truth_n as_o themselves_o have_v either_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o ancestor_n or_o learn_v by_o new_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o church_n grow_v out_o of_o a_o family_n into_o a_o nation_n and_o that_o as_o man_n multiply_v so_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n increase_v god_n himself_o write_v a_o catechism_n for_o the_o jew_n describe_v a_o short_a compendium_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o two_o authentic_a table_n of_o the_o law_n contain_v ten_o word_n so_o few_o and_o so_o plain_a that_o the_o short_a memory_n and_o shallow_a wit_n may_v easy_o comprehend_v they_o and_o withal_o god_n now_o lay_v a_o express_a command_n upon_o his_o people_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o the_o word_n be_v emphatical_a thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v sharpen_v they_o by_o often_o and_o seasonable_a instruction_n give_v a_o edge_n or_o point_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v pierce_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o unlearned_a how_o careful_o this_o strict_a injunction_n be_v afterward_o observe_v either_o by_o the_o levite_n in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a by_o master_n of_o family_n we_o can_v certain_o define_v where_o scripture_n be_v silent_a of_o both_o their_o practice_n but_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o carefulness_n of_o former_a time_n by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o these_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o both_o levite_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o governor_n in_o their_o private_a house_n be_v negligent_a enough_o in_o discharge_v this_o duty_n yet_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v that_o there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o who_o godly_a industry_n in_o this_o particular_a may_v just_o shame_v the_o impious_a slothfulness_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o latter_a age_n where_o will_v a_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n be_v now_o find_v personage_n of_o high_a quality_n yet_o count_v it_o no_o disgrace_n to_o read_v a_o lecture_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n to_o a_o yongue_n solomon_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o practice_n 2._o chron._n 28._o 8._o prov._n 31._o 1._o and_o solomon_n himself_o seem_v to_o give_v that_o precept_n out_o of_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o most_o excellent_a education_n teach_v a_o child_n the_o trade_n of_o his_o way_n and_o when_o he_o be_v old_a he_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o though_o himself_o scarce_a do_v so_o yea_o albeit_o infinite_a corruption_n have_v at_o this_o day_n deform_v all_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o even_o to_o these_o time_n may_v be_v see_v some_o print_n of_o their_o ancient_a discipline_n among_o they_o who_o child_n be_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n first_o teach_v the_o law_n and_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o after_o that_o their_o talmudicall_a tradition_n with_o such_o care_n and_o industry_n as_o their_o skill_n in_o judaism_n at_o 17._o exceed_v the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o among_o we_o in_o christianity_n at_o 70._o whereof_o see_v the_o learned_a buxd._n synag_n judaic._n c._n 3._o but_o come_v we_o unto_o those_o time_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o holy_a thing_n shine_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o we_o may_v trace_v this_o practice_n by_o its_o apparent_a footstep_n even_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o downward_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v but_o a_o copy_n and_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o primitive_a catechism_n &_o the_o apostle_n paul_n commend_v to_o timothy_n custody_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o pattern_n and_o delincation_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o which_o also_o rom._n 12._o 6._o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o all_o fundamental_a point_n of_o sacred_a doctrine_n with_o which_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n must_v bear_v due_a proportion_n now_o very_a necessity_n drive_v they_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o draw_v religion_n into_o compendious_a head_n and_o short_a summary_n partly_o in_o regard_n of_o infidel_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a belief_n a_o thorough_a knowledge_n and_o open_a confession_n whereof_o be_v require_v of_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n who_o because_o of_o the_o dangerous_a solicitation_n of_o idolatrous_a gentile_n and_o heretical_a christian_n privy_o creep_v in_o to_o beguile_v by_o craftiness_n ignorant_a and_o unstable_a soul_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o have_v their_o mind_n settle_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a conclusion_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o sophistical_a seducement_n both_o these_o whether_o new_a convert_v or_o yongue_n christian_n be_v ancient_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o their_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n and_o for_o such_o who_o narrow_a wit_n can_v not_o comprehend_v large_a discourse_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o epitome_n touch_v the_o word_n we_o find_v it_o more_o ancient_a than_o this_o custom_n and_o more_o general_o understand_v than_o of_o it_o only_o in_o general_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o metonymicall_a signification_n be_v to_o teach_v other_o viuâ_fw-la voâ—â—_n by_o speech_n sound_v into_o their_o ear_n in_o special_a to_o instruct_v any_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o a_o art_n or_o science_n because_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a learn_v more_o by_o other_o teach_v than_o their_o own_o study_n in_o the_o general_a acception_n beside_o profane_a author_n we_o find_v it_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n five_o several_a time_n luke_n 1._o 4._o that_o thou_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereof_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v say_v s._n luke_n to_o theophilus_n