Selected quad for the lemma: knowledge_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n know_v natural_a revelation_n 1,994 5 10.2316 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A07826 A treatise of the threefolde state of man wherein is handled, 1 His created holinesse in his innocencie. 2 His sinfulnesse since the fall of Adam. 3 His renewed holinesse in his regeneration. Morton, Thomas, of Berwick. 1596 (1596) STC 18199; ESTC S107028 195,331 462

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ideae_fw-la or_o species_n engrave_v in_o they_o by_o nature_n but_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n by_o some_o outward_a mean_n and_o so_o to_o replenish_v these_o empty_a room_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o this_o state_n far_o more_o easy_o certain_o and_o soon_o than_o any_o man_n can_v get_v knowledge_n in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o man_n first_o for_o human_a knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n of_o sense_n experience_n observation_n and_o collection_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n man_n have_v great_a subtility_n and_o quickness_n of_o outward_a sense_n arise_v of_o the_o exact_a temperament_n of_o his_o body_n and_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v aright_o without_o error_n the_o impression_n of_o any_o object_n and_o according_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n dispose_v the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n and_o by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v able_a with_o great_a quickness_n facility_n certainty_n and_o truth_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v to_o imagine_v and_o invent_v to_o compound_v and_o divide_v to_o collect_v and_o infer_v to_o reason_n and_o discourse_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o in_o sum_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n action_n and_o motion_n in_o any_o natural_a and_o finite_a object_n without_o fail_v or_o err_v in_o his_o work_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o man_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n call_v human_a knowledge_n not_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o any_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o corrupt_a estate_n so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o body_n do_v let_v knowledge_n into_o the_o mind_n as_o light_n come_v into_o a_o house_n by_o the_o window_n of_o it_o yet_o man_n do_v not_o get_v knowledge_n only_o by_o open_v his_o eye_n but_o by_o diligent_a use_v and_o employ_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o work_n hereof_o we_o may_v infer_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o man_n know_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v not_o be_v know_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n as_o for_o example_n he_o can_v not_o give_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o the_o effect_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v contingent_a as_o in_o his_o own_o action_n he_o can_v not_o foresee_v his_o own_o fall_n whether_o he_o shall_v resist_v or_o give_v place_n to_o temptation_n because_o the_o truth_n hereof_o do_v depend_v on_o the_o extemporal_a motion_n of_o his_o freewill_n which_o may_v incline_v itself_o to_o either_o part_n second_o that_o he_o know_v not_o any_o particular_a thing_n which_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apprehend_v by_o his_o outward_a sense_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o know_v the_o secret_a thought_n of_o another_o man_n nor_o define_v the_o number_n of_o thing_n infinite_a as_o to_o tell_v how_o many_o stone_n or_o fish_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n these_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o know_v neither_o be_v it_o needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v they_o again_o hereof_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n have_v not_o any_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o age_n for_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n the_o faculty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o perform_v their_o several_a function_n in_o any_o perfect_a manner_n yea_o further_a that_o in_o his_o youth_n he_o be_v to_o be_v train_v up_o in_o learning_n and_o in_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v knowledge_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v so_o slow_a dull_a and_o untoward_a as_o be_v the_o witty_a and_o most_o forward_a one_o in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n but_o that_o he_o do_v profit_n in_o knowledge_n far_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o can_v do_v in_o this_o sinful_a time_n last_o in_o that_o man_n be_v to_o get_v knowledge_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o actual_a knowledge_n for_o howsoever_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n serve_v for_o the_o get_n of_o knowledge_n be_v much_o alike_o in_o all_o without_o any_o great_a difference_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difference_n as_o in_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n so_o also_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o great_a their_o actual_a knowledge_n be_v less_o of_o man_n yet_o as_o man_n do_v give_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o the_o search_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o man_n humane_a knowledge_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o sense_n &_o therefore_o to_o be_v know_v by_o some_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o answer_n hereof_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o to_o two_o part_n the_o one_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n the_o other_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o action_n counsel_n decree_n and_o will_v this_o latter_a part_n be_v altogether_o unknowen_a to_o man_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v extraordinary_o reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n otherwise_o no_o man_n yea_o no_o angel_n in_o heaven_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o secret_a counsel_n as_o no_o angel_n know_v when_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n math._n 24._o 36._o 36._o thus_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o fall_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o he_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o need_n of_o this_o knowledge_n yet_o god_n do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v his_o counsel_n unto_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o that_o by_o vision_n apparition_n dream_n ●_o ectasy_n inspiration_n &_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n but_o most_o common_o by_o a_o create_a voice_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o adam_n in_o the_o garden_n this_o part_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n may_v easy_o be_v attain_v to_o by_o man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v and_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n essence_n and_o nature_n which_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a how_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o man_n although_o the_o same_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v a_o finite_a thing_n comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a again_o whatsoever_o man_n know_v or_o conceave_v in_o his_o mind_n he_o conceive_v it_o by_o a_o similitude_n or_o image_n of_o the_o say_a thing_n abstract_v from_o it_o by_o his_o outward_a sense_n but_o whereunto_o shall_v man_n resemble_v or_o compare_v god_n who_o be_v not_o like_a to_o any_o thing_n either_o true_o exist_v or_o which_o can_v be_v imagine_v we_o answer_v confess_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v god_n full_o as_o a_o man_n may_v know_v the_o whole_a nature_n form_n force_n matter_n virtue_n and_o ability_n of_o a_o tree_n beast_n or_o any_o other_o creature_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o do_v give_v to_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o due_a unto_o he_o and_o yet_o man_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n even_o by_o know_v it_o to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o get_v a_o likeness_n or_o form_n of_o it_o by_o know_v it_o to_o be_v incomparable_a to_o any_o thing_n and_o unlike_a to_o all_o thing_n whereof_o arise_v this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n be_v a_o certain_a thing_n or_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o incomparable_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o man_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o his_o happiness_n or_o of_o his_o holiness_n to_o have_v a_o general_a and_o confuse_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o certain_a thing_n or_o nature_n there_o be_v innumerable_a nature_n beside_o he_o in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o have_v a_o privative_a knowledge_n that_o god_n can_v be_v comprehend_v of_o any_o creature_n or_o resemble_v to_o any_o thing_n for_o this_o knowledge_n
be_v nothing_o but_o a_o confession_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o search_v out_o not_o only_o what_o god_n be_v not_o but_o also_o what_o he_o be_v but_o this_o can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o ask_v counsel_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o learn_v the_o nature_n god_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o who_o only_o it_o be_v full_o know_v this_o may_v be_v do_v john_n 4._o 24._o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o so_o be_v the_o angel_n also_o heb._n 1._o 7._o 7._o how_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v creature_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n god_n forbid_v for_o that_o thought_n be_v no_o holy_a knowledge_n but_o a_o blasphemous_a error_n yea_o the_o scripture_n mean_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o invisible_a subtle_a and_o pure_a nature_n as_o be_v the_o angel_n and_o as_o be_v the_o wind_n and_o air_n from_o the_o which_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n be_v take_v or_o as_o be_v the_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v make_v the_o synonymum_fw-la that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n heb._n 1._o 7._o 7._o he_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n flame_n of_o fire_n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a than_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v for_o hereby_o we_o learn_v only_o that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a or_o sensible_a thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n again_o to_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o with_o moses_n ask_v bold_o what_o he_o be_v 14._o and_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o true_a name_n and_o nature_n reveal_v unto_o us._n the_o answer_n which_o god_n give_v be_v this_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o or_o i_o will_v be_v that_o i_o will_v be_v that_o be_v i_o be_o no_o chaungling_n but_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o neither_o these_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v flat_o define_v what_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n so_o happy_a and_o be_v so_o bountiful_a unto_o he_o do_v envy_n to_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v we_o be_v rather_o to_o gather_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o behalf_n that_o this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o point_n of_o knowledge_n for_o man_n to_o reach_v unto_o yea_o such_o a_o one_o whereof_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o therefore_o man_n in_o his_o innocence_n be_v not_o to_o busy_v his_o head_n in_o sound_v the_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o god_n essence_n or_o to_o think_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o utter_v so_o significant_a a_o word_n as_o shall_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o form_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n nature_n how_o then_o may_v man_n know_v god_n or_o at_o the_o least_o come_v near_o to_o some_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n of_o he_o we_o answer_v that_o neither_o god_n nor_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v conceive_v by_o man_n but_o by_o some_o resemblance_n or_o image_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o light_n and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v to_o imagine_v of_o god_n by_o that_o which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n most_o excellent_a in_o nature_n and_o so_o approach_v near_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o which_o all_o man_n know_v to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o other_o in_o this_o contemplation_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v first_o offer_v itself_o as_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o nature_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v be_v fain_o to_o gather_v out_o of_o himself_o or_o else_o from_o the_o angel_n if_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o he_o a_o idea_n image_n or_o notion_n of_o god_n not_o by_o think_v he_o like_o to_o any_o creature_n for_o that_o be_v idolatry_n but_o by_o appyl_v the_o best_a high_a great_a &_o most_o excellent_a thing_n which_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n this_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n that_o it_o remain_v even_o in_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a then_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o man_n for_o ignorant_a man_n know_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o do_v think_v their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v like_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n well_o then_o let_v we_o use_v this_o mean_n see_v we_o have_v no_o other_o and_o see_v if_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o the_o great_a ocean_n by_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n what_o then_o be_v count_v most_o excellent_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n what_o but_o his_o understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n counsel_n his_o reasonable_a wit_n and_o orderly_a affection_n his_o love_n favour_n mercy_n pity_n his_o justice_n purity_n &_o such_o other_o virtue_n his_o strength_n and_o power_n his_o lordship_n over_o the_o creature_n and_o he_o glory_n arise_v thereof_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o excellency_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o therefore_o man_n as_o it_o be_v put_v his_o own_o coat_n on_o god_n be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o his_o mind_n as_o of_o a_o nature_n surpass_v yea_o infinite_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n counsel_n in_o will_n love_n hatred_n favour_n and_o revenge_n in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o purity_n and_o justice_n in_o might_n power_n dominion_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o marvel_n that_o man_n do_v thus_o conceive_v of_o god_n see_v god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n capacity_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n in_o this_o and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n even_o in_o the_o person_n likeness_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v now_o as_o touch_v the_o mean_n whereby_o man_n in_o this_o his_o innocence_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n his_o own_o nature_n be_v familiar_a unto_o he_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v conceive_v they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o wit_n his_o sense_n outward_a and_o inward_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v plain_o and_o certain_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n attribute_n wherein_o as_o have_v be_v say_v his_o nature_n be_v otherwise_o incomprehensible_a be_v reveal_v as_o namely_o of_o his_o infinitenes_n eternity_n wisdom_n justice_n power_n &_o love_n all_o which_o do_v shine_v so_o clearelie_o in_o the_o creature_n that_o man_n even_o since_o his_o fall_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n attain_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 1._o 20._o 20._o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o eternity_n power_n &_o godheade_n be_v plainele_o see_v since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v or_o understand_v in_o the_o creature_n if_o by_o man_n be_v sinful_a how_o much_o more_o by_o he_o be_v in_o his_o pure_a estate_n for_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o one_o who_o have_v both_o his_o eye_n and_o be_v clear_o sight_v do_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o eye_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a of_o itself_o that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v perceive_v it_o the_o second_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v immediate_a revelation_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o so_o in_o the_o first_o state_n of_o innocence_n god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n love_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o that_o diverse_a way_n as_o it_o seem_v best_o unto_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o have_v familiar_a conversation_n with_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o they_o face_n to_o face_n as_o one_o friend_n use_v to_o do_v with_o another_o this_o second_o mean_n do_v make_v perfect_a the_o actual_a knowledge_n get_v by_o man_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o creature_n increase_a it_o to_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n than_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o potential_a knowledge_n of_o man_n be_v make_v actual_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a ministry_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o the_o hand_n either_o of_o angel_n or_o of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o first_o part_n
man_n general_o not_o only_a to_o his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n be_v manifest_a even_o to_o the_o gentiles_n for_o god_n have_v make_v it_o know_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godheade_n be_v see_v since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v by_o reason_n or_o the_o understanding_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o creature_n this_o appear_v also_o in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o although_o few_o of_o they_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o true_a worship_n yet_o all_o general_o have_v have_v and_o worship_v some_o god_n yea_o almost_o every_o particular_a country_n city_n town_n village_n and_o family_n have_v have_v their_o proper_a god_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o aforesaid_a knowledge_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o whenas_o man_n see_v the_o creature_n to_o wit_n the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n the_o sea_n he_o must_v needs_o think_v with_o himself_o that_o these_o dead_a and_o senseless_a creature_n can_v not_o make_v themselves_o yea_o that_o no_o man_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n can_v make_v either_o they_o or_o yet_o itself_o for_o how_o shall_v any_o thing_n work_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o do_v exist_v itself_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a man_n but_o what_o be_v this_o incomparison_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n but_o mere_a &_o gross_a ignorance_n for_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n have_v more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n although_o not_o the_o same_o particular_a knowledge_n than_o all_o the_o ●earned_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v have_v or_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o but_o since_o the_o fall_n he_o have_v not_o by_o nature_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o we_o can_v say_v that_o he_o that_o think_v his_o idol_n to_o be_v a_o god_n know_v the_o true_a god_n beside_o this_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o settle_a and_o ground_a persuasion_n but_o a_o light_n and_o waver_a opinion_n a_o mean_a betwixt_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o little_o regard_v or_o follow_v in_o life_n and_o easy_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o relic_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v so_o soon_o lose_v and_o by_o the_o least_o persuasion_n or_o occasion_n turn_v into_o senseless_a idolatry_n wherein_o god_n be_v think_v to_o be_v like_a to_o man_n and_o other_o base_a creature_n but_o to_o proceed_v although_o the_o actual_a ignorance_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v so_o palpable_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o potential_a ignorance_n that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o blockish_a dull_a &_o uncapable_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o attain_v unto_o it_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o so_o be_v he_o list_v to_o go_v about_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o he_o will_v allege_v the_o example_n of_o many_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o although_o they_o never_o know_v indeed_o what_o spiritual_a regenerationment_n but_o do_v always_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o secret_o scorn_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v in_o their_o whole_a life_n carnal_a worldly_a and_o dissolute_a yet_o for_o knowledge_n in_o all_o point_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v count_v the_o most_o profound_a man_n of_o all_o other_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o that_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n 14._o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o be_v the_o carnal_a man_n be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o also_o unable_a to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v heavenly_a thing_n for_o although_o he_o labour_v most_o