of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o grace_n to_o strive_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o same_o which_o have_v competent_o attain_v unto_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n of_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v we_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v 4._o but_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o preposterous_a faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o fancy_n themselves_o into_o the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v laboursome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v man_n into_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o perhaps_o perdition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v we_o so_o much_o where_o he_o say_v luke_n 17._o 7._o which_o of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o 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thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
miserable_a and_o perish_v final_o mere_o for_o want_n of_o religion_n better_o inform_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o how_o many_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v religion_n celebrate_v and_o immortalize_v above_o all_o other_o art_n science_n or_o heroic_a feat_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o pitiful_a person_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o birth_n part_n education_n possession_n and_o the_o like_a admire_v by_o the_o world_n have_v outshine_v man_n even_o in_o this_o world_n in_o true_a honour_n who_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v account_v most_o renown_a and_o happy_a and_o after_o this_o life_n have_v perpetuate_v their_o name_n long_o and_o propagate_v they_o far_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n philosopher_n and_o the_o noble_a prince_n and_o potentate_n thereof_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o contend_v so_o zealous_o for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o 5._o for_o what_o be_v all_o art_n or_o science_n or_o power_n or_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n unsanctified_a or_o unseasoned_a by_o religion_n but_o so_o many_o instrument_n of_o wickedness_n cousenage_n and_o villainy_n and_o what_o be_v all_o humane_a society_n and_o polity_n but_o so_o many_o shop_n of_o injustice_n deceit_n and_o uncontrollable_a rapine_n and_o spoil_n without_o religion_n influence_v the_o conscience_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o without_o this_o no_o such_o law_n can_v be_v enact_v which_o may_v secure_v either_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o violence_n or_o their_o property_n from_o injury_n and_o the_o advantage_n that_o some_o irreligious_a person_n make_v to_o themselves_o by_o contemn_v religious_a rule_n tend_v direct_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o common_a body_n or_o innumerable_a particular_a person_n for_o one_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n or_o conscience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fear_v due_a to_o he_o corrupt_v wine_n and_o other_o drink_v with_o some_o benefit_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o body_n of_o many_o more_o other_o falsyfie_v stuff_n silk_n and_o clothes_n and_o deceive_v the_o wearer_n other_o counterfeit_v lawful_a money_n contrary_a to_o the_o standard_n and_o bring_v damage_n to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o often_o loss_n of_o life_n and_o good_n to_o themselves_o other_o defraud_n in_o weight_n and_o measure_n other_o embolden_v by_o gainful_a success_n in_o unjust_a practice_n cast_v off_o whole_o the_o very_a vizor_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o open_a face_n rob_v and_o spoil_v their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o conclusion_n bring_v confusion_n to_o themselves_o 6._o these_o be_v indeed_o lamentable_a consequence_n of_o a_o irreligious_a mind_n but_o how_o much_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v and_o avoid_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o waste_v make_v upon_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n how_o hereupon_o do_v as_o well_o monstrous_a as_o pernicious_a dogme_n invade_v the_o understanding_n and_o mislead_v it_o into_o many_o idle_a foolish_a false_a and_o absurd_a paradox_n and_o these_o prevail_a how_o be_v the_o affection_n set_v at_o liberty_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n and_o sophisticate_a the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n more_o criminal_a in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n than_o corrupt_v the_o king_n coin_n or_o deface_v malicious_o his_o image_n can_v be_v with_o man_n more_o prejudicial_a to_o man_n himself_o then_o outward_a blindness_n of_o the_o eye_n mutilation_n of_o member_n or_o lameness_n of_o limb_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n than_o have_v such_o iutegrity_n of_o bodily_a part_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n for_o want_v of_o true_a religion_n but_o because_o such_o as_o want_v religion_n be_v least_o of_o all_o sensible_a of_o such_o remote_a and_o inevident_a evil_n preach_v against_o wanter_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v not_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o bring_v down_o the_o appeal_n against_o they_o to_o their_o sense_n and_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v inform_v we_o what_o havoc_n irreligion_n make_v upon_o man_n person_n and_o outward_a condition_n bring_v their_o wit_n into_o suspicion_n of_o weakness_n who_o to_o appear_v somebody_o in_o dogmatize_v be_v constrain_v to_o take_v up_o the_o oppose_a the_o receive_a principle_n of_o religion_n a_o extraordinary_a subject_n draw_v man_n ear_n to_o listen_v after_o such_o a_o vain_a philosopher_n who_o otherways_o no_o man_n will_v regard_v talk_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o piety_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o reason_n aim_v at_o no_o great_a glory_n than_o those_o obscure_a and_o pitiful_a fellow_n of_o little_a or_o no_o place_n or_o power_n considerable_a who_o to_o acquire_v somewhat_o of_o a_o name_n provoke_v and_o set_v upon_o invincible_a champion_n or_o choose_v to_o perish_v by_o a_o royal_a hand_n 7._o and_o must_v not_o the_o portion_n of_o reason_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o low_a in_o he_o who_o undertake_v the_o oppugn_v that_o which_o so_o many_o before_o he_o have_v attempt_v without_o any_o other_o event_n than_o their_o own_o infamy_n and_o stupidity_n after_o a_o wilful_a oppose_v the_o once_o approve_a truth_n for_o so_o impregnable_a be_v the_o rock_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v master_v considerable_o by_o any_o assault_n nor_o so_o far_o sink_v or_o lose_v to_o the_o view_n and_o approbation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o leaden_a weight_n of_o man_n ratiocination_n but_o it_o buoy_v itself_o up_o above_o all_o such_o enemy_n and_o triumph_v over_o they_o while_o the_o name_n and_o memory_n of_o its_o adversary_n rot_v and_o their_o own_o deed_n contrary_a to_o religion_n oppress_v they_o in_o their_o vice_n and_o confound_v they_o so_o that_o delight_v not_o to_o know_v god_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n stupendous_a infatuation_n have_v seize_v upon_o many_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o disturb_v their_o affection_n that_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o that_o they_o call_v religion_n but_o to_o that_o we_o and_o they_o both_o call_v nature_n they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o can_v and_o those_o action_n which_o seem_v unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a once_o to_o themselves_o become_v their_o supreme_a perfection_n in_o which_o they_o glory_v and_o perhaps_o perish_v 8._o these_o mischief_n then_o foresee_v and_o the_o contrary_a benefit_n of_o religion_n discern_v and_o believe_v put_v i_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o s._n paul_n desire_v man_n to_o suffer_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o reason_n sometime_o magnify_v by_o they_o in_o word_n but_o not_o so_o often_o allow_v of_o in_o practice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o christ_n jesus_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o all_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v only_o be_v happy_a and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o here_o expect_v demonstration_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v into_o the_o faith_n nor_o eloquence_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o pretend_v to_o here_o but_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n no_o otherways_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n believe_v and_o expect_v hereafter_o may_v suffice_v to_o awaken_v divers_a to_o inquire_v serious_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o good_a berean_o which_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a mind_n under_o this_o great_a advantage_n above_o worldly_a doctrine_n that_o none_o of_o these_o have_v so_o much_o as_o dare_v to_o promise_v so_o great_a future_a blessing_n in_o a_o world_n to_o come_v nor_o have_v any_o make_v good_a such_o fair_a promise_n of_o present_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o have_v be_v charm_v with_o and_o unhappy_o trust_v to_o and_o be_v delude_v by_o 9_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v here_o so_o understand_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o perfect_a and_o also_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a worship_n and_o christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a yet_o i_o hold_v it_o requisite_a speak_v of_o illumination_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n whereby_o religion_n do_v furnish_v the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o either_o not_o at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n or_o so_o uncertain_o and_o obscure_o as_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o
must_v only_o be_v owe_v to_o such_o divine_a revelation_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o particular_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o three_o main_a branch_n of_o our_o present_a method_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n in_o religion_n 1._o the_o seed_n of_o religion_n be_v sow_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o some_o small_a and_o dim_a stricture_n cast_v into_o man_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n direct_v man_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o improve_v the_o same_o by_o orderly_a progression_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 4._o to_o this_o end_n antiquity_n not_o without_o competent_a ground_n in_o holy_a scripture_n have_v pitch_v upon_o three_o more_o considerable_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o religion_n though_o not_o absolute_a yet_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o saint_n john_n word_n 1_o epist_n 12_o 13_o 14._o seem_v to_o tend_v to_o this_o distinguish_v little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n or_o beginner_n proficient_n and_o perfect_a not_o so_o absolute_a as_o god_n may_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o yet_o so_o as_o before_o man_n they_o may_v be_v irreprehensible_a and_o allowable_a by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scantling_n and_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o cassian_n in_o his_o collation_n with_o some_o other_o have_v observe_v that_o solomon_n write_v three_o book_n one_o for_o instruction_n and_o illumination_n in_o wisdom_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n initiate_a young_a beginner_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n lay_v the_o foundation_n to_o eternal_a life_n the_o other_o book_n of_o solomon_n call_v 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of_o our_o understanding_n open_v and_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o purge_v ourselves_o and_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o a_o high_a and_o near_a conjunction_n with_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n proper_o conduce_v thereunto_o 1._o famous_a be_v the_o distinction_n of_o st._n paul_n of_o theological_a virtue_n into_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n be_v found_v and_o move_v towards_o that_o perfection_n compatible_a to_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n faith_n illuminate_v hope_v purge_v and_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n we_o unto_o god._n for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n teach_v we_o and_o natural_o we_o all_o lie_v pollute_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o so_o natural_o be_v alien_n from_o god_n and_o unreconcilable_a by_o any_o other_o name_n or_o mean_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v proverb_n 19_o 2._o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a faith_n with_o christian_n beget_v knowledge_n proper_o divine_a in_o christian_n be_v the_o light_n and_o eye_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n regenerate_v so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o blind_a man_n to_o work_v any_o curious_a work_n without_o the_o use_n of_o his_o eye_n but_o every_o act_n tend_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o fault_n and_o error_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v sew_v well_o that_o can_v thread_v his_o needle_n so_o they_o on_o who_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v not_o who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o god_n produce_v in_o create_v the_o world_n be_v light_a not_o that_o he_o absolute_o need_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n do_v and_o to_o intimate_v unto_o we_o the_o order_n of_o true_a regeneration_n that_o it_o must_v begin_v with_o illumination_n and_o therefore_o god_n who_o more_o immediate_o of_o old_a reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o choose_a servant_n do_v in_o follow_v age_n set_v up_o and_o fix_v a_o light_n in_o his_o church_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v by_o faith_n shall_v become_v a_o constant_a guide_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n pass_v through_o this_o dark_a vale_n towards_o the_o mount_n and_o true_a city_n of_o god._n 2._o for_o without_o this_o the_o philosopher_n of_o this_o world_n profess_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom_n 1._o 22._o wise_a become_v fool_n err_v in_o the_o very_a first_o step_n and_o prime_a principle_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o teach_v the_o only_a true_a god_n they_o for_o their_o part_n in_o grope_v after_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorcorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o corruptible_a man_n as_o st._n paul_n also_o observe_v v._o 23._o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o turn_v the_o image_n or_o very_a substance_n of_o man_n into_o god._n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o be_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o do_v the_o shadow_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n flee_v away_o holy_a david_n have_v foretell_v of_o this_o when_o he_o say_v psalm_n 36._o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v in_o like_a manner_n may_v it_o true_o be_v say_v whoso_o enlighten_v not_o with_o by_z and_o from_o he_o darken_v as_o it_o happen_v to_o those_o subtle_a and_o wise_a disputant_n job_n friend_n job_n 38._o who_o darken_a counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n 3._o and_o too_o near_o do_v they_o approach_v to_o the_o like_a error_n who_o darken_v of_o late_a the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o imagine_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o light_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o shall_v work_v be_v the_o work_n itself_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o such_o in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v acquiesce_v as_o have_v fulfil_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o thereupon_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n
