be_v find_v the_o safe_a to_o travel_v in_o man_n write_n be_v infinite_a their_o opinion_n changeable_a their_o resolution_n doubtful_a and_o if_o we_o begin_v there_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n at_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o it_o be_v hazard_n but_o we_o loose_a truth_n and_o ourselves_o among_o so_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o error_n heresy_n opinion_n conjecture_n quarrelsome_a contradiction_n dispute_n and_o brawl_a controversy_n as_o we_o shall_v meet_v withal_o who_o will_v be_v so_o trouble_v in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n thus_o weary_v and_o vex_v with_o endless_a and_o needless_a discourse_n which_o like_o the_o envious_a amalekite_n set_v upon_o we_o in_o our_o sore_a travel_n towards_o canaan_n assault_v the_o simplicity_n of_o our_o faith_n disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n by_o strange_a decision_n of_o doubtful_a case_n darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o shine_v dim_a through_o such_o paint_a glass_n and_o in_o brief_a mingle_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o noisome_a ingredient_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n sure_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v when_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o eccl._n v._n 12._o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o make_v of_o book_n and_o much_o read_n be_v a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n if_o we_o do_v we_o will_v hence_o learn_v to_o see_v a_o fault_n which_o a_o eager_a desire_n of_o learning_n not_o well_o guide_v draw_v upon_o we_o all_o that_o will_v be_v scholar_n a_o strange_a curiosity_n to_o pry_v into_o all_o book_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n think_v we_o never_o know_v the_o truth_n till_o we_o know_v what_o all_o man_n have_v say_v of_o it_o and_o be_v we_o certain_a than_o we_o have_v it_o it_o be_v somewhat_o if_o it_o be_v in_o learning_n as_o it_o be_v in_o bear_v of_o a_o burden_n where_o many_o weak_a man_n may_v bear_v that_o which_o one_o or_o few_o can_v but_o in_o the_o search_n of_o knowledge_n it_o fare_v as_o in_o descry_v a_o thing_n a_o far_o off_o where_o one_o quick_a sight_n will_v see_v further_o than_o a_o thousand_o clear_a eye_n it_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o compare_v of_o humane_a author_n for_o the_o scripture_n its_o certain_a that_o they_o alone_o without_o other_o help_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o direction_n in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o be_v our_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n of_o their_o excellent_a holiness_n and_o our_o head_n a_o little_a more_o acquaint_v with_o study_n and_o meditation_n therein_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o more_o light_n shine_v in_o this_o sun_n than_o in_o all_o the_o star_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v but_o borrow_v their_o light_n from_o hence_o for_o i_o own_o part_n i_o have_v always_o wonder_v at_o the_o discord_n between_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o divine_n who_o stiff_o and_o true_o maintain_v against_o the_o papist_n the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o heavenly_a instruction_n do_v yet_o in_o their_o private_a study_n condemn_v they_o of_o insufficiency_n bestow_v to_o say_v the_o least_o three_o part_n of_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o wearisome_a read_n of_o those_o huge_a volume_n of_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o writer_n for_o one_o part_v which_o they_o spend_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o love_v to_o seek_v gold_n among_o dross_n when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o ready_a try_v and_o purify_v to_o our_o hand_n yea_o pure_a as_o mettle_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n and_o fine_v seven_o time_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 12._o 6._o blame_v not_o my_o resolution_n to_o follow_v salomon_n admonition_n by_o these_o thing_n my_o son_n be_v admonish_v and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o live_v not_o to_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n ever_o speak_v loud_o enough_o if_o we_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v and_o plain_a enough_o if_o as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v we_o have_v our_o wit_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a you_o shall_v do_v i_o wrong_v to_o conceive_v any_o such_o meaning_n by_o my_o word_n as_o if_o i_o will_v dash_v out_o all_o write_n of_o man_n with_o one_o stroke_n or_o condemn_v all_o library_n to_o the_o fire_n a_o arrogant_a impiety_n it_o be_v so_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o man_n pain_n in_o writing_n and_o god_n providence_n in_o israelite_n preserve_v their_o book_n no._n i_o touch_v none_o but_o those_o who_o consult_v only_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n man_n like_o themselves_o out_o of_o who_o discourse_n they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o humane_a divinity_n make_v such_o to_o be_v pillar_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o helper_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o how_o likely_a it_o be_v to_o fail_v in_o time_n of_o trial_n i_o wish_v they_o to_o forecast_v betimes_o before_o they_o feel_v it_o too_o late_a among_o you_o my_o brethren_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o who_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n save_v than_o his_o fancy_n please_v and_o therefore_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v where_o god_n affirm_v to_o obey_v where_o he_o command_v without_o man_n authority_n to_o convince_v your_o reason_n or_o persuade_v