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knowledge_n natural_a nature_n supernatural_a 1,381 5 10.6365 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09277 VindiciƦ gratiƦ. = A plea for grace More especially the grace of faith. Or, certain lectures as touching the nature and properties of grace and faith: wherein, amongst other matters of great use, the maine sinews of Arminius doctrine are cut asunder. Delivered by that late learned and godly man William Pemble, in Magdalen Hall in Oxford. Pemble, William, 1592?-1623.; Capel, Richard, 1586-1656. 1627 (1627) STC 19591; ESTC S114374 222,244 312

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the_o moral_a law_n 110_o faith_n legal_a and_o evangelicall_a the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o use_n and_o object_v 111_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 158_o what_o faith_n or_o belief_n be_v in_o general_n 159_o how_o it_o agree_v with_o and_o differ_v from_o knowledge_n &_o opinion_n 160._o etc._n etc._n three_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o assent_n in_o faith_n 164._o 206_o the_o first_o 206_o the_o second_o 220_o the_o three_o 222_o faith_n a_o degree_n beyond_o belief_n be_v a_o assent_n with_o confidence_n and_o reliance_n 170_o faith_n take_v in_o a_o special_a sense_n &_o as_o it_o be_v christian_a faith_n describe_v 171_o diverse_a acception_n of_o it_o ibid._n 172_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n describe_v 172._o etc._n etc._n the_o subject_n every_o reasonable_a creature_n 197._o 198_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a heart_n even_o in_o the_o will_v as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o understanding_n 199._o 230_o faith_n which_o papist_n call_v justify_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o devil_n and_o reprobate_n 237_o faith_n foolish_o distinguish_v by_o papist_n into_o form_v and_o unform_v 237_o faith_n without_o work_n differ_v in_o nature_n from_o faith_n with_o work_n 238_o particular_a assent_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o 241_o the_o object_n of_o it_o twofold_a 244_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o faith_n of_o hypocrite_n 247_o faith_n unfeigned_a 253._o 254_o faith_n of_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o divine_a truth_n at_o all_o time_n 147._o 148._o etc._n etc._n i'faith_o implicit_a of_o papist_n confute_v 194_o faith_n in_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o grace_n define_v 257_o the_o justify_v act_n thereof_o propound_v &_o prove_v 258_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v 259_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o 260_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a by_o what_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o essential_a difference_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o faith_n 226_o temporary_a faith_n 227_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 228._o 229_o g_o god_n as_o creator_n how_o far_o he_o may_v be_v know_v to_o natural_a man_n 65_o goodness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n not_o general_a 80_o it_o respect_v other_o more_o than_o himself_o 79_o grace_n what_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o be_v 7_o it_o be_v infuse_v all_o at_o once_o 10._o 11_o the_o action_n of_o it_o appear_v soon_o or_o late_a strong_a or_o weak_a in_o some_o 9_o it_o be_v so_o firm_o wrought_v in_o the_o elect_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o 34_o grace_n prevent_v assist_a incite_v help_v 13_o by_o what_o mean_v grace_n may_v be_v quench_v 37_o grace_n sufficient_a for_o conversion_n not_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n while_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 55._o 56._o 57_o nor_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n 88_o 89._o etc._n etc._n grace_n of_o conversion_n frivolous_o distinguish_v into_o sufficient_a and_o effectual_a 89_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o conversion_n be_v always_o effectual_a and_o effectual_a grace_n only_o be_v sufficient_a 91_o grace_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o church_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o diverse_a kind_n thereof_o 94_o grace_n do_v not_o rectify_v inferior_a faculty_n first_o 127_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n 92._o 93_o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o 93_o grace_n preparative_n to_o conversion_n how_o it_o may_v be_v resist_v 140._o 141._o etc._n etc._n h_o holy_a spirit_n give_v two_o way_n 26_o i_o ignorance_n of_o the_o very_a time_n of_o our_o conversion_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v &_o fear_n that_o we_o be_v not_o convert_v and_o why_o 44_o illumination_n both_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a describe_v 94_o 95_o when_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n 101._o etc._n etc._n common_a illumination_n not_o give_v to_o all_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n 100_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o adam_n be_v make_v 4_o implicit_a faith_n of_o papist_n confute_v 194._o etc._n etc._n infant_n die_v without_o baptism_n may_v be_v save_v 45_o infant_n be_v charitable_o suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v in_o baptism_n 45_o why_o they_o may_v not_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n 49._o 50_o infusion_n of_o grace_n have_v no_o concurrence_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n but_o only_o require_v in_o he_o a_o passive_a capacity_n to_o receive_v 32_o k_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v always_o increase_v and_o fruitful_a preface_n 14_o knowledge_n mere_a natural_a of_o the_o moral_a law_n bring_v little_o practice_v 70_o knowledge_n more_o certain_a than_o belief_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a 166_o perfect_a knowledge_n take_v away_o all_o belief_n 167_o knowledge_n by_o sight_n so_o far_o as_o sight_n go_v take_v away_o faith_n 191_o knowledge_n distinct_a and_o explicit_a of_o divine_a thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n 192_o l_o law_fw-fr moral_a how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o a_o natural_a man_n 66._o 68_o learned_a man_n unsanctified_a fit_n to_o make_v heretic_n pr._n 19_o 20_o love_n of_o god_n reach_v to_o the_o elect_n before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v 17_o consider_v in_o itself_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o to_o we_o 18_o god_n love_n to_o our_o person_n and_o action_n 19_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o use_v by_o the_o heathen_a do_v not_o bind_v god_n in_o justice_n to_o give_v they_o supernatural_a light_n 84_o mean_n of_o common_a faith_n 229_o meditation_n of_o what_o thing_n will_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o praise_v god_n rich_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o conversion_n 38_o minister_n duty_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n 113_o miraculous_a faith_n ground_n on_o immediate_a revelation_n 173_o motion_n natural_a and_o spiritual_a which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n describe_v 95._o 96_o natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o most_o industrious_a use_n of_o all_o help_v natural_a attain_v to_o the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v man_n redeemer_n in_o christ_n 64_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n confine_v within_o two_o limit_n 65_o how_o far_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o creator_n reach_v 65_o he_o never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o practice_n as_o he_o may_v and_o as_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v 71_o he_o neither_o know_v the_o cause_n nor_o can_v judge_v aright_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n 74._o 75_o his_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n how_o far_o it_o go_v and_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n 76_o he_o can_v possible_o desire_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o why_o 84_o necessity_n do_v well_o stand_v together_o with_o liberty_n in_o the_o will_v regenerate_v 156_o obedience_n of_o regenerate_a man_n how_o it_o be_v make_v irregular_a 152_o obscurity_n in_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o papist_n confute_v 187._o 188._o etc._n etc._n observation_n of_o god_n mercy_n &_o judgment_n on_o our_o self_n or_o other_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o increase_v faith_n 223._o p_o have_v and_o affection_n natural_o not_o subject_a to_o reason_v 124_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v use_v in_o preach_v of_o god_n word_n pref._n 22._o 23_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o christ_n and_o aaron_n agree_v and_o differ_v pref._n 23_o promise_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n 170_o qvality_n in_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n differ_v three_o way_n according_a to_o the_o threefold_a state_n of_o man_n 4._o 5_o regeneration_n improper_o ascribe_v to_o the_o word_n 97_o regenerate_v man_n have_v in_o he_o two_o contrary_a qualy_n grace_n and_o corruption_n as_o he_o be_v spiritual_a he_o never_o resist_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n 148_o resistance_n of_o grace_n in_o regenerate_v man_n whence_o it_o flow_v 151_o how_o the_o prevail_a act_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o 152_o why_o it_o prevail_v many_o time_n 153_o religion_n breed_v civility_n &_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n 68_o 69_o righteousness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 81_o rather_o negative_a then_o positive_a 79_o more_o outward_a than_o inward_a 76._o 77_o sanctification_n how_o it_o go_v before_o justification_n 21_o it_o be_v infuse_v into_o infant_n 43_o wrought_v in_o a_o manner_n mere_o supernatural_a 29_o sanctification_n how_o it_o have_v man_n freewill_n concur_v to_o it_o two_o way_n 31_o man_n not_o a_o moral_a agent_n in_o it_o 33._o 34_o scholar_n how_o make_v complete_a pref._n 20._o 21._o etc._n etc._n scripture_n free_v from_o popish_a imputation_n of_o obscurity_n 177._o 178._o etc._n etc._n how_o they_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v god_n word_n 208._o 209_o by_o themselves_o 213_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n 214._o 215_o sin_n what_o a_o snare_n it_o have_v lay_v to_o entrap_v wicked_a man_n 139_o spirit_n how_o far_o &_o
and_o effect_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o we_o maintain_v and_o plead_v for_o this_o point_n will_v fall_v in_o more_o fit_o to_o be_v discuss_v afterward_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o few_o question_n touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n in_o man_n conversion_n whereinto_o though_o i_o be_o somewhat_o unwilling_a to_o enter_v because_o that_o positive_a rather_o than_o polemicall_a divinity_n befit_v this_o place_n yet_o consider_v the_o danger_n whereinto_o mind_n not_o right_o inform_v in_o these_o point_n may_v unhappy_o fall_v and_o that_o herein_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o slip_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o arminianism_n and_o thence_o to_o popery_n there_o be_v but_o a_o thread_n between_o they_o i_o have_v think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a brief_o and_o plain_o to_o touch_v upon_o such_o material_a controversy_n as_o be_v move_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o even_o the_o young_a sort_n may_v have_v something_o to_o oppose_v against_o cavil_v gainsayer_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o crafty_a seducer_n of_o the_o uninstruct_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o understand_v that_o in_o point_n touch_v man_n conversion_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o circumstance_n that_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o but_o it_o be_v quarrel_v at_o and_o corrupt_v with_o false_a opinion_n not_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o say_v they_o be_v not_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a sanctity_n into_o the_o soul_n but_o through_o grace_n acquire_v by_o much_o pain_n and_o industrious_a action_n of_o our_o own_o excite_a &_o assist_v by_o some_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o the_o move_a cause_n which_o be_v affirm_v by_o they_o to_o be_v not_o god_n special_a and_o actual_a love_n to_o his_o elect_n but_o his_o common_a and_o equal_a love_n to_o all_o mankind_n alike_o not_o the_o efficient_a cause_n which_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o say_v be_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o will_n not_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o without_o and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n as_o we_o hold_v but_o so_o far_o be_v the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o power_n that_o we_o may_v help_v or_o hinder_v it_o at_o our_o pleasure_n not_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o the_o word_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o the_o word_n work_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o inward_a virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n beside_o last_o not_o the_o subject_a the_o elect_a only_o as_o we_o maintain_v but_o all_o in_o common_a upon_o who_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n be_v bestow_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o all_o these_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v found_v upon_o other_o rot_a and_o unsound_a principle_n which_o be_v chief_o these_o 1._o that_o god_n have_v not_o precise_o determine_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n or_o damnation_n in_o particular_a but_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o will_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o special_a favour_n to_o one_o more_o than_o another_o but_o that_o his_o love_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o in_o general_a and_o his_o desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n alike_o 3._o that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o man_n alike_o procure_v so_o much_o by_o his_o death_n that_o god_n be_v placabilis_fw-la towards_o all_o and_o all_o man_n indifferent_o be_v salvabiles_fw-la if_o they_o list_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v for_o they_o 4._o that_o god_n require_v faith_n in_o christ_n of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o even_o of_o such_o infidel_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n be_v never_o preach_v 5._o that_o god_n can_v in_o justice_n demand_v of_o man_n the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o since_o his_o fall_n he_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o perform_v and_o that_o if_o god_n require_v any_o such_o service_n he_o be_v bind_v in_o equity_n to_o give_v unto_o man_n new_a strength_n for_o to_o perform_v it_o i_o do_v but_o only_o name_v these_o article_n of_o the_o arminian_n faith_n though_o even_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v their_o weakness_n and_o untruth_n to_o any_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o i_o say_v i_o mention_v they_o only_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o perceive_v what_o be_v that_o main_a issue_n whereinto_o they_o be_v final_o resolve_v and_o that_o in_o plain_a term_n be_v this_o that_o all_o man_n whether_o christian_n or_o infidel_n within_o or_o without_o the_o church_n may_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v if_o they_o will_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v broad_o speak_v but_o i_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n read_v their_o book_n compare_v their_o tenant_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o upshot_n of_o all_o their_o discourse_n god_n have_v exclude_v none_o he_o love_v all_o alike_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o all_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v give_v to_o all_o who_o then_o or_o what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o conversion_n or_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o but_o himself_o his_o own_o mere_a freewill_n sure_o a_o opinion_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v gainsay_v by_o any_o but_o ready_o embrace_v by_o all_o if_o it_o have_v as_o much_o truth_n in_o it_o as_o it_o carry_v show_v of_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n to_o mankind_n we_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v judge_v cruel_a but_o it_o be_v folly_n not_o pity_n to_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v more_o merciful_a than_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v impiety_n to_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o god_n by_o magnify_v the_o glorious_a largeness_n of_o his_o mercy_n beyond_o the_o bound_n which_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o it_o wherefore_o against_o this_o wide_a and_o vast_a conclusion_n of_o arminianism_n that_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v and_o believe_v if_o they_o will_v i_o oppose_v this_o direct_o 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bestow_v may_v if_o they_o list_v hinder_v their_o conversion_n by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o freewill_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o three_o question_n will_v be_v include_v all_o that_o be_v material_a touch_v this_o business_n i_o will_v use_v as_o much_o brevity_n in_o each_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v give_v leave_n of_o the_o first_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n whether_o the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v grace_v give_v 1._o unto_o they_o sufficient_a for_o their_o conversion_n we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a part_n the_o arminian_n affirm_v that_o all_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n have_v so_o much_o grace_v give_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v believe_v and_o worship_n god_n right_o in_o some_o sort_n even_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o monstrous_a assertion_n every_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n for_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v demand_v what_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n whereto_o the_o gentile_n may_v come_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o it_o be_v some_o other_o supernatural_a revelation_n if_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o double_a error_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o they_o call_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v but_o nature_n for_o if_o universal_a grace_n give_v to_o heathen_n be_v but_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n through_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o man_n heart_n what_o be_v this_o grace_n but_o nature_n &_o what_o this_o opinion_n but_o pelagianisme_n 2._o in_o that_o they_o suppose_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o use_v be_v a_o sufficient_a
