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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n justify_v object_n 1,744 5 9.2095 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58850 The method and means to a true spiritual life consisting of three parts, agreeable to the auncient [sic] way / by the late Reverend Matthew Scrivener ... ; cleared from modern abuses, and render'd more easie and practicall. Scrivener, Matthew. 1688 (1688) Wing S2118; ESTC R32133 179,257 416

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of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o grace_n to_o strive_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o same_o which_o have_v competent_o attain_v unto_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n of_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v we_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v 4._o but_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o preposterous_a faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o fancy_n themselves_o into_o the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v laboursome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v man_n into_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o perhaps_o perdition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v we_o so_o much_o where_o he_o say_v luke_n 17._o 7._o which_o of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n every_o prudent_a and_o pious_a christian_a must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o put_v not_o such_o a_o fallacy_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o infer_v to_o himself_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n upon_o some_o particular_a branch_n thereof_o find_v in_o he_o crowd_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n into_o one_o and_o that_o rather_o a_o preparation_n unto_o true_a religious_a life_n than_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o tend_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n for_o be_v well_o initiate_v in_o those_o necessary_a principle_n and_o help_n of_o devotion_n there_o so_o to_o stop_v or_o in_o they_o to_o improve_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v neglect_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o faith_n itself_o whereof_o no_o small_a part_n be_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o repent_v hearty_o and_o thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
end_n of_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n believe_v firm_o but_o not_o sound_o nor_o true_o his_o faith_n like_a to_o the_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n upon_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v innumerable_a mistake_n not_o to_o be_v here_o instance_a in_o that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v of_o most_o general_a evil_a consequence_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a and_o willing_a to_o divide_v and_o rend_v faith_n from_o itself_o i_o mean_v the_o form_n or_o inward_a act_n of_o believe_v from_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o faith_n alone_o so_o take_v give_v we_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o give_v we_o sanctification_n too_o for_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v thereunto_o prepare_v by_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v and_o more_o dangerous_o presume_v no_o man_n be_v more_o justify_v alone_o by_o faith_n than_o he_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o alone_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n oppose_v to_o faith_n itself_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o rest_v upon_o such_o faith_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o upon_o such_o work_n of_o faith._n but_o this_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o pass_v 4._o however_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o at_o least_o form_n of_o speak_v as_o have_v late_o prevail_v disow_v the_o necessary_a ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o allow_v yea_o urge_v much_o good_a work_n and_o with_o many_o flourish_n commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o advance_v immoderate_o and_o injudicious_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n cripple_n it_o and_o bind_v it_o up_o from_o the_o free_a course_n and_o full_a influence_n it_o may_v and_o otherwise_o will_v have_v upon_o man_n life_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o evil_a and_o impregnate_v it_o to_o good_a work_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 5._o but_o leave_v that_o controversy_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v without_o controversy_n show_v by_o plain_a instance_n what_o we_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o militant_a state_n here_o and_o let_v it_o be_v ingenuous_o judge_v how_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o one_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o man_n especial_o and_o their_o heart_n and_o action_n and_o infallible_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a can_v easy_o omit_v the_o good_a so_o ample_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remunerate_v or_o rash_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a of_o sin-tempting_a stand_v by_o his_o christian_a faith_n assure_v that_o his_o temporary_a trifle_n vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o feel_v pleasure_n shall_v end_v infallible_o in_o bitterness_n and_o never-failing_a sorrow_n who_o will_v sow_v that_o seed_n in_o his_o field_n which_o he_o may_v easy_o believe_v will_v rise_v up_o to_o a_o harvest_n of_o serpent_n which_o will_v sting_v he_o to_o death_n or_o can_v a_o man_n steadfast_o believe_v that_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n teach_v and_o assure_v he_o that_o christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v appear_v a_o second_o time_n in_o glory_n and_o severe_a justice_n towards_o quick_a and_o dead_a render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n