notwithstanding_o their_o most_o rational_a improvement_n except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o not_o except_o he_o draw_v or_o sure_o engage_v the_o father_n by_o improvement_n but_o there_o will_v be_v necessity_n of_o further_a inlargement_n on_o this_o from_o what_o follow_v we_o see_v here_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v engage_v by_o promise_n by_o natural_a improvement_n we_o have_v the_o contrary_a he_o say_v not_o because_o you_o have_v employ_v natural_n therefore_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o will_v second_v it_o with_o grace_n but_o contrary_o notwithstanding_o your_o utmost_a improvement_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v he_o ever_o so_o accurate_a in_o natural_a improvement_n can_v come_v except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o which_o to_o do_v no_o improvement_n can_v draw_v god_n you_o next_o allege_v another_o scripture_n luke_n 13.24_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o but_o as_o touch_v this_o i_o find_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o grace_n annex_v from_o god_n be_v engage_v by_o natural_a improvement_n therefore_o not_o as_o yet_o see_v any_o thing_n considerable_a therein_o whereof_o to_o take_v notice_n shall_v step_v over_o to_o what_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n wherein_o though_o i_o conceive_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v depose_v what_o i_o conceive_v against_o the_o proof_n whereon_o you_o ground_n your_o five_o assertion_n yet_o i_o shall_v with_o great_a presumption_n on_o your_o patience_n and_o candid_a construction_n give_v my_o ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a namely_o to_o prove_v that_o natural_a man_n dead_a etc._n etc._n have_v not_o such_o a_o power_n of_o reason_n judgement_n etc._n etc._n as_o whereby_o if_o they_o will_v according_o put_v it_o forth_o they_o may_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o whereunto_o god_n have_v by_o promise_n annex_v grace_n which_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v clear_o make_v out_o from_o sundry_a scripture_n whereof_o to_o name_n 2._o or_o 3._o one_o be_v john_n 5._o verse_n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o though_o the_o first_o word_n be_v usual_o render_v as_o the_o imperative_a mood_n search_v you_o as_o a_o command_v give_v to_o search_v yet_o for_o my_o part_n as_o yet_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o judicious_a i_o find_v not_o how_o it_o may_v be_v read_v with_o good_a sense_n any_o other_o way_n then_o as_o the_o indicative_a mood_n you_o do_v search_v which_o i_o ground_n not_o only_o on_o my_o own_o judgement_n though_o i_o find_v this_o that_o the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d scrutamini_fw-la may_v as_o proper_o be_v so_o render_v for_o as_o i_o remember_v it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o doctor_n homes_n as_o in_o his_o book_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n i_o have_v see_v though_o not_o since_o divers_a month_n bygone_a and_o that_o it_o may_v most_o proper_o be_v thus_o render_v may_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v most_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o context_n the_o occasion_n of_o all_o christ_n discourse_n from_o the_o 19_o verse_n of_o that_o 5._o chap._n seem_v chief_o to_o arise_v from_o what_o be_v express_v in_o verse_n 18._o where_o this_o be_v give_v as_o one_o reason_n why_o they_o seek_v to_o kill_v christ_n because_o he_o have_v say_v god_n be_v his_o father_n make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n etc._n etc._n whereupon_o christ_n all_o along_o forward_o in_o a_o most_o convince_a manner_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o jew_n will_v needs_o have_v slay_v he_o to_o which_o purpose_n tell_v they_o god_n send_v not_o christ_n only_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o himself_o but_o send_v his_o forerunner_n john_n to_o bear_v witness_n which_o john_n you_o send_v to_o yourselves_o verse_n 33._o who_o according_o bave_a witness_n of_o i_o and_o he_o be_v once_o a_o man_n in_o great_a credit_n with_o you_o therefore_o why_o may_v not_o his_o testimony_n carry_v it_o yea_o after_o he_o have_v name_v other_o ground_n of_o testimony_n from_o his_o work_n do_v and_o the_o father_n own_o testimony_n that_o send_v he_o he_o add_v yet_o a_o further_a ground_n of_o confirmation_n in_o this_o 39_o verse_n even_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n as_o before_o in_o send_v to_o know_v john_n judgement_n so_o here_o from_o their_o own_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o scripture_n you_o do_v search_n even_o yourselves_o do_v the_o scripture_n namely_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o alone_o be_v then_o write_v as_o of_o moses_n particular_o insist_v on_o again_o that_o they_o do_v search_v they_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o follow_v moses_n shall_v accuse_v you_o verse_n 45._o who_o accusation_n shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n against_o they_o without_o christ_n why_o because_o thâ—y_v peruse_v his_o writing_n and_o so_o be_v render_v inexcusable_a yea_o further_o clear_a from_o the_o conclude_a clause_n of_o that_o 45._o verse_n in_o who_o viz._n moses_n you_o trust_v or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o who_o you_o hope_v now_o have_v they_o not_o search_v diligent_o and_o conform_v to_o his_o writing_n they_o will_v not_o have_v build_v such_o hope_n thereon_o knowledge_n must_v precede_v confidence_n which_o acception_n suppose_v to_o be_v most_o warrantable_a seem_v considerable_a towards_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o be_v affirm_v you_o search_v which_o word_n import_v exact_a and_o accurate_a scrutiny_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o therefore_o you_o search_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o very_a ground_n they_o search_v and_o therefore_o with_o all_o their_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o conceive_v to_o find_v life_n in_o they_o which_o paul_n himself_o that_o strict_a pharisee_n search_v so_o into_o as_o that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v find_v life_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o be_v dead_a while_o so_o alive_a rom._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o those_o scripture_n which_o you_o think_v to_o have_v life_n by_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o testify_z of_o i_o what_o it_o must_v have_v reference_n as_o i_o conceive_v to_o what_o they_o seek_v for_o namely_o eternal_a life_n they_o testify_v then_o that_o what_o life_n you_o think_v to_o have_v in_o they_o must_v be_v have_v in_o i_o they_o send_v you_o from_o themselves_o to_o the_o messia_n point_v at_o by_o they_o as_o john_n send_v such_o as_o he_o baptize_v with_o water_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n notwithstanding_o your_o search_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n which_o prove_v that_o man_n natural_a improvement_n do_v not_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n without_o which_o through_o utmost_a improvement_n they_o can_v only_o look_v on_o the_o scripture_n while_o point_v to_o a_o messia_n but_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o learned_a by_o all_o but_o to_o be_v self_n justiciaries_n which_o sanctuary_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n we_o most_o obvious_o find_v be_v the_o strong_a one_o which_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v erect_v rom._n 10.8_o object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v christ_n in_o verse_n 40._o charge_n they_o with_o this_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o have_v life_n or_o in_o faith_n do_v it_o not_o hence_o seem_v that_o they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o engage_v god_n to_o to_o give_v faith_n which_o power_n they_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o as_o they_o may_v and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v not_o answ_n whereto_o for_o answer_v for_o the_o former_a supposition_n that_o they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o believe_v that_o you_o absolute_o conclude_v against_o for_o the_o latter_a which_o you_o avouch_v that_o they_o may_v so_o engage_v themselves_o in_o improvement_n as_o to_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v faith_n this_o must_v as_o yet_o be_v deny_v because_o here_o they_o do_v improve_v to_o their_o utmost_a their_o natural_n in_o search_v even_o as_o for_o life_n and_o yet_o god_n add_v not_o faith_n which_o be_v most_o undeniable_o prove_v in_o chap._n 6._o from_o verse_n 28_o to_o 45._o wherein_o the_o whole_a discourse_n most_o inevitable_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v put_v all_o their_o natural_a power_n of_o reason_n judgement_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o wrack_n as_o be_v before_o show_v by_o propound_v question_n rational_a discuss_v they_o pray_v for_o etc._n etc._n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o make_v christ_n confess_v i_o see_v you_o have_v do_v your_o utmost_a therefore_o i_o will_v perform_v my_o engagement_n to_o give_v save_v faith_n no_o he_o term_n their_o strong_a reason_n but_o murmur_n add_v no_o promise_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o not_o engage_v thereby_o so_o to_o do_v and_o consequent_o their_o not_o improve_n natural_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n not_o give_v faith_n which_o