render_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o gospel_n unto_o he_o of_o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n &_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 18._o 25._o &_o rom._n 2._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instuct_v by_o the_o law_n again_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 19_o i_o have_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o may_v also_o teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n but_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n gal._n 6._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n in_o all_o his_o good_n in_o all_o which_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v teach_v or_o instruct_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v but_o in_o time_n present_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o since_o the_o word_n have_v be_v usual_o take_v by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o first_o instruction_n of_o yongue_n beginner_n in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n for_o now_o begin_v the_o gentile_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v catechise_v daily_o increase_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n to_o be_v more_o frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o business_n and_o as_o the_o burden_n grow_v heavy_a so_o new_a mean_n be_v devise_v for_o their_o better_a institution_n hence_o beside_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o special_o depute_v to_o attend_v this_o office_n who_o from_o their_o employment_n be_v call_v catechistae_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o also_o in_o school_n open_v for_o that_o purpose_n do_v teach_v such_o as_o be_v rude_a and_o ignorant_a the_o element_n of_o christian_a religion_n famous_a above_o other_o be_v that_o school_n at_o alexandria_n in_o egypt_n wherein_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n teach_v and_o so_o many_o holy_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v their_o first_o education_n there_o it_o be_v that_o origen_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d root_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o undoubted_a persuasion_n of_o this_o 23._o truth_n we_o be_v all_o very_o backward_o in_o this_o study_n and_o that_o be_v one_o argument_n the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o our_o wretched_a sinfulness_n can_v brook_v they_o and_o again_o we_o be_v very_o dull_a of_o understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v also_o a_o good_a proof_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o most_o divine_a understanding_n because_o our_o natural_a wit_n be_v sharp_a enough_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o comprehend_v not_o these_o mystery_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o let_v we_o be_v persuade_v with_o prayer_n in_o humility_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ._n search_v the_o scripture_n &_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o king_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o set_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o head_n of_o our_o study_n therein_o lay_v a_o sure_a groundwork_n of_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n follow_v this_o course_n we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o expect_v a_o full_a resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n and_o experience_n will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v it_o manifest_a a_o most_o sure_a word_n as_o s._n peter_n call_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o whereon_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o word_n be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n and_o that_o god_n who_o in_o the_o creation_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n shine_v also_o into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v constant_a in_o our_o religious_a profession_n while_o we_o live_v and_o also_o unconquerable_a in_o our_o spiritual_a consolation_n when_o we_o be_v to_o die_v hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o strength_n of_o taiths_n assent_n be_v build_v namely_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o divine_a revelatinos_n i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o next_o two_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellent_a worth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o be_v not_o toy_n &_o tristes_fw-la matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o god_n propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v embrace_v &_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o we_o hos._n 8._o 12._o a_o law_n that_o be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n a_o testimony_n that_o be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a statute_n that_o be_v right_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n commandment_n that_o be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n judgement_n that_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o what_o man_n desire_v most_o than_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a than_o the_o heny_n that_o drop_v from_o the_o best_a honey_n comb_n as_o the_o holy_a prophet_n david_n ps._n 19_o 7._o etc._n etc._n most_o emphatical_o amplify_v the_o dignity_n &_o worth_n of_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v in_o his_o time_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n since_o than_o we_o have_v a_o large_a increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n the_o gospel_n full_o reveal_v and_o write_v for_o our_o benefit_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n &_o that_o in_o a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n v_o 10._o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a mystery_n col._n 1._o â—7_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o all_o both_o law_n &_o gospel_n old_a &_o new_a testament_n be_v full_a of_o admirable_a perfection_n goodness_n &_o excellency_n in_o themselves_o and_o towards_o we_o they_o contain_v matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o scripture_n shall_v live_v in_o they_o if_o he_o do_v they_o not_o then_o curse_v be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o that_o bâ—oke_n to_o fulfil_v they_o