viz._n life_n everlasting_a or_o shame_n and_o torment_v everlasting_a and_o not_o fear_v or_o fear_v and_o yet_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v weigh_v he_o down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o such_o misery_n what_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v tempt_v so_o with_o the_o beauty_n and_o desireablenesse_n of_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o golden_a cup_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o deadly_a poison_n or_o will_v any_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o bread_n fair_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o perhaps_o pleasant_a to_o the_o palate_n which_o he_o know_v will_v sudden_o after_o breed_v gravel_n and_o stone_n in_o his_o reins_o and_o bladder_n and_o infinite_o torture_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o man_n persuasion_n which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o his_o fondness_n strong_a which_o can_v impose_v so_o hard_a thing_n on_o he_o unreject_v 6._o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a glory_n thereof_o yea_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v the_o same_o for_o the_o fallacy_n 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miserable_a and_o perish_v final_o mere_o for_o want_n of_o religion_n better_o inform_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o how_o many_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v religion_n celebrate_v and_o immortalize_v above_o all_o other_o art_n science_n or_o heroic_a feat_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o pitiful_a person_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o birth_n part_n education_n possession_n and_o the_o like_a admire_v by_o the_o world_n have_v outshine_v man_n even_o in_o this_o world_n in_o true_a honour_n who_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v account_v most_o renown_a and_o happy_a and_o after_o this_o life_n have_v perpetuate_v their_o name_n long_o and_o propagate_v they_o far_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n philosopher_n and_o the_o noble_a prince_n and_o potentate_n thereof_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o contend_v so_o zealous_o for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o 5._o for_o what_o be_v all_o art_n or_o science_n or_o power_n or_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n unsanctified_a or_o unseasoned_a by_o religion_n but_o so_o many_o instrument_n of_o wickedness_n cousenage_n and_o villainy_n and_o what_o be_v all_o humane_a society_n and_o polity_n but_o so_o many_o shop_n of_o injustice_n deceit_n and_o uncontrollable_a rapine_n and_o spoil_n without_o religion_n influence_v the_o conscience_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o without_o this_o no_o such_o law_n can_v be_v enact_v which_o may_v secure_v either_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o violence_n or_o their_o property_n from_o injury_n and_o the_o advantage_n that_o some_o irreligious_a person_n make_v to_o themselves_o by_o contemn_v religious_a rule_n tend_v direct_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o common_a body_n or_o innumerable_a particular_a person_n for_o one_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n or_o conscience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fear_v due_a to_o he_o corrupt_v wine_n and_o other_o drink_v with_o some_o benefit_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o body_n of_o many_o more_o other_o falsyfie_v stuff_n silk_n and_o clothes_n and_o deceive_v the_o wearer_n other_o counterfeit_v lawful_a money_n contrary_a to_o the_o standard_n and_o bring_v damage_n to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o often_o loss_n of_o life_n and_o good_n to_o themselves_o other_o defraud_n in_o weight_n and_o measure_n other_o embolden_v by_o gainful_a success_n in_o unjust_a practice_n cast_v off_o whole_o the_o very_a vizor_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o open_a face_n rob_v and_o spoil_v their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o conclusion_n bring_v confusion_n to_o themselves_o 6._o these_o be_v indeed_o lamentable_a consequence_n of_o a_o irreligious_a mind_n but_o how_o much_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v and_o avoid_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o waste_v make_v upon_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n how_o hereupon_o do_v as_o well_o monstrous_a as_o pernicious_a dogme_n invade_v the_o understanding_n and_o mislead_v it_o into_o many_o 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bring_v down_o the_o appeal_n against_o they_o to_o their_o sense_n and_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v inform_v we_o what_o havoc_n irreligion_n make_v upon_o man_n person_n and_o outward_a condition_n bring_v their_o wit_n into_o suspicion_n of_o weakness_n who_o to_o appear_v somebody_o in_o dogmatize_v be_v constrain_v to_o take_v up_o the_o oppose_a the_o receive_a principle_n of_o religion_n a_o extraordinary_a subject_n draw_v man_n ear_n to_o listen_v after_o such_o a_o vain_a philosopher_n who_o otherways_o no_o man_n will_v regard_v talk_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o piety_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o reason_n aim_v at_o no_o great_a glory_n than_o those_o obscure_a and_o pitiful_a fellow_n of_o little_a or_o no_o place_n or_o power_n considerable_a who_o to_o acquire_v somewhat_o of_o a_o name_n provoke_v and_o set_v upon_o invincible_a champion_n or_o choose_v to_o perish_v by_o a_o royal_a hand_n 7._o and_o must_v not_o the_o portion_n of_o reason_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o low_a in_o he_o who_o undertake_v the_o oppugn_v that_o which_o so_o many_o before_o he_o have_v attempt_v without_o any_o other_o event_n than_o their_o own_o infamy_n and_o stupidity_n after_o a_o wilful_a oppose_v the_o once_o approve_a truth_n for_o so_o impregnable_a be_v the_o rock_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v