the_o great_a instrument_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o portion_n be_v in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o the_o saint_n christ_n be_v their_o head_n but_o of_o the_o wicked_a ungodly_a ambitious_a world_n sure_o satan_n be_v the_o head_n there_o be_v two_o city_n as_o austin_n distinguish_v they_o jeâ—usalem_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o babylon_n that_o incorporation_n which_o belong_v to_o satan_n now_o then_o wheâ—e_o shall_v we_o find_v he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n but_o with_o he_o who_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o christianity_n exalt_v himself_o and_o affect_v a_o ambitious_a tyranny_n and_o domineer_a over_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o prince_n pastor_n and_o people_n and_o to_o uphold_v the_o tyranny_n care_v not_o what_o havoc_n he_o make_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o secular_a honour_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o greatness_n second_o by_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o where_o he_o be_v most_o conversant_a as_o in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n before_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o the_o devil_n do_v often_o visible_o appear_v but_o since_o he_o play_v least_o in_o sight_n when_o god_n open_o manifest_v his_o presence_n by_o appear_v to_o the_o father_n in_o sundry_a way_n and_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v before_o hen_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1.1_o 2._o so_o do_v satan_n vâ—sions_n apparition_n and_o oracle_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o where_o christ_n spiritual_a kingdom_n prevail_v the_o world_n hear_v less_o of_o theâ—e_n thing_n but_o where_o it_o be_v obstruct_v more_o now_o two_o instance_n in_o popery_n 1._o in_o their_o chief_n how_o many_o conjurer_n and_o necromancer_n who_o express_o consult_v and_o contract_v with_o the_o devil_n from_o the_o year_n 600._o to_o the_o year_n 1500._o the_o chair_n of_o pestilence_n yield_v the_o history_n tell_v we_o 2._o in_o orede_a 〈◊〉_d the_o devil_n have_v former_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n and_o still_o where_o it_o be_v allow_v incomparable_o more_o power_n among_o man_n to_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o haunt_v their_o house_n and_o vex_v they_o than_o now_o he_o have_v all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v haunt_v of_o house_n and_o apparition_n be_v much_o more_o common_a uses_n 1._o a_o detestation_n of_o popery_n whatever_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v hate_v by_o we_o for_o we_o be_v christ_n soldier_n list_v in_o his_o warfare_n in_o baptism_n rom._n 6.13_o yield_v yourselves_o unto_o god_n as_o those_o that_o be_v alive_a from_o the_o dead_a and_o your_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o god_n but_o yield_v not_o your_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n unto_o sin_n rom._n 13.12_o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n now_o after_o our_o military_a oath_n shall_v we_o revolt_v to_o they_o that_o join_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n to_o make_v war_n against_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n 2._o to_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o be_v complete_o arm_v for_o we_o fight_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a place_n eph._n 6.11_o 12._o that_o be_v not_o only_o with_o the_o one_o but_o the_o other_o the_o abettor_n of_o popery_n ae_z satan_n auxiliary_a force_n who_o he_o stir_v up_o and_o employ_v now_o the_o devil_n be_v of_o great_a cunning_a and_o strength_n and_o by_o god_n permission_n exercise_v great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o we_o contend_v with_o they_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n therefore_o since_o the_o subtlety_n power_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v so_o great_a we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v the_o better_o prepare_v and_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o bodily_a and_o humane_a power_n that_o befriend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v formidable_a and_o that_o can_v only_o reach_v the_o outward_a man_n but_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n be_v a_o more_o terrible_a and_o dangerous_a party_n who_o secret_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o weaken_v our_o courage_n and_o strange_o and_o imperceptible_o by_o our_o own_o carnal_a affection_n promote_v our_o eternal_a ruin_n 3._o it_o show_v we_o the_o folly_n of_o reconcil_a babel_n and_o zion_n rome_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6.15_o 16._o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n you_o can_v never_o reconcile_v god_n and_o satan_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o adjust_a the_o controversy_n and_o reclaim_v papist_n from_o their_o error_n that_o must_v be_v pursue_v how_o fruitless_a soever_o the_o attempt_n be_v but_o â—o_o hope_v for_o a_o agreement_n as_o thing_n now_o stand_v be_v impossible_a 4._o caution_n that_o the_o devil_n prevail_v not_o against_o we_o he_o once_o suprize_v peter_n mat._n 16.23_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n he_o have_v prevail_v over_o they_o that_o usurp_v the_o high_a chair_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n let_v he_o not_o blind_a your_o eye_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n though_o you_o be_v not_o draw_v to_o antichristianism_n do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o carnal_a worldly_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n 