earnest_o in_o a_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o know_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o to_o this_o agree_v daily_a experience_n for_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v diligent_o plain_o and_o painful_o in_o many_o place_n in_o the_o which_o most_o of_o the_o hearer_n remain_v as_o ignorant_a of_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v tell_v of_o such_o a_o matter_n whereas_o if_o a_o man_n do_v tell_v they_o a_o tale_n of_o any_o worldly_a matter_n belong_v to_o their_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v understand_v it_o at_o the_o first_o and_o carry_v it_o away_o so_o well_o that_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o very_o readely_a in_o it_o as_o touch_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o diverse_a unregenerate_a man_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o god_n do_v bestow_v his_o spiritual_a gift_n not_o only_o on_o the_o elect_a but_o also_o on_o the_o reprobate_n as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v at_o large_a in_o the_o next_o part_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a man_n because_o they_o have_v a_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o man_n howsoever_o it_o carry_v a_o glorious_a show_n yet_o in_o strait_a examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o only_o borrow_v out_o of_o the_o book_n and_o sermon_n of_o other_o man_n have_v no_o steedfast_a ground_n in_o they_o but_o in_o mingle_v with_o much_o doubt_n unbeleef_n error_n &_o ignorance_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a &_o common_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o talk_v and_o reason_n at_o large_a of_o matter_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v 1._o tim._n 1._o 7._o they_o will_v be_v doctor_n of_o the_o law_n 7._o &_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o speak_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v so_o many_o do_v prophecy_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o neither_o know_v christ_n nor_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o he_o 10._o so_o we_o read_v john_n 3._o 10._o of_o nicodemus_n who_o although_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n that_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n so_o many_o preach_v of_o god_n christ_n faith_n the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o dispute_v very_o cunning_o and_o subtle_o of_o these_o thing_n who_o think_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a &_o false_a doctrine_n invent_v perhaps_o for_o a_o good_a end_n to_o make_v man_n live_v a_o honest_a and_o orderly_a life_n but_o such_o as_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o neither_o shall_v ever_o be_v see_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o any_o do_v marvel_v how_o man_n of_o singular_a wit_n of_o great_a capacity_n learning_n read_v judgement_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v so_o dull_a or_o rather_o dead_a and_o senseless_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o action_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v and_o so_o often_o iterate_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v 1._o cor._n 3._o 14._o because_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_o to_o be_v discern_v 14._o that_o be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n and_o contrariety_n betwixt_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n tri_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o own_o sense_n esteem_v that_o impossible_a and_o false_a which_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n &_o therefore_o incredible_a in_o all_o reason_n as_o namely_o the_o incarnation_n of_o god_n the_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a regeneration_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n eternal_a glory_n and_o many_o other_o the_o full_a knowledge_n and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n whereof_o be_v far_o more_o hardly_o attain_v by_o those_o who_o excel_v in_o natural_a wit_n worldly_a wisdom_n profound_a learning_n then_o by_o those_o who_o be_v simple_a and_o unlearned_a 26._o 1._o cor._n
general_a renovation_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o also_o sin_n itself_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o accuse_a conscience_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o hereof_o follow_v diverse_a effect_n in_o they_o as_o namely_o fear_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o temporal_a punishment_n whereunto_o they_o by_o their_o sin_n have_v lay_v themselves_o open_a second_o a_o increase_n of_o humiliation_n in_o regard_n thereof_o and_o last_o this_o accuse_a conscience_n be_v as_o a_o bit_n to_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n check_v they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o tooth_n with_o the_o judgment_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v by_o commit_v sin_n pull_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o accuse_a conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o then_o work_v when_o they_o fall_v by_o force_n of_o temptation_n into_o some_o great_a sin_n conscience_n otherwise_o it_o do_v not_o great_o vex_v and_o trouble_v they_o yet_o as_o sin_n be_v never_o want_v so_o it_o be_v never_o altogether_o idle_a now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o contrary_a work_n of_o the_o conscience_n excuse_v the_o faithful_a before_o god_n the_o which_o it_o do_v first_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o their_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o also_o of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o first_o respect_n their_o conscience_n excuse_v they_o not_o as_o be_v perfect_o just_a but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n perform_v unto_o he_o though_o imperfect_a yet_o true_a unfeigned_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n thus_o do_v the_o prophet_n david_n often_o in_o the_o psalm_n offer_v his_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n this_o excuse_v conscience_n dare_v not_o show_v his_o face_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n where_o it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o a_o filthy_a and_o defile_a clout_n but_o it_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n who_o reward_v the_o godliness_n of_o his_o servant_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o security_n from_o temporal_a judgment_n but_o the_o true_a excuse_v conscience_n look_v on_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o do_v justify_v and_o absolve_v the_o faithful_a as_o be_v full_o and_o perfect_o just_a and_o free_a from_o all_o guilt_n of_o sin_n this_o excuser_fw-fr be_v he_o who_o only_o can_v abide_v the_o trial_n of_o god_n justice_n salua●tion_n who_o make_v the_o faithful_a rejoice_n in_o all_o misery_n yea_o secure_a in_o regard_n of_o danger_n it_o make_v they_o triumph_v over_o sin_n satan_n hell_n death_n and_o damnation_n and_o replenish_v their_o heart_n with_o such_o a_o perfect_a peace_n whereby_o they_o feel_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n even_o whilst_o they_o live_v upon_o earth_n whereof_o whosoever_o have_v once_o taste_v may_v count_v himself_o thrice_o happy_a this_o kind_n of_o excuse_v conscience_n come_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o do_v the_o former_a kind_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o of_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o one_o free_v the_o faithful_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o temporary_a evil_n as_o the_o other_o do_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n of_o both_o of_o they_o arise_v the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a persuasion_n and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a glory_n but_o against_o this_o doctrine_n many_o do_v object_n &_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o such_o knowledge_n see_v that_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v so_o secret_a that_o no_o man_n have_v at_o any_o time_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o be_v of_o his_o counsel_n in_o that_o behalf_n again_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v get_v if_o by_o any_o mean_n then_o either_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o a_o man_n own_o estate_n as_o from_o some_o faith_n or_o holiness_n which_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o first_o mean_n be_v general_o reject_v the_o other_o be_v uncertain_a can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o to_o build_v this_o certain_a persuasion_n last_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o will_v a_o door_n be_v set_v open_a to_o all_o licentiousness_n &_o godless_a security_n for_o what_o need_n he_o who_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v take_v pain_n and_o sustain_v trouble_n &_o grief_n in_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n by_o a_o godly_a &_o holy_a life_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n or_o elect_a can_v be_v know_v and_o also_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o get_v by_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n yet_o affirm_v that_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o by_o that_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o which_o do_v even_o lead_v the_o faithful_a man_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n eternal_a election_n and_o do_v there_o let_v he_o see_v not_o the_o state_n of_o other_o man_n but_o his_o own_o name_n write_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v be_v true_o call_v they_o who_o be_v true_o call_v be_v justify_v they_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v that_o be_v they_o be_v as_o certain_o certain_o as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o glorify_v salvation_n rom._n 8._o 29._o 30._o and_o therefore_o the_o scripure_a speak_v of_o the_o faithful_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v already_o attain_v eternal_a salvation_n 30_o joh._n 3._o 8._o 8._o yea_o this_o be_v do_v not_o without_o good_a cause_n for_o the_o regeneration_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a glory_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v not_o two_o diverse_a state_n or_o condition_n but_o only_o diverse_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o this_o life_n receive_v some_o part_n as_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest-pennie_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o that_o they_o have_v already_o as_o we_o say_v one_o foot_n in_o heaven_n and_o get_v possession_n of_o it_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n but_o may_v confident_o say_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o know_v not_o we_o hope_v or_o gross_a that_o we_o be_v translate_v already_o not_o that_o we_o be_v hereafter_o from_o death_n to_o life_n not_o by_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 14_o that_o be_v because_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o endue_v with_o renew_a holiness_n whereof_o the_o love_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v a_o notable_a part_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n 38._o rom._n 8._o 38._o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n neither_o angel_n nor_o principality_n neither_o thing_n present_v nor_o thing_n to_o come_v can_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o object_v that_o although_o true_a regeneration_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n and_o forerunner_n of_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v whether_o his_o regeneration_n be_v true_a or_o only_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v often_o in_o the_o reprobate_n and_o although_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n at_o one_o time_n yet_o he_o may_v loose_v and_o lack_v they_o at_o a_o other_o and_o so_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o that_o estate_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o he_o be_v in_o both_o which_o respect_n he_o that_o think_v that_o he_o stand_v aught_o to_o fear_v lest_o he_o fall_v rather_o than_o to_o boast_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n we_o answer_v that_o true_a regeneration_n be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n neither_o make_v so_o light_a a_o change_n in_o a_o man_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o discern_v where_o it_o be_v present_a neither_o be_v it_o any_o uncertain_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v lose_v but_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v there_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v at_o one_o time_n or_o at_o a_o other_o and_o where_o it_o once_o appear_v there_o it_o always_o abide_v for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o total_a and_o a_o supernatural_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n will_n affection_n thought_n word_n and_o dede_n of_o a_o man_n can_v be_v hide_v or_o doubtful_a for_o any_o long_a time_n but_o will_v show_v itself_o both_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o man_n and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o believer_n himself_o salvation_n for_o all_o though_o it_o come_v
good_a both_o in_o themselves_o and_o towards_o man_n and_o therefore_o there_o remain_v the_o wicked_a spirit_n only_o the_o devil_n with_o his_o hellhound_n on_o who_o this_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v the_o which_o thing_n man_n may_v lawful_o do_v requite_v their_o accurse_a and_o spiteful_a hatred_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n creature_n and_o special_o of_o man_n and_o his_o salvation_n with_o a_o vehement_a hatred_n desire_v their_o eternal_a confusion_n not_o simple_o because_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o miserable_a for_o they_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n rather_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n have_v belong_v unto_o it_o the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o devil_n himself_o the_o captain_n of_o this_o wicked_a crew_n be_v not_o so_o vehement_o to_o be_v hate_v as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o evil_a as_o god_n be_v good_a for_o god_n be_v simple_o infinite_o and_o essential_o good_a but_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o infinite_o evil_a because_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n nor_o absolute_o for_o he_o have_v some_o good_a in_o he_o as_o be_v the_o create_a might_n and_o power_n of_o his_o nature_n nor_o essential_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o nature_n remain_v uncorrupt_a as_o in_o the_o holy_a angel_n sect._n 2._o of_o corrupt_a love_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n none_o be_v so_o much_o stain_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v the_o affection_n for_o as_o the_o will_n be_v more_o froward_a from_o good_a than_o the_o mind_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o so_o the_o affection_n be_v far_o more_o outrageous_a than_o the_o will_n be_v froward_a and_o no_o marvel_n for_o they_o be_v of_o so_o violent_a a_o nature_n as_o can_v without_o much_o a_o do_v be_v keep_v in_o due_a order_n by_o the_o force_n either_o of_o create_v or_o renew_v holiness_n how_o great_a shall_v we_o think_v their_o disorder_n &_o sinfulness_n to_o be_v in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n wherein_o they_o may_v run_v at_o random_n as_o far_o as_o they_o listen_v be_v not_o restrain_v by_o any_o superior_a power_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o as_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v on_o good_a do_v procure_v a_o great_a increase_n of_o holiness_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o they_o be_v in_o a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a man_n esspecial_o where_o they_o be_v strong_a by_o nature_n do_v increase_v his_o sinfulness_n unto_o the_o high_a degree_n hatred_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o the_o affection_n it_o may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o mad_a man_n set_v on_o horsbacke_n yea_o on_o a_o wild_a horse_n which_o can_v either_o stay_v himself_o or_o be_v stay_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n till_o he_o have_v run_v himself_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o life_n in_o all_o outrage_n of_o sin_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o affection_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v move_v by_o contrary_a object_n for_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o evilnesse_n of_o the_o object_n to_o abhor_v it_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n embrace_v it_o and_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o contrarilie_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n to_o embrace_v it_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n abhor_v and_o avoid_v it_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o plain_o in_o the_o particular_n as_o namely_o in_o love_n and_o hatred_n the_o which_o affection_n be_v both_o common_a and_o strong_a in_o carnal_a man_n yet_o not_o hole_o &_o right_o dispose_v in_o they_o for_o they_o do_v rather_o love_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v hate_v and_o hate_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v love_v than_o love_n and_o hate_n that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v and_o hate_v first_o as_o touch_v god_n on_o who_o man_n ought_v to_o set_v his_o whole_a love_n a_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o know_v god_n much_o less_o love_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o shall_v love_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v ignoti_fw-la nulla_fw-la cupido_fw-la yea_o if_o a_o natural_a man_n do_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v as_o far_o of_o from_o love_v he_o as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o which_o be_v more_o although_o god_n do_v bestow_v never_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o pleasure_n upon_o he_o as_o what_o have_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v by_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_v purchase_v his_o love_n so_o great_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n alienate_v from_o god_n yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o man_n do_v by_o nature_n hate_v god_n for_o then_o his_o fall_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v especial_o see_v that_o we_o know_v that_o all_o man_n by_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n delight_n to_o have_v a_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o he_o they_o will_v love_v and_o honour_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v truly-saide_a that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o increase_v as_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n so_o also_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o so_o much_o that_o although_o not_o all_o yet_o many_o become_v hater_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v rom_n 1._o 30._o 30._o for_o although_o man_n especial_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n from_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o that_o they_o do_v hate_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o do_v zealous_o preach_v and_o profess_v his_o gospel_n behave_v themselves_o spiteful_o contumelious_o and_o malicious_o towards_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o do_v hate_n god_n himself_o as_o christ_n witness_v joh._n 7._o 7._o the_o world_n can_v hate_v you_o but_o i_o it_o hate_v because_o i_o testify_v of_o it_o that_o the_o work_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a 7._o from_o this_o fountain_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n come_v the_o want_n of_o love_n towards_o man_n for_o if_o the_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o love_n god_n himself_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o he_o love_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n &_o because_o he_o be_v create_v or_o recreate_v after_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n what_o then_o do_v sinful_a man_n love_n for_o we_o have_v say_v that_o this_o affection_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o common_a use_n in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n sure_o he_o love_v himself_o if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v love_n and_o not_o rather_o hatred_n which_o bring_v to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a pleasure_n soft_a apparel_n and_o to_o go_v brave_o sweet_a meat_n and_o to_o fare_v dainty_o fair_a building_n for_o outward_a pomp_n and_o vainglory_n scotfree_a coffer_n without_o any_o scarcity_n new_a pastime_n &_o merry_a company_n sleep_n ease_n idleness_n warmness_n &_o whatsoever_o may_v please_v the_o mind_n or_o tickle_v the_o outward_a sense_n hatred_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o man_n love_v but_o what_o say_v you_o to_o the_o stream_n which_o come_v from_o this_o self_n love_n do_v not_o man_n in_o this_o sinful_a estate_n love_v his_o parent_n child_n wife_n friend_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o answer_v that_o he_o love_v all_o these_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n it_o do_v usual_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o experience_n do_v teach_v that_o most_o natural_a man_n love_v neither_o father_n nor_o mother_n son_n nor_o daughter_n sister_n nor_o brother_n wife_n nor_o friend_n kinsman_n nor_o neighbour_n nor_o any_o other_o save_v only_o themselves_o so_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o a_o idol_n love_v hinselfe_n whole_o and_o only_o as_o he_o shall_v do_v god_n and_o bear_v no_o hearty_a affection_n either_o to_o the_o godly_a for_o god_n sake_n or_o to_o his_o own_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o special_o of_o love_n and_o hatred_n as_o the_o create_a so_o much_o more_o the_o recreated_a holiness_n of_o man_n admit_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o affection_n by_o the_o violence_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v sometime_o hinder_v and_o impair_v so_o usual_o it_o be_v set_v forward_o and_o augment_v for_o even_o as_o a_o ship_n hold_v her_o right_a course_n and_o have_v her_o sail_n fill_v with_o a_o great_a gale_n of_o wind_n
