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scripture_n faith_n word_n write_a 3,171 5 10.6412 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09277 VindiciƦ gratiƦ. = A plea for grace More especially the grace of faith. Or, certain lectures as touching the nature and properties of grace and faith: wherein, amongst other matters of great use, the maine sinews of Arminius doctrine are cut asunder. Delivered by that late learned and godly man William Pemble, in Magdalen Hall in Oxford. Pemble, William, 1592?-1623.; Capel, Richard, 1586-1656. 1627 (1627) STC 19591; ESTC S114374 222,244 312

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it_o unless_o himself_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a revelation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a god-where_a he_o come_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n brightness_n and_o clearness_n imprint_v on_o those_o revelation_n that_o mortal_a mind_n be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o their_o divinity_n yea_o balaam_n himself_o though_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o to_o have_v know_v or_o believe_v those_o revelation_n that_o so_o unkind_o cross_v his_o hope_n of_o preferment_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o 2._o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o he_o utter_v his_o parable_n with_o this_o preface_n 4._o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n have_v say_v and_o the_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_a have_v say_v he_o have_v say_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a fall_v into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o that_o be_v at_o 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one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n faith_n say_v they_o be_v a_o assent_n give_v to_o any_o proposition_n reveal_v by_o god_n propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la and_o two_o essential_a property_n this_o assent_n have_v 1._o certainty_n 2._o obscurity_n of_o certainty_n we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o concern_v obscurity_n we_o yield_v unto_o they_o thus_o far_o that_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v obscure_a that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v and_o comprehend_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n by_o our_o sense_n or_o understanding_n and_o so_o not_o only_o the_o more_o secret_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n who_o depth_n and_o largeness_n our_o reason_n can_v compass_v but_o all_o other_o matter_n historical_a or_o prophetical_a which_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v notwithstanding_o obscure_a that_o be_v inevident_a not_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o direct_a view_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o this_o do_v not_o please_v our_o adversary_n it_o be_v not_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o want_v of_o perspicuity_n in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o which_o they_o understand_v by_o obscurity_n their_o meaning_n be_v thus_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o obscure_a proposition_n that_o be_v to_o proposition_n not_o understand_v whereof_o we_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n ay_o this_o be_v it_o this_o be_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n speak_v one_o root_n of_o popery_n in_o grain_n whence_o original_o issue_v out_o that_o black_a darkness_n of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n which_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v here_o also_o gratify_v they_o a_o little_a we_o confess_v that_o christian_n can_v for_o a_o need_n yield_v assent_n to_o such_o proposition_n whereof_o they_o understand_v not_o
faith_n or_o belief_n in_o general_a as_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a extent_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o civil_a or_o natural_a thing_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o special_a about_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o open_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o general_n will_v give_v much_o light_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o special_a consideration_n thereof_o therefore_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o first_o not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o improper_a acception_n of_o this_o word_n fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n or_o trustiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o speak_v bonafide_fw-la faithful_o or_o trust_o and_o in_o that_o exclamation_n vestram_fw-la fidem_fw-la etc._n etc._n sometime_o for_o argument_n or_o proof_n from_o reason_n or_o authority_n bring_v to_o breed_v belief_n in_o another_o which_o acception_n be_v usual_a in_o rhetoritian_n arist._n 1._o rhet._n c._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n quintil._n l._n 5._o cap._n 10._o haec_fw-la omne_fw-la argumenta_fw-la generaliter_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n etc._n etc._n faith_n or_o belief_n in_o the_o proper_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o matter_n a●_n be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n from_o another_o this_o definition_n agree_v to_o belief_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n the_o genus_fw-la i●_n assent_n the_o difference_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n whereto_o assent_n be_v yield_v and_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o understand_v only_o by_o another_o revelation_n both_o part_n will_v be_v plain_o understand_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o three_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n cognitionis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v incident_a unto_o man_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v scientia_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d knowledge_n proper_o so_o unica_fw-la call_v which_o be_v breed_v in_o we_o by_o the_o evident_a certainty_n of_o thing_n present_v unto_o our_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o understand_v such_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o evident_a and_o infallible_a reason_n or_o when_o we_o know_v such_o particular_n as_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n when_o they_o be_v right_o dispose_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v opinio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opinion_n a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n not_o clear_o present_v unto_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o apprehend_v thing_n in_o part_n and_o obscure_o so_o that_o we_o can_v absolute_o say_v it_o be_v this_o or_o it_o be_v that_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d belief_n which_o be_v a_o knowledge_n ground_v on_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o those_o thing_n whereof_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o evidence_n only_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o such_o and_o such_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v so_o these_o three_o divers_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o express_v in_o form_n of_o speech_n agreeable_a the_o first_o when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v so_o the_o second_o thus_o i_o think_v it_o be_v so_o the_o last_o in_o this_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o a_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o three_o apprehension_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o every_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v but_o more_o clear_o thus_o it_o stand_v 1._o knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v have_v evermore_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v know_v must_v be_v always_o apparent_a to_o the_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o sense_n by_o the_o proportionablenesse_n of_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o object_n and_o due_a application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o organ_n to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o reason_n shine_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherefore_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n be_v evermore_o evident_a and_o be_v thus_o evident_a and_o apparent_a the_o apprehension_n thereof_o in_o the_o subject_a by_o the_o sense_n and_o understanding_n must_v needs_o be_v clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a whence_o arise_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o firm_a and_o certain_a exclude_v all_o doubt_v whatsoever_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n moist_a the_o sun_n light_n that_o quicquid_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la vniversali_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la particulari_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la tertio_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la with_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n be_v evident_a make_v such_o a_o lively_a impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o clear_o discover_v their_o reasonableness_n to_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o strong_o assent_v unto_o their_o truth_n without_o all_o doubt_n 2._o opinion_n be_v contrary_a unto_o knowledge_n and_o always_o have_v uncertainetie_n in_o the_o subject_a and_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n attend_v on_o it_o for_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n uncertain_a and_o contingent_a whereof_o our_o best_a knowledge_n be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a conjecture_n as_o that_o a_o red_a evening_n and_o a_o gray_a morning_n shall_v bring_v a_o fair_a day_n again_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a enough_o and_o necessary_a yet_o unto_o we_o they_o will_v be_v but_o only_o probable_a and_o conjectural_a if_o either_o our_o sense_n through_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n perceive_v they_o not_o thorough_o or_o our_o understanding_n do_v not_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o for_o want_v of_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o our_o assent_n unto_o their_o truth_n will_v be_v always_o waver_v &_o doubtful_a without_o any_o fix_a determination_n to_o embrace_v any_o side_n resolve_o but_o so_o hold_v itself_o to_o that_o part_n which_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v most_o probable_a as_o that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o shift_v itself_o unto_o the_o other_o side_n when_o better_a reason_n shall_v be_v discover_v 3._o belief_n partly_o agree_v partly_o differ_v both_o from_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o partake_v but_o of_o one_o property_n namely_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_a though_o very_o variable_a but_o never_o of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n both_o shall_v appear_v unto_o you_o in_o order_n for_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n it_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o quâ_fw-la tale_n it_o be_v never_o evident_a to_o the_o believer_n for_o evident_a as_o i_o say_v before_o those_o thing_n only_o be_v which_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a quality_n and_o light_n work_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n or_o both_o now_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o believe_v but_o know_v as_o for_o instance_n what_o we_o see_v hear_v touch_n taste_n or_o smell_v by_o these_o sense_n orderly_o dispose_v we_o do_v not_o say_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o we_o know_v it_o as_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n cold_a he_o that_o relate_v unto_o i_o a_o accident_n that_o himself_o have_v see_v he_o know_v it_o but_o i_o that_o hear_v he_o do_v believe_v it_o again_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o manifest_a and_o infallible_a reason_n those_o also_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o astronomer_n foretell_v a_o eclipse_n to_o fall_v out_o a_o hundred_o year_n hence_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o he_o know_v this_o effect_n will_v ensue_v by_o the_o infallible_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o a_o unlearned_a man_n that_o find_v this_o in_o a_o ephemerides_n he_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n thereof_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o understanding_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n for_o thing_n believe_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v of_o thing_n past_a before_o we_o be_v and_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o get_v any_o knowledge_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v astronomical_a demonstration_n as_o be_v touch_v before_o or_o such_o physical_a effect_n as_o depend_v upon_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o their_o cause_n touch_v thing_n
be_o very_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o you_o may_v judge_v my_o discourse_n have_v have_v more_o philosophy_n than_o divinity_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o this_o place_n i_o confess_v it_o and_o crave_v your_o pardon_n for_o it_o only_o thus_o much_o let_v i_o say_v that_o i_o can_v not_o tell_v well_o how_o to_o avoid_v this_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o will_v clear_v our_o passage_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v you_o have_v then_o hear_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n what_o certainty_n in_o the_o assent_n give_v to_o it_o how_o it_o differ_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o knowledge_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o general_n and_o then_o i_o have_v do_v with_o it_o belief_n be_v at_o first_o define_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n know_v by_o revelation_n but_o now_o you_o be_v further_o to_o know_v that_o all_o assent_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o differ_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n assent_v unto_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o of_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n 1._o some_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o only_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o without_o any_o special_a relation_n to_o our_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n unto_o such_o thing_n whether_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n do_v yield_v that_o common_a assent_n and_o approbation_n whereby_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o ttuth_n and_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v this_o be_v call_v a_o bare_a assent_n or_o credulitas_fw-la belief_n in_o strict_a term_n when_o we_o only_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o go_v no_o further_o 2._o some_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o more_o special_o as_o contain_v some_o excellent_a truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o concern_v we_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o benefit_n that_o we_o shall_v get_v thereby_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o assent_n be_v with_o adherence_n affiance_n trust_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o thing_n reveal_v for_o as_o in_o general_a all_o truth_n and_o goodness_n draw_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o approbation_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v know_v so_o much_o more_o do_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o necessity_n wherein_o we_o may_v claim_v special_a interest_n and_o commodity_n unite_v our_o will_n and_o understanding_n in_o strong_a assent_n and_o adherence_n unto_o they_o this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v in_o strict_a term_n call_v faith_n or_o trust_n fides_n fiducia_n which_o imply_v much_o more_o than_o credulitas_fw-la belief_n fidere_fw-la in_o the_o property_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o degree_n beyond_o credere_fw-la import_v a_o assent_n with_o reliance_n and_o confidence_n now_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o assent_n be_v nothing_o but_o promise_n of_o some_o good_a hereafter_o to_o befall_v we_o and_o promise_n be_v never_o believe_v unless_o they_o be_v trust_v upon_o as_o a_o captive_n can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v he_o that_o promise_v to_o ransom_n he_o upon_o a_o day_n unless_o he_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o which_o case_n we_o can_v distinguish_v between_o belief_n and_o trust_n itself_o fidem_fw-la and_o fiduciam_fw-la to_o make_v they_o two_o several_a act_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a thus_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o some_o such_o truth_n as_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a to_o i_o in_o particular_a they_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n consist_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o performance_n the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n consist_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v more_o or_o less_o excellent_a but_o now_o to_o trust_v fiduciam_fw-la ponere_fw-la fidem_fw-la habere_fw-la upon_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v for_o that_o often_o be_v know_v perfect_o enough_o but_o to_o bebeleeve_v the_o certainty_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o unto_o i_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o rich_a man_n promise_n to_o pay_v a_o poor_a man_n debt_n the_o poor_a man_n need_v not_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o he_o well_o know_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o what_o then_o must_v he_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o where_o in_o stand_v that_o in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n will_v certain_o do_v for_o he_o what_o he_o have_v say_v now_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o trust_v he_o so_o that_o belief_n and_o trust_n or_o affiance_n be_v here_o essential_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n thus_o much_o of_o faith_n or_o belief_n take_v in_o its_o large_a extent_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o the_o special_a consideration_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n be_v christian_a apply_v unto_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a matter_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n faith_n in_o this_o use_n of_o the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a acception_n 1._o improper_a and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v three_o way_n 1._o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o thing_n believe_v either_o 1._o general_o for_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n as_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o shall_v give_v heed_n to_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n see_v many_o the_o like_a place_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o gal._n 3._o 2._o &_o 1._o 23._o act._n 6._o 7._o jud._n vers_fw-la 3._o 2._o special_o for_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 23._o before_o faith_n come_v id_fw-la est_fw-la christ_n compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 19_o 24._o 25._o 2._o for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o rom._n 1._o 8._o your_o faith_n be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v act._n 14._o 22._o 3._o for_o that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v fidelity_n or_o faithfulness_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o god_n rom._n 3._o 3._o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n or_o in_o man_n tit._n 2._o 10._o that_o they_o may_v show_v all_o good_a faith_n or_o faithfulness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o of_o the_o word_n take_v improper_o the_o next_o acception_n of_o it_o be_v 2._o proper_a where_o to_o give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v comprise_v in_o general_a term_n all_o the_o degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v fit_o define_v thus_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n give_v by_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n the_o term_n of_o this_o definition_n be_v large_a and_o require_v a_o diligent_a explication_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o facility_n attain_v our_o chief_a intent_n in_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_v or_o justify_v faith_n wherefore_o in_o the_o definition_n i_o prove_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o 1._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n divine_a revelation_n 2._o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n the_o reasonable_a creature_n 3._o the_o genus_fw-la of_o it_o viz._n assent_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o in_o that_o order_n i_o have_v propose_v ¶_o 1._o the_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n the_o creator_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n these_o revelation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o some_o immediate_a from_o god_n himself_o by_o vision_n dream_n or_o other_o secret_a but_o infallible_a suggestion_n such_o revelation_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o 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will_v we_o can_v conceive_v any_o natural_a thing_n as_o true_a but_o we_o must_v conceive_v as_o good_a too_o witness_v all_o i_o ogicke_n rule_v philosophy_n mathematics_n there_o be_v no_o conclusion_n how_o unpleasant_a soever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v apprehend_v as_o true_a it_o also_o affect_v the_o understanding_n with_o joy_n delight_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o it_o delight_v because_o it_o be_v true_a and_o so_o truth_n quatenus_fw-la truth_n be_v good_a so_o that_o unto_o such_o as_o ask_v wherefore_o be_v the_o mathematics_n good_a i_o answer_v because_o they_o be_v true_a a_o part_n of_o god_n create_v truth_n of_o which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o hold_v and_o affirm_v that_o any_o the_o least_o part_n be_v evil_a and_o nought_o worth_a nor_o deserve_v a_o man_n study_n all_o truth_n be_v amiable_a like_a god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o goodness_n be_v so_o essential_o incorporate_v together_o with_o truth_n that_o 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both_o and_o john_n 8._o 44._o it_o be_v say_v touch_v satan_n that_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o that_o perfect_a and_o good_a condition_n wherein_o god_n create_v he_o for_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o truth_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o distinction_n which_o be_v make_v between_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o their_o nature_n but_o from_o our_o esteem_n and_o conceit_n of_o they_o we_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n by_o our_o own_o end_n and_o the_o use_n we_o have_v of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o fit_v our_o purpose_n &_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o necessity_n those_o we_o account_v good_a and_o such_o thing_n we_o make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o will_n because_o we_o desire_v they_o with_o a_o more_o notable_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o vehemency_n other_o thing_n though_o very_o good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o because_o they_o touch_v we_o not_o and_o our_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v slight_a and_o vanish_v we_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n only_o as_o if_o we_o apprehend_v in_o they_o nothing_o but_o bare_a truth_n as_o for_o example_n he_o that_o shall_v discourse_v unto_o a_o intemperate_a man_n in_o his_o temperate_a mood_n how_o shameful_a and_o unseemly_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v overcome_v of_o drink_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o his_o appetite_n to_o wallow_v in_o filthy_a pleasure_n to_o be_v see_v in_o base_a company_n and_o hase_fw-mi place_n and_o shall_v tell_v he_o how_o comely_a and_o commendable_a a_o virtue_n sobriety_n be_v how_o gracious_a a_o ornament_n of_o a_o man_n how_o necessary_a a_o duty_n in_o every_o christian_n when_o you_o tell_v he_o of_o these_o thing_n he_o understand_v you_o and_o assent_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o what_o you_o say_v but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n his_o resolution_n stand_v otherwise_o sottish_a delight_n prevail_v against_o all_o sober_a advice_n and_o the_o strong_a desire_n of_o pleasure_n drown_v those_o faint_a affectious_a towards_o temperance_n how_o in_o this_o case_n the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o virtue_n commend_v be_v but_o one_o thing_n and_o the_o intemperate_a man_n do_v a●t_v that_o same_o time_n apprehend_v and_o approve_v of_o both_o in_o general_a wish_v that_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v with_o other_o man_n but_o now_o when_o anon_o after_o he_o come_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n what_o he_o thus_o know_v and_o allow_v of_o long_a custom_n and_o ill_a persuasion_n do_v so_o far_o darken_v his_o former_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o now_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o leave_v in_o his_o head_n but_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o hear_v at_o such_o a_o time_n so_o then_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o two_o several_a thing_n nor_o apprehend_v by_o two_o several_a faculty_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n know_v and_o desire_v by_o the_o same_o faculty_n the_o difference_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o our_o apprehension_n which_o vary_v according_a as_o the_o thing_n apprehend_v seem_v to_o have_v more_o or_o less_o agreement_n with_o our_o particular_a use_n and_o necessity_n where_o matter_n fit_v we_o in_o particular_a there_o our_o desire_n be_v strong_a and_o constant_a when_o they_o agree_v to_o we_o only_o in_o the_o general_a than_o our_o general_n desire_v not_o well_o root_v be_v choke_v and_o stisle_v by_o contrary_a affection_n in_o the_o particular_a performance_n it_o fare_v with_o man_n as_o it_o do_v with_o shimei_n salomon_n commandment_n of_o not_o depart_v the_o city_n be_v good_a till_o shimei_n have_v a_o servant_n take_v his_o heel_n and_o run_v to_o gath_n and_o then_o shimeis_n belief_n of_o solomans_n threaten_v must_v give_v way_n to_o his_o covetous_a desire_n of_o recover_v his_o runagate_n servant_n 38._o so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n know_v and_o approve_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o general_a wish_v that_o themselves_o have_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o but_o when_o after_o they_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o more_o please_a contentment_n in_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n they_o renounce_v the_o goodness_n of_o religion_n and_o hold_v it_o only_o as_o a_o truth_n of_o which_o diversity_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a more_o shall_v be_v speak_v hereafter_o in_o the_o next_o point_n for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o subject_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v not_o appropriate_a faith_n either_o to_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n nor_o yet_o refer_v it_o to_o both_o as_o unto_o two_o distinct_a faculty_n but_o we_o place_v it_o immediate_o in_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a nature_n whether_o of_o man_n soul_n or_o of_o angel_n in_o which_o we_o follow_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o seat_n faith_n in_o the_o whole_a heart_n as_o rom._n 10._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o act_n 8._o 37._o if_o ●0_n thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n now_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n manifest_a that_o in_o scripture_n the_o heart_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a soul_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o operation_n as_o of_o understanding_n 1_o king_n 3._o 9_o solomon_n ask_v of_o godan_n understanding_n heart_n of_o willing_a and_o choose_v act._n 7._o 29._o in_o their_o heart_n they_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 37._o he_o that_o st●n●●th_v firm_a in_o this_o heart_n i._n in_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n again_o of_o the_o affection_n mat._n 6._o 21._o where_o the_o treasure_n there_o be_v the_o heart_n also_o i._n love_n for_o rom._n 1._o 24._o of_o the_o memory_n luk._n 1._o 16._o they_o do_v those_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o luke_n 21._o 14._o we_o need_v not_o go_v seek_v on_o it_o any_o trouble_n some_o distinction_n of_o faculty_n wherein_o to_o place_v faith_n see_v the_o scripture_n speak_v simple_o of_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o neither_o nature_n nor_o scripture_n do_v intimate_v any_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o mal●ing_v such_o a_o difference_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n propose_v in_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o genus_fw-la under_o which_o it_o be_v comprehend_v that_o be_v assent_n about_o which_o we_o must_v inquire_v after_o two_o thing_n 1_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n 2_o the_o diverse_a degree_n and_o essential_a difference_n whereby_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n elect_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o faith_n the_o certainty_n and_o strength_n of_o
