have_v their_o beginning_n for_o the_o most_o part_n long_o since_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n as_o their_o own_o history_n manifest_o declare_v neither_o do_v any_o other_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o that_o which_o one_o receive_v another_o reject_v that_o which_o one_o confirm_v another_o change_v and_o time_n have_v wear_v they_o all_o out_o leave_v scarce_o any_o small_a remnant_n or_o relic_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a and_o this_o only_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o scripture_n 2._o reason_n take_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n second_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o they_o manifest_v unto_o we_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o propound_v he_o alone_o unto_o we_o to_o be_v worship_v express_v also_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o service_n from_o which_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a but_o all_o other_o religion_n teach_v we_o either_o to_o worship_v many_o god_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o diverse_a of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n well_o discern_v or_o to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n but_o according_a to_o their_o false_a imagination_n &_o erroneous_a superstition_n now_o nature_n reason_n and_o experience_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a king_n but_o will_v set_v down_o rule_v and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v and_o obey_v and_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o fantasy_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v god_n less_o wise_a than_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o people_n but_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o blind_a conceit_n and_o ignorant_a superstition_n §_o sect._n 4_o scripture_n 3._o reason_n take_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o arrogate_a any_o praise_n unto_o themselves_o but_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n unto_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o write_n seek_v themselves_o or_o aim_v at_o any_o worldly_a benefit_n nay_o rather_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v contemptible_a subject_a to_o scoff_n and_o taunt_n yea_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n and_o deprivation_n of_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v and_o whereas_o diverse_a of_o they_o may_v have_v live_v in_o all_o pomp_n if_o they_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o time_n wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o ruler_n and_o suppress_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n yea_o death_n itself_o than_o they_o will_v keep_v back_o any_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o esay_n jeremie_n ezechiel_n michaeas_n zacharias_n aâ—nos_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o do_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n abstain_v only_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o praise_n but_o also_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o their_o discredit_n to_o the_o end_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o their_o infirmity_n the_o truth_n confess_v and_o preserve_v and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n benefit_v when_o by_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o most_o strong_a they_o be_v keep_v from_o presume_v on_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o from_o despair_v in_o god_n mercy_n and_o thus_o moses_n conceal_v not_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o grand_a parent_n the_o drunkenness_n of_o noah_n the_o incest_n of_o lot_n the_o lie_n of_o isaac_n the_o whoredom_n of_o judas_n nay_o which_v more_o near_o concern_v he_o he_o plain_o reveal_v the_o horrible_a and_o bloody_a sin_n of_o his_o grandfather_n levy_n 49.5.6_o gen._n 49.5.6_o and_o simeon_n in_o murder_v the_o sichemite_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o their_o father_n jacob_n pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o this_o their_o outrage_n genes_n 49.5.6_o which_o can_v not_o in_o humane_a reason_n but_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o his_o stock_n &_o progeny_n and_o offensive_a to_o all_o who_o be_v of_o that_o tribe_n furthermore_o he_o display_v the_o corruption_n imperfection_n and_o often_o rebellion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o salvation_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o spare_v not_o to_o set_v down_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o own_o brothur_n aaron_n nor_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o sister_n miriam_n in_o murmur_v against_o he_o nor_o of_o aaron_n son_n in_o offer_v with_o strange_a fire_n nay_o he_o leave_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n of_o impatiency_n and_o unbelief_n for_o which_o he_o be_v debar_v from_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n unto_o all_o posterity_n as_o a_o perpetual_a note_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n neither_o seek_v he_o at_o all_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o posterity_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v hereby_o appear_v in_o that_o when_o the_o government_n be_v establish_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o do_v not_o make_v his_o own_o son_n his_o successor_n but_o josua_n his_o servant_n because_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o jeremie_n who_o have_v in_o his_o prophecy_n leave_v record_n of_o his_o murmur_a and_o impatiency_n 20._o jerem._n 20._o jere._n 20_o of_o jonas_n who_o have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o rebellion_n punishment_n and_o repine_v against_o god_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o have_v not_o spare_v to_o call_v himself_o a_o cruel_a persecuter_n and_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n now_o we_o know_v that_o natural_o we_o desire_v to_o conceal_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o kindred_n and_o we_o count_v he_o a_o evil_a bird_n that_o defile_v his_o own_o nest_n natural_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o praise_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o child_n and_o can_v brook_v â—othing_v less_o than_o that_o our_o fault_n shall_v be_v diwlge_v and_o become_v table_n talk_v and_o therefore_o this_o detection_n of_o their_o own_o and_o their_o friend_n fall_v and_o fault_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o nature_n or_o any_o worldly_a policy_n but_o from_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o overrule_v their_o affection_n and_o take_v away_o all_o partiality_n §_o sect._n 5_o scripture_n the_o four_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diverse_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n four_o the_o wonderful_a consent_n which_o be_v among_o the_o diverse_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o other_o man_n quot_fw-la homines_fw-la tot_fw-la sententiae_fw-la look_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v and_o so_o many_o mind_n there_o be_v whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o writer_n almost_o vari_v from_o another_o gainsay_v and_o confute_v that_o which_o another_o have_v