trial_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a or_o not_o and_o let_v any_o that_o understand_v the_o matter_n and_o be_v competent_a be_v the_o judge_n 7._o yea_o some_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v all_o the_o forementâ—oned_a qualificaâ—ions_n for_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o natural_a strength_n of_o understanding_n or_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v of_o difficult_a thing_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v expect_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o they_o who_o can_v understand_v a_o plain_a case_n in_o law_n physic_n or_o any_o other_o profession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o verse_v in_o no_o nor_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v more_o conversant_a with_o 8._o beside_o this_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o when_o the_o best_a man_n have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v they_o will_v here_o know_v but_o in_o pâ—rt_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o time_n of_o our_o perfect_a blessedness_n and_o he_o that_o know_v but_o in_o part_n be_v not_o like_a to_o see_v through_o every_o difficulty_n and_o this_o imperfection_n join_v with_o the_o corruption_n which_o we_o shall_v anon_o mention_v do_v cause_v these_o suspect_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o shall_v be_v entertain_v 9_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n also_o which_o be_v not_o well_o understand_v without_o experâ—eâ—ce_n and_o it_o be_v only_a sanctification_n that_o give_v that_o experience_n and_o therefore_o the_o unsanctified_a take_v they_o but_o for_o fancy_n and_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o word_n which_o do_v assert_v they_o 10._o but_o one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v they_o forget_v their_o great_a ignorance_n shallowness_n and_o incapacity_n man_n have_v such_o arrogant_a understanding_n that_o be_v they_o never_o so_o empty_a they_o think_v themselves_o immediate_o capable_a of_o receive_v any_o truth_n that_o shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o never_o suspect_v their_o own_o wit_n but_o the_o writer_n or_o speaker_n because_o they_o aâ—e_n at_o age_n and_o be_v now_o past_a childhood_n they_o think_v they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a little_o know_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o knowlâ—dge_n which_o they_o want_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v attain_v they_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a order_n among_o truth_n and_o that_o one_o presuppose_v another_o and_o all_o the_o low_a be_v prerequisite_a to_o the_o high_a they_o know_v not_o how_o mâ—ny_n hundred_o of_o the_o low_a preparatory_a truth_n must_v be_v know_v before_o some_o of_o the_o high_a can_v be_v well_o understand_v they_o will_v go_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o stair_n without_o go_v up_o the_o low_a step_n it_o will_v make_v a_o sober_a man_n wonder_v to_o see_v the_o impudent_a pride_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o some_o ignorâ—nt_fw-la man_n that_o when_o they_o have_v need_n to_o sit_v many_o a_o year_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o some_o teacher_n and_o humble_o learn_v that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o they_o will_v as_o confident_o pass_v a_o present_a censure_n on_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o best_a and_o if_o they_o see_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o truth_n they_o will_v as_o confident_o and_o scornful_o call_v it_o a_o error_n as_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o most_o capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o when_o man_n of_o true_a understanding_n do_v see_v that_o truth_n as_o clear_v as_o the_o light_n if_o they_o hear_v a_o confident_a seducer_n that_o have_v a_o gloze_a tongue_n and_o plausible_a cavil_n against_o a_o truth_n these_o arrogant_a wâ—â—s_n will_v present_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o can_v be_v answer_v as_o if_o nobody_o can_v do_v it_o because_o they_o can_v when_o alas_o man_n of_o understanding_n may_v present_o discern_v gross_a ignorance_n and_o absurdity_n in_o that_o which_o shâ—llow_v brain_n be_v so_o confident_a of_o we_o can_v scarce_o meet_v with_o the_o man_n so_o gross_o ignorant_a but_o he_o be_v confident_a of_o his_o own_o understanding_n and_o wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n so_o that_o when_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v say_v what_o ignorant_a foolish_a wretchet_n be_v we_o that_o can_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o accuse_v or_o suspect_v the_o word_n and_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v 11._o and_o