free_a choice_n whether_o we_o will_v convert_v or_o not_o their_o explication_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v as_o strange_a as_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o be_v heretical_a it_o be_v thus_o there_o be_v two_o operation_n of_o grace_n precedent_n to_o a_o man_n conversion_n 1._o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n sin_n and_o grace_n which_o illumination_n be_v not_o you_o must_v think_v wrought_v by_o any_o immediate_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n open_v the_o understanding_n to_o discern_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o by_o the_o very_a plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o clear_o declare_v and_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n that_o every_o man_n have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n aâ—d_v judgement_n and_o be_v attentive_a in_o the_o hear_n or_o read_v of_o the_o word_n may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n without_o other_o supernatural_a scripture_n light_n understand_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o thing_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v believe_v hope_v for_o or_o practise_v this_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o understanding_n the_o next_o be_v in_o the_o 2._o renovation_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o be_v quicken_v and_o rectify_v with_o new_a motion_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o that_o a_o man_n not_o yet_o convert_v may_v true_o sorrow_n for_o his_o offend_n of_o god_n bewail_v his_o spiritual_a death_n in_o sin_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n desire_v grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n true_o wish_v for_o deliverance_n out_o of_o his_o sinful_a estate_n in_o brief_a offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o contrite_a and_o break_a heart_n in_o humility_n in_o confession_n of_o 307._o sin_n in_o prayer_n for_o mercy_n in_o a_o purpose_n and_o a_o assay_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o heart_n or_o affection_n may_v be_v change_v and_o quicken_v when_o yet_o a_o man_n be_v not_o convert_v now_o this_o alteration_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o affection_n be_v if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o not_o any_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v this_o change_n in_o they_o but_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereupon_o follow_v necessary_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o the_o affection_n in_o their_o right_a orderly_a motion_n which_o former_o be_v dead_a and_o disorder_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n misguide_v they_o these_o two_o work_n go_v before_o man_n conversion_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n universal_o and_o irresistable_o the_o plainness_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v such_o that_o man_n though_o they_o will_v can_v avoid_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o affection_n on_o the_o understanding_n be_v such_o that_o their_o motion_n must_v needs_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n thereof_o when_o these_o two_o effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o man_n he_o be_v then_o furnish_v with_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o believe_v and_o convert_v if_o he_o will_n this_o power_n and_o strength_n be_v give_v he_o irresistable_o will_v he_o will_v he_o but_o for_o the_o act_n of_o
way_n they_o say_v they_o will_v not_o walk_v therein_o when_o he_o bid_v they_o harken_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n they_o say_v we_o will_v not_o barken_v that_o they_o 14._o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o 〈◊〉_d we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n that_o â—lt_n god_n stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n long_o to_o a_o rebellious_a and_o gainsay_v people_n that_o he_o 24._o call_v and_o they_o refuse_v that_o 27._o they_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o will_v not_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o hear_v not_o that_o they_o 51._o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o 10._o they_o rebel_n and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o christ_n 27._o will_v have_v gather_v jerusalem_n but_o she_o woulld_v not_o that_o he_o 40._o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n with_o a_o thousand_o the_o like_a testimony_n 46._o set_v forth_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o reject_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n offer_v to_o they_o and_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o shall_v lead_v they_o unto_o repentance_n all_o which_o place_n note_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o sâ—all_a resistency_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o that_o special_a grace_n whereby_o god_n intend_v to_o work_v man_n conversion_n as_o our_o adversary_n pervert_v they_o but_o of_o that_o common_a grace_n in_o the_o ordinary_a antecedent_n of_o man_n conversion_n whereby_o god_n call_v all_o unto_o himself_o of_o which_o grace_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o 1._o may_v be_v receive_v in_o vain_a that_o 28._o this_o talon_n may_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o