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
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
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
he_o have_v rather_o enter_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o undermine_v the_o faith_n with_o heresy_n than_o at_o a_o open_a breach_n upon_o good_a manner_n ill_a manner_n find_v more_o resistance_n there_o be_v fear_n of_o law_n and_o rod_n of_o discipline_n to_o curb_v they_o they_o want_v their_o apology_n and_o colourable_a excuse_n &_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o reproof_n and_o hatred_n of_o moral_a honesty_n they_o come_v accompany_v with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n follow_v at_o the_o heel_n which_o hinder_v their_o appear_v and_o entertainment_n in_o public_a but_o heresy_n easy_o enter_v and_o quick_o spread_v abroad_o it_o find_v favourer_n enough_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o man_n common_a infirmity_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v novelty_n and_o take_v a_o pride_n to_o be_v singular_a it_o come_v arm_v with_o reason_n and_o such_o justification_n as_o it_o think_v it_o need_v not_o blush_v be_v paint_v over_o with_o the_o colour_n of_o truth_n last_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o fair_a the_o leader_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o authority_n and_o example_n speedy_o infect_v the_o rest_n with_o this_o weapon_n have_v the_o dragon_n make_v war_n with_o the_o woman_n raise_v up_o even_o of_o her_o own_o child_n such_o as_o have_v fight_v against_o she_o by_o damnable_a heresy_n against_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o part_n have_v be_v cut_v asunder_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o some_o again_o revive_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o field_n under_o new_a colour_n part_n though_o convict_a &_o condemn_v yet_o stand_v it_o out_o under_o the_o support_n of_o tyrannical_a violence_n &_o remain_v to_o this_o day_n in_o that_o augean_a stable_n that_o sink_v or_o common_a sewer_n of_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n whereto_o all_o heresy_n almost_o of_o former_a &_o latter_a time_n have_v make_v their_o confluence_n beside_o a_o new_a breed_n of_o heretical_a opinion_n not_o plain_o deny_v but_o by_o consequent_a overturning_a sursum_fw-la vorsum_fw-la the_o main_a article_n of_o christian_a belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o much_o the_o moâ—e_n dangerous_a by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o easy_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o their_o damnable_a issue_n so_o as_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o perplex_v with_o strange_a dispute_n and_o difficulty_n than_o the_o grace_n itself_o be_v continual_o assault_v by_o fearful_a doubt_v and_o distrust_n whether_o it_o be_v man_n infelicity_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o stand_v he_o in_o most_o stead_n or_o the_o devil_n malice_n to_o lessen_v our_o comfort_n in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n by_o confound_v our_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o so_o we_o may_v either_o dangerous_o err_v or_o discomfortable_o doubt_v touch_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o or_o writer_n misexplication_n of_o that_o excellent_a grace_n through_o their_o own_o weakness_n or_o want_n of_o faith_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o point_n of_o divinity_n this_o touch_a faith_n be_v full_a of_o much_o obscurity_n and_o contention_n it_o be_v much_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o grace_n so_o divine_a and_o powerful_a and_o yet_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o man_n faith_n be_v not_o of_o all_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o writer_n all_o have_v not_o faith_n that_o write_v of_o it_o especial_o popish_a doctor_n who_o speak_v of_o faith_n but_o by_o imagination_n have_v profane_o censure_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v expound_v by_o protestant_n according_a to_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o a_o very_a fancy_n among_o who_o curious_a and_o metaphysical_a discourse_n of_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o want_v faith_n shall_v never_o find_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n may_v chance_v lose_v it_o at_o least_o the_o life_n and_o powerful_a practice_n of_o it_o whilst_o his_o head_n be_v entangle_v in_o subtle_a and_o nice_a speculation_n about_o it_o for_o ourselves_o let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n so_o to_o speak_v and_o judge_v of_o faith_n as_o that_o most_o precious_a grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n not_o exercise_v our_o wit_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o by_o contemplation_n be_v most_o empty_a and_o vain_a without_o the_o real_a inhabitation_n of_o it_o within_o our_o soul_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o weak_a and_o yet_o best_a endeavour_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n assistance_n to_o give_v you_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n in_o manifold_a precept_n and_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o with_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o learned_a have_v discover_v it_o to_o my_o poor_a understanding_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o must_v spend_v more_o time_n than_o at_o first_o i_o purpose_v to_o do_v because_o in_o this_o point_n some_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n be_v so_o enterwoven_v and_o link_v one_o with_o another_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o we_o shall_v not_o clear_o discern_v of_o any_o alone_a such_o be_v our_o vocation_n the_o forerunner_n and_o our_o justification_n the_o follower_n of_o our_o faith_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o general_n 1._o touch_v the_o antecedent_n of_o faith_n namely_o our_o conversion_n &_o vocation_n of_o which_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o generation_n and_o birth_n of_o faith_n 2._o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o wherein_o the_o be_v of_o that_o most_o heavenly_a virtue_n consist_v 3._o concern_v the_o consequent_n and_o concomitant_n of_o faith_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n as_o justification_n and_o ourselves_o as_o obedience_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v as_o of_o the_o benefit_n so_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n 4._o concern_v the_o opposite_n and_o enemy_n of_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o may_v arm_v we_o against_o they_o for_o the_o first_o namely_o our_o conversion_n the_o knowledge_n thereof_o will_v give_v we_o some_o light_n to_o find_v out_o how_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o which_o by_o divine_n be_v make_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o last_o terminus_n of_o our_o effectual_a vocation_n however_o a_o part_n it_o be_v and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o too_o of_o our_o first_o resurrection_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o supernatural_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o must_v distinct_o consider_v of_o the_o threefold_a difference_n of_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v in_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o do_v either_o help_v or_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o operation_n this_o difference_n be_v according_a to_o man_n triple_a estate_n 1._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n man_n be_v create_v right_a or_o upright_o eccl._n 7._o 29._o and_o very_o good_a gen._n 1_o ult_n endow_v with_o such_o strength_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o part_n as_o do_v whole_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o operation_n conformable_a to_o god_n will_n his_o understanding_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a before_o his_o translation_n have_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o his_o nature_n attribute_n and_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o the_o creature_n in_o their_o essence_n and_o quality_n his_o will_n embrace_v and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o god_n who_o adam_n know_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o happiness_n his_o affection_n and_o all_o inferior_a faculty_n obey_v without_o all_o resistance_n the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o sanctify_a will._n this_o universal_a holiness_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v that_o image_n of_o god_n or_o original_a justice_n wherein_o adam_n be_v create_v but_o continue_v not_o for_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o after_o his_o fall_n for_o a_o punishment_n of_o his_o wilful_a transgression_n god_n withdraw_v from_o adam_n this_o his_o image_n and_o strip_v he_o naked_a of_o that_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v before_o in_o all_o part_n qualify_v leave_v only_o here_o and_o there_o some_o few_o trace_n or_o line_n of_o that_o excellent_a character_n unblot_v out_o and_o now_o in_o place_n of_o original_a justice_n succeed_v original_a corruption_n be_v a_o universal_a depravation_n and_o disability_n of_o man_n whole_a nature_n to_o work_v well_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o first_o creation_n the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a erroneous_a confuse_a in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o natural_a stark_o blind_a in_o perceive_v spiritual_a thing_n the_o will_v froward_a &_o averse_a from_o affect_v or_o choose_v its_o chief_a good_a the_o affection_n and_o low_a faculty_n disorderly_a violent_a untameable_a and_o this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n to_o who_o adam_n
abate_v more_o or_o less_o or_o as_o there_o be_v great_a necessity_n and_o use_n of_o one_o grace_n more_o than_o another_o for_o the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o alike_o in_o our_o new_a as_o in_o our_o natural_a birth_n here_o all_o part_n be_v nourish_v alike_o and_o grow_v proportionable_o unto_o full_a perfection_n if_o the_o body_n be_v healthy_a and_o of_o good_a temper_n but_o in_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v otherwise_o he_o be_v crazic_a and_o sickly_a from_o the_o very_a womb_n and_o first_o conception_n infirmity_n and_o corruption_n hang_v upon_o every_o joint_n and_o limb_n of_o he_o so_o that_o although_o life_n be_v in_o every_o part_n yet_o every_o part_n thrive_v not_o equal_o nor_o be_v alike_o active_a in_o its_o operation_n it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o with_o instant_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d syderati_fw-la planet_n strike_v or_o as_o we_o say_v take_v with_o some_o ill_a air_n in_o who_o some_o part_n grow_v wearish_a and_o wither_a whilst_o other_o grow_v strong_a and_o lusty_a all_o grow_v and_o have_v life_n but_o those_o more_o slow_o and_o weak_o which_o diversity_n make_v the_o body_n somewhat_o deform_v though_o not_o monstrous_a so_o in_o grace_n every_o faculty_n be_v quicken_v with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o one_o may_v have_v a_o more_o free_a exercise_n of_o this_o gracious_a power_n than_o another_o which_o may_v be_v hinder_v and_o keep_v under_o through_o some_o stop_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o ill_a humour_n unpurged_a some_o corrupt_a custom_n company_n or_o example_n incline_v it_o another_o way_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o manifest_a experience_n of_o that_o great_a diversity_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v find_v even_o in_o one_o regenerate_a man_n who_o many_o time_n prove_v eminent_a in_o some_o one_o or_o few_o grace_n &_o yet_o in_o other_o attain_v but_o to_o a_o very_a mean_a mediocrity_n this_o distinction_n between_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o habit_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n infuse_v may_v be_v further_o clear_v by_o comparison_n with_o other_o thing_n as_o namely_o with_o original_a justice_n and_o original_a sin_n that_o be_v but_o one_o image_n of_o god_n engrave_v universal_o in_o adam_n whole_a nature_n possess_v and_o sanctify_v every_o part_n which_o be_v thereby_o dispose_v at_o all_o occasion_n to_o all_o convenient_a and_o due_a operation_n without_o let_v this_o also_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o universal_a member_n depravation_n indispose_v all_o part_n to_o good_a ill-disposing_a they_o to_o naught_o which_o as_o original_a justice_n shall_v have_v be_v be_v in_o all_o infant_n together_o with_o life_n but_o show_v it_o by_o degree_n and_o with_o much_o diversity_n as_o with_o increase_n of_o year_n custom_n of_o education_n force_n of_o temperature_n strength_n of_o temptation_n provoke_v and_o inslame_v it_o so_o our_o sanctification_n be_v the_o restore_n of_o original_a righteousness_n and_o do_v away_o of_o original_a corruption_n be_v for_o its_o inherence_n one_o general_a habit_n sanctify_v all_o at_o once_o and_o work_v in_o every_o part_n a_o gracious_a disposition_n to_o its_o proper_a holy_a performance_n though_o the_o execution_n itself_o be_v with_o much_o variety_n as_o also_o hindrance_n and_o difficulty_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o corruption_n again_o health_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o right_a temper_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o in_o divers_a part_n have_v divers_a name_n by_o which_o every_o part_n work_v diverse_o and_o all_o orderly_a in_o a_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o contrary_n and_o such_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o corruption_n last_o as_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n in_o infant_n have_v all_o its_o faculty_n entire_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o each_o of_o they_o appear_v not_o but_o in_o time_n by_o degree_n so_o in_o our_o regeneration_n grace_n be_v entire_a even_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o first_o infant_n birth_n though_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o our_o growth_n in_o christ._n now_o to_o make_v application_n of_o this_o to_o our_o enquiry_n touch_v the_o original_n of_o faith_n you_o may_v perceive_v by_o what_o be_v speak_v whereof_o faith_n be_v a_o part_n and_o when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n 22._o that_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n then_o when_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n into_o our_o whole_a man_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o 1._o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o general_a the_o renew_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o yield_v assent_n unto_o and_o also_o willing_a to_o put_v affiance_n in_o all_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v 2._o the_o act_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v do_v actual_o know_v and_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o former_a and_o follow_v it_o in_o time_n the_o former_a be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v unto_o we_o a_o stream_n of_o the_o common_a fountain_n of_o sanctification_n whence_o all_o grace_n slow_a a_o part_n of_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n as_o be_v most_o apparent_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v effectual_o incline_v towards_o their_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a object_n to_o give_v credence_n and_o put_v confidence_n in_o it_o until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v first_o rectify_v by_o grace_n and_o purge_v from_o their_o habitual_a inbred_a blindness_n and_o rebellion_n which_o change_n when_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n sanctify_v and_o quicken_a it_o in_o all_o the_o power_n thereof_o with_o spiritual_a life_n then_o follow_v those_o live_a action_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n &c_n &c_n perform_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o inherent_a and_o assist_a grace_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o faith_n be_v infuse_v either_o before_o or_o without_o other_o grace_n or_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o as_o soon_o dispose_v to_o love_n &_o fear_n god_n