enticement_n in_o all_o thing_n last_o as_o touch_v supplication_n which_o we_o make_v the_o three_o filial_a duty_n man_n be_v so_o whole_o alienate_v from_o god_n that_o what_o necessity_n soever_o do_v pinch_n he_o he_o have_v not_o either_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o will_n and_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v neither_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o face_n once_o to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o humble_a prayer_n for_o help_n he_o fly_v to_o worldly_a mean_n as_o to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n riches_n and_o friend_n and_o if_o all_o fail_v yet_o he_o will_v rather_o seek_v for_o help_v by_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o new_a father_n the_o devil_n than_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n affect_v howsoever_o in_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n or_o as_o a_o common_a proverb_n they_o will_v sometime_o say_v god_n help_v i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o god_n neither_o any_o hope_n of_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o for_o god_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o help_v but_o detest_v and_o plague_v unbeliever_n sect._n 3_o of_o filial_a subjection_n renew_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o man_n be_v altogether_o spoil_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n of_o this_o excellent_a dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n he_o recover_v it_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o as_o ample_a manner_n as_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o first_o creation_n for_o as_o all_o natural_a man_n be_v in_o adam_n ungracious_a bastard_n so_o they_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o by_o partake_v his_o eternal_a and_o essential_a filiation_n whereof_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a but_o by_o be_v renew_v and_o make_v conformable_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n for_o as_o man_n lose_v this_o dignity_n by_o lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o perfect_a holiness_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o only_o of_o all_o earthly_a creature_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v now_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o the_o say_a image_n of_o god_n he_o be_v together_o restore_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 12._o joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o those_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 4._o for_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o pet._n 1._o 4._o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o that_o we_o fly_v the_o corruption_n of_o lust_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n reneâ—ed_v from_o this_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o son_n do_v in_o time_n enjoy_v their_o father_n possession_n stir_v up_o the_o faithful_a to_o a_o undoubted_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a glory_n gal._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v no_o more_o servant_n but_o son_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n 7._o &_o rom._n 8._o 17._o 17._o if_o we_o be_v son_n then_o be_v we_o heir_n 2_o the_o heir_n true_o of_o god_n and_o the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o christ_n and_o 1._o john_n 3._o 2._o we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o our_o inheritance_n do_v not_o appear_v till_o christ_n appear_v now_o to_o proceed_v as_o the_o faithful_a be_v restore_v to_o this_o dignity_n so_o they_o be_v endue_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o disposition_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v so_o affect_v to_o god_n as_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o their_o natural_a father_n they_o reverence_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n in_o mind_n heart_n and_o in_o all_o their_o behaviour_n the_o great_a security_n and_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o good_a estate_n do_v not_o make_v they_o any_o way_n presumptuous_a neither_o do_v the_o familiarity_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o have_v with_o they_o as_o with_o friend_n joh._n 15_o 15._o breed_v in_o they_o any_o contempt_n of_o god_n but_o they_o stand_v continual_o in_o awe_n of_o he_o 15._o and_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n yield_v to_o he_o his_o due_a honour_n both_o in_o word_n deed_n and_o affection_n whensoever_o they_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v as_o in_o the_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n so_o especial_o in_o abraham_n who_o although_o he_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v call_v jam._n 2._o 23._o 23._o and_o have_v familiar_a conversation_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n 7_o as_o one_o friend_n use_v to_o have_v with_o another_o 8._o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v the_o second_o time_n to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o sodomite_n without_o use_v some_o preface_n of_o reverence_n say_v gen._n 18._o 27._o 30._o behold_v i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n who_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o again_o vers._n 30_o let_v not_o my_o lord_n be_v angry_a if_o i_o speak_v for_o they_o this_o affection_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v describe_v 123._o psal._n 123_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v upon_o his_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o handmaid_n do_v modest_o wait_v in_o presence_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o be_v we_o affect_v to_o god_n likewise_o for_o the_o second_o duty_n which_o be_v imitation_n the_o faithful_a man_n endevour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n have_v wise_a consideration_n use_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o most_o forcible_a argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o vivification_n of_o all_o holiness_n in_o we_o 6._o rom._n 6._o and_o eph._n 5._o 1._o 1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o belove_a child_n last_o as_o a_o son_n be_v pinch_v with_o any_o grief_n or_o want_n do_v straight_o way_n run_v to_o his_o father_n for_o relief_n so_o do_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o manifold_a misery_n and_o cross_n of_o this_o present_a life_n seek_v for_o help_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o notable_a gift_n of_o god_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o grace_n ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o pray_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v declare_v and_o consider_v for_o that_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n none_o be_v a_o more_o unfallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n then_o be_v this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v able_a willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pray_v aright_o unto_o god_n as_o the_o present_a occasion_n do_v require_v for_o this_o gift_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o carnal_a man_n first_o there_o be_v require_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o good_a &_o happy_a state_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 8._o 26._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o all_o man_n general_o and_o natural_o feel_v their_o temporal_a want_n as_o poverty_n sickness_n shame_n and_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n patience_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o in_o seek_v they_o or_o be_v greeve_v for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o nay_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o never_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n or_o know_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v beside_o none_o can_v pray_v aright_o yea_o although_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v have_v unless_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n both_o love_v he_o and_o will_v grant_v his_o request_n rom._n 10._o 14._o 14._o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o
