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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v faith_n heart_n 4,626 5 5.3251 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A07826 A treatise of the threefolde state of man wherein is handled, 1 His created holinesse in his innocencie. 2 His sinfulnesse since the fall of Adam. 3 His renewed holinesse in his regeneration. Morton, Thomas, of Berwick. 1596 (1596) STC 18199; ESTC S107028 195,331 462

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in_o the_o mind_n knowledge_n be_v put_v for_o affiance_n as_o the_o cause_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o effect_n 2._o thus_o coll._n 2._o 2._o faith_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o full_a assurance_n and_o certain_a preswasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o so_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n faith_n be_v make_v nothing_o else_o but_o belief_n and_o to_o have_v faith_n nothing_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n be_v true_a but_o in_o truth_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a nature_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v add_v to_o this_o action_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o action_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n to_o wit_n affiance_n we_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o namely_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o strange_a thing_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o knowledge_n work_v miracle_n but_o this_o faith_n do_v not_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o purpose_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o definition_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o object_n or_o thing_n whereat_o faith_n aim_v and_o where_o about_o it_o be_v conversant_a be_v not_o any_o particular_a blessing_n or_o good_a whatsoever_o but_o full_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o grace_n blessing_n pleasure_n and_o joy_n whatsoever_o do_v any_o way_n make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o excellent_a estate_n of_o man_n likewise_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n whereon_o faith_n rely_v be_v those_o which_o be_v make_v concern_v happiness_n yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v some_o one_o particular_a and_o temporary_a blessing_n a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o eternal_a and_o universal_a happiness_n and_o then_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o believer_n rely_v itself_o first_o and_o immediate_o upon_o the_o say_a particular_a promise_n and_o on_o the_o blessing_n therein_o contain_v but_o it_o do_v not_o rest_v there_o but_o through_o that_o particular_a object_n do_v see_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n thus_o god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n be_v now_o strike_v in_o year_n a_o son_n this_o promise_n abraham_n do_v full_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n become_v happy_a and_o be_v account_v just_a before_o god._n rom._n 4._o 22._o 22._o abraham_n believe_v god_n promise_v a_o son_n unto_o he_o &_o this_o his_o particular_a faith_n be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n for_o that_o in_o that_o one_o blessing_n he_o see_v the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o god_n mercy_n love_n and_o bounty_n propound_v unto_o he_o although_o we_o may_v answer_v another_o way_n say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o only_a isaac_n but_o also_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o isaac_n and_o to_o make_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n happy_a 9_o likewise_o math._n 9_o the_o man_n sick_a of_o a_o palsy_n under_o his_o bodily_a and_o temporary_a health_n look_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o christ_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v witness_n say_v to_o he_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v and_o purchase_v to_o thou_o thy_o former_a health_n &_o withal_o pardon_v of_o sin_n which_o be_v everlasting_a happiness_n hereof_o arise_v a_o three_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n that_o this_o faith_n do_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n both_o tie_n man_n to_o god_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n for_o as_o this_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o live_a creature_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o in_o a_o good_a estate_n so_o especial_o those_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n namely_o angel_n and_o man_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o exist_v they_o do_v 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bring_v from_o a_o fountain_n or_o spring_n to_o any_o place_n somewhat_o distant_a by_o pipe_n of_o wood_n lead_z or_o clay_n the_o first_o pipe_n which_o join_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o fountain_n may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v the_o water_n to_o the_o rest_n so_o do_v faith_n convey_v the_o grace_n follow_v to_o we_o and_o that_o both_o by_o the_o immediate_a &_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o multiply_v his_o grace_n upon_o the_o creature_n cleave_v unto_o he_o in_o full_a affiance_n as_o man_n usual_o give_v house_n land_n and_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o those_o that_o rely_v themselves_o upon_o they_o as_o also_o by_o mean_n inherent_a in_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o which_o love_v honour_v and_o serve_v god_n not_o for_o nought_o but_o as_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n follow_v both_o that_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o faith_n bring_v with_o it_o or_o rather_o which_o bring_v forth_o faith_n common_o call_v belief_n and_o also_o faith_n itself_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o definition_n which_o mention_n the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o man_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o be_v first_o perfect_o holy_a as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o often_o declare_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n faith_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n the_o first_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o estate_n to_o wit_n that_o wherewith_o adam_n be_v endue_v in_o his_o creation_n the_o second_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n to_o wit_n that_o whereof_o all_o the_o regenerate_v be_v make_v partaker_n so_o that_o the_o first_o be_v a_o create_v the_o second_o a_o recreated_a faith_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n as_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o all_o those_o point_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n so_o they_o differ_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v the_o difference_n arise_v of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o that_o perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o general_a definition_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o estate_n look_v for_o happiness_n by_o righteousness_n inherent_a in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o by_o his_o own_o natural_a holiness_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n make_v man_n happy_a by_o impute_a righteousness_n &_o supernatural_a holiness_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v this_o god_n create_v man_n perfect_o holy_a &_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v retain_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o but_o man_n by_o his_o fall_n lose_v his_o holiness_n &_o therefore_o be_v now_o sinful_a &_o unrighteous_a must_v in_o this_o three_o state_n cloth_n himself_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o some_o other_o so_o that_o in_o both_o state_n perfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n but_o in_o the_o first_o state_n this_o holiness_n be_v inherent_a in_o adam_n person_n in_o the_o second_o it_o be_v have_v from_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v define_v affiance_n in_o god_n promise_n propound_v happiness_n to_o the_o natural_a proper_a or_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n this_o faith_n be_v usual_o call_v legal_a faith_n although_o not_o proper_o see_v that_o this_o name_n agree_v also_o to_o the_o evangelical_a faith_n the_o which_o do_v require_v perfect_a obedience_n &_o the_o absolute_a fulfil_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o have_v legal_a justice_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n