3.8_o every_o wicked_a act_n be_v satan_n invention_n he_o stir_v it_o up_o be_v serve_v by_o it_o delight_n in_o it_o his_o kingdom_n go_v forward_o by_o it_o he_o gain_v by_o every_o wicked_a action_n show_v plain_o that_o you_o be_v not_o of_o his_o party_n nor_o ever_o mean_a to_o be_v give_v way_n to_o fleshly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o you_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v the_o gross_a temptation_n and_o by_o subtle_a evasion_n will_v wriggle_v and_o distort_v yourselves_o out_o of_o your_o duty_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o mean_n doct._n that_o antichrist_n do_v uphold_v his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o false_a show_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n to_o evidence_n this_o 1._o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o be_v a_o miracle_n miracle_n be_v work_n extraordinary_a exceed_a the_o ability_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o do_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o they_o 2._o their_o author_n 3._o their_o use._n 1._o their_o general_a nature_n and_o kind_n extraordinary_a work_n some_o be_v either_o beside_o nature_n when_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v change_v as_o the_o stand_v still_o of_o the_o sun_n in_o ioshuah_n day_n the_o go_v back_o of_o the_o shadow_n on_o ahaz_n his_o diâ—â—_n in_o hezekiah_n time_n above_o nature_n as_o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a by_o christ_n john_n 9_o against_o nature_n when_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o be_v obstruct_v as_o wâ—en_o the_o three_o child_n remain_v untouched_a in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n dan._n 3._o the_o fire_n have_v not_o lose_v its_o property_n to_o burn_v for_o those_o that_o cast_v they_o in_o be_v singe_v and_o scorch_v 2._o the_o author_n they_o be_v work_n exceed_v the_o ability_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o use_v some_o creature_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n well_o then_o the_o primary_n efficient_a cause_n be_v god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v be_v extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a exceed_v the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o any_o creature_n 3._o the_o end_n and_o use_n be_v to_o confirm_v some_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v do_v for_o curiosity_n ostentation_n and_o delight_n they_o be_v but_o juggle_a trick_n and_o have_v not_o god_n for_o their_o author_n much_o less_o when_o they_o be_v pretend_v to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n or_o evil_a end_n but_o real_a miracle_n do_v oblige_v by_o way_n of_o sign_n declare_v god_n interest_n in_o or_o own_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v for_o god_n be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n good_a merciful_a just_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v he_o will_v cooperate_v to_o a_o lie_n or_o cheat_v or_o leave_v sucâ—_n a_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o creature_n ii_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o christ_n often_o appeal_v to_o
not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 2_o thess._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o now_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o our_o gather_v together_o unto_o he_o that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n nor_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n not_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n other_o conceive_v some_o notable_a manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n in_o his_o church_n but_o this_o will_v engage_v we_o in_o many_o dark_a prophecy_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o intend_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a discovery_n of_o antichrist_n as_o how_o long_o before_o his_o come_n by_o what_o mean_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o at_o his_o come_n the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v be_v slay_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n rev._n 19.20_o but_o for_o other_o thing_n i_o have_v not_o light_a enough_o certain_o to_o define_v that_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o antichrist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n use_v be_v not_o discourage_v though_o antichrist_n yet_o remain_v after_o all_o the_o endeavour_n against_o he_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o antichristianism_n shall_v be_v finish_v and_o final_o destroy_v and_o for_o the_o time_n refer_v it_o to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o christ_n final_a conquest_n over_o all_o his_o adversary_n you_o must_v be_v content_v to_o tarry_v for_o that_o as_o well_o aâ—_n for_o other_o thing_n sermon_n vii_o 2_o thess._n 2.9_o 10._o even_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sin_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v we_o have_v consider_v the_o title_n of_o antichrist_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n the_o time_n of_o his_o rise_n and_o with_o it_o his_o ruin_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n how_o he_o do_v acquire_v and_o keep_v up_o this_o power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o mean_n be_v 1._o principal_n 2._o instrumental_a 1._o principal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 2._o instrumental_a which_o be_v also_o two_o 1._o pretence_n of_o miracle_n with_o all_o power_n sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n 2._o other_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n their_o