deliver_v that_o so_o out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n they_o may_v build_v a_o monument_n of_o their_o own_o fame_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o successive_o write_v one_o after_o another_o the_o space_n of_o diverse_a thousand_o year_n do_v notwithstanding_o consent_v together_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n the_o late_a ratify_n and_o confirm_v that_o which_o the_o former_a have_v deliver_v without_o any_o alteration_n opposition_n or_o emulation_n as_o though_o they_o be_v diverse_a hand_n set_v on_o work_n by_o the_o same_o soul_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o come_v to_o pass_v unless_o they_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n spirit_n §_o sect._n 6_o opposition_n the_o sift_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o opposition_n five_o the_o mighty_a opposition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o all_o in_o vain_a do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n and_o truth_n the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n whereof_o he_o have_v himself_o
substance_n in_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a truth_n than_o in_o the_o common_a and_o general_a and_o though_o in_o one_o place_n they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_a the_o truth_n as_o they_o shall_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o in_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v want_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o translation_n for_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v even_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o conform_v and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v their_o business_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o cloud_n the_o sun_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o that_o light_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o so_o glorious_o bright_a as_o when_o it_o shine_v in_o his_o full_a clearness_n so_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v see_v they_o shine_v in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o original_a language_n for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o painter_n express_v in_o his_o table_n with_o artificial_a colour_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o any_o man_n live_v can_v express_v that_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o divine_a glory_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o natural_a phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o translation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o glorious_a shine_a sun_n of_o god_n word_n though_o the_o brightness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_a and_o somewhat_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o another_o language_n for_o notwithstanding_o through_o it_o they_o shine_v and_o afford_v we_o such_o light_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o in_o the_o end_n to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n chap._n xxiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o objection_n which_o satan_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o also_o that_o satan_n by_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n seek_v to_o disgrace_v their_o ministry_n also_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v man_n neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v than_o he_o leave_v to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o seek_v by_o discredit_v the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o use_v all_o his_o skill_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o some_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o teach_v unto_o other_o show_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o desire_n of_o their_o neighbour_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o some_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o slander_n of_o all_o and_o a_o notable_a foundation_n whereupon_o he_o may_v build_v a_o most_o pernicious_a temptation_n be_v thou_o so_o foolish_a will_n he_o say_v as_o to_o think_v all_o gospel_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v that_o all_o truth_n come_v from_o their_o mouth_n &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n then_o that_o which_o they_o show_v unto_o thou_o why_o do_v but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o thoushalt_v find_v their_o life_n far_o dissonant_n from_o their_o word_n that_o while_o they_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stricktnes_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n while_o they_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n affect_v honour_n set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o riches_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v as_o voluptuous_a ambitious_a and_o covetous_a as_o any_o other_o and_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sin_n to_o appear_v unto_o thou_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o therefore_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o think_v as_o they_o speak_v or_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o the_o way_n so_o troublesome_a and_o hard_a to_o find_v as_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v thou_o see_v themselves_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o hear_n who_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v this_o truth_n which_o in_o their_o word_n they_o profess_v for_o what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v that_o it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o thou_o see_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v it_o in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v thou_o to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o persuade_v §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o so_o be_v weaken_v and_o hunger-starve_v for_o want_n of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n he_o may_v vanquish_v they_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o hoodwink_v with_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o ignorance_n he_o may_v lead_v they_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o to_o arm_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n first_o therefore_o imperfection_n minister_n subject_n to_o all_o human_a imperfection_n whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v because_o they_o do_v not_o as_o the_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o know_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o other_o man_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n angel_n in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o bring_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o perfection_n but_o as_o they_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n subject_a to_o all_o humane_a frailty_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o defile_v with_o original_a corruption_n so_o be_v they_o as_o prone_a as_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o actual_a transgression_n if_o the_o lord_n restrain_v they_o not_o neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n do_v endue_v man_n with_o sanctification_n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o than_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o