i_o prove_v plain_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 44._o where_n after_o he_o have_v say_v in_o chap._n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v that_o be_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o life_n and_o repeat_v it_o more_o plain_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 36._o you_o believe_v not_o after_o their_o great_a reason_n on_o the_o matter_n christ_n tell_v they_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o not_o believe_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n murmur_v not_o etc._n etc._n think_v not_o so_o to_o prevail_v by_o your_o reason_n as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v thereon_o to_o give_v you_o save_a knowledge_n or_o thereby_o sure_o to_o attain_v faith_n why_o so_o it_o be_v add_v verse_n 44._o because_o god_n free_a dispensation_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o not_o you_o can_v come_v because_o of_o not_o improve_n natural_n notwithstanding_o which_v you_o come_v not_o because_o the_o father_n must_v draw_v before_o you_o can_v come_v save_o which_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o your_o improvement_n still_o continue_v a_o free_a agent_n in_o dispense_n grace_n no_o man_n can_v come_v etc._n etc._n no_o man_n whosoever_o under_o which_o indefinite_a term_n he_o comprehend_v all_o howsoever_o qualify_v or_o improve_v conclude_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o man_n being_n not_o able_a or_o not_o have_v power_n to_o come_v to_o god_n to_o be_v god_n not_o draw_v they_o god_n suspending_a grace_n which_o he_o may_v do_v from_o who_o he_o please_v be_v give_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o man_n whosoever_o that_o want_v it_o therefore_o not_o the_o want_n of_o natural_a improvement_n he_o tell_v they_o no_o man_n can_v come_v by_o which_o term_n of_o exclusion_n he_o debar_v all_o without_o exception_n that_o be_v not_o draw_v that_o so_o these_o that_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a according_a to_o natural_a light_n may_v not_o wonder_v at_o their_o exemption_n though_o they_o have_v proceed_v in_o a_o probable_a way_n and_o course_n in_o order_n thereto_o non-improvement_n can_v as_o i_o conceive_v be_v a_o true_a ground_n of_o not_o believe_v because_o utmost_a improvement_n can_v procure_v believe_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o true_a or_o certain_a ground_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v which_o you_o make_v it_o as_o i_o conceive_v and_o that_o by_o make_v it_o to_o engage_v god_n to_o give_v faith_n whereas_o the_o father_n not_o draw_v be_v give_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o not_o a_o want_n of_o be_v engage_v by_o we_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o faith_n as_o the_o learned_a scribe_n and_o do_v as_o much_o engage_v god_n though_o it_o be_v commendable_a for_o natural_a man_n to_o do_v their_o utmost_a yea_o and_o most_o hopeful_a for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v in_o god_n way_n object_n another_o proof_n be_v rom._n 11.7_o israel_n have_v not_o obtain_v grace_n but_o do_v he_o seek_v for_o it_o yes_o for_o it_o be_v say_v what_o israel_n seek_v for_o he_o obtain_v not_o do_v he_o not_o what_o god_n require_v in_o order_n thereto_o answ_n for_o answer_v what_o god_n require_v math._n 7._o v._n 7._o fore_n touch_v on_o seek_v etc._n etc._n that_o israel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a performance_n as_o natural_a man_n the_o command_n seek_v in_o matthew_n be_v of_o the_o simple_a verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o duty_n here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v of_o the_o compound_a verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d requiro_fw-la as_o if_o they_o have_v seek_v with_o such_o earnestness_n and_o confidence_n as_o one_o require_v or_o command_v which_o they_o may_v just_o have_v command_v if_o by_o their_o seek_n they_o can_v engage_v god_n to_o accept_v they_o as_o according_a to_o a_o promise_n make_v for_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v the_o law_n of_o his_o promise_n yes_o the_o word_n here_o be_v the_o compound_n verb_n seem_v to_o import_v if_o it_o may_v be_v great_a inteation_n in_o seek_v then_o that_o in_o matthew_n therefore_o elsewhere_o translate_v expeto_fw-la as_o matth._n 12.39_o it_o appear_v '_o then_o they_o seek_v with_o utmost_a intention_n according_a to_o natural_a power_n but_o whence_o be_v it_o they_o fail_v of_o their_o end_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n evident_o to_o be_v god_n free_a dispensation_n and_o that_o from_o a_o double_a demonstration_n from_o the_o ground_n give_v why_o other_o obtain_v grace_n but_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o above_o other_o see_v all_o be_v say_v to_o have_v seek_v for_o it_o even_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o election_n which_o be_v put_v in_o opposition_n to_o such_o as_o attain_v not_o though_o careful_a seeker_n alike_o show_v it_o be_v not_o seek_v for_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o but_o god_n free_a election_n that_o diversify_v their_o condition_n in_o respect_n of_o grace_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o natural_a endeavour_n seek_v one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o nonelection_n obtain_v not_o it_o be_v add_v the_o rest_n be_v blind_v how_o blind_v that_o be_v show_v by_o rehearse_v a_o sore_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a blindness_n which_o god_n pour_v on_o they_o denounce_v in_o esay_n 29.10_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v etc._n etc._n or_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o save_a discovery_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o they_o have_v only_o their_o own_o natural_a wisdom_n to_o improve_v which_o be_v but_o as_o eye_n that_o can_v see_v we_o find_v no_o other_o ground_n give_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o place_n now_o allege_v be_v so_o plain_o pertinent_a for_o expedition_n sake_n i_o shall_v commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n for_o a_o more_o rational_a and_o methodical_a conclude_v thence_o what_o be_v prove_v thereby_o especial_o as_o it_o may_v most_o apt_o be_v consider_v in_o opposition_n to_o what_o be_v assert_v from_o matth._n 7.7_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o here_o see_v there_o be_v a_o seek_v which_o shall_v never_o find_v but_o decline_v this_o shall_v proceed_v to_o another_o proof_n wherefore_o i_o may_v as_o i_o conceive_v as_o fit_o allege_v that_o in_o matth._n 11.25_o christ_n bless_v the_o father_n for_o that_o he_o hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a what_o be_v reveal_v to_o babe_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v it_o because_o the_o prudent_a be_v less_o able_a or_o diligent_a no_o that_o be_v strange_a but_o the_o reason_n be_v add_v even_o so_o father_n why_o be_v it_o so_o for_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n or_o thus_o because_o it_o please_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n who_o suspend_v grace_n from_o man_n most_o probable_o