suspect_v to_o be_v uneffectual_a this_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o testify_v 19_o 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v god_n do_v suffer_v schism_n and_o division_n to_o be_v among_o you_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v appear_v who_o holiness_n be_v sound_o and_o who_o be_v hypocritical_a or_o at_o the_o least_o light_n and_o ineffectual_a second_o man_n true_o regenerate_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o particular_a grace_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o other_o do_v yea_o they_o do_v daily_o increase_v in_o grace_n whereas_o the_o other_o do_v common_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n never_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o godliness_n but_o abide_v in_o a_o certain_a indifferent_a kind_n of_o mediocrity_n be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a beside_o true_a grace_n be_v fruitful_a but_o the_o shadow_n be_v barren_a either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o man_n do_v not_o work_n and_o show_v forth_o itself_o by_o love_n their_o love_n be_v without_o work_n of_o compassion_n and_o christian_a communion_n their_o good_a work_n without_o alacrity_n last_o the_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n do_v often_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o be_v turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n and_o want_v of_o all_o religion_n but_o true_a regeneration_n can_v never_o whole_o decay_v as_o math._n 3._o 20._o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n 20._o and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o 5._o and_o heb._n 6._o 4._o 5_o we_o read_v of_o those_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v afterwards_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n yea_o while_o they_o do_v retain_v this_o resemblance_n of_o true_a sanctification_n they_o be_v not_o constant_a but_o variable_a in_o do_v good_a jam._n 1._o 8._o 8._o a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o his_o way_n that_o be_v a_o man_n half_o carnal_a and_o half_o regenerate_v do_v not_o keep_v throughout_o the_o course_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o godliness_n but_o often_o change_v his_o mind_n opinion_n affection_n and_o practice_v by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o note_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o daily_a experience_n this_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o peremptore_o to_o judge_v or_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v many_o want_n error_n sin_n and_o alteration_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v the_o best_a where_o we_o see_v any_o likelihood_n of_o good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hope_v for_o better_a in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o leave_v other_o man_n to_o god_n judgement_n to_o censure_v our_o own_o profession_n and_o regeneration_n by_o these_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n right_a from_o wrong_n good_a from_o evil_n the_o shadow_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o which_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o mark_v and_o consider_v to_o try_v and_o think_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o judge_v and_o speak_v to_o use_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o particular_n in_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n the_o first_o and_o most_o usual_a part_n of_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o a_o carnal_a man_n who_o before_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o both_o to_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n to_o see_v sin_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o sinful_a in_o nature_n in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o life_n and_o action_n as_o indeed_o he_o be_v to_o feel_v sin_n be_v to_o know_v that_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a death_n this_o first_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v far_o more_o easy_o &_o often_o wrought_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n than_o be_v the_o other_o because_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o be_v reward_v as_o the_o wicked_a be_v tobe_n punish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o make_v this_o first_o step_n in_o this_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n and_o go_v no_o further_o thus_o cain_n and_o judas_n with_o many_o other_o do_v see_v their_o sin_n &_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v sinfulness_n to_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a namely_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a glory_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o heb._n 6._o 4._o this_o knowledge_n god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n in_o many_o reprobate_n 13._o act._n 8._o 13._o simon_n magus_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v of_o who_o reprobation_n although_o we_o can_v affirm_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o it_o vers._n 22._o yet_o it_o be_v plain_o out_o of_o the_o 21._o verse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o then_o true_o regenerate_v yea_o many_o carnal_a man_n attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n or_o head_n of_o christian_n religion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n conceive_v understand_v and_o believe_v although_o not_o full_o for_o that_o be_v 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goodness_n of_o god_n decree_a man_n salvation_n by_o this_o mean_n this_o natural_a property_n or_o quality_n to_o appropriate_v to_o a_o man_n christ_n with_o his_o righteousness_n last_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v have_v and_o attain_v unto_o by_o supposition_n of_o perfect_a inherent_a holiness_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gentiles_n themselves_o who_o know_v good_a &_o evil_a and_o also_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n be_v due_a to_o the_o one_o &_o the_o redward_n of_o happiness_n appoint_v for_o the_o other_o b●_n evangelicall_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a yea_o it_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o c●●_n not_o be_v attain_v unto_o without_o the_o mighty_a ●●peration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereof_o hereafter_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n may_v be_v gather_v into_o one_o sum_n or_o definition_n in_o this_o manner_n evangelicall_a faith_n be_v affiance_n 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nothing_o but_o a_o holy_a affection_n of_o confidence_n trust_v or_o affiance_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o faith_n be_v usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n call_v belief_n as_o infidelity_n be_v unbelief_n the_o which_o be_v a_o action_n not_o of_o the_o will_v but_o of_o the_o mind_n give_v assent_n or_o dissent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o belief_n be_v put_v for_o faith_n or_o affiance_n because_o it_o do_v always_o not_o only_o accompany_v it_o but_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n beget_v it_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n do_v without_o doubt_v believe_v god_n promise_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o rely_v himself_o upon_o they_o so_o that_o belief_n although_o it_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o faith_n yet_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o evangelicall_a faith_n can_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n see_v it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o substance_n with_o natural_a faith_n both_o kind_n be_v affiance_n in_o god_n for_o happiness_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o both_o kind_n be_v command_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n jehova_n shall_v be_v thy_o god_n the_o which_o law_n do_v enjoin_v that_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n his_o love_n fear_v hope_v reverence_n and_o with_o the_o rest_n his_o whole_a affiance_n or_o confidence_n be_v set_v whole_o o●_n god_n as_o well_o after_o his_o fall_n to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n yea_o this_o first_o precept_n command_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o his_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o do_v not_o know_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v transgress_v this_o first_o commandment_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v faith_n be_v to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o of_o the_o law_n which_o show_v sin_n death_n and_o damnation_n do_v bruise_v and_o wound_v the_o heart_n and_o second_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v faith_n righteousness_n &_o salvation_n heal_v the_o aforesaid_a wound_n and_o comfort_v the_o sinner_n with_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n this_o knowledge_n must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o faith_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n before_o the_o hart_n and_o affection_n can_v love_v and_o embrace_v it_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o use_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o know_v his_o will_n be_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n perform_v by_o man_n endue_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n yet_o as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o regeneration_n so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o faith_n &_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o work_v of_o god_n spirit_n without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v understand_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o understanding_n soul_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v but_o also_o himself_o to_o invent_v new_a thing_n not_o hear_v of_o before_o shall_v be_v so_o brutish_a and_o blockish_a in_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o come_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n can_v be_v conceive_v by_o it_o yea_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v hard_a it_o be_v straight_o way_n reject_v as_o absurd_a 14_o ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a so_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o perceive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v thus_o to_o make_v instance_n in_o one_o point_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o resurrection_n from_o death_n we_o see_v act._n 17._o 32._o that_o when_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o athens_n hard_a paul_n mention_v it_o 32_o they_o mock_v he_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o 〈◊〉_d religion_n for_o
who_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n live_v in_o so_o miserable_a a_o condition_n and_o die_v so_o shameful_a a_o death_n as_o he_o do_v will_v either_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o to_o be_v able_a to_o save_v other_o who_o do_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n or_o what_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o natural_a wit_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o commodity_n profit_n pleasure_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o endure_v the_o sorrow_n reproach_n trouble_n loss_n danger_n and_o manifold_a cross_n whereunto_o the_o godly_a be_v subject_a in_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o other_o life_n which_o be_v to_o all_o reason_n not_o only_o uncertain_a but_o also_o incredible_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o more_o a_o natural_a man_n do_v excel_v in_o wit_n and_o wisdom_n the_o more_o uncapable_a of_o faith_n he_o be_v 27._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 27._o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n behold_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o noble_a mighty_a or_o scotfree_a be_v call_v to_o faith_n but_o god_n have_v choose_v foolish_a and_o weak_a thing_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a yea_o this_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v be_v great_a in_o these_o last_o day_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v before_o as_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o luc._n 18._o 8._o saying_n 8_o think_v you_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o he_o come_v ●_o shall_v find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n mat._n 24._o 12._o 22._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a insomuch_o that_o unless_o those_o day_n be_v shorten_v no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o defect_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n before_o mention_v in_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o age_n do_v even_o flow_v together_o into_o the_o last_o as_o into_o a_o common_a sink_n second_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o so_o manifest_o and_o sensible_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n in_o apparition_n of_o angel_n in_o vision_n and_o dream_n invisible_a form_n and_o sensible_a voice_n speak_v familiar_o with_o his_o servant_n as_o one_o man_n do_v with_o another_o in_o holy_a oracle_n give_v answer_n to_o every_o question_n propound_v in_o temporal_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o corporal_a punishment_n lay_v on_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o work_v miraculous_a thing_n by_o these_o and_o diverse_a other_o mean_n god_n do_v so_o plain_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v give_v no_o credence_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o in_o these_o last_o age_n god_n have_v once_o reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n &_o in_o the_o gospel_n sufficient_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a yea_o in_a truth_n far_o more_o clear_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o do_v not_o any_o long_o reveal_v himself_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n but_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a insomuch_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o most_o man_n either_o not_o to_o exist_v at_o all_o or_o else_o to_o have_v whole_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o man_n cast_v off_o all_o faith_n belief_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o which_o difficulty_n it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o tender_v his_o own_o salvation_n to_o be_v both_o watchful_a in_o preserve_v faith_n and_o also_o diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o seek_v for_o it_o for_o howsoever_o no_o carefulness_n can_v without_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o use_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o attain_v it_o the_o which_o whosoever_o do_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o success_n for_o so_o much_o as_o god_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n to_o all_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o yea_o further_o whenas_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o that_o common_a error_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o have_v in_o their_o heart_n scarce_o any_o shadow_n of_o true_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v and_o always_o do_v trust_n in_o christ_n whereof_o if_o any_o man_n do_v doubt_n and_o begin_v to_o examine_v their_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o counterfeit_a than_o they_o be_v grievous_o offend_v &_o think_v they_o have_v great_a injury_n offer_v but_o we_o be_v to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o and_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n not_o easy_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o take_v a_o straight_a examination_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a do_v we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o point_n namely_o to_o the_o sign_n whereby_o true_a faith_n may_v be_v discern_v the_o sign_n be_v 〈◊〉_d even_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n spiritual_a grace_n and_o several_a part_n of_o holiness_n all_o which_o come_v from_o faith_n as_o from_o a_o fountain_n or_o root_n and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o declare_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o as_o good_a fruit_n and_o sweet_a water_n show_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o fountain_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v ●ow_o unfeigned_a his_o faith_n be_v must_v look_v at_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n love_n fear_v re●erence_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n if_o these_o grace_n be_v plentiful_a in_o his_o life_n his_o heart_n be_v true_o replenish_v with_o faith_n but_o if_o this_o fruit_n do_v not_o appear_v his_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o live_a tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o god_n blessing_n but_o a_o dead_a stock_n have_v nothing_o but_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o a_o tree_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v better_a occasion_n to_o entreat_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o true_a faith_n when_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o temporary_a faith_n which_o often_o have_v place_n in_o the_o reprobate_n the_o five_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o faith_n may_v be_v lose_v or_o no_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o of_o regeneration_n in_o general_a that_o where_o it_o be_v once_o true_o imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n there_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o although_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n or_o meanness_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v clean_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n bring_v forth_o little_a or_o no_o fruit_n yet_o there_o remain_v life_n hide_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o there_o do_v life_n and_o sap_n in_o tree_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a and_o wither_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n work_v such_o a_o total_a &_o strange_a change_n in_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o shall_v become_v of_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o unbeliever_n the_o last_o question_n be_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n this_o only_a shall_v have_v in_o it_o this_o wonderful_a virtue_n and_o force_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o just_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n unfeigned_a love_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o a_o general_a holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v not_o as_o well_o justify_v a_o man_n as_o this_o one_o affection_n of_o confidence_n or_o affiance_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o mean_n of_o justify_v man_n by_o faith_n only_o do_v most_o of_o all_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o the_o decree_n &_o action_n