your_o affection_n and_o if_o so_o i_o be_o ease_v of_o the_o most_o troublesome_a &_o least_o profitable_a toil_n the_o curious_a search_n and_o allegation_n of_o author_n which_o if_o you_o do_v expect_v you_o overburden_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v promise_v i_o shall_v belie_v my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o as_o i_o suppose_v your_o opinion_n of_o my_o meanness_n furthermore_o for_o deep_a speculation_n new-minted_a divinity_n or_o elder_a heresy_n bury_v in_o hell_n with_o their_o author_n or_o strange_a opinion_n hush_v up_o in_o silence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o wrong_a to_o imbroile_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o a_o auditory_a and_o to_o shake_v they_o with_o the_o unseasonable_a blast_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n before_o they_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o faith_n you_o must_v pardon_v i_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o this_o exercise_n most_o concern_v that_o be_v the_o yonguer_n in_o age_n and_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v beseech_v you_o belove_v and_o much_o respect_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o elder_a and_o strong_a in_o the_o lord_n stock_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o drive_v on_o in_o jacob_n pace_n so_o as_o i_o weary_a not_o nor_o leave_v behind_o the_o more_o tender_a lamb_n i_o dare_v say_v we_o may_v all_o at_o last_o come_v to_o canaan_n and_o yet_o break_v no_o company_n he_o that_o give_v to_o they_o that_o want_v take_v not_o away_o from_o they_o that_o have_v and_o you_o know_v that_o man_n may_v be_v nourish_v with_o milk_n though_o infant_n can_v live_v with_o strong_a meat_n finis_fw-la prologi_fw-la the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace._n and_o faith_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v brief_o comprise_v under_o these_o two_o head_n agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la do_v and_o believe_v which_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o make_v the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o all_o wholesome_a doctrine_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o epitome_n of_o love_n be_v the_o moral_a law_n brief_o contain_v in_o ten_o more_o brief_o in_o two_o precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o sum_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a deliver_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v short_o draw_v into_o that_o excellent_a compendium_n which_o we_o now_o use_v and_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o evangelicall_n doctrine_n both_o these_o faith_n and_o love_n have_v one_o common_a adversary_n satan_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o assault_v and_o whether_o more_o dangerous_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v they_o seem_v both_o to_o be_v embark_v together_o in_o the_o same_o bottom_n and_o if_o conscience_n suffer_v shipwreck_n faith_n sink_v too_o and_o if_o faith_n the_o most_o precious_a lade_n be_v throw_v overboard_o i_o doubt_v how_o charity_n will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o save_a voyage_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o mariner_n attempt_v a_o escape_n in_o their_o dangerous_a passage_n so_o i_o of_o those_o except_o 〈◊〉_d they_o abide_v in_o the_o ship_n ve_fw-la can_v be_v save_v and_o you_o may_v observe_v it_o equal_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o heretic_n virtuous_a or_o a_o atheistical_a vicious_a liver_n a_o true_a believer_n wherefore_o the_o devil_n care_v not_o much_o where_o he_o begin_v his_o battery_n yet_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v
show_v what_o he_o intend_v effectual_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v but_o yet_o here_o they_o urge_v further_o how_o can_v god_n in_o justice_n command_v unto_o a_o man_n by_o his_o word_n the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o he_o without_o the_o inward_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n deny_v this_o inward_a grace_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v god_n justice_n will_v herein_o be_v as_o free_v from_o accusation_n of_o tyranny_n as_o before_o his_o truth_n be_v from_o falsehood_n and_o collusion_n god_n may_v without_o blemish_n to_o his_o justice_n command_v man_n to_o perform_v his_o duty_n although_o he_o have_v now_o no_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o because_o once_o he_o have_v strength_n and_o he_o have_v now_o lose_v it_o yea_o will_v they_o say_v that_o be_v true_a do_v not_o two_o thing_n hinder_v 1._o man_n indeed_o have_v strength_n and_o have_v lose_v it_o but_o how_o himself_o do_v not_o decoquere_fw-la wasteful_o spend_v his_o patrimony_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o sin_v abolish_v the_o image_n of_o god_n within_o he_o but_o god_n for_o a_o punishment_n of_o his_o fault_n do_v by_o a_o immediate_a act_n take_v away_o his_o original_a ability_n and_o it_o be_v then_o as_o great_a injustice_n in_o god_n to_o command_v we_o conversion_n faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o himself_o have_v take_v away_o our_o ability_n whereby_o we_o shall_v perform_v it_o as_o for_o a_o judge_n after_o he_o have_v put_v out_o a_o offender_n eye_n yet_o to_o command_v he_o under_o pain_n of_o further_a punishment_n to_o read_v such_o a_o book_n if_o he_o have_v put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o case_n have_v be_v otherwise_o the_o judge_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o his_o fact_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a god_n for_o our_o sin_n have_v deprive_v we_o of_o his_o image_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v his_o will_n