fearful_a pang_n of_o desperation_n such_o extreme_a sorrow_n fear_n and_o humiliation_n that_o he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o pass_v to_o heaven_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o hell_n again_o some_o of_o these_o new_a man_n be_v bear_v in_o so_o great_a strength_n and_o perfection_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o babe_n but_o grow_v man_n in_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o come_v into_o this_o spiritual_a world_n not_o only_o a_o perfect_a man_n but_o also_o a_o mighty_a giant_n even_o a_o notable_a apostle_n whereas_o other_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o regeneration_n be_v so_o weak_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o action_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v great_o doubt_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o life_n or_o no._n last_o the_o sign_n of_o regeneration_n be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o several_a part_n and_o head_n of_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o that_o this_o new_a man_n be_v beget_v in_o himself_o or_o no_o let_v he_o consider_v diligent_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o all_o the_o three_o section_n of_o this_o treatise_n &_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o see_v whether_o that_o he_o find_v this_o strange_a change_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n or_o no_o whether_o that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n which_o say_v that_o the_o dead_a shall_v one_o day_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o life_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n or_o do_v secret_o in_o his_o mind_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n whether_o that_o for_o his_o good_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n he_o depend_v on_o god_n or_o upon_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n riches_n and_o friend_n whether_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n or_o man_n more_o whether_o that_o his_o chief_a delight_n be_v in_o serve_v god_n in_o praise_v god_n in_o hear_v read_v &_o meditate_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o in_o worldly_a pleasure_n in_o eat_v drink_v sleep_a in_o pastime_n in_o the_o pomp_n and_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o that_o he_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o pray_v daily_o to_o god_n for_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n distinct_o and_o several_o one_o by_o one_o or_o that_o he_o pray_v seldom_o light_o and_o but_o for_o fashion_n sake_n whether_o that_o he_o love_v those_o who_o fear_n god_n as_o he_o do_v his_o own_o brethren_n or_o child_n or_o else_o be_v effect_v to_o they_o no_o otherwise_o then_o to_o other_o man_n by_o these_o sign_n and_o many_o other_o which_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v declare_v at_o large_a this_o regeneration_n may_v easy_o and_o certain_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v every_o man_n in_o hand_n who_o desire_v to_o escape_v the_o second_o death_n to_o examine_v himself_o whether_o that_o he_o have_v any_o part_n in_o this_o first_o resurrection_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v 5._o 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o saying_n try_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o know_v you_o not_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobat_n last_o as_o the_o happiness_n so_o also_o the_o holiness_n of_o this_o three_o estate_n excel_v the_o first_o holiness_n of_o man_n in_o that_o it_o be_v perpetual_a and_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v lose_v for_o whereas_o this_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n be_v once_o sow_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n there_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o life_n everlasting_a 1._o joh._n 3._o 10._o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n neither_o can_v sin_n 10_o because_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o where_o by_o sin_n he_o mean_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o god_n not_o a_o particular_a sin_n the_o which_o the_o faithful_a do_v often_o commit_v without_o indaunger_v their_o salvation_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o adam_n do_v but_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n this_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n come_v not_o of_o any_o strength_n of_o man_n but_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o confirm_v unto_o the_o end_n all_o those_o who_o he_o do_v once_o effectual_o call_v chapter_n 4._o sect._n 1_o of_o faith_n in_o general_a and_o of_o legal_a faith_n the_o first_o kind_n of_o subjection_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n be_v that_o which_o the_o subject_n or_o tenant_n owe_v to_o his_o king_n or_o liegelord_n of_o who_o he_o hold_v his_o house_n land_n &_o possession_n by_o who_o favour_n procure_v by_o dutiful_a obedience_n he_o live_v in_o a_o good_a and_o happy_a state_n &_o who_o anger_n will_v be_v to_o he_o extreme_a misery_n and_o even_a death_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v call_v affiance_n or_o dependaunce_n thus_o be_v man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n faith_n affect_v to_o god_n on_o who_o only_o he_o do_v depend_v and_o rely_v himself_o for_o a_o happy_a estate_n this_o subjection_n be_v in_o holy_a scripture_n call_v faith_n because_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n for_o as_o in_o the_o latin_a phrase_n habere_fw-la fidem_fw-la be_v to_o give_v credence_n to_o another_o so_o in_o divinity_n to_o have_v faith_n be_v to_o attribute_v faithfulness_n to_o god_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n both_o by_o believe_v they_o as_o also_o by_o depend_v on_o they_o thus_o sara_n be_v say_v hebr._n 11._o 11_o to_o have_v have_v faith_n in_o that_o she_o judge_v god_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o promise_n 11_o this_o faith_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n the_o faith_n wherewith_o adam_n be_v endue_v in_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o the_o faith_n which_o god_n give_v in_o regeneration_n the_o first_o be_v call_v usual_o legal_a the_o other_o evangelicall_a the_o which_o two_o kind_n although_o they_o do_v differ_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o general_a and_o therefore_o we_o will_v first_o declare_v the_o general_a doctrine_n which_o be_v common_a to_o both_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o see_v what_o be_v proper_a to_o each_o kind_n and_o wherein_o the_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o fayth_n in_o general_n be_v thus_o define_v affiance_n in_o god_n promise_n propound_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o to_o man_n be_v perfect_o holy_a or_o thus_o faith_n be_v the_o trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o god_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o be_v have_v by_o perfect_a holiness_n or_o thus_o faith_n be_v the_o affiance_n of_o the_o heart_n arise_v of_o a_o effectual_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n which_o promise_v happiness_n to_o man_n be_v perfect_o holy_a 19_o and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o he_o be_v pollute_v with_o sin_n james._n 1._o 19_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v these_o definition_n be_v in_o substance_n all_o one_o offer_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o first_o what_o part_n or_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v the_o subject_n and_o seat_n of_o faith_n whether_o the_o mind_n the_o will_n or_o the_o affection_n whether_o one_o some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o for_o answer_v hereof_o in_o that_o we_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v affiance_n trust_n or_o confidence_n we_o do_v plain_o put_v it_o among_o the_o affection_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o hope_n love_n fear_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n all_o which_o and_o especial_o faith_n although_o they_o spring_v from_o a_o former_a knowledge_n and_o be_v always_o join_v with_o it_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o as_o in_o this_o instance_n faith_n have_v the_o original_n and_o beginning_n in_o the_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n can_v never_o rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o god_n for_o happiness_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n both_o can_v and_o will_v make_v he_o happy_a yet_o not_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o affiance_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v faith_n and_o yet_o for_o somuch_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o not_o together_o set_v his_o whole_a affiance_n and_o faith_n on_o he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v by_o faith_n right_o affect_v toward_o god_n unless_o first_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o promise_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v often_o place_v
goodness_n of_o god_n decree_a man_n salvation_n by_o this_o mean_n this_o natural_a property_n or_o quality_n to_o appropriate_v to_o a_o man_n christ_n with_o his_o righteousness_n last_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v have_v and_o attain_v unto_o by_o supposition_n of_o perfect_a inherent_a holiness_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gentiles_n themselves_o who_o know_v good_a &_o evil_a and_o also_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n be_v due_a to_o the_o one_o &_o the_o redward_n of_o happiness_n appoint_v for_o the_o other_o b●_n evangelicall_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a yea_o it_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o c●●_n not_o be_v attain_v unto_o without_o the_o mighty_a ●●peration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereof_o hereafter_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n may_v be_v gather_v into_o one_o sum_n or_o definition_n in_o this_o manner_n evangelicall_a faith_n be_v affiance_n in_o god_n promise_n propound_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o those_o who_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o it_o be_v affiance_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n or_o thus_o it_o be_v trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o christ_n whereby_o his_o death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n arise_v thereof_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o believer_n now_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o these_o definition_n to_o search_v out_o more_o particular_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n to_o what_o kind_n or_o head_n it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n