man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o thereby_o become_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n one_o with_o he_o eph_n 3._o 17._o now_o whosoever_o be_v by_o faith_n unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v elect_v call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_a the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a for_o in_o a_o chain_n the_o two_o extreme_n be_v knit_v together_o by_o the_o middle_a link_n and_o in_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n of_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n faith_n have_v a_o middle_a place_n and_o by_o it_o have_v the_o child_n of_o god_n assure_v hold_n of_o his_o election_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o glorification_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n say_v s._n john_n c._n 3._o v._n 36._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o c._n 5._o v._n 24._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n now_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o question_n diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v skan_v wherein_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v full_o answer_v and_o resolve_v sect._n 1_o the_o first_o place_n be_v rom._n 8._o 16._o and_o the_o spirit_n 16._o of_o god_n testify_v together_o with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o testimony_n of_o our_o adoption_n set_v down_o the_o first_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o testify_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n but_o some_o will_v happy_o demand_v how_o god_n spirit_n give_v witness_v see_v now_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n answ._n extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n reveal_v some_o thing_n unto_o man_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v true_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n eph._n 3._o 5._o again_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v testimony_n by_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ_n particular_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o the_o same_o be_v general_o propound_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o many_o be_v ready_a presumptuous_o to_o say_v they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o want_v it_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o this_o carnal_a conceit_n and_o the_o true_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v discern_v one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o first_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o true_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wrought_v ordinary_o by_o the_o preach_n read_v and_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o also_o by_o prayer_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o presumptuous_a testimony_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v frame_v in_o the_o brain_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n or_o though_o in_o the_o use_n yet_o with_o want_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o the_o mean_n the_o second_o be_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n zach._n 12._o 10._o yea_o it_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o cry_v and_o call_v earnest_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n with_o a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o own_o misery_n and_o with_o deep_a sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v to_o craâ—e_v mercy_n and_o grace_n at_o his_o hand_n as_o of_o a_o love_a father_n rom._n 8._o 26._o thus_o do_v moses_n cry_v unto_o heaven_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o be_v in_o distress_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n exod._n 14._o 15._o and_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o unfallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o can_v stand_v with_o carnal_a presumption_n the_o second_o testimony_n of_o our_o adoption_n be_v our_o spirit_n that_o be_v our_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o also_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v first_o by_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o offend_a god_n call_v godly_a sorrow_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 10._o second_o by_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v of_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v god_n three_o by_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 5._o that_o be_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n now_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v then_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o other_o testimony_n the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v suffice_v to_o assure_v us._n we_o know_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o paint_a fire_n if_o there_o be_v heat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o flame_n put_v the_o case_n again_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v uncertain_a unto_o we_o how_o then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o must_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o first_o beginning_n and_o motion_n of_o sanctification_n which_o be_v these_o first_o to_o feel_v our_o inward_a corruption_n second_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o ourselves_o for_o they_o three_o to_o begin_v to_o hate_v sin_n four_o to_o grieve_v so_o oft_o as_o we_o fall_v and_o offend_v god_n five_o to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n six_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o use_v good_a mean_n seven_o to_o desire_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o and_o last_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n where_o these_o and_o the_o like_a motion_n be_v there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v one_o apple_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o life_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o one_o good_a and_o constant_a motion_n of_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v sanctification_n again_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o must_v be_v do_v if_o both_o be_v want_v answ._n man_n must_v not_o despair_v but_o use_v good_a mean_n and_o in_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v assure_v sect._n 2._o the_o second_o place_n be_v the_o 15._o psalm_n in_o the_o 15._o first_o verse_n whereof_o this_o question_n be_v propound_v namely_o who_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v his_o habitation_n in_o heaven_n the_o answer_n be_v make_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v and_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o three_o general_a note_n of_o the_o say_a person_n one_o be_v to_o walk_v upright_o in_o sincerity_n approve_v his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o god_n the_o second_o be_v to_o deal_v just_o in_o all_o his_o do_n the_o three_o be_v for_o speech_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n without_o guile_n or_o flattery_n and_o because_o we_o be_v easy_o deceive_v in_o general_a sin_n in_o the_o 3_o 4_o and_o 5._o verse_n there_o be_v set_v down_o seven_o more_o evident_a and_o sensible_a note_n of_o sincerity_n justice_n and_o truth_n one_o be_v in_o speech_n not_o to_o take_v up_o or_o carry_v abroad_o false_a report_n and_o slander_n the_o second_o be_v in_o our_o deal_n not_o to_o do_v wrong_a to_o our_o neighbour_n more_o than_o to_o ourselves_o the_o three_o be_v in_o our_o company_n to_o contemn_v wicked_a person_n worthy_a to_o be_v contemn_v the_o four_o be_v in_o our_o estimation_n we_o have_v of_o other_o &_o that_o be_v to_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_n god_n the_o five_o be_v in_o our_o word_n to_o swear_v and_o not_o to_o change_v that_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n especial_o if_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o oath_n the_o six_o be_v in_o take_v of_o gain_n not_o to_o give_v money_n to_o usury_n that_o be_v not_o to_o take_v increase_n for_o bare_a lend_n but_o to_o lend_v free_o to_o the_o poor_a the_o last_o be_v to_o give_v testimony_n without_o bribery_n or_o partiality_n in_o the_o five_o verse_n be_v add_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o answer_n he_o that_o in_o his_o endeavour_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v never_o be_v move_v that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n as_o a_o hypocrite_n sect._n 3_o the_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o epistle_n epistle_n of_o john_n the_o principal_a scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a resolution_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n touch_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o
the_o commandment_n when_o he_o reply_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o his_o youth_n christ_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v go_v yet_o further_o and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o john_n tell_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o come_v unto_o his_o baptism_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n that_o if_o they_o will_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v they_o must_v repent_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n 8._o worthy_a amendment_n of_o life_n from_o these_o place_n then_o i_o frame_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n the_o man_n that_o will_v stand_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v must_v do_v four_o thing_n first_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n second_o believe_v in_o christ_n three_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n four_a perform_v new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n sect._n 2._o for_o the_o first_o humiliation_n be_v indeode_v a_o humiliation_n fruit_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o put_v it_o in_o place_n before_o faith_n because_o in_o practice_v it_o be_v first_o faith_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o first_o effect_n whereby_o it_o appear_v be_v the_o abase_v and_o humble_v of_o ourselves_o and_o here_o we_o be_v further_a to_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o wherein_o stand_v humiliation_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o three_o the_o question_n of_o conscience_n that_o concern_v it_o touch_v the_o first_o point_n humiliation_n stand_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n be_v displease_v with_o himself_o &_o ashamed_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v a_o confession_n to_o god_n wherein_o also_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o to_o acknowledge_v all_o our_o main_a sin_n original_a and_o actual_a second_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o guiltiness_n before_o god_n three_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o just_a damnation_n for_o sin_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o humiliation_n be_v supplication_n make_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n as_o earnest_o as_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o ezra_n daniel_n and_o the_o prodigal_a son_n ezra_n 9_o dan._n 9_o luk._n 15._o 18._o the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o excellency_n of_o humiliation_n which_o stand_v in_o this_o that_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a annex_v to_o it_o esa._n 57_o 15._o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o give_v life_n to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal._n 51._o 17._o a_o contrite_a and_o a_o break_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v prov._n 28._o 13._o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n 1._o joh._n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n by_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o very_a instant_n when_o a_o sinner_n begin_v true_o in_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o humble_v himself_o he_o be_v then_o enter_v into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n so_o soon_o as_o david_n say_v i_o have_v sin_v 13._o nathan_n pronounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v put_v away_o and_o david_n himself_o say_v allude_v to_o the_o former_a place_n i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o sin_n and_o loc_n 5._o thou_o forgave_v the_o wickedness_n of_o my_o sin_n when_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v but_o say_v i_o will_v go_v to_o 18._o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n even_o then_o before_o he_o humble_v himself_o his_o father_n meet_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o the_o three_o point_n be_v touch_v the_o question_n of_o conscience_n concern_v humiliation_n all_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o principal_a case_n i._o case_n what_o if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o man_n in_o humble_v himself_o can_v call_v to_o mind_v either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o his_o sin_n i_o answer_v a_o particular_a humiliation_n indeed_o be_v require_v for_o main_a and_o know_v sin_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o general_a repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o unknown_a sin_n one_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v search_v himself_o diligent_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a examination_n pass_v through_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o after_o such_o examination_n and_o search_n make_v his_o particular_a offence_n be_v yet_o hide_v and_o not_o reveal_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o he_o can_v call_v they_o to_o remembrance_n then_o the_o general_a repentance_n be_v accept_v for_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o david_n who_o after_o long_a search_n when_o he_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o particular_a slip_n than_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o a_o general_a humiliation_n say_v who_o know_v the_o error_n of_o 12._o this_o life_n cleanse_v i_o lord_n from_o my_o secret_a fault_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o be_v no_o doubt_n accept_v again_o when_o a_o man_n humble_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o time_n so_o as_o he_o can_v search_v his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o he_o will_v his_o general_a repentance_n will_v be_v take_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o search_v himself_o make_v no_o special_a humiliation_n yet_o upon_o his_o general_a confession_n he_o be_v accept_v now_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o he_o that_o true_o repent_v of_o one_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n when_o he_o be_v prevent_v be_v as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o all_o ii_o case_n what_o must_v a_o man_n do_v that_o find_v himself_o hard_o heart_v and_o of_o a_o dead_a spirit_n so_o as_o he_o can_v humble_v himself_o as_o he_o will_v answ._n such_o person_n if_o they_o humble_v themselves_o they_o must_v be_v content_a with_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o if_o thou_o be_v true_o and_o unfeigned_o grieve_v for_o this_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v grieve_v thy_o humiliation_n shall_v be_v accept_v for_o that_o which_o paul_n say_v of_o alm_n may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o ready_a mind_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o not_o 12._o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o iii_o case_n whether_o the_o party_n that_o be_v more_o grieve_a for_o loss_n of_o his_o friend_n then_o for_o offence_n of_o god_n by_o his_o sin_n do_v or_o can_v true_o humble_v himself_o answ._n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a grief_n for_o a_o earthly_a loss_n then_o for_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v true_o grieve_v for_o his_o sin_n too_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o be_v a_o bodily_a natural_a and_o sensible_a loss_n and_o according_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a now_o the_o sorrow_n for_o the_o offend_n of_o god_n be_v no_o sensible_a thing_n but_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o sensible_a thing_n do_v more_o affect_v &_o urge_v the_o mind_n than_o the_o other_o david_n do_v notable_o humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o he_o do_v exceed_o mourn_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n yea_o and_o more_o too_o then_o for_o his_o sin_n will_v god_n i_o have_v die_v for_o thou_o absolom_n o_o 33._o absolom_n my_o son_n my_o son_n etc._n etc._n again_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o affection_n &_o by_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o sorrow_n now_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v less_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o intention_n thereof_o yet_o be_v it_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o they_o which_o true_o mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n grieve_v for_o the_o offence_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o all_o and_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o for_o loss_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a &_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n iv._o case_n whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o humiliation_n that_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v smite_v with_o a_o sensible_a sorrow_n answer_n i._o in_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o be_v displease_v for_o our_o sin_n second_o to_o have_v a_o bodily_a move_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o cause_v cry_v and_o tear_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v necessary_a
