in_o this_o life_n chap._n v._n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n first_o state_n the_o second_o head_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o subjection_n which_o he_o be_v to_o perform_v to_o god_n as_o to_o his_o king_n be_v call_v hope_n the_o which_o flow_v from_o faith_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n state_n yea_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o particular_a faith_n or_o a_o affiance_n on_o god_n for_o some_o particular_a good_a for_o when_o as_o the_o happiness_n whereof_o faith_n take_v hold_v be_v not_o present_v but_o to_o come_v either_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a there_o come_v out_o hope_n which_o be_v a_o expectation_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o god_n promise_n already_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n 24._o so_o that_o hope_n can_v have_v no_o place_n there_o where_o full_a &_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v present_a rom._n 8._o 24._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n hope_v for_o that_o which_o he_o see_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n hope_v or_o which_o we_o desire_v be_v present_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o hope_n be_v clean_o take_v away_o and_o overthrow_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v hope_v for_o that_o as_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o which_o he_o present_o enjoy_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n in_o his_o first_o estate_n of_o happiness_n have_v either_o none_o or_o little_a use_n of_o this_o grace_n because_o his_o happiness_n be_v present_a for_o howsoever_o the_o happiness_n of_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o excellent_a as_o that_o whereof_o the_o faithful_a be_v make_v partaker_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v yet_o he_o then_o enjoy_v both_o perfect_a and_o present_a happiness_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n do_v promise_v any_o other_o happiness_n unto_o he_o then_o that_o which_o he_o present_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o be_v holiness_n but_o presumption_n and_o sin_n for_o he_o to_o have_v hope_v or_o look_v for_o any_o other_o how_o then_o can_v we_o make_v hope_v a_o part_n of_o that_o holiness_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v we_o answer_v that_o although_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n look_v for_o no_o other_o happiness_n then_o that_o which_o he_o do_v present_o enjoy_v yet_o he_o do_v hope_n that_o god_n will_v both_o continue_v that_o happiness_n and_o also_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o he_o after_o some_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o do_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o increase_v his_o present_a happiness_n sect._n 2._o of_o desperation_n or_o the_o want_n of_o hope_n man_n fall_v from_o faith_n to_o infidelity_n fall_v from_o hope_n to_o desperation_n for_o so_o we_o call_v that_o want_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v in_o all_o carnal_a man_n neither_o can_v he_o otherwise_o do_v for_o as_o he_o who_o take_v away_o the_o root_n and_o the_o foundation_n take_v away_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o house_n yea_o all_o that_o grow_v on_o the_o one_o and_o be_v build_v on_o the_o other_o so_o when_o faith_n fall_v the_o whole_a holiness_n of_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o especial_o hope_v the_o which_o have_v a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o faith_n than_o other_o grace_n have_v desperation_n and_o be_v more_o natural_o ground_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o 1._o 1._o faith_n be_v the_o groundeworke_n or_o foundation_n and_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o for_o happiness_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o apprehend_v by_o the_o will_n before_o it_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o so_o that_o see_v man_n since_o the_o fall_n do_v not_o by_o faith_n depend_v on_o god_n he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o receive_v any_o good_a thing_n at_o his_o hand_n neither_o do_v he_o once_o think_v of_o any_o other_o happiness_n then_o be_v the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o carnal_a &_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n the_o which_o be_v end_v by_o death_n all_o the_o joy_n pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o one_o unregenerate_a seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o either_o he_o think_v as_o most_o carnal_a man_n do_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v like_o a_o beast_n and_o that_o neither_o he_o himself_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o to_o life_n to_o receive_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n or_o if_o he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n wherein_o some_o shall_v have_v happiness_n other_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n yet_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n whereby_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v remit_v and_o his_o person_n endue_v with_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o the_o eternal_a anger_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o apostle_n describe_v a_o infidel_n that_o he_o be_v one_o without_o hope_n ephe._n 2._o 12._o 1._o 12._o thess._n 4._o 13._o 13._o the_o sign_n whereby_o this_o desperation_n may_v be_v know_v be_v these_o first_o the_o general_a sign_n of_o the_o want_n of_o any_o one_o grace_n to_o wit_n the_o want_n of_o other_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o renew_a holiness_n that_o where_o one_o part_n be_v present_a there_o be_v no_o part_n whole_o want_v &_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v without_o hope_n if_o that_o we_o feel_v that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hope_n second_o a_o proper_a sign_n of_o this_o desperation_n be_v when_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o a_o unspeakable_a joy_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o hear_v it_o mention_v as_o a_o ordinary_a common_a and_o light_a matter_n whereas_o if_o he_o have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n he_o will_v be_v replenish_v and_o even_o ravish_v with_o joy_n and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o trouble_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o but_o because_o a_o man_n may_v more_o sure_o judge_v by_o that_o which_o he_o feel_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o then_o by_o that_o which_o be_v want_v therefore_o man_n be_v to_o gather_v this_o desperation_n by_o these_o note_n