study_n labour_n and_o industry_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n free_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o who_o he_o will_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o most_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v also_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n whereas_o our_o own_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o world_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o all_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o licentiousness_n what_o then_o do_v these_o man_n teach_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o for_o faith_n come_v not_o by_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v it_o tie_v to_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v as_o well_o yea_o and_o as_o often_o also_o upon_o the_o simple_a fisherman_n as_o upon_o the_o learned_a pharisee_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v such_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v as_o hard_o heart_a and_o full_a of_o infidelity_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sottish_a in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o infidelity_n move_v we_o to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o question_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o god_n forbid_v nay_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n though_o not_o persuade_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o though_o not_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n
that_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n but_o subject_a to_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o this_o he_o enforce_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o argument_n the_o one_o draw_v from_o his_o manifold_a corruption_n whereby_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n love_n the_o other_o from_o those_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o cross_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o life_n inflict_v on_o he_o both_o which_o he_o thus_o urge_v against_o he_o can_v thou_o vild_a wretch_n conceive_v the_o least_o hope_n that_o thou_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n why_o do_v but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o thyself_o and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o original_a corruption_n have_v overspread_v both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n like_o a_o filthy_a leprosy_n unto_o which_o thou_o have_v add_v actual_a transgression_n more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n or_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o daily_o nay_o hourly_o thou_o omitte_v some_o duty_n which_o thy_o god_n have_v command_v thou_o and_o commit_v some_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v can_v therefore_o the_o lord_n who_o abhor_v wickedness_n love_v the_o wicked_a can_v thou_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o but_o displease_v he_o he_o that_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o thou_o by_o transgress_v they_o all_o do_v show_v that_o thou_o love_v he_o not_o and_o will_v the_o lord_n love_v they_o who_o hate_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o can_v justice_n itself_o love_v wickedness_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n impure_a corruption_n no_o very_o for_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v threaten_v his_o wrath_n against_o all_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o he_o be_v no_o less_o true_a in_o his_o threaten_n then_o in_o his_o promise_n but_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n abhor_v thou_o yet_o at_o least_o be_v persuade_v by_o thy_o own_o experienc_n for_o have_v not_o thy_o just_a god_n begin_v already_o to_o make_v thou_o taste_v the_o cup_n of_o his_o wrath_n of_o which_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v drink_v in_o full_a measure_n have_v he_o not_o spoil_v thou_o of_o thy_o good_n take_v away_o thy_o good_a name_n make_v thou_o a_o abject_a among_o man_n afflict_v thou_o in_o body_n with_o grievous_a and_o continual_a sickness_n and_o fill_v thy_o soul_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o despair_n be_v not_o thy_o conscience_n sting_v with_o sin_n and_o have_v not_o the_o poison_n thereof_o drink_v up_o thy_o spirit_n do_v thou_o not_o plain_o apprehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o rack_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o thou_o either_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o full_a of_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n do_v not_o therefore_o fond_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o god_n love_n but_o believe_v if_o not_o my_o word_n yet_o at_o least_o thy_o own_o sense_n and_o see_v thou_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n love_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a love_n thyself_o follow_v thy_o pleasure_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o cheer_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o vain_o macerate_v and_o turmoil_n thyself_o in_o labour_v after_o impossibility_n and_o in_o strive_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n of_o which_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o can_v yet_o shall_v thou_o never_o be_v assure_v §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o satan_n temptation_n temptation_n how_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o former_a temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o must_v most_o careful_o arm_v ourselves_o as_o be_v most_o odious_a and_o injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o most_o pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o injurious_a unto_o god_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v he_o have_v give_v we_o innumerable_a pledge_n and_o most_o certain_a testimony_n thereof_o and_o omit_v nothing_o which_o may_v do_v we_o good_a he_o have_v create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n he_o have_v continual_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v we_o give_v we_o our_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o oft_o time_n have_v succour_v and_o defend_v we_o before_o we_o crave_v his_o help_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v give_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v a_o bitter_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n he_o our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n and_o lest_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v he_o have_v add_v to_o his_o word_n his_o sacrament_n which_o like_a seal_n may_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n what_o injury_n therefore_o shall_v we_o offer_v unto_o god_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n of_o which_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o by_o so_o many_o pledge_n testimony_n and_o seal_n we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a friend_n will_v take_v it_o most_o unkind_o if_o after_o he_o have_v heap_v upon_o a_o man_n innumerable_a benefit_n and_o show_v all_o testimony_n of_o true_a love_n he_o notwithstanding_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o suspect_v his_o friendship_n and_o so_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v it_o