our_o assent_n unto_o divine_a truth_n spring_n from_o these_o three_o fountain_n 1_o from_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n 2_o from_o the_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v 3_o from_o the_o manifest_a experiment_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o truth_n know_v unto_o us._n of_o these_o in_o order_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n whereon_o be_v build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n be_v the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o call_v this_o the_o chief_a ground_n because_o it_o be_v that_o whereunto_o final_o all_o our_o belief_n be_v resolve_v for_o ask_v the_o question_n wherefore_o do_v you_o firm_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o ●reed_n the_o answer_n be_v because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o answer_n be_v this_o because_o what_o ever_o god_n say_v istrue_v now_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n aswell_o know_v to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n it_o be_v grave_v deep_a upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o which_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o none_o can_v circumvent_v and_o over_o each_o he_o and_o again_o that_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o good_a holy_a and_o just_a that_o no_o ●ie_v can_v come_v of_o this_o truth_n as_o john_n speak_v john_n 2._o 21._o wisdom_n itself_o can_v be_v deceive_v truth_n itself_o can_v deceive_v and_o god_n be_v both_o wherefore_o none_o but_o a_o jesuite_n like_o beca●…_n who_o wit_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o lie_v and_o aequivocation_n under_o the_o father_n of_o ●ies_n will_v have_v affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o they_o know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o reveal_v heavenly_a mystery_n unto_o they_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o evident_o whether_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v himself_o or_o will_v not_o deceive_v they_o aly_v surmise_n much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o serpent_n when_o he_o tempt_v the_o woman_n yea_o say_v he_o have_v god_n indeed_o say_v so_o yes_o the_o woman_n answer_v god_n have_v say_v so_o and_o we_o know_v it_o but_o satan_n reply_v be_v you_o sure_a that_o god_n speak_v true_a when_o he_o say_v it_o the_o devil_n then_o deny_v it_o and_o becanus_n stagger_v at_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n speak_v man_n can_v be_v evident_o certain_a whether_o he_o speak_v true_a or_o false_a but_o we_o reject_v with_o abomination_n such_o a_o suggestion_n to_o infidelity_n that_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n and_o shake_v the_o low_a foundation-stone_n in_o all_o that_o build_n we_o know_v and_o be_v evident_o assure_v that_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o he_o or_o of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o lie_n from_o this_o first_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n essential_a truth_n we_o draw_v another_o that_o whersoever_o any_o revelation_n be_v certain_o know_v or_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v full_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v whence_o all_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v for_o themselves_o most_o certain_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o deliver_v though_o sometime_o they_o understand_v but_o dark_o 11._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v because_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n yea_o the_o devil_n themselves_o when_o they_o know_v as_o they_o do_v these_o revelation_n to_o be_v from_o god_n however_o they_o tempt_v man_n to_o distrust_n and_o out_o of_o malice_n raise_v up_o lie_v and_o slander_n upon_o god_n truth_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v themselves_o clear_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n and_o do_v assent_v unto_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n the_o devil_n know_v well_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o alum_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n even_o whilst_o he_o persuade_v he_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lie_n and_o when_o he_o inspire_v the_o pharisy_n to_o call_v christ._n samaritan_n belzebub_n a_o possess_a daemoniacke_n a_o deceiver_n and_o all_o to_o nought_o even_o than_o himself_o can_v not_o but_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n mar._n 5._o 7._o but_o this_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o hell_n to_o sight_n against_o the_o light_n and_o furious_o to_o oppose_v what_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v truth_n well_o thus_o far_o then_o our_o faith_n go_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o again_o when_o we_o know_v evident_o that_o god_n say_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v it_o without_o further_a question_n but_o here_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v all_o the_o doubt_n how_o know_v we_o infallible_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o therein_o be_v propose_v for_o we_o to_o believe_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a question_n wherein_o it_o great_o behoove_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o be_v prosecute_v through_o every_o particular_a i_o shall_v but_o only_o touch_v upon_o the_o general_a and_o give_v occasion_n to_o each_o one_o careful_o to_o bethink_v himself_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o sand._n the_o question_n be_v how_o be_v it_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v two_o branch_n 1_o toach_v each_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o do_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n know_v that_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o other_o prophet_n after_o he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v 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it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o commandment_n as_o a_o singular_a part_n of_o that_o inward_a worship_n due_a unto_o our_o creator_n consist_v principal_o in_o those_o three_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o fear_v these_o thing_n thus_o explain_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o the_o forename_a double_a relation_n and_o first_o as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n true_a ●aith_n respect_v all_o this_o and_o only_o this_o only_o this_o because_o in_o divine_a revelation_n only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o infallible_a truth_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o again_o all_o this_o because_o every_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v sacrosancta_fw-la worthy_a of_o all_o belief_n and_o reverence_n threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n precept_n exhortation_n admonition_n history_n every_o part_n of_o the_o word_n fall_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o within_o the_o 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the_o everlasting_a and_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o prefer_v that_o which_o he_o say_v above_o all_o that_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n the_o devil_n can_v promise_v or_o threaten_v to_o the_o contrary_n now_o in_o this_o point_n stand_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n these_o have_v always_o their_o limitation_n they_o believe_v something_o but_o not_o all_o if_o all_o it_o be_v but_o in_o general_n when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_a proof_n they_o bid_v farewell_n to_o say_v when_o such_o circumstance_n come_v in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o love_v or_o fear_v more_o than_o they_o do_v god_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v sincere_a fair_a open_a universal_a without_o distinction_n equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o other_o hypocritical_a and_o jesuitical_a sh●fts_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o sanctify_a soul_n right_o apprehend_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o wisdom_n outstrip_v in_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v set_v against_o it_o it_o judge_v than_o no_o good_a can_v be_v equal_a to_o that_o which_o god_n promise_v no_o evil_a so_o great_a as_o what_o he_o threaten_v no_o course_n so_o safe_a as_o what_o he_o prescribe_v whereupon_o absolute_o without_o all_o qualification_n the_o soul_n cast_v itself_o upon_o god_n resolve_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o he_o please_v whereupon_o though_o in_o particular_a practice_n it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o weak_a in_o the_o application_n of_o other_o yet_o in_o the_o habitual_a resolution_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o do_v willing_o yield_v assent_n and_o conformity_n to_o all_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o david_n in_o a_o passion_n may_v call_v samuel_n a_o lie_a prophet_n for_o 〈◊〉_d he_o he_o shall_v be_v king_n and_o after_o abusie_a dispute_n maintain_v upon_o politic_a worldly_a consideration_n c●nci●de_v that_o ther●●_n no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o th●_n hand_n of_o s●●l_n so_o peter_n in_o a_o bodily_a fear_n may_v chance_v deny_v he_o in_o who_o yet_o he_o true_o believe_v so_o in_o a●l_n a_o strong_a sit_v of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o violent_a encounter_n may_v push_v their_o buckler_n of_o faith_n aside_o but_o yet_o it_o can_v strike_v it_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n if_o they_o give_v a_o little_a ground_n they_o will_v not_o fly_v the_o field_n but_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v holy_a and_o entire_a they_o return_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o stand_n where_o the_o shame_n of_o a_o foil_n take_v make_v they_o knit_v their_o strength_n together_o and_o stand_v more_o stout_o in_o the_o combat_n but_o my_o brethren_n here_o be_v the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o when_o there_o be_v a_o false_a heart_n within_o that_o keep_v itself_o in_o a_o habitual_a resolution_n not_o to_o believe_v and_o trust_v god_n in_o such_o thing_n or_o upon_o such_o and_o suchoccasion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n what_o ever_o show_v of_o true_a faith_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v in_o the_o generality_n or_o some_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o at_o all_o in_o that_o heart_n but_o horrible_a hypocrisy_n and_o infidelity_n such_o nevertheless_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o thorough_o search_v out_o and_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v their_o evil_a affection_n nor_o exact_o calculate_v what_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n will_v cost_v they_o nor_o yet_o due_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o undertake_v this_o profession_n be_v become_v their_o own_o carver_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n take_v only_o so_o much_o of_o it_o into_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o dear_a lust_n will_v give_v leave_n these_o man_n be_v just_a of_o the_o samaritan_n religion_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o serve_v their_o image_n so_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n yet_o obey_v their_o lust_n 41._o but_o as_o it_o be_v then_o none_o be_v find_v more_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n than_o these_o samaritan_n who_o by_o reproach_n accusation_n and_o conspiracy_n cruel_o vex_v that_o poor_a people_n and_o hinder_v the_o restauration_n of_o their_o afflict_a estate_n even_o then_o when_o with_o feign_a flattery_n they_o proffer_v their_o service_n tell_v the_o jew_n they_o will_v build_v with_o they_o because_o they_o also_o seek_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n so_o fare_v it_o with_o these_o man_n who_o belief_n and_o forwardness_n in_o some_o thing_n can_v 2._o make_v demonstration_n of_o so_o much_o friendship_n to_o religion_n as_o their_o constant_a baulk_a and_o falter_v in_o other_o testify_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n bear_v hateful_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n take_v i_o any_o man_n who_o bewitch_v with_o custom_n commodity_n or_o pleasure_n give_v himself_o scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n be_v it_o secret_a or_o open_a as_o constant_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o private_a accustom_a mispending_a of_o precious_a hour_n due_a to_o the_o business_n of_o our_o study_n and_o calling_n usual_a swear_n secret_a thought_n and_o practice_n of_o uncleanness_n unsatiable_a desire_n of_o earthly_a greatness_n and_o abundance_n unjust_a increase_n of_o wealth_n by_o usury_n bribery_n or_o other_o secret_a indirect_a course_n excuse_v love_n of_o some_o though_o lawful_a pleasure_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v take_v i_o such_o a_o man_n that_o allow_v himself_o in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a practice_n contrary_a to_o god_n most_o holy_a law_n and_o he_o will_v be_v find_v though_o in_o name_n a_o christian_a yet_o in_o heart_n a_o infidel_n for_o try_v now_o
to_o muster_v up_o their_o own_o force_n and_o due_o consider_v their_o ability_n lest_o venture_v rash_o they_o at_o last_o sit_v down_o with_o loss_n and_o disgrace_n the_o same_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o my_o brethren_n sit_v you_o down_o first_o take_v counsel_n reckon_v the_o cost_n see_v what_o religion_n will_v stand_v you_o in_o your_o lust_n must_v be_v cross_v the_o world_n must_v be_v displease_v and_o despise_v too_o satan_n must_v be_v fight_v withal_o hazard_n of_o disgrace_n and_o damage_n must_v be_v undergo_v friend_n and_o good_n and_o life_n must_v be_v part_v withal_o if_o need_v require_v the_o cross_n must_v be_v bear_v daily_o if_o now_o upon_o these_o condition_n thou_o be_v hearty_o and_o free_o content_a to_o plight_v thy_o faith_n to_o god_n and_o take_v religion_n with_o all_o its_o inconvenience_n then_o go_v on_o and_o prosper_v in_o this_o resolution_n thy_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o thy_o faith_n sound_n but_o if_o upon_o heady_a and_o slight_a consideration_n thou_o have_v put_v thyself_o forward_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n not_o forecast_v the_o worst_a aswell_o as_o the_o best_a of_o it_o then_o know_v that_o thy_o case_n be_v like_a that_o of_o the_o scribe_n mat._n 8._o 18._o who_o there_o tell_v christ_n in_o great_a forwardness_n he_o will_v follow_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v but_o when_o the_o silly_a man_n hear_v christ_n reply_v otherwise_o than_o he_o look_v for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o rest_v his_o head_n imply_v that_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a by_o be_v one_o of_o his_o follower_n this_o now_o fit_v not_o his_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a humour_n and_o therefore_o upon_o such_o a_o unexpected_a answer_n he_o slinch_v christ_n company_n be_v too_o mean_a and_o poor_a for_o his_o great_a hope_n and_o for_o he_o he_o shall_v go_v alone_o a_o miserable_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n thus_o to_o come_v in_o at_o last_o with_o a_o non_fw-la putâram_fw-la i_o have_v not_o think_v religion_n have_v require_v such_o absolute_a obedience_n i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v do_v so_o and_o so_o and_o yet_o have_v be_v a_o true_a beloever_o have_v thou_o not_o think_v it_o the_o more_o fool_n thou_o that_o will_v not_o bethink_v thyself_o better_a in_o so_o serious_a a_o business_n think_v then_o of_o it_o now_o and_o think_v always_o of_o it_o that_o he_o who_o beleove_v and_o do_v only_o what_o he_o please_v he_o neither_o believe_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o he_o ought_v thus_o we_o have_v do_v with_o faith_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o next_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o true_a faith_n as_o it_o look_v towards_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v direct_v unto_o christ._n which_o act_n though_o it_o be_v particular_a yet_o be_v of_o great_a necessity_n and_o excellency_n than_o all_o other_o because_o it_o give_v life_n as_o to_o our_o soul_n so_o to_o our_o belief_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v with_o relation_n unto_o christ._n faith_n in_o regard_n of_o this_o particular_a object_n and_o act_n i_o thus_o define_v it_o be_v a_o grave_n of_o sanctification_n wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost●_n in_o every_o regenerate_a man_n whereby_o for_o his_o own_o particular_a he_o trust_v perfect_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o fin_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n righteousness_n i_o need_v not_o stand_v at_o large_a upon_o every_o particular_a that_o faith_n be_v a_o sanctify_a grace_n part_n of_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a author_n of_o it_o that_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v show_v heretofore_o the_o object_n also_o of_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o what_o name_n soever_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o namely_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o god_n in_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o promise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o come_v to_o one_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v curious_a but_o touch_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o justify_v we_o a_o little_a more_o at_o large_a it_o consist_v in_o trust_n or_o reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_n for_o our_o own_o particular_a when_o the_o soul_n depend_v whole_o thereupon_o look_v after_o no_o other_o help_n you_o have_v hear_v heretofore_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n be_v to_o trust_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o to_o i_o and_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v proper_o call_v fiducia_n or_o trust._n now_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o particular_a term_n both_o in_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o sacrament_n to_o assent_v unto_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o christ_n to_o be_v bestow_v on_o some_o god_n know_v who_o for_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o promise_n not_o as_o a_o promise_n but_o as_o a_o history_n but_o this_o assent_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a heart_n in_o trust_n reliance_n dependence_n adherence_n affiance_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o word_n express_v that_o action_n of_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n whereby_o it_o cass_v and_o repose_v itself_o only_o upon_o god_n promise_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o fiducia_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o justify_v faith_n we_o make_v good_a 1._o from_o the_o phraso_n of_o scripture_n use_v in_o this_o business_n those_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 31._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o believe_v in_o or_o upon_o or_o into_o god_n christ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o use_v as_o the_o learned_a know_v by_o profane_a writer_n but_o only_o by_o ecclesiastical_a imply_v that_o in_o divine_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v beside_o the_o naked_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o head_n the_o confidence_n and_o affiance_n of_o the_o heart_n 2._o from_o that_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v between_o faith_n and_o distrust_n or_o doubt_v ●am_fw-la 1._o 16._o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o doubt_v and_o rom._n 4._o 20_o abraham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doubt_v not_o through_o unbelief_n 3._o from_o that_o excellent_a place_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 12._o where_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o to_o believe_v be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n trust_n and_o keep_n i_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v or_o who_o i_o have_v trust_v for_o as_o it_o follow_v i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o thing_n wherewith_o i_o have_v entrust_v he_o or_o deliver_v up_o to_o his_o keep_n what_o be_v that_o his_o soul_n unto_o everlasting_a salvation_n wherefore_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n be_v with_o confidence_n and_o trust_n to_o rely_v upon_o it_o rest_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o which_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o manner_n 1_o a_o man_n be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o therewith_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n to_o satisfy_v god_n for_o the_o one_o or_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o other_o by_o any_o power_n and_o merit_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n but_o only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o drive_v he_o from_o seek_v help_n elsewhere_o 2_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n be_v propose_v and_o christ_n free_o offer_v unto_o he_o 3_o whence_o in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o heart_n touch_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n draw_v near_o unto_o christ_n throw_v itself_o into_o his_o arm_n grasp_a about_o he_o with_o all_o its_o might_n hide_v itself_o in_o the_o cleft_n of_o this_o rock_n from_o the_o storm_n of_o god_n furious_a indignation_n it_o bespeak_v christ_n in_o all_o term_n of_o confidence_n and_o affiance_n my_o lord_n my_o god_n my_o hope_n my_o fortress_n my_o rock_n my_o strength_n my_o salvation_n save_v i_o or_o i_o perish_v have_v you_o see_v how_o a_o tender_a infant_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o danger_n approach_v run_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o parent_n for_o succour_n so_o do_v a_o soul_n pursue_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o affright_v with_o the_o fearful_a sight_n of_o