proper_a cause_n of_o christian_a illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o useful_a distinction_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o learned_a not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o unlearned_a into_o the_o matter_n or_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n propound_v to_o our_o assent_n by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n so_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o very_o expedient_a for_o the_o better_a inform_v every_o plain_a and_o sincere_a capacity_n to_o make_v some_o recital_n of_o those_o thing_n our_o faith_n christian_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o principal_o by_o revelation_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a herein_o any_o more_o than_o st._n luke_n be_v in_o write_v his_o gospel_n luke_n 1._o 1._o for_o as_o much_o as_o many_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o in_o order_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o we_o because_o several_a form_n and_o phrase_n may_v help_v towards_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o end_n of_o believe_v and_o illumination_n 2._o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o believe_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o discovery_n make_v to_o man_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n say_v ch._n 11._o v._n 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n not_o that_o christ_n malign_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o other_o but_o that_o he_o admire_v the_o privilege_n confer_v by_o god_n upon_o his_o mean_a flock_n and_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v and_o how_o and_o to_o who_o reveal_v st._n paul_n certify_v we_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8_o say_v howbeit_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o naught_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n for_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god._n mean_v hereby_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o whatever_o knowledge_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o our_o service_n of_o he_o and_o salvation_n by_o he_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o some_o other_o way_n than_o by_o our_o natural_a reason_n darken_v by_o our_o own_o apostasy_n and_o infatuation_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a bible_n may_v be_v call_v one_o entire_a book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o jew_n have_v receive_v many_o thing_n from_o god_n which_o be_v deny_v unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o christian_a have_v receive_v from_o god_n more_o clear_a dispensation_n and_o sublime_a than_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o behold_v thing_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o the_o other_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o the_o dark_a shadow_n which_o be_v to_o flee_v away_o at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 1._o 5._o tell_v we_o of_o god_n elect_n that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n which_o last_o time_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o those_o last_o day_n be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unto_o we_o and_o not_o these_o last_o day_n fancy_v by_o some_o 3._o now_o notwithstanding_o innumerable_a be_v the_o divine_a document_n and_o notice_n extraordinary_o deliver_v through_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o especial_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a catalogue_n give_v we_o heb._n 11._o of_o the_o singular_a virtue_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o reveal_v divine_a thing_n yet_o because_o we_o now_o speak_v chief_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n or_o st._n john_n little_a child_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o assist_v the_o weak_a without_o offence_n of_o the_o strong_a in_o give_v some_o special_a instance_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o green_a christian_a be_v either_o actual_o improve_v or_o improveable_a to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o can_v ready_o be_v find_v in_o alien_n from_o christ_n 4._o there_o have_v be_v in_o former_a year_n some_o lead_a man_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o learned_a who_o have_v collect_v ten_o several_a and_o considerable_a ground_n in_o which_o all_o religion_n concur_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o bibliander_n since_o which_o divers_a with_o tolerable_a design_n but_o i_o fear_v with_o no_o good_a event_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a have_v in_o these_o very_a late_a year_n write_v about_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n manifest_v by_o natural_a light_n hope_v it_o may_v be_v to_o beget_v a_o better_a opinion_n in_o many_o rank_a rationalist_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o perhaps_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o evil_a consequence_n follow_v from_o hence_o viz._n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v hereby_o weaken_a and_o more_o slight_v as_o judge_v from_o hence_o not_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o common_o be_v receive_v for_o revelation_n divine_a and_o that_o these_o writing_n we_o call_v scripture_n be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o make_v credible_a by_o sundry_a topic_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o it_o be_v still_o of_o the_o modern_a not_o illaudable_a but_o to_o offer_v demonstration_n and_o those_o such_o upon_o which_o they_o will_v constrain_v belief_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o rest_n on_o that_o totter_a and_o unstable_a foundation_n and_o of_o divine_a to_o dilute_v our_o faith_n into_o humane_a persuasion_n all_o superior_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o strong_a stay_n than_o such_o a_o bottom_n will_v allow_v they_o 5._o and_o i_o must_v confess_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretend_a golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o divine_a sentence_n of_o plato_n seneca_n and_o especial_o that_o moderne_a vapourer_n or_o rather_o vapour_n itself_o hierocles_n and_o such_o as_o eunapius_n present_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o rather_o turn_v my_o stomach_n at_o their_o emulation_n of_o christian_a perfection_n thereby_o to_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o than_o draw_v i_o to_o affect_v or_o admire_v they_o for_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 1._o 14._o tell_v we_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o again_o that_o our_o faith_n itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o humane_a reason_n thus_o come_v officious_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a faith_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a mind_n about_o the_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o faith_n will_v in_o the_o end_n prove_v so_o saucy_a and_o domineer_a as_o to_o give_v law_n to_o faith_n and_o like_o ivy_n which_o cling_v to_o the_o tree_n for_o a_o subsistence_n will_v weaken_v it_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o in_o time_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n or_o as_o scholastical_a man_n speak_v the_o very_a formal_a reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n illuminate_v otherwise_o than_o the_o humane_a light_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v not_o see_v by_o sense_n nor_o learned_a by_o experience_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n we_o now_o be_v possess_v of_o be_v the_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a conversation_n
reward_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v now_o in_o the_o body_n be_v another_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o demonstrable_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o discern_v by_o revelation_n 15._o to_o this_o likewise_o appertain_v the_o knowledge_n which_o faith_n teach_v we_o of_o the_o second_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a bring_v his_o reward_n with_o he_o so_o that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n 16._o last_o as_o the_o nerve_n and_o bond_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n teach_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v two_o city_n or_o society_n in_o this_o world_n of_o his_o own_o constitution_n and_o not_o frame_v by_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o man._n the_o one_o be_v that_o civil_a government_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v his_o delegate_n to_o maintain_v order_n and_o 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christian_a faith_n and_o as_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o his_o singular_a favour_n to_o his_o elect_a one_o in_o discover_v unto_o they_o such_o mystery_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o such_o light_n give_v we_o and_o to_o these_o of_o a_o speculative_a nature_n may_v we_o add_v those_o of_o the_o practical_a order_n whereby_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o above_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n not_o only_o not_o to_o commit_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v dishonest_a unjust_a unreasonable_a filthy_a and_o the_o like_a but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v they_o and_o that_o inward_a concupiscence_n of_o evil_n be_v a_o sin_n condemn_v by_o god_n however_o tolerate_v by_o humane_a law_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o because_o such_o close_a iniquity_n can_v come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a judicature_n but_o god_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o tri_v the_o reins_o and_o judge_n the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o our_o faith_n tell_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o knowledge_n be_v give_v we_o by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o 7._o when_o as_o learned_a as_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o i_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n except_o the_o law_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o david_n say_v psal_n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o again_o v._o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o what_o david_n say_v there_o and_o elsewhere_o solomon_n in_o his_o book_n of_o proverb_n more_o full_o confirm_v and_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n give_v we_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n to_o know_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n to_o perceive_v word_n of_o understanding_n to_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o judgement_n and_o equity_n to_o give_v subtlety_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n so_o foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a who_o out_o of_o mistake_a greatness_n and_o gallantry_n and_o presumption_n of_o knowledge_n false_o so_o call_v be_v prone_a to_o despise_v the_o revelation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o establish_v their_o own_o imagination_n serviceable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o scandalous_a manner_n fall_v thereby_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n prov._n 1._o 7._o fool_n despise_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a course_n they_o choose_v to_o themselves_o verify_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v john_n 9_o 41._o of_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_n if_o you_o be_v blind_a i._n e._n through_o unaffected_a and_o involuntarie_a ignorance_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v 1._o now_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o faith_n mention_v before_o and_o that_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n or_o both_o by_o which_o we_o believe_v or_o the_o next_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o illumination_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o be_v natural_o blind_a and_o discern_v nothing_o exterior_a object_n be_v in_o themselves_o as_o visible_a as_o they_o be_v to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o perfect_a use_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n due_o offer_v to_o his_o sight_n but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o organ_n hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v present_v alike_o to_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n upon_o man_n to_o apprehend_v or_o believe_v what_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 2._o one_o reason_n whereof_o may_v well_o be_v that_o which_o our_o catechism_n direct_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n assure_v we_o of_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n of_o which_o state_n blindness_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n so_o that_o as_o it_o seem_v a_o incredible_a thing_n to_o the_o jew_n john_n the_o 9th_o that_o christ_n shall_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a may_v it_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o we_o that_o be_v so_o natural_o ignorant_a and_o averse_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o malady_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v give_v we_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n v._o 39_o saying_n for_o judgement_n be_o i_o come_v into_o this_o world_n that_o they_o who_o see_v not_o may_v see_v and_o that_o they_o who_o see_v may_v be_v blind_a christ_n therefore_o call_v himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o 8._o yea_o and_o more_o than_o so_o john_n 1._o 9_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n give_v of_o he_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n he_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o only_o they_o be_v enlighten_v 3._o and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o man_n be_v not_o the_o better_a for_o the_o light_n offer_v to_o they_o and_o shine_v before_o they_o a_o reason_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o depravation_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o
obstinacy_n and_o obduratenesse_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o v._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n martin_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o marvellous_a gift_n or_o faculty_n of_o cure_v sick_a and_o impotent_a person_n the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o decrepit_a who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o beg_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o lest_o be_v cure_v of_o such_o their_o defect_n and_o impotency_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o livelihood_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o get_v a_o miserable_a and_o beggarly_a livelihood_n by_o serve_v and_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v blind_a and_o cripple_v in_o a_o heavenly_a sense_n refuse_v that_o light_n and_o life_n and_o renovation_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n prepossess_v and_o captivate_v with_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o thereupon_o say_v thou_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o our_o ear_n in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a than_o true_a and_o though_o it_o be_v mannah_n itself_o and_o that_o drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n man_n out_o of_o their_o scepticalnesse_n and_o curiosity_n will_v question_v it_o and_o perhaps_o in_o time_n loathe_v it_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o bread_n from_o heaven_n there_o be_v general_o too_o little_a agreement_n between_o the_o notion_n of_o half-sighted_n natural_a reason_n and_o delectation_n of_o our_o sense_n natural_a and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o more_o spiritual_a prescription_n give_v we_o by_o religion_n though_o natural_a reason_n not_o counterfeit_v nor_o corrupt_v by_o base_a alley_n of_o vicious_a man_n may_v pass_v also_o as_o god_n true_a coin_n but_o that_o pure_a gold_n it_o be_v not_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v revel_v 3_o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v get_v white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o get_v that_o eyesalve_n that_o we_o may_v see_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o the_o knowledge_n or_o illumination_n which_o we_o have_v from_o thence_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o that_o money_n a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o or_o that_o which_o the_o tradesman_n have_v present_a in_o his_o bank_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o book_n which_o must_v put_v he_o sometime_o to_o trouble_v to_o fetch_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o fetch_v in_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n understand_v the_o scripture_n until_o which_o time_n that_o will_v be_v find_v too_o true_a which_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 8._o 12._o complain_n of_o in_o god_n behalf_n i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o shall_v inquire_v faithful_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n we_o may_v find_v they_o too_o often_o in_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o man_n influence_v the_o understanding_n with_o mistake_n and_o gross_a error_n which_o yet_o some_o to_o cover_v with_o show_n of_o great_a candour_n in_o judge_v and_o ingenuity_n have_v wish_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o thing_n christianity_n require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o reality_n and_o common_a integrity_n be_v not_o also_o lay_v aside_o here_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o do_v not_o their_o own_o prime_a reason_n