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reason_n authority_n believe_v church_n 6,044 5 5.1817 4 true
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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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certain_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n his_o answer_n will_v be_v because_o the_o church_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v what_o be_v not_o of_o god_n have_v infallible_o decree_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v against_o which_o impious_a doctrine_n we_o except_v and_o say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v either_o into_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o at_o the_o further_a but_o only_o into_o humane_a authority_n 1_o that_o be_v resolve_v into_o just_a nothing_o but_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n like_o a_o mill-horse_n for_o ask_v a_o roman_a catholic_a why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o pope_n can_v err_v his_o answer_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o tue_fw-la petrus_n etc._n etc._n and_o oravipro_fw-la te_fw-la ne_fw-la deficiat_fw-la side_n tua_fw-la and_o sum_n umb_v scum_n ad_fw-la consummationem_fw-la sacul_n with_o such_o other_o place_n but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o those_o place_n be_v scripture_n 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vindiciae_fw-la gratiae_n a_o plea_n for_o grace._n more_o especial_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a lecture_n as_o touch_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace._n and_o faith_n wherein_o among_o other_o matter_n of_o great_a use_n the_o main_a sinew_n of_o arminius_n doctrine_n be_v cut_v asunder_o deliver_v by_o that_o late_a learned_a and_o godly_a man_n william_n pemble_n in_o magdalen_n hall_n in_o oxford_n aug_n de_fw-fr grat._n &_o lib._n arbitr_n cap._n 16._o certum_fw-la est_fw-la nos_fw-la velle_fw-la cum_fw-la volumus_fw-la sed_fw-la ille_fw-la facit_fw-la ut_fw-la velimus_fw-la bonum_fw-la certum_fw-la est_fw-la nos_fw-la facere_fw-la cum_fw-la facimus_fw-la sed_fw-la ille_fw-la facit_fw-la ut_fw-la faciamus_fw-la praebendo_fw-la vires_fw-la efficacissimas_fw-la voluntati_fw-la london_n print_v by_o r._n young_a for_o i._o bartlet_n at_o the_o golden_a cup_n in_o cheapside_n 1627._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a nathanael_n stephen_n esquire_n grace_n 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the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v they_o know_v the_o writing_n and_o preach_v of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n partly_o by_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v the_o lively_a power_n and_o work_v whereof_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a then_o feel_v partly_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o prophetical_a office_n partly_o by_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o their_o prophecy_n of_o which_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o their_o prophecy_n we_o have_v a_o general_a rule_n set_v down_o deut._n 18._o 18._o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v pur_fw-mi my_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o i_o command_v he_o 19_o and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o 20._o but_o the_o prophet_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o my_o name_n which_o i_o have_v not_o command_v he_o to_o speak_v or_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n even_o the_o same_o prophet_n shall_v die_v 2d_o and_o if_o thou_o think_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n hathnot_v speak_v 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n also_o the_o preach_n and_o write_v of_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o their_o time_n 2_o touch_v the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v now_o complete_o deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o write_v how_o can_v it_o evident_o and_o infallible_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o what_o we_o find_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n not_o man_n invention_n in_o the_o solution_n of_o this_o question_n our_o adversary_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o we_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n differ_v irreconcilable_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o themselves_o they_o maintain_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n by_o any_o other_o argument_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o say_v they_o do_v infallible_o propose_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o ask_v a_o roman_a catholic_a wherefore_o do_v you_o
we_o affirm_v that_o for_o that_o other_o general_a faith_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n this_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o catholic_a so_o he_o still_o have_v it_o in_o part_n now_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o believe_v matter_n of_o religion_n before_o his_o heresy_n by_o the_o same_o he_o believe_v they_o afterward_o and_o those_o that_o be_v heretic_n indeed_o or_o such_o who_o we_o style_v by_o that_o name_n let_v they_o be_v ask_v why_o they_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v answer_v true_o and_o resolute_o they_o believe_v they_o because_o of_o god_n authority_n that_o have_v reveal_v they_o in_o his_o word_n and_o for_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o dissent_v can_v they_o be_v persuade_v the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v the_o contrary_a they_o will_v for_o the_o same_o authority_n sake_n believe_v the_o contrary_n the_o jesuite_n be_v yet_o urgent_a upon_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n believe_v god_n authority_n but_o doubt_n of_o it_o we_o tell_v he_o again_o that_o be_v a_o foul_a slander_n and_o more_o than_o he_o can_v make_v good_a yes_o that_o he_o will_v by_o a_o distinction_n too_o god_n authority_n consider_v abstractiuè_n in_o itself_o so_o indeed_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o but_o god_n authority_n