to_o wit_n by_o a_o immoderate_a care_n for_o the_o preserve_n and_o prolong_v of_o this_o present_a life_n together_o with_o a_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o or_o sorrow_n for_o the_o death_n of_o other_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 13._o 13._o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o sorrow_n for_o the_o dead_a as_o other_o do_v which_o have_v no_o hope_n and_o such_o other_o note_n plentiful_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a hope_n the_o use_n of_o this_o hope_n be_v not_o so_o little_a in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n but_o it_o be_v as_o great_a in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o which_o although_o man_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o former_a happiness_n yea_o to_o more_o excellent_a happiness_n than_o he_o have_v before_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o present_a in_o this_o world_n as_o adam_n be_v but_o for_o the_o great_a part_n to_o come_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v here_o enjoy_v but_o only_o hope_v for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v to_o his_o elect_a child_n the_o present_a fruition_n of_o that_o happiness_n especial_o see_v that_o the_o defer_v of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a can_v but_o be_v very_o grievous_a unto_o they_o for_o as_o the_o desire_n when_o it_o come_v be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n so_o the_o defer_v of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o be_v the_o dry_n of_o the_o bone_n prou._n 13._o 12._o 12._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o this_o defer_v of_o the_o happiness_n appoint_v for_o the_o faithful_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o grievous_a unto_o they_o for_o as_o he_o who_o be_v poor_a hope_n sick_a weak_a in_o prison_n exile_n and_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o misery_n have_v good_a cause_n to_o desire_v riches_n honour_n health_n strength_n liberty_n &_o to_o see_v his_o own_o native_a country_n his_o parent_n kindred_n and_o friend_n and_o in_o brief_a to_o be_v happy_a no_o less_o cause_n have_v the_o faithful_a to_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ._n but_o god_n have_v regard_n rather_o to_o their_o good_a then_o to_o their_o desire_n have_v in_o wisdom_n appoint_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o &_o that_o their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v hope_v for_o for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n before_o it_o be_v enjoin_v yea_o this_o delay_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o
down_o with_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v he_o man_n fly_v from_o satan_n net_n as_o from_o a_o most_o hurtful_a thing_n in_o that_o he_o resist_v his_o temptation_n for_o a_o while_n but_o he_o come_v willing_o to_o god_n bait_n yea_o not_o only_o uncalled_a but_o also_o flat_o forbid_v &_o eat_v of_o it_o greedy_o for_o he_o be_v once_o catch_v and_o entangle_v change_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n thinke_v that_o to_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a which_o before_o he_o know_v to_o be_v hurtful_a &_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v so_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n come_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v of_o the_o freedom_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o preversnesse_n of_o his_o own_o will_n according_a to_o the_o eternal_a decree_n &_o purpose_n of_o god_n by_o the_o malicious_a instigation_n of_o sathan_n who_o have_v before_o fall_v himself_o do_v vehement_o desire_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n &_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o for_o that_o he_o have_v now_o conceive_v a_o vehement_a &_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n have_v just_o for_o his_o sin_n cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o before_o his_o fall_n he_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n and_o for_o so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v easy_o see_v that_o his_o malice_n can_v not_o reach_v to_o god_n himself_o therefore_o he_o think_v that_o the_o next_o way_n be_v to_o despite_n &_o dishonour_v he_o in_o his_o creature_n by_o deface_a man_n who_o only_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n own_o image_n yea_o further_o to_o deprive_v god_n of_o all_o that_o glory_n &_o ship_v that_o man_n shall_v perform_v unto_o he_o second_o satan_n desire_v to_o effect_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o more_o company_n both_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o in_o his_o punishment_n he_o be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n cease_v not_o till_o that_o by_o his_o fair_a promise_n and_o plausible_a pretence_n he_o bring_v man_n out_o of_o the_o true_a paradise_n into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n make_v he_o believe_v that_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o he_o to_o become_v a_o god_n and_o so_o he_o persuade_v eva_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o adam_n in_o the_o form_n of_o eva_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n it_o be_v doubt_v how_o adam_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o knowledge_n can_v be_v so_o palpable_o deceive_v as_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o notorious_a lie_n especial_o see_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o eua._n but_o he_o mean_v that_o eva_n be_v first_o yea_o more_fw-it easy_o and_o gross_o deceive_v for_o as_o her_o knowledge_n be_v less_o so_o we_o must_v think_v that_o her_o infidelity_n be_v great_a than_o be_v adam_n who_o although_o he_o be_v make_v to_o distrust_v in_o part_n the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v so_o blind_v by_o eva_n as_o she_o be_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o he_o sin_v more_o of_o wilfulness_n then_o of_o blindness_n choose_v rather_o to_o disobey_v god_n then_o to_o displease_v eva_n by_o reject_v her_o importunate_a request_n and_o refuse_v to_o take_v such_o part_n as_o she_o take_v who_o be_v his_o wife_n yea_o his_o only_a companion_n be_v no_o doubt_n a_o great_a pleasure_n joy_n and_o delight_n unto_o he_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o fall_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o adam_n be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o man_n do_v sustain_v the_o public_a person_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o his_o innocence_n and_o also_o in_o his_o fall_n in_o his_o happiness_n and_o in_o his_o misery_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o