in_o this_o life_n chap._n v._n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n first_o state_n the_o second_o head_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o subjection_n which_o he_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o god_n as_o to_o his_o king_n be_v call_v hope_n the_o which_o flow_v from_o faith_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n state_n yea_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o particular_a faith_n or_o a_o affiance_n on_o god_n for_o some_o particular_a good_a for_o when_o as_o the_o happiness_n whereof_o faith_n take_v hold_v be_v not_o present_v but_o to_o come_v either_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a there_o come_v out_o hope_n which_o be_v a_o expectation_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o god_n promise_n already_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n 24._o so_o that_o hope_n can_v have_v no_o place_n there_o where_o full_a &_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v present_a rom._n 8._o 24._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n hope_v for_o that_o which_o he_o see_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n hope_v or_o which_o we_o desire_v be_v present_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o hope_n be_v clean_o take_v away_o and_o overthrow_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v hope_v for_o that_o as_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o which_o he_o present_o enjoy_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n in_o his_o first_o estate_n of_o happiness_n have_v either_o none_o or_o little_a use_n of_o this_o grace_n because_o his_o happiness_n be_v present_a for_o howsoever_o the_o happiness_n of_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o excellent_a as_o that_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a be_v make_v partaker_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v yet_o he_o then_o enjoy_v both_o perfect_a and_o present_a happiness_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n do_v promise_v any_o other_o happiness_n unto_o he_o then_o that_o which_o he_o present_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o be_v holiness_n but_o presumption_n and_o sin_n for_o he_o to_o have_v hope_v or_o look_v for_o any_o other_o how_o then_o can_v we_o make_v hope_v a_o part_n of_o that_o holiness_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v we_o answer_v that_o although_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n look_v for_o no_o other_o happiness_n then_o that_o which_o he_o do_v present_o enjoy_v yet_o he_o do_v hope_n that_o god_n will_v both_o continue_v that_o happiness_n and_o also_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o he_o after_o some_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o do_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o increase_v his_o present_a happiness_n sect._n 2._o of_o desperation_n or_o the_o want_n of_o hope_n man_n fall_v from_o faith_n to_o infidelity_n fall_v from_o hope_n to_o desperation_n for_o so_o we_o call_v that_o want_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v in_o all_o carnal_a man_n neither_o can_v he_o otherwise_o do_v for_o as_o he_o who_o take_v away_o the_o root_n and_o the_o foundation_n take_v away_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o house_n yea_o all_o that_o grow_v on_o the_o one_o and_o be_v build_v on_o the_o other_o so_o when_o faith_n fall_v the_o whole_a holiness_n of_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o especial_o hope_v the_o which_o have_v a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o faith_n than_o other_o grace_n have_v desperation_n and_o be_v more_o natural_o ground_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o 1._o 1._o faith_n be_v the_o groundeworke_n or_o foundation_n and_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o for_o happiness_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o apprehend_v by_o the_o will_n before_o it_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o so_o that_o see_v man_n since_o the_o fall_n do_v not_o by_o faith_n depend_v on_o god_n he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o receive_v any_o good_a thing_n at_o his_o hand_n neither_o do_v he_o once_o think_v of_o any_o other_o happiness_n then_o be_v the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o carnal_a &_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n the_o which_o be_v end_v by_o death_n all_o the_o joy_n pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o one_o unregenerate_a seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o either_o he_o think_v as_o most_o carnal_a man_n do_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v like_o a_o beast_n and_o that_o neither_o he_o himself_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o to_o life_n to_o receive_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n or_o if_o he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n wherein_o some_o shall_v have_v happiness_n other_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n yet_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n whereby_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v remit_v and_o his_o person_n endue_v with_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o the_o eternal_a anger_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o apostle_n describe_v a_o infidel_n that_o he_o be_v one_o without_o hope_n ephe._n 2._o 12._o 1._o 12._o thess._n 4._o 13._o 13._o the_o sign_n whereby_o this_o desperation_n may_v be_v know_v be_v these_o first_o the_o general_a sign_n of_o the_o want_n of_o any_o one_o grace_n to_o wit_n the_o want_n of_o other_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o renew_a holiness_n that_o where_o one_o part_n be_v present_a there_o be_v no_o part_n whole_o want_v &_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v without_o hope_n if_o that_o we_o feel_v that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hope_n second_o a_o proper_a sign_n of_o this_o desperation_n be_v when_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o a_o unspeakable_a joy_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o hear_v it_o mention_v as_o a_o ordinary_a common_a and_o light_a matter_n whereas_o if_o he_o have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n he_o will_v be_v replenish_v and_o even_o ravish_v with_o joy_n and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o trouble_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o but_o because_o a_o man_n may_v more_o sure_o judge_v by_o that_o which_o he_o feel_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o then_o by_o that_o which_o be_v want_v therefore_o man_n be_v to_o gather_v this_o desperation_n by_o these_o note_n to_o wit_n by_o a_o immoderate_a care_n for_o the_o preserve_n and_o prolong_v of_o this_o present_a life_n together_o with_o a_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o or_o sorrow_n for_o the_o death_n of_o other_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 13._o 13._o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o sorrow_n for_o the_o dead_a as_o other_o do_v which_o have_v no_o hope_n and_o such_o other_o note_n plentiful_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a hope_n the_o use_n of_o this_o hope_n be_v not_o so_o little_a in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n but_o it_o be_v as_o great_a in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o which_o although_o man_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o former_a happiness_n yea_o to_o more_o excellent_a happiness_n than_o he_o have_v before_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o present_a in_o this_o world_n as_o adam_n be_v but_o for_o the_o great_a part_n to_o come_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v here_o enjoy_v but_o only_o hope_v for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v to_o his_o elect_a child_n the_o present_a fruition_n of_o that_o happiness_n especial_o see_v that_o the_o defer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a can_v but_o be_v very_o grievous_a unto_o they_o for_o as_o the_o desire_n when_o it_o come_v be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n so_o the_o defer_v of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o be_v the_o dry_n of_o the_o bone_n prou._n 13._o 12._o 12._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o this_o defer_v of_o the_o happiness_n appoint_v for_o the_o faithful_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o grievous_a unto_o they_o for_o as_o he_o who_o be_v poor_a hope_n sick_a weak_a in_o prison_n exile_n and_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o misery_n have_v good_a cause_n to_o desire_v riches_n honour_n health_n strength_n liberty_n &_o to_o see_v his_o own_o native_a country_n his_o parent_n kindred_n and_o friend_n and_o in_o brief_a to_o be_v happy_a no_o less_o cause_n have_v the_o faithful_a to_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ._n but_o god_n have_v regard_n rather_o to_o their_o good_a then_o to_o their_o desire_n have_v in_o wisdom_n appoint_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o &_o that_o their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v hope_v for_o for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n before_o it_o be_v enjoin_v yea_o this_o delay_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o
enticement_n in_o all_o thing_n last_o as_o touch_v supplication_n which_o we_o make_v the_o three_o filial_a duty_n man_n be_v so_o whole_o alienate_v from_o god_n that_o what_o necessity_n soever_o do_v pinch_n he_o he_o have_v not_o either_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o will_n and_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v neither_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o face_n once_o to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o humble_a prayer_n for_o help_n he_o fly_v to_o worldly_a mean_n as_o to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n riches_n and_o friend_n and_o if_o all_o fail_v yet_o he_o will_v rather_o seek_v for_o help_v by_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o new_a father_n the_o devil_n than_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n affect_v howsoever_o in_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n or_o as_o a_o common_a proverb_n they_o will_v sometime_o say_v god_n help_v i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o god_n neither_o any_o hope_n of_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o for_o god_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o help_v but_o detest_v and_o plague_v unbeliever_n sect._n 3_o of_o filial_a subjection_n renew_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o man_n be_v altogether_o spoil_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n of_o this_o excellent_a dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n he_o recover_v it_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o as_o ample_a manner_n as_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o first_o creation_n for_o as_o all_o natural_a man_n be_v in_o adam_n ungracious_a bastard_n so_o they_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o by_o partake_v his_o eternal_a and_o essential_a filiation_n whereof_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a but_o by_o be_v renew_v and_o make_v conformable_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n for_o as_o man_n lose_v this_o dignity_n by_o lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o perfect_a holiness_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o only_o of_o all_o earthly_a creature_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v now_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o the_o say_a image_n of_o god_n he_o be_v together_o restore_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 12._o joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o those_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 4._o for_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o pet._n 1._o 4._o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o that_o we_o fly_v the_o corruption_n of_o lust_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n rene●ed_v from_o this_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o son_n do_v in_o time_n enjoy_v their_o father_n possession_n stir_v up_o the_o faithful_a to_o a_o undoubted_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a glory_n gal._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v no_o more_o servant_n but_o son_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n 7._o &_o rom._n 8._o 17._o 17._o if_o we_o be_v son_n then_o be_v we_o heir_n 2_o the_o heir_n true_o of_o god_n and_o the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o christ_n and_o 1._o john_n 3._o 2._o we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o our_o inheritance_n do_v not_o appear_v till_o christ_n appear_v now_o to_o proceed_v as_o the_o faithful_a be_v restore_v to_o this_o dignity_n so_o they_o be_v endue_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o disposition_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v so_o affect_v to_o god_n as_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o their_o natural_a father_n they_o reverence_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n in_o mind_n heart_n and_o in_o all_o their_o behaviour_n the_o great_a security_n and_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o good_a estate_n do_v not_o make_v they_o any_o way_n presumptuous_a neither_o do_v the_o familiarity_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o have_v with_o they_o as_o with_o friend_n joh._n 15_o 15._o breed_v in_o they_o any_o contempt_n of_o god_n but_o they_o stand_v continual_o in_o awe_n of_o he_o 15._o and_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n yield_v to_o he_o his_o due_a honour_n both_o in_o word_n deed_n and_o affection_n whensoever_o they_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v as_o in_o the_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n so_o especial_o in_o abraham_n who_o although_o he_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v call_v jam._n 2._o 23._o 23._o and_o have_v familiar_a conversation_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n 7_o as_o one_o friend_n use_v to_o have_v with_o another_o 8._o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v the_o second_o time_n to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o sodomite_n without_o use_v some_o preface_n of_o reverence_n say_v gen._n 18._o 27._o 30._o behold_v i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n who_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o again_o vers._n 30_o let_v not_o my_o lord_n be_v angry_a if_o i_o speak_v for_o they_o this_o affection_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v describe_v 123._o psal._n 123_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v upon_o his_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o handmaid_n do_v modest_o wait_v in_o presence_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o be_v we_o affect_v to_o god_n likewise_o for_o the_o second_o duty_n which_o be_v imitation_n the_o faithful_a man_n endevour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n have_v wise_a consideration_n use_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o most_o forcible_a argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o vivification_n of_o all_o holiness_n in_o we_o 6._o rom._n 6._o and_o eph._n 5._o 1._o 1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o belove_a child_n last_o as_o a_o son_n be_v pinch_v with_o any_o grief_n or_o want_n do_v straight_o way_n run_v to_o his_o father_n for_o relief_n so_o do_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o manifold_a misery_n and_o cross_n of_o this_o present_a life_n seek_v for_o help_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o notable_a gift_n of_o god_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o grace_n ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o pray_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v declare_v and_o consider_v for_o that_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n none_o be_v a_o more_o unfallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n then_o be_v this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v able_a willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pray_v aright_o unto_o god_n as_o the_o present_a occasion_n do_v require_v for_o this_o gift_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o carnal_a man_n first_o there_o be_v require_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o good_a &_o happy_a state_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 8._o 26._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o all_o man_n general_o and_o natural_o feel_v their_o temporal_a want_n as_o poverty_n sickness_n shame_n and_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n patience_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o in_o seek_v they_o or_o be_v greeve_v for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o nay_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o never_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n or_o know_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v beside_o none_o can_v pray_v aright_o yea_o although_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v have_v unless_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n both_o love_v he_o and_o will_v grant_v his_o request_n rom._n 10._o 14._o 14._o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o
and_o say_n the_o simple_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v use_v for_o a_o temporal_a commodity_n how_o much_o more_o able_a will_v he_o be_v to_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o prayer_n wherein_o there_o be_v far_o more_o matter_n offer_v whether_o we_o regard_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o the_o suitor_n or_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n the_o three_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o carnal_a man_n pray_v very_o seldom_o yea_o for_o the_o most_o never_o but_o upon_o some_o urgent_a cause_n as_o when_o he_o be_v pinch_v with_o some_o grievous_a cross_n as_o sickness_n or_o poverty_n or_o when_o he_o be_v in_o some_o great_a danger_n as_o be_v in_o battle_n on_o land_n or_o in_o a_o tempeston_n the_o sea_n 5._o as_o we_o read_v jonas_n 1._o 5._o the_o infidel_n in_o extreme_a danger_n fall_v to_o prayer_n these_o extremity_n will_v wring_v out_o of_o the_o most_o irreligious_a atheist_n some_o kind_n of_o prayer_n but_o not_o till_o he_o see_v that_o all_o other_o mean_n do_v fail_v for_o till_o then_o he_o never_o think_v on_o god_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o faithful_a man_n for_o he_o pray_v daily_a &_o hourly_a to_o the_o lord_n he_o never_o want_v matter_n of_o pray_v but_o take_v every_o occasion_n to_o pray_v if_o not_o open_o and_o in_o word_n yet_o secret_o in_o his_o heart_n yea_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o their_o danger_n trouble_n misery_n and_o affair_n whatsoever_o do_v not_o put_v the_o mean_n in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n repose_v their_o confidence_n therein_o but_o first_o they_o seek_v for_o help_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o then_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o happy_a success_n use_v the_o mean_n with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n four_o the_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o in_o pray_v use_n either_o perseverance_n in_o continue_v his_o suit_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o hear_v he_o or_o yet_o patience_n in_o suffer_v with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n the_o delay_n of_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o hear_v at_o the_o first_o he_o straightway_o give_v over_o yea_o most_o common_o he_o wax_v so_o profane_a and_o godless_a that_o he_o will_v never_o afterward_o pray_v to_o god_n though_o he_o have_v never_o so_o great_a need_n and_o not_o rest_v herein_o he_o murmure_v against_o god_n and_o in_o great_a rage_n curse_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o his_o sight_n or_o mind_n but_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v never_o weary_v with_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o be_v content_a to_o tarry_v the_o lord_n leisure_n consider_v that_o god_n know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o he_o better_o than_o he_o himself_o five_o the_o carnal_a man_n pray_v only_o for_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n peace_n riches_n honour_n and_o such_o other_o and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o will_v indeed_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v after_o this_o life_n be_v in_o heaven_n but_o you_o shall_v never_o hear_v he_o desire_v to_o go_v in_o that_o way_n in_o this_o life_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n he_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o not_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a in_o this_o world_n he_o will_v glad_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o yet_o not_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o forsake_v his_o earthly_a pleasure_n he_o think_v it_o no_o wisdom_n to_o forgo_v a_o certain_a and_o present_a happiness_n for_o that_o which_o will_v perhaps_o come_v but_o he_o know_v not_o when_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n make_v he_o as_o he_o think_v any_o good_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o the_o faithful_a man_n count_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n but_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o therefore_o his_o prayer_n be_v chief_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n six_o the_o carnal_a man_n pray_v only_o for_o himself_o for_o his_o child_n and_o friend_n by_o who_o he_o may_v have_v some_o temporal_a comfort_n or_o profit_n never_o remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n that_o be_v have_v no_o fellowe-feeling_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n thereof_o whereas_o the_o faithful_a desire_n the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n yea_o even_o with_o their_o own_o hurt_n if_o so_o it_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n last_o which_o be_v the_o main_a difference_n of_o all_o the_o carnal_a man_n pray_v without_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v pray_v aright_o rom._n 10._o 14._o 14_o doubt_a as_o he_o have_v good_a cause_n whether_o god_n will_v hear_v he_o or_o no_o whereas_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v his_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o salvation_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v some_o temporal_a blessing_n or_o some_o particular_a grace_n without_o the_o which_o he_o may_v be_v save_v he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v either_o grant_v his_o request_n or_o make_v he_o plain_o see_v and_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o his_o good_a that_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o fulfil_v in_o that_o behalf_n now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n we_o see_v how_o great_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o who_o will_v be_v account_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n a_o true_a christian_a to_o give_v himself_o careful_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o perform_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o by_o himself_o alone_o and_o also_o with_o his_o family_n especial_o if_o we_o do_v due_o consider_v the_o manifold_a commodity_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a which_o may_v be_v reap_v by_o this_o mean_n for_o as_o touch_v this_o present_a life_n hearty_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n come_v from_o a_o faithful_a man_n be_v health_n in_o sickness_n riches_n in_o poverty_n safety_n in_o danger_n comfort_n in_o all_o adversity_n yea_o it_o be_v all_o in_o all_o but_o far_o more_o notable_a be_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v keep_v his_o body_n for_o any_o long_a time_n in_o health_n &_o strength_n unless_o he_o use_v some_o exercise_n yea_o although_o he_o do_v fill_v it_o with_o meat_n and_o feed_v it_o most_o careful_o even_o so_o although_o a_o man_n do_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n every_o day_n preach_v unto_o he_o yet_o unless_o he_o do_v by_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n draw_v the_o say_v heavenly_a food_n into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o shall_v sensible_o feel_v his_o faith_n love_n patience_n and_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n to_o decrease_v by_o little_a and_o little_a until_o at_o length_n they_o come_v to_o nothing_o yea_o as_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o body_n do_v not_o only_o preserve_v it_o in_o the_o natural_a vigour_n but_o also_o increase_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o and_o keep_v it_o from_o sickness_n so_o by_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v increase_v in_o we_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n far_o above_o our_o own_o expectation_n or_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n eph._n 6._o 18._o 18._o take_v to_o you_o the_o helmet_n of_o your_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o withal_o perseveraunce_n not_o only_o for_o yourselves_o but_o also_o for_o all_o saint_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o renew_a filial_a subjection_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o the_o which_o one_o other_o duty_n of_o filial_a subjection_n must_v be_v add_v to_o wit_n patience_n in_o regard_n of_o those_o manifold_a and_o grievous_a affliction_n wherewith_o god_n do_v chastise_v 1●_n try_v and_o nurture_n his_o child_n for_o as_o the_o goldsmith_n intend_v to_o make_v precious_a and_o excellent_a vessel_n fit_a for_o the_o use_n of_o great_a king_n do_v cast_v his_o gold_n into_o the_o fire_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v come_v pure_a from_o all_o dross_n so_o before_o that_o the_o faithful_a can_v be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n fit_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o there_o be_v wean_v from_o the_o vain_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n