be_v nothing_o but_o a_o confession_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o search_v out_o not_o only_o what_o god_n be_v not_o but_o also_o what_o he_o be_v but_o this_o can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o ask_v counsel_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o learn_v the_o nature_n god_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o who_o only_o it_o be_v full_o know_v this_o may_v be_v do_v john_n 4._o 24._o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o so_o be_v the_o angel_n also_o heb._n 1._o 7._o 7._o how_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v creature_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n god_n forbid_v for_o that_o thought_n be_v no_o holy_a knowledge_n but_o a_o blasphemous_a error_n yea_o the_o scripture_n mean_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o invisible_a subtle_a and_o pure_a nature_n as_o be_v the_o angel_n and_o as_o be_v the_o wind_n and_o air_n from_o the_o which_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n be_v take_v or_o as_o be_v the_o flame_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v make_v the_o synonymum_fw-la that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n heb._n 1._o 7._o 7._o he_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n flame_n of_o fire_n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a than_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v for_o hereby_o we_o learn_v only_o that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a or_o sensible_a thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n again_o to_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o with_o moses_n ask_v bold_o what_o he_o be_v 14._o and_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o true_a name_n and_o nature_n reveal_v unto_o us._n the_o answer_n which_o god_n give_v be_v this_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o or_o i_o will_v be_v that_o i_o will_v be_v that_o be_v i_o be_o no_o chaungling_n but_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o neither_o these_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v flat_o define_v what_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n so_o happy_a and_o be_v so_o bountiful_a unto_o he_o do_v envy_n to_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v we_o be_v rather_o to_o gather_v by_o the_o silence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o behalf_n that_o this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o point_n of_o knowledge_n for_o man_n to_o reach_v unto_o yea_o such_o a_o one_o whereof_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o therefore_o man_n in_o his_o innocence_n be_v not_o to_o busy_v his_o head_n in_o sound_v the_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o god_n essence_n or_o to_o think_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o utter_v so_o significant_a a_o word_n as_o shall_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o form_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n nature_n how_o then_o may_v man_n know_v god_n or_o at_o the_o least_o come_v near_o to_o some_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n of_o he_o we_o answer_v that_o neither_o god_n nor_o any_o other_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v conceive_v by_o man_n but_o by_o some_o resemblance_n or_o image_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o light_n and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v to_o imagine_v of_o god_n by_o that_o which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n most_o excellent_a in_o nature_n and_o so_o approach_v near_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o which_o all_o man_n know_v to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o other_o in_o this_o contemplation_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v first_o offer_v itself_o as_o far_o excel_v all_o other_o nature_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v be_v fain_o to_o gather_v out_o of_o himself_o or_o else_o from_o the_o angel_n if_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o he_o a_o idea_n image_n or_o notion_n of_o god_n not_o by_o think_v he_o like_o to_o any_o creature_n for_o that_o be_v idolatry_n but_o by_o appyl_v the_o best_a high_a great_a &_o most_o excellent_a thing_n which_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n this_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n that_o it_o remain_v even_o in_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a then_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o man_n for_o ignorant_a man_n know_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o do_v think_v their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v like_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n well_o then_o let_v we_o use_v this_o mean_n see_v we_o have_v no_o other_o and_o see_v if_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o the_o great_a ocean_n by_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n what_o then_o be_v count_v most_o excellent_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n what_o but_o his_o understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n counsel_n his_o reasonable_a wit_n and_o orderly_a affection_n his_o love_n favour_n mercy_n pity_n his_o justice_n purity_n &_o such_o other_o virtue_n his_o strength_n and_o power_n his_o lordship_n over_o the_o creature_n and_o he_o glory_n arise_v thereof_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o excellency_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o therefore_o man_n as_o it_o be_v put_v his_o own_o coat_n on_o god_n be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o his_o mind_n as_o of_o a_o nature_n surpass_v yea_o infinite_a in_o knowledge_n wisdom_n counsel_n in_o will_n love_n hatred_n favour_n and_o revenge_n in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o purity_n and_o justice_n in_o might_n power_n dominion_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o marvel_n that_o man_n do_v thus_o conceive_v of_o god_n see_v god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n capacity_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n in_o this_o and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n even_o in_o the_o person_n likeness_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v now_o as_o touch_v the_o mean_n whereby_o man_n in_o this_o his_o innocence_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n his_o own_o nature_n be_v familiar_a unto_o he_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v conceive_v they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o wit_n his_o sense_n outward_a and_o inward_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v