capable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n dispend_v it_o to_o babe_n which_o be_v in_o no_o probable_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o thereby_o to_o honour_v his_o own_o freedom_n nothing_o be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o each_o party_n but_o god_n reveal_v and_o that_o with_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o freedom_n because_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n again_o matth._n 13.10_o say_v the_o disciple_n why_o speak_v thou_o to_o they_o in_o parable_n i.e._n to_o the_o jew_n christ_n answer_v because_o to_o you_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n and_o not_o to_o they_o christ_n utter_v himself_o in_o a_o dark_a mystical_a way_n to_o they_o because_o god_n who_o be_v a_o free_a giver_n of_o freegrace_n suspend_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o to_o magnify_v his_o freedom_n and_o he_o show_v he_o do_v this_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o esay_n 6.9.10_o where_o it_o be_v go_v tell_v they_o hear_v you_o indeed_o and_o understand_v not_o etc._n etc._n make_v their_o heart_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a etc._n etc._n according_a whereto_o he_o speak_v here_o mystical_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o natural_a blindness_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v clear_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v from_o god_n free_a dispensation_n you_o understand_v they_o not_o because_o to_o you_o be_v give_v to_o they_o not_o object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v do_v not_o the_o disciple_n improve_v their_o natural_n with_o great_a dexterity_n than_o the_o jew_n so_o as_o to_o engage_v god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n for_o answer_v christ_n give_v this_o as_o a_o full_a and_o pertinent_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n propound_v by_o which_o answer_n he_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o
holiness_n etc._n etc._n of_o god_n in_o every_o work_n or_o command_v require_v for_o without_o a_o right_a apprehend_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n in_o his_o command_n he_o can_v not_o have_v right_o obey_v god_n in_o any_o one_o command_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o have_v need_n of_o a_o power_n of_o close_v with_o the_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n of_o god_n in_o any_o command_n he_o therein_o have_v need_n of_o a_o power_n of_o close_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o any_o promise_n whether_o of_o christ_n or_o any_o other_o because_o the_o selfsame_a power_n will_v necessary_o have_v enable_v he_o to_o each_o of_o those_o act_n alike_o for_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o adam_n to_o have_v have_v a_o power_n to_o have_v acknowledge_v god_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o not_o by_o the_o same_o to_o close_v with_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n both_o which_o go_v together_o so_o inseparable_o as_o that_o we_o find_v 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herb_n etc._n etc._n which_o shall_v be_v to_o you_o for_o meat_n which_o word_n be_v a_o direct_a promise_n in_o answer_n whereto_o adam_n need_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v because_o as_o god_n add_v to_o the_o command_n a_o promise_n answerable_a and_o all_o as_o needful_a for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o dominion_n upon_o he_o so_o be_v it_o as_o needful_a for_o adam_n actual_o to_o believe_v that_o promise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v undertake_v that_o office_n not_o with_o doubt_v but_o with_o assurance_n of_o success_n which_o can_v only_o be_v confirm_v to_o he_o by_o a_o promise_n from_o the_o sole_a creator_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o yea_o contrary_o if_o he_o have_v not_o regard_v that_o promise_n he_o have_v thereby_o profane_v god_n wisdom_n in_o exhibit_v it_o and_o not_o believe_v he_o have_v oppugn_v god_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n touch_v performance_n see_v then_o that_o adam_n have_v both_o need_n and_o use_v of_o a_o power_n whereby_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n yea_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n also_o in_o that_o great_a promise_n which_o confirm_v his_o universal_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o whole_a creation_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o adam_n have_v both_o need_n &_o use_v of_o such_o a_o power_n as_o whereby_o he_o can_v have_v believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n though_o he_o need_v not_o by_o that_o power_n to_o believe_v that_o mystery_n which_o may_v be_v full_o prove_v from_o this_o reason_n because_o adam_n be_v then_o upright_o or_o perfect_a can_v not_o but_o believe_v that_o first_o promise_n of_o dominion_n from_o a_o right_a principle_n namely_o from_o a_o true_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o knowledge_n be_v that_o spring_n or_o fountain_n whence_o a_o true_a believe_v in_o christ_n do_v always_o and_o can_v alone_o flow_v adam_n be_v furnish_v with_o can_v not_o but_o have_v believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n because_o hereby_o all_o the_o saint_n have_v believe_v and_o indeed_o god_n act_v so_o full_o like_o himself_o that_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n know_v and_o believe_v god_n excellency_n he_o can_v but_o know_v and_o believe_v his_o reveal_v act_n and_o contrivance_n what_o ever_o they_o be_v but_o above_o all_o other_o the_o mystery_n of_o compass_v salvation_n by_o christ_n hold_v forth_o so_o lively_a a_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n as_o will_v have_v enforce_v adam_n to_o have_v believe_v it_o who_o before_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n excellenâ—â—â—â—_n in_o be_v create_v in_o god_n own_o image_n which_o consist_v in_o knowledge_n as_o also_o in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n by_o which_o argument_n i_o conceive_v that_o both_o adam_n have_v need_n and_o use_v of_o 〈…〉_o power_n as_o can_v have_v produce_v a_o believe_a in_o christ_n be_v evince_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o vindicate_v the_o vindication_n whereof_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o concernment_n as_o will_v i_o hope_v excusâ—â—y_a largeness_n herein_o but_o to_o proceed_v both_o to_o the_o second_o and_o three_o reason_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o first_o because_o he_o have_v not_o power_n to_o foreknow_v his_o fall_n nor_o second_o christ_n death_n etc._n etc._n which_o argument_n may_v be_v thus_o destroy_v if_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o power_n of_o believe_v consist_v not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n before_z revealed_z by_o god_n than_o adam_n not_o have_v power_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n before_o reveal_v by_o god_n do_v no_o way_n prove_v his_o not_o have_v a_o power_n of_o believe_v that_o mystery_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a that_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o power_n of_o believe_v consist_v not_o etc._n etc._n because_o according_a to_o your_o definition_n â—â—is_v a_o power_n of_o cordial_a assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o promise_n reveal_v or_o propound_v which_o must_v be_v presuppose_v now_o a_o power_n of_o close_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n reveal_v be_v far_a different_a from_o a_o power_n of_o foreknowing_a god_n will_v before_o reveal_v for_o the_o one_o namely_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n belong_v only_o to_o god_n while_o his_o reveal_v will_n belong_v to_o man_n and_o so_o god_n give_v a_o power_n of_o believe_v to_o many_o thousand_o and_o yet_o reserve_v his_o secret_a council_n from_o they_o all_o the_o latter_a also_o that_o adam_n not_o have_v power_n to_o foreknow_v etc._n etc._n follow_v inevitable_o because_o when_o two_o faculity_n differ_v in_o kind_n than_o the_o absence_n of_o one_o prove_v not_o at_o all_o the_o absence_n of_o another_o next_o after_o you_o propound_v a_o objection_n against_o yourself_o for_o answer_v whereto_o you_o first_o refer_v to_o your_o foregoing_a argument_n against_o god_n wisdom_n which_o be_v already_o answer_v at_o large_a afterward_o you_o