prophet_n in_o the_o famous_a university_n of_o oxford_n yet_o i_o assure_v myself_o that_o whosoever_o read_v this_o book_n with_o good_a attention_n and_o understanding_n shall_v find_v the_o author_n meditation_n therein_o so_o thorough_o digest_v and_o the_o nature_n property_n and_o proper_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n so_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o accurate_o distinguish_v that_o he_o shall_v reap_v to_o himself_o much_o profit_n and_o comfort_v thereby_o and_o shall_v with_o i_o admire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o the_o author_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o in_o all_o knowledge_n lively_a sense_n and_o utterance_n of_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n far_o above_o all_o which_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o or_o be_v ordinary_o find_v in_o one_o of_o his_o age_n and_o year_n if_o as_o we_o know_v tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n so_o we_o may_v pass_v our_o sentence_n upon_o the_o composer_n of_o this_o treatise_n by_o his_o work_n we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v less_o of_o he_o but_o that_o as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o childhood_n train_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o have_v profit_v above_o his_o equal_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o best_a art_n humane_a &_o divine_a so_o undoubted_o he_o have_v from_o his_o tender_a year_n be_v thorough_o discipline_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v by_o much_o and_o daily_a experience_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a â—_z in_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o inward_a sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n attain_v to_o this_o high_a measure_n of_o heavenly_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o he_o have_v here_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a experiment_n it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o strong_a out_o stretch_v arm_n of_o humane_a reason_n nor_o the_o most_o swift_a and_o far_o fly_a arrow_n of_o the_o sharp_a natural_a wit_n nor_o the_o far_o extend_a line_n of_o long_a continue_a study_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o high_a to_o these_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n it_o be_v only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n come_v upon_o all_o these_o take_z possession_n of_o man_n soul_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n which_o bring_v this_o kind_a and_o measure_n of_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o this_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n yea_o by_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o inward_a temptation_n only_o do_v that_o bless_a spirit_n drive_v the_o thirs_o soul_n of_o god_n militant_a saint_n to_o dig_v and_o dive_v so_o deep_a into_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o to_o draw_v such_o live_a water_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o those_o well_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o yongue_n abel_n that_o by_o faith_n have_v offer_v up_o a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o his_o elder_a brother_n cain_n he_o by_o it_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n &_o by_o it_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v heb._n 11._o 4._o so_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v nor_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o book_n who_o have_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o a_o public_a place_n these_o exercise_n as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o heavenly_a learning_n do_v not_o long_o after_o leave_v this_o world_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n and_o ascend_v up_o into_o that_o supercelestial_a glory_n towards_o which_o he_o have_v ever_o bend_v all_o his_o study_n and_o desire_n and_o which_o always_o he_o have_v seek_v after_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o by_o faith_n he_o though_o yongue_n in_o year_n have_v offer_v up_o a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o many_o of_o his_o elder_a brethren_n by_o which_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v and_o shall_v speak_v to_o future_a age_n and_o as_o hereby_o he_o shall_v obtain_v witness_n of_o all_o god_n survive_v saint_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n excel_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o pilgrimage_n here_o on_o earth_n so_o god_n also_o will_v testify_v of_o this_o his_o gift_n that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o make_v it_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o save_a grace_n faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o all_o such_o as_o read_v and_o peruse_v it_o with_o true_a christian_a docilitie_n diligence_n and_o humble_a devotion_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o which_o gracious_a god_n i_o leave_v this_o work_n and_o to_o his_o grace_n commend_v you_o all_o desire_v in_o my_o daily_a prayer_n to_o be_v and_o continue_v your_o brother_n companion_n and_o fellow_n soldier_n in_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n defend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o spread_a error_n and_o spring_a heresy_n of_o this_o age_n george_n walker_n the_o table_n of_o the_o chief_a matter_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n ability_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o his_o own_o partial_a judgement_n page_n 145_o action_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n how_o far_o they_o be_v in_o a_o godly_a man_n own_o power_n 147_o admonition_n threefold_a about_o search_v the_o scripture_n 217._o etc._n etc._n affection_n twofold_a sensual_a rational_a describe_v 125_o affection_n not_o quicken_v nor_o stir_v up_o to_o love_n of_o goodness_n before_o conversion_n 125_o not_o right_o move_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o when_o thoy_z be_v affect_v spiritual_o 130_o article_n of_o the_o arminian_n faith_n 53_o arminian_n how_o they_o err_v about_o universal_a grace_n 54_o their_o error_n about_o the_o work_n of_o god_n word_n and_o man_n calling_n 99_o their_o objection_n and_o reason_n answer_v 106._o 107._o etc._n etc._n their_o error_n about_o the_o subjection_n of_o man_n natural_a affection_n to_o his_o reason_n discover_v 125._o etc._n etc._n they_o give_v large_a allowance_n of_o grace_n to_o man_n unregenerate_a 127_o their_o absurdity_n therein_o 128_o their_a gross_a error_n about_o man_n will_n discover_v 132_o etc._n etc._n their_o error_n in_o hold_v that_o conversion_n do_v begin_v and_o consist_v in_o the_o act_n only_o of_o believe_v 134_o 135._o etc._n etc._n the_o dangerous_a issue_n and_o conclusion_n of_o their_o error_n 136_o assent_n differ_v in_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n assent_v unto_o 169_o assistance_n effectual_a why_o deny_v by_o god_n at_o some_o time_n to_o the_o regenerate_a 153_o b_o baptise_v of_o infant_n lawful_a 47_o belief_n how_o it_o differ_v from_o faith_n and_o trust_v 170_o c_o calumny_n of_o arminian_n and_o jesuit_n 155_o call_v outward_a and_o inward_a describe_v 94_o how_o the_o arminian_n conceive_v of_o call_v 99_o catechise_v needful_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n preface_n page_n 6_o certainty_n of_o assent_n in_o faith_n spring_v from_o three_o ground_n the_o first_o 206_o the_o second_o 220_o the_o three_o 222_o communion_n with_o christ_n twofold_n 15_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o god_n 6._o 7_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 16._o 24_o the_o subject_a 37_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v 27_o it_o go_v before_o faith_n 4_o it_o signify_v first_o god_n infuse_v of_o habitual_a grace_n second_o the_o regenerate_a man_n actual_a employ_v of_o grace_n infuse_v 89._o 144_o conversion_n mistake_v by_o arminian_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o confusion_n in_o their_o write_n 92_o conversion_n how_o to_o be_v true_o