etc._n aphorism_n etc._n instruction_n etc._n determination_n etc._n etc._n for_o direction_n of_o their_o confessor_n in_o case-point_n that_o our_o protestant_a divine_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v so_o spare_v and_o silent_a in_o speak_v or_o writing_n of_o this_o argument_n howbeit_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o most_o wise_a providence_n have_v not_o whole_o deny_v this_o benefit_n unto_o our_o church_n for_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a silence_n and_o forbearance_n in_o matter_n of_o devotion_n as_o touch_v the_o rectify_v of_o the_o conscience_n there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n train_v up_o to_o this_o end_n a_o haâ—_n special_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o be_v in_o time_n thorough_o ground_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o cose_n by_o many_o grave_a counsel_n and_o comfortable_a direction_n fetch_v from_o the_o word_n and_o gather_v by_o long_a observation_n have_v cure_v the_o wound_n of_o many_o a_o distress_a soul_n and_o those_o divine_a tractaâ—es_n of_o he_o now_o gather_v together_o since_o his_o death_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v full_a of_o heavenly_a meditation_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o himself_o desire_v to_o leave_v unto_o posterity_n some_o memory_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o that_o kind_n so_o the_o talon_n he_o receive_v be_v not_o bury_v in_o his_o grave_n but_o again_o reviue_v in_o the_o person_n of_o that_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n a_o man_n both_o for_o learning_n and_o pity_n deserve_o reverence_v and_o renowâ—…ed_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o that_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n who_o happy_o attempt_v the_o same_o course_n and_o refer_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o preach_v and_o writing_n thereunto_o principal_o proceed_v with_o much_o advantage_n add_v unto_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n other_o head_n of_o question_n and_o in_o his_o latter_a time_n reduce_v they_o into_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o order_n aâ—_n may_v best_o serve_v for_o a_o introduction_n of_o case-divinitie_n for_o the_o help_n and_o encouragement_n of_o other_o the_o first_o part_n of_o which_o frame_n be_v former_o commend_v by_o i_o to_o your_o hon._n i_o have_v again_o embolden_v myself_o to_o present_v you_o with_o the_o rest_n that_o so_o the_o whole_a may_v have_v the_o free_a passage_n from_o you_o to_o the_o common_a use_n of_o other_o wherein_o i_o have_v take_v up_o no_o new_a â—â—shion_n but_o keep_v my_o self_n to_o the_o commendable_a custom_n of_o writer_n in_o auncientâ—r_a tiâ—es_n who_o have_v betrust_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o endeavour_n under_o the_o patronage_n of_o honourable_a and_o virtuous_a nobility_n 〈◊〉_d namely_o of_o that_o renounned_a 1._o physician_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o s._n 〈◊〉_d who_o dedicate_v their_o sacred_a write_n the_o one_o to_o the_o noble_a theophilus_n the_o other_o to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n and_o that_o which_o move_v these_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n to_o this_o practice_n have_v also_o encourage_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o offer_v this_o treatise_n to_o your_o honourable_a favour_n first_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v long_o 1._o acquaint_v with_o thâ—_n person_n life_n and_o labour_n of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o ground_v in_o tâ—â—_n truth_n of_o religion_n the_o main_a subject_n of_o all_o his_o discourse_n second_o the_o lord_n have_v enlarge_v your_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o yield_v 4._o entertainment_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o do_v teach_v and_o write_v and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o your_o willing_a mind_n to_o accept_v of_o any_o treatise_n compile_v by_o he_o give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n â—uen_o iâ—_n my_o own_o knowledge_n three_o you_o have_v not_o content_v yourself_o to_o be_v bare_o inform_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v further_a desire_a 4._o confirmation_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o same_o one_o instance_n hereof_o i_o must_v needs_o remember_v in_o this_o place_n thaâ—_n sundry_a year_n since_o it_o please_v you_o to_o set_v he_o a_o special_a task_n the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o golden_a text_n touch_v the_o gain_n of_o the_o great_a commodity_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 3._o 8._o for_o your_o further_a understanding_n of_o the_o same_o as_o himself_o report_v to_o your_o great_a commendation_n and_o great_a reason_n you_o shall_v taste_v both_o of_o his_o former_a and_o gain_n latter_a fruit_n who_o by_o your_o motion_n be_v encourage_v to_o take_v the_o pain_n and_o no_o doubt_n reward_v for_o his_o labour_n by_o a_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o your_o love_n upon_o these_o motive_n i_o have_v now_o at_o length_n exhibit_v unto_o your_o lordship_n the_o remainder_n of_o this_o present_a introduction_n my_o debt_n by_o bond_n of_o promise_n and_o your_o due_n by_o special_a right_n of_o patronage_n if_o i_o be_v haply_o challenge_v of_o slack_a payment_n thereof_o to_o this_o time_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v hold_v excuse_v first_o for_o that_o the_o total_a sum_n which_o remain_v behind_o unpay_v be_v the_o great_a part_n and_o thereupon_o require_v further_o respite_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o collect_v and_o more_o full_o defraied_a for_o though_o it_o be_v but_o one_o entire_a heap_n yet_o it_o consist_v of_o sundry_a particular_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v thorough_o examine_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n there_o may_v be_v a_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o part_n and_o further_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n that_o see_v the_o debt_n must_v needs_o be_v discharge_v and_o that_o to_o a_o honourable_a person_n it_o may_v be_v tender_v in_o pure_a and_o currant_n coin_n which_o may_v bear_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o touchstone_n a_o thing_n necessary_a in_o these_o time_n wherein_o so_o much_o corrupt_a stuff_n in_o this_o kind_n pass_v abroad_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o thus_o hearty_o wish_v that_o these_o holy_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v peruse_v at_o your_o lordship_n best_a leisure_n and_o entertain_v in_o practice_n for_o your_o daily_a comfort_n and_o direction_n craâ—ing_v also_o your_o honourable_a acceptation_n of_o my_o careful_a endeavour_n in_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o common_a view_n of_o the_o world_n i_o most_o humble_o take_v my_o leave_n beseech_v the_o almighty_a who_o have_v already_o grace_v you_o with_o the_o true_a rewards_o of_o virtue_n honour_n and_o nobility_n to_o establish_v the_o same_o both_o in_o your_o person_n and_o issue_n in_o this_o world_n and_o after_o this_o life_n end_v to_o give_v you_o that_o eternal_a inheritance_n of_o honour_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n from_o eman._n coll._n in_o cambridge_n novemb_n 20._o 1606._o your_o honour_n in_o all_o christian_a duty_n to_o be_v command_v thomas_n pickering_n the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v man_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o god_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v touch_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o question_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o concern_v man_n simple_o consider_v in_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o resolve_v the_o question_n concern_v man_n as_o he_o stand_v in_o relation_n now_o man_n stand_v in_o a_o twofold_a relation_n either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n according_a to_o this_o relation_n the_o question_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o question_n of_o conscience_n touch_v man_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o wit_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian._n all_o which_o for_o order_n sake_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n i._o concern_v the_o godhead_n ii_o concern_v the_o scripture_n iii_o concern_v religion_n or_o the_o worship_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n iv._o concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o saboth_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o godhead_n touch_v the_o godhead_n there_o be_v two_o main_a question_n i._o question_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n this_o one_o caveat_n must_v be_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o main_a ground_n and_o principle_n in_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o or_o call_v into_o question_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v common_o term_v atheist_n which_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o great_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v by_o the_o wit_n
in_o the_o history_n though_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v as_o ancient_a the_o scripture_n contain_v a_o continue_a history_n from_o age_n to_o age_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 4000_o year_n before_o christ_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n humane_a history_n that_o be_v of_o any_o certainty_n or_o continuance_n begin_v only_o about_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v only_a fragment_n and_o of_o no_o certainty_n the_o second_o property_n be_v consent_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o part_n both_o for_o the_o matter_n scope_n and_o end_n the_o write_n of_o man_n do_v dissent_v from_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n &_o forgetfulness_n in_o the_o author_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n agree_v with_o itself_o most_o exact_o and_o the_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o disagree_v may_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v which_o show_v that_o holy_a man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v be_v not_o guide_v therein_o by_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n but_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sect._n 5._o the_o five_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrary_n the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v in_o contraries_n judgement_n and_o disposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n i_o prove_v it_o thus_o let_v a_o man_n read_v any_o book_n of_o philosophy_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o any_o one_o point_n therein_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n but_o if_o the_o same_o man_n read_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o labour_n to_o understand_v they_o he_o shall_v have_v within_o himself_o many_o motion_n and_o temptation_n not_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o now_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o but_o that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o oppugn_v with_o might_n and_o main_a again_o consider_v the_o same_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o will_v not_o brook_v the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o sin_n namely_o their_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o other_o notorious_a crime_n by_o scripture_n but_o will_v seek_v the_o blood_n and_o life_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v sharp_o tax_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o wicked_a king_n so_o persecute_v the_o lord_n prophet_n yea_o further_o let_v it_o be_v mark_v that_o these_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v taint_v with_o these_o horrible_a crime_n and_o can_v abide_v the_o word_n nor_o teacher_n thereof_o to_o the_o death_n have_v common_o fearful_a end_n now_o the_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n to_o the_o word_n show_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a word_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n sect._n 6._o the_o six_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o sundry_a testimony_n testimony_n first_o of_o holy_a martyr_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n who_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o word_n and_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n blood_n yea_o suffer_v the_o most_o horrible_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o that_o most_o patient_o and_o willing_o not_o be_v daunt_v or_o dismay_v the_o story_n of_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n confirm_v this_o truth_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o suffer_v before_o in_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ten_o bloody_a persecution_n and._n unless_o they_o have_v be_v support_v by_o a_o dâ—â—ine_a power_n in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n they_o can_v never_o so_o many_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v the_o second_o be_v the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o heathen_a man_n who_o have_v record_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n at_o lest_o many_o of_o the_o principal_a that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o bible_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o colourable_a excuse_n of_o his_o unbelief_n and_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o record_v be_v not_o all_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v register_v to_o memory_n by_o historiographer_n that_o live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v such_o be_v the_o story_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o flood_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o possession_n of_o circumcision_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n and_o such_o like_a and_o these_o we_o take_v for_o true_a in_o humane_a story_n much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o three_o testimony_n be_v of_o miracle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o teacher_n thereof_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n above_o all_o power_n &_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o such_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o counterfeit_v as_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n the_o four_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o all_o argument_n to_o settle_v and_o resolve_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o seal_v up_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v how_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o be_v obtain_v how_o we_o may_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o answer_v by_o do_v two_o thing_n first_o by_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o become_v true_o obedient_a to_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v joh._n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v my_o father_n will_n say_v christ_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n second_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n to_o certify_v our_o conscience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n reveil_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n ask_v faith_n our_o saviour_n christ_n &_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o he_o that_o ask_v receive_v mat._n 7._o 7_o 8._o again_o your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o desire_v he_o luc._n 11._o 13._o and_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o reproach_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1._o 7._o sect._n 7._o now_o have_v set_v down_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o scripture_n point_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o question_n some_o special_a objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v and_o resolve_v for_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o all_o age_n both_o atheist_n and_o other_o who_o have_v profess_o except_v against_o it_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n have_v undertake_v to_o call_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n into_o question_n such_o be_v celsus_n lucian_n julian_n porpherie_n apelles_n and_o other_o from_o who_o some_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v receive_v the_o poison_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n have_v not_o cease_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o oppugn_v sundry_a part_n and_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n their_o principal_a reason_n and_o exception_n i_o will_v propound_v and_o answer_v one_o by_o one_o and_o first_o they_o except_z against_o that_o which_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v god_n 1._o make_v the_o sun_n the_o four_o day_n now_o say_v they_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v not_o be_v three_o day_n before_o the_o sun_n be_v create_v consider_v that_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o before_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n for_o of_o cause_n some_o be_v the_o high_a some_o subordinate_a unto_o they_o the_o high_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v god_n himself_o from_o who_o all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o immediate_o flow_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o their_o cause_n in_o nature_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o day_n create_v and_o appoint_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o night_n by_o a_o intercourse_n of_o light_n ordain_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o subordinate_a and_o inferior_a cause_n of_o the_o day_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o sun_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o cause_n be_v not_o set_v in_o nature_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n before_o the_o four_o day_n of_o creation_n for_o than_o it_o please_v he_o
