in_o the_o like_a manner_n the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n be_v like_o a_o clear_a well_o polish_a glass_n free_a from_o dust_n â—lawes_n crack_n or_o other_o deformity_n in_o they_o we_o may_v behold_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n clear_o represent_v in_o their_o shape_n and_o proper_a colour_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o to_o see_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o when_o attentive_o we_o mark_v what_o be_v show_v unto_o we_o we_o may_v take_v distinct_a notice_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o in_o all_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v in_o itself_o distinct_a and_o clear_a though_o compare_v with_o that_o other_o proper_a immediate_a behold_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o face_n to_o face_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v it_o may_v just_o be_v term_v dark_a and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v one_o instance_n make_v all_o plain_a in_o gal._n 3._o 1._o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v describe_v unto_o the_o galatian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o their_o eye_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v crucify_v among_o they_o why_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o what_o be_v do_v at_o jerusalem_n on_o mount_n golgatha_n shall_v be_v see_v in_o galatia_n many_o hundred_o 〈◊〉_d mile_n from_o it_o how_o then_o be_v christ_n describe_v and_o crucify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o galatian_n it_o be_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o manifest_a declaration_n of_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o though_o it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o evident_a unto_o the_o galatian_n as_o they_o be_v unto_o such_o as_o stand_v by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v he_o suffer_v yet_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a be_v the_o representation_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o mirror_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v that_o the_o galatian_n faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o thing_n obscure_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n then_o for_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v present_a unto_o we_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n another_o for_o it_o to_o be_v perspicuous_o &_o plain_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o narration_n in_o which_o latter_a sense_n we_o affirm_v against_o the_o romanist_n that_o all_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o obscure_a but_o evident_a in_o those_o revelation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n 2._o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la dei_fw-la revelantis_fw-la for_o non_fw-la constat_fw-la nobis_fw-la clarè_v &_o evidenter_v revelationemillam_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la articulas_fw-la fidei_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la no_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a to_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n to_o who_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o be_v first_o inspire_v yes_o the_o jesuite_n grant_v that_o but_o yet_o hear_v his_o word_n num._n 12._o prophetae_fw-la &_o apostolâ—_n say_v he_o habuerunt_fw-la tantùm_fw-la evidentiam_fw-la revelationis_fw-la non_fw-la autemevidentiam_fw-la primae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la tamet_n si_fw-la enim_fw-la evidenter_fw-la cognoscerent_fw-la deum_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la ipsis_fw-la revelabat_fw-la mysteria_fw-la fides_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la evidenter_fw-la cognoscebant_fw-la deum_fw-la esse_fw-la summè_fw-la veracem_fw-la qui_fw-la nec_fw-la falli_fw-la possit_fw-la nec_fw-la fallere_fw-la vnde_fw-la sequitur_fw-la assensum_fw-la illorum_fw-la quem_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la circa_fw-la mysteria_fw-la fidei_fw-la fuisse_fw-la obscurum_fw-la &_o ejusdem_fw-la speciei_fw-la cum_fw-la assensu_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la see_v you_o this_o jesuite_n how_o he_o will_v blow_v away_o with_o one_o blast_n all_o the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o bring_v the_o matter_n about_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sure_a foot_n for_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o pope_n infallible_a fancy_n revelation_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n they_o be_v indeed_o evident_o know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o yet_o see_v the_o mischief_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o revealer_n be_v not_o evident_o know_v unto_o these_o holy_a man_n nor_o be_v they_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o god_n may_v and_o will_v tell_v they_o a_o lie_n a_o foul_a blasphemy_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o be_v not_o himself_o or_o think_v there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o infallible_o evident_o and_o most_o certain_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o will_v deceive_v any_o but_o touch_v this_o point_n that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o obscure_a totter_a foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n but_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o clear_a word_n full_a of_o brightness_n and_o majesty_n like_o light_n shine_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o it_o own_o character_n discover_v it_o own_o divine_a original_n of_o this_o hereafter_o more_o fit_o in_o handle_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n now_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o first_o point_n touch_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v evident_a or_o inevident_a these_o two_o confectary_n may_v be_v note_v out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o knowledge_n by_o sight_n take_v away_o faith_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o sight_n go_v but_o no_o further_o for_o as_o we_o say_v of_o belief_n in_o general_a so_o here_o evident_a experience_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o some_o thing_n do_v help_v our_o faith_n in_o other_o whence_o it_o be_v usual_a 20._o with_o the_o godly_a to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n for_o time_n to_o come_v by_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n mercy_n of_o old_a and_o that_o evident_a trial_n of_o they_o they_o have_v have_v in_o time_n past_a and_o thomas_n because_o he_o see_v the_o evident_a truth_n of_o ghrists_n resurrection_n do_v more_o firm_o believe_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o he_o but_o otherwise_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o sight_n wax_v so_o faith_n wain_v the_o great_a light_n &_o certainty_n drown_v the_o less_o &_o where_o knowledge_n be_v perfect_a the_o faith_n though_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o habit_n yet_o it_o cease_v in_o the_o act._n this_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o faith_n and_o sight_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o this_o walk_n by_o faith_n be_v be_v plain_a chap._n 4._o 18._o we_o look_v not_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2._o a_o distinct_a explicit_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o christian_a faith_n by_o explicit_a knowledge_n i_o mean_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o belief_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v plain_o declare_v in_o scripture_n this_o historical_a knowledge_n for_o so_o we_o may_v term_v it_o synecdochical_a of_o the_o letter_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v of_o christian_a faith_n as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n thereof_o for_o though_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o yet_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v where_o this_o knowledge_n go_v not_o before_o ignorant_a in_o this_o sense_n and_o vnbeleeve_a be_v term_n reciprocal_a as_o perfect_a knowledge_n by_o sight_n exclude_v faith_n of_o the_o thing_n see_v so_o do_v perfect_a ignorance_n of_o any_o thing_n destroy_v all_o faith_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v absolute_o ignorant_a in_o some_o thing_n yet_o a_o believer_n in_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o such_o a_o explicit_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n as_o that_o we_o must_v distinct_o apprehend_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n before_o we_o believe_v for_o the_o apostle_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o gentile_n article_n of_o faith_n as_o christ_n resurrection_n ascention_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o we_o affirm_v that_o where_o there_o be_v total_a ignorance_n of_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v no_o belief_n at_o all_o of_o that_o article_n as_o for_o example_n he_o that_o say_v i_o believe_v a_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o yet_o know_v not_o what_o a_o holy_a catholic_a church_n be_v what_o ever_o he_o say_v he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o that_o such_o a_o blind_a credo_fw-la be_v
opposite_a which_o at_o most_o be_v but_o subordinate_a and_o differ_v only_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n for_o be_v it_o not_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o crack_a brain_n to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o grace_n every_o way_n sufficient_a and_o powerful_a enough_o in_o itself_o to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o when_o this_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o sinner_n with_o a_o purpose_n and_o intent_n to_o convert_v he_o by_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v utter_o unsufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o it_o be_v strange_a whence_o or_o how_o man_n shall_v conceit_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o grace_n when_o they_o find_v insufficiency_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o work_n 2._o by_o the_o word_n grace_n we_o understand_v some_o supernatural_a gift_n free_o give_v unto_o man_n from_o god_n himself_o 3._o by_o the_o word_n christian_n we_o mean_v all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o militant_a church_n enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v of_o year_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o question_n touch_v not_o infant_n 4._o last_o by_o conversion_n as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v show_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v two_o thing_n either_o 1._o the_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o that_o act_n namely_o the_o sanctification_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a holiness_n 2._o the_o fruit_n or_o act_n of_o conversion_n proper_o so_o call_v when_o a_o man_n regenerate_v and_o renew_a in_o all_o part_n do_v actual_o employ_v they_o in_o love_v and_o obey_v god_n the_o first_o be_v god_n work_n upon_o we_o the_o next_o our_o work_n perform_v towards_o he_o when_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o inward_a grace_n give_v we_o after_o convert_v ourselves_o in_o thought_n and_o work_n towards_o god_n this_o latter_a be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o question_n but_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n which_o god_n work_v in_o he_o by_o infusion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n into_o all_o part_n this_o infusion_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o arminian_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o they_o burden_v this_o assertion_n with_o odious_a but_o untrue_a imputation_n of_o anabaptisticall_a enthusiasm_n and_o of_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v pour_v into_o we_o sleep_v without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o our_o own_o to_o get_v it_o which_o slander_n be_v only_o devise_v for_o the_o countenance_n of_o that_o impious_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o namely_o that_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n begin_v in_o some_o act_n which_o man_n himself_o perform_v and_o not_o in_o a_o work_n first_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n now_o that_o act_n of_o man_n be_v his_o assent_n and_o actual_a faith_n give_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o lewd_a imagination_n sufficient_o confute_v and_o cry_v down_o in_o the_o venerable_a assembly_n of_o the_o last_o synod_n as_o most_o derogatory_n to_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o vocation_n most_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o action_n so_o holy_a and_o good_a as_o be_v the_o yield_v of_o assent_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v in_o all_o his_o faculty_n the_o term_n thus_o explain_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v more_o full_o thus_o whether_o god_n do_v bestow_v upon_o all_o such_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v any_o such_o supernatural_a gift_n as_o be_v sufficient_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o they_o true_a sanctification_n though_o it_o do_v not_o always_o effectual_o produce_v it_o our_o adversary_n affirm_v it_o but_o we_o true_o maintain_v the_o negative_a part_n oppose_v against_o their_o assertion_n these_o two_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o supernatural_a gift_n give_v unto_o the_o unregenerate_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o work_v his_o sanctification_n but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v effectual_a to_o work_v it_o this_o have_v appear_v manifest_o enough_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n of_o this_o question_n and_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o evident_a to_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o main_a mistake_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o business_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v that_o they_o imagine_v our_o conversion_n to_o begin_v in_o some_o act_n of_o we_o namely_o our_o assent_v and_o believe_v not_o in_o some_o act_n of_o god_n sanctify_v the_o soul_n before_o it_o can_v assent_v and_o believe_v now_o because_o this_o act_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v do_v by_o god_n help_n for_o to_o salve_v this_o they_o have_v find_v a_o dainty_a new_a devise_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o strength_n when_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n