or_o something_o diverse_a from_o both_o these_o secondlie_o what_o be_v the_o place_n and_o subject_n of_o it_o whether_o the_o mind_n the_o will_n or_o the_o affection_n three_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v wrought_v and_o attain_v four_o by_o what_o sign_n and_o mark_n it_o may_v be_v know_v five_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v or_o no._n last_o how_o it_o have_v this_o force_n that_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o able_a to_o justify_v and_o to_o save_v a_o man_n for_o the_o first_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o recreated_a holiness_n or_o thus_o the_o new_a man_n and_o holiness_n signify_v all_o one_o thing_n to_o wit_n regenerate_a sanctity_n or_o in_o plain_a english_a renew_v holiness_n so_o that_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o new_a man_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o holiness_n and_o contrariwise_o if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n of_o the_o new_a man_n and_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n we_o can_v doubt_v see_v it_o be_v a_o holy_a affection_n even_o the_o affiance_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o heart_n rely_v itself_o on_o god_n the_o which_o affection_n be_v also_o in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o new_a man_n for_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o legal_a and_o evangelical_a faith_n as_o touch_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o which_o be_v in_o the_o one_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o his_o mercy_n yet_o both_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o head_n of_o man_n holiness_n legal_a faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o create_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o evangelicall_a faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o regenerate_v or_o recreated_a holiness_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o section_n write_v of_o faith_n in_o general_a for_o legal_a and_o evangelicall_a faith_n agree_v in_o a_o common_a definition_n and_o in_o all_o those_o point_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v the_o which_o do_v also_o show_v we_o what_o to_o think_v of_o the_o subject_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o holy_a affection_n of_o confidence_n trust_v or_o affiance_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o faith_n be_v usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n call_v belief_n as_o infidelity_n be_v unbelief_n the_o which_o be_v a_o action_n not_o of_o the_o will_v but_o of_o the_o mind_n give_v assent_n or_o dissent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o belief_n be_v put_v for_o faith_n or_o affiance_n because_o it_o do_v always_o not_o only_o accompany_v it_o but_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n beget_v it_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n do_v without_o doubt_v believe_v god_n promise_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o rely_v himself_o upon_o they_o so_o that_o belief_n although_o it_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o faith_n yet_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o evangelicall_a faith_n can_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n see_v it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o substance_n with_o natural_a faith_n both_o kind_n be_v affiance_n in_o god_n for_o happiness_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o both_o kind_n be_v command_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n jehova_n shall_v be_v thy_o god_n the_o which_o law_n do_v enjoin_v that_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n his_o love_n fear_v hope_v reverence_n and_o with_o the_o rest_n his_o whole_a affiance_n or_o confidence_n be_v set_v whole_o o●_n god_n as_o well_o after_o his_o fall_n to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n yea_o this_o first_o precept_n command_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o his_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o do_v not_o know_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n he_o do_v transgress_v this_o first_o commandment_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v faith_n be_v to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o of_o the_o law_n which_o show_v sin_n death_n and_o damnation_n do_v bruise_v and_o wound_v the_o heart_n and_o second_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v faith_n righteousness_n &_o salvation_n heal_v the_o aforesaid_a wound_n and_o comfort_v the_o sinner_n with_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n this_o knowledge_n must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o faith_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n before_o the_o hart_n and_o affection_n can_v love_v and_o embrace_v it_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o use_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o know_v his_o will_n be_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n perform_v by_o man_n endue_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n yet_o as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o regeneration_n so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o faith_n &_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o work_v of_o god_n spirit_n without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v understand_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o understanding_n soul_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v but_o also_o himself_o to_o invent_v new_a thing_n not_o hear_v of_o before_o shall_v be_v so_o brutish_a and_o blockish_a in_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o come_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n can_v be_v conceive_v by_o it_o yea_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v hard_a it_o be_v straight_o way_n reject_v as_o absurd_a 14_o ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a so_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o perceive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v thus_o to_o make_v instance_n in_o one_o point_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o resurrection_n from_o death_n we_o see_v act._n 17._o 32._o that_o when_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o athens_n hard_a paul_n mention_v it_o 32_o they_o mock_v he_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o 〈◊〉_d religion_n for_o
although_o he_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o any_o supernatural_a grace_n bestow_v on_o he_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o the_o true_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n can_v not_o be_v sever_v from_o freedom_n of_o will_n but_o yet_o that_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o the_o will_v who_o although_o he_o may_v by_o natural_a mean_n get_v a_o superficial_a and_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v a_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o get_v any_o such_o true_a knowledge_n as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o move_v his_o will_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o good_a for_o howsoever_o many_o carnal_a man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v firm_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n but_o do_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o religion_n faith_n and_o holiness_n whenas_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o atheism_n unbelief_n and_o all_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v more_o wilful_a stubborn_a and_o desperate_a than_o they_o who_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o knowledge_n neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o marvel_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n shall_v be_v unable_a to_o resist_v and_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o nature_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o pleasant_a to_o he_o then_o life_n itself_o and_o all_o for_o hope_v of_o eternal_a salvation_n whereof_o he_o neither_o see_v any_o probability_n for_o the_o time_n present_a nor_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o hindrance_n why_o man_n be_v now_o sinful_a not_o as_o well_o incline_v himself_o to_o good_a as_o he_o be_v innocent_a do_v choose_v evil_a and_o so_o return_v to_o his_o first_o state_n by_o the_o same_o way_n whereby_o he_o fall_v from_o it_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o a_o man_n have_v his_o sight_n and_o life_n have_v in_o his_o own_o power_n either_o to_o keep_v they_o or_o to_o spoil_v himself_o of_o they_o by_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o by_o kill_v himself_o yet_o after_o that_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o dead_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v again_o unto_o himself_o his_o sight_n and_o life_n so_o man_n be_v in_o his_o innocency_n endue_v with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o a_o ready_a inclination_n to_o all_o good_a have_v power_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o estate_n if_o he_o have_v so_o think_v good_a but_o after_o that_o he_o have_v once_o by_o freedom_n of_o will_n lose_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o whole_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n he_o can_v not_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o sin_n restore_v himself_o to_o the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o more_o power_n of_o choose_v good_a than_o a_o dead_a man_n want_v the_o fountain_n of_o motion_n be_v able_a to_o move_v himself_o about_o any_o business_n if_o it_o be_v further_o ask_v