as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o to_o humility_n to_o patience_n to_o charity_n to_o repentance_n as_o for_o faith_n the_o seed_n of_o all_o these_o grace_n be_v sow_v at_o once_o and_o for_o their_o habit_n they_o be_v convall_a stem_n of_o one_o common_a root_n of_o inherent_a sanctity_n though_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o shoot_v up_o fast_o and_o bear_v fruit_n soon_o than_o other_o those_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o two_o principal_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o action_n of_o both_o which_o seem_v to_o appear_v first_o in_o the_o regenerate_a which_o of_o they_o show_v first_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n work_v here_o most_o lively_a and_o stir_a and_o after_o the_o infusion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n the_o pulse_n beat_v strong_a in_o those_o artery_n the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o singular_a use_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n arise_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o representation_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n on_o the_o other_o of_o necessity_n draw_v the_o newly-regenerate_a soul_n by_o strong_a motion_n immediate_o to_o conceive_v sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o its_o sinful_a misery_n and_o also_o to_o a_o vehement_a desire_v and_o look_v after_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v bring_v it_o deliverance_n from_o a_o estate_n so_o damnable_a but_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o priority_n of_o one_o grace_n before_o another_o we_o may_v not_o be_v too_o bold_a nor_o curious_a for_o as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v secret_a and_o wonderful_a in_o make_v we_o wild_a gourd_n partaker_n of_o the_o sap_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o true_a vine_n so_o be_v it_o not_o possible_o observable_a in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o where_o and_o in_o what_o branch_n this_o sap_n first_o bud_v forth_o into_o blossom_n and_o fruit_n hence_o this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o eaith_n proper_o be_v not_o the_o root_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n nor_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o spiritual_a life_n take_v faith_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o please_v for_o the_o act_n or_o for_o the_o habit_n if_o for_o the_o act_n the_o habit_n be_v before_o that_o and_o the_o root_n of_o it_o if_o for_o the_o habit_n
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
atheistical_a to_o deny_v his_o truth_n or_o strange_o subtle_a to_o shift_v it_o off_o from_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v press_v with_o it_o in_o particular_a but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n have_v overshadow_a the_o soul_n sanctify_v all_o the_o power_n thereof_o throughout_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o see_v how_o it_o stoop_v to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v then_o a_o singular_a harmony_n between_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o word_n this_o food_n of_o spiritual_a life_n relish_v as_o sweet_a and_o savoury_a unto_o the_o soul_n as_o milk_n to_o infant_n or_o strong_a meat_n to_o able_a and_o healthy_a man_n regeneration_n have_v restore_v health_n unto_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o have_v recover_v a_o true_a taste_n of_o the_o lord_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n whence_o follow_v a_o constant_a appetite_n thereunto_o asmuch_o as_o unto_o corporal_a nourishment_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 1._o 2._o 3._o hence_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o conceive_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o word_n it_o see_v now_o nothing_o so_o reasonable_a excellent_a as_o the_o wisdom_n thereof_o it_o behold_v nothing_o â—o_o terrible_a as_o god_n threat_n nothing_o so_o lovely_a as_o his_o favour_n it_o see_v no_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n comparable_a to_o grace_n no_o pleasure_n like_o unto_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n it_o comprehend_v a_o end_n of_o all_o other_o perfection_n but_o the_o further_a it_o look_v into_o god_n law_n the_o deep_a wonder_n it_o discern_v it_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o read_v vanity_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o strange_a folly_n in_o man_n desire_n of_o they_o and_o now_o it_o count_v no_o preferment_n any_o whit_n comparable_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n it_o have_v now_o real_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o conceive_v of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o of_o a_o work_n to_o be_v do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o business_n to_o be_v discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o judge_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v displease_v and_o that_o the_o regard_n of_o save_v a_o man_n soul_n must_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o importunate_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n that_o will_v press_v in_o upon_o we_o be_v thus_o enlighten_v and_o inward_o touch_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n present_o put_v it_o whole_o upon_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n truth_n reveal_v it_o stretch_v forth_o the_o arm_n of_o her_o strong_a confidence_n &_o affiance_n unto_o every_o branch_n of_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v absolute_o and_o without_o all_o limitation_n the_o truth_n goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v therein_o it_o believe_v what_o it_o know_v and_o as_o it_o can_v where_o it_o be_v ignorant_a it_o pray_v for_o knowledge_n where_o weak_a it_o sue_v for_o strength_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n where_o stubborn_a it_o offer_v itself_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v bow_v or_o break_v if_o he_o please_v count_v it_o now_o a_o happy_a thing_n to_o be_v cross_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o at_o every_o by-turning_a with_o some_o reproof_n or_o chastisement_n let_v he_o chide_v or_o strike_v it_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o without_o quarrel_v dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o case_n take_v all_o with_o a_o benedictus_fw-la dominus_fw-la etc._n etc._n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o minister_n and_o bless_v be_v their_o counsel_n who_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o commit_v this_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n when_o thus_o the_o heart_n be_v soften_v and_o sanctify_a then_o and_o not_o before_o be_v wrought_v that_o habitual_a grace_n and_o bless_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o we_o call_v true_a faith_n whereby_o the_o creature_n be_v willing_a to_o resign_v up_o its_o understanding_n desire_n affection_n thought_n word_n work_n and_o all_o to_o the_o dispose_n of_o his_o creator_n in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o by_o his_o reveal_v will_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v make_v know_v believe_v certain_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n it_o be_v best_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n this_o for_o cause_n of_o true_a faith_n next_o follow_v 2._o the_o object_n of_o this_o particular_a faith_n which_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n contain_v all_o history_n doctrine_n command_n threaten_n promise_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o 2._o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o one_o word_n we_o call_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v needful_a thus_o to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n because_o although_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infuse_a grace_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o respect_v both_o forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o same_o sacred_a habit_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v both_o the_o whole_a and_o each_o part_n of_o god_n will_n be_v it_o in_o itself_o more_o or_o less_o excellent_a or_o more_o or_o less_o needful_a to_o we_o nevertheless_o faith_n as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o these_o object_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n admit_v of_o divers_a consideration_n name_n and_o use_n faith_n as_o it_o assent_v to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o i_o call_v legal_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o virtue_n as_o be_v immediate_o require_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v forasmuch_o as_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n to_o give_v full_a assent_n and_o affiance_n to_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o god_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o all_o other_o moral_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o their_o degree_n as_o part_n of_o our_o outward_a obedience_n and_o inward_a sanctity_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n command_v as_o 〈◊〉_d principal_a grace_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o prime_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o first_o commandment_n and_o so_o faith_n in_o this_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v save_v namely_o as_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v because_o require_v in_o their_o measure_n as_o needful_a to_o salvation_n faith_n as_o it_o assent_v unto_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o grace_n i_o call_v evangelicall_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o object_n thereof_o be_v not_o reveal_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v call_v also_o proper_o save_v and_o justify_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n it_o now_o have_v through_o god_n gracious_a appointment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ._n in_o which_o distinction_n between_o legal_a &_o evangelicall_n faith_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o two_o distinct_a habit_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o one_o gracious_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n dispose_v it_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o innocent_a adam_n with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o regenerate_a man_n the_o difference_n stand_v only_o herein_o 1._o in_o the_o degree_n adam_n faith_n be_v perfect_a because_o his_o understanding_n be_v full_o enlighten_v and_o his_o affection_n absolute_o conformable_a to_o all_o holiness_n we_o know_v but_o little_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o inward_a weakness_n believe_v but_o weak_o what_o we_o do_v know_v 2._o in_o the_o original_a in_o adam_n it_o be_v natural_a by_o creation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v supernatural_a from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n infusion_n 3._o in_o the_o particular_a object_n adam_n believe_v god_n without_o reference_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n we_o believe_v chief_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n with_o some_o relation_n to_o he_o here_o then_o be_v no_o new_a faith_n but_o a_o new_a object_n of_o faith_n not_o reveal_v unto_o adam_n whereto_o our_o faith_n be_v now_o direct_v and_o here_o be_v also_o a_o singular_a privilege_n new_o grant_v unto_o faith_n that_o god_n accept_v it_o to_o our_o justification_n in_o his_o sight_n otherwise_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o grace_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n a_o part_n of_o god_n image_n give_v he_o by_o creation_n and_o be_v in_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o image_n restore_v by_o regeneration_n so_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o question_n whether_o justify_v faith_n be_v command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o
be_v assure_v that_o a_o heart_n surcharge_v with_o covetous_a desire_n ambitious_a thought_n voluptuous_a unclean_a and_o impure_a affection_n be_v far_o un_fw-we fit_n for_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o save_a understanding_n thereof_o again_o be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a sober_a and_o not_o curious_a neglect_v no_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n that_o may_v be_v get_v nor_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o either_o as_o foolish_a anabaptist_n do_v on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o presumptuous_a wit_n on_o the_o other_o who_o stock_n will_v soon_o decay_v study_v to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v turn_v not_o conscience_n into_o question_n and_o controversy_n lest_o whilst_o thou_o be_v resolve_v what_o to_o do_v thou_o do_v just_o nothing_o draw_v not_o all_o to_o reason_n leave_v something_o for_o faith_n where_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v the_o bottom_n admire_v the_o depth_n kiss_v the_o book_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o weep_v over_o thy_o ignorance_n and_o send_v one_o hearty_a wish_n to_o heaven_n oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v to_o know_v as_o i_o be_o know_v go_v not_o without_o nor_o before_o thy_o guide_n but_o let_v thy_o eye_n be_v always_o towards_o that_o lamb_n who_o only_o can_v open_v this_o book_n and_o thy_o understanding_n and_o then_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n yea_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o all_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o we_o must_v be_v accountable_a when_o art_n shall_v cease_v tongue_n shall_v be_v abolish_v knowledge_n shall_v vanish_v away_o do_v but_o think_v now_o one_o think_v what_o will_v be_v the_o joy_n of_o thy_o conscience_n in_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o may_v true_o say_v lord_n thou_o have_v write_v to_o i_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o i_o have_v not_o account_v they_o a_o strange_a thing_n or_o with_o david_n i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n within_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o err_v from_o thy_o commandment_n 2._o this_o for_o your_o private_a in_o the_o second_o place_n attend_v to_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o read_n it_o be_v a_o fault_n great_o reprovable_a in_o many_o who_o despise_v all_o but_o their_o own_o study_n god_n ordinance_n of_o preach_v and_o a_o month_n pain_n of_o the_o learned_a can_v do_v they_o so_o much_o good_a as_o a_o hour_n study_v of_o their_o own_o who_o therefore_o out_o of_o scorn_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o other_o man_n ability_n will_v keep_v home_o and_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o that_o who_o god_n look_v for_o at_o the_o church_n he_o may_v find_v they_o in_o their_o study_n they_o shall_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o busy_v as_o they_o ought_v yet_o not_o so_o ill_o employ_v as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o i_o spare_v they_o in_o this_o place_n hope_v that_o none_o hear_v i_o who_o do_v not_o hate_v this_o practice_n and_o tremble_v to_o cast_v such_o contempt_n upon_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o ordination_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n i_o will_v rather_o touch_v upon_o our_o private_a a_o exercise_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n yet_o of_o excellent_a use_n and_o great_a necessity_n let_v that_o before_o speak_v persuade_v your_o attention_n and_o diligence_n in_o thrive_a by_o it_o and_o beside_o that_o know_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v such_o that_o how_o simple_a soever_o the_o messenger_n be_v that_o bring_v it_o yet_o god_n word_n will_v always_o accomplish_v that_o whereto_o it_o be_v send_v in_o harden_v or_o soften_a the_o heart_n here_o only_o let_v i_o commend_v unto_o your_o acceptance_n and_o expectation_n a_o double_a plainness_n needful_a to_o be_v use_v 1._o of_o stile_n and_o speech_n that_o matter_n may_v have_v leave_n to_o command_v word_n and_o not_o be_v constrain_v to_o follow_v they_o in_o servile_a attendance_n how_o many_o excellent_a discourse_n be_v torture_v wrest_a and_o pinch_v in_o &_o obscure_v through_o