truth_n as_o themselves_o have_v either_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancestor_n or_o learn_v by_o new_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o church_n grow_v out_o of_o a_o family_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o as_o man_n multiply_v so_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n increase_v god_n himself_o write_v a_o catechism_n for_o the_o jew_n describe_v a_o short_a compendium_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o two_o authentic_a table_n of_o the_o law_n contain_v ten_o word_n so_o few_o and_o so_o plain_a that_o the_o short_a memory_n and_o shallow_a wit_n may_v easy_o comprehend_v they_o and_o withal_o god_n now_o lay_v a_o express_a command_n upon_o his_o people_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o the_o word_n be_v emphatical_a thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v sharpen_v they_o by_o often_o and_o seasonable_a instruction_n give_v a_o edge_n or_o point_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v pierce_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o unlearned_a how_o careful_o this_o strict_a injunction_n be_v afterward_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o levite_n in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a by_o master_n of_o family_n we_o can_v certain_o define_v where_o scripture_n be_v silent_a of_o both_o their_o practice_n but_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o carefulness_n of_o former_a time_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o these_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o both_o levite_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o governor_n in_o their_o private_a house_n be_v negligent_a enough_o in_o discharge_v this_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v that_o there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o who_o godly_a industry_n in_o this_o particular_a may_v just_o shame_v the_o impious_a slothfulness_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o latter_a age_n where_o will_v a_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n be_v now_o find_v personage_n of_o high_a quality_n yet_o count_v it_o no_o disgrace_n to_o read_v a_o lecture_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n to_o a_o yongue_n solomon_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o practice_n 2._o chron._n 28._o 8._o prov._n 31._o 1._o and_o solomon_n himself_o seem_v to_o give_v that_o precept_n out_o of_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o most_o excellent_a education_n teach_v a_o child_n the_o trade_n of_o his_o way_n and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o though_o himself_o scarce_a do_v so_o yea_o albeit_o infinite_a corruption_n have_v at_o this_o day_n deform_v all_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o even_o to_o these_o time_n 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my_o understanding_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o may_v also_o teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n but_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n gal._n 6._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n in_o all_o his_o good_n in_o all_o which_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v teach_v or_o instruct_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v but_o in_o time_n present_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o since_o the_o word_n have_v be_v usual_o take_v by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o first_o instruction_n of_o yongue_n beginner_n in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n for_o now_o begin_v the_o gentile_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o 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be_v find_v the_o safe_a to_o travel_v in_o man_n write_n be_v infinite_a their_o opinion_n changeable_a their_o resolution_n doubtful_a and_o if_o we_o begin_v there_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n at_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o it_o be_v hazard_n but_o we_o loose_a truth_n and_o ourselves_o among_o so_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o error_n heresy_n opinion_n conjecture_n quarrelsome_a contradiction_n dispute_n and_o brawl_a controversy_n as_o we_o shall_v meet_v withal_o who_o will_v be_v so_o trouble_v in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n thus_o weary_v and_o vex_v with_o endless_a and_o needless_a discourse_n which_o like_o the_o envious_a amalekite_n set_v upon_o we_o in_o our_o sore_a travel_n towards_o canaan_n assault_v the_o simplicity_n of_o our_o faith_n disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n by_o strange_a decision_n of_o doubtful_a case_n darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o shine_v dim_a through_o such_o paint_a glass_n and_o in_o 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who_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n save_v than_o his_o fancy_n please_v and_o therefore_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v where_o god_n affirm_v to_o obey_v where_o he_o command_v without_o man_n authority_n to_o convince_v your_o reason_n or_o persuade_v your_o affection_n and_o if_o so_o i_o be_o ease_v of_o the_o most_o troublesome_a &_o least_o profitable_a toil_n the_o curious_a search_n and_o allegation_n of_o author_n which_o if_o you_o do_v expect_v you_o overburden_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v promise_v i_o shall_v belie_v my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o as_o i_o suppose_v your_o opinion_n of_o my_o meanness_n furthermore_o for_o deep_a speculation_n new-minted_a divinity_n or_o elder_a heresy_n bury_v in_o hell_n with_o their_o author_n or_o strange_a opinion_n hush_v up_o in_o silence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o wrong_a to_o imbroile_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o a_o auditory_a and_o to_o shake_v they_o with_o the_o unseasonable_a blast_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n before_o 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head_n agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la do_v and_o believe_v which_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o make_v the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o all_o wholesome_a doctrine_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o epitome_n of_o love_n be_v the_o moral_a law_n brief_o contain_v in_o ten_o more_o brief_o in_o two_o precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o sum_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a deliver_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v short_o draw_v into_o that_o excellent_a compendium_n which_o we_o now_o use_v and_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o evangelicall_n doctrine_n both_o these_o faith_n and_o love_n have_v one_o common_a adversary_n satan_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o assault_v and_o whether_o more_o dangerous_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v they_o seem_v both_o to_o be_v embark_v together_o in_o the_o same_o bottom_n and_o if_o conscience_n suffer_v shipwreck_n faith_n sink_v too_o and_o if_o faith_n the_o most_o precious_a lade_n be_v throw_v overboard_o i_o doubt_v how_o charity_n will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o save_a voyage_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o mariner_n attempt_v a_o escape_n in_o their_o dangerous_a passage_n so_o i_o of_o those_o except_o 〈◊〉_d they_o abide_v in_o the_o ship_n ve_fw-la can_v be_v save_v and_o you_o may_v observe_v it_o equal_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o heretic_n virtuous_a or_o a_o atheistical_a vicious_a liver_n a_o true_a believer_n wherefore_o the_o devil_n care_v not_o much_o where_o he_o begin_v his_o battery_n yet_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v
he_o have_v rather_o enter_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o undermine_v the_o faith_n with_o heresy_n than_o at_o a_o open_a breach_n upon_o good_a manner_n ill_a manner_n find_v more_o resistance_n there_o be_v fear_n of_o law_n and_o rod_n of_o discipline_n to_o curb_v they_o they_o want_v their_o apology_n and_o colourable_a excuse_n &_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o reproof_n and_o hatred_n of_o moral_a honesty_n they_o come_v accompany_v with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n follow_v at_o the_o heel_n which_o hinder_v their_o appear_v and_o entertainment_n in_o public_a but_o heresy_n easy_o enter_v and_o quick_o spread_v abroad_o it_o find_v favourer_n enough_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o man_n common_a infirmity_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v novelty_n and_o take_v a_o pride_n to_o be_v singular_a it_o come_v arm_v with_o reason_n and_o such_o justification_n as_o it_o think_v it_o need_v not_o blush_v be_v paint_v over_o with_o the_o colour_n of_o truth_n last_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o fair_a the_o leader_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o authority_n and_o example_n speedy_o infect_v the_o rest_n with_o this_o weapon_n have_v the_o dragon_n make_v war_n with_o the_o woman_n raise_v up_o even_o of_o her_o own_o child_n such_o as_o have_v fight_v against_o she_o by_o damnable_a heresy_n against_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o part_n have_v be_v cut_v asunder_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o some_o again_o revive_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o field_n under_o new_a colour_n part_n though_o convict_a &_o condemn_v yet_o stand_v it_o out_o under_o the_o support_n of_o tyrannical_a violence_n &_o remain_v to_o this_o day_n in_o that_o augean_a stable_n that_o sink_v or_o common_a sewer_n of_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n whereto_o all_o heresy_n almost_o of_o former_a &_o latter_a time_n have_v make_v their_o confluence_n beside_o a_o new_a breed_n of_o heretical_a opinion_n not_o plain_o deny_v but_o by_o consequent_a overturning_a sursum_fw-la vorsum_fw-la the_o main_a article_n of_o christian_a belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o much_o the_o mo●e_n dangerous_a by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o easy_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o their_o damnable_a issue_n so_o as_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o perplex_v with_o strange_a dispute_n and_o difficulty_n than_o the_o grace_n itself_o be_v continual_o assault_v by_o fearful_a doubt_v and_o distrust_n whether_o it_o be_v man_n infelicity_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o stand_v he_o in_o most_o stead_n or_o the_o devil_n malice_n to_o lessen_v our_o comfort_n in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n by_o confound_v our_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o so_o we_o may_v either_o dangerous_o err_v or_o discomfortable_o doubt_v touch_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o or_o writer_n misexplication_n of_o that_o excellent_a grace_n through_o their_o own_o weakness_n or_o want_n of_o faith_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o point_n of_o divinity_n this_o touch_a faith_n be_v full_a of_o much_o obscurity_n and_o contention_n it_o be_v much_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o grace_n so_o divine_a and_o powerful_a and_o yet_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o man_n faith_n be_v not_o of_o all_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o writer_n all_o have_v not_o faith_n that_o write_v of_o it_o especial_o popish_a doctor_n who_o speak_v of_o faith_n but_o by_o imagination_n have_v profane_o censure_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v expound_v by_o protestant_n according_a to_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o a_o very_a fancy_n among_o who_o curious_a and_o metaphysical_a discourse_n of_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o want_v faith_n shall_v never_o find_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n may_v chance_v lose_v it_o at_o least_o the_o life_n and_o powerful_a practice_n of_o it_o whilst_o his_o head_n be_v entangle_v in_o subtle_a and_o nice_a speculation_n about_o it_o for_o ourselves_o let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n so_o to_o speak_v and_o judge_v of_o faith_n as_o that_o most_o precious_a grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n not_o exercise_v our_o wit_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o by_o contemplation_n be_v most_o empty_a and_o vain_a without_o the_o real_a inhabitation_n of_o it_o within_o our_o soul_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o weak_a and_o yet_o best_a endeavour_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n assistance_n to_o give_v you_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n in_o manifold_a precept_n and_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o with_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o learned_a have_v discover_v it_o to_o my_o poor_a understanding_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o must_v spend_v more_o time_n than_o at_o first_o i_o purpose_v to_o do_v because_o in_o this_o point_n some_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n be_v so_o enterwoven_v and_o link_v one_o with_o another_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o we_o shall_v not_o clear_o discern_v of_o any_o alone_a such_o be_v our_o vocation_n the_o forerunner_n and_o our_o justification_n the_o follower_n of_o our_o faith_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o general_n 1._o touch_v the_o antecedent_n of_o faith_n namely_o our_o conversion_n &_o vocation_n of_o which_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o generation_n and_o birth_n of_o faith_n 2._o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o wherein_o the_o be_v of_o that_o most_o heavenly_a virtue_n consist_v 3._o concern_v the_o consequent_n and_o concomitant_n of_o faith_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n as_o justification_n and_o ourselves_o as_o obedience_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v as_o of_o the_o benefit_n so_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n 4._o concern_v the_o opposite_n and_o enemy_n of_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o may_v arm_v we_o against_o they_o for_o the_o first_o namely_o our_o conversion_n the_o knowledge_n thereof_o will_v give_v we_o some_o light_n to_o find_v out_o how_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o which_o by_o divine_n be_v make_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o last_o terminus_n of_o our_o effectual_a vocation_n however_o a_o part_n it_o be_v and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o too_o of_o our_o first_o resurrection_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o supernatural_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o must_v distinct_o consider_v of_o the_o threefold_a difference_n of_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v in_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o do_v either_o help_v or_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o operation_n this_o difference_n be_v according_a to_o man_n triple_a estate_n 1._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n man_n be_v create_v right_a or_o upright_o eccl._n 7._o 29._o and_o very_o good_a gen._n 1_o ult_n endow_v with_o such_o strength_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o part_n as_o do_v whole_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o operation_n conformable_a to_o god_n will_n his_o understanding_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a before_o his_o translation_n have_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o his_o nature_n attribute_n and_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o the_o creature_n in_o their_o essence_n and_o quality_n his_o will_n embrace_v and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o god_n who_o adam_n know_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o happiness_n his_o affection_n and_o all_o inferior_a faculty_n obey_v without_o all_o resistance_n the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o sanctify_a will._n this_o universal_a holiness_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v that_o image_n of_o god_n or_o original_a justice_n wherein_o adam_n be_v create_v but_o continue_v not_o for_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o after_o his_o fall_n for_o a_o punishment_n of_o his_o wilful_a transgression_n god_n withdraw_v from_o adam_n this_o his_o image_n and_o strip_v he_o naked_a of_o that_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v before_o in_o all_o part_n qualify_v leave_v only_o here_o and_o there_o some_o few_o trace_n or_o line_n of_o that_o excellent_a character_n unblot_v out_o and_o now_o in_o place_n of_o original_a justice_n succeed_v original_a corruption_n be_v a_o universal_a depravation_n and_o disability_n of_o man_n whole_a nature_n to_o work_v well_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o first_o creation_n the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a erroneous_a confuse_a in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o natural_a stark_o blind_a in_o perceive_v spiritual_a thing_n the_o will_v froward_a &_o averse_a from_o affect_v or_o choose_v its_o chief_a good_a the_o affection_n and_o low_a faculty_n disorderly_a violent_a untameable_a and_o this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n to_o who_o adam_n
that_o be_v not_o before_o but_o a_o part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n nor_o yet_o a_o solitaty_a habit_n infuse_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o together_o with_o the_o actus_fw-la primi_fw-la or_o habit_n of_o all_o supernatural_a grace_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n that_o before_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o life_n nor_o sanctity_n in_o the_o soul_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o sanctity_n but_o there_o be_v other_o part_n too_o hope_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o these_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n till_o hope_v &_o charity_n be_v wrought_v in_o it_o all_o be_v part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n wrought_v together_o for_o as_o the_o corporal_a so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v not_o one_o distinct_a but_o omnes_fw-la actus_fw-la primi_fw-la of_o every_o faculty_n whereby_o it_o can_v work_v regular_o and_o though_o in_o the_o body_n some_o part_n may_v live_v alone_o and_o other_o be_v dead_a yet_o in_o our_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o all_o power_n be_v quicken_v and_o live_v together_o where_o the_o habit_n of_o one_o grace_n be_v there_o be_v all_o and_o as_o soon_o all_o as_o one_o every_o faculty_n be_v rectify_v as_o well_o as_o any_o and_o all_o the_o etc._n operation_n of_o each_o faculty_n tend_v to_o all_o its_o object_n renew_v as_o well_o as_o any_o one_o operation_n direct_v to_o some_o one_o object_n wherefore_o i_o see_v not_o under_o correction_n of_o quick_a eye_n how_o faith_n can_v be_v account_v the_o root_n whence_o spring_n all_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o efficient_a 41._o cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n the_o only_a pipe_n through_o which_o the_o water_n of_o life_n flow_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o firstborn_a grace_n in_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n so_o much_o that_o before_o its_o actual_a operation_n there_o be_v no_o jot_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o sanctity_n in_o our_o heart_n many_o divine_a eulogy_n be_v give_v to_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o none_o such_o as_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o make_v it_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v before_o the_o act_n of_o believe_a and_o other_o grace_n wrought_v therein_o together_o with_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o divine_n that_o actual_a faith_n be_v never_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n till_o beside_o the_o supernatural_a illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_v be_v also_o change_v and_o free_v in_o part_n from_o its_o natural_a perverseness_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o embrace_v the_o promise_n now_o the_o do_v away_o of_o this_o ignorance_n and_o rebellion_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o be_v sweet_o and_o free_o incline_v to_o all_o heavenly_a thing_n 2._o to_o believe_v be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o man_n live_v by_o grace_n not_o dead_a in_o sin_n the_o soul_n therefore_o be_v first_o endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v this_o live_a action_n 3._o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o in_o our_o regeneration_n it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a first_o to_o have_v faith_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o other_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n no_o more_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o have_v some_o other_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n or_o why_o we_o be_v more_o fit_a be_v unconvert_v to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o grace_n as_o of_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n unregenerate_a have_v no_o preparation_n at_o all_o to_o any_o grace_n be_v alike_o dispose_v to_o receive_v every_o one_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n on_o man_n part_n if_o any_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n which_o must_v work_v other_o grace_n be_v not_o receive_v till_o we_o do_v actual_o believe_v in_o so_o say_v he_o confute_v himself_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n incredulous_a to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o believer_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v convert_v be_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v unconvert_v to_o work_v his_o conversion_n now_o god_n that_o for_o christ_n sake_n give_v faith_n unto_o we_o when_o we_o have_v none_o without_o any_o predisposition_n in_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o can_v and_o do_v for_o the_o same_o christ_n sake_n give_v we_o all_o other_o grace_n as_o well_o at_o the_o same_o time_n 4._o it_o can_v well_o be_v show_v how_o faith_n produce_v all_o other_o virtue_n in_o we_o see_v that_o all_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v not_o acquire_v and_o one_o habit_n can_v produce_v another_o nor_o do_v one_o habit_n bring_v forth_o the_o operation_n of_o another_o it_o be_v true_a that_o faith_n lend_v a_o hand_n to_o help_v forward_o all_o gracious_a action_n and_o do_v much_o in_o their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n but_o it_o be_v like_a as_o the_o understanding_n guide_v the_o action_n of_o the_o will_n and_o inferior_a faculty_n or_o as_o prudence_n moderate_v the_o action_n of_o all_o other_o moral_a virtue_n which_o action_n notwithstanding_o come_v from_o their_o proper_a faculty_n and_o habit_n as_o their_o immediate_a principia_fw-la and_o fountain_n but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o at_o large_a when_o we_o come_v to_o show_v the_o dependence_n that_o obedience_n have_v upon_o faith_n against_o this_o may_v be_v object_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n gal._n 2._o 20._o that_o by_o faith_n christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n eph._n ob._n 3._o 17._o that_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n col._n 2._o 12._o that_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 7._o 38_o 39_o eph._n 1._o 13._o so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o life_n till_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n no_o be_v in_o he_o till_o we_o have_v faith_n to_o believe_v on_o he_o no_o sap_n from_o the_o vine_n no_o virtue_n from_o the_o body_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v as_o branch_n as_o member_n which_o union_n be_v by_o faith_n only_o no_o spirit_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o life_n till_o we_o have_v faith_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o brief_a thus_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a life_n &_o sanctification_n but_o till_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v no_o participation_n nor_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o till_o we_o he_o believe_v we_o have_v in_o we_o no_o life_n at_o all_o &_o consequent_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o life_n and_o grace_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o a_o twofold_a sol._n union_n and_o communion_n we_o have_v with_o christ._n 1._o by_o the_o spirit_n on_o his_o part_n for_o christ_n as_o by_o his_o death_n he_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n unto_o 17._o the_o elect_a so_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o only_a efficient_a of_o life_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o regenerate_a to_o who_o whilst_o they_o be_v yet_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o grace_n so_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v believe_v christ_n send_v his_o spirit_n which_o breathe_v life_n into_o they_o changes_z and_o purify_v their_o nature_n by_o work_v all_o holy_a and_o rectify_a ability_n in_o every_o part_n now_o this_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n create_v of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n do_v most_o apparent_o precede_v not_o only_o the_o act_n of_o believe_a but_o the_o habit_n also_o for_o the_o habit_n itself_o be_v infuse_v by_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o ghost_n it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o before_o all_o faith_n we_o have_v and_o must_v have_v some_o participation_n with_o christ_n even_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v have_v faith_n but_o this_o union_n with_o he_o be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v that_o band_n whereby_o christ_n knit_v himself_o to_o we_o communicate_v all_o gracious_a and_o quicken_a virtue_n from_o himself_o to_o we_o and_o thereby_o make_v we_o live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n 2._o by_o our_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n when_o be_v quicken_v by_o infuse_a grace_n we_o actual_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n only_o and_o here_o we_o knit_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o all_o comfort_n by_o which_o unite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o christ_n we_o receive_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n from_o
he_o in_o the_o first_o union_n we_o be_v insensible_a of_o it_o and_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o we_o non_fw-la petentibus_fw-la that_o 20._o ask_v not_o after_o it_o in_o this_o second_o union_n we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o its_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n and_o here_o a_o augmentation_n of_o grace_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o petentes_fw-la earnest_o sue_v for_o it_o and_o by_o faith_n expect_v the_o receive_n of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o conclude_v all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n whatsoever_o etc._n in_o we_o be_v give_v we_o from_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o supernatural_a life_n but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o wrought_v by_o christ_n embrace_v by_o our_o faith_n but_o by_o christ_n convey_v his_o grace_n unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n this_o first_o quicken_v we_o we_o then_o with_o lazarus_n after_o life_n put_v into_o we_o can_v awake_v stand_v up_o come_v forth_o and_o by_o faith_n look_v on_o he_o that_o raise_v we_o fall_v down_o worship_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o god_n the_o place_n allege_v either_o touch_n not_o our_o sanctification_n at_o all_o or_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n not_o of_o its_o first_o infusion_n faith_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o that_o but_o no_o efficient_a or_o instrument_n of_o this_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o conversion_n or_o sanctification_n it_o remain_v that_o for_o the_o further_o clear_n of_o many_o doubt_n and_o our_o more_o easy_a passage_n unto_o other_o point_n we_o speak_v somewhat_o touch_v three_o material_a circumstance_n necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o point_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o vocation_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o the_o cause_n whereby_o 2._o the_o manner_n how_o 3._o the_o subject_n wherein_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v of_o the_o cause_n first_o which_o be_v double_a 1._o the_o impulsive_a or_o move_a cause_n 2._o the_o efficient_a or_o work_a cause_n that_o which_o move_v god_n to_o bestow_v the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o man_n be_v nothing_o in_o man_n but_o all_o in_o god_n himself_o namely_o his_o free-love_n to_o his_o elect_a in_o christ_n which_o love_n of_o god_n be_v from_o eternity_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v and_o though_o it_o be_v reveal_v unto_o the_o elect_a in_o time_n or_o at_o their_o conversion_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o then_o begin_v when_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v manifest_v when_o we_o yet_o lay_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n stranger_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o we_o when_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o pollute_v in_o our_o blood_n not_o yet_o wash_v and_o season_v with_o salt_n even_o than_o god_n look_v on_o we_o with_o tender_a compassion_n he_o pit_v we_o he_o love_v we_o as_o choose_a vessel_n prepare_v for_o glory_n as_o heir_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o because_o he_o thus_o love_v we_o he_o say_v to_o we_o live_v he_o cover_v our_o nakedness_n and_o clothe_v we_o with_o righteousness_n now_o that_o god_n do_v thus_o actual_o love_v the_o elect_a before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o can_v actual_o believe_v may_v further_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o where_o god_n be_v actual_o reconcile_v there_o he_o actual_o love_v for_o love_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v inseparable_a but_o with_o the_o elect_a before_o they_o convert_v and_o believe_v god_n be_v actual_o reconcile_v ergo_fw-la he_o love_v they_o before_o their_o faith_n and_o conversion_n the_o minor_a be_v evident_a because_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v much_o more_o before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v a_o full_a atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o offence_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n and_o accept_v on_o god_n part_n whereupon_o actual_a reconciliation_n must_v needs_o follow_v and_o this_o the_o scripture_n make_v manifest_a christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o god_n testify_v of_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n