ill_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o think_v himself_o much_o abuse_v if_o after_o he_o have_v bestow_v such_o infinite_a benefit_n even_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o we_o now_o suspect_v his_o good_a will_n and_o grow_v jealous_a of_o his_o love_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 4.8_o §_o sect._n 5_o but_o against_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v two_o objection_n thereof_o that_o carnal_a man_n have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n though_o they_o boast_v thereof_o the_o first_o be_v make_v by_o the_o worldling_n the_o other_o by_o satan_n the_o worldly_a man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v he_o also_o partaker_n of_o all_o these_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o he_o shall_v doubt_v of_o his_o love_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v censure_v or_o condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o reprehend_v for_o his_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n nor_o for_o his_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n but_o for_o his_o boast_n of_o this_o faith_n persuasion_n and_o assurance_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o in_o truth_n but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n of_o faith_n carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n for_o true_a faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o it_o be_v plentiful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o not_o love_v he_o again_o it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o love_v god_n if_o we_o show_v no_o care_n in_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o let_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n nor_o any_o desire_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o word_n as_o it_o be_v john_n 14.23_o 24._o if_o therefore_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o show_v no_o zeal_n in_o glorify_v god_n name_n if_o our_o faith_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n then_o be_v our_o persuasion_n but_o fond_a presumption_n our_o assurance_n carnal_a security_n our_o faith_n dead_a and_o like_o a_o carcase_n which_o breathe_v not_o as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 2.26_o we_o do_v not_o then_o reprehend_v any_o for_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n gather_v his_o assurance_n out_o of_o god_n manifold_a mercy_n and_o innumerable_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n nay_o contrariwise_o we_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n yea_o and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n when_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o either_o in_o ourselves_o but_o this_o we_o maintain_v that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o assurance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n begin_v in_o he_o do_v true_o love_n
may_v whole_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n who_o call_v and_o justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o save_v who_o he_o will_v and_o not_o unto_o humane_a learning_n or_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o man_n industry_n and_o labour_n it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o these_o who_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_v the_o clean_a contrary_n corruption_n §._o sect._n 3._o that_o not_o learning_n but_o god_n spirit_n free_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v that_o be_v know_v and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v but_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v incident_a as_o well_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o as_o unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v it_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v as_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v for_o before_o we_o attain_v unto_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n our_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o free_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n of_o nature_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n yea_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v one_o day_n either_o justify_v or_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o join_v with_o this_o knowledge_n the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o effecttuall_a for_o our_o sanctification_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n of_o we_o from_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o fall_v into_o all_o sin_n be_v entice_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o most_o sottish_o ignorant_a a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n who_o though_o he_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n incredulity_n that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v incredulity_n as_o never_o mere_a man_n attain_v unto_o the_o like_a yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o a_o excellent_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o lord_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o fall_v most_o grievous_o into_o all_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o solomon_n do_v not_o write_v as_o he_o think_v and_o not_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o corruption_n to_o commit_v that_o sin_n which_o his_o conscience_n condemn_v and_o to_o neglect_v obedience_n to_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n so_o david_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o notable_a knowledge_n and_o no_o less_o grace_n fall_v notwithstanding_o most_o fearful_o into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o these_o be_v horrible_a sin_n or_o that_o when_o he_o commend_v mercy_n innocence_n and_o chastity_n he_o speak_v not_o as_o he_o think_v and_o peter_n likewise_o deny_v and_o forswear_v his_o master_n who_o before_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v we_o hence_o conclude_v that_o peter_n dissemble_v when_o he_o make_v that_o notable_a confession_n because_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o david_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o peter_n overcome_v with_o fear_n and_o frailty_n and_o both_o draw_v through_o their_o corruption_n to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o their_o conscience_n condemen_v but_o leave_v such_o far_o fetch_v instance_n let_v every_o man_n yea_o even_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n enter_v into_o a_o strict_a and_o due_a consideration_n with_o himself_o and_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n before_o god_n tribunal_n seat_n and_o then_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o perform_v obedience_n to_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o just_o complain_v that_o our_o corruption_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n commandment_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v not_o nay_o which_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o also_o be_v delight_v therewith_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o rebell_v atainst_a the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n 7.8.15.23_o rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n david_n peter_n and_o of_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctification_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o