curiosity_n of_o pen_v hide_a allusion_n force_a phrase_n uncouth_a epithet_n with_o other_o deformity_n of_o plain_a speak_n your_o own_o ear_n and_o eye_n may_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n a_o great_a slavery_n to_o make_v the_o mind_n a_o servant_n to_o the_o tongue_n and_o so_o to_o tie_v she_o up_o in_o fetter_n that_o she_o may_v not_o walk_v but_o by_o number_n and_o measure_n good_a speech_n make_v the_o most_o on_o it_o be_v but_o the_o garment_n of_o truth_n and_o she_o be_v so_o glorious_a within_o she_o need_v no_o outward_a deck_v yet_o if_o she_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o raiment_n of_o needlework_n it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o more_o majestic_a comeliness_n not_o gawdy_a gayness_n truth_n be_v like_o our_o first_o parent_n most_o beautiful_a when_o naked_a it_o be_v sin_n cover_v they_o it_o be_v ignorance_n hide_v this_o let_v perspicuity_n and_o method_n be_v ever_o the_o grace_n of_o speech_n and_o distinctnesse_n of_o delivery_n the_o daughter_n of_o a_o clear_a apprchension_n for_o myself_o i_o must_v always_o think_v they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v who_o so_o speak_v as_o other_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v if_o they_o do_v it_o of_o purpose_n they_o be_v envious_a to_o other_o and_o injurious_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a interpretation_n i_o can_v make_v of_o such_o misty_a and_o cloudy_a eloquence_n be_v that_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o shadow_v a_o ignorant_a mind_n or_o a_o ill_a meaning_n it_o be_v naught_o in_o all_o discourse_n about_o religion_n much_o more_o as_o if_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o hindrance_n enough_o without_o obscurity_n of_o speech_n and_o of_o all_o i_o be_o sure_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o exercise_n most_o un_fw-we fit_n where_o both_o matter_n and_o auditor_n require_v plainness_n catechism_n be_v pen_v like_o law_n in_o plain_a not_o eloquent_a term_n &_o its_o a_o great_a absurdity_n in_o definition_n &_o summary_n decision_n to_o seek_v after_o trope_n and_o figure_n wherefore_o for_o curious_a discourse_n sit_v to_o rub_v itch_a ear_n let_v aelians_n grave_a censure_n of_o myrmeride_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d coach_n with_o 17._o four_o horse_n so_o little_a you_o may_v hide_v they_o undor_n a_o sly_n wing_n or_o callicrates_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d copy_n of_o verse_n write_v so_o small_a as_o a_o cherry_n stone_n may_v hold_v they_o pass_v likewise_o upon_o they_o they_o be_v to_o say_v the_o least_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o laborious_a loss_n of_o time_n certain_o i_o find_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o cendemn_v in_o paul_n practice_n and_o the_o jew_n example_n he_o be_v learn_v and_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o that_o exact_o eloquent_o if_o god_n teach_v can_v do_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o grammarian_n or_o rhetorician_n school_v yet_o in_o case_n of_o preach_v he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o condemn_v in_o the_o false_a apostle_n but_o profess_v his_o opinion_n and_o practice_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 1._o i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o with_o excellency_n of_o word_n or_o of_o wisdom_n and_o verse_n 4._o nor_o stand_v my_o word_n and_o my_o preach_n in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o verse_n 5._o that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o wrought_v by_o man_n persuasion_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n again_o exekiel_n be_v a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o the_o jew_n take_v a_o pleasure_n to_o hear_v he_o but_o where_o grace_n want_v what_o can_v his_o eloquence_n help_v you_o shall_v have_v it_o in_o god_n own_o word_n ezek_n 33._o 31._o 32._o they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o people_n use_v to_o come_v and_o my_o people_n sit_v before_o thou_o and_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o nâ—rans_a make_v jest_n and_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ezekiels_n utterance_n be_v harsh_a and_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o no_o it_o follow_v and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o this_o for_o speech_n the_o other_o plainness_n be_v 2._o of_o the_o matter_n that_o you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o old_a way_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o plain_a path_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v lay_v forth_o before_o we_o the_o easy_a i_o assure_v i_o to_o
be_v find_v the_o safe_a to_o travel_v in_o man_n write_n be_v infinite_a their_o opinion_n changeable_a their_o resolution_n doubtful_a and_o if_o we_o begin_v there_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n at_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o it_o be_v hazard_n but_o we_o loose_a truth_n and_o ourselves_o among_o so_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o error_n heresy_n opinion_n conjecture_n quarrelsome_a contradiction_n dispute_n and_o brawl_a controversy_n as_o we_o shall_v meet_v withal_o who_o will_v be_v so_o trouble_v in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n thus_o weary_v and_o vex_v with_o endless_a and_o needless_a discourse_n which_o like_o the_o envious_a amalekite_n set_v upon_o we_o in_o our_o sore_a travel_n towards_o canaan_n assault_v the_o simplicity_n of_o our_o faith_n disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n by_o strange_a decision_n of_o doubtful_a case_n darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o shine_v dim_a through_o such_o paint_a glass_n and_o in_o brief_a mingle_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o noisome_a ingredient_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n sure_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v when_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o eccl._n v._n 12._o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o make_v of_o book_n and_o much_o read_n be_v a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n if_o we_o do_v we_o will_v hence_o learn_v to_o see_v a_o fault_n which_o a_o eager_a desire_n of_o learning_n not_o well_o guide_v draw_v upon_o we_o all_o that_o will_v be_v scholar_n a_o strange_a curiosity_n to_o pry_v into_o all_o book_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n think_v we_o never_o know_v the_o truth_n till_o we_o know_v what_o all_o man_n have_v say_v of_o it_o and_o be_v we_o certain_a than_o we_o have_v it_o it_o be_v somewhat_o if_o it_o be_v in_o learning_n as_o it_o be_v in_o bear_v of_o a_o burden_n where_o many_o weak_a man_n may_v bear_v that_o which_o one_o or_o few_o can_v but_o in_o the_o search_n of_o knowledge_n it_o fare_v as_o in_o descry_v a_o thing_n a_o far_o off_o where_o one_o quick_a sight_n will_v see_v further_o than_o a_o thousand_o clear_a eye_n it_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o compare_v of_o humane_a author_n for_o the_o scripture_n its_o certain_a that_o they_o alone_o without_o other_o help_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o direction_n in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o be_v our_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n of_o their_o excellent_a holiness_n and_o our_o head_n a_o little_a more_o acquaint_v with_o study_n and_o meditation_n therein_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o more_o light_n shine_v in_o this_o sun_n than_o in_o all_o the_o star_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v but_o borrow_v their_o light_n from_o hence_o for_o i_o own_o part_n i_o have_v always_o wonder_v at_o the_o discord_n between_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o divine_n who_o stiff_o and_o true_o maintain_v against_o the_o papist_n the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o heavenly_a instruction_n do_v yet_o in_o their_o private_a study_n condemn_v they_o of_o insufficiency_n bestow_v to_o say_v the_o least_o three_o part_n of_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o wearisome_a read_n of_o those_o huge_a volume_n of_o father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o writer_n for_o one_o part_v which_o they_o spend_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o love_v to_o seek_v gold_n among_o dross_n when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o ready_a try_v and_o purify_v to_o our_o hand_n yea_o pure_a as_o mettle_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n and_o fine_v seven_o time_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 12._o 6._o blame_v not_o my_o resolution_n to_o follow_v salomon_n admonition_n by_o these_o thing_n my_o son_n be_v admonish_v and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o live_v not_o to_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n ever_o speak_v loud_o enough_o if_o we_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v and_o plain_a enough_o if_o as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v we_o have_v our_o wit_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a you_o shall_v do_v i_o wrong_v to_o conceive_v any_o such_o meaning_n by_o my_o word_n as_o if_o i_o will_v dash_v out_o all_o write_n of_o man_n with_o one_o stroke_n or_o condemn_v all_o library_n to_o the_o fire_n a_o arrogant_a impiety_n it_o be_v so_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o man_n pain_n in_o writing_n and_o god_n providence_n in_o israelite_n preserve_v their_o book_n no._n i_o touch_v none_o but_o those_o who_o consult_v only_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n man_n like_o themselves_o out_o of_o who_o discourse_n they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o humane_a divinity_n make_v such_o to_o be_v pillar_n that_o shall_v be_v but_o helper_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o how_o likely_a it_o be_v to_o fail_v in_o time_n of_o trial_n i_o wish_v they_o to_o forecast_v betimes_o before_o they_o feel_v it_o too_o late_a among_o you_o my_o brethren_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o who_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n save_v than_o his_o fancy_n please_v and_o therefore_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v where_o god_n affirm_v to_o obey_v where_o he_o command_v without_o man_n authority_n to_o convince_v your_o reason_n or_o persuade_v your_o affection_n and_o if_o so_o i_o be_o ease_v of_o the_o most_o troublesome_a &_o least_o profitable_a toil_n the_o curious_a search_n and_o allegation_n of_o author_n which_o if_o you_o do_v expect_v you_o overburden_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v promise_v i_o shall_v belie_v my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o as_o i_o suppose_v your_o opinion_n of_o my_o meanness_n furthermore_o for_o deep_a speculation_n new-minted_a divinity_n or_o elder_a heresy_n bury_v in_o hell_n with_o their_o author_n or_o strange_a opinion_n hush_v up_o in_o silence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o wrong_a to_o imbroile_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o a_o auditory_a and_o to_o shake_v they_o with_o the_o unseasonable_a blast_n of_o doubtful_a dispute_n before_o they_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o faith_n you_o must_v pardon_v i_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o this_o exercise_n most_o concern_v that_o be_v the_o yonguer_n in_o age_n and_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v beseech_v you_o belove_v and_o much_o respect_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o elder_a and_o strong_a in_o the_o lord_n stock_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o drive_v on_o in_o jacob_n pace_n so_o as_o i_o weary_a not_o nor_o leave_v behind_o the_o more_o tender_a lamb_n i_o dare_v say_v we_o may_v all_o at_o last_o come_v to_o canaan_n and_o yet_o break_v no_o company_n he_o that_o give_v to_o they_o that_o want_v take_v not_o away_o from_o they_o that_o have_v and_o you_o know_v that_o man_n may_v be_v nourish_v with_o milk_n though_o infant_n can_v live_v with_o strong_a meat_n finis_fw-la prologi_fw-la the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace._n and_o faith_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n be_v brief_o comprise_v under_o these_o two_o head_n agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la do_v and_o believe_v which_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o make_v the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o all_o wholesome_a doctrine_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o epitome_n of_o love_n be_v the_o moral_a law_n brief_o contain_v in_o ten_o more_o brief_o in_o two_o precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o sum_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a deliver_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v short_o draw_v into_o that_o excellent_a compendium_n which_o we_o now_o use_v and_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o evangelicall_n doctrine_n both_o these_o faith_n and_o love_n have_v one_o common_a adversary_n satan_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o assault_v and_o whether_o more_o dangerous_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v they_o seem_v both_o to_o be_v embark_v together_o in_o the_o same_o bottom_n and_o if_o conscience_n suffer_v shipwreck_n faith_n sink_v too_o and_o if_o faith_n the_o most_o precious_a lade_n be_v throw_v overboard_o i_o doubt_v how_o charity_n will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o save_a voyage_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o mariner_n attempt_v a_o escape_n in_o their_o dangerous_a passage_n so_o i_o of_o those_o except_o 〈◊〉_d they_o abide_v in_o the_o ship_n ve_fw-la can_v be_v save_v and_o you_o may_v observe_v it_o equal_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o heretic_n virtuous_a or_o a_o atheistical_a vicious_a liver_n a_o true_a believer_n wherefore_o the_o devil_n care_v not_o much_o where_o he_o begin_v his_o battery_n yet_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v
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