direction_n for_o the_o right_n and_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fancy_n overvalue_v nature_n ability_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a experience_n and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o christ._n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o must_v be_v know_v whereof_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o heathen_a be_v it_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o some_o inward_a suggestion_n vision_n or_o dream_n or_o by_o outward_a instruction_n from_o a_o preacher_n or_o prophet_n invisible_o convey_v unto_o they_o by_o miracle_n or_o extraordinary_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o again_o when_o be_v this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n bestow_v on_o pagan_n have_v they_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n if_o so_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o be_v it_o give_v afterward_o at_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o infant_n and_o so_o not_o in_o all_o the_o heathen_a and_o at_o what_o year_n be_v it_o bestow_v and_o what_o if_o they_o die_v before_o that_o age_n all_o which_o quaeres_fw-la be_v inexplicable_a and_o draw_v into_o most_o vex_v and_o torture_v absurdity_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n give_v to_o indian_n american_n tartarian_n and_o other_o pagan_n when_o they_o that_o defend_v it_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o see_v it_o be_v neither_o any_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a knowledge_n i_o think_v none_o will_v be_v so_o senseless_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v some_o natural_a or_o supernatupower_v or_o ability_n for_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v not_o grace_n if_o supernatural_a it_o will_v be_v know_v to_o what_o purpose_n a_o supernatural_a ability_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o ignorant_a infidel_n to_o do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o 2._o let_v we_o come_v to_o experience_n and_o judge_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v possible_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o virginian_n and_o other_o american_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o southern_a unknown_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v at_o this_o day_n or_o ever_o have_v have_v before_o or_o since_o christ_n sufficient_a grace_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n what_o instance_n and_o example_n can_v be_v give_v in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o any_o one_o among_o these_o or_o other_o gentile_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n strange_a that_o what_o be_v ordinary_o bestow_v on_o all_o shall_v never_o take_v effect_n in_o any_o if_o it_o do_v take_v effect_n extraordinary_o in_o some_o how_o know_v they_o that_o if_o ordinary_o in_o many_o then_o farewell_n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o the_o gentile_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n above_o pagan_n if_o god_n ordinary_o have_v his_o church_n his_o convert_v his_o right_a worshipper_n even_o amid_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o his_o word_n these_o opinion_n be_v as_o moulin_n speak_v like_o sick_a man_n dream_n or_o rather_o mad_a man_n rave_n 3._o let_v we_o inquire_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o speak_v as_o favourable_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o these_o pitiful_a remonstrant_n doe_n in_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v another_o manner_n of_o censure_n both_o touch_v their_o forlorn_a estate_n in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n as_o also_o the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n into_o grace_n except_o by_o great_a help_n than_o the_o arminian_n afford_v they_o of_o the_o ephesian_n paul_n testify_v that_o before_o they_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephes._n 2._o 12._o and_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n witness_v of_o all_o the_o gentile_n that_o before_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rise_v to_o they_o they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n mat._n 4._o 15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o pure_a natural_n so_o full_o express_v by_o those_o place_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o significant_o declare_v now_o for_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v convert_v the_o scripture_n deny_v they_o all_o unto_o they_o god_n favour_v they_o not_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o bestow_v grace_n on_o they_o for_o in_o time_n past_a he_o suffer_v all_o the_o gentile_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n say_v paul_n act_v 14._o 16._o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o have_v not_o for_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o every_o nation_n neither_o have_v they_o know_v his_o judgement_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o a_o preacher_n they_o have_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10._o 14._o natural_a ability_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o power_n give_v they_o from_o god_n for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o and_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o what_o shall_v we_o think_v then_o the_o poor_a american_n can_v either_o know_v or_o do_v in_o point_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o pretend_a power_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n when_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o jew_n yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o a_o special_a gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o christ_n whereof_o they_o will_v not_o say_v those_o pagan_n be_v make_v partaker_n wherefore_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v this_o monstrous_a opinion_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o conversion_n bestow_v upon_o savage_n and_o infidel_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o absurdity_n thereof_o although_o the_o sequel_n of_o their_o other_o tenant_n one_o error_n draw_v on_o another_o have_v enforce_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o defend_v this_o also_o and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o go_v abroad_o without_o the_o patronage_n of_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n they_o proceed_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o upon_o two_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v well_o use_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o heathen_a from_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o evil_a way_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o gentile_n use_v the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n well_o and_o with_o their_o best_a endeavour_n god_n be_v ready_a nay_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o one_o further_a grace_n viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o themystery_n of_o redemption_n these_o two_o be_v the_o rot_a pillar_n of_o universal_a grace_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_n which_o how_o shake_v and_o rive_v they_o be_v you_o may_v soon_o perceive_v if_o we_o peel_v off_o that_o plaster_n of_o doubtful_a word_n waver_v and_o dark_a sentence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v daub_v over_o for_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o shameful_a that_o they_o dare_v scarce_o speak_v out_o their_o mind_n plain_o but_o their_o opinion_n in_o plain_a term_n be_v this_o god_n say_v they_o have_v give_v sufficient_a strength_n to_o all_o the_o gentile_n to_o use_v their_o natural_a gift_n well_o be_v it_o so_o but_o what_o be_v this_o well_o use_v of_o natural_a gift_n it_o be_v that_o say_v they_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n forsake_v their_o idolatrous_a and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n but_o may_v all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n yes_o for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n go_v so_o far_o as_o with_o utmost_a endeavour_n he_o
may_v by_o natural_a help_n then_o god_n be_v ready_a and_o bind_v in_o equity_n to_o give_v he_o great_a grace_n well_o what_o be_v this_o further_a or_o great_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v in_o christ._n so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n before_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n a_o heathen_a man_n may_v so_o bestir_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a help_n that_o he_o may_v convert_v true_o unto_o god_n know_v and_o serve_v he_o right_o in_o part_n and_o upon_o his_o so_o do_v god_n will_v give_v a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o perfect_v what_o be_v begin_v i_o can_v well_o say_v whether_o these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o serious_a refutation_n which_o have_v they_o be_v defend_v in_o former_a age_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n but_o see_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o man_n grow_v wanton_a and_o use_v neither_o grace_n nor_o nature_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v see_v i_o say_v the_o bondwoman_n be_v advance_v equal_a to_o the_o freewoman_n the_o servant_n set_v up_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o contumely_n of_o the_o mistress_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v i_o hope_v amiss_o to_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n in_o examine_v the_o dignity_n &_o ability_n of_o nature_n that_o she_o be_v compel_v to_o keep_v her_o old_a rank_n grace_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v have_v the_o sole_a preeminency_n and_o after_o we_o will_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o that_o obligation_n wherein_o the_o arminian_n say_v god_n stand_v bind_v to_o nature_n to_o give_v she_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o grace_n upon_o trial_n have_v of_o her_o good_a behaviour_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o sufficiency_n of_o mere_a nature_n in_o the_o heathen_a to_o work_v in_o they_o true_a conversion_n in_o part_n for_o the_o confirmation_n hereof_o three_o special_a passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v allege_v first_o that_o of_o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 2._o 14._o for_o when_o the_o gentile_n have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o the_o three_o be_v that_o place_n act._n 14._o 16_o 17._o who_o in_o time_n pass_v suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n from_o hence_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v frame_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n clear_o show_v what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o we_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o gracious_a bounty_n together_o with_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n dictate_v unto_o we_o what_o duty_n it_o be_v we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o do_v of_o good_a or_o forbear_n of_o evil_a these_o two_o book_n be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o man_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o become_v thankful_a but_o all_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o direction_n of_o these_o book_n of_o nature_n providence_n and_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o place_n allege_v therefore_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o for_o to_o make_v they_o thankful_o obedient_a which_o help_n because_o they_o follow_v not_o when_o they_o may_v but_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n they_o be_v therefore_o just_o leave_v without_o excuse_n in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o live_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n depend_v upon_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n and_o the_o right_a explication_n of_o its_o contradictory_n which_o be_v this_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n whereto_o a_o mere_a heathen_a devoid_a of_o all_o supernatural_a help_n may_v possible_o attain_v by_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o natural_a conscience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v he_o to_o the_o right_a worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n that_o this_o may_v appear_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o your_o patience_n whilst_o once_o for_o all_o we_o take_v a_o general_a survey_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o supernatural_a help_n and_o whilst_o of_o such_o a_o one_o we_o do_v inquire_v how_o far_o he_o may_v go_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o which_o search_n we_o be_v for_o our_o more_o distinct_a proceed_n to_o examine_v 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o far_o they_o may_v proceed_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o mere_o natural_a understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n 2._o the_o effect_n which_o this_o knowledge_n may_v work_v in_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o practice_n and_o obedience_n to_o what_o they_o know_v touch_v the_o former_a there_o may_v be_v a_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o it_o 1._o how_o far_o the_o heathen_a have_v go_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v have_v go_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n if_o they_o have_v careful_o use_v all_o nature_n help_n for_o this_o question_n be_v define_v in_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o hypothesis_n take_v a_o historical_a view_n of_o the_o heathen_n knowledge_n by_o those_o record_n of_o it_o that_o be_v remain_v upon_o their_o write_n we_o must_v ascend_v high_a to_o the_o thesis_n to_o see_v what_o they_o may_v have_v do_v more_o than_o they_o have_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v there_o be_v and_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_a many_o who_o beside_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o nature_n have_v extraordinary_a ability_n and_o endowment_n by_o a_o special_a though_o not_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v fit_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o most_o secret_a hide_a principle_n and_o 31._o conclusion_n in_o all_o learned_a art_n and_o for_o the_o wise_a application_n of_o they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o practice_n a_o point_n easy_o demonstrable_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o singular_a excellency_n of_o some_o few_o in_o all_o time_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n of_o man_n ordinary_a condition_n though_o not_o above_o that_o whereto_o mere_a nature_n be_v advanceable_a which_o whether_o it_o depend_v partly_o on_o some_o peculiar_a temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o spirit_n not_o usual_a partly_o on_o the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o both_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o rare_a privilege_n exempt_v not_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o from_o be_v natural_a man_n and_o no_o more_o now_o whether_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n qualify_v do_v employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o best_a that_o be_v divine_a thing_n it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o guess_v at_o former_a time_n either_o by_o the_o monument_n of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o present_a age_n we_o may_v now_o see_v and_o if_o such_o do_v not_o scorn_v to_o be_v pity_v we_o will_v lament_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o fine_a rare_a and_o most_o heroical_a wit_n who_o do_v general_o spend_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o mean_a and_o inferior_a excellency_n and_o most_o common_o in_o curious_a and_o fruitless_a employment_n scarce_o ever_o aspire_v to_o any_o achievement_n worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o man_n of_o their_o part_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o divine_a and_o sacred_a inquisition_n the_o humble_a and_o painful_a study_n whereof_o be_v most_o opposite_a to_o their_o negligence_n &_o presumption_n for_o former_a time_n it_o