and_o of_o all_o civilise_a people_n tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o true_o humane_a be_v more_o natural_a to_o man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v man_n but_o of_o indifferent_a read_n and_o observation_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n nor_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v all_o who_o principle_n be_v obvious_a to_o all_o competent_a understanding_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o man_n to_o avoid_v the_o barbarity_n of_o atheism_n must_v believe_v more_o than_o nature_n can_v compel_v they_o unto_o by_o her_o philosophical_a demonstration_n or_o fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n little_a inferior_a to_o atheism_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v frame_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o religious_a as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o no_o far_o and_o which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v call_v his_o freak_n and_o humour_n his_o reason_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o so_o true_a that_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o he_o will_v not_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o worst_a or_o let_v it_o be_v that_o he_o can_v when_o st._n paul_n if_o he_o be_v but_o so_o far_o believe_v say_v of_o some_o 2_o corinth_n 4._o 4._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o that_o be_v i_o suppose_v be_v well_o know_v have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o vain_a and_o vicious_a man_n have_v by_o their_o presume_a wit_n and_o evil_a life_n tempt_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o be_v accessary_n to_o their_o infatuation_n for_o as_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1._o 17._o so_o do_v every_o notorious_a error_n and_o wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o childeren_n of_o disobedience_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n in_o scripture_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o believe_v it_o reasonable_o propound_v 5._o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o worth_a our_o wonder_v how_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o the_o devil_n in_o scripture_n as_o john_n 12._o 4._o speak_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o scholastical_a difficulty_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n to_o which_o i_o may_v refer_v it_o but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v that_o as_o judge_n or_o prince_n be_v say_v to_o put_v malefactor_n to_o death_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o executioner_n who_o office_n it_o be_v so_o god_n upon_o just_a provocation_n deliver_v great_a sinner_n to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n when_o it_o be_v cause_v direct_o by_o satan_n only_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v most_o proper_o appertain_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 7._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o and_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o god_n assist_v lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 16._o 14._o and_o so_o necessary_a be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v this_o key_n by_o his_o own_o side_n and_o not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o lend_v it_o to_o his_o minister_n no_o not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v christ_n himself_o who_o as_o god_n have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n mind_n always_o succeed_v in_o his_o teach_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o deep_a providence_n suffer_v his_o labour_n to_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v fall_v out_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o beginning_n continue_v and_o consummation_n of_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o repel_v that_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n whereby_o too_o prosperous_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n or_o vineyard_n may_v be_v prone_a to_o attribute_v much_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o
come_v to_o their_o share_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n god_n send_v such_o tempestuous_a and_o dark_a weather_n at_o sea_n to_o the_o skilful_a navigatour_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a ready_o to_o know_v or_o say_v where_o he_o be_v till_o the_o restore_v calm_a light_n better_o inform_v he_o and_o send_v shipwreck_n sometime_o to_o the_o subtle_a merchant_n that_o he_o may_v understand_v better_a who_o it_o be_v that_o give_v skill_n and_o strength_n to_o get_v riches_n and_o diappoint_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o painful_a husbandman_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 44._o make_v diviner_n mad_a and_o turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a teach_v they_o all_o and_o we_o too_o and_o that_o in_o all_o sense_n more_o perfect_o that_o necessary_a lesson_n of_o humility_n deuteronomy_n 8._o 18._o thou_o shall_v remember_v the_o lord_n thy_o god._n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v thou_o power_n to_o get_v wealth_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v luke_n 12._o 21._o for_o undoubted_o god_n may_v and_o do_v apparent_o deny_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n sound_a knowledge_n and_o holy_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o of_o divine_a mystery_n to_o some_o to_o other_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v initiate_v and_o to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n who_o there_o stop_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o as_o tender_a plant_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n wither_v and_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n fall_v on_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v proceed_v no_o far_o towards_o perfection_n and_o some_o proceed_v far_o and_o promise_v fair_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n attain_v not_o to_o the_o intend_a end_n 7._o but_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v reasonable_o be_v take_v into_o a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v such_o talent_n and_o mean_n unto_o that_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o such_o progression_n and_o consummation_n as_o be_v save_v and_o beatifical_a but_o admit_v thou_o be_v becalm_v and_o can_v make_v no_o way_n through_o want_n of_o divine_a aspiration_n and_o influence_n how_o can_v thou_o how_o dare_v thou_o impute_v this_o cessation_n and_o oscitancie_n of_o thou_o in_o not_o do_v the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o unknown_a cause_n or_o rather_o a_o not_o cause_n of_o do_v which_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o as_o thou_o imagine_v or_o give_v out_o at_o least_o that_o thou_o imagine_v when_o thy_o heart_n contradict_v thy_o tongue_n thou_o know_v not_o for_o who_o can_v say_v that_o god_n deny_v he_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v of_o effectual_a grace_n to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o illumination_n faith_n and_o salvation_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v want_v in_o the_o abstruse_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n internal_a of_o god_n and_o know_v to_o he_o can_v be_v so_o know_v to_o a_o man_n without_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o uncharitable_a and_o rash_a act_n in_o any_o man_n direct_o to_o charge_v his_o neighbour_n with_o deny_v he_o his_o due_n or_o take_v away_o his_o good_n from_o he_o when_o he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o against_o he_o and_o much_o more_o injust_a it_o be_v and_o impious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v direct_o that_o god_n deny_v he_o grace_n or_o do_v harden_v his_o heart_n so_o that_o rule_n and_o exhortation_n and_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o become_v faithful_a righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o god_n and_o man_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n upon_o he_o 8._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pardonable_a as_o commendable_a in_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a insufficiency_n and_o infirmity_n to_o do_v any_o good_a act_n st._n paul_n have_v teach_v we_o 2_o corinth_n 3._o v._n 5._o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god._n but_o do_v not_o the_o very_a next_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o argument_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o sufficiency_n for_o we_o and_o god_n do_v make_v we_o able_a minister_n of_o his_o will_n and_o do_v not_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n james_n 1._o 17._o and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v fill_v ourselves_o from_o that_o fountain_n when_o he_o say_v matth._n 7._o 11._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v you_o good_a thing_n that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o good_a thing_n be_v the_o best_a and_o full_a of_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v interpret_v in_o st._n luke_n gospel_n chap._n 11._o 13._o to_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n which_o he_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o querie_n then_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v to_o ourselves_o whether_o upon_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n we_o ever_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v invoke_v almighty_a god_n implore_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o its_o concurrence_n and_o whether_o we_o ever_o submit_v to_o its_o dictate_v and_o direction_n to_o that_o power_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o to_o do_v this_o as_o well_o as_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a precedent_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n wisdom_n 8._o v._n 21._o nevertheless_o i_o perceive_v i_o can_v not_o otherwise_o obtain_v she_o i._n e._n true_a wisdom_n comprehend_v all_o intellectual_a grace_n except_o god_n give_v she_o i_o and_o that_o be_v a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n also_o to_o know_v who_o gift_n she_o be_v i_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o beseech_v he_o and_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n i_o say_v o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n and_o lord_n of_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n which_o prayer_n for_o that_o illuminate_a gift_n and_o grace_n so_o necessary_a may_v not_o very_o unfit_o be_v transcribe_v hither_o and_o use_v by_o all_o true_a lover_n of_o light_n rather_o than_o darkness_n at_o least_o until_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o their_o heart_n according_a to_o which_o true_a believer_n may_v shape_v their_o course_n more_o steady_o towards_o heaven_n but_o i_o shun_v prolixnesse_n sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o the_o same_o and_o necessity_n of_o believe_v 1._o but_o the_o use_n or_o act_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n rest_v not_o here_o but_o be_v wonderful_o assistant_n to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n in_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o as_o the_o discreet_a and_o diligent_a master_n do_v not_o only_o set_v his_o scholar_n who_o he_o teach_v to_o write_v a_o exact_a and_o fair_a copy_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v but_o also_o guide_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o make_v the_o letter_n and_o join_v they_o together_o according_a to_o their_o true_a shape_n and_o order_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v he_o who_o chair_n be_v in_o heaven_n teach_v the_o heart_n as_o his_o instrument_n and_o officer_n do_v the_o ear_n and_o eye_n of_o man_n below_o to_o understand_v receive_v believe_v and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o scope_n prescribe_v for_o man_n natural_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v those_o thing_n only_o which_o his_o reason_n assure_v he_o of_o but_o his_o reason_n how_o acute_a soever_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v so_o if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v good_a christian_n and_o have_v the_o scripture_n in_o that_o esteem_n we_o can_v out_o of_o our_o promptitude_n and_o acuteness_n of_o wit_n discern_v clear_o and_o ready_o many_o useful_a thing_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o direction_n of_o that_o great_a author_n the_o bless_a spirit_n principal_a in_o the_o compose_v they_o for_o it_o be_v true_o say_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o indite_v they_o according_a therefore_o to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o and_o to_o every_o man_n be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 7._o whereby_o that_o light_n reveal_v shine_v unto_o the_o true_a believer_n as_o out_o of_o a_o dark_a place_n so_o that_o
christ_n continue_v his_o wont_a method_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o babe_n which_o be_v common_o deny_v to_o the_o wise_a noble_a and_o great_a one_o in_o the_o world_n until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o forget_v whence_o themselves_o derive_v that_o understanding_n they_o have_v for_o then_o sudden_o it_o degenerate_v into_o folly_n and_o man_n pride_v themselves_o and_o transgress_v the_o limit_n of_o modesty_n humility_n and_o subjection_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v become_v insolent_a and_o contumacious_a towards_o they_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o scarce_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n like_o the_o foolish_a workman_n shall_v pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o build_v with_o another_o or_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 15._o 20._o give_v any_o man_n licence_n to_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v do_v if_o he_o allow_v fruitful_a hagar_n to_o contemn_v her_o mistress_n sarah_n not_o lose_v her_o dominion_n for_o want_v of_o what_o be_v give_v and_o that_o by_o god_n himself_o to_o hagar_n and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o common_a to_o all_o presumer_n of_o gift_n exempt_n themselves_o from_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o commander_n and_o soldier_n leader_n and_o follower_n teacher_n and_o scholar_n what_o be_v mutinous_o utter_v and_o murmure_o against_o moses_n by_o mirian_n and_o aaron_n have_v the_o lord_n indeed_o speak_v only_o by_o moses_n have_v he_o not_o also_o speak_v by_o we_o number_n 12._o 2._o revelation_n may_v be_v and_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n but_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o they_o nor_o to_o they_o through_o who_o the_o church_n of_o god_n fare_v the_o worse_o but_o most_o probable_o such_o egregious_a ability_n be_v give_v by_o the_o subtle_a and_o evil_a spirit_n who_o if_o man_n that_o be_v evil_a may_v give_v good_a gift_n unto_o their_o child_n as_o christ_n impli_v matth._n 7._o 11._o may_v also_o do_v the_o same_o to_o his_o child_n child_n of_o pride_n of_o mind_n and_o disobedience_n of_o life_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o complexion_n with_o himself_o 2._o s._n paul_n therefore_o say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o true_o divine_a be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o profit_n be_v manifest_o the_o profit_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o advance_n of_o that_o and_o the_o thrive_a in_o faith_n and_o charity_n so_o that_o whatever_o knowledge_n as_o singular_a and_o admirable_a as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o shortsighted_a christian_n who_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o may_v be_v pretend_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n large_o take_v and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o general_a but_o swell_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v far_o from_o a_o edify_a faith_n or_o knowledge_n whatever_o specious_a effect_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n thereby_o cause_v admiration_n 3._o but_o notwithstanding_o such_o frequent_a mistake_n scandalous_a to_o the_o prudent_a as_o ensnare_a to_o the_o simple_a such_o a_o faith_n there_o be_v and_o such_o a_o inward_a light_n many_o time_n be_v give_v and_o add_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o natural_a perspicacity_n of_o man_n that_o the_o effect_n be_v wonderful_a upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o the_o simple_a above_o the_o learned_a for_o the_o natural_a man_n believe_v because_o he_o know_v but_o the_o true_o spiritual_a know_v because_o he_o believe_v and_o his_o belief_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n agreeable_o to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o ancient_a suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n unless_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v not_o