without_o new_a strength_n restore_v unto_o we_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v though_o this_o deprivation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o happen_v through_o our_o merit_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o case_n how_o harsh_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o yet_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o unjust_o to_o command_v we_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o those_o ability_n restore_v which_o himself_o for_o our_o transgression_n have_v take_v from_o we_o and_o will_v not_o give_v we_o again_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o that_o one_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n the_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v require_v of_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o affirm_v that_o god_n give_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o all_o that_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o which_o they_o have_v in_o adam_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v do_v further_o that_o god_n may_v just_o command_v what_o man_n can_v perform_v be_v manifest_a by_o god_n command_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v the_o israelite_n go_v which_o yet_o pharaoh_n can_v not_o do_v for_o god_n himself_o harden_v his_o heart_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v they_o depart_v 2._o when_o god_n command_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n here_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v that_o man_n never_o have_v strength_n in_o adam_n to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o if_o god_n do_v require_v a_o new_a duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o afford_v new_a strength_n because_o by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o lose_v he_o be_v never_o enable_v to_o do_v it_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o affirm_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n legal_a and_o evangelicall_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o adam_n in_o innocency_n and_o of_o man_n since_o his_o fall_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o grace_n one_o and_o the_o same_o viz._n credence_n and_o confidence_n of_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o the_o use_n and_o in_o the_o particular_a object_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o that_o point_n of_o faith_n now_o adam_n be_v command_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o believe_v his_o creator_n whether_o reveal_v or_o to_o be_v reveal_v and_o have_v ability_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v of_o he_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o we_o also_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o so_o the_o moral_a law_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o soon_o as_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o this_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o god_n may_v require_v it_o of_o we_o because_o we_o have_v power_n once_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v lose_v god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o restore_v 2._o reason_n if_o the_o word_n at_o any_o time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v of_o itself_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o the_o â—avour_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n which_o only_o put_v life_n unto_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v affirm_v for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v only_o our_o fault_n that_o the_o word_n prove_v the_o â—avour_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o word_n be_v never_o of_o itself_o the_o â—avour_n of_o death_n no_o not_o then_o when_o it_o be_v without_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o reject_v those_o assertion_n as_o utter_o erroneous_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v preach_v unto_o some_o to_o damn_v they_o or_o with_o this_o intent_n to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o publish_v with_o any_o such_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o english_a divine_n in_o the_o synod_n be_v it_o â—ound_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v refuse_v to_o convert_v shall_v be_v make_v more_o inexcusable_a neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ea_fw-la singi_fw-la potest_fw-la homines_fw-la reddere_fw-la inexcusabiles_fw-la per_fw-la verbum_fw-la &_o spiritum_fw-la vocatio_fw-la quae_fw-la eo_fw-la tantum_fw-la fine_a exhibetur_fw-la ut_fw-la reddat_fw-la inexcusabiles_fw-la no_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n the_o end_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v to_o show_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o that_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v man_n shall_v perform_v and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n be_v always_o in_o itself_o most_o good_a and_o excellent_a nor_o do_v it_o vary_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n whether_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v with_o it_o or_o no._n for_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o the_o word_n to_o put_v life_n into_o it_o but_o it_o work_v upon_o our_o soul_n to_o put_v life_n into_o they_o so_o that_o whether_o our_o heart_n be_v sanctify_v or_o not_o sanctify_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o word_n it_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n lie_v in_o the_o effect_n where_o the_o heart_n be_v sanctify_v there_o the_o word_n be_v hear_v with_o obedience_n where_o it_o be_v not_o sanctify_v there_o it_o be_v hear_v and_o disobey_v but_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v