a_o man_n may_v use_v it_o if_o he_o will_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o do_v use_v it_o then_o by_o that_o act_n he_o be_v convert_v if_o not_o yet_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o act_n if_o it_o have_v be_v thereto_o apply_v as_o in_o a_o like_a case_n when_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o sick_a man_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o walk_v he_o give_v he_o bodily_a strength_n sufficient_a to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v he_o but_o yet_o the_o man_n may_v have_v let_v his_o bed_n lie_v and_o stand_v still_o if_o he_o list_v so_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v he_o give_v we_o strength_n sufficient_a so_o to_o do_v it_o albeit_o we_o may_v if_o we_o will_v neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o this_o foul_a error_n have_v breed_v all_o that_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n wherein_o this_o controversy_n be_v wrap_v up_o and_o it_o contain_v two_o gross_a absurdity_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o they_o suppose_v a_o supernatural_a ability_n of_o believe_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o yet_o shall_v be_v no_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o opinion_n altogether_o new_a and_o against_o reason_n for_o ask_v they_o be_v not_o the_o inward_a disability_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o convert_v a_o part_n of_o our_o corruption_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v well_o be_v not_o then_o the_o infusion_n of_o a_o ability_n to_o believe_v and_o convert_v the_o do_v away_o of_o that_o corruption_n it_o be_v and_o then_o shall_v not_o that_o gift_n which_o abolish_v our_o sinful_a infirmity_n be_v just_o call_v a_o sanctify_a grace_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o wilful_a contradiction_n to_o all_o manifest_a truth_n will_v affirm_v that_o the_o rectify_v of_o our_o weak_a and_o corrupt_a faculty_n by_o a_o supernatural_a ability_n put_v into_o they_o and_o dispose_v they_o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a work_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n a_o act_n so_o holy_a must_v come_v from_o a_o habit_n as_o holy_a 2._o that_o they_o suppose_v the_o act_n in_o divine_a grace_n go_v before_o the_o habit_n a_o assertion_n in_o divinity_n not_o tolerable_a which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a and_o that_o question_v which_o christ_n put_v to_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n 12._o 34._o how_o can_v you_o that_o be_v evil_a speak_v good_a thing_n be_v more_o than_o any_o arminian_n cau_n tell_v how_o to_o answer_v this_o pinch_v they_o and_o put_v they_o to_o this_o choice_n either_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o certain_o be_v utter_o evil_a may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o a_o gift_n as_o have_v not_o sanctify_v nor_o make_v he_o good_a not_o only_o speak_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v eminent_o good_a namely_o believe_v and_o convert_v or_o that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n perform_v by_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o good_a and_o sound_a and_o so_o no_o beginning_n of_o true_a conversion_n or_o that_o they_o do_v confess_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o other_o grace_n to_o be_v first_o implant_v in_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o universal_a renovation_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o whence_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n do_v afterward_o issue_n and_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o under_o those_o obscure_a and_o unexplicate_v term_n of_o supernatural_a strength_n to_o believe_v they_o grant_v in_o effect_n for_o the_o strength_n be_v either_o nothing_o
our_o assent_n unto_o divine_a truth_n spring_n from_o these_o three_o fountain_n 1_o from_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n 2_o from_o the_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v 3_o from_o the_o manifest_a experiment_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o truth_n know_v unto_o us._n of_o these_o in_o order_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n whereon_o be_v build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n be_v the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o call_v this_o the_o chief_a ground_n because_o it_o be_v that_o whereunto_o final_o all_o our_o belief_n be_v resolve_v for_o ask_v the_o question_n wherefore_o do_v you_o firm_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o â—reed_n the_o answer_n be_v because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o answer_n be_v this_o because_o what_o ever_o god_n say_v istrue_v now_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n aswell_o know_v to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n it_o be_v grave_v deep_a upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o which_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o none_o can_v circumvent_v and_o over_o each_o he_o and_o again_o that_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o good_a holy_a and_o just_a that_o no_o â—ie_v can_v come_v of_o this_o truth_n as_o john_n speak_v john_n 2._o 21._o wisdom_n itself_o can_v be_v deceive_v truth_n itself_o can_v deceive_v and_o god_n be_v both_o wherefore_o none_o but_o a_o jesuite_n like_o becaâ—…_n who_o wit_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o lie_v and_o aequivocation_n under_o the_o father_n of_o â—ies_n will_v have_v affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o they_o know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o reveal_v heavenly_a mystery_n unto_o they_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o evident_o whether_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v himself_o or_o will_v not_o deceive_v they_o aly_v surmise_n much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o serpent_n when_o he_o tempt_v the_o woman_n yea_o say_v he_o have_v god_n indeed_o say_v so_o yes_o the_o woman_n answer_v god_n have_v say_v so_o and_o we_o know_v it_o but_o satan_n reply_v be_v you_o sure_a that_o god_n speak_v true_a when_o he_o say_v it_o the_o devil_n then_o deny_v it_o and_o becanus_n stagger_v at_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n speak_v man_n can_v be_v evident_o certain_a whether_o he_o speak_v true_a or_o false_a but_o we_o reject_v with_o abomination_n such_o a_o suggestion_n to_o infidelity_n that_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n and_o shake_v the_o low_a foundation-stone_n in_o all_o that_o build_n we_o know_v and_o be_v evident_o assure_v that_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o he_o or_o of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o lie_n from_o this_o first_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n essential_a truth_n we_o draw_v another_o that_o whersoever_o any_o revelation_n be_v certain_o know_v or_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v full_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v whence_o all_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v for_o themselves_o most_o certain_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o deliver_v though_o sometime_o they_o understand_v but_o dark_o 11._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v because_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n yea_o the_o devil_n themselves_o when_o they_o know_v as_o they_o do_v these_o revelation_n to_o be_v from_o god_n however_o they_o tempt_v man_n to_o distrust_n and_o out_o of_o malice_n raise_v up_o lie_v and_o slander_n upon_o god_n truth_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v themselves_o clear_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n and_o do_v assent_v unto_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n the_o devil_n know_v well_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o alum_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n even_o whilst_o he_o persuade_v he_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lie_n and_o when_o he_o inspire_v the_o pharisy_n to_o call_v christ._n samaritan_n belzebub_n a_o possess_a daemoniacke_n a_o deceiver_n and_o all_o to_o nought_o even_o than_o himself_o can_v not_o but_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n mar._n 5._o 7._o but_o this_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o hell_n to_o sight_n against_o the_o light_n and_o furious_o to_o oppose_v what_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v truth_n well_o thus_o far_o then_o our_o faith_n go_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o again_o when_o we_o know_v evident_o that_o god_n say_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v it_o without_o further_a question_n but_o here_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v all_o the_o doubt_n how_o know_v we_o infallible_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o therein_o be_v propose_v for_o we_o to_o believe_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a question_n wherein_o it_o great_o behoove_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o be_v prosecute_v through_o every_o particular_a i_o shall_v but_o only_o touch_v upon_o the_o general_a and_o give_v occasion_n to_o each_o one_o careful_o to_o bethink_v himself_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o sand._n the_o question_n be_v how_o be_v it_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n it_o have_v two_o branch_n 1_o toach_v each_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o do_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n know_v that_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o other_o prophet_n after_o he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v they_o know_v the_o writing_n and_o preach_v of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n partly_o by_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v the_o lively_a power_n and_o work_v whereof_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a then_o feel_v partly_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o prophetical_a office_n partly_o by_o the_o certain_a and_o infallible_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o their_o prophecy_n of_o which_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o their_o prophecy_n we_o have_v a_o general_a rule_n set_v down_o deut._n 18._o 18._o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v pur_fw-mi my_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o i_o command_v he_o 19_o and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o 20._o but_o the_o prophet_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o my_o name_n which_o i_o have_v not_o command_v he_o to_o speak_v or_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n even_o the_o same_o prophet_n shall_v die_v 2d_o and_o if_o thou_o think_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n hathnot_v speak_v 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n also_o the_o preach_n and_o write_v of_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o their_o time_n 2_o touch_v the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v now_o complete_o deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o write_v how_o can_v it_o evident_o and_o infallible_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o what_o we_o find_v write_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n not_o man_n invention_n in_o the_o solution_n of_o this_o question_n our_o adversary_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o we_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n differ_v irreconcilable_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o themselves_o they_o maintain_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n by_o any_o other_o argument_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o say_v they_o do_v infallible_o propose_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o ask_v a_o roman_a catholic_a wherefore_o do_v you_o
thing_n past_a will_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o boldness_n &_o confident_a expectation_n of_o the_o like_a success_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o much_o touch_v the_o three_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v touch_v this_o assent_n or_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o it_o and_o those_o essential_a difference_n whereby_o save_v faith_n in_o god_n elect_n be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o other_o we_o have_v show_v you_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v by_o what_o essential_a difference_n they_o be_v distinguish_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o assent_n by_o which_o general_o all_o faith_n be_v define_v be_v twofold_a 1_o general_n to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o good_a and_o true_a whilst_o bare_o consider_v in_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o have_v no_o opposition_n to_o our_o desire_n be_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o 2_o particular_a when_o assent_n be_v give_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o most_o true_a and_o good_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a occasion_n and_o compare_v with_o all_o contrary_a desire_n and_o provocation_n herein_o lie_v a_o substantial_a difference_n of_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n between_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o goodness_n of_o thing_n take_v in_o the_o general_a and_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o goodness_n of_o the_o samething_n particular_o apply_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o only_o a_o step_n unto_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v true_a and_o save_v it_o be_v common_o call_v by_o two_o name_n 1_o historical_a faith_n synecdochical_o from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o because_o it_o believe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o history_n or_o doctrine_n that_o be_v express_v therein_o 2_o temporary_a faith_n from_o the_o event_n &_o issue_n of_o it_o because_o it_o persevere_fw-la not_o unto_o the_o end_n but_o fail_v in_o time_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v these_o two_o name_n which_o assent_v to_o thing_n in_o gross_a fly_v off_o and_o disallow_n when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_a application_n such_o a_o general_a assent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n who_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a &_o good_a because_o from_o god_n though_o