will_v also_o evident_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o a_o little_a survey_n the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n both_o those_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o such_o who_o title_n only_o we_o have_v remain_v record_v by_o those_o that_o have_v write_v their_o life_n for_o among_o so_o many_o hundred_o volume_n write_v by_o the_o ancient_n how_o few_o or_o none_o almost_o shall_v we_o find_v touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n those_o great_a scribbler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysippus_n be_v call_v who_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o logic_n oratory_n mathematics_n morality_n policy_n and_o nature_n itself_o unattempted_a but_o with_o a_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a eye_n pry_v into_o the_o small_a matter_n yet_o in_o those_o high_a speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v either_o miserable_o blind_a or_o wilful_o negligent_a aristotle_n a_o man_n of_o the_o deep_a reach_n that_o antiquity_n ever_o breed_v among_o so_o many_o book_n that_o he_o write_v and_o be_v in_o part_n yet_o extant_a have_v not_o leave_v we_o any_o one_o discourse_n by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o bestow_v any_o pain_n in_o search_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n except_o a_o little_a 8._o here_o and_o there_o in_o some_o poor_a pitiful_a dispute_n theophrastus_n his_o scholar_n who_o exceed_v the_o master_n in_o numbersome_a write_n compose_v six_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o which_o we_o wish_v have_v remain_v to_o posterity_n albeit_o by_o the_o very_a title_n we_o may_v suspect_v what_o stuff_n they_o be_v not_o unlike_a to_o hes●ods_n theogonia_n and_o such_o other_o foolery_n and_o that_o both_o his_o book_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n by_o crito_n simon_n xenocrates_n strato_n cleanthes_n epicurus_n and_o many_o more_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o laertius_n be_v they_o now_o extant_a will_v give_v we_o but_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o gross_a stupidity_n and_o dulness_n of_o those_o otherwise_o refine_a and_o sublimate_v wit_n tully_n who_o have_v read_v they_o and_o set_v 1._o down_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o opinion_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o all_o and_o himself_o too_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o stark_a fool_n and_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n of_o search_v out_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o footstep_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o due_a proceed_n from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a they_o give_v heed_n to_o old_a &_o fond_a fable_n or_o vanish_v away_o in_o their_o idle_a imagination_n and_o new_a opinion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o respect_v either_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o how_o quick_a and_o forward_o soever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n be_v dull_a enough_o in_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o disposition_n prove_v who_o be_v excellent_a in_o many_o sort_n of_o learning_n yet_o dunce_n in_o divinity_n or_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o policy_n of_o satan_n who_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o so_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n make_v use_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o pen_n in_o darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n by_o senseless_a fable_n and_o foolish_a fancy_n which_o pass_v unto_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a with_o approbation_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o deep_a learning_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a in_o former_a time_n have_v always_o apply_v their_o industry_n in_o this_o part_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v busy_v therein_o be_v preserve_v to_o our_o time_n nor_o those_o few_o monument_n that_o be_v leave_v do_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o man_n have_v do_v their_o best_a in_o go_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v we_o must_v without_o consideration_n of_o particular_n first_o dispute_n in_o 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increase_v in_o man_n as_o fast_o as_o man_n multiply_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darksome_a obscurity_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o knowledge_n quick_o decrease_v be_v almost_o decay_v even_o among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o few_o of_o god_n church_n who_o therefore_o god_n be_v fain_o by_o new_a revelation_n continual_o to_o instruct_v but_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n it_o be_v utter_o extinct_a and_o no_o spark_n of_o it_o leave_v alive_a they_o soon_o forget_v what_o they_o care_v not_o to_o believe_v wherefore_o we_o must_v confine_v the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n within_o these_o two_o limit_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o creator_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o beyond_o these_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o go_v the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o though_o very_o much_o eclipse_v in_o adam_n himself_o but_o more_o and_o more_o darken_a in_o his_o posterity_n as_o they_o further_o degenerate_v from_o his_o original_a purity_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o far_o obscure_v except_o in_o such_o who_o brutish_a and_o savage_a education_n have_v make_v they_o equal_a to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o that_o by_o careful_a education_n and_o vigilant_a industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o help_n it_o may_v be_v somewhat_o repair_v though_o this_o some_o what_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n almost_o nothing_o of_o its_o first_o clearness_n wherefore_o in_o the_o second_o 2._o place_n touch_v the_o knowledge_n god_n as_o creator_n i_o suppose_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n may_v know_v these_o thing_n touch_v god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 2._o that_o
he_o be_v a_o live_a substance_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v one_o 4._o that_o he_o be_v eternal_a 5._o that_o he_o be_v immutable_a 6._o that_o he_o be_v omnipresent_v at_o once_o in_o all_o place_n 7._o that_o his_o substance_n be_v incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a 8._o that_o he_o be_v most_o simple_a without_o all_o mixture_n and_o composition_n 9_o that_o he_o be_v most_o perfect_a most_o happy_a most_o good_a and_o omnisufficient_a in_o and_o of_o himself_o 10._o that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o most_o free_a omniscient_a and_o most_o wise_a 11._o that_o he_o be_v most_o just_a and_o merciful_a in_o reward_v and_o punish_v beside_o these_o invisible_a thing_n of_o the_o godhead_n a_o mere_a natural_a man_n may_v know_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n give_v all_o thing_n their_o be_v of_o nothing_o 2._o that_o this_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n do_v preserve_v and_o rule_v all_o thing_n thus_o far_o at_o least_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v proceed_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o adam_n kn●w_v he_o and_o the_o gentile_n may_v grope_v after_o even_o in_o their_o natural_a darkness_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o in_o the_o three_o place_n touch_v the_o 3._o knowledge_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o contain_v all_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o creation_n we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v these_o thing_n fallwithin_v the_o reach_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n and_o conscience_n 1._o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v of_o all_o creature_n man_n especial_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o bodily_a shape_n and_o figure_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v outward_a religious_a service_n to_o be_v do_v in_o his_o honour_n as_o invocation_n with_o its_o solemn_a time_n gesture_n and_o ceremony_n and_o also_o oath_n 4._o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v inward_o 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of_o these_o thing_n but_o as_o their_o search_n so_o their_o find_n be_v by_o half_n christian_n philosopher_n have_v take_v more_o pain_n in_o this_o point_n and_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o so_o have_v other_o light_n beside_o that_o of_o their_o own_o see_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o use_v it_o not_o but_o have_v take_v pleasure_n in_o this_o natural_a search_n both_o to_o see_v religion_n confirm_v by_o reason_n as_o also_o to_o behold_v how_o short_a the_o ancient_n come_v of_o those_o conclusion_n which_o posterity_n have_v with_o much_o ease_n collect_v even_o out_o of_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o make_v a_o summary_n collection_n of_o all_o those_o reason_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o sundry_a author_n who_o have_v purposely_o or_o by_o occasion_n deal_v in_o these_o point_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n such_o as_o have_v write_v of_o metaphysic_n as_o also_o some_o divine_n afford_v we_o no_o small_a number_n of_o argument_n but_o out_o of_o they_o or_o where_o they_o fail_v out_o of_o reason_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o certain_a and_o unerring_a discourse_n for_o confirmation_n of_o all_o the_o forename_a point_n so_o as_o a_o wrangle_a cavil_v and_o gainsay_v natural_a wit_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o set_v down_o be_v a_o labour_n worth_a the_o pain_n of_o some_o active_a and_o search_a wit_n but_o require_v time_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o issue_n of_o which_o discourse_n these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v appear_v evident_o true_a 1._o that_o our_o natural_a man_n may_v go_v much_o further_o in_o the_o disquisition_n of_o god_n attribute_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o worship_n than_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n wherein_o follow_v reason_n he_o will_v be_v as_o some_o christian_n be_v strange_o befog_v especial_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n 2._o that_o nothing_o concern_v god_n himself_o immediate_o in_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v so_o discernible_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n as_o those_o other_o point_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o second_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n whereof_o he_o will_v with_o ease_n attain_v unto_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n beside_o that_o in_o nature_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o with_o the_o lystrian_n act._n 14_o 17._o the_o athenian_n in_o that_o long_a and_o excellent_a sermon_n whole_o almost_o of_o this_o subject_n act._n 17._o 24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o a_o exact_a consideration_n and_o resolution_n of_o which_o place_n will_v singular_o declare_v the_o point_n in_o question_n but_o go_v we_o on_o from_o what_o may_v be_v know_v to_o inquire_v in_o brief_a what_o have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a man_n in_o former_a time_n which_o 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those_o treatise_n of_o oeconomicke_n ethic_n and_o politic_n where_o the_o order_n of_o household_n government_n the_o course_n of_o a_o virtuous_a conversation_n the_o law_n of_o state_n and_o policy_n be_v dispute_v large_o and_o in_o most_o point_n consonant_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n so_o that_o in_o many_o of_o these_o virtue_n commend_v unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n we_o may_v with_o much_o profit_n have_v recourse_n unto_o their_o write_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n 2._o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a when_o these_o ancient_n be_v only_o guide_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o by_o some_o supernatural_a illumination_n not_o that_o god_n do_v afford_v divine_a revelation_n concern_v heavenly_a mystery_n unto_o the_o heathen_a except_v haply_o the_o sibyl_n but_o that_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n to_o his_o church_n be_v from_o they_o bring_v 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do_v it_o as_o god_n command_v and_o see_v the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o good_a work_n be_v a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o cause_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o end_n which_o give_v such_o beauty_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o relish_n to_o all_o action_n as_o that_o without_o they_o they_o be_v deform_v and_o unsavoury_a in_o the_o eye_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v short_a of_o their_o complete_a perfection_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o person_n be_v unholy_a their_o conscience_n defile_v their_o purpose_n perverse_a and_o crooked_a and_o their_o best_a intention_n final_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o temporal_a worldly_a and_o selfe-consideration_n but_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o we_o shall_v find_v little_a difference_n between_o many_o action_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o of_o christian_n there_o be_v as_o exact_v 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any_o special_a favour_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o justice_n temperance_n valour_n chastity_n of_o a_o aristides_n cato_n scipio_n lucretia_n etc._n etc._n shall_v stand_v condemn_v before_o god_n with_o the_o same_o censure_n of_o dislike_n as_o the_o rapine_n luxury_n cowardice_n lust_n etc._n etc._n of_o a_o sardanapalus_n caligula_n messalina_n or_o such_o other_o miscreant_n nay_o he_o approve_v of_o their_o virtue_n and_o civility_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n in_o common_a bestow_v on_o the_o gentile_n for_o a_o common_a good_a and_o in_o testimony_n of_o this_o his_o approbation_n he_o prosper_v those_o person_n and_o commonwealth_n among_o who_o sobriety_n of_o life_n strictness_n of_o discipline_n &_o severity_n of_o good_a law_n be_v best_o maintain_v and_o heathenism_n itself_o can_v discern_v the_o ruin_n of_o commonwealth_n to_o spring_v original_o from_o the_o neglect_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o conclude_v then_o and_o sum_n up_o all_o touch_v this_o point_n god_n nature_n and_o attribute_n his_o godhead_n and_o eternal_a power_n and_o providence_n be_v indeed_o clear_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o creature_n if_o the_o heathen_a have_v eye_n to_o see_v they_o as_o adam_n have_v at_o first_o but_o though_o they_o be_v still_o as_o visible_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o man_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v behold_v they_o it_o be_v very_o little_a the_o naturallman_n have_v see_v not_o much_o that_o he_o can_v see_v what_o he_o know_v may_v teach_v he_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v otherwise_o than_o he_o do_v but_o can_v show_v he_o how_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v whatever_o he_o do_v or_o can_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v do_v aright_o for_o matter_n or_o manner_n his_o inward_a worship_n be_v unholy_a because_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o his_o outward_a worship_n be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a because_o he_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o god_n appointment_n both_o be_v false_a and_o displease_a be_v present_v to_o god_n without_o a_o mediator_n of_o who_o the_o heathen_a have_v no_o knowledge_n again_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o heathen_n knowledge_n and_o therefore_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o desire_n both_o which_o yet_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o true_a conversion_n final_o for_o their_o virtue_n they_o be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o root_n pervert_v in_o their_o bud_n defective_a in_o their_o whole_a practice_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v think_v that_o a_o civil_a conversation_n without_o all_o sanctity_n of_o heart_n to_o be_v true_a conversion_n a_o kind_n of_o bare_a natural_a reverence_n of_o the_o creator_n in_o some_o cold_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v etc._n etc._n or_o a_o external_a superstitious_a invent_a worship_n without_o all_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o be_v god_n true_a &_o right_a worship_n in_o part_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n the_o heathen_a can_v attain_v unto_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a assertion_n to_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v afford_v sufficiency_n of_o ability_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o good_a use_n of_o nature_n to_o convert_v true_o to_o the_o right_a worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n this_o of_o the_o first_o the_o second_o ground_n be_v that_o if_o the_o heathen_a use_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o god_n be_v ready_a yea_o bind_v in_o justice_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o supernatural_a light_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o we_o need_v not_o be_v long_o it_o be_v support_v by_o the_o former_a together_o with_o it_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o dust_n a_o mere_a imagination_n it_o be_v without_o all_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n though_o for_o it_o they_o bring_v that_o place_n matth._n 25._o 29._o for_o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n i._n e._n say_v the_o arminian_n he_o that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o use_v it_o well_o to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o grace_n a_o arminian_n gloss_n that_o corrupt_v the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o painfulness_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o employment_n of_o such_o gift_n as_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n which_o gift_n and_o ability_n be_v well_o use_v increase_v through_o god_n blessing_n but_o if_o neglect_a decay_n utter_o through_o his_o secret_a curse_n as_o experience_n show_v in_o painful_a or_o idle_a minister_n if_o the_o argument_n be_v frame_v only_o by_o analogy_n from_o this_o text_n and_o the_o general_a equity_n of_o it_o that_o whosoever_o use_v any_o thing_n well_o shall_v have_v more_o give_v unto_o he_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a large_a interpretation_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o many_o exception_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o their_o deduction_n they_o mistake_v the_o proportion_n observe_v in_o the_o text_n and_o parable_n which_o speak_v of_o a_o increase_n in_o the_o same_o not_o in_o a_o divers_a kind_n he_o that_o have_v mean_a gift_n for_o the_o ministry_n and_o use_v they_o well_o he_o shall_v have_v great_a gift_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o thence_o to_o collect_v he_o that_o use_v nature_n well_o shall_v have_v grace_n give_v he_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v he_o that_o use_v his_o health_n well_o shall_v have_v riches_n or_o honour_n give_v he_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n it_o have_v be_v true_a if_o they_o have_v say_v he_o that_o use_v natural_a light_n well_o i._n e._n studious_o in_o the_o search_n of_o all_o good_a knowledge_n in_o he_o that_o light_n shall_v be_v increase_v as_o it_o be_v in_o philosopher_n but_o this_o make_v not_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v a_o wide_a step_n from_o nature_n to_o grace_n in_o scripture_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o conceit_n beside_o there_o be_v these_o three_o error_n in_o it_o 1._o against_o experience_n which_o show_v that_o grace_n have_v not_o be_v bestow_v where_o they_o have_v have_v the_o best_a natuturall_a disposition_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o rejection_n of_o the_o tyrian_n and_o sidonian_n and_o vocation_n of_o the_o capernaite_n though_o they_o be_v natural_o better_a fit_v to_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n than_o these_o as_o also_o by_o the_o long_a rejection_n of_o all_o the_o civil_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o though_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a reason_n far_o better_o than_o other_o barbarous_a people_n yet_o be_v leave_v destitute_a so_o many_o age_n of_o all_o supernatural_a help_n as_o well_o as_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v found_v upon_o two_o false_a supposition_n 1._o one_o that_o the_o