long_o before_o his_o death_n in_o that_o speech_n of_o admirable_a consolation_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o please_v well_o please_v with_o he_o for_o the_o unspotted_a holiness_n of_o his_o own_o person_n well_o please_v with_o we_o in_o he_o for_o his_o unvaluable_a merit_n and_o hence_o a_o second_o reason_n à_fw-fr pari_fw-la 2._o if_o god_n do_v actual_o love_v the_o elect_a before_o christ_n time_n when_o a_o actual_a reconciliation_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v then_o much_o more_o may_v he_o actual_o love_v the_o elect_a after_o the_o atonement_n be_v real_o make_v by_o christ_n death_n even_o before_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a may_v not_o well_o limbus_n be_v deny_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v love_v we_o upon_o satisfaction_n make_v before_o our_o faith_n than_o love_v they_o upon_o their_o faith_n before_o satisfaction_n be_v give_v special_o see_v neither_o their_o faith_n nor_o we_o be_v any_o efficient_a cause_n why_o god_n love_v either_o they_o or_o we_o 3._o election_n effectual_a vocation_n and_o faith_n all_o be_v fruit_n and_o consequent_n of_o god_n actual_a love_n unto_o the_o 11._o elect_a which_o grace_n and_o favour_n he_o therefore_o bestow_v upon_o they_o because_o he_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o say_v deus_fw-la elegit_fw-la homines_fw-la diligendos_fw-la non_fw-la dilectos_fw-la or_o that_o faith_n and_o sanctity_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o only_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o god_n love_n be_v not_o the_o bestow_n of_o they_o a_o fruit_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o love_n unto_o we_o yea_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o all_o god_n gracious_a work_n for_o man_n salvation_n have_v god_n love_n for_o their_o first_o link_n as_o be_v apparent_a joh._n 1._o 13._o 4._o these_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n in_o god_n be_v perpetual_a be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a act_n of_o his_o will_n who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v always_o who_o he_o hate_v he_o hate_v for_o ever_o nor_o do_v he_o as_o man_n at_o any_o time_n begin_v to_o love_v that_o person_n who_o before_o he_o hate_v or_o hate_v that_o person_n who_o before_o he_o love_v these_o thing_n agree_v not_o with_o god_n immutability_n or_o omnisciency_n for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o like_o a_o man_n he_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o affection_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n where_o the_o thing_n themselves_o change_v not_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o be_v once_o hate_a of_o god_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o hateful_a for_o who_o shall_v make_v he_o otherwise_o and_o he_o that_o be_v once_o belove_a shall_v be_v for_o ever_o lovely_a for_o god_n that_o love_v he_o will_v make_v he_o so_o wherefore_o god_n love_v to_o the_o regenerate_a be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o yesterday_o as_o themselves_o be_v but_o one_o of_o those_o ancient_a favour_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o the_o treasury_n of_o his_o old_a and_o everlasting_a counsel_n 5._o god_n love_v and_o save_v those_o of_o his_o elect_a who_o die_v infant_n and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o wherefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o before_o conversion_n much_o more_o before_o actual_a faith_n god_n actual_o love_v the_o elect_a and_o out_o of_o that_o his_o great_a love_n bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v you_o observe_v a_o twofold_a distinction_n 1._o between_o god_n love_n in_o itself_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o to_o we_o that_o be_v perpetual_a and_o one_o from_o all_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o change_n increase_n or_o lessen_v towards_o every_o one_o of_o the_o elect_a but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o love_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n begin_v in_o time_n at_o our_o conversion_n and_o be_v variable_a according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o grace_n give_v and_o our_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o careful_a exercise_n of_o piety_n whereby_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n at_o one_o time_n shine_v bright_a upon_o our_o soul_n at_o another_o time_n be_v in_o the_o eclipse_n which_o divers_a degree_n of_o revelation_n argue_v no_o difference_n in_o god_n affection_n nay_o in_o earthly_a parent_n it_o do_v not_o always_o for_o a_o strong_a affection_n may_v be_v conceal_v but_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o god_n love_n to_o we_o when_o he_o decree_v to_o save_v we_o be_v one_o &_o the_o same_o without_o addition_n with_o that_o which_o he_o manifest_v unto_o we_o when_o he_o glorifi_v we_o that_o holy_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n towards_o we_o do_v burn_v as_o hot_a now_o as_o then_o
that_o prayer_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o different_a work_n why_o grace_n be_v bestow_v on_o some_o present_o at_o baptism_n in_o other_o it_o be_v defer_v till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o be_v to_o unlock_v the_o treasury_n of_o god_n secret_a counsel_n only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o god_n will_v show_v that_o no_o age_n be_v uncapable_a of_o grace_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v aswell_o in_o save_v some_o from_o fall_v into_o the_o fire_n as_o by_o pull_v other_o out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o gentle_a and_o easy_a deliverance_n of_o one_o and_o by_o the_o more_o violent_a torment_n and_o pang_n of_o the_o newbirth_n in_o another_o that_o both_o way_n he_o may_v have_v the_o thank_n and_o we_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n 3._o a_o defence_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n die_v before_o baptism_n against_o the_o popish_a assertion_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o this_o ground_n be_v certain_a no_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o follow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o contrary_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v clean_o may_v enter_v thereinto_o but_o infant_n such_o as_o be_v elect_v may_v be_v clean_a and_o holy_a before_o their_o baptism_n as_o be_v manifest_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o they_o be_v clean_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o god_n have_v accept_v to_o their_o perfect_a justification_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o be_v likewise_o make_v clean_o in_o part_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o original_a sin_n by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a sanctity_n into_o their_o soul_n for_o be_v justify_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n what_o shall_v hinder_v why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o part_n whilst_o they_o live_v and_o perfect_o upon_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n when_o original_a corruption_n be_v in_o a_o moment_n do_v away_o and_o the_o soul_n invest_v in_o the_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n fit_a for_o its_o entrance_n into_o happiness_n can_v this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o before_o baptism_n it_o may_v as_o well_o as_o after_o see_v it_o be_v not_o baptism_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o who_o work_n be_v free_a and_o not_o so_o to_o be_v tie_v unto_o that_o ordinance_n as_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v but_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v the_o elect_a sometime_o before_o sometime_o after_o and_o not_o always_o at_o the_o present_a celebration_n of_o it_o now_o if_o infant_n thus_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v depart_v this_o life_n what_o shall_v stop_v their_o passage_n to_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v vain_a to_o object_v that_o they_o have_v not_o actual_a faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v exclude_v we_o may_v aswell_o say_v they_o want_v repentance_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v save_v see_v the_o scripture_n make_v alike_o necessity_n of_o both_o grace_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o objection_n hold_v aswell_o after_o baptism_n as_o before_o when_o yet_o all_o grant_v the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n inconceivable_a and_o inexplicable_a how_o infant_n shall_v have_v actual_a faith_n whilst_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o exercise_v any_o one_o faculty_n of_o their_o reasonable_a soul_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o have_v as_o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n infuse_v into_o they_o which_o if_o they_o live_v will_v also_o appear_v by_o their_o actual_a operation_n but_o for_o that_o time_n they_o have_v not_o the_o act_n of_o those_o grace_n nor_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o simple_o needful_a they_o shall_v have_v they_o the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o god_n as_o before_o they_o be_v have_v pardon_v they_o of_o their_o original_a righteousness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o can_v he_o aswell_o bestow_v holiness_n and_o happiness_n on_o they_o without_o any_o actual_a faith_n of_o they_o come_v between_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o receive_v both_o if_o this_o may_v not_o be_v say_v touch_v such_o elect_a infant_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o unto_o i_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o inscrutable_a as_o the_o fashion_v of_o their_o tender_a body_n in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o infant_n may_v be_v also_o apply_v to_o such_o as_o be_v deaf_a or_o ●ooles_n have_v such_o natural_a defect_n as_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o discipline_n 4._o a_o just_a apology_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o child_n baptism_n against_o heretical_a impugner_n of_o the_o same_o for_o how_o can_v the_o sign_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o which_o have_v and_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n signify_v that_o which_o be_v signify_v in_o baptism_n be_v our_o justification_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n our_o sanctification_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n baptism_n be_v the_o scale_n of_o both_o unto_o we_o and_o infant_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o both_o be_v wash_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o actual_o justify_v before_o he_o and_o also_o purify_v in_o partfrom_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o then_o shall_v hinder_v why_o these_o infant_n shall_v not_o also_o be_v wash_v with_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sacrament_n thereof_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o we_o can_v presume_v that_o christian_a infant_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n i_o answer_v we_o have_v good_a warrant_n so_o to_o think_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o of_o their_o seed_n but_o for_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n we_o have_v no_o such_o promise_n whereon_o to_o ground_v our_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o albeit_o some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n selection_n yet_o see_v god_n have_v exclude_v they_o by_o a_o apparent_a bar_n we_o may_v not_o venture_v to_o give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o by_o their_o appear_a conversion_n we_o may_v charitable_o judge_v they_o belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o although_o of_o such_o as_o live_v within_o the_o church_n we_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n in_o the_o general_a that_o many_o both_o of_o christian_a parent_n be_v not_o faithful_a and_o of_o christian_a child_n that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o baptism_n because_o no_o man_n dare_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o pass_v his_o peremptory_a censure_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n rejection_n in_o particular_a this_o be_v one_o thing_n if_o we_o do_v know_v infallible_o now_o that_o any_o one_o be_v certain_o exclude_v out_o of_o god_n election_n turk_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v benefit_n by_o christ_n death_n such_o a_o one_o be_v he_o infidel_n or_o bear_v of_o the_o most_o christian_a parent_n in_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o baptize_v no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v admit_v of_o that_o person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o have_v apparent_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o as_o the_o church_n do_v with_o such_o as_o be_v just_o excommunicate_v who_o for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o open_a inpenitencie_n declare_v themselves_o public_o to_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o part_n in_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a mockery_n and_o abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n to_o apply_v this_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a and_o to_o dip_v they_o in_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n who_o we_o know_v shall_v never_o be_v wash_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n further_o it_o help_v not_o the_o ca●abaptists_n a_o jot_n that_o when_o christian_a infant_n come_v to_o age_n and_o ability_n to_o make_v profession_n than_o we_o may_v discern_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o estate_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a no_o man_n can_v infallible_o perceive_v by_o any_o word_n or_o action_n what_o the_o heart_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v in_o it_o true_a faith_n or_o not_o and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n if_o baptism_n shall_v never_o be_v administer_v till_o other_o man_n may_v judge_v of_o their_o faith_n it_o shall_v be_v afford_v to_o none_o at_o all_o or_o if_o it_o be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v and_o say_v he_o
have_v faith_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v to_o all_o and_o among_o they_o to_o some_o that_o have_v no_o faith_n indeed_o wherefore_o it_o be_v as_o good_a and_o safe_a to_o baptize_v they_o in_o their_o infancy_n as_o to_o defer_v it_o see_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o afterward_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n hold_v good_a and_o tarry_v we_o never_o so_o long_o we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o this_o charitable_a belief_n of_o they_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v the_o absurdity_n of_o paedobaptisme_n because_o infant_n have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o actual_a faith_n whereby_o to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n be_v at_o the_o least_o a_o absurd_a conclusion_n as_o well_o for_o that_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n hold_v in_o circumcision_n as_o also_o because_o where_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v give_v it_o be_v injurious_a to_o deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o in_o this_o case_n of_o infant_n faith_n be_v not_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o partake_v the_o benefit_n of_o justification_n howsoever_o in_o adult_n be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o age_n it_o be_v a_o instrument_n simple_o needful_a to_o give_v they_o a_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o which_o assurance_n see_v it_o can_v be_v in_o child_n the_o actual_a operation_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o needful_a in_o they_o but_o in_o such_o as_o be_v of_o age_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o whether_o they_o be_v infidel_n or_o christian_n child_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o neglect_v they_o must_v have_v knowledge_n and_o faith_n too_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n because_o if_o they_o have_v neither_o or_o knowledge_n only_o but_o no_o grace_n nor_o sanctity_n of_o life_n the_o church_n can_v but_o presume_v the_o worst_a of_o they_o as_o of_o those_o that_o yet_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n rectify_v by_o their_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n of_o 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the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n in_o our_o justification_n infant_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n the_o ceremony_n of_o administration_n be_v divers_a and_o in_o that_o sort_n difference_v as_o in_o baptism_n they_o require_v nothing_o but_o passion_n in_o the_o baptize_v and_o so_o may_v be_v administer_v to_o child_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o require_v such_o action_n as_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n such_o action_n be_v those_o of_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n thankful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n examination_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n which_o together_o with_o that_o circumstance_n of_o often_o repetition_n apparent_o show_v that_o god_n in_o this_o sacrament_n intend_v such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o piety_n as_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o child_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o upon_o this_o point_n the_o full_a descuss_n whereof_o belong_v more_o proper_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n touch_v the_o conversion_n of_o elect_a infant_n with_o this_o general_a rule_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o spare_v and_o silent_a touch_v the_o case_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o vocation_n conversion_n faith_n repentance_n and_o such_o other_o work_v of_o grace_n do_v by_o we_o or_o in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v general_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o age_n and_o by_o proportion_n only_o to_o be_v apply_v unto_o infant_n which_o will_v be_v observe_v for_o take_v away_o of_o some_o doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o next_o sort_n of_o elect_a person_n be_v those_o that_o be_v of_o age_n who_o have_v some_o while_n g●ne_v astray_o be_v at_o length_n bring_v home_o to_o the_o sheep-fold_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o their_o soul_n of_o these_o some_o be_v let_v run_v long_o other_o recover_v soon_o some_o have_v a_o more_o gentle_a and_o sweet_a passage_n from_o mortality_n to_o grace_n who_o life_n have_v be_v order_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o strict_a discipline_n other_o who_o conversation_n have_v be_v notorious_o disorder_v be_v convert_v with_o more_o bitter_a plunge_n terror_n and_o anguish_n of_o conscience_n some_o be_v strange_o change_v on_o a_o sudden_a upon_o the_o read_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n or_o hear_v of_o a_o gracious_a word_n utter_v in_o due_a season_n and_o deep_o apprehend_v other_o wrought_v upon_o with_o much_o pain_n and_o long_a time_n in_o a_o word_n so_o various_a be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n that_o as_o christ_n speak_v of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n so_o may_v we_o of_o 17._o this_o in_o the_o spirit_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n and_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o set_v down_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o will_v hold_v in_o all_o convert_v but_o though_o the_o manner_n be_v divers_a yet_o the_o mean_n be_v uniform_a and_o constant_a namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o chief_a worker_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o subordinate_a instrument_n by_o which_o it_o work_v our_o conversion_n the_o word_n discover_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n in_o infant_n the_o spirit_n without_o the_o word_n in_o those_o of_o year_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n join_v together_o to_o work_v our_o sanctification_n in_o which_o respect_n their_o conversion_n be_v proper_o term_v a_o vocation_n or_o call_v because_o it_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v si●ilus_n pastor_n be_v 4._o the_o whistle_n or_o voice_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n which_o the_o sheep_n hear_v and_o follow_v and_o from_o hence_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o saint_n be_v proper_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o evocatorum_fw-la coetus_fw-la saint_n by_o calling_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1._o holiness_n 1._o that_o be_v such_o who_o god_n have_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o holy_a call_n 2_o ton._n 1_o 9_o or_o unto_o holiness_n 1_o thes._n 4._o 7._o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o word_n from_o out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n all_o this_o be_v most_o excellent_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o those_o few_o but_o most_o pithy_a word_n contain_v in_o brief_a the_o whole_a administration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 13._o 14._o but_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_n always_o to_o god_n for_o you_o brethren_n belove_v of_o the_o lord_n because_o that_o god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o truth_n whereunto_o he_o call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n now_o we_o may_v just_o in_o this_o place_n enter_v upon_o a_o inquiry_n how_o and_o in_o what_o sort_n the_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v work_v together_o in_o cause_v a_o sinner_n conversion_n a_o search_n needful_a in_o these_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v peremptory_o deny_v by_o those_o of_o the_o arminian_n faction_n that_o there_o be_v or_o need_v to_o be_v any_o inward_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v on_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o outward_a ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n which_o opinion_n be_v but_o the_o issue_n of_o their_o main_a error_n touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n in_o his_o conversion_n which_o can_v stand_v if_o withal_o they_o grant_v that_o inward_a force_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n
opposite_a which_o at_o most_o be_v but_o subordinate_a and_o differ_v only_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n for_o be_v it_o not_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o crack_a brain_n to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o grace_n every_o way_n sufficient_a and_o powerful_a enough_o in_o itself_o to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o when_o this_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o sinner_n with_o a_o purpose_n and_o intent_n to_o convert_v he_o by_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v utter_o unsufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o it_o be_v strange_a whence_o or_o how_o man_n shall_v conceit_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o grace_n when_o they_o find_v insufficiency_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o work_n 2._o by_o the_o word_n grace_n we_o understand_v some_o supernatural_a gift_n free_o give_v unto_o man_n from_o god_n himself_o 3._o by_o the_o word_n christian_n we_o mean_v all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o militant_a church_n enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v of_o year_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o question_n touch_v not_o infant_n 4._o last_o by_o conversion_n as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v show_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v two_o thing_n either_o 1._o the_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o that_o act_n namely_o the_o sanctification_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a holiness_n 2._o the_o fruit_n or_o act_n of_o conversion_n proper_o so_o call_v when_o a_o man_n regenerate_v and_o renew_a in_o all_o part_n do_v actual_o employ_v they_o in_o love_v and_o obey_v god_n the_o first_o be_v god_n work_n upon_o we_o the_o next_o our_o work_n perform_v towards_o he_o when_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o inward_a grace_n give_v we_o after_o convert_v ourselves_o in_o thought_n and_o work_n towards_o god_n this_o latter_a be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o question_n but_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n which_o god_n work_v in_o he_o by_o infusion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n into_o all_o part_n this_o infusion_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o arminian_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o they_o burden_v this_o assertion_n with_o odious_a but_o untrue_a imputation_n of_o anabaptisticall_a enthusiasm_n and_o of_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v pour_v into_o we_o sleep_v without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o our_o own_o to_o get_v it_o which_o slander_n be_v only_o devise_v for_o the_o countenance_n of_o that_o impious_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o namely_o that_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n begin_v in_o some_o act_n which_o man_n himself_o perform_v and_o not_o in_o a_o work_n first_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n now_o that_o act_n of_o man_n be_v his_o assent_n and_o actual_a faith_n give_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o lewd_a imagination_n sufficient_o confute_v and_o cry_v down_o in_o the_o venerable_a assembly_n of_o the_o last_o synod_n as_o most_o derogatory_n to_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o vocation_n most_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o action_n so_o holy_a and_o good_a as_o be_v the_o yield_v of_o assent_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v in_o all_o his_o faculty_n the_o term_n thus_o explain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v more_o full_o thus_o whether_o god_n do_v bestow_v upon_o all_o such_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v any_o such_o supernatural_a gift_n as_o be_v sufficient_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o they_o true_a sanctification_n though_o it_o do_v not_o always_o effectual_o produce_v it_o our_o adversary_n affirm_v it_o but_o we_o true_o maintain_v the_o negative_a part_n oppose_v against_o their_o assertion_n these_o two_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o supernatural_a gift_n give_v unto_o the_o unregenerate_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o work_v his_o sanctification_n but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v effectual_a to_o work_v it_o this_o have_v appear_v manifest_o enough_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n of_o this_o question_n and_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o evident_a to_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o main_a mistake_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v that_o they_o imagine_v our_o conversion_n to_o begin_v in_o some_o act_n of_o we_o namely_o our_o assent_v and_o believe_v not_o in_o some_o act_n of_o god_n sanctify_v the_o soul_n before_o it_o can_v assent_v and_o believe_v now_o because_o this_o act_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v do_v by_o god_n help_n for_o to_o salve_v this_o they_o have_v find_v a_o dainty_a new_a devise_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o strength_n when_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n a_o man_n may_v use_v it_o if_o he_o will_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o do_v use_v it_o then_o by_o that_o act_n he_o be_v convert_v if_o not_o yet_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o act_n if_o it_o have_v be_v thereto_o apply_v as_o in_o a_o like_a case_n when_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o sick_a man_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o walk_v he_o give_v he_o bodily_a strength_n sufficient_a to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v he_o but_o yet_o the_o man_n may_v have_v let_v his_o bed_n lie_v and_o stand_v still_o if_o he_o list_v so_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v he_o give_v we_o strength_n sufficient_a so_o to_o do_v it_o albeit_o we_o may_v if_o we_o will_v neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o this_o foul_a error_n have_v breed_v all_o that_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n wherein_o this_o controversy_n be_v wrap_v up_o and_o it_o contain_v two_o gross_a absurdity_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o they_o suppose_v a_o supernatural_a ability_n of_o believe_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o yet_o shall_v be_v no_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o opinion_n altogether_o new_a and_o against_o reason_n for_o ask_v they_o be_v not_o the_o inward_a disability_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o convert_v a_o part_n of_o our_o corruption_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v well_o be_v not_o then_o the_o infusion_n of_o a_o ability_n to_o believe_v and_o convert_v the_o do_v away_o of_o that_o corruption_n it_o be_v and_o then_o shall_v not_o that_o gift_n which_o abolish_v our_o sinful_a infirmity_n be_v just_o call_v a_o sanctify_a grace_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o wilful_a contradiction_n to_o all_o manifest_a truth_n will_v affirm_v that_o the_o rectify_v of_o our_o weak_a and_o corrupt_a faculty_n by_o a_o supernatural_a ability_n put_v into_o they_o and_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n a_o act_n so_o holy_a must_v come_v from_o a_o habit_n as_o holy_a 2._o that_o they_o suppose_v the_o act_n in_o divine_a grace_n go_v before_o the_o habit_n a_o assertion_n in_o divinity_n not_o tolerable_a which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a and_o that_o question_v which_o christ_n put_v to_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n 12._o 34._o how_o can_v you_o that_o be_v evil_a speak_v good_a thing_n be_v more_o than_o any_o arminian_n cau_n tell_v how_o to_o answer_v this_o pinch_v they_o and_o put_v they_o to_o this_o choice_n either_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o certain_o be_v utter_o evil_a may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o a_o gift_n as_o have_v not_o sanctify_v nor_o make_v he_o good_a not_o only_o speak_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v eminent_o good_a namely_o believe_v and_o convert_v or_o that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n perform_v by_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o good_a and_o sound_a and_o so_o no_o beginning_n of_o true_a conversion_n or_o that_o they_o do_v confess_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o other_o grace_n to_o be_v first_o implant_v in_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o universal_a renovation_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o whence_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n do_v afterward_o issue_n and_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o under_o those_o obscure_a and_o unexplicate_v term_n of_o supernatural_a strength_n to_o believe_v they_o grant_v in_o effect_n for_o the_o strength_n be_v either_o nothing_o