discern_v 115_o preparative_n mean_v unto_o it_o 137._o 138_o how_o weak_a they_o be_v and_o in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a how_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sinful_a 139_o that_o they_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o how_o 140._o etc._n etc._n cooperation_n of_o god_n spirit_n necessary_a in_o all_o holy_a action_n of_o man_n regenerate_v 151_o corruption_n of_o nature_n what_o it_o be_v 5_o d_o desire_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o natural_a manner_n be_v a_o corrupt_a desire_n 130_o e_z elect_a man_n only_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n 41_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n declare_v &_o prove_v 175._o 176_o conclusion_n touch_v it_o the_o first_o 176_o the_o second_o 182_o the_o three_o ibid._n 183_o f_o fall_v from_o grace_n and_o final_a resistance_n describe_v 142_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o sanctification_n 10_o the_o habit_n and_o act_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v ibid._n it_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o root_n of_o all_o grace_n 12_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a life_n before_o it_o 13_o and_o some_o participation_n with_o christ_n 15._o 23_o it_o help_v forward_o and_o increase_v grace_n and_o all_o gracious_a action_n 14_o faith_n be_v command_v in_o
faith_n or_o belief_n in_o general_a as_o this_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a extent_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o civil_a or_o natural_a thing_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o special_a about_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o open_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o general_n will_v give_v much_o light_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o special_a consideration_n thereof_o therefore_o i_o begin_v with_o that_o first_o not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o improper_a acception_n of_o this_o word_n fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n or_o trustiness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o speak_v bonafide_fw-la faithful_o or_o trust_o and_o in_o that_o exclamation_n vestram_fw-la fidem_fw-la etc._n etc._n sometime_o for_o argument_n or_o proof_n from_o reason_n or_o authority_n bring_v to_o breed_v belief_n in_o another_o which_o acception_n be_v usual_a in_o rhetoritian_n arist._n 1._o rhet._n c._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n quintil._n l._n 5._o cap._n 10._o haec_fw-la omne_fw-la argumenta_fw-la generaliter_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n etc._n etc._n faith_n or_o belief_n in_o the_o proper_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o matter_n aâ—_n be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n from_o another_o this_o definition_n agree_v to_o belief_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n the_o genus_fw-la iâ—_n assent_n the_o difference_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n whereto_o assent_n be_v yield_v and_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o understand_v only_o by_o another_o revelation_n both_o part_n will_v be_v plain_o understand_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o three_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n cognitionis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v incident_a unto_o man_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v scientia_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d knowledge_n proper_o so_o unica_fw-la call_v which_o be_v breed_v in_o we_o by_o the_o evident_a certainty_n of_o thing_n present_v unto_o our_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o understand_v such_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o evident_a and_o infallible_a reason_n or_o when_o we_o know_v such_o particular_n as_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n when_o they_o be_v right_o dispose_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v opinio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opinion_n a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n not_o clear_o present_v unto_o reason_n or_o sense_n when_o we_o apprehend_v thing_n in_o part_n and_o obscure_o so_o that_o we_o can_v absolute_o say_v it_o be_v this_o or_o it_o be_v that_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v fides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d belief_n which_o be_v a_o knowledge_n ground_v on_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o those_o thing_n whereof_o by_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o certainty_n nor_o evidence_n only_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o such_o and_o such_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v so_o these_o three_o divers_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o express_v in_o form_n of_o speech_n agreeable_a the_o first_o when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v this_o to_o be_v so_o the_o second_o thus_o i_o think_v it_o be_v so_o the_o last_o in_o this_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o a_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o three_o apprehension_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o every_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v but_o more_o clear_o thus_o it_o stand_v 1._o knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v have_v evermore_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v know_v must_v be_v always_o apparent_a to_o the_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o sense_n by_o the_o proportionablenesse_n of_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o object_n and_o due_a application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o organ_n to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o reason_n shine_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherefore_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n be_v evermore_o evident_a and_o be_v thus_o evident_a and_o apparent_a the_o apprehension_n thereof_o in_o the_o subject_a by_o the_o sense_n and_o understanding_n must_v needs_o be_v clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a whence_o arise_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o firm_a and_o certain_a exclude_v all_o doubt_v whatsoever_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n moist_a the_o sun_n light_n that_o quicquid_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la vniversali_fw-la dicitur_fw-la vel_fw-la negatur_fw-la de_fw-la particulari_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la tertio_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la with_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n be_v evident_a make_v such_o a_o lively_a impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o clear_o discover_v their_o reasonableness_n to_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o strong_o assent_v unto_o their_o truth_n without_o all_o doubt_n 2._o opinion_n be_v contrary_a unto_o knowledge_n and_o always_o have_v uncertainetie_n in_o the_o subject_a and_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n attend_v on_o it_o for_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n uncertain_a and_o contingent_a whereof_o our_o best_a knowledge_n be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a conjecture_n as_o that_o a_o red_a evening_n and_o a_o gray_a morning_n shall_v bring_v a_o fair_a day_n again_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a enough_o and_o necessary_a yet_o unto_o we_o they_o will_v be_v but_o only_o probable_a and_o conjectural_a if_o either_o our_o sense_n through_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n perceive_v they_o not_o thorough_o or_o our_o understanding_n do_v not_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o for_o want_v of_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o our_o assent_n unto_o their_o truth_n will_v be_v always_o waver_v &_o doubtful_a without_o any_o fix_a determination_n to_o embrace_v any_o side_n resolve_o but_o so_o hold_v itself_o