master_v considerable_o by_o any_o assault_n nor_o so_o far_o sink_v or_o lose_v to_o the_o view_n and_o approbation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o leaden_a weight_n of_o man_n ratiocination_n but_o it_o buoy_v itself_o up_o above_o all_o such_o enemy_n and_o triumph_v over_o they_o while_o the_o name_n and_o memory_n of_o its_o adversary_n rot_v and_o their_o own_o deed_n contrary_a to_o religion_n oppress_v they_o in_o their_o vice_n and_o confound_v they_o so_o that_o delight_v not_o to_o know_v god_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n stupendous_a infatuation_n have_v seize_v upon_o many_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o disturb_v their_o affection_n that_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o that_o they_o call_v religion_n but_o to_o that_o we_o and_o they_o both_o call_v nature_n they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o can_v and_o those_o action_n which_o seem_v unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a once_o to_o themselves_o become_v their_o supreme_a perfection_n in_o which_o they_o glory_v and_o perhaps_o perish_v 8._o these_o mischief_n then_o foresee_v and_o the_o contrary_a benefit_n of_o religion_n discern_v and_o believe_v put_v i_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o s._n paul_n desire_v man_n to_o suffer_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o reason_n sometime_o magnify_v by_o they_o in_o word_n but_o not_o so_o often_o allow_v of_o in_o practice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o christ_n jesus_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o 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they_o
reward_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v now_o in_o the_o body_n be_v another_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o demonstrable_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o discern_v by_o revelation_n 15._o to_o this_o likewise_o appertain_v the_o knowledge_n which_o faith_n teach_v we_o of_o the_o second_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a bring_v his_o reward_n with_o he_o so_o that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n 16._o last_o as_o the_o nerve_n and_o bond_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n teach_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v two_o city_n or_o society_n in_o this_o world_n of_o his_o own_o constitution_n and_o not_o frame_v by_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o man._n the_o one_o be_v that_o civil_a government_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v his_o delegate_n to_o maintain_v order_n and_o 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to_o be_v holy_a and_o obey_v as_o our_o guide_n and_o governor_n and_o so_o be_v every_o particular_a church_n manage_v by_o lawful_o succeed_v pastor_n to_o be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v until_o such_o time_n that_o they_o or_o it_o be_v convict_v of_o some_o gross_a error_n and_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o till_o all_o exception_n make_v against_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o envious_o and_o proud_o to_o oppose_v that_o hierarchy_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o precept_n deliver_v by_o they_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o body_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o resist_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o obnoxious_a for_o officiousness_n without_o authority_n receive_v of_o god_n to_o shame_n and_o perdition_n 5._o and_o this_o abstract_n of_o knowledge_n give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v word_n i_o hold_v very_o requisite_a to_o premise_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o his_o singular_a favour_n to_o his_o elect_a one_o in_o discover_v unto_o they_o such_o mystery_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o such_o light_n give_v we_o and_o to_o these_o of_o a_o speculative_a nature_n may_v we_o add_v those_o of_o the_o practical_a order_n whereby_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o above_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n not_o only_o not_o to_o commit_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v dishonest_a unjust_a unreasonable_a filthy_a and_o the_o like_a but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v they_o and_o that_o inward_a concupiscence_n of_o evil_n be_v a_o sin_n condemn_v by_o god_n however_o tolerate_v by_o humane_a law_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o because_o such_o close_a iniquity_n can_v come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a judicature_n but_o god_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o tri_v the_o reins_o and_o judge_n the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o our_o faith_n tell_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o knowledge_n be_v give_v we_o by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o 7._o when_o as_o learned_a as_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o i_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n except_o the_o law_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o david_n say_v psal_n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o again_o v._o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o what_o david_n say_v there_o and_o elsewhere_o solomon_n in_o his_o book_n of_o proverb_n more_o full_o confirm_v and_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n give_v we_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n to_o know_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n to_o perceive_v word_n of_o understanding_n to_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o judgement_n and_o equity_n 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 so_o foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a who_o out_o of_o mistake_a greatness_n and_o gallantry_n and_o presumption_n of_o knowledge_n false_o so_o call_v be_v prone_a to_o despise_v