not_o like_a to_o the_o old_a it_o be_v not_o a_o painful_a doleful_a and_o ignominious_a condition_n but_o a_o easy_a pleasant_a &_o glorious_a state_n for_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o the_o burden_n which_o he_o lay_v on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v light_n at_o the_o least_o not_o heavy_a than_o they_o be_v able_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o bear_v yea_o this_o be_v such_o a_o service_n as_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_n more_o true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v christ_n friend_n than_o servant_n so_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n we_o may_v and_o that_o not_o unfit_o compare_v the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o one_o of_o they_o name_v onesimus_n of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o philemon_n 1._o who_o have_v flee_v from_o his_o master_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o afterward_o reconcile_v to_o his_o master_n as_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o intercession_n not_o of_o any_o saint_n or_o angel_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v to_o his_o father_n in_o this_o manner_n i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o thy_o elect_a child_n who_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o who_o in_o time_n past_o be_v unprofitable_a but_o now_o be_v profitable_a both_o to_o thou_o &_o to_o their_o brethren_n although_o such_o be_v their_o desire_n to_o advance_v thy_o glory_n when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v they_o think_v it_o nothing_o and_o count_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n they_o depart_v from_o thou_o for_o a_o season_n that_o thou_o may_v receive_v they_o for_o ever_o into_o a_o immutable_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n from_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v receive_v they_o therefore_o not_o as_o servant_n but_o above_o servant_n even_o as_o friend_n and_o as_o my_o belove_a brethren_n for_o master_n do_v not_o use_v to_o make_v their_o servant_n of_o their_o counsel_n but_o i_o have_v reveal_v thy_o whole_a will_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o do_v owe_v thou_o any_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v sin_v grivous_o against_o thou_o that_o put_v on_o my_o account_n score_v it_o upon_o my_o cross_n i_o will_v pay_v it_o nay_o i_o have_v already_o pay_v it_o to_o the_o full_a thus_o we_o have_v for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o matter_n allegorize_v the_o apostle_n word_n although_o contrary_a to_o our_o use_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o diverse_a place_n chap._n ix_o sect._n 1_o of_o man_n subjection_n to_o god_n as_o to_o his_o teacher_n the_o four_o kind_n of_o subjection_n which_o man_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v owe_v to_o god_n be_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o scholar_n or_o disciple_n to_o his_o teacher_n or_o master_n for_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n have_v no_o other_o schoolmaster_n then_o god_n himself_o no_o other_o teacher_n preacher_n or_o instructor_n for_o then_o god_n be_v to_o man_n all_o in_o all_o teacher_n he_o do_v instruct_v he_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o voice_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n for_o as_o a_o man_n need_v not_o light_v a_o candle_n wherewith_o to_o see_v whenas_o the_o son_n shine_v clear_o in_o his_o eye_n no_o more_o need_v man_n in_o his_o innocence_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o man_n see_v that_o he_o enjoy_v the_o bright_a sunshine_n of_o god_n presence_n do_v therein_o as_o in_o a_o most_o clear_a crystal_n glass_n see_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o four_o estate_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o second_o state_n of_o glory_n tongue_n shall_v cease_v yea_o prophecy_n with_o all_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v be_v abolish_v and_o have_v a_o end_n 8_o as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 8._o so_o in_o this_o perfect_a and_o happy_a state_n which_o be_v the_o first_o state_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o any_o beginning_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n of_o man_n some_o be_v wise_a learned_a and_o endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o other_o foolish_a rude_a &_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n see_v that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o all_o man_n be_v perfect_a although_o it_o may_v have_v be_v increase_v either_o by_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o excellent_a man_n in_o all_o gift_n and_o therefore_o in_o knowledge_n or_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n himself_o yet_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o the_o teacher_n of_o man_n unless_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v their_o ministry_n at_o some_o time_n for_o they_o have_v not_o any_o such_o function_n commit_v unto_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o concern_v man_n estate_n for_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o angles_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o reveal_v it_o be_v unknowen_a to_o the_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n have_v no_o need_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o childhood_n or_o that_o be_v now_o come_v to_o ripe_a age_n he_o may_v not_o receive_v increase_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o other_o man_n as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o that_o he_o be_v of_o perfect_a age_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o without_o the_o teach_n of_o any_o other_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o this_o be_v that_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a knowledge_n can_v learn_v of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o man_n want_v no_o knowledge_n which_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a for_o his_o present_a state_n or_o which_o may_v be_v require_v in_o perfect_a happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n that_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v continual_o increase_v as_o god_n shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v himself_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o he_o for_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o continual_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v lay_v open_a many_o of_o god_n counsel_n decree_n and_o action_n which_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v by_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n neither_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o subjection_n itself_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o be_v these_o two_o the_o first_o that_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o learn_v of_o god_n whatsoever_o it_o please_v he_o to_o teach_v the_o second_o follow_v or_o rather_o go_v before_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n that_o he_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o for_o discentem_fw-la oportet_fw-la credere_fw-la nothing_o can_v be_v learn_v unless_o the_o teacher_n be_v believe_v these_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o that_o man_n may_v easy_o perform_v they_o unto_o god_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o learn_v have_v such_o a_o teacher_n as_o be_v able_a to_o put_v knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n even_o into_o stock_n and_o stone_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v believe_v who_o be_v truth_n itself_o for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a be_v therefore_o true_a because_o it_o come_v from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o creature_n but_o that_o which_o it_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n may_v bold_o drink_v of_o the_o fountain_n itself_o because_o the_o water_n of_o it_o can_v as_o yet_o be_v corrupt_v but_o if_o he_o let_v the_o say_a water_n run_v some_o distance_n of_o place_n from_o the_o fountain_n so_o that_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o take_v it_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n it_o have_v run_v by_o many_o weed_n ditch_n and_o whatsoever_o thing_n it_o may_v meet_v withal_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v and_o drink_v filthy_a and_o noisome_a water_n for_o that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o wholesome_a so_o if_o man_n learn_v of_o god_n he_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o false_a or_o corrupt_a doctrine_n with_o the_o which_o he_o may_v perhaps_o meet_v if_o he_o be_v instruct_v by_o any_o creature_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n sect._n 2._o of_o man_n rebellion_n to_o god_n his_o teacher_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o such_o be_v the_o graceless_a untowardness_n of_o sinful_a man_n in_o this_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n that_o like_o a_o trewant_o boy_n he_o forsake_v god_n his_o heavenly_a teacher_n altogether_o refuse_v to_o
hear_v and_o therefore_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v religion_n as_o child_n be_v teach_v to_o read_v learn_v one_o letter_n to_o day_n and_o another_o to_o morrow_n one_o point_n now_o and_o the_o rest_n hereafter_o as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o the_o dulness_n of_o the_o jew_n esay_n 28._o 13._o 23._o but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o if_o natural_a man_n be_v so_o dull_a and_o unable_a to_o understande_v god_n word_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o not_o learn_v and_o for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o dulness_n of_o man_n come_v through_o their_o own_o default_n in_o that_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o bestow_v their_o natural_a gift_n their_o time_n and_o labour_n in_o learning_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o will_v once_o careful_o and_o hearty_o do_v and_o so_o continue_v without_o be_v weary_a in_o seek_v to_o know_v god_n and_o in_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n join_v with_o their_o endeavour_n hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n they_o will_v soon_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o learn_v these_o thing_n the_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o one_o point_n of_o they_o be_v well_o learned_a all_o the_o rest_n will_v follow_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n so_o that_o all_o the_o hardness_n be_v in_o beginning_n to_o learn_v yea_o god_n be_v hear_v at_o hand_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o howsoever_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o his_o own_o wit_n or_o industry_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o attain_v the_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a subjection_n of_o man_n to_o god_n his_o teacher_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o contrary_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v themselves_o unto_o his_o discipline_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o although_o they_o attain_v to_o their_o knowledge_n by_o the_o mean_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o have_v please_v god_n rather_o than_o by_o his_o own_o voice_n or_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n that_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a shall_v be_v wrought_v yet_o not_o man_n but_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o this_o knowledge_n who_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n so_o do_v he_o in_o his_o regeneration_n reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n unto_o they_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 8._o job._n 32._o 8._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n in_o man_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o give_v understanding_n math._n 13._o 8._o 10._o callnot_n any_o man_n rabbi_n master_n or_o doctor_n ●_o for_o you_o have_v one_o doctor_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n that_o be_v you_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o because_o you_o hear_v man_n preach_v unto_o you_o that_o therefore_o your_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v your_o brethren_n that_o be_v man_n like_v to_o yourselves_o teacher_n who_o can_v without_o the_o special_a work_n of_o my_o spirit_n learn_v any_o thing_n themselves_o much_o less_o teach_v other_o so_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n master_n in_o the_o school_n of_o his_o church_n who_o although_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o it_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o it_o by_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o which_o he_o teach_v the_o faithful_a all_o thing_n needful_a and_o that_o without_o any_o error_n or_o shadow_n of_o any_o for_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n joh._n 14._o 16._o and_o 15._o 26._o 26._o christ_n promise_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n 13._o joh._n 17._o 13._o and_o as_o god_n be_v the_o teacher_n so_o the_o faithful_a be_v his_o scholar_n as_o all_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n 9_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n call_v disciple_n &_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 9_o man_n teach_v by_o god_n ineede_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o write_v to_o you_o of_o brotherly_a love_n for_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v one_o another_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v already_o engrave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o love_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o there_o fore_o you_o have_v not_o so_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o my_o ministry_n in_o this_o behalf_n as_o they_o who_o god_n have_v not_o teach_v after_o this_o manner_n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n often_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o instruct_v he_o in_o his_o commandment_n as_o we_o may_v read_v often_o psal._n 119._o 119._o last_o they_o perform_v to_o god_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o this_o subjection_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v his_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n reject_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o yea_o though_o a_o angel_n do_v preach_v it_o from_o heaven_n all_o antiquity_n church_n counsel_n all_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v maintain_v &_o affirm_v it_o yea_o though_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o sense_n do_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o scholar_n of_o a_o certain_a philosopher_n name_v pythagoras_n who_o if_o they_o once_o hear_v any_o thing_n utter_v by_o their_o master_n they_o hold_v that_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n without_o inquire_v any_o further_o into_o it_o and_o so_o among_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n his_o holy_a word_n be_v of_o so_o absolute_a authority_n as_o that_o no_o doubt_n be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v chap._n x._o sect._n 1_o of_o man_n subjection_n to_o his_o creator_n the_o last_o and_o great_a kind_n of_o man_n subjection_n be_v that_o which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v creator_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o subjection_n be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n the_o second_o to_o be_v whole_o move_v in_o he_o or_o by_o he_o the_o three_o to_o rest_v content_v in_o his_o will_n for_o the_o first_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o last_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o needful_a that_o all_o creature_n joint_o &_o several_o do_v perform_v this_o duty_n of_o glorify_v he_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n either_o so_o base_a or_o so_o excellent_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n the_o great_a and_o mighty_a creature_n must_v stoop_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o weak_a and_o seely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 10._o psal._n 145._o 9_o 10._o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n all_o thy_o work_n o_o lord_n shall_v praise_v thou_o they_o shall_v show_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o creature_n to_o praise_n god_n as_o they_o be_v exhort_v particular_o 148._o psalm_n 148._o and_o as_o we_o read_v revel_v 5._o 13._o and_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 13._o on_o the_o earth_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o hard_o say_v praise_n honour_n glory_n and_o power_n be_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n for_o evermore_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o all_o perform_v this_o duty_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n do_v it_o only_o by_o give_v to_o man_n and_o angel_n matter_n of_o the_o actual_a set_n forth_o of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o trumpeter_n of_o god_n glory_n which_o they_o do_v enlarge_v and_o publish_v as_o by_o all_o other_o their_o action_n so_o chief_o by_o those_o which_o tend_v direct_o to_o god_n himself_o &_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n even_o the_o common_a action_n of_o life_n as_o eat_v and_o drink_v do_v make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n yet_o these_o do_v not_o make_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o