become_v unprofitable_a as_o scripture_n together_o with_o lamentable_a experience_n testify_v in_o three_o seq_n part_n of_o â—oure_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n unprofitable_o in_o those_o temporary_a outside_n seem_v christian_n who_o seq_n after_o illumination_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o much_o affection_n to_o goodness_n quite_o fallaway_o and_o 21._o after_o they_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n turn_v away_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o by_o this_o fault_n all_o come_v utter_o to_o naught_o and_o they_o perish_v â—…ally_o in_o their_o natural_a corruption_n but_o now_o the_o elect_n albeit_o they_o be_v also_o disobedient_a and_o froward_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o god_n forsake_v they_o not_o but_o in_o mercy_n go_v on_o to_o perfect_v the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v begin_v till_o grace_n gâ—ts_v the_o victory_n over_o their_o corruption_n till_o that_o their_o outward_a fashionable_a sâ—vice_n of_o god_n be_v turn_v into_o true_a spiritual_a worship_n their_o knowledge_n make_v effectual_a to_o all_o holy_a practice_n their_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o free_v from_o legal_a terror_n their_o worldly_a sorrow_n turn_v into_o godly_a grief_n their_o slight_a wish_n and_o hope_n of_o mercy_n change_v into_o zealous_a prayer_n for_o and_o firm_a belief_n of_o pardon_n their_o partial_a and_o halt_a reformation_n of_o life_n turn_v into_o perfect_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o ordinary_a preparation_n to_o grace_n and_o how_o far_o they_o be_v resist_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o our_o conversion_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n on_o we_o renew_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n heal_v all_o vition_n infuse_v all_o virtuous_a inclination_n into_o each_o faculty_n by_o which_o habitual_a infuse_a quality_n they_o be_v dispose_v to_o all_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a action_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o his_o prevent_a grace_n 2._o in_o actu_fw-la sicundo_fw-la as_o it_o be_v our_o work_n convert_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o holy_a operation_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o godly_a obedience_n which_o act_v we_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n subsequent_a and_o assist_a grace_n of_o conversion_n in_o both_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o hinder_v touch_v the_o first_o namely_o our_o habitual_a conversion_n in_o the_o infusion_n of_o all_o gracious_a habit_n this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v that_o in_o our_o first_o conversion_n or_o sanctification_n we_o be_v mere_o passive_a and_o can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o we_o either_o work_n it_o ourselves_o or_o binder_n god_n work_v of_o it_o this_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v unto_o we_o what_o our_o state_n be_v before_o conversion_n what_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o conversion_n namely_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n ephes._n 2._o 1._o col._n 2._o 13._o matth._n 8._o 22._o ephes._n 5._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o very_a darkness_n in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n rev._n 3._o 18._o ephes._n 4._o 17._o &_o 5._o 8._o matth._n 6._o 23._o luc._n 4._o 18._o john_n 1._o 5._o act._n 26._o 18._o 1._o cor._n 2_o 14._o that_o our_o heart_n be_v stony_a destitute_a of_o all_o sense_n and_o motion_n of_o goodness_n ezek._n 36._o 26._o &_o 11._o 19_o again_o that_o god_n work_n in_o our_o conversion_n be_v a_o raise_n from_o the_o dead_a ephes._n 2._o 5._o col._n 2._o 12._o rev._n 20._o 6._o john_n 5._o 21._o 25._o a_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a luc._n 4._o 18._o a_o new_a generation_n and_o birth_n of_o a_o man_n joh._n 1._o 13._o joh._n 3._o 3_o another_o creation_n of_o he_o ephes._n 2_o 10._o psal._n 51._o 12._o 2._o cor._n 5._o 17._o gal._n 6._o 15._o the_o give_v of_o a_o new_a heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o take_v away_o of_o the_o old_a stony_a heart_n ezek._n 11._o 19_o out_o of_o which_o and_o many_o the_o like_a place_n we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v no_o more_o in_o the_o effect_n or_o hinder_v of_o his_o first_o conversion_n than_o the_o matter_n can_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o form_n to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o no_o more_o than_o adam_n body_n can_v resist_v the_o entrance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o it_o or_o lazarus_n carcase_n and_o the_o dead_a bone_n in_o ezekiel_n can_v refuse_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n come_v into_o they_o no_o more_o than_o a_o infant_n can_v hinder_v its_o own_o conception_n and_o birth_n or_o the_o world_n the_o creation_n of_o itself_o no_o more_o than_o the_o body_n of_o those_o sick_a person_n who_o christ_n cure_v by_o his_o word_n can_v hinder_v the_o restitution_n of_o health_n when_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o be_v whole_a or_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a can_v will_z the_o restore_n of_o their_o sight_n or_o the_o air_n that_o be_v dark_a