understand_v for_o see_v a_o promptitude_n and_o preparednesse_n in_o the_o mind_n to_o receive_v all_o impress_n from_o he_o without_o dispute_n or_o suspicion_n of_o error_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o honest_a and_o devout_a simplicity_n to_o want_v his_o influence_n dispose_v thereunto_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o room_n or_o ground_n leave_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n to_o stand_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o subtle_a ratiocination_n of_o sophistical_a head_n for_o many_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n not_o intelligible_a and_o yet_o credible_a divine_o which_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o well_o compose_a and_o well_o perform_v music_n which_o as_o the_o common_a observation_n teach_v we_o be_v most_o sweet_a and_o please_a in_o the_o next_o room_n or_o at_o a_o competent_a distance_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v few_o can_v content_v themselves_o so_o but_o must_v needs_o be_v press_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n into_o the_o company_n of_o they_o who_o make_v it_o and_o be_v view_v curious_o and_o perhaps_o touch_v the_o instrument_n which_o yield_v it_o though_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o they_o but_o the_o honest_a and_o faithful_a spirit_n persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o infirmity_n in_o make_v out_o the_o intrigue_n of_o religion_n acquiesces_fw-la with_o humility_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o thing_n propound_v without_o endless_a discussion_n which_o render_v they_o less_o credible_a many_o time_n and_o bring_v less_o satisfaction_n than_o before_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n argue_v the_o more_o he_o may_v 4._o i_o have_v not_o a_o little_a wonder_v at_o the_o expression_n and_o comparison_n apt_a enough_o to_o signify_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o easy_a faith_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o curious_a enquirer_n into_o matter_n of_o religion_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o one_o who_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o any_o of_o his_o age_n as_o his_o work_n declare_v intend_v to_o give_v a_o new_a scheme_n or_o model_n of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n both_o infinite_o ambitious_a of_o applause_n and_o disciple_n to_o who_o he_o promise_v great_a notion_n and_o they_o more_o rational_a than_o former_a age_n or_o any_o country_n but_o england_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o with_o so_o foul_a failleur_fw-fr in_o his_o first_o principle_n which_o he_o beg_v and_o will_v with_o no_o patience_n suffer_v to_o be_v question_v as_o scarce_o any_o unlucky_a sophister_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o sure_o suspect_v that_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v be_v as_o coarse_o handle_v as_o he_o do_v scripture_n and_o the_o very_a creed_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n with_o monstrous_a boldness_n he_o will_v divert_v man_n from_o such_o attempt_n by_o such_o a_o fine_a similitude_n as_o be_v very_o serviceable_a in_o other_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v to_o take_v physical_a pill_n for_o the_o health_n of_o his_o body_n if_o he_o take_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n and_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v needs_o chew_v they_o before_o he_o swallow_v they_o he_o will_v rather_o spit_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n as_o vehement_o disagree_v to_o his_o palate_n than_o use_v they_o to_o his_o health_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o who_o have_v deliver_v to_o he_o by_o good_a and_o skilful_a instructer_n the_o wholesome_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o salvation_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v grind_v and_o chew_v they_o by_o his_o natural_a reason_n to_o prove_v what_o manner_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v before_o he_o will_v receive_v they_o by_o faith_n will_v perhaps_o never_o take_v they_o down_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o and_o with_o they_o more_o than_o they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o before_o he_o dislike_v not_o if_o this_o comparison_n ever_o fit_v any_o man_n it_o do_v the_o author_n 5._o but_o reason_n as_o the_o renown_a roman_a lawyer_n of_o old_a tell_v we_o the_o great_a in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v for_o religion_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o reflect_v upon_o their_o ever_o doubt_v wit_n and_o 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to_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v silence_v with_o strong_a resolution_n of_o firm_o adhere_v to_o our_o christian_a principle_n 8._o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o much_o read_n and_o much_o learning_n and_o profound_a knowledge_n not_o only_o of_o humane_a stamp_n and_o order_n but_o divine_a consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceivablenesse_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o several_a stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v secure_v a_o man_n from_o the_o several_a temptation_n incident_a to_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n but_o all_o these_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o very_o useful_a to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o a_o man_n self_n and_o so_o very_o desirable_a yet_o very_o often_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o lest_o of_o all_o suffice_v to_o encounter_v the_o assailant_n spiritual_a the_o owner_n meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n but_o be_v profitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o other_o inferior_a to_o he_o so_o that_o what_o we_o read_v ecclesiaste_v 1._o 18._o become_v verify_v he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n for_o as_o great_a emperourr_n and_o conqueror_n in_o this_o world_n increase_v their_o enemy_n as_o they_o enlarge_v their_o dominion_n so_o that_o while_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o narrow_a territory_n they_o have_v few_o adversary_n than_o when_o they_o have_v extend_v their_o sphere_n to_o more_o and_o remote_a country_n for_o then_o the_o orb_n without_o they_o and_o surround_v they_o be_v also_o much_o more_o large_a and_o afford_v more_o evil_a neighbour_n ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o infest_v they_o so_o as_o a_o man_n dilate_v his_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v start_v more_o difficulty_n war_a against_o his_o faith_n than_o those_o plain_a and_o honest_a believer_n who_o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o know_v very_o little_a and_o as_o hard_o if_o not_o hard_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o man_n of_o great_a knowledge_n to_o encounter_v all_o those_o objection_n which_o discover_v themselves_o to_o the_o learned_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o more_o ignorant_a to_o withstand_v temptation_n occur_v to_o he_o few_o and_o weak_a 9_o and_o in_o truth_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o suffice_v of_o himself_o to_o cast_v down_o imagination_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 10._o 5._o and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o god_n have_v ordain_v certain_a special_a intellectual_a gift_n whereby_o man_n be_v assist_v in_o his_o course_n and_o conflict_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v usual_o term_v the_o seven_o intellectual_a gift_n illustrious_a in_o
christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o derive_v unto_o his_o faithful_a member_n from_o he_o the_o head_n mention_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 11._o such_o as_o quick_a understanding_n wisdom_n counsel_n may_v or_o fortitude_n knowledge_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o distinct_a from_o these_o into_o which_o quarrel_n i_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v sure_o they_o be_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n for_o his_o instruction_n direction_n guidance_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o soul_n sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o a_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state_n 1._o by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n a_o man_n attain_v to_o many_o rare_a and_o useful_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o god_n and_o by_o common_a revelation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o all_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a but_o scarce_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n towards_o god_n to_o which_o a_o twofold_a revelation_n be_v require_v the_o first_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o holy_a life_n principle_n of_o well_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o the_o second_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o first_o that_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o sense_n of_o a_o man_n particular_a and_o inward_a man_n which_o tend_v to_o a_o censure_v and_o condemn_v himself_o or_o a_o peaceable_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o god_n favour_n as_o end_n in_o immortal_a bliss_n 2._o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n so_o may_v we_o say_v what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o christian_n to_o know_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o to_o know_v the_o heaven_n themselves_o and_o their_o nature_n and_o number_n and_o various_a motion_n be_v no_o heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o to_o know_v god_n himself_o by_o extraordinary_a speculation_n be_v no_o godly_a knowledge_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o the_o particular_a relation_n he_o have_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o himself_o especial_o for_o this_o knowledge_n god_n seem_v to_o reserve_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v communicate_v at_o his_o pleasure_n for_o as_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o matth._n 11._o 27._o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o soever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o it_o may_v no_o less_o true_o be_v say_v no_o man_n know_v himself_o in_o his_o religious_a or_o spiritual_a capacity_n but_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n a_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a to_o as_o he_o be_v prone_a to_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o industrious_a speculation_n for_o who_o desire_v to_o find_v a_o hole_n or_o spot_n in_o his_o own_o coat_n yea_o who_o can_v patient_o be_v tell_v of_o any_o blemish_n in_o his_o face_n that_o his_o nose_n be_v too_o big_a and_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v too_o little_a or_o that_o his_o face_n be_v pimple_v and_o high_a colour_v or_o that_o his_o mouth_n be_v too_o wide_a or_o that_o one_o leg_n be_v short_a than_o another_o or_o such_o like_a imperfection_n of_o nature_n or_o deformity_n and_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v more_o near_o unto_o we_o and_o value_v by_o we_o than_o our_o visible_a part_n much_o more_o trouble_v be_v we_o when_o any_o defect_n be_v in_o they_o note_v for_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o 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more_o than_o recompense_v such_o defect_n 3._o religion_n then_o and_o that_o not_o in_o book_n but_o write_v in_o the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affect_v rather_o than_o advise_v can_v alone_o sufficient_o imprint_v in_o a_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o towards_o god_n to_o which_o notwithstanding_o a_o good_a preparation_n be_v make_v by_o god_n word_n until_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o illumination_n true_o supernatural_a shall_v open_v more_o full_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n self_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n what_o we_o be_v not_o what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o we_o certain_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o 4._o by_o what_o we_o be_v not_o i_o mean_v that_o once_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o which_o divine_a revelation_n have_v only_o infallible_o teach_v we_o and_o determine_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o some_o and_o against_o the_o philosophy_n of_o other_o and_o once_o it_o be_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o nature_n man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o all_o we_o at_o present_a may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n before_o we_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n for_o adam_n himself_o be_v not_o where_o among_o natural_a cause_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o slender_a be_v of_o all_o until_o god_n have_v produce_v he_o absolute_o nothing_o of_o itself_o produce_v only_a nothing_o and_o be_v worse_o than_o that_o vile_a lump_n of_o earth_n out_o of_o which_o man_n be_v shape_v all_o these_o thing_n concur_v to_o humble_a man_n upon_o the_o review_n of_o his_o base_a extraction_n by_o his_o mother_n side_n and_o be_v no_o better_o by_o his_o father_n side_n god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n than_o other_o ugly_a and_o odious_a creature_n in_o his_o eye_n but_o much_o the_o worse_o as_o the_o mass_n of_o humane_a flesh_n be_v leaven_v with_o the_o vain_a cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o inordinate_a concupiscence_n and_o affectation_n corrupt_v himself_o above_o other_o creature_n and_o by_o that_o contagion_n infect_v he_o with_o what_o great_a blush_n and_o confusion_n than_o shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o frustrate_v god_n design_n and_o order_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n unto_o other_o inferior_a creature_n have_v render_v they_o more_o vile_a and_o disorderly_a and_o which_o be_v more_o lamentable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o shameful_a in_o the_o state_n degencrate_v into_o which_o man_n be_v fall_v by_o his_o free_a frailty_n for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o puff_v up_o and_o fancy_n to_o himself_o a_o empire_n even_o while_o he_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o rebel_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n this_o be_v that_o which_o require_v his_o severe_a examination_n and_o judicature_n of_o he_o and_o not_o as_o the_o common_a manner_n be_v with_o modest_a christian_n to_o shuffle_v up_o account_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n other_o taking_z little_a notice_n of_o one_o way_n or_o other_o their_o past_a perfection_n or_o present_a imperfection_n and_o to_o confess_v we_o be_v all_o to_o blame_v we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o be_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o general_o carry_v about_o we_o a_o body_n full_a of_o spiritual_a infirmity_n and_o subject_a to_o fail_n and_o fall_n but_o these_o thing_n touch_v we_o not_o more_o particular_o or_o that_o beside_o the_o confuse_a mass_n of_o sin_n acknowledge_v to_o dwell_v in_o we_o we_o have_v some_o proper_a and_o special_a passion_n or_o addiction_n to_o sin_n this_o we_o either_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o or_o through_o selfe-conceitednesse_a natural_a to_o all_o