close_v up_o your_o answer_n after_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v first_o you_o say_v christ_n can_v not_o be_v reveal_v because_o not_o convenient_a etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o you_o infer_v that_o therefore_o doubtless_o adam_n have_v not_o a_o power_n to_o have_v believe_v in_o christ_n no_o not_o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o christ_n have_v be_v then_o reveal_v to_o he_o which_o argument_n be_v indeed_o most_o contradictory_n yea_o utter_o destructive_a to_o itself_o for_o first_o you_o ground_n adam_n not_o have_v such_o a_o power_n upon_o this_o reason_n because_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o afterward_o you_o quite_o destroy_v that_o very_a reason_n by_o suppose_v or_o grant_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v reveal_v so_o that_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o main_a and_o most_o considerable_a objection_n you_o only_o repeat_v a_o former_a reason_n already_o answer_v and_o add_v one_o new_a which_o you_o immediate_o destroy_v 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be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o appetite_n the_o inward_a faculty_n of_o receive_v food_n be_v another_o and_o therefore_o the_o have_v of_o either_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o the_o want_n of_o either_o one_o man_n may_v have_v a_o inward_a faculty_n of_o appetite_n and_o want_v outward_a food_n and_o another_o may_v have_v outward_a food_n and_o want_v a_o inward_a receptive_a faculty_n the_o latter_a therefore_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o adam_n wait_a the_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n prove_v not_o his_o want_v a_o inward_a power_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o object_n by_o promise_n the_o outward_a mean_n of_o believe_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o faith_n the_o inward_a power_n of_o receive_v it_o another_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o former_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o of_o they_o may_v be_v where_o either_o of_o they_o be_v want_v adam_n then_o may_v have_v a_o power_n of_o believe_a and_o want_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n 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he_o have_v not_o power_n to_o obey_v which_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_v that_o perfect_a power_n by_o stand_v righteous_a by_o work_n which_o you_o express_o affirm_v adam_n have_v make_v he_o unable_a to_o perform_v any_o work_n by_o his_o first_o create_v power_n thus_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o reason_n allege_v against_o adam_n have_v power_n of_o believe_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v all_o ground_a upon_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o and_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o so_o be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o indistinct_a and_o consule_v conjumble_v of_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o for_o neither_o the_o need_n use_v thereof_o nor_o the_o foreknowledge_n or_o revelation_n of_o a_o object_n be_v at_o all_o essential_o necessary_a to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o power_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v touch_v which_o matter_n i_o must_v add_v one_o word_n viz._n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a presumption_n to_o charge_v such_o a_o person_n with_o weakness_n before_o trial_n who_o for_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o nature_n be_v avouch_v again_o and_o again_o by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v create_v after_o god_n own_o image_n and_o likeness_n gen._n 1._o and_o to_o be_v make_v upright_o or_o righteous_a eccles_n 7.29_o yea_o especial_o to_o ground_v that_o charge_n against_o he_o upon_o such_o reason_n as_o whole_o tend_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v try_v whether_o he_o have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o believe_v or_o not_o by_o which_o act_n the_o grand_a masterpiece_n of_o god_n whole_a creation_n be_v without_o all_o ground_n vilify_v against_o all_o which_o that_o i_o may_v yet_o add_v one_o passage_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o state_n the_o question_n in_o most_o cleâ—â—_n and_o full_a term_n which_o question_n be_v whether_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n the_o essence_n of_o which_o power_n consist_v in_o a_o power_n to_o believe_v a_o object_n reveal_v can_v be_v true_o frame_v except_o with_o this_o supposition_n that_o christ_n have_v be_v reveal_v so_o that_o to_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v much_o more_o to_o determine_v what_o his_o power_n be_v to_o believe_v a_o object_n without_o suppose_v that_o object_n to_o be_v reveal_v this_o be_v a_o course_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n which_o necessary_o presuppose_v the_o revelation_n of_o a_o object_n for_o the_o trial_n thereof_o for_o though_o such_o a_o power_n may_v be_v without_o a_o outward_a object_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o its_o be_v without_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o inward_a appetite_n but_o we_o can_v right_o examine_v his_o have_v it_o but_o by_o give_v he_o outward_a food_n which_o question_n therefore_o may_v be_v fair_o propound_v thus_o whether_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n of_o believe_v christ_n suppose_v christ_n have_v be_v reveal_v answer_v whereto_o must_v be_v this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v such_o a_o power_n it_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o his_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o three_o consequence_n first_o because_o without_o it_o upon_o the_o reveal_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v here_o suppose_a adam_n must_v have_v be_v miserable_a by_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o through_o want_n of_o power_n or_o second_o if_o upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o mystery_n he_o have_v not_o have_v power_n to_o have_v believe_v it_o then_o necessary_o he_o must_v have_v need_v supply_v of_o new_a power_n whereby_o to_o have_v believe_v and_o so_o upon_o this_o revelation_n suppose_v his_o condition_n will_v have_v be_v the_o very_a condition_n of_o unbeliever_n now_o who_o upon_o the_o reveal_n of_o this_o mystery_n need_v new_a power_n to_o believe_v it_o both_o which_o consequence_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o first_o complete_a power_n of_o stand_v happy_a yea_o three_o suppose_v that_o mystery_n to_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o adam_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o very_a revelation_n hereof_o will_v have_v require_v and_o command_v he_o to_o have_v believe_v it_o and_o his_o believe_a will_v have_v be_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o promise_n require_v faith_n if_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o a_o power_n to_o have_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o that_o promise_n by_o believe_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o his_o first_o power_n can_v not_o have_v enable_v he_o to_o stand_v by_o a_o law_n of_o work_n by_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o as_o you_o express_o grant_v he_o be_v full_o able_a to_o do_v and_o yet_o before_o pass_v from_o this_o question_n i_o miâ—t_v 〈…〉_o word_n to_o prevent_v the_o mistake_a mine_n and_o in_o answer_v it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o i_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v adamsâ—aving_v â—aving_z 〈◊〉_d power_n from_o this_o reason_n because_o without_o it_o god_n can_v not_o â—â—â—â—stice_n destroy_v mankind_n for_o whether_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o believe_v or_o not_o be_v a_o question_n needless_a and_o impertiment_n touch_v the_o â—â—â—ring_n of_o god_n justice_n in_o man_n destruction_n as_o may_v be_v make_v â—â—â—â—fest_v thus_o if_o adam_n in_o who_o as_o you_o acknowledge_v all_o his_o posterity_n stand_v have_v such_o a_o power_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n as_o be_v suâ—â—â—â—â—ent_a to_o justify_v god_n in_o the_o death_n or_o destruction_n of_o man_n disobey_v then_o to_o examine_v whether_o adam_n have_v power_n to_o believe_v a_o second_o covenant_n be_v altogether_o â—â—â—iceessâ—ry_a to_o clear_v god_n justice_n in_o â—â—stroying_v man_n disobey_v but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a this_o adam_n have_v &c._n &c._n because_o god_n after_o state_v he_o in_o his_o first_o power_n 〈◊〉_d thereupon_o as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n fore_n pass_v or_o denounce_v the_o