again_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mar._n 16._o 16._o no_o less_o matter_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n than_o blessing_n and_o curse_v salvation_n and_o damnation_n grace_n &_o sin_n god_n favour_n and_o his_o displeasure_n heaven_n and_o hell_n now_o lay_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n together_o there_o be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o speak_n of_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o or_o that_o can_v bear_v any_o proportion_n of_o worth_n &_o greatness_n with_o they_o wherefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o forceable_a motive_n unto_o we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n that_o we_o fasten_v our_o faith_n upon_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o strength_n and_o steadfastness_n not_o bare_o and_o slight_o pass_v they_o over_o as_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o deep_a &_o most_o attentive_a meditation_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o â—xedulous_a and_o apprehensive_a man_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n that_o may_v concern_v they_o in_o their_o name_n good_n or_o life_n every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o they_o fear_v or_o hope_n for_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v scarce_a any_o thing_n will_v '_o work_n upon_o we_o we_o heed_v not_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v promise_n or_o threaten_n exhortation_n or_o admonition_n all_o be_v one_o to_o we_o we_o pass_v little_a for_o one_o or_o other_o but_o as_o the_o iâ—â—es_n of_o old_a we_o count_v these_o thing_n as_o strange_a matter_n that_o little_o concern_v us._n naturally_n we_o be_v all_o atheist_n &_o insidel_n and_o that_o of_o saluian_a be_v true_a even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o us._n omma_n a_o mamus_fw-la 5._o omne_fw-la colimus_fw-la solus_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o comparatione_fw-la omnium_fw-la deus_fw-la vilis_fw-la est_fw-la we_o can_v study_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o can_v love_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n &_o goodness_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o religion_n be_v far_o from_o any_o through_o apprehension_n of_o the_o excellency_n &_o worth_n thereof_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v sleight_n and_o vanish_v our_o affection_n towards_o it_o cold_a and_o force_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o near_o to_o a_o fancy_n &_o weak_a imagination_n than_o a_o well_o ground_a faith_n wherefore_o let_v we_o henceforth_o value_v divine_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o better_v to_o we_o then_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n or_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o the_o world_n have_v in_o high_a account_n hence_o shall_v we_o gather_v strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o zealous_a affection_n the_o last_o ground_n remain_v whereupon_o the_o firmness_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o assent_n stand_v and_o that_o be_v the_o manifest_a experience_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o believe_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o commendation_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o can_v believe_v before_o &_o against_o experience_n and_o abraham_n faith_n be_v herein_o a_o glorious_a pattern_n to_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v strong_o the_o promise_n when_o for_o a_o long_a time_n he_o find_v but_o small_a performance_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o his_o life_n but_o general_o faith_n be_v but_o weak_a till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o experience_n this_o give_v it_o life_n make_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n strong_a in_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n see_v this_o in_o a_o example_n or_o two_o 1_o sam._n 30._o we_o find_v david_n &_o his_o man_n in_o great_a distress_n for_o the_o loss_n they_o have_v sustain_v at_o zâ—klaâ—_n david_n sorrow_n as_o well_o as_o his_o servant_n &_o his_o loss_n be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o pacific_a they_o david_n be_v their_o captain_n and_o they_o think_v this_o nuthap_n come_v by_o his_o fault_n so_o in_o their_o rage_n they_o intend_v to_o stone_n he_o what_o shall_v david_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o furious_a multitude_n slight_a or_o resistance_n can_v help_v he_o see_v how_o his_o faith_n help_v he_o out_o in_o this_o exigent_n he_o be_v now_o in_o danger_n but_o he_o have_v be_v in_o as_o great_a many_o a_o time_n before_o and_o very_o narrow_o have_v he_o escape_v the_o snare_n that_o saul_n and_o his_o courtier_n have_v lay_v for_o his_o life_n but_o god_n deliver_v he_o there_o and_o
thing_n past_a will_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o boldness_n &_o confident_a expectation_n of_o the_o like_a success_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o much_o touch_v the_o three_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v touch_v this_o assent_n or_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o it_o and_o those_o essential_a difference_n whereby_o save_v faith_n in_o god_n elect_n be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o other_o we_o have_v show_v you_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v by_o what_o essential_a difference_n they_o be_v distinguish_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o assent_n by_o which_o general_o all_o faith_n be_v define_v be_v twofold_a 1_o general_n to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o good_a and_o true_a whilst_o bare_o consider_v in_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o have_v no_o opposition_n to_o our_o desire_n be_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o 2_o particular_a when_o assent_n be_v give_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o most_o true_a and_o good_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a occasion_n and_o compare_v with_o all_o contrary_a desire_n and_o provocation_n herein_o lie_v a_o substantial_a difference_n of_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n between_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o goodness_n of_o thing_n take_v in_o the_o