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
who_o it_o be_v once_o implant_v so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v once_o convert_v can_v so_o shake_v off_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o first_o that_o he_o shall_v need_v a_o second_o conversion_n and_o a_o sinner_n once_o raise_v from_o death_n through_o the_o infusion_n of_o spirituallife_n like_v unto_o christ_n he_o die_v no_o more_o but_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v strong_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1._o pet._n 1._o 23._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v this_o seed_n by_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n either_o alone_o or_o principal_o consider_v because_o that_o be_v but_o a_o instrument_n and_o arbitrary_a too_o the_o force_n whereof_o so_o depend_v on_o the_o chief_a agent_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o without_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a sound_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o word_n live_v &_o endure_v for_o ever_o be_v only_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n w_z ch_z give_v it_o its_o effect_n be_v everlasting_a well_o then_o this_o seed_n be_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n so_o call_v by_o similitude_n because_o that_o as_o of_o seed_n the_o conception_n be_v form_v so_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n immediate_o the_o new_a man_n or_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o but_o why_o be_v this_o divine_a virtue_n the_o seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n call_v incorruptible_a seed_n be_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fruit_n for_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o as_o the_o person_n so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v eternal_a and_o incorruptible_a but_o he_o be_v wilful_o blind_a who_o see_v not_o that_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v so_o style_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o effect_n it_o work_v in_o we_o quatenus_fw-la semen_n as_o it_o be_v seed_n incorruptible_a produce_v fruit_n like_o to_o itself_o incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a and_o the_o opposition_n here_o make_v be_v manifest_a we_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o corruptible_a seed_n for_o that_o perish_v and_o so_o what_o be_v bear_v of_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v corruptible_a but_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o incorruptible_a seed_n which_o live_v and_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o what_o be_v bear_v of_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v incorruptible_a this_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o this_o quicken_a power_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v live_v for_o ever_o not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o in_o we_o also_o support_v and_o sustain_v our_o soul_n for_o ever_o in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n once_o infuse_v into_o they_o and_o if_o any_o will_v cavil_n st._n john_n put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n when_o speak_v of_o every_o regenerate_a person_n he_o say_v that_o this_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o so_o that_o can_v sin_v 1_o john_n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n and_o this_o for_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n the_o constancy_n whereof_o no_o desperate_a defender_n of_o the_o saint_n apostasy_n be_v he_o papist_n or_o arminian_n shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o shake_v in_o the_o next_o place_n touch_v the_o operation_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o perform_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v not_o such_o constancy_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o as_o in_o the_o former_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o at_o all_o time_n alike_o either_o stir_v up_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o holy_a motion_n or_o assist_v their_o endeavour_n in_o performance_n of_o good_a desire_n some_o presumptuous_a sin_n against_o conscience_n some_o pride_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n some_o neglect_n of_o pious_a duty_n especial_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a meditation_n some_o careless_a entertainment_n of_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o grace_n some_o security_n through_o long_a enjoy_n of_o heavenly_a comfort_n some_o such_o or_o other_o offence_n may_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v from_o our_o soul_n all_o sense_n of_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o assistance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o actual_a concurrence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n falls_z a_o languish_v betray_v present_o its_o natural_a impotency_n like_o hot_a water_n take_v off_o the_o fire_n begin_v to_o return_v to_o its_o first_o coldness_n and_o for_o a_o time_n corruption_n prevail_v against_o grace_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a against_o that_o which_o be_v but_o accidental_a such_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n of_o grace_n as_o these_o be_v all_o man_n grant_v and_o all_o good_a man_n feel_v but_o yet_o though_o the_o act_n fail_v the_o habit_n cease_v not_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n straightway_o barren_a because_o it_o miss_v a_o season_n or_o two_o they_o be_v but_o chastisement_n for_o negligence_n past_a and_o admonition_n to_o ensue_a industry_n both_o end_n in_o a_o large_a augmentation_n of_o all_o comfort_n when_o upon_o submission_n god_n be_v entreat_v again_o to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o shine_v upon_o we_o â—…s_v much_o touch_v the_o second_o circumstance_n about_o our_o conversion_n viz._n the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o viz._n the_o subject_a of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v utter_o weary_v you_o who_o by_o this_o time_n can_v but_o desire_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o i_o pardon_v i_o yet_o a_o small_a trespass_n upon_o the_o time_n and_o your_o patience_n that_o i_o may_v conclude_v all_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o application_n to_o our_o practice_n you_o have_v hear_v touch_v our_o conversion_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v god_n free_a love_n without_o our_o worth_n before_o we_o be_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o our_o help_n when_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o of_o no_o strength_n let_v the_o serious_a thought_n of_o these_o thing_n breed_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o double_a grace_n 1._o of_o thankfulness_n 2._o of_o humility_n le_fw-fr we_o join_v both_o together_o for_o they_o be_v twin_n of_o one_o birth_n and_o as_o you_o shall_v never_o see_v a_o proud_a man_n thankful_a either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n so_o you_o shall_v never_o behold_v a_o humble_a mind_n but_o it_o will_v always_o appear_v in_o the_o most_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o least_o good_a turn_n we_o shall_v see_v how_o great_a cause_n there_o be_v in_o this_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n that_o