why_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bid_v man_n believe_v forsake_v their_o sin_n turn_v themselves_o to_o god_n repent_v be_v holy_a refuse_v evil_a and_o choose_v the_o good_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v by_o nature_n altogether_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n or_o how_o that_o man_n can_v be_v just_o blame_v or_o condemn_v for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o incident_a into_o their_o nature_n neither_o possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o any_o natural_a man_n and_o last_o why_o man_n shall_v trouble_v themselves_o in_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n &_o salvation_n see_v that_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o the_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n and_o not_o rather_o sit_v still_o and_o expect_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v change_v their_o nature_n &_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o holiness_n we_o answer_v in_o one_o word_n to_o all_o these_o doubt_n that_o the_o scripture_n bid_v man_n to_o choose_v good_a and_o become_v holy_a do_v command_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o change_v their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o endue_v themselves_o with_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a in_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n as_o namely_o the_o abstain_v from_o those_o sin_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v the_o avoid_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o do_v of_o whatsoever_o be_v effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n but_o whenas_o man_n be_v altogether_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n contemn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o add_v one_o measure_n of_o sinfulness_n to_o a_o other_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o make_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o just_a sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o this_o natural_a impotency_n of_o will_n which_o be_v in_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o man_n cease_v from_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o howsoever_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o or_o any_o other_o creature_n to_o change_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o nature_n yet_o he_o shall_v find_v god_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o near_o at_o hand_n to_o all_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o never_o to_o be_v want_v for_o his_o part_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o do_v brief_o show_v what_o liberty_n and_o ability_n of_o will_n be_v remain_v in_o man_n in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n wherein_o if_o he_o have_v no_o will_n he_o have_v not_o in_o he_o the_o whole_a fountain_n of_o life_n &_o motion_n and_o so_o he_o be_v no_o man_n yea_o in_o truth_n worse_o than_o any_o brute_n beast_n &_o if_o he_o have_v a_o will_n it_o be_v either_o a_o free_a will_n or_o else_o no_o will_n yet_o this_o freedom_n of_o will_n be_v not_o indefinite_a neither_o do_v it_o make_v he_o omnipotent_a &_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o far_o it_o reach_v for_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o those_o which_o be_v simple_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o first_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o reckon_v all_o common_a action_n as_o to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o marry_v to_o sleep_v to_o build_v to_o plough_v to_o learn_v to_o teach_v to_o study_v to_o speak_v to_o think_v and_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o these_o man_n have_v freewill_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o incline_v himself_o to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o any_o of_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n do_v plain_o prove_v but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o in_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o thing_n either_o in_o choose_v good_a or_o in_o reject_v evil_a yet_o he_o have_v some_o freedom_n in_o these_o thing_n also_o first_o of_o good_a then_o of_o evil_a in_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o outward_a action_n and_o the_o inward_a grace_n in_o the_o outward_a action_n a_o carnal_a man_n have_v freewill_n be_v able_a to_o incline_v himself_o to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o it_o for_o example_n a_o carnal_a man_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o hear_v worship_n god_n or_o not_o worship_v he_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o not_o do_v it_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o perform_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o any_o christian_n duty_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o inward_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o get_v it_o but_o only_o to_o leave_v it_o as_o he_o can_v endue_v his_o own_o mind_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o therefore_o his_o outward_a action_n be_v but_o a_o paint_a sheath_n or_o sepulchre_n not_o effectual_a to_o his_o own_o salvation_n yea_o in_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v esteem_v good_a again_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v of_o himself_o seek_v and_o get_v inward_a grace_n as_o some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n justice_n temperance_n chastity_n patience_n and_o such_o other_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o make_v he_o to_o have_v freewill_n to_o good_a for_o first_o in_o the_o question_n of_o freewill_n this_o word_n good_a signify_v not_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o particular_a grace_n or_o action_n but_o a_o general_a holiness_n
but_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o in_o old_a time_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v philosopher_n that_o be_v seeker_n and_o practiser_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n as_o namely_o socrates_n plato_n with_o many_o other_o as_o aristides_n cato_n seneca_n who_o virtue_n we_o can_v not_o think_v to_o have_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v inward_o in_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o profess_v outward_o in_o their_o life_n yet_o we_o confess_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o a_o like_a in_o all_o for_o in_o some_o it_o be_v inward_a and_o true_a as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o in_o other_o yea_o most_o common_o it_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a life_n sinfulness_n for_o many_o do_v lead_v a_o honest_a and_o irreproveable_a life_n be_v vicious_o dispose_v in_o their_o mind_n some_o for_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n or_o of_o public_a shame_n other_o for_o vain_a glory_n sake_n as_o do_v the_o pharisy_n again_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o general_a in_o some_o who_o abstain_v from_o many_o kind_n of_o vice_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o who_o be_v faulty_a in_o many_o respect_n and_o last_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o firm_a and_o permanent_a in_o some_o continue_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n but_o in_o other_o it_o have_v place_n in_o their_o young_a year_n by_o force_n of_o good_a education_n but_o be_v afterwards_o altogether_o forget_v and_o reject_v in_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o which_o be_v more_o easy_o know_v then_o be_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o in_o hypocritical_a christian_n the_o outward_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v great_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o they_o will_v be_v very_o devout_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v very_o wicked_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o brethren_n these_o and_o many_o other_o degree_n and_o difference_n of_o this_o natural_a decrease_n may_v easy_o be_v observe_v in_o many_o both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o all_o history_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a but_o be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o light_n do_v make_v a_o decrease_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o thing_n of_o contrary_a nature_n sholude_v be_v together_o in_o one_o subject_n the_o one_o not_o expel_v the_o other_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n holiness_n bestow_v on_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v work_n in_o they_o a_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n make_v they_o less_o sinful_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o then_o usual_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v this_o decrease_n we_o call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o those_o natural_a mean_n of_o diminish_v sin_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pagan_a that_o ever_o live_v but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n sinfullnesse_n without_o the_o which_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o who_o many_o do_v exceed_v the_o heathen_a in_o sin_n but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n although_o not_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o faithful_a do_v yet_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v a_o shadow_n of_o true_a regeneration_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a whereof_o a_o resemblance_n may_v not_o be_v find_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o not_o only_o their_o life_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o they_o be_v inward_o enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v