to_o know_v to_o who_o therefore_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o for_o help_n and_o succour_n but_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n who_o alone_a can_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v we_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n in_o he_o therefore_o come_v unto_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o give_v i_o wisdom_n that_o sit_v by_o thy_o throne_n and_o reject_v i_o not_o from_o thy_o child_n for_o i_o thy_o servant_n and_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n be_o a_o feeble_a person_n and_o of_o short_a time_n and_o too_o young_a and_o weak_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o judgement_n and_o thy_o law_n o_o send_v she_o out_o of_o thy_o holy_a heaven_n and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o glory_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o i_o that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v unto_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god._n for_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o but_o by_o thy_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god._n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n o_o hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o that_o so_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o myself_o and_o i_o own_o way_n of_o my_o error_n and_o my_o negligence_n and_o ignorances_n of_o my_o infirmity_n and_o emptiness_n and_o so_o diffident_a in_o and_o dislike_a myself_o i_o may_v apply_v myself_o to_o thou_o lay_v hold_v on_o thy_o strength_n partake_v of_o thy_o fullness_n and_o freeness_n and_o have_v a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o thou_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o thou_o and_o holy_a life_n before_o thou_o and_o profess_v thou_o outward_o may_v believe_v thou_o inward_o and_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o good_a work_n in_o all_o godly_a conversation_n and_o honesty_n and_o persevere_v therein_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n 1._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v 1._o as_o light_n be_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n produce_v by_o god_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o his_o six-daye_n work_n so_o have_v he_o continue_v that_o light_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o especial_o man_n the_o great_a artist_n of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o those_o act_n and_o office_n assign_v he_o in_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o this_o world._n and_o according_a to_o his_o gift_n in_o work_n of_o nature_n have_v he_o provide_v a_o proportionable_a light_n of_o understanding_n and_o faith_n to_o give_v he_o mean_n rule_n and_o opportunity_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o upon_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v draw_v near_o unto_o god_n both_o in_o likeness_n of_o perfection_n and_o fruition_n of_o blessedness_n for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n deface_v by_o our_o apostasy_n have_v contract_v many_o and_o monstrous_a deformity_n the_o great_a business_n we_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o be_v how_o to_o refashion_v ourselves_o to_o that_o grand_a pattern_n which_o become_v visible_a to_o we_o by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o brightness_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o statuary_n who_o be_v to_o make_v a_o accurate_a image_n out_o of_o a_o rude_a and_o natural_a stone_n take_v out_o of_o the_o quarry_n what_o light_n be_v necessary_a what_o judgement_n what_o diligence_n by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o chip_n and_o hue_n away_o all_o irregular_a part_n and_o roughness_n till_o the_o intend_a form_n rise_v out_o of_o it_o so_o must_v it_o be_v with_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v his_o light_n to_o work_v by_o and_o instrument_n to_o work_v with_o and_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o his_o own_o soul_n overgrow_v and_o misshape_a and_o whole_o out_o of_o order_n and_o rule_v as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o common_a rock_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n therefore_o have_v set_v up_o his_o holy_a word_n among_o we_o as_o the_o great_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n according_a to_o who_o illumination_n we_o shall_v direct_v and_o rule_v all_o our_o action_n and_o not_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n advice_n put_v it_o under_o a_o bed_n or_o under_o a_o bushel_n that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o bed_n of_o slothfulness_n and_o laziness_n nor_o under_o the_o bushel_n of_o worldliness_n and_o secular_a business_n and_o trafficking_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o better_a to_o advance_v worldly_a profit_n as_o hypocrite_n do_v or_o sweet_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o know_v much_o as_o if_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o we_o be_v service_n do_v to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n that_o he_o will_v never_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o or_o perhaps_o some_o lipp-service_n whereby_o with_o religious_a discourse_n we_o move_v other_o to_o think_v well_o of_o we_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o he_o though_o we_o remain_v unfruitful_a as_o if_o he_o that_o give_v aim_n to_o another_o shall_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v hit_v the_o mark_n himself_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n quite_o contradict_v this_o and_o that_o often_o as_o st._n james_n 1._o 22._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n but_o the_o doer_n and_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 13._o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o so_o understand_v as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v here_o only_o commend_v but_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o who_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n than_o the_o work_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v once_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v live_v by_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o luke_n 12._o 47._o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o so_o where_o he_o say_v john_n 8._o 19_o if_o you_o have_v not_o know_v i_o you_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n comparative_o but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o know_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o gerson_n observe_v it_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o be_v demand_v of_o we_o how_o much_o we_o know_v how_o well_o skilled_a we_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o notable_a disputer_n and_o arguer_n we_o have_v be_v out_o of_o they_o nor_o how_o many_o good_a sermon_n we_o have_v hear_v nor_o how_o many_o chapter_n we_o have_v read_v or_o how_o often_o but_o as_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_v in_o that_o great_a day_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matt._n 25._o 34_o 36_o etc._n etc._n what_o good_a work_n we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n we_o profess_v and_o what_o good_a fruit_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n have_v produce_v and_o in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o beat_v the_o drum_n or_o sound_n as_o it_o be_v the_o trumpet_n to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o fight_v that_o good_a fight_n appoint_v by_o christ_n against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n unless_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o quit_v ourselves_o likeman_n in_o christ_n camp._n 3._o apply_v then_o ourselves_o to_o so_o divine_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n before_o we_o can_v do_v what_o be_v require_v we_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o be_v now_o about_o to_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corin._n 7._o 1._o we_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o those_o spot_n and_o blemish_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o soul_n and_o those_o scale_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v off_o our_o eye_n and_o those_o infirmity_n and_o distemper_n our_o soul_n natural_o labour_v under_o for_o we_o see_v not_o if_o we_o lament_v not_o our_o rude_a and_o pollute_a natural_a state_n our_o defect_n
end_n of_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n believe_v firm_o but_o not_o sound_o nor_o true_o his_o faith_n like_a to_o the_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v innumerable_a mistake_n not_o to_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a evil_a consequence_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a and_o willing_a to_o divide_v and_o rend_v faith_n from_o itself_o i_o mean_v the_o form_n or_o inward_a act_n of_o believe_v from_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o faith_n alone_o so_o take_v give_v we_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o give_v we_o sanctification_n too_o for_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v thereunto_o prepare_v by_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v and_o more_o dangerous_o presume_v no_o man_n be_v more_o justify_v alone_o by_o faith_n than_o he_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o alone_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o faith_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o rest_v upon_o such_o faith_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o upon_o such_o work_n of_o faith._n but_o this_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o pass_v 4._o however_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o at_o least_o form_n of_o speak_v as_o have_v late_o prevail_v disow_v the_o necessary_a ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o allow_v yea_o urge_v much_o good_a work_n and_o with_o many_o flourish_n commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o advance_v immoderate_o and_o injudicious_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n cripple_n it_o and_o bind_v it_o up_o from_o the_o free_a course_n and_o full_a influence_n it_o may_v and_o otherwise_o will_v have_v upon_o man_n life_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o evil_a and_o impregnate_v it_o to_o good_a work_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 5._o but_o leave_v that_o controversy_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v without_o controversy_n show_v by_o plain_a instance_n what_o we_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o militant_a state_n here_o and_o let_v it_o be_v ingenuous_o judge_v how_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o one_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o man_n especial_o and_o their_o heart_n and_o action_n and_o infallible_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a can_v easy_o omit_v the_o good_a so_o ample_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remunerate_v or_o rash_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a of_o sin-tempting_a stand_v by_o his_o christian_a faith_n assure_v that_o his_o temporary_a trifle_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o feel_v pleasure_n shall_v end_v infallible_o in_o bitterness_n and_o never-failing_a sorrow_n who_o will_v sow_v that_o seed_n in_o his_o field_n which_o he_o may_v easy_o believe_v will_v rise_v up_o to_o a_o harvest_n of_o serpent_n which_o will_v sting_v he_o to_o death_n or_o can_v a_o man_n steadfast_o believe_v that_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n teach_v and_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v appear_v a_o second_o time_n in_o glory_n and_o severe_a justice_n towards_o quick_a and_o dead_a render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n viz._n life_n everlasting_a or_o shame_n and_o torment_v everlasting_a and_o not_o fear_v or_o fear_v and_o yet_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v weigh_v he_o down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o misery_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v so_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o desireablenesse_n of_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o golden_a cup_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o deadly_a poison_n or_o will_v any_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o bread_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o perhaps_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n which_o he_o know_v will_v sudden_o after_o breed_v gravel_n and_o stone_n in_o his_o reins_o and_o bladder_n and_o infinite_o torture_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n persuasion_n which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o his_o fondness_n strong_a which_o can_v impose_v so_o hard_a thing_n on_o he_o unreject_v 6._o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a glory_n thereof_o yea_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fallacy_n vicious_a practice_n put_v on_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o a_o moment_n or_o less_o if_o less_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v not_o this_o next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n for_o what_o way_n we_o call_v a_o miracle_n if_o not_o delude_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o man_n eye_n and_o common_a sense_n that_o he_o shall_v call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a and_o have_v no_o other_o opinion_n of_o flame_n into_o which_o he_o must_v be_v cast_v than_o of_o a_o feather_n bed_n 7._o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o present_a sweet_a be_v most_o sweet_a and_o the_o present_a bitter_a most_o bitter_a but_o to_o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n the_o future_a exceed_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o to_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o hardship_n in_o this_o world_n 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his_o sensible_a soul_n bereave_v himself_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o not_o be_v all_o neither_o as_o our_o religion_n true_o inform_v we_o 8._o let_v we_o therefore_o true_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o prove_v ourselves_o know_v of_o our_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o corin._n 13._o 5._o sure_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o event_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o not_o to_o be_v like_o a_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n nor_o like_o such_o man_n who_o have_v
our_o former_a sin_n be_v to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v in_o youth_n ill_o squander_v the_o temporary_a good_n god_n have_v lend_v to_o we_o for_o a_o season_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o they_o in_o age_n but_o to_o employ_v they_o as_o free_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o promote_a piety_n exile_v by_o costly_a lust_n and_o not_o be_v like_o that_o unjust_a old_a usurer_n and_o oppressor_n of_o who_o henry_n of_o huntingdon_n speak_v who_o be_v exhort_v towards_o his_o death_n to_o give_v alm_n plentiful_o towards_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o wicked_a covetousness_n refuse_v say_v no_o i_o will_v leave_v my_o son_n all_o i_o have_v get_v and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v give_v alm_n out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o my_o soul_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n luke_n 12._o for_o 15._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v as_o if_o one_o word_n suffice_v not_o to_o obviate_v such_o a_o pestilent_a disease_n of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v take_v we_o heed_n of_o it_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o itself_o and_o beware_v of_o it_o for_o the_o viperous_a brood_n of_o sin_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o and_o nourish_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o obduration_n of_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o man_n be_v unsensible_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n thankfulness_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o all_o good_a work_n the_o end_n of_o his_o bounty_n to_o man_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o a_o hard_a heart_n and_o barren_a womb_n towards_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o brother_n crave_v some_o little_a of_o his_o abundance_n yea_o cruel_a be_v the_o covetous_a to_o his_o own_o flesh_n deny_v what_o may_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o same_o and_o no_o better_a to_o his_o mind_n torment_v it_o with_o restless_a and_o endless_a care_n to_o add_v to_o the_o unprofitable_a heap_n and_o bring_v about_o that_o design_n which_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o tell_v other_o first_o he_o desire_v but_o a_o honest_a livelihood_n but_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o he_o proceed_v and_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v willing_o leave_v a_o competent_a subsistence_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o have_v gain_v that_o point_n also_o than_o he_o be_v no_o less_o solicitous_a about_o that_o competency_n never_o know_v when_o he_o have_v it_o though_o he_o have_v it_o but_o will_v make_v his_o posterity_n rich_a too_o and_o gentleman_n and_o esquire_n and_o knight_n and_o noble_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o not_o then_o shall_v he_o sleep_v sweet_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o for_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o solicitude_n but_o if_o do_v no_o good_a or_o do_v no_o evil_a but_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o evil_a in_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v only_o guilty_a it_o be_v a_o laudable_a sin_n if_o any_o may_v be_v say_v so_o to_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o wicked_a prank_n it_o play_v upon_o other_o what_o choler_n and_o wrath_n rage_v not_o at_o a_o trivial_a loss_n which_o a_o liberal_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v move_v at_o or_o stir_v break_v but_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o two_o penny_n you_o almost_o break_v his_o heart_n and_o if_o he_o break_v your_o head_n it_o be_v less_o than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o violence_n fraud_n cheat_n treachery_n to_o god_n and_o his_o country_n for_o lucre_n