we_o shall_v empty_v ourselves_o of_o all_o proud_a imagination_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n and_o tongue_n with_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n rich_a grace_n and_o free_a mercy_n if_o we_o will_v enforce_v upon_o our_o dull_a heart_n the_o powerful_a meditation_n of_o these_o four_o point_n 1._o the_o desperate_a and_o forlorn_a estate_n of_o a_o unconverted_a person_n 2._o the_o impossibility_n of_o our_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o damnable_a condition_n by_o any_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o creature_n whatsoever_o 3._o the_o admirable_a graciousnesse_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o provide_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o they_o effectual_o work_v our_o full_a deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n &_o damnation_n 4._o last_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o grace_n whereto_o he_o have_v now_o bring_v we_o and_o wherein_o he_o preserve_v we_o under_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a glory_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o study_n you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v these_o thing_n the_o subject_n of_o your_o best_a advise_a meditation_n hold_v i_o for_o ever_o guilty_a of_o a_o damnable_a lie_n if_o you_o find_v not_o by_o experience_n how_o forcible_a this_o course_n will_v be_v to_o take_v down_o our_o foolish_a haughtiness_n and_o swell_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n in_o sweet_a song_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o that_o have_v do_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o our_o soul_n my_o brethren_n slight_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o touch_v we_o near_o do_v but_o conceive_v with_o i_o how_o horrible_a that_o thought_n be_v and_o full_a of_o unspeakable_a terror_n when_o the_o conscience_n free_v from_o the_o clamour_n of_o ill_a company_n cool_v after_o the_o heat_n of_o wine_n and_o fullness_n of_o bread_n retire_v from_o the_o distract_n business_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o still_v after_o the_o rage_n of_o some_o furious_a passton_n or_o glut_v of_o pleasure_n shall_v in_o silence_n turn_v in_o upon_o itself_o and_o fall_v upon_o the_o inquiry_n
will_v also_o evident_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o a_o little_a survey_n the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n both_o those_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o such_o who_o title_n only_o we_o have_v remain_v record_v by_o those_o that_o have_v write_v their_o life_n for_o among_o so_o many_o hundred_o volume_n write_v by_o the_o ancient_n how_o few_o or_o none_o almost_o shall_v we_o find_v touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n those_o great_a scribbler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysippus_n be_v call_v who_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o logic_n oratory_n mathematics_n morality_n policy_n and_o nature_n itself_o unattempted_a but_o with_o a_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a eye_n pry_v into_o the_o small_a matter_n yet_o in_o those_o high_a speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v either_o miserable_o blind_a or_o wilful_o negligent_a aristotle_n a_o man_n of_o the_o deep_a reach_n that_o antiquity_n ever_o breed_v among_o so_o many_o book_n that_o he_o write_v and_o be_v in_o part_n yet_o extant_a have_v not_o leave_v we_o any_o one_o discourse_n by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o bestow_v any_o pain_n in_o search_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n except_o a_o little_a 8._o here_o and_o there_o in_o some_o poor_a pitiful_a dispute_n theophrastus_n his_o scholar_n who_o exceed_v the_o master_n in_o numbersome_a write_n compose_v six_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o which_o we_o wish_v have_v remain_v to_o posterity_n albeit_o by_o the_o very_a title_n we_o may_v suspect_v what_o stuff_n they_o be_v not_o unlike_a to_o hesâ—ods_n theogonia_n and_o such_o other_o foolery_n and_o that_o both_o his_o book_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n by_o crito_n simon_n xenocrates_n strato_n cleanthes_n epicurus_n and_o many_o more_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o laertius_n be_v they_o now_o extant_a will_v give_v we_o but_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o gross_a stupidity_n and_o dulness_n of_o those_o otherwise_o refine_a and_o sublimate_v wit_n tully_n who_o have_v read_v they_o and_o set_v 1._o down_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o opinion_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o all_o and_o himself_o too_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o stark_a fool_n and_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n of_o search_v out_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o footstep_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o due_a proceed_n from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a they_o give_v heed_n to_o old_a &_o fond_a fable_n or_o vanish_v away_o in_o their_o idle_a imagination_n and_o new_a opinion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o respect_v either_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o how_o quick_a and_o forward_o soever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n be_v dull_a enough_o in_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o disposition_n prove_v who_o be_v excellent_a in_o many_o sort_n of_o learning_n yet_o dunce_n in_o divinity_n or_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o policy_n of_o satan_n who_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o so_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n make_v use_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o pen_n in_o darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n by_o senseless_a fable_n and_o foolish_a fancy_n which_o pass_v unto_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a with_o approbation_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o deep_a learning_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a in_o former_a time_n have_v always_o apply_v their_o industry_n in_o this_o part_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v busy_v therein_o be_v preserve_v to_o our_o time_n nor_o those_o few_o monument_n that_o be_v leave_v do_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o man_n have_v do_v their_o best_a in_o go_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v we_o must_v without_o consideration_n of_o particular_n first_o dispute_n in_o general_a how_o deep_a the_o eye_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v pierce_v into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o then_o see_v in_o brief_a how_o far_o man_n who_o invention_n be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n have_v proceed_v therein_o concern_v the_o first_o you_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o two_o chief_a branch_n 1._o all_o divine_a truth_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o way_n of_o spiritual_a contemplation_n and_o assent_n and_o the_o summary_n of_o these_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o in_o general_n declare_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v touch_v god_n as_o creator_n in_o the_o