will_v also_o evident_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o a_o little_a survey_n the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n both_o those_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o such_o who_o title_n only_o we_o have_v remain_v record_v by_o those_o that_o have_v write_v their_o life_n for_o among_o so_o many_o hundred_o volume_n write_v by_o the_o ancient_n how_o few_o or_o none_o almost_o shall_v we_o find_v touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n those_o great_a scribbler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysippus_n be_v call_v who_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o logic_n oratory_n mathematics_n morality_n policy_n and_o nature_n itself_o unattempted_a but_o with_o a_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a eye_n pry_v into_o the_o small_a matter_n yet_o in_o those_o high_a speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v either_o miserable_o blind_a or_o wilful_o negligent_a aristotle_n a_o man_n of_o the_o deep_a reach_n that_o antiquity_n ever_o breed_v among_o so_o many_o book_n that_o he_o write_v and_o be_v in_o part_n yet_o extant_a have_v not_o leave_v we_o any_o one_o discourse_n by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o bestow_v any_o pain_n in_o search_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n except_o a_o little_a 8._o here_o and_o there_o in_o some_o poor_a pitiful_a dispute_n theophrastus_n his_o scholar_n who_o exceed_v the_o master_n in_o numbersome_a write_n compose_v six_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o which_o we_o wish_v have_v remain_v to_o posterity_n albeit_o by_o the_o very_a title_n we_o may_v suspect_v what_o stuff_n they_o be_v not_o unlike_a to_o hesâ—ods_n theogonia_n and_o such_o other_o foolery_n and_o that_o both_o his_o book_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n by_o crito_n simon_n xenocrates_n strato_n cleanthes_n epicurus_n and_o many_o more_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o laertius_n be_v they_o now_o extant_a will_v give_v we_o but_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o gross_a stupidity_n and_o dulness_n of_o those_o otherwise_o refine_a and_o sublimate_v wit_n tully_n who_o have_v read_v they_o and_o set_v 1._o down_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o opinion_n give_v we_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o all_o and_o himself_o too_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o stark_a fool_n and_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n of_o search_v out_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o footstep_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o due_a proceed_n from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a they_o give_v heed_n to_o old_a &_o fond_a fable_n or_o vanish_v away_o in_o their_o idle_a imagination_n and_o new_a opinion_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o respect_v either_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o how_o quick_a and_o forward_o soever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n be_v dull_a enough_o in_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o disposition_n prove_v who_o be_v excellent_a in_o many_o sort_n of_o learning_n yet_o dunce_n in_o divinity_n or_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o policy_n of_o satan_n who_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o so_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n make_v use_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o pen_n in_o darken_n the_o clear_a light_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n by_o senseless_a fable_n and_o foolish_a fancy_n which_o pass_v unto_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a with_o approbation_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o deep_a learning_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a in_o former_a time_n have_v always_o apply_v their_o industry_n in_o this_o part_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o labour_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v busy_v therein_o be_v preserve_v to_o our_o time_n nor_o those_o few_o monument_n that_o be_v leave_v do_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o man_n have_v do_v their_o best_a in_o go_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v we_o must_v without_o consideration_n of_o particular_n first_o dispute_n in_o general_a how_o deep_a the_o eye_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v pierce_v into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o then_o see_v in_o brief_a how_o far_o man_n who_o invention_n be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n have_v proceed_v therein_o concern_v the_o first_o you_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o two_o chief_a branch_n 1._o all_o divine_a truth_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o way_n of_o spiritual_a contemplation_n and_o assent_n and_o the_o summary_n of_o these_o be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o in_o general_n declare_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v touch_v god_n as_o creator_n in_o the_o first_o article_n redeemer_n in_o the_o rest_n 2._o all_o divine_a and_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o the_o brief_a whereof_o be_v in_o the_o decalogue_n describe_v unto_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o 1._o piety_n in_o god_n worship_n 2._o of_o charity_n in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n within_o these_o bound_n we_o must_v seek_v for_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n which_o we_o will_v do_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o redeemer_n touch_v which_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o position_n as_o infallible_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o most_o industrious_a use_n of_o 1._o all_o nature_n help_n attain_v unto_o any_o the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v man_n redeemer_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o the_o scripture_n whole_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o mystery_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reveal_v it_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o 12._o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o utter_o deny_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o any_o of_o the_o great_a or_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n yea_o unto_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o agreeable_a to_o good_a reason_n which_o forbid_v to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n fall_v &_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o adam_n in_o his_o perfection_n never_o have_v knowledge_n of_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o redeemer_n with_o all_o the_o dependence_n thereupon_o as_o adam_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o so_o be_v he_o before_o his_o fall_n utter_o ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o have_v so_o remain_v forever_o if_o god_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o which_o revelation_n though_o make_v to_o adam_n when_o we_o be_v in_o his_o loin_n yet_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v general_n and_o deriveable_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n as_o the_o first_o connaturall_a and_o imprint_v knowledge_n be_v but_o particular_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o adam_n and_o so_o many_o of_o his_o seed_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o though_o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n do_v instruct_v his_o child_n and_o they_o they_o for_o some_o descent_n in_o this_o mystery_n yet_o wickedness_n increase_v in_o man_n as_o fast_o as_o man_n multiply_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o darksome_a obscurity_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o the_o world_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o knowledge_n quick_o decrease_v be_v almost_o decay_v even_o among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o few_o of_o god_n church_n who_o therefore_o god_n be_v fain_o by_o new_a revelation_n continual_o to_o instruct_v but_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n it_o be_v utter_o extinct_a and_o no_o spark_n of_o it_o leave_v alive_a they_o soon_o forget_v what_o they_o care_v not_o to_o believe_v wherefore_o we_o must_v confine_v the_o mere_a natural_a man_n knowledge_n within_o these_o two_o limit_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o creator_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o beyond_o these_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o go_v the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o though_o very_o much_o eclipse_v in_o adam_n himself_o but_o more_o and_o more_o darken_a in_o his_o posterity_n as_o they_o further_o degenerate_v from_o his_o original_a purity_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o far_o obscure_v except_o in_o such_o who_o brutish_a and_o savage_a education_n have_v make_v they_o equal_a to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o that_o by_o careful_a education_n and_o vigilant_a industry_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o help_n it_o may_v be_v somewhat_o repair_v though_o this_o some_o what_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n almost_o nothing_o of_o its_o first_o clearness_n wherefore_o in_o the_o second_o 2._o place_n touch_v the_o knowledge_n god_n as_o creator_n i_o suppose_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n may_v know_v these_o thing_n touch_v god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 2._o that_o
settle_v plantation_n for_o many_o age_n in_o which_o time_n learn_v art_n and_o all_o civility_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v confine_v to_o those_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rest_n further_o remote_a be_v leave_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n and_o the_o same_o course_n be_v hold_v to_o this_o day_n wherein_o learning_n and_o civility_n have_v abandon_v the_o eastern_a country_n which_o have_v forsake_v true_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o approach_v to_o the_o western_a american_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o then_o in_o the_o course_n of_o time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o sundry_a accident_n will_v fall_v out_o for_o the_o dispearce_a of_o sacred_a knowledge_n as_o trade_v and_o commerce_n of_o merchant_n both_o stranger_n into_o judaea_n and_o jew_n into_o foreign_a part_n entertain_v of_o slave_n and_o captive_n who_o if_o barbarous_a learned_a of_o their_o jewish_a if_o jews_n teach_v their_o barbarous_a master_n many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n receive_v and_o believe_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o peregrination_n and_o sojourn_v of_o many_o jew_n abroad_o in_o foreign_a part_n as_o no_o country_n soever_o but_o have_v some_o of_o its_o people_n in_o all_o country_n which_o jew_n as_o they_o learn_v the_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a so_o they_o bring_v in_o among_o they_o some_o piece_n and_o relic_n of_o true_a religion_n last_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n shame_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o learned_a now_o who_o will_v with_o any_o cost_n purchase_v book_n of_o any_o art_n in_o any_o language_n which_o they_o think_v contain_v some_o secret_a knowledge_n and_o rare_a mystery_n as_o also_o spare_v no_o labour_n in_o travel_v into_o foreign_a part_n wherein_o they_o hear_v be_v any_o man_n or_o mean_n whereby_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v wherefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o ancient_n zoroastres_n hermes_n orpheus_n plato_n and_o other_o draw_v their_o knowledge_n which_o in_o part_n they_o have_v of_o many_o high_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o deep_a and_o clear_a fountain_n than_o the_o muddy_a shallow_a spring_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a reason_n though_o in_o the_o passage_n this_o water_n be_v much_o soil_v by_o they_o with_o the_o mud_n of_o many_o idle_a fable_n and_o silly_a conceit_n a_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v conceive_v to_o be_v either_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o apprehension_n not_o clear_o discern_v what_o be_v perhaps_o plain_o enough_o deliver_v or_o the_o corruption_n of_o those_o idolatrous_a time_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o least_o innovation_n in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o socrates_n which_o constrain_v the_o learned_a in_o those_o day_n to_o conceal_v much_o of_o what_o they_o know_v or_o to_o declare_v it_o dark_o in_o many_o misty_a and_o foggy_a fable_n who_o interpretation_n aftertime_n forget_v and_o so_o believe_v a_o lie_n for_o a_o true_a tale_n hitherto_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n let_v we_o next_o descend_v to_o the_o effect_n thereof_o in_o regard_n of_o practice_n which_o admit_v of_o a_o double_a consideration_n as_o theformer_n what_o may_v be_v what_o have_v be_v do_v shall_v yet_o here_o be_v handle_v joint_o together_o by_o the_o former_a discourse_n it_o appear_v how_o imperfect_a the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o his_o practice_n will_v come_v as_o far_o short_a of_o his_o knowledge_n as_o his_o knowledge_n do_v of_o perfection_n for_o so_o it_o be_v even_o with_o the_o best_a christian_n who_o practise_v far_o less_o than_o they_o know_v much_o more_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v too_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a to_o cause_v any_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n upon_o his_o will_n and_o sensual_a affection_n which_o will_v be_v too_o too_o violent_a and_o untamed_a to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o command_n of_o his_o understanding_n yea_o shall_v we_o suppose_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o all_o duty_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o much_o better_a his_o practice_n so_o easy_o will_v the_o natural_a conscience_n be_v choke_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v support_v by_o faith_n which_o only_o put_v life_n into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n unto_o our_o practice_n and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o natural_a heathen_a and_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a who_o in_o knowledge_n may_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o he_o in_o practice_n for_o see_v they_o both_o alike_o want_v faith_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o goodness_n of_o natural_a temper_n civility_n of_o education_n strictness_n of_o government_n due_a hope_n of_o reward_n and_o praise_n or_o fear_v of_o the_o contrary_a with_o the_o like_a motive_n may_v carry_v a_o heathen_a as_o far_o in_o virtuous_a course_n as_o bare_a illumination_n can_v a_o christian._n the_o same_o corruption_n in_o both_o perhaps_o great_a in_o the_o christian_n than_o heathen_a as_o sin_n abound_v more_o where_o unsanctified_a knowledge_n abound_v i_o say_v the_o like_a corruption_n in_o both_o will_v imprison_v this_o knowledge_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o it_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o religious_a practice_n whence_o we_o find_v that_o christian_n much_o more_o philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v the_o same_o man_n in_o the_o chair_n and_o in_o their_o conversation_n but_o that_o their_o opinion_n and_o discourse_n have_v be_v full_a of_o sanctity_n and_o temperance_n when_o their_o life_n have_v be_v defile_v with_o all_o impiety_n and_o sensuality_n wherefore_o for_o the_o general_a let_v we_o set_v down_o this_o conclusion_n as_o most_o true_a that_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o application_n of_o his_o knowledge_n unto_o practice_n as_o he_o may_v do_v and_o as_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o gentile_n be_v condemn_v for_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o injustice_n for_o sin_v against_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o for_o know_v god_n and_o yet_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a although_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v or_o know_v so_o much_o as_o he_o ought_v yet_o he_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v ever_o willing_a to_o practice_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n his_o knowledge_n be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v he_o of_o his_o unrighteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o false_a worship_n of_o god_n himself_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o true_a mean_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n right_a worship_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o thus_o in_o god_n wonderful_a judgement_n he_o be_v leave_v as_o without_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o well_o do_v so_o without_o all_o lawful_a excuse_n for_o his_o ill_a do_v but_o come_v we_o to_o particular_n the_o natural_a man_n practice_n respect_v either_o god_n in_o his_o inward_a worship_n outward_a man._n 1._o in_o thing_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n the_o natural_a man_n utter_o pervert_v himself_o in_o his_o practice_n there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a deformity_n and_o disagreement_n that_o may_v be_v between_o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o speculation_n and_o his_o application_n thereof_o to_o practice_n consider_v he_o in_o the_o inward_a worship_n of_o the_o heart_n how_o he_o stand_v affect_v towards_o the_o deity_n in_o those_o inward_a affection_n of_o love_n fear_v credence_n and_o confidence_n which_o be_v require_v as_o part_v of_o our_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o see_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n heart_n in_o this_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n how_o feeble_a cold_a and_o force_v these_o affection_n will_v be_v how_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o falsehood_n be_v secret_o fasten_v to_o the_o creature_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o creator_n just_a like_o unregenerate_a christian_n that_o will_v make_v show_n of_o love_n fear_v faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o intend_v nothing_o less_o in_o their_o affection_n consider_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v far_o more_o defective_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o manifest_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n who_o corrupt_v their_o way_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mistake_v the_o object_n and_o seek_v for_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o apprehend_v in_o a_o general_a notion_n not_o only_o in_o the_o similitude_n but_o in_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o those_o many_o time_n of_o the_o weak_a and_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