mere_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n not_o any_o jot_n from_o the_o word_n the_o 13._o preach_v whereof_o be_v good_a and_o to_o a_o good_a intent_n but_o unto_o some_o it_o become_v hurtful_a not_o because_o the_o word_n hurt_v they_o but_o they_o hurt_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sinnefulnesse_n leave_v themselves_o inexcusable_a in_o their_o fault_n and_o aggravate_v their_o damnation_n by_o wilful_a disobedience_n the_o word_n be_v neither_o dead_a nor_o deadly_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o by_o our_o sin_n against_o the_o word_n slay_v ourselves_o 3._o reason_n if_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o destitute_a of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o not_o believe_v and_o be_v convert_v by_o that_o which_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o convert_v as_o the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o but_o that_o be_v injustice_n so_o to_o do_v etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la to_o this_o slight_a argument_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o default_n of_o man_n not_o believe_a and_o convert_v be_v not_o through_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v only_o to_o tell_v they_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o this_o the_o word_n do_v full_o and_o sufficient_o if_o they_o obey_v not_o
atheistical_a to_o deny_v his_o truth_n or_o strange_o subtle_a to_o shift_v it_o off_o from_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v press_v with_o it_o in_o particular_a but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n have_v overshadow_a the_o soul_n sanctify_v all_o the_o power_n thereof_o throughout_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o see_v how_o it_o stoop_v to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v then_o a_o singular_a harmony_n between_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o word_n this_o food_n of_o spiritual_a life_n relish_v as_o sweet_a and_o savoury_a unto_o the_o soul_n as_o milk_n to_o infant_n or_o strong_a meat_n to_o able_a and_o healthy_a man_n regeneration_n have_v restore_v health_n unto_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o have_v recover_v a_o true_a taste_n of_o the_o lord_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n whence_o follow_v a_o constant_a appetite_n thereunto_o asmuch_o as_o unto_o corporal_a nourishment_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 1._o 2._o 3._o hence_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o conceive_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o word_n it_o see_v now_o nothing_o so_o reasonable_a excellent_a as_o the_o wisdom_n thereof_o it_o behold_v nothing_o â—o_o terrible_a as_o god_n threat_n nothing_o so_o lovely_a as_o his_o favour_n it_o see_v no_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n comparable_a to_o grace_n no_o pleasure_n like_o unto_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n it_o comprehend_v a_o end_n of_o all_o other_o perfection_n but_o the_o further_a it_o look_v into_o god_n law_n the_o deep_a wonder_n it_o discern_v it_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o read_v vanity_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o strange_a folly_n in_o man_n desire_n of_o they_o and_o now_o it_o count_v no_o preferment_n any_o whit_n comparable_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n it_o have_v now_o real_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o conceive_v of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o of_o a_o work_n to_o be_v do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o business_n to_o be_v discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o judge_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v displease_v and_o that_o the_o regard_n of_o save_v a_o man_n soul_n must_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o importunate_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n that_o will_v press_v in_o upon_o we_o be_v thus_o enlighten_v and_o inward_o touch_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n present_o put_v it_o whole_o upon_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n truth_n reveal_v it_o stretch_v forth_o the_o arm_n of_o her_o strong_a confidence_n &_o affiance_n unto_o every_o branch_n of_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v absolute_o and_o without_o all_o limitation_n the_o truth_n goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v therein_o it_o believe_v what_o it_o know_v and_o as_o it_o can_v where_o it_o be_v ignorant_a it_o pray_v for_o knowledge_n where_o weak_a it_o sue_v for_o strength_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n where_o stubborn_a it_o offer_v itself_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v bow_v or_o break_v if_o he_o please_v count_v it_o now_o a_o happy_a thing_n to_o be_v cross_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o at_o every_o by-turning_a with_o some_o reproof_n or_o chastisement_n let_v he_o chide_v or_o strike_v it_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o without_o quarrel_v dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o case_n take_v all_o with_o a_o benedictus_fw-la dominus_fw-la etc._n etc._n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o minister_n and_o bless_v be_v their_o counsel_n who_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o commit_v this_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n when_o thus_o the_o heart_n be_v soften_v and_o sanctify_a then_o and_o not_o before_o be_v wrought_v that_o habitual_a grace_n and_o bless_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o we_o call_v true_a faith_n whereby_o the_o creature_n be_v willing_a to_o resign_v up_o its_o understanding_n desire_n affection_n