join_v to_o he_o then_o any_o other_o whosoever_o whether_o son_n kinsman_n orfriende_n and_o may_v more_o confident_o look_v to_o be_v enrich_v and_o protect_v by_o he_o so_o the_o faithful_a be_v now_o in_o the_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n thus_o espouse_v &_o make_v one_o person_n with_o god_n be_v more_o near_o join_v to_o he_o then_o man_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n wherein_o god_n do_v not_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v man_n to_o be_v as_o his_o belove_a spouse_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o only_o as_o his_o subject_n servant_n scholar_n creature_n and_o son_n all_o which_o be_v distinct_a person_n from_o the_o king_n master_n teacher_n creator_n and_o father_n and_o so_o may_v more_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o look_v to_o be_v not_o only_o protect_v and_o save_v from_o death_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n their_o new_a husband_n but_o also_o to_o be_v enrich_v by_o he_o with_o all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a blessing_n belong_v to_o a_o holy_a and_o happy_a estate_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o new_a subjection_n the_o duty_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v all_o those_o which_o a_o dutiful_a wife_n owe_v to_o her_o husband_n as_o namely_o that_o she_o please_v he_o and_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o he_o for_o the_o first_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 34._o as_o she_o that_o be_v marry_v care_v for_o worldly_a thing_n how_o she_o may_v please_v her_o husband_n 34._o so_o ought_v the_o faithful_a endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o please_v their_o heavenly_a husband_n by_o be_v pure_a both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n especial_o by_o perform_v the_o second_o duty_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o renounce_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o cleave_v fast_o to_o god_n without_o separation_n even_o as_o the_o wife_n forsake_v father_n mother_n sister_n brethren_n kindred_n &_o acquaintance_n and_o betake_v herself_o whole_o to_o her_o husband_n this_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n be_v notable_o describe_v psal_n 45._o 11._o 12._o hear_v o_o daughter_n incline_v thy_o care_n forget_v thy_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n so_o shall_v the_o king_n have_v pleasure_n in_o thy_o beauty_n 12_o for_o he_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o worship_n thou_o he_o yea_o there_o can_v no_o wife_n have_v so_o good_a cause_n to_o perform_v all_o loyal_a duty_n to_o her_o husband_n as_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v some_o great_a prince_n to_o advance_v some_o base_a poor_a and_o miserable_a woman_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v his_o wife_n all_o man_n will_v say_v that_o she_o can_v not_o by_o any_o duty_n of_o subjection_n show_v herself_o sufficient_o thankful_a how_o then_o shall_v sinful_a man_n who_o of_o himself_o be_v the_o most_o wretched_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v now_o espouse_v to_o god_n the_o king_n of_o king_n behave_v himself_o in_o any_o measure_n so_o dutiful_o as_o he_o o●●ht_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o be_v handle_v the_o second_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n to_o wit_n his_o conformity_n or_o likeness_n to_o god_n with_o the_o contrary_a unlikeness_n or_o defermitie_n chap._n i_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n it_o have_v be_v declare_v that_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v join_v to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n both_o personal_o or_o local_o in_o happiness_n and_o also_o spiritual_o in_o perfect_a holiness_n the_o which_o holiness_n have_v two_o part_n subjection_n and_o conformity_n for_o so_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n to_o join_v these_o two_o together_o in_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n lest_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o either_o debase_v by_o the_o one_o or_o lift_v up_o by_o the_o other_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v like_o to_o god_n without_o subjection_n they_o will_v easy_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v themselves_o squall_n to_o god_n estate_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o ●od_a without_o any_o likeness_n or_o resemblance_n to_o he_o ●ey_n shall_v have_v lack_v that_o wherein_o their_o ●hole_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n do_v consist_v ●_o have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o ●ute_a beast_n thus_o god_n have_v create_v the_o ●ule_n of_o man_n in_o a_o equal_a temperament_n ●f_o contrary_a quality_n that_o so_o the_o one_o may_v qualify_v and_o preserve_v the_o other_o the_o sub●ection_n of_o man_n be_v already_o declare_v now_o follow_v his_o conformity_n which_o be_v that_o ●arte_n of_o man_n holiness_n wherein_o he_o resemble_v god_n or_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n usual_o ●alled_v in_o scripture_n the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n betwixt_o ●n_a image_n and_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v the_o image_n so_o there_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o this_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n a_o likeness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o easy_a resolve_v of_o those_o manifold_a doubt_n which_o be_v move_v about_o it_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o declare_v what_o god_n be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v man_n to_o be_v like_a the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a secret_a and_o hide_a that_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n much_o less_o express_v in_o word_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o other_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 24._o john_n 4._o 24._o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v not_o visible_a and_o sensible_a but_o mystical_a and_o wonderful_a as_o be_v spirit_n for_o otherwise_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v give_v to_o angel_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o express_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o mercy_n to_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o property_n usual_o call_v by_o the_o divine_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o knowledge_n wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n love_n power_n eternity_n and_o such_o other_o for_o as_o we_o in_o common_a speech_n go_v about_o to_o describe_v any_o man_n do_v mention_n his_o virtue_n quality_n and_o condition_n say_v that_o he_o be_v honest_a gentle_a faithful_a liberal_a just_a and_o learned_a so_o we_o have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n no_o other_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o the_o aforesaid_a attribute_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v describe_v god_n we_o must_v say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o certain_a essence_n most_o simple_a without_o any_o manner_n of_o composition_n exist_v of_o itself_o and_o from_o who_o all_o creature_n and_o action_n do_v exist_v be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n or_o end_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n love_n strength_n power_n and_o in_o all_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o purity_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o part_n what_o god_n be_v now_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v whenas_o it_o be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o some_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a respect_n as_o when_o the_o creature_n be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n wisdom_n justice_n power_n ●ove_n mercy_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o ●f_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o essence_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n then_o ●t_z shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o so_o be_v a_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n although_o not_o so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o god_n for_o example_n god_n have_v strength_n and_o the_o creature_n have_v strength_n every_o one_o more_o or_o less_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n be_v essential_a unto_o he_o and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v a_o quality_n or_o accidental_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v spare_v as_o when_o we_o see_v two_o sun_n the_o one_o be_v a_o true_a substance_n but_o the_o other_o be_v only_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o true_a sun_n in_o god_n it_o be_v primarelie_o as_o in_o the_o fountain_n but_o the_o creature_n have_v his_o strength_n from_o god_n in_o god_n it_o be_v infinite_a in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v finite_a god_n have_v all_o strength_n the_o creature_n have_v but_o some_o yea_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o mighty_a creature_n be_v great_a weakness_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o
do_v satan_n know_v very_o well_o that_o man_n be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o his_o understanding_n &_o therefore_o he_o persuade_v eva_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n by_o promise_v that_o by_o that_o mean_v she_o shall_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o consequent_o great_a likeness_n to_o god_n than_o she_o have_v for_o so_o he_o say_v gen._n 3._o 5._o god_n know_v that_o when_o you_o shall_v eat_v of_o this_o fruit_n your_o eye_n be_v open_v 5._o and_o you_o be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a but_o to_o leave_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o they_o who_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o natural_a description_n of_o man_n mind_n we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o holiness_n of_o it_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v create_v holy_a no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o he_o who_o stick_v not_o to_o reproach_n his_o maker_n as_o have_v err_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o needful_a that_o we_o declare_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o holiness_n first_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o it_o consist_v second_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v in_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v brief_o define_v where_o we_o say_v perfect_a we_o mean_v that_o perfection_n &_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n whereof_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a for_o there_o be_v a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o angel_n then_o can_v be_v in_o any_o man_n again_o there_o be_v more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o god_n then_o in_o any_o angel_n for_o god_n be_v know_v perfect_o and_o essential_o to_o himself_o only_o these_o transcendent_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v not_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o want_v they_o without_o sin_n again_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o perfection_n the_o high_a degree_n or_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o man_n for_o in_o this_o innocent_a estate_n one_o man_n may_v want_v that_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o a_o other_o man_n have_v and_o yet_o want_v no_o part_n or_o jot_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o mind_n only_o by_o perfection_n we_o mean_v that_o knowledge_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o part_n want_v which_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a estate_n of_o man_n that_o be_v whenas_o a_o man_n know_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o thing_n belong_v necessary_o to_o his_o own_o good_a estate_n the_o second_o word_n of_o the_o definition_n be_v knowledge_n whereby_o we_o mean_v both_o actual_a and_o potential_a knowledge_n actual_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v already_o real_o in_o the_o mind_n potential_a knowledge_n be_v that_o virtue_n or_o faculty_n which_o conceave_v thing_n offer_v to_o the_o mind_n by_o any_o mean_n the_o first_o be_v to_o have_v knowledge_n or_o the_o habit_n of_o knowledge_n the_o second_o be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o get_v that_o knowledge_n which_o as_o yet_o be_v want_v of_o these_o two_o hereafter_o in_o particular_a last_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n whereof_o although_o there_o be_v diverse_a kind_n as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o god_n to_o be_v know_v yet_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n and_o nothing_o any_o otherwise_o then_o as_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o for_o god_n be_v all_o thing_n in_o all_o and_o all_o thing_n do_v exist_v in_o god_n and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v in_o god_n and_o god_n know_v yea_o see_a and_o feel_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o in_o the_o least_o and_o base_a creature_n the_o wicked_a angel_n be_v in_o this_o their_o corrupt_a estate_n endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n but_o this_o their_o knowledge_n be_v void_a of_o all_o holiness_n because_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n for_o this_o only_a be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o mind_n not_o bare_o to_o know_v the_o nature_n property_n and_o difference_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o for_o holiness_n have_v relation_n to_o god_n only_o it_o see_v god_n through_o the_o mean_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o rest_n in_o any_o thing_n till_o it_o come_v to_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o his_o innocence_n a_o confuse_a chaos_n or_o heap_v of_o knowledge_n for_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v this_o knowledge_n into_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o part_n of_o it_o whereof_o the_o first_o and_o chief_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o the_o proper_a nature_n attribute_n and_o action_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o first_o kind_n may_v be_v call_v divine_a be_v cause_n it_o tend_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o where_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v within_o the_o narrow_a compass_n of_o his_o shallow_a brain_n the_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a essence_n of_o god_n the_o which_o thing_n the_o angel_n can_v do_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v think_v aright_o without_o any_o error_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o no_o maruaill_n see_v he_o do_v see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v that_o be_v be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o presence_n and_o company_n of_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n from_o this_o knowledge_n as_o from_o a_o fountain_n spring_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n common_o call_v human_a knowledge_n because_o all_o the_o creature_n belong_v to_o man_n and_o serve_v for_o his_o use_n be_v know_v for_o his_o good_a only_a for_o as_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v all_o thing_n be_v there_o where_o the_o sun_n shine_v clear_o so_o man_n live_v in_o god_n presence_n can_v not_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o creature_n hide_v from_o his_o sight_n from_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n come_v the_o knowledge_n of_o evil_n for_o rectum_fw-la est_fw-la index_n svi_fw-la et_fw-la obliqui_fw-la a_o straight_a rule_n or_o line_n show_v the_o crokednesse_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o all_o truth_n good_a and_o right_n shine_v in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o creature_n do_v show_v to_o man_n what_o be_v false_a wrong_a hurtful_a unlawful_a or_o any_o way_n evil_a for_o although_o satan_n do_v promise_v to_o man_n a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a than_o he_o have_v 5._o gen._n 3._o 5._o as_o if_o his_o knowledge_n have_v be_v imperfect_a in_o that_o behalf_n yet_o he_o know_v what_o be_v evil_a better_a before_o his_o fall_n then_o afterward_o although_o by_o his_o fall_n he_o gott●_n the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o evil_n which_o he_o want_v before_o thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o man_n knowledge_n the_o which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o two_o kind_n of_o it_o potential_a and_o actual_a potential_a knowledge_n be_v the_o aptness_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v whatsoever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o reveal_v here_o i●_n may_v be_v ask_v by_o what_o mean_v man_n in_o his_o innocent_a estate_n do_v attain_v to_o knowledge_n we_o answer_v that_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n be_v create_v in_o perfection_n as_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o also_o of_o actual_a knowledge_n not_o get_v by_o sense_n experience_n observation_n and_o by_o his_o own_o industry_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v increase_v by_o these_o mean_n but_o engrave_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o inspire_v by_o god_n together_o with_o his_o mind_n but_o his_o child_n be_v not_o to_o come_v so_o light_o to_o knowledge_n to_o who_o he_o can_v not_o propagate_v his_o actual_a knowledge_n but_o only_o his_o potential_a for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v as_o in_o weakness_n of_o body_n so_o with_o mind_n void_a of_o all_o actual_a knowledge_n not_o have_v the_o form_n similitude_n and_o universal_a notion_n of_o thing_n call_v
chap._n 8._o sect._n 1_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o some_o one_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v live_v solitarelie_o by_o himself_o not_o have_v the_o company_n or_o help_n of_o any_o other_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o howsoever_o he_o may_v want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o particular_n the_o which_o do_v not_o make_v a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n &_o also_o be_v inferior_a to_o other_o in_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v this_o state_n of_o happiness_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n although_o in_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o general_a rule_n that_o in_o all_o state_n of_o innocency_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o on_o earth_n whether_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v immediate_o without_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o creature_n as_o god_n say_v numb_a 12._o 8._o 8._o that_o he_o speak_v to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n mouth_n to_o mouth_n but_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o moses_n thus_o 1._o cor._n 13._o 12._o 12_o to_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o the_o godly_a shall_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n as_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o this_o life_n wherein_o god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o his_o minister_n as_o one_o man_n speak_v to_o a_o other_o by_o a_o interpreter_n or_o messenger_n not_o in_o personal_a presence_n yet_o this_o immediate_a teach_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o innocence_n one_o man_n may_v have_v his_o knowledge_n increase_v by_o a_o other_o as_o god_n do_v reveal_v some_o particular_n to_o one_o more_o than_o to_o another_o or_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n infancy_n and_o childhood_n shall_v not_o be_v support_v by_o teacher_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o potential_a knowledge_n call_v by_o philosopher_n the_o suffer_a understanding_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o which_o in_o conceave_a any_o thing_n do_v suffer_v the_o impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o wax_n do_v suffer_v when_o as_o any_o form_n be_v imprint_v in_o it_o now_o we_o come_v to_o actual_a knowledge_n call_v the_o agent_n faculty_n because_o knowledge_n be_v once_o get_v be_v not_o idle_a but_o work_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o only_o move_v itself_o but_o also_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o motion_n to_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n as_o touch_v the_o measure_n of_o man_n actual_a knowledge_n in_o his_o innocence_n the_o which_o point_n only_o rest_v to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v to_o be_v define_v by_o his_o happiness_n and_o by_o comparison_n make_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o regeneration_n for_o first_o man_n know_v whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n make_v for_o his_o good_a and_o happy_a estate_n as_o namely_o he_o have_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o happiness_n behold_v he_o daily_o and_o continual_o although_o not_o in_o his_o essential_a form_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a yet_o in_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o glory_n beside_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n who_o form_n kind_n nature_n property_n virtue_n quality_n and_o commodity_n he_o do_v perfect_o comprehend_v as_o appear_v in_o that_o adam_n give_v to_o every_o beast_n a_o name_n agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n he_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v family_n and_o commonwealth_n with_o meet_a order_n and_o law_n and_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o thing_n do_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o necessity_n use_n pleasure_n or_o commodity_n of_o human_a life_n second_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o create_a knowledge_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o renew_a knowledge_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v put_v together_o in_o one_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o best_a &_o most_o learned_a divine_n politician_n physician_n logician_n mathematician_n philosopher_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v most_o excellent_a in_o any_o kind_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a sound_z pure_a subtle_a &_o perfect_a as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o no_o marvel_v see_v he_o have_v far_o more_o excellent_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n whether_o we_o regard_v his_o own_o nature_n &_o therein_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o all_o his_o sense_n and_o faculty_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a or_o yet_o his_o schoolmaster_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v godhimselfe_n sect._n 2_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n in_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n thus_o much_o of_o man_n knowledge_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n from_o the_o which_o we_o come_v to_o his_o corrupt_a state_n as_o out_o of_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n into_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n for_o as_o before_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n his_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o since_o the_o fall_n it_o be_v overcast_v &_o even_o whole_o possess_v with_o palpable_a darkness_n be_v destitute_a not_o only_o of_o all_o actual_a knowledge_n but_o also_o of_o all_o ability_n of_o attain_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o any_o faculty_n virtue_n industry_n or_o any_o mean_v inherent_a in_o himself_o the_o which_o in_o the_o former_a section_n we_o call_v potential_a knowledge_n for_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n namely_o actual_a real_a or_o that_o which_o be_v already_o get_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o listen_v to_o consider_v it_o that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o man_n be_v mere_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o mean_v that_o knowledge_n which_o is●_n and_o may_v be_v see_v in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n mind_n who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v neither_o increase_v nor_o decrease_v that_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o both_o which_o accident_n may_v happen_v to_o carnal_a man_n as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n 6._o in_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o be_v to_o account_v all_o ignorant_a people_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o rudeness_n and_o ignorance_n not_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o get_v knowledge_n as_o the_o hear_v read_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v no_o other_o opinion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n than_o those_o rudimente_n and_o beginning_n which_o they_o bring_v from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o which_o they_o have_v get_v or_o rather_o which_o have_v creep_v into_o their_o mind_n by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o not_o seek_v or_o look_v after_o any_o knowledge_n not_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o out_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o which_o be_v daily_o behold_v feel_v and_o enjoy_v can_v not_o but_o leave_v some_o impression_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o reason_n remain_v in_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n even_o in_o this_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n be_v of_o great_a power_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v worship_v &_o honour_v in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o there_o fore_o will_v punish_v sinner_n and_o reward_v good_a and_o innocent_a man_n likewise_o he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o second_o table_n yea_o more_o than_o of_o the_o first_o whereby_o he_o can_v decern_v right_a from_o wrong_n honest_a thing_n from_o unhonest_a so_o that_o he_o condemn_v theft_n oppression_n incest_n adultery_n murder_n and_o such_o like_a gross_a sin_n for_o although_o many_o do_v diminish_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o become_v such_o detestable_a atheist_n as_o to_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o man_n natural_o think_v otherwise_o as_o appear_v plain_o both_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o common_a experience_n for_o the_o first_o we_o have_v this_o doctrine_n rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o 20._o that_o which_o be_v know_v of_o god_n that_o be_v so_o much_o as_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o all_o