ascribe_v unto_o man_n heart_n corruption_n and_o grace_n as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o part_n of_o man_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a work_n out_o of_o it_o come_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o defile_v a_o man_n mat._n 15._o 18_o 19_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o wicked_a above_o all_o thing_n jer._n 17._o 9_o that_o in_o regeneration_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v renew_a make_v clean_o soften_v of_o stony_a make_v fleshy_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o uprightness_n purity_n goodness_n and_o honesty_n faith_n lowliness_n and_o many_o more_o speak_v of_o in_o every_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n almost_o in_o which_o place_n by_o the_o heart_n to_o understand_v our_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a affection_n be_v most_o absurd_a and_o if_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v there_o mean_v it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o nice_a subtlety_n beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o scripture_n to_o exclude_v the_o will_n from_o have_v any_o part_n in_o that_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o if_o by_o the_o heart_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o understand_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n 3._o we_o prefer_v the_o uniform_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a hitherto_o above_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o armini●●_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o as_o they_o make_v the_o understanding_n the_o seat_n of_o all_o speculative_a habit_n so_o for_o all_o practical_a habit_n whether_o moral_a or_o theological_a they_o place_v they_o in_o the_o will._n with_o who_o agreeable_o to_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n we_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v in_o adam_n will_n beside_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o a_o habitual_a holy_a inclination_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a though_o with_o a_o possibility_n of_o embrace_v evil_n again_o there_o be_v in_o our_o will_n since_o the_o fall_n beside_o some_o kind_n of_o liberty_n a_o habitual_a vicious_a quality_n make_v they_o averse_a and_o froward_a in_o choose_v the_o good_a prone_a and_o inclinable_a to_o embrace_v the_o ●vill_n so_o that_o man_n now_o do_v natural_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n job_n 15_o 16._o and_o make_v a_o pastime_n of_o do_v evil_a prov._n 2._o 14._o and_o therefore_o as_o adam_n will_n be_v true_o good_a not_o only_o in_o the_o action_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a quality_n thereof_o so_o our_o will_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o corrupt_v not_o only_o in_o its_o evil_a action_n but_o also_o the_o inward_a vicious_a disposition_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o four_o error_n the_o five_o be_v but_o a_o consectary_n of_o the_o former_a namely_o 5._o that_o the_o will_v of_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a have_v a_o natural_a freedom_n to_o choose_v any_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o for_o say_v they_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v no_o other_o property_n but_o only_a liberty_n when_o man_n fall_v and_o lose_v other_o good_a quality_n his_o will_n have_v no_o hurt_n but_o retain_v its_o liberty_n perfect_a and_o entire_a so_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n after_o once_o he_o know_v any_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n offer_v unto_o he_o have_v natural_o as_o much_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o embrace_v it_o even_o as_o adam_n have_v in_o his_o innocency_n or_o as_o any_o man_n can_v have_v after_o his_o conversion_n but_o this_o opinion_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n with_o the_o former_a upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v presuppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a quality_n in_o the_o will_n draw_v it_o to_o evil_a but_o we_o know_v that_o to_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o we_o confess_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n do_v heal_v that_o disease_n and_o replant_v in_o our_o will_n their_o primitive_a integrity_n they_o be_v utter_o dead_a in_o sin_n captive_n and_o bondslave_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o however_o they_o have_v some_o liberty_n in_o natural_a civil_a or_o external_a spiritual_a thing_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o holiness_n they_o have_v no_o liberty_n at_o all_o to_o will_v and_o choose_v that_o but_o be_v whole_o enthrall_v unto_o sin_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 6_o 20._o when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n and_o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v they_o not_o then_o manifest_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o lie_n that_o affirm_v a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n who_o without_o doubt_n be_v if_o any_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o carnal_o mind_v be_v notwithstanding_o free_a unto_o righteousness_n and_o may_v be_v even_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v he_o faith_n and_o obedience_n there_o be_v yet_o other_o error_n the_o six_o therefore_o be_v this_o 6._o that_o man_n conversion_n begin_v in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v 155._o not_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n infuse_v i_o have_v heretofore_o touch_v upon_o this_o point_n in_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o assertion_n of_o they_o that_o conversion_n begin_v in_o some_o work_n that_o we_o do_v not_o in_o a_o work_n that_o god_n first_o do_v here_o you_o be_v further_o to_o note_v whereto_o tend_v this_o opinion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o establish_v their_o other_o opinion_n of_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n for_o see_v conversion_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v &_o this_o act_n be_v free_o in_o our_o power_n as_o not_o to_o do_v it_o at_o first_o so_o when_o it_o be_v once_o do_v not_o to_o repeat_v it_o often_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o conversion_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n not_o to_o become_v convert_v by_o not_o do_v that_o act_n so_o be_v convert_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o relapse_n by_o not_o continue_v to_o do_v it_o for_o which_o purpose_n they_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v any_o constant_a habit_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o term_v a_o believer_n from_o the_o habit_n but_o from_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v transient_a and_o vanish_v faith_n cease_v when_o they_o cease_v so_o that_o belike_o when_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v asleep_a 2d_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n when_o noah_n and_o all_o his_o family_n be_v asleep_a in_o the_o ark_n than_o faith_n cease_v in_o the_o church_n and_o see_v by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n man_n asleep_a or_o die_a in_o a_o lethargy_n do_v not_o please_v god_n it_o be_v wonder_n but_o these_o man_n will_v deny_v all_o other_o habit_n too_o and_o say_v that_o david_n have_v no_o skill_n in_o music_n but_o that_o his_o right_a hand_n have_v forget_v her_o cunning_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o harp_n aside_o they_o may_v aswell_o deny_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o both_o be_v alike_o ridiculous_a there_o be_v yet_o one_o error_n more_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 7._o that_o man_n conversion_n be_v proper_o nothing_o but_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n this_o restraint_n of_o our_o conversion_n unto_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o first_o to_o bring_v it_o from_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o appropriate_v it_o to_o that_o act_n without_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v any_o other_o grace_n this_o narrow_a conceit_n touch_v our_o conversion_n be_v that_o which_o have_v fill_v the_o write_n of_o many_o learned_a about_o this_o point_n with_o much_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n they_o so_o speak_v and_o write_v of_o conversion_n as_o if_o it_o begin_v in_o that_o one_o and_o only_a action_n of_o man_n will_n consent_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o this_o be_v without_o all_o ground_n to_o convert_v be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o repent_v to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n to_o abstain_v from_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o practice_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n these_o act_n be_v as_o proper_a and_o immediate_a part_n of_o true_a conversion_n as_o faith_n nor_n do_v the_o scripture_n so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o such_o limitation_n as_o to_o appropriate_v our_o conversion_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o man●_n turn_v unto_o god_n do_v join_v repentance_n and_o other_o godly_a act_n together_o with_o faith_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o solemn_a invitation_n of_o
incline_v to_o good_a unwilling_o without_o reason_n and_o choice_n like_o the_o natural_a propensity_n in_o a_o stone_n to_o move_v downward_o or_o the_o instinct_n in_o brute_n beast_n no_o this_o determination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o will_v only_o good_a be_v from_o a_o internal_a cause_n viz._n habitual_a sanctity_n infuse_v into_o it_o after_o which_o infusion_n the_o will_n incline_v itself_o immutable_o yet_o free_o to_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v spiritual_o good_a it_o can_v choose_v but_o will_v it_o yet_o it_o will_v it_o free_o for_o to_o affirm_v that_o this_o immutable_a inclination_n to_o one_o part_n take_v away_o all_o freedom_n from_o the_o will_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o freedom_n of_o will_n either_o in_o unregenerate_a man_n and_o damn_a spirit_n who_o will_n be_v incline_v only_o to_o evil_a yet_o they_o sin_v free_o or_o in_o god_n in_o the_o elect_a angel_n in_o the_o saint_n depart_v in_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n all_o who_o will_n be_v immutable_o infallible_o armin._n and_o after_o a_o sort_n necessary_o incline_v only_o to_o good_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v it_o most_o free_o without_o all_o force_n or_o physical_a necessity_n the_o near_a we_o come_v unto_o these_o the_o nigh_a we_o be_v unto_o 23._o perfection_n in_o every_o faculty_n and_o certain_o most_o desirable_a be_v that_o necessity_n or_o immutability_n or_o servitude_n or_o determination_n or_o call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v whereby_o our_o will_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o they_o can_v but_o choose_v the_o good_a can_v but_o be_v servant_n of_o righteousness_n can_v but_o endeavour_v always_o to_o obey_v can_v but_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a who_o will_v think_v himself_o wrong_v that_o be_v thus_o blessed_v or_o imprison_v that_o be_v thus_o restrain_v sure_o it_o be_v admirable_a what_o strange_a benefit_n these_o jesuited_a arminian_n have_v find_v out_o in_o that_o property_n of_o man_n will_n which_o so_o fierce_o they_o strive_v for_o namely_o that_o it_o must_v always_o be_v indifferent_o dispose_v to_o good_a and_o evil_a have_v a_o equal_a power_n to_o will_n both_o alike_o be_v this_o so_o rare_a a_o privilege_n of_o nature_n what_o such_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o commit_v a_o horrible_a offence_n to_o disobey_v the_o gospel_n to_o despise_v god_n grace_n to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o sin_n to_o do_v enough_o at_o any_o time_n to_o damn_v one_o self_n call_v we_o this_o a_o prerogative_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v it_o worth_a so_o much_o contention_n as_o have_v be_v make_v for_o it_o they_o deserve_v to_o enjoy_v it_o that_o be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o it_o but_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o pertinacity_n in_o plead_v for_o nature_n prerogative_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cunning_a pretence_n to_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o arm_v man_n against_o god_n in_o all_o pride_n and_o contumacy_n as_o if_o we_o can_v frustrate_v his_o work_n and_o bring_v his_o counsel_n to_o nought_o and_o that_o if_o we_o do_v obey_v when_o he_o call_v we_o we_o may_v triumph_v in_o our_o strength_n if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v we_o may_v yet_o glory_v in_o our_o malice_n whereby_o we_o can_v make_v void_a god_n holy_a intention_n of_o do_v we_o good_a but_o how_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o those_o collapse_a angel_n and_o for_o all_o adam_n posterity_n have_v he_o and_o their_o will_n be_v create_v with_o that_o immutable_a inclination_n to_o goodness_n wherein_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v now_o confirm_v and_o how_o happy_a shall_v we_o also_o be_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o obey_v as_o those_o heavenly_a spirit_n now_o do_v willing_o constant_o unchangeable_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o disobey_v this_o service_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o if_o the_o son_n make_v we_o but_o in_o this_o sort_n free_a then_o be_v we_o free_a indeed_o let_v we_o while_o we_o here_o go_v mourning_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o hang_v on_o so_o fast_o let_v we_o often_o send_v up_o a_o wish_n a_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n for_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o our_o redemption_n sigh_v within_o ourselves_o and_o wait_v till_o we_o also_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o that_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n in_o we_o into_o that_o glorious_a freedom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n amen_o we_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n finish_v the_o first_o point_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n i_o propose_v touch_v the_o antecedent_n general_n of_o faith_n namely_o our_o vocation_n and_o conversion_n unto_o god_n wherein_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a by_o what_o mean_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n a_o sinner_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n in_o which_o search_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o i_o can_v see_v the_o scripture_n lead_v i_o the_o way_n content_v myself_o with_o that_o knowledge_n of_o this_o secret_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v to_o you_o and_o i_o most_o profitable_a let_v pass_n those_o curious_a speculation_n which_o have_v be_v conceive_v touch_v these_o thing_n by_o man_n that_o have_v discover_v more_o willingness_n to_o dispute_v and_o quarrel_n than_o good_a affection_n to_o learn_v or_o teach_v aught_o aright_o in_o so_o holy_a a_o business_n my_o aim_n herein_o have_v be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o original_n and_o generation_n of_o that_o most_o precious_a grace_n of_o faith_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v more_o at_o large_a deliver_v be_v thus_o much_o in_o brief_a that_o sanctification_n or_o inherent_a grace_n be_v at_o the_o first_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o elect_a sinner_n mere_o and_o only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n new_a ability_n and_o perfection_n in_o each_o power_n thereof_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v by_o any_o worth_n of_o we_o deserve_v it_o we_o can_v by_o any_o inward_a power_n of_o our_o own_o effect_n it_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a last_o we_o can_v by_o any_o liberty_n and_o strength_n we_o have_v so_o forcible_o resist_v as_o to_o hinder_v god_n spirit_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o work_v it_o now_o of_o this_o our_o sanctification_n faith_n be_v a_o part_n be_v a_o inherent_a gracious_a quality_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n at_o our_o effectual_a conversion_n or_o regeneration_n for_o its_o original_n therefore_o it_o be_v divine_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o a_o immediate_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o any_o way_n spring_v from_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n or_o strength_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n we_o be_v then_o now_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n to_o come_v unto_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o to_o show_v you_o what_o this_o grace_n be_v wherein_o the_o be_v thereof_o do_v consist_v a_o inquiry_n it_o be_v full_a of_o much_o difficulty_n but_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o singular_a profit_n of_o this_o knowledge_n must_v enforce_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o use_v the_o uttermost_a of_o all_o godly_a diligence_n in_o search_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o so_o glorious_a and_o useful_a a_o grace_n as_o faith_n be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n turn_v upon_o this_o hinge_n faith_n like_o blood_n run_v through_o every_o vein_n of_o the_o wholebody_n of_o religion_n it_o give_v life_n and_o direction_n to_o every_o holy_a action_n it_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o our_o strength_n the_o support_n of_o all_o our_o comfort_n yea_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n lie_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o it_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v or_o by_o nothing_o wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o near_o both_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o when_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o ourselves_o have_v it_o not_o to_o have_v faith_n be_v to_o want_n christ_n and_o all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n not_o to_o know_v what_o faith_n be_v be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o not_o have_v faith_n the_o apostle_n conclude_v both_o in_o that_o exbortation_n of_o he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o wherewith_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o be_v admonish_v prove_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o shall_v begin_v at_o the_o low_a step_n thereof_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n ascend_v high_a 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n show_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o
not_o book-learned_a do_v conceive_v to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o must_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a because_o man_n be_v careless_a be_v the_o bible_n a_o hard_a book_n because_o common_a people_n understand_v it_o not_o in_o latin_a be_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o darksome_a and_o intricate_a because_o one_o man_n understand_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o another_o do_v or_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n perceive_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prophecy_n which_o the_o next_o age_n may_v clear_o understand_v these_o be_v weak_a inference_n and_o such_o as_o can_v overturn_v our_o first_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o all_o doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o narration_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n bad_a and_o good_a for_o what_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v name_v that_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o understand_v i_o say_v not_o by_o a_o learned_a or_o godly_a but_o even_o by_o any_o man_n what_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v plain_o find_v out_o what_o text_n of_o doctrine_n whereof_o some_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v out_o may_v not_o all_o understand_v what_o one_o do_v yea_o take_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n life_n everlasting_a regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o obscure_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n any_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o common_a unto_o the_o unregenerate_a for_o charity_n though_o it_o can_v wish_v yet_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o to_o write_v or_o preach_v sound_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o man_n true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n experience_n and_o reason_n make_v good_a the_o contrary_a that_o a_o singular_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o no_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v compatible_a who_o see_v not_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o knowledge_n he_o surpass_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o in_o malice_n far_o exceed_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n unto_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o so_o essential_o link_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o teach_v whilst_o yet_o the_o heart_n remain_v froward_a unbroken_a and_o untractable_a the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n prefer_v they_o in_o our_o choice_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o gracious_a motion_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n powerful_o bind_v and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o right_n and_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a illumination_n to_o go_v far_o i_o say_v by_o common_a illumination_n understand_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o usual_a in_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n skill_n of_o language_n use_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n in_o their_o write_n and_o commentary_n conference_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o learned_a live_n and_o accustom_a painfulness_n in_o study_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o these_o mean_n a_o christian_a presuppose_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a writ_n may_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n prove_v excellent_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n he_o may_v understand_v all_o and_o every_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a belief_n all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o christian_a practice_n any_o sermon_n or_o treatise_n tend_v to_o holy_a instruction_n any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o dark_a and_o doubtfull_a interpretation_n yea_o in_o these_o thing_n many_o time_n sanctity_n go_v not_o so_o far_o as_o those_o common_a grace_n do_v and_o you_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o happy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n nor_o sound_a determiner_n of_o controversy_n but_o that_o both_o of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n many_a time_n man_n of_o ungodly_a life_n and_o idolatrous_a profession_n have_v equal_v and_o exceed_v other_o in_o their_o commentary_n and_o treatise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o every_o day_n show_v that_o many_o a_o wretched_a man_n and_o vile_a hypocrite_n may_v yet_o make_v so_o good_a a_o sermon_n even_o about_o the_o most_o spiritual_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o prayer_n that_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quick_a sight_n yet_o see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o may_v deem_v he_o sound_v heart_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o learn_v religion_n by_o rote_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v what_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o affect_v this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o next_o be_v this_o 2._o all_o history_n and_o prediction_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o most_o illuminate_v understanding_n by_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o the_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v stand_v long_o in_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n in_o many_o precept_n and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n sense_n and_o reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o do_v but_o in_o matter_n historical_a and_o prophetical_a faith_n only_o bear_v sway_v for_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o go_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o from_o authority_n of_o scripture_n relation_n that_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v noah_n save_v in_o the_o ark_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o by_o the_o story_n so_o for_o prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n they_o be_v not_o evident_a till_o the_o event_n make_v they_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o papacy_n root_v out_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o word_n foretell_v they_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o kind_n can_v our_o sense_n be_v inform_v or_o our_o understanding_n convince_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o revelation_n believe_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n principal_o be_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o make_v heb._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o where_o he_o use_v two_o word_n to_o express_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hope_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v of_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n and_o comprise_v all_o both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v thing_n hope_v for_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a both_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o drown_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v unseen_a and_o possession_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o 3._o precept_n and_o discourse_n of_o dogmatic_a point_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o both_o to_o the_o regenerate_a &_o also_o the_o unregenerate_a this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o manifest_a truth_n as_o shall_v appear_v thus_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v doctrinal_a discourse_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o of_o matter_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o morality_n other_o of_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o divinity_n