well_o use_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v such_o a_o excellent_a preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n 9_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o although_o god_n show_v that_o favour_n towards_o learning_n and_o civility_n of_o manner_n that_o in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n through_o the_o world_n he_o respect_v those_o nation_n that_o excel_v therein_o before_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o come_v we_o to_o particular_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o gospel_n find_v most_o resistance_n and_o neglect_n at_o their_o hand_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v use_v their_o natural_a ability_n best_o as_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n the_o wise_a temperate_a just_a politic_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o cut_v of_o pride_n and_o fleshly_a wisdom_n be_v its_o great_a enemy_n num_fw-la ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la say_v moulin_n virtutis_fw-la civilis_fw-la laudem_fw-la affectat_fw-la &_o ingenium_fw-la habet_fw-la multâ_fw-la erudition_n subactum_fw-la ita_fw-la eimaximè_fw-la sordet_fw-la simplicitas_fw-la evangelij_fw-la &_o crucis_fw-la christi_fw-la scandalo_fw-la magis_fw-la offenditur_fw-la 2._o another_o that_o a_o man_n may_v use_v his_o natural_a ability_n well_o i._n e._n to_o the_o right_n worship_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n without_o faith_n without_o all_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o man_n which_o be_v a_o gross_a supposition_n of_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o by_o consequence_n overturne_v all_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o obligation_n wherewith_o the_o arminian_n have_v tie_v god_n to_o give_v supernatural_a grace_n to_o the_o gentile_n upon_o their_o good_a usage_n of_o natural_a help_n be_v void_a &_o of_o no_o validity_n god_n will_v easy_o be_v discharge_v of_o it_o without_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o justice_n where_o the_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n be_v so_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o hitherto_o of_o this_o first_o question_n touch_v sufficiency_n of_o grace_n give_v to_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o with_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o admonition_n for_o our_o practice_n we_o belove_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o jew_n of_o that_o circumcision_n which_o ●o_o not_o make_v with_o hand_n let_v we_o then_o now_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v and_o other_o want_v compare_v we_o advise_o our_o condition_n at_o this_o present_a with_o that_o of_o turk_n or_o other_o pagan_n and_o let_v we_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n that_o have_v by_o grace_n make_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v all_o alike_o we_o be_v stranger_n and_o foreigner_n as_o they_o now_o be_v but_o we_o be_v now_o fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v not_o a_o glorious_a privilege_n and_o if_o we_o have_v grace_n to_o judge_v aright_o of_o it_o deserve_v to_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o our_o esteem_n above_o all_o prerogative_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a contentment_n to_o a_o die_a philosopher_n when_o he_o thank_v his_o god_n for_o be_v a_o crecian_a not_o a_o barbarian_a a_o athenian_a among_o grecian_n a_o philosophen_o among_o athenian_n we_o my_o brethren_n have_v to_o joy_n in_o great_a dignity_n who_o be_v christian_n not_o insidell_n true_a believer_n among_o a_o world_n of_o heretic_n and_o scholar_n among_o the_o company_n of_o true_a believer_n let_v i_o then_o tell_v you_o what_o you_o know_v already_o but_o few_o of_o we_o think_v of_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v where_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n be_v hestow_v there_o more_o thank_n be_v deserve_v more_o service_n be_v require_v a_o strict_a account_n will_v be_v take_v of_o both_o and_o be_v now_o intrcate_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o apostolical_a exhortation_n walk_v worthy_a of_o that_o vocation_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v be_v we_o ashamed_a that_o the_o morality_n of_o a_o pagan_a shall_v outstrip_v our_o religion_n that_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o papist_n shall_v disgrace_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o protestant_n that_o the_o piety_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o unlearned_a shall_v condemn_v the_o vncivility_n and_o lewdness_n of_o a_o scholar_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o your_o call_v but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n here_o stand_v upon_o your_o credit_n and_o reputation_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a of_o protestant_n of_o scholar_n be_v hold_v forth_o as_o a_o shield_n of_o defence_n against_o all_o provocation_n to_o base_a and_o unworthy_a course_n as_o well_o as_o mean_a title_n of_o gentility_n honour_n and_o office_n be_v ready_o allege_v against_o vile_a employment_n not_o besit_v person_n of_o that_o quality_n if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o respectless_a of_o his_o own_o and_o regardless_o of_o god_n honour_n as_o by_o ungodly_a and_o base_a practice_n to_o cause_v those_o holy_a and_o precious_a name_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v to_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o and_o god_n name_v therein_o to_o be_v blaspheme_v to_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v only_o this_o and_o i_o wish_v he_o to_o heed_n it_o that_o god_n will_v shame_v that_o servant_n that_o disgrace_v his_o master_n and_o will_v in_o his_o time_n vindicate_v his_o own_o glory_n by_o pour_v contempt_n and_o everlasting_a shame_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o caitiff_a wretch_n wherefore_o let_v we_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v we_o true_o jealous_a of_o his_o and_o our_o own_o honour_n by_o demeaning_a ourselves_o answerable_o to_o our_o holy_a call_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o glorify_v his_o name_n amen_n have_v thus_o show_v the_o state_n of_o a_o mere_a heathen_a live_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vnsufficiency_n of_o all_o mean_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v give_v he_o in_o that_o state_n to_o work_v his_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n we_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o descend_v unto_o the_o discuss_n of_o our_o next_o question_n touch_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o live_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o salvation_n whether_o or_o no_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v give_v to_o all_o and_o singular_a christian_n for_o their_o conversion_n quest._n unto_o god_n this_o question_n be_v something_o perplex_v and_o intricate_a by_o reason_n of_o divers_a particular_a queres_fw-la whereinto_o it_o resolve_v itself_o i_o will_v by_o god_n help_n proceed_v therein_o as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v first_o beginning_n with_o a_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n where_o it_o must_v be_v in_o short_a explain_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o sufficient_a 2._o what_o by_o grace_n 3._o what_o by_o christian_n 4._o what_o by_o conversion_n 1._o for_o the_o term_n sufficient_a we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o sufficiency_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o some_o effect_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o power_n or_o strength_n not_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o that_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o execution_n it_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v that_o whereto_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v of_o any_o man_n he_o be_v a_o man_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o employment_n because_o if_o he_o be_v set_v about_o it_o he_o can_v by_o the_o good_a part_n he_o have_v actual_o discharge_v it_o where_o you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a abuse_n of_o this_o word_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o effectual_a and_o so_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n and_o the_o act_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v call_v sufficient_a in_o potentia_n which_o when_o it_o be_v purposely_o apply_v to_o the_o act_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o produce_v it_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o speech_n to_o say_v this_o medicine_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cure_v such_o a_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a consideration_n to_o consider_v the_o medicine_n in_o itself_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o disease_n and_o if_o such_o a_o medicine_n be_v administer_v suffice_v not_o to_o cure_v the_o disease_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o unsufficient_a medicine_n wherefore_o that_o distinction_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n into_o sufficientem_fw-la and_o essicacem_fw-la be_v at_o least_o a_o frivolous_a imagination_n distinguish_v those_o thing_n as_o
at_o all_o or_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o habitual_a faith_n which_o we_o maintain_v to_o be_v give_v we_o as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o regeneration_n these_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o conversion_n have_v utter_o confound_v our_o adversary_n in_o their_o opinion_n and_o write_n about_o this_o point_n they_o speak_v of_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n to_o produce_v the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o virtue_n when_o the_o question_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n in_o produce_v the_o habit_n of_o all_o inherent_a holiness_n now_o as_o in_o the_o former_a example_n of_o the_o sick_a man_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o health_n and_o strength_n christ_n give_v he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cause_v he_o to_o walk_v another_o thing_n to_o demand_v what_o virtue_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v he_o that_o health_n and_o strength_n so_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o ask_v 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sanctification_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o have_v it_o not_o there_o be_v no_o other_o gift_n whatsoever_o sufficient_a but_o the_o only_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o wheresoever_o this_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a virtue_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n there_o it_o be_v always_o infallible_o effectual_a to_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n give_v to_o man_n as_o sufficient_a to_o sanctify_v the_o soul_n and_o yet_o after_o it_o be_v give_v ineffectual_a to_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o fancy_n never_o think_v of_o till_o of_o late_a time_n wherein_o man_n heart_n be_v strange_o embitter_v in_o fierce_a opposition_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o second_o follow_v and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o sanctification_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consectary_n of_o the_o former_a for_o see_v sufficient_a and_o effectual_a be_v all_o one_o in_o this_o case_n &_o see_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o effectual_a in_o some_o who_o be_v never_o sanctify_v it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o such_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v be_v say_v against_o this_o opinion_n of_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n give_v to_o all_o within_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la for_o our_o better_a satisfaction_n i_o desire_v your_o patience_n and_o attention_n in_o the_o further_a examination_n of_o this_o second_o conclusion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v clear_v by_o consider_v what_o the_o grace_n be_v which_o be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n now_o this_o grace_n be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o external_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n make_v unto_o all_o man_n in_o common_a by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o ordinary_a 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that_o light_n which_o the_o spirit_n afford_v to_o such_o a_o one_o be_v but_o some_o more_o eminent_a degree_n of_o that_o common_a assistance_n which_o he_o give_v to_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n in_o any_o learning_n for_o a_o public_a benefit_n for_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a enough_o a_o learned_a scholar_n unregenerate_a know_v and_o study_v divinity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v any_o other_o art_n and_o as_o in_o they_o so_o in_o this_o he_o may_v attain_v excellent_a knowledge_n by_o a_o special_a but_o no_o sanctify_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n perfect_v his_o natural_a reason_n but_o not_o make_v it_o spiritual_a 2._o proper_a and_o spiritual_a when_o a_o man_n by_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n according_a to_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n in_o their_o native_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n i_o call_v this_o proper_a because_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o spiritual_a because_o the_o sanctify_a understanding_n judge_v of_o they_o spiritual_o thus_o for_o knowledge_n next_o touch_v the_o motion_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o will_n they_o be_v likewise_o double_a 2._o 1._o natural_a when_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o threaten_n or_o promise_n the_o will_n be_v touch_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o affection_n towards_o those_o thing_n as_o they_o which_o be_v natural_o hurtful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o it_o as_o to_o love_v hope_v desire_v fear_v or_o hate_v such_o or_o such_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n i_o term_v these_o affection_n natural_a be_v proportionable_a to_o that_o first_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n that_o breed_v they_o for_o when_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v hear_v it_o plain_o and_o ample_o declare_v what_o happiness_n belong_v to_o the_o saint_n what_o comfort_n be_v in_o god_n favour_n what_o glory_n in_o heaven_n what_o horror_n in_o hell_n and_o a_o bad_a conscience_n he_o will_v be_v easy_o stir_v up_o with_o many_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o this_o he_o do_v in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o as_o every_o man_n by_o instinct_n of_o nature_n will_v wish_v and_o seek_v for_o that_o good_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o also_o shun_v the_o contrary_a 2._o spiritual_a when_o upon_o the_o thorough_a apprehension_n of_o all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o evil_a know_v &_o believe_v by_o faith_n the_o will_n be_v strong_o incline_v with_o all_o constant_a and_o vehement_a affection_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n earnest_o to_o embrace_v the_o one_o and_o detest_v the_o other_o above_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o how_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o illumination_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a i_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n short_o have_v