general_a and_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o goodness_n of_o the_o samething_n particular_o apply_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o 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the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v salve_n away_o in_o those_o many_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n name_n but_o yet_o christ_n will_v not_o trust_v they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v at_o heart_n joh._n 2._o 23_o 24._o in_o those_o many_o again_o that_o at_o another_o time_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o caveat_n that_o they_o look_v their_o faith_n be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n you_o be_v very_o my_o disciple_n joh._n 8._o 30._o 31._o such_o a_o faith_n be_v in_o simon_n the_o witch_n act._n 8._o 13._o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o be_v baptize_v even_o whilst_o yet_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n i._o a_o â—ierce_a enemy_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v and_o fast_o bind_v unto_o the_o love_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o seem_v willing_a to_o forsake_v verse_n 23._o such_o a_o conception_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o falix_n who_o tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n dispute_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o he_o believe_v and_o like_o the_o devil_n tremble_v but_o faelix_fw-la be_v not_o temperate_a his_o wife_n drusilla_n 5._o be_v another_o man_n wife_n felix_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o covetous_a and_o look_v for_o a_o bribe_n and_o this_o like_v he_o not_o that_o paul_n shall_v come_v so_o close_o to_o he_o wherefore_o he_o have_v a_o shift_n and_o put_v he_o off_o in_o compliment_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o faelix_fw-la will_v take_v at_o leisure_n the_o same_o imperfect_a faith_n there_o be_v in_o king_n agrippa_n who_o hear_v paul_n apology_n can_v have_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v a_o christian_a have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o fashion_n with_o king_n at_o that_o time_n act_v 26._o 28._o so_o be_v the_o case_n with_o herod_n who_o hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o reverence_v he_o as_o a_o just_a man_n and_o holy_a and_o do_v many_o thing_n willing_o mark_v 6._o 20._o but_o if_o john_n be_v so_o bold_a with_o hâ—rod_n as_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o incest_n he_o shall_v to_o prison_n for_o it_o and_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n yet_o he_o shall_v die_v if_o herod_n do_v not_o fear_v the_o multitude_n more_o than_o he_o reverence_a john_n matth._n 14._o 5._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o man_n still_o who_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o contain_v but_o this_o go_v no_o further_a than_o generality_n whilst_o they_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a consider_v abstractive_o and_o in_o the_o universality_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v they_o in_o any_o of_o their_o main_a desire_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o long_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o forward_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_v as_o the_o best_a the_o cause_n of_o this_o kind_a of_o faith_n in_o man_n be_v many_o as_o 1._o that_o common_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o man_n be_v enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o grace_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o unsancty_v more_o for_o other_o than_o their_o own_o good_a some_o light_n shine_v upon_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v know_v and_o assent_v unto_o divine_a truth_n for_o a_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n that_o other_o may_v be_v instruct_v by_o their_o teach_n for_o christ_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n do_v also_o use_v the_o help_n and_o ministry_n of_o such_o man_n according_a as_o solomon_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n who_o employ_v not_o the_o natural_a israelite_n but_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o canaanite_n and_o stranger_n that_o live_v in_o the_o land_n to_o be_v bearer_n of_o burden_n and_o hewer_n of_o stone_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 2._o 17._o and_o these_o man_n though_o unsanctified_a and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o themselves_o hearty_o esteem_v and_o affect_v that_o which_o they_o know_v yet_o in_o the_o general_a they_o believe_v it_o and_o willing_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n again_o 2._o authority_n of_o man_n in_o high_a account_n for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n the_o esteem_n that_o the_o people_n have_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n make_v herod_n reverence_v he_o the_o more_o and_o the_o fame_n that_o go_v of_o christ_n draw_v many_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o with_o hundred_o who_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n stand_v or_o fall_v with_o their_o admiration_n or_o disesteem_v of_o man_n person_n the_o same_o effect_n
it_o unless_o himself_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a revelation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a god-where_a he_o come_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n brightness_n and_o clearness_n imprint_v on_o those_o revelation_n that_o mortal_a mind_n be_v infallible_o ascertain_v of_o their_o divinity_n yea_o balaam_n himself_o though_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o to_o have_v know_v or_o believe_v those_o revelation_n that_o so_o unkind_o cross_v his_o hope_n of_o preferment_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o 2._o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o he_o utter_v his_o parable_n with_o this_o preface_n 4._o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n have_v say_v and_o the_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_a have_v say_v he_o have_v say_v which_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a fall_v into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o that_o be_v at_o other_o time_n drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o furious_a