the_o meaning_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o yield_v as_o much_o respect_n to_o god_n write_n as_o socrates_n do_v sometime_o to_o a_o obscure_a book_n of_o heraclitus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o when_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o hard_a sentence_n &_o dark_a socrat_n prophecy_n we_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o we_o also_o can_v say_v that_o which_o i_o understand_v i_o believe_v for_o truth_n that_o which_o i_o understand_v not_o yet_o i_o believe_v too_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o assent_n be_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n and_o whereas_o faith_n give_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n this_o fill_v it_o with_o anxiety_n and_o distraction_n will_v any_o man_n not_o strange_o careless_a and_o blockish_a becontent_a with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o i_o believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o and_o if_o in_o some_o particular_n even_o pure_a necessity_n cause_v we_o for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o belief_n because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n must_v it_o therefore_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o general_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n obscure_a or_o unknown_a but_o this_o make_v much_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o catholic_a cause_n and_o therefore_o the_o factor_n for_o rome_n have_v reason_n to_o stand_v stiff_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n for_o so_o when_o they_o have_v drop_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o disciple_n this_o poison_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n obscure_a to_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o have_v at_o one_o stroke_n nail_v their_o ear_n to_o the_o door_n of_o their_o church_n and_o make_v they_o their_o slave_n for_o ever_o and_o win_v they_o over_o to_o their_o blind_a canonical_a obedience_n as_o to_o believe_v so_o to_o do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o adversary_n doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n be_v brief_o express_v by_o becanus_n in_o his_o theolog._n scholasttom_n 3._o cap._n 1._o quaest_n 3._o who_o therein_o follow_v his_o leader_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o schoolman_n to_o the_o question_n an_fw-mi revelatio_fw-la primae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la formale_a objectum_fw-la fidei_fw-la debeat_fw-la esse_fw-la obscura_fw-la he_o answer_v affirmative_o that_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v obscure_a and_o that_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n 1._o exit_fw-la part●_n rei_fw-la revelatae_fw-la revelatio_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la clard_v &_o evidenter_fw-la ostendere_fw-la rem_fw-la revelatam_fw-la a_o very_a strange_a conceit_n revelation_n must_v not_o declare_v thing_n plain_o and_o evident_o why_o so_o when_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v he_o not_o do_v it_o plain_o and_o do_v not_o they_o clear_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o revelation_n they_o do_v but_o haply_o the_o jesuit_n meaning_n be_v a_o little_a better_o the_o revelation_n must_v not_o clarè_v &_o evidenter_v ostendere_fw-la rem_fw-la that_o be_v no_o revelation_n have_v this_o force_n of_o itself_o ut_fw-la rem_fw-la revelatam_fw-la exhibeat_fw-la nobis_fw-la praesentem_fw-la ut_fw-la clarè_v &_o intuitiuè_fw-la videamus_fw-la rem_fw-la narrat●●_n if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o jesuit_n mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n we_o will_v subscribe_v unto_o they_o and_o willing_o grant_v that_o revelation_n do_v not_o make_v thing_n present_a and_o offer_v they_o to_o our_o view_n for_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o see_v what_o need_v a_o revelation_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o easy_o admit_v the_o proof_n which_o they_o bring_v for_o faith_n obscurity_n out_o of_o heb._n 11._o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v not_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o 1_o cor_fw-la 13._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o believe_v be_v now_o know_v by_o we_o in_o this_o life_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o do_v know_v a_o man_n who_o face_n we_o behold_v in_o a_o glass_n but_o do_v not_o behold_v his_o person_n but_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v as_o when_o we_o know_v a_o man_n stand_v before_o he_o and_o look_v he_o full_a in_o the_o face_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o shape_n and_o picture_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o it_o be_v the_o picture_n only_o not_o the_o substance_n and_o body_n itself_o be_v this_o all_o our_o adversary_n intend_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n thing_n believe_v be_v obscure_a id_fw-la est_fw-la non-praesentes_a non-visae_a we_o grant_v it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o full_o fit_v their_o turn_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v obscure_a that_o be_v not_o immediate_o see_v and_o look_v upon_o yet_o the_o narration_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v perspicuous_a and_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v now_o they_o like_v not_o this_o all_o be_v quite_o mar_v if_o they_o give_v way_n so_o far_o as_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v this_o may_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o their_o school_n and_o pulpit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n upon_o that_o subject_n they_o so_o bestir_v themselves_o like_o a_o hear_v of_o wild_a beast_n to_o raise_v up_o all_o the_o dust_n they_o can_v whereby_o to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o that_o bright_a most_o sun_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o aim_v at_o in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o obscure_a proposition_n their_o meaning_n be_v villainous_a to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o ignorance_n and_o implicit_a belief_n that_o it_o suffice_v a_o religious_a christian_a to_o salvation_n that_o he_o believe_v in_o gross_a the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n and_o church_n do_v deliver_v though_o he_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o distinct_o let_v he_o jumble_v over_o his_o creed_n in_o latin_a and_o understand_v never_o a_o letter_n yet_o be_v he_o a_o good_a believe_a catholic_a and_o it_o suffice_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v recite_v by_o he_o in_o persona_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la as_o becanus_n out_o of_o thomas_n very_o conceited_o affirm_v 10._o so_o in_o stead_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n necessary_a unto_o save_v faith_n they_o breed_v in_o their_o people_n a_o dull_a turbulent_a and_o confuse_a assent_n to_o something_o but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v indeed_o rather_o a_o stubbornness_n and_o wilfulness_n of_o resolution_n than_o the_o well_o advise_v belief_n of_o a_o christian._n just_o so_o do_v sorcerer_n and_o witch_n believe_v confident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o number_n of_o verse_n spell_n character_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o and_o such_o be_v the_o magical_a faith_n of_o those_o who_o the_o romish_a whore_n have_v bewitch_v with_o her_o enchantment_n nor_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o obscurity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n any_o ground_n at_o all_o in_o those_o two_o place_n before_o allege_v for_o the_o first_o in_o heb._n 11._o ver_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v most_o true_a they_o be_v not_o see_v because_o faith_n apprehend_v they_o and_o sight_n destroy_v faith_n but_o what_o then_o be_v they_o unknown_a too_o no_o for_o faith_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o evident_a argument_n even_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v yea_o but_o whence_o do_v faith_n fetch_v this_o argument_n not_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o they_o be_v unseen_a whence_o then_o from_o the_o revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o word_n which_o make_v they_o clear_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o believer_n again_o in_o that_o 1._o cor._n 13._o 12._o we_o now_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o true_o we_o see_v thing_n but_o as_o in_o a_o look_a glass_n therefore_o we_o see_v they_o dark_o for_o let_v a_o man_n first_o view_v the_o shape_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o afterward_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n itself_o his_o first_o knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v be_v but_o dark_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o latter_a nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o so_o dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v describe_v what_o thing_n it_o be_v he_o see_v if_o he_o behold_v a_o man_n face_n in_o the_o glass_n he_o may_v distinct_o tell_v that_o such_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o visage_n
in_o the_o like_a manner_n the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n be_v like_o a_o clear_a well_o polish_a glass_n free_a from_o dust_n ●lawes_n crack_n or_o other_o deformity_n in_o they_o we_o may_v behold_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n clear_o represent_v in_o their_o shape_n and_o proper_a colour_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o to_o see_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o when_o attentive_o we_o mark_v what_o be_v show_v unto_o we_o we_o may_v take_v distinct_a notice_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o in_o all_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v in_o itself_o distinct_a and_o clear_a though_o compare_v with_o that_o other_o proper_a immediate_a behold_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o face_n to_o face_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v it_o may_v just_o be_v term_v dark_a and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v one_o instance_n make_v all_o plain_a in_o gal._n 3._o 1._o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v describe_v unto_o the_o galatian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o their_o eye_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v crucify_v among_o they_o why_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o what_o be_v do_v at_o jerusalem_n on_o mount_n golgatha_n shall_v be_v see_v in_o galatia_n many_o hundred_o 〈◊〉_d mile_n from_o it_o how_o then_o be_v christ_n describe_v and_o crucify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o galatian_n it_o be_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o manifest_a declaration_n of_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o though_o it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o evident_a unto_o the_o galatian_n as_o they_o be_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v he_o suffer_v yet_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a be_v the_o representation_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o mirror_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v that_o the_o galatian_n faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o thing_n obscure_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n then_o for_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v present_a unto_o we_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n another_o for_o it_o to_o be_v perspicuous_o &_o plain_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o narration_n in_o which_o latter_a sense_n we_o affirm_v against_o the_o romanist_n that_o all_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o obscure_a but_o evident_a in_o those_o revelation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n 2._o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la dei_fw-la revelantis_fw-la for_o non_fw-la constat_fw-la nobis_fw-la clarè_v &_o evidenter_v revelationemillam_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la articulas_fw-la fidei_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la no_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a to_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n to_o who_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o be_v first_o inspire_v yes_o the_o jesuite_n grant_v that_o but_o yet_o hear_v his_o word_n num._n 12._o prophetae_fw-la &_o apostol●_n say_v he_o habuerunt_fw-la tantùm_fw-la evidentiam_fw-la revelationis_fw-la non_fw-la autemevidentiam_fw-la primae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la tamet_n si_fw-la enim_fw-la evidenter_fw-la cognoscerent_fw-la deum_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la ipsis_fw-la revelabat_fw-la mysteria_fw-la fides_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la evidenter_fw-la cognoscebant_fw-la deum_fw-la esse_fw-la summè_fw-la veracem_fw-la qui_fw-la nec_fw-la falli_fw-la possit_fw-la nec_fw-la fallere_fw-la vnde_fw-la sequitur_fw-la assensum_fw-la illorum_fw-la quem_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la circa_fw-la mysteria_fw-la fidei_fw-la fuisse_fw-la obscurum_fw-la &_o ejusdem_fw-la speciei_fw-la cum_fw-la assensu_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la see_v you_o this_o jesuite_n how_o he_o will_v blow_v away_o with_o one_o blast_n all_o the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o bring_v the_o matter_n about_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sure_a foot_n for_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o pope_n infallible_a fancy_n revelation_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n they_o be_v indeed_o evident_o know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o yet_o see_v the_o mischief_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o revealer_n be_v not_o evident_o know_v unto_o these_o holy_a man_n nor_o be_v they_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o god_n may_v and_o will_v tell_v they_o a_o lie_n a_o foul_a blasphemy_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o be_v not_o himself_o or_o think_v there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o infallible_o evident_o and_o most_o certain_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o will_v deceive_v any_o but_o touch_v this_o point_n that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o obscure_a totter_a foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n but_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o clear_a word_n full_a of_o brightness_n and_o majesty_n like_o light_n shine_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o it_o own_o character_n discover_v it_o own_o divine_a original_n of_o this_o hereafter_o more_o fit_o in_o handle_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n now_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o first_o point_n touch_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v evident_a or_o inevident_a these_o two_o confectary_n may_v be_v note_v out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o knowledge_n by_o sight_n take_v away_o faith_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o sight_n go_v but_o no_o further_o for_o as_o we_o say_v of_o belief_n in_o general_a so_o here_o evident_a experience_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o some_o thing_n do_v help_v our_o faith_n in_o other_o whence_o it_o be_v usual_a 20._o with_o the_o godly_a to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n for_o time_n to_o come_v by_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n mercy_n of_o old_a and_o that_o evident_a trial_n of_o they_o they_o have_v have_v in_o time_n past_a and_o thomas_n because_o he_o see_v the_o evident_a truth_n of_o ghrists_n resurrection_n do_v more_o firm_o believe_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o he_o but_o otherwise_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o sight_n wax_v so_o faith_n wain_v the_o great_a light_n &_o certainty_n drown_v the_o less_o &_o where_o knowledge_n be_v perfect_a the_o faith_n though_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o habit_n yet_o it_o cease_v in_o the_o act._n this_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o faith_n and_o sight_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o this_o walk_n by_o faith_n be_v be_v plain_a chap._n 4._o 18._o we_o look_v not_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2._o a_o distinct_a explicit_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o christian_a faith_n by_o explicit_a knowledge_n i_o mean_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o belief_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v plain_o declare_v in_o scripture_n this_o historical_a knowledge_n for_o so_o we_o may_v term_v it_o synecdochical_a of_o the_o letter_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v of_o christian_a faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n thereof_o for_o though_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o yet_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v where_o this_o knowledge_n go_v not_o before_o ignorant_a in_o this_o sense_n and_o vnbeleeve_a be_v term_n reciprocal_a as_o perfect_a knowledge_n by_o sight_n exclude_v faith_n of_o the_o thing_n see_v so_o do_v perfect_a ignorance_n of_o any_o thing_n destroy_v all_o faith_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v absolute_o ignorant_a in_o some_o thing_n yet_o a_o believer_n in_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o such_o a_o explicit_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n as_o that_o we_o must_v distinct_o apprehend_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n before_o we_o believe_v for_o the_o apostle_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o gentile_n article_n of_o faith_n as_o christ_n resurrection_n ascention_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o we_o affirm_v that_o where_o there_o be_v total_a ignorance_n of_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v no_o belief_n at_o all_o of_o that_o article_n as_o for_o example_n he_o that_o say_v i_o believe_v a_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o yet_o know_v not_o what_o a_o holy_a catholic_a church_n be_v what_o ever_o he_o say_v he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o that_o such_o a_o blind_a credo_fw-la be_v
not_o proper_o a_o assent_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o prove_v thus_o to_o assent_v or_o dissent_n be_v a_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o of_o the_o will_n if_o of_o the_o understanding_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n if_o of_o the_o will_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v goodness_n or_o evil_n for_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_v the_o case_n be_v manifest_a that_o it_o do_v never_o assent_v unto_o and_o allow_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n or_o dissent_v from_o and_o disallow_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o until_o there_o be_v knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o both_o for_o this_o approbation_n or_o reprobation_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o will_n can_v be_v without_o election_n nor_o election_n without_o forego_v deliberation_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v choose_v or_o refuse_v again_o for_o the_o understanding_n how_o can_v it_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n or_o dissent_n from_o the_o falsehood_n of_o such_o thing_n whereof_o it_o have_v no_o apprehension_n at_o all_o for_o so_o here_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n without_o a_o object_n at_o least_o a_o irrational_a act_n of_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o man_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n assent_n or_o dissent_v without_o understanding_n of_o whereto_o or_o from_o what_o be_v not_o a_o nonens_a the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o act_n and_o be_v not_o such_o a_o act_n more_o like_o the_o natural_a propension_n of_o senseless_a creature_n whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o unknown_a end_n than_o the_o judicial_a determination_n of_o a_o reasonable_a man_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v exceed_v reason_n yet_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o be_v not_o above_o our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o assent_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o forth_o rational_a that_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v yet_o we_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n 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faith_n of_o the_o ordinary_a papist_n who_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o teacher_n content_n himself_o that_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n in_o gross_a unto_o all_o what_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n &_o church_n tradition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a whilst_o yet_o he_o understand_v scarce_o any_o article_n of_o his_o religion_n distinct_o this_o their_o implicit_a assent_n be_v mere_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a contrary_n to_o the_o express_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 1._o command_v we_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o bid_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o bare_a answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o with_o a_o defence_n to_o every_o one_o that_o demand_v of_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o it_o will_v be_v know_v of_o the_o romish_a laiety_n what_o reason_n they_o 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as_o this_o here_o be_v the_o bible_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o believe_v all_o that_o it_o say_v but_o for_o particular_n i_o will_v look_v no_o further_o let_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a look_n to_o that_o how_o far_o such_o a_o blind_a resolution_n be_v from_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n beside_o experience_n which_o testify_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o some_o thing_n do_v always_o much_o lament_v their_o ignorance_n and_o eager_o desire_v the_o increase_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o scripture_n also_o do_v abundant_o witness_v unto_o we_o wherein_o no_o exhortation_n more_o common_a than_o this_o unto_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o collosian_o col._n 2._o 2._o and_o for_o the_o corinthian_n he_o wish_v the_o like_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8._o 7._o how_o many_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v we_o find_v they_o have_v make_v for_o knowledge_n every_o where_o mention_v how_o often_o be_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n couple_v together_o joh._n 10._o 38._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 16._o etc._n etc._n yea_o many_o time_n confound_v and_o take_v one_o for_o the_o other_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 14._o esa._n 53_o ●1_n joh._n 17._o 3._o &c_n &c_n again_o this_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inward_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v the_o faithful_a when_o they_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v see_v for_o that_o purpose_n jer._n 31._o 33_o 34._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 10._o 12._o 2._o cor._n 4._o 6._o joh._n 14._o 21._o where_o christ_n promise_v to_o show_v himself_o visible_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o be_v knowledge_n a_o thing_n impossible_a or_o very_o difficult_a or_o unprofitable_a some_o pretence_n there_o be_v to_o plead_v for_o ignorance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o often_o command_v we_o when_o it_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o have_v when_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a in_o the_o have_v so_o dangerous_a to_o want_v it_o it_o be_v now_o impudence_n to_o patronize_v ignorance_n as_o a_o friend_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o man_n reason_n wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o shameless_a assertion_n of_o bellarmine_n de_fw-fr justif._n l._n c._n 5._o that_o faith_n may_v better_o be_v define_v by_o ignorance_n than_o by_o knowledge_n a_o pestilent_a conceit_n which_o once_o root_v in_o man_n breed_v in_o they_o a_o horrible_a contempt_n distaste_n and_o neglect_v of_o scripture_n and_o all_o religion_n as_o matter_n not_o possible_a nor_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v a_o gull_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n by_o the_o clergy_n thereby_o to_o excuse_v their_o own_o idleness_n in_o not_o teach_v they_o or_o to_o gain_v the_o