all_o mankind_n fall_v see_v not_o all_o but_o some_o of_o the_o angel_n do_v fall_v we_o answer_v that_o all_o man_n be_v in_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o the_o fall_n in_o adam_n loin_n and_o therefore_o do_v both_o stand_n and_o fall_v with_o he_o but_o the_o angel_n do_v not_o be_v get_v one_o another_o be_v all_o create_v immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o angel_n do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o another_o unless_o that_o one_o by_o consent_v to_o the_o sin_n devise_v by_o another_o do_v make_v himself_o sinful_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n wherein_o one_o or_o some_o few_o be_v the_o chief_a &_o author_n of_o this_o conspiracy_n the_o rest_n approve_v it_o &_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v by_o that_o distinction_n which_o be_v make_v of_o they_o one_o be_v make_v chief_a 41._o or_o head_n the_o rest_n his_o inferior_n mat._n 25._o 41._o go_v you_o into_o eternal_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n the_o three_o state_n follow_v which_o be_v the_o recover_n of_o the_o first_o state_n of_o life_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v in_o the_o beginning_n for_o god_n in_o suffer_v man_n to_o fall_v do_v not_o purpose_v the_o final_a overthrow_n and_o destruction_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o creature_n but_o rather_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o own_o unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o man_n in_o pardon_v his_o sin_n and_o in_o restore_v he_o to_o life_n this_o state_n we_o call_v the_o state_n of_o salvation_n for_o that_o man_n in_o it_o be_v not_o only_o endue_v with_o life_n as_o he_o be_v before_o but_o also_o save_v and_o deliver_v from_o eternal_a death_n whereunto_o he_o fall_v by_o his_o sin_n yet_o not_o all_o mankind_n be_v restore_v to_o life_n but_o only_o a_o few_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v both_o how_o unapt_a man_n be_v to_o do_v any_o good_a how_o uncapable_a of_o salvation_n he_o be_v make_v by_o sin_n in_o that_o he_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o no_o not_o now_o when_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v set_v heaven_n gate_n wide_o open_a do_v offer_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n and_o last_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v declare_v in_o punish_v the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o sin_n salvation_n and_o yet_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n be_v happy_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o fall_v for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v or_o shall_v ever_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a state_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o and_o chief_o because_o their_o fall_n be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v recover_v their_o first_o estate_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fall_n come_v of_o that_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n light_n and_o grace_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v and_o the_o which_o they_o do_v tread_v under_o their_o foot_n and_o despise_v for_o if_o they_o have_v fall_v only_o from_o some_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n a_o great_a measure_n will_v have_v recover_v they_o but_o they_o have_v already_o reject_v and_o make_v of_o no_o force_n so_o much_o grace_n as_o any_o mere_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o have_v no_o remedy_n leave_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o as_o they_o fall_v from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n so_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o low_a sink_n of_o sin_n even_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v which_o be_v a_o most_o desperate_a deadly_a cruel_a fierce_a contumelious_a shameless_a open_a profess_v wilful_a and_o spiteful_a hatred_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n yea_o against_o all_o his_o creature_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a this_o come_v of_o the_o exceed_a great_a strength_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v once_o let_v loose_a to_o sin_n can_v not_o stay_v or_o rest_v but_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o like_o unto_o this_o remediless_a fall_n of_o the_o wicked_a angel_n be_v that_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o one_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n do_v fall_v into_o this_o fearful_a and_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o goodness_n for_o as_o he_o who_o fall_v from_o a_o steep_a and_o high_a rock_n into_o a_o deep_a pit_n or_o gulf_n can_v not_o possible_o escape_v death_n whereas_o one_o who_o fall_n be_v less_o may_v have_v hope_n of_o life_n so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o wicked_a angel_n who_o sin_n we_o may_v true_o call_v that_o unpardonable_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n further_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o angel_n deserve_v more_o severe_a punishment_n in_o that_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o resist_v it_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o
moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n this_o the_o heathen_a orator_n witness_v say_v all_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o do_v fear_n for_o although_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o love_n and_o mercy_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o innocency_n yet_o they_o do_v consider_v not_o only_o what_o they_o will_v do_v but_o also_o what_o they_o may_v do_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v the_o surpass_a and_o incomprehensible_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v full_o reveal_v have_v force_n not_o only_o to_o astonishe_v and_o amaze_v but_o also_o to_o confound_v and_o consume_v any_o creature_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o the_o say_a creature_n be_v not_o stain_v with_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o subject_a to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o a_o brittle_a glass_n be_v fill_v with_o some_o extreme_a strong_a liquor_n can_v but_o burst_v in_o sunder_o not_o because_o of_o any_o antipathy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o they_o but_o because_o the_o glass_n be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o contain_v the_o liquor_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n do_v appear_v in_o perfect_a glory_n in_o regard_n whereof_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v their_o face_n lest_o they_o shall_v behold_v it_o 2_o how_o much_o