man_n unto_o god_n repent_v and_o believe_v thâ—_n gospel_n so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o now_o for_o conclusion_n at_o this_o time_n lie_v all_o these_o error_n together_o and_o see_v what_o be_v the_o final_a upshot_n of_o this_o opinion_n all_o thing_n be_v reckon_v it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a there_o be_v natural_o very_o little_a or_o no_o corruption_n and_o unto_o his_o regeneration_n there_o be_v require_v little_a or_o no_o grace_n that_o i_o be_v not_o think_v to_o slander_v they_o both_o will_v appear_v unto_o you_o to_o be_v true_a thus_o first_o that_o they_o annihilate_v and_o overthrow_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v in_o our_o conversion_n chief_o to_o be_v respect_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o their_o doctrine_n grace_n have_v no_o work_n upon_o any_o of_o these_o not_o upon_o the_o understanding_n to_o enlighten_v it_o for_o say_v they_o that_o 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and_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n forlorn_a estate_n 3._o a_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o god_n punish_v vengeance_n join_v with_o a_o natural_a grief_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o so_o much_o unavoidable_a misery_n 4._o a_o thought_n and_o wish_n for_o freedom_n by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o 5._o some_o slight_a hope_n of_o help_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n so_o general_o make_v as_o none_o seem_v to_o be_v exclude_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n whereof_o some_o kind_n of_o joy_n will_v also_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o which_o together_o may_v cause_v some_o kind_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n in_o do_v of_o many_o thing_n glad_o and_o a_o not_o unwilling_a abstinence_n from_o other_o touch_v these_o preparation_n unto_o conversion_n you_o be_v to_o note_v these_o three_o position_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o necessary_a this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v against_o those_o overbroad_o and_o unadvised_a speech_n of_o some_o 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head_n agenda_fw-la and_o credenda_fw-la do_v and_o believe_v which_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o make_v the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o all_o wholesome_a doctrine_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o epitome_n of_o love_n be_v the_o moral_a law_n brief_o contain_v in_o ten_o more_o brief_o in_o two_o precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o sum_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a deliver_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v short_o draw_v into_o that_o excellent_a compendium_n which_o we_o now_o use_v and_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o evangelicall_n doctrine_n both_o these_o faith_n and_o love_n have_v one_o common_a adversary_n satan_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o assault_v and_o whether_o more_o 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may_v by_o natural_a help_n then_o god_n be_v ready_a and_o bind_v in_o equity_n to_o give_v he_o great_a grace_n well_o what_o be_v this_o further_a or_o great_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v in_o christ._n so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o conclusion_n before_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n a_o heathen_a man_n may_v so_o bestir_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a help_n that_o he_o may_v convert_v true_o unto_o god_n know_v and_o serve_v he_o right_o in_o part_n and_o upon_o his_o so_o do_v god_n will_v give_v a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o perfect_v what_o be_v begin_v i_o can_v well_o say_v whether_o these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o serious_a refutation_n which_o have_v they_o be_v defend_v in_o former_a age_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n but_o see_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o man_n grow_v wanton_a and_o use_v neither_o grace_n nor_o nature_n as_o 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be_v that_o place_n act._n 14._o 16_o 17._o who_o in_o time_n pass_v suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n from_o hence_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v frame_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n clear_o show_v what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o we_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o gracious_a bounty_n together_o with_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n dictate_v unto_o we_o what_o duty_n it_o be_v we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o do_v of_o good_a or_o forbear_n of_o evil_a these_o two_o book_n be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o man_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o become_v thankful_a but_o all_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o direction_n of_o 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the_o right_a worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n that_o this_o may_v appear_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v i_o your_o patience_n whilst_o once_o for_o all_o we_o take_v a_o general_a