first_o article_n redeemer_n in_o the_o rest_n 2._o all_o divine_a and_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o the_o brief_a whereof_o be_v in_o the_o decalogue_n describe_v unto_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o 1._o piety_n in_o god_n worship_n 2._o of_o charity_n in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n within_o these_o bound_n we_o must_v seek_v for_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n which_o we_o will_v do_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o redeemer_n touch_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o position_n as_o infallible_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o most_o industrious_a use_n of_o 1._o all_o nature_n help_n attain_v unto_o any_o the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v man_n redeemer_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o the_o scripture_n whole_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o 12._o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o utter_o deny_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o any_o of_o the_o great_a or_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n yea_o unto_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o agreeable_a to_o good_a reason_n which_o forbid_v to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n fall_v &_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o adam_n in_o his_o perfection_n never_o have_v knowledge_n of_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o redeemer_n with_o all_o the_o dependence_n thereupon_o as_o adam_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o so_o be_v he_o before_o his_o fall_n utter_o ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o have_v so_o remain_v forever_o if_o god_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o which_o revelation_n though_o make_v to_o adam_n when_o we_o be_v in_o his_o loin_n yet_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v general_n and_o deriveable_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n as_o the_o first_o connaturall_a and_o imprint_v knowledge_n be_v but_o particular_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o adam_n and_o so_o many_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o though_o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n do_v instruct_v his_o child_n and_o they_o they_o for_o some_o descent_n in_o this_o mystery_n yet_o wickedness_n increase_v in_o man_n as_o fast_o as_o man_n multiply_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darksome_a obscurity_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o knowledge_n quick_o decrease_v be_v almost_o decay_v even_o among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o few_o of_o god_n church_n who_o therefore_o god_n be_v fain_o by_o new_a revelation_n continual_o to_o instruct_v but_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n it_o be_v utter_o extinct_a and_o no_o spark_n of_o it_o leave_v alive_a they_o soon_o forget_v what_o they_o care_v not_o to_o believe_v wherefore_o we_o must_v confine_v the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n within_o these_o two_o limit_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o creator_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o beyond_o these_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o go_v the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o though_o very_o much_o eclipse_v in_o adam_n himself_o but_o more_o and_o more_o darken_a in_o his_o posterity_n as_o they_o further_o degenerate_v from_o his_o original_a purity_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o far_o obscure_v except_o in_o such_o who_o brutish_a and_o savage_a education_n have_v make_v they_o equal_a to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o that_o by_o careful_a education_n and_o vigilant_a industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o help_n it_o may_v be_v somewhat_o repair_v though_o this_o some_o what_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n almost_o nothing_o of_o its_o first_o clearness_n wherefore_o in_o the_o second_o 2._o place_n touch_v the_o knowledge_n god_n as_o creator_n i_o suppose_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n may_v know_v these_o thing_n touch_v god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 2._o that_o
yet_o but_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o grace_n be_v from_o true_a grace_n and_o a_o part_n of_o true_a grace_n shall_v stand_v fast_o as_o found_v on_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n when_o all_o arminianism_n shall_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n if_o these_o motion_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o true_a but_o false_a &_o counterfeit_n then_o have_v they_o make_v much_o ado_n to_o little_a purpose_n prepare_v a_o man_n to_o that_o faith_n and_o conversion_n which_o be_v true_a by_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a mean_n but_o they_o will_v say_v that_o these_o desire_n and_o affection_n though_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_a yet_o in_o their_o kind_n they_o be_v true_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v because_o they_o be_v true_a moral_a or_o natural_a desire_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o desire_n be_v this_o we_o must_v compare_v our_o affection_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v affect_v if_o our_o affection_n towards_o they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v then_o be_v they_o right_a and_o good_a if_o not_o they_o be_v false_a and_o evil_a as_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o when_o a_o husband_n love_v his_o wife_n but_o only_o as_o his_o whore_n to_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n this_o love_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o â—ervent_a and_o not_o dissemble_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o false_a love_n because_o it_o be_v not_o matrimonial_a agreeable_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o wife_n the_o object_n thereof_o when_o balaam_n desire_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a no_o question_n but_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v without_o dissemble_v but_o yet_o this_o his_o desire_n be_v false_a because_o he_o desire_v it_o not_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n thereof_o as_o it_o require_v a_o sanctify_a life_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o happy_a end_n which_o balaam_n will_v none_o of_o when_o a_o turk_n hope_n for_o heaven_n that_o there_o he_o may_v live_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n according_a to_o mahomet_n beastly_a â—aw_v it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o hope_v but_o it_o be_v false_a that_o he_o hope_v true_o because_o he_o mistake_v the_o quality_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n which_o be_v spiritual_a not_o carnal_a so_o in_o like_a manner_n general_o when_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v affect_v spiritual_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n then_o be_v our_o affection_n right_o and_o well_o move_v towards_o they_o as_o to_o love_v goodness_n because_o it_o be_v of_o god_n to_o hate_v sin_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o law_n to_o desire_v grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v