general_a way_n of_o deal_v be_v sophistical_a and_o fallacious_a let_v we_o a_o little_a explain_v these_o thing_n 1._o the_o great_a agent_n in_o set_v up_o this_o kingdom_n after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n it_o may_v note_v the_o manner_n as_o we_o render_v after_o that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o satan_n deceive_v our_o first_o parent_n for_o he_o be_v a_o murderer_n and_o a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginnning_n john_n 8.44_o i_o fear_v lest_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n by_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o so_o all_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o after_o this_o manner_n by_o deceit_n by_o the_o trick_n of_o lie_a man_n and_o the_o work_n of_o deceive_a spirit_n rather_o it_o note_v satan_n agency_n and_o influence_n and_o after_o or_o according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n be_v as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n note_v not_o only_a his_o pattern_n but_o his_o influence_n so_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d often_o render_v and_o the_o energy_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o influence_n upon_o all_o wickedness_n be_v speak_v of_o elsewhere_o eph._n 2._o 3._o the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n the_o devil_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n his_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v most_o efficacious_a and_o powerful_a and_o certain_o he_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n and_o main_a supporter_n of_o the_o antichristian_a state_n 2._o the_o instrumental_a mean_n 1._o by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n these_o three_o word_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v often_o join_v when_o true_a miracle_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o place_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o act_v 2.22_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n wonder_n and_o sign_n so_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n rom._n 15.19_o through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n power_n they_o be_v call_v because_o they_o issue_n from_o power_n divine_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n from_o their_o use_n because_o they_o serve_v to_o seal_v and_o signify_v the_o doctrine_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v wonder_n from_o their_o effect_n because_o they_o breed_v astonishment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o beholder_n these_o be_v the_o true_a miracle_n now_o antichrist_n to_o countenance_v his_o false_a doctrine_n and_o superstition_n will_v ape_n and_o imitate_v christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o power_n sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o jannes_n and_o jambres_n seek_v to_o imitate_v moses_n god_n permit_v it_o in_o some_o degree_n so_o antichrist_n seek_v to_o promote_v his_o kingdom_n the_o same_o way_n which_o christ_n take_v to_o promote_v evangelical_n truth_n but_o they_o be_v call_v power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n i.e._n lie_v power_n lie_v sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n for_o it_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o word_n though_o affix_v to_o one_o of_o they_o but_o why_o lie_a wonder_n partly_o because_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o be_v mere_a fable_n notorious_a imposture_n and_o forgery_n partly_o because_o other_o be_v diabolical_a illusion_n thing_n beyond_o humane_a but_o not_o angelical_a power_n if_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wonder_n they_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysostome_n distinguish_v fit_a sign_n to_o signify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n partly_o from_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n for_o that_o must_v also_o be_v regard_v god_n caution_v his_o people_n that_o if_o they_o give_v they_o a_o sign_n and_o wonder_n though_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o other_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o john_n 4.1.1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v jesus_n accurse_v if_o a_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v wrought_v to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o christ_n or_o to_o promote_v thing_n clear_o forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o lie_a wonder_n as_o all_o antichrist_n be_v for_o their_o end_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o pope_n dominion_n and_o false_a doctrine_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o then_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v pretend_v not_o real_o do_v imposture_n and_o forgery_n not_o miracle_n other_o thing_n do_v by_o diabolical_a illusion_n as_o there_o may_v be_v apparition_n vision_n spectre_n for_o satan_n will_v bestir_v himself_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o minister_n last_o if_o we_o can_v otherwise_o disprove_v they_o if_o they_o tend_v to_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v whatever_o extraordinary_a appearance_n there_o be_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o other_o expression_n concern_v the_o mean_n be_v general_a with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n which_o comprise_v 1._o their_o sophistical_a reason_v from_o antiquity_n universality_n unity_n infallibility_n without_o come_v to_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o the_o câ—use_n but_o condemn_v the_o truth_n rather_o by_o prejudice_n 2._o their_o practical_a act_n and_o feat_n to_o beguile_v soul_n by_o fawn_v or_o threaten_v or_o preferment_n and_o persecution_n these_o be_v the_o art_n by_o which_o antichrist_n shall_v deceive_v man_n into_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v this_o corruption_n into_o the_o church_n and_o acquire_v this_o power_n to_o himself_o now_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o point_n 1._o doct._n the_o devil_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o set_v up_o antichrist_n kingdom_n as_o he_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n by_o it_o his_o come_n â—â—all_v be_v by_o or_o after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n he_o