pervert_v justice_n by_o bribery_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o confound_a religion_n by_o simony_n and_o sacrilege_n which_o he_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o he_o can_v stand_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o iniquity_n or_o bold_o ask_v what_o be_v sacrilege_n what_o be_v simony_n baffle_v all_o receive_v knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n thereof_o by_o his_o acute_a and_o singular_a scepticism_n trample_v on_o reason_n and_o justice_n and_o religion_n all_o at_o once_o add_v hereunto_o lie_v perjury_n stealing_n rapine_n and_o a_o benefit_n raise_v to_o himself_o by_o depopulation_n of_o parish_n reduce_v the_o well-inhabited_n place_v to_o one_o or_o two_o great_a farm_n take_v up_o a_o strange_a paradox_n for_o his_o defence_n that_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o never_o the_o few_o people_n because_o nature_n will_v work_v in_o a_o unknown_a manner_n and_o land._n how_o manifest_o have_v experience_n teach_v we_o what_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n denounce_v against_o such_o engrosser_n chap._n 2._o 9_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o covet_v a_o evil_a covetousness_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v set_v his_o nest_n on_o high_a etc._n etc._n for_o in_o truth_n i_o have_v by_o i_o many_o instance_n of_o curse_n upon_o person_n and_o family_n who_o by_o such_o ill_a way_n of_o advance_v themselves_o have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v utter_o ruin_v but_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o discourse_n with_o they_o so_o as_o that_o be_v happen_v to_o they_o which_o the_o psalmist_n have_v psalm_n 75._o 5._o according_a to_o the_o auncient_a translation_n the_o proud_a be_v rob_v they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o all_o the_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v mighty_a have_v find_v nothing_o great_a matter_n they_o grasp_v at_o in_o their_o projecting_n but_o in_o the_o conclusion_n they_o be_v force_v to_o let_v go_v what_o before_o they_o hold_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o above_o all_o this_o man_n shall_v serious_o consider_v there_o be_v more_o guilt_n in_o this_o sin_n than_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n especial_o have_v in_o it_o the_o pearl_n of_o covetousness_n and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o if_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v believe_v than_o idolatry_n coloss_n 3._o 5._o mammon_n be_v erect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v before_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o antichrist_n 6._o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o evil_n may_v more_o than_o sufficient_o dissuade_v the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o earthly_a riches_n which_o make_v we_o poor_a towards_o god_n but_o do_v not_o christ_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o as_o we_o have_v it_o act_n 20._o it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o it_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o yea_o psal_n 145._o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n and_o believe_v we_o solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n rather_o than_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o wit_n natural_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a not_o unlike_a to_o those_o breast_n which_o abound_v by_o be_v draw_v but_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o empty_a by_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v to_o afford_v to_o other_o by_o god_n and_o nature_n appointment_n 7._o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o or_o two_o main_a objection_n which_o the_o covetous_a be_v wont_a to_o allege_v for_o his_o tenaciousnesse_n and_o against_o bounty_n and_o charity_n especial_o towards_o public_a good._n charity_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v much_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o evil_a end_n which_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v plain_o know_v be_v not_o the_o real_a reason_n of_o such_o person_n illiberality_n but_o the_o love_n of_o money_n but_o be_v it_o so_o charitable_a deed_n be_v pervert_v to_o ill_a use_n such_o benefaction_n make_v with_o pious_a intention_n shall_v never_o be_v wrest_v by_o any_o abuse_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o his_o reward_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o a_o hundred_o fold_n beside_o to_o who_o can_v the_o subtle_a worldling_n give_v or_o leave_v his_o estate_n so_o secure_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v abuse_v he_o himself_o abuse_v it_o and_o himself_o many_o time_n in_o get_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o which_o as_o dung_n aught_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o make_v the_o soil_n fruitful_a and_o do_v not_o riches_n leave_v to_o the_o dear_a heir_n of_o our_o body_n suffer_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o they_o than_o good_a do_v they_o not_o abuse_v they_o in_o riot_v luxury_n and_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o covetous_a person_n shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o much_o mercy_n as_o to_o bring_v the_o abuse_n and_o mischief_n of_o wealth_n home_o to_o his_o own_o family_n rather_o than_o the_o church_n or_o state_n shall_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o his_o freeness_n but_o so_o experience_n often_o teach_v we_o to_o fall_v out_o whereas_o by_o spare_v somewhat_o out_o of_o that_o we_o enjoy_v to_o god_n service_n the_o remainder_n be_v sanctify_v and_o by_o god_n blessing_n become_v
or_o deserve_v amputation_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o such_o perfection_n and_o conjunction_n make_v we_o member_n 2._o thus_o far_o only_a if_o the_o phanaticall_a strain_n find_v in_o mystical_a theology_n of_o contrary_a extreme_n have_v proceed_v not_o only_a innocence_n but_o honour_n also_o have_v be_v due_a unto_o it_o but_o we_o find_v the_o modern_a advancer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v scandalous_o corrupt_v it_o by_o affectation_n of_o excess_n in_o style_n and_o big_a language_n and_o fact_n agreeable_a to_o they_o whereas_o bonaventure_n write_v on_o that_o subject_a thus_o simple_o describe_v it_o in_o his_o prologue_n to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o extension_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o desire_n of_o love_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v it_o be_v such_o whereby_o the_o religious_a soul_n leave_v humane_a wisdom_n the_o curiousness_n of_o unprofitable_a knowledge_n and_o the_o sophistry_n of_o argumentation_n and_o opinion_n by_o the_o ascent_n of_o love_n rise_v up_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o by_o desire_v in_o which_o only_o she_o find_v truth_n insomuch_o that_o the_o simple_a laic_a be_v in_o the_o school_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v this_o wisdom_n from_o god_n himself_o immediate_o by_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n which_o not_o natural_a philosopher_n nor_o secular_a master_n nor_o humane_a intelligence_n can_v attain_v to_o neither_o be_v the_o description_n of_o this_o unitive_a way_n give_v by_o gerson_n in_o his_o mystical_a theology_n to_o be_v reject_v where_o more_o sober_o than_o divers_a of_o late_a day_n affect_v to_o speak_v he_o say_v mystical_a divinity_n be_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n have_v of_o god_n by_o the_o conjunction_n with_o god_n by_o spiritual_a affection_n but_o we_o can_v allow_v of_o such_o great_a swell_a word_n and_o ecstaticall_a practice_n answerable_a thereunto_o wrap_v man_n soul_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o real_a ignorance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pursuit_n of_o supreme_a knowledge_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o direct_a profaneness_n of_o word_n and_o deed_n while_o they_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o vain_a emulation_n and_o affectation_n of_o sublimest_n devotion_n and_o piety_n which_o to_o pass_v over_o the_o many_o exorbitancy_n in_o this_o kind_n find_v among_o such_o as_o be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o phanatiques_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o devotion_n horstius_n in_o a_o latin_a book_n which_o he_o call_v the_o paradise_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v fall_v into_o there_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n pag._n 59_o true_o lord_n if_o what_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o be_v owner_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o thou_o want_v i_o will_v willing_o yield_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o give_v it_o thou_o yea_o if_o i_o can_v be_v god_n i_o will_v not_o for_o this_o only_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v god_n and_o have_v no_o peer_n which_o with_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o piece_n of_o fond_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a blasphemy_n proceed_v from_o a_o illimited_a affectation_n of_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a expression_n familiar_a with_o such_o like_a mystical_a divine_n careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o shun_v as_o the_o bane_n of_o true_a and_o favourie_a religion_n towards_o god_n whereby_o the_o devil_n set_v christian_n as_o once_o he_o do_v christ_n on_o the_o pinnacle_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o temple_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o cast_v they_o down_o headlong_o but_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n be_v wellgrounded_n in_o faith_n and_o settle_v in_o love_n to_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n which_o come_v from_o above_o with_o a_o true_a spiritual_a ardour_n towards_o god_n and_o desire_v of_o union_n with_o he_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o clearness_n than_o soundness_n last_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god._n whereby_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o some_o competent_a manner_n escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o pet._n 2._o cleave_v so_o steadfast_o to_o the_o lord_n or_o be_v join_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o corin_z 6._o 17._o that_o it_o become_v one_o spirit_n not_o by_o transmutation_n of_o nature_n or_o substance_n but_o by_o assimilation_n in_o holiness_n and_o plenary_a subjection_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o which_o be_v more_o corporal_o express_v by_o saint_n paul_n ephes_n 5._o where_o he_o say_v of_o true_a believer_n we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n not_o by_o transubstantiation_n of_o nature_n but_o transformation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o be_v say_v rom._n 12._o 2._o so_o that_o as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v galat._n 2._o 20._o the_o life_n which_o a_o christian_a so_o transform_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o conform_v unto_o christ_n live_v he_o live_v not_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o he_o by_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n a_o state_n of_o grace_n border_v never_o upon_o glory_n itself_o in_o which_o mystical_a language_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v lest_o a_o believer_n be_v so_o far_o draw_v away_o from_o the_o solid_a foundation_n and_o edify_a knowledge_n that_o his_o religion_n shall_v end_v in_o airy_a speculation_n and_o notion_n and_o these_o in_o bold_a denomination_n give_v himself_o and_o last_o spiritual_a life_n or_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o do_v enoch_n until_o a_o translation_n be_v make_v from_o hence_o near_o to_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o god._n 3._o therefore_o to_o prevent_v delusion_n incident_a to_o high_a flyer_n in_o divinity_n in_o this_o kind_n our_o speculation_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n reciprocate_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n wherewith_o he_o first_o love_v we_o and_o lest_o even_o this_o love_n shall_v prove_v a_o fondness_n the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o man_n life_n answer_v in_o purity_n and_o degree_n the_o fervour_n pretend_v of_o love_n not_o deny_v that_o where_o such_o intimate_a conjunction_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n certain_a tacit_a and_o inward_a signature_n thereof_o be_v make_v to_o it_o invisible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sensible_a only_o to_o its_o self_n but_o not_o so_o as_o therein_o to_o acquiesce_v without_o all_o solicitude_n as_o if_o such_o be_v already_o in_o heaven_n but_o with_o constant_a contention_n about_o these_o two_o principal_a point_n 4._o first_o how_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o good_a state_n to_o which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o bring_v to_o pass_v than_o by_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v as_o natural_a body_n subsist_v by_o the_o same_o element_n of_o which_o they_o do_v consist_v and_o second_o because_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o a_o man_n have_v without_o design_n hold_v up_o of_o proceed_v be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v and_o to_o fall_v backward_o and_o to_o decay_v it_o be_v necessary_a ever_o to_o be_v press_v forward_o that_o the_o tide_n may_v always_o be_v rise_v in_o grace_n least_o upon_o wilful_a remission_n and_o slackness_n the_o soul_n be_v by_o degree_n leave_v empty_a and_o dry_a for_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o heaven_n give_v by_o saint_n john_n revelat._n 14._o that_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o any_o not_o the_o high_a in_o this_o life_n that_o they_o shall_v cease_v to_o do_v good_a until_o that_o sabbath_n above_o shall_v be_v enter_v into_o and_o celebrate_v and_o yet_o even_o of_o the_o bless_a there_o we_o read_v revelat._n 4._o 8._o that_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o state_n where_o there_o be_v union_n with_o god_n indissoluble_a and_o communion_n to_o satiety_n without_o surfeit_n on_o one_o hand_n or_o weariness_n on_o the_o other_o a_o resemblance_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v even_o in_o this_o life_n by_o those_o who_o by_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o spiritual_a duty_n here_o and_o deny_v the_o world_n do_v as_o gregory_n say_v hom._n 34._o on_o the_o gospel_n burn_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o lofty_a contemplation_n breathe_v only_o with_o desire_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o covet_v nothing_o far_a in_o this_o world_n be_v nourish_v with_o the_o sole_a love_n of_o eternity_n they_o contemn_v all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o in_o their_o mind_n transcend_v all_o temporary_a thing_n they_o love_v and_o burn_v and_o in_o that_o heat_n they_o rest_v quiet_a they_o burn_v by_o love_v and_o by_o their_o speech_n inflame_v other_o also_o and_o who_o by_o their_o word_n they_o touch_v they_o instant_o