correct_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n to_o wish_v for_o heaven_n that_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o behold_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o constant_a worship_v of_o he_o these_o affection_n be_v true_a but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o never_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n till_o it_o be_v purify_v and_o make_v holy_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v affect_v only_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v naturally_n or_o moral_o good_a or_o evil_n such_o affection_n be_v false_a and_o of_o no_o worth_n as_o if_o a_o man_n desire_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a quality_n or_o redemption_n because_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v free_a from_o misery_n or_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n such_o affection_n be_v as_o far_o from_o truth_n as_o the_o eye_n be_v from_o right_o see_v when_o it_o mistake_v green_a for_o yellow_a or_o a_o man_n for_o a_o post_n and_o such_o in_o a_o man_n unconvert_v be_v all_o his_o affection_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n wherefore_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o true_a love_n of_o goodness_n a_o true_a hatred_n of_o evil_a etc._n etc._n in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a they_o speak_v strange_a paradox_n against_o reason_n and_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n be_v natural_a man_n jud._n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o therefore_o not_o spiritual_o desire_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o again_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n joh._n 3._o 6._o albeit_o therefore_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v ordinary_o many_o preparation_n whereby_o god_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o grace_n and_o that_o the_o word_n work_v many_o effect_n both_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o true_a grace_n yet_o as_o for_o those_o affection_n which_o our_o adversary_n place_n in_o mâ—n_z unregenerate_a we_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o antecedent_n but_o consequent_n and_o part_n of_o true_a conversion_n for_o can_v he_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n bewail_v his_o spiritual_a death_n can_v he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n yet_o greve_n for_o displease_v of_o he_o can_v he_o true_o desire_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n that_o be_v of_o the_o 17._o world_n and_o can_v receive_v the_o spirit_n because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o can_v a_o man_n thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v 56._o bless_v nor_o satisfy_v can_v a_o man_n hate_v evil_a who_o yet_o psal._n love_v not_o the_o lord_n can_v he_o love_v god_n that_o be_v 7._o not_o bear_v of_o he_o can_v he_o be_v humble_a that_o have_v not_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n one_o 25._o fruit_n whereof_o be_v meekness_n and_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n may_v a_o true_a prayer_n be_v make_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a 26._o ghost_n will_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a confession_n in_o the_o mouth_n when_o there_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o the_o heart_n how_o can_v that_o heart_n be_v a_o new_a heart_n a_o contrite_a and_o break_a heart_n sensible_a of_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o change_v out_o of_o stone_n into_o flesh_n can_v he_o have_v a_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o 23._o amend_v his_o life_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o yet_o touch_v with_o sanctify_a grace_n whatsoever_o shadow_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v appear_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a none_o can_v be_v do_v in_o truth_n but_o by_o those_o only_o in_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v begin_v the_o work_n of_o true_a sanctification_n i_o may_v stand_v upon_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o every_o particular_a be_v it_o needful_a but_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o their_o four_o error_n which_o be_v concern_v man_n will_n 4._o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o habitual_a quality_n inherent_a in_o it_o whether_o of_o grace_n or_o corruption_n only_o a_o mere_a liberty_n it_o have_v to_o will_n or_o will_v any_o thing_n and_o beside_o this_o liberty_n there_o never_o be_v be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o it_o any_o other_o quality_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o will_n be_v not_o to_o be_v term_v good_a or_o evil_n from_o any_o inward_a disposition_n of_o itself_o but_o only_o from_o the_o action_n of_o it_o according_a as_o it_o be_v lead_v or_o mislead_v by_o the_o light_n or_o darkness_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o the_o rectitude_n or_o depravation_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o arminius_n brain_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o deform_a that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v not_o in_o it_o either_o grace_n or_o corruption_n any_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o itself_o a_o bare_a liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v that_o it_o have_v and_o nothing_o else_o against_o which_o strange_a novelty_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v these_o reason_n 1._o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n be_v in_o every_o part_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o then_o beside_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a inclination_n towards_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o it_o which_o habitual_a disposition_n to_o goodness_n be_v corrupt_v and_o a_o perverse_a inclination_n to_o evil_n come_v in_o place_n thereof_o if_o they_o deny_v that_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a soul_n it_o will_v trouble_v they_o much_o to_o tell_v unto_o what_o part_n it_o must_v be_v restrain_v 2._o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n
way_n they_o say_v they_o will_v not_o walk_v therein_o when_o he_o bid_v they_o harken_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n they_o say_v we_o will_v not_o barken_v that_o they_o 14._o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o 〈◊〉_d we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n that_o â—lt_n god_n stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n long_o to_o a_o rebellious_a and_o gainsay_v people_n that_o he_o 24._o call_v and_o they_o refuse_v that_o 27._o they_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o will_v not_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o hear_v not_o that_o they_o 51._o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o 10._o they_o rebel_n and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o christ_n 27._o will_v have_v gather_v jerusalem_n but_o she_o woulld_v not_o that_o he_o 40._o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n with_o a_o thousand_o the_o like_a testimony_n 46._o set_v forth_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o reject_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n offer_v to_o they_o