Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	believe_v	everlasting_a	life_n	1,696	5	4.9120	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A96858	Gnōston tou Theou, k[a]i gnōston tou Christou, or, That which may be knovvn of God by the book of nature; and the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ by the Book of Scripture. Delivered at St Mary's in Oxford, by Edward Wood M.A. late proctor of the University and fellow of Merton Coll. Oxon. Published since his death by his brother A.W. M.A.	Wood, Edward, 1626 or 7-1655.; Wood, Anthony à, 1632-1695.	1656 (1656)	Wing W3387; Thomason E1648_1; ESTC R204118	76,854	234

there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n for_o then_o how_o come_v job_n and_o other_o gentile_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o according_a to_o some_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v unto_o they_o a_o christ_n though_o this_o savour_n too_o much_o of_o pelagianisme_n again_o second_o what_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o bare_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v yet_o shall_v we_o tax_v god_n of_o tie_v his_o creature_n to_o impossibility_n certain_o we_o can_v for_o it_o be_v not_o god_n fault_n but_o man_n who_o by_o his_o sinful_a fall_n contract_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n such_o a_o impossibility_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v three_o this_o may_v further_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o you_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o enmity_n that_o be_v between_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a mystery_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o corin._n 2._o 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v say_v some_o expositor_n from_o the_o narrowness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n to_o receive_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n indeed_o they_o be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o good_a reason_n to_o for_o it_o for_o as_o water_n can_v ascend_v no_o high_o than_o just_a the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v even_o so_o the_o knowledge_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v mount_v no_o further_o then_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportion_v and_o level_v with_o the_o same_o light_n shall_v you_o tell_v a_o pagan_a of_o three_o distinct_a person_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n wrap_v up_o and_o cloister_v in_o finite_a humane_a flesh_n of_o be_v twice_o bear_v before_o he_o can_v become_v a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v he_o not_o think_v you_o rather_o laugh_v at_o then_o believe_v the_o discourse_n and_o suppose_v you_o rather_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v then_o instruct_v he_o doubtless_o a_o bat_n may_v as_o soon_o face_v the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n or_o a_o purblind_a man_n read_v the_o small_a print_n at_o a_o mile_n distance_n as_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v dive_v into_o or_o discover_v such_o abstruse_a sublime_a mystery_n it_o be_v the_o word_n alone_o and_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o unlock_v unto_o we_o these_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o blockish_a nature_n can_v never_o understand_v much_o less_o discover_v and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n speak_v unto_o the_o athenian_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n the_o text_n say_v some_o of_o they_o mock_v and_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 2._o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o gentile_n count_v these_o mystery_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a thing_n unto_o these_o reason_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o and_o answer_v some_o objection_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v tedious_a give_v i_o leave_v now_o but_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o particular_o to_o apply_v of_o this_o point_n unto_o ourselves_o what_o have_v be_v doctrinal_o speak_v as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_n then_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o bewail_v the_o sad_a loss_n we_o sustain_v by_o adam_n apostasy_n we_o i_o say_v for_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n gentiles_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n bear_v a_o christian_a as_o then_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a eclipse_n every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o likewise_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_a a_o eclipse_n this_o primitive_a glorious_a light_n have_v suffer_v through_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v smite_v through_o with_o grief_n and_o serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o venerable_a ruin_n of_o some_o ancient_a stately_a edifice_n how_o apt_a be_v he_o to_o weep_v and_o melt_v over_o its_o desolation_n and_o shall_v man_n that_o admirable_a fabric_n and_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o creator_n fall_v into_o such_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n and_o we_o be_v insensible_a of_o his_o ruin_n and_o as_o nero_n once_o do_v upon_o rome_n look_v merry_o upon_o his_o destruction_n certain_o be_v not_o a_o man_n whole_o engulph_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v not_o his_o heart_n so_o deep_o steep_v in_o worldly_a delight_n he_o will_v sometime_o let_v fall_v a_o tear_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o sad_a relic_n of_o his_o primitive_a glory_n and_o mourn_v over_o his_o former_a happiness_n now_o entoumb_v in_o nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o darkness_n for_o doubtless_o great_a matter_n there_o will_v be_v of_o sorrow_n unto_o we_o to_o see_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o beautiful_a image_n of_o god_n sully_v over_o with_o sin_n and_o ugliness_n that_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o now_o so_o overcharge_v with_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o falsehood_n with_o ignorance_n in_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n either_o natural_a cause_n or_o supernatural_a mystery_n with_o unbelief_n in_o its_o backwardness_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o purblind_a nature_n and_o with_o falsehood_n in_o its_o misapprehend_n and_o misjudge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o see_v likewise_o what_o rebellious_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n there_o be_v in_o those_o affection_n which_o original_o be_v quiet_o subordinate_v unto_o the_o dictate_v and_o guidance_n of_o reason_n how_o mad_o they_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o and_o rush_v into_o sin_n as_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n how_o wild_o they_o rage_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o