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
much_o be_v our_o assent_n weaken_v but_o of_o the_o three_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v the_o chief_a who_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n certain_o know_v unto_o we_o will_v move_v we_o to_o a_o certain_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o apprehend_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o consequence_n nor_o discern_v any_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o all_o whereas_o if_o one_o that_o have_v neither_o wit_n nor_o honesty_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n whereof_o we_o also_o see_v the_o probability_n and_o truth_n in_o part_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o belief_n though_o he_o may_v move_v we_o to_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o assent_n be_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o knowledge_n opinion_n and_o belief_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o exact_a knowledge_n our_o assent_n be_v always_o firm_a and_o unremovable_a in_o opinion_n it_o be_v always_o waver_v and_o mutable_a in_o belief_n it_o be_v certain_a but_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o different_a concurrence_n of_o those_o three_o forename_a ground_n now_o out_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v let_v these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v careful_o observe_v 1._o that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o belief_n which_o rule_v you_o must_v understand_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n not_o of_o divers_a thus_o he_o that_o most_o firm_o believe_v any_o truth_n upon_o the_o former_a ground_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v it_o as_o a_o countryman_n who_o strong_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n or_o least_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o whole_a earth_n upon_o the_o affirmation_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o honest_a mathematician_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o when_o afterward_o he_o know_v it_o by_o infallible_a demonstration_n but_o now_o in_o divers_a kind_n our_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o our_o knowledge_n of_o other_o as_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a thing_n upon_o god_n testimony_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o our_o reason_n because_o our_o understanding_n have_v always_o this_o prejudice_n that_o in_o the_o general_a it_o may_v possible_o err_v but_o god_n word_n can_v err_v at_o all_o 2._o that_o perfect_a knowledge_n take_v away_o all_o belief_n supra_fw-la that_o be_v for_o so_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n exclude_v all_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o one_o thing_n may_v help_v our_o belief_n in_o another_o and_o knowledge_n in_o part_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v much_o strengthen_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o other_o part_n but_o here_o in_o this_o opposition_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n your_o must_v always_o remember_v what_o knowledge_n we_o mean_v namely_o scientiam_fw-la intuitivam_fw-la or_o per_fw-la visionem_fw-la that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v have_v by_o behold_v thing_n in_o their_o proper_a nature_n but_o not_o scientiam_fw-la disciplinarem_fw-la or_o per_fw-la revelationeâ—_n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v get_v by_o discourse_n and_o relation_n of_o other_o and_o so_o these_o two_o proposition_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v not_o and_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v be_v not_o opposite_a each_o to_o other_o for_o it_o be_v true_a we_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v namely_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o we_o beeleeve_v that_o which_o we_o do_v know_v viz._n by_o relation_n which_o so_o far_o forth_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o it_o be_v we_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o must_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v give_v to_o matter_n thus_o know_v knowledge_n that_o be_v by_o vision_n or_o intuition_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n in_o their_o proper_a evidence_n enforce_v assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n know_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o understanding_n can_v but_o approve_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o college_n of_o the_o sceptike_n of_o old_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o society_n of_o fool_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perpetual_a doubtfulness_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o madness_n when_o they_o will_v not_o assent_v that_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n shine_v when_o they_o look_v on_o it_o nor_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o burn_v nor_o will_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n in_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o such_o be_v anaxagoras_n his_o dull_a melancholy_a or_o wilful_a frenzy_n to_o maintain_v in_o good_a sadness_n that_o the_o snow_n be_v black_a for_o such_o be_v the_o natural_a assinity_n between_o evident_a truth_n and_o our_o understanding_n that_o though_o we_o will_v yet_o wecannot_v but_o subscribe_v and_o yield_v our_o allowance_n and_o assent_n unto_o it_o whence_o it_o fall_v out_o many_o time_n that_o a_o usurer_n a_o chuch-robber_n or_o some_o other_o not_o willing_a to_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o course_n though_o doubtful_a whether_o lawful_a or_o not_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n read_v such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n write_v on_o those_o subject_n for_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v content_a to_o practice_v and_o that_o his_o conscience_n shall_v be_v convict_v in_o spite_n of_o his_o will_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o that_o other_o knowledge_n by_o relation_n let_v a_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o plain_o deliver_v so_o that_o we_o full_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v yet_o if_o neither_o our_o own_o sense_n nor_o reason_n do_v convince_v we_o we_o assent_v may_v choose_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o assent_v unto_o it_o embrace_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o very_a natural_a property_n of_o man_n never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o other_o report_n till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v and_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o by_o evident_a experience_n draw_v the_o lively_a picture_n of_o any_o man_n the_o most_o curious_a landship_n of_o any_o country_n it_o content_v not_o we_o must_v see_v both_o the_o one_o and_o other_o set_a down_o the_o most_o try_a experiment_n in_o nature_n take_v by_o most_o skilful_a artist_n this_o please_v not_o other_o till_o their_o own_o trial_n confirm_v they_o general_o every_o man_n will_v fain_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n hear_v with_o his_o own_o ear_n understand_v by_o his_o own_o not_o another_o man_n reason_n in_o which_o inclination_n of_o nature_n lie_v the_o original_n of_o all_o the_o distrust_n and_o diffidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o restless_a inquiry_n which_o we_o make_v one_o after_o another_o into_o the_o same_o thing_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v bulâ—ed_v in_o examine_v our_o forefather_n invention_n and_o posterity_n also_o employ_v in_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o examination_n neither_o we_o nor_o they_o have_v much_o time_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o learned_a knowledge_n hence_o also_o may_v we_o guess_v at_o one_o cause_n why_o many_o science_n even_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v keep_v one_o pitch_n and_o not_o grow_v above_o that_o dwarfish_a stature_n they_o have_v in_o their_o infant_n invention_n and_o also_o what_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o many_o that_o read_v most_o prove_v not_o the_o deep_a scholar_n for_o no_o great_a impediment_n to_o exact_a learning_n than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o man_n understanding_n and_o neglect_v our_o own_o it_o will_v also_o hence_o appear_v that_o history_n a_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a employment_n be_v yet_o of_o all_o study_a learning_n the_o weak_a to_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o that_o depend_v whole_o upon_o such_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o man_n mind_n desire_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o at_o all_o namely_o another_o tongue_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o very_o usual_o those_o that_o be_v of_o credulous_a and_o passive_a understanding_n least_o able_a to_o employ_v their_o own_o strength_n in_o painful_a and_o attentive_a inquiry_n after_o knowledge_n such_o do_v not_o unwilling_o apply_v their_o diligence_n to_o that_o course_n of_o study_n but_o i_o
it_o unless_o himself_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a revelation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a god-where_a he_o come_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n brightness_n and_o clearness_n imprint_v on_o those_o revelation_n that_o mortal_a mind_n be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o their_o divinity_n yea_o balaam_n himself_o though_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o to_o have_v know_v or_o believe_v those_o revelation_n that_o so_o unkind_o cross_v his_o hope_n of_o preferment_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o 2._o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o he_o utter_v his_o parable_n with_o this_o preface_n 4._o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n have_v say_v and_o the_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_a have_v say_v he_o have_v say_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a fall_v into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o that_o be_v at_o other_o time_n drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o furious_a motion_n of_o mind_n procure_v by_o spell_n &_o enchantment_n be_v now_o as_o forcible_o move_v 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bear_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o in_o this_o revelation_n make_v so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n and_o strong_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o balaam_n that_o the_o wizard_n etc._n can_v but_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v though_o it_o quite_o undo_v his_o own_o desire_n of_o greatness_n and_o balacks_n hope_n of_o victory_n whence_o also_o this_o rule_n follow_v general_o true_a that_o where_o the_o revelation_n be_v infallible_o know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v lie_n now_o we_o be_v further_o to_o note_n that_o upon_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v ground_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v usual_o style_v the_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n a_o gift_n proper_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n bestow_v then_o on_o many_o for_o the_o better_a establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o unbelieved_a gentile_n or_o jew_n though_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_v run_v large_o marc._n 16_o 17._o yet_o it_o seem_v not_o likely_a that_o every_o private_a true_a believer_n have_v this_o privilege_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d be_v preacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o among_o they_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o true_o faithful_a believer_n but_o to_o other_o also_o as_o appear_v by_o judas_n to_o who_o this_o power_n be_v give_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o matt._n 10_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o reprobate_n matt._n 7._o 22._o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o by_o thy_o name_n prophesy_v &_o c_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o work_v some_o miraculous_a effect_n be_v the_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n other_o motive_n there_o be_v further_o off_o as_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o god_n omnipotency_n the_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o christ_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n matt._n 17._o 20._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o to_o yonder_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o you_o but_o more_o special_o that_o large_a promise_n he_o make_v at_o his_o ascension_n mark_n 16._o 17._o 18._o and_n these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v but_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v assurance_n of_o perform_v this_o or_o that_o miraculous_a act_n without_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v they_o inward_o both_o touch_v the_o time_n when_o and_o matter_n wherein_o they_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o as_o all_o believer_n have_v not_o that_o power_n so_o such_o as_o have_v it_o can_v not_o do_v wonder_n when_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o please_v but_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o special_a warrant_n and_o direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n like_v unto_o peter_n who_o though_o a_o faithful_a believer_n yet_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o a_o miraculous_a attempt_n of_o walk_v dry-shod_a upon_o the_o water_n without_o a_o special_a word_n from_o christ_n bid_v of_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n matt._n 14._o 28._o 29._o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o this_o special_a direction_n cease_v and_o also_o miracle_n have_v no_o use_n unless_o for_o conversion_n of_o a_o country_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v never_o be_v preach_v this_o gift_n also_o be_v cease_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o revelation_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o other_o follow_v 2._o some_o mediate_v deliver_v from_o god_n by_o other_o unto_o we_o such_o be_v the_o answer_n &_o sermon_n which_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n make_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n such_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o the_o only_a ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o touch_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o may_v be_v know_v how_o far_o they_o must_v be_v believe_v you_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o difference_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n that_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n evident_a this_o to_o thing_n not-evident_a therefore_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v be_v general_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v diligent_o examine_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o thing_n or_o whether_o any_o at_o all_o that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n who_o make_v obscurity_n one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o open_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v evident_a to_o man_n understanding_n let_v these_o distinction_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 1._o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o three_o sort_n viz._n 1._o precept_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o in_o the_o high_a mystery_n thereof_o as_o of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n &c_n &c_n or_o in_o other_o inferior_a point_n of_o sanctification_n piety_n and_o moral_a practice_n and_o unto_o this_o head_n may_v be_v refer_v all_o such_o discourse_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o wind_n thunder_n etc._n etc._n 2._o history_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a and_o go_v as_o of_o the_o creation_n fall_v of_o man_n the_o flood_n etc._n etc._n 3._o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v hereafter_o whether_o they_o be_v mere_o prophetical_a or_o withal_o do_v contain_v some_o special_a promise_n or_o threaten_v concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o prediction_n be_v make_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a evidence_n 1._o one_o of_o the_o narration_n when_o it_o be_v make_v in_o word_n and_o sentence_n so_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a that_o the_o understanding_n conceive_v clear_o what_o the_o speaker_n or_o written_a mean_n 2._o another_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v relate_v when_o either_o our_o sense_n do_v plain_o perceive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n sensible_a or_o our_o understanding_n do_v manifest_o behold_v the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v only_o intelligible_a this_o distinction_n be_v most_o manifest_a in_o all_o discourse_n and_o special_o in_o mathematics_n where_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n or_o problem_n may_v be_v clear_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v before_o one_o jot_n of_o the_o demonstration_n be_v understand_v how_o and_o wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o man_n understanding_n in_o a_o twofold_a estate_n 1._o of_o natural_a corruption_n as_o it_o attain_v no_o further_a light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o that_o which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o learned_a education_n and_o painful_a study_n of_o humanity_n and_o divinity_n for_o such_o end_n as_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o 2._o of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o