and_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o shall_v lead_v they_o unto_o repentance_n all_o which_o place_n note_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o sâ—all_a resistency_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o that_o special_a grace_n whereby_o god_n intend_v to_o work_v man_n conversion_n as_o our_o adversary_n pervert_v they_o but_o of_o that_o common_a grace_n in_o the_o ordinary_a antecedent_n of_o man_n conversion_n whereby_o god_n call_v all_o unto_o himself_o of_o which_o grace_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o 1._o may_v be_v receive_v in_o vain_a that_o 28._o this_o talon_n may_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o become_v unprofitable_a as_o scripture_n together_o with_o lamentable_a experience_n testify_v in_o three_o seq_n part_n of_o â—oure_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n unprofitable_o in_o those_o temporary_a outside_n seem_v christian_n who_o seq_n after_o illumination_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o much_o affection_n to_o goodness_n quite_o fallaway_o and_o 21._o after_o they_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n turn_v away_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o by_o this_o fault_n all_o come_v utter_o to_o naught_o and_o they_o perish_v â—…ally_o in_o their_o natural_a corruption_n but_o now_o the_o elect_n albeit_o they_o be_v also_o disobedient_a and_o froward_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o god_n forsake_v they_o not_o but_o in_o mercy_n go_v on_o to_o perfect_v the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v begin_v till_o grace_n gâ—ts_v the_o victory_n over_o their_o corruption_n till_o that_o their_o outward_a fashionable_a sâ—vice_n of_o god_n be_v turn_v into_o true_a spiritual_a worship_n their_o knowledge_n make_v effectual_a to_o all_o holy_a practice_n their_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o free_v from_o legal_a terror_n their_o worldly_a sorrow_n turn_v into_o godly_a grief_n their_o slight_a wish_n and_o hope_n of_o mercy_n change_v into_o zealous_a prayer_n for_o and_o firm_a belief_n of_o pardon_n their_o partial_a and_o halt_a reformation_n of_o life_n turn_v into_o perfect_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o ordinary_a preparation_n to_o grace_n and_o how_o far_o they_o be_v resist_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o our_o conversion_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n on_o we_o renew_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n heal_v all_o vition_n infuse_v all_o virtuous_a inclination_n into_o each_o faculty_n by_o which_o habitual_a infuse_a quality_n they_o be_v dispose_v to_o all_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a action_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o his_o prevent_a grace_n 2._o in_o actu_fw-la sicundo_fw-la as_o it_o be_v our_o work_n convert_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o holy_a operation_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o godly_a obedience_n which_o act_v we_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n subsequent_a and_o assist_a grace_n of_o conversion_n in_o both_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o hinder_v touch_v the_o first_o namely_o our_o habitual_a conversion_n in_o the_o infusion_n of_o all_o gracious_a habit_n this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v that_o in_o our_o first_o conversion_n or_o sanctification_n we_o be_v mere_o passive_a and_o can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o we_o either_o work_n it_o ourselves_o or_o binder_n god_n work_v of_o it_o this_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v unto_o we_o what_o our_o state_n be_v before_o conversion_n what_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o conversion_n namely_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n ephes._n 2._o 1._o col._n 2._o 13._o matth._n 8._o 22._o ephes._n 5._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o very_a darkness_n in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n rev._n 3._o 18._o ephes._n 4._o 17._o &_o 5._o 8._o matth._n 6._o 23._o luc._n 4._o 18._o john_n 1._o 5._o act._n 26._o 18._o 1._o cor._n 2_o 14._o that_o our_o heart_n be_v stony_a destitute_a of_o all_o sense_n and_o motion_n of_o goodness_n ezek._n 36._o 26._o &_o 11._o 19_o again_o that_o god_n work_n in_o our_o conversion_n be_v a_o raise_n from_o the_o dead_a ephes._n 2._o 5._o col._n 2._o 12._o rev._n 20._o 6._o john_n 5._o 21._o 25._o a_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a luc._n 4._o 18._o a_o new_a generation_n and_o birth_n of_o a_o man_n joh._n 1._o 13._o joh._n 3._o 3_o another_o creation_n of_o he_o ephes._n 2_o 10._o psal._n 51._o 12._o 2._o cor._n 5._o 17._o gal._n 6._o 15._o the_o give_v of_o a_o new_a heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o take_v away_o of_o the_o old_a stony_a heart_n ezek._n 11._o 19_o out_o of_o which_o and_o many_o the_o like_a place_n we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v no_o more_o in_o the_o effect_n or_o hinder_v of_o his_o first_o conversion_n than_o the_o matter_n can_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o form_n to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o no_o more_o than_o adam_n body_n can_v resist_v the_o entrance_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o it_o or_o lazarus_n carcase_n and_o the_o dead_a bone_n in_o ezekiel_n can_v refuse_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n come_v into_o they_o no_o more_o than_o a_o infant_n can_v hinder_v its_o own_o conception_n and_o birth_n or_o the_o world_n the_o creation_n of_o itself_o no_o more_o than_o the_o body_n of_o those_o sick_a person_n who_o christ_n cure_v by_o his_o word_n can_v hinder_v the_o restitution_n of_o health_n when_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o be_v whole_a or_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a can_v will_z the_o restore_n of_o their_o sight_n or_o the_o air_n that_o be_v dark_a can_v refuse_v to_o be_v enlighten_v in_o brief_a a_o man_n heart_n can_v no_o more_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o change_v it_o out_o of_o stone_n into_o flesh_n than_o the_o body_n of_o lot_n wife_n can_v resist_v the_o force_n of_o his_o power_n in_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o flesh_n into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o man_n passiveness_n in_o his_o first_o conversion_n our_o adversary_n object_v many_o thing_n qualify_a the_o rigour_n of_o those_o censure_v the_o scripture_n give_v touch_v our_o utter_a disability_n elude_v their_o force_n by_o many_o subtle_a shift_n all_o devise_v only_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o conversion_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v altogether_o of_o grace_n but_o share_v between_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o some_o power_n of_o our_o own_o 17._o to_o allege_v and_o answer_v every_o cavil_n be_v a_o business_n of_o more_o length_n than_o difficulty_n unto_o they_o all_o in_o general_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o that_o take_v a_o man_n judgement_n touch_v man_n ability_n he_o follow_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o blind_a corrupt_a judge_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o judge_v we_o and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o censure_n not_o to_o extol_v ourselves_o when_o he_o abase_v we_o lest_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n like_o those_o hypocritical_a laodicean_n boast_v that_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o when_o in_o the_o mean_a god_n know_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o that_o we_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o let_v this_o truth_n always_o stand_v firm_a that_o as_o no_o man_n can_v prepare_v himself_o by_o any_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o effectual_o to_o work_v his_o sanctification_n either_o alone_a by_o himself_o or_o as_o a_o coworker_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n so_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v