plain_o and_o certain_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n attribute_n wherein_o as_o have_v be_v say_v his_o nature_n be_v otherwise_o incomprehensible_a be_v reveal_v as_o namely_o of_o his_o infinitenes_n eternity_n wisdom_n justice_n power_n &_o love_n all_o which_o do_v shine_v so_o clearelie_o in_o the_o creature_n that_o man_n even_o since_o his_o fall_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n attain_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 1._o 20._o 20._o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o eternity_n power_n &_o godheade_n be_v plainele_o see_v since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v or_o understand_v in_o the_o creature_n if_o by_o man_n be_v sinful_a how_o much_o more_o by_o he_o be_v in_o his_o pure_a estate_n for_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o one_o who_o have_v both_o his_o eye_n and_o be_v clear_o sight_v do_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o eye_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a of_o itself_o that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v perceive_v it_o the_o second_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v immediate_a revelation_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o so_o in_o the_o first_o state_n of_o innocence_n god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n love_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o that_o diverse_a way_n as_o it_o seem_v best_o unto_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o have_v familiar_a conversation_n with_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o they_o face_n to_o face_n as_o one_o friend_n use_v to_o do_v with_o another_o this_o second_o mean_n do_v make_v perfect_a the_o actual_a knowledge_n get_v by_o man_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o creature_n increase_a it_o to_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n than_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o potential_a knowledge_n of_o man_n be_v make_v actual_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a ministry_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o the_o hand_n either_o of_o angel_n or_o of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o first_o part_n
often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n appeare_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n doubtful_a to_o other_o yet_o he_o himself_o feel_v the_o inward_a work_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v have_v his_o faith_n sore_o shake_v and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n great_o blemish_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o may_v for_o a_o time_n want_v in_o part_n or_o whole_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v it_o at_o a_o other_o time_n yea_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a last_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v or_o can_v be_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o motive_n to_o sin_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n with_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v by_o holiness_n whereby_o a_o man_n see_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o effectual_o call_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n the_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o a_o man_n be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o god_n spirit_n for_o by_o the_o fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a froce_a in_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n then_o this_o that_o they_o know_v that_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o wilful_a sin_n do_v wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o diminish_v this_o notable_a treasure_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o he_o that_o take_v one_o or_o a_o fewestone_n out_o of_o a_o wall_n although_o he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o building_n yet_o he_o make_v it_o the_o weak_a so_o a_o few_o sinful_a action_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n although_o 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cause_n god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n do_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o a_o special_a faculty_n usual_o call_v memory_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v safe_o keep_v whatsoever_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v and_o so_o when_o occasion_n serve_v do_v give_v the_o say_a knowledge_n back_o again_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v think_v upon_o meditate_a utter_v in_o word_n and_o follow_v in_o peed_n so_o that_o the_o memory_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a be_v careful_o lay_v up_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o register_n of_o the_o mind_n take_v a_o note_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v into_o it_o this_o faculty_n as_o all_o the_o other_o of_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n so_o perfect_a and_o of_o such_o strength_n as_o that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n call_v to_o mind_n not_o every_o trifle_a thing_n which_o he_o 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together_o without_o confusion_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o finite_a but_o also_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o weakness_n if_o we_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o think_v of_o many_o much_o less_o of_o infinite_a thing_n at_o once_o but_o of_o one_o thing_n after_o a_o other_o and_o so_o do_v the_o memory_n remember_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o it_o let_v go_v matter_n of_o no_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v place_n for_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o action_n comaundemente_n apparition_n revelation_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o knowe_a and_o remember_v whereof_o the_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v memory_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o sure_a custody_n the_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v so_o as_o that_o after_o many_o thousand_o year_n he_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o which_o may_v any_o way_n serve_v for_o his_o good_a neither_o â—â—ede_n we_o marvel_v thereat_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n which_o be_v never_o good_a when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v soon_o clean_o lose_v by_o sickness_n age_n or_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o as_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n whereby_o as_o by_o a_o instrument_n the_o soul_n work_v so_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v continue_v in_o perfect_a vigour_n for_o many_o thousand_o year_n yea_o for_o ever_o so_o do_v his_o mind_n or_o memory_n retain_v the_o first_o vigour_n without_o be_v diminish_v whereby_o we_o see_v that_o man_n in_o this_o faculty_n of_o memory_n whereby_o his_o knowledge_n be_v make_v eternal_a do_v notable_o resemble_v god_n who_o nature_n be_v eternal_a sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n memory_n as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o faculty_n man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v so_o change_v from_o his_o first_o estate_n that_o he_o scarce_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v have_v as_o whole_o