discursive_a rational_a faculty_n either_o bribe_v it_o to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o upon_o deliberation_n it_o must_v needs_o disapprove_v off_o or_o else_o violent_o tug_v and_o hale_v it_o to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o to_o consider_v also_o how_o that_o conscience_n which_o primitive_o do_v enjoy_v a_o sweet_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v now_o lash_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n affright_v with_o the_o glaring_n and_o preapprehension_n of_o hell_n fire_n yea_o and_o become_v a_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bugbear_n unto_o we_o a_o speculum_fw-la and_o look_a glass_n to_o reflect_v unto_o we_o both_o our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n i_o may_v here_o make_v a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o glorious_a light_n which_o god_n original_o imprint_v in_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v now_o dim_a and_o almost_o quite_o extinguish_v through_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o strange_a malignity_n of_o it_o to_o deface_v and_o blur_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v mighty_o humble_v every_o one_o of_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n whereby_o we_o primitive_o be_v direct_v unto_o heaven_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o communion_n with_o god_n himself_o be_v now_o so_o obscure_a in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o grope_v after_o he_o in_o the_o dark_a with_o who_o before_o we_o have_v so_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o repair_v this_o decay_a lump_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v he_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o error_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o unbelief_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o we_o may_v not_o see_v death_n but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o now_o second_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o our_o great_a loss_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o since_o god_n have_v manifest_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o remainder_n and_o spark_n of_o this_o light_n that_o now_o remain_v in_o we_o for_o whereas_o god_n may_v have_v wrap_v we_o up_o in_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o have_v make_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a as_o the_o beast_n we_o former_o have_v dominion_n over_o yet_o such_o be_v

extinguish_v in_o we_o as_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o text_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v it_o dull_v that_o we_o can_v by_o the_o remainder_n thereof_o either_o read_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o from_o it_o derive_v any_o comfort_n unto_o ourselves_o for_o as_o by_o a_o dull_a and_o obscure_a taper_n we_o may_v perhaps_o view_v a_o body_n in_o gross_a whereas_o we_o can_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o light_n scan_v each_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o why_o so_o here_o by_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v apprehend_v indeed_o god_n &_o his_o worship_n in_o general_a but_o we_o can_v never_o thereby_o dive_v more_o particular_o into_o his_o will_n or_o those_o his_o attribute_n of_o grace_n pardon_v mercy_n love_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a which_o none_o can_v full_o understand_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o vers_fw-la 3._o well_o then_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o head_n by_o compare_v these_o our_o two_o estate_n together_o you_o may_v easy_o conceive_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o natural_a light_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o those_o common_a ordinary_a notion_n and_o conceit_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v god_n and_o natural_a goodness_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v call_v the_o truth_n because_o of_o those_o plain_a conviction_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o natural_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o resist_v this_o light_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a unto_o its_o dictate_v be_v say_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v unjust_o to_o stifle_v and_o keep_v under_o those_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n from_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n or_o action_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o thirteen_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o command_n &_o awful_a power_n it_o have_v over_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o which_o it_o be_v engrave_v as_o with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n and_o therefore_o jamblicus_n a_o eminent_a author_n call_v it_o a_o inbred_a and_o immovable_a notion_n we_o style_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n common_a ordinary_a notion_n and_o conceit_n common_a they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v congenial_a and_o imbred_a in_o all_o man_n and_o ordinary_a because_o though_o all_o man_n natural_o have_v some_o slight_a and_o catch_a conceit_n at_o god_n yet_o they_o neither_o know_v aright_o who_o or_o what_o kind_n of_o god_n this_o be_v and_o therefore_o you_o may_v read_v act._n 17._o vers_fw-la 23._o of_o a_o altar_n among_o the_o athenian_n inscribe_v unto_o the_o unknown_a god_n and_o christ_n say_v the_o samaritan_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o joh._n 4._o 22._o second_o we_o say_v that_o these_o notion_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o first_o in_o the_o mind_n reside_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o speculative_a prime_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o all_o effect_n have_v dependence_n upon_o some_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a and_o second_o because_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n reside_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o practical_a and_o moral_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o conclude_v within_o ourselves_o that_o since_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o deal_v just_o with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o like_a from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n even_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o natural_a law_n imprint_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v unto_o those_o common_a general_a duty_n which_o concern_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n which_o will_v further_o be_v clear_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o the_o second_o point_n namely_o that_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v in_o all_o man_n or_o rather_o thus_o that_o there_o be_v some_o common_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o