thought_n word_n work_n and_o all_o to_o the_o dispose_n of_o his_o creator_n in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o by_o his_o reveal_v will_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v make_v know_v believe_v certain_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n it_o be_v best_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n this_o for_o cause_n of_o true_a faith_n next_o follow_v 2._o the_o object_n of_o this_o particular_a faith_n which_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n contain_v all_o history_n doctrine_n command_n threaten_n promise_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o 2._o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o one_o word_n we_o call_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v needful_a thus_o to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n because_o although_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infuse_a grace_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o respect_v both_o forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o same_o sacred_a habit_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v both_o the_o whole_a and_o each_o part_n of_o god_n will_n be_v it_o in_o itself_o more_o or_o less_o excellent_a or_o more_o or_o less_o needful_a to_o we_o nevertheless_o faith_n as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o these_o object_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n admit_v of_o divers_a consideration_n name_n and_o use_n faith_n as_o it_o assent_v to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o i_o call_v legal_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o virtue_n as_o be_v immediate_o require_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v forasmuch_o as_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n to_o give_v full_a assent_n and_o affiance_n to_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o god_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o all_o other_o moral_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o their_o degree_n as_o part_n of_o our_o outward_a obedience_n and_o inward_a sanctity_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n command_v as_o 〈◊〉_d principal_a grace_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o prime_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o first_o commandment_n and_o so_o faith_n in_o this_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v save_v namely_o as_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v because_o require_v in_o their_o measure_n as_o needful_a to_o salvation_n faith_n as_o it_o assent_v unto_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o grace_n i_o call_v evangelicall_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o object_n thereof_o be_v not_o reveal_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v call_v also_o proper_o save_v and_o justify_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n it_o now_o have_v through_o god_n gracious_a appointment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ._n in_o which_o distinction_n between_o legal_a &_o evangelicall_n faith_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o two_o distinct_a habit_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o one_o gracious_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n dispose_v it_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o innocent_a adam_n with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o regenerate_a man_n the_o difference_n stand_v only_o herein_o 1._o in_o the_o degree_n adam_n faith_n be_v perfect_a because_o his_o understanding_n be_v full_o enlighten_v and_o his_o affection_n absolute_o conformable_a to_o all_o holiness_n we_o know_v but_o little_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o inward_a weakness_n believe_v but_o weak_o what_o we_o do_v know_v 2._o in_o the_o original_a in_o adam_n it_o be_v natural_a by_o creation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v supernatural_a from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n infusion_n 3._o in_o the_o particular_a object_n adam_n believe_v god_n without_o reference_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n we_o believe_v chief_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n with_o some_o relation_n to_o he_o here_o then_o be_v no_o new_a faith_n but_o a_o new_a object_n of_o faith_n not_o reveal_v unto_o adam_n whereto_o our_o faith_n be_v now_o direct_v and_o here_o be_v also_o a_o singular_a privilege_n new_o grant_v unto_o faith_n that_o god_n accept_v it_o to_o our_o justification_n in_o his_o sight_n otherwise_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o grace_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n a_o part_n of_o god_n image_n give_v he_o by_o creation_n and_o be_v in_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o image_n restore_v by_o regeneration_n so_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o question_n whether_o justify_v faith_n be_v command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_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 hesâ—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 general_a how_o deep_a the_o eye_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v pierce_v into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o then_o see_v in_o brief_a how_o far_o man_n who_o invention_n be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n have_v proceed_v therein_o concern_v the_o first_o you_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o two_o chief_a branch_n 1._o all_o divine_a truth_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o way_n of_o spiritual_a contemplation_n and_o assent_n and_o the_o summary_n of_o these_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o in_o general_n