lose_v this_o faculty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o howsoever_o in_o regard_n of_o earthly_a worldly_a and_o sensible_a thing_n this_o faculty_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n remain_v in_o man_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n or_o power_n to_o retain_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o memory_n keep_v when_o as_o the_o mind_n can_v conceive_v it_o but_o man_n corruption_n can_v so_o be_v cloak_v in_o this_o behalf_n as_o if_o it_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o in_o this_o and_o other_o faculty_n for_o although_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o mover_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o other_o faculty_n yet_o each_o faculty_n have_v his_o peculiar_a fault_n the_o which_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v in_o the_o memory_n for_o suppose_v that_o which_o do_v daily_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o also_o mark_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v it_o memory_n a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o bring_v to_o a_o good_a pass_n the_o mind_n have_v do_v his_o duty_n in_o conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o body_n have_v do_v in_o hear_v so_o that_o now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o
make_v a_o speidie_n gainful_a and_o happy_a voyage_n howsoever_o if_o that_o she_o chance_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o rock_n or_o to_o run_v upon_o some_o sand_n she_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o if_o she_o have_v make_v less_o haste_n and_o bear_v a_o low_a sail_n so_o where_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o these_o affection_n be_v want_v there_o be_v as_o less_o danger_n in_o respect_n of_o sudden_a fall_n so_o less_o ability_n of_o aspire_v to_o any_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n want_v their_o sail_n or_o be_v be_v calm_v for_o want_v of_o wind_n often_o lie_v float_v up_o and_o dowen_v and_o do_v not_o make_v so_o evident_a or_o notable_a progress_n in_o their_o course_n of_o these_o renew_a affection_n the_o most_o notable_a be_v call_v love_n a_o affection_n so_o often_o commend_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o high_o extol_v in_o the_o scriripture_n as_o if_o it_o contain_v not_o one_o part_n only_o but_o even_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o create_a holiness_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 14._o math._n 22_o 40._o 8._o rom._n 13._o 8._o and_o the_o one_o half_a of_o renew_a holiness_n the_o which_o be_v usual_o comprise_v in_o these_o two_o word_n 13._o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 13._o to_o be_v great_a than_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o give_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o to_o this_o affection_n than_o be_v due_a unto_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o holiness_n whether_o create_v or_o recreate_v do_v not_o consist_v either_o in_o any_o one_o or_o in_o a_o few_o but_o in_o many_o grace_n amongst_o the_o which_o love_n have_v the_o first_o place_n assign_v unto_o it_o yea_o often_o the_o denomination_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a holiness_n of_o man_n or_o more_o common_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o practical_a faculty_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v many_o distinct_a grace_n even_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v distinct_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n require_v in_o perfect_a holiness_n or_o yet_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a grace_n for_o faith_n have_v the_o first_o place_n although_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o so_o excellent_a as_o love_v which_o be_v a_o heroical_a grace_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n and_o groundwork_n not_o only_o of_o love_n but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o holiness_n whether_o create_v or_o renew_v why_o then_o be_v love_n more_o speak_v of_o and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v continual_o in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n respect_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n propound_v and_o commend_v unto_o they_o holiness_n not_o so_o much_o in_o gross_a and_o in_o general_a as_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o be_v more_o easy_o sure_o and_o certain_o conceive_v then_o the_o general_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n love_n be_v prefer_v before_o faith_n as_o be_v more_o evident_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o a_o more_o sure_a and_o infallible_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o general_a holiness_n the_o great_a appearance_n of_o love_n arise_v of_o these_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o whereas_o faith_n have_v relation_n to_o god_n only_o love_n extend_v itself_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n second_o where_o as_o faith_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n love_n be_v outward_a practical_a and_o therefore_o more_o apparent_a and_o sensible_a again_o love_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o practical_a grace_n because_o holiness_n consist_v as_o partly_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o so_o chief_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o other_o namely_o to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n the_o which_o a_o man_n can_v perform_v as_o he_o ought_v unless_o he_o bear_v a_o love_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n thus_o much_o of_o love_n in_o general_n the_o particular_n of_o it_o be_v these_o first_o the_o regenerate_a man_n love_v god_n above_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n desire_v his_o good_a in_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n much_o more_o than_o his_o own_o salvation_n from_o the_o which_o fountain_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n spring_v the_o love_n of_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v renew_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o justice_n 3._o psal._n 16._o 3._o all_o my_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o cheiflie_n in_o those_o which_o excel_v in_o virtue_n this_o love_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n namely_o whenas_o a_o man_n love_v a_o other_o hearty_o and_o vehement_o even_o as_o it_o be_v his_o own_o natural_a son_n or_o brother_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o he_o be_v otherwise_o astraunger_n unto_o he_o for_o that_o he_o see_v in_o he_o manifest_a sign_n and_o argument_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a godliness_n 1._o joh._n 3._o 14._o 14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 35._o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o joh._n 13._o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o fountain_n of_o love_n namely_o self-love_n the_o which_o also_o have_v place_n in_o the_o regenerate_a although_o in_o a_o other_o manner_n then_o in_o carnal_a man_n for_o they_o love_v themselves_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o love_v god_n more_o by_o infinite_a degree_n and_o their_o brethren_n as_o themselves_o again_o they_o do_v not_o show_v or_o use_v this_o self-love_n in_o provide_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n for_o their_o body_n but_o in_o