motion_n of_o mind_n procure_v by_o spell_n &_o enchantment_n be_v now_o as_o forcible_o move_v 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bear_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o in_o this_o revelation_n make_v so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n and_o strong_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o balaam_n that_o the_o wizard_n etc._n can_v but_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v though_o it_o quite_o undo_v his_o own_o desire_n of_o greatness_n and_o balacks_n hope_n of_o victory_n whence_o also_o this_o rule_n follow_v general_o true_a that_o where_o the_o revelation_n be_v infallible_o know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v lie_n now_o we_o be_v further_o to_o note_n that_o upon_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v ground_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v usual_o style_v the_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n a_o gift_n proper_a to_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o church_n bestow_v then_o on_o many_o for_o the_o better_a establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o unbelieved_a gentile_n or_o jew_n though_o the_o word_n of_o the_o promise_v run_v large_o marc._n 16_o 17._o yet_o it_o seem_v not_o likely_a that_o every_o private_a true_a believer_n have_v this_o privilege_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d be_v preacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o among_o they_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o true_o faithful_a believer_n but_o to_o other_o also_o as_o appear_v by_o judas_n to_o who_o this_o power_n be_v give_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o matt._n 10_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o reprobate_n matt._n 7._o 22._o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o by_o thy_o name_n prophesy_v &_o c_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o work_v some_o miraculous_a effect_n be_v the_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n other_o motive_n there_o be_v further_o off_o as_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o god_n omnipotency_n the_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o christ_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n matt._n 17._o 20._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o to_o yonder_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o you_o but_o more_o special_o that_o large_a promise_n he_o make_v at_o his_o ascension_n mark_n 16._o 17._o 18._o and_n these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v but_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v assurance_n of_o perform_v this_o or_o that_o miraculous_a act_n without_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v they_o inward_o both_o touch_v the_o time_n when_o and_o matter_n wherein_o they_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o as_o all_o believer_n have_v not_o that_o power_n so_o such_o as_o have_v it_o can_v not_o do_v wonder_n when_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o please_v but_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o special_a warrant_n and_o direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n like_v unto_o peter_n who_o though_o a_o faithful_a believer_n yet_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o a_o miraculous_a attempt_n of_o walk_v dry-shod_a upon_o the_o water_n without_o a_o special_a word_n from_o christ_n bid_v of_o he_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n matt._n 14._o 28._o 29._o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o this_o special_a 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that_o be_v write_v be_v general_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v diligent_o examine_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o thing_n or_o whether_o any_o at_o all_o that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n who_o make_v obscurity_n one_o essential_a property_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o open_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v evident_a to_o man_n understanding_n let_v these_o distinction_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 1._o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o three_o sort_n viz._n 1._o precept_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o in_o the_o high_a mystery_n thereof_o as_o of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n &c_n &c_n or_o in_o other_o inferior_a point_n of_o sanctification_n piety_n and_o moral_a practice_n and_o unto_o this_o head_n may_v be_v refer_v all_o such_o discourse_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o wind_n thunder_n etc._n etc._n 2._o history_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a and_o go_v as_o of_o the_o creation_n fall_v of_o man_n the_o flood_n etc._n etc._n 3._o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v hereafter_o whether_o they_o be_v mere_o prophetical_a or_o withal_o do_v contain_v some_o special_a promise_n or_o threaten_v concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o prediction_n be_v make_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a evidence_n 1._o one_o of_o the_o narration_n when_o it_o be_v make_v in_o word_n and_o sentence_n so_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a that_o the_o understanding_n conceive_v clear_o what_o the_o speaker_n or_o written_a mean_n 2._o another_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v relate_v when_o either_o our_o sense_n do_v plain_o perceive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n sensible_a or_o our_o understanding_n do_v manifest_o behold_v the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v only_o intelligible_a this_o distinction_n be_v most_o manifest_a in_o all_o discourse_n and_o special_o in_o mathematics_n where_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n or_o problem_n may_v be_v clear_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v before_o one_o jot_n of_o the_o demonstration_n be_v understand_v how_o and_o wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o man_n understanding_n in_o a_o twofold_a estate_n 1._o of_o natural_a corruption_n as_o it_o attain_v no_o further_a light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o that_o which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o learned_a education_n and_o painful_a study_n of_o humanity_n and_o divinity_n for_o such_o end_n as_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o 2._o of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o