the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n open_v to_o discern_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o spiritual_a nature_n herein_o also_o lie_v a_o great_a difference_n because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v inevident_a to_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a be_v not_o so_o to_o the_o regenerate_a these_o thing_n thus_o distinguish_v let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o truth_n touch_v this_o point_n in_o some_o few_o conclusion_n which_o follow_v 1._o all_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o be_v doctrinal_a historical_a or_o prophetical_a may_v be_v know_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n not_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sanctify_v but_o by_o those_o also_o who_o remain_v unregenerate_a enjoy_v only_o the_o benefit_n of_o common_a illumination_n this_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v against_o that_o injurious_a accusation_n wherewith_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v slander_v god_n and_o his_o write_a word_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o obscure_a book_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o fond_a and_o impious_a conceit_n if_o ever_o any_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a say_v they_o but_o to_o who_o trow_v you_o to_o their_o learned_a clergy_n and_o illuminate_v doctor_n no_o they_o can_v understand_v they_o well_o enough_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o seem_a contradiction_n to_o reduce_v all_o trope_n and_o figure_n to_o their_o plain_a meaning_n to_o note_v the_o various_a acception_n of_o word_n to_o dive_v into_o all_o hide_a mystery_n of_o the_o text_n and_o over_o and_o above_o the_o just_a meaning_n find_v out_o many_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o the_o author_n never_o thoughton_a this_o they_o can_v do_v and_o for_o witness_v of_o it_o we_o have_v of_o their_o own_o writing_n infinite_a volume_n both_o of_o controversed_a divinity_n decide_v if_o we_o believe_v they_o by_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o also_o of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o text_n which_o testify_v unto_o we_o as_o no_o small_a painfulness_n in_o search_v out_o so_o much_o peremptorinesse_n in_o define_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o sure_o well_o they_o may_v be_v confident_a have_v beside_o their_o own_o and_o other_o wit_n the_o help_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n in_o which_o respect_v one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v now_o make_v a_o end_n of_o writing_n or_o at_o least_o of_o jar_a one_o with_o another_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o interpretation_n for_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v very_o uncharitable_a who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n do_v not_o sit_v at_o ease_n in_o their_o chair_n compile_v at_o last_o a_o absolute_a commentary_n upon_o the_o bible_n after_o which_o no_o jesuite_n of_o they_o all_o shall_v dare_v to_o vent_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v bashfulness_n in_o the_o friar_n not_o to_o trouble_v his_o holiness_n about_o so_o small_a a_o triâ—â—e_n as_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o romish_a apollo_n be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o utter_v oracle_n from_o his_o trivet_n unto_o every_o poor_a friar_n that_o intend_v to_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o a_o new_a book_n here_o questionless_a be_v a_o great_a fault_n but_o let_v they_o take_v it_o among_o they_o mean_v while_o we_o see_v their_o own_o practice_n confute_v their_o own_o opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n obscurity_n unless_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v that_o all_o their_o preach_n dispute_v and_o write_v have_v be_v about_o they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o say_v they_o the_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o laity_n and_o be_v they_o so_o who_o fault_n be_v that_o but_o the_o clergy_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v if_o pride_n and_o laziness_n will_v have_v give_v leave_n to_o have_v see_v their_o people_n better_o instruct_v if_o scripture_n be_v plain_a unto_o themselves_o why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v they_o plain_a unto_o other_o or_o must_v we_o in_o earnest_n speak_v that_o of_o the_o romish_a clergy_n which_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n in_o derision_n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v the_o people_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o they_o as_o for_o the_o poor_a snake_n the_o laicke_n they_o simple_a soul_n have_v not_o 12._o wit_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o plain_a word_n to_o such_o their_o proud_a contempt_n of_o god_n people_n we_o may_v with_o indignation_n oppose_v that_o of_o job_n even_o these_o have_v understanding_n as_o well_o as_o they_o yea_o &_o be_v not_o inferior_a unto_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o can_v give_v the_o world_n better_a proof_n of_o their_o deep_a wisdom_n but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v inferior_a be_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a because_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a mind_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o plain_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v of_o logic_n that_o it_o be_v obscure_a because_o a_o fresh_a man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o declaration_n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v by_o some_o man_n at_o some_o time_n we_o do_v not_o account_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n touch_v christ_n which_o the_o eunuch_n read_v to_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a prediction_n but_o we_o know_v it_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a enough_o though_o the_o eunuch_n a_o raw_a proselyte_n understand_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v much_o we_o can_v be_v as_o charitable_o mind_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o be_v of_o other_o book_n in_o our_o ordinary_a study_n wherein_o when_o we_o find_v some_o thing_n difficult_a we_o can_v suspect_v ourselves_o rather_o than_o the_o author_n &_o when_o afterward_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o do_v not_o censure_v he_o of_o obscurity_n but_o blame_v our_o own_o dulness_n that_o can_v not_o apprehend_v thing_n plain_o enough_o express_v and_o i_o think_v the_o jesuit_n may_v be_v content_a to_o give_v god_n almighty_a leave_n to_o write_v but_o even_o as_o man_n of_o great_a understanding_n do_v namely_o to_o comprise_v much_o matter_n in_o few_o word_n they_o may_v know_v that_o in_o such_o writing_n and_o such_o be_v the_o stile_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n thing_n may_v be_v express_v very_o distinct_o and_o proper_o which_o yet_o can_v â—â—ply_o be_v understand_v at_o first_o read_v but_o after_o some_o study_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a thing_n for_o our_o adversary_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o least_o as_o easy_a a_o book_n as_o some_o humane_a author_n and_o that_o the_o abundant_a riches_n of_o knowledge_n in_o it_o do_v by_o the_o least_o deserve_v as_o much_o pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o aristotle_n some_o hard_a poet_n on_o some_o intricate_a crabbed_a scholastical_a discourse_n of_o some_o jesuite_n do_v they_o not_o great_o mistrust_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o own_o error_n by_o such_o a_o insinuation_n of_o scripture_n facility_n they_o will_v never_o discourage_v their_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o yet_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o study_n of_o many_o a_o obscure_a author_n for_o ourselves_o we_o have_v learn_v better_a thing_n than_o to_o bring_v god_n in_o suspicion_n with_o man_n of_o envy_n and_o fraud_n as_o if_o he_o have_v cause_v a_o word_n to_o be_v write_v for_o instruction_n of_o man_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o in_o it_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n to_o entrap_v man_n soul_n in_o heresy_n and_o false_a opinion_n by_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n no_o against_o such_o calumny_n we_o oppose_v christ_n censure_n of_o his_o own_o word_n for_o such_o be_v the_o scripture_n prov._n 8._o 8_o 9_o all_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n be_v in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a or_o perverse_a in_o they_o no_o danger_n of_o heretical_a infection_n they_o be_v all_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n nor_o intricate_a obscurity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v on_o it_o yea_o we_o dare_v avouch_v that_o do_v the_o simple_a of_o people_n use_v but_o half_a that_o diligence_n that_o they_o ought_v in_o attain_v christian_a knowledge_n and_o will_v take_v but_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o landâ—_n or_o the_o statute_n book_n or_o such_o like_a experience_n will_v quick_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n as_o now_o general_o all_o man_n
not_o proper_o a_o assent_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o prove_v thus_o to_o assent_v or_o dissent_n be_v a_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o of_o the_o will_n if_o of_o the_o understanding_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n if_o of_o the_o will_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v goodness_n or_o evil_n for_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_v the_o case_n be_v manifest_a that_o it_o do_v never_o assent_v unto_o and_o allow_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n or_o dissent_v from_o and_o disallow_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o until_o there_o be_v knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o both_o for_o this_o approbation_n or_o reprobation_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o will_n can_v be_v without_o election_n nor_o election_n without_o forego_v deliberation_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v choose_v or_o refuse_v again_o for_o the_o understanding_n how_o can_v it_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n or_o dissent_n from_o the_o falsehood_n of_o such_o thing_n whereof_o it_o have_v no_o apprehension_n at_o all_o for_o so_o here_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n without_o a_o object_n at_o least_o a_o irrational_a act_n of_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o man_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n assent_n or_o dissent_v without_o understanding_n of_o whereto_o or_o from_o what_o be_v not_o a_o nonens_a the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o act_n and_o be_v not_o such_o a_o act_n more_o like_o the_o natural_a propension_n of_o senseless_a creature_n whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o unknown_a end_n than_o the_o judicial_a determination_n of_o a_o reasonable_a man_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v exceed_v reason_n yet_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o be_v not_o above_o our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o assent_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o forth_o rational_a that_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v yet_o we_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v then_o render_v when_o we_o understand_v that_o testimony_n and_o authority_n wherein_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o this_o only_o make_v our_o assent_n reasonable_a for_o as_o in_o scientifical_a knowledge_n and_o opinion_n the_o understanding_n never_o assent_v till_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v know_v either_o full_o or_o in_o part_n so_o in_o belief_n the_o understanding_n assent_v not_o till_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o relation_n or_o testimony_n be_v understand_v what_o that_o thing_n be_v distinct_o whereto_o it_o must_v assent_v in_o the_o two_o former_a we_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n from_o the_o thing_n itself_o know_v in_o the_o last_o we_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o every_o one_o our_o assent_n presuppose_v knowledge_n in_o the_o former_a of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o the_o late_a of_o the_o revelation_n wherefore_o that_o implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o ordinary_a papist_n who_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o teacher_n content_n himself_o that_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n in_o gross_a unto_o all_o what_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n &_o church_n tradition_n that_o it_o be_v true_a whilst_o yet_o he_o understand_v scarce_o any_o article_n of_o his_o religion_n distinct_o this_o their_o implicit_a assent_n be_v mere_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a contrary_n to_o the_o express_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 12._o 1._o command_v we_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o bid_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o bare_a answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o with_o a_o defence_n to_o every_o one_o that_o demand_v of_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o it_o will_v be_v know_v of_o the_o romish_a laiety_n what_o reason_n they_o can_v give_v for_o their_o faith_n what_o apology_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v for_o it_o when_o as_o they_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o scripture_n the_o only_a reason_n and_o defence_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o their_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o very_a unreasonable_a motion_n of_o a_o unintelligent_a beast_n that_o be_v order_v by_o his_o driver_n but_o understand_v not_o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n where_o particular_n be_v not_o know_v there_o may_v be_v a_o general_a kind_n of_o belief_n but_o this_o general_a belief_n be_v not_o a_o actual_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a