more_o than_o have_v man_n who_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o who_o life_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n just_a cause_n of_o fear_n yea_o the_o brute_n beast_n and_o senseless_a creature_n themselves_o who_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o fear_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n 29._o thus_o we_o read_v psal._n 29._o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n show_v itself_o forth_o in_o power_n and_o glory_n do_v break_v the_o cedar_n of_o libanus_n it_o make_v they_o skip_v like_o young_a calf_n yea_o it_o make_v the_o desert_n to_o quake_v the_o hind_n to_o calf_n the_o mountain_n to_o smoke_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o creature_n what_o soever_o to_o melt_v away_o before_o his_o face_n and_o thus_o do_v man_n fear_n god_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o although_o he_o have_v daily_a conversation_n with_o god_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o as_o a_o vessel_n of_o glass_n clay_n or_o any_o brittle_a matter_n often_o meet_v with_o vessel_n of_o brass_n or_o iron_n may_v easy_o get_v a_o knock_n and_o so_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n so_o may_v he_o be_v confound_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o god_n do_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o full_o unto_o he_o three_o man_n be_v in_o his_o first_o state_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_n god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mutability_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v overcome_v with_o some_o temptation_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v easy_o forsake_v god_n and_o embrace_v evil_a by_o the_o which_o mean_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o eternal_a death_n but_o also_o displease_v and_o dishonour_n god_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o so_o love_v and_o bountiful_a a_o father_n and_o creator_n unto_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o it_o first_o it_o serve_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o disobedience_n for_o although_o man_n in_o this_o holy_a estate_n do_v obey_v god_n more_o for_o love_n then_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n yet_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o keep_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o propound_v not_o only_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n to_o his_o obedience_n but_o also_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n to_o his_o disobedience_n whensoever_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o we_o read_v gen._n 2._o 17._o 17._o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v incontinent_o die_v second_o this_o fear_n serve_v to_o keep_v man_n as_o from_o sin_n so_o from_o all_o presumptuous_a bold_a &_o undecent_a behaviour_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o we_o know_v as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v familiar_a conversation_n will_v easy_o breed_v contempt_n last_o man_n be_v by_o this_o fear_n put_v in_o mind_n and_o make_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o baseness_n infirmity_n &_o mutability_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n so_o also_o the_o infinite_a power_n authority_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o want_n of_o fear_n the_o three_o head_n of_o man_n rebellion_n be_v the_o want_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a fear_n of_o god_n for_o since_o the_o fall_n man_n have_v no_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o power_n might_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n fear_n or_o yet_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o he_o have_v before_o but_o conceive_v amiss_o both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o but_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o fear_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mutability_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o may_v fall_v into_o sin_n when_o as_o he_o fear_v not_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a anger_n due_a unto_o himself_o for_o sin_n already_o commit_v for_o if_o man_n in_o his_o innocence_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o fear_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v he_o be_v sinful_a for_o if_o he_o be_v righteous_a be_v scarslie_o save_v how_o shall_v he_o now_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o yet_o man_n in_o this_o sinful_a state_n have_v although_o great_a cause_n of_o fear_n â—et_o less_o fear_n than_o he_o have_v before_o yea_o in_o truth_n â—one_n at_o all_o but_o be_v benumb_v with_o a_o senseless_a security_n have_v no_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_v of_o punishment_n for_o sin_n commit_v neither_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n this_o appear_v â—oth_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o rom._n 3._o 18._o 18._o where_o a_o carnal_a â—an_v be_v describe_v by_o this_o note_n that_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n as_o also_o by_o â—ayly_a experience_n which_o show_v we_o that_o â—ery_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v in_o their_o action_n regard_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a whether_o please_v or_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o which_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o doer_n some_o heavy_a judgement_n or_o no_o whereas_o if_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o will_v think_v he_o to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o and_o to_o behold_v their_o do_n and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v both_o restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o prick_v forward_o to_o do_v good_a but_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o in_o commit_v sin_n man_n think_v that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o secret_o as_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o shame_n slander_n reproach_n and_o anger_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o humane_a law_n but_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o enlarge_n of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v so_o manifest_a sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a fear_n the_o three_o head_n of_o renew_a subjection_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v a_o singular_a grace_n and_o have_v great_a use_n in_o regeneration_n howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o fight_v with_o faith_n and_o hope_n morâ—_n than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n see_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v not_o loose_v that_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o therefore_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o evil_n fear_n be_v not_o only_o happy_a but_o also_o sure_a to_o continue_v so_o for_o ever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n can_v stand_v with_o perfect_a faith_n and_o hope_n whereby_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v certain_o expect_v yea_o although_o the_o faithful_a need_v not_o fear_v the_o mutability_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o final_a perseverance_n in_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v move_v to_o fear_v god_n hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o fear_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n whereof_o the_o most_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o fear_n god_n than_o they_o be_v to_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n for_o shall_v man_n