the_o gentile_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o over_o daub_v with_o sin_n and_o filthynesse_n so_o benight_a and_o overcloud_v with_o wretched_a ignorance_n but_o have_v oftentimes_o the_o flash_n and_o immediate_a representation_n of_o the_o deity_n dart_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o debauch_v and_o loose_a a_o life_n so_o benumb_v and_o freeze_a affection_n but_o have_v ever_o and_o anon_o the_o secret_a whip_n and_o gird_n of_o a_o conscience_n to_o restrain_v he_o together_o also_o with_o natural_a impression_n of_o goodness_n to_o thaw_v and_o melt_v he_o into_o more_o ingenuity_n now_o than_o that_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n first_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o god_n be_v in_o all_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o by_o reason_n as_o for_o scripture_n be_v there_o no_o other_o my_o text_n will_v be_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o consequent_o in_o all_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n whereby_o be_v employ_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n concern_v god_n above_o the_o pitch_n and_o ken_v of_o this_o natural_a light_n the_o mystery_n indeed_o of_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a be_v riddle_n unto_o nature_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reach_v unto_o by_o humane_a disquisition_n yet_o it_o still_o remain_v certain_a that_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n namely_o his_o be_v his_o omnipotence_n and_o the_o like_a be_v manifest_a in_o they_o in_o the_o 17._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 26_o 27_o 28._o you_o may_v have_v another_o proof_n for_o the_o apostle_n there_o in_o his_o sermon_n unto_o the_o athenian_a heathen_n show_v that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o they_o but_o that_o he_o may_v even_v palpando_fw-la inveniri_fw-la as_o beza_n translate_v it_o be_v grope_v after_o and_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o that_o little_a natural_a light_n that_o be_v in_o they_o they_o may_v track_n the_o footstep_n of_o divinity_n and_o haply_o find_v out_o in_o who_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v and_o so_o in_o the_o act_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 17._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n there_o be_v within_o we_o a_o inbred_a light_n as_o a_o domestic_a chaplain_n continual_o to_o teach_v we_o and_o without_o we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n as_o so_o many_o visible_a witness_n to_o take_v away_o ignorance_n and_o all_o excuse_n from_o we_o wherefore_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n psal_n 14._o 1._o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o a_o wicked_a man_n for_o he_o be_v the_o fool_n here_o can_v quite_o obliterate_v and_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o he_o for_o atheism_n can_v never_o find_v a_o perfect_a and_o continual_a assent_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o only_o that_o he_o so_o work_v and_o life_n without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o the_o reason_n then_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o man_n natural_o may_v be_v many_o i_o shall_v name_v only_o two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v pass_v the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la tam_fw-la barbara_fw-la est_fw-la say_v tully_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a and_o destitute_a of_o common_a reason_n as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n to_o let_v pass_v also_o the_o natural_a discourse_n and_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o some_o supreme_a cause_n and_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o thing_n 1._o first_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n the_o truth_n it_o be_v paul_n way_n of_o argue_v with_o the_o athenian_n as_o certain_a also_o of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n act_v 17._o 28._o he_o infer_v their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n from_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o may_v we_o also_o plato_n call_v a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o creature_n natural_o religious_a and_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n yea_o himself_n have_v write_v so_o divine_o and_o reverent_o of_o god_n that_o many_o of_o the_o

invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o since_o this_o light_n of_o we_o be_v further_o improve_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o understand_a soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o brutish_a man_n that_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o beast_n which_o common_o look_v upon_o this_o palace_n and_o no_o more_o but_o when_o we_o view_v these_o body_n of_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o see_v a_o god_n who_o cover_v we_o in_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o who_o still_o uphold_v these_o mud-wal_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n when_o we_o walk_v into_o the_o field_n &_o there_o look_v upon_o the_o corn_n the_o herb_n and_o the_o grass_n let_v we_o meditate_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o they_o who_o once_o say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v flower_n and_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o it_o do_v so_o and_o if_o so_o be_v god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v thou_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n when_o thou_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n meditate_v upon_o that_o god_n which_o ordain_v the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n and_o which_o make_v arcturus_n orion_n and_o pleyade_n and_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o south_n when_o thou_o view_v any_o creature_n consider_v who_o stamp_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o goodness_n be_v show_v in_o the_o create_a and_o preserve_v of_o it_o last_o let_v we_o be_v exhort_v to_o study_v god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o mankind_n there_o be_v many_o even_o among_o we_o christian_n who_o see_v thing_n happen_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n and_o carnal_a reason_n as_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v deject_v and_o the_o wicked_a advance_v do_v implicit_o deny_v a_o god_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a with_o the_o epicurean_o think_v that_o he_o sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n without_o any_o respect_n or_o care_n have_v unto_o mankind_n whereas_o do_v we_o not_o measure_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n dispensation_n by_o our_o own_o shallow_a carnal_a reason_n we_o may_v even_o in_o the_o great_a huddle_n and_o confusion_n of_o thing_n see_v a_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n