scripture_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n purpose_n desire_v to_o obey_v their_o joy_n when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o their_o grief_n when_o they_o can_v not_o let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o every_o faithful_a soul_n not_o stand_v upon_o quarrelsome_a term_n of_o yield_v or_o refuse_v but_o whole_o submit_v itself_o and_o sue_v for_o obedience_n oh_o faith_n david_n that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v that_o i_o may_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n unite_v my_o heart_n unto_o 119._o thou_o that_o i_o may_v fear_v thy_o name_n incline_v my_o heart_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n with_o a_o thousand_o such_o prayer_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n show_v the_o firm_a resolution_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n only_o aim_v at_o obedience_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n pray_v the_o weak_a disciple_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n that_o new_a convert_n in_o both_o we_o see_v a_o earnest_a desire_n not_o a_o indifferent_a deliberation_n that_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v excellent_a psal._n 68_o 28._o lord_n confirm_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o more_o full_o cant._n 1._o 2._o draw_v i_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o here_o be_v no_o resistency_n no_o hang_n back_o or_o stand_v aloof_o off_o in_o a_o doubtful_a devise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o these_o virgin_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n have_v smell_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o christ_n grace_n pour_v out_o into_o their_o soul_n they_o love_v he_o he_o only_o he_o entire_o they_o will_v go_v they_o will_v run_v after_o he_o and_o whereas_o corruption_n clog_n they_o in_o their_o course_n they_o still_o show_v their_o readiness_n to_o come_v by_o their_o willingness_n to_o be_v draw_v and_o such_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o every_o regenerate_a man_n his_o obedience_n be_v his_o heart_n joy_n and_o desire_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o grieve_v he_o more_o than_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o his_o carnal_a will_n and_o unsanctified_a part_n against_o his_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a resolution_n as_o may_v appear_v for_o all_o by_o that_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherefore_o the_o regenerate_a will_n stand_v not_o neuter_n between_o sin_n and_o grace_n but_o take_v part_n with_o grace_n against_o sin_n in_o a_o constant_a resolvednesse_n to_o hold_v with_o god_n and_o goodness_n against_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o it_o willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o 5._o that_o live_v after_o the_o spirit_n savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o this_o be_v that_o most_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n will_n namely_o the_o take_v away_o of_o that_o resistency_n which_o our_o adversary_n so_o stiff_o and_o odious_o stand_v for_o against_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n they_o say_v that_o grace_n leave_v the_o will_n in_o indifferency_n so_o that_o it_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v we_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o sanctify_v our_o will_n be_v to_o determine_v and_o incline_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o only_o to_o obedience_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o power_n of_o resist_v or_o disobey_v which_o appear_v thus_o to_o disobey_v and_o not_o to_o believe_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a sinfulness_n that_o can_v be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o commit_v this_o act_n come_v not_o from_o power_n and_o strength_n but_o from_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n perfect_a strength_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o will_n to_o commit_v any_o sin_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o christ_n humanity_n to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v from_o weakness_n from_o corruption_n now_o in_o the_o sanctify_a will_n this_o corruption_n be_v in_o part_n do_v away_o by_o grace_n so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o the_o will_n be_v make_v spiritual_a it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v resist_v and_o be_v disobedient_a it_o do_v not_o because_o it_o can_v it_o can_v because_o it_o will_v not_o it_o will_v not_o because_o by_o this_o new_a infuse_a grace_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v make_v always_o will_a to_o obey_v but_o this_o point_n be_v clear_v by_o the_o late_a worthy_a bishop_n of_o salisbury_n the_o second_o conclusion_n be_v this_o 2._o that_o a_o man_n regenerate_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v be_v carnal_a do_v always_o resist_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v unwilling_a and_o backward_o to_o perform_v any_o holy_a action_n this_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 5._o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o again_o gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n in_o experience_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a even_o the_o best_a man_n in_o their_o best_a work_n and_o best_a temper_n do_v sensible_o feel_v many_o twinge_n of_o a_o froward_a heart_n cross_v and_o interrupt_v their_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n from_o which_o rebellion_n of_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n against_o the_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o sanctify_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o free_a but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v with_o the_o holy_a apostle_n when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a i_o be_o thus_o yoke_v 21._o that_o evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o in_o this_o opposition_n of_o two_o contrary_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n we_o have_v to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n cooperate_a grace_n in_o all_o holy_a action_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o first_o conversion_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o power_n only_o to_o do_v well_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n and_o then_o shall_v leave_v we_o unto_o ourselves_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o shall_v never_o bring_v this_o power_n into_o act_n