neglect_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o seem_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v true_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o own_o life_n for_o many_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v notwithstanding_o destitute_a of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o whole_o carry_v away_o into_o all_o licentious_a wickedness_n and_o many_o also_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v not_o whole_o purge_v from_o their_o natural_a corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v their_o frailty_n and_o infirmty_n to_o all_o the_o world_n though_o they_o know_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o from_o their_o heart_n embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o profess_v but_o if_o satan_n can_v thus_o prevail_v nor_o cause_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n truth_n answer_v §._o sect._n 4._o the_o second_o temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o minister_n answer_v because_o the_o minister_n live_v not_o according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v such_o who_o life_n be_v scandalous_a as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o take_v the_o word_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o unable_a to_o convert_v or_o amend_v other_o see_v the_o word_n be_v not_o powerful_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o the_o convert_n and_o refourm_v of_o their_o own_o life_n which_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a unto_o many_o for_o what_o great_a discouragement_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o sick_a patient_n than_o to_o take_v physic_n of_o such_o a_o physician_n who_o can_v not_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o disease_n or_o who_o will_v willing_o eat_v of_o that_o food_n which_o he_o who_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o taste_v of_o it_o or_o who_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v he_o discourse_n of_o mercy_n chastity_n and_o liberality_n who_o he_o know_v whole_o possess_v of_o cruelty_n lust_n and_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o god_n minister_n shall_v be_v physician_n to_o themselves_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o cure_n of_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stand_v like_o image_n by_o the_o high_a way_n side_n direct_v other_o in_o their_o journey_n themselves_o never_o move_v foot_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v like_v guide_n go_v before_o they_o and_o instruct_v they_o not_o only_o by_o their_o word_n but_o also_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v their_o instruction_n by_o their_o example_n but_o yet_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o satan_n do_v not_o take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o neglect_v we_o &_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v hear_v that_o the_o minister_n wickedness_n or_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v hear_v nourish_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o because_o the_o minister_n who_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o it_o himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o worthiness_n of_o he_o who_o deliver_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o make_v void_a and_o uneffectual_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n but_o it_o have_v it_o virtue_n force_n and_o power_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o illuminate_v their_o understanding_n beget_v faith_n in_o they_o
the_o which_o may_v minister_v unto_o every_o penitent_a sinner_n most_o sweet_a consolation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n &_o that_o he_o do_v greevous_o afflict_v they_o &_o even_o bring_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n this_o must_v not_o make_v the_o to_o cast_v of_o all_o hope_n &_o to_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n but_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n proper_a work_n but_o strange_a unto_o he_o which_o he_o do_v to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v to_o pass_v his_o own_o proper_a work_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v again_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o his_o love_a countenance_n in_o more_o full_a brightness_n &_o bring_v we_o from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o affliction_n to_o joy_n from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o 1._o sam._n 2.6_o the_o lord_n kill_v &_o make_v alive_a he_o bring_v down_o unto_o hell_n and_o bring_v up_o again_o as_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v carpenter_n pull_v down_o a_o ruinous_a building_n our_o mind_n do_v not_o rest_v there_o because_o we_o know_v that_o this_o they_o do_v be_v not_o their_o proper_a work_n but_o we_o go_v further_o in_o our_o cogitation_n think_v of_o a_o new_a house_n which_o they_o will_v build_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o old_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o proper_a work_n to_o race_n down_o but_o to_o build_v or_o to_o race_n down_o that_o they_o may_v build_v so_o when_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n angry_a and_o inflict_a correction_n let_v we_o not_o rest_v here_o but_o with_o the_o like_a foresight_n of_o mind_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o he_o do_v these_o his_o strange_a and_o improper_a work_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v do_v those_o which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a that_o be_v that_o he_o afflict_v that_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o more_o true_a comfort_n that_o he_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v raise_v we_o up_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o some_o more_o testimony_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n likewise_o say_v psalm_n 103.8_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o psal_n 86.5_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a and_o of_o great_a kindness_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o so_o the_o prophet_n joel_n 2.13_o testify_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n eph._n 2.4_o and_o 2._o cor._n 1.3_o he_o call_v he_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n §_o sect._n 4_o seeing_n then_o mercy_n be_v one_o of_o god_n attribute_n mercy_n that_o god_n be_v delight_v in_o exercise_v his_o mercy_n therefore_o it_o be_v also_o of_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v for_o there_o be_v not_o in_o god_n most_o perfect_a nature_n any_o quality_n or_o accident_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o god_n be_v god_n so_o that_o god_n be_v mercy_n itself_o and_o consequent_o to_o show_v and_o excercise_n his_o mercy_n be_v to_o show_v and_o exercise_v his_o own_o nature_n now_o we_o know_v that_o natural_a action_n be_v not_o troublesome_a norirksome_a neither_o be_v the_o sun_n trouble_v with_o give_v light_n nor_o the_o fire_n with_o give_v heat_n nor_o the_o tree_n with_o yield_a fruit_n nor_o the_o beast_n with_o nourish_v his_o young_a nor_o man_n with_o receive_v nourishment_n and_o sleep_v because_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o