well_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o endue_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n though_o many_o do_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o those_o grace_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o any_o shadow_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o in_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v heb._n 6._o 4._o 5._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o in_o general_a be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n do_v bestow_v these_o excellent_a grace_n on_o the_o reprobate_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v pearl_n among_o swine_n we_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v it_o especial_o for_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o by_o this_o work_n his_o love_n mercy_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n appear_v even_o to_o the_o reprobate_n on_o who_o as_o he_o let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o his_o sun_n to_o shine_v as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o faithful_a so_o he_o pour_v forth_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o on_o the_o one_o as_o on_o the_o other_o although_o not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o although_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o as_o we_o may_v term_v it_o a_o temporary_a love_n which_o god_n bear_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o man_n both_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a second_o this_o be_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a for_o who_o sake_n god_n bless_v the_o reprobate_a with_o who_o they_o live_v both_o in_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o who_o salvation_n be_v further_v and_o some_o time_n wrought_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o ministry_n of_o these_o man_n last_o god_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o grace_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o they_o contemn_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n so_o great_a mercy_n now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o true_a regeneration_n and_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o it_o first_o therefore_o true_a regeneration_n be_v general_a stretch_n itself_o over_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o work_v a_o universal_a holiness_n as_o the_o leaven_n which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n never_o cease_v spread_a itself_o abroad_o till_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v season_v luke_n 13._o 21._o 21._o but_o the_o shadow_n fail_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o one_o point_n of_o holiness_n or_o other_o yea_o often_o many_o part_n of_o sanctification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o mind_n be_v often_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n whenas_o the_o obedience_n of_o life_n and_o outward_a action_n be_v want_v 1._o 1._o cor._n 8._o 1._o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v again_o there_o may_v be_v see_v in_o they_o good_a affection_n without_o knowledge_n rom._n 6._o 9_o i_o bear_v witness_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n yea_o often_o the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n remain_v in_o ignorance_n as_o in_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o hold_v in_o judgement_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o fund_z amental_a and_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o it_o do_v together_o maintain_v many_o error_n and_o heresy_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o tha●_n one_o true_o regenerate_v may_v be_v in_o some_o error_n for_o we_o all_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o this_o be_v the_o force_n and_o property_n of_o a_o regenerate_a mind_n to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n from_o error_n when_o as_o both_o be_v lay_v before_o it_o 1_o howsoever_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o before_o and_o therefore_o when_o as_o we_o see_v a_o man_n although_o endue_v with_o many_o gift_n yet_o to_o be_v of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o unsound_a judgement_n incline_v always_o to_o the_o wrong_a part_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o regeneration_n may_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v
who_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n live_v in_o so_o miserable_a a_o condition_n and_o die_v so_o shameful_a a_o death_n as_o he_o do_v will_v either_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o to_o be_v able_a to_o save_v other_o who_o do_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n or_o what_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o natural_a wit_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o commodity_n profit_n pleasure_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o endure_v the_o sorrow_n reproach_n trouble_n loss_n danger_n and_o manifold_a cross_n whereunto_o the_o godly_a be_v subject_a in_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o other_o life_n which_o be_v to_o all_o reason_n not_o only_o uncertain_a but_o also_o incredible_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o more_o a_o natural_a man_n do_v excel_v in_o wit_n and_o wisdom_n the_o more_o uncapable_a of_o faith_n he_o be_v 27._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 27._o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n behold_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o noble_a mighty_a or_o scotfree_a be_v call_v to_o faith_n but_o god_n have_v choose_v foolish_a and_o weak_a thing_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a yea_o this_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v be_v great_a in_o these_o last_o day_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v before_o as_o christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o luc._n 18._o 8._o saying_n 8_o think_v you_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o he_o come_v ●_o shall_v find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n mat._n 24._o 12._o 22._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a insomuch_o that_o unless_o those_o day_n be_v shorten_v no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o defect_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n before_o mention_v in_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o age_n do_v even_o flow_v together_o into_o the_o last_o as_o into_o a_o common_a sink_n second_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o so_o manifest_o and_o sensible_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n in_o apparition_n of_o angel_n in_o vision_n and_o dream_n invisible_a form_n and_o sensible_a voice_n speak_v familiar_o with_o his_o servant_n as_o one_o man_n do_v with_o another_o in_o holy_a oracle_n give_v answer_n to_o every_o question_n propound_v in_o temporal_a blessing_n bestow_v on_o the_o faithful_a and_o in_o corporal_a punishment_n lay_v on_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o work_v miraculous_a thing_n by_o these_o and_o diverse_a other_o mean_n god_n do_v so_o plain_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o old_a world_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v give_v no_o credence_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o in_o these_o last_o age_n god_n have_v once_o reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n &_o in_o the_o gospel_n sufficient_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a yea_o in_a truth_n far_o more_o clear_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o do_v not_o any_o long_o reveal_v himself_o by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n but_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a insomuch_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o most_o man_n either_o not_o to_o exist_v at_o all_o or_o else_o to_o have_v whole_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o man_n cast_v off_o all_o faith_n belief_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o which_o difficulty_n it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o tender_v his_o own_o salvation_n to_o be_v both_o watchful_a in_o preserve_v faith_n and_o also_o diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o seek_v for_o it_o for_o howsoever_o no_o carefulness_n can_v without_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o use_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o attain_v it_o the_o which_o whosoever_o do_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o success_n for_o so_o much_o as_o god_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n to_o all_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o yea_o further_o whenas_o we_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o that_o common_a error_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o have_v in_o their_o heart_n scarce_o any_o shadow_n of_o true_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v and_o always_o do_v trust_n in_o christ_n whereof_o if_o any_o man_n do_v doubt_n and_o begin_v to_o examine_v their_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o counterfeit_a than_o they_o be_v grievous_o offend_v &_o think_v they_o have_v great_a injury_n offer_v but_o we_o be_v to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o and_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n not_o easy_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o take_v a_o straight_a examination_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a do_v we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o point_n namely_o to_o the_o sign_n whereby_o true_a faith_n may_v be_v discern_v