this_o arrogancy_n be_v much_o increase_v by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o ignorance_n which_o be_v to_o be_v even_o ignorant_a of_o itself_o he_o that_o never_o see_v the_o light_n know_v not_o what_o light_n be_v not_o what_o darkness_n be_v as_o differ_v from_o light_n a_o dead_a man_n know_v not_o what_o death_n be_v a_o bruit_n know_v not_o what_o bruitishness_n be_v because_o he_o know_v not_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o be_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n necessary_a to_o make_v some_o man_n to_o know_v their_o ignorance_n what_o can_v show_v a_o man_n his_o error_n but_o the_o contrary_a truth_n this_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o hinder_v man_n conviction_n and_o make_v they_o confident_a in_o their_o most_o false_a conceit_n see_v they_o want_v both_o that_o light_n and_o that_o humdity_n which_o shall_v take_v down_o their_o confidence_n we_o have_v as_o much_o ado_n to_o make_v some_o man_n know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v as_o to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o when_o once_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o especial_o if_o man_n have_v but_o any_o plausible_a natural_a wit_n or_o a_o little_a taste_n of_o leaâ—ning_v or_o a_o little_a illomination_n in_o some_o great_a matter_n which_o in_o gross-ignorance_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o present_o think_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v now_o plain_a to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o ruin_n or_o dangerous_a â—erverting_n at_o least_o of_o many_o young_a zealous_a professor_n that_o former_o live_v in_o greâ—t_a ignorance_n and_o ungodliness_n that_o when_o god_n have_v show_v they_o their_o error_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o new_a light_n seem_v so_o glorious_a to_o they_o that_o they_o think_v they_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o need_v but_o little_a more_o and_o now_o they_o be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o think_v they_o shall_v understand_v all_o truth_n at_o the_o first_o hear_n and_o see_v through_o all_o difficulty_n at_o the_o first_o consideration_n little_o know_v how_o much_o lame_a table_n ignorance_n do_v yet_o remain_v in_o they_o and_o how_o much_o more_o glorious_a a_o light_n be_v yet_o before_o they_o and_o how_o little_a they_o know_v yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ignorant_a especial_o half-witted_a man_n that_o have_v some_o little_a knowledge_n which_o may_v puff_n they_o up_o to_o think_v they_o have_v that_o which_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o and_o so_o to_o have_v this_o arâ—ogancy_n of_o understanding_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o darknesâ—_n of_o truth_n when_o they_o shall_v lament_v the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o to_o think_v the_o candle_n be_v put_v out_o oâ—_z the_o suâ—_z be_v darken_v because_o this_o web_n be_v grow_v over_o their_o eye_n 12._o moreover_o i_o fidâ—lâ—â—y_n be_v a_o natural_a deep-rooted_a obsâ—â—â—â—ate_n sin_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v harâ—lâ—_z overcome_v and_o will_v be_v strive_v in_o we_o to_o the_o lâ—â—â—_n the_o first_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o beâ—â—eving_v the_o servant_n before_o god_n haâ—h_v â—â—f_a a_o vicious_a hâ—â—_z it_o in_o ouâ—_z nâ—tuâ—e_n mâ—â—_z be_v now_o so_o eâ—â—ranged_v â—rom_fw-mi god_n that_o â—e_z â—â—_z the_o â—eâ—s_v acquaâ—nâ—ed_v with_o â—is_n voice_n and_o the_o more_o distâ—ustful_a of_o hiâ—_z we_o be_v so_o mâ—ch_n in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o be_v the_o more_o â—iffident_a when_o a_o man_n knâ—ws_v not_o where_o he_o be_v or_o wâ—o_o be_v near_o he_o he_o â—s_n stâ—ll_v fearâ—ul_v when_o he_o know_v not_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v on_o whâ—ther_o firm_a or_o quick_a aâ—ds_v he_o â—s_n natural_o apt_a to_o distrust_v it_o aâ—_n unknown_a god_n will_v not_o be_v well_o believeâ—_z be_v tâ—_z siâ—_z to_o cure_n infidelity_n all_o other_o siâ—s_fw-la woulâ—_z be_v of_o much_o more_o easy_a cuâ—e_n he_o be_v a_o conqueroâ—_z indeeâ—_n that_o thorough_o conquer_v his_o unbelief_n but_o the_o most_o be_v captivate_v by_o it_o to_o their_o perdition_n 13._o and_o it_o somewâ—at_a add_v to_o this_o disease_n that_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o deâ—eâ—tfulness_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o thence_o â—s_n apt_a to_o suspect_v all_o