these_o action_n and_o therefore_o see_v mercy_n be_v of_o god_n essence_n it_o be_v not_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a to_o excercise_n it_o towards_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v their_o sin_n never_o so_o many_o and_o heinous_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o exercise_v his_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a but_o also_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a for_o god_n to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o true_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o contrariwise_o it_o shall_v be_v troublesome_a and_o irksome_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o god_n not_o to_o show_v and_o exercise_v his_o nature_n and_o mercy_n towards_o repentant_a sinner_n for_o as_o the_o eye_n be_v deligh_v with_o see_v and_o to_o be_v restrain_v there_o from_o be_v grievous_a unto_o it_o as_o the_o care_n be_v deligh_v with_o hear_v and_o be_v much_o molest_v if_o it_o be_v stop_v and_o as_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v delight_v in_o excercise_v their_o several_a action_n and_o function_n and_o be_v much_o vex_v and_o cumber_v if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o shall_v be_v hinder_v so_o be_v the_o lord_n delight_v and_o well_o please_v in_o show_v and_o excercise_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n as_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v wicked_a obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v and_o remit_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n and_o break_a heart_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o it_o and_o not_o to_o thus_o excercise_n his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n will_v rather_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v unto_o the_o lord_n tedious_a and_o troublesome_a of_o this_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o pardon_v repentant_a sinner_n the_o prophet_n micha_n speak_v chap._n 7.10.18_o who_o say_v he_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o take_v away_o iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n he_o retain_v not_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o because_o mercy_n please_v he_o so_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 147.11_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v delight_v in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o attend_v upon_o his_o mercy_n even_o as_o though_o he_o rejoice_v much_o to_o have_v a_o occasion_n offer_v of_o excercise_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o those_o who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o wait_v upon_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o of_o it_o for_o the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v man_n misery_n and_o the_o action_n thereof_o be_v to_o pity_v and_o help_v he_o out_o of_o his_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a estate_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o no_o sin_n to_o be_v forgive_v there_o will_v be_v want_v that_o external_a object_n about_o which_o god_n mercy_n shall_v be_v exercise_v and_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n willing_o permit_v the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o way_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v repentant_a sinner_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v the_o contemner_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 11.32_o god_n have_v shut_v up_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n on_o all_o that_o be_v to_o say_v on_o all_o the_o elect_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n see_v therefore_o god_n delight_v himself_o in_o excercise_v &_o manifest_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n by_o pardon_v &_o forgive_a repentant_a sinner_n let_v not_o any_o who_o be_v grievous_o lade_v &_o groan_v for_o weariness_n under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n fear_v to_o come_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o grievous_a and_o manifold_a neither_o let_v they_o doubt_v lest_o god_n will_v reject_v their_o suit_n and_o refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o their_o great_a rebellion_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o although_o there_o be_v not_o as_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v respect_v in_o we_o save_v that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n yet_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o even_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o be_v exceed_o delight_v in_o show_v mercy_n to_o all_o those_o who_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o the_o lord_n
regenerate_v they_o do_v not_o will_v nor_o yield_v unto_o sin_n and_o though_o they_o consent_v unto_o sin_n yet_o this_o consent_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o entire_a but_o with_o some_o dislike_n grudge_v and_o resistance_n of_o the_o spiritual_a part_n the_o which_o dislike_n and_o resistance_n though_o sometime_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o sin_n whereas_o the_o weak_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v violent_o overbear_v through_o the_o violent_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a corruption_n and_o so_o overshadow_a by_o the_o cloudy_a mist_n which_o their_o unruly_a passion_n cast_v before_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o can_v at_o all_o perceive_v any_o dislike_n or_o resistance_n against_o the_o temptation_n yet_o after_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v again_o reviue_v out_o of_o their_o deadly_a swoon_n then_o do_v they_o hate_v and_o detest_v that_o sin_n which_o before_o seem_v pleasant_a unto_o they_o and_o earnest_o desire_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o last_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o every_o particular_a sin_n commit_v with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n for_o so_o also_o the_o elect_v offend_v before_o their_o conversion_n but_o of_o a_o general_a and_o malicious_a apostasy_n from_o the_o know_a truth_n and_o a_o scornful_a reject_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n once_o offer_v for_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v thus_o much_o that_o if_o we_o wilful_o and_o malicious_o sin_n by_o renounce_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n offer_v for_o sin_n we_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o any_o other_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v to_o expect_v judgement_n and_o condemnation_n see_v such_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o testament_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o even_o despite_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o explane_v himself_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v §_o sect._n 5_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o question_n mercy_n that_o the_o christian_n may_v fall_v into_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o that_o so_o fall_v he_o may_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o the_o christian_n man_n may_v fall_v into_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o if_o he_o do_v whether_o they_o be_v pardonable_a or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a