power_n of_o god_n again_o some_o man_n may_v object_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v infinite_a in_o god_n and_o finite_a in_o the_o creature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o proportion_n or_o similitude_n betwixt_o they_o estate_n we_o answer_v that_o there_o may_v be_v though_o no_o proportion_n yeâ—_n similitude_n betwixt_o a_o infinite_a and_o a_o finite_a thing_n as_o for_o example_n one_o drop_n of_o water_n iâ—_n like_o to_o the_o great_a ocean_n both_o be_v of_o thâ—_n same_o matter_n and_o of_o the_o same_o form_n both_o be_v water_n and_o round_o again_o to_o take_v our_o first_o similitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a greatness_n although_o no_o creature_n be_v simple_o infinite_a for_o philosopher_n do_v teach_v that_o it_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v see_v the_o likeness_n &_o image_n of_o it_o in_o a_o little_a dishfull_a of_o water_n last_o not_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o only_o some_o of_o they_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o creature_n for_o no_o creature_n be_v eternal_a infinite_a or_o exist_v of_o itself_o in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o call_v this_o resemblance_n which_o the_o creature_n have_v to_o god_n rather_o a_o likeness_n than_o a_o image_n for_o we_o know_v that_o a_o image_n be_v like_a to_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o every_o respect_n as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o man_n the_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n in_o the_o water_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n or_o moon_n itself_o but_o no_o creature_n seem_v to_o be_v god_n because_o it_o be_v unlike_a to_o god_n in_o more_o respect_n than_o it_o be_v like_a for_o a_o beast_n may_v be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o many_o respect_n as_o be_v a_o ape_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o image_n of_o man_n because_o the_o unlikeness_n and_o difference_n be_v great_a than_o the_o likeness_n but_o to_o apply_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v here_o say_v why_o then_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o man_n be_v create_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n have_v more_o regard_n to_o our_o capacity_n then_o to_o the_o exact_a propriety_n of_o speech_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o likeness_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n image_n that_o he_o may_v distinguish_v it_o as_o be_v far_o great_a from_o the_o likeness_n which_o other_o creature_n have_v to_o god_n for_o as_o a_o man_n speak_v of_o beast_n may_v say_v that_o a_o horse_n or_o any_o other_o beast_n be_v like_a to_o a_o man_n because_o it_o have_v a_o head_n eye_n mouth_n breast_n and_o belly_n as_o a_o man_n have_v but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o ape_n or_o to_o the_o satire_n there_o he_o find_v so_o great_a likeness_n that_o he_o stick_v not_o to_o call_v it_o though_o unproper_o the_o very_a image_n and_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n so_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o every_o thing_n have_v some_o likeness_n to_o god_n for_o the_o star_n be_v glorious_a the_o heaven_n be_v simple_a the_o fire_n be_v pure_a the_o air_n be_v subtle_a the_o thunder_n be_v fearful_a the_o wind_n be_v mighty_a the_o rain_n be_v good_a the_o rock_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o a_o manner_n eternal_a the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v those_o which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v love_a and_o pitiful_a towards_o they_o as_o god_n be_v affect_v towards_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o every_o creature_n have_v alikenes_n to_o god_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o god_n do_v often_o in_o the_o scripture_n compare_v himself_o even_o to_o his_o senseless_a and_o brutish_a creature_n 29._o as_o may_v be_v see_v esa._n 5._o 29._o hosea_n 5._o 14._o 14._o yea_o we_o read_v gen._n 1._o 31._o that_o god_n look_v on_o his_o creature_n 31._o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o good_a whereof_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v all_o like_a to_o god_n who_o be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v only_o good_a math._n 19_o 17._o 17._o but_o when_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o memory_n with_o justice_n equity_n courage_n temperance_n chastity_n love_n pity_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n with_o a_o beautiful_a proportion_n of_o body_n and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n yea_o with_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o these_o earthly_a creature_n he_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a image_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o finite_a and_o a_o create_a god_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n be_v either_o a_o god_n or_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o image_n of_o god_n either_o find_v in_o any_o creature_n or_o imagine_v by_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n only_a christ_n the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o express_a character_n and_o engraven_a form_n of_o the_o father_n be_v so_o much_o more_o his_o image_n then_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n be_v as_o a_o natural_a son_n beget_v of_o the_o body_n of_o his_o father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n flesh_n blood_n bone_n stature_n colour_n and_o condition_n with_o his_o father_n be_v more_o his_o image_n then_o be_v a_o ape_n horse_n or_o any_o other_o beast_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n be_v that_o great_a similitude_n