follow_v not_o therefore_o that_o natural_a man_n can_v so_o ask_v the_o thing_n promise_v on_o ask_v you_o acknowledge_v to_o import_v acceptation_n with_o god_n but_o shall_v it_o be_v have_v upon_o every_o ask_n no_o it_o be_v wisdom_n whereof_o james_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o place_n forenamed_a in_o express_a term_n it_o can_v be_v have_v but_o upon_o ask_v in_o faith_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v mean_v by_o son_n here_o he_o must_v ask_v in_o faith_n without_o which_o his_o natural_a improvement_n engage_v not_o god_n at_o all_o not_o but_o that_o such_o must_v improve_v natural_a ability_n for_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o yet_o thereupon_o it_o be_v not_o god_n duty_n to_o confer_v grace_n again_o for_o i_o decline_v exact_a method_n as_o not_o become_v i_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v do_v appear_v express_o to_o be_v with_o great_a attention_n and_o intention_n apply_v thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o cry_v after_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n seek_v she_o as_o silver_n etc._n etc._n now_o according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n ignoti_fw-la nulla_fw-la cupido_fw-la it_o be_v impossible_a mere_a natural_a man_n not_o possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a beginning_n of_o all_o save_a knowledge_n shall_v be_v able_a so_o to_o apply_v their_o heart_n cry_v after_o it_o seek_v etc._n etc._n take_v pain_n as_o one_o dig_v in_o a_o mine_n for_o hide_a treasure_n swine_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o take_v such_o pain_n for_o pearl_n as_o yet_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v this_o exhortation_n to_o be_v chief_o direct_v to_o natural_a man_n as_o have_v a_o power_n so_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n as_o to_o engage_v god_n to_o instate_v they_o in_o the_o promise_n which_o to_o prove_v you_o bring_v it_o but_o in_o strictness_n and_o propriety_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n it_o be_v only_o absolute_o give_v to_o they_o that_o have_v faith_n though_o the_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n so_o concern_v natural_a man_n as_o to_o inform_v they_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v as_o all_o other_o of_o god_n command_v do_v with_o make_v know_v of_o which_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o enable_v all_o that_o know_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o while_o natural_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o keep_v any_o one_o save_o the_o next_o text_n allege_v be_v john_n 6.27_o labour_n etc._n etc._n for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o eternal_a life_n which_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v give_v to_o you_o namely_o say_v you_o upon_o labour_v even_o natural_a man_n labour_v to_o who_o you_o direct_v the_o exhortation_n and_o that_o to_o prove_v the_o five_o assertion_n prescribe_v to_o which_o refer_v so_o that_o by_o labour_n you_o understand_v a_o man_n improve_n his_o natural_n with_o great_a diligence_n on_o which_o god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n will_v give_v everlasting_a meat_n or_o save_v grace_n whereby_o to_o interest_n they_o into_o christ_n who_o be_v life_n everlasting_a but_o that_o by_o labour_v here_o christ_n mean_v not_o their_o own_o full_a improvement_n of_o natural_a ability_n only_o or_o chief_o as_o whereunto_o annex_v a_o promise_n seem_v evident_a because_o by_o labour_v he_o mean_v true_a believe_v which_o i_o prove_v from_o 28._o and_o 29._o verse_n christ_n have_v exhort_v they_o to_o labour_n etc._n etc._n thereupon_o they_o perceive_v the_o exhortation_n to_o import_v everlasting_a life_n be_v inquisitive_a in_o verse_n 28._o what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v so_o labour_v for_o the_o word_n for_o labour_n in_o the_o 27._o vers_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o in_o 28._o verse_n follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d translate_v may_v work_v be_v the_o same_o so_o that_o their_o question_n propound_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v before_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o command_n whereto_o christ_n answer_v tell_v they_o what_o labour_n or_o work_v it_o be_v he_o require_v of_o they_o where_o the_o word_n translate_v work_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d answer_v the_o verb_n whence_o also_o the_o verb_n be_v derive_v and_o so_o joint_o import_v labour_n in_o all_o three_o verse_n which_o work_n then_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v direct_o lay_v down_o in_o express_a term_n verse_n 29._o if_o then_o labour_v import_v the_o save_a work_n of_o believe_a then_o it_o be_v more_o than_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o natural_n because_o by_o such_o improvement_n we_o can_v work_v the_o great_a work_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o by_o labour_n he_o command_v more_o than_o natural_a improvement_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o work_n far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n natural_a improvement_n he_o that_o giuâ—s_v it_o in_o command_n undertake_v to_o work_v his_o own_o will_n or_o command_v in_o they_o which_o follow_v which_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v give_v unto_o you_o so_o as_o it_o be_v here_o grant_v christ_n require_v they_o to_o improve_v their_o natural_a ability_n but_o yet_o withal_o that_o also_o which_o be_v infinite_o above_o they_o all_o how_o full_o soever_o improve_v even_o save_v faith_n which_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v give_v they_o must_v impove_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o after_o all_o must_v rest_v in_o nothing_o but_o christ_n gift_n they_o be_v so_o to_o labour_v by_o natural_a improvement_n as_o to_o submit_v to_o or_o rather_o close_a with_o the_o spirit_n exceed_v great_a inspire_a power_n whereby_o it_o work_v faith_n object_n but_o can_v they_o not_o so_o labour_v by_o natural_a improvement_n as_o to_o engage_v christ_n to_o give_v they_o everlasting_a meat_n certain_o upon_o their_o labour_a which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v answ_n for_o answer_n as_o yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o have_v no_o promise_n make_v on_o their_o mere_a labour_n though_o to_o utmost_a improve_n natural_a ability_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o clear_o because_o they_o do_v labour_n according_a to_o their_o power_n for_o they_o take_v as_o good_a a_o course_n as_o natural_a reason_n can_v prescribe_v first_o they_o desire_v to_o understand_v what_o their_o duty_n express_v by_o the_o term_n labour_n do_v import_v next_o they_o desire_v in_o a_o most_o rational_a way_n some_o good_a ground_n whereon_o to_o establish_v or_o bottom_n this_o their_o duty_n of_o believe_v even_o by_o some_o sign_n which_o be_v a_o ancient_a manner_n of_o confirm_v great_a matter_n in_o answer_n whereto_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sign_n from_o heaven_n the_o bread_n of_o god_n whereupon_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a understanding_n imprint_v in_o they_o a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n because_o it_o be_v again_o and_o again_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n they_o put_v forth_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o natural_a ability_n in_o this_o great_a request_n lord_n ever_o more_o give_v we_o this_o bread_n whence_o christ_n again_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o bread_n and_o further_o tell_v they_o who_o shall_v partake_v thereof_o even_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o or_o believe_v in_o i_o not_o every_o come_n for_o these_o come_v yet_o to_o they_o he_o say_v you_o believe_v not_o shall_v never_o hunger_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o allure_a they_o to_o come_v and_o yet_o after_o