meanwhile_n they_o hate_v both_o the_o one_o &_o other_o bitter_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n his_o word_n essence_n &_o attribute_n work_n upon_o their_o understand_n a_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o its_o certainty_n &_o excellency_n even_o when_o they_o with_o unspeakable_a hatred_n and_o horror_n think_v of_o it_o according_a james_n say_v they_o believe_v &_o tremble_v 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o thousand_o of_o hypocrite_n &_o reprobate_n who_o be_v enlighten_v and_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n yield_v a_o general_a assent_n unto_o it_o for_o the_o time_n as_o in_o those_o luk._n 8._o â—3_n who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o they_o have_v no_o root_n which_o for_o a_o while_o believe_v but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n goâ—_n away_o in_o those_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o which_o be_v enlighten_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v salve_n away_o in_o those_o many_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n name_n but_o yet_o christ_n will_v not_o trust_v they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v at_o heart_n joh._n 2._o 23_o 24._o in_o those_o many_o again_o that_o at_o another_o time_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o caveat_n that_o they_o look_v their_o faith_n be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n you_o be_v very_o my_o disciple_n joh._n 8._o 30._o 31._o such_o a_o faith_n be_v in_o simon_n the_o witch_n act._n 8._o 13._o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o be_v baptize_v even_o whilst_o yet_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n i._o a_o â—ierce_a enemy_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v and_o fast_o bind_v unto_o the_o love_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o seem_v willing_a to_o forsake_v verse_n 23._o such_o a_o conception_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o falix_n who_o tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n dispute_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o he_o believe_v and_o like_o the_o devil_n tremble_v but_o faelix_fw-la be_v not_o temperate_a his_o wife_n drusilla_n 5._o be_v another_o man_n wife_n felix_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o covetous_a and_o look_v for_o a_o bribe_n and_o this_o like_v he_o not_o that_o paul_n shall_v come_v so_o close_o to_o he_o wherefore_o he_o have_v a_o shift_n and_o put_v he_o off_o in_o compliment_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o faelix_fw-la will_v take_v at_o leisure_n the_o same_o imperfect_a faith_n there_o be_v in_o king_n agrippa_n who_o hear_v paul_n apology_n can_v have_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v a_o christian_a have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o fashion_n with_o king_n at_o that_o time_n act_v 26._o 28._o so_o be_v the_o case_n with_o herod_n who_o hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o reverence_v he_o as_o a_o just_a man_n and_o holy_a and_o do_v many_o thing_n willing_o mark_v 6._o 20._o but_o if_o john_n be_v so_o bold_a with_o hâ—rod_n as_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o incest_n he_o shall_v to_o prison_n for_o it_o and_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n yet_o he_o shall_v die_v if_o herod_n do_v not_o fear_v the_o multitude_n more_o than_o he_o reverence_a john_n matth._n 14._o 5._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o man_n still_o who_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o contain_v but_o this_o go_v no_o further_a than_o generality_n whilst_o they_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a consider_v abstractive_o and_o in_o the_o universality_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v they_o in_o any_o of_o their_o main_a desire_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o long_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o forward_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_v as_o the_o best_a the_o cause_n of_o this_o kind_a of_o faith_n in_o man_n be_v many_o as_o 1._o that_o common_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o man_n be_v enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o grace_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o unsancty_v more_o for_o other_o than_o their_o own_o good_a some_o light_n shine_v upon_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v know_v and_o assent_v unto_o divine_a truth_n for_o a_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o other_o may_v be_v instruct_v by_o their_o teach_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n do_v also_o use_v the_o help_n and_o ministry_n of_o such_o man_n according_a as_o solomon_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n who_o employ_v not_o the_o natural_a israelite_n but_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o canaanite_n and_o stranger_n that_o live_v in_o the_o land_n to_o be_v bearer_n of_o burden_n and_o hewer_n of_o stone_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 2._o 17._o and_o these_o man_n though_o unsanctified_a and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o themselves_o hearty_o esteem_v and_o affect_v that_o which_o they_o know_v yet_o in_o the_o general_a they_o believe_v it_o and_o willing_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n again_o 2._o authority_n of_o man_n in_o high_a account_n for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n the_o esteem_n that_o the_o people_n have_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n make_v herod_n reverence_v he_o the_o more_o and_o the_o fame_n that_o go_v of_o christ_n draw_v many_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o with_o hundred_o who_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n stand_v or_o fall_v with_o their_o admiration_n or_o disesteem_v of_o man_n person_n the_o same_o effect_n
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
be_v a_o word_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n as_o christ_n speak_v of_o his_o own_o john_n 6._o 63._o a_o work_a word_n renew_v in_o soul_n and_o create_v in_o it_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n 2._o outward_a in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n call_v we_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n whereto_o the_o spirit_n join_v his_o secret_a virtue_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o who_o he_o please_v i_o will_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o justify_v this_o distinction_n of_o our_o outward_a and_o inward_a vocation_n so_o ancient_a so_o necessary_a but_o yet_o in_o these_o quarrelsome_a time_n deride_v and_o scornful_o reject_v let_v we_o for_o the_o present_n take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n thus_o those_o of_o the_o elect_n that_o die_v infant_n be_v internal_o call_v and_o convert_v that_o be_v sanctify_a before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o external_a vocation_n those_o of_o the_o elect_n that_o live_v to_o ripe_a age_n be_v convert_v and_o call_v both_o inward_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o outward_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o word_n in_o both_o sort_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v the_o same_o and_o infant_n have_v it_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n as_o other_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o word_n but_o those_o of_o year_n have_v it_o also_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a vocation_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o and_o together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n call_v man_n unto_o himself_o now_o a_o voice_n presuppose_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o a_o understanding_n to_o perceive_v infant_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v call_v by_o any_o such_o voice_n though_o they_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o sanctify_a and_o this_o work_n of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v also_o not_o unusual_o in_o scripture_n style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o 15._o call_v wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v a_o little_a further_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o their_o infancy_n let_v this_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o sure_a conclusion_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n may_v be_v and_o be_v infuse_v into_o many_o of_o the_o elect_a in_o their_o very_a infancy_n the_o truth_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o any_o do_v or_o can_v just_o deny_v consider_v 1._o that_o infant_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o the_o habit_n of_o sanctity_n as_o man_n be_v 2._o that_o their_o soul_n may_v as_o well_o be_v now_o sanctify_v by_o infuse_a grace_n as_o if_o adam_n have_v not_o fell_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v holy_a even_o from_o the_o womb_n by_o original_a justice_n propagate_v unto_o they_o and_o inherent_a in_o they_o 3._o that_o the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n holy_a even_o from_o the_o conception_n which_o be_v therein_o by_o special_a privilege_n like_v unto_o that_o course_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o our_o conception_n and_o birth_n if_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v 4._o that_o it_o can_v honest_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o in_o john_n baptist_n but_o that_o so_o great_a a_o prophet_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o from_o the_o womb_n which_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o that_o his_o extraordinary_a motion_n upon_o the_o salutation_n of_o marie_n the_o mother_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n luke_n 1._o 41._o 44._o and_o of_o jeremie_n it_o be_v not_o unprobable_a by_o that_o which_o god_n say_v of_o he_o jer._n 1._o 5._o before_o i_o form_v thou_o in_o the_o womb_n i_o know_v thou_o and_o before_o thou_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n i_o sanctify_v thou_o and_o ordain_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unto_o the_o nation_n albeit_o here_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o sanctify_v here_o may_v well_o be_v take_v not_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n but_o for_o a_o designation_n unto_o such_o a_o function_n and_o a_o preparation_n of_o the_o prophet_n thereto_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o such_o quality_n as_o may_v make_v he_o meet_v for_o the_o discharge_n thereof_o as_o extraordinary_a wisdom_n courage_n patience_n and_o the_o like_a in_o which_o sense_n the_o word_n sanctify_v be_v not_o unusual_o take_v as_o esa._n 13._o 3._o where_o god_n call_v the_o mede_n and_o persian_n prepare_v and_o design_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o babylonian_n his_o sanctify_a one_o i_o e._n set_v apart_o for_o his_o own_o service_n in_o that_o business_n so_o also_o paul_n of_o himself_o gal._n 1._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o separate_v i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o apostleship_n from_o this_o conclusion_n that_o elect_a infant_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n namely_o in_o the_o habit_n implant_v in_o their_o soul_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v four_o corollary_n thereon_o depend_v each_o whereof_o have_v their_o necessary_a use_n 1._o a_o resolution_n of_o that_o doubt_n which_o trouble_v many_o tender_a conscience_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o their_o salvation_n in_o high_a regard_n be_v suspicious_o jealous_a over_o their_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o worst_a of_o themselves_o where_o they_o see_v no_o manifest_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n these_o man_n will_v often_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o time_n when_o of_o stark_o naught_o they_o become_v good_a and_o holy_a they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o their_o birth_n have_v be_v of_o religious_a parent_n their_o education_n under_o godly_a governor_n that_o from_o their_o youth_n they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o frequent_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o public_a and_o to_o use_v themselves_o to_o all_o duty_n of_o devotion_n in_o private_a some_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o godliness_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o but_o they_o know_v not_o how_o it_o have_v creep_v upon_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o they_o question_v whether_o all_o be_v right_a or_o no_o with_o they_o because_o they_o never_o remember_v in_o all_o their_o life_n that_o ever_o there_o be_v such_o a_o alteration_n wrought_v in_o they_o as_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v to_o be_v in_o other_o man_n to_o these_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v sorry_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o bad_a as_o other_o man_n they_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v thankful_a that_o god_n do_v so_o soon_o stop_v up_o in_o they_o that_o bloody_a issue_n which_o in_o other_o have_v so_o many_o year_n run_v incurable_o that_o he_o heal_v their_o wound_n when_o they_o be_v green_a and_o cure_v their_o impoisened_a nature_n before_o the_o venom_n thereof_o grow_v more_o rank_n and_o rage_a that_o he_o bow_v their_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v yongue_n and_o tender_a before_o they_o grow_v stiff_a and_o old_a in_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v preserve_v their_o youth_n from_o those_o corruption_n which_o other_o in_o their_o age_n have_v decre_o repent_v of_o let_v such_o who_o from_o their_o infancy_n have_v with_o isaac_n samuel_n timothy_n and_o other_o saint_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o all_o pictie_n and_o grow_v as_o in_o stature_n so_o in_o favour_n and_o grace_n with_o god_n and_o good_a man_n let_v such_o not_o doubt_v to_o say_v it_o be_v at_o my_o baptism_n or_o at_o my_o birth_n or_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n that_o god_n have_v deal_v so_o gracious_o with_o i_o sanctify_v i_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o then_o be_v give_v i_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o show_v itself_o in_o all_o bless_a inclination_n to_o religious_a course_n 2._o a_o justification_n of_o that_o prayer_n in_o our_o public_a liturgy_n where_o the_o congregation_n give_v thanks_n to_o god_n for_o the_o child_n baptize_v in_o that_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o regenerate_a the_o infant_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o receive_v he_o for_o his_o own_o child_n by_o adoption_n and_o to_o incorporate_v he_o into_o his_o holy_a congregation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n the_o scale_n of_o our_o sanctification_n do_v take_v effect_n many_o time_n immediate_o in_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o present_a grace_n into_o the_o infant_n soul_n though_o many_o time_n also_o it_o have_v not_o its_o effect_n till_o many_o year_n after_o but_o see_v it_o be_v questionless_a true_a in_o many_o we_o may_v and_o must_v charitable_o suppose_v it_o in_o every_o one_o for_o when_o we_o come_v to_o particular_a who_o dare_v we_o exclude_v and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v without_o tie_v the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n necessary_o to_o baptism_n as_o some_o complain_v that_o we_o do_v by_o