the_o revelation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o establish_v their_o own_o imagination_n serviceable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o scandalous_a manner_n fall_v thereby_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n prov._n 1._o 7._o fool_n despise_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a course_n they_o choose_v to_o themselves_o verify_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v john_n 9_o 41._o of_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_n if_o you_o be_v blind_a i._n e._n through_o unaffected_a and_o involuntarie_a ignorance_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v 1._o now_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o faith_n mention_v before_o and_o that_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n or_o both_o by_o which_o we_o believe_v or_o the_o next_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o illumination_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o be_v natural_o blind_a and_o discern_v nothing_o exterior_a object_n be_v in_o themselves_o as_o visible_a as_o they_o be_v to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o perfect_a use_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n due_o offer_v to_o his_o sight_n but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o organ_n hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v present_v alike_o to_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n upon_o man_n to_o apprehend_v or_o believe_v what_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 2._o one_o reason_n whereof_o may_v well_o be_v that_o which_o our_o catechism_n direct_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n assure_v we_o of_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n of_o which_o state_n blindness_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n so_o that_o as_o it_o seem_v a_o incredible_a thing_n to_o the_o jew_n john_n the_o 9th_o that_o christ_n shall_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a may_v it_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o we_o that_o be_v so_o natural_o ignorant_a and_o averse_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o malady_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v give_v we_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n v._o 39_o saying_n for_o judgement_n be_o i_o come_v into_o this_o world_n that_o they_o who_o see_v not_o may_v see_v and_o that_o they_o who_o see_v may_v be_v blind_a christ_n therefore_o call_v himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o 8._o yea_o and_o more_o than_o so_o john_n 1._o 9_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n give_v of_o he_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n he_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o only_o they_o be_v enlighten_v 3._o and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o man_n be_v not_o the_o better_a for_o the_o light_n offer_v to_o they_o and_o shine_v before_o they_o a_o reason_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o depravation_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o
come_v to_o their_o share_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n god_n send_v such_o tempestuous_a and_o dark_a weather_n at_o sea_n to_o the_o skilful_a navigatour_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a ready_o to_o know_v or_o say_v where_o he_o be_v till_o the_o restore_v calm_a light_n better_o inform_v he_o and_o send_v shipwreck_n sometime_o to_o the_o subtle_a merchant_n that_o he_o may_v understand_v better_a who_o it_o be_v that_o give_v skill_n and_o strength_n to_o get_v riches_n and_o diappoint_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o painful_a husbandman_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 44._o make_v diviner_n mad_a and_o turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a teach_v they_o all_o and_o we_o too_o and_o that_o in_o all_o sense_n more_o perfect_o that_o necessary_a lesson_n of_o humility_n deuteronomy_n 8._o 18._o thou_o shall_v remember_v the_o lord_n thy_o god._n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v thou_o power_n to_o get_v wealth_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v luke_n 12._o 21._o for_o undoubted_o god_n may_v and_o do_v apparent_o deny_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n sound_a knowledge_n and_o holy_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o of_o divine_a mystery_n to_o some_o to_o other_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v initiate_v and_o to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n who_o there_o stop_n and_o proceed_v no_o far_o as_o tender_a plant_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n wither_v and_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n fall_v on_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v proceed_v no_o far_o towards_o perfection_n and_o some_o proceed_v far_o and_o promise_v fair_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n attain_v not_o to_o the_o intend_a end_n 7._o but_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v reasonable_o be_v take_v into_o a_o apology_n or_o defence_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o god_n have_v deliver_v such_o talent_n and_o mean_n unto_o that_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o such_o progression_n and_o consummation_n as_o be_v save_v and_o beatifical_a but_o admit_v thou_o be_v becalm_v and_o can_v make_v no_o way_n through_o want_n of_o divine_a aspiration_n and_o influence_n how_o can_v thou_o how_o dare_v thou_o impute_v this_o cessation_n and_o oscitancie_n of_o thou_o in_o not_o do_v the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o unknown_a cause_n or_o rather_o a_o not_o cause_n of_o do_v which_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o as_o thou_o imagine_v or_o give_v out_o at_o least_o that_o thou_o imagine_v when_o thy_o heart_n contradict_v thy_o tongue_n thou_o know_v not_o for_o who_o can_v say_v that_o god_n deny_v