which_o he_o have_v to_o god_n who_o he_o do_v resemble_v not_o only_o in_o one_o or_o in_o a_o few_o respect_n as_o other_o creature_n do_v but_o in_o many_o yet_o not_o in_o all_o in_o this_o sense_n god_n after_o that_o he_o have_v make_v all_o other_o creature_n 26._o say_v gen._n 1._o 26._o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o own_o image_n according_a to_o our_o own_o similitude_n where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o image_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n be_v all_o one_o both_o signify_v the_o difference_n of_o excellency_n which_o be_v betwixt_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n there_o name_v in_o like_a manner_n if_o we_o compare_v man_n with_o the_o angel_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o he_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o other_o creature_n so_o the_o angel_n do_v far_o exceed_v he_o in_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n estate_n for_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n strength_n purity_n holiness_n and_o of_o all_o goodness_n than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o they_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v like_a to_o god_n then_o man_n be_v again_o of_o man_n they_o who_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a attribute_n have_v more_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v great_a power_n and_o authority_n then_o private_a man_n &_o therefore_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v god_n the_o man_n who_o have_v great_a strength_n than_o the_o woman_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o woman_n be_v make_v the_o image_n of_o the_o man_n 7._o 1._o cor._n 11._o 7._o and_o so_o the_o rich_a noble_a learned_a wise_a age_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o who_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o these_o gift_n may_v be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o we_o go_v from_o the_o base_a worm_n creep_v on_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o each_o one_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o so_o it_o be_v like_a to_o god_n yet_o the_o scripture_n vouchsafe_v this_o title_n of_o god_n image_n to_o none_o save_v only_o to_o man_n and_o angel_n this_o be_v the_o general_a acception_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v also_o usual_o take_v by_o divine_n write_v of_o man_n holiness_n three_o it_o may_v be_v use_v yet_o more_o special_o to_o signify_v not_o all_o the_o holiness_n of_o man_n but_o only_o that_o part_n of_o it_o whereby_o he_o resemble_v god_n more_o notable_o then_o in_o the_o other_o for_o as_o touch_v all_o those_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n they_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o god_n he_o be_v over_o all_o and_o therefore_o ackngwledge_v no_o manner_n of_o subjection_n to_o any_o neither_o any_o duty_n of_o subjection_n as_o affiance_n hope_v fear_v
man_n outward_o and_o civil_o honest_a may_v be_v reckon_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o age_n country_n or_o story_n which_o do_v not_o aford_v many_o example_n of_o man_n who_o have_v exceed_v in_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o in_o injustice_n toward_o man_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a behaviour_n the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o sinful_a man_n by_o many_o degree_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o crooked_a and_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o man_n will_n which_o be_v whole_o bend_v and_o set_v upon_o sin_n and_o do_v so_o greedy_o and_o insatiable_o pursue_v after_o it_o as_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o some_o mean_n it_o can_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n it_o employ_v all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n yea_o all_o inward_a and_o outward_a blessing_n what_o soever_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n devise_v new_a way_n of_o commit_v sin_n new_a excuse_n pretence_n colour_n and_o defence_n for_o it_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o great_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o body_n that_o a_o man_n have_v ceave_v the_o fit_a instrument_n have_v his_o will_n and_o his_o corrupt_a desire_n to_o increase_v sin_n here_o of_o it_o come_v that_o not_o idiot_n simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n not_o the_o weak_a in_o body_n or_o the_o base_a in_o condition_n not_o the_o poor_a nor_o the_o young_a but_o the_o most_o witty_a learned_a strong_a noble_a rich_a age_a be_v these_o notorious_a wicked_a one_o the_o most_o horrible_a monster_n in_o all_o outrage_n of_o sin_n which_o any_o story_n do_v mention_n be_v great_a emperor_n and_o mighty_a man_n as_o nero_n caligula_n and_o such_o other_o and_o who_o be_v so_o wretched_a covetous_a worldly_a so_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o ignorance_n superstition_n infidelity_n yea_o in_o hatred_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o be_v they_o who_o by_o year_n have_v get_v wisdom_n experience_n riches_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o we_o may_v easy_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1._o 26_o not_o many_o noble_a 26._o wise_a scotfree_a or_o great_a man_n be_v call_v to_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n do_v more_o abound_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o do_v in_o old_a time_n wherein_o man_n be_v more_o rude_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a than_o child_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o be_v so_o soon_o ripe_a and_o expert_a in_o all_o wickedness_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v perfect_a man_n not_o weak_a infant_n and_o no_o marvel_n sinâ—fulnesse_n see_v that_o this_o last_o age_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a sink_n wherein_o all_o the_o sin_n error_n heresy_n superstition_n all_o the_o shift_n craft_n deceit_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a invention_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o great_a multitude_n of_o expert_a practitioner_n in_o sin_n who_o beside_o that_o which_o their_o own_o invention_n do_v afford_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o example_n &_o try_a experiment_n of_o all_o age_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v 12._o math._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a 1._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 1._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v perilous_a time_n for_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a curse_a speaker_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce_n