of_o that_o enmity_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o goodness_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o our_o 7._o nature_n we_o shall_v all_o universal_o and_o final_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o discretion_n whither_o or_o no_o we_o will_v receive_v it_o except_o our_o tongue_n be_v first_o bring_v unto_o a_o right_a temper_n purge_v from_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a humour_n that_o have_v overflow_v and_o infect_v they_o we_o shall_v distaste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o nothing_o will_v seem_v so_o unsavoury_a to_o our_o relish_n as_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n our_o distemper_a disorder_a and_o crooked_a disposition_n must_v be_v first_o rectify_v by_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n before_o we_o can_v possible_o take_v any_o true_a benefit_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v thus_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o second_o main_a conclusion_n stand_v good_a that_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o sanctification_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v because_o none_o of_o those_o other_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v they_o be_v sufficient_a but_o only_o the_o inward_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v not_o bestow_v on_o all_o because_o wheresoever_o it_o work_v it_o be_v always_o infallible_o effectual_a by_o no_o mean_n possible_o to_o be_v hinder_v which_o shall_v be_v further_o show_v in_o our_o three_o question_n touch_v the_o controversy_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o a_o scruple_n or_o two_o cast_v into_o our_o way_n by_o the_o adversary_n will_v be_v remove_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v never_o separate_v and_o for_o it_o they_o bring_v scripture_n and_o reason_n scripture_n 1._o esa._n 55._o 11._o the_o word_n that_o go_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v unto_o i_o void_a but_o it_o shall_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v prosper_v in_o the_o thing_n whereto_o i_o send_v it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o place_n intend_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o large_a sense_n we_o grant_v that_o at_o every_o sermon_n the_o prophet_n or_o preacher_n make_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o his_o word_n but_o how_o to_o make_v it_o powerful_a unto_o conversion_n in_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v nothing_o less_o it_o suffice_v that_o that_o be_v do_v in_o some_o only_a for_o who_o sake_n god_n chief_o send_v it_o for_o other_o that_o be_v disobedient_a god_n have_v his_o work_n in_o they_o too_o namely_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o judgement_n though_o not_o of_o grace_n 2._o 3._o act._n 7._o 51._o you_o have_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n viz._n who_o virtue_n be_v show_v upon_o their_o heart_n in_o and_o together_o with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o that_o either_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n or_o when_o they_o hear_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v wilful_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o know_v these_o be_v just_o say_v to_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o resist_v his_o 24._o ordinance_n and_o his_o work_n enlighten_v their_o understanding_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n the_o jew_n have_v both_o and_o resist_v 10._o both_o but_o it_o can_v appear_v by_o this_o place_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o quicken_a virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v effectual_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jew_n unregenerate_a only_o they_o have_v the_o external_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o also_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o effect_n the_o spirit_n work_v ordinary_o in_o most_o but_o not_o universal_o in_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n 3._o heb._n 6._o 4._o 5._o and_o 10._o 26._o 29._o but_o these_o place_n as_o they_o touch_v only_o some_o of_o the_o unregenerate_a which_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n wrought_v upon_o not_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v so_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o appear_v upon_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o by_o that_o save_v and_o quicken_a power_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a cause_n of_o true_a sanctification_n but_o only_o a_o more_o special_a degree_n of_o a_o inferior_a grace_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o reason_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v thâ—se_a 1._o if_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o go_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n do_v not_o sincere_o mean_v that_o which_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o for_o outward_o by_o his_o word_n he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o who_o yet_o secret_o he_o will_v not_o have_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o if_o he_o will_v have_v they_o come_v why_o do_v he_o not_o give_v they_o that_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o which_o he_o know_v they_o can_v come_v as_o for_o example_n when_o by_o the_o word_n he_o call_v upon_o man_n and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o convert_v if_o he_o will_v this_o serious_o why_o do_v not_o god_n bestow_v on_o man_n all_o such_o help_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v require_v on_o his_o part_n inward_a as_o well_o as_o outward_a without_o which_o they_o can_v convert_v if_o he_o will_v it_o not_o serious_o why_o do_v he_o command_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v they_o can_v nay_o we_o know_v he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o do_v be_v not_o this_o dissemble_a to_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o mean_v another_o to_o will_v one_o thing_n in_o word_n another_o in_o secret_a intent_n answ._n none_o more_o damnable_a hypocrite_n than_o they_o that_o will_v accuse_v god_n of_o counterfeit_v he_o deal_v plain_o fair_o open_o speak_v as_o he_o mean_v and_o as_o it_o please_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v if_o he_o bid_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v well_o he_o will_v true_o have_v he_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v it_o his_o secret_a desire_n he_o shall_v continue_v in_o his_o wickedness_n when_o he_o open_o exhort_v he_o to_o come_v unto_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o double_a will_n in_o god_n 1._o voluntas_fw-la approbationis_fw-la of_o allowance_n god_n as_o he_o know_v so_o he_o like_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o intend_v never_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v 2_o voluntas_fw-la effectionâ—s_fw-la &_o â—â—tentionis_fw-la of_o performance_n when_o god_n intend_v that_o shall_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o approve_v as_o good_a in_o itself_o now_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n god_n will_v it_o serious_o by_o way_n of_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n that_o the_o creature_n shall_v convert_v to_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o creator_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n true_o good_a and_o god_n just_o command_v it_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n can_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n perform_v it_o god_n do_v true_o approve_v and_o like_v well_o of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o will_n the_o conversion_n of_o all_o man_n effectual_o by_o way_n of_o full_a intention_n to_o work_v it_o in_o they_o if_o man_n can_v do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v his_o bind_a duty_n he_o shall_v well_o and_o good_a god_n will_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o god_n will_v not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o a_o man_n strength_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v he_o bind_v so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o fraud_n nor_o sancta_fw-la simulatio_fw-la or_o duplex_fw-la persona_fw-la in_o god_n as_o some_o impious_o at_o least_o imagine_v as_o if_o his_o word_n have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_n to_o his_o secret_a intent_n no_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n be_v sincere_a what_o he_o command_v he_o will_v to_o be_v do_v as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o good_a and_o on_o our_o part_n our_o pure_a due_a obedience_n to_o do_v it_o and_o his_o secret_a inient_fw-la of_o not_o give_v a_o man_n sufficient_a ability_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n cross_v not_o his_o approbation_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o they_o be_v blind_a that_o will_v not_o understand_v this_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o approve_v of_o a_o end_n as_o good_a another_o thing_n to_o will_v it_o with_o a_o purpose_n of_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o effect_v it_o god_n commandment_n or_o exhortation_n show_v what_o he_o approve_v and_o will_v to_o be_v do_v as_o good_a but_o his_o 20._o promise_n or_o threaten_n
they_o yes_o there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o great_a need_n we_o shall_v make_v this_o prayer_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n not_o only_o to_o understand_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o common_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v ordinary_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o height_n depth_n and_o largeness_n of_o god_n love_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n the_o pretiousnesse_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n the_o power_n and_o save_a virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o rare_a excellency_n and_o amiableness_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o none_o can_v do_v without_o the_o special_a 169._o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n change_v the_o understanding_n from_o natural_a to_o spiritual_a by_o a_o immediate_a infusion_n of_o such_o a_o quality_n as_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v aright_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n i_o conclude_v this_o point_n with_o one_o reason_n more_o if_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o illumination_n require_v but_o only_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o object_n plain_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n without_o any_o further_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o understanding_n itself_o infuse_v into_o it_o a_o special_a strength_n to_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o it_o than_o it_o will_v be_v know_v whether_o these_o man_n think_v that_o our_o intellective_a faculty_n have_v get_v any_o hurt_n and_o defect_n by_o adam_n fall_n yea_o or_o no._n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o think_v that_o man_n fall_n have_v not_o bring_v any_o defect_n and_o weakness_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o man_n understanding_n no_o not_o in_o spiritualibâ—…s_n for_o mark_v it_o when_o divine_a thing_n be_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o lively_a manner_n declare_v to_o the_o understanding_n be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o faculty_n that_o must_v be_v first_o amend_v by_o the_o spirit_n before_o it_o can_v have_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n no_o say_v they_o so_o therebe_n the_o common_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n preserve_v unto_o we_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o may_v without_o any_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n understand_v spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v plain_o expound_v unto_o we_o why_o then_o here_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o adam_n and_o we_o his_o understanding_n be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a because_o he_o have_v both_o the_o power_n to_o conceive_v of_o thing_n he_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o he_o and_o also_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o wonderful_a variety_n in_o all_o thing_n our_o understanding_n be_v imperfect_a and_o unhappy_a because_o by_o our_o fall_n we_o want_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o almost_o all_o thing_n especial_o spiritual_a but_o yet_o we_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o power_n that_o we_o have_v in_o adam_n to_o understand_v any_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v once_o clear_o discover_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o arminius_n school_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v like_a unto_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o dark_a the_o eye_n be_v well_o and_o without_o blemish_n need_v no_o cure_n of_o any_o defect_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o see_v nought_o because_o the_o object_n be_v not_o enlighten_v so_o soon_o as_o light_n shine_v on_o that_o cause_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o the_o eye_n without_o further_a ado_n can_v easy_o perceive_v it_o but_o this_o be_v yet_o the_o very_a pride_n and_o gall_n of_o a_o heretical_a spirit_n secret_o accuse_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o god_n reveal_v wisdom_n whether_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o