prophet_n in_o the_o famous_a university_n of_o oxford_n yet_o i_o assure_v myself_o that_o whosoever_o read_v this_o book_n with_o good_a attention_n and_o understanding_n shall_v find_v the_o author_n meditation_n therein_o so_o thorough_o digest_v and_o the_o nature_n property_n and_o proper_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n so_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o accurate_o distinguish_v that_o he_o shall_v reap_v to_o himself_o much_o profit_n and_o comfort_v thereby_o and_o shall_v with_o i_o admire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o the_o author_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o in_o all_o knowledge_n lively_a sense_n and_o utterance_n of_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n far_o above_o all_o which_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o or_o be_v ordinary_o find_v in_o one_o of_o his_o age_n and_o year_n if_o as_o we_o know_v tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n so_o we_o may_v pass_v our_o sentence_n upon_o the_o composer_n of_o this_o treatise_n by_o his_o work_n we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v less_o of_o he_o but_o that_o as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o childhood_n train_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o have_v profit_v above_o his_o equal_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o best_a art_n humane_a &_o divine_a so_o undoubted_o he_o have_v from_o his_o tender_a year_n be_v thorough_o discipline_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v by_o much_o and_o daily_a experience_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a ●_z in_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o inward_a sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n attain_v to_o this_o high_a measure_n of_o heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o he_o have_v here_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a experiment_n it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o strong_a out_o stretch_v arm_n of_o humane_a reason_n nor_o the_o most_o swift_a and_o far_o fly_a arrow_n of_o the_o sharp_a natural_a wit_n nor_o the_o far_o extend_a line_n of_o long_a continue_a study_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o high_a to_o these_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n it_o be_v only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v upon_o all_o these_o take_z possession_n of_o man_n soul_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n which_o bring_v this_o kind_a and_o measure_n of_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o this_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n yea_o by_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o inward_a temptation_n only_o do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n drive_v the_o thirs_o soul_n of_o god_n militant_a saint_n to_o dig_v and_o dive_v so_o deep_a into_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o to_o draw_v such_o live_a water_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o those_o well_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o yongue_n abel_n that_o by_o faith_n have_v offer_v up_o a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o his_o elder_a brother_n cain_n he_o by_o it_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n &_o by_o it_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v heb._n 11._o 4._o so_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v nor_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o book_n who_o have_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o a_o public_a place_n these_o exercise_n as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o heavenly_a learning_n do_v not_o long_o after_o leave_v this_o world_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n and_o ascend_v up_o into_o that_o supercelestial_a glory_n towards_o which_o he_o have_v ever_o bend_v all_o his_o study_n and_o desire_n and_o which_o always_o he_o have_v seek_v after_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o by_o faith_n he_o though_o yongue_n in_o year_n have_v offer_v up_o a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o many_o of_o his_o elder_a brethren_n by_o which_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v and_o shall_v speak_v to_o future_a age_n and_o as_o hereby_o he_o shall_v obtain_v witness_n of_o all_o god_n survive_v saint_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n excel_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o on_o earth_n so_o god_n also_o will_v testify_v of_o this_o his_o gift_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o make_v it_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o save_a grace_n faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o such_o as_o read_v and_o peruse_v it_o with_o true_a christian_a docilitie_n diligence_n and_o humble_a devotion_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o which_o gracious_a god_n i_o leave_v this_o work_n and_o to_o his_o grace_n commend_v you_o all_o desire_v in_o my_o daily_a prayer_n to_o be_v and_o continue_v your_o brother_n companion_n and_o fellow_n soldier_n in_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n defend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o spread_a error_n and_o spring_a heresy_n of_o this_o age_n george_n walker_n the_o table_n of_o the_o chief_a matter_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n ability_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o his_o own_o partial_a judgement_n page_n 145_o action_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n how_o far_o they_o be_v in_o a_o godly_a man_n own_o power_n 147_o admonition_n threefold_a about_o search_v the_o scripture_n 217._o etc._n etc._n affection_n twofold_a sensual_a rational_a describe_v 125_o affection_n not_o quicken_v nor_o stir_v up_o to_o love_n of_o goodness_n before_o conversion_n 125_o not_o right_o move_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o when_o thoy_z be_v affect_v spiritual_o 130_o article_n of_o the_o arminian_n faith_n 53_o arminian_n how_o they_o err_v about_o universal_a grace_n 54_o their_o error_n about_o the_o work_n of_o god_n word_n and_o man_n calling_n 99_o their_o objection_n and_o reason_n answer_v 106._o 107._o etc._n etc._n their_o error_n about_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n natural_a affection_n to_o his_o reason_n discover_v 125._o etc._n etc._n they_o give_v large_a allowance_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n unregenerate_a 127_o their_o absurdity_n therein_o 128_o their_a gross_a error_n about_o man_n will_n discover_v 132_o etc._n etc._n their_o error_n in_o hold_v that_o conversion_n do_v begin_v and_o consist_v in_o the_o act_n only_o of_o believe_v 134_o 135._o etc._n etc._n the_o dangerous_a issue_n and_o conclusion_n of_o their_o error_n 136_o assent_n differ_v in_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n assent_v unto_o 169_o assistance_n effectual_a why_o deny_v by_o god_n at_o some_o time_n to_o the_o regenerate_a 153_o b_o baptise_v of_o infant_n lawful_a 47_o belief_n how_o it_o differ_v from_o faith_n and_o trust_v 170_o c_o calumny_n of_o arminian_n and_o jesuit_n 155_o call_v outward_a and_o inward_a describe_v 94_o how_o the_o arminian_n conceive_v of_o call_v 99_o catechise_v needful_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n preface_n page_n 6_o certainty_n of_o assent_n in_o faith_n spring_v from_o three_o ground_n the_o first_o 206_o the_o second_o 220_o the_o three_o 222_o communion_n with_o christ_n twofold_n 15_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o god_n 6._o 7_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 16._o 24_o the_o subject_a 37_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v 27_o it_o go_v before_o faith_n 4_o it_o signify_v first_o god_n infuse_v of_o habitual_a grace_n second_o the_o regenerate_a man_n actual_a employ_v of_o grace_n infuse_v 89._o 144_o conversion_n mistake_v by_o arminian_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o confusion_n in_o their_o write_n 92_o conversion_n how_o to_o be_v true_o discern_v 115_o preparative_n mean_v unto_o it_o 137._o 138_o how_o weak_a they_o be_v and_o in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a how_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sinful_a 139_o that_o they_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o how_o 140._o etc._n etc._n cooperation_n of_o god_n spirit_n necessary_a in_o all_o holy_a action_n of_o man_n regenerate_v 151_o corruption_n of_o nature_n what_o it_o be_v 5_o d_o desire_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o natural_a manner_n be_v a_o corrupt_a desire_n 130_o e_z elect_a man_n only_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n 41_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n declare_v &_o prove_v 175._o 176_o conclusion_n touch_v it_o the_o first_o 176_o the_o second_o 182_o the_o three_o ibid._n 183_o f_o fall_v from_o grace_n and_o final_a resistance_n describe_v 142_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o sanctification_n 10_o the_o habit_n and_o act_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v ibid._n it_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o root_n of_o all_o grace_n 12_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a life_n before_o it_o 13_o and_o some_o participation_n with_o christ_n 15._o 23_o it_o help_v forward_o and_o increase_v grace_n and_o all_o gracious_a action_n 14_o faith_n be_v command_v in_o
believe_v or_o pray_v or_o give_v alm_n or_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o senseless_a assertion_n it_o be_v man_n that_o do_v all_o these_o but_o man_n assist_v by_o grace_n but_o now_o concern_v the_o former_a respect_n for_o the_o first_o infusion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o soul_n we_o utter_o deny_v all_o active_a concurrence_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n to_o the_o acquire_v and_o generate_a of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o grant_v he_o only_o a_o passive_a capacity_n to_o receive_v it_o bestow_v on_o he_o and_o we_o maintain_v that_o in_o this_o case_n neither_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v like_o a_o natural_a nor_o man_n like_o a_o moral_a agent_n the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o natural_a agent_n in_o the_o production_n of_o material_a form_n bring_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v if_o i_o understand_v naturalist_n in_o that_o phrase_n result_v out_o of_o the_o inherent_a quality_n of_o the_o subject_a diverse_o compound_v and_o ripen_v by_o the_o external_a agent_n or_o as_o those_o agent_n work_v in_o the_o generation_n of_o second_o quality_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o different_a mixture_n of_o the_o first_o in_o both_o which_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o subject_n concur_v with_o the_o outward_a agent_n in_o produce_v the_o effect_n this_o work_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n like_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n into_o the_o conception_n to_o who_o creation_n the_o body_n confer_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o to_o its_o introduction_n nothing_o but_o a_o passive_a capacity_n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o creation_n of_o new_a quality_n not_o a_o perfection_n of_o the_o old_a a_o habitual_a quality_n mere_o infuse_v by_o divine_a virtue_n not_o issue_v out_o of_o any_o inward_a force_n of_o humane_a ability_n howsoever_o strain_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o their_o natural_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o again_o man_n in_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v not_o any_o moral_a agent_n as_o when_o by_o many_o commendable_a action_n he_o get_v to_o himself_o the_o habit_n of_o moral_a virtue_n no_o civility_n be_v a_o hopeful_a preparation_n but_o no_o work_a cause_n of_o sanctity_n take_v that_o and_o all_o other_o the_o most_o likely_a disposition_n you_o will_v let_v there_o be_v sweetness_n of_o natural_a temper_n ingenuity_n of_o education_n learning_n good_a company_n abstinence_n &_o hatred_n of_o grosser_n vice_n respect_v of_o law_n restraint_n of_o discipline_n a_o industrious_a forwardness_n to_o all_o laudable_a course_n a_o natural_a desire_n of_o the_o unknown_a happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n a_o part_n in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o brief_a the_o whole_a pack_n of_o moral_a virtue_n christianise_v that_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v by_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n yet_o all_o these_o with_o their_o joint_a force_n can_v kindle_v in_o we_o one_o spark_n of_o celestial_a fire_n nor_o quicken_v our_o dead_a soul_n with_o the_o least_o true_a motion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o man_n qualify_v with_o those_o preparation_n we_o may_v say_v as_o christ_n of_o the_o yongue_n man_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o common_a estimation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o god_n work_v more_o fit_a than_o another_o man_n be_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o gracious_a work_n without_o question_n he_o be_v more_o apt_o dispose_v than_o other_o be_v because_o by_o those_o preparation_n the_o violence_n of_o corruption_n be_v somewhat_o break_a in_o he_o which_o in_o other_o remain_v entire_a till_o their_o conversion_n make_v the_o strong_a resistance_n afterward_o in_o all_o their_o religious_a practice_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o such_o a_o man_n so_o prepare_v there_o be_v a_o passive_a capacity_n more_o large_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o grace_n than_o in_o other_o but_o for_o any_o active_a qualification_n to_o produce_v it_o it_o be_v find_v neither_o in_o the_o one_o nor_o other_o and_o you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v he_o can_v of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a if_o you_o mark_v it_o that_o the_o fair_a best_a temper_v and_o best_a govern_v nature_n be_v manietimes_o leave_v utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a sense_n of_o piety_n when_o man_n of_o sour_a and_o crabbed_a disposition_n or_o of_o more_o disorderly_a conversation_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n to_o end_v this_o matter_n original_a righteousness_n to_o adam_n be_v natural_a be_v the_o natural_a quality_n wherewith_o he_o be_v create_v and_o corruption_n be_v accidental_a be_v a_o unnatural_a viciousness_n acquire_v by_o his_o fall_n with_o we_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a corruption_n be_v natural_a follow_v our_o generation_n and_o birth_n and_o grace_n accidental_a recoverable_a neither_o in_a whole_a nor_o in_o part_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o poor_a remainder_n of_o god_n image_n in_o we_o but_o by_o supernatural_a restitution_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o conclusion_n touch_v the_o manner_n how_o grace_n be_v plant_v in_o we_o which_o be_v this_o that_o in_o our_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o firm_o wrought_v in_o we_o as_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v abolish_v again_o grace_n in_o the_o regenerate_a be_v not_o any_o slight_a tincture_n or_o stain_n but_o a_o through_o and_o durable_a dye_n the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o soul_n as_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v deface_v again_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v he_o make_v sure_a work_n what_o he_o have_v build_v none_o shall_v pull_v down_o where_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n none_o can_v thrust_v he_o out_o of_o door_n where_o he_o have_v open_v none_o can_v shut_v where_o he_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n he_o repent_v not_o of_o his_o liberality_n where_o he_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n there_o he_o will_v also_o finish_v it_o a_o matter_n as_o plain_a as_o comfortable_a if_o we_o will_v but_o distinguish_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n about_o our_o sanctification_n as_o they_o be_v difference_v in_o their_o time_n they_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o create_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v this_o work_n be_v call_v prevent_v grace_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n without_o our_o help_n work_v in_o we_o habitual_a grace_n 2._o the_o second_o be_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o action_n slow_v from_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o effectual_a concurrence_n of_o his_o virtue_n together_o with_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o regenerate_a faculty_n this_o work_n be_v call_v gratia_n subsequens_fw-la cooperans_fw-la or_o assistens_fw-la and_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o be_v all_o those_o sanctify_a action_n which_o we_o perform_v by_o its_o help_n and_o this_o second_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v for_o albeit_o he_o can_v work_v without_o we_o in_o make_v we_o good_a tree_n yet_o we_o must_v work_v together_o with_o he_o in_o bear_v good_a fruit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n in_o every_o spiritual_a action_n when_o we_o can_v but_o grant_v a_o immediate_a concourse_n of_o his_o ordinary_a power_n in_o all_o action_n natural_a even_o to_o the_o move_n of_o one_o of_o our_o finger_n but_o further_o this_o subsequent_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n about_o all_o good_a work_n which_o we_o do_v be_v twofold_a 1._o one_o that_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o good_a action_n by_o inspire_v into_o our_o soul_n after_o a_o secret_a and_o unperceiveable_a manner_n holy_a thought_n heavenly_a motion_n desire_n purpose_n and_o resolution_n tend_v to_o godliness_n and_o this_o work_n be_v call_v gratia_n excitans_fw-la 2._o another_o that_o guide_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o strength_n of_o each_o faculty_n when_o it_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o any_o action_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o call_v gratia_n adjuvans_fw-la or_o cooperans_fw-la these_o thing_n thus_o difference_v let_v we_o see_v wherein_o the_o constancy_n of_o grace_n consist_v and_o wherein_o it_o seem_v changeable_a first_o for_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o regenerate_a we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v constant_a abide_v for_o ever_o in_o they_o in_o