thing_n reveal_v till_o that_o particular_a be_v know_v and_o understand_v actual_a assent_n to_o particular_a truth_n be_v then_o only_o when_o they_o be_v know_v and_o according_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n so_o this_o assent_n increase_v before_o there_o be_v this_o distinct_a knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o praeparatio_fw-la animi_fw-la a_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o yield_v assent_n to_o any_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v once_o know_v which_o though_o it_o be_v good_a when_o we_o can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o by_o reason_n of_o unavoidable_a ignorance_n yet_o to_o teach_v that_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v careless_a of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a where_o there_o be_v knowledge_n in_o part_n and_o when_o for_o the_o rest_n ignorance_n be_v see_v bewail_v and_o avoid_v by_o all_o earnest_a desire_n and_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o get_v knowledge_n in_o all_o point_n but_o it_o be_v monstrous_a flothfulnesse_n to_o be_v content_a with_o this_o that_o in_o general_a we_o believe_v all_o though_o we_o assent_v to_o nothing_o in_o particular_a this_o be_v indeed_o a_o short_a cut_n to_o heaven_n if_o no_o more_o be_v require_v to_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o force_v upon_o one_o self_n such_o a_o resolution_n as_o this_o here_o be_v the_o bible_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o believe_v all_o that_o it_o say_v but_o for_o particular_n i_o will_v look_v no_o further_o let_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a look_n to_o that_o how_o far_o such_o a_o blind_a resolution_n be_v from_o christian_a faith_n and_o piety_n beside_o experience_n which_o testify_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o some_o thing_n do_v always_o much_o lament_v their_o ignorance_n and_o eager_o desire_v the_o increase_n of_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o scripture_n also_o do_v abundant_o witness_v unto_o we_o wherein_o no_o exhortation_n more_o common_a than_o this_o unto_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o collosian_o col._n 2._o 2._o and_o for_o the_o corinthian_n he_o wish_v the_o like_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8._o 7._o how_o many_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v we_o find_v they_o have_v make_v for_o knowledge_n every_o where_o mention_v how_o often_o be_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n couple_v together_o joh._n 10._o 38._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 16._o etc._n etc._n yea_o many_o time_n confound_v and_o take_v one_o for_o the_o other_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 14._o esa._n 53_o â—1_n joh._n 17._o 3._o &c_n &c_n again_o this_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inward_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v the_o faithful_a when_o they_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v see_v for_o that_o purpose_n jer._n 31._o 33_o 34._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 10._o 12._o 2._o cor._n 4._o 6._o joh._n 14._o 21._o where_o christ_n promise_v to_o show_v himself_o visible_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o be_v knowledge_n a_o thing_n impossible_a or_o very_o difficult_a or_o unprofitable_a some_o pretence_n there_o be_v to_o plead_v for_o ignorance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o often_o command_v we_o when_o it_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o have_v when_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a in_o the_o have_v so_o dangerous_a to_o want_v it_o it_o be_v now_o impudence_n to_o patronize_v ignorance_n as_o a_o friend_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o man_n reason_n wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o shameless_a assertion_n of_o bellarmine_n de_fw-fr justif._n l._n c._n 5._o that_o faith_n may_v better_o be_v define_v by_o ignorance_n than_o by_o knowledge_n a_o pestilent_a conceit_n which_o once_o root_v in_o man_n breed_v in_o they_o a_o horrible_a contempt_n distaste_n and_o neglect_v of_o scripture_n and_o all_o religion_n as_o matter_n not_o possible_a nor_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v a_o gull_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n by_o the_o clergy_n thereby_o to_o excuse_v their_o own_o idleness_n in_o not_o teach_v they_o or_o to_o gain_v the_o
admiration_n to_o themselves_o for_o be_v the_o only_a oracle_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v bear_v rule_n over_o the_o people_n faith_n or_o else_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v these_o leader_n eye_n and_o they_o not_o willing_a to_o go_v to_o hell_n alone_o put_v out_o also_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v not_o know_v more_o than_o themselves_o or_o all_o that_o themselves_o do_v and_o so_o their_o knavery_n be_v discover_v for_o we_o let_v we_o detest_v a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o take_v away_o all_o care_n and_o study_v after_o godly_a knowledge_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o heresy_n profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n nor_o rest_v we_o in_o our_o seach_n after_o divine_a thing_n till_o we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 2._o tim._n 1._o 12._o and_o with_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n we_o worship_v that_o which_o we_o know_v joh._n 4._o 22._o hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o part_n propose_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o definition_n of_o faith_n general_o take_v namely_o the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o be_v all_o revelation_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o creature_n we_o come_v unto_o the_o second_o point_n namely_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o this_o quality_n of_o faith_n be_v inherent_a which_o in_o the_o definition_n be_v express_v to_o be_v the_o reasonable_a creature_n within_o which_o latitude_n we_o comprise_v all_o create_a understanding_n whether_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n of_o live_a man_n there_o be_v no_o question_n not_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v adam_z in_o his_o innocency_n and_o christ._n that_o adam_n have_v faith_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v by_o any_o who_o know_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o fall_n be_v his_o not_o persevere_v in_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o that_o threaten_a in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thou_o shall_v die_v when_o his_o ascent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o revelation_n once_o totter_v satan_n present_o close_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o so_o ply_v he_o upon_o the_o advantage_n that_o he_o leave_v he_o not_o till_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o happiness_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o glorious_a creature_n in_o the_o dust_n for_o the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v in_o innocent_a adam_n be_v also_o in_o he_o as_o be_v apparent_a by_o those_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o offer_v up_o with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n heb._n 5._o 7._o and_o that_o complaint_n upon_o the_o cross_n in_o his_o great_a agony_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o mat._n 27._o 46._o those_o prayer_n be_v make_v in_o faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o which_o he_o fear_v nor_o be_v his_o complaint_n though_o very_o pitiful_a and_o fetch_v from_o the_o low_a depth_n of_o misery_n without_o much_o strength_n of_o faith_n whilst_o yet_o he_o call_v he_o his_o god_n who_o for_o the_o present_a he_o find_v his_o enemy_n moreover_o though_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o no_o question_n but_o he_o do_v perfect_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n touch_v angel_n we_o have_v s._n james_n testimony_n 3â—_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n jam._n 2._o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o believe_v that_o those_o chain_n of_o darkness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v now_o imprison_v shall_v be_v everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v much_o heavy_a upon_o they_o by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o their_o torment_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o great_a day_n as_o jude_n speak_v jude_n 6._o this_o they_o believe_v with_o such_o horror_n beside_o a_o world_n of_o other_o particular_n which_o by_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n they_o know_v will_v fall_v out_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o devil_n though_o they_o tempt_v man_n to_o unbelief_n yet_o do_v themselves_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v of_o god_n their_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o they_o prove_v it_o evident_o for_o the_o bless_a angel_n we_o can_v deny_v unto_o they_o nothing_o what_o we_o grant_v unto_o the_o accurse_a but_o as_o their_o knowledge_n of_o many_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o exact_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n so_o be_v their_o faith_n unto_o other_o much_o more_o firm_a and_o resolve_v whence_o though_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mar._n 13._o 32._o yet_o they_o believe_v it_o with_o joy_n expect_v the_o augmentation_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o access_n of_o the_o church_n accomplish_a 〈◊〉_d glory_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n who_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o life_n utter_o cease_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n after_o their_o translation_n into_o heaven_n for_o even_o when_o they_o be_v there_o they_o yet_o still_o believe_v many_o thing_n both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o prayer_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n make_v for_o avengment_n of_o their_o bloodshed_n upon_o the_o earth_n how_o long_a lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n reu._n 6._o 10._o be_v certain_o a_o prayer_n make_v in_o faith_n wherefore_o you_o see_v that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v faith_n in_o it_o faith_n on_o earth_n faith_n in_o heaven_n and_o faith_n in_o hell_n too_o whereas_o there_o be_v create_v reason_n there_o also_o there_o be_v faith_n the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o perfect_a vision_n only_o take_v away_o all_o faith_n and_o where_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v know_v be_v evident_o see_v and_o look_v upon_o be_v comprehend_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o create_v intellectual_a nature_n but_o it_o may_v understand_v more_o by_o revelation_n than_o it_o can_v comprehend_v intuitiuè_fw-fr by_o behold_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o all_o future_a thing_n which_o do_v nor_o natural_o depend_v upon_o necessary_a cause_n can_v be_v know_v unto_o the_o angel_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n whence_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n 1_o peter_n 1._o 11._o affirm_v that_o even_o the_o angel_n be_v great_o desirous_a to_o behold_v that_o wonderful_a mystery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o stoâ—pe_v down_o and_o look_v into_o it_o as_o we_o do_v into_o dark_a and_o obscure_a place_n for_o such_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o angel_n till_o god_n by_o reveal_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n make_v it_o know_v also_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v eph._n 3._o 10._o in_o like_a sort_n for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a even_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v no_o evident_a knowledge_n by_o uision_n but_o only_o by_o revelation_n they_o must_v still_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o the_o bible_n know_v they_o they_o can_v by_o sight_n unless_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o vain_a opinion_n de_fw-fr speculo_fw-la trinitatiâ—_n that_o the_o saint_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n do_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v in_o sin_n all_o thing_n present_a to_o their_o view_n which_o be_v just_o reject_v by_o the_o learned_a as_o a_o impossible_a thing_n we_o dare_v not_o be_v curious_a in_o these_o thing_n press_v too_o far_o into_o those_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v not_o see_v thus_o much_o we_o may_v with_o reason_n affirm_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v without_o all_o belief_n whatsoever_o because_o he_o only_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n most_o distinct_o comprehend_v at_o once_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v call_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o who_o sight_n all_o thing_n be_v manifest_a yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 4._o 13._o strip_v stark_o naked_a and_o present_v to_o his_o view_n in_o their_o proper_a shape_n only_o such_o a_o absolute_a infinite_a knowledge_n take_v away_o all_o faith_n in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o as_o for_o the_o creature_n it_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o it_o mâ—st_v in_o part_n be_v always_o bind_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o the_o creator_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o it_o thus_o in_o the_o general_a you_o see_v that_o
will_v we_o can_v conceive_v any_o natural_a thing_n as_o true_a but_o we_o must_v conceive_v as_o good_a too_o witness_v all_o i_o ogicke_n rule_v philosophy_n mathematics_n there_o be_v no_o conclusion_n how_o unpleasant_a soever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v apprehend_v as_o true_a it_o also_o affect_v the_o understanding_n with_o joy_n delight_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o it_o delight_v because_o it_o be_v true_a and_o so_o truth_n quatenus_fw-la truth_n be_v good_a so_o that_o unto_o such_o as_o ask_v wherefore_o be_v the_o mathematics_n good_a i_o answer_v because_o they_o be_v true_a a_o part_n of_o god_n create_v truth_n of_o which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o hold_v and_o affirm_v that_o any_o the_o least_o part_n be_v evil_a and_o nought_o worth_a nor_o deserve_v a_o man_n study_n all_o truth_n be_v amiable_a like_a god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o goodness_n be_v so_o essential_o incorporate_v together_o with_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v be_v sever_v in_o our_o knowledge_n or_o affection_n now_o in_o moral_a and_o divine_a thing_n the_o case_n be_v much_o more_o plain_a that_o their_o truth_n consist_v whole_o in_o their_o goodness_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v how_o virtue_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v good_a or_o what_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o only_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o wherefore_o general_o that_o rule_n be_v curtain_n bonum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la convertuntur_fw-la and_o their_o praedication_n each_o of_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o concrete_a verum_fw-la est_fw-la bonum_fw-la but_o also_o in_o the_o abstract_n verâ—…_n est_fw-la bonitas_fw-la &_o o_o contâ—_n 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o scripture_n take_v these_o two_o indifferent_o as_o gen._n 1._o 31._o when_o god_n have_v create_v all_o his_o work_n he_o look_v on_o they_o and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v very_o good_n they_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o good_a but_o one_o include_v both_o and_o john_n 8._o 44._o it_o be_v say_v touch_v satan_n that_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o that_o perfect_a and_o good_a condition_n wherein_o god_n create_v he_o for_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o truth_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o distinction_n which_o be_v make_v between_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o their_o nature_n but_o from_o our_o esteem_n and_o conceit_n of_o they_o we_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n