this_o description_n of_o a_o oath_n whereby_o the_o creature_n swear_v include_v not_o that_o oath_n whereby_o god_n swear_v for_o the_o end_n why_o god_n swear_v be_v to_o bind_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bond_n unto_o man_n whereby_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o repute_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o no_o god_n if_o he_o fail_v and_o keep_v not_o his_o promise_n thus_o the_o lord_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n hebr._n 3._o 11._o if_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o my_o rest_n the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o clause_n if_o etc._n etc._n then_o let_v i_o be_v hold_v as_o no_o god_n or_o as_o a_o false_a god_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v god_n say_v to_o swear_v when_o he_o manifest_v to_o man_n that_o he_o be_v content_a to_o be_v count_v no_o god_n if_o that_o which_o he_o avouch_v by_o oath_n be_v not_o perform_v furthermore_o in_o every_o oath_n there_o be_v four_o distinct_a thing_n first_o a_o asseveration_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o shall_v be_v avouch_v though_o there_o be_v no_o oath_n take_v second_o a_o confession_n or_o the_o omnipotent_a presence_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v the_o searcher_n and_o knower_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v both_o witness_n judge_v and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v three_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n whereby_o god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n these_o two_o action_n of_o confession_n and_o invocation_n do_v make_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v no_o less_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o prayer_n itself_o four_o imprecation_n in_o which_o a_o man_n acknowledge_v god_n the_o the_o just_a revenger_n of_o a_o lie_n bind_v himself_o to_o punishment_n if_o he_o shall_v swear_v false_o or_o speak_v a_o untruth_n witting_o or_o willing_o now_o though_o these_o be_v the_o distinct_a part_n of_o a_o oath_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o form_n of_o every_o oath_n but_o sometime_o one_o sometime_o two_o of_o the_o principal_a and_o the_o other_o conceal_v but_o yet_o always_o understand_v for_o example_n the_o prophet_n jeremie_n teach_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n a_o form_n of_o swear_v thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v jerem._n 4._o 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v express_v only_o the_o second_o part_n confession_n and_o in_o that_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v again_o the_o word_n of_o ruth_n to_o naomi_n the_o lord_n do_v so_o to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o ought_v but_o death_n depart_v thou_o and_o i_o be_v only_o a_o imprecation_n in_o which_o the_o other_o part_n be_v enfold_v so_o the_o oath_n which_o god_n make_v heb._n 3._o 11._o if_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o my_o rest_n be_v express_v only_o by_o imprecation_n and_o the_o other_o part_v understand_v though_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o common_a speech_n between_o man_n and_o man_n it_o be_v usual_o avouch_v though_o most_o wicked_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o or_o thus_o let_v i_o be_v bang_v i_o will_v i_o be_v dead_a i_o will_v i_o may_v never_o move_v hence_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o avouchment_v howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v take_v be_v indeed_o a_o form_n of_o swear_v in_o value_n and_o force_v all_o one_o with_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n when_o he_o say_v if_o they_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n let_v i_o be_v no_o god_n but_o a_o deceiver_n sometime_o two_o part_n of_o the_o four_o be_v express_v and_o the_o rest_n understand_v 2._o cor._n 1._o 23._o now_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v unto_o my_o soul_n here_o invocation_n with_o imprecation_n be_v utter_v in_o speech_n and_o the_o other_o two_o conceive_a in_o the_o mind_n by_o these_o particular_n we_o see_v it_o usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o propound_v form_n of_o swear_v by_o express_v some_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a part_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o rest_n yet_o so_o as_o the_o part_n conceal_v be_v all_o understand_v for_o otherwise_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o formalland_n entire_a sect._n 2._o ii_o question_n how_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a and_o godly_a manner_n for_o the_o answer_v hereof_o two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v remember_v the_o first_o rule_n he_o that_o will_v take_v a_o oath_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n must_v swear_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n in_o righteousness_n jerem._n 4._o 2._o here_o three_o virtue_n be_v require_v in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n first_o that_o it_o be_v make_v in_o truth_n and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a truth_n the_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n speak_v the_o other_o of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o it_o be_v conceive_v truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o a_o man_n speech_n be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o or_o as_o near_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v and_o that_o because_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o this_o be_v call_v by_o schoolman_n logical_a verity_n sometime_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n frailty_n this_o truth_n be_v want_v because_o we_o know_v not_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v when_o a_o man_n speak_v or_o swear_v as_o he_o think_v or_o be_v in_o conscience_n persuade_v of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o schoolman_n term_v moral_a verity_n now_o though_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v want_v yet_o the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v in_o a_o oath_n lest_o we_o fall_v into_o perjury_n the_o second_o virtue_n be_v judgement_n that_o be_v prudence_n or_o wisdom_n this_o judgement_n require_v discretion_n and_o consideration_n principal_o of_o five_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v second_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o oath_n that_o be_v take_v three_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o true_a meaning_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v four_o of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n &_o person_n when_o where_o and_o before_o who_o he_o swear_v five_o of_o the_o event_n or_o issue_n of_o the_o oath_n all_o these_o be_v due_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o swear_v not_o rash_o or_o unaduised_o the_o three_o be_v justice_n wherein_o also_o care_n must_v be_v have_v of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o point_n to_o be_v confirm_v be_v lawful_a and_o it_o be_v then_o lawful_a when_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o piety_n and_o charity_n second_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o take_v the_o oath_n be_v also_o just_a and_o they_o be_v chief_o four_o i._o when_o it_o may_v further_o god_n glory_n and_o worship_n or_o serve_v to_o prove_v some_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n ii_o when_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o brotherly_a love_n or_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o neighbour_n life_n good_n or_o good_a name_n or_o further_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o league_n covenant_n or_o contract_v make_v between_o party_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o for_o good_a and_o necessary_a purpose_n iii_o when_o it_o serve_v to_o relieve_v a_o man_n own_o private_a necessity_n as_o when_o one_o swear_v to_o maintain_v his_o own_o good_a name_n good_n or_o life_n to_o confirm_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o truth_n in_o contract_n a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o paul_n who_o to_o confirm_v the_o roman_n in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o their_o salvation_n say_v god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o rom._n 1._o 9_o and_o again_o to_o keep_v his_o own_o credit_n and_o good_a name_n among_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 9_o 1._o iv._o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v exact_v it_o by_o order_n of_o justice_n this_o though_o it_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n and_o warrant_v of_o a_o oath_n yet_o three_o caveat_n be_v in_o it_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o oath_n be_v administer_v lawful_o not_o against_o piety_n or_o charity_n second_o he_o which_o take_v a_o oath_n tender_v by_o the_o magistrate_n must_v swear_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o exact_v the_o oath_n and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o private_a intent_n three_o he_o must_v not_o swear_v ambiguous_o but_o in_o a_o simple_a sense_n so_o as_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n may_v be_v agreeable_a with_o that_o which_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o heart_n psal._n 15._o 2._o and_o whatsoever_o oath_n be_v take_v without_o observation_n
when_o a_o man_n know_v not_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v nor_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o ignorance_n may_v somewhat_o lessen_v the_o sin_n but_o it_o excuse_v no_o man_n because_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v the_o law_n ignorance_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o law_n require_v be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o facti_fw-la fact_n and_o that_o be_v either_o with_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o doer_n or_o without_o the_o fault_n faulty_a ignorance_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o he_o may_v have_v prevent_v as_o when_o a_o man_n in_o his_o drunkenness_n kill_v another_o in_o this_o fact_n not_o know_v what_o the_o do_v he_o also_o know_v not_o that_o he_o have_v offend_v &_o yet_o because_o he_o may_v have_v prevent_v his_o drunkenness_n therefore_o he_o be_v faulty_a and_o sin_v faultless_a ignorance_n be_v when_o a_o fact_n be_v do_v which_o can_v not_o be_v either_o know_v or_o avoid_v before_o hand_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n be_v â—opping_v a_o tree_n and_o his_o axe_n head_n fall_v from_o the_o helve_z out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o kill_v another_o pass_n by_o here_o be_v indeed_o manslaughter_n but_o no_o voluntary_a murder_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v and_o do_v not_o fall_v out_o through_o his_o default_n and_o this_o ignorance_n be_v excusable_a the_o second_o fountain_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o will_n from_o whence_o arise_v these_o three_o difference_n of_o sin_n some_o be_v from_o the_o will_v immediate_o some_o beside_o the_o will_n and_o some_o be_v mix_v partly_o with_o the_o will_n and_o partly_o against_o the_o will_n sin_n proceed_v from_o the_o will_n be_v proper_o term_v voluntary_a such_o as_o the_o doer_n move_v by_o his_o own_o will_n commit_v though_o he_o know_v they_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o here_o the_o more_o free_a the_o will_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n for_o will_n add_v to_o knowledge_n make_v the_o sin_n the_o great_a under_o voluntary_a sin_n be_v comprehend_v all_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o stir_v affection_n as_o when_o a_o man_n tell_v a_o lie_n for_o fear_n or_o strike_v another_o in_o anger_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o offence_n though_o they_o be_v not_o do_v upon_o deliberation_n but_o arise_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o affection_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v consent_n hither_o also_o we_o may_v refer_v sin_n commit_v by_o compulsion_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v force_v to_o deny_v his_o religion_n his_o offence_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v voluntary_a though_o some_o otherwise_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mix_a action_n for_o compulsion_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o will_n but_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o serve_v to_o draw_v forth_o a_o consent_n and_o and_o when_o consent_n be_v yield_v he_o deny_v his_o religion_n voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v constrain_v cogitur_fw-la in_o the_o next_o place_n sin_n beside_o the_o will_n be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o direct_o from_o the_o will_n nor_o against_o it_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o first_o sudden_a motion_n unto_o sin_n conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n with_o some_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o these_o be_v true_o sin_n though_o in_o respect_n little_a sin_n condemn_v in_o the_o last_o commandment_n and_o they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o will_n because_o they_o go_v without_o and_o before_o consent_n neither_o yet_o be_v they_o against_o the_o will_n because_o then_o the_o heart_n will_v not_o take_v delight_n in_o they_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o be_v to_o note_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o voluntary_a for_o whatsoever_o want_v conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sin_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n of_o will_n or_o no._n but_o many_o such_o desire_n and_o delight_n arise_v sudden_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o consent_n or_o approbation_n of_o will_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o one_o man_n kill_v another_o think_v that_o he_o kill_v a_o wild_a beast_n if_o the_o same_o man_n remember_v afterward_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o be_v not_o grieve_v for_o the_o fact_n in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v sin_v because_o his_o not_o grieve_v be_v offensive_a unto_o god_n though_o the_o fact_n be_v mere_o beside_o his_o will_n mix_v sin_n be_v partly_o from_o the_o will_n partly_o against_o it_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o be_v do_v partly_o with_o his_o will_n and_o partly_o against_o his_o will_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o there_o be_v in_o man_n after_o regeneration_n two_o contrary_a ground_n or_o beginning_n of_o action_n to_o wit_n natural_a corruption_n or_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n to_o that_o