change_n that_o be_v here_o call_v the_o new_a birth_n be_v not_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o a_o substance_n or_o destruction_n of_o our_o former_a substance_n or_o faculty_n for_o we_o have_v still_o the_o same_o natural_a power_n of_o understanding_n and_o willing_a but_o it_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o disposition_n habit_n and_o act_n of_o those_o faculty_n and_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o contrary_a mind_a i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o real_a qualitative_a change_n that_o be_v here_o call_v the_o new-birth_n but_o that_o the_o word_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a as_o i_o before_o express_v include_v our_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o son_n and_o disciple_n to_o christ_n and_o servant_n subject_n or_o soldier_n under_o he_o with_o a_o removal_n from_o our_o former_a relation_n which_o we_o be_v in_o by_o corruption_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o so_o that_o it_o comprehend_v both_o our_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n to_o the_o redeemer_n and_o to_o his_o church_n where_o we_o have_v a_o new_a father_n husband_n lord_n and_o fellow-servant_n new_a brother_n and_o sister_n and_o inheritance_n though_o yet_o we_o renounce_v not_o our_o natural_a brethren_n parent_n and_o inheritance_n as_o the_o popish_a monastical_a votary_n conceive_v any_o further_a than_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n that_o persuade_v i_o to_o take_v regeneration_n in_o this_o extent_n be_v first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o entrance_n into_o our_o whole_a new_a state_n that_o be_v here_o so_o call_v without_o any_o limit_v expression_n second_o because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n and_o certain_o baptism_n do_v as_o near_o and_o true_o signify_v our_o justification_n and_o relative_n change_n and_o new_a covenant_n engagement_n and_o adoption_n and_o church_n membership_n as_o it_o do_v our_o qualitative_a renovation_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o any_o fair_a exposition_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n which_o shall_v not_o include_v the_o change_n of_o our_o relation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o disposition_n and_o the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v of_o other_o text_n which_o mention_n regeneration_n which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o so_o far_o digress_v as_o to_o recite_v have_v see_v what_o christ_n teach_v nicodemus_n first_o let_v we_o next_o see_v the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n nicodemus_n fasten_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o metaphorical_a term_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o withal_o not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o scope_n of_o christ_n he_o present_o express_v his_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n by_o this_o question_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a can_v he_o enter_v the_o second_o time_n into_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o be_v bear_v hereupon_o christ_n return_v a_o explicatory_a answer_n tell_v he_o not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n but_o also_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o its_o cause_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o show_v a_o plain_a reason_n from_o natural_a agent_n why_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o this_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o seem_v incredible_a yet_o do_v nicodemus_n return_v a_o second_o answer_n like_o the_o first_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v which_o word_n do_v import_v not_o a_o absolute_a unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v say_v but_o a_o great_a ignorance_n of_o his_o meaning_n and_o a_o not_o discern_v of_o that_o evidence_n full_o which_o shall_v have_v cause_v full_a belief_n but_o a_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o the_o improbability_n of_o the_o thing_n affirm_v and_o thereupon_o a_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o affirmation_n and_o note_v here_o the_o aggravation_n of_o nicodemus_n his_o fault_n first_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o he_o himself_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o seal_v his_o doctrine_n by_o such_o miracle_n as_o none_o can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o do_v god_n send_v any_o messenger_n with_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o teacher_n that_o know_v not_o what_o he_o teach_v or_o will_v he_o seal_v untruth_n or_o senseless_a absurdity_n with_o such_o unquestionable_a miracle_n sure_o a_o man_n that_o be_v once_o convince_v that_o god_n send_v the_o messenger_n and_o seal_v the_o message_n shall_v be_v confident_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o shall_v never_o once_o suspect_v it_o of_o untruth_n second_o though_o christ_n do_v with_o frequent_a asseveration_n aver_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n yet_o