breaker_n false_a accuser_n intemperate_a fierce_a have_v no_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high_a mind_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3_o and_o again_o 2._o pet._n 3._o 3_o this_o first_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n shall_v come_v mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v sinâ—â—llnesse_n and_o even_o paint_v out_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o these_o day_n that_o we_o may_v beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o the_o infidelity_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n which_o reign_v everywhere_o &_o so_o save_v ourselves_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n from_o this_o froward_a &_o godless_a generation_n wherein_o we_o live_v last_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o natural_a gift_n and_o outward_a blessing_n be_v abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o excessivenesse_n of_o sin_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v often_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o that_o in_o far_o great_a measure_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o among_o heathen_a man_n they_o who_o be_v of_o small_a wit_n capacity_n knowledge_n strength_n and_o riches_n shall_v be_v wicked_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o they_o who_o excel_v in_o the_o foresay_a respect_n so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o in_o who_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o work_v that_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v fall_v into_o that_o extreme_a impiety_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sin_n even_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n call_v in_o scripture_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v but_o they_o who_o do_v sometime_o before_o receive_v grace_n from_o god_n 5._o to_o see_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o truth_n heb._n 6._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v namely_o into_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o open_a wilful_a and_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n of_o his_o religion_n of_o his_o feruant_n and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n do_v to_o who_o this_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n this_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o wicked_a angel_n fall_v into_o that_o extremity_n of_o sin_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o man_n in_o who_o this_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o monstrous_a hugeness_n of_o it_o be_v rare_a and_o happen_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o for_o their_o cruel_a spiteful_a desperate_a and_o malicious_a hatred_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o godly_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v devil_n incarnate_a then_o reasonable_a man_n for_o it_o be_v hear_v for_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v once_o know_v god_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n and_o for_o to_o burst_v forth_o into_o such_o outrage_n yet_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o for_o nought_o teach_v we_o it_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v although_o seldom_o yet_o often_o than_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v sincereness_n this_o increase_n of_o sin_n call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o a_o man_n after_o a_o sort_n regenerate_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n which_o return_v to_o the_o place_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o be_v cast_v go_v not_o alone_o but_o take_v with_o he_o seven_o other_o wicked_a spirit_n every_o one_o worse_a than_o himself_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sinful_a than_o the_o beginning_n even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o natural_a thing_n as_o namely_o in_o water_n which_o after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o little_a warm_v become_v more_o cold_a than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o have_v any_o heat_n in_o it_o and_o so_o man_n who_o have_v have_v some_o heat_n of_o religion_n kindle_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o they_o contemn_v and_o abuse_v the_o say_a grace_n become_v more_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a than_o they_o who_o never_o know_v what_o religion_n mean_v chapter_n vii_o of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n although_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v now_o true_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v bold_o boast_v and_o
other_o part_n of_o santification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o body_n may_v live_v although_o it_o lack_v the_o arm_n leg_n and_o other_o part_n but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o wound_v death_n be_v then_o hard_a at_o hand_n and_o therefore_o satan_n do_v most_o of_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o faithful_a man_n desire_v to_o strike_v through_o the_o hart_n at_o the_o first_o stroke_n that_o so_o as_o abisai_n say_v 1._o sam._n 26._o 8._o 8._o he_o may_v save_v the_o labour_n of_o strike_v twice_o this_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o sathan_n have_v desire_v to_o tempt_v he_o 2._o but_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n whereat_o sathan_n will_v direct_o strike_v shall_v not_o fail_v the_o weapon_n wherewith_o he_o use_v to_o strike_v at_o faith_n be_v many_o and_o diverse_a as_o namely_o these_o first_o the_o cross_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o god_n lay_v on_o his_o child_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o 7._o but_o they_o feel_v they_o bitter_a and_o after_o a_o sort_n intolerable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n labour_n by_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n as_o also_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o the_o which_o thing_n when_o as_o they_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v suffer_v to_o languish_v yea_o often_o to_o perish_v outward_o in_o their_o trouble_n they_o straight_o way_n be_v move_v by_o sathan_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o help_n or_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n this_o policy_n sathan_n himself_o do_v bewray_v and_o confess_v job._n 1._o 11_o do_v job_n fear_n god_n for_o nought_o thou_o have_v bless_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o he_o in_o outward_a cross_n and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o trust_v in_o thou_o 11._o that_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n the_o