to_o that_o part_n which_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v most_o probable_a as_o that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o shift_v itself_o unto_o the_o other_o side_n when_o better_a reason_n shall_v be_v discover_v 3._o belief_n partly_o agree_v partly_o differ_v both_o from_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o partake_v but_o of_o one_o property_n namely_o certainty_n in_o the_o subject_a though_o very_o variable_a but_o never_o of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n both_o shall_v appear_v unto_o you_o in_o order_n for_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n it_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o quâ_fw-la tale_n it_o be_v never_o evident_a to_o the_o believer_n for_o evident_a as_o i_o say_v before_o those_o thing_n only_o be_v which_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a quality_n and_o light_n work_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n or_o both_o now_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o believe_v but_o know_v as_o for_o instance_n what_o we_o see_v hear_v touch_n taste_n or_o smell_v by_o these_o sense_n orderly_o dispose_v we_o do_v not_o say_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o we_o know_v it_o as_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a the_o water_n cold_a he_o that_o relate_v unto_o i_o a_o accident_n that_o himself_o have_v see_v he_o know_v it_o but_o i_o that_o hear_v he_o do_v believe_v it_o again_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o manifest_a and_o infallible_a reason_n those_o also_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o astronomer_n foretell_v a_o eclipse_n to_o fall_v out_o a_o hundred_o year_n hence_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o he_o know_v this_o effect_n will_v ensue_v by_o the_o infallible_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o a_o unlearned_a man_n that_o find_v this_o in_o a_o ephemerides_n he_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n thereof_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o understanding_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n for_o thing_n believe_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v of_o thing_n past_a before_o we_o be_v and_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o get_v any_o knowledge_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v astronomical_a demonstration_n as_o be_v touch_v before_o or_o such_o physical_a effect_n as_o depend_v upon_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o their_o cause_n touch_v thing_n
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large_a extent_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o the_o special_a consideration_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n be_v christian_a apply_v unto_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a matter_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n faith_n in_o this_o use_n of_o the_o word_n have_v a_o double_a acception_n 1._o improper_a and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v three_o way_n 1._o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o thing_n believe_v either_o 1._o general_o for_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n as_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o shall_v give_v heed_n to_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n see_v many_o the_o like_a place_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o gal._n 3._o 2._o &_o 1._o 23._o act._n 6._o 7._o jud._n vers_fw-la 3._o 2._o special_o for_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 23._o before_o faith_n come_v id_fw-la est_fw-la christ_n compare_v with_o ver_fw-la 19_o 24._o 25._o 2._o for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n as_o rom._n 1._o 8._o your_o faith_n be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v act._n 14._o 22._o 3._o for_o that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v fidelity_n or_o faithfulness_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o god_n rom._n 3._o 3._o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n or_o in_o man_n tit._n 2._o 10._o that_o they_o may_v show_v all_o good_a faith_n or_o faithfulness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o of_o the_o word_n take_v improper_o the_o next_o acception_n of_o it_o be_v 2._o proper_a where_o to_o give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v comprise_v in_o general_a term_n all_o the_o degree_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v fit_o define_v thus_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n give_v by_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n the_o term_n of_o this_o definition_n be_v large_a and_o require_v a_o diligent_a explication_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o facility_n attain_v our_o chief_a intent_n in_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_v or_o justify_v faith_n wherefore_o in_o the_o definition_n i_o prove_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o 1._o the_o object_n of_o faith_n divine_a revelation_n 2._o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n the_o reasonable_a creature_n 3._o the_o genus_fw-la of_o it_o viz._n assent_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o in_o that_o order_n i_o have_v propose_v ¶_o 1._o the_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n the_o creator_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n these_o revelation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o some_o immediate_a from_o god_n himself_o by_o vision_n dream_n or_o other_o secret_a but_o infallible_a suggestion_n such_o revelation_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o as_o they_o believe_v certain_o the_o thing_n reveal_v so_o they_o know_v infallible_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o illusion_n of_o satan_n or_o their_o own_o brain_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o they_o know_v it_o as_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v unto_o any_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o inward_o what_o they_o shall_v preach_v or_o answer_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o business_n or_o when_o saint_n paul_n indite_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n how_o do_v he_o or_o they_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n which_o then_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n be_v from_o immediate_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o
prove_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a whence_o they_o be_v and_o their_o right_a meaning_n how_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v they_o be_v primum_fw-la â—â—sibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n which_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a &_o itself_o too_o by_o it_o own_o proper_a quality_n wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v ask_v why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n we_o answer_v because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n again_o how_o be_v you_o sure_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v those_o natural_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o those_o sacred_a volume_n last_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o know_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n we_o answer_v we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o compare_v together_o plain_o discover_v their_o own_o right_a expesition_n in_o these_o answer_v we_o rest_v final_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o nothing_o else_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o man_n or_o all_o man_n in_o the_o church_n we_o give_v it_o all_o due_a reverence_n according_a to_o its_o place_n and_o degree_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o decision_n of_o counsel_n and_o synod_n about_o controversed_a article_n of_o religion_n the_o continual_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o minister_n thereof_o the_o manifold_a exposition_n