by_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o whereas_o we_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n and_o there_o remain_v in_o every_o faculty_n a_o corrupt_a inclination_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o a_o holy_a disposition_n to_o good_a do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n constant_o &_o powerful_o assist_v we_o in_o well_o do_v corruption_n will_v prevail_v against_o grace_n &_o lead_v we_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o our_o member_n not_o that_o corruption_n be_v strong_a than_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o god_n spirit_n shall_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o follow_v the_o sinful_a motion_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n than_o the_o sanctify_a inclination_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o adam_n will_n be_v only_o mutable_a but_o not_o as_o yet_o taint_v with_o any_o inward_a corruption_n nevertheless_o want_v the_o effectual_a assistance_n and_o support_v of_o god_n grace_n be_v so_o easy_o seduce_v by_o temptation_n much_o more_o our_o will_n that_o be_v holy_a but_o in_o part_n will_v quick_o be_v entice_v and_o draw_v away_o by_o the_o deceiveablenesse_n of_o inward_a concupiscence_n and_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n temptation_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o work_v mighty_o in_o we_o repress_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o aid_v we_o against_o all_o outward_a provocation_n to_o disobedience_n 2._o the_o true_a cause_n and_o root_n of_o that_o irregularity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v not_o that_o indifferency_n or_o freedom_n our_o adversary_n contend_v for_o whereby_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v at_o all_o time_n to_o choose_v whether_o he_o will_v do_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v that_o opposition_n which_o the_o flesh_n make_v against_o the_o spirit_n by_o reason_n whereof_o a_o regenerate_a man_n when_o by_o grace_n he_o constant_o desire_v to_o obey_v be_v by_o corruption_n hinder_v in_o the_o performance_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 19_o 20._o i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o i_o will_v but_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o that_o do_v i_o now_o if_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o and_o again_o gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v whence_o it_o
be_v manifest_a that_o when_o a_o regenerate_a man_n fail_v in_o his_o obedience_n it_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v because_o his_o will_n be_v free_a and_o so_o willing_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o because_o his_o will_n be_v not_o so_o free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n as_o it_o desire_v to_o be_v but_o be_v partly_o in_o bondage_n under_o the_o command_n thereof_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n there_o be_v in_o every_o regenerate_a man_n a_o possibility_n or_o power_n of_o resistencie_n always_o remain_v so_o long_o as_o any_o corruption_n abide_v in_o he_o which_o will_v perpetual_o make_v some_o opposition_n more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o good_a work_n but_o for_o the_o prevail_a act_n of_o resistency_n whereby_o such_o good_a work_n may_v be_v quite_o hinder_v we_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o assist_a grace_n effectual_o aid_v the_o regenerate_a faculty_n that_o act_n be_v take_v away_o the_o flesh_n may_v strive_v but_o the_o spirit_n do_v overcome_v infidelity_n may_v cast_v many_o doubt_n but_o faith_n at_o last_o prevail_v sin_n and_o the_o world_n may_v plead_v much_o worth_n and_o loveliness_n but_o yet_o in_o fine_a the_o love_n of_o god_n overtop_n all_o earthly_a base_a delight_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o only_a desire_n of_o enjoy_v that_o alone_o most_o bless_a and_o infinite_a goodness_n thus_o amaleck_n may_v fight_v but_o israel_n will_v get_v the_o victory_n a_o victory_n indeed_o certain_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o event_n but_o with_o some_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o combat_n wherein_o israel_n be_v sometime_o put_v unto_o the_o worst_a for_o you_o be_v to_o note_v that_o albeit_o in_o the_o general_a as_o touch_v those_o main_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o believe_a repent_v persevere_v in_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n grace_n do_v work_v so_o effectual_o with_o man_n regenerate_a will_n that_o corruption_n can_v hinder_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o act_n nevertheless_o in_o many_o particular_a action_n after_o his_o first_o conversion_n in_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o sanctification_n he_o may_v obey_v the_o entice_n of_o his_o corrupt_a concupiscence_n against_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o many_o time_n in_o sundry_a particular_n of_o christian_a practice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o deny_v that_o effectual_a assistance_n which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o afford_v and_o then_o he_o leave_v we_o unto_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o experiment_n to_o try_v what_o be_v in_o we_o for_o humiliation_n in_o discovery_n of_o our_o weakness_n unto_o we_o for_o exercise_v of_o christian_a watchfulness_n in_o make_v diligent_a use_n of_o all_o gracious_a help_n and_o the_o like_a good_a purpose_n in_o which_o case_n a_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o leave_v unto_o himself_o present_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o the_o deceivable_a suggestion_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n whereby_o want_v a_o rescue_n to_o bring_v he_o off_o clear_a in_o this_o assault_n he_o be_v vanquish_v and_o though_o with_o much_o unwillingness_n lead_v away_o a_o prisoner_n unto_o those_o his_o spiritual_a adversary_n during_o the_o time_n of_o which_o bondage_n though_o grace_n show_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o cause_v many_o a_o heavy_a sigh_n a_o hearty_a prayer_n and_o longing_n wish_v after_o its_o former_a freedom_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o make_v a_o fair_a escape_n from_o his_o corruption_n till_o god_n spirit_n return_n and_o bring_v liâ—…_n with_o 〈◊〉_d break_v the_o gate_n of_o brass_n and_o cut_v in_o sunder_o the_o 17._o bar_n of_o iron_n that_o be_v enlarge_a the_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v again_o free_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o thus_o we_o confess_v that_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v resist_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v 19_o quench_v the_o spirit_n he_o may_v 30._o grieve_v the_o the_o spirit_n he_o may_v 12._o depart_v away_o from_o god_n through_o a_o evil_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n he_o may_v 11_o rebel_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o contemn_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o most_o high_a oppose_v all_o motion_n of_o grace_n in_o these_o rage_a fit_n of_o his_o corruption_n which_o still_o furious_o struggle_v for_o life_n after_o it_o be_v mortal_o wound_v in_o our_o regeneration_n but_o these_o desertion_n be_v not_o perpetual_a corruption_n may_v for_o a_o time_n