by_o our_o own_o end_n and_o the_o use_n we_o have_v of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o fit_v our_o purpose_n &_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o necessity_n those_o we_o account_v good_a and_o such_o thing_n we_o make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o will_n because_o we_o desire_v they_o with_o a_o more_o notable_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o vehemency_n other_o thing_n though_o very_o good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o because_o they_o touch_v we_o not_o and_o our_o desire_n of_o they_o be_v slight_a and_o vanish_v we_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n only_o as_o if_o we_o apprehend_v in_o they_o nothing_o but_o bare_a truth_n as_o for_o example_n he_o that_o shall_v discourse_v unto_o a_o intemperate_a man_n in_o his_o temperate_a mood_n how_o shameful_a and_o unseemly_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v overcome_v of_o drink_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o his_o appetite_n to_o wallow_v in_o filthy_a pleasure_n to_o be_v see_v in_o base_a company_n and_o hase_fw-mi place_n and_o shall_v tell_v he_o how_o comely_a and_o commendable_a a_o virtue_n sobriety_n be_v how_o gracious_a a_o ornament_n of_o a_o man_n how_o necessary_a a_o duty_n in_o every_o christian_n when_o you_o tell_v he_o of_o these_o thing_n he_o understand_v you_o and_o assent_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o what_o you_o say_v but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n his_o resolution_n stand_v otherwise_o sottish_a delight_n prevail_v against_o all_o sober_a advice_n and_o the_o strong_a desire_n of_o pleasure_n drown_v those_o faint_a affectious_a towards_o temperance_n how_o in_o this_o case_n the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o virtue_n commend_v be_v but_o one_o thing_n and_o the_o intemperate_a man_n do_v aâ—t_v that_o same_o time_n apprehend_v and_o approve_v of_o both_o in_o general_a wish_v that_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v with_o other_o man_n but_o now_o when_o anon_o after_o he_o come_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n what_o he_o thus_o know_v and_o allow_v of_o long_a custom_n and_o ill_a persuasion_n do_v so_o far_o darken_v his_o former_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o now_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o leave_v in_o his_o head_n but_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o hear_v at_o such_o a_o time_n so_o then_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o two_o several_a thing_n nor_o apprehend_v by_o two_o several_a faculty_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n know_v and_o desire_v by_o the_o same_o faculty_n the_o difference_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o our_o apprehension_n which_o vary_v according_a as_o the_o thing_n apprehend_v seem_v to_o have_v more_o or_o less_o agreement_n with_o our_o particular_a use_n and_o necessity_n where_o matter_n fit_v we_o in_o particular_a there_o our_o desire_n be_v strong_a and_o constant_a when_o they_o agree_v to_o we_o only_o in_o the_o general_a than_o our_o general_n desire_v not_o well_o root_v be_v choke_v and_o stisle_v by_o contrary_a affection_n in_o the_o particular_a performance_n it_o fare_v with_o man_n as_o it_o do_v with_o shimei_n salomon_n commandment_n of_o not_o depart_v the_o city_n be_v good_a till_o shimei_n have_v a_o servant_n take_v his_o heel_n and_o run_v to_o gath_n and_o then_o shimeis_n belief_n of_o solomans_n threaten_v must_v give_v way_n to_o his_o covetous_a desire_n of_o recover_v his_o runagate_n servant_n 38._o so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n man_n know_v and_o approve_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o general_a wish_v that_o themselves_o have_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n which_o be_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o but_o when_o after_o they_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o more_o please_a contentment_n in_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n they_o renounce_v the_o goodness_n of_o religion_n and_o hold_v it_o only_o as_o a_o truth_n of_o which_o diversity_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a more_o shall_v be_v speak_v hereafter_o in_o the_o next_o point_n for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o subject_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v not_o appropriate_a faith_n either_o to_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n nor_o yet_o refer_v it_o to_o both_o as_o unto_o two_o distinct_a faculty_n but_o we_o place_v it_o immediate_o in_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a nature_n whether_o of_o man_n soul_n or_o of_o angel_n in_o which_o we_o follow_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o seat_n faith_n in_o the_o whole_a heart_n as_o rom._n 10._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o act_n 8._o 37._o if_o â—0_n thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n now_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n manifest_a that_o in_o scripture_n the_o heart_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a soul_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o operation_n as_o of_o understanding_n 1_o king_n 3._o 9_o solomon_n ask_v of_o godan_n understanding_n heart_n of_o willing_a and_o choose_v act._n 7._o 29._o in_o their_o heart_n they_o go_v back_o to_o egypt_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 37._o he_o that_o stâ—nâ—â—th_v firm_a in_o this_o heart_n i._n in_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n again_o of_o the_o affection_n mat._n 6._o 21._o where_o the_o treasure_n there_o be_v the_o heart_n also_o i._n love_n for_o rom._n 1._o 24._o of_o the_o memory_n luk._n 1._o 16._o they_o do_v those_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o luke_n 21._o 14._o we_o need_v not_o go_v seek_v on_o it_o any_o trouble_n some_o distinction_n of_o faculty_n wherein_o to_o place_v faith_n see_v the_o scripture_n speak_v simple_o of_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o neither_o nature_n nor_o scripture_n do_v intimate_v any_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o malâ—ing_v such_o a_o difference_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n propose_v in_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o genus_fw-la under_o which_o it_o be_v comprehend_v that_o be_v assent_n about_o which_o we_o must_v inquire_v after_o two_o thing_n 1_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n 2_o the_o diverse_a degree_n and_o essential_a difference_n whereby_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n elect_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o faith_n the_o certainty_n and_o strength_n of_o
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
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
present_a but_o yet_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n and_o eye_n of_o reason_n as_o what_o be_v now_o do_v in_o foreign_a country_n there_o be_v the_o same_o impossibility_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o proper_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o our_o sense_n utter_o fail_v we_o &_o our_o reason_n which_o begin_v at_o sense_n fail_v we_o also_o and_o can_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o sense_n by_o a_o necessary_a deduction_n of_o one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o by_o history_n and_o record_n of_o time_n past_a by_o discourse_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n present_a from_o such_o as_o have_v see_v and_o know_v they_o by_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v wherein_o though_o we_o may_v understand_v and_o that_o clear_o enough_o what_o be_v record_v discourse_v of_o and_o foretell_v yet_o will_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v always_o inevident_a to_o we_o unless_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o reason_n can_v also_o comprehend_v they_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o read_v any_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a history_n as_o the_o description_n of_o the_o battle_n at_o cannae_n in_o livy_n we_o understand_v perfect_o what_o he_o say_v and_o we_o believe_v it_o also_o but_o unto_o no_o mortal_a man_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o accident_n evident_a but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v then_o live_v who_o feel_v and_o see_v that_o calamity_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n so_o when_o a_o traveller_n report_v unto_o we_o what_o he_o have_v see_v in_o foreign_a part_n we_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v haply_o believe_v he_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o he_o take_v it_o then_o universal_o thus_o all_o object_n of_o belief_n be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o relation_n and_o tell_v of_o another_o but_o no_o relation_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o another_o make_v unto_o i_o can_v make_v the_o thing_n relate_v evident_a unto_o i_o i._n e._n so_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o my_o sense_n and_o understanding_n that_o my_o apprehension_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o with_o his_o that_o have_v have_v the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o it_o let_v a_o man_n describe_v unto_o another_o the_o fashion_n of_o some_o stately_a building_n or_o the_o situation_n of_o some_o city_n which_o he_o have_v see_v though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o lively_a manner_n that_o may_v be_v possible_a yet_o can_v heenever_o turn_v his_o auditor_n into_o a_o spectator_n and_o make_v the_o thing_n he_o matter_n describe_v evident_a to_o his_o apprehension_n unless_o by_o his_o discourse_n he_o be_v able_a to_o communicate_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o eye_n so_o the_o most_o exquisite_a discourse_n of_o some_o point_n of_o philosophy_n make_v unto_o a_o yongue_n auditor_n in_o that_o science_n can_v make_v the_o point_n evident_a unto_o he_o unless_o the_o reader_n can_v with_o his_o word_n convey_v his_o own_o understanding_n into_o his_o hearer_n such_o description_n and_o discourse_n can_v only_o effect_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o hearer_n shall_v frame_v unto_o himself_o a_o more_o lively_a imagination_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o but_o yet_o till_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o his_o own_o reason_n have_v full_o inform_v he_o by_o immediate_a experiment_n from_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o imagination_n or_o conceit_n can_v make_v the_o thing_n true_o evident_a and_o in_o that_o case_n let_v a_o man_n for_o example_n that_o have_v never_o see_v the_o king_n but_o only_o hear_v he_o describe_v etc._n or_o see_v his_o picture_n let_v he_o compare_v that_o imagination_n which_o he_o have_v of_o he_o by_o those_o mean_n with_o that_o other_o which_o the_o very_a behold_v of_o his_o person_n will_v cause_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o shall_v manifest_o perceive_v that_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o get_v by_o another_o relation_n fall_v wonderful_o short_a of_o that_o other_o knowledge_n which_o be_v breed_v in_o we_o by_o the_o proper_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a between_o the_o know_v of_o a_o thing_n per_fw-la speciem_fw-la propriam_fw-la as_o the_o see_v of_o a_o live_a face_n and_o the_o know_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n per_fw-la speciem_fw-la alienam_fw-la as_o the_o see_v of_o a_o lively_a picture_n hitherto_o of_o that_o property_n wherein_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n do_v differ_v namely_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n knowledge_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n evident_a belief_n a_o assent_n to_o thing_n inevident_a the_o other_o property_n follow_v wherein_o belief_n agree_v with_o knowledge_n and_o differ_v from_o opinion_n and_o that_o be_v certainty_n in_o the_o subject_a for_o in_o opinion_n the_o assent_n be_v always_o uncertain_a and_o if_o not_o equal_o indifferent_a yet_o inclinable_a to_o either_o side_n even_o when_o its_o most_o strong_o carry_v towards_o one_o but_o in_o belief_n the_o understanding_n pass_v over_o its_o assent_n and_o approbation_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o one_o part_n whereupon_o it_o fix_v and_o rest_v itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o definition_n of_o belief_n which_o suidas_n have_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vehemency_n of_o opinion_n or_o a_o vehement_a opinion_n come_v far_o short_a of_o truth_n and_o exactness_n for_o even_o a_o vehement_a opinion_n have_v always_o uncertainetie_n of_o assent_n necessary_o join_v with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o belief_n wherein_o as_o in_o knowledge_n the_o assent_n may_v be_v certain_a without_o all_o doubt_n now_o of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o those_o ground_n be_v whereon_o man_n build_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n 2._o the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n speak_v in_o regard_n of_o some_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o it_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o concern_v we_o 3._o some_o eperiment_n in_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v relate_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n our_o belief_n increase_v more_o or_o less_o in_o certainty_n and_o strength_n of_o assent_n which_o appear_v thus_o 1._o for_o the_o speaker_n authority_n two_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o win_v credit_n unto_o his_o testimony_n 1._o wisdom_n and_o skill_n that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v himself_o 2._o fidelity_n and_o honesty_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o both_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o neither_o do_v we_o believe_v a_o simple_a man_n though_o honest_a nor_o yet_o will_v we_o trust_v a_o wise_a man_n if_o he_o be_v not_o honest_a but_o when_o we_o have_v a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n by_o experience_n former_o have_v in_o other_o thing_n than_o we_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o his_o word_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n much_o alter_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o belief_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o slight_a matter_n that_o touch_v we_o not_o with_o any_o apprehension_n of_o special_a delight_n or_o commodity_n benefit_n or_o danger_n redound_v to_o ourselves_o be_v the_o relation_n of_o it_o never_o so_o true_a and_o our_o understanding_n of_o it_o clear_a enough_o yet_o we_o heed_v not_o the_o matter_n much_o nor_o do_v the_o mind_n fix_v itself_o upon_o it_o in_o any_o settle_a and_o firm_a assent_n but_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o some_o great_a consequence_n that_o touch_v we_o near_o we_o believe_v as_o soon_o so_o with_o more_o strength_n and_o intention_n of_o assent_n what_o we_o much_o desire_v or_o great_o fear_v we_o easy_o believe_v and_o though_o our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v not_o very_o clear_a yet_o we_o be_v willing_a even_o to_o force_v upon_o ourselves_o a_o persuasion_n of_o it_o 3._o experiment_n also_o in_o part_n do_v great_o add_v unto_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o belief_n a_o story_n or_o prophesy_v whereof_o we_o evident_o know_v some_o part_n to_o be_v true_a we_o do_v more_o easy_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o rest_n a_o learner_n that_o hear_v a_o discourse_n of_o some_o conclusion_n in_o nature_n or_o morality_n if_o he_o perceive_v some_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n evident_o he_o be_v the_o more_o willing_o induce_v to_o assent_v unto_o his_o teacher_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n one_o or_o two_o conclusion_n thorough_o understand_v marvellous_o strengthen_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o that_o we_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o comprehend_v where_o all_o these_o meet_v together_o there_o belief_n be_v firm_a and_o certain_a so_o far_o as_o any_o fail_v so_o