declare_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v touch_v god_n as_o creator_n in_o the_o first_o article_n redeemer_n in_o the_o rest_n 2._o all_o divine_a and_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o the_o brief_a whereof_o be_v in_o the_o decalogue_n describe_v unto_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o 1._o piety_n in_o god_n worship_n 2._o of_o charity_n in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n within_o these_o bound_n we_o must_v seek_v for_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n which_o we_o will_v do_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o redeemer_n touch_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o position_n as_o infallible_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o most_o industrious_a use_n of_o 1._o all_o nature_n help_n attain_v unto_o any_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 this_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o the_o scripture_n whole_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o 12._o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o utter_o deny_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o any_o of_o the_o great_a or_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n yea_o unto_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o agreeable_a to_o good_a reason_n which_o forbid_v to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n fall_v &_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o adam_n in_o his_o perfection_n never_o have_v knowledge_n of_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o redeemer_n with_o all_o the_o dependence_n thereupon_o as_o adam_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o so_o be_v he_o before_o his_o fall_n utter_o ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o have_v so_o remain_v forever_o if_o god_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o which_o revelation_n though_o make_v to_o adam_n when_o we_o be_v in_o his_o loin_n yet_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v general_n and_o deriveable_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n as_o the_o first_o connaturall_a and_o imprint_v knowledge_n be_v but_o particular_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o adam_n and_o so_o many_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o though_o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n do_v instruct_v his_o child_n and_o they_o they_o for_o some_o descent_n in_o this_o mystery_n yet_o wickedness_n 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
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d root_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o undoubted_a persuasion_n of_o this_o 23._o truth_n we_o be_v all_o very_o backward_o in_o this_o study_n and_o that_o be_v one_o argument_n the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o our_o wretched_a sinfulness_n can_v brook_v they_o and_o again_o we_o be_v very_o dull_a of_o understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v also_o a_o good_a proof_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o most_o divine_a understanding_n because_o our_o natural_a wit_n be_v sharp_a enough_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o comprehend_v not_o these_o mystery_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o let_v we_o be_v persuade_v with_o prayer_n in_o humility_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ._n search_v the_o scripture_n &_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o king_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o set_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o head_n of_o our_o study_n therein_o lay_v a_o sure_a groundwork_n of_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n follow_v this_o course_n we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o expect_v a_o full_a resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n and_o experience_n will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v it_o manifest_a a_o most_o sure_a word_n as_o s._n peter_n call_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o whereon_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o word_n be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n and_o that_o god_n who_o in_o the_o creation_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n shine_v also_o into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v constant_a in_o our_o religious_a profession_n while_o we_o live_v and_o also_o unconquerable_a in_o our_o spiritual_a consolation_n when_o we_o be_v to_o die_v hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o strength_n of_o taiths_n assent_n be_v build_v namely_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o divine_a revelatinos_n i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o next_o two_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellent_a worth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o be_v not_o toy_n &_o tristes_fw-la matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o god_n propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v embrace_v &_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o we_o hos._n 8._o 12._o a_o law_n that_o be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n a_o testimony_n that_o be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a statute_n that_o be_v right_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n commandment_n that_o be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n judgement_n that_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o what_o man_n desire_v most_o than_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a than_o the_o heny_n that_o drop_v from_o the_o best_a honey_n comb_n as_o the_o holy_a prophet_n david_n ps._n 19_o 7._o etc._n etc._n most_o emphatical_o