of_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n and_o book_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o learned_a in_o their_o write_n all_o these_o we_o acknowledge_v with_o due_a regard_n &_o thankfulness_n to_o be_v bless_v mean_n for_o the_o breed_n and_o growth_n of_o 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answer_v by_o remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v &_o by_o bestow_v those_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o knowledge_n there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o twofold_a impediment_n first_o ignorance_n whereby_o our_o eye_n be_v close_v that_o we_o can_v see_v the_o light_a 〈◊〉_d second_o corruption_n whereby_o although_o we_o see_v the_o light_n yet_o we_o can_v but_o natural_o hate_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n cure_v both_o by_o a_o double_a remedy_n first_o of_o illumination_n restore_v our_o decay_a understanding_n to_o some_o â—noâ—uting_n part_n of_o its_o primitive_a perfection_n second_o of_o sanctification_n infuse_v into_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n some_o degree_n of_o their_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o purity_n by_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v 45._o the_o scripture_n &_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n law_n and_o also_o rectify_v our_o corrupt_a 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direction_n for_o the_o right_n and_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fancy_n overvalue_v nature_n ability_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a experience_n and_o by_o consequence_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o christ._n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n it_o must_v be_v know_v whereof_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o heathen_a be_v it_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o some_o inward_a suggestion_n vision_n or_o dream_n or_o by_o outward_a instruction_n from_o a_o preacher_n or_o prophet_n invisible_o convey_v unto_o they_o by_o miracle_n or_o extraordinary_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o again_o when_o be_v this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n bestow_v on_o pagan_n have_v they_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v 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the_o christian_a church_n above_o pagan_n if_o god_n ordinary_o have_v his_o church_n his_o convert_v his_o right_a worshipper_n even_o amid_o the_o darkness_n of_o gentilism_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o his_o word_n these_o opinion_n be_v as_o moulin_n speak_v like_o sick_a man_n dream_n or_o rather_o mad_a man_n rave_n 3._o let_v we_o inquire_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o speak_v as_o favourable_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o these_o pitiful_a remonstrant_n doe_n in_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v another_o manner_n of_o censure_n both_o touch_v their_o forlorn_a estate_n in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n as_o also_o the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n into_o grace_n except_o by_o great_a help_n than_o the_o arminian_n afford_v they_o of_o the_o ephesian_n paul_n testify_v that_o before_o they_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephes._n 2._o 12._o and_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n witness_v of_o all_o the_o gentile_n that_o before_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rise_v to_o they_o they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n mat._n 4._o 15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o pure_a natural_n so_o full_o express_v by_o those_o place_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o significant_o declare_v now_o for_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v convert_v the_o scripture_n deny_v they_o all_o unto_o they_o god_n favour_v they_o not_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o bestow_v grace_n on_o they_o for_o in_o time_n past_a he_o suffer_v all_o the_o gentile_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n say_v paul_n act_v 14._o 16._o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o have_v not_o for_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o every_o nation_n neither_o have_v they_o know_v his_o judgement_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o a_o preacher_n they_o have_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10._o 14._o natural_a ability_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o power_n give_v they_o from_o god_n for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o and_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o what_o shall_v we_o think_v then_o the_o poor_a american_n can_v either_o know_v or_o do_v in_o point_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o pretend_a power_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n when_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o jew_n yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o a_o special_a gift_n and_o assistance_n from_o christ_n whereof_o they_o will_v not_o say_v those_o pagan_n be_v make_v partaker_n wherefore_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v this_o monstrous_a opinion_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o conversion_n bestow_v upon_o savage_n and_o infidel_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o absurdity_n thereof_o although_o the_o sequel_n of_o their_o other_o tenant_n one_o error_n draw_v on_o another_o have_v enforce_v upon_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o defend_v this_o also_o and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o go_v abroad_o without_o the_o patronage_n of_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n they_o proceed_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o upon_o two_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v well_o use_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o heathen_a from_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o evil_a way_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o some_o sort_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o gentile_n use_v the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n well_o and_o with_o their_o best_a endeavour_n god_n be_v ready_a nay_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o one_o further_a grace_n viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o themystery_n of_o redemption_n these_o two_o be_v the_o rot_a pillar_n of_o universal_a grace_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_n which_o how_o shake_v and_o rive_v they_o be_v you_o may_v soon_o perceive_v if_o we_o peel_v off_o that_o plaster_n of_o doubtful_a word_n waver_v and_o dark_a sentence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v daub_v over_o for_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o shameful_a that_o they_o dare_v scarce_o speak_v out_o their_o mind_n plain_o but_o their_o opinion_n in_o plain_a term_n be_v this_o god_n say_v they_o have_v give_v sufficient_a strength_n to_o all_o the_o gentile_n to_o use_v their_o natural_a gift_n well_o be_v it_o so_o but_o what_o be_v this_o well_o use_v of_o natural_a gift_n it_o be_v that_o say_v they_o whereby_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n forsake_v their_o idolatrous_a and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n but_o may_v all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n yes_o for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n go_v so_o far_o as_o with_o utmost_a endeavour_n he_o