though_o then_o thou_o see_v sin_v every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o street_n to_o abound_v know_v also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v though_o thou_o see_v the_o ungodly_a to_o flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n and_o with_o david_n be_v puzzle_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o yet_o with_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o these_o man_n namely_o how_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o set_v they_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o who_o only_o feed_v they_o for_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n well_o then_o to_o conclude_v both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v god_n because_o that_o in_o they_o we_o may_v read_v those_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o both_o of_o they_o be_v as_o spectacle_n unto_o we_o to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o invisible_a god_n and_o though_o indeed_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v read_v he_o far_o more_o distinct_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o these_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o representation_n of_o his_o majesty_n till_o the_o time_n come_v when_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o these_o spectacle_n when_o this_o glaste_n of_o the_o creature_n shall_v vanish_v in_o the_o general_n conflagration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o enjoy_v a_o most_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o those_o new_a heaven_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v already_o by_o sundry_a learned_a man_n unto_o the_o substance_n of_o who_o writing_n there_o can_v indeed_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v unless_o perhaps_o far_o illustration_n and_o a_o more_o practical_a handle_n of_o they_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o here_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n say_v he_o for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n four_o use_n be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o scripture_n the_o two_o doctrinal_a teach_v of_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n the_o two_o last_o practical_a correction_n of_o vice_n and_o instruction_n of_o holy_a conversation_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o it_o do_v thus_o teach_v thus_o convince_v it_o must_v needs_o carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o neither_o its_o doctrine_n may_v be_v reject_v through_o their_o obscurity_n nor_o its_o argument_n gainsayd_v for_o want_n of_o clearness_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n needs_o must_v its_o rule_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o every_o one_o concern_v in_o such_o duty_n may_v be_v thereby_o instruct_v unto_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v term_v the_o first_o element_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o child_n may_v go_v to_o school_v unto_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n they_o be_v profitable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n imply_v for_o instruction_n of_o child_n even_o a_o child_n may_v spell_v out_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o doubtless_o if_o a_o child_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a so_o intricate_a so_o perplex_v as_o some_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a 2._o that_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perspicuous_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n entertain_v they_o 3._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v some_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o place_n more_o obscure_a than_o other_o 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a may_v appear_v by_o several_a text_n ps_n 19_o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n they_o be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o not_o alloy_v with_o any_o muddinesse_n or_o cloud_v with_o any_o obscurity_n they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o therefore_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o such_o evident_a plainness_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o quite_o blind_v may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o ps_n 119._o 105._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n it_o do_v that_o be_v by_o its_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n both_o as_o a_o lamp_n and_o light_n direct_v i_o in_o all_o my_o go_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o dark_a place_n denote_v out_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o word_n not_o only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v light_a but_o also_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o come_v it_o dispel_v darkness_n as_o the_o sun_n at_o his_o appearance_n force_v away_o the_o night_n the_o fog_n and_o mist_n as_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n that_o ever_o live_v say_v that_o he_o write_v to_o give_v subtlety_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n prov._n 1._o 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o innate_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n that_o the_o simple_a man_n may_v thereby_o be_v enlighten_v the_o young_a instruct_v but_o here_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v distinguish_v concern_v fundamental_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o circumstantial_o or_o such_o thing_n who_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n those_o matter_n which_o belong_v unto_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o such_o as_o be_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o either_o relate_n

from_o nature_n to_o set_v he_o a_o work_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o essence_n that_o the_o second_o of_o these_o person_n god_n the_o son_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o be_v degrade_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v and_o in_o death_n get_v a_o victory_n over_o death_n and_o the_o like_a be_v such_o riddle_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o neither_o can_v he_o in_o his_o most_o extravagant_a and_o rove_a apprehension_n fasten_v or_o light_v upon_o they_o which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o trismegistus_n and_o plato_n have_v be_v peep_v into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n when_o they_o speak_v so_o emphatical_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o lud._n vives_z &_o morney_n in_o their_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la so_o that_o the_o mere_a historiall_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v original_o arise_v from_o revelation_n how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o descend_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o see_v