which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n call_v the_o flesh_n and_o a_o create_a quality_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o the_o say_a faculty_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n term_v the_o spirit_n and_o these_o two_o be_v not_o sever_v but_o join_v and_o mingle_v together_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o between_o these_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a combat_n corruption_n fight_v against_o grace_n &_o grace_n against_o corruption_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v even_o in_o one_o &_o the_o same_o will_v trarie_a inclination_n there_o must_v necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o man_n regenerate_v contrary_a action_n the_o flesh_n in_o every_o action_n will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o otherside_n that_o which_o be_v good_a this_o paul_n confess_v and_o acknowledge_v upon_o his_o own_o experience_n after_o his_o conversion_n when_o he_o say_v to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o i_o find_v no_o mean_n perfect_o 18._o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a again_o i_o delight_v in_o 23._o the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o inner_a man_n but_o i_o see_v a_o other_o law_n in_o my_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o lead_v i_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n the_o three_o ground_n or_o fountain_n of_o sin_n in_o man_n be_v affection_n from_o whence_o do_v proceed_v two_o kind_n namely_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o presumption_n sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v such_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o sudden_a passion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o strong_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o from_o hatred_n grief_n anger_n sorrow_n &_o such_o like_a these_o sin_n be_v common_o think_v to_o be_v in_o all_o man_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v proper_o incident_a to_o the_o regenerate_a for_o infirmity_n can_v be_v say_v proper_o to_o be_v in_o they_o in_o who_o sin_n have_v firmitie_n or_o strength_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o power_n of_o grace_n at_o all_o again_o the_o man_n that_o be_v regenerate_v sin_v not_o neither_o when_o he_o will_v because_o he_o be_v restrain_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o nor_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v partly_o because_o he_o sin_v not_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n the_o strength_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v abate_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o be_v fall_v he_o lie_v not_o still_o but_o recover_v himself_o by_o speedy_a repentance_n a_o evident_a argument_n that_o the_o sin_n whereinto_o he_o fall_v be_v not_o presumptuous_a but_o be_v ordinary_o of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n sin_n of_o présumption_n be_v such_o as_o proceed_v from_o pride_n arrogancy_n wilfulness_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o man_n heart_n against_o these_o david_n pray_v say_v let_v not_o presumptuous_a sin_n have_v dominion_n over_o i_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v three_o 13._o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o a_o man_n wilful_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n upon_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o his_o own_o future_a repentance_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o most_o man_n the_o second_o be_v when_o a_o man_n sin_v wilful_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v call_v by_o moses_n a_o sin_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n &_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o be_v by_o present_a death_n 30._o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n the_o three_o when_o a_o man_n sin_v not_o only_o wilful_o and_o contemptuousl_o but_o of_o malice_n &_o spite_n against_o god_n himself_o and_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v conceive_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o every_o sin_n of_o presumption_n or_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n but_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o
namely_o in_o heart_n to_o be_v deep_o displease_v with_o ourselves_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a though_o it_o be_v commendable_a in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n for_o lydia_n have_v the_o first_o but_o not_o the_o second_o ii_o it_o fall_v out_o oftentimes_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o grief_n take_v away_o the_o sensible_a pain_n and_o cause_v a_o mummednesse_n of_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o party_n grieve_v not_o iii_o sometime_o the_o complexion_n will_v not_o afford_v tear_n and_o in_o such_o there_o may_v be_v true_a humiliation_n though_o with_o dric_n cheek_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attain_n christ._n of_o god_n favour_n and_o confequent_o of_o salvation_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ._n in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n &_o faith_n can_v be_v sever_v yet_o for_o doctrine_n sake_n i_o distinguish_v they_o in_o faith_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o behalf_n first_o to_o know_v the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o namely_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o the_o promise_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n eternal_a by_o christ._n second_o to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n and_o withal_o the_o thing_n promise_v which_o be_v christ_n unto_o ourselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v when_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n set_v down_o this_o with_o himself_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n belong_v unto_o he_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o christ_n be_v his_o wisdom_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n this_o doctrine_n be_v plain_a out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o john_n for_o christ_n be_v there_o propound_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n therefore_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o brain_n but_o it_o must_v take_v christ_n and_o apply_v he_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n even_o as_o meat_n be_v eat_v the_o question_n of_o conscience_n touch_v faith_n be_v these_o first_o how_o we_o may_v true_o apply_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n unto_o ourselves_o for_o wicked_a man_n apply_v christ_n unto_o themselves_o false_o in_o presumption_n but_o few_o do_v it_o true_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o answer_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v we_o must_v remember_v to_o do_v two_o thing_n first_o lay_v down_o a_o foundation_n of_o this_o action_n and_o then_o practice_v upon_o it_o our_o foundation_n must_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v fail_v in_o our_o application_n and_o it_o consist_v of_o two_o principle_n the_o one_o be_v as_o god_n give_v a_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a by_o christ_n so_o he_o give_v commandment_n that_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a shall_v apply_v the_o promise_n to_o himself_o the_o next_o be_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n wherein_o god_n do_v offer_v and_o apply_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o hearer_n as_o if_o he_o call_v they_o by_o their_o name_n peter_n john_n cornelius_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v when_o we_o have_v right_o consider_v of_o our_o foundation_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o practice_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o stand_v in_o meditation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v than_o god_n give_v the_o sense_n and_o increase_v of_o his_o grace_n when_o lydia_n be_v hear_v the_o sermon_n of_o paul_n than_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n act._n 16._o v._n 12._o second_o it_o be_v demand_v when_o faith_n begin_v to_o breed_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n answ._n when_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o withal_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n then_o begin_v faith_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a as_o faith_n be_v renew_v so_o it_o be_v begin_v but_o it_o be_v renew_v when_o a_o man_n be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n therefore_o when_o these_o thing_n first_o show_v themselves_o than_o faith_n first_o begin_v for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o david_n when_o he_o renew_v his_o repentance_n 51._o sect._n 4._o the_o three_o duty_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v repentance_n repentance_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o beginning_n namely_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o repentance_n 2._o corinth_n 7._o and_o upon_o this_o sorrow_n a_o change_n which_o be_v indeed_o repentance_n itself_o in_o sorrow_n we_o consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o second_o the_o property_n of_o it_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o sorrow_n it_o be_v either_o inward_a or_o outward_a the_o inward_a sorrow_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v displease_v with_o himself_o for_o his_o sin_n the_o outward_a when_o the_o heart_n declare_v the_o grief_n thereof_o by_o tear_n or_o such_o like_a sign_n and_o sorrow_n in_o this_o case_n call_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v more_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o the_o first_o of_o these_o then_o by_o the_o second_o the_o property_n of_o this_o sorrow_n be_v to_o make_v we_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n direct_o because_o they_o be_v sin_n and_o do_v displease_v god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o judge_n no_o hell_n nor_o death_n yet_o we_o must_v be_v grieve_v because_o we_o have_v offend_v so_o merciful_a a_o god_n and_o love_a father_n and_o as_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v make_v we_o thus_o to_o do_v so_o be_v it_o the_o next_o cause_n of_o repentance_n and_o by_o this_o be_v repentance_n discern_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o repentance_n be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o whole_a man_n in_o affection_n life_n and_o conversation_n and_o this_o stand_v in_o a_o constant_a purpose_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o to_o sin_n but_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n hereupon_o paul_n exhort_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n 23._o of_o his_o word_n barnabas_n when_o he_o come_v to_o antioch_n and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o god_n or_o continue_v with_o the_o lord_n so_o the_o prophet_n ezckiel_n say_v if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n 21._o and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o die_v in_o this_o purpose_n stand_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o repentance_n and_o it_o must_v be_v join_v with_o humiliation_n and_o faith_n as_o a_o three_o thing_n available_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o they_o for_o a_o man_n in_o show_n may_v have_v many_o good_a thing_n as_o for_o example_n he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o strength_n of_o faith_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v in_o the_o say_a man_n a_o want_n of_o this_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n not_o to_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v but_o dead_a thing_n and_o unprofitable_a and_o for_o all_o they_o he_o may_v come_v to_o eternal_a destruction_n furthermore_o we_o must_v distinguish_v this_o kind_n of_o purpose_n from_o the_o mind_n and_o purpose_n of_o carnal_a man_n thief_n drunkard_n harlot_n usurer_n for_o they_o will_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o yea_o and_o shed_v some_o tear_n wish_v they_o have_v never_o sin_v as_o they_o have_v in_o these_o man_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o wish_a will_n for_o the_o time_n but_o no_o settle_a purpose_n and_o it_o be_v a_o property_n of_o nature_n to_o avoid_v evil_a but_o to_o have_v a_o constant_a resolution_n of_o not_o sin_v be_v a_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v labour_v otherwise_o our_o repentance_n be_v no_o true_a and_o sound_a repentance_n sect._n 5._o the_o four_o and_o last_o duty_n be_v to_o perform_v obedience_n new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o this_o new_a obedience_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n 5._o of_o christ_n in_o we_o for_o when_o we_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o do_v it_o in_o us._n to_o this_o purpose_n david_n pray_v unto_o god_n psal._n 143._o 10._o let_v thy_o good_a spirit_n lead_v i_o forth_o into_o the_o land_n of_o righteousness_n and_o
salvation_n and_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o assurance_n which_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v communion_n or_o 〈◊〉_d fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n this_o conclusion_n be_v propound_v chap._n 1._o v._n 3_o 4._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v fellowship_n not_o only_o mutual_o among_o themselves_o but_o also_o with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o further_o that_o have_v both_o knowledge_n &_o assurance_n of_o this_o heavenly_a communion_n to_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n and_o perfect_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v their_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a that_o be_v they_o may_v thence_o reap_v matter_n of_o true_a joy_n and_o sound_a comfort_n unto_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n now_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v haply_o demand_v by_o some_o believer_n how_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o assurance_n s._n john_n answer_v in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o may_v be_v gather_v by_o four_o infallible_a note_n the_o first_o be_v remission_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o most_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o no_o mortal_a man_n be_v unclean_a and_o pollute_a by_o sin_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o yet_o god_n have_v show_v his_o mercy_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o have_v accept_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n whereby_o they_o be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o their_o corruption_n v_o 7._o if_o here_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n may_v be_v know_v it_o be_v answer_v by_o two_o sign_n one_o be_v humble_a and_o hearty_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n unto_o god_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n v_o 9_o the_o other_o be_v the_o pacify_v conscience_n for_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o if_o our_o heart_n 1._o condemn_v we_o not_o that_o be_v if_o our_o conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o accuse_v we_o then_o have_v we_o boldness_n towards_o god_n chap._n 3._o v._n 21._o the_o second_o note_n of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v the_o sanctify_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v renew_v in_o holiness_n &_o righteousness_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o chap._n 3._o v._n 24._o the_o three_o be_v holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o this_o end_n the_o apostle_n say_v if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o true_o but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o a_o other_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o 6_o 7._o the_o four_o be_v perseverance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o church_n let_v therefore_o abide_v in_o you_o that_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n if_o that_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n remain_v in_o you_o that_o be_v if_o you_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o you_o also_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o father_n chap._n 2._o 24._o the_o second_o ground_n he_o that_o be_v the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v this_o point_n the_o apostle_n plain_o declare_v when_o he_o say_v be_v love_v now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o and_o we_o know_v that_o be_v we_o be_v undoubted_o assure_v by_o faith_n that_o when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v in_o glory_n we_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v expound_v i_o gather_v out_o of_o chap._n 2._o 28._o as_o also_o by_o compare_v this_o text_n with_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n where_o he_o say_v