obscurity_n and_o darkness_n we_o forsooth_o have_v eye_n and_o we_o need_v not_o that_o god_n shall_v restore_v unto_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o see_v only_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n because_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v be_v in_o darkness_n if_o god_n will_v take_v away_o obscurity_n from_o they_o and_o make_v they_o evident_a to_o be_v know_v there_o be_v no_o such_o infirmity_n in_o we_o but_o we_o may_v know_v they_o if_o we_o be_v attentive_a let_v we_o from_o our_o heart_n detest_v this_o odious_a popish_a imputation_n of_o obscurity_n lay_v upon_o nature_n and_o scripture_n as_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o ignorance_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o let_v we_o detest_v that_o opinion_n which_o lead_v we_o upon_o this_o absurdity_n and_o learn_v we_o to_o confess_v our_o blindness_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o restore_v our_o understanding_n to_o its_o first_o perfection_n else_o though_o the_o light_n shine_v round_o about_o we_o make_v all_o thing_n wherein_o god_n be_v to_o be_v know_v most_o appparant_a and_o visible_a yet_o we_o may_v still_o lie_v in_o darkness_n and_o perish_v in_o our_o ignorance_n this_o be_v their_o first_o error_n touch_v the_o understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o in_o handle_v the_o part_n of_o faith_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o touch_v the_o affection_n which_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o even_o in_o divine_a thing_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v right_o inform_v and_o thorough_o convince_v the_o affection_n be_v present_o excite_v in_o all_o motion_n conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n know_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n of_o so_o deep_a learning_n shall_v yet_o profess_v so_o much_o ignorance_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n as_o to_o dream_v of_o a_o correspondency_n and_o dutiful_a subjection_n of_o our_o passion_n unto_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o when_o this_o be_v right_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v true_o affect_v even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v say_v of_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n and_o to_o affirm_v this_o touch_a man_n corrupt_v be_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o reason_n authority_n and_o all_o experience_n which_o speak_v the_o contrary_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o as_o we_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o god_n so_o be_v we_o at_o odds_n with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o affection_n be_v not_o more_o often_o mislead_v by_o our_o erroneous_a understanding_n than_o our_o understanding_n and_o right_a judgement_n be_v hale_v aside_o by_o our_o vicious_a affection_n what_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v himself_o but_o will_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o naturalibus_fw-la and_o moralibus_fw-la much_o more_o in_o spiritualibus_fw-la he_o may_v often_o say_v with_o medea_n video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la wherefore_o we_o reject_v this_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a inclination_n proper_o inherent_a in_o the_o affection_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o per_fw-la tâ—nâ—bras_fw-la mentis_fw-la through_o the_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n we_o detest_v this_o assertion_n as_o a_o fond_a and_o false_a imagination_n and_o we_o confess_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o even_o when_o we_o know_v allow_v of_o consent_n unto_o the_o goodness_n of_o 7._o the_o law_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o in_o part_n yet_o than_o we_o can_v always_o do_v what_o we_o will_v but_o through_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o corrupt_a will_n and_o affection_n be_v lead_v captive_a to_o disobedience_n their_o three_o error_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o the_o affection_n may_v be_v excitati_fw-la stir_v up_o and_o quicken_v with_o true_a love_n of_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_a before_o such_o time_n as_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v the_o arminian_n be_v wonderful_a obscure_a in_o explicate_v unto_o we_o their_o new_a invent_a opinion_n concern_v the_o excitation_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o they_o make_v the_o second_o work_n of_o grace_n precede_v man_n true_a conversion_n they_o tell_v we_o not_o in_o plain_a term_n what_o affection_n they_o mean_v nor_o yet_o what_o kind_n of_o excitation_n and_o vivification_n it_o be_v they_o will_v have_v wherefore_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v of_o both_o for_o affection_n or_o passion_n in_o man_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o sensual_a belong_v to_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o fantasy_n these_o be_v common_a to_o brute_n beast_n with_o we_o and_o arise_v from_o one_o like_a temper_n and_o constitution_n in_o both_o the_o object_n of_o these_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
be_o very_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o you_o may_v judge_v my_o discourse_n have_v have_v more_o philosophy_n than_o divinity_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o this_o place_n i_o confess_v it_o and_o crave_v your_o pardon_n for_o it_o only_o thus_o much_o let_v i_o say_v that_o i_o can_v not_o tell_v well_o how_o to_o avoid_v this_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o will_v clear_v our_o passage_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v you_o have_v then_o hear_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n what_o certainty_n in_o the_o assent_n give_v to_o it_o how_o it_o differ_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o knowledge_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o general_n and_o then_o i_o have_v do_v with_o it_o belief_n be_v at_o first_o define_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n know_v by_o revelation_n but_o now_o you_o be_v further_o to_o know_v that_o all_o assent_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o differ_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n assent_v unto_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o of_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n 1._o some_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o only_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o without_o any_o special_a relation_n to_o our_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n unto_o such_o thing_n whether_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n do_v yield_v that_o common_a assent_n and_o approbation_n whereby_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o ttuth_n and_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v this_o be_v call_v a_o bare_a assent_n or_o credulitas_fw-la belief_n in_o strict_a term_n when_o we_o only_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o go_v no_o further_o 2._o some_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o more_o special_o as_o contain_v some_o excellent_a truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o concern_v we_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o benefit_n that_o we_o shall_v get_v thereby_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o assent_n be_v with_o adherence_n affiance_n trust_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o thing_n reveal_v for_o as_o in_o general_a all_o truth_n and_o goodness_n draw_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o approbation_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v know_v so_o much_o more_o do_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o necessity_n wherein_o we_o may_v claim_v special_a interest_n and_o commodity_n unite_v our_o will_n and_o understanding_n in_o strong_a assent_n and_o adherence_n unto_o they_o this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v in_o strict_a term_n call_v faith_n or_o trust_n fides_n fiducia_n which_o imply_v much_o more_o than_o credulitas_fw-la belief_n fidere_fw-la in_o the_o property_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o degree_n beyond_o credere_fw-la import_v a_o assent_n with_o reliance_n and_o confidence_n now_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o assent_n be_v nothing_o but_o promise_n of_o some_o good_a hereafter_o to_o befall_v we_o and_o promise_n be_v never_o believe_v unless_o they_o be_v trust_v upon_o as_o a_o captive_n can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v he_o that_o promise_v to_o ransom_n he_o upon_o a_o day_n unless_o he_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o which_o case_n we_o can_v distinguish_v between_o belief_n and_o trust_n itself_o fidem_fw-la and_o fiduciam_fw-la to_o make_v they_o two_o several_a act_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a thus_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o some_o such_o truth_n as_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a to_o i_o in_o particular_a they_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n consist_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o performance_n the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n consist_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v more_o or_o less_o excellent_a but_o now_o to_o trust_v fiduciam_fw-la ponere_fw-la fidem_fw-la habere_fw-la upon_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v for_o that_o often_o be_v know_v perfect_o enough_o but_o to_o bebeleeve_v the_o certainty_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o unto_o i_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o rich_a man_n promise_n to_o pay_v a_o poor_a man_n debt_n the_o poor_a man_n need_v not_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o he_o well_o know_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o what_o then_o must_v he_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o where_o in_o stand_v that_o in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n will_v certain_o do_v for_o he_o what_o he_o have_v say_v now_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o trust_v he_o so_o that_o belief_n and_o trust_n or_o affiance_n be_v here_o essential_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n thus_o much_o of_o faith_n or_o belief_n take_v in_o its_o large_a extent_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o the_o special_a consideration_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n be_v christian_a apply_v unto_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a matter_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n faith_n in_o this_o use_n of_o the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a acception_n 1._o improper_a and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v three_o way_n 1._o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o thing_n believe_v either_o 1._o general_o for_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n as_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o shall_v give_v heed_n to_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n see_v many_o the_o like_a place_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o gal._n 3._o 2._o &_o 1._o 23._o act._n 6._o 7._o jud._n vers_fw-la 3._o 2._o special_o for_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 23._o before_o faith_n come_v id_fw-la est_fw-la christ_n compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 19_o 24._o 25._o 2._o for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o rom._n 1._o 8._o your_o faith_n be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v act._n 14._o 22._o 3._o for_o that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v fidelity_n or_o faithfulness_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o god_n rom._n 3._o 3._o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n or_o in_o man_n tit._n 2._o 10._o that_o they_o may_v show_v all_o good_a faith_n or_o faithfulness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o of_o the_o word_n take_v improper_o the_o next_o acception_n of_o it_o be_v 2._o proper_a where_o to_o give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v comprise_v in_o general_a term_n all_o the_o degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v fit_o define_v thus_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n give_v by_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n the_o term_n of_o this_o definition_n be_v large_a and_o require_v a_o diligent_a explication_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o facility_n attain_v our_o chief_a intent_n in_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_v or_o justify_v faith_n wherefore_o in_o the_o definition_n i_o prove_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o 1._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n divine_a revelation_n 2._o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n the_o reasonable_a creature_n 3._o the_o genus_fw-la of_o it_o viz._n assent_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o in_o that_o order_n i_o have_v propose_v ¶_o 1._o the_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n the_o creator_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n these_o revelation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o some_o immediate_a from_o god_n himself_o by_o vision_n dream_n or_o other_o secret_a but_o infallible_a suggestion_n such_o revelation_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o as_o they_o believe_v certain_o the_o thing_n reveal_v so_o they_o know_v infallible_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o illusion_n of_o satan_n or_o their_o own_o brain_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o they_o know_v it_o as_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v unto_o any_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o inward_o what_o they_o shall_v preach_v or_o answer_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o business_n or_o when_o saint_n paul_n indite_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n how_o do_v he_o or_o they_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n which_o then_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n be_v from_o immediate_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o