cause_v to_o burn_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god._n why_o therefore_o may_v i_o not_o call_v such_o as_o these_o seraphim_n who_o heart_n be_v convert_v into_o fire_n shine_v and_o burn_v and_o withal_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n mind_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o prick_v they_o with_o tear_n purge_v away_o the_o rust_n of_o vice_n this_o in_o sum_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n here_o unite_v unto_o god_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o more_o particular_o to_o treat_v sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a 1._o they_o who_o write_v scholastical_o of_o this_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o their_o treatise_n of_o mystical_a theology_n do_v first_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o speculative_a way_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o it_o and_o common_a theology_n and_o in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n this_o science_n be_v seat_v and_o such_o like_a which_o we_o purposely_o here_o omit_v and_o some_o more_o phanatical_o have_v learned_a from_o saint_n paul_n ephes_n 5._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a wedlock_n between_o it_o and_o every_o true_a particular_a member_n of_o that_o and_o christ_n pursue_v the_o allegory_n so_o bold_o and_o indiscreet_o as_o to_o profane_v that_o holy_a mystery_n by_o carnal_a resemblance_n and_o scholies_n which_o we_o shall_v avoid_v it_o suffice_v that_o as_o saint_n paul_n there_o say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n and_o that_o great_a mystery_n be_v not_o too_o curious_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o but_o believe_v firm_o with_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o which_o endeavour_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o proper_a mean_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o most_o of_o all_o deserve_v here_o to_o be_v explain_v 2._o of_o these_o then_o the_o present_a knowledge_n of_o god_n according_a to_o humane_a capacity_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o step_n and_o that_o not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a science_n but_o rather_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o experience_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o most_o apt_o and_o significant_o call_v the_o savour_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o only_o inform_v but_o affect_v we_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_o or_o experimental_o 3._o upon_o this_o good_a beginning_n be_v build_v the_o desire_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a glorious_a and_o good_a object_n of_o all_o that_o be_v fullfil_v which_o isaiah_n have_v chap._n 26._o 8._o yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o judgement_n o_o lord_n have_v we_o wait_v for_o thou_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o for_o in_o truth_n god_n be_v in_o himself_o the_o most_o desirable_a of_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o who_o fullness_n in_o that_o kind_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a do_v partake_v and_o become_v good_a so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o thing_n shall_v be_v form_v real_o good_a but_o what_o be_v real_o and_o more_o perfect_o such_o in_o he_o so_o can_v we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o absolute_o and_o perfect_o to_o be_v have_v in_o and_o with_o he_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n concern_v god_n and_o thing_n divine_a will_v follow_v a_o appetite_n of_o the_o will_v affect_v therewith_o for_o natural_a philosophy_n teach_v true_o than_o man_n have_v not_o freewill_n in_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v chief_a good_a and_o ultimate_a of_o all_o but_o without_o consultation_n or_o deliberation_n ravish_v with_o its_o allsufficiencie_n and_o plenitude_n tend_v natural_o and_o necessary_o to_o it_o as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o pass_v and_o beside_o it_o there_o be_v no_o stray_v as_o be_v immense_a so_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v lucifer_n himself_o excel_v natural_o in_o perspicacitie_n and_o intuitive_a knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v of_o that_o absolute_a good_a be_v so_o far_o surprise_v with_o its_o splendour_n and_o perfection_n that_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v near_o contemplate_n and_o enjoy_v it_o affect_v to_o be_v that_o itself_o by_o sacrilegious_a ambition_n and_o so_o lose_v what_o real_o he_o have_v and_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v perceive_v a_o necessary_a conjunction_n between_o clear_a and_o firm_a knowledge_n and_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n as_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o they_o call_v it_o necessity_n of_o conjunction_n between_o love_n and_o the_o thing_n we_o so_o love_v 4._o under_o love_n which_o be_v the_o very_a unitive_a bond_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n we_o comprehend_v desire_v also_o which_o some_o make_v one_o kind_n of_o love_n and_o complacency_n another_o but_o complacency_n be_v rather_o a_o concomitant_a of_o love_n possess_v of_o its_o object_n than_o any_o actual_a appetite_n may_v more_o proper_o be_v term_v a_o satiation_n and_o rest_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o love_n be_v a_o act_n or_o motion_n towards_o somewhat_o not_o full_o at_o least_o enjoy_v and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a fruition_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n cease_v not_o to_o love_v or_o desire_v in_o some_o sense_n as_o when_o that_o actual_o and_o at_o present_a enjoy_v be_v desire_v as_o absent_v and_o in_o the_o continuation_n for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o as_o no_o man_n according_a to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o saint_n paul_n hope_v for_o what_o he_o have_v so_o neither_o do_v he_o desire_v what_o he_o have_v but_o the_o desire_n remain_v after_o possession_n be_v of_o the_o perpetuation_n and_o indeficiencie_n of_o the_o same_o as_o when_o peter_n and_o john_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n behold_v and_o admire_v the_o glory_n do_v desire_v tabernacle_n to_o be_v erect_v in_o which_o they_o may_v rest_v further_o in_o the_o bless_a state_n they_o be_v then_o in_o so_o much_o more_o full_a then_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o excellency_n in_o christ_n so_o much_o more_o ardent_a will_v be_v and_o so_o much_o better_o settle_v our_o love_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o our_o union_n more_o intimate_a and_o fix_v in_o they_o answerable_a to_o which_o the_o schoolman_n as_o well_o as_o mystical_a divine_n have_v find_v out_o four_o degree_n of_o love_n divine_a thom._n 1._o 2._o qu._n 28._o a._n 5._o co._n liquefaction_n fruition_n languor_n and_o fervour_n which_o i_o hold_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v here_o insist_v upon_o as_o be_v more_o admirable_a than_o profitable_a a_o more_o modern_a author_n and_o more_o true_o and_o devout_o reduce_v all_o love_n of_o god_n to_o these_o three_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o come_v only_o through_o faith_n without_o gracious_a imagination_n or_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o soul_n reform_v by_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v good_a as_o suffice_v to_o salvation_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o a_o soul_n feel_v through_o faith_n and_o imagination_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o manhood_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o former_a when_o the_o imagination_n be_v stir_v by_o grace_n for_o then_o the_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v in_o behold_v of_o his_o humanity_n the_o three_o be_v love_n that_o a_o soul_n feel_v through_o spiritual_a sight_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o humanity_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v here_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o worthy_a and_o that_o be_v perfect_a love_n this_o love_n a_o soul_n feel_v not_o till_o it_o be_v reform_v in_o feeling_n thus_o that_o author_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o perfection_n 5._o but_o i_o esteem_v that_o more_o useful_a and_o easy_a distinction_n of_o love_n or_o union_n with_o god_n altogether_o sufficient_a for_o all_o purpose_n requisite_a to_o a_o good_a christian_a for_o either_o we_o love_v because_o by_o faith_n we_o know_v and_o see_v spiritual_o thing_n lovely_a or_o desirable_a as_o god_n in_o his_o perfection_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o mediation_n active_a and_o passive_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o operation_n divine_a or_o we_o love_v because_o we_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o all_o these_o in_o the_o inward-man_n by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n first_o in_o such_o sort_n manifest_v unto_o we_o for_o as_o saint_n austin_n epist_n 106._o have_v it_o answerable_a to_o the_o ground_n lay_v by_o saint_n john_n 1_o epist_n 4._o 19_o i'faith_o which_o work_v by_o love_n will_v not_o work_v at_o all_o unless_o the_o very_a love_n of_o god_n be_v first_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v
they_o present_o feel_v most_o grievous_a torment_n and_o this_o i_o rehearse_v very_o believe_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v elevate_v some_o man_n so_o extraordinary_o as_o that_o they_o exceed_v humane_a order_n in_o contemplation_n and_o sensation_n heavenly_a and_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v counterfeit_v notable_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o their_o servant_n and_o hereupon_o i_o leave_v these_o few_o rule_n to_o all_o sober_a faithful_a and_o devout_a christian_n tend_v to_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n good_a and_o evil_a 5._o first_o they_o who_o pursue_v the_o great_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o height_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unite_n they_o to_o god_n and_o cause_v a_o acquiescence_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o so_o that_o in_o effect_v their_o reason_n and_o sense_n natural_a inconsi_v with_o such_o perfection_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o god_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n undisturbed_a by_o it_o be_v laudable_o and_o safe_o extaticall_a 6._o second_o that_o they_o who_o may_v have_v surpass_v other_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o the_o unitive_a way_n with_o god_n and_o no_o way_n aim_v at_o such_o perfection_n or_o desire_v they_o as_o at_o the_o best_a not_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o good_a but_o more_o great_a rather_o and_o not_o more_o dear_a or_o acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v every_o prime_a christian_n study_n and_o endeavour_v may_v have_v exaltation_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o importunate_o covet_v may_v provoke_v god_n to_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n 7._o three_o see_v counterfeit_a ware_n come_v too_o often_o under_o the_o countenance_n and_o resemblance_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o pass_o good_a the_o soundness_n of_o the_o faith_n profess_v by_o such_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o such_o excess_n but_o such_o excess_n must_v be_v rather_o judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 8._o upon_o which_o faith_n be_v ground_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v for_o no_o otherwise_o true_a be_v that_o description_n of_o ecstasy_n give_v by_o that_o ancient_a author_n call_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n that_o ecstasy_n be_v a_o wisdom_n put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o than_o that_o suspension_n or_o absorption_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o dominion_n of_o divine_a irradiation_n true_o so_o call_v so_o that_o this_o excess_n of_o light_n and_o love_n must_v be_v itself_o subject_a to_o trial_n and_o that_o twofold_a principal_o the_o one_o take_v from_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o consequent_a circumstance_n for_o if_o soberness_n of_o believe_v and_o divinenesse_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o lead_v not_o to_o these_o ecstasy_n they_o be_v spurious_a and_o dangerous_a again_o if_o such_o transport_v mind_n thereupon_o fall_v into_o unreasonable_a unjust_a or_o ridiculous_a action_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o gravity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n there_o suppose_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suspect_v the_o scene_n to_o be_v manage_v by_o idle_a spirit_n for_o rapt_n of_o a_o royal_a stamp_n be_v such_o as_o gerson_n describe_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n obtain_v by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o unitive_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n may_v be_v have_v without_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n and_o may_v also_o dissetle_v it_o so_o as_o to_o depend_v for_o some_o time_n whole_o upon_o god_n supportation_n and_o transportation_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a judgement_n for_o thus_o be_v christ_n judge_v to_o be_v mark_v 3._o 21._o and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o friend_n beside_o himself_o and_o saint_n paul_n also_o by_o festus_n and_o by_o some_o other_o believer_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 2_o corinth_n 5._o 13._o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n of_o this_o latter_a 1._o when_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n be_v distinguish_v as_o sometime_o they_o be_v contemplation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v direct_v immediate_o to_o god_n and_o the_o fix_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o he_o and_o from_o and_o through_o he_o to_o cast_v a_o eye_n on_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o various_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o which_o he_o be_v see_v also_o with_o a_o evening_n light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v with_o a_o morning_n light_n as_o saint_n austin_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v by_o that_o immediate_a intuition_n which_o yet_o proper_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v only_o in_o heaven_n but_o meditation_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o create_a thing_n not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o natural_a philosopher_n but_o as_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o design_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o dull_a and_o weak_a eye_n which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o as_o man_n do_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o water_n and_o yet_o from_o hence_o ascent_n be_v make_v to_o a_o faithful_a and_o fruitful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n himself_o where_o the_o soul_n mount_v as_o be_v peter_n james_n and_o john_n at_o the_o transfiguration_n of_o christ_n desire_v to_o abide_v and_o have_v its_o residence_n for_o ever_o 2._o but_o grace_n and_o goodness_n here_o be_v in_o their_o minority_n yea_o and_o under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v galat_n 4._o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o promise_a and_o expect_a inheritance_n in_o this_o life_n but_o the_o method_n hereunto_o be_v this_o which_o we_o find_v exemplify_v in_o david_n speak_v thus_o psalm_n 17._o i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n in_o righteousness_n here_o when_o i_o awake_v i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o thy_o likeness_n for_o as_o saint_n paul_n also_o say_v 1_o corinth_n 13._o 12._o 2_o corinth_n 3._o 18._o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v as_o into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n meaning_n hereby_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o the_o glass_n of_o god_n creature_n and_o his_o reveal_v word_n give_v we_o a_o true_a but_o a_o distant_a and_o so_o dim_a representation_n of_o god_n as_o through_o perspective_n and_o these_o to_o improve_v to_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o advantage_n be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o present_a state_n here_o as_o whereby_o we_o be_v daily_o wrought_v to_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n deface_v in_o we_o and_o return_v unto_o his_o likeness_n and_o a_o like_n of_o he_o which_o two_o be_v both_o unitive_a of_o we_o to_o god_n and_o actual_a union_n with_o he_o according_a to_o our_o present_a capacity_n for_o it_o be_v true_a in_o religion_n what_o philosophy_n in_o her_o sphere_n teach_v that_o the_o understanding_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n answerable_a to_o its_o object_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n wonderful_o conform_v itself_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o ear_n or_o eye_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n figure_v by_o they_o as_o we_o see_v that_o water_n admit_v any_o body_n more_o solid_a than_o itself_o into_o itself_o give_v way_n to_o it_o and_o receive_v the_o shape_n thereof_o within_o itself_o as_o do_v the_o air_n also_o though_o not_o so_o visible_o to_o our_o sense_n so_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n contemplate_v and_o conceive_v god_n and_o divine_a matter_n be_v form_v or_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o moral_o lose_v its_o natural_a shape_n and_o posture_n and_o propensity_n which_o be_v thus_o express_v by_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a that_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god._n for_o instance_n a_o man_n hear_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o absurd_a riotous_a and_o obscene_a discourse_n or_o book_n as_o be_v in_o part_n note_v before_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o and_o corrupt_v therewith_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n so_o imbibe_v or_o impress_v be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o with_o great_a facility_n and_o promptitude_n stir_v up_o or_o at_o least_o yield_v to_o sinful_a temptation_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v agreeable_o and_o so_o in_o man_n read_v of_o the_o history_n of_o far_a and_o unknown_a country_n and_o the_o strange_a fruit_n of_o