when_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v 26._o appear_v then_o shall_v we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o again_o if_o we_o be_v son_n we_o 7._o be_v also_o heir_n even_o the_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n annex_v with_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o now_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o believer_n will_v not_o rest_v in_o this_o but_o desire_n to_o be_v further_o resolve_v touch_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o adoption_n then_o i_o answer_v that_o he_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o sign_n whereby_o a_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o these_o be_v principal_o three_o first_o be_v true_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o those_o that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o father_n be_v make_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o faith_n snewe_v â—6_n itself_o by_o obedience_n for_o hereby_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o know_v christ_n that_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o apply_v he_o with_o all_o his_o benefit_n unto_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n nay_o further_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o chap._n 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o second_o sign_n be_v a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o earnest_n in_o deavour_n to_o be_v cleanse_v of_o his_o corruption_n every_o son_n of_o god_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o even_o as_o christ_n be_v pure_a chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 3._o the_o three_o be_v the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n know_v from_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n because_o the_o son_n of_o satan_n do_v hate_v their_o brethren_n as_o cain_n do_v his_o brother_n abel_n even_o for_o the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o do_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n adopt_a son_n may_v hereby_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o they_o love_v the_o brethren_n chap._n 3._o 10_o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n the_o three_o ground_n they_o that_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o particular_a may_v also_o be_v certain_o assure_v of_o their_o own_o salvation_n this_o doctrine_n follow_v necessary_o upon_o the_o apostle_n word_n chap._n 4._o v._n 9_o for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v love_v from_o all_o eternity_n to_o they_o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o love_n by_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v live_v through_o he_o eternal_o but_o how_o may_v a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o god_n special_a love_n and_o favour_n the_o same_o apostle_n answer_v by_o two_o note_n the_o first_o be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o that_o according_a to_o god_n commandment_n wherein_o it_o be_v command_v that_o he_o that_o love_v god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o 4._o 21._o and_o if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v love_n god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v 4._o 20._o now_o that_o a_o man_n deceive_v not_o himself_o in_o the_o love_n of_o his_o brother_n saint_n john_n give_v three_o rule_n one_o that_o christian_a brotherly_a love_n shall_v not_o be_v for_o outward_a respect_n or_o consideration_n but_o principal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o that_o love_v he_o which_o do_v beget_v that_o be_v god_n the_o father_n love_v he_o also_o which_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o 5._o 1._o another_o be_v that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v outward_a in_o show_n only_o but_o inward_a in_o the_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n or_o in_o tongue_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n 3._o 18._o last_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o prosperity_n but_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o our_o love_n for_o whosoever_o have_v this_o world_n good_a and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 3._o 17._o the_o second_o note_n
of_o god_n again_o they_o must_v let_v they_o go_v as_o they_o come_v they_o be_v not_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o for_o the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o resist_v they_o the_o more_o shall_v they_o be_v entangle_v with_o they_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v use_v in_o way_n of_o remedy_n for_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o this_o tentation_n be_v that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o foresay_a evil_n and_o blasphemous_a thought_n be_v our_o sin_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o they_o may_v through_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v pardon_v if_o they_o be_v hearty_o and_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o yea_o further_o that_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o sin_n except_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v condemn_v he_o that_o pray_v against_o they_o &_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o they_o it_o be_v paul_n complaint_n rom._n 7._o 19_o that_o he_o do_v not_o the_o good_a which_o he_o will_v do_v speak_v of_o the_o inward_a endeavour_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o again_o that_o he_o do_v the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v not_o meaning_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n now_o upon_o this_o that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o loathe_v and_o detest_a the_o contrary_a and_o strive_v against_o his_o corruption_n how_o do_v he_o comfort_v himself_o mark_v the_o word_n follow_v v_o 20._o if_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o against_o my_o general_a purpose_n i_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o i_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o if_o i_o be_v displease_v with_o myself_o because_o i_o can_v not_o obey_v god_n in_o that_o perfection_n i_o desire_v it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o fron_n this_o example_n of_o paul_n i_o gather_v that_o if_o any_o man_n have_v in_o his_o mind_n evil_a thought_n and_o do_v as_o paul_n do_v grieve_v because_o he_o thereby_o offend_v god_n if_o he_o do_v abhor_v they_o and_o pray_v against_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n the_o party_n then_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o with_o these_o thought_n may_v upon_o these_o ground_n stay_v his_o mind_n and_o comfort_n himself_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o they_o then_o let_v he_o not_o fear_v they_o above_o measure_n the_o three_o point_n to_o be_v remember_v be_v that_o the_o party_n must_v not_o be_v alone_o for_o this_o tentation_n begin_v and_o be_v confirm_v and_o increase_v by_o solitariness_n and_o the_o party_n thus_o distress_v love_v to_o be_v apart_o by_o themselves_o from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n in_o case_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o distress_n they_o must_v use_v to_o converse_v with_o such_o company_n as_o may_v afford_v they_o matter_n of_o speech_n and_o conference_n meet_v for_o they_o and_o may_v exercise_v their_o mind_n with_o heavenly_a meditation_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o such_o like_a fit_n and_o convenient_a recreation_n our_o first_o parent_n eve_n be_v tempt_v by_o satan_n when_o she_o be_v apart_o from_o adam_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v alone_o out_o of_o company_n and_o society_n than_o do_v the_o devil_n most_o malicious_o assault_v he_o with_o strong_a and_o powerful_a tentation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o four_o point_n to_o be_v remember_v of_o the_o party_n trouble_v be_v that_o he_o must_v as_o hearty_o and_o earnest_o repent_v he_o of_o those_o his_o evil_a thought_n as_o of_o evil_a word_n and_o deed_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v because_o man_n be_v loose-minded_n and_o have_v no_o more_o care_n of_o their_o thought_n then_o common_o they_o have_v therefore_o the_o lord_n just_o suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o plague_n and_o torment_v they_o by_o convey_n into_o their_o heart_n most_o vile_a and_o damnable_a cogitation_n furthermore_o the_o say_a party_n must_v labour_v to_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v 24._o to_o have_v his_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n after_o repentance_n for_o evil_a thought_n there_o must_v follow_v watchfulness_n and_o a_o careful_a circumspection_n over_o all_o his_o way_n but_o principal_o he_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n unto_o his_o heart_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n say_v solomon_n that_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n see_v that_o thou_o 23._o countergard_v thy_o thought_n desire_n motion_n and_o affection_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guard_v two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o it_o by_o daily_a meditation_n 16._o of_o the_o commandment_n promise_n and_o threaten_n reveal_v in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v note_v by_o david_n as_o a_o property_n of_o a_o bless_a man_n that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o in_o meditation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n psal._n 1_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n will_v be_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v from_o unclean_a and_o pollute_a motion_n and_o so_o guide_v &_o direct_v that_o it_o swerve_v not_o from_o god_n this_o rule_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o therefore_o do_v man_n hatch_v and_o breed_v evil_a thought_n in_o their_o heart_n because_o they_o be_v not_o take_v up_o with_o holy_a meditation_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v make_v even_o a_o pray_v unto_o the_o devil_n because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o lodge_v therein_o excellent_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o david_n in_o this_o case_n who_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o may_v not_o 1â—_n sin_v against_o he_o the_o second_o rule_n of_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o establish_v our_o thought_n by_o counsel_n it_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n advice_n in_o so_o many_o word_n prov._n 20._o 18._o wherein_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o worldly_a wise_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o weight_n not_o to_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o wit_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n and_o counsel_n of_o wise_a and_o skilful_a man_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sound_a course_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n concern_v the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o law_n of_o proportion_n it_o give_v we_o direction_n not_o once_o to_o think_v or_o conceive_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n but_o upon_o advice_n and_o direction_n take_v at_o god_n and_o his_o word_n thy_o testimony_n say_v david_n be_v 24._o my_o delight_n and_o my_o counsellor_n and_o what_o benefit_n have_v he_o by_o take_v such_o a_o course_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o continual_a meditation_n he_o get_v understand_v he_o become_v wise_a than_o the_o ancient_a it_o make_v he_o to_o hate_v all_o the_o way_n of_o falsehood_n it_o keep_v he_o from_o decline_v from_o god_n either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a the_o same_o rule_n must_v be_v practise_v of_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o sense_n our_o speech_n and_o action_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o heart_n be_v keep_v clean_o and_o free_a from_o these_o temptation_n and_o see_v this_o temptation_n be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o fearful_a as_o have_v be_v say_v &_o do_v often_o befall_v man_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v the_o foresay_a rule_n continual_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o three_o kind_n of_o distress_n of_o conscience_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o four_o special_a distress_n arise_v from_o a_o man_n own_o sin_n the_o four_o distress_n of_o mind_n be_v that_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o man_n own_o sin_n or_o rather_o from_o some_o one_o special_a sin_n commit_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o tentation_n be_v twofold_a for_o either_o it_o be_v more_o violent_a and_o less_o common_a or_o less_o violent_a and_o more_o common_a sect._n 1_o the_o violent_a distress_n of_o mind_n show_v it_o distress_n self_n by_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o doubt_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o lamentable_a and_o fearful_a complaint_n make_v to_o other_o now_o question_n be_v move_v how_o this_o violent_a distress_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v cure_v answ._n that_o it_o cure_n may_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v first_o that_o particular_a sin_n must_v be_v know_v
of_o man_n be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o for_o if_o those_o be_v hold_v as_o traitor_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o be_v most_o deserve_o adjudge_v to_o death_n that_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o deny_v his_o lawful_a authority_n then_o they_o that_o call_v into_o question_n the_o godhead_n be_v much_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v esteem_v traitor_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o bear_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o rebellion_n death_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o thereby_o minister_v occasion_n of_o doubt_v and_o deliberation_n in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a main_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o rather_o my_o purpose_n be_v in_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o remove_v or_o at_o least_o to_o help_v a_o inward_a corruption_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v great_a and_o dangerous_a whereby_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n and_o his_o providence_n the_o wound_n in_o the_o body_n that_o pluck_v out_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a wound_n that_o can_v be_v and_o that_o opinion_n that_o take_v away_o the_o godhead_n do_v in_o effect_n rend_v and_o pluck_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o caveat_n premise_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o for_o our_o better_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o man_n a_o threefold_a light_n the_o one_o of_o nature_n the_o other_o of_o grace_n and_o the_o three_o of_o glory_n and_o by_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v by_o god_n receive_v direction_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o godhead_n both_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 〈◊〉_d if_o it_o be_v demand_v in_o what_o order_n god_n have_v reveil_v this_o light_n unto_o man_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n serve_v to_o give_v a_o beginning_n and_o preparation_n to_o this_o knowledge_n the_o light_n of_o grace_n minister_v the_o ground_n and_o give_v further_a proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n yield_v perfection_n of_o assurance_n make_v that_o perfect_o and_o full_o know_v which_o by_o the_o former_a degree_n be_v but_o weak_o and_o imperfect_o comprehend_v of_o these_o three_o in_o order_n sect._n 1_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v that_o light_n which_o the_o creation_n view_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o creature_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a afford_v unto_o man_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v five_o distinct_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v best_a settle_v in_o this_o point_n i._o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o creation_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v rom._n 1._o 20._o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v know_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v in_o his_o work_n and_o out_o of_o this_o excellent_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o godhead_n may_v be_v sundry_a way_n prove_v and_o maintain_v first_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o question_n this_o goodly_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n have_v it_o a_o beginning_n or_o no_o beginning_n let_v either_o part_n or_o both_o be_v take_v let_v it_o first_o be_v say_v it_o have_v no_o beginning_n but_o be_v eternal_a as_o the_o atheist_n hold_v then_o i_o reason_v