survey_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o supernatural_a help_n and_o whilst_o of_o such_o a_o one_o we_o do_v inquire_v how_o far_o he_o may_v go_v in_o religion_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o which_o search_n we_o be_v for_o our_o more_o distinct_a proceed_n to_o examine_v 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o far_o they_o may_v proceed_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o mere_o natural_a understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n 2._o the_o effect_n which_o this_o knowledge_n may_v work_v in_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o practice_n and_o obedience_n to_o what_o they_o know_v touch_v the_o former_a there_o may_v be_v a_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o it_o 1._o how_o far_o the_o heathen_a have_v go_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o may_v have_v go_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n if_o they_o have_v careful_o use_v all_o nature_n help_n for_o this_o question_n be_v define_v in_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o hypothesis_n take_v a_o historical_a view_n of_o the_o heathen_n knowledge_n by_o those_o record_n of_o it_o that_o be_v remain_v upon_o their_o write_n we_o must_v ascend_v high_a to_o the_o thesis_n to_o see_v what_o they_o may_v have_v do_v more_o than_o they_o have_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v there_o be_v and_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_a many_o who_o beside_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o nature_n have_v extraordinary_a ability_n and_o endowment_n by_o a_o special_a though_o not_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v fit_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o most_o secret_a hide_a principle_n and_o 31._o conclusion_n in_o all_o learned_a art_n and_o for_o the_o wise_a application_n of_o they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o practice_n a_o point_n easy_o demonstrable_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o singular_a excellency_n of_o some_o few_o in_o all_o time_n above_o the_o common_a pitch_n of_o man_n ordinary_a condition_n though_o not_o above_o that_o whereto_o mere_a nature_n be_v advanceable_a which_o whether_o it_o depend_v partly_o on_o some_o peculiar_a temper_n of_o the_o body_n and_o spirit_n not_o usual_a partly_o on_o the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n or_o both_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o rare_a privilege_n exempt_v not_o the_o possessor_n of_o they_o from_o be_v natural_a man_n and_o no_o more_o now_o whether_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n qualify_v do_v employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o best_a that_o be_v divine_a thing_n it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o guess_v at_o former_a time_n either_o by_o the_o monument_n of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o temper_n of_o this_o present_a age_n we_o may_v now_o see_v and_o if_o such_o do_v not_o scorn_v to_o be_v pity_v we_o will_v lament_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o fine_a rare_a and_o most_o heroical_a wit_n who_o do_v general_o spend_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o mean_a and_o inferior_a excellency_n and_o most_o common_o in_o curious_a and_o fruitless_a employment_n scarce_o ever_o aspire_v to_o any_o achievement_n worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o man_n of_o their_o part_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o divine_a and_o sacred_a inquisition_n the_o humble_a and_o painful_a study_n whereof_o be_v most_o opposite_a to_o their_o negligence_n &_o presumption_n for_o former_a time_n it_o
cause_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n few_o i_o say_v will_v be_v find_v who_o love_n to_o virtue_n grow_v not_o hot_a or_o cold_o according_a as_o hope_n of_o temporal_a reward_n or_o fear_v of_o loss_n increase_v or_o slacken_v the_o flame_n as_o for_o hypocrite_n the_o case_n be_v most_o apparent_a in_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o pharisee_n between_o 6._o who_o and_o the_o heathen_a there_o be_v little_a difference_n in_o these_o point_n unless_o that_o these_o hypocry_n be_v the_o worse_o 2._o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v rather_o negative_a than_o positive_a in_o forbear_v more_o than_o in_o do_v he_o be_v magis_fw-la extra_fw-la vitia_n quam_fw-la cum_fw-la virtutibus_fw-la a_o harmless_a conversation_n be_v repute_v for_o a_o virtuous_a innocence_n and_o he_o be_v esteem_v very_o good_a that_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o other_o be_v experience_n show_v it_o in_o all_o natural_a man_n who_o content_n themselves_o in_o a_o freedom_n from_o such_o vice_n as_o they_o see_v and_o dislike_v in_o other_o man_n though_o themselves_o have_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o little_a goodness_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o see_v they_o want_v the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v incline_v they_o to_o good_a practice_n and_o have_v only_o his_o restrain_v grace_n which_o keep_v they_o from_o break_v out_o into_o those_o enormity_n whereby_o they_o will_v short_o disturb_v and_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a society_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n