do_v nicodemus_n stagger_v through_o unbelief_n three_o it_o be_v the_o very_a catechism_n and_o rudiment_n of_o piety_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o strange_a to_o he_o four_o the_o term_n by_o which_o christ_n express_v spiritual_a thing_n he_o understand_v all_o in_o a_o carnal_a sense_n yea_o and_o after_o that_o christ_n have_v tell_v he_o plain_o what_o birth_n he_o mean_v not_o carnal_a produce_v a_o fleshly_a creature_n but_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n produce_v a_o spiritual_a creature_n yet_o do_v not_o nicodemus_n understand_v he_o for_o all_o this_o five_o yet_o be_v this_o man_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sanedrim_n and_o one_o repute_v skilful_a in_o the_o law_n one_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o guide_n of_o the_o blind_a a_o light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n a_o instructor_n of_o the_o foolish_a a_o teacher_n of_o babe_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n one_o of_o those_o that_o boast_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o law_n rom._n 2._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o yet_o he_o that_o shall_v teach_v other_o have_v not_o learn_v these_o rudiment_n himself_o six_o and_o when_o christ_n use_v a_o familiar_a instance_n to_o show_v he_o that_o thing_n be_v not_o therefore_o incredible_a because_o invisible_a or_o because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n cause_n and_o end_n of_o they_o we_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v when_o we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v it_o or_o whence_o or_o why_o it_o be_v or_o whether_o it_o tend_v as_o in_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wind_n be_v evident_a yet_o do_v not_o nicodemus_n cease_v his_o doubt_n on_o this_o account_n but_o ask_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o spirituality_n and_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o seem_v improbable_a to_o his_o uninformed_a intellect_n and_o the_o seem_a improbability_n make_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v past_o his_o apprehension_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v therefore_o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o rational_a consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n or_o so_o much_o confidence_n in_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n and_o seal_v his_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n as_o to_o acquiesce_v as_o a_o learner_n in_o his_o teacher_n credit_n concerning_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o thing_n while_o he_o be_v seek_v to_o get_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o its_o nature_n rise_v and_o end_n so_o that_o here_o be_v all_o these_o sin_n together_o manifest_v in_o this_o answer_n great_a ignorance_n even_o in_o a_o ruler_n unbelief_n doubt_v of_o the_o conclusion_n when_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o premise_n a_o unteachableness_n in_o part_n when_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o learn_v a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o the_o capaciousness_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o if_o christ_n word_n or_o the_o plain_a truth_n shall_v be_v soon_o suspect_v than_o his_o shallow_a capacity_n from_o this_o picture_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a shape_n of_o man_n corrupt_a disposition_n and_o we_o may_v all_o know_v ourselves_o by_o know_v nicodemus_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o may_v raise_v this_o observation_n of_o we_o all_o doct._n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v more_o pronâ—_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n then_o to_o seâ—_n and_o confess_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o incapacity_n and_o ready_a to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n reveal_v be_v true_a when_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n cause_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o will_v make_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o to_o seem_v improbable_a and_o all_o such_o improbability_n will_v make_v it_o seem_v incredible_a and_o the_o incredibility_n of_o a_o part_n make_v the_o whole_a seem_v incredible_a and_o thus_o man_n will_v be_v infidel_n or_o seed_v their_o infidelity_n by_o every_o thing_n that_o themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o make_v it_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v or_o learn_v because_o they_o do_v not_o already_o know_v