consider_v practicé_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o we_o admit_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o follow_v our_o own_o fantasy_n ibid._n §_o 7._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o pass_v very_o little_a to_o be_v judge_v infidel_n upon_o such_o a_o ground_n because_o we_o call_v in_o question_n the_o suppose_a infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o such_o straight_a relation_n between_o her_o authority_n and_o god_n authority_n that_o if_o we_o call_v she_o in_o question_n we_o must_v needs_o doubt_v of_o he_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v any_o infallible_a authority_n of_o judge_v and_o interpret_n they_o no_o one_o man_n nor_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o usurp_v such_o authority_n over_o our_o faith_n and_o let_v the_o truth_n be_v judge_v who_o be_v the_o great_a insidell_n calvinist_n and_o lutheran_n that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n authority_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o popish_a catholic_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o for_o man_n say_v thus_o you_o have_v this_o second_o reason_n somewhat_o large_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o adversary_n call_v justify_v be_v in_o devil_n and_o ungodly_a man_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o that_o justify_v faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o appropriate_v unto_o the_o elect_n tit._n 1._o 1._o here_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a shift_n our_o adversary_n make_v to_o run_v unto_o that_o poor_a distinction_n of_o fides_n formata_fw-la and_o 15._o informis_fw-la namely_o that_o faith_n may_v exist_v two_o way_n 1._o ut_fw-la est_fw-la conjuncta_fw-la cum_fw-la charitate_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o homine_fw-la iusto_fw-la and_o then_o faith_n be_v call_v formata_fw-la &_o viva_fw-la because_o charity_n be_v vita_fw-la animae_fw-la in_o this_o case_n faith_n can_v elicere_fw-la operationes_fw-la vitales_fw-la seu_fw-la aeternae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la moritorias_fw-la gal._n 5._o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n 2._o ut_fw-la est_fw-la separata_fw-la à_fw-la charitate_fw-la quod_fw-la fit_a in_o homine_fw-la peccatore_fw-la qui_fw-la amissa_fw-la per_fw-la peccatum_fw-la mortale_fw-la charitate_fw-la retinet_fw-la fidem_fw-la quamdin_fw-fr catholicus_n est_fw-fr this_o faith_n be_v call_v informis_fw-la &_o mortu●_n nec_fw-la potest_fw-la habere_fw-la operationes_fw-la vitales_fw-la seu_fw-la meritorias_fw-la jam._n 2._o 17._o i'faith_o if_o it_o have_v no_o work_n be_v dead_a in_o itself_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n becan_n tom_fw-mi 3._o cap._n 10._o §_o 4._o 5._o 6._o thus_o they_o will_v have_v the_o quality_n and_o proper_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o reprobate_a man_n and_o devil_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v they_o no_o good_a because_o it_o be_v without_o charity_n faith_n without_o work_n may_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n justify_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n upon_o god_n authority_n but_o yet_o it_o justify_v not_o because_o it_o be_v without_o work_n hereunto_o we_o reply_v that_o in_o this_o distinction_n there_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n nor_o yet_o of_o reasonable_a sense_n thus_o much_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v according_a to_o st._n james._n a_o kind_n of_o ●aith_n without_o work_n namely_o a_o general_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o call_v justify_v faith_n without_o work_n be_v of_o one_o kind_n faith_n with_o work_n be_v of_o another_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o consequent_a because_o one_o have_v work_n the_o other_o have_v not_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o proper_a nature_n because_o the_o quality_n and_o act_n of_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o quality_n and_o act_n of_o the_o other_o wherefore_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v sometime_o with_o sometime_o without_o charity_n justify_v faith_n be_v never_o without_o charity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v be_v not_o justify_v unto_o that_o conceit_n that_o charity_n be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n we_o say_v it_o be_v metaphysical_a and_o such_o as_o no_o good_a construction_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o he_o say_v charity_n be_v vita_fw-la animae_fw-la he_o will_v say_v vita_fw-la fidei_fw-la but_o take_v his_o meaning_n faith_n live_v by_o charity_n as_o the_o body_n by_o the_o form_n or_o soul_n here_o 1._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o make_v one_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o form_n of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o temperance_n be_v the_o form_n of_o liberality_n each_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v distinguish_v by_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o action_n and_o this_o the_o schooleman_n cap._n 18._o quaest_n 2._o §_o 3._o grant_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n 2._o how_o do_v faith_n live_v by_o charity_n we_o say_v it_o live_v with_o charity_n as_o its_o fellow-grace_n not_o by_o charity_n as_o its_o soul_n we_o say_v without_o charity_n it_o be_v dead_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o charity_n that_o give_v it_o life_n the_o jes●it_n say_v it_o do_v for_o be_v join_v with_o it_o faith_n can_v elicere_fw-la vitales_fw-la operationes_fw-la perform_v vital_a act_n yea_o but_o what_o be_v these_o action_n faith_n have_v but_o two_o act_n 1._o proper_a and_o immediate_a viz._n credere_fw-la seu_fw-la assentiri_fw-la 2._o by_o consequent_a justificare_fw-la neither_o of_o these_o come_v from_o charity_n even_o by_o these_o man_n own_o doctrine_n not_o the_o first_o for_o catholic_n without_o charity_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o god_n authority_n sake_n not_o the_o second_o for_o to_o justify_v in_o the_o popish_a sense_n be_v to_o