1._o 26._o brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n be_v choose_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v renounce_v his_o own_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o but_o the_o more_o wit_n and_o learning_n a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o attribute_v to_o it_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n whereas_o they_o who_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o these_o gift_n do_v not_o trust_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n witness_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n to_o win_v a_o fool_n to_o wisdom_n than_o one_o who_o think_v or_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o so_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o great_a ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n now_o for_o the_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 2._o 13._o 13._o man_n have_v forsake_v god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o then_o what_o wisdom_n can_v be_v in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n so_o be_v he_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v natural_o so_o void_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o bruit_n beast_n but_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a proportion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v nay_o he_o be_v more_o ignorant_a than_o be_v the_o brute_n beast_n whereof_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o which_o know_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o teacher_n even_o by_o the_o secret_a instinct_n of_o nature_n what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o itself_o yea_o the_o secret_a virtue_n of_o some_o herb_n or_o of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v stand_v they_o in_o stead_n but_o man_n be_v any_o way_n distress_v know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v either_o to_o god_n or_o any_o natural_a thing_n for_o help_v be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v other_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o part_n temperamente_n frame_n disposition_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o the_o preserve_n or_o heal_v of_o it_o save_v only_o the_o outward_a member_n and_o fashion_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o man_n shall_v brag_v of_o that_o great_a knowledge_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o search_v it_o out_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n grant_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o industrious_a man_n that_o they_o attain_v to_o knowledge_n some_o more_o other_o less_a but_o the_o learnede_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n but_o also_o natural_o unable_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dulness_n &_o shallowness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n form_n reason_n and_o virtue_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o why_o the_o loadstone_n draw_v iron_n to_o it_o of_o the_o which_o kind_a infinite_a instance_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o find_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o consider_v the_o cause_n but_o by_o mark_v the_o effect_n and_o so_o not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o good_a cunning_n as_o we_o say_v but_o by_o chance_n and_o by_o experience_n the_o schoolmaster_n of_o fool_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a knowledge_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n do_v renew_v in_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n this_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o glorious_a image_n we_o call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n because_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n both_o have_v the_o first_o place_n and_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n holiness_n 23._o for_o as_o christ_n do_v teach_v math._n 6._o 23._o if_o the_o eye_n have_v light_a in_o it_o it_o do_v enlighten_v the_o whole_a body_n but_o if_o it_o be_v dark_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v with_o knowledge_n there_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o if_o there_o be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o trust_v or_o hope_n in_o god_n or_o love_n fear_v &_o obey_v he_o or_o perform_v any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n unto_o god_n who_o he_o do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o mercy_n love_n goodness_n promise_n power_n justice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n merciful_a bountiful_a and_o just_a and_o not_o be_v affect_v to_o he_o according_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frame_v the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o elect_a be_v to_o take_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n their_o natural_a dulness_n unbelief_n and_o ignorance_n and_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v believe_v and_o know_v god_n 2._o thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n so_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n knowledge_n thus_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1._o 9_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o 9_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v 14._o act._n 16._o 14._o that_o whilst_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o understand_v it_o yet_o god_n open_v the_o hart_n that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o lydia_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n this_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a thing_n in_o regeneration_n and_o that_o whereby_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o faithful_a may_v most_o plain_o be_v convince_v for_o what_o be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o that_o man_n who_o before_o be_v dull_a rude_a simple_a and_o unlearned_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a become_v able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o mind_n most_o steadfast_o &_o to_o express_v in_o word_n very_o sensible_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o christian_n religion_n yet_o this_o experience_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a &_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o same_o 15._o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n this_o come_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v this_o knowledge_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o who_o will_v feel_v in_o himself_o this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o change_v his_o mind_n to_o give_v himself_o diligent_o and_o continual_o to_o the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o this_o renew_a knowledge_n be_v not_o either_o so_o great_a or_o yet_o so_o general_a as_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n wherein_o he_o know_v god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n perfect_o but_o the_o faithful_a know_v god_n his_o word_n will_n &_o action_n so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v wherein_o we_o hope_v for_o our_o full_a adoption_n even_o the_o redention_n of_o our_o body_n the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n whereof_o be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n as_o dull_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a as_o touch_v this_o secundarie_n knowledge_n of_o the_o sensible_a creature_n as_o do_v the_o other_o yea_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o
their_o holiness_n be_v imperfect_a 1._o cor._n 13._o 14._o while_o i_o be_o a_o child_n that_o be_v 14_o while_o the_o faithful_a live_v in_o this_o world_n i_o understand_v like_o a_o child_n i_o think_v and_o speak_v as_o a_o child_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o i_o shall_v know_v even_o as_o i_o be_o know_v chap._n iii_o sect._n 1._o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n beside_o the_o general_a knowledge_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n there_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a knowledge_n the_o which_o for_o the_o great_a use_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n have_v a_o proper_a name_n give_v unto_o it_o be_v call_v conscience_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o action_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o partilar_a thing_n to_o wit_n of_o man_n estate_n before_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v righteous_a or_o sinful_a and_o so_o consequent_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o life_n or_o of_o death_n as_o the_o word_n do_v plain_o signify_v for_o conscience_n be_v svi_fw-la scientia_fw-la or_o scientia_fw-la cum_fw-la vel_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la that_o be_v conscience_n be_v a_o man_n knowledge_n of_o himself_o or_o a_o knowledge_n with_o god_n before_o god_n or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v define_v it_o thus_o conscience_n be_v the_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v his_o estate_n before_o god_n or_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n or_o judgement_n that_o the_o mind_n give_v of_o innocency_n or_o guiltiness_n estate_n of_o righteousness_n or_o sinfulness_n of_o life_n or_o death_n so_o it_o be_v the_o fine_v rom._n 2._o 15._o 15._o to_o be_v the_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v of_o a_o man_n thought_n or_o of_o his_o mind_n so_o that_o we_o may_v call_v the_o conscience_n the_o witness_n which_o before_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n hall_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n do_v either_o excuse_n and_o justify_v his_o several_a action_n and_o whole_a life_n and_o person_n and_o so_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o life_n unto_o he_o or_o else_o do_v accuse_v &_o condemn_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o sin_n commit_v and_o so_o adjudge_v he_o to_o eternal_a death_n thus_o much_o of_o conscience_n ingenerall_n now_o as_o touch_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o do_v whole_o justify_v he_o be_v as_o then_o without_o any_o spot_n of_o sin_n from_o this_o true_a excuse_v conscience_n come_v confidence_n whereby_o man_n be_v embolden_v to_o converse_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o see_v his_o glory_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o familiarity_n with_o he_o as_o man_n have_v in_o his_o innocence_n where_o as_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n breed_v fear_n &_o shame_n as_o we_o see_v plain_o in_o adam_n who_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v sin_v be_v compel_v by_o this_o accuse_a witness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o accuse_v he_o to_o run_v into_o a_o hole_n and_o hide_v himself_o among_o the_o tree_n when_o he_o perceave_v god_n to_o be_v present_a but_o hereof_o more_o in_o the_o next_o section_n last_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o conscience_n can_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n conformity_n to_o god_n see_v as_o it_o may_v seem_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o god_n we_o anwere_v that_o conscience_n to_o wit_n this_o clear_v conscience_n have_v place_n in_o god_n who_o in_o himself_o and_o before_o himself_o do_v see_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v purity_n and_o holiness_n itself_o and_o so_o free_a from_o all_o shadow_n of_o sin_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o corrupt_a conscience_n as_o touch_v man_n conscience_n in_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n this_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v grant_v that_o where_o the_o whole_a be_v corrupt_v there_o every_o several_a part_n be_v corrupt_v and_o therefore_o see_v the_o whole_a knowledge_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v darken_v with_o blindness_n this_o particular_a knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n so_o that_o now_o the_o conscience_n be_v a_o false_a witness_n and_o do_v judge_v of_o right_n and_o wrong_n of_o life_n and_o death_n so_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n judge_v colour_n say_v that_o black_a be_v white_a and_o white_a be_v black_a that_o evil_o be_v good_a and_o good_a evil_a conscience_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o so_o whole_o blind_v but_o that_o there_o remain_v in_o it_o some_o relic_n of_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o light_n so_o the_o conscience_n have_v his_o part_n as_o well_o of_o this_o light_n as_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a darkness_n and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o do_v sometime_o speak_v the_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o great_a liar_n use_v to_o do_v first_o of_o the_o false_a witness_n of_o the_o conscience_n because_o this_o be_v more_o common_a then_o of_o the_o true_a testimony_n of_o it_o the_o false_a testimony_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n the_o first_o and_o most_o usual_a kind_n be_v when_o as_o it_o do_v false_o excuse_v the_o second_o be_v when_o it_o do_v false_o accuse_v the_o first_o have_v place_n in_o all_o those_o who_o think_v that_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o either_o it_o do_v not_o accuse_v a_o man_n where_o it_o shall_v accuse_v he_o or_o else_o it_o do_v justify_v and_o absolute_a he_o for_o that_o for_o the_o which_o it_o shall_v condemn_v he_o the_o first_o may_v be_v see_v in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n that_o be_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v account_v sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o in_o they_o who_o be_v therefore_o call_v libertine_n but_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v too_o shameful_o licentious_a think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o listen_v and_o so_o be_v not_o check_v by_o their_o conscience_n no_o not_o when_o they_o commit_v most_o heinous_a sin_n this_o kind_n of_o a_o false_a excuse_v conscience_n be_v in_o those_o also_o who_o think_v original_a sin_n to_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o not_o to_o deserve_v eternal_a death_n or_o who_o do_v any_o way_n extenuate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n think_v some_o sin_n to_o be_v venial_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o also_o in_o they_o who_o think_v wicked_a thought_n or_o vain_a word_n to_o be_v no_o sin_n last_o this_o conscience_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n especial_o in_o those_o who_o live_v a_o civil_a and_o honest_a life_n free_a from_o gross_a sin_n as_o adultery_n murder_n theft_n perjury_n and_o such_o other_o think_v themselves_o just_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n this_o presumptuous_a opinion_n be_v in_o the_o pharisy_n who_o have_v a_o great_a conceit_n and_o make_v no_o small_a brag_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v luc._n 18._o 20._o 20._o and_o also_o mar._n 10._o 20._o 20._o in_o one_o of_o their_o scholar_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o affirm_v and_o that_o before_o the_o face_n and_o visible_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n but_o continual_o even_o from_o his_o youth_n up_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o fond_a opinion_n of_o most_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o sinner_n because_o they_o be_v not_o notorious_a malefactor_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v keep_v the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o just_a before_o god_n because_o they_o live_v irreproovable_o as_o very_o few_o do_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a fearful_a and_o dangerous_a estate_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o man_n destruction_n for_o they_o never_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o have_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o christ_n because_o this_o their_o flatter_a and_o lie_v conscience_n do_v bear_v they_o in_o hand_n that_o they_o be_v righteous_a enough_o of_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o need_v not_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v revel_v 3._o 17._o 17._o they_o say_v with_o themselves_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o be_o rich_a &_o want_v nothing_o where_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v wretched_a poor_a blind_a naked_a altogether_o sinful_a and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a
damnation_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o a_o false_a excuse_v conscience_n be_v that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o excuse_v but_o also_o justify_v a_o man_n for_o that_o for_o the_o which_o it_o shall_v condemn_v he_o such_o be_v the_o senseless_a blockishness_n of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n this_o conscience_n be_v in_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o false_a &_o devise_a manner_n and_o so_o think_v that_o their_o will-worship_n do_v make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o in_o ●rueth_n be_v most_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n they_o think_v that_o they_o advance_v his_o glory_n when_o as_o they_o set_v up_o idolatry_n and_o that_o when_o they_o persecute_v the_o true_a minister_n apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n 2._o as_o we_o read_v john_n 16._o 2._o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v of_o god_n for_o their_o much_o babble_a sake_n 7._o math._n 6._o 7._o for_o say_v over_o and_o over_o so_o many_o cree_v and_o pater_fw-la noster_n and_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o those_o action_n the_o which_o howsoever_o they_o carry_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n yet_o they_o be_v grievous_a sin_n before_o god_n and_o those_o for_o the_o which_o the_o doer_n shall_v be_v condemn_v although_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v in_o any_o other_o kind_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o false_a excuse_v conscience_n now_o follow_v a_o false_a accuse_a mind_n and_o conscience_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a kind_n for_o it_o accuse_v where_o it_o shall_v excuse_v and_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v lawful_a this_o false_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n come_v of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n liberty_n account_v thing_n in_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o altogether_o unlawful_a whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o eat_v this_o or_o that_o meat_n on_o this_o or_o that_o day_n to_o marry_v to_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o company_n to_o wear_v this_o or_o that_o apparel_n to_o use_v this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o recreation_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n but_o leave_v indifferent_a and_o in_o the_o which_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v not_o in_o bondage_n but_o god_n have_v call_v they_o in_o peace_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a as_o be_v the_o other_o kind_n for_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a and_o better_o for_o a_o man_n to_o fear_v in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o may_v bold_o do_v then_o to_o be_v bold_a in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o sinful_a conscience_n displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o have_v in_o great_a mercy_n give_v we_o great_a liberty_n in_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v although_o be_v spare_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o whenas_o it_o do_v not_o further_o our_o edification_n and_o salvation_n yet_o not_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n and_o unthankful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o us._n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o this_o false_a accuse_a conscience_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n because_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n although_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o a_o faithful_a man_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o accuse_v because_o he_o do_v use_v any_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o because_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v as_o it_o use_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o false_a accuser_n but_o because_o he_o do_v it_o without_o faith_n whereby_o both_o his_o person_n and_o all_o his_o action_n shall_v