other_o bâ—cause_v he_o find_v himself_o both_o fallible_a and_o fallacious_a he_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v so_o too_o for_o corrupt_a man_n be_v prone_a to_o question_v wheâ—her_o there_o be_v any_o high_a virtue_n than_o he_o have_v experience_n of_o in_o himself_o 14._o also_o it_o be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o infidelity_n and_o arrogancy_n and_o question_v all_o that_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a state_n and_o life_n and_o build_v not_o in_o the_o order_n that_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v they_o christ_n method_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v first_o understand_v and_o believe_v those_o essential_n of_o christianity_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o then_o engage_v themselves_o to_o learn_v of_o he_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o to_o set_v themselves_o to_o school_n to_o he_o and_o live_v under_o his_o teach_n that_o they_o 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shall_v meet_v with_o never_o so_o much_o doubtfulness_n in_o any_o of_o the_o superstructure_n yet_o these_o principle_n must_v still_o be_v hold_v fast_o for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v still_o pluâ—king_v up_o his_o foundation_n upon_o every_o error_n in_o the_o building_n be_v never_o like_a to_o perfect_v his_o work_n the_o second_o common_a error_n be_v that_o as_o professor_n do_v not_o lay_v the_o foundation_n as_o certain_a so_o they_o do_v not_o unseigned_o sâ—t_v themselves_o in_o the_o true_a posture_n of_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n to_o learn_v the_o â—est_n but_o think_v themselves_o past_o scholar_n when_o they_o have_v go_v to_o school_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o christ_n their_o teacher_n this_o be_v the_o undo_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n it_o be_v not_o as_o scholar_n to_o school_n but_o as_o judge_n to_o pass_v sentence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n before_o they_o 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wait_v upon_o his_o teach_v year_n after_o year_n and_o not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o present_a understanding_n of_o each_o reveal_a truth_n 15._o last_o beside_o all_o the_o former_a cause_n of_o this_o sin_n some_o man_n be_v judicial_o desert_v and_o leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o arrogancy_n and_o infidelity_n when_o god_n have_v show_v man_n the_o light_n of_o fundamental_a verity_n and_o instead_o of_o hearty_a entertain_n and_o obey_v they_o they_o will_v imprison_v they_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n oft_o give_v they_o over_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o to_o reject_v that_o truth_n which_o will_v have_v save_v they_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o i_o have_v note_v many_o professor_n that_o have_v live_v in_o pride_n flesh-pleasing_n or_o secret_a filthiness_n or_o unrighteousness_n or_o worldliness_n and_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o hold_v on_o in_o their_o profession_n and_o their_o lust_n together_o that_o these_o be_v most_o common_o give_v over_o to_o gross_a heresy_n or_o infidelity_n for_o when_o they_o be_v once_o captivate_v to_o their_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o inâ—erest_n and_o yet_o read_v and_o know_v the_o damâ—ableness_n of_o such_o a_o staâ—â—_z they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o quiet_a theâ—r_n conscience_n but_o either_o to_o believe_v that_o scripture_n be_v false_a and_o then_o they_o need_v not_o fear_v its_o threaten_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v their_o sin_n with_o confession_n and_o contrition_n which_o their_o carnal_a heart_n and_o interest_n will_v not_o permit_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o the_o open_n use_n of_o this_o point_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o corrupt_a and_o froward_a heart_n be_v in_o man_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n three_o notable_a corruption_n be_v together_o comprehend_v in_o the_o disteâ—peâ—_z which_o we_o have_v here_o describe_v and_o exâ—â—â—ssâ—d_fw-mi in_o the_o common_a incrâ—dulous_a question_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v first_o you_o may_v hear_v in_o this_o question_n the_o voice_n of_o ignorance_n man_n have_v lose_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n especial_o in_o spiritual_n the_o natural_a man_n discern_v they_o not_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o we_o be_v as_o blind_a man_n gâ—oaping_v in_o the_o dark_a at_o a_o loss_n upon_o every_o difficulty_n that_o occur_v evidence_n or_o truth_n be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o our_o understanding_n be_v unprepared_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o be_v shut_v against_o it_o when_o we_o shall_v love_v the_o â—ruth_n we_o can_v find_v it_o when_o we_o shall_v glorify_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n we_o know_v he_o noâ—_z but_o