he_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v of_o effectual_a grace_n to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o illumination_n faith_n and_o salvation_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v want_v in_o the_o abstruse_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n internal_a of_o god_n and_o know_v to_o he_o can_v be_v so_o know_v to_o a_o man_n without_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o uncharitable_a and_o rash_a act_n in_o any_o man_n direct_o to_o charge_v his_o neighbour_n with_o deny_v he_o his_o due_n or_o take_v away_o his_o good_n from_o he_o when_o he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o against_o he_o and_o much_o more_o injust_a it_o be_v and_o impious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v direct_o that_o god_n deny_v he_o grace_n or_o do_v harden_v his_o heart_n so_o that_o rule_n and_o exhortation_n and_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o become_v faithful_a righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o god_n and_o man_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n upon_o he_o 8._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pardonable_a as_o commendable_a in_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a insufficiency_n and_o infirmity_n to_o do_v any_o good_a act_n st._n paul_n have_v teach_v we_o 2_o corinth_n 3._o v._n 5._o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god._n but_o do_v not_o the_o very_a next_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o argument_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o sufficiency_n for_o we_o and_o god_n do_v make_v we_o able_a minister_n of_o his_o will_n and_o do_v not_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n james_n 1._o 17._o and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v fill_v ourselves_o from_o that_o fountain_n when_o he_o say_v matth._n 7._o 11._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v you_o good_a thing_n that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o good_a thing_n be_v the_o best_a and_o full_a of_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v interpret_v in_o st._n luke_n gospel_n chap._n 11._o 13._o to_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n itself_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n which_o he_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o querie_n then_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v to_o ourselves_o whether_o upon_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n we_o ever_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v invoke_v almighty_a god_n implore_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o its_o concurrence_n and_o whether_o we_o ever_o submit_v to_o its_o dictate_v and_o direction_n to_o that_o power_n god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o to_o do_v this_o as_o well_o as_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a precedent_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n wisdom_n 8._o v._n 21._o nevertheless_o i_o perceive_v i_o can_v not_o otherwise_o obtain_v she_o i._n e._n true_a wisdom_n comprehend_v all_o intellectual_a grace_n except_o god_n give_v she_o i_o and_o that_o be_v a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n also_o to_o know_v who_o gift_n she_o be_v i_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o beseech_v he_o and_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n i_o say_v o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n and_o lord_n of_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n which_o prayer_n for_o that_o illuminate_a gift_n and_o grace_n so_o necessary_a may_v not_o very_o unfit_o be_v transcribe_v hither_o and_o use_v by_o all_o true_a lover_n of_o light_n rather_o than_o darkness_n at_o least_o until_o the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o their_o heart_n according_a to_o which_o true_a believer_n may_v shape_v their_o course_n more_o steady_o towards_o heaven_n but_o i_o shun_v prolixnesse_n sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o the_o same_o and_o necessity_n of_o believe_v 1._o but_o the_o use_n or_o act_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n rest_v not_o here_o but_o be_v wonderful_o assistant_n to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n in_o discern_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o as_o the_o discreet_a and_o diligent_a master_n do_v not_o only_o set_v his_o scholar_n who_o he_o teach_v to_o write_v a_o exact_a and_o fair_a copy_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v but_o also_o guide_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o make_v the_o letter_n and_o join_v they_o together_o according_a to_o their_o true_a shape_n and_o order_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v he_o who_o chair_n be_v in_o heaven_n teach_v the_o heart_n as_o his_o instrument_n and_o officer_n do_v the_o ear_n and_o eye_n of_o man_n below_o to_o understand_v receive_v believe_v and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o scope_n prescribe_v for_o man_n natural_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v those_o thing_n only_o which_o his_o reason_n assure_v he_o of_o but_o his_o reason_n how_o acute_a soever_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v so_o if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v good_a christian_n and_o have_v the_o scripture_n in_o that_o esteem_n we_o can_v out_o of_o our_o promptitude_n and_o acuteness_n of_o wit_n discern_v clear_o and_o ready_o many_o useful_a thing_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o direction_n of_o that_o great_a author_n the_o bless_a spirit_n principal_a in_o the_o compose_v they_o for_o it_o be_v true_o say_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o indite_v they_o according_a therefore_o to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o and_o to_o every_o man_n be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 7._o whereby_o that_o light_n reveal_v shine_v unto_o the_o true_a believer_n as_o out_o of_o a_o dark_a place_n so_o that_o