thus_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n the_o world_n itself_o be_v god_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o great_a and_o high_a to_o the_o least_o and_o base_a yea_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o every_o corn_n of_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n be_v god_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n they_o have_v their_o be_v of_o themselves_o without_o beginning_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o substance_n of_o itself_o &_o have_v no_o beginning_n be_v very_o god_n again_o if_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n than_o it_o have_v also_o no_o end_n for_o that_o which_o be_v without_o beginning_n be_v without_o end_v now_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o a_o end_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v corruptible_a the_o same_o be_v finite_a therefore_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n now_o if_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n then_o i_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v make_v do_v it_o make_v itself_o or_o be_v it_o make_v of_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o make_v itself_o than_o the_o world_n be_v before_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o come_v from_o nothing_o that_o also_o can_v be_v for_o nothing_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o and_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o in_o itself_o can_v bring_v forth_o something_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a in_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o nothing_o bring_v forth_o this_o world_n and_o hereupon_o it_o must_v needs_o remain_v for_o a_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v some_o substance_n eternal_a and_o almighty_a that_o frame_v this_o goodly_a creature_n the_o world_n beside_o itself_o if_o a_o man_n come_v into_o a_o large_a forest_n and_o behold_v therein_o goodly_a fair_a building_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o herb_n and_o tree_n and_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o no_o man_n he_o will_v present_o reason_v thus_o with_o himself_o these_o building_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o some_o man_n they_o be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n they_o do_v not_o rear_v themselves_o neither_o do_v the_o herb_n the_o tree_n the_o bird_n or_o the_o beast_n build_v they_o but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v have_v some_o first_o â—ounder_n which_o be_v man_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o we_o consider_v this_o world_n so_o goodly_a a_o creature_n to_o behold_v though_o we_o see_v not_o the_o maker_n thereof_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o either_o it_o make_v itself_o or_o that_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v make_v it_o but_o that_o the_o creator_n of_o it_o be_v some_o uncreated_a substance_n most_o wise_a most_o cunning_a and_o everlasting_a and_o that_o be_v god_n second_o from_o this_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o i_o reason_v thus_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n the_o first_o bare_a and_o naked_a substance_n that_o have_v neither_o life_n sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n the_o moon_n the_o star_n the_o second_o that_o have_v substance_n and_o life_n but_o no_o sense_n nor_o reason_n as_o plant_n tree_n and_o herb_n the_o three_o that_o have_v no_o reason_n but_o both_o substance_n life_n sense_n and_o power_n to_o move_v themselves_o as_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o land_n and_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o four_o be_v such_o as_o have_v all_o namely_o substance_n life_n sense_n and_o reason_n as_o man_n now_o these_o four_o sort_n of_o creature_n excel_v one_o another_o in_o property_n and_o degree_n for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o be_v mere_a substance_n do_v serve_v those_o that_o have_v life_n as_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o plant_n the_o tree_n &_o the_o plant_n serve_v the_o creature_n that_o have_v sense_n &_o life_n as_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o fish_n the_o beast_n and_o the_o fish_n serve_v man_n that_o have_v substance_n life_n sense_n and_o reason_n and_o among_o they_o all_o we_o see_v that_o those_o which_o have_v more_o gift_n be_v serve_v of_o those_o which_o have_v less_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n serve_v the_o plant_n the_o plant_n and_o herb_n serve_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o beast_n serve_v man_n and_o that_o creature_n that_o have_v most_o gift_n be_v serve_v of_o all_o man_n therefore_o excel_v all_o these_o must_v have_v something_o to_o honour_n and_o serve_v which_o must_v be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o creature_n yea_o than_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v a_o substance_n uncreate_v most_o holy_a most_o wise_a eternal_a infinite_a and_o this_o be_v god_n three_o all_o particular_a creature_n whether_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n be_v refer_v to_o their_o certain_a particular_a and_o peculiar_a end_n wherein_o every_o one_o of_o they_o even_o the_o base_a and_o mean_a be_v employ_v and_o which_o they_o do_v all_o accomplish_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v one_o that_o excel_v in_o wisdom_n providence_n and_o power_n that_o create_v all_o these_o to_o such_o
stand_v to_o their_o agreement_n and_o not_o to_o go_v back_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o do_v or_o dare_v break_v their_o oath_n and_o among_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v falsify_v their_o word_n give_v and_o avow_a by_o oath_n whereupon_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o godhead_n which_o know_v and_o discern_v their_o heart_n yea_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o can_v and_o will_v plague_v they_o for_o disgrace_v the_o truth_n by_o lie_v three_o we_o be_v not_o light_o to_o pass_v over_o the_o usual_a term_n and_o ordinary_a speech_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o be_v wont_n upon_o occasion_n to_o say_v it_o rain_v it_o thunder_v it_o snow_v it_o hail_v for_o say_v this_o one_o while_o they_o rejoice_v and_o be_v thankful_a otherwhiles_o they_o fear_v and_o be_v dismay_v they_o say_v not_o nature_n or_o heaven_n rain_v or_o thunder_n for_o than_o they_o will_v neither_o rejoice_v nor_o tremble_v in_o that_o therefore_o they_o speak_v this_o common_o sometime_o rejoice_v sometime_o fear_v it_o may_v probable_o be_v think_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a power_n which_o cause_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o the_o thunder_n to_o be_v so_o terrible_a again_o for_o better_a proof_n hereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v there_o can_v not_o yet_o be_v find_v or_o bring_v forth_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o write_v or_o publish_v a_o discourse_n more_o or_o less_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o history_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o sundry_a that_o have_v in_o plain_a term_n deny_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a then_o if_o a_o treatise_n of_o that_o subject_n shall_v be_v write_v and_o set_v forth_o to_o the_o open_a view_n of_o all_o i_o answer_v indeed_o in_o the_o write_n of_o man_n we_o do_v read_v of_o some_o that_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o live_v as_o without_o god_n and_o they_o have_v always_o be_v proper_o and_o deserve_o term_v atheist_n other_o have_v deny_v that_o make_v and_o feign_a god_n that_o be_v idol_n be_v god_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a that_o live_v only_o by_o the_o light_n and_o direction_n of_o nature_n all_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v be_v this_o that_o some_o man_n in_o their_o write_n have_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o but_o none_o do_v ever_o positive_o set_v down_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o v._o the_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n from_o nature_n be_v that_o which_o be_v use_v by_o all_o philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v a_o excellent_a wise_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n one_o creature_n depend_v upon_o a_o other_o by_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o cause_n in_o which_o some_o be_v first_o and_o above_o in_o high_a place_n some_o be_v next_o and_o inferior_a some_o be_v the_o base_a and_o the_o low_a now_o these_o low_a be_v move_v of_o those_o that_o be_v superior_a to_o they_o and_o always_o the_o superior_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o inferior_a and_o that_o whereof_o the_o inferior_a depend_v something_o than_o there_o must_v be_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n that_o must_v be_v cause_v by_o none_o and_o must_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o for_o in_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v order_n there_o be_v always_o some_o first_o and_o sovereign_a cause_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o first_o nor_o last_o there_o the_o creature_n be_v infinite_a but_o see_v all_o creature_n be_v finite_a there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o first_o as_o well_o as_o last_o now_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o cause_n of_o all_o be_v god_n which_o move_v all_o and_o to_o who_o all_o creature_n do_v tend_v as_o to_o their_o end_n and_o which_o be_v move_v of_o none_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o reason_n ground_v in_o nature_n itself_o it_o may_v be_v some_o man_n will_v say_v i_o never_o see_v god_n how_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n ans._n why_o will_v thou_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o thou_o see_v thou_o never_o see_v the_o wind_n or_o the_o air_n and_o yet_o thou_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v both_o nay_o thou_o never_o see_v thy_o own_o face_n but_o in_o a_o glass_n and_o never_o out_o of_o a_o glass_n and_o yet_o this_o content_v thou_o why_o then_o may_v not_o this_o content_a thy_o heart_n and_o resolve_v thou_o of_o the_o godhead_n in_o that_o thou_o see_v he_o in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o creature_n true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n invisible_a that_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v behold_v he_o for_o look_v as_o we_o be_v wont_n by_o degree_n to_o go_v from_o the_o picture_n to_o the_o painter_n and_o in_o the_o picture_n to_o behold_v the_o painter_n himself_o even_o so_o by_o the_o image_n of_o god_n write_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o face_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n may_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o creator_n of_o they_o all_o who_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a proof_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n sect._n 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o proof_n be_v take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v that_o light_n grace_n which_o god_n afford_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o give_v a_o further_a confirmation_n than_o nature_n do_v for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v only_o a_o way_n or_o preparation_n to_o faith_n but_o this_o light_n serve_v to_o beget_v faith_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n now_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n we_o shall_v see_v among_o the_o rest_n three_o distinct_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n first_o express_a testimony_n that_o do_v in_o plain_a term_n note_v unto_o we_o the_o godhead_n second_o express_a prophecy_n and_o revelation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v even_o many_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v yea_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v be_v foretell_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o and_o in_o that_o very_a manner_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n able_a of_o himself_o to_o know_v or_o foresee_v these_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o this_o knowledge_n must_v rest_v in_o he_o alone_o who_o be_v most_o wise_a that_o perfect_o understand_v and_o behold_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o to_o who_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v present_a and_o therefore_o certain_a three_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v many_o miracle_n which_o do_v exceed_v and_o surpass_v whole_a nature_n yea_o all_o natural_a cause_n the_o do_v and_o work_v whereof_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mere_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o example_n the_o make_v of_o the_o sun_n against_o his_o natural_a course_n to_o stand_v still_o in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o water_n which_o be_v natural_o flow_v to_o stand_v as_o a_o wall_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o be_v as_o dry_a land_n the_o main_a end_n whereof_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n itself_o and_o all_o natural_a thing_n and_o order_v both_o it_o and_o they_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n sect._n 3_o the_o three_o ground_n of_o proof_n be_v fetch_v glory_n from_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o be_v that_o light_n which_o god_n afford_v unto_o his_o servant_n after_o this_o life_n end_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o all_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n be_v take_v away_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o have_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o godhead_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v in_o part_n &_o we_o see_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o glass_n the_o comparison_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v 13._o for_o there_o he_o compare_v our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n to_o a_o dim_a sight_a man_n that_o can_v see_v either_o very_a little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o without_o his_o spectacle_n and_o such_o be_v our_o sight_n &_o comprehension_n of_o god_n dark_a and_o dim_a in_o that_o we_o can_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v but_o only_o as_o he_o have_v