temptation_n be_v then_o most_o forceable_a when_o as_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o great_a misery_n be_v exasperate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a insomuch_o that_o they_o often_o repent_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v that_o course_n &_o manner_n of_o life_n whereby_o they_o see_v they_o to_o flourish_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v withstand_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v chastise_v his_o child_n and_o purge_v they_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v glorious_a and_o heavenly_a vessel_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o wicked_a be_v as_o sheep_n feed_v fat_a against_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n that_o they_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v conformable_a to_o christ_n their_o head_n that_o the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o that_o â—s_v it_o be_v luke_n 16._o 25._o 25._o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n have_v pleasure_n and_o the_o godly_a pain_n so_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o godly_a shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o the_o other_o torment_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o we_o read_v eccles._n 8._o 12._o 17._o though_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o yet_o prolong_v his_o day_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o with_o no_o other_o again_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v often_o tempt_v by_o consideration_n have_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n for_o so_o by_o measure_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o their_o own_o shallow_a reason_n they_o stagger_v at_o it_o and_o sometime_o fall_v flat_o down_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 18._o 18._o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n teach_v that_o the_o resurrection_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v already_o past_a and_o so_o they_o do_v subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o but_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n the_o third_o temptation_n be_v the_o obscure_a secret_a and_o hide_a manner_n of_o god_n work_v in_o these_o last_o age_n wherein_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o full_o in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v hide_v himself_o from_o the_o eye_n even_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o in_o vision_n revelation_n dream_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n in_o temporal_a punishment_n and_o blessing_n oâ—_n in_o any_o other_o sensible_a manner_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v on_o and_o work_v after_o their_o own_o inclination_n as_o namely_o tyrant_n to_o rage_n and_o oppress_v his_o church_n to_o persecute_v his_o people_n to_o erect_v idolatry_n to_o deface_v his_o worship_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v clean_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o sensible_a apparition_n blessing_n and_o action_n be_v for_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o now_o be_v come_v to_o her_o ripe_a age_n and_o yet_o the_o action_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a than_o before_o yea_o they_o be_v as_o manifest_v to_o spiritual_a eye_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o carnal_a eye_n of_o man_n the_o last_o weapon_n wherewith_o satan_n strike_v at_o faith_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o to_o wit_n their_o manifold_a and_o grievous_a sin_n especial_o those_o whereinto_o they_o fall_v again_o and_o again_o have_v often_o repent_v they_o &_o whereof_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n here_o satan_n think_v that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o advantage_n against_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o himself_o desire_v for_o in_o the_o other_o temptation_n he_o do_v fight_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o now_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v on_o his_o side_n for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v everywhere_a teach_v that_o all_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v sanctify_v from_o a_o sinful_a life_n and_o have_v power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v and_o mortify_v sin_n especial_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n hereof_o he_o infer_v after_o this_o manner_n thou_o have_v no_o such_o power_n or_o grace_n to_o resist_v sin_n thou_o can_v not_o for_o thy_o life_n abstain_v from_o commit_v it_o but_o do_v add_v one_o fall_v to_o another_o one_o sin_n to_o another_o even_o against_o thy_o own_o conscience_n &_o therefore_o thy_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o either_o mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n or_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v but_o some_o light_a shadow_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o reprobate_n this_o argument_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o drive_v many_o faithful_a man_n to_o their_o wit_n end_n and_o even_o to_o despair_v of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n kill_v all_o holiness_n even_o at_o the_o root_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o mean_n especial_o by_o learning_n if_o we_o be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a how_o to_o answer_v this_o argument_n thus_o cunning_o compact_v by_o satan_n the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o tempt_v labour_n by_o fast_v prayer_n continual_a read_n meditate_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o diligent_a weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o manifold_a evil_n ensue_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v himself_o of_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o satan_n do_v so_o buffet_v he_o and_o so_o to_o wring_v his_o weapon_n by_o force_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o often_o the_o faithful_a can_v get_v the_o mastery_n over_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n may_v be_v at_o some_o time_n without_o some_o fruit_n as_o the_o tree_n be_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n as_o appear_v manifest_o by_o the_o example_n of_o diverse_a faithful_a man_n as_o namely_o in_o david_n that_o notable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o only_o commit_v adultery_n which_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n the_o harm_n whereof_o can_v by_v any_o mean_n be_v amend_v yea_o and_o add_v murder_n to_o it_o a_o more_o horrible_a sin_n but_o also_o as_o may_v be_v probable_o gather_v seem_v to_o have_v continue_v