not_o book-learned_a do_v conceive_v to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o must_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a because_o man_n be_v careless_a be_v the_o bible_n a_o hard_a book_n because_o common_a people_n understand_v it_o not_o in_o latin_a be_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o darksome_a and_o intricate_a because_o one_o man_n understand_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o another_o do_v or_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n perceive_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prophecy_n which_o the_o next_o age_n may_v clear_o understand_v these_o be_v weak_a inference_n and_o such_o as_o can_v overturn_v our_o first_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o all_o doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o narration_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n bad_a and_o good_a for_o what_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v name_v that_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o understand_v i_o say_v not_o by_o a_o learned_a or_o godly_a but_o even_o by_o any_o man_n what_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v plain_o find_v out_o what_o text_n of_o doctrine_n whereof_o some_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v out_o may_v not_o all_o understand_v what_o one_o do_v yea_o take_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n life_n everlasting_a regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o obscure_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n any_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o common_a unto_o the_o unregenerate_a for_o charity_n though_o it_o can_v wish_v yet_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o to_o write_v or_o preach_v sound_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o man_n true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n experience_n and_o reason_n make_v good_a the_o contrary_a that_o a_o singular_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o no_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v compatible_a who_o see_v not_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o knowledge_n he_o surpass_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o in_o malice_n far_o exceed_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n unto_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o so_o essential_o link_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o teach_v whilst_o yet_o the_o heart_n remain_v froward_a unbroken_a and_o untractable_a the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n prefer_v they_o in_o our_o choice_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o gracious_a motion_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n powerful_o bind_v and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o right_n and_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a illumination_n to_o go_v far_o i_o say_v by_o common_a illumination_n understand_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o usual_a in_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n skill_n of_o language_n use_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n in_o their_o write_n and_o commentary_n conference_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o learned_a live_n and_o accustom_a painfulness_n in_o study_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o these_o mean_n a_o christian_a presuppose_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a writ_n may_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n prove_v excellent_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n he_o may_v understand_v all_o and_o every_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a belief_n all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o christian_a practice_n any_o sermon_n or_o treatise_n tend_v to_o holy_a instruction_n any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o dark_a and_o doubtfull_a interpretation_n yea_o in_o these_o thing_n many_o time_n sanctity_n go_v not_o so_o far_o as_o those_o common_a grace_n do_v and_o you_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o happy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n nor_o sound_a determiner_n of_o controversy_n but_o that_o both_o of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n many_a time_n man_n of_o ungodly_a life_n and_o idolatrous_a profession_n have_v equal_v and_o exceed_v other_o in_o their_o commentary_n and_o treatise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o every_o day_n show_v that_o many_o a_o wretched_a man_n and_o vile_a hypocrite_n may_v yet_o make_v so_o good_a a_o sermon_n even_o about_o the_o most_o spiritual_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o prayer_n that_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quick_a sight_n yet_o see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o may_v deem_v he_o sound_v heart_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o learn_v religion_n by_o rote_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v what_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o affect_v this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o next_o be_v this_o 2._o all_o history_n and_o prediction_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o most_o illuminate_v understanding_n by_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o the_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v stand_v long_o in_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n in_o many_o precept_n and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n sense_n and_o reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o do_v but_o in_o matter_n historical_a and_o prophetical_a faith_n only_o bear_v sway_v for_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o go_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o from_o authority_n of_o scripture_n relation_n that_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v noah_n save_v in_o the_o ark_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o by_o the_o story_n so_o for_o prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n they_o be_v not_o evident_a till_o the_o event_n make_v they_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o papacy_n root_v out_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o word_n foretell_v they_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o kind_n can_v our_o sense_n be_v inform_v or_o our_o understanding_n convince_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o revelation_n believe_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n principal_o be_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o make_v heb._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o where_o he_o use_v two_o word_n to_o express_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hope_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v of_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n and_o comprise_v all_o both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v thing_n hope_v for_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a both_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o drown_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v unseen_a and_o possession_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o 3._o precept_n and_o discourse_n of_o dogmatic_a point_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o both_o to_o the_o regenerate_a &_o also_o the_o unregenerate_a this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o manifest_a truth_n as_o shall_v appear_v thus_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v doctrinal_a discourse_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o of_o matter_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o morality_n other_o of_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o divinity_n
prove_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a whence_o they_o be_v and_o their_o right_a meaning_n how_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v they_o be_v primum_fw-la â—â—sibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n which_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a &_o itself_o too_o by_o it_o own_o proper_a quality_n wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v ask_v why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n we_o answer_v because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n again_o how_o be_v you_o sure_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v those_o natural_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o those_o sacred_a volume_n last_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o know_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n we_o answer_v we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o compare_v together_o plain_o discover_v their_o own_o right_a expesition_n in_o these_o answer_v we_o rest_v final_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o nothing_o else_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o man_n or_o all_o man_n in_o the_o church_n we_o give_v it_o all_o due_a reverence_n according_a to_o its_o place_n and_o degree_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o decision_n of_o counsel_n and_o synod_n about_o controversed_a article_n of_o religion_n the_o continual_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o minister_n thereof_o the_o manifold_a exposition_n of_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n and_o book_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o learned_a in_o their_o write_n all_o these_o we_o acknowledge_v with_o due_a regard_n &_o thankfulness_n to_o be_v bless_v mean_n for_o the_o breed_n and_o growth_n of_o christian_a faith_n because_o they_o all_o do_v or_o shall_v point_v we_o unto_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o diseern_v it_o in_o its_o true_a brightness_n thus_o they_o be_v help_n to_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n but_o no_o cause_n why_o we_o believe_v it_o this_o we_o do_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o their_o say_n and_o unless_o what_o they_o teach_v do_v appear_v unto_o we_o clear_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o free_o confess_v that_o although_o their_o reverence_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v the_o cause_n yet_o their_o bare_a authority_n can_v command_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o article_n of_o religion_n that_o shall_v be_v propose_v unto_o us._n the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n prohibit_v we_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o our_o faith_n may_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n our_o adversary_n here_o think_v that_o they_o have_v we_o upon_o a_o advantage_n and_o catch_v we_o in_o a_o circle_n too_o as_o if_o we_o also_o run_v round_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n &_o again_o from_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o scripture_n thus_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o same_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o how_o know_v you_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n that_o testify_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o ps._n 15._o but_o how_o know_v you_o this_o &_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n by_o the_o spirit_n again_o thus_o they_o suppose_v we_o be_v entangle_v but_o they_o mistake_v we_o and_o our_o doctrine_n great_o in_o this_o particular_a we_o teach_v indeed_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o reveal_v and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o unto_o our_o conscience_n but_o it_o must_v here_o be_v diligent_o observe_v what_o kind_n of_o revelation_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sertify_v &_o assure_v of_o the_o scripture_n divine_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o any_o inward_a suggestion_n and_o inspiration_n different_a from_o those_o revelation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v by_o a_o second_o private_a particular_a revelation_n assure_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o former_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o such_o private_a revelation_n now_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o they_o and_o such_o as_o look_v for_o they_o may_v easy_o embrace_v their_o own_o presumptuous_a fancy_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n how_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v by_o remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v &_o by_o bestow_v those_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o knowledge_n there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o twofold_a impediment_n first_o ignorance_n whereby_o our_o eye_n be_v close_v that_o we_o can_v see_v the_o light_a 〈◊〉_d second_o corruption_n whereby_o although_o we_o see_v the_o light_n yet_o we_o can_v but_o natural_o hate_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n cure_v both_o by_o a_o double_a remedy_n first_o of_o illumination_n restore_v our_o decay_a understanding_n to_o some_o â—noâ—uting_n part_n of_o its_o primitive_a perfection_n second_o of_o sanctification_n infuse_v into_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n some_o degree_n of_o their_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o purity_n by_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v 45._o the_o scripture_n &_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n law_n and_o also_o rectify_v our_o corrupt_a affection_n that_o we_o may_v love_v and_o embrace_v the_o holiness_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v be_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v to_o us._n for_o present_o upon_o this_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v the_o glorious_a brightness_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o discern_v in_o they_o the_o apparent_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n as_o clear_o as_o a_o see_a man_n behold_v the_o sun_n also_o after_o this_o renew_n of_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n we_o find_v present_o that_o our_o soul_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o have_v a_o singular_a sympathy_n one_o towards_o another_o our_o love_n that_o we_o bear_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o word_n be_v strong_a &_o that_o command_n which_o the_o word_n have_v over_o we_o be_v most_o powerful_a &_o awful_a so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v as_o kind_o a_o relish_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o healthful_a stomach_n have_v of_o wholesome_a food_n by_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o evident_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v full_o ascertain_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o none_o but_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o so_o he_o men_o &_o holy_a mystery_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o still_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n eph._n 1._o 17._o so_o call_v in_o that_o place_n because_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o in_o vers_n 18._o that_o then_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a mystery_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n other_o inward_a and_o secret_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o acknowledge_v not_o in_o this_o business_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o circle_n as_o our_o adversary_n will_v drive_v we_o into_o but_o a_o plain_a &_o straight_a way_n how_o know_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n we_o answer_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o that_o wonderful_a light_n &_o excellency_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n shine_v in_o they_o here_o we_o will_v rest_v and_o go_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o see_v this_o light_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o heart_n to_o love_v this_o light_n if_o we_o be_v further_o urge_v how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o do_v indeed_o perceive_v such_o a_o light_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o how_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o another_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v therein_o to_o these_o question_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o former_a be_v idle_a just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v he_o that_o gaâ—_n than_o the_o sun_n how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o now_o see_v