procure_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o love_v themselves_o more_o than_o they_o do_v any_o other_o yea_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o equal_a comparison_n for_o a_o faithful_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o love_v his_o own_o body_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o safety_n thereof_o more_o than_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o brother_n the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v yea_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a life_n joh._n 3._o 16._o 16._o as_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brethren_n yet_o a_o man_n need_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o life_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o temporal_a life_n of_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o private_a man_n nor_o of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o any_o man_n do_v here_o object_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n &_o paul_n of_o who_o the_o one_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o name_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o jew_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v not_o simple_o as_o man_n but_o as_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n the_o confusion_n whereof_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o god_n glory_n the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v even_o with_o the_o eternal_a confusion_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n if_o the_o case_n do_v so_o require_v for_o so_o moses_n allege_v that_o if_o god_n do_v destroy_v his_o own_o people_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v spiteful_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n will_v laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o blaspheme_n god_n himself_o and_o so_o we_o can_v doubt_n but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wonderful_o enlarge_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v more_o desire_v than_o our_o own_o salvation_n from_o this_o fountain_n of_o self_n love_v flow_v the_o afore_o say_a stream_n of_o special_a love_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v affect_v more_o to_o those_o who_o do_v any_o way_n come_v near_o himself_o then_o to_o those_o who_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o this_o partial_a love_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a for_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n incline_v and_o cleave_v more_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v join_v more_o near_o unto_o he_o hence_o come_v the_o special_a love_n due_a to_o parent_n which_o can_v be_v want_v but_o in_o he_o
honour_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o worldly_a thing_n such_o a_o one_o may_v become_v a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o usual_o he_o be_v so_o in_o every_o respect_n that_o a_o man_n may_v see_v plain_o in_o he_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o natural_a sinfulness_n last_o spy_v out_o one_o of_o a_o gentle_a nature_n and_o ingenuous_a countenance_n virtuous_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o first_o infancy_n have_v never_o use_v any_o evil_a company_n but_o be_v continual_o give_v of_o himself_o to_o get_v learning_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n yea_o careful_o enure_v by_o his_o parent_n tutor_n and_o teacher_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o what_o soever_o thing_n be_v honest_a good_a right_a &_o any_o way_n commendable_a &_o last_o who_o have_v no_o true_a touch_n of_o religion_n &_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o competent_a portion_n &_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o nature_n &_o of_o fortune_n as_o they_o be_v ignorant_o term_v this_o man_n although_o he_o may_v by_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n tread_v all_o these_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o become_v very_o vicious_a yet_o usual_o he_o may_v be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o natural_a sinfulness_n these_o three_o man_n be_v all_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n among_o they_o the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o plain_o appear_v we_o will_v compare_v they_o &_o their_o diverse_a degree_n of_o sinfulness_n together_o the_o first_o be_v the_o right_n natural_a man_n the_o second_o be_v on_o his_o left_a hand_n have_v augment_v his_o sinfulness_n the_o three_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n have_v diminish_v it_o the_o first_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n yet_o he_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v worshipe_n his_o god_n very_o diligent_o one_o way_n or_o other_o after_o his_o fashion_n the_o second_o be_v full_o resolve_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o argument_n invent_v by_o himself_o and_o suggest_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o other_o atheist_n like_v to_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n to_o worship_v any_o the_o three_o man_n be_v persuade_v by_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yea_o he_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o perform_v some_o part_n of_o his_o true_a worshipe_n the_o first_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o god_n or_o to_o what_o thing_n to_o resemble_v he_o yet_o he_o think_v he_o to_o be_v powerful_a mighty_a and_o bountiful_a ascribe_v all_o his_o mishape_n and_o his_o good_a luck_n to_o his_o false_a god_n the_o second_o give_v all_o to_o blind_a fortune_n wise_a counsel_n &_o hardy_a adventure_n yea_o he_o defi_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n think_v that_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o all_o mishap_n the_o three_o know_v &_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a &_o evil_n come_v from_o that_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a &_o yet_o know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v likewise_o for_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o will_v the_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v choose_v and_o incline_v himself_o to_o any_o god_n religion_n or_o worshipe_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v choose_v the_o true_a god_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o contrary_a to_o sense_n no_o not_o if_o these_o be_v propound_v to_o his_o will_n either_o by_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o by_o some_o other_o but_o choose_v for_o his_o part_n eat_v drink_v sleep_a ease_n pastime_n pleasure_n and_o voluptuousuesse_v the_o second_o man_n who_o be_v supernatural_a in_o sinfulness_n detest_v and_o abhor_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o the_o three_o may_v have_v a_o inclination_n to_o good_a last_o the_o first_o man_n do_v not_o in_o his_o life_n commit_v horrible_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v murder_n incest_n adultery_n robbery_n or_o perjury_n be_v restrain_v even_o by_o his_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v these_o heinous_a sin_n and_o although_o he_o bear_v no_o love_n to_o any_o but_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o yet_o he_o mean_v harm_n to_o no_o man_n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o abstain_v from_o no_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a whereunto_o he_o be_v entice_v by_o any_o