and_o deformity_n and_o find_v the_o smart_n of_o our_o sore_n there_o be_v little_a probability_n we_o shall_v be_v solicitous_a so_o far_o about_o ourselves_o as_o to_o seek_v for_o redress_n and_o remedy_n for_o the_o same_o but_o have_v attain_v this_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o mention_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v happy_o succeed_v and_o this_o advantage_n by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n towards_o so_o great_a and_o good_a work_n as_o to_o learn_v the_o general_a division_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o impurity_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o that_o some_o sin_n have_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o other_o of_o a_o fleshly_a for_o according_a to_o the_o diverse_a constitution_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o he_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o beast_n so_o be_v his_o inclination_n sometime_o transport_v he_o to_o the_o excess_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o sometime_o sink_v he_o down_o towards_o brutish_a lust_n but_o which_o be_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o st._n james_n chap._n 3._o 15._o thus_o write_v this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o some_o sin_n and_o especial_o they_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v real_o devilish_a as_o have_v the_o devil_n as_o well_o for_o their_o author_n as_o actor_n viz._n envying_n glorying_n strife_n lie_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n a_o little_a before_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hatred_n murder_n violence_n offer_v to_o other_o intemperance_n incontinence_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o such_o like_a be_v such_o which_o senfuall_a appetite_n dispose_v we_o unto_o and_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o beast_n prone_a to_o they_o yet_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n may_v it_o be_v speak_v beast_n many_o time_n govern_v by_o their_o sense_n be_v not_o so_o great_a offender_n thereby_o as_o man_n direct_v to_o high_a and_o better_a thing_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o religion_n or_o faith._n for_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a restraint_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o keep_v we_o within_o due_a compass_n of_o live_v first_o our_o very_a sense_n not_o make_v by_o evil_a custom_n more_o brutish_a than_o natural_o they_o be_v do_v certify_v by_o a_o natural_a reluctancy_n when_o we_o exce_v due_a measure_n in_o the_o use_n of_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o a_o great_a light_n and_o check_v to_o such_o exorbitance_n do_v our_o reason_n give_v we_o not_o bribe_v by_o corruption_n to_o give_v false_a report_n and_o dictate_v but_o the_o light_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v yet_o more_o clear_a full_a and_o perfect_a to_o direction_n and_o sanctification_n but_o the_o life_n and_o crown_n of_o all_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o will_n of_o man_n into_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n most_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v here_o speak_v brief_o to_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n 1._o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v by_o descent_n of_o heavenly_a extraction_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o owe_v original_o to_o the_o will_n or_o election_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v give_v as_o a_o instrument_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v well_o apply_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o illumination_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manner_n than_o otherwise_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a or_o chief_a part_n of_o its_o power_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o which_o impell_v and_o enable_v we_o too_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n say_v he_o send_v i_o into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o not_o by_o affirmation_n only_o but_o by_o exemplary_a holiness_n consummate_v in_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n so_o shall_v every_o good_a christian_a by_o do_v and_o die_v if_o need_v be_v testify_z to_z the_o truth_n 2._o and_o sure_o great_a be_v the_o influence_n true_a and_o strong_a faith_n have_v to_o that_o end_n according_a to_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 5._o 4._o tell_v we_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n even_o our_o faith_n so_o term_v because_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v conqueror_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o enemy_n which_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o call_v the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o god_n as_o all_o sinful_a lust_n do_v and_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o subjection_n of_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v verify_v what_o christ_n foretell_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o man_n enemy_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o house_n a_o militant_a christian_a never_o be_v free_a from_o intestine_a jar_n and_o warring_n of_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o any_o suggestion_n or_o lean_a on_o any_o other_o aid_n but_o what_o our_o faith_n furnish_v we_o withal_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o fail_v and_o fall_v in_o our_o contention_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o demoniacall_a son._n mark_n 9_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v so_o shall_v we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o he_o that_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n himself_o mark_v 16._o 5._o he_o can_v do_v there_o viz._n in_o his_o own_o country_n no_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n as_o if_o unbelief_n