amplify_v the_o dignity_n &_o worth_n of_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v in_o his_o time_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n since_o than_o we_o have_v a_o large_a increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n the_o gospel_n full_o reveal_v and_o write_v for_o our_o benefit_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n &_o that_o in_o a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n v_o 10._o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a mystery_n col._n 1._o â—7_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o all_o both_o law_n &_o gospel_n old_a &_o new_a testament_n be_v full_a of_o admirable_a perfection_n goodness_n &_o excellency_n in_o themselves_o and_o towards_o we_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o scripture_n shall_v live_v in_o they_o if_o he_o do_v they_o not_o then_o curse_v be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o bâ—oke_n to_o fulfil_v they_o again_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mar._n 16._o 16._o no_o less_o matter_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n than_o blessing_n and_o curse_v salvation_n and_o damnation_n grace_n &_o sin_n god_n favour_n and_o his_o displeasure_n heaven_n and_o hell_n now_o lay_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n together_o there_o be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o speak_n of_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o or_o that_o can_v bear_v any_o proportion_n of_o worth_n &_o greatness_n with_o they_o wherefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o forceable_a motive_n unto_o we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n that_o we_o fasten_v our_o faith_n upon_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o strength_n and_o steadfastness_n not_o bare_o and_o slight_o pass_v they_o over_o as_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o deep_a &_o most_o attentive_a meditation_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o â—xedulous_a and_o apprehensive_a man_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n that_o may_v concern_v they_o in_o their_o name_n good_n or_o life_n every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o they_o fear_v or_o hope_n for_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v scarce_a any_o thing_n will_v '_o work_n upon_o we_o we_o heed_v not_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v promise_n or_o threaten_n exhortation_n or_o admonition_n all_o be_v one_o to_o we_o we_o pass_v little_a for_o one_o or_o other_o but_o as_o the_o iâ—â—es_n of_o old_a we_o count_v these_o thing_n as_o strange_a matter_n that_o little_o concern_v us._n naturally_n we_o be_v all_o atheist_n &_o insidel_n and_o that_o of_o saluian_a be_v true_a even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o us._n omma_n a_o mamus_fw-la 5._o omne_fw-la colimus_fw-la solus_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o comparatione_fw-la omnium_fw-la deus_fw-la vilis_fw-la est_fw-la we_o can_v study_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o can_v love_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n &_o goodness_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o religion_n be_v far_o from_o any_o through_o apprehension_n of_o the_o excellency_n &_o worth_n thereof_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v sleight_n and_o vanish_v our_o affection_n towards_o it_o cold_a and_o force_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o near_o to_o a_o fancy_n &_o weak_a imagination_n than_o a_o well_o ground_a faith_n wherefore_o let_v we_o henceforth_o value_v divine_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o better_v to_o we_o then_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o the_o world_n have_v in_o high_a account_n hence_o shall_v we_o gather_v strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o zealous_a affection_n the_o last_o ground_n remain_v whereupon_o the_o firmness_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o assent_n stand_v and_o that_o be_v the_o manifest_a experience_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o believe_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o commendation_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o can_v believe_v before_o &_o against_o experience_n and_o abraham_n faith_n be_v herein_o a_o glorious_a pattern_n to_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v strong_o the_o promise_n when_o for_o a_o long_a time_n he_o find_v but_o small_a performance_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o his_o life_n but_o general_o faith_n be_v but_o weak_a till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o experience_n this_o give_v it_o life_n make_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n strong_a in_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n see_v this_o in_o a_o example_n or_o two_o 1_o sam._n 30._o we_o find_v david_n &_o his_o man_n in_o great_a distress_n for_o the_o loss_n they_o have_v sustain_v at_o zâ—klaâ—_n david_n sorrow_n as_o well_o as_o his_o servant_n &_o his_o loss_n be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o pacific_a they_o david_n be_v their_o captain_n and_o they_o think_v this_o nuthap_n come_v by_o his_o fault_n so_o in_o their_o rage_n they_o intend_v to_o stone_n he_o what_o shall_v david_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o furious_a multitude_n slight_a or_o resistance_n can_v help_v he_o see_v how_o his_o faith_n help_v he_o out_o in_o this_o exigent_n he_o be_v now_o in_o danger_n but_o he_o have_v be_v in_o as_o great_a many_o a_o time_n before_o and_o very_o narrow_o have_v he_o escape_v the_o snare_n that_o saul_n and_o his_o courtier_n have_v lay_v for_o his_o life_n but_o god_n deliver_v he_o there_o and_o