mean_n whereas_o the_o three_o man_n lead_v a_o life_n without_o all_o spot_n show_v or_o suspicion_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n yea_o he_o be_v good_a to_o every_o one_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v be_v far_o from_o hurt_v any_o so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a the_o first_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o brute_n beast_n which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o sensuality_n yet_o without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o second_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a the_o three_o a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a saint_n thus_o we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o sin_n as_o also_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o what_o be_v the_o decrease_n of_o it_o whereof_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o hold_v first_o that_o although_o it_o may_v be_v general_a in_o any_o or_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v total_a in_o any_o one_o much_o less_o in_o all_o for_o no_o part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v whole_o diminish_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n second_o this_o decrease_n do_v take_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n more_o than_o it_o do_v put_v the_o contrary_a grace_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o be_v in_o school_n term_n rather_o pruative_n then_o positive_a and_o therefore_o the_o carnal_a man_n in_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n do_v not_o so_o much_o know_v approve_v embrace_v and_o follow_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o he_o know_v all_o false_a god_n to_o be_v no_o god_n condemn_v and_o detest_a all_o idolatry_n and_o so_o in_o life_n although_o he_o can_v refrain_v himself_o from_o do_v evil_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o contrary_a christian_a duty_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v increase_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v use_v will_v teach_v and_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o abstain_v from_o gross_a sin_n but_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o good_a come_v only_o from_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v true_a holiness_n neither_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o the_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n natural_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o kind_n whereof_o the_o three_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a carnal_a man_n may_v be_v a_o shadow_n we_o call_v natural_a not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o decrease_v in_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o which_o he_o grow_v as_o natural_o as_o the_o smoke_n go_v upwarde_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o violent_a motion_n contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n in_o who_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a regeneration_n nor_o any_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o natural_a mean_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v see_v not_o only_o in_o carnal_a man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o and_o that_o more_o plain_o in_o many_o heathen_a and_o profess_a infidel_n who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n &_o worship_n of_o god_n of_o who_o many_o as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o themselves_o and_o their_o natural_a disposition_n incline_v to_o all_o vice_n and_o sinfulness_n have_v get_v the_o habit_n that_o be_v the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a disposition_n of_o moral_a virtue_n as_o namely_o of_o justice_n temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n in_o somuch_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o lead_v a_o life_n pure_a from_o the_o spot_v of_o gross_a sin_n but_o also_o have_v after_o a_o sort_n change_v their_o will_n mind_n and_o affection_n from_o a_o evil_a and_o vicious_a to_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n this_o the_o apostle_n witness_v rom._n 2._o 19_o 19_o the_o gentiles_n have_v not_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n do_v by_o nature_n that_o be_v without_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o of_o this_o decrease_n we_o have_v many_o and_o manifold_a example_n even_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n
this_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v not_o to_o any_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o sin_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v or_o suppose_v in_o any_o creature_n no_o not_o in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n can_v not_o have_v be_v impute_v if_o it_o have_v be_v natural_o uncapable_a of_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o do_v continue_v &_o uphold_v they_o in_o their_o holy_a state_n not_o by_o mangle_v their_o nature_n and_o detract_n any_o natural_a faculty_n as_o potential_a will_n or_o any_o other_o but_o by_o confirm_v their_o actual_a will_n in_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o it_o to_o good_a only_o last_o this_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o sin_v will_v make_v man_n either_o a_o god_n as_o have_v be_v say_v or_o which_o be_v like_a a_o senseless_a stock_n not_o have_v in_o himself_o perfect_a life_n &_o the_o full_a power_n of_o move_v himself_o for_o how_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o adam_n shall_v have_v be_v create_v a_o live_n and_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n &_o not_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o will_n &_o to_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n or_o to_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n incident_a into_o his_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n may_v have_v confirm_v he_o with_o his_o grace_n we_o answer_v that_o that_o be_v true_a but_o he_o neither_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o neither_o do_v or_o can_v think_v man_n worthy_a of_o more_o grace_n who_o do_v abuse_v so_o many_o and_o so_o excellent_a grace_n as_o he_o have_v by_o nature_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o will_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o horrible_a confusion_n in_o that_o commonwealth_n wherein_o neither_o the_o prince_n can_v rule_v nor_o the_o people_n obey_v the_o one_o want_v wisdom_n and_o counsel_n whereby_o he_o shall_v make_v righteous_a law_n command_v good_a and_o forbid_a evil_n the_o other_o due_a moderation_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o so_o the_o reins_n of_o licentiousness_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o the_o furious_a multitude_n all_o be_v fill_v with_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o heinous_a enormity_n &_o that_o we_o may_v come_v near_a home_n make_v the_o sensible_a misery_n of_o the_o body_n a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a misery_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o when_o one_o blind_a man_n lead_v another_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o both_o of_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n so_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o the_o sinful_a &_o disorderly_a soul_n of_o man_n wherein_o the_o mind_n be_v void_a of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o able_a