settle_v plantation_n for_o many_o age_n in_o which_o time_n learn_v art_n and_o all_o civility_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v confine_v to_o those_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rest_n further_o remote_a be_v leave_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n and_o the_o same_o course_n be_v hold_v to_o this_o day_n wherein_o learning_n and_o civility_n have_v abandon_v the_o eastern_a country_n which_o have_v forsake_v true_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o approach_v to_o the_o western_a american_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o then_o in_o the_o course_n of_o time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o sundry_a accident_n will_v fall_v out_o for_o the_o dispearce_a of_o sacred_a knowledge_n as_o trade_v and_o commerce_n of_o merchant_n both_o stranger_n into_o judaea_n and_o jew_n into_o foreign_a part_n entertain_v of_o slave_n and_o captive_n who_o if_o barbarous_a learned_a of_o their_o jewish_a if_o jews_n teach_v their_o barbarous_a master_n many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o peregrination_n and_o sojourn_v of_o many_o jew_n abroad_o in_o foreign_a part_n as_o no_o country_n soever_o but_o have_v some_o of_o its_o people_n in_o all_o country_n which_o jew_n as_o they_o learn_v the_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a so_o they_o bring_v in_o among_o they_o some_o piece_n and_o relic_n of_o true_a religion_n last_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n shame_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o learned_a now_o who_o will_v with_o any_o cost_n purchase_v book_n of_o any_o art_n in_o any_o language_n which_o they_o think_v contain_v some_o secret_a knowledge_n and_o rare_a mystery_n as_o also_o spare_v no_o labour_n in_o travel_v into_o foreign_a part_n wherein_o they_o hear_v be_v any_o man_n or_o mean_n whereby_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v wherefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o ancient_n zoroastres_n hermes_n orpheus_n plato_n and_o other_o draw_v their_o knowledge_n which_o in_o part_n they_o have_v of_o many_o high_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o deep_a and_o clear_a fountain_n than_o the_o muddy_a shallow_a spring_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a reason_n though_o in_o the_o passage_n this_o water_n be_v much_o soil_v by_o they_o with_o the_o mud_n of_o many_o idle_a fable_n and_o silly_a conceit_n a_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v either_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o apprehension_n not_o clear_o discern_v what_o be_v perhaps_o plain_o enough_o deliver_v or_o the_o corruption_n of_o those_o idolatrous_a time_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o least_o innovation_n in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o socrates_n which_o constrain_v the_o learned_a in_o those_o day_n to_o conceal_v much_o of_o what_o they_o know_v or_o to_o declare_v it_o dark_o in_o many_o misty_a and_o foggy_a fable_n who_o interpretation_n aftertime_n forget_v and_o so_o believe_v a_o lie_n for_o a_o true_a tale_n hitherto_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n let_v we_o next_o descend_v to_o the_o effect_n thereof_o in_o regard_n of_o practice_n which_o admit_v of_o a_o double_a consideration_n as_o theformer_n what_o may_v be_v what_o have_v be_v do_v shall_v yet_o here_o be_v handle_v joint_o together_o by_o the_o former_a discourse_n it_o appear_v how_o imperfect_a the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o his_o practice_n will_v come_v as_o far_o short_a of_o his_o knowledge_n as_o his_o knowledge_n do_v of_o perfection_n for_o so_o it_o be_v even_o with_o the_o best_a christian_n who_o practise_v far_o less_o than_o they_o know_v much_o more_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v too_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a to_o cause_v any_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n upon_o his_o will_n and_o sensual_a affection_n which_o will_v be_v too_o too_o violent_a and_o untamed_a to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o command_n of_o his_o understanding_n yea_o shall_v we_o suppose_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o all_o duty_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o much_o better_a his_o practice_n so_o easy_o will_v the_o natural_a conscience_n be_v choke_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v support_v by_o faith_n which_o only_o put_v life_n into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n unto_o our_o practice_n and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o natural_a heathen_a and_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a who_o in_o knowledge_n may_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o he_o in_o practice_n for_o see_v they_o both_o alike_o want_v faith_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o goodness_n of_o natural_a temper_n civility_n of_o education_n strictness_n of_o government_n due_a hope_n of_o reward_n and_o praise_n or_o fear_v of_o the_o contrary_a with_o the_o like_a motive_n may_v carry_v a_o heathen_a as_o far_o in_o virtuous_a course_n as_o bare_a illumination_n can_v a_o christian._n the_o same_o corruption_n in_o both_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o christian_n than_o heathen_a as_o sin_n abound_v more_o where_o unsanctified_a knowledge_n abound_v i_o say_v the_o like_a corruption_n in_o both_o will_v imprison_v this_o knowledge_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o it_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o religious_a practice_n whence_o we_o find_v that_o christian_n much_o more_o philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v the_o same_o man_n in_o the_o chair_n and_o in_o their_o conversation_n but_o that_o their_o opinion_n and_o discourse_n have_v be_v full_a of_o sanctity_n and_o temperance_n when_o their_o life_n have_v be_v defile_v with_o all_o impiety_n and_o sensuality_n wherefore_o for_o the_o general_a let_v we_o set_v down_o this_o conclusion_n as_o most_o true_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o application_n of_o his_o knowledge_n unto_o practice_n as_o he_o may_v do_v and_o as_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o gentile_n be_v condemn_v for_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o injustice_n for_o sin_v against_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o for_o know_v god_n and_o yet_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a although_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v or_o know_v so_o much_o as_o he_o ought_v yet_o he_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v ever_o willing_a to_o practice_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n his_o knowledge_n be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v he_o of_o his_o unrighteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o false_a worship_n of_o god_n himself_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o true_a mean_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n right_a worship_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o thus_o in_o god_n wonderful_a judgement_n he_o be_v leave_v as_o without_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o well_o do_v so_o without_o all_o lawful_a excuse_n for_o his_o ill_a do_v but_o come_v we_o to_o particular_n the_o natural_a man_n practice_n respect_v either_o god_n in_o his_o inward_a worship_n outward_a man._n 1._o in_o thing_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n the_o natural_a man_n utter_o pervert_v himself_o in_o his_o practice_n there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a deformity_n and_o disagreement_n that_o may_v be_v between_o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o speculation_n and_o his_o application_n thereof_o to_o practice_n consider_v he_o in_o the_o inward_a worship_n of_o the_o heart_n how_o he_o stand_v affect_v towards_o the_o deity_n in_o those_o inward_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v credence_n and_o confidence_n which_o be_v require_v as_o part_v of_o our_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o see_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n heart_n in_o this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n how_o feeble_a cold_a and_o force_v these_o affection_n will_v be_v how_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o falsehood_n be_v secret_o fasten_v to_o the_o creature_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o creator_n just_a like_o unregenerate_a christian_n that_o will_v make_v show_n of_o love_n fear_v faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o intend_v nothing_o less_o in_o their_o affection_n consider_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v far_o more_o defective_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o manifest_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n who_o corrupt_v their_o way_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mistake_v the_o object_n and_o seek_v for_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o apprehend_v in_o a_o general_a notion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o similitude_n but_o in_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o those_o many_o time_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o
believe_a that_o depend_v whole_o on_o his_o free_a will_n which_o after_o the_o forename_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o affection_n remain_v free_a to_o choose_v or_o not_o to_o choose_v to_o consent_v or_o not_o consent_v unto_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n which_o wondrous_a doctrine_n they_o unfold_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o will_n of_o man_n say_v they_o never_o have_v have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o other_o quality_n inherent_a in_o it_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v always_o essential_a unto_o it_o namely_o liberty_n indifferenti●_n &_o indeterminati●_n ad_fw-la actus_fw-la oppositos_fw-la wherefore_o as_o in_o adam_n it_o have_v no_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o holiness_n inherent_a in_o it_o so_o it_o lose_v none_o in_o the_o fall_n nor_o have_v it_o now_o any_o inherent_a corruption_n as_o the_o other_o faculty_n have_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o our_o regeneration_n reindued_n with_o any_o sanctify_a quality_n whatsoever_o only_o a_o pure_a naked_a liberty_n there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n whatsoever_o spiritual_a moral_a or_o natural_a after_o it_o be_v once_o know_v this_o freedom_n though_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o saluâ_fw-la essentià_fw-la it_o can_v be_v take_v away_o yet_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o the_o will_n depend_v on_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n so_o long_o as_o the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a and_o the_o affection_n distemper_v the_o will_n though_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a ability_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o can_v exercise_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o impediment_n even_o as_o the_o eye_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o see_v even_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o yet_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o till_o the_o object_n be_v enlighten_v so_o in_o the_o unregenerate_a the_o will_n have_v a_o natural_a freedom_n in_o itself_o towards_o all_o spiritual_a good_a or_o evil_n but_o it_o want_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n so_o long_o as_o the_o understanding_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v disorder_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o affection_n reneve_v than_o the_o will_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o use_n of_o her_o natural_a liberty_n so_o that_o whereas_o life_n and_o death_n good_a and_o evil_n be_v now_o set_v before_o she_o she_o may_v by_o her_o own_o free_a power_n without_o any_o further_a help_n from_o god_n choose_v the_o good_a if_o she_o list_v or_o the_o evil_a if_o she_o please_v and_o this_o be_v that_o whereon_o they_o affirm_v consist_v vivisicatio_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la the_o quicken_a of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v not_o the_o give_v of_o some_o new_a power_n unto_o it_o which_o it_o have_v not_o before_o but_o only_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o to_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o it_o always_o have_v but_o can_v not_o exercise_v here_o be_v then_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o opinion_n in_o brief_a when_o a_o man_n unconvert_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n he_o understand_v it_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o irresistable_o and_o necessary_o by_o so_o do_v he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v give_v he_o that_o be_v his_o will_n have_v recover_v the_o use_n of_o that_o natural_a freedom_n which_o it_o always_o have_v so_o that_o now_o he_o stand_v indifferent_a he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v dissent_v from_o it_o this_o act_n be_v absolute_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o this_o act_n do_v he_o be_v convert_v and_o not_o till_o then_o this_o be_v that_o leaven_n of_o arminianism_n wherewith_o of_o late_a the_o whole_a lump_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v be_v sour_v this_o be_v that_o fret_a leprosy_n which_o will_v scarce_o ever_o be_v heal_v but_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o our_o neighbour_n church_n wherein_o the_o disease_n first_o breed_v let_v we_o always_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v keep_v this_o our_o church_n &_o we_o her_o child_n safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o infection_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o avoid_v it_o let_v we_o rip_v up_o this_o swell_a ulcer_n and_o wring_v out_o the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o it_o take_v a_o particular_a view_n of_o the_o several_a error_n which_o be_v like_o a_o bed_n of_o snake_n fold_v one_o in_o another_o in_o this_o dunghill_n they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v and_o the_o ordinary_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n perfect_v and_o assist_v natural_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o herein_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v it_o may_v be_v full_o understand_v by_o natural_a reason_n in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o who_o be_v industrious_a and_o have_v a_o good_a judgement_n may_v know_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v without_o any_o supernatural_a light_n infuse_v into_o his_o understanding_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o seem_v these_o man_n in_o their_o study_n of_o divinity_n never_o seek_v after_o nor_o ever_o do_v find_v any_o other_o help_n beside_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v other_o man_n have_v no_o more_o help_n than_o themselves_o have_v we_o may_v probable_o judge_v so_o by_o those_o heretical_a opinion_n the_o immediate_a offspring_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n wherewith_o they_o have_v now_o so_o trouble_v the_o quiet_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n more_o than_o their_o own_o natural_a wisdom_n they_o may_v have_v learn_v to_o have_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o opinion_n too_o but_o how_o partial_a soever_o their_o judgement_n be_v we_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o be_v just_a and_o infallible_a who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o 18._o that_o we_o be_v blind_a 8._o that_o we_o be_v darkness_n till_o we_o be_v make_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n 5._o that_o when_o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o that_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 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 beside_o this_o censure_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n in_o divine_a thing_n we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n acknowledge_v their_o natural_a disability_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o arminian_n scorn_n hence_o those_o frequent_a supplication_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n open_v 119._o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o law_n o_o give_v i_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v live_v teach_v i_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n make_v i_o to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o precept_n with_o many_o such_o like_a prayer_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o perverseness_n to_o affirm_v that_o david_n pray_v only_o for_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n whereto_o by_o study_n and_o use_v of_o his_o natural_a part_n he_o may_v possible_o attain_v and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n which_o he_o make_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 18._o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n sure_o a_o arminian_n will_v hardly_o say_v amen_n to_o this_o prayer_n for_o to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o have_v not_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o ephesian_n plain_o enough_o have_v not_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o not_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o can_v understand_v what_o paul_n mean_v when_o he_o preach_v or_o write_v unto_o they_o what_o need_v then_o to_o pray_v yet_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n and_o enlighten_v their_o eye_n when_o thing_n be_v so_o reveal_v as_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v and_o see_v