case_n to_o neglect_v god_n justice_n and_o judgement_n because_o of_o his_o long_a suffering_n or_o to_o take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o abundance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v to_o provoke_v he_o continual_o by_o our_o sin_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a christian_n through_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o inbred_a corruption_n may_v fall_v into_o these_o presumptuous_a sin_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o privilege_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o exempt_v they_o from_o any_o sin_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o either_o before_o or_o after_o their_o conversion_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o it_o save_v only_o that_o unpardonable_a sin_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n moreover_o david_n pray_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n 19.13_o psalm_n 19.13_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o reign_v over_o he_o psalm_n 19.13_o where_o first_o he_o show_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o such_o sin_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o preserve_v he_o from_o they_o and_o second_o he_o impli_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v for_o good_a cause_n know_v unto_o himself_o suffer_v he_o to_o commit_v these_o sin_n of_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o he_o further_o pray_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v fall_v into_o such_o sin_n it_o will_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o raise_v he_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o he_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o true_a christian_n may_v fall_v into_o these_o sin_n now_o that_o have_v fall_v he_o may_v rise_v again_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o receive_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n it_o be_v likewise_o manifest_a for_o if_o once_o the_o lord_n receive_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o child_n than_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n which_o we_o can_v fall_v into_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.38_o 29._o second_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n upon_o true_a repentance_n 12.31.32_o mat._n 12.31.32_o save_v only_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v always_o join_v with_o final_a impenitency_n matth._n 12.31_o 32._o three_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a exclude_v no_o fort_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o so_o they_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o also_o presumptuous_a sinner_n repent_v and_o believe_v be_v assure_v of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n last_o if_o david_n may_v fall_v into_o these_o sin_n than_o david_n also_o may_v repent_v and_o receive_v pardon_n see_v he_o be_v true_o justify_v sanctify_a and_o a_o choose_a vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n elect_v to_o everlasting_a life_n §_o sect._n 6_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o temptation_n which_o be_v take_v from_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v once_o commit_v willing_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v often_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n willing_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o which_o he_o sugge_v unto_o the_o weak_a conscience_n after_o the_o commit_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sin_n diverse_a time_n upon_o which_o occasion_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n that_o he_o never_o true_o repent_v otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o again_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o the_o howsoever_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v into_o diverse_a sin_n through_o want_n of_o care_n and_o experience_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o incident_a to_o any_o of_o this_o number_n to_o fall_v again_o and_o again_o into_o the_o same_o wickedness_n after_o they_o have_v have_v warning_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o evil_n thereof_o for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a case_n to_o be_v thus_o overtake_v and_o to_o be_v so_o besot_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o neither_o instruction_n nor_o our_o own_o experience_n can_v make_v we_o to_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o work_v in_o we_o a_o care_n to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v it_o the_o burn_a child_n as_o the_o proverb_n be_v dread_v the_o fire_n he_o that_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o thereby_o much_o endamage_v be_v afterward_o more_o wary_a he_o that_o have_v cast_v himself_o into_o any_o grievous_a disease_n through_o some_o unwholesome_a meat_n be_v ever_o after_o more_o careful_a of_o his_o diet_n he_o that_o have_v once_o be_v assault_v by_o his_o enemy_n at_o unaware_o and_o have_v receive_v grisly_a wound_n will_v after_o he_o be_v cure_v go_v better_a arm_a and_o furnish_v that_o he_o may_v not_o again_o be_v overtake_v of_o the_o like_a danger_n and_o therefore_o see_v experience_n of_o all_o other_o evil_n do_v teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v they_o what_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n be_v this_o that_o no_o warning_n will_v make_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v drink_v this_o deadly_a poison_n and_o be_v grievous_o sick_a thereof_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o shall_v be_v recover_v be_v entice_v with_o the_o pleasant_a taste_n thereof_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o again_o and_o that_o have_v receive_v grievous_a wound_n we_o shall_v after_o take_v no_o better_a heed_n and_o go_v no_o better_o arm_v and_o prepare_v to_o make_v resistance_n but_o for_o want_v of_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n expose_v ourselves_o again_o to_o the_o like_a danger_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o sometime_o mercy_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v often_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n through_o our_o great_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n may_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v again_o and_o again_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n neither_o do_v any_o thing_n privilege_v they_o from_o commit_v that_o sin_n again_o which_o they_o have_v once_o commit_v for_o first_o the_o same_o inbred_a corruption_n still_o dwell_v in_o they_o