atheistical_a to_o deny_v his_o truth_n or_o strange_o subtle_a to_o shift_v it_o off_o from_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v press_v with_o it_o in_o particular_a but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n have_v overshadow_a the_o soul_n sanctify_v all_o the_o power_n thereof_o throughout_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o see_v how_o it_o stoop_v to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v then_o a_o singular_a harmony_n between_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o word_n this_o food_n of_o spiritual_a life_n relish_v as_o sweet_a and_o savoury_a unto_o the_o soul_n as_o milk_n to_o infant_n or_o strong_a meat_n to_o able_a and_o healthy_a man_n regeneration_n have_v restore_v health_n unto_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o have_v recover_v a_o true_a taste_n of_o the_o lord_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n whence_o follow_v a_o constant_a appetite_n thereunto_o asmuch_o as_o unto_o corporal_a nourishment_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 1._o 2._o 3._o hence_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o conceive_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o word_n it_o see_v now_o nothing_o so_o reasonable_a excellent_a as_o the_o wisdom_n thereof_o it_o behold_v nothing_o â—o_o terrible_a as_o god_n threat_n nothing_o so_o lovely_a as_o his_o favour_n it_o see_v no_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n comparable_a to_o grace_n no_o pleasure_n like_o unto_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n it_o comprehend_v a_o end_n of_o all_o other_o perfection_n but_o the_o further_a it_o look_v into_o god_n law_n the_o deep_a wonder_n it_o discern_v it_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o read_v vanity_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o strange_a folly_n in_o man_n desire_n of_o they_o and_o now_o it_o count_v no_o preferment_n any_o whit_n comparable_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n it_o have_v now_o real_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o conceive_v of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o of_o a_o work_n to_o be_v do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o business_n to_o be_v discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o judge_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v displease_v and_o that_o the_o regard_n of_o save_v a_o man_n soul_n must_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o importunate_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n that_o will_v press_v in_o upon_o we_o be_v thus_o enlighten_v and_o inward_o touch_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n present_o put_v it_o whole_o upon_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n truth_n reveal_v it_o stretch_v forth_o the_o arm_n of_o her_o strong_a confidence_n &_o affiance_n unto_o every_o branch_n of_o the_o scripture_n embrace_v absolute_o and_o without_o all_o limitation_n the_o truth_n goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v therein_o it_o believe_v what_o it_o know_v and_o as_o it_o can_v where_o it_o be_v ignorant_a it_o pray_v for_o knowledge_n where_o weak_a it_o sue_v for_o strength_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n where_o stubborn_a it_o offer_v itself_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v bow_v or_o break_v if_o he_o please_v count_v it_o now_o a_o happy_a thing_n to_o be_v cross_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o at_o every_o by-turning_a with_o some_o reproof_n or_o chastisement_n let_v he_o chide_v or_o strike_v it_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o without_o quarrel_v dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o case_n take_v all_o with_o a_o benedictus_fw-la dominus_fw-la etc._n etc._n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o minister_n and_o bless_v be_v their_o counsel_n who_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o commit_v this_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n when_o thus_o the_o heart_n be_v soften_v and_o sanctify_a then_o and_o not_o before_o be_v wrought_v that_o habitual_a grace_n and_o bless_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o we_o call_v true_a faith_n whereby_o the_o creature_n be_v willing_a to_o resign_v up_o its_o understanding_n desire_n affection_n thought_n word_n work_n and_o all_o to_o the_o dispose_n of_o his_o creator_n in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o by_o his_o reveal_v will_v he_o have_v or_o shall_v make_v know_v believe_v certain_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n it_o be_v best_a to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n this_o for_o cause_n of_o true_a faith_n next_o follow_v 2._o the_o object_n of_o this_o particular_a faith_n which_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n contain_v all_o history_n doctrine_n command_n threaten_n promise_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o 2._o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o one_o word_n we_o call_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v needful_a thus_o to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n because_o although_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infuse_a grace_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o respect_v both_o forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o same_o sacred_a habit_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v both_o the_o whole_a and_o each_o part_n of_o god_n will_n be_v it_o in_o itself_o more_o or_o less_o excellent_a or_o more_o or_o less_o needful_a to_o we_o nevertheless_o faith_n as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o these_o object_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n admit_v of_o divers_a consideration_n name_n and_o use_n faith_n as_o it_o assent_v to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o i_o call_v legal_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o virtue_n as_o be_v immediate_o require_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v forasmuch_o