can_v refuse_v to_o be_v enlighten_v in_o brief_a a_o man_n heart_n can_v no_o more_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o change_v it_o out_o of_o stone_n into_o flesh_n than_o the_o body_n of_o lot_n wife_n can_v resist_v the_o force_n of_o his_o power_n in_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o flesh_n into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o man_n passiveness_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n our_o adversary_n object_v many_o thing_n qualify_a the_o rigour_n of_o those_o censure_v the_o scripture_n give_v touch_v our_o utter_a disability_n elude_v their_o force_n by_o many_o subtle_a shift_n all_o devise_v only_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o conversion_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v altogether_o of_o grace_n but_o share_v between_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o some_o power_n of_o our_o own_o 17._o to_o allege_v and_o answer_v every_o cavil_n be_v a_o business_n of_o more_o length_n than_o difficulty_n unto_o they_o all_o in_o general_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o that_o take_v a_o man_n judgement_n touch_v man_n ability_n he_o follow_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o blind_a corrupt_a judge_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o judge_v we_o and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o censure_n not_o to_o extol_v ourselves_o when_o he_o abase_v we_o lest_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n like_o those_o hypocritical_a laodicean_n boast_v that_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o when_o in_o the_o mean_a god_n know_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o that_o we_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o let_v this_o truth_n always_o stand_v firm_a that_o as_o no_o man_n can_v prepare_v himself_o by_o any_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o effectual_o to_o work_v his_o sanctification_n either_o alone_a by_o himself_o or_o as_o a_o coworker_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n so_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v
thing_n past_a will_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o boldness_n &_o confident_a expectation_n of_o the_o like_a success_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o much_o touch_v the_o three_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v touch_v this_o assent_n or_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o it_o and_o those_o essential_a difference_n whereby_o save_v faith_n in_o god_n elect_n be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o other_o we_o have_v show_v you_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v by_o what_o essential_a difference_n they_o be_v distinguish_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o assent_n by_o which_o general_o all_o faith_n be_v define_v be_v twofold_a 1_o general_n to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o good_a and_o true_a whilst_o bare_o consider_v in_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o have_v no_o opposition_n to_o our_o desire_n be_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o 2_o particular_a when_o assent_n be_v give_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o most_o true_a and_o good_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a occasion_n and_o compare_v with_o all_o contrary_a desire_n and_o provocation_n herein_o lie_v a_o substantial_a difference_n of_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n between_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o goodness_n of_o thing_n take_v in_o the_o general_a and_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o goodness_n of_o the_o samething_n particular_o apply_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o only_o a_o step_n unto_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v true_a and_o save_v it_o be_v common_o call_v by_o two_o name_n 1_o historical_a faith_n synecdochical_o from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o because_o it_o believe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o history_n or_o doctrine_n that_o be_v express_v therein_o 2_o temporary_a faith_n from_o the_o event_n &_o issue_n of_o it_o because_o it_o persevere_fw-la not_o unto_o the_o end_n but_o fail_v in_o time_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v these_o two_o name_n which_o assent_v to_o thing_n in_o gross_a fly_v off_o and_o disallow_n when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_a application_n such_o a_o general_a assent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n who_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a &_o good_a because_o from_o god_n though_o meanwhile_n they_o hate_v both_o the_o one_o &_o other_o bitter_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n his_o word_n essence_n &_o attribute_n work_n upon_o their_o understand_n a_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o its_o certainty_n &_o excellency_n even_o when_o they_o with_o unspeakable_a hatred_n and_o horror_n think_v of_o it_o according_a james_n say_v they_o believe_v &_o tremble_v 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o thousand_o of_o hypocrite_n &_o reprobate_n who_o be_v enlighten_v and_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n yield_v a_o general_a