in_o man_n have_v tie_v god_n hand_n and_o disable_v he_o who_o be_v ever_o omnipotent_a to_o act_v according_o though_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n not_o absolute_o but_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n proceed_v towards_o man_n who_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v obtrude_v his_o blessing_n upon_o he_o contemn_v he_o as_o do_v these_o his_o countryman_n who_o astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n carp_v at_o his_o relation_n and_o education_n and_o meanness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o parentage_n believe_v with_o prejudice_n reprovable_a by_o their_o sense_n that_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v that_o they_o see_v he_o do_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o bring_v forth_o to_o he_o their_o sick_a and_o impotent_a so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o cure_n of_o the_o distemper_a soul_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a but_o unbelief_n make_v possible_a thing_n impossible_a and_o easy_a thing_n most_o difficult_a for_o faith_n not_o do_v its_o office_n of_o declare_v to_o the_o ignorant_a mind_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n a_o intolerable_a enemy_n to_o god_n man_n must_v needs_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o that_o false_a natural_a light_n that_o he_o have_v after_o those_o please_a object_n that_o seem_v rather_o than_o be_v good_a to_o he_o and_o again_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v firm_a be_v also_o operative_a as_o well_o as_o intuitive_a and_o so_o far_o influence_v and_o excite_v by_o it_o that_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o he_o must_v act_v according_a to_o his_o judgement_n persuasion_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n 3._o for_o what_o be_v that_o which_o move_v moses_n to_o forsake_v egypt_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o courtly_a pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v the_o very_a reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n but_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o he_o by_o his_o faith_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o by_o his_o faith_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o by_o faith_n both_o believe_v aright_o in_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o love_v what_o appear_v to_o he_o most_o noble_a and_o desirable_a which_o hold_v not_o good_a then_o only_o but_o be_v of_o perpetual_a truth_n as_o be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o unto_o thou_o so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o ever_o will_v be_v unto_o christian_a soul_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v true_o but_o do_v not_o full_o his_o faith_n be_v impotent_a in_o its_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o can_v profit_v very_o little_a to_o the_o main_a
he_o the_o exception_n lie_v only_o good_a where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o access_n to_o the_o public_a place_n 4._o but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vicious_a and_o very_a unblamable_a modesty_n have_v possess_v so_o many_o of_o late_a day_n as_o to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v see_v or_o take_v pray_v and_o sundry_a devout_a person_n be_v startle_v and_o shrink_v to_o be_v see_v unaware_o at_o their_o prayer_n in_o god_n house_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n unless_o when_o the_o bell_n publish_v the_o duty_n at_o hand_n and_o a_o assembly_n be_v make_v profess_o and_o so_o likewise_o at_o their_o domestic_a and_o separate_a devotion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o a_o fault_n or_o some_o crime_n whereof_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a some_o man_n be_v more_o abash_v see_v to_o do_v well_o than_o other_o be_v take_v in_o a_o evil_a action_n this_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o by_o god_n who_o service_n a_o man_n be_v then_o engage_v in_o and_o can_v but_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o man_n pray_v for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v not_o hypocritical_o and_o with_o no_o better_a design_n than_o to_o be_v note_v and_o praise_v by_o man_n to_o expose_v studious_o himself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o other_o while_o he_o pray_v he_o be_v no_o less_o oblige_v not_o to_o forbear_v what_o place_n and_o time_n and_o just_a occasion_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o may_v be_v expedient_a because_o people_n see_v he_o for_o god_n say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o service_n be_v likewise_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o if_o at_o length_n we_o can_v recover_v and_o bring_v into_o reputation_n such_o lose_a good_a action_n as_o public_a prayer_n in_o private_a person_n religion_n will_v be_v more_o renown_a and_o many_o more_o than_o now_o do_v will_v also_o fall_v down_o and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o be_v excite_v to_o the_o same_o good_a work_n or_o worship_n in_o use_n 5._o but_o a_o know_a time_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v assign_v a_o sound_n entire_a try_v approve_a sacrifice_n and_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o confession_n humiliation_n supplication_n petition_n deprecation_n intercession_n thanksgiving_n and_o benediction_n as_o saint_n paul_n direct_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o with_o sobriety_n or_o good_a conscience_n to_o contemn_v these_o either_o ignorant_o or_o presumptuous_o and_o to_o foist_v in_o private_a invention_n scarce_o so_o good_a as_o humane_a all_o thing_n consider_v what_o amount_v this_o to_o but_o a_o despise_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v the_o officious_a zeal_n of_o such_o as_o dung_n upon_o their_o own_o face_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o that_o oblation_n obtrude_v upon_o he_o and_o other_o without_o authority_n which_o