sanctify_v of_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v a_o good_a now_o how_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o say_v faith_n by_o charity_n justify_v i._n e._n faith_n by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n sanctify_v we_o or_o take_v charity_n for_o the_o act_n not_o the_o habit_n faith_n by_o good_a work_n of_o prayer_n fast_v almsdeed_n etc._n etc._n sanctify_v we_o both_o these_o be_v senseless_a proposition_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n i._n e._n love_v god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o do_v good_a work_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o make_v good_a of_o bad_a but_o be_v thereby_o sanctify_a already_o it_o be_v true_a that_o faith_n be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n or_o inherent_a grace_n and_o charity_n be_v another_o but_o neither_o do_v faith_n sanctify_v by_o charity_n nor_o charity_n by_o faith_n but_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o both_o together_o if_o there_o by_o any_o other_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v name_v the_o gloss_n which_o the_o jesuit_n add_v whereby_o he_o interprete_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o vital_a operation_n viz._n aeternae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la meritorias_fw-la such_o as_o deserve_v eternal_a life_n carry_v with_o it_o as_o absurd_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o other_o thus_o charity_n be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n charity_n make_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v meritorious_a s●il_n our_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n or_o our_o good_a
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 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
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
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
not_o book-learned_a do_v conceive_v to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o must_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a because_o man_n be_v careless_a be_v the_o bible_n a_o hard_a book_n because_o common_a people_n understand_v it_o not_o in_o latin_a be_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o darksome_a and_o intricate_a because_o one_o man_n understand_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o another_o do_v or_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n perceive_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prophecy_n which_o the_o next_o age_n may_v clear_o understand_v these_o be_v weak_a inference_n and_o such_o as_o can_v overturn_v our_o first_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o all_o doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o narration_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n bad_a and_o good_a for_o what_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v name_v that_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o understand_v i_o say_v not_o by_o a_o learned_a or_o godly_a but_o even_o by_o any_o man_n what_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v plain_o find_v out_o what_o text_n of_o doctrine_n whereof_o some_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v out_o may_v not_o all_o understand_v what_o one_o do_v yea_o take_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n life_n everlasting_a regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o obscure_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n any_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o common_a unto_o the_o unregenerate_a for_o charity_n though_o it_o can_v wish_v yet_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o to_o write_v or_o preach_v sound_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o man_n true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n experience_n and_o reason_n make_v good_a the_o contrary_a that_o a_o singular_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o no_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v compatible_a who_o see_v not_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o knowledge_n he_o surpass_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o in_o malice_n far_o exceed_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n unto_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o so_o essential_o link_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o teach_v whilst_o yet_o the_o heart_n remain_v froward_a unbroken_a and_o untractable_a the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n prefer_v they_o in_o our_o choice_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o gracious_a motion_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n powerful_o bind_v and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o right_n and_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a illumination_n to_o go_v far_o i_o say_v by_o common_a illumination_n understand_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o usual_a in_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n skill_n of_o language_n use_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n in_o their_o write_n and_o commentary_n conference_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o learned_a live_n and_o accustom_a painfulness_n in_o study_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o these_o mean_n a_o christian_a presuppose_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a writ_n may_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n prove_v excellent_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n he_o may_v understand_v all_o and_o every_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a belief_n all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o christian_a practice_n any_o sermon_n or_o treatise_n tend_v to_o holy_a instruction_n any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o dark_a and_o doubtfull_a interpretation_n yea_o in_o these_o thing_n many_o time_n sanctity_n go_v not_o so_o far_o as_o those_o common_a grace_n do_v and_o you_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o happy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n