the_o light_n and_o for_o the_o absue_v late_a it_o demand_v a_o impossible_a thing_n as_o if_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o sound_a argument_n that_o he_o behold_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v in_o short_a a_o man_n enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n infallible_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a light_n and_o for_o his_o own_o proper_a use_n albeit_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v so_o much_o to_o another_o to_o make_v he_o see_v what_o himself_o do_v now_o here_o we_o shall_v go_v further_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o themselves_o and_o all_o such_o argument_n as_o do_v demonstrate_v this_o truth_n shall_v be_v lay_v forth_o before_o you_o but_o it_o will_v take_v up_o a_o long_a discourse_n and_o the_o point_n more_o direct_o belong_v unto_o those_o general_a controversy_n about_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v move_v between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n among_o which_o this_o touch_v the_o infallible_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v at_o large_a handle_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a of_o our_o side_n among_o who_o the_o learned_a â—ackson_fw-mi deserve_v due_a praise_n and_o thanks_n of_o all_o that_o love_n learning_n for_o his_o diligent_a examination_n of_o this_o point_n in_o his_o first_o &_o second_o book_n of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o apostle_n creed_n book_n that_o be_v fruitful_a of_o exquisite_a observation_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o be_v as_o painful_o study_v as_o they_o be_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o labour_n compile_v will_v i_o persuade_v myself_o give_v much_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o that_o honest_o seek_v for_o it_o i_o conclude_v all_o touch_v this_o point_n with_o a_o threefold_a admonition_n which_o by_o way_n of_o application_n i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v intend_v only_o to_o persuade_v every_o one_o not_o to_o slight_v so_o serious_a a_o matter_n but_o careful_o to_o examine_v upon_o what_o certainty_n his_o faith_n be_v build_v 1_o admonition_n be_v this_o that_o in_o this_o enquiry_n after_o the_o scripture_n certainty_n we_o must_v look_v that_o we_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v all_o other_o who_o be_v dispose_v to_o cavil_n the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v know_v unto_o they_o for_o who_o benefit_n they_o be_v write_v namely_o the_o elect_a and_o as_o in_o another_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 11._o 7._o the_o elect_a have_v obtain_v it_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v harden_v so_o here_o the_o â—lect_n do_v see_v this_o light_n the_o rest_n be_v blind_v wherefore_o when_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v to_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n law_n to_o behold_v the_o admirable_a majesty_n purity_n holiness_n and_o oxcellence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n when_o we_o feel_v upon_o our_o fowl_n the_o awful_a command_a power_n of_o they_o to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n unto_o obedience_n to_o master_v our_o unruly_a lust_n and_o whole_o to_o captinate_v we_o unto_o their_o sovereignty_n we_o must_v not_o now_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o we_o so_o sensible_o see_v and_o feel_v because_o another_o cavil_n &_o dispise_v we_o and_o will_v not_o be_v win_v with_o our_o persuasion_n to_o think_v as_o we_o think_v for_o he_o that_o see_v the_o sun_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o distrust_v his_o own_o eyesight_n because_o he_o can_v persuade_v a_o blind_a man_n by_o any_o argument_n possible_a that_o he_o behold_v a_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a light_n 2_o admonition_n be_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o danger_n wherein_o careless_a man_n who_o build_v without_o have_v lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n come_v to_o most_o man_n and_o ask_v they_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o these_o point_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o they_o their_o answer_n be_v because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o what_o persuade_v you_o to_o think_v so_o here_o they_o be_v stagger_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o they_o be_v lead_v unto_o this_o belief_n by_o custom_n of_o education_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n be_v general_o receive_v for_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o see_v other_o doubt_v not_o of_o else_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n themselves_o have_v never_o labour_v to_o get_v infallible_a assurance_n unto_o their_o own_o conscience_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o prayer_n study_n &_o all_o due_a observation_n now_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o ill_a ground_a belief_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v partly_o disobedience_n against_o and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n partly_o despair_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o comfort_n in_o time_n of_o need_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o slight_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n there_o easy_o follow_v disobedience_n to_o all_o their_o command_n tell_v the_o ambitious_a and_o distrustful_a worldling_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o be_v first_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o then_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o he_o that_o godliness_n be_v great_a gain_n that_o humility_n go_v before_o honour_n etc._n etc._n tell_v the_o unclean_a person_n that_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v tell_v the_o drunkard_n that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n tell_v the_o swearer_n that_o for_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in vain_o what_o do_v these_o man_n think_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o bring_v against_o their_o fault_n do_v they_o very_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o say_v otherwise_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o strange_a a_o disproportion_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o particular_n no_o they_o laugh_v secret_o in_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o silly_a man_n who_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n and_o dare_v not_o for_o their_o life_n venture_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o forbid_v which_o they_o mean_v while_o free_o follow_v to_o their_o great_a contentment_n furthermore_o these_o man_n that_o do_v thus_o rebel_v against_o god_n in_o one_o religion_n will_v be_v ready_a if_o occasion_n serve_v to_o revolt_v from_o that_o unto_o another_o religion_n see_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o they_o embrace_v any_o religion_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o beside_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o thus_o much_o that_o this_o loose_a and_o unsettle_a faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ficry_n dart_n &_o forcible_a engine_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o affault_n and_o overthrow_n the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o a_o die_a man_n who_o have_v not_o strengthen_v himself_o on_o this_o point_n by_o undoubted_a argument_n and_o experiment_n be_v there_o lay_v at_o where_o he_o lie_v open_a and_o unarm_v by_o such_o cunning_a cavil_n shift_n and_o elusion_n bring_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o poor_a man_n not_o able_a to_o clear_v himself_o from_o such_o suggestion_n fall_v into_o a_o universal_a doubt_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o at_o last_o perccive_v his_o faith_n have_v only_o grasp_v at_o the_o air_n and_o embrace_v the_o empty_a shadow_n of_o man_n authority_n instead_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o be_v utter_o confound_v and_o sink_v down_o in_o despair_n if_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n temptation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o this_o weapon_n be_v reserve_v usual_o for_o the_o last_o combat_n and_o that_o many_o a_o man_n faith_n have_v perish_v upon_o this_o rock_n both_o in_o life_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o agony_n &_o conflict_n with_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n 3_o wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v a_o three_o admonition_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v well_o advise_v to_o provide_v ourselves_o of_o such_o argument_n for_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n as_o will_v hold_v water_n and_o abide_v the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o satan_n temptation_n vnde_fw-la seis_n be_v a_o sore_a question_n and_o satan_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o enforce_v his_o argument_n with_o better_a skill_n than_o any_o jesuie_a and_o heretic_n wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v to_o it_o in_o time_n that_o we_o waver_v not_o but_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d
work_n make_v our_o faith_n i._n e._n our_o assent_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n to_o deserve_v eternal_a life_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o least_o intimation_n of_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a meaning_n when_o it_o tell_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n gael_n 5._o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o answer_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o in_o christianity_n no_o outward_a matter_n be_v of_o value_n that_o only_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v be_v faith_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n these_o good_a work_n come_v from_o charity_n or_o inward_a love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n this_o charity_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v to_o work_v through_o faith_n so_o that_o faith_n work_v by_o charity_n as_o by_o that_o chief_a instrument_n which_o faith_n employ_v in_o the_o do_n of_o all_o good_a work_n but_o charity_n work_v by_o faith_n as_o by_o the_o move_a cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v excite_v to_o work_v according_a to_o 1._o tim._n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n be_v the_o first_o wheel_n in_o the_o clock_n that_o move_v all_o the_o rest_n faith_n stir_v up_o and_o direct_v the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o their_o operation_n who_o strength_n and_o vigour_n increase_v according_a as_o faith_n increase_v tantum_n amamâ—…_n quantum_fw-la credimus_fw-la &_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o all_o experience_n those_o that_o have_v the_o strong_a faith_n they_o show_v the_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o in_o abraham_n moses_n paul_n all_o the_o martyr_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o show_v the_o connexion_n between_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o other_o place_n james_n 2._o 26._o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v dead_a even_o so_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a we_o answer_v that_o s._n james_n understand_v by_o that_o similitude_n not_o modum_fw-la informationis_fw-la but_o necessitatem_fw-la vnionis_fw-la that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_o couple_v with_o a_o justify_v faith_n not_o that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n à _fw-la priori_fw-la they_o be_v argument_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n they_o be_v not_o cause_n that_o make_v it_o live_v as_o be_v apparent_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o good_a work_n shall_v go_v before_o justify_v faith_n heb._n 11._o 6._o wherefore_o this_o similitude_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v strain_v unto_o a_o philosophical_a construction_n where_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n but_o to_o show_v that_o true_a say_n faith_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v conjoin_v with_o good_a work_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n be_v so_o strict_a upon_o the_o term_n of_o this_o similitude_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o fit_v not_o their_o doctrine_n for_o so_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n so_o work_n shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o act_n shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o habit_n which_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o their_o own_o doctrine_n who_o make_v the_o habitual_a grace_n of_o charity_n not_o good_a work_n the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o