they_o yes_o there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o great_a need_n we_o shall_v make_v this_o prayer_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o common_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v ordinary_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o height_n depth_n and_o largeness_n of_o god_n love_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n the_o pretiousnesse_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n the_o power_n and_o save_a virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o rare_a excellency_n and_o amiableness_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o none_o can_v do_v without_o the_o special_a 169._o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n change_v the_o understanding_n from_o natural_a to_o spiritual_a by_o a_o immediate_a infusion_n of_o such_o a_o quality_n as_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v aright_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n i_o conclude_v this_o point_n with_o one_o reason_n more_o if_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o illumination_n require_v but_o only_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o object_n plain_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n without_o any_o further_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o understanding_n itself_o infuse_v into_o it_o a_o special_a strength_n to_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o it_o than_o it_o will_v be_v know_v whether_o these_o man_n think_v that_o our_o intellective_a faculty_n have_v get_v any_o hurt_n and_o defect_n by_o adam_n fall_n yea_o or_o no._n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o think_v that_o man_n fall_n have_v not_o bring_v any_o defect_n and_o weakness_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o man_n understanding_n no_o not_o in_o spiritualib●…s_n for_o mark_v it_o when_o divine_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o lively_a manner_n declare_v to_o the_o understanding_n be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o faculty_n that_o must_v be_v first_o amend_v by_o the_o spirit_n before_o it_o can_v have_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n no_o say_v they_o so_o therebe_n the_o common_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n preserve_v unto_o we_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o may_v without_o any_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n understand_v spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v plain_o expound_v unto_o we_o why_o then_o here_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o adam_n and_o we_o his_o understanding_n be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a because_o he_o have_v both_o the_o power_n to_o conceive_v of_o thing_n he_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o he_o and_o also_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o wonderful_a variety_n in_o all_o thing_n our_o understanding_n be_v imperfect_a and_o unhappy_a because_o by_o our_o fall_n we_o want_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o almost_o all_o thing_n especial_o spiritual_a but_o yet_o we_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o power_n that_o we_o have_v in_o adam_n to_o understand_v any_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v once_o clear_o discover_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o arminius_n school_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v like_a unto_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o dark_a the_o eye_n be_v well_o and_o without_o blemish_n need_v no_o cure_n of_o any_o defect_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o see_v nought_o because_o the_o object_n be_v not_o enlighten_v so_o soon_o as_o light_n shine_v on_o that_o cause_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o the_o eye_n without_o further_a ado_n can_v easy_o perceive_v it_o but_o this_o be_v yet_o the_o very_a pride_n and_o gall_n of_o a_o heretical_a spirit_n secret_o accuse_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o god_n reveal_v wisdom_n whether_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o obscurity_n and_o darkness_n we_o forsooth_o have_v eye_n and_o we_o need_v not_o that_o god_n shall_v restore_v unto_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o see_v only_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n because_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v be_v in_o darkness_n if_o god_n will_v take_v away_o obscurity_n from_o they_o and_o make_v they_o evident_a to_o be_v know_v there_o be_v no_o such_o infirmity_n in_o we_o but_o we_o may_v know_v they_o if_o we_o be_v attentive_a let_v we_o from_o our_o heart_n detest_v this_o odious_a popish_a imputation_n of_o obscurity_n lay_v upon_o nature_n and_o scripture_n as_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o ignorance_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o let_v we_o detest_v that_o opinion_n which_o lead_v we_o upon_o this_o absurdity_n and_o learn_v we_o to_o confess_v our_o blindness_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o restore_v our_o understanding_n to_o its_o first_o perfection_n else_o though_o the_o light_n shine_v round_o about_o we_o make_v all_o thing_n wherein_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v most_o appparant_a and_o visible_a yet_o we_o may_v still_o lie_v in_o darkness_n and_o perish_v in_o our_o ignorance_n this_o be_v their_o first_o error_n touch_v the_o understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o in_o handle_v the_o part_n of_o faith_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o touch_v the_o affection_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o even_o in_o divine_a thing_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v right_o inform_v and_o thorough_o convince_v the_o affection_n be_v present_o excite_v in_o all_o motion_n conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n know_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n of_o so_o deep_a learning_n shall_v yet_o profess_v so_o much_o ignorance_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n as_o to_o dream_v of_o a_o correspondency_n and_o dutiful_a subjection_n of_o our_o passion_n unto_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o when_o this_o be_v right_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v true_o affect_v even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v say_v of_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n and_o to_o affirm_v this_o touch_a man_n corrupt_v be_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o reason_n authority_n and_o all_o experience_n which_o speak_v the_o contrary_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o as_o we_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o god_n so_o be_v we_o at_o odds_n with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o affection_n be_v not_o more_o often_o mislead_v by_o our_o erroneous_a understanding_n than_o our_o understanding_n and_o right_a judgement_n be_v hale_v aside_o by_o our_o vicious_a affection_n what_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v himself_o but_o will_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o naturalibus_fw-la and_o moralibus_fw-la much_o more_o in_o spiritualibus_fw-la he_o may_v often_o say_v with_o medea_n video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la wherefore_o we_o reject_v this_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a inclination_n proper_o inherent_a in_o the_o affection_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o per_fw-la t●n●bras_fw-la mentis_fw-la through_o the_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n we_o detest_v this_o assertion_n as_o a_o fond_a and_o false_a imagination_n and_o we_o confess_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o even_o when_o we_o know_v allow_v of_o consent_n unto_o the_o goodness_n of_o 7._o the_o law_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o in_o part_n yet_o than_o we_o can_v always_o do_v what_o we_o will_v but_o through_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n be_v lead_v captive_a to_o disobedience_n their_o three_o error_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o the_o affection_n may_v be_v excitati_fw-la stir_v up_o and_o quicken_v with_o true_a love_n of_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_a before_o such_o time_n as_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v the_o arminian_n be_v wonderful_a obscure_a in_o explicate_v unto_o we_o their_o new_a invent_a opinion_n concern_v the_o excitation_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o they_o make_v the_o second_o work_n of_o grace_n precede_v man_n true_a conversion_n they_o tell_v we_o not_o in_o plain_a term_n what_o affection_n they_o mean_v nor_o yet_o what_o kind_n of_o excitation_n and_o vivification_n it_o be_v they_o will_v have_v wherefore_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v of_o both_o for_o affection_n or_o passion_n in_o man_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o sensual_a belong_v to_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o fantasy_n these_o be_v common_a to_o brute_n beast_n with_o we_o and_o arise_v from_o one_o like_a temper_n and_o constitution_n in_o both_o the_o object_n of_o these_o
faith_n or_o belief_n in_o general_a as_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a extent_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o civil_a or_o natural_a thing_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o special_a about_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o open_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o general_n will_v give_v much_o light_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o special_a consideration_n thereof_o therefore_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o first_o not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o improper_a acception_n of_o this_o word_n fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n or_o trustiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o speak_v bonafide_fw-la faithful_o or_o trust_o and_o in_o that_o exclamation_n vestram_fw-la fidem_fw-la etc._n etc._n sometime_o for_o argument_n or_o proof_n from_o reason_n or_o authority_n bring_v to_o breed_v belief_n in_o another_o which_o acception_n be_v usual_a in_o rhetoritian_n arist._n 1._o rhet._n c._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n quintil._n l._n 5._o cap._n 10._o haec_fw-la omne_fw-la argumenta_fw-la generaliter_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n etc._n etc._n faith_n or_o belief_n in_o the_o proper_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o matter_n a●_n be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n from_o another_o this_o definition_n agree_v to_o belief_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n the_o genus_fw-la i●_n assent_n the_o difference_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n whereto_o assent_n be_v yield_v and_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o understand_v only_o by_o another_o revelation_n both_o part_n will_v be_v plain_o understand_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o three_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n cognitionis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v incident_a unto_o man_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v scientia_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d knowledge_n proper_o so_o unica_fw-la call_v which_o be_v breed_v in_o we_o by_o the_o evident_a certainty_n of_o thing_n present_v unto_o our_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o understand_v such_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o evident_a and_o infallible_a reason_n or_o when_o we_o know_v such_o particular_n as_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n when_o they_o be_v right_o dispose_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v opinio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opinion_n a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n not_o clear_o present_v unto_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o apprehend_v thing_n in_o part_n and_o obscure_o so_o that_o we_o can_v absolute_o say_v it_o be_v this_o or_o it_o be_v that_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d belief_n which_o be_v a_o knowledge_n ground_v on_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o those_o thing_n whereof_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o evidence_n only_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o such_o and_o such_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v so_o these_o three_o divers_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o express_v in_o form_n of_o speech_n agreeable_a the_o first_o when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v so_o the_o second_o thus_o i_o think_v it_o be_v so_o the_o last_o in_o this_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o a_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o three_o apprehension_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o every_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v but_o more_o clear_o thus_o it_o stand_v 1._o knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v have_v evermore_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v know_v must_v be_v always_o apparent_a to_o the_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o sense_n by_o the_o proportionablenesse_n of_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o object_n and_o due_a application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o organ_n to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o reason_n shine_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherefore_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n be_v evermore_o evident_a and_o be_v thus_o evident_a and_o apparent_a the_o apprehension_n thereof_o in_o the_o subject_a by_o the_o sense_n and_o understanding_n must_v needs_o be_v clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a whence_o arise_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o firm_a and_o certain_a exclude_v all_o doubt_v whatsoever_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n moist_a the_o sun_n light_n that_o quicquid_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la vniversali_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la particulari_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la tertio_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la with_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n be_v evident_a make_v such_o a_o lively_a impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o clear_o discover_v their_o reasonableness_n to_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o strong_o assent_v unto_o their_o truth_n without_o all_o doubt_n 2._o opinion_n be_v contrary_a unto_o knowledge_n and_o always_o have_v uncertainetie_n in_o the_o subject_a and_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n attend_v on_o it_o for_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n uncertain_a and_o contingent_a whereof_o our_o best_a knowledge_n be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a conjecture_n as_o that_o a_o red_a evening_n and_o a_o gray_a morning_n shall_v bring_v a_o fair_a day_n again_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a enough_o and_o necessary_a yet_o unto_o we_o they_o will_v be_v but_o only_o probable_a and_o conjectural_a if_o either_o our_o sense_n through_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n perceive_v they_o not_o thorough_o or_o our_o understanding_n do_v not_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o for_o want_v of_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o our_o assent_n unto_o their_o truth_n will_v be_v always_o waver_v &_o doubtful_a without_o any_o fix_a determination_n to_o embrace_v any_o side_n resolve_o but_o so_o hold_v itself_o to_o that_o part_n which_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v most_o probable_a as_o that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o shift_v itself_o unto_o the_o other_o side_n when_o better_a reason_n shall_v be_v discover_v 3._o belief_n partly_o agree_v partly_o differ_v both_o from_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o partake_v but_o of_o one_o property_n namely_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_a though_o very_o variable_a but_o never_o of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n both_o shall_v appear_v unto_o you_o in_o order_n for_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n it_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o quâ_fw-la tale_n it_o be_v never_o evident_a to_o the_o believer_n for_o evident_a as_o i_o say_v before_o those_o thing_n only_o be_v which_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a quality_n and_o light_n work_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n or_o both_o now_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o believe_v but_o know_v as_o for_o instance_n what_o we_o see_v hear_v touch_n taste_n or_o smell_v by_o these_o sense_n orderly_o dispose_v we_o do_v not_o say_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o we_o know_v it_o as_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n cold_a he_o that_o relate_v unto_o i_o a_o accident_n that_o himself_o have_v see_v he_o know_v it_o but_o i_o that_o hear_v he_o do_v believe_v it_o again_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o manifest_a and_o infallible_a reason_n those_o also_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o astronomer_n foretell_v a_o eclipse_n to_o fall_v out_o a_o hundred_o year_n hence_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o he_o know_v this_o effect_n will_v ensue_v by_o the_o infallible_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o a_o unlearned_a man_n that_o find_v this_o in_o a_o ephemerides_n he_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n thereof_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o understanding_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n for_o thing_n believe_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v of_o thing_n past_a before_o we_o be_v and_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o get_v any_o knowledge_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v astronomical_a demonstration_n as_o be_v touch_v before_o or_o such_o physical_a effect_n as_o depend_v upon_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o their_o cause_n touch_v thing_n