their_o improvement_n of_o natural_a ability_n in_o affectionate_a asking_n christ_n tell_v they_o you_o come_v not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v life_n but_o be_v not_o their_o not_o improve_n natural_n give_v as_o the_o reason_n thereof_o object_n answ_n no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o they_o improve_v their_o reason_n judgement_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o utmost_a yet_o further_o to_o find_v out_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o by_o inquiry_n into_o his_o stem_n or_o parentage_n whence_o he_o be_v the_o best_a course_n their_o natural_a light_n can_v guide_v they_o to_o which_o they_o follow_v in_o verse_n 41._o and_o 42._o but_o do_v christ_n hereupon_o tell_v they_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o full_o improve_v your_o natural_n therefore_o it_o be_v you_o believe_v not_o or_o do_v he_o express_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n that_o because_o you_o have_v improve_v etc._n etc._n in_o reason_v dispute_v beg_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o according_a to_o my_o sure_a promise_n engage_v i_o i_o will_v second_v your_o improvement_n with_o grace_n i_o will_v give_v it_o you_o no_o but_o contrary_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v come_v to_o life_n or_o believe_v which_o he_o have_v say_v in_o verse_n 36._o he_o give_v they_o in_o verse_n 44._o no_o man_n can_v or_o have_v power_n to_o come_v except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o which_o act_n he_o be_v not_o engage_v to_o put_v forth_o on_o they_o
take_v away_o from_o he_o by_o far_o more_o than_o we_o give_v and_o then_o we_o give_v only_o in_o conceit_n and_o take_v away_o from_o he_o in_o reality_n for_o the_o like_a order_n here_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o make_v distribution_n between_o nature_n god_n handmaid_n and_o creature_n and_o god_n himself_o we_o must_v give_v to_o nature_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v nature_n as_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n so_o here_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o when_o man_n think_v to_o be_v most_o bountiful_a to_o god_n and_o take_v away_o all_o from_o nature_n and_o cast_v all_o on_o god_n man_n may_v here_o dash_v their_o foot_n and_z and_o take_v away_o from_o god_n while_o think_v to_o give_v he_o a_o man_n may_v so_o far_o oppress_v nature_n for_o god_n cause_n till_o he_o leave_v not_o so_o much_o to_o nature_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o its_o own_o condemnation_n and_o than_o if_o man_n leave_v not_o to_o nature_n sufficient_a to_o bring_v the_o guilt_n on_o it_o of_o its_o own_o condemnation_n than_o it_o must_v necessary_o reflect_v upon_o god_n but_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v two_o argument_n in_o general_a we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o assertion_n mention_v that_o if_o man_n do_v what_o be_v in_o their_o power_n etc._n etc._n they_o shall_v find_v acceptation_n with_o god_n must_v be_v maintain_v consider_v this_o reason_n if_o man_n must_v labour_v for_o the_o bread_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n which_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o give_v they_o and_o he_o not_o give_v it_o than_o god_n of_o necessity_n must_v destroy_v man_n for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o do_v for_o as_o for_o actual_a believe_v it_o be_v a_o work_n so_o far_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o creature_n as_o that_o it_o require_v god_n power_n omnipotent_a to_o effect_v now_o to_o say_v god_n shall_v destroy_v his_o creature_n for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o action_n as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o power_n inferior_a to_o god_n own_o which_o be_v infinite_a this_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o say_n and_o so_o contrary_a and_o rise_v up_o with_o that_o fiery_a contestation_n against_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v concern_v the_o graciousness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o mercy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o it_o so_o rise_v up_o against_o all_o reason_n &_o all_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o oil_n that_o will_v mollify_v it_o no_o reason_n nor_o argument_n nor_o consideration_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v atonement_n for_o it_o or_o to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o any_o of_o these_o either_o with_o any_o expression_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o world_n nor_o otherwise_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n it_o be_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o god_n destroy_v the_o creature_n for_o not_o be_v god_n or_o for_o not_o make_v another_o heaven_n and_o earth_n like_v to_o these_o he_o have_v make_v as_o to_o say_v he_o destroy_v they_o for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o do_v than_o they_o have_v to_o make_v themselves_o god_n or_o a_o heaven_n and_o earth_n neither_o will_v it_o at_o all_o here_o avail_v to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v power_n in_o adam_n while_o as_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n then_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n this_o will_v not_o all_o ease_n the_o business_n as_o if_o god_n may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o justice_n equity_n and_o righteousness_n condemn_v man_n for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o sometime_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v namely_o in_o their_o first_o parent_n though_o now_o they_o have_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o ease_n the_o business_n first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n second_o though_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o salve_v the_o sore_a first_o that_o man_n never_o have_v power_n in_o adam_n to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n especial_o to_o justification_n may_v evident_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n that_o which_o adam_n and_o himself_o never_o have_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n that_o certain_o his_o posterity_n can_v never_o have_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o adam_n himself_o have_v never_o such_o power_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o innocency_n neither_o therefore_o can_v his_o posterity_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v such_o a_o power_n now_o that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o power_n be_v evident_a hence_o because_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n use_n or_o occasion_n of_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o have_v be_v give_v to_o adam_n in_o that_o state_n we_o all_o know_v and_o look_v on_o god_n as_o the_o most_o wise_a agent_n that_o ever_o act_v now_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o dispensation_n that_o he_o shall_v create_v such_o a_o excellent_a power_n as_o this_o of_o believe_v be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n nor_o use_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n thereof_o be_v evident_a because_o during_o the_o time_n of_o innocency_n he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n on_o other_o term_n and_o in_o another_o way_n so_o that_o he_o have_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n to_o believe_v to_o justification_n because_o as_o paul_n say_v gal._n 2._o if_o righteousness_n be_v by_o the_o law_n than_o christ_n die_v in_o vain_a so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vain_a adam_n be_v under_o a_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n then_o for_o he_o to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v dead_a or_o alive_a for_o his_o justification_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n man_n have_v no_o wing_n put_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o innocency_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v well_o enough_o in_o that_o state_n for_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o adam_n have_v no_o such_o power_n of_o believe_v because_o well_o enough_o without_o even_o in_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n second_o if_o adam_n during_o his_o innocency_n