manifest_v himself_o unto_o we_o in_o and_o through_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o by_o the_o spectacle_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o the_o scale_n of_o our_o eye_n shall_v be_v wash_v off_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v as_o crystal_n when_o the_o imperfection_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v clean_o remove_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o see_v god_n clear_o and_o full_o face_n to_o face_n thus_o the_o first_o question_n be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n ii_o question_n whether_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o propound_v this_o question_n as_o in_o the_o former_a i_o mean_v not_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n touch_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o to_o take_v away_o or_o at_o least_o prevent_v a_o inward_a corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o knowledge_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v sometime_o to_o make_v doubt_n and_o question_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o truth_n hereof_o now_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o these_o ground_n i._o the_o sum_n &_o substance_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o conclude_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v in_o this_o syllogism_n he_o that_o shall_v come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o in_o time_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o shall_v preach_v the_o gladtiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n satisfy_v the_o law_n offer_v up_o a_o oblation_n of_o himself_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v overcome_v death_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o in_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v both_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o son_n of_o marie_n be_v he_o in_o who_o alone_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o he_o only_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o proposition_n or_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n in_o the_o new_a the_o conclusion_n be_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o they_o both_o ii_o ground_n in_o daniel_n 9_o 24._o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o after_o the_o time_n of_o 70._o week_n that_o be_v 490._o year_n the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v exhibit_v by_o which_o prophecy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o from_o that_o time_n till_o now_o there_o be_v at_o the_o least_o 2000_o year_n as_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v by_o humane_a history_n and_o by_o the_o motion_n and_o course_n of_o the_o heaven_n it_o be_v also_o plain_a from_o hence_o that_o have_v be_v exhibit_v and_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n he_o have_v make_v satisfaction_n by_o his_o death_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a true_a messiah_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n because_o from_o that_o time_n there_o be_v never_o any_o to_o who_o this_o title_n and_o the_o forename_a property_n may_v so_o true_o agree_v as_o to_o this_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o david_n iii_o ground_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n do_v teach_v profess_v and_o dispute_v that_o he_o be_v god_n that_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o and_o he_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n joh._n 7._o and_o 8._o a_o evident_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v so_o as_o he_o profess_v and_o preach_v himself_o to_o be_v for_o never_o any_o creature_n challenge_v to_o himself_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n false_o but_o be_v discover_v and_o confound_v adam_n for_o affect_v and_o aspire_v to_o it_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o herod_n for_o it_o die_v miserable_o act._n 12._o and_o diverse_a pope_n be_v record_v in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o have_v take_v this_o honour_n unto_o themselves_o and_o there_o be_v never_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o fearful_a judgment_n upon_o they_o than_o they_o but_o christ_n challenge_v this_o to_o himself_o and_o prosper_v and_o god_n do_v most_o severe_o revenge_v his_o death_n both_o upon_o herod_n and_o pilate_n as_o also_o upon_o the_o jew_n and_o emperor_n of_o rome_n that_o persecute_v the_o church_n iv._o ground_n christ_n while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n before_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o send_v his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o so_o to_o assist_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v great_a work_n than_o himself_o do_v joh._n 14._o 12._o etc._n etc._n now_o when_o christ_n be_v ascend_v the_o event_n be_v strange_a and_o yet_o full_o answerable_a to_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o disciple_n be_v but_o few_o twelve_o in_o number_n and_o all_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o bare_a preach_n without_o humane_a eloquence_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o nature_n convert_v many_o nation_n yea_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o though_o themselves_o be_v but_o weak_a man_n and_o preach_v thing_n absurd_a to_o the_o corrupt_a reason_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o win_v many_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o convert_v the_o world_n v._o ground_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v record_v in_o their_o write_n the_o very_a samething_n touch_v christ_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n josephus_n a_o jew_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o eight_o book_n of_o antiquity_n chap._n 4._o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o christ_n that_o matthew_n do_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a man_n that_o he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a other_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v crucify_v under_o pilate_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n and_o that_o tiberius_n will_v have_v put_v he_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o god_n again_o heathen_a writer_n 20._o report_v that_o at_o his_o death_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n all_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o world_n cease_v â—â—ac_fw-la and_o the_o great_a god_n pan_n as_o they_o say_v then_o die_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o main_a question_n be_v touch_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o they_o be_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o six_o head_n sect._n 1_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o cause_n namely_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v the_o author_n the_o scripture_n refer_v scripture_n itself_o unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a author_n thereof_o and_o none_o but_o he_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o consequence_n stand_v upon_o these_o ground_n first_o if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v no_o one_o book_n in_o the_o earth_n so_o fabulous_a and_o so_o full_a of_o error_n as_o it_o which_o to_o say_v be_v blasphemy_n for_o it_o speak_v such_o thing_n as_o never_o any_o can_v speak_v but_o god_n second_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o book_n of_o god_n than_o all_o god_n will_v shall_v be_v hide_v and_o god_n shall_v never_o yet_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n three_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o falsehood_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v detect_v long_o ago_o for_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o false_o say_v of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o open_v and_o reveal_v even_o as_o he_o do_v detect_v and_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n hananâ—_n jer._n 28._o 16._o and_o god_n heavy_a hand_n no_o doubt_n will_v long_o since_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o this_o word_n if_o they_o have_v unjust_o and_o wrongful_o father_v it_o upon_o he_o again_o for_o the_o writer_n and_o penman_n of_o scripture_n moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v not_o set_v forth_o their_o own_o glory_n nobility_n or_o virtue_n but_o all_o with_o one_o consent_n have_v acknowledge_v direct_o and_o plain_o their_o own_o error_n and_o fault_n yea_o such_o fault_n as_o may_v be_v disgraceful_a to_o
themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v do_v it_o a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v by_o policy_n and_o natural_a reason_n but_o be_v holy_a man_n guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v guide_v by_o reason_n they_o will_v never_o have_v write_v that_o which_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o their_o own_o disgrace_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v commend_v themselves_o their_o name_n stock_n and_o lineage_n again_o humane_a author_n in_o their_o discourse_n do_v common_o write_v of_o the_o praise_n and_o virtue_n of_o man_n of_o who_o they_o write_v but_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n with_o one_o consent_n give_v all_o to_o god_n yea_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o commendation_n due_a to_o man_n thy_o give_v it_o all_o to_o god_n in_o man_n god_n be_v in_o their_o write_n the_o beginning_n the_o end_n &_o all_o sect._n 2._o a_o second_o head_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o scripture_n the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v manifold_a the_o principal_a be_v these_o first_o the_o scripture_n do_v that_o which_o no_o other_o book_n can_v do_v for_o it_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n by_o sin_n the_o fountain_n of_o this_o corruption_n &_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o same_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o discover_v sinful_a man_n particular_a thought_n lust_n and_o affection_n which_o never_o any_o book_n have_v do_v beside_o it_o no_o philosopher_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o make_v so_o true_a record_n and_o so_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o thought_n motion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v discern_v they_o by_o nature_n unless_o it_o receive_v a_o further_a light_n by_o grace_n than_o it_o have_v natural_o in_o itself_o yea_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o thing_n that_o no_o man_n heart_n can_v imagine_v &_o yet_o be_v true_a by_o experience_n for_o example_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thought_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n man_n by_o nature_n can_v imagine_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a in_o experience_n &_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o david_n say_v the_o 14._o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n second_o the_o main_a content_n of_o this_o book_n be_v sundry_a article_n of_o faith_n all_o which_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o against_o it_o but_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o it_o for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v a_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n yet_o not_o against_o the_o same_o for_o in_o natural_a understanding_n god_n be_v not_o all_o justice_n and_o no_o mercy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o redeemer_n then_o shall_v god_n be_v all_o justice_n without_o mercy_n now_o because_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o well_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v just_a reason_n conclude_v there_o be_v a_o redeemer_n again_o that_o this_o redeemer_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o man_n be_v above_o reason_n yet_o not_o against_o it_o for_o reason_n teach_v he_o must_v be_v god_n that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v again_o that_o he_o must_v be_v man_n because_o man_n have_v sin_v man_n must_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n three_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v sundry_a prediction_n make_v before_o hand_n particular_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v till_o a_o 100_o 200_o 300_o year_n after_o &_o all_o these_o prediction_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o have_v be_v foretell_v have_v be_v fulfil_v jacob_n in_o his_o will_n foretell_v that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n till_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n come_v this_o be_v verify_v even_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v for_o a_o little_a before_o christ_n birth_n the_o sceptre_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o translate_v unto_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o herod_n put_v the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o sanedrim_n to_o the_o sword_n in_o which_o college_n be_v the_o heir_n apparent_a of_o the_o king_n blood_n again_o balaam_n num._n 24._o 24._o foretold_a that_o kittim_n that_o be_v the_o grecian_n and_o the_o roman_n shall_v subdue_v eber_n the_o people_n of_o the_o east_n and_o that_o also_o be_v afterward_o verify_v for_o the_o hebrew_n and_o assyrian_n be_v afterward_o overcome_v by_o the_o grecian_n and_o cilician_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o his_o time_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o reveal_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o thes._n 7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n which_o prophecy_n be_v short_o after_o fulfil_v for_o antichrist_n grow_v from_o those_o time_n by_o little_a and_o little_a till_o at_o length_n he_o come_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o emperor_n throne_n man_n indeed_o may_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v but_o thing_n foretell_v by_o they_o be_v present_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o they_o know_v and_o foretell_v they_o not_o otherwise_o but_o god_n foretell_v simple_o and_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v simple_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n four_o the_o law_n a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v propound_v most_o pure_o &_o perfect_o without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n whereas_o in_o all_o man_n law_n some_o sin_n be_v condemn_v but_o some_o be_v tolerate_v and_o permit_v but_o in_o god_n law_n every_o sin_n be_v condemn_v &_o none_o either_o forbear_v or_o excuse_v last_o the_o style_n and_o speech_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o simple_a without_o affectation_n and_o yet_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o majesty_n for_o in_o that_o simple_a style_n it_o command_v the_o whole_a man_n body_n and_o soul_n it_o threaten_v everlasting_a death_n and_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n and_o it_o do_v more_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o all_o the_o write_n in_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v take_v scripture_n from_o the_o effect_n whereof_o i_o note_v only_o two_o i._o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o law_n and_o special_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n whereupon_o paul_n say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n against_o 〈◊〉_d god_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o word_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o minister_n appoint_v by_o god_n convert_v nature_n and_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o it_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o in_o this_o last_o age_n it_o have_v win_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o now_o in_o reason_n this_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o flat_a against_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n shall_v notwithstanding_o prevail_v with_o it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o cause_v man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o profession_n &_o maintenance_n thereof_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o reject_v the_o write_n of_o man_n if_o they_o please_v not_o our_o humour_n whereas_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o force_n to_o move_v and_o â—â—cline_v our_o affection_n though_o never_o so_o much_o censure_v cross_v and_o control_v by_o it_o and_o this_o show_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o from_o who_o the_o word_n of_o creation_n come_v to_o which_o every_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o yield_v obedience_n ii_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v this_o effect_n to_o be_v able_a to_o minister_v comfort_n and_o relief_n in_o all_o distress_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n yea_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o desperate_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o when_o the_o help_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o force_v in_o other_o case_n have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o effect_n or_o success_n even_o than_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v revive_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o give_v it_o full_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n expetience_n show_v this_o to_o be_v a_o confess_a truth_n in_o particular_a case_n and_o it_o teach_v whence_o and_o from_o who_o this_o word_n proceed_v wherein_o these_o promise_n be_v contain_v namely_o from_o god_n for_o when_o he_o set_v the_o conscience_n upon_o the_o rack_n the_o word_n that_o relieve_v and_o refresh_v the_o same_o must_v needs_o proceed_v and_o come_v from_o he_o alone_o sect._n 4._o the_o four_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o property_n scripture_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v name_v only_o two_o the_o first_o be_v antiquity_n which_o most_o plain_o appear_v