he_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o pore_v upon_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n our_o run_v over_o the_o schoolman_n and_o spend_v our_o oil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o these_o truth_n that_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o humble_a soul_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o our_o ignorance_n that_o god_n will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o indeed_o to_o they_o that_o perish_v be_v foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o the_o door_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n how_o can_v we_o enter_v into_o life_n but_o by_o the_o way_n by_o the_o door_n how_o can_v we_o see_v the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n who_o reveal_v he_o so_o that_o to_o assign_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o presumption_n not_o justifiable_a by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dim_a snuff_n of_o natural_a light_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v only_o that_o light_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sun_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o father_n style_v he_o that_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o without_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o all_o the_o best_a righteousness_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v but_o menstruous_a rag_n splendid_a abomination_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n neither_o do_v we_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n we_o may_v in_o charity_n hope_n we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v that_o any_o be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n neither_o the_o jew_n simple_o by_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o philosophy_n can_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n though_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n &_o zuinglius_fw-la seem_v to_o teach_v the_o contrary_a perhaps_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v inevitable_o perish_v than_o any_o solid_a ground_n they_o have_v from_o scripture_n for_o it_o and_o serious_o who_o can_v without_o tremble_a think_v of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o poor_a wretch_n that_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n conclude_v they_o under_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o that_o god_n have_v unsearchable_a way_n to_o save_v those_o that_o we_o most_o despair_n of_o that_o the_o insinite_a merciful_a creator_n can_v by_o mean_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o display_v his_o son_n even_o to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o region_n of_o death_n but_o to_o hasten_v 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pleasant_a knowledge_n all_o knowledge_n as_o the_o philosopher_n note_n carry_v a_o secret_a content_n and_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o videre_fw-la &_o speculari_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la ut_fw-la gaudeamus_fw-la as_o delightful_a colour_n be_v unto_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v truth_n unto_o the_o understanding_n a_o comfortable_a refresh_a thing_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v pleasant_a in_o its_o very_a first_o dawn_n to_o a_o benight_a soul_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a ps_n 119._o v._o 130._o must_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o light_n be_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a to_o those_o under_o the_o pole_n after_o half_a a_o year_n darkness_n or_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v blind_a or_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o a_o dungeon_n all_o their_o day_n before_o and_o can_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n think_v you_o be_v otherwise_o when_o he_o rise_v in_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lay_v thirty_o forty_o perhaps_o fifty_o year_n together_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n o_o how_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o then_o be_v unto_o he_o to_o see_v himself_o translate_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n to_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n open_v the_o veil_n take_v off_o and_o his_o sin_n pardon_v which_o be_v as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o saviour_n all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o her_o path_n peace_n prov._n 3._o 17._o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o light_n why_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n joh._n 1._o what_o more_o delightsome_a to_o the_o taste_n then_o honey_n his_o statute_n be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n or_o honeycomb_n psal_n 19_o what_o more_o take_v we_o then_o ease_n and_o rest_v his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o christ_n that_o make_v his_o way_n seem_v unpleasant_a to_o we_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o hence_o those_o inward_a loathe_n of_o his_o word_n those_o rise_n and_o heartburning_n against_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o profane_a person_n these_o be_v people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o never_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o delight_n there_o be_v in_o keep_v god_n law_n what_o pleasure_n it_o be_v for_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o a_o hungry_a soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o manna_n and_o the_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o know_v what_o comfort_n there_o be_v in_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o love_n that_o be_v better_a than_o wine_n in_o his_o abode_n and_o sup_v with_o you_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o all_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o dowze_v themselves_o in_o carnal_a pleasure_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o duty_n so_o sad_a and_o heavy_a in_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o they_o so_o much_o loath_a his_o word_n his_o people_n his_o ambassador_n his_o gracious_a motion_n and_o invitation_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o be_v this_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o 4._o this_o knowledge_n be_v a_o satisfy_a knowledge_n other_o knowledge_n be_v like_o some_o sance_fw-fr which_o when_o you_o receive_v into_o you_o beget_v a_o fresh_a and_o new_a appetite_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n do_v set_v the_o tooth_n on_o edge_n as_o here_o and_o make_v we_o thirst_v after_o more_o whereas_o christ_n be_v a_o object_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o most_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o phylospher_n say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o may_v more_o proper_o say_v of_o divine_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d