not_o 2._o deut._n 29._o 3._o 4._o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n have_v all_o instruction_n and_o persuasion_n that_o may_v be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o by_o miracle_n from_o god_n and_o his_o servant_n moses_n they_o have_v hear_v moses_n and_o god_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o great_a tentation_n miracle_n and_o wonder_n with_o their_o eye_n but_o be_v this_o sufficient_a to_o convert_v they_o no_o there_o want_v that_o within_o which_o god_n deny_v they_o for_o say_v moses_n yet_o though_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n vers_fw-la 4._o parallel_n to_o which_o be_v that_o touch_v the_o jew_n among_o who_o christ_n have_v preach_v so_o much_o and_o so_o plain_o do_v so_o many_o so_o singular_a miracle_n yet_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o joha_n 1â—_n 37._o but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o be_v not_o the_o mean_v sufficient_a no_o god_n have_v deny_v to_o reveal_v unto_o they_o his_o arm_n or_o power_n in_o give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n preach_v the_o gospel_n plain_a and_o yet_o find_v small_a credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n that_o the_o say_n of_o esaias_n the_o prophet_n may_v be_v fulfil_v that_o he_o say_v lord_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v vers_fw-la 38._o a_o very_a unreasonable_a complaint_n say_v the_o arminian_n if_o we_o construe_v it_o so_o for_o it_o be_v as_o if_o isaiah_n have_v say_v lord_n only_o the_o elect_n to_o who_o thy_o arm_n be_v reveal_v they_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o none_o of_o the_o reprobate_n have_v believe_v it_o because_o thy_o arm_n be_v never_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v and_o what_o reason_n have_v isaiah_n then_o to_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v i_o think_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v of_o purpose_n to_o check_v these_o pestilent_a gainsay_v spirit_n add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n vers_fw-la 39_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o thus_o esaias_n say_v again_o he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o so_o god_n spirit_n bring_v that_o for_o a_o good_a reason_n which_o these_o man_n count_v a_o absurdity_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v and_o why_o can_v they_o not_o â—_z the_o want_n of_o that_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n we_o stand_v for_o god_n have_v not_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n nor_o soften_v and_o sanctisy_v their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v 3._o 2._o tim._n 2_o 24_o 25_o 26._o and_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o here_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o preach_v incessant_o use_v all_o gentle_a and_o good_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n but_o will_v this_o diligence_n in_o persuasion_n and_o patient_a industry_n be_v effectual_a at_o last_o it_o may_v prove_v so_o but_o when_o it_o do_v it_o be_v not_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n if_o â—od_v peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o way_n truth_n after_o all_o outward_a mean_n use_v a_o inward_a gift_n be_v still_o to_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v unto_o reason_n and_o experience_n where_o we_o have_v these_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n 1._o from_o the_o like_a experience_n in_o christ_n calling_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o who_o he_o use_v no_o other_o word_n but_o follow_v i_o or_o follow_v i_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o so_o shortan_a invitation_n shall_v work_v so_o strange_a so_o speedy_a a_o alteration_n sraightway_o they_o leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o what_o forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v after_o a_o stranger_n they_o never_o know_v before_o with_o such_o constancy_n and_o yet_o through_o so_o much_o peril_n and_o disgrace_n and_o all_o for_o a_o word_n speak_v follow_v i_o nay_o in_o that_o word_n there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o word_n there_o go_v with_o it_o that_o power_n which_o can_v have_v command_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o those_o few_o word_n accompany_v with_o this_o secret_a virtue_n do_v more_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n than_o many_o a_o long_a sermon_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n and_o obdurate_a jew_n where_o christ_n be_v not_o please_v to_o show_v the_o like_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n so_o christ_n appear_v to_o saul_n accost_v he_o with_o this_o expostulatorie_a salutation_n saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o only_o tell_v he_o be_v ask_v that_o he_o be_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o he_o persecute_v and_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_v but_o see_v what_o a_o change_n these_o few_o word_n have_v make_v in_o a_o fierce_a rage_a persecutor_n he_o be_v on_o the_o sudden_a as_o meek_a as_o a_o lamb_n and_o now_o all_o for_o obedience_n to_o that_o name_n which_o before_o he_o furious_o persecute_v lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v command_v what_o thou_o will_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o obey_v be_v it_o external_a moral_a persuasion_n trow_v you_o that_o have_v make_v this_o wonderful_a alteration_n nor_o be_v these_o example_n to_o be_v account_v so_o extraordinary_a as_o if_o for_o the_o substance_n the_o same_o course_n be_v not_o ordinary_o observe_v be_v not_o man_n wilful_o perverse_a they_o will_v confess_v that_o when_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o hear_v one_o and_o the_o same_o sermon_n some_o one_o or_o two_o it_o may_v be_v the_o worst_a in_o the_o company_n be_v in_o a_o moment_n so_o change_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o man_n they_o be_v new_a heart_n new_a desire_n new_a affection_n all_o new_a in_o they_o they_o will_v i_o say_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a â—inger_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o force_n of_o any_o outward_a persuasion_n whatsoever_o 2._o if_o only_o a_o bare_a propose_v of_o divine_a thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n join_v with_o persuasion_n of_o command_n threaten_v and_o the_o like_a towards_o the_o will_n be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o man_n conversion_n it_o will_v be_v know_v what_o difference_n we_o shall_v make_v between_o the_o work_n of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o man_n of_o a_o divinity_n sermon_n and_o a_o good_a moral_a god_n speech_n nay_o more_o 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dispositionem_fw-la patient_a be_v â—idetur_fw-la all_o exhortation_n promise_n command_n take_v effect_v not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o but_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o he_o towards_o who_o they_o be_v use_v and_o so_o we_o see_v a_o word_n do_v more_o with_o some_o than_o a_o frown_n or_o sharp_a menace_n towards_o another_o all_o speech_n work_v as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v affect_v not_o as_o he_o intend_v that_o utter_v it_o wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v do_v on_o god_n part_n towards_o our_o conversion_n but_o the_o only_a proposal_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o accept_v of_o god_n offer_n but_o out_o