the_o sign_n be_v 〈◊〉_d even_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n spiritual_a grace_n and_o several_a part_n of_o holiness_n all_o which_o come_v from_o faith_n as_o from_o a_o fountain_n or_o root_n and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o declare_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o as_o good_a fruit_n and_o sweet_a water_n show_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o fountain_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v ●ow_o unfeigned_a his_o faith_n be_v must_v look_v at_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n love_n fear_v re●erence_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n if_o these_o grace_n be_v plentiful_a in_o his_o life_n his_o heart_n be_v true_o replenish_v with_o faith_n but_o if_o this_o fruit_n do_v not_o appear_v his_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o live_a tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o god_n blessing_n but_o a_o dead_a stock_n have_v nothing_o but_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o a_o tree_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v better_a occasion_n to_o entreat_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o true_a faith_n when_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o temporary_a faith_n which_o often_o have_v place_n in_o the_o reprobate_n the_o five_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o faith_n may_v be_v lose_v or_o no_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o of_o regeneration_n in_o general_a that_o where_o it_o be_v once_o true_o imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n there_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o although_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n or_o meanness_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v clean_o dead_a at_o the_o root_n bring_v forth_o little_a or_o no_o fruit_n yet_o there_o remain_v life_n hide_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o there_o do_v life_n and_o sap_n in_o tree_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a and_o wither_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n work_v such_o a_o total_a &_o strange_a change_n in_o he_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o shall_v become_v of_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o unbeliever_n the_o last_o question_n be_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n this_o only_a shall_v have_v in_o it_o this_o wonderful_a virtue_n and_o force_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o just_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n unfeigned_a love_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o a_o general_a holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v not_o as_o well_o justify_v a_o man_n as_o this_o one_o affection_n of_o confidence_n or_o affiance_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o mean_n of_o justify_v man_n by_o faith_n only_o do_v most_o of_o all_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o the_o decree_n &_o action_n
not_o like_a to_o the_o old_a it_o be_v not_o a_o painful_a doleful_a and_o ignominious_a condition_n but_o a_o easy_a pleasant_a &_o glorious_a state_n for_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o the_o burden_n which_o he_o lay_v on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v light_n at_o the_o least_o not_o heavy_a than_o they_o be_v able_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o bear_v yea_o this_o be_v such_o a_o service_n as_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_n more_o true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v christ_n friend_n than_o servant_n so_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n we_o may_v and_o that_o not_o unfit_o compare_v the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o one_o of_o they_o name_v onesimus_n of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o philemon_n 1._o who_o have_v flee_v from_o his_o master_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o afterward_o reconcile_v to_o his_o master_n as_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o intercession_n not_o of_o any_o saint_n or_o angel_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v to_o his_o father_n in_o this_o manner_n i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o thy_o elect_a child_n who_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o who_o in_o time_n past_o be_v unprofitable_a but_o now_o be_v profitable_a both_o to_o thou_o &_o to_o their_o brethren_n although_o such_o be_v their_o desire_n to_o advance_v thy_o glory_n when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v they_o think_v it_o nothing_o and_o count_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n they_o depart_v from_o thou_o for_o a_o season_n that_o thou_o may_v receive_v they_o for_o ever_o into_o a_o immutable_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n from_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v receive_v they_o therefore_o not_o as_o servant_n but_o above_o servant_n even_o as_o friend_n and_o as_o my_o belove_a brethren_n for_o master_n do_v not_o use_v to_o make_v their_o servant_n of_o their_o counsel_n but_o i_o have_v reveal_v thy_o whole_a will_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o do_v owe_v thou_o any_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v sin_v grivous_o against_o thou_o that_o put_v on_o my_o account_n score_v it_o upon_o my_o cross_n i_o will_v pay_v it_o nay_o i_o have_v already_o pay_v it_o to_o the_o full_a thus_o we_o have_v for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o matter_n allegorize_v the_o apostle_n word_n although_o contrary_a to_o our_o use_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o diverse_a place_n chap._n ix_o sect._n 1_o of_o man_n subjection_n to_o god_n as_o to_o his_o teacher_n the_o four_o kind_n of_o subjection_n which_o man_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v owe_v to_o god_n be_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o scholar_n or_o disciple_n to_o his_o teacher_n or_o master_n for_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n have_v no_o other_o schoolmaster_n then_o god_n himself_o no_o other_o teacher_n preacher_n or_o instructor_n for_o then_o god_n be_v to_o man_n all_o in_o all_o teacher_n he_o do_v instruct_v he_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o voice_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n for_o as_o a_o man_n need_v not_o light_v a_o candle_n wherewith_o to_o see_v whenas_o the_o son_n shine_v clear_o in_o his_o eye_n no_o more_o need_v man_n in_o his_o innocence_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o man_n see_v that_o he_o enjoy_v the_o bright_a sunshine_n of_o god_n presence_n do_v therein_o as_o in_o a_o most_o clear_a crystal_n glass_n see_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o four_o estate_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o second_o state_n of_o glory_n tongue_n shall_v cease_v yea_o prophecy_n with_o all_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v be_v abolish_v and_o have_v a_o end_n 8_o as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 8._o so_o in_o this_o perfect_a and_o happy_a state_n which_o be_v the_o first_o state_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o any_o beginning_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n of_o man_n some_o be_v wise_a learned_a and_o endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o other_o foolish_a rude_a &_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n see_v that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o all_o man_n be_v perfect_a although_o it_o may_v have_v be_v increase_v either_o by_o the_o holy_a angel_n who_o excellent_a man_n in_o all_o gift_n and_o therefore_o in_o knowledge_n or_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n himself_o yet_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o the_o teacher_n of_o man_n unless_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v their_o ministry_n at_o some_o time_n for_o they_o have_v not_o any_o such_o function_n commit_v unto_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o concern_v man_n estate_n for_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o angles_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o reveal_v it_o be_v unknowen_a to_o the_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n have_v no_o need_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o childhood_n or_o that_o be_v now_o come_v to_o ripe_a age_n he_o may_v not_o receive_v increase_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o other_o man_n as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o that_o he_o be_v of_o perfect_a age_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o without_o the_o teach_n of_o any_o other_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o this_o be_v that_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a knowledge_n can_v learn_v of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o man_n want_v no_o knowledge_n which_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a for_o his_o present_a state_n or_o which_o may_v be_v require_v in_o perfect_a happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n that_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v continual_o increase_v as_o god_n shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n reveal_v himself_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o he_o for_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o continual_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v lay_v open_a many_o of_o god_n counsel_n decree_n and_o action_n which_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v