assent_n unto_o it_o for_o the_o time_n as_o in_o those_o luk._n 8._o â—3_n who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o they_o have_v no_o root_n which_o for_o a_o while_o believe_v but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n goâ—_n away_o in_o those_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o which_o be_v enlighten_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v salve_n away_o in_o those_o many_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n name_n but_o yet_o christ_n will_v not_o trust_v they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v at_o heart_n joh._n 2._o 23_o 24._o in_o those_o many_o again_o that_o at_o another_o time_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o caveat_n that_o they_o look_v their_o faith_n be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n you_o be_v very_o my_o disciple_n joh._n 8._o 30._o 31._o such_o a_o faith_n be_v in_o simon_n the_o witch_n act._n 8._o 13._o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o be_v baptize_v even_o whilst_o yet_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n i._o a_o â—ierce_a enemy_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v and_o fast_o bind_v unto_o the_o love_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o seem_v willing_a to_o forsake_v verse_n 23._o such_o a_o conception_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o falix_n who_o tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n dispute_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o he_o believe_v and_o like_o the_o devil_n tremble_v but_o faelix_fw-la be_v not_o temperate_a his_o wife_n drusilla_n 5._o be_v another_o man_n wife_n felix_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o covetous_a and_o look_v for_o a_o bribe_n and_o this_o like_v he_o not_o that_o paul_n shall_v come_v so_o close_o to_o he_o wherefore_o he_o have_v a_o shift_n and_o put_v he_o off_o in_o compliment_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o faelix_fw-la will_v take_v at_o leisure_n the_o same_o imperfect_a faith_n there_o be_v in_o king_n agrippa_n who_o hear_v paul_n apology_n can_v have_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v a_o christian_a have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o fashion_n with_o king_n at_o that_o time_n act_v 26._o 28._o so_o be_v the_o case_n with_o herod_n who_o hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o reverence_v he_o as_o a_o just_a man_n and_o holy_a and_o do_v many_o thing_n willing_o mark_v 6._o 20._o but_o if_o john_n be_v so_o bold_a with_o hâ—rod_n as_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o incest_n he_o shall_v to_o prison_n for_o it_o and_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n yet_o he_o shall_v die_v if_o herod_n do_v not_o fear_v the_o multitude_n more_o than_o he_o reverence_a john_n matth._n 14._o 5._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o man_n still_o who_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o contain_v but_o this_o go_v no_o further_a than_o generality_n whilst_o they_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a consider_v abstractive_o and_o in_o the_o universality_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v they_o in_o any_o of_o their_o main_a desire_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o long_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o forward_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_v as_o the_o best_a the_o cause_n of_o this_o kind_a of_o faith_n in_o man_n be_v many_o as_o 1._o that_o common_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o man_n be_v enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o grace_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o unsancty_v more_o for_o other_o than_o their_o own_o good_a some_o light_n shine_v upon_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v know_v and_o assent_v unto_o divine_a truth_n for_o a_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o other_o may_v be_v instruct_v by_o their_o teach_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n do_v also_o use_v the_o help_n and_o ministry_n of_o such_o man_n according_a as_o solomon_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n who_o employ_v not_o the_o natural_a israelite_n but_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o canaanite_n and_o stranger_n that_o live_v in_o the_o land_n to_o be_v bearer_n of_o burden_n and_o hewer_n of_o stone_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 2._o 17._o and_o these_o man_n though_o unsanctified_a and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o themselves_o hearty_o esteem_v and_o affect_v that_o which_o they_o know_v yet_o in_o the_o general_a they_o believe_v it_o and_o willing_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n again_o 2._o authority_n of_o man_n in_o high_a account_n for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n the_o esteem_n that_o the_o people_n have_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n make_v herod_n reverence_v he_o the_o more_o and_o the_o fame_n that_o go_v of_o christ_n draw_v many_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o with_o hundred_o who_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n stand_v or_o fall_v with_o their_o admiration_n or_o disesteem_v of_o man_n person_n the_o same_o effect_n