as_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n to_o give_v full_a assent_n and_o affiance_n to_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o god_n shall_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o all_o other_o moral_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o their_o degree_n as_o part_n of_o our_o outward_a obedience_n and_o inward_a sanctity_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n command_v as_o 〈◊〉_d principal_a grace_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o prime_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o first_o commandment_n and_o so_o faith_n in_o this_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v save_v namely_o as_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v because_o require_v in_o their_o measure_n as_o needful_a to_o salvation_n faith_n as_o it_o assent_v unto_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o grace_n i_o call_v evangelicall_n because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o object_n thereof_o be_v not_o reveal_v by_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v call_v also_o proper_o save_v and_o justify_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n it_o now_o have_v through_o god_n gracious_a appointment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ._n in_o which_o distinction_n between_o legal_a &_o evangelicall_n faith_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o two_o distinct_a habit_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o one_o gracious_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n dispose_v it_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o innocent_a adam_n with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o regenerate_a man_n the_o difference_n stand_v only_o herein_o 1._o in_o the_o degree_n adam_n faith_n be_v perfect_a because_o his_o understanding_n be_v full_o enlighten_v and_o his_o affection_n absolute_o conformable_a to_o all_o holiness_n we_o know_v but_o little_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o inward_a weakness_n believe_v but_o weak_o what_o we_o do_v know_v 2._o in_o the_o original_a in_o adam_n it_o be_v natural_a by_o creation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v supernatural_a from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n infusion_n 3._o in_o the_o particular_a object_n adam_n believe_v god_n without_o reference_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n we_o believe_v chief_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n with_o some_o relation_n to_o he_o here_o then_o be_v no_o new_a faith_n but_o a_o new_a object_n of_o faith_n not_o reveal_v unto_o adam_n whereto_o our_o faith_n be_v now_o direct_v and_o here_o be_v also_o a_o singular_a privilege_n new_o grant_v unto_o faith_n that_o god_n accept_v it_o to_o our_o justification_n in_o his_o sight_n otherwise_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o grace_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n a_o part_n of_o god_n image_n give_v he_o by_o creation_n and_o be_v in_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o image_n restore_v by_o regeneration_n so_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o question_n whether_o justify_v faith_n be_v command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o
and_o evil_a 2._o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o increase_v both_o in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n et_fw-fr we_o be_v lead_v forward_o to_o perfection_n which_o be_v strengthen_v with_o a_o dreadful_a threaten_n of_o vengeance_n against_o non_fw-la proficient_n and_o apostate_n between_o who_o there_o be_v no_o medium_n the_o condition_n of_o grace_n be_v unlike_a to_o that_o of_o nature_n admit_v no_o degree_n of_o consistancy_n or_o stay_n between_o grow_v and_o decay_v this_o exhortation_n reach_v to_o the_o 9_o verse_n of_o this_o 6._o chapter_n 3._o a_o sweet_a consolation_n against_o all_o discouragement_n that_o may_v hinder_v their_o perseverance_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o 1._o the_o example_n of_o the_o old_a saint_n in_o time_n past_a who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n now_o inherit_v the_o promise_n 2._o the_o stableness_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o purpose_n who_o have_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v to_o perform_v it_o by_o which_o two_o immutable_a thing_n god_n word_n and_o god_n oath_n we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n and_o firm_a ground_n whereupon_o to_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o our_o hope_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 6._o chapter_n you_o now_o see_v by_o this_o brief_a analysis_n whereto_o these_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v do_v tend_v namely_o to_o a_o growth_n after_o a_o plantation_n a_o finish_n after_o a_o foundation_n lay_v to_o perfection_n after_o a_o beginning_n these_o ebrew_o have_v go_v to_o school_v long_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v teach_v they_o a_o great_a while_n ago_o now_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o like_o child_n to_o be_v always_o in_o their_o hornbook_n and_o never_o take_v forth_o a_o high_a lesson_n the_o apostle_n will_v now_o no_o long_o favour_v their_o ignorance_n it_o be_v not_o infirmity_n but_o negligence_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o purpose_v to_o read_v they_o a_o hard_a lecture_n and_o to_o stick_v no_o long_o on_o common_a point_n of_o catechism_n which_o he_o only_a name_n and_o so_o pass_v on_o the_o word_n than_o describe_v unto_o we_o the_o progress_n that_o preacher_n and_o people_n be_v to_o make_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n i_o join_v both_o together_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o threaten_a &_o consolation_n follow_v that_o this_o exhortation_n persuade_v the_o increase_n of_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n though_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o speak_v most_o for_o the_o latter_a this_o proceed_n in_o christian_a piety_n be_v express_v by_o a_o opposition_n of_o the_o two_o termim_a or_o limit_n thereof_o 1._o where_o it_o begin_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o must_v be_v know_v and_o leave_v therefore_o leave_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o