be_v often_o put_v up_o without_o faith_n and_o never_o with_o charity_n or_o humility_n convenient_a but_o if_o our_o prayer_n themselves_o offend_v how_o shall_v we_o hope_v for_o pardon_n of_o our_o offence_n by_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v favourable_a access_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v du_o qualify_v themselves_o and_o that_o such_o as_o these_o condition_n here_o only_o to_o be_v name_v be_v find_v in_o they_o 1._o that_o we_o pray_v in_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o 2._o that_o we_o pray_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o heretical_a or_o erroneous_a dogme_n or_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o god_n of_o his_o word_n or_o holy_a worship_n 3._o pray_v in_o purity_n of_o intention_n seek_v even_o when_o our_o prayer_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a benefit_n to_o our_o selule_n primary_o the_o glory_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god._n 4._o in_o purity_n or_o holiness_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v innocence_n of_o life_n as_o david_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n and_o so_o will_v i_o go_v to_o thy_o altar_n or_o at_o least_o a_o dislike_n of_o our_o guilt_n and_o contamination_n make_v they_o part_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o supplication_n to_o god._n 5._o in_o charity_n towards_o other_o so_o far_o as_o justice_n and_o piety_n will_v permit_v and_o last_o in_o zeal_n to_o god_n service_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o so_o pray_v which_o be_v that_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n we_o so_o much_o speak_v of_o here_o and_o leave_v it_o with_o he_o to_o preserve_v to_o his_o great_a service_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o immortal_a happiness_n sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v and_o fix_v as_o also_o sing_v of_o psalm_n 1._o now_o because_o there_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v several_a kind_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o well_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n as_o manner_n of_o put_v up_o our_o request_n to_o he_o all_o concur_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v thereby_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o fix_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o glance_v at_o the_o principal_a in_o this_o second_o order_n have_v touch_v the_o former_a from_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o all_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o which_o great_a artist_n have_v cast_v into_o this_o threefold_a prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a and_o supramentall_a sensible_a they_o make_v that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o vocal_a sensible_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o mental_a they_o will_v have_v that_o call_v which_o be_v contemplative_a and_o whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o direct_v to_o god_n not_o without_o affection_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n only_o be_v erect_v and_o direct_v to_o god_n it_o can_v scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o philosophize_v about_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o affectionatenesse_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n by_o love_n which_o be_v act_n of_o the_o will_v also_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o all_o due_a prayer_n yea_o in_o all_o treaters_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o prayer_n otherwise_o acute_a and_o learned_a man_n may_v prescribe_v better_a than_o teach_v or_o affect_v a_o manifest_a example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o two_o great_a chieftain_n among_o schoolman_n thomas_n the_o angelical_a and_o bonaventure_n the_o seraphical_a doctor_n as_o they_o call_v they_o both_o which_o have_v in_o their_o opuscula_fw-la write_a treatise_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god._n in_o which_o the_o former_a keep_n close_a than_o in_o such_o a_o subject_a be_v expedient_a to_o scholastical_a method_n and_o term_n of_o writing_n have_v leave_v but_o a_o dry_a monument_n and_o insipid_a to_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n of_o his_o gift_n in_o that_o kind_n whereas_o bonaventure_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o the_o subject_a require_v rather_o than_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a disquisition_n have_v much_o more_o divine_o commendable_o and_o profitable_o as_o to_o practice_n treat_v thereof_o and_o spiritual_a doctrine_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n seem_v much_o to_o resemble_v the_o notion_n we_o general_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o say_v consist_v in_o not_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o limit_n as_o our_o body_n be_v but_o indefinite_a and_o diffusive_a very_o much_o like_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n in_o which_o we_o be_v enclose_v which_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o figure_n but_o determine_v to_o none_o in_o like_a manner_n spiritual_a prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o lineament_n and_o part_n of_o humane_a method_n which_o as_o it_o be_v fetter_n the_o spirit_n from_o expatiate_v according_a to_o its_o pleasure_n which_o like_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o breathe_v and_o lead_v as_o it_o list_v and_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n as_o phanatiques_n term_v it_o stint_v and_o obstruct_v by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n model_v their_o devotion_n and_o not_o subject_a rather_o to_o it_o and_o follow_v rather_o than_o go_v before_o it_o dictate_v and_o impulse_v for_o however_o i_o find_v many_o commentatour_n ingenious_o enough_o and_o acute_o methodize_v holy_a scripture_n and_o analyze_a it_o so_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o to_o speak_v logical_o and_o