have_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v either_o for_o his_o own_o or_o for_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n their_o justification_n and_o salvation_n than_o he_o have_v a_o power_n also_o to_o foresee_v his_o fall_n because_o justification_n presuppose_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v from_o sin_n and_o consequent_o a_o power_n to_o believe_v presuppose_v a_o sight_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o principle_n in_o he_o whereby_o to_o foresee_v his_o fall_n in_o time_n of_o innocency_n be_v evident_a hence_o because_o have_v he_o have_v a_o power_n for_o to_o foresee_v his_o fall_n before_o he_o fall_v then_o he_o have_v a_o power_n or_o principle_n out_o of_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v make_v miserable_a before_o he_o sin_v because_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o foresight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o fall_v and_o posterity_n with_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a torment_a consideration_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v altogether_o against_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v miserable_a before_o he_o sin_v hence_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o have_v no_o power_n then_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n because_o not_o able_a to_o foresee_v his_o fall_n three_o if_o adam_n in_o innocency_n have_v power_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n then_o have_v he_o a_o power_n to_o foresee_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n because_o none_o can_v have_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n saving_o but_o on_o knowledge_n of_o these_o now_o if_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n to_o belive_o etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v he_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o he_o have_v nor_o the_o least_o whisper_v of_o this_o great_a mystery_n concern_v christ_n 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you_o quite_o forget_v what_o you_o have_v say_v before_o but_o that_o such_o a_o say_n rise_v up_o with_o such_o contradiction_n against_o god_n justice_n grace_n etc._n etc._n as_o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n common_a sense_n etc._n etc._n can_v reconcile_v etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v yea_o must_v be_v grant_v you_o yet_o all_o so_o far_o from_o the_o least_o disparage_v its_o truth_n as_o that_o it_o shalâ—_n have_v meat_n out_o of_o this_o eater_n for_o can_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n of_o god_n justice_n in_o way_n of_o condemnation_n be_v compass_v about_o by_o the_o reason_n and_o comprehension_n of_o man_n yea_o or_o angel_n they_o can_v not_o be_v themselves_o incomprehensible_a who_o judgement_n be_v past_o find_v out_o therefore_o to_o say_v they_o be_v without_o the_o line_n or_o sphere_n of_o the_o large_a create_a understanding_n be_v to_o give_v they_o their_o due_a valuation_n whereas_o to_o say_v that_o can_v be_v justice_n in_o god_n which_o no_o reason_n can_v 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rather_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o propound_v or_o reveal_v though_o to_o follow_v your_o definition_n will_v be_v great_a advantage_n to_o i_o which_o lay_v down_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a towards_o the_o matter_n in_o doubt_n as_o first_o for_o your_o first_o reason_n against_o adam_n have_v such_o a_o power_n because_o no_o necessity_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n suppose_v it_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n to_o believe_v yet_o this_o prove_v not_o his_o not_o have_v a_o power_n for_o the_o use_n or_o need_v of_o a_o power_n give_v not_o essence_n to_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o essence_n thereof_o there_o may_v be_v a_o power_n to_o do_v where_o no_o need_n be_v else_o a_o man_n have_v not_o power_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o have_v not_o need_n as_o not_o a_o power_n to_o walk_v speak_v etc._n etc._n because_o no_o need_n whereas_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v thousand_o of_o act_n needless_a and_o god_n have_v a_o power_n to_o raise_v of_o stone_n child_n unto_o abraham_n though_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a work_n so_o that_o power_n be_v here_o misunderstand_a in_o make_v power_n and_o need_n to_o believe_v which_o be_v two_o evident_o distinct_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o one_o individual_a but_o second_o by_o way_n of_o exception_n against_o your_o argument_n that_o because_o he_o need_v not_o to_o believe_v to_o justification_n therefore_o he_o need_v not_o a_o power_n to_o believe_v this_o consequence_n may_v be_v deny_v thus_o if_o there_o may_v be_v need_n and_o use_v of_o believe_v this_o mystery_n in_o or_o among_o such_o as_o have_v no_o need_n nor_o use_v thereof_o unto_o justification_n then_o adam_n not_o have_v need_n or_o use_v of_o believe_v to_o justification_n can_v prove_v his_o not_o need_v to_o have_v believe_v at_o all_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a witness_v the_o angel_n gabriel_n luke_n 1.26_o who_o have_v no_o need_n nor_o use_v of_o believe_v to_o justification_n have_v yet_o need_n and_o use_v thereof_o for_o the_o testify_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v without_o a_o true_a believe_v it_o himself_o the_o like_a may_v be_v prove_v from_o that_o company_n of_o angel_n solemnize_n christ_n birth_n with_o a_o song_n so_o befit_v it_o luke_n 2.15_o the_o litter_n therefore_o plain_o follow_v that_o adam_n not_o have_v need_n to_o believe_v this_o mystery_n unto_o justification_n can_v prove_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v need_n to_o have_v believe_v for_o some_o other_o end_n yea_o three_o and_o that_o partly_o by_o way_n of_o concession_n and_o partly_o by_o way_n of_o exception_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o adam_n need_v not_o to_o have_v believe_v this_o mystery_n to_o justification_n nor_o for_o any_o other_o end_n yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o he_o need_v not_o a_o power_n to_o have_v believe_v this_o mystery_n because_o such_o a_o power_n so_o excellent_a may_v be_v needful_a and_o useful_a to_o the_o produce_v of_o other_o act_n needful_a though_o altogether_o useless_a for_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a so_o appear_v from_o the_o next_o particular_a therefore_o in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v that_o he_o have_v both_o need_n and_o use_v of_o such_o a_o power_n for_o other_o end_n that_o what_o you_o say_v against_o god_n wisdom_n in_o give_v man_n such_o a_o power_n may_v thereby_o be_v overthrow_v and_o that_o he_o need_v such_o a_o power_n i_o prove_v from_o this_o your_o own_o argument_n allege_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o thus_o adam_n stand_v righteous_a by_o the_o law_n of_o work_n which_o be_v your_o argument_n that_o he_o may_v so_o do_v can_v not_o but_o need_v a_o power_n of_o true_a close_n with_o the_o righteousness_n
that_o because_o justice_n stand_v in_o a_o geometrical_a proportion_n or_o in_o take_v a_o exact_a account_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n present_a power_n and_o improvement_n in_o answer_n to_o their_o power_n lose_v which_o according_a to_o your_o instance_n produce_v and_o your_o direct_a application_n of_o all_o to_o adam_n case_n you_o understand_v by_o those_o expression_n of_o geometrical_a proportion_n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o improvement_n be_v no_o necessary_a ground_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o god_n justice_n behold_v they_o and_o their_o improvement_n be_v make_v a_o necessary_a engagement_n on_o god_n to_o save_v such_o improven_n so_o that_o without_o salvation_n of_o such_o his_o justice_n can_v be_v salve_v and_o consequent_o his_o grace_n need_v not_o act_n in_o their_o salvation_n but_o for_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o your_o argument_n i_o add_v this_o man_n lose_v his_o first_o perfect_a power_n of_o obedience_n &c._n &c._n can_v but_o in_o equity_n justify_v god_n in_o his_o condemn_a man_n do_v his_o utmost_a according_a to_o his_o power_n now_o remain_v and_o that_o from_o your_o very_a reason_n because_o justice_n stand_v in_o a_o