nor_o sound_a determiner_n of_o controversy_n but_o that_o both_o of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n many_a time_n man_n of_o ungodly_a life_n and_o idolatrous_a profession_n have_v equal_v and_o exceed_v other_o in_o their_o commentary_n and_o treatise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o every_o day_n show_v that_o many_o a_o wretched_a man_n and_o vile_a hypocrite_n may_v yet_o make_v so_o good_a a_o sermon_n even_o about_o the_o most_o spiritual_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o prayer_n that_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quick_a sight_n yet_o see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o may_v deem_v he_o sound_v heart_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o learn_v religion_n by_o rote_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v what_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o affect_v this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o next_o be_v this_o 2._o all_o history_n and_o prediction_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o most_o illuminate_v understanding_n by_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o the_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v stand_v long_o in_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n in_o many_o precept_n and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n sense_n and_o reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o do_v but_o in_o matter_n historical_a and_o prophetical_a faith_n only_o bear_v sway_v for_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o go_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o from_o authority_n of_o scripture_n relation_n that_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v noah_n save_v in_o the_o ark_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o by_o the_o story_n so_o for_o prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n they_o be_v not_o evident_a till_o the_o event_n make_v they_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o papacy_n root_v out_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o word_n foretell_v they_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o kind_n can_v our_o sense_n be_v inform_v or_o our_o understanding_n convince_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o revelation_n believe_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n principal_o be_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o make_v heb._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o where_o he_o use_v two_o word_n to_o express_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hope_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v of_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n and_o comprise_v all_o both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v thing_n hope_v for_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a both_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o drown_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v unseen_a and_o possession_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o 3._o precept_n and_o discourse_n of_o dogmatic_a point_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o both_o to_o the_o regenerate_a &_o also_o the_o unregenerate_a this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o manifest_a truth_n as_o shall_v appear_v thus_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v doctrinal_a discourse_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o of_o matter_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o morality_n other_o of_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o divinity_n
of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v those_o manifold_a allusion_n similitude_n and_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n about_o the_o property_n of_o live_a creature_n of_o plant_n of_o mineral_n of_o meteor_n and_o other_o natural_a thing_n mention_v often_o in_o job_n ecclesiastes_n and_o divers_a other_o place_n and_o also_o those_o sundry_a precept_n of_o oeconomicke_n ethic_n and_o politics_n scatter_v as_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n so_o special_o collect_v in_o the_o book_n of_o proverbes_n now_o in_o these_o thing_n albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o extreme_a ignorance_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o great_o prejudice_v our_o exactness_n of_o knowledge_n in_o any_o we_o do_v in_o part_n firm_o rest_v even_o in_o these_o common_a matter_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n revelation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n evident_a unto_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o little_a goodness_n to_o make_v a_o exact_a commentary_n of_o all_o philosophical_a matter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n much_o grace_n need_v not_o to_o the_o writing_n or_o understand_v of_o such_o a_o book_n as_o vallosius_fw-la his_fw-la sacra_fw-la philosophia_fw-la and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o mere_a moralist_n or_o politician_n have_v he_o no_o more_o goodness_n in_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v in_o mach●avoll_n shall_v he_o but_o diligent_o read_v salomon_n proverbes_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o touch_n upon_o thing_n within_o his_o sphere_n will_v evident_o see_v that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o scripture-precept_n the_o most_o pure_a and_o exquisite_a reason_n of_o all_o true_a honesty_n and_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o in_o other_o point_n that_o be_v the_o more_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o divinity_n of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a nature_n some_o there_o be_v that_o can_v never_o 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church_n maintain_v that_o this_o assent_n be_v that_o justify_v faith_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n speak_v their_o opinion_n touch_v this_o point_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o becanus_n who_o follow_v the_o rest_n of_o that_o rabble_n he_o theol._n schol._n tom._n 3._o cap._n 8._o