faith_n s._n james_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n or_o else_o we_o may_v without_o any_o violence_n 32._o interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o that_o place_n not_o spiritum_fw-la i._n e._n animam_fw-la but_o spiritum_fw-la i._n e._n halitum_fw-la &_o respirationem_fw-la and_o thus_o the_o comparison_n be_v exact_a as_o the_o body_n without_o breathe_v and_o motion_n be_v dead_a so_o faith_n without_o work_n thus_o it_o appear_v how_o faith_n be_v slight_v by_o our_o adversary_n whilst_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o assent_n to_o article_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o god_n authority_n some_o place_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v they_o will_v fain_o build_v this_o upon_o as_o heb._n 11._o 1._o rom._n 4._o 3._o tit._n 1._o 1._o joh._n 20._o 31._o but_o their_o argument_n thence_o be_v so_o inconsequent_a and_o weak_a they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o mention_v or_o refute_v i_o proceed_v therefore_o from_o this_o general_a faith_n unto_o that_o other_o which_o be_v special_a &_o particular_a particular_a assent_n of_o faith_n be_v when_o all_o thing_n reveal_v by_o god_n be_v assent_v unto_o as_o most_o true_a and_o excellent_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o our_o proper_a occasion_n and_o compare_v with_o all_o desire_n and_o provocation_n whatsoever_o to_o the_o contrary_n when_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o deliver_v for_o ourselves_o in_o application_n to_o our_o own_o use_n and_o practice_n as_o job_n be_v counsel_v by_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o 27._o particular_a aswell_o as_o in_o that_o at_o this_o time_n aswell_o as_o at_o another_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a assent_n i_o propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n two_o thing_n 1._o the_o root_n and_o cause_n whence_o it_o spring_v 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o whereto_o it_o be_v direct_v 1._o the_o true_a root_n and_o fountain_n whence_o this_o bless_a assent_n of_o faith_n arise_v be_v that_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o power_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o common_a illumination_n for_o many_o know_v and_o despise_v the_o truth_n or_o believe_v it_o but_o in_o general_a it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v persuade_v to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o have_v have_v so_o many_o thousand_o â—…rmons_n of_o prophet_n &_o minister_n learned_a holy_a and_o powerful_a in_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o preach_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n with_o the_o most_o of_o mâ—n_z it_o be_v not_o miracle_n and_o strange_a accident_n that_o can_v force_v this_o faith_n the_o jew_n have_v plenty_n of_o they_o yet_o continue_v still_o unbelieved_a it_o be_v only_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v for_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o how_o deadly_o a_o opposition_n there_o be_v between_o a_o man_n unsanctified_a nature_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n all_o his_o counsel_n seem_v but_o craft_n his_o word_n foolishness_n his_o mercy_n light_n and_o not_o worthy_a of_o estimation_n his_o exhortation_n promise_n or_o threaten_n be_v entertain_v with_o inward_a disdain_n and_o the_o heart_n say_v within_o itself_o who_o be_v god_n that_o i_o shall_v fear_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v a_o man_n have_v by_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n yea_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o ingenuous_a and_o of_o fair_a temper_n in_o this_o case_n be_v full_a of_o secret_a scorn_n and_o despite_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n they_o account_v base_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o religion_n be_v privy_a scoffer_n and_o bitter_a derider_n of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o by_o themselves_o or_o in_o company_n that_o fit_v they_o they_o make_v a_o tush_o at_o scripture_n and_o smile_v at_o such_o persuasion_n to_o piety_n as_o they_o afford_v count_v it_o a_o indignity_n for_o man_n of_o part_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v move_v with_o fair_a word_n of_o a_o simple_a man_n though_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o their_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v good_a in_o the_o general_a yet_o in_o the_o application_n the_o heart_n make_v violent_a opposition_n it_o begin_v to_o hold_v probable_a dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o do_v so_o or_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n consider_v such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n it_o cast_v all_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v think_v on_o to_o discourage_v itself_o yea_o perchance_o the_o truth_n itself_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o it_o think_v sure_o i_o be_o deceive_v god_n meaning_n be_v otherwise_o at_o last_o it_o resolve_v i_o may_v do_v this_o and_o yet_o fare_v well_o enough_o and_o if_o i_o do_v no_o worse_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o amiss_o and_o i_o trust_v that_o these_o commodity_n and_o pleasure_n i_o enjoy_v may_v well_o countervail_v the_o neglect_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o small_a matter_n thus_o the_o heart_n not_o wash_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n but_o abide_v in_o its_o natural_a corruption_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o prove_v either_o impudent_a and_o
the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o this_o man_n soul_n bring_v but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v it_o present_o lay_v upon_o these_o sin_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o fair_a ingenuous_a and_o direct_a reproof_n without_o scoss_v and_o bitter_a gibe_a press_v it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n once_o and_o again_o love_o and_o sharp_o and_o see_v now_o what_o strange_a entertainment_n god_n word_n shall_v find_v at_o such_o a_o man_n hand_n the_o blood_n begin_v to_o be_v warm_v with_o wrath_n and_o choler_n the_o stomach_n rise_v and_o the_o gall_n of_o unchristian_a malice_n overslowe_v the_o conscience_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o purpose_n turmoil_v that_o the_o water_n be_v trouble_v their_o own_o image_n may_v not_o appear_v in_o it_o the_o head_n be_v present_o employ_v in_o all_o cunning_a trick_n and_o distinction_n to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o the_o word_n the_o tongue_n be_v ready_a with_o a_o apology_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o if_o the_o hand_n hold_v from_o violence_n it_o be_v well_o now_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o frowardness_n hence_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v resolve_v let_v god_n say_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o in_o this_o point_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n than_o our_o own_o desire_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v with_o what_o rage_n and_o unmerciful_a fury_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n be_v persecute_v by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v in_o all_o meekness_n and_o demonstration_n of_o good_a will_n towards_o their_o soul_n the_o like_a fiery_a opposition_n have_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o christ_n crucify_v find_v ever_o since_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o people_n when_o once_o they_o have_v be_v touch_v where_o they_o will_v not_o be_v meddle_v withal_o straightway_o a_o whole_a parish_n will_v be_v in_o a_o uproar_n dirt_n and_o scorn_n be_v hurl_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o his_o doctrine_n all_o froward_a course_n take_v to_o work_v he_o woe_n and_o shame_n and_o all_o this_o do_v by_o those_o that_o will_v yet_o be_v count_v obedient_a and_o believe_a christian_n but_o be_v they_o so_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n a_o faith_n indeed_o they_o have_v but_o not_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o right_o plant_v for_o know_v this_o that_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o constant_a wilful_a refusal_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a whether_o the_o do_v of_o a_o duty_n or_o leave_v of_o a_o sin_n be_v as_o incompetible_a as_o christ_n and_o bâ—â—â—al_n for_o ask_v a_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o partial_a in_o his_o course_n you_o say_v you_o firm_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v your_o sin_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n why_o do_v you_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n but_o be_v altogether_o care_v and_o distrustful_a in_o your_o affair_n you_o believe_v very_o that_o god_n be_v offend_v with_o murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o you_o leave_v they_o why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o angry_a at_o swear_v lie_a drink_v and_o such_o like_a disorder_n you_o believe_v god_n have_v forbid_v steal_v and_o you_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v nought_o why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o usury_n bribery_n or_o idleness_n in_o a_o man_n calling_n be_v as_o bad_a be_v as_o much_o forbid_a you_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o seek_v unto_o god_n in_o time_n of_o adversity_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v old_a sick_a and_o now_o near_o unto_o death_n then_o to_o pray_v fast_o do_v all_o good_a work_n and_o live_v religious_o be_v excellent_a why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o much_o require_v of_o we_o in_o time_n of_o health_n youth_n and_o prosperity_n sâ—â—ing_v god_n have_v equal_o command_v they_o at_o all_o tiâ—…_n ask_v a_o thousand_o such_o question_n he_o can_v answer_v you_o to_o onâ—_n for_o be_v it_o from_o a_o through_o consideration_n of_o god_n truth_n wisdom_n power_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n that_o he_o be_v move_v to_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n if_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o do_v he_o not_o equal_o believe_v all_o when_o god_n authority_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o be_v it_o from_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v rule_v in_o such_o thing_n if_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o that_o love_v goodness_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n will_v love_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o love_v always_o in_o a_o good_a matter_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v answer_v for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 3._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o evil_a heart_n full_a of_o unbelief_n that_o have_v embrace_v certain_a truth_n not_o prejudicial_a to_o itself_o upon_o vain_a and_o worldly_a consideration_n in_o other_o slip_v the_o collar_n and_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o his_o counsel_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a from_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o s._n james_n chap._n 2._o 10._o 11._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o for_o he_o that_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v now_o though_o thou_o do_v none_o adultery_n yet_o if_o thou_o kill_v thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v it_o equal_a that_o he_o who_o transgress_v the_o law_n in_o one_o point_n shall_v be_v hold_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n yea_o it_o be_v most_o equal_a and_o just_a for_o god_n sovereign_a commandment_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o he_o therefore_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n obey_v in_o one_o will_v obey_v in_o all_o he_o that_o break_v one_o wilful_o and_o customary_o keep_v none_o at_o all_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o if_o all_o thing_n hit_v aright_o he_o will_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o transgress_v in_o the_o rest_n as_o in_o that_o one_o wherefore_o god_n judge_v he_o according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n so_o in_o our_o obedience_n of_o â—aith_n god_n truth_n be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o part_n of_o his_o word_n he_o that_o have_v speak_v this_o he_o have_v speak_v that_o also_o he_o therefore_o that_o upon_o right_a ground_n believe_v in_o one_o point_n will_v for_o the_o same_o believe_v in_o another_o if_o god_n authority_n can_v prevail_v with_o he_o in_o one_o that_o be_v not_o the_o motive_n which_o make_v he_o assent_v to_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o occasion_n serve_v such_o a_o one_o will_v dissent_v alike_o from_o all_o according_a to_o which_o habitual_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o be_v right_o to_o be_v judge_v a_o vnbeleever_n he_o that_o reject_v god_n command_n in_o one_o thing_n do_v not_o much_o regard_n it_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o that_o willing_o slight_v god_n authority_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o point_n make_v as_o little_a account_n of_o it_o in_o another_o you_o have_v now_o here_o my_o brethren_n open_v unto_o you_o that_o master-veine_n wherein_o run_v all_o that_o corrupt_a blood_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o secret_a infidelity_n wherewith_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n profess_v christianity_n be_v infect_v this_o be_v that_o bitter_a root_n of_o man_n apostasy_n and_o backslide_n from_o piety_n to_o profanne_n or_o from_o a_o true_a religion_n to_o a_o false_a even_o this_o partial_a and_o ill_o direct_v faith_n be_v that_o which_o one_o just_o call_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o devil_n judicial_a astrology_n whereby_o he_o prognosticate_v the_o downfall_n of_o many_o who_o yet_o seem_v saint_n in_o the_o church_n &_o zealous_a professor_n of_o religion_n oh_o when_o he_o see_v a_o man_n take_v a_o dispensation_n without_o ask_v god_n leave_v crave_v pardon_n with_o a_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o in_o this_o and_o so_o stand_v out_o in_o this_o or_o that_o know_v evil_a practice_n he_o now_o know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o a_o man_n he_o see_v a_o prey_n within_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o snare_n which_o thereupon_o he_o set_v so_o artificial_o fit_v his_o temptation_n to_o his_o humour_n till_o in_o the_o end_n he_o catch_v his_o heel_n in_o the_o grin_n