certain_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n his_o answer_n will_v be_v because_o the_o church_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v what_o be_v not_o of_o god_n have_v infallible_o decree_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v against_o which_o impious_a doctrine_n we_o except_v and_o say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v either_o into_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o at_o the_o further_a but_o only_o into_o humane_a authority_n 1_o that_o be_v resolve_v into_o just_a nothing_o but_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n like_o a_o mill-horse_n for_o ask_v a_o roman_a catholic_a why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o pope_n can_v err_v his_o answer_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o tue_fw-la petrus_n etc._n etc._n and_o oravipro_fw-la te_fw-la ne_fw-la deficiat_fw-la side_n tua_fw-la and_o sum_n umb_v scum_n ad_fw-la consummationem_fw-la sacul_n with_o such_o other_o place_n but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o those_o place_n be_v scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o those_o place_n he_o answer_v because_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o the_o pope_n say_v so_o yea_o but_o how_o know_v you_o infallible_o they_o do_v not_o err_v in_o say_v so_o he_o answer_v because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v they_o can_v err_v for_o thou_o be_v peter_n &_o upon_o this_o rock_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v the_o fairy_n dance_v wherein_o man_n smite_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n be_v lead_v round_o in_o a_o ring_n be_v never_o able_a to_o free_v they_o or_o find_v any_o rest_a place_n whereon_o to_o fix_v the_o assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n 2_o that_o at_o best_a their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v final_o into_o man_n authority_n which_o appear_v thus_o ask_v a_o papist_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v purgatory_n he_o will_v say_v because_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v reveal_v it_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n zach._n 9_o 11._o i_o have_v loose_v thy_o prisoner_n out_o of_o the_o pit_n wherein_o be_v no_o water_n i._n out_o of_o purgatory_n and_o luke_n 16._o lazarus_n be_v carry_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n i._o into_o purgatory_n with_o such_o like_a well_o but_o why_o do_v you_o infallible_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v god_n word_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o say_v because_o the_o church_n i._n counceis_n and_o pope_n say_v so_o he_o can_v go_v no_o further_o unless_o he_o will_v run_v round_o here_o than_o he_o must_v stay_v rest_v his_o faith_n on_o man_n testimony_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o do_v manifest_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o purgatory_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o final_o and_o only_o because_o the_o church_n for_o sooth_n have_v conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o place_n to_o be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o man_n like_o ourselves_o here_o si●e_n becanus_n help_v at_o a_o dead_a lift_n by_o a_o school_n distinction_n thus_o fidesresoluitur_fw-la formaliter_fw-la in_o deumprimam_fw-la veritatem_fw-la revelantem_fw-la directiuè_fw-fr in_o ecclesiam_fw-la propter_fw-la infallililitatem_fw-la proponendt_fw-ge the_o shift_n of_o a_o sophister_n what_o faith_n be_v it_o that_o be_v thus_o resolve_v theological_a or_o humane_a neither_o say_v he_o theological_a faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o god_n authority_n humane_a be_v resolve_v into_o man_n authority_n as_o to_o believe_v a_o article_n because_o calui●_n or_o lutber_n teach_v it_o or_o say_v we_o because_o pope_n paul_n the_o five_o gregory_n the_o 13._o or_o any_o other_o pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n teach_v it_o what_o say_v be_v it_o then_o which_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o church_n authority_n it_o be_v say_v the_o jesuite_n neither_o say_v neque_fw-la purè_fw-la divina_fw-la neque_fw-la purè_fw-la humana_fw-la sed_fw-la quasi_fw-la media_fw-la inferior_a be_v cuinsdam_fw-la ordinis_fw-la just_o so_o i_o take_v it_o man_n use_v to_o speak_v when_o they_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o say_v it_o be_v quasi_fw-la and_o aliquomodò_fw-la and_o alicuius_fw-la generis_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v something_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v what_o but_o be_v it_o what_o it_o may_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a faith_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n in_o their_o church_n must_v they_o be_v save_v by_o such_o a_o middle_a kind_n of_o faith_n between_o divine_a and_o humane_a this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n to_o heaven_n of_o the_o jesui●es_n invention_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n beyond_o his_o skill_n so_o to_o conduct_v a_o poor_a unlearned_a catholic_a that_o he_o step_v not_o aside_o lean_v too_o much_o upomman_n authoriti_n whereon_o he_o shall_v not_o trust_v at_o all_o and_o too_o little_a on_o god_n on_o who_o he_o shall_v altogether_o rely_v plain_a folk_n have_v no_o skill_n in_o such_o nice_a distinction_n of_o believe_v god_n formaliter_fw-la and_o the_o church_n directiuè_fw-fr and_o it_o will_v trouble_v the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o give_v a_o reasonable_a meaning_n of_o they_o for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o believe_v the_o church_n directiuè_fw-fr be_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o church_n direction_n in_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v and_o application_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o belief_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o grant_v such_o a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o church_n authority_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o induce_v and_o persivade_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o becames_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la motiva_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o 7._o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o account_v it_o inter_fw-la formales_fw-la rationes_fw-la fidei_fw-la as_o a_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v formaliter_fw-la and_o so_o it_o be_v for_o there_o be_v never_o a_o papist_n that_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n say_v but_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o church_n allow_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n word_n by_o it_o own_o self_n euince_v its_o own_o divinity_n and_o interpret_n its_o own_o meaning_n it_o be_v not_o this_o they_o rest_v upon_o if_o they_o do_v what_o need_v they_o go_v further_o but_o it_o be_v mere_o formal_o and_o direct_o the_o testimony_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n whether_o father_n counsel_n pope_n or_o whosoever_o they_o please_v to_o style_v the_o church_n this_o impiery_a be_v horrible_a and_o so_o main_a a_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o make_v the_o whole_a frame_n to_o ●otter_v fasten_v the_o consolation_n and_o hope_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o another_o man_n testimony_n thereby_o throw_v he_o into_o inextricable_a difficulty_n and_o doubt_n beside_o offer_v intolerable_a indignity_n unto_o god_n in_o give_v such_o authority_n unto_o his_o servant_n and_o vassal_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o contumely_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o so_o it_o be_v when_o a_o few_o man_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o council-house_n or_o one_o poor_a sinful_a illiterate_a pope_n shall_v be_v deem_v of_o power_n sufficient_a and_o judgement_n infallible_a to_o set_v themselves_o down_o upon_o the_o bench_n and_o to_o call_v that_o word_n which_o shall_v judge_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o the_o bar_n and_o there_o to_o interpret_v ratify_v or_o nullify_v what_o and_o how_o themselves_o best_o please_v we_o may_v wellbe_n ashamed_a of_o our_o religion_n when_o we_o dispute_v with_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o confirm_v our_o religion_n but_o our_o own_o testimony_n because_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o romish_a church_n may_v blush_v when_o she_o plead_v for_o her_o infallibility_n from_o those_o place_n former_o mention_v &_o yet_o in_o sine_fw-la have_v no_o other_o warrant_n from_o they_o but_o only_o this_o it_o be_v so_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o she_o herself_o have_v decree_v that_o only_a to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o scripture_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o absurdity_n &_o blasphemy_n and_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n that_o which_o we_o maintain_v touch_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o i_o or_o as_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v always_o some_o principle_n per_n see_v not_o a_o &_o indemonstrabili●_n whence_o other_o thing_n be_v prove_v so_o in_o divinity_n all_o conclusion_n in_o point_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o scripture_n they_o
the_o light_n and_o for_o the_o absue_v late_a it_o demand_v a_o impossible_a thing_n as_o if_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o sound_a argument_n that_o he_o behold_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v in_o short_a a_o man_n enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n infallible_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a light_n and_o for_o his_o own_o proper_a use_n albeit_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v so_o much_o to_o another_o to_o make_v he_o see_v what_o himself_o do_v now_o here_o we_o shall_v go_v further_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o argument_n as_o do_v demonstrate_v this_o truth_n shall_v be_v lay_v forth_o before_o you_o but_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o long_a discourse_n and_o the_o point_n more_o direct_o belong_v unto_o those_o general_a controversy_n about_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v move_v between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n among_o which_o this_o touch_v the_o infallible_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v at_o large_a handle_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a of_o our_o side_n among_o who_o the_o learned_a ●ackson_fw-mi deserve_v due_a praise_n and_o thanks_n of_o all_o that_o love_n learning_n for_o his_o diligent_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n in_o his_o first_o &_o second_o book_n of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o apostle_n creed_n book_n that_o be_v fruitful_a of_o exquisite_a observation_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o be_v as_o painful_o study_v as_o they_o be_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o labour_n compile_v will_v i_o persuade_v myself_o give_v much_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o honest_o seek_v for_o it_o i_o conclude_v all_o touch_v this_o point_n with_o a_o threefold_a admonition_n which_o by_o way_n of_o application_n i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v intend_v 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revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n when_o we_o feel_v upon_o our_o fowl_n the_o awful_a command_a power_n of_o they_o to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n unto_o obedience_n to_o master_v our_o unruly_a lust_n and_o whole_o to_o captinate_v we_o unto_o their_o sovereignty_n we_o must_v not_o now_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o we_o so_o sensible_o see_v and_o feel_v because_o another_o cavil_n &_o dispise_v we_o and_o will_v not_o be_v win_v with_o our_o persuasion_n to_o think_v as_o we_o think_v for_o he_o that_o see_v the_o sun_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o distrust_v his_o own_o eyesight_n because_o he_o can_v persuade_v a_o blind_a man_n by_o any_o argument_n possible_a that_o he_o behold_v a_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a light_n 2_o admonition_n be_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o danger_n wherein_o careless_a man_n who_o build_v without_o have_v lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n come_v to_o most_o man_n and_o ask_v they_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o these_o point_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o they_o their_o answer_n be_v because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o what_o persuade_v you_o to_o think_v so_o here_o they_o be_v stagger_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o they_o be_v lead_v unto_o this_o belief_n by_o custom_n of_o education_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n be_v general_o receive_v for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o see_v other_o doubt_v not_o of_o else_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n themselves_o have_v never_o labour_v to_o get_v infallible_a assurance_n unto_o their_o own_o conscience_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o prayer_n study_n &_o all_o due_a observation_n now_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o ill_a ground_a belief_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v partly_o disobedience_n against_o and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n partly_o despair_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o time_n of_o need_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o slight_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n there_o easy_o follow_v disobedience_n to_o all_o their_o command_n tell_v the_o ambitious_a and_o distrustful_a worldling_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v first_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o then_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o he_o that_o godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n that_o humility_n go_v before_o honour_n etc._n etc._n tell_v the_o unclean_a person_n that_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v tell_v the_o drunkard_n that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n tell_v the_o swearer_n that_o for_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in vain_o what_o do_v these_o man_n think_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o bring_v against_o their_o fault_n do_v they_o very_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o say_v otherwise_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o strange_a a_o disproportion_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o particular_n no_o they_o laugh_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o silly_a man_n who_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n and_o dare_v not_o for_o their_o life_n venture_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o forbid_v which_o they_o mean_v while_o free_o follow_v to_o their_o great_a contentment_n furthermore_o these_o man_n that_o do_v thus_o rebel_v against_o god_n in_o one_o religion_n will_v be_v ready_a if_o occasion_n serve_v to_o revolt_v from_o that_o unto_o another_o religion_n see_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o they_o embrace_v any_o religion_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o beside_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o thus_o much_o that_o this_o loose_a and_o unsettle_a faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ficry_n dart_n &_o forcible_a engine_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o affault_n and_o overthrow_n the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o a_o die_a man_n who_o have_v not_o strengthen_v himself_o on_o this_o point_n by_o undoubted_a argument_n and_o experiment_n be_v there_o lay_v at_o where_o he_o lie_v open_a and_o unarm_v by_o such_o cunning_a cavil_n shift_n and_o elusion_n bring_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o poor_a man_n not_o able_a to_o clear_v himself_o from_o such_o suggestion_n fall_v into_o a_o universal_a doubt_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o at_o last_o perccive_v his_o faith_n have_v only_o grasp_v at_o the_o air_n and_o embrace_v the_o empty_a shadow_n of_o man_n authority_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o be_v utter_o confound_v and_o sink_v down_o in_o despair_n if_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n temptation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o this_o weapon_n be_v reserve_v usual_o for_o the_o last_o combat_n and_o that_o many_o a_o man_n faith_n have_v perish_v upon_o this_o rock_n both_o in_o life_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o agony_n &_o conflict_n with_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n 3_o wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v a_o three_o admonition_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v well_o advise_v to_o provide_v ourselves_o of_o such_o argument_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n as_o will_v hold_v water_n and_o abide_v the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o satan_n temptation_n vnde_fw-la seis_n be_v a_o sore_a question_n and_o satan_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o enforce_v his_o argument_n with_o better_a skill_n than_o any_o jesuie_a and_o heretic_n wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v to_o it_o in_o time_n that_o we_o waver_v not_o but_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d
thence_o he_o be_v confident_a god_n will_v help_v he_o now_o wherefore_o when_o his_o man_n rage_n &_o chafe_v and_o forget_v all_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o respect_n to_o their_o captain_n david_n be_v quiet_a and_o comfort_n himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n as_o in_o verse_n 6._o the_o like_a strength_n of_o confidence_n we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a man_n in_o his_o combat_n with_o the_o philistian_n 1_o sam._n 17._o where_o from_o experience_n of_o god_n help_n in_o time_n past_o defend_v he_o in_o his_o lawful_a call_n against_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d yond_o he_o confident_o assure_v himself_o of_o the_o like_a assistance_n &_o victory_n in_o that_o his_o righteous_a quarrel_n against_o the_o uncircumcised_a philistim_n v._n 36._o the_o same_o course_n take_v the_o psalmist_n in_o psal._n 77._o where_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n he_o strengthen_v himself_o in_o hope_n of_o comfort_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n work_n of_o 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way_n to_o he_o and_o he_o bring_v it_o about_o according_a to_o thy_o desire_n beyond_o thy_o expectation_n thou_o be_v cast_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o extremity_n and_o god_n when_o thou_o sought_v to_o he_o deliver_v thou_o beyond_o all_o hope_n such_o a_o grace_n thou_o do_v want_v or_o such_o a_o sin_n thou_o will_v fain_o be_v free_v of_o god_n help_v thou_o to_o the_o one_o and_o against_o the_o other_o when_o thou_o do_v follow_v such_o direction_n as_o his_o word_n prescribe_v thou_o at_o one_o time_n thou_o sin_v and_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v so_o be_v thou_o plague_v at_o another_o time_n thou_o do_v some_o good_a work_n &_o receive_v a_o blessing_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n again_o look_v abroad_o and_o see_v how_o god_n deal_v towards_o other_o see_v in_o one_o place_n a_o kingdom_n plague_v for_o idolatry_n in_o another_o a_o country_n profess_v true_a religion_n yet_o undo_v by_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n see_v here_o a_o usurer_n briber_n oppressor_n and_o cruel_a encloser_n that_o have_v raise_v his_o fortune_n by_o all_o unjust_a deal_n it_o may_v be_v whilst_o he_o live_v himself_o and_o family_n turn_v out_o of_o all_o a_o beg_a or_o in_o his_o three_o heir_n all_o this_o wealth_n blow_v away_o his_o name_n and_o posterity_n root_v out_o or_o leave_v for_o a_o curse_n and_o reproach_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n there_o behold_v a_o murderer_n pursue_v at_o the_o heel_n by_o strong_a vengeance_n that_o never_o leave_v he_o till_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v that_o have_v shed_v the_o blood_n of_o another_o see_v elsewhere_o a_o adultorer_n eat_v up_o by_o the_o secret_a curse_n of_o god_n which_o devour_v all_o his_o substance_n no_o man_n know_v how_o one_o the_o other_o side_n mark_v how_o god_n bless_v kingdom_n family_n &_o private_a person_n wherein_o &_o by_o who_o religion_n justice_n discipline_n civility_n &_o sanctity_n be_v profess_v and_o in_o truth_n maintain_v if_o we_o will_v use_v 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touch_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o this_o have_v breed_v in_o the_o world_n those_o monstrous_a sin_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n wherewith_o this_o age_n be_v infect_v as_o much_o as_o any_o we_o have_v indeed_o praise_v be_v god_n the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v unto_o we_o plentiful_o but_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o man_n that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d walk_v exact_o by_o this_o rule_n make_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ground-plot_n of_o all_o his_o practice_n as_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o gal._n 6._o 16._o when_o they_o behold_v many_o strange_a accident_n in_o the_o world_n do_v they_o think_v you_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n search_v into_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n &_o thence_o conclude_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o zach._n 1._o 6._o as_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v determine_v to_o do_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o our_o own_o way_n &_o 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faith_n there_o be_v in_o falix_n who_o tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n dispute_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o he_o believe_v and_o like_o the_o devil_n tremble_v but_o faelix_fw-la be_v not_o temperate_a his_o wife_n drusilla_n 5._o be_v another_o man_n wife_n felix_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o covetous_a and_o look_v for_o a_o bribe_n and_o this_o like_v he_o not_o that_o paul_n shall_v come_v so_o close_o to_o he_o wherefore_o he_o have_v a_o shift_n and_o put_v he_o off_o in_o compliment_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o faelix_fw-la will_v take_v at_o leisure_n the_o same_o imperfect_a faith_n there_o be_v in_o king_n agrippa_n who_o hear_v paul_n apology_n can_v have_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v a_o christian_a have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o fashion_n with_o king_n at_o that_o time_n act_v 26._o 28._o so_o be_v the_o case_n with_o herod_n who_o hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o 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church_n maintain_v that_o this_o assent_n be_v that_o justify_v faith_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n speak_v their_o opinion_n touch_v this_o point_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o becanus_n who_o follow_v the_o rest_n of_o that_o rabble_n he_o theol._n schol._n tom._n 3._o cap._n 8._o q._n 1._o dispute_v of_o the_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n reject_v the_o lutheran_n opinion_n who_o place_n faith_n in_o the_o will_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v fiduciam_fw-la de_fw-la misericordia_fw-la dei_fw-la propter_fw-la christum_fw-la and_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n be_v this_o that_o faith_n belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o credere_fw-la sive_fw-la assentiri_fw-la eye_n quae_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la revelata_fw-la sunt_fw-la thence_o he_o set_v down_o this_o conclusion_n §_o 6._o actus_fw-la fidei_fw-la consistit_fw-la in_o assensu_fw-la quo_fw-la quis_fw-la assentitur_fw-la alicui_fw-la propositioni_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la revelatae_fw-la propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la in_o this_o definition_n there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o object_n of_o this_o assent_n proposition_n reveal_v by_o god_n 2._o the_o essential_a difference_n of_o this_o act_n take_v à_fw-la formaliratione_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la revelantis_fw-la by_o this_o say_v becanus_n cap._n 8._o q._n 2._o §_o 2._o assensus_fw-la fidei_fw-la constituitur_fw-la in_o sua_fw-la specie_fw-la essential_a that_o be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v supernatural_a and_o justify_v when_o we_o believe_v thing_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o for_o say_v he_o if_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v believe_v upon_o other_o motive_n as_o upon_o man_n authority_n etc._n etc._n then_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v natural_a as_o in_o heretic_n and_o devil_n so_o then_o according_a to_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o faith_n which_o justify_v we_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n reveal_v because_o of_o god_n authority_n that_o reveal_v they_o than_o which_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n nothing_o can_v be_v poor_a and_o more_o below_o the_o majesty_n of_o so_o high_a a_o grace_n as_o faith_n be_v i_o will_v trouble_v you_o but_o with_o two_o reason_n prove_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v 1._o the_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v supernatural_a such_o as_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o aid_n of_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o unto_o this_o assent_n there_o be_v require_v no_o such_o special_a grace_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n the_o major_n be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o the_o schooleman_n cap._n 8._o 4._o 4._o that_o something_o there_o be_v in_o faith_n above_o nature_n require_v a_o supernatural_a cause_n whereto_o the_o scripture_n plain_o enforce_v he_o eph._n 2._o 8._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n phil._n 1._o 29._o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v for_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o you_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o but_o also_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n so_o joh._n 6._o 45._o wherefore_o §_o 3._o he_o teach_v that_o this_o act_n of_o assent_n must_v be_v supernatural_a partly_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n id_fw-la est_fw-la divine_a revelation_n and_o partly_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o principium_fw-la or_o cause_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v id_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la solas_fw-la naturae_fw-la vires_fw-la sed_fw-la per_fw-la auxilium_fw-la gratiae_fw-la we_o agree_v then_o in_o the_o proposition_n for_o the_o assumption_n that_o there_o need_v not_o any_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o work_v this_o bare_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o we_o prove_v out_o 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the_o understanding_n it_o be_v becanus_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o cap._n 8._o q._n 5._o §_o 9_o whereto_o he_o will_v fain_o give_v a_o answer_n if_o he_o can_v tell_v how_o something_o he_o say_v to_o that_o minor_a proposition_n whereof_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v the_o understanding_n by_o the_o only_a light_n of_o nature_n judge_n it_o a_o thing_n honest_a to_o believe_v god_n authority_n when_o he_o reveal_v any_o thing_n via_fw-la ac_fw-la modo_fw-la naturali_fw-la not_o when_o he_o reveal_v any_o thing_n via_fw-la ac_fw-la modo_fw-la supernaturali_fw-la believe_v it_o a_o rare_a distinction_n and_o full_a of_o mystery_n divine_a revelation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n supernatural_a and_o natural_a again_o when_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o natural_a mean_n than_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v honest_a to_o believe_v his_o authority_n but_o if_o he_o reveal_v thing_n to_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n