q._n 1._o dispute_v of_o the_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n reject_v the_o lutheran_n opinion_n who_o place_n faith_n in_o the_o will_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v fiduciam_fw-la de_fw-la misericordia_fw-la dei_fw-la propter_fw-la christum_fw-la and_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n be_v this_o that_o faith_n belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o credere_fw-la sive_fw-la assentiri_fw-la eye_n quae_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la revelata_fw-la sunt_fw-la thence_o he_o set_v down_o this_o conclusion_n §_o 6._o actus_fw-la fidei_fw-la consistit_fw-la in_o assensu_fw-la quo_fw-la quis_fw-la assentitur_fw-la alicui_fw-la propositioni_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la revelatae_fw-la propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la in_o this_o definition_n there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o object_n of_o this_o assent_n proposition_n reveal_v by_o god_n 2._o the_o essential_a difference_n of_o this_o act_n take_v à_fw-la formaliratione_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la by_o this_o say_v becanus_n cap._n 8._o q._n 2._o §_o 2._o assensus_fw-la fidei_fw-la constituitur_fw-la in_o sua_fw-la specie_fw-la essential_a that_o be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v supernatural_a and_o justify_v when_o we_o believe_v thing_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o for_o say_v he_o if_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v believe_v upon_o other_o motive_n as_o upon_o man_n authority_n etc._n etc._n then_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v natural_a as_o in_o heretic_n and_o devil_n so_o then_o according_a to_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o faith_n which_o justify_v we_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n reveal_v because_o of_o god_n authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o than_o which_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n nothing_o can_v be_v poor_a and_o more_o below_o the_o majesty_n of_o so_o high_a a_o grace_n as_o faith_n be_v i_o will_v trouble_v you_o but_o with_o two_o reason_n prove_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v 1._o the_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v supernatural_a such_o as_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o aid_n of_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o unto_o this_o assent_n there_o be_v require_v no_o such_o special_a grace_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n the_o major_n be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o the_o schooleman_n cap._n 8._o 4._o 4._o that_o something_o there_o be_v in_o faith_n above_o nature_n require_v a_o supernatural_a cause_n whereto_o the_o scripture_n plain_o enforce_v he_o eph._n 2._o 8._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n phil._n 1._o 29._o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v for_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o you_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o but_o also_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n so_o joh._n 6._o 45._o wherefore_o §_o 3._o he_o teach_v that_o this_o act_n of_o assent_n must_v be_v supernatural_a partly_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n id_fw-la est_fw-la divine_a revelation_n and_o partly_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o principium_fw-la or_o cause_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v id_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la solas_fw-la naturae_fw-la vires_fw-la sed_fw-la per_fw-la auxilium_fw-la gratiae_fw-la we_o agree_v then_o in_o the_o proposition_n for_o the_o assumption_n that_o there_o need_v not_o any_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o work_v this_o bare_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o we_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o same_o schoolman_n doctrine_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o understanding_n assent_v not_o unless_o the_o will_v command_v it_o because_o say_v they_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v absolute_o in_o our_o treewill_n cap_n 8._o q._n 5._o well_o be_v it_o so_o but_o now_o say_v we_o the_o will_n may_v without_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n command_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o we_o prove_v thus_o whatsoever_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o only_a light_n of_o nature_n judge_n to_o be_v honest_a that_o the_o will_n can_v desire_v by_o the_o only_a strength_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o only_a light_n of_o nature_n the_o understanding_n judge_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honest_a thing_n to_o believe_v god_n authority_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o therefore_o the_o will_n by_o the_o only_a strength_n of_o nature_n may_v desire_v this_o act_n of_o believe_a and_o so_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o grace_n to_o move_v the_o will_n to_o command_v the_o understanding_n it_o be_v becanus_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o cap._n 8._o q._n 5._o §_o 9_o whereto_o he_o will_v fain_o give_v a_o answer_n if_o he_o can_v tell_v how_o something_o he_o say_v to_o that_o minor_a proposition_n whereof_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v the_o understanding_n by_o the_o only_a light_n of_o nature_n judge_n it_o a_o thing_n honest_a to_o believe_v god_n authority_n when_o he_o reveal_v any_o thing_n via_fw-la ac_fw-la modo_fw-la naturali_fw-la not_o when_o he_o reveal_v any_o thing_n via_fw-la ac_fw-la modo_fw-la supernaturali_fw-la believe_v it_o a_o rare_a distinction_n and_o full_a of_o mystery_n divine_a revelation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n supernatural_a and_o natural_a again_o when_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o natural_a mean_n than_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v honest_a to_o believe_v his_o authority_n but_o if_o he_o reveal_v thing_n to_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n