mind_n rom._n 14.5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o if_o harden_v in_o error_n consider_v your_o opinion_n will_v ordinary_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o your_o whole_a religion_n and_o will_v pervert_v your_o carriage_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n your_o prayer_n will_v smell_v of_o your_o opinion_n and_o be_v like_o balaams_n sacrifice_n offer_v to_o god_n to_o engage_v he_o against_o his_o own_o people_n your_o love_n will_v be_v dispense_v according_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o your_o faction_n 1_o cor._n 1.13_o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n be_v christ_n divide_v 3._o the_o danger_n of_o error_n to_o other_o vice_n be_v like_o a_o duel_n error_n a_o war_n 2_o tim._n 2.17_o their_o word_n will_v eat_v as_o do_v a_o canker_n all_o in_o asia_n have_v turn_v from_o i_o 2_o tim._n 1.15_o 4._o there_o be_v danger_n to_o yourselves_o though_o the_o error_n be_v not_o damnable_a 1_o cor._n 3.13_o you_o have_v not_o so_o full_a communion_n with_o god_n three_o the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o these_o impostor_n use_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o faith_n spirit_n word_n letter_n by_o all_o which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v they_o trouble_v and_o shake_v in_o mind_n none_o of_o these_o engine_n which_o the_o seducer_n use_v shall_v draw_v they_o from_o the_o truth_n what_o shall_v poor_a christian_n do_v thus_o assault_v ans._n stick_v to_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n i_o shall_v observe_v doct._n that_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v so_o persuade_v in_o religion_n that_o neither_o spirit_n nor_o word_n nor_o write_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v or_o unsettle_v his_o mind_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o 1._o what_o way_n or_o what_o mean_v god_n have_v appoint_v whereby_o a_o man_n may_v settle_v his_o choice_n as_o to_o opinion_n in_o religion_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v sufficient_o fortify_v he_o against_o all_o these_o false_a way_n by_o which_o error_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v insinuate_v 1._o for_o the_o first_o if_o a_o christian_a will_v be_v establish_v and_o guide_v aright_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o religion_n he_o must_v follow_v both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n 1._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o any_o external_a revelation_n will_v sufficient_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o rom._n 1.19_o 20._o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n for_o i_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n or_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n we_o begin_v with_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o what_o be_v spiritual_a nature_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a he_o shall_v be_v serve_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v make_v that_o he_o will_v reward_v and_o punish_v man_n as_o they_o disobey_v or_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o but_o how_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v or_o how_o they_o shall_v escape_v punishment_n if_o after_o a_o breach_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o this_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o write_a word_n show_v we_o the_o true_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o please_v god_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v conscience_n though_o not_o to_o please_v wanton_a curiosity_n as_o that_o may_v quench_v the_o thirst_n of_o a_o sober_a man_n that_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n of_o a_o drunkard_n there_o we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o psalm_n 119.105_o thy_o word_n be_v a_o light_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o my_o path_n there_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o thing_n evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n discover_v with_o more_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o that_o which_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a light_n as_o salvation_n by_o a_o redeemer_n or_o the_o remedy_n of_o our_o lapse_v estate_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v know_v till_o it_o be_v manifest_v and_o reveal_v by_o he_o when_o man_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v some_o way_n or_o other_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o writing_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n that_o be_v either_o by_o oracle_n or_o extraordinary_a messenger_n that_o suffice_v while_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o reveal_v but_o a_o few_o truth_n or_o such_o as_o do_v not_o much_o burden_n the_o memory_n and_o man_n be_v long_o live_v and_o the_o church_n confine_v within_o a_o small_a compass_n of_o ground_n and_o not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o