to_o direct_v the_o practical_a faculty_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o if_o happy_o there_o be_v some_o good_a motion_n suggest_v by_o the_o mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o little_a light_n remain_v since_o the_o first_o creation_n â—ill_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o follow_v and_o obey_v but_o froward_o reject_v by_o the_o practical_a faculty_n and_o so_o the_o understand_a faculty_n which_o be_v darken_v &_o blind_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n lead_v the_o practical_a faculty_n which_o by_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v blind_a and_o by_o sinfulness_n perverse_a can_v but_o lead_v man_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o eternal_a destruction_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o practical_a faculty_n in_o particular_a first_o the_o will_n than_o the_o affection_n as_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n so_o also_o the_o will_n have_v lose_v the_o create_a holiness_n and_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o the_o will_n itself_o be_v sinful_a see_v by_o it_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v make_v sinful_a yea_o it_o be_v more_o sinful_a than_o the_o former_a faculty_n and_o so_o be_v just_o punish_v for_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n for_o it_o do_v more_o if_o more_o can_v be_v abhor_v and_o refuse_v good_a than_o the_o mind_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o will_n become_v sinful_a be_v the_o own_o default_n for_o it_o be_v create_v by_o god_n actual_o only_o good_a and_o potential_o more_o good_a than_o evil_a do_v by_o refuse_v good_a and_o choose_v evil_a make_v itself_o for_o ever_o unable_a either_o to_o choose_v good_a or_o to_o refuse_v evil_a and_o that_o by_o continue_v in_o that_o wrong_a way_n wherein_o it_o have_v make_v one_o step_n in_o choose_v forbid_a fruit_n and_o by_o add_v one_o degree_n of_o perverseness_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n it_o become_v habitual_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n will_n in_o this_o his_o corrupt_a state_n be_v the_o actual_a and_o potential_a inclination_n of_o it_o only_o to_o evil_n this_o definition_n need_v some_o explication_n and_o proof_n it_o be_v great_o controvert_v and_o oppugn_v by_o many_o who_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o progeny_n of_o adam_n think_v that_o his_o fall_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o neither_o have_v take_v from_o they_o the_o create_a holiness_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o they_o affirm_v and_o defend_v that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n even_o in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n be_v if_o not_o actual_o incline_v to_o good_a yet_o so_o free_a that_o it_o may_v of_o itself_o incline_v itself_o and_o the_o whole_a man_n either_o to_o evil_n whereof_o no_o man_n doubt_v or_o yet_o to_o good_a wherein_o the_o whole_a controversy_n stand_v but_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n both_o to_o god_n glory_n in_o that_o it_o take_v a_o way_n the_o supernatural_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o regenerate_v the_o faithful_a and_o ascribe_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o love_n mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n and_o inherent_a strength_n of_o man_n and_o also_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n who_o it_o deceave_v with_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o conversion_n faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n may_v appear_v we_o will_v first_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o it_o by_o show_v what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v freewill_n in_o regard_n of_o both_o or_o rather_o either_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n good_a therefore_o be_v to_o be_v define_v by_o god_n who_o only_o be_v good_a &_o therefore_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o goodness_n for_o whatsoever_o in_o the_o creature_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v straigth_n &_o good_a as_o whatsoever_o be_v disagree_v from_o it_o be_v crooked_a &_o evil_a yet_o this_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o creature_n but_o a_o finite_a create_v and_o accidental_a goodness_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o every_o one_o of_o his_o creature_n as_o a_o shadow_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n now_o in_o man_n this_o goodness_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n not_o devise_v by_o himself_o but_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n contrarilie_o evil_o be_v the_o sinfullnesse_n and_o wretchedness_n of_o man_n yea_o although_o it_o have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o appearance_n of_o goodness_n holiness_n &_o happiness_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evil_a sin_n &_o misery_n this_o goodness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o man_n will_n or_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o he_o incline_v himself_o who_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n have_v power_n to_o will_n &_o choose_v true_a goodness_n yea_o he_o do_v actuallie_o choose_v it_o be_v in_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n deed_n faculty_n and_o in_o his_o whole_a nature_n and_o state_n make_v by_o his_o own_o freewill_n conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o will_n or_o proper_a inclination_n of_o man_n in_o this_o his_o corrupt_a state_n we_o do_v utter_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v able_a by_o any_o natural_a faculty_n in_o himself_o by_o any_o imagine_v invent_v or_o discourse_v by_o any_o wit_n wisdom_n learning_n read_v or_o knowledge_n by_o any_o good_a education_n instruction_n and_o exercise_n or_o ingenerall_n by_o any_o mean_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v use_v or_o that_o all_o the_o man_n or_o angel_n in_o the_o world_n can_v use_v in_o his_o behalf_n without_o the_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n change_v his_o nature_n to_o incline_v himself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o be_v to_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o more_o plain_o he_o can_v say_v thus_o with_o himself_o and_o do_v according_o this_o be_v the_o