do_v not_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v honest_a to_o believe_v he_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o senseless_a or_o will_v not_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n except_v a_o jesuite_n confess_v that_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o honest_a thing_n to_o believe_v god_n authority_n let_v he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o which_o way_n he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o these_o writer_n to_o dorre_z their_o reader_n with_o a_o distinction_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v they_o with_o a_o prius_fw-la conceditur_fw-la posterius_fw-la negatur_fw-la distract_v and_o confound_v rather_o than_o any_o whit_n satisfy_v this_o of_o the_o first_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v without_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o second_o follow_v which_o also_o confirm_v the_o former_a viz._n 2._o that_o be_v no_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v find_v in_o devil_n heretic_n hypocrite_n and_o 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for_o dispute_v cap._n 8._o de_fw-la habit._fw-la fidei_fw-la touch_v that_o virtue_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o will_n whereby_o it_o may_v if_o it_o list_v command_v the_o supernatural_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n heetel_v we_o that_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o distinct_a virtue_n from_o all_o other_o and_o be_v neither_o charity_n nor_o obedience_n §_o 10._o in_o conclus_fw-la and_o that_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v without_o they_o according_a as_o other_o moral_a habit_n of_o justice_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n be_v whence_o he_o tell_v we_o §_o 11._o in_o plain_a term_n potest_fw-la esse_fw-la sin●_n charitate_fw-la ut_fw-la patet_fw-la in_o christiano_n peccator●_n qui_fw-la fidem_fw-la habet_fw-la sive_fw-la gratia_fw-la &_o charitate_fw-la a_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n may_v have_v faith_n without_o grace_n and_o charity_n what_o justify_v faith_n yea_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a divinity_n for_o he_o may_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n who_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o supernatural_a assent_n and_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v now_o touch_v the_o devil_n and_o heretic_n the_o man_n be_v a_o little_a more_o coy_a he_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o the_o devil_n yield_v that_o assent_n of_o faith_n he_o speak_v of_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n per_fw-la assensum_fw-la supernat_fw-la uralem_fw-la i._n e._n because_o of_o god_n authority_n but_o per_fw-la assensum_fw-la quendam_fw-la naturalem_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la pio_fw-la affectu_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la vi_fw-la &_o pondere_fw-la argumentorum_fw-la quibus_fw-la intellectus_fw-la illorum_fw-la convincitur_fw-la cap._n 11._o quaest_n 2._o §_o 4._o we_o grant_v willing_o that_o they_o do_v not_o assent_v out_o of_o any_o good_a affection_n nor_o be_v that_o needful_a to_o make_v their_o assent_n supernatural_a for_o in_o hypocritical_a impenitent_a and_o reprobate_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o pious_a affection_n move_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v their_o doctor_n there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o supernatural_a assent_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o that_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o devil_n believe_v only_o ex_fw-la vi_fw-la &_o pondere_fw-la argumentorum_fw-la it_o be_v utter_o false_a see_v it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o future_a contingent_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o any_o force_n of_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o authority_n of_o god_n revelation_n in_o his_o word_n or_o otherwise_o which_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n be_v so_o clear_o apprehend_v by_o these_o damn_a spirit_n that_o it_o make_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o which_o otherwise_o they_o abhor_v wherefore_o that_o comparison_n which_o he_o make_v 5._o between_o the_o faith_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o wicked_a christian_n be_v most_o vain_a and_o erroneo●…_n 〈◊〉_d ●…ith_n he_o you_o consider_v the_o faith_n of_o either_o of_o they_o w●…●egard_v to_o the_o object_n there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la both_o be_v ●…d_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o you_o take_v it_o with_o r●●ard_a 〈◊〉_d honesty_n of_o the_o act_n so_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v farr●…_n 〈◊〉_d than_o that_o of_o bad_a christian_n who_o have_v faith_n an●●…rkes_v but_o wherein_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o faith_n of_o ch●…_n supernaturalis_fw-la voluntaria_fw-la &_o honesta_fw-la the_o faith_n of_o devil_n be_v naturalis_fw-la coacta_fw-la &_o pravis_fw-la circumstantijs_fw-la vitiata_fw-la all_o which_o be_v false_a for_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n be_v supernaturallas_n much_o as_o that_o of_o wicked_a christian_n see_v both_o believe_v propter_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la dei_fw-la revelantis_fw-la which_o be_v 2._o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o supernatural_a assent_n again_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n be_v as_o voluntary_a as_o that_o of_o wicked_a man_n for_o it_o can_v be_v wrought_v in_o either_o by_o compulsion_n simple_o and_o if_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n infallible_a truth_n command_v the_o assent_n of_o devil_n to_o that_o which_o they_o love_v not_o do_v not_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o prevail_v with_o ungodly_a man_n who_o bear_v as_o little_a true_a affection_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v last_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n be_v as_o honest_a as_o that_o of_o wicked_a man_n for_o let_v any_o man_n speak_v be_v it_o not_o as_o honest_a a_o thing_n for_o wicked_a angel_n to_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v as_o it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n if_o not_o wherein_o lie_v the_o dishonesty_n of_o that_o act_n in_o the_o angel_n or_o wherein_o stand_v the_o honesty_n of_o that_o act_n in_o man_n can_v there_o be_v name_v any_o circumstance_n which_o make_v the_o devil_n faith_n dishonest_a but_o that_o the_o same_o or_o as_o bad_a may_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o wicked_a christian_n sure_o i_o be_o what_o everthese_fw-mi man_n conceit_n of_o the_o honesty_n of_o faith_n without_o work_n in_o man_n saint_n james_n be_v plain_a in_o his_o comparison_n that_o it_o be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n james_n 2._o 19_o thou_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n thou_o do_v well_o the_o devil_n also_o believe_v it_o and_o do_v not_o they_o do_v well_o too_o yes_o haply_o better_o than_o thou_o for_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v which_o thou_o do_v not_o to_o conclude_v in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o object_v that_o heretic_n have_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o romanist_n call_v justify_v for_o though_o they_o err_v in_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o other_o they_o assent_v unto_o because_o of_o god_n authority_n reveal_v they_o this_o becanus_n deny_v tell_v we_o that_o heretici_fw-la qui_fw-la ve●_n in_fw-la uno_fw-la articulo_fw-la sunt_fw-la infideles_fw-la omnem_fw-la fidem_fw-la amiserunt_fw-la cap._n 11._o quaest_n 3._o §_o 4._o which_o answer_n he_o make_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v lose_v by_o any_o one_o act_n of_o infidelity_n §_o 2._o and_o therefore_o whereas_o heretic_n believe_v many_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o kind_n of_o custom_n and_o by_o a_o humane_a faith_n we_o reply_v and_o say_v that_o that_o position_n one_o act_n of_o infidelity_n destroy_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n as_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v speak_v of_o the_o opposite_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o point_n we_o grant_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o persevere_v heretic_n though_o but_o in_o one_o fundamental_a article_n he_o have_v no_o justify_v faith_n not_o because_o he_o have_v lose_v it_o but_o because_o he_o never_o have_v it_o but_o
we_o affirm_v that_o for_o that_o other_o general_a faith_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n this_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o catholic_a so_o he_o still_o have_v it_o in_o part_n now_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o believe_v matter_n of_o religion_n before_o his_o heresy_n by_o the_o same_o he_o believe_v they_o afterward_o and_o those_o that_o be_v heretic_n indeed_o or_o such_o who_o we_o style_v by_o that_o name_n let_v they_o be_v ask_v why_o they_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v answer_v true_o and_o resolute_o they_o believe_v they_o because_o of_o god_n authority_n that_o have_v reveal_v they_o in_o his_o word_n and_o for_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o dissent_v can_v they_o be_v persuade_v the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v the_o contrary_a they_o will_v for_o the_o same_o authority_n sake_n believe_v the_o contrary_n the_o jesuite_n be_v yet_o urgent_a upon_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n believe_v god_n authority_n but_o doubt_n of_o it_o we_o tell_v he_o again_o that_o be_v a_o foul_a slander_n and_o more_o than_o he_o can_v make_v good_a yes_o that_o he_o will_v by_o a_o distinction_n too_o god_n authority_n consider_v abstractiuè_n in_o itself_o so_o indeed_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o but_o god_n authority_n consider_v practicé_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o we_o admit_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o follow_v our_o own_o fantasy_n ibid._n §_o 7._o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o pass_v very_o little_a to_o be_v judge_v infidel_n upon_o such_o a_o ground_n because_o we_o call_v in_o question_n the_o suppose_a infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o such_o straight_a relation_n between_o her_o authority_n and_o god_n authority_n that_o if_o we_o call_v she_o in_o question_n we_o must_v needs_o doubt_v of_o he_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v any_o infallible_a authority_n of_o judge_v and_o interpret_n they_o no_o one_o man_n nor_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o usurp_v such_o authority_n over_o our_o faith_n and_o let_v the_o truth_n be_v judge_v who_o be_v the_o great_a insidell_n calvinist_n and_o lutheran_n that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n authority_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o popish_a catholic_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o for_o man_n say_v thus_o you_o have_v this_o second_o reason_n somewhat_o large_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o adversary_n call_v justify_v be_v in_o devil_n and_o ungodly_a man_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o that_o justify_v faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o appropriate_v unto_o the_o elect_n tit._n 1._o 1._o here_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a shift_n our_o adversary_n make_v to_o run_v unto_o that_o poor_a distinction_n of_o fides_n formata_fw-la and_o 15._o informis_fw-la namely_o that_o faith_n may_v exist_v two_o way_n 1._o ut_fw-la est_fw-la conjuncta_fw-la cum_fw-la charitate_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o homine_fw-la iusto_fw-la and_o then_o faith_n be_v call_v formata_fw-la &_o viva_fw-la because_o charity_n be_v vita_fw-la animae_fw-la in_o this_o case_n faith_n can_v elicere_fw-la operationes_fw-la vitales_fw-la seu_fw-la aeternae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la moritorias_fw-la gal._n 5._o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n 2._o ut_fw-la est_fw-la separata_fw-la à_fw-la charitate_fw-la quod_fw-la fit_a in_o homine_fw-la peccatore_fw-la qui_fw-la amissa_fw-la per_fw-la peccatum_fw-la mortale_fw-la charitate_fw-la retinet_fw-la fidem_fw-la quamdin_fw-fr catholicus_n est_fw-fr this_o faith_n be_v call_v informis_fw-la &_o mortu●_n nec_fw-la potest_fw-la habere_fw-la operationes_fw-la vitales_fw-la seu_fw-la meritorias_fw-la jam._n 2._o 17._o i'faith_o if_o it_o have_v no_o work_n be_v dead_a in_o itself_o and_o ver_fw-la 26._o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n becan_n tom_fw-mi 3._o cap._n 10._o §_o 4._o 5._o 6._o thus_o they_o will_v have_v the_o quality_n and_o proper_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o reprobate_a man_n and_o devil_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v they_o no_o good_a because_o it_o be_v without_o charity_n faith_n without_o work_n may_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n justify_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n upon_o god_n authority_n but_o yet_o it_o justify_v not_o because_o it_o be_v without_o work_n hereunto_o we_o reply_v that_o in_o this_o distinction_n there_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n nor_o yet_o of_o reasonable_a sense_n thus_o much_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v according_a to_o st._n james._n a_o kind_n of_o ●aith_n without_o work_n namely_o a_o general_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v proper_o call_v justify_v faith_n without_o work_n be_v of_o one_o kind_n faith_n with_o work_n be_v of_o another_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o consequent_a because_o one_o have_v work_n the_o other_o have_v not_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o proper_a nature_n because_o the_o quality_n and_o act_n of_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o quality_n and_o act_n of_o the_o other_o wherefore_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v sometime_o with_o sometime_o without_o charity_n justify_v faith_n be_v never_o without_o charity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v be_v not_o justify_v unto_o that_o conceit_n that_o charity_n be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n we_o say_v it_o be_v metaphysical_a and_o such_o as_o no_o good_a construction_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o he_o say_v charity_n be_v vita_fw-la animae_fw-la he_o will_v say_v vita_fw-la fidei_fw-la but_o take_v his_o meaning_n faith_n live_v by_o charity_n as_o the_o body_n by_o the_o form_n or_o soul_n here_o 1._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o make_v one_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o form_n of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o temperance_n be_v the_o form_n of_o liberality_n each_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v distinguish_v by_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o action_n and_o this_o the_o schooleman_n cap._n 18._o quaest_n 2._o §_o 3._o grant_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n 2._o how_o do_v faith_n live_v by_o charity_n we_o say_v it_o live_v with_o charity_n as_o its_o fellow-grace_n not_o by_o charity_n as_o its_o soul_n we_o say_v without_o charity_n it_o be_v dead_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o charity_n that_o give_v it_o life_n the_o jes●it_n say_v it_o do_v for_o be_v join_v with_o it_o faith_n can_v elicere_fw-la vitales_fw-la operationes_fw-la perform_v vital_a act_n yea_o but_o what_o be_v these_o action_n faith_n have_v but_o two_o act_n 1._o proper_a and_o immediate_a viz._n credere_fw-la seu_fw-la assentiri_fw-la 2._o by_o consequent_a justificare_fw-la neither_o of_o these_o come_v from_o charity_n even_o by_o these_o man_n own_o doctrine_n not_o the_o first_o for_o catholic_n without_o charity_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o god_n authority_n sake_n not_o the_o second_o for_o to_o justify_v in_o the_o popish_a sense_n be_v to_o sanctify_v of_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v a_o good_a now_o how_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o say_v faith_n by_o charity_n justify_v i._n e._n faith_n by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n sanctify_v we_o or_o take_v charity_n for_o the_o act_n not_o the_o habit_n faith_n by_o good_a work_n of_o prayer_n fast_v almsdeed_n etc._n etc._n sanctify_v we_o both_o these_o be_v senseless_a proposition_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n i._n e._n love_v god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o do_v good_a work_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o make_v good_a of_o bad_a but_o be_v thereby_o sanctify_a already_o it_o be_v true_a that_o faith_n be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n or_o inherent_a grace_n and_o charity_n be_v another_o but_o neither_o do_v faith_n sanctify_v by_o charity_n nor_o charity_n by_o faith_n but_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o both_o together_o if_o there_o by_o any_o other_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v name_v the_o gloss_n which_o the_o jesuit_n add_v whereby_o he_o interprete_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o vital_a operation_n viz._n aeternae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la meritorias_fw-la such_o as_o deserve_v eternal_a life_n carry_v with_o it_o as_o absurd_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o other_o thus_o charity_n be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n charity_n make_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v meritorious_a s●il_n our_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n or_o our_o good_a
work_n make_v our_o faith_n i._n e._n our_o assent_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n to_o deserve_v eternal_a life_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o least_o intimation_n of_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a meaning_n when_o it_o tell_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n gael_n 5._o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o answer_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o in_o christianity_n no_o outward_a matter_n be_v of_o value_n that_o only_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v be_v faith_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n these_o good_a work_n come_v from_o charity_n or_o inward_a love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n this_o charity_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o work_v through_o faith_n so_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n as_o by_o that_o chief_a instrument_n which_o faith_n employ_v in_o the_o do_n of_o all_o good_a work_n but_o charity_n work_v by_o faith_n as_o by_o the_o move_a cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v excite_v to_o work_v according_a to_o 1._o tim._n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n be_v the_o first_o wheel_n in_o the_o clock_n that_o move_v all_o the_o rest_n faith_n stir_v up_o and_o direct_v the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o their_o operation_n who_o strength_n and_o vigour_n increase_v according_a as_o faith_n increase_v tantum_n amam●…_n quantum_fw-la credimus_fw-la &_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o all_o experience_n those_o that_o have_v the_o strong_a faith_n they_o show_v the_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o in_o abraham_n moses_n paul_n all_o the_o martyr_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o show_v the_o connexion_n between_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o other_o place_n james_n 2._o 26._o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v dead_a even_o so_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a we_o answer_v that_o s._n james_n understand_v by_o that_o similitude_n not_o modum_fw-la informationis_fw-la but_o necessitatem_fw-la vnionis_fw-la that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_o couple_v with_o a_o justify_v faith_n not_o that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n à_fw-la priori_fw-la they_o be_v argument_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n they_o be_v not_o cause_n that_o make_v it_o live_v as_o be_v apparent_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o good_a work_n shall_v go_v before_o justify_v faith_n heb._n 11._o 6._o wherefore_o this_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v strain_v unto_o a_o philosophical_a construction_n where_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n but_o to_o show_v that_o true_a say_n faith_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v conjoin_v with_o good_a work_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n be_v so_o strict_a upon_o the_o term_n of_o this_o similitude_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o fit_v not_o their_o doctrine_n for_o so_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n so_o work_n shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o act_n shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o habit_n which_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o their_o own_o doctrine_n who_o make_v the_o habitual_a grace_n of_o charity_n not_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n s._n james_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n or_o else_o we_o may_v without_o any_o violence_n 32._o interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o that_o place_n not_o spiritum_fw-la i._n e._n animam_fw-la but_o spiritum_fw-la i._n e._n halitum_fw-la &_o respirationem_fw-la and_o thus_o the_o comparison_n be_v exact_a as_o the_o body_n without_o breathe_v and_o motion_n be_v dead_a so_o faith_n without_o work_n thus_o it_o appear_v how_o faith_n be_v slight_v by_o our_o adversary_n whilst_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o assent_n to_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n some_o place_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v they_o will_v fain_o build_v this_o upon_o as_o heb._n 11._o 1._o rom._n 4._o 3._o tit._n 1._o 1._o joh._n 20._o 31._o but_o their_o argument_n thence_o be_v so_o inconsequent_a and_o weak_a they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o mention_v or_o refute_v i_o proceed_v therefore_o from_o this_o general_a faith_n unto_o that_o other_o which_o be_v special_a &_o particular_a particular_a assent_n of_o faith_n be_v when_o all_o thing_n reveal_v by_o god_n be_v assent_v unto_o as_o most_o true_a and_o excellent_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o our_o proper_a occasion_n and_o compare_v with_o all_o desire_n and_o provocation_n whatsoever_o to_o the_o contrary_n when_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o deliver_v for_o ourselves_o in_o application_n to_o our_o own_o use_n and_o practice_n as_o job_n be_v counsel_v by_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o 27._o particular_a aswell_o as_o in_o that_o at_o this_o time_n aswell_o as_o at_o another_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a assent_n i_o propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n two_o thing_n 1._o the_o root_n and_o cause_n whence_o it_o spring_v 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o whereto_o it_o be_v direct_v 1._o the_o true_a root_n and_o fountain_n whence_o this_o bless_a assent_n of_o faith_n arise_v be_v that_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o power_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o common_a illumination_n for_o many_o know_v and_o despise_v the_o truth_n or_o believe_v it_o but_o in_o general_a it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v persuade_v to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o have_v have_v so_o many_o thousand_o ●…rmons_n of_o prophet_n &_o minister_n learned_a holy_a and_o powerful_a in_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o preach_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n with_o the_o most_o of_o m●n_z it_o be_v not_o miracle_n and_o strange_a accident_n that_o can_v force_v this_o faith_n the_o jew_n have_v plenty_n of_o they_o yet_o continue_v still_o unbelieved_a it_o be_v only_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v for_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o how_o deadly_o a_o opposition_n there_o be_v between_o a_o man_n unsanctified_a nature_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n all_o his_o counsel_n seem_v but_o craft_n his_o word_n foolishness_n his_o mercy_n light_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o estimation_n his_o exhortation_n promise_n or_o threaten_n be_v entertain_v with_o inward_a disdain_n and_o the_o heart_n say_v within_o itself_o who_o be_v god_n that_o i_o shall_v fear_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v a_o man_n have_v by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n yea_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o ingenuous_a and_o of_o fair_a temper_n in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a of_o secret_a scorn_n and_o despite_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n they_o account_v base_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o religion_n be_v privy_a scoffer_n and_o bitter_a derider_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o by_o themselves_o or_o in_o company_n that_o fit_v they_o they_o make_v a_o tush_o at_o scripture_n and_o smile_v at_o such_o persuasion_n to_o piety_n as_o they_o afford_v count_v it_o a_o indignity_n for_o man_n of_o part_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v move_v with_o fair_a word_n of_o a_o simple_a man_n though_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v good_a in_o the_o general_a yet_o in_o the_o application_n the_o heart_n make_v violent_a opposition_n it_o begin_v to_o hold_v probable_a dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o do_v so_o or_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n consider_v such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n it_o cast_v all_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v think_v on_o to_o discourage_v itself_o yea_o perchance_o the_o truth_n itself_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o it_o think_v sure_o i_o be_o deceive_v god_n meaning_n be_v otherwise_o at_o last_o it_o resolve_v i_o may_v do_v this_o and_o yet_o fare_v well_o enough_o and_o if_o i_o do_v no_o worse_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o amiss_o and_o i_o trust_v that_o these_o commodity_n and_o pleasure_n i_o enjoy_v may_v well_o countervail_v the_o neglect_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o small_a matter_n thus_o the_o heart_n not_o wash_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n but_o abide_v in_o its_o natural_a corruption_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o prove_v either_o impudent_a and_o