misery_n and_o change_n as_o now_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n and_o then_o he_o put_v it_o into_o writing_n that_o man_n may_v not_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o we_o may_v have_v a_o standard_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o natural_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a by_o their_o own_o light_n the_o supernatural_a truth_n though_o they_o be_v above_o natural_a light_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o against_o it_o or_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o do_v fair_o accord_v with_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v natural_o know_v and_o be_v confirm_v partly_o by_o a_o antecedent_n testimony_n which_o be_v prophecy_n partly_o by_o a_o innate_a evidence_n in_o their_o own_o frame_n and_o contexture_n partly_o by_o a_o subsequent_a evidence_n which_o be_v valuable_a testimony_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o antecedent_n testimony_n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o which_o we_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o dark_a place_n the_o innate_a and_o concomitant_a evidence_n 2_o cor._n 4_o 2_o 3_o 4._o we_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o the_o subsequent_a testimony_n the_o apostle_n act_n 5._o 32._o we_o be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o they_o be_v eye_n and_o ear_n witness_n of_o great_a fidelity_n and_o credit_n their_o religion_n forbid_v they_o to_o lie_v for_o god_n and_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o give_v they_o success_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n hunt_v out_o the_o devil_n every_o where_o but_o also_o by_o miracle_n divers_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n endure_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o transmit_v they_o to_o we_o with_o assurance_n of_o god_n own_v thâ—s_a doctrine_n 4._o the_o word_n be_v thus_o state_v and_o put_v into_o a_o sure_a record_n it_o be_v intelligible_a enough_o in_o all_o necessary_a matter_n at_o least_o for_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v or_o write_v dark_o to_o his_o people_n especial_o in_o necessary_a thing_n it_o be_v because_o he_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o speak_v otherwise_o the_o former_a be_v direct_a blasphemy_n exod._n 4.11_o who_o have_v make_v
short_a man_n please_v themselves_o in_o thing_n receive_v 2._o in_o every_o good_a work_n or_o in_o holiness_n of_o life_n here_o need_v the_o great_a establishment_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v on_o our_o course_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o usual_a apostasy_n and_o backslide_v that_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o be_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v ill_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v taint_v but_o worse_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v alineat_v from_o god_n and_o common_o it_o be_v the_o perverse_a inclination_n to_o the_o will_n that_o taint_v the_o mind_n therefore_o the_o great_a establishment_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o course_n of_o godliness_n 1_o thess._n 3.13_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v your_o heart_n unblameable_a in_o holiness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o sainâ—s_n now_o this_o establishment_n be_v very_o difficult_a first_o because_o of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v within_o we_o gal._n 5.17_o for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v the_o garrison_n be_v not_o free_a from_o danger_n that_o have_v a_o enemy_n lodge_v within_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n before_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o these_o be_v not_o whole_o root_v out_o yea_o these_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o whereas_o grace_n be_v a_o plant_n plant_v in_o we_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o bring_v forth_o weed_n and_o thistle_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n but_o the_o flower_n and_o good_a herb_n with_o much_o tâ—llage_n and_o cultivation_n if_o it_o be_v neglect_v the_o weed_n will_v soon_o overgrow_v the_o flower_n second_o because_o it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o continue_v in_o conversion_n than_o to_o coâ—vert_v ourselves_o at_o first_o in_o our_o first_o conversion_n we_o be_v more_o passive_a it_o be_v god_n that_o convert_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o quicken_v and_o plant_v we_o into_o christ_n but_o in_o perseverance_n and_o fulfil_v our_o covenant_a duty_n we_o be_v more_o active_a it_o be_v our_o work_n though_o we_o perform_v it_o by_o god_n grace_n a_o infant_n in_o the_o mother_n womb_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o mother_n but_o afterward_o he_o must_v suck_v and_o seek_v his_o own_o nourishment_n and_o the_o elder_a he_o grow_v the_o more_o care_n of_o his_o life_n be_v devolve_v upon_o himself_o now_o that_o which_o be_v more_o our_o work_n be_v more_o difficult_a it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n do_v perfect_a it_o but_o not_o without_o our_o care_n phil._n 1.6_o when_o we_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v unto_o good_a work_n god_n expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o god_n establish_v we_o in_o the_o text_n but_o it_o be_v in_o every_o good_a work_n beside_o in_o conversion_n we_o make_v covenant_n with_o god_n but_o by_o perseverance_n we_o keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o consent_v to_o condition_n than_o it_o