extraordinary_a man_n that_o be_v qualify_v with_o these_o two_o gift_n may_v pray_v not_o only_o against_o the_o cause_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n but_o against_o his_o person_n thus_o david_n do_v especial_o in_o the_o 109._o psal._n which_o psalm_n be_v full_a of_o terrible_a curse_n against_o his_o particular_a enemy_n and_o typical_o against_o judas_n for_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v by_o which_o he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v incurable_a enemy_n and_o a_o pure_a zeal_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o make_v he_o break_v out_o into_o such_o imprecation_n so_o paul_n pray_v gal._n 5._o 12._o that_o they_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o trouble_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o tim._n 4._o 14._o he_o pray_v direct_o against_o the_o person_n of_o alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n that_o have_v do_v he_o much_o wrong_n the_o lord_n reward_v he_o according_a to_o his_o work_n which_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a for_o paul_n have_v in_o that_o imprecation_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o consequent_o both_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v and_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v pray_v against_o he_o as_o he_o do_v but_o for_o ordinary_a man_n such_o as_o have_v nothing_o but_o ordinary_a gift_n and_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v and_o have_v also_o a_o zeal_n mingle_v with_o choler_n stomach_n anger_n and_o hatred_n they_o may_v use_v no_o extraordinary_a prayer_n against_o the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n all_o that_o they_o may_v do_v be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v restrain_v their_o malice_n hinder_v their_o bad_a practice_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n therefore_o act._n 4._o 29._o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n against_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o assembly_n and_o pray_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o now_o o_o lord_n behold_v their_o threaten_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o they_o pray_v not_o against_o the_o council_n nor_o against_o the_o man_n that_o sit_v in_o counsel_n but_o against_o their_o proceed_n course_n device_n and_o threaten_n and_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o ordinary_a man_n to_o follow_v in_o luk._n 9_o 54._o the_o disciple_n ask_v our_o saviour_n christ_n whether_o they_o shall_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o intemperate_a heat_n against_o the_o samaritan_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n to_o effect_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v but_o ordinary_a man_n ordinary_a man_n therefore_o may_v not_o pray_v against_o the_o person_n of_o god_n enemy_n the_o pope_n at_o this_o day_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n yet_o no_o man_n may_v pray_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o only_o against_o his_o state_n kingdom_n and_o regiment_n which_o be_v antichristian_a whereby_o he_o set_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o his_o kingdom_n sect._n 2._o upon_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n there_o follow_v a_o other_o sundry_a psalm_n of_o david_n be_v psalm_n of_o imprecation_n wherein_o david_n curse_v his_o enemy_n fearful_o especial_o in_o the_o 109._o psalm_n now_o all_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v for_o our_o use_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v demand_v how_o we_o may_v use_v these_o and_o such_o like_a when_o we_o read_v or_o sing_v they_o ans._n i._n we_o must_v not_o use_v they_o as_o david_n do_v namely_o as_o prayer_n against_o the_o person_n of_o our_o enemy_n but_o only_o as_o prophecy_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o punishment_n of_o incurable_a man_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v foretell_v for_o we_o have_v not_o as_o david_n have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n or_o a_o pure_a zeal_n therefore_o we_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o do_v ii_o i_o answer_v whereas_o these_o imprecation_n be_v direct_v against_o particular_a enemy_n we_o may_v use_v they_o in_o some_o sort_n as_o prayer_n but_o how_o as_o general_a prayer_n against_o all_o the_o incurable_a enemy_n of_o god_n not_o against_o any_o particular_n among_o the_o jew_n turk_n or_o papist_n as_o therefore_o as_o we_o may_v use_v these_o imprecation_n as_o prayer_n so_o we_o must_v use_v they_o without_o any_o particular_a application_n to_o the_o person_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n iii_o question_n what_o be_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n prayer_n of_o prayer_n ans._n there_o be_v chief_o four_o i._o the_o voice_n or_o speech_n ii_o the_o gesture_n iii_o the_o place_n where_o iv._o the_o time_n when_o sect._n 1_o concern_v the_o voice_n this_o question_n may_v prayer_n be_v move_v whether_o a_o voice_n or_o word_n be_v â—o_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n or_o no_o ans._n prayer_n be_v either_o pubâ—cke_n or_o private_a in_o public_a prayer_n a_o form_n of_o word_n must_v always_o be_v use_v in_o a_o know_v plain_a and_o distinct_a voice_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n in_o preach_v now_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o the_o people_n must_v give_v their_o assent_n and_o approbation_n to_o his_o prayer_n by_o the_o word_n amen_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o profess_a and_o public_a assent_n without_o a_o voice_n second_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n not_o only_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o also_o of_o his_o body_n and_o we_o bless_v god_n not_o only_o with_o the_o heart_n but_o also_o with_o the_o 9_o tongue_n therefore_o the_o whole_a man_n must_v pray_v in_o public_a now_o in_o private_a prayer_n make_v in_o private_a and_o secret_a place_n by_o private_a person_n the_o voice_n be_v profitable_a but_o not_o simple_o necessary_a it_o be_v profitable_a because_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o serve_v also_o to_o keep_v the_o wander_a mind_n in_o compass_n to_o express_v the_o affection_n and_o to_o procure_v attention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o his_o prayer_n moses_n pray_v he_o speak_v never_o a_o word_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n for_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o exod._n 12._o 15._o why_o cry_v thou_o anna_n pray_v in_o the_o temple_n her_o lip_n do_v move_v only_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v and_o yet_o she_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v 1._o sam._n 1._o 13._o again_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o elect_n with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o prayer_n rom._n 8._o paul_n bid_v we_o pray_v continual_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o continual_a use_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n but_o of_o the_o groan_n and_o sigh_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v make_v at_o all_o time_n out_o of_o this_o question_n arise_v another_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a when_o we_o pray_v to_o read_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o some_o think_v that_o to_o do_v so_o be_v a_o sin_n ans._n it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o and_o with_o good_a conscience_n do_v it_o reason_n first_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v use_v and_o read_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o yet_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v prayer_n second_o to_o conceive_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n require_v gift_n of_o memory_n knowledge_n utterance_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n now_o every_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n though_o he_o have_v a_o honest_a heart_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o all_o these_o gift_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o may_v lawful_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o weak_a back_n or_o a_o lame_a leg_n may_v lean_v upon_o a_o crutch_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n do_v limit_n and_o bind_v the_o holy_a ghost_n ans._n if_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a measure_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v somewhat_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v weak_a and_o small_a in_o us._n this_o be_v no_o bind_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o a_o help_a of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v weak_a in_o we_o by_o a_o crutch_n to_o lean_v upon_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v with_o good_a conscience_n
of_o these_o caveat_n the_o same_o be_v not_o take_v in_o truth_n but_o in_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n popish_a teacher_n affirm_v that_o in_o some_o case_n they_o may_v swear_v in_o a_o doubtful_a meaning_n and_o this_o they_o practice_v in_o time_n of_o danger_n when_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o examine_v they_o answer_v yea_o in_o word_n and_o conceive_v a_o negation_n or_o no_o in_o their_o mind_n a_o practice_n most_o impious_a and_o flat_a against_o this_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v swear_v in_o truth_n judgement_n &_o justice_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o form_n in_o which_o the_o oath_n be_v propound_v must_v be_v a_o plain_a simple_a and_o direct_a form_n wherein_o god_n be_v direct_o call_v to_o witness_v for_o his_o worship_n be_v direct_o to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o oath_n also_o be_v a_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v direct_o to_o be_v make_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n may_v the_o better_o appear_v one_o question_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v whether_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n a_o man_n may_v not_o swear_v direct_o by_o creature_n and_o indirect_o by_o god_n most_o of_o the_o popish_a sort_n and_o some_o protestant_n hold_v that_o he_o may_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v otherwise_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n nor_o by_o the_o earth_n nor_o by_o thy_o head_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 5._o 34._o in_o which_o word_n he_o forbid_v all_o indirect_a oath_n whereby_o man_n swear_v direct_o by_o creature_n and_o indirect_o by_o god_n for_o so_o do_v the_o pharisy_n again_o if_o a_o man_n may_v swear_v by_o creature_n and_o conceal_v the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o will_v diminish_v his_o majesty_n and_o authority_n and_o much_o deceit_n may_v be_v use_v for_o the_o swearer_n may_v say_v that_o he_o swear_v not_o but_o only_o use_v a_o obtestation_n against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v i._o that_o joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n gen._n 42._o 25._o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o oath_n by_o creature_n be_v not_o unlawful_a ans._n first_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o joseph_n sin_v in_o so_o swear_v for_o therein_o he_o imitate_v the_o egyptian_n who_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o their_o king_n second_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o joseph_n do_v only_o make_v a_o asseveration_n and_o not_o a_o oath_n object_n ii_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v a_o oath_n by_o the_o creature_n cant._n 2._o 7._o i_o charge_v you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roe_n and_o by_o the_o hind_n of_o the_o field_n etc._n etc._n ans._n it_o be_v no_o oath_n but_o a_o obtestation_n whereby_o the_o church_n call_v the_o creature_n to_o witness_v her_o earnest_a affection_n to_o christ._n the_o like_a be_v make_v by_o moses_n deâ—â—_n 30._o 19_o when_o he_o say_v i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o you_o this_o day_n and_o by_o paul_n in_o his_o charge_n to_o timothy_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o the_o elect_a angel_n in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n there_o be_v no_o swear_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o citation_n or_o summon_v of_o the_o creature_n as_o witness_n and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o oath_n and_o a_o obtestation_n in_o the_o obtestation_n there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o call_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o give_v testimony_n the_o matter_n be_v already_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a but_o in_o a_o oath_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o manifest_a god_n be_v make_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o also_o a_o judge_n and_o revenger_n object_n iii_o saint_n paul_n swear_v by_o his_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 15._o 31._o which_o rejoice_v be_v a_o create_a passion_n or_o a_o creature_n ans._n that_o be_v also_o a_o obtestation_n or_o a_o word_n of_o avouchment_v and_o asseveration_n and_o not_o a_o oath_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o my_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n which_o i_o endure_v for_o christ_n will_v testify_v if_o they_o can_v speak_v that_o as_o certain_o as_o i_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n so_o certain_o i_o die_v daily_o object_n iv._o abigail_n swear_v to_o david_n by_o the_o creature_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v and_o as_o thy_o soul_n live_v 1._o sam._n 25._o 26._o ans._n the_o former_a part_n of_o her_o speech_n may_v be_v call_v a_o oath_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v only_o a_o obtestation_n or_o earnest_n avouchment_v join_v with_o a_o oath_n now_o although_o it_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o creature_n yet_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v direct_o by_o god_n he_o may_v name_v the_o creature_n in_o way_n and_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n special_o if_o he_o make_v they_o as_o his_o pawn_n and_o pledge_n set_v before_o god_n that_o he_o may_v in_o justice_n be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o in_o they_o if_o he_o lie_v and_o swear_v not_o a_o truth_n sect._n 3_o iii_o question_n how_o farforth_a do_v a_o oath_n bind_v and_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v large_a and_o bind_v therefore_o for_o order_n sake_n i_o distinguish_v it_o into_o two_o part_n and_o first_o i_o will_v show_v when_o a_o oath_n bind_v second_o when_o it_o bind_v not_o for_o the_o first_o a_o oath_n take_v of_o thing_n certain_a lawful_a and_o possible_a be_v to_o be_v keep_v yea_o and_o bind_v always_o though_o it_o be_v tender_v even_o to_o our_o enemy_n to_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v special_a commandemennt_v in_o sundry_a place_n number_n 30._o 3._o whosoever_o swear_v a_o oath_n to_o bind_v his_o soul_n by_o a_o bond_n he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o word_n but_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n mat._n 5._o 33._o thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n exod_n 20._o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a that_o be_v light_o and_o rash_o but_o god_n name_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a when_o a_o oath_n make_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o possible_a be_v not_o keep_v david_n at_o the_o humble_a request_n of_o shimei_n who_o have_v before_o curse_v he_o pardon_v his_o fault_n for_o the_o time_n &_o swear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v 2._o sam._n 19_o 23._o david_n make_v conscience_n of_o this_o oath_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o till_o his_o death_n he_o keep_v it_o only_o he_o charge_v solomon_n not_o to_o count_v he_o innocent_a 1._o king_n 2._o 9_o now_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o the_o answer_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v four_o particular_a case_n touch_v this_o point_n i._o case_n what_o if_o a_o man_n take_v a_o oath_n by_o false_a god_n whether_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o keep_v it_o yea_o or_o no_o ans._n he_o be_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o from_o the_o like_a there_o be_v a_o question_n among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n matt._n 23._o 16._o whether_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v a_o debtor_n or_o no_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v that_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o creature_n the_o oath_n do_v not_o bind_v but_o christ_n vers_fw-la 20._o affirm_v that_o he_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n or_o by_o the_o altar_n or_o by_o heaven_n swear_v by_o god_n indirect_o &_o so_o take_v a_o oath_n though_o not_o a_o lawful_a oath_n and_o thereupon_o remain_v bind_v and_o be_v a_o debtor_n now_o by_o propotion_n he_o that_o swear_v by_o false_a god_n swear_v by_o god_n indirect_o because_o the_o false_a god_n be_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v a_o true_a god_n and_o so_o his_o oath_n bind_v and_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v second_o abraham_n accept_v the_o oath_n that_o abimelech_n tender_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o false_a god_n gen._n 21._o 23_o so_o do_v jacob_n accept_v of_o the_o oath_n make_v unto_o he_o by_o laban_n gen._n 31._o 53._o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o their_o oath_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a bond_n to_o bind_v they_o to_o observation_n and_o performance_n it_o will_v be_v say_v he_o that_o admit_v of_o a_o oath_n by_o a_o idol_n do_v communicate_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v ans._n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n a_o man_n may_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o oath_n without_o sin_n a_o poor_a man_n be_v in_o extreme_a want_n borrow_v of_o a_o usurer_n upon_o interest_n it_o be_v sin_n to_o the_o usurer_n to_o take_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o