believe_a that_o depend_v whole_o on_o his_o free_a will_n which_o after_o the_o forename_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o affection_n remain_v free_a to_o choose_v or_o not_o to_o choose_v to_o consent_v or_o not_o consent_v unto_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n which_o wondrous_a doctrine_n they_o unfold_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o will_n of_o man_n say_v they_o never_o have_v have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o other_o quality_n inherent_a in_o it_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v always_o essential_a unto_o it_o namely_o liberty_n indifferentiâ—_n &_o indeterminatiâ—_n ad_fw-la actus_fw-la oppositos_fw-la wherefore_o as_o in_o adam_n it_o have_v no_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o holiness_n inherent_a in_o it_o so_o it_o lose_v none_o in_o the_o fall_n nor_o have_v it_o now_o any_o inherent_a corruption_n as_o the_o other_o faculty_n have_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o our_o regeneration_n reindued_n with_o any_o sanctify_a quality_n whatsoever_o only_o a_o 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not_o exercise_v here_o be_v then_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o opinion_n in_o brief_a when_o a_o man_n unconvert_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n he_o understand_v it_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o irresistable_o and_o necessary_o by_o so_o do_v he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v give_v he_o that_o be_v his_o will_n have_v recover_v the_o use_n of_o that_o natural_a freedom_n which_o it_o always_o have_v so_o that_o now_o he_o stand_v indifferent_a he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v assent_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v dissent_v from_o it_o this_o act_n be_v absolute_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o this_o act_n do_v he_o be_v convert_v and_o not_o till_o then_o this_o be_v that_o leaven_n of_o arminianism_n wherewith_o of_o late_a the_o whole_a lump_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v be_v sour_v this_o be_v that_o fret_a leprosy_n which_o will_v scarce_o ever_o be_v heal_v but_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o our_o neighbour_n church_n wherein_o the_o disease_n first_o breed_v let_v we_o always_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v keep_v this_o our_o church_n &_o we_o her_o child_n safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o infection_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o avoid_v it_o let_v we_o rip_v up_o this_o swell_a ulcer_n and_o wring_v out_o the_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o it_o take_v a_o particular_a view_n of_o the_o several_a error_n which_o be_v like_o a_o bed_n of_o snake_n fold_v one_o in_o another_o in_o this_o dunghill_n they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v and_o the_o ordinary_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n perfect_v and_o assist_v natural_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o herein_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v it_o may_v be_v full_o understand_v by_o natural_a reason_n in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o who_o be_v industrious_a and_o have_v a_o good_a judgement_n may_v know_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v without_o any_o supernatural_a light_n infuse_v into_o his_o understanding_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o seem_v these_o man_n in_o their_o study_n of_o divinity_n never_o seek_v after_o nor_o ever_o do_v find_v any_o other_o help_n beside_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v other_o man_n have_v no_o more_o help_n than_o themselves_o have_v we_o may_v probable_o judge_v so_o by_o those_o heretical_a opinion_n the_o immediate_a offspring_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n wherewith_o they_o have_v now_o so_o trouble_v the_o quiet_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n more_o than_o their_o own_o natural_a wisdom_n they_o may_v have_v learn_v to_o have_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o opinion_n too_o but_o how_o partial_a soever_o their_o judgement_n be_v we_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o be_v just_a and_o infallible_a who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o 18._o that_o we_o be_v blind_a 8._o that_o we_o be_v darkness_n till_o we_o be_v make_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n 5._o that_o when_o the_o light_n shine_v in_o darkness_n the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o that_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v beside_o this_o censure_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n in_o divine_a thing_n we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n acknowledge_v their_o natural_a disability_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o arminian_n scorn_n hence_o those_o frequent_a supplication_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n open_v 119._o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o law_n o_o give_v i_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v live_v teach_v i_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n make_v i_o to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o precept_n with_o many_o such_o like_a prayer_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o perverseness_n to_o affirm_v that_o david_n pray_v only_o for_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n whereto_o by_o study_n and_o use_v of_o his_o natural_a part_n he_o may_v possible_o attain_v and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n which_o he_o make_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 18._o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n sure_o a_o arminian_n will_v hardly_o say_v amen_n to_o this_o prayer_n for_o to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o have_v not_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o ephesian_n plain_o enough_o have_v not_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o not_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o can_v understand_v what_o paul_n mean_v when_o he_o preach_v or_o write_v unto_o they_o what_o need_v then_o to_o pray_v yet_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n and_o enlighten_v their_o eye_n when_o thing_n be_v so_o reveal_v as_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v and_o see_v
much_o be_v our_o assent_n weaken_v but_o of_o the_o three_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v the_o chief_a who_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n certain_o know_v unto_o we_o will_v move_v we_o to_o a_o certain_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o apprehend_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o consequence_n nor_o discern_v any_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n at_o all_o whereas_o if_o one_o that_o have_v neither_o wit_n nor_o honesty_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n whereof_o we_o also_o see_v the_o probability_n and_o truth_n in_o part_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o belief_n though_o he_o may_v move_v we_o to_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o assent_n be_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v common_a to_o knowledge_n opinion_n and_o belief_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o exact_a knowledge_n our_o assent_n be_v always_o firm_a and_o unremovable_a in_o opinion_n it_o be_v always_o waver_v and_o mutable_a in_o belief_n it_o be_v certain_a but_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o different_a concurrence_n of_o those_o three_o forename_a ground_n now_o out_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v let_v these_o two_o conclusion_n be_v careful_o observe_v 1._o that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o belief_n which_o rule_v you_o must_v understand_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n not_o of_o divers_a thus_o he_o that_o most_o firm_o believe_v any_o truth_n upon_o the_o former_a ground_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v it_o as_o a_o countryman_n who_o strong_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n or_o least_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o whole_a earth_n upon_o the_o affirmation_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o honest_a mathematician_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o when_o afterward_o he_o know_v it_o by_o infallible_a demonstration_n but_o now_o in_o divers_a kind_n our_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o our_o knowledge_n of_o other_o as_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a thing_n upon_o god_n testimony_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o our_o reason_n because_o our_o understanding_n have_v always_o this_o prejudice_n that_o in_o the_o general_a it_o may_v possible_o err_v but_o god_n word_n can_v err_v at_o all_o 2._o that_o perfect_a knowledge_n take_v away_o all_o belief_n supra_fw-la that_o be_v for_o