in_o our_o heart_n say_v as_o pilate_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o pharaoh_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n we_o be_v grow_v stranger_n to_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v home_o in_o and_o strangâ—râ—_z to_o the_o voice_n that_o shall_v tell_v we_o the_o way_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n that_o shall_v guide_v we_o in_o it_o and_o stranger_n to_o the_o everlasting_a home_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o cheerful_a follow_v our_o guide_n we_o be_v cry_v out_o at_o every_o turn_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v 2._o and_o here_o be_v comprehend_v and_o manifest_v also_o the_o perverseness_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o will_v needs_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n of_o his_o bâ—ok_n and_o read_v backwardâ—_z and_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v first_o inquire_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v first_o resolve_v how_o they_o can_v be_v so_o and_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o till_o he_o know_v how_o they_o can_v be_v so_o whereas_o common_a reason_n will_v
teach_v we_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o know_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o oâ—nâ—_z before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o how_o can_v it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o being_n of_o a_o thousand_o thing_n when_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a how_o they_o be_v 3._o and_o last_o here_o be_v manifest_v also_o the_o unreverent_a arrogancy_n of_o man_n that_o will_v presume_v to_o call_v his_o maker_n to_o account_v and_o to_o know_v of_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o work_n and_o how_o they_o can_v be_v before_o he_o will_v believe_v they_o and_o so_o he_o will_v needs_o question_v the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v how_o can_v it_o be_v be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v how_o can_v god_n do_v it_o as_o if_o we_o be_v fit_a judge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o able_a to_o comprehend_v his_o infinite_a power_n and_o the_o several_a path_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a counsel_n he_o be_v great_a in_o counsel_n and_o mighty_a in_o work_n jer._n 32._o 19_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n by_o his_o great_a power_n and_o nothing_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o vers._n 17._o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n answer_n shall_v suffice_v to_o all_o such_o incredulous_a question_n isai._n 28._o 29._o this_o come_v from_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v hence_o also_o we_o see_v what_o unteachable_a scholar_n christ_n have_v in_o his_o school_n and_o consequent_o how_o patient_a and_o gracious_a a_o master_n he_o be_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v submissive_o inquire_v we_o be_v incredulous_o dispute_v and_o we_o will_v needs_o be_v wise_a than_o our_o master_n and_o question_n whether_o he_o teach_v we_o right_a or_o wrong_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n that_o he_o shall_v pardon_v so_o great_a dulness_n and_o unprofitableness_n in_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o after_o this_o be_v so_o insensible_a of_o that_o sin_n of_o we_o and_o of_o that_o grace_n of_o he_o as_o to_o fall_v a_o question_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o lay_v the_o â—lame_n on_o he_o from_o ourselves_o object_n but_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n himself_o answ._n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n fear_v not_o a_o just_a trial_n have_v not_o christ_n bring_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o will_v not_o have_v condemn_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n for_o not_o receive_v it_o i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o how_o full_o he_o have_v seal_v â—is_n testament_n and_o with_o what_o attestation_n he_o have_v deliver_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n but_o why_o do_v you_o not_o acquieâ—ce_n in_o these_o confirm_a verity_n when_o once_o christ_n have_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o his_o doctrine_n must_v it_o be_v question_v again_o because_o it_o be_v wonderful_a and_o because_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v beyond_o your_o reach_n inquire_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o reuâ—lation_n from_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a attestation_n or_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n than_o you_o may_v reject_v it_o without_o sin_n or_o danger_n when_o you_o find_v it_o to_o contain_v thing_n so_o far_o beyond_o your_o reach_n but_o when_o god_n