geometrical_a proportion_n or_o in_o a_o strict_a consideration_n of_o person_n their_o condition_n ability_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o god_n justice_n stand_v in_o judge_a act_n according_a to_o the_o ability_n where_o with_o the_o person_n be_v entrust_v than_o it_o must_v in_o reference_n hereto_o count_v what_o ability_n have_v be_v give_v he_o whereupon_o find_v man_n in_o adam_n to_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o power_n to_o believe_v which_o power_n throughout_o your_o second_o reason_n you_o suppose_v and_o grant_v it_o can_v but_o require_v a_o act_n correspondent_a for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o man_n after_o utmost_a improvement_n can_v but_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o such_o a_o act_n which_o you_o also_o grant_v god_n justice_n upon_o compute_v both_o together_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reward_v it_o with_o grace_n as_o that_o it_o can_v but_o condemn_v man_n for_o act_v no_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o power_n give_v and_o that_o in_o great_a equity_n because_o of_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o each_o which_o â—ight_a 〈…〉_o if_o god_n justice_n in_o judge_v the_o 〈…〉_o be_v so_o â—â—riâ—t_a 〈◊〉_d count_v the_o 〈◊〉_d give_v 〈◊〉_d person_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o act_n as_o that_o a_o great_a saâ—â—â—â—_n from_o a_o mâ—â—ied_a 〈…〉_o then_o two_o â—â—iter_n from_o a_o widow_n and_o that_o because_o it_o judge_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a ability_n then_o certain_o justice_n weigh_v spiritual_a action_n with_o the_o power_n give_v 〈…〉_o adâ—â—_n which_o you_o suppose_v can_v but_o condemn_v 〈…〉_o because_o his_o action_n â—â—â—ct_v utmost_a improvement_n hold_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n with_o that_o power_n again_o according_a to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talon_n â—f_a justice_n so_o exact_o require_v by_o way_n of_o retaliation_n 〈◊〉_d for_o â—alout_n two_o for_o two_o five_o for_o five_o then_o open_a râ—quiâ—ing_a act_n answerable_a to_o the_o power_n here_o suppose_v to_o be_v give_v man_n in_o adam_n it_o mâ—st_v needs_o 〈◊〉_d man_n fall_v 〈◊〉_d short_a â—t_a best_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o congruity_n between_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o instance_n for_o first_o your_o reason_n be_v main_o ground_v on_o this_o suppostion_n that_o man_n have_v power_n in_o adam_n 〈◊〉_d so_o 〈◊〉_d it_o but_o the_o instance_n import_v not_o the_o least_o â—ittle_a of_o my_o power_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o widow_n or_o lord_n servant_n have_v and_o lose_v again_o the_o instance_n prove_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o equity_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o endeavour_n of_o such_o as_o act_v proportionable_o to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d but_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o prove_v the_o acceptance_n of_o such_o as_o act_v no_o way_n answerable_a to_o their_o talent_n which_o instance_n can_v only_o be_v parallel_v to_o your_o second_o reason_n thâ—â—_n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o widow_n be_v inâ—â—â—sted_v with_o a_o great_a 〈◊〉_d and_o lewd_o spetâ—â—_n all_o but_o two_o 〈◊〉_d yet_o those_o mâ—st_n in_o justice_n have_v be_v coâ—â—ted_v we_o much_o as_o the_o large_a contribution_n of_o other_o because_o she_o have_v now_o no_o more_o leave_v and_o the_o lord_n sâ—rvaâ—â—_n after_o â—osing_v ten_o talent_n be_v entrust_v with_o one_o more_o upon_o his_o improve_n that_o to_o his_o power_n though_o not_o well_o his_o lord_n in_o justice_n must_v 〈◊〉_d such_o improvement_n and_o not_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o 〈…〉_o whereas_o in_o just_a seveiâ—ty_n hâ—â—ust_v his_o other_o servant_n 〈…〉_o darkness_n oâ—â—ly_o for_o not_o make_v profit_n of_o â—m_n single_a â—alent_n though_o 〈◊〉_d mis-spend_v it_o not_o but_o 〈◊〉_d it_o up_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistaâ—eâ—_n as_o if_o i_o conceive_v it_o matter_n of_o moâ—â—nt_a to_o show_v your_o mis-application_n of_o there_o instaâ—â—â—â—_n for_o can_v they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o 〈…〉_o will_v no_o way_n advantage_v it_o for_o though_o you_o 〈…〉_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n yet_o in_o so_o do_v you_o pervert_v the_o use_n of_o instance_n which_o may_v indeed_o illustrate_v a_o matter_n but_o can_v prove_v it_o according_a to_o that_o approve_a sentence_n theologia_n parabolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la or_o thus_o parabolae_fw-la illustrant_fw-la non_fw-la probant_fw-la and_o touch_v your_o apply_v all_o to_o adam_n posterity_n that_o though_o it_o be_v suppose_v they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o believe_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v indeed_o be_v tedious_a work_n it_o to_o reckon_v up_o the_o least_o part_n of_o all_o the_o dangerous_a confequence_n thereof_o for_o if_o adam_n fall_v posterity_n may_v do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v of_o more_o consideration_n in_o point_n of_o equity_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o express_v then_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n fall_n be_v no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o but_o matter_n of_o advantage_n rather_o again_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n act_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n or_o of_o rejection_n but_o only_o to_o the_o action_n do_v in_o that_o man_n full_a of_o enmity_n may_v do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n justice_n then_o what_o spotless_a adam_n can_v do_v whereas_o touch_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o person_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o act_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o acceptance_n or_o non-acceptance_n of_o act_n principal_o depend_v on_o the_o acceptation_n or_o non-acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n hence_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n while_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_o be_v his_o delight_n prov._n 15.8_o so_o god_n accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n whence_o be_v his_o offering_n accept_v even_o from_o god_n free_a accept_v the_o person_n and_o not_o the_o person_n for_o the_o offering_n sake_n but_o here_o you_o make_v god_n bind_v by_o equity_n as_o much_o yea_o more_o to_o accept_v a_o accur_v man_n for_o his_o improvement_n sake_n than_o adam_n a_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o righteous_a work_n which_o argument_n direct_o maintain_v justification_n by_o work_n and_o merit_n in_o that_o you_o say_v man_n may_v now_o do_v what_o be_v as_o good_a or_o better_a in_o valâ—â—_n than_o adam_n who_o then_o stand_v by_o work_n to_o add_v yet_o one_o word_n against_o the_o force_n of_o all_o your_o argue_n upon_o supposition_n of_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v etc._n etc._n viz._n man_n be_v death_n on_o himself_o by_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n the_o work_n of_o justice_n hereupon_o be_v to_o inflict_v death_n what_o ever_o term_n therefore_o be_v tender_v to_o prevent_v death_n these_o be_v all_o fruy_v of_o freegrace_n though_o then_o those_o term_n be_v unattainable_a by_o man_n fall_v god_n may_v notwithstanding_o without_o any_o injustice_n suspend_v the_o gift_n of_o a_o power_n answerable_a to_o they_o though_o man_n perish_v thereby_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v in_o justice_n to_o offer_v any_o term_n beside_o those_o to_o adam_n do_v thus_o else_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v much_o less_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o power_n correspondent_a to_o new_a term_n next_o follow_v your_o second_o reason_n if_o man_n put_v forth_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n and_o not_o find_v grace_n etc._n etc._n touch_v which_o i_o must_v affirm_v that_o though_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n i_o give_v you_o no_o ground_n to_o think_v i_o fear_v your_o opinion_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o freewill_n in_o the_o gospel_n sense_n yet_o be_o i_o constrain_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o force_n of_o