undertake_v above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o power_n for_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n in_o former_a time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o still_o at_o this_o day_n oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o his_o curse_a instrument_n ungodly_a man_n the_o more_o they_o exceed_v in_o wickedness_n the_o more_o bend_v their_o whole_a power_n malicious_o to_o oppugn_v this_o truth_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o that_o they_o be_v professor_n and_o practizer_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o whence_o proceed_v this_o malicious_a opposition_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n himself_o so_o also_o against_o his_o word_n and_o because_o they_o know_v that_o by_o this_o light_a their_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v discover_v therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o put_v it_o clean_o out_o that_o their_o wickedness_n may_v not_o be_v descry_v because_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a they_o can_v endure_v it_o they_o themselves_o be_v corrupt_a and_o wicked_a because_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n which_o show_v the_o crookedness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v able_a burn_v it_o or_o cut_v it_o in_o piece_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o they_o loathe_v as_o much_o to_o hear_v it_o as_o the_o prisoner_n do_v abhor_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o just_a judge_n and_o hence_o proceed_v their_o opposition_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o might_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o more_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n rage_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o more_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n support_v it_o the_o glory_n thereof_o appear_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o keep_v it_o down_o the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o as_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n do_v but_o make_v it_o to_o swell_v the_o high_a and_o overflow_v all_o the_o country_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o bank_n so_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n do_v seek_v to_o stay_v this_o heavenly_a stream_n which_o flow_v from_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o labour_n may_v and_o main_a to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n &_o propagation_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o more_o it_o spread_v itself_o maugre_o their_o malice_n and_o overflow_v the_o whole_a earth_n and_o whence_o can_v the_o defeat_n and_o frustrate_v of_o this_o powerful_a violence_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o great_a power_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v combine_v themselves_o together_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v satan_n rage_n or_o protect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o utter_a ruin_n only_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a can_v thus_o uphold_v it_o and_o make_v it_o prevail_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n unto_o this_o day_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n so_o also_o by_o punish_v even_o in_o this_o life_n with_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n all_o those_o who_o have_v most_o violent_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o the_o profession_n hereof_o as_o may_v appear_v notable_o in_o the_o example_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n herod_n nero_n domitian_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la and_o many_o other_o who_o by_o their_o shameful_a and_o horrible_a death_n testify_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v oppugn_v and_o persecute_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n §_o sect._n 7_o six_o the_o lord_n have_v approve_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v his_o truth_n by_o wonderful_a miracle_n miracle_n the_o sixth_o reason_n take_v from_o miracle_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imitate_v as_o by_o give_v the_o blind_a their_o sight_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n turn_v back_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n divide_v the_o sea_n in_o two_o part_n and_o such_o like_a which_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o wicked_a convince_a but_o against_o this_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o in_o hug_a mugger_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n otherwise_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v have_v labour_v in_o vain_a to_o have_v persuade_v man_n to_o have_v embrace_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n especial_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o affection_n if_o they_o have_v only_o themselves_o report_v or_o bring_v some_o few_o witness_n of_o their_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o not_o public_o show_v they_o to_o all_o the_o people_n moreover_o see_v this_o doctrine_n have_v have_v so_o many_o enemy_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v exclame_v and_o write_v against_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v publish_v for_o write_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o do_v but_o among_o all_o those_o who_o have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o impudent_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v do_v of_o which_o so_o many_o be_v eye-witness_n nay_o contrariwise_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o neither_o know_v god_n nor_o his_o true_a religion_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o this_o day_n withstand_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n do_v notwithstanding_o confess_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v they_o able_a to_o gainsay_v they_o see_v they_o have_v receive_v this_o truth_n by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n though_o not_o the_o promise_a messiah_n §_o sect._n 8_o seventhly_a the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n who_o have_v seal_v this_o truth_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n martyr_n the_o seven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o martyr_n be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o will_v so_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o certain_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o support_v they_o in_o suffer_v these_o torment_n above_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o strength_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v suffer_v also_o for_o their_o sect_n opinion_n and_o heresy_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a differece_n between_o they_o first_o because_o the_o number_n have_v be_v few_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o heresy_n but_o the_o martyr_n almost_o innumerable_a who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n second_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n constancy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n have_v not_o be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o error_n which_o have_v always_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n saint_n and_o last_o these_o heretic_n have_v always_o be_v confute_v and_o convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o heresy_n before_o their_o suffering_n whereas_o god_n saint_n direct_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n word_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v resist_v and_o through_o violent_a rage_n be_v unconuict_v have_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n chap._n xx._n other_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o §_o sect._n 1_o the_o eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n handle_v the_o eight_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o argument_n which_o