let_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n but_o in_o all_o and_o always_o it_o shall_v never_o hinder_v god_n who_o have_v give_v unto_o a_o regenerate_a man_n a_o power_n to_o believe_v by_o the_o change_n of_o his_o will_n through_o the_o infusion_n of_o a_o constant_a inclination_n to_o all_o spiritual_a good_a will_v also_o cause_v the_o act_n of_o believe_v infallible_o to_o ensue_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o cooperate_a grace_n so_o powerful_o strengthen_v the_o regenerate_a will_n and_o so_o effectual_o restrain_v the_o rebellious_a motion_n of_o corruption_n that_o the_o will_n shall_v not_o choose_v but_o do_v that_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o most_o desire_v to_o do_v namely_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n now_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o touch_v this_o point_n of_o man_n liberty_n in_o resist_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o before_o true_a conversion_n all_o unregenerate_a person_n do_v resist_v the_o gracious_a mean_n and_o preparation_n to_o their_o conversion_n the_o reprobate_n final_o the_o elect_a for_o a_o time_n till_o grace_n become_v victorious_a in_o their_o perfect_a sanctification_n in_o this_o their_o first_o conversion_n or_o regeneration_n the_o elect_n be_v no_o way_n active_a either_o to_o work_v it_o or_o to_o hinder_v it_o after_o their_o conversion_n in_o the_o do_n of_o all_o good_a work_v immanent_a or_o transient_a they_o resist_v not_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v spiritual_a they_o can_v but_o resist_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o though_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o spiritual_a desertion_n the_o flesh_n do_v not_o only_o resist_v but_o also_o prevail_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o many_o particular_a gracious_a action_n yet_o for_o those_o main_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n hatred_n of_o evil_n etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n be_v infallible_o victorious_a both_o to_o do_v they_o after_o the_o first_o conversion_n and_o also_o final_o to_o persevere_v in_o do_v of_o they_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v thus_o 1._o by_o habitual_a grace_n infuse_v the_o sanctify_a will_n be_v constant_o determine_v to_o embrace_v all_o spiritual_a good_a 2._o by_o assist_v grace_n the_o will_n be_v stir_v up_o provoke_v allure_v and_o incline_v to_o obedience_n through_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o heavenly_a suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 3._o by_o the_o same_o assist_a grace_n all_o contrary_a motion_n of_o concupiscence_n be_v subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v obedience_n to_o follow_v because_o by_o grace_n the_o will_n be_v make_v willing_a to_o obey_v and_o by_o grace_n all_o impediment_n in_o obey_v be_v take_v away_o now_o when_o all_o let_n be_v remove_v what_o can_v let_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o desire_v hence_o you_o may_v perceive_v the_o vanity_n and_o odiousness_n of_o those_o imputation_n of_o manicheisme_n and_o stoicism_n which_o our_o adversary_n the_o jesuit_n and_o arminian_n throw_v upon_o this_o orthodox_n doctrine_n cry_v out_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o destroy_v nature_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o will_n take_v away_o all_o liberty_n from_o the_o will_n and_o turn_v it_o in_o the_o mere_a necessity_n of_o those_o natural_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v in_o brute_n beast_n yea_o as_o if_o we_o make_v the_o will_n like_o a_o dull_a and_o senseless_a block_n that_o can_v move_v itself_o a_o jot_n in_o any_o action_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v unworthy_a calumny_n raise_v out_o of_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n for_o refutation_n we_o need_v but_o deny_v what_o they_o bare_o affirm_v and_o tell_v they_o again_o that_o by_o our_o doctrine_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a nature_n it_o take_v not_o away_o but_o restore_v unto_o the_o will_v the_o true_a liberty_n thereof_o which_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o instability_n of_o a_o weathercock_n to_o move_v any_o way_n in_o a_o indifferency_n to_o will_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o fix_a determination_n to_o will_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a which_o determination_n be_v not_o from_o any_o violent_a compulsion_n of_o a_o external_a agent_n as_o if_o the_o will_n be_v move_v by_o grace_n unwilling_o nor_o yet_o by_o impose_v upon_o the_o will_v any_o natural_a necessity_n from_o some_o internal_a principle_n as_o if_o the_o will_n do_v
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
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 â—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 compass_n of_o save_v faith_n by_o the_o same_o holy_a faith_n whereby_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n believe_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n of_o christ_n do_v he_o also_o believe_v all_o other_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n with_o other_o inferior_a matter_n declare_v in_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a but_o the_o chief_a point_n to_o be_v note_v here_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o stand_v in_o universality_n and_o uniformity_n of_o assent_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v from_o god_n this_o universality_n of_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a regard_n 1._o of_o the_o object_n the_o thing_n believe_v when_o the_o faithful_a soul_n give_v full_a assent_n unto_o all_o thing_n reveal_v by_o god_n not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o it_o may_v assent_v unto_o without_o cross_v its_o own_o desire_n and_o purpose_n but_o unto_o those_o also_o that_o direct_o cross_v and_o oppose_v carnal_a reason_n carnal_a affection_n worldly_a pleasure_n and_o all_o other_o provocation_n to_o infidelity_n 2._o of_o the_o time_n and_o other_o particular_a circumstance_n whilst_o it_o do_v most_o hearty_o and_o inward_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o these_o thing_n not_o then_o alone_o when_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o contradiction_n and_o resistance_n but_o even_o then_o also_o most_o eager_o fix_v the_o aâ—â—iance_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o they_o when_o temptation_n rise_v when_o heretic_n dispute_v and_o cavil_n when_o humane_a reason_n fail_v and_o fall_v to_o argue_v of_o impossibility_n and_o unlikelihood_n when_o sinful_a lust_n hale_v this_o way_n and_o that_o when_o the_o world_n threaten_v or_o slatter_v when_o satan_n rage_v or_o speak_v fair_a then_o do_v true_a faith_n support_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n stand_v fast_o as_o mount_n zion_n or_o if_o shake_a a_o little_a it_o be_v not_o move_v out_o of_o his_o place_n but_o look_v beyond_o all_o present_a temptation_n to_o unbelief_n unto_o 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 shâ—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 câ—nciâ—de_v that_o therâ—â—_n no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o thâ—_n hand_n of_o sâ—â—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 aâ—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