where_o it_o end_v and_o that_o be_v at_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n whereto_o we_o must_v strive_v let_v us_o bole_v forward_o or_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n the_o former_a part_n be_v amplify_v and_o expound_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o next_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 1._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o leaving_n the_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o learn_v and_o leave_v they_o i._n e._n forget_v they_o no._n but_o we_o may_v not_o stick_v fast_o there_o and_o go_v no_o further_o he_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o unskilful_a architect_n that_o be_v always_o busy_a in_o lay_v of_o a_o foundation_n but_o never_o rear_v up_o a_o build_n upon_o it_o and_o no_o less_o unprofitable_a be_v that_o hearer_n or_o preacher_n who_o still_o be_v learning_n or_o preach_v nought_o but_o the_o first_o element_n of_o sacred_a science_n &_o this_o be_v that_o he_o signify_v by_o not_o lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n which_o by_o his_o and_o other_o apostle_n preach_v have_v be_v lay_v before_o 2._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o the_o word_n run_v now_o that_o he_o here_o call_v a_o foundation_n from_o the_o use_n that_o doctrinal_a principle_n have_v in_o the_o spiritual_a build_n of_o christianity_n like_v to_o that_o of_o a_o foundation_n in_o material_a edifice_n of_o these_o fundamental_a point_n six_o be_v here_o reckon_v up_o as_o so_o many_o head_n and_o common_a place_n of_o the_o ancient_a catechism_n 1._o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n 2._o faith_n towards_o god_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n 4._o i_o aie_v on_o of_o hand_n 5._o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 6._o last_o eternal_a judgement_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o attain_v to_o perfection_n be_v amplify_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o mean_n that_o must_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o which_o be_v god_n grace_n not_o our_o own_o or_o other_o ability_n and_o this_o will_v we_o do_v if_o god_n permit_v 2._o by_o its_o contrary_a and_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o viz._n backslide_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v it_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n to_o go_v over_o every_o particular_a as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o stand_v now_o upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o trouble_v the_o text_n but_o purpose_v to_o handle_v they_o hereafter_o as_o just_a occasion_n shall_v offer_v they_o unto_o we_o i_o shall_v for_o this_o present_a commend_v to_o your_o observation_n two_o conclusion_n which_o the_o word_n natural_o afford_v the_o first_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o useful_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n plain_o and_o summary_o to_o yongue_n beginner_n i_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o make_v this_o good_a nature_n show_v it_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n as_o in_o nature_n we_o be_v first_o babe_n in_o christ_n then_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o spiritual_a food_n fetch_v from_o our_o natural_a sustenance_n approve_v it_o child_n must_v have_v milk_n which_o be_v of_o effectual_a nourishment_n but_o yet_o easy_a digestion_n man_n must_v have_v strong_a meat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d solider_fw-la or_o hard_a meat_n who_o have_v tooth_n to_o chew_v and_o stomach_n to_o digest_v they_o that_o be_v large_a capacity_n and_o ripe_a judgement_n to_o pierce_v into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o divinity_n reason_n and_o comparison_n in_o all_o other_o knowledge_n teach_v the_o same_o wherein_o infinite_a conclusion_n be_v deduct_v out_o of_o a_o few_o principle_n which_o first_o learn_v give_v light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n of_o proof_n to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o your_o own_o experience_n shall_v save_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o instance_n if_o we_o look_v but_o to_o the_o word_n the_o excellent_a definition_n of_o catechism_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v yield_v we_o two_o good_a proof_n of_o its_o necessity_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o some_o render_v not_o unsit_o for_o the_o sense_n sermo_n qui_fw-la rudes_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la inchoat_fw-la that_o give_v beginning_n in_o christ._n this_o entrance_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n be_v first_o form_v within_o we_o and_o the_o seed_n out_o of_o which_o that_o holy_a conception_n of_o his_o glorious_a image_n be_v at_o first_o shape_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o bless_a institution_n of_o yonguer_n year_n when_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v together_o mould_v and_o fashion_v in_o tender_a mind_n so_o that_o religion_n shall_v not_o only_o sanctify_v but_o also_o perfect_a nature_n ability_n which_o ever_o from_o their_o first_o employment_n be_v as_o sinful_a as_o they_o be_v weak_a 2._o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n that_o bear_v up_o all_o the_o building_n and_o though_o it_o make_v the_o least_o show_n be_v yet_o of_o great_a use_n nor_o be_v their_o heresy_n more_o damnable_a who_o lie_v any_o other_o foundation_n beside_o jesus_n christ_n than_o their_o heresy_n be_v just_o reprovable_a who_o build_v upon_o their_o own_o or_o other_o any_o speculation_n without_o the_o try_a groundwork_n of_o infallible_a principle_n sure_o lay_v and_o thorough_o understand_v if_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o institution_n you_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o needless_a invention_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n before_o moses_n time_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o obscure_a so_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o delivery_n be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a yet_o we_o may_v not_o unfit_o say_v that_o all_o teach_n then_o be_v but_o catechism_n when_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n so_o much_o of_o sacred_a