so_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n exclude_v all_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o perfect_a knowledge_n in_o one_o thing_n may_v help_v our_o belief_n in_o another_o and_o knowledge_n in_o part_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v much_o strengthen_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o other_o part_n but_o here_o in_o this_o opposition_n between_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n your_o must_v always_o remember_v what_o knowledge_n we_o mean_v namely_o scientiam_fw-la intuitivam_fw-la or_o per_fw-la visionem_fw-la that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v have_v by_o behold_v thing_n in_o their_o proper_a nature_n but_o not_o scientiam_fw-la disciplinarem_fw-la or_o per_fw-la revelationeâ—_n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v get_v by_o discourse_n and_o relation_n of_o other_o and_o so_o these_o two_o proposition_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v not_o and_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v be_v not_o opposite_a each_o to_o other_o for_o it_o be_v true_a we_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v namely_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a sight_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o we_o beeleeve_v that_o which_o we_o do_v know_v viz._n by_o relation_n which_o so_o far_o forth_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o it_o be_v we_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o must_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v give_v to_o matter_n thus_o know_v knowledge_n that_o be_v by_o vision_n or_o intuition_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o sense_n or_o understanding_n in_o their_o proper_a evidence_n enforce_v assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n know_v for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o the_o understanding_n can_v but_o approve_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o college_n of_o the_o sceptike_n of_o old_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o society_n of_o fool_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d perpetual_a doubtfulness_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o than_o madness_n when_o they_o will_v not_o assent_v that_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n shine_v when_o they_o look_v on_o it_o nor_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v hot_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o burn_v nor_o will_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n in_o reason_n &_o nature_n and_o such_o be_v anaxagoras_n his_o dull_a melancholy_a or_o wilful_a frenzy_n to_o maintain_v in_o good_a sadness_n that_o the_o snow_n be_v black_a for_o such_o be_v the_o natural_a assinity_n between_o evident_a truth_n and_o our_o understanding_n that_o though_o we_o will_v yet_o wecannot_v but_o subscribe_v and_o yield_v our_o allowance_n and_o assent_n unto_o it_o whence_o it_o fall_v out_o many_o time_n that_o a_o usurer_n a_o chuch-robber_n or_o some_o other_o not_o willing_a to_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o course_n though_o doubtful_a whether_o lawful_a or_o not_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o life_n read_v such_o or_o such_o a_o book_n write_v on_o those_o subject_n for_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o know_v more_o than_o he_o be_v content_a to_o practice_v and_o that_o his_o conscience_n shall_v be_v convict_v in_o spite_n of_o his_o will_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o that_o other_o knowledge_n by_o relation_n let_v a_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o plain_o deliver_v so_o that_o we_o full_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v yet_o if_o neither_o our_o own_o sense_n nor_o reason_n do_v convince_v we_o we_o assent_v may_v choose_v whether_o or_o no_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o assent_v unto_o it_o embrace_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o very_a natural_a property_n of_o man_n never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o other_o report_n till_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v and_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o by_o evident_a experience_n draw_v the_o lively_a picture_n of_o any_o man_n the_o most_o curious_a landship_n of_o any_o country_n it_o content_v not_o we_o must_v see_v both_o the_o one_o and_o other_o set_a down_o the_o most_o try_a experiment_n in_o nature_n take_v by_o most_o skilful_a artist_n this_o please_v not_o other_o till_o their_o own_o trial_n confirm_v they_o general_o every_o man_n will_v fain_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n hear_v with_o his_o own_o ear_n understand_v by_o his_o own_o not_o another_o man_n reason_n in_o which_o inclination_n of_o nature_n lie_v the_o original_n of_o all_o the_o distrust_n and_o diffidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o restless_a inquiry_n which_o we_o make_v one_o after_o another_o into_o the_o same_o thing_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v bulâ—ed_v in_o examine_v our_o forefather_n invention_n and_o posterity_n also_o employ_v in_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o examination_n neither_o we_o nor_o they_o have_v much_o time_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o learned_a knowledge_n hence_o also_o may_v we_o guess_v at_o one_o cause_n why_o many_o science_n even_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v keep_v one_o pitch_n and_o not_o grow_v above_o that_o dwarfish_a stature_n they_o have_v in_o their_o infant_n invention_n and_o also_o what_o the_o reason_n be_v why_o many_o that_o read_v most_o prove_v not_o the_o deep_a scholar_n for_o no_o great_a impediment_n to_o exact_a learning_n than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o man_n understanding_n and_o neglect_v our_o own_o it_o will_v also_o hence_o appear_v that_o history_n a_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a employment_n be_v yet_o of_o all_o study_a learning_n the_o weak_a to_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n because_o that_o depend_v whole_o upon_o such_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o man_n mind_n desire_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o at_o all_o namely_o another_o tongue_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o very_o usual_o those_o that_o be_v of_o credulous_a and_o passive_a understanding_n least_o able_a to_o employ_v their_o own_o strength_n in_o painful_a and_o attentive_a inquiry_n after_o knowledge_n such_o do_v not_o unwilling_o apply_v their_o diligence_n to_o that_o course_n of_o study_n but_o i_o
it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o commandment_n as_o a_o singular_a part_n of_o that_o inward_a worship_n due_a unto_o our_o creator_n consist_v principal_o in_o those_o three_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o fear_v these_o thing_n thus_o explain_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o the_o forename_a double_a relation_n and_o first_o as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n true_a â—aith_n respect_v all_o this_o and_o only_o this_o only_o this_o because_o in_o divine_a revelation_n only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o infallible_a truth_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o again_o all_o this_o because_o every_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v sacrosancta_fw-la worthy_a of_o all_o belief_n and_o reverence_n threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n precept_n exhortation_n admonition_n history_n every_o part_n of_o the_o word_n fall_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o save_v faith_n by_o the_o same_o holy_a faith_n whereby_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n believe_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n of_o christ_n do_v he_o also_o believe_v all_o other_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n with_o other_o inferior_a matter_n declare_v in_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a