true_a and_o only_a happiness_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o man_n this_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v in_o as_o in_o the_o way_n lead_v to_o that_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o only_o happiness_n which_o i_o do_v of_o myself_o propound_v to_o myself_o &_o that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o true_a holiness_n i_o will_v walk_v all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n i_o will_v by_o continual_a study_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o restrain_v my_o own_o desire_n and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o i_o can_v use_v get_v the_o true_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n true_a faith_n and_o hope_v of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a true_a repentance_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o my_o corrupt_a affection_n yea_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o goodness_n and_o in_o sum_n all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o have_v resolve_v with_o myself_o to_o do_v not_o that_o i_o think_v that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o yet_o my_o whole_a will_n inclination_n affection_n desire_n care_n study_n endeavour_n and_o labour_n be_v set_v on_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o have_v free_a will_n to_o good_a not_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n after_o this_o life_n but_o to_o incline_v and_o bend_v his_o whole_a body_n soul_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o they_o both_o to_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o fly_v uppe_o to_o heaven_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v prove_v first_o the_o scripture_n say_v 5._o gen._n 6._o 5._o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v only_o to_o evil_a 5._o 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o not_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n 44._o joh_n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o he_o that_o send_v i_o do_v draw_v he_o for_o the_o which_o doctrine_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o natural_a inclination_n to_o good_a it_o be_v say_v 66._o ver._n 4._o 66._o of_o the_o say_a chapter_n that_o many_o left_a christ_n as_o despair_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v impossible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n 43._o and_o joh._n 8._o 43._o you_o do_v not_o know_v my_o doctrine_n because_o you_o can_v hear_v it_o that_o be_v because_o you_o can_v of_o yourselves_o understand_v &_o believe_v 7._o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o cogitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n neither_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v be_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n 16._o and_o rom._n 9_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o perceive_v spiritual_a thing_n for_o they_o be_v folishnesse_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o perceive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 8._o gall._n 2._o 8._o you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n beside_o this_o evident_a voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o authority_n whereof_o ought_v to_o be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o other_o proof_n we_o see_v this_o error_n of_o freewill_n to_o be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n for_o if_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n free_a to_o choose_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o choice_n of_o good_a of_o holiness_n and_o of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o salvation_n be_v if_o not_o as_o common_a as_o the_o other_o yet_o a_o very_a common_a and_o ordinary_a matter_n but_o we_o see_v that_o of_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o have_v live_v and_o do_v live_v in_o the_o world_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o have_v once_o set_v foot_n in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n choose_v that_o as_o the_o only_a good_a which_o he_o do_v never_o know_v and_o whereof_o he_o never_o dream_v or_o hear_v in_o the_o which_o state_n all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n his_o word_n worship_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o their_o own_o sense_n which_o do_v reject_v that_o god_n worship_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n thereof_o the_o which_o do_v plain_o show_v the_o impossibility_n of_o this_o freedom_n of_o will_n for_o nothing_o have_v freewill_n to_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o god_n have_v not_o freewill_n to_o evil_a a_o man_n to_o fly_v a_o horse_n to_o speak_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o desire_n inclination_n and_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o accomplish_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o when_o we_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n any_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o good_a we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v wish_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a but_o that_o he_o can_v accomplish_v or_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n the_o which_o beginning_n and_o work_v of_o grace_n come_v from_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o action_n incline_v man_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o any_o thing_n now_o regeneration_n be_v a_o thing_n contrary_n to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o that_o faith_n and_o human_a reason_n do_v fight_v together_o no_o less_o than_o do_v wisdom_n and_o foolishness_n 18._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 18._o and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v confirm_v also_o by_o continual_a and_o daily_a experience_n for_o if_o regeneration_n be_v agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n it_o will_v be_v common_a and_o ordinary_a whereas_o it_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a miracle_n not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o many_o thousand_o of_o man_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o man_n do_v neither_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o inclination_n seek_v after_o it_o nor_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n which_o they_o can_v use_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o in_o other_o study_n faculty_n and_o exercise_n man_n do_v daily_o profit_v and_o go_v forward_o none_o be_v so_o dull_a and_o blockish_a but_o that_o he_o may_v with_o pain_n in_o continuance_n of_o time_n be_v bring_v to_o knowledge_n but_o no_o pain_n no_o time_n no_o excellency_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o minister_n can_v make_v man_n religious_a or_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o more_o that_o man_n be_v teach_v religion_n the_o more_o blockish_a and_o backward_o they_o become_v and_o so_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n time_n we_o confess_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o bestow_v on_o carnal_a and_o reprobate_a man_n spiritual_a grace_n yea_o a_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n whereby_o both_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n light_o incline_v to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o this_o change_n come_v not_o of_o man_n but_o from_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o effectual_a and_o total_a inclination_n to_o good_a and_o therefore_o not_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o question_n of_o freewill_n but_o the_o maintainer_n of_o freewill_n will_v perhaps_o yield_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v the_o right_a way_n before_o he_o do_v deliberate_a of_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v deliberate_v of_o which_o be_v not_o first_o know_v and_o therefore_o that_o freewill_n be_v not_o actual_o in_o a_o ignorant_a man_n but_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fetter_v and_o chain_v by_o ignorance_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o set_v loose_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o which_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v have_v the_o right_a and_o the_o wrong_a way_n propound_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o same_o man_n have_v freedom_n of_o will_n either_o to_o choose_v or_o to_o refuse_v eternal_a salvation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o