by_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n neither_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o subjection_n itself_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o be_v these_o two_o the_o first_o that_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o learn_v of_o god_n whatsoever_o it_o please_v he_o to_o teach_v the_o second_o follow_v or_o rather_o go_v before_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n that_o he_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o for_o discentem_fw-la oportet_fw-la credere_fw-la nothing_o can_v be_v learn_v unless_o the_o teacher_n be_v believe_v these_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o that_o man_n may_v easy_o perform_v they_o unto_o god_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o learn_v have_v such_o a_o teacher_n as_o be_v able_a to_o put_v knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n even_o into_o stock_n and_o stone_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v believe_v who_o be_v truth_n itself_o for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a be_v therefore_o true_a because_o it_o come_v from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o creature_n but_o that_o which_o it_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n may_v bold_o drink_v of_o the_o fountain_n itself_o because_o the_o water_n of_o it_o can_v as_o yet_o be_v corrupt_v but_o if_o he_o let_v the_o say_a water_n run_v some_o distance_n of_o place_n from_o the_o fountain_n so_o that_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o take_v it_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n it_o have_v run_v by_o many_o weed_n ditch_n and_o whatsoever_o thing_n it_o may_v meet_v withal_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v and_o drink_v filthy_a and_o noisome_a water_n for_o that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o wholesome_a so_o if_o man_n learn_v of_o god_n he_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o false_a or_o corrupt_a doctrine_n with_o the_o which_o he_o may_v perhaps_o meet_v if_o he_o be_v instruct_v by_o any_o creature_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n sect._n 2._o of_o man_n rebellion_n to_o god_n his_o teacher_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o such_o be_v the_o graceless_a untowardness_n of_o sinful_a man_n in_o this_o his_o corrupt_a estate_n that_o like_o a_o trewant_o boy_n he_o forsake_v god_n his_o heavenly_a teacher_n altogether_o refuse_v to_o
hear_v and_o therefore_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v religion_n as_o child_n be_v teach_v to_o read_v learn_v one_o letter_n to_o day_n and_o another_o to_o morrow_n one_o point_n now_o and_o the_o rest_n hereafter_o as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o the_o dulness_n of_o the_o jew_n esay_n 28._o 13._o 23._o but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o if_o natural_a man_n be_v so_o dull_a and_o unable_a to_o understande_v god_n word_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o not_o learn_v and_o for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o dulness_n of_o man_n come_v through_o their_o own_o default_n in_o that_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o bestow_v their_o natural_a gift_n their_o time_n and_o labour_n in_o learning_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o they_o will_v once_o careful_o and_o hearty_o do_v and_o so_o continue_v without_o be_v weary_a in_o seek_v to_o know_v god_n and_o in_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n join_v with_o their_o endeavour_n hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n they_o will_v soon_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o learn_v these_o thing_n the_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o one_o point_n of_o they_o be_v well_o learned_a all_o the_o rest_n will_v follow_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n so_o that_o all_o the_o hardness_n be_v in_o beginning_n to_o learn_v yea_o god_n be_v hear_v at_o hand_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o howsoever_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o his_o own_o wit_n or_o industry_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o attain_v the_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a subjection_n of_o man_n to_o god_n his_o teacher_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o contrary_a disposition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v themselves_o unto_o his_o discipline_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o although_o they_o attain_v to_o their_o knowledge_n by_o the_o mean_n and_o ministry_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o have_v please_v god_n rather_o than_o by_o his_o own_o voice_n or_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n that_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a shall_v be_v wrought_v yet_o not_o man_n but_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o this_o knowledge_n who_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n so_o do_v he_o in_o his_o regeneration_n reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n unto_o they_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 8._o job._n 32._o 8._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o spirit_n in_o man_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o give_v understanding_n math._n 13._o 8._o 10._o callnot_n any_o man_n rabbi_n master_n or_o doctor_n ●_o for_o you_o have_v one_o doctor_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n that_o be_v you_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o because_o you_o hear_v man_n preach_v unto_o you_o that_o therefore_o your_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v your_o brethren_n that_o be_v man_n like_v to_o yourselves_o teacher_n who_o can_v without_o the_o special_a work_n of_o my_o spirit_n learn_v any_o thing_n themselves_o much_o less_o teach_v other_o so_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n master_n in_o the_o school_n of_o his_o church_n who_o although_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o it_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n yet_o he_o be_v present_a in_o it_o by_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o which_o he_o teach_v the_o faithful_a all_o thing_n needful_a and_o that_o without_o any_o error_n or_o shadow_n of_o any_o for_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n joh._n 14._o 16._o and_o 15._o 26._o 26._o christ_n promise_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n 13._o joh._n 17._o 13._o and_o as_o god_n be_v the_o teacher_n so_o the_o faithful_a be_v his_o scholar_n as_o all_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n 9_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n call_v disciple_n &_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 9_o man_n teach_v by_o god_n ineede_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o write_v to_o you_o of_o brotherly_a love_n for_o you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v one_o another_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v already_o engrave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o love_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o there_o fore_o you_o have_v not_o so_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o my_o ministry_n in_o this_o behalf_n as_o they_o who_o god_n have_v not_o teach_v after_o this_o manner_n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n often_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o it_o will_v please_v he_o to_o instruct_v he_o in_o his_o commandment_n as_o we_o may_v read_v often_o psal._n 119._o 119._o last_o they_o perform_v to_o god_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o this_o subjection_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v his_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n reject_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o yea_o though_o a_o angel_n do_v preach_v it_o from_o heaven_n all_o antiquity_n church_n counsel_n all_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v maintain_v &_o affirm_v it_o yea_o though_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o sense_n do_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o scholar_n of_o a_o certain_a philosopher_n name_v pythagoras_n who_o if_o they_o once_o hear_v any_o thing_n utter_v by_o their_o master_n they_o hold_v that_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n without_o inquire_v any_o further_o into_o it_o and_o so_o among_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n his_o holy_a word_n be_v of_o so_o absolute_a authority_n as_o that_o no_o doubt_n be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v chap._n x._o sect._n 1_o of_o man_n subjection_n to_o his_o creator_n the_o last_o and_o great_a kind_n of_o man_n subjection_n be_v that_o which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v creator_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o subjection_n be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n the_o second_o to_o be_v whole_o move_v in_o he_o or_o by_o he_o the_o three_o to_o rest_v content_v in_o his_o will_n for_o the_o first_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o last_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o needful_a that_o all_o creature_n joint_o &_o several_o do_v perform_v this_o duty_n of_o glorify_v he_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n either_o so_o base_a or_o so_o excellent_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n the_o great_a and_o mighty_a creature_n must_v stoop_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o weak_a and_o seely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 10._o psal._n 145._o 9_o 10._o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n all_o thy_o work_n o_o lord_n shall_v praise_v thou_o they_o shall_v show_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o creature_n to_o praise_n god_n as_o they_o be_v exhort_v particular_o 148._o psalm_n 148._o and_o as_o we_o read_v revel_v 5._o 13._o and_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 13._o on_o the_o earth_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o hard_o say_v praise_n honour_n glory_n and_o power_n be_v unto_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o unto_o the_o lamb_n for_o evermore_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o all_o perform_v this_o duty_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n do_v it_o only_o by_o give_v to_o man_n and_o angel_n matter_n of_o the_o actual_a set_n forth_o of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o trumpeter_n of_o god_n glory_n which_o they_o do_v enlarge_v and_o publish_v as_o by_o all_o other_o their_o action_n so_o chief_o by_o those_o which_o tend_v direct_o to_o god_n himself_o &_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n even_o the_o common_a action_n of_o life_n as_o eat_v and_o drink_v do_v make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n yet_o these_o do_v not_o make_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o