but_o the_o chief_a point_n to_o be_v note_v here_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o stand_v in_o universality_n and_o uniformity_n of_o assent_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v from_o god_n this_o universality_n of_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a regard_n 1._o of_o the_o object_n the_o thing_n believe_v when_o the_o faithful_a soul_n give_v full_a assent_n unto_o all_o thing_n reveal_v by_o god_n not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o it_o may_v assent_v unto_o without_o cross_v its_o own_o desire_n and_o purpose_n but_o unto_o those_o also_o that_o direct_o cross_v and_o oppose_v carnal_a reason_n carnal_a affection_n worldly_a pleasure_n and_o all_o other_o provocation_n to_o infidelity_n 2._o of_o the_o time_n and_o other_o particular_a circumstance_n whilst_o it_o do_v most_o hearty_o and_o inward_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o these_o thing_n not_o then_o alone_o when_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o contradiction_n and_o resistance_n but_o even_o then_o also_o most_o eager_o fix_v the_o aâ—â—iance_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o they_o when_o temptation_n rise_v when_o heretic_n dispute_v and_o cavil_n when_o humane_a reason_n fail_v and_o fall_v to_o argue_v of_o impossibility_n and_o unlikelihood_n when_o sinful_a lust_n hale_v this_o way_n and_o that_o when_o the_o world_n threaten_v or_o slatter_v when_o satan_n rage_v or_o speak_v fair_a then_o do_v true_a faith_n support_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n stand_v fast_o as_o mount_n zion_n or_o if_o shake_a a_o little_a it_o be_v not_o move_v out_o of_o his_o place_n but_o look_v beyond_o all_o present_a temptation_n to_o unbelief_n unto_o the_o everlasting_a and_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o prefer_v that_o which_o he_o say_v above_o all_o that_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n the_o devil_n can_v promise_v or_o threaten_v to_o the_o contrary_n now_o in_o this_o point_n stand_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n these_o have_v always_o their_o limitation_n they_o believe_v something_o but_o not_o all_o if_o all_o it_o be_v but_o in_o general_n when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_a proof_n they_o bid_v farewell_n to_o say_v when_o such_o circumstance_n come_v in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o love_v or_o fear_v more_o than_o they_o do_v god_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v sincere_a fair_a open_a universal_a without_o distinction_n equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o other_o hypocritical_a and_o jesuitical_a shâ—fts_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o sanctify_a soul_n right_o apprehend_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o wisdom_n outstrip_v in_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v set_v against_o it_o it_o judge_v than_o no_o good_a can_v be_v equal_a to_o that_o which_o god_n promise_v no_o evil_a so_o great_a as_o what_o he_o threaten_v no_o course_n so_o safe_a as_o what_o he_o prescribe_v whereupon_o absolute_o without_o all_o qualification_n the_o soul_n cast_v itself_o upon_o god_n resolve_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o he_o please_v whereupon_o though_o in_o particular_a practice_n it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o weak_a in_o the_o application_n of_o other_o yet_o in_o the_o habitual_a resolution_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o do_v willing_o yield_v assent_n and_o conformity_n to_o all_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o david_n in_o a_o passion_n may_v call_v samuel_n a_o lie_a prophet_n for_o 〈◊〉_d he_o he_o shall_v be_v king_n and_o after_o abusie_a dispute_n maintain_v upon_o politic_a worldly_a consideration_n câ—nciâ—de_v that_o therâ—â—_n no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o thâ—_n hand_n of_o sâ—â—l_n so_o peter_n in_o a_o bodily_a fear_n may_v chance_v deny_v he_o in_o who_o yet_o he_o true_o believe_v so_o in_o aâ—l_n a_o strong_a sit_v of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o violent_a encounter_n may_v push_v their_o buckler_n of_o faith_n aside_o but_o yet_o it_o can_v strike_v it_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n if_o they_o give_v a_o little_a ground_n they_o will_v not_o fly_v the_o field_n but_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v holy_a and_o entire_a they_o return_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o stand_n where_o the_o shame_n of_o a_o foil_n take_v make_v they_o knit_v their_o strength_n together_o and_o stand_v more_o stout_o in_o the_o combat_n but_o my_o brethren_n here_o be_v the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o when_o there_o be_v a_o false_a heart_n within_o that_o keep_v itself_o in_o a_o habitual_a resolution_n not_o to_o believe_v and_o trust_v god_n in_o such_o thing_n or_o upon_o such_o and_o suchoccasion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n what_o ever_o show_v of_o true_a faith_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v in_o the_o generality_n or_o some_o few_o particular_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o at_o all_o in_o that_o heart_n but_o horrible_a hypocrisy_n and_o infidelity_n such_o nevertheless_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o thorough_o search_v out_o and_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v their_o evil_a affection_n nor_o exact_o calculate_v what_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n will_v cost_v they_o nor_o yet_o due_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o undertake_v this_o profession_n be_v become_v their_o own_o carver_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n take_v only_o so_o much_o of_o it_o into_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o dear_a lust_n will_v give_v leave_n these_o man_n be_v just_a of_o the_o samaritan_n religion_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o serve_v their_o image_n so_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n yet_o obey_v their_o lust_n 41._o but_o as_o it_o be_v then_o none_o be_v find_v more_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n than_o these_o samaritan_n who_o by_o reproach_n accusation_n and_o conspiracy_n cruel_o vex_v that_o poor_a people_n and_o hinder_v the_o restauration_n of_o their_o afflict_a estate_n even_o then_o when_o with_o feign_a flattery_n they_o proffer_v their_o service_n tell_v the_o jew_n they_o will_v build_v with_o they_o because_o they_o also_o seek_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n so_o fare_v it_o with_o these_o man_n who_o belief_n and_o forwardness_n in_o some_o thing_n can_v 2._o make_v demonstration_n of_o so_o much_o friendship_n to_o religion_n as_o their_o constant_a baulk_a and_o falter_v in_o other_o testify_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n bear_v hateful_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n take_v i_o any_o man_n who_o bewitch_v with_o custom_n commodity_n or_o pleasure_n give_v himself_o scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n be_v it_o secret_a or_o open_a as_o constant_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o private_a accustom_a mispending_a of_o precious_a hour_n due_a to_o the_o business_n of_o our_o study_n and_o calling_n usual_a swear_n secret_a thought_n and_o practice_n of_o uncleanness_n unsatiable_a desire_n of_o earthly_a greatness_n and_o abundance_n unjust_a increase_n of_o wealth_n by_o usury_n bribery_n or_o other_o secret_a indirect_a course_n excuse_v love_n of_o some_o though_o lawful_a pleasure_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v take_v i_o such_o a_o man_n that_o allow_v himself_o in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a practice_n contrary_a to_o god_n most_o holy_a law_n and_o he_o will_v be_v find_v though_o in_o name_n a_o christian_a yet_o in_o heart_n a_o infidel_n for_o try_v now_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
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