it_o unless_o himself_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a revelation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a god-where_a he_o come_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n brightness_n and_o clearness_n imprint_v on_o those_o revelation_n that_o mortal_a mind_n be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o their_o divinity_n yea_o balaam_n himself_o though_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o to_o have_v know_v or_o believe_v those_o revelation_n that_o so_o unkind_o cross_v his_o hope_n of_o preferment_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o 2._o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o he_o utter_v his_o parable_n with_o this_o preface_n 4._o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n have_v say_v and_o the_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_a have_v say_v he_o have_v say_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a fall_v into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o that_o be_v at_o other_o time_n drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o furious_a motion_n of_o mind_n procure_v by_o spell_n &_o enchantment_n be_v now_o as_o forcible_o move_v 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bear_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o in_o this_o revelation_n make_v so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n and_o strong_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o balaam_n that_o the_o wizard_n etc._n can_v but_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v though_o it_o quite_o undo_v his_o own_o desire_n of_o greatness_n and_o balacks_n hope_n of_o victory_n whence_o also_o this_o rule_n follow_v general_o true_a that_o where_o the_o revelation_n be_v infallible_o know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v lie_n now_o we_o be_v further_o to_o note_n that_o upon_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v ground_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v usual_o style_v the_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n a_o gift_n proper_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n bestow_v then_o on_o many_o for_o the_o better_a establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o unbelieved_a gentile_n or_o jew_n though_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_v run_v large_o marc._n 16_o 17._o yet_o it_o seem_v not_o likely_a that_o every_o private_a true_a believer_n have_v this_o privilege_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d be_v preacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o among_o they_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o true_o faithful_a believer_n but_o to_o other_o also_o as_o appear_v by_o judas_n to_o who_o this_o power_n be_v give_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o matt._n 10_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o reprobate_n matt._n 7._o 22._o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o by_o thy_o name_n prophesy_v &_o c_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o work_v some_o miraculous_a effect_n be_v the_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n other_o motive_n there_o be_v further_o off_o as_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o god_n omnipotency_n the_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o christ_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n matt._n 17._o 20._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o to_o yonder_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o you_o but_o more_o special_o that_o large_a promise_n he_o make_v at_o his_o ascension_n mark_n 16._o 17._o 18._o and_n these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v but_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v assurance_n of_o perform_v this_o or_o that_o miraculous_a act_n without_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v they_o inward_o both_o touch_v the_o time_n when_o and_o matter_n wherein_o they_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o as_o all_o believer_n have_v not_o that_o power_n so_o such_o as_o have_v it_o can_v not_o do_v wonder_n when_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o please_v but_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o special_a warrant_n and_o direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n like_v unto_o peter_n who_o though_o a_o faithful_a believer_n yet_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o a_o miraculous_a attempt_n of_o walk_v dry-shod_a upon_o the_o water_n without_o a_o special_a word_n from_o christ_n bid_v of_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n matt._n 14._o 28._o 29._o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o this_o special_a direction_n cease_v and_o also_o miracle_n have_v no_o use_n unless_o for_o conversion_n of_o a_o country_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v never_o be_v preach_v this_o gift_n also_o be_v cease_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o revelation_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o other_o follow_v 2._o some_o mediate_v deliver_v from_o god_n by_o other_o unto_o we_o such_o be_v the_o answer_n &_o sermon_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n make_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n such_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o touch_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o may_v be_v know_v how_o far_o they_o must_v be_v believe_v you_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o difference_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n that_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n evident_a this_o to_o thing_n not-evident_a therefore_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v be_v general_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v diligent_o examine_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o thing_n or_o whether_o any_o at_o all_o that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n who_o make_v obscurity_n one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o open_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v evident_a to_o man_n understanding_n let_v these_o distinction_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 1._o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o three_o sort_n viz._n 1._o precept_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o in_o the_o high_a mystery_n thereof_o as_o of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n &c_n &c_n or_o in_o other_o inferior_a point_n of_o sanctification_n piety_n and_o moral_a practice_n and_o unto_o this_o head_n may_v be_v refer_v all_o such_o discourse_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o wind_n thunder_n etc._n etc._n 2._o history_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a and_o go_v as_o of_o the_o creation_n fall_v of_o man_n the_o flood_n etc._n etc._n 3._o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v hereafter_o whether_o they_o be_v mere_o prophetical_a or_o withal_o do_v contain_v some_o special_a promise_n or_o threaten_v concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o prediction_n be_v make_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a evidence_n 1._o one_o of_o the_o narration_n when_o it_o be_v make_v in_o word_n and_o sentence_n so_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a that_o the_o understanding_n conceive_v clear_o what_o the_o speaker_n or_o written_a mean_n 2._o another_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v relate_v when_o either_o our_o sense_n do_v plain_o perceive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n sensible_a or_o our_o understanding_n do_v manifest_o behold_v the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v only_o intelligible_a this_o distinction_n be_v most_o manifest_a in_o all_o discourse_n and_o special_o in_o mathematics_n where_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n or_o problem_n may_v be_v clear_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v before_o one_o jot_n of_o the_o demonstration_n be_v understand_v how_o and_o wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o man_n understanding_n in_o a_o twofold_a estate_n 1._o of_o natural_a corruption_n as_o it_o attain_v no_o further_a light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o that_o which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o learned_a education_n and_o painful_a study_n of_o humanity_n and_o divinity_n for_o such_o end_n as_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o 2._o of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o
not_o proper_o a_o assent_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o prove_v thus_o to_o assent_v or_o dissent_n be_v a_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o of_o the_o will_n if_o of_o the_o understanding_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n if_o of_o the_o will_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v goodness_n or_o evil_n for_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_v the_o case_n be_v manifest_a that_o it_o do_v never_o assent_v unto_o and_o allow_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n or_o dissent_v from_o and_o disallow_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o until_o there_o be_v knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o both_o for_o this_o approbation_n or_o reprobation_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o will_n can_v be_v without_o election_n nor_o election_n without_o forego_v deliberation_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v choose_v or_o refuse_v again_o for_o the_o understanding_n how_o can_v it_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n or_o dissent_n from_o the_o falsehood_n of_o such_o thing_n whereof_o it_o have_v no_o apprehension_n at_o all_o for_o so_o here_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n without_o a_o object_n at_o least_o a_o irrational_a act_n of_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o man_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n assent_n or_o dissent_v without_o understanding_n of_o whereto_o or_o from_o what_o be_v not_o a_o nonens_a the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o act_n and_o be_v not_o such_o a_o act_n more_o like_o the_o natural_a propension_n of_o senseless_a creature_n whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o unknown_a end_n than_o the_o judicial_a determination_n of_o a_o reasonable_a man_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v exceed_v reason_n yet_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o be_v not_o above_o our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o assent_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o forth_o rational_a that_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v yet_o we_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v then_o render_v when_o we_o understand_v that_o testimony_n and_o authority_n wherein_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o this_o only_o make_v our_o assent_n reasonable_a for_o as_o in_o scientifical_a knowledge_n and_o opinion_n the_o understanding_n never_o assent_v till_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v know_v either_o full_o or_o in_o part_n so_o in_o belief_n the_o understanding_n assent_v not_o till_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o relation_n or_o testimony_n be_v understand_v what_o that_o thing_n be_v distinct_o whereto_o it_o must_v assent_v in_o the_o two_o former_a we_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n from_o the_o thing_n itself_o know_v in_o the_o last_o we_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o every_o one_o our_o assent_n presuppose_v knowledge_n in_o the_o former_a of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o the_o late_a of_o the_o revelation_n wherefore_o that_o implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o ordinary_a papist_n who_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o teacher_n content_n himself_o that_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n in_o gross_a unto_o all_o what_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n &_o church_n tradition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a whilst_o yet_o he_o understand_v scarce_o any_o article_n of_o his_o religion_n distinct_o this_o their_o implicit_a assent_n be_v mere_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a contrary_n to_o the_o express_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 1._o command_v we_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o bid_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o bare_a answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o with_o a_o defence_n to_o every_o one_o that_o demand_v of_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o it_o will_v be_v know_v of_o the_o romish_a laiety_n what_o reason_n they_o can_v give_v for_o their_o faith_n what_o apology_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v for_o it_o when_o as_o they_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o scripture_n the_o only_a reason_n and_o defence_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o their_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o very_a unreasonable_a motion_n of_o a_o unintelligent_a beast_n that_o be_v order_v by_o his_o driver_n but_o understand_v not_o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n where_o particular_n be_v not_o know_v there_o may_v be_v a_o general_a kind_n of_o belief_n but_o this_o general_a belief_n be_v not_o a_o actual_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a thing_n reveal_v till_o that_o particular_a be_v know_v and_o understand_v actual_a assent_n to_o particular_a truth_n be_v then_o only_o when_o they_o be_v know_v and_o according_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n so_o this_o assent_n increase_v before_o there_o be_v this_o distinct_a knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o praeparatio_fw-la animi_fw-la a_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o yield_v assent_n to_o any_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v once_o know_v which_o though_o it_o be_v good_a when_o we_o can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o by_o reason_n of_o unavoidable_a ignorance_n yet_o to_o teach_v that_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v careless_a of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a where_o there_o be_v knowledge_n in_o part_n and_o when_o for_o the_o rest_n ignorance_n be_v see_v bewail_v and_o avoid_v by_o all_o earnest_a desire_n and_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o get_v knowledge_n in_o all_o point_n but_o it_o be_v monstrous_a flothfulnesse_n to_o be_v content_a with_o this_o that_o in_o general_a we_o believe_v all_o though_o we_o assent_v to_o nothing_o in_o particular_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o short_a cut_n to_o heaven_n if_o no_o more_o be_v require_v to_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o force_v upon_o one_o self_n such_o a_o resolution_n as_o this_o here_o be_v the_o bible_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o believe_v all_o that_o it_o say_v but_o for_o particular_n i_o will_v look_v no_o further_o let_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a look_n to_o that_o how_o far_o such_o a_o blind_a resolution_n be_v from_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n beside_o experience_n which_o testify_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o some_o thing_n do_v always_o much_o lament_v their_o ignorance_n and_o eager_o desire_v the_o increase_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o scripture_n also_o do_v abundant_o witness_v unto_o we_o wherein_o no_o exhortation_n more_o common_a than_o this_o unto_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o collosian_o col._n 2._o 2._o and_o for_o the_o corinthian_n he_o wish_v the_o like_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8._o 7._o how_o many_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v we_o find_v they_o have_v make_v for_o knowledge_n every_o where_o mention_v how_o often_o be_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n couple_v together_o joh._n 10._o 38._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 16._o etc._n etc._n yea_o many_o time_n confound_v and_o take_v one_o for_o the_o other_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 14._o esa._n 53_o ●1_n joh._n 17._o 3._o &c_n &c_n again_o this_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inward_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v the_o faithful_a when_o they_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v see_v for_o that_o purpose_n jer._n 31._o 33_o 34._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 10._o 12._o 2._o cor._n 4._o 6._o joh._n 14._o 21._o where_o christ_n promise_v to_o show_v himself_o visible_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o be_v knowledge_n a_o thing_n impossible_a or_o very_o difficult_a or_o unprofitable_a some_o pretence_n there_o be_v to_o plead_v for_o ignorance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o often_o command_v we_o when_o it_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o have_v when_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a in_o the_o have_v so_o dangerous_a to_o want_v it_o it_o be_v now_o impudence_n to_o patronize_v ignorance_n as_o a_o friend_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o man_n reason_n wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o shameless_a assertion_n of_o bellarmine_n de_fw-fr justif._n l._n c._n 5._o that_o faith_n may_v better_o be_v define_v by_o ignorance_n than_o by_o knowledge_n a_o pestilent_a conceit_n which_o once_o root_v in_o man_n breed_v in_o they_o a_o horrible_a contempt_n distaste_n and_o neglect_v of_o scripture_n and_o all_o religion_n as_o matter_n not_o possible_a nor_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v a_o gull_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n by_o the_o clergy_n thereby_o to_o excuse_v their_o own_o idleness_n in_o not_o teach_v they_o or_o to_o gain_v the_o