be_v make_v acceptable_a to_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o false_a or_o lie_a conscience_n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n for_o according_a as_o the_o light_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o or_o less_o so_o be_v this_o true_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n 15._o sometime_o excuse_v true_o and_o sometime_o accuse_v true_o rom._n 1._o 15._o for_o although_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v true_o clear_v he_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o because_o his_o whole_a life_n yea_o every_o particular_a action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o every_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v pollute_v with_o sin_n yet_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v be_v free_a from_o some_o particular_a sin_n so_o his_o conscience_n may_v true_o excuse_v he_o in_o that_o behalf_n but_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o accuse_v true_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o do_v whereof_o it_o be_v very_o forcible_a and_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v in_o steed_n of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n therefore_o have_v god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n leave_v some_o light_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o sinful_a man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v convict_v by_o himself_o and_o so_o leave_v inexcusable_a yea_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o conscience_n be_v not_o only_o the_o witness_n but_o also_o the_o executioner_n stir_v up_o such_o fearful_a storm_n of_o anguish_n fear_n sorrow_n shame_n and_o desperation_n as_o be_v most_o intolerable_a and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v the_o very_a flame_n of_o hell_n fire_n this_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o tragical_a end_n of_o the_o traitor_n judas_n at_o who_o horrible_a treachery_n whenas_o all_o man_n hold_v their_o peace_n this_o witness_n even_o his_o own_o conscience_n step_v forth_o and_o do_v not_o only_o accuse_v and_o convince_v he_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n which_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n but_o also_o do_v execute_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n which_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o fearful_a and_o shameful_a end_n yet_o this_o witness_n be_v not_o always_o thus_o diligent_a in_o do_v his_o duty_n but_o only_o either_o after_o some_o heinous_a sin_n be_v commit_v as_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a example_n and_o chief_o whenas_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o &_o awake_v by_o some_o judgement_n pour_v out_o upon_o the_o sinner_n thus_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n sleep_v till_o their_o trouble_n and_o danger_n which_o befall_v they_o in_o egypt_n 21._o do_v awake_v it_o gen._n 42._o 21._o or_o at_o the_o least_o till_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o 37._o thus_o we_o read_v act._n 2._o 37._o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v be_v trouble_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o mind_n by_o hear_v of_o their_o horrible_a sin_n commit_v in_o crucify_a christ._n otherwise_o the_o conscience_n be_v idle_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o lull_v man_n a_o sleep_n in_o sin_n defer_v the_o do_v of_o his_o duty_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n wherein_o the_o volume_n of_o all_o man_n conscience_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a this_o be_v call_v a_o sear_v benumb_a or_o senseless_a conscience_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a estate_n that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v in_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o who_o see_v not_o how_o most_o man_n go_v on_o from_o day_n to_o day_n every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o sinful_a way_n have_v no_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n but_o put_v far_o from_o themselves_o the_o evil_a day_n as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n and_o that_o god_n will_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a last_o it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v whether_o this_o true_a testimony_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n be_v a_o sinful_a or_o a_o lawful_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v lawful_a for_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o it_o and_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v true_o accuse_v do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o impure_a than_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o a_o felon_n or_o traitor_n do_v any_o way_n touch_v he_o who_o give_v true_a testimony_n of_o it_o sect._n 3_o of_o a_o renew_a conscience_n and_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n this_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o we_o call_v conscience_n have_v place_n and_o force_v in_o the_o faithful_a both_o in_o accuse_v and_o also_o in_o excuse_v for_o the_o first_o we_o know_v that_o the_o faithful_a have_v both_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o
often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n appeare_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n doubtful_a to_o other_o yet_o he_o himself_o feel_v the_o inward_a work_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v have_v his_o faith_n sore_o shake_v and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n great_o blemish_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o may_v for_o a_o time_n want_v in_o part_n or_o whole_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v it_o at_o a_o other_o time_n yea_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a last_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v or_o can_v be_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o motive_n to_o sin_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n with_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v by_o holiness_n whereby_o a_o man_n see_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o effectual_o call_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n the_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o a_o man_n be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o god_n spirit_n for_o by_o the_o fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a froce_a in_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n then_o this_o that_o they_o know_v that_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o wilful_a sin_n do_v wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o diminish_v this_o notable_a treasure_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o he_o that_o take_v one_o or_o a_o fewestone_n out_o of_o a_o wall_n although_o he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o building_n yet_o he_o make_v it_o the_o weak_a so_o a_o few_o sinful_a action_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n although_o they_o can_v not_o deprive_v he_o of_o this_o assurance_n it_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o as_o it_o be_v build_v up_o with_o the_o holiness_n of_o many_o year_n yet_o they_o do_v diminish_v it_o and_o can_v not_o but_o trouble_v his_o conscience_n chap._n four_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o create_a holiness_n of_o man_n memory_n it_o have_v be_v little_a available_a for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a estate_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o notable_a faculty_n of_o conceave_a understand_v and_o know_v god_n will_v and_o word_n when_o god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v make_v able_a to_o retain_v the_o say_a knowledge_n for_o the_o time_n follow_v for_o otherwise_o god_n shall_v have_v pour_v his_o grace_n into_o a_o bottomless_a or_o break_a vessel_n memory_n which_o can_v not_o keep_v or_o contain_v any_o thing_n and_o man_n shall_v have_v reap_v little_a profit_n by_o that_o which_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o lose_v as_o get_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n do_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o a_o special_a faculty_n usual_o call_v memory_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v safe_o keep_v whatsoever_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v and_o so_o when_o occasion_n serve_v do_v give_v the_o say_a knowledge_n back_o again_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v think_v upon_o meditate_a utter_v in_o word_n and_o follow_v in_o peed_n so_o that_o the_o memory_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a be_v careful_o lay_v up_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o register_n of_o the_o mind_n take_v a_o note_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v into_o it_o this_o faculty_n as_o all_o the_o other_o of_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n so_o perfect_a and_o of_o such_o strength_n as_o that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n call_v to_o mind_n not_o every_o trifle_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v a_o thousand_o year_n past_a for_o so_o his_o memory_n shall_v have_v be_v confound_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a but_o whatsoever_o thing_n have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n or_o be_v conceive_v by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o any_o importance_n the_o know_v and_o remember_v whereof_o may_v serve_v to_o some_o notable_a use_n and_o profit_n unto_o he_o as_o for_o other_o common_a matter_n of_o life_n which_o it_o be_v more_o gain_n to_o loose_v then_o to_o keep_v in_o these_o human_a infirmity_n prevail_v to_o forgetfulness_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n or_o any_o other_o as_o god_n be_v who_o nature_n be_v every_o way_n infinite_a do_v in_o one_o moment_n and_o with_o one_o motion_n of_o mind_n remember_v or_o rather_o know_v all_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n for_o god_n do_v think_v of_o all_o thing_n together_o without_o confusion_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o finite_a but_o also_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o weakness_n if_o we_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o think_v of_o many_o much_o less_o of_o infinite_a thing_n at_o once_o but_o of_o one_o thing_n after_o a_o other_o and_o so_o do_v the_o memory_n remember_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o it_o let_v go_v matter_n of_o no_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v place_n for_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o action_n comaundemente_n apparition_n revelation_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o knowe_a and_o remember_v whereof_o the_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v memory_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o sure_a custody_n the_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v so_o as_o that_o after_o many_o thousand_o year_n he_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o which_o may_v any_o way_n serve_v for_o his_o good_a neither_o ●●ede_n we_o marvel_v thereat_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n which_o be_v never_o good_a when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v soon_o clean_o lose_v by_o sickness_n age_n or_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o as_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n whereby_o as_o by_o a_o instrument_n the_o soul_n work_v so_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v continue_v in_o perfect_a vigour_n for_o many_o thousand_o year_n yea_o for_o ever_o so_o do_v his_o mind_n or_o memory_n retain_v the_o first_o vigour_n without_o be_v diminish_v whereby_o we_o see_v that_o man_n in_o this_o faculty_n of_o memory_n whereby_o his_o knowledge_n be_v make_v eternal_a do_v notable_o resemble_v god_n who_o nature_n be_v eternal_a sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n memory_n as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o faculty_n man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v so_o change_v from_o his_o first_o estate_n that_o he_o scarce_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v have_v as_o whole_o lose_v this_o faculty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o howsoever_o in_o regard_n of_o earthly_a worldly_a and_o sensible_a thing_n this_o faculty_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n remain_v in_o man_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n or_o power_n to_o retain_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o memory_n keep_v when_o as_o the_o mind_n can_v conceive_v it_o but_o man_n corruption_n can_v so_o be_v cloak_v in_o this_o behalf_n as_o if_o it_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o in_o this_o and_o other_o faculty_n for_o although_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o mover_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o other_o faculty_n yet_o each_o faculty_n have_v his_o peculiar_a fault_n the_o which_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v in_o the_o memory_n for_o suppose_v that_o which_o do_v daily_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o also_o mark_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v it_o memory_n a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o bring_v to_o a_o good_a pass_n the_o mind_n have_v do_v his_o duty_n in_o conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o body_n have_v do_v in_o hear_v so_o that_o now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o
true_a and_o only_a happiness_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o man_n this_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v in_o as_o in_o the_o way_n lead_v to_o that_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o only_o happiness_n which_o i_o do_v of_o myself_o propound_v to_o myself_o &_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o true_a holiness_n i_o will_v walk_v all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n i_o will_v by_o continual_a study_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o restrain_v my_o own_o desire_n and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o i_o can_v use_v get_v the_o true_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n true_a faith_n and_o hope_v of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a true_a repentance_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o my_o corrupt_a affection_n yea_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o goodness_n and_o in_o sum_n all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o have_v resolve_v with_o myself_o to_o do_v not_o that_o i_o think_v that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o yet_o my_o whole_a will_n inclination_n affection_n desire_n care_n study_n endeavour_n and_o labour_n be_v set_v on_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o have_v free_a will_n to_o good_a not_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n after_o this_o life_n but_o to_o incline_v and_o bend_v his_o whole_a body_n soul_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o they_o both_o to_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o fly_v uppe_o to_o heaven_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v prove_v first_o the_o scripture_n say_v 5._o gen._n 6._o 5._o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v only_o to_o evil_a 5._o 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o not_o that_o we_o be_v 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 44._o joh_n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o he_o that_o send_v i_o do_v draw_v he_o for_o the_o which_o doctrine_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o natural_a inclination_n to_o good_a it_o be_v say_v 66._o ver._n 4._o 66._o of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o many_o left_a christ_n as_o despair_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v impossible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n 43._o and_o joh._n 8._o 43._o you_o do_v not_o know_v my_o doctrine_n because_o you_o can_v hear_v it_o that_o be_v because_o you_o can_v of_o yourselves_o understand_v &_o believe_v 7._o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o cogitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n neither_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v be_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n 16._o and_o rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o perceive_v spiritual_a thing_n for_o they_o be_v folishnesse_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o perceive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 8._o gall._n 2._o 8._o you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n beside_o this_o evident_a voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o authority_n whereof_o ought_v to_o be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o other_o proof_n we_o see_v this_o error_n of_o freewill_n to_o be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n for_o if_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n free_a to_o choose_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o choice_n of_o good_a of_o holiness_n and_o of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o salvation_n be_v if_o not_o as_o common_a as_o the_o other_o yet_o a_o very_a common_a and_o ordinary_a matter_n but_o we_o see_v that_o of_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o have_v live_v and_o do_v live_v in_o the_o world_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o have_v once_o set_v foot_n in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n choose_v that_o as_o the_o only_a good_a which_o he_o do_v never_o know_v and_o whereof_o he_o never_o dream_v or_o hear_v in_o the_o which_o state_n all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n his_o word_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o their_o own_o sense_n which_o do_v reject_v that_o god_n worship_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n thereof_o the_o which_o do_v plain_o show_v the_o impossibility_n of_o this_o freedom_n of_o will_n for_o nothing_o have_v freewill_n to_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o god_n have_v not_o freewill_n to_o evil_a a_o man_n to_o fly_v a_o horse_n to_o speak_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o desire_n inclination_n and_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o accomplish_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o when_o we_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n any_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o good_a we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v wish_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a but_o that_o he_o can_v accomplish_v or_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n the_o which_o beginning_n and_o work_v of_o grace_n come_v from_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o action_n incline_v man_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o any_o thing_n now_o regeneration_n be_v a_o thing_n contrary_n to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o that_o faith_n and_o human_a reason_n do_v fight_v together_o no_o less_o than_o do_v wisdom_n and_o foolishness_n 18._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 18._o and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v confirm_v also_o by_o continual_a and_o daily_a experience_n for_o if_o regeneration_n be_v agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n it_o will_v be_v common_a and_o ordinary_a whereas_o it_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a miracle_n not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o many_o thousand_o of_o man_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o man_n do_v neither_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o inclination_n seek_v after_o it_o nor_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n which_o they_o can_v use_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o in_o other_o study_n faculty_n and_o exercise_n man_n do_v daily_o profit_v and_o go_v forward_o none_o be_v so_o dull_a and_o blockish_a but_o that_o he_o may_v with_o pain_n in_o continuance_n of_o time_n be_v bring_v to_o knowledge_n but_o no_o pain_n no_o time_n no_o excellency_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o minister_n can_v make_v man_n religious_a or_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o more_o that_o man_n be_v teach_v religion_n the_o more_o blockish_a and_o backward_o they_o become_v and_o so_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n time_n we_o confess_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o bestow_v on_o carnal_a and_o reprobate_a man_n spiritual_a grace_n yea_o a_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n whereby_o both_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n light_o incline_v to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o this_o change_n come_v not_o of_o man_n but_o from_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o effectual_a and_o total_a inclination_n to_o good_a and_o therefore_o not_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o question_n of_o freewill_n but_o the_o maintainer_n of_o freewill_n will_v perhaps_o yield_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v the_o right_a way_n before_o he_o do_v deliberate_a of_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v deliberate_v of_o which_o be_v not_o first_o know_v and_o therefore_o that_o freewill_n be_v not_o actual_o in_o a_o ignorant_a man_n but_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fetter_v and_o chain_v by_o ignorance_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o set_v loose_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o which_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v have_v the_o right_a and_o the_o wrong_a way_n propound_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o man_n have_v freedom_n of_o will_n either_o to_o choose_v or_o to_o refuse_v eternal_a salvation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o