be_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o ceremony_n at_o first_o consent_n of_o marriage_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o marriage_n covenant_n it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o build_v a_o castle_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n than_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o time_n of_o war._n peter_n more_o easy_o consent_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n upon_o the_o water_n but_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o try_v it_o his_o foot_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v mat._n 14.29_o 30._o when_o wind_n and_o wave_n be_v against_o we_o alas_o how_o soon_o do_v we_o fail_v therefore_o a_o good_a spring_n do_v not_o always_o foreshow_v a_o fruitful_a harvest_n nor_o plenty_n of_o blossom_n store_n of_o fruit._n we_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o great_a life_n and_o earnestness_n for_o a_o while_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n we_o consent_v to_o follow_v christ_n but_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n not_o foresee_v or_o allow_v for_o we_o faint_v and_o be_v discourage_v three_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v seat_v which_o be_v the_o soul_n with_o its_o faculty_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v know_v by_o experience_n rather_o than_o by_o description_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o its_o right_a constitution_n towards_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o the_o understanding_n wherein_o lie_v the_o directive_n council_n or_o the_o will_n wherein_o lie_v the_o imperial_a power_n or_o the_o affection_n wherein_o lie_v the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n 1._o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n be_v establish_v when_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a certain_a and_o full_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v call_v knowledge_n the_o sure_a and_o sound_n and_o certain_a apprehension_n of_o they_o be_v call_v faith_n or_o intellectual_a assent_n or_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n col._n 2.2_o when_o there_o be_v a_o due_a knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v with_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o the_o more_o clear_o and_o orderly_o and_o certain_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o powerful_o do_v they_o affect_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o more_o we_o be_v establish_v he_o that_o have_v little_a knowledge_n and_o little_a certainty_n be_v call_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14.1_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o those_o that_o have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n be_v call_v strong_a as_o rom._n 15.1_o we_o that_o be_v sâ—rong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a mean_v strong_a in_o knowledge_n so_o also_o for_o certainty_n of_o persuasion_n it_o be_v say_v rom._n 4.20_o abraham_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o in_o all_o his_o trial_n he_o bear_v up_o himself_o upon_o the_o confidence_n of_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n well_o then_o the_o mind_n be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v when_o we_o have_v a_o good_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o alas_o how_o few_o truth_n do_v many_o christian_n know_v especial_o in_o their_o order_n and_o as_o to_o their_o worth_n and_o weight_n and_o certainty_n and_o so_o that_o if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n we_o know_v they_o not_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v they_o 1_o cor._n 8.2_o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v they_o if_o we_o know_v they_o speculative_o we_o know_v they_o not_o practical_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o live_v by_o they_o if_o we_o know_v they_o general_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o particular_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o concern_v we_o but_o be_v blind_v with_o temptation_n if_o we_o know_v they_o comprehensive_o so_o as_o to_o look_v about_o the_o compass_n of_o they_o yet_o not_o certain_o john_n 17.8_o and_o have_v know_v sure_o that_o i_o come_v out_o from_o thou_o so_o as_o to_o venture_v our_o interest_n upon_o they_o if_o we_o know_v they_o dark_o and_o with_o a_o half_a light_n we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o clear_o and_o with_o a_o full_a light_n there_o be_v many_o time_n conviction_n in_o the_o ore_n which_o be_v not_o refine_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n such_o as_o may_v awe_v the_o heart_n if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n habitual_o we_o know_v they_o not_o actual_o when_o we_o shall_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o season_n and_o oblivion_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n hence_o come_v the_o many_o doubt_n we_o be_v assault_v with_o and_o all_o the_o unevenness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n need_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o grace_n 2._o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o imperial_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o will_n establishment_n be_v know_v by_o its_o firm_a and_o through_o resolution_n for_o god_n and_o against_o sin_n for_o god_n as_o act_n 11.23_o barnabas_n when_o he_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v very_o glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n first_o choose_v then_o cleave_v and_o this_o with_o full_a purpose_n when_o the_o will_n be_v so_o fix_v in_o the_o knowledge_n