have_v put_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v hâ—â—_z own_v if_o after_o this_o you_o will_v be_v question_v it_o because_o of_o the_o seem_a contâ—adictions_n or_o improbability_n you_o do_v but_o question_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o more_o wisdom_n than_o you_o can_v reach_v and_o fathom_n yea_o theâ—_z you_o can_v censure_v and_o reprove_v or_o as_o if_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v see_v the_o way_n and_o reason_n of_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o i_o do_v therefore_o exhort_v alâ—_z that_o fear_v the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o they_o take_v special_a heed_n against_o this_o daâ—gerous_a sin_n think_v not_o the_o proved-sealed_a word_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o that_o the_o matter_n in_o it_o do_v seem_v strange_a and_o unlikely_a to_o your_o reason_n and_o think_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v comprehend_v the_o mysterious_a counsel_n and_o way_n of_o god_n let_v your_o understanding_n meditate_v on_o scriptuâ—e_n difficulty_n that_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o resolve_v they_o but_o suffer_v not_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o dâ—fficulties_n to_o make_v you_o once_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o abhor_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o arise_v and_o cast_v it_o with_o detestation_n out_o of_o your_o heart_n to_o persuade_v you_o the_o more_o effectual_o i_o beseech_v you_o do_v but_o weigh_v impartial_o beside_o what_o be_v say_v before_o these_o follow_a consideratioâ—s_n 1._o consider_v who_o that_o god_n be_v who_o way_n thou_o do_v so_o presumptuous_o pass_v thy_o censure_n of_o and_o who_o word_n thou_o call_v to_o the_o bâ—r_n oâ—_n thy_o judgement_n â—â—_z be_v infinite_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v examine_v by_o thou_o or_o the_o work_n of_o infinite_a power_n to_o be_v try_v by_o thou_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o wonderful_a in_o his_o word_n or_o work_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o mâ—jesty_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a gâ—d_fw-mi isai._n â—_z 6._o god_n name_n muâ—t_v be_v write_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o work_n and_o all_o must_v bear_v some_o part_n of_o his_o image_n and_o therefore_o have_v somewhat_o in_o they_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a shall_v the_o infinite_a god_n have_v no_o word_n or_o work_n but_o what_o may_v be_v comprehend_v by_o such_o as_o we_o i_o serious_o profess_v that_o it_o oft_o amâ—â—eth_v i_o to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v so_o mucâ—_z of_o god_n his_o will_n and_o way_n as_o we_o do_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o he_o and_o we_o i_o must_v admire_v that_o we_o be_v make_v so_o much_o acquaint_v with_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o so_o much_o of_o his_o mystery_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o must_v say_v what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o vi_o test_n and_o regard_v he_o psal._n 8_o 4._o job_n 7._o 17._o when_o i_o considâ—r_v how_o little_a a_o poor_a worm_n or_o bâ—rd_n or_o â—east_n know_v of_o i_o thâ—t_z be_o make_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n with_o he_o and_o how_o much_o man_n know_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o distant_a from_o he_o it_o make_v i_o admire_v at_o the_o proviâ—ence_n that_o have_v so_o order_v it_o if_o a_o beast_n can_v so_o far_o consider_v and_o discouâ—se_v will_v it_o not_o be_v fâ—lly_o in_o he_o to_o call_v my_o writing_n word_n and_o way_n to_o the_o bar_n and_o to_o suspect_v those_o as_o false_a that_o be_v beyond_o his_o reach_n and_o to_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v why_o alas_o they_o be_v ten_o thousand_o thousand_o time_n near_o to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v untâ—_n god_n o_o then_o let_v we_o thankful_o open_v his_o book_n and_o look_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o work_n and_o bless_v he_o that_o have_v condescend_v so_o far_o to_o man_n and_o lift_v up_o man_n so_o near_o to_o himself_o in_o knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o inferior_a creature_n and_o make_v much_o of_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v but_o do_v not_o think_v to_o measure_v the_o creation_n of_o god_n not_o to_o comprehend_v his_o secret_n much_o less_o himself_o methinks_v the_o read_n of_o those_o four_o chapter_n in_o job_n before_o cite_v contain_v god_n expostulation_n with_o he_o may_v do_v much_o to_o humble_v a_o arrogant_a wit_n and_o to_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n alas_o the_o very_a angel_n 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