suspect_v to_o be_v uneffectual_a this_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o testify_v 19_o 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v god_n do_v suffer_v schism_n and_o division_n to_o be_v among_o you_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v appear_v who_o holiness_n be_v sound_o and_o who_o be_v hypocritical_a or_o at_o the_o least_o light_n and_o ineffectual_a second_o man_n true_o regenerate_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o particular_a grace_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o other_o do_v yea_o they_o do_v daily_o increase_v in_o grace_n whereas_o the_o other_o do_v common_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n never_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o godliness_n but_o abide_v in_o a_o certain_a indifferent_a kind_n of_o mediocrity_n be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a beside_o true_a grace_n be_v fruitful_a but_o the_o shadow_n be_v barren_a either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o man_n do_v not_o work_n and_o show_v forth_o itself_o by_o love_n their_o love_n be_v without_o work_n of_o compassion_n and_o christian_a communion_n their_o good_a work_n without_o alacrity_n last_o the_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n do_v often_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o be_v turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n and_o want_v of_o all_o religion_n but_o true_a regeneration_n can_v never_o whole_o decay_v as_o math._n 3._o 20._o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n 20._o and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o 5._o and_o heb._n 6._o 4._o 5_o we_o read_v of_o those_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v afterwards_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n yea_o while_o they_o do_v retain_v this_o resemblance_n of_o true_a sanctification_n they_o be_v not_o constant_a but_o variable_a in_o do_v good_a jam._n 1._o 8._o 8._o a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o his_o way_n that_o be_v a_o man_n half_o carnal_a and_o half_o regenerate_v do_v not_o keep_v throughout_o the_o course_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o godliness_n but_o often_o change_v his_o mind_n opinion_n affection_n and_o practice_v by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o note_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o daily_a experience_n this_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o peremptore_o to_o judge_v or_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v many_o want_n error_n sin_n and_o alteration_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v the_o best_a where_o we_o see_v any_o likelihood_n of_o good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hope_v for_o better_a in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o leave_v other_o man_n to_o god_n judgement_n to_o censure_v our_o own_o profession_n and_o regeneration_n by_o these_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n right_a from_o wrong_n good_a from_o evil_n the_o shadow_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o which_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o mark_v and_o consider_v to_o try_v and_o think_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o judge_v and_o speak_v to_o use_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o particular_n in_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n the_o first_o and_o most_o usual_a part_n of_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o a_o carnal_a man_n who_o before_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o both_o to_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n to_o see_v sin_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o sinful_a in_o nature_n in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o life_n and_o action_n as_o indeed_o he_o be_v to_o feel_v sin_n be_v to_o know_v that_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a death_n this_o first_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v far_o more_o easy_o &_o often_o wrought_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n than_o be_v the_o other_o because_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o be_v reward_v as_o the_o wicked_a be_v tobe_n punish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o make_v this_o first_o step_n in_o this_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n and_o go_v no_o further_o thus_o cain_n and_o judas_n with_o many_o other_o do_v see_v their_o sin_n &_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v sinfulness_n to_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a namely_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a glory_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o heb._n 6._o 4._o this_o knowledge_n god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n in_o many_o reprobate_n 13._o act._n 8._o 13._o simon_n magus_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v of_o who_o reprobation_n although_o we_o can_v affirm_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o it_o vers._n 22._o yet_o it_o be_v plain_o out_o of_o the_o 21._o verse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o then_o true_o regenerate_v yea_o many_o carnal_a man_n attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n or_o head_n of_o christian_n religion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n conceive_v understand_v and_o believe_v although_o not_o full_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n in_o lay_v open_a plain_o and_o evident_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n controversy_n question_n objection_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v move_v about_o anypoint_n of_o doctrine_n thus_o do_v the_o teacher_n at_o corinth_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 2._o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o and_o know_v all_o secret_n and_o knowledge_n and_o have_v not_o love_n i_o be_v nothing_o so_o math_n 7._o 22._o 22._o prophecy_n in_o christ_n name_n who_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v as_o he_o this_o knowledge_n be_v common_o call_v a_o historical_a faith_n a_o gift_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o reprobate_n yet_o not_o so_o common_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v yea_o in_o truth_n more_o rare_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a multitud_n of_o professor_n and_o christian_n than_o it_o be_v common_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o true_a believer_n for_o to_o let_v pass_v those_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o all_o they_o who_o be_v learn_v and_o as_o we_o say_v great_a clerk_n in_o divinity_n and_o profound_a schoolman_n do_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o judgment_n hold_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a yea_o it_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o judas_n who_o although_o he_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o his_o tongue_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o himself_o as_o christ_n witness_v joh._n 6._o 64_o 64._o that_o many_o do_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v other_o that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o they_o themselves_o think_v to_o be_v false_a and_o no_o marvel_n for_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v easy_a and_o common_a for_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n 12_o we_o se_z joh._n 3._o 12_o that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o make_v nicodemus_n a_o teacher_n in_o israel_n believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o so_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o many_o otherwise_o learned_a think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o supernatural_a work_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o natural_a mean_n likewise_o how_o many_o think_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o this_o world_n shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a world_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v consume_v to_o nothing_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o be_v raise_v up_o &_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o proceed_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o ignorance_n come_v the_o decrease_n of_o infidelity_n for_o as_o