we_o that_o those_o christian_n so_o reprehend_v by_o st._n paul_n turn_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n into_o costly_a junket_n take_v occasion_n from_o that_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o excess_n 4._o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n before_o chrysostome_n day_n that_o the_o formidableness_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v approach_v unto_o upon_o low_a and_o easy_a term_n than_o be_v teach_v by_o some_o person_n appear_v from_o the_o daily_a communion_n in_o use_n among_o they_o which_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o that_o daily_a solemn_a and_o exact_a preparation_n judge_v now_o a_o day_n indispensable_o necessary_a all_o which_o i_o here_o speak_v to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o say_v of_o a_o twofold_a worthiness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o one_o which_o indeed_o bring_v damnation_n with_o it_o by_o contrary_a quality_n in_o a_o receiver_n to_o that_o ordinance_n such_o as_o the_o corinthian_n be_v guilty_a of_o so_o reprove_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o another_o of_o negative_a unworthiness_n which_o may_v be_v direct_a infidelity_n which_o make_v man_n whole_o uncapable_a of_o that_o sacrament_n which_o suppose_v baptism_n and_o faith_n answerable_a or_o a_o disproportionable_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n and_o repentance_n and_o other_o qualification_n very_o well_o become_v that_o which_o yet_o do_v not_o make_v any_o man_n absolute_o uncapable_a of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n damnable_a to_o he_o provide_v that_o he_o come_v with_o some_o sound_n and_o good_a degree_n of_o preparation_n though_o small_a and_o weak_a have_v a_o pure_a intention_n such_o as_o these_o may_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o affect_a abstain_v as_o well_o as_o in_o scandalous_a receive_v that_o holy_a supper_n for_o be_v it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o clear_a of_o sin_n about_o we_o and_o so_o perfect_a as_o some_o require_v to_o a_o due_a preparation_n we_o need_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n at_o all_o 5._o four_o it_o be_v a_o common_a allegation_n against_o communicate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o their_o neighbour_n and_o thereupon_o they_o hold_v themselves_o sufficient_o exempt_v from_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o this_o decline_v the_o eucharist_n may_v no_o less_o tend_v to_o our_o condemnation_n than_o so_o come_v for_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v all_o fair_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o reconciliation_n which_o wilful_o neglect_v make_v they_o unfit_a to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o to_o communicate_v but_o if_o they_o have_v use_v their_o christian_a endeavour_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o actual_o do_v what_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o all_o man_n and_o their_o endeavour_n be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o peevishness_n obstinacy_n and_o ill_a mind_n of_o other_o man_n be_v not_o thereby_o uncapable_a of_o those_o mystery_n another_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o my_o soul_n to_o render_v it_o unworthy_a of_o they_o nor_o to_o prejudice_v another_o in_o his_o right_n towards_o god._n sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o frequent_o with_o proper_a remedy_n 1._o my_o son_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la 2._o 1._o if_o thou_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n prepare_v thy_o soul_n for_o temptation_n so_o that_o they_o who_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n do_v not_o come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o tranquillity_n or_o security_n from_o trouble_n and_o disquieting_n either_o outward_a or_o inward_a spiritual_a or_o worldly_a but_o to_o protection_n and_o preservation_n under_o such_o conflict_n as_o happen_v to_o they_o for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o take_v into_o the_o military_a service_n of_o his_o prince_n live_v more_o at_o ease_n than_o he_o that_o serve_v under_o he_o in_o his_o war_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n itself_o be_v militant_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a member_n of_o that_o body_n so_o must_v we_o also_o be_v exercise_v with_o the_o like_a war_n and_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o fulfil_v the_o office_n we_o bear_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n paul_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 3_o 4._o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardness_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n no_o man_n that_o war_v entangle_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v please_v he_o who_o have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o soldier_n and_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o ancient_a and_o holy_a woman_n syncletica_n that_o by_o how_o much_o a_o christian_a soldier_n profit_v in_o holiness_n by_o so_o much_o strong_a be_v his_o adversary_n which_o oppose_v he_o apophtheg_n syncletic_n and_o how_o much_o great_a care_n a_o true_a christian_a take_v in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n as_o do_v saint_n paul_n by_o so_o much_o be_v multiply_v his_o fear_n and_o scruple_n and_o sense_n of_o offence_n within_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n none_o take_v cold_a often_o than_o they_o who_o be_v more_o careful_a than_o ordinary_a to_o keep_v themselves_o warm_a upon_o which_o subject_n of_o temptation_n in_o its_o latitude_n because_o i_o can_v speak_v here_o i_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o proper_a to_o our_o subject_n of_o due_a communicate_v which_o be_v not_o few_o but_o yet_o but_o few_o i_o shall_v here_o consider_v and_o those_o the_o most_o common_a 2._o one_o general_a remedy_n against_o this_o may_v be_v that_o of_o luther_n who_o upon_o due_a esteem_n have_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a communicate_v be_v so_o infest_a with_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o can_v never_o rest_v in_o quiet_a for_o they_o until_o he_o abrupt_o and_o bold_o break_v through_o they_o all_o by_o bid_v defiance_n in_o a_o blunt_a and_o slovenly_a manner_n to_o he_o which_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n with_o he_o and_o so_o shake_v off_o such_o scruple_n go_v about_o the_o work_n without_o presumption_n still_o or_o unprofitable_a delay_n for_o unless_o a_o man_n with_o humble_a courage_n sometime_o apply_v himself_o to_o that_o work_n he_o shall_v like_v such_o child_n who_o at_o the_o least_o cross_n put_v their_o finger_n in_o their_o eye_n spend_v his_o time_n in_o lament_v and_o bewail_v himself_o without_o that_o confidence_n in_o god_n become_v he_o and_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o himself_o for_o as_o i_o remember_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o ancient_a ascetique_n or_o secluse_n to_o be_v that_o as_o in_o onion_n take_v off_o one_o coat_n spherical_a there_o will_v present_o appear_v another_o so_o in_o temptation_n one_o be_v withstand_v overcome_v and_o remove_v another_o arise_v to_o be_v take_v off_o also_o so_o that_o temptation_n become_v a_o disease_n in_o some_o and_o therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v oppose_v than_o humour_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o who_o scruple_n be_v weighty_a or_o very_o molest_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o physician_n of_o the_o soul_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o apply_v remedy_n thereunto_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n as_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n we_o be_v direct_v and_o particular_o by_o our_o own_o in_o the_o exhortation_n appoint_v at_o the_o give_a warning_n to_o the_o people_n of_o a_o communion_n at_o hand_n 3._o more_o particular_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o cross_n in_o the_o world_n be_v common_o allege_v as_o justifiable_a impediment_n of_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n which_o sometime_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n induce_v we_o to_o flee_v to_o those_o powerful_a mean_n of_o lighten_v our_o burden_n and_o master_v those_o temptation_n which_o threaten_v our_o great_a disquiet_a and_o mischief_n for_o if_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n be_v of_o that_o efficacy_n which_o christ_n promise_v invite_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o he_o will_v give_v rest_n unto_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v there_o intimate_v what_o may_v we_o not_o not_o expect_v from_o christ_n when_o he_o so_o come_v unto_o we_o as_o in_o the_o eucharist_n with_o great_a plenitude_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o that_o deal_v upright_o with_o god_n and_o prudent_o with_o their_o own_o soul_n may_v from_o hence_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o a_o more_o ardent_a desire_n of_o communicate_v rather_o than_o shun_v or_o avoid_v it_o 4._o but_o in_o other_o case_n there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n make_v for_o some_o sollicitude_n and_o
and_o deformity_n and_o find_v the_o smart_n of_o our_o sore_n there_o be_v little_a probability_n we_o shall_v be_v solicitous_a so_o far_o about_o ourselves_o as_o to_o seek_v for_o redress_n and_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o but_o have_v attain_v this_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o mention_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v happy_o succeed_v and_o this_o advantage_n by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n towards_o so_o great_a and_o good_a work_n as_o to_o learn_v the_o general_a division_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o impurity_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o that_o some_o sin_n have_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o other_o of_o a_o fleshly_a for_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a constitution_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o he_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o beast_n so_o be_v his_o inclination_n sometime_o transport_v he_o to_o the_o excess_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o sometime_o sink_v he_o down_o towards_o brutish_a lust_n but_o which_o be_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o st._n james_n chap._n 3._o 15._o thus_o write_v this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o some_o sin_n and_o especial_o they_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v real_o devilish_a as_o have_v the_o devil_n as_o well_o for_o their_o author_n as_o actor_n viz._n envying_n glorying_n strife_n lie_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n a_o little_a before_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hatred_n murder_n violence_n offer_v to_o other_o intemperance_n incontinence_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o such_o like_a be_v such_o which_o senfuall_a appetite_n dispose_v we_o unto_o and_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o beast_n prone_a to_o they_o yet_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v beast_n many_o time_n govern_v by_o their_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o great_a offender_n thereby_o as_o man_n direct_v to_o high_a and_o better_a thing_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o religion_n or_o faith._n for_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a restraint_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o keep_v we_o within_o due_a compass_n of_o live_v first_o our_o very_a sense_n not_o make_v by_o evil_a custom_n more_o brutish_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v do_v certify_v by_o a_o natural_a reluctancy_n when_o we_o exce_v due_a measure_n in_o the_o use_n of_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o a_o great_a light_n and_o check_v to_o such_o exorbitance_n do_v our_o reason_n give_v we_o not_o bribe_v by_o corruption_n to_o give_v false_a report_n and_o dictate_v but_o the_o light_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v yet_o more_o clear_a full_a and_o perfect_a to_o direction_n and_o sanctification_n but_o the_o life_n and_o crown_n of_o all_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o will_n of_o man_n into_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n most_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v here_o speak_v brief_o to_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n 1._o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v by_o descent_n of_o heavenly_a extraction_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o owe_v original_o to_o the_o will_n or_o election_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v give_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v well_o apply_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o illumination_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manner_n than_o otherwise_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a or_o chief_a part_n of_o its_o power_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o which_o impell_v and_o enable_v we_o too_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v he_o send_v i_o into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o not_o by_o affirmation_n only_o but_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n consummate_v in_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v every_o good_a christian_a by_o do_v and_o die_v if_o need_v be_v testify_z to_z the_o truth_n 2._o and_o sure_o great_a be_v the_o influence_n true_a and_o strong_a faith_n have_v to_o that_o end_n according_a to_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 5._o 4._o tell_v we_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n even_o our_o faith_n so_o term_v because_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v conqueror_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o enemy_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o call_v the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o god_n as_o all_o sinful_a lust_n do_v and_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o subjection_n of_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v verify_v what_o christ_n foretell_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o man_n enemy_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o house_n a_o militant_a christian_a never_o be_v free_a from_o intestine_a jar_n and_o warring_n of_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o any_o suggestion_n or_o lean_a on_o any_o other_o aid_n but_o what_o our_o faith_n furnish_v we_o withal_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o fail_v and_o fall_v in_o our_o contention_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o demoniacall_a son._n mark_n 9_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v so_o shall_v we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o he_o that_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n himself_o mark_v 16._o 5._o he_o can_v do_v there_o viz._n in_o his_o own_o country_n no_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n as_o if_o unbelief_n in_o man_n have_v tie_v god_n hand_n and_o disable_v he_o who_o be_v ever_o omnipotent_a to_o act_v according_o though_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n not_o absolute_o but_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n proceed_v towards_o man_n who_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v obtrude_v his_o blessing_n upon_o he_o contemn_v he_o as_o do_v these_o his_o countryman_n who_o astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n carp_v at_o his_o relation_n and_o education_n and_o meanness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o parentage_n believe_v with_o prejudice_n reprovable_a by_o their_o sense_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v that_o they_o see_v he_o do_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o to_o he_o their_o sick_a and_o impotent_a so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o cure_n of_o the_o distemper_a soul_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a but_o unbelief_n make_v possible_a thing_n impossible_a and_o easy_a thing_n most_o difficult_a for_o 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that_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o he_o by_o his_o faith_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o by_o his_o faith_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o by_o faith_n both_o believe_v aright_o in_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o love_v what_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o noble_a and_o desirable_a which_o hold_v not_o good_a then_o only_o but_o be_v of_o perpetual_a truth_n as_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o unto_o thou_o so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o ever_o will_v be_v unto_o christian_a soul_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v true_o but_o do_v not_o full_o his_o faith_n be_v impotent_a in_o its_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o can_v profit_v very_o little_a to_o the_o main_a