general_o respect_v other_o more_o than_o himself_o his_o righteousness_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v testae_fw-la populo_fw-la be_v great_a than_o his_o sobriety_n in_o regard_n of_o himself_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v testae_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o conscientia_fw-la for_o in_o those_o common_a affair_n between_o man_n and_o man_n which_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o censure_n of_o many_o man_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v their_o credit_n and_o esteem_v as_o know_v that_o common_o man_n judge_v of_o other_o by_o their_o common_a practice_n and_o intercourse_n in_o public_a business_n more_o than_o by_o their_o private_a and_o personal_a quality_n hence_o many_o have_v be_v good_a governor_n and_o commander_n both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n that_o for_o their_o particular_n have_v be_v vicious_a person_n many_o good_a for_o the_o common_a bad_a for_o their_o private_a wealth_n good_a subject_n good_a neighbour_n etc._n etc._n yet_o bad_a man_n deal_v in_o this_o case_n as_o covetous_a man_n do_v in_o feast_v who_o however_o spare_v they_o be_v in_o their_o private_a and_o daily_a spend_n yet_o in_o public_a entertainment_n exceed_v all_o for_o costly_a provision_n few_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o many_o will_v judge_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o that_o which_o they_o once_o see_v and_o approve_v of_o so_o that_o the_o maxim_n of_o politician_n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o virtue_n be_v a_o commodity_n the_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o a_o burden_n seem_v to_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o very_a dregs_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v general_o the_o utmost_a aim_n of_o a_o sinful_a man_n to_o cover_v his_o shameful_a but_o belove_a vice_n with_o the_o mantle_n of_o otherwise-disdained_n honesty_n 4._o the_o natural_a man_n goodness_n be_v not_o general_n but_o confine_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o one_o or_o few_o virtue_n those_o whereto_o his_o natural_a inclination_n and_o civil_a institution_n do_v best_a lead_v he_o this_o may_v be_v find_v true_a even_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o heathen_a who_o excel_v some_o in_o fortitude_n some_o in_o justice_n some_o in_o liberality_n some_o in_o temperance_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o almost_o have_v their_o great_a vice_n mingle_v with_o their_o great_a virtue_n that_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v love_v for_o the_o one_o or_o hate_v for_o the_o other_o wherein_o yet_o they_o deal_v politic_o pravitatem_fw-la unius_fw-la probitate_fw-la alterius_fw-la compensantes_fw-la as_o salvian_n speak_v so_o counterpoyse_v vice_n with_o virtue_n that_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o some_o virtue_n please_v and_o profitable_a to_o other_o they_o with_o less_o apprehension_n do_v free_o practice_v many_o vice_n no_o less_o please_v and_o commodious_a to_o themselves_o 5_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o entire_o good_a nor_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o far_o the_o action_n of_o the_o heathen_a may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n in_o moral_a action_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v 1._o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n 2._o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o moral_a action_n be_v its_o conformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o law_n when_o that_o thing_n be_v do_v which_o be_v command_v by_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o circumstance_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o action_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o efficient_a cause_n or_o person_n that_o do_v the_o work_n 2._o in_o the_o end_n or_o scope_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o work_v both_o these_o i_o call_v circumstance_n of_o a_o moral_a action_n because_o by_o they_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o action_n be_v not_o vary_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o acceptation_n or_o reward_n for_o that_o he_o be_v a_o liberal_a man_n that_o give_v a_o alm_n or_o a_o true_a friend_n that_o do_v a_o friendly_a office_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o work_n itself_o for_o a_o covetous_a man_n or_o a_o enemy_n may_v do_v the_o like_a but_o with_o this_o difference_n only_o that_o it_o can_v be_v accept_v or_o count_v thanksworthy_a at_o their_o hand_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o make_v a_o good_a work_n please_v to_o god_n its_o necessary_a the_o person_n himself_o be_v first_o sanctify_v and_o regenerate_v but_o to_o do_v a_o work_n good_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a further_o for_o a_o servant_n or_o any_o other_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n upon_o constraint_n upon_o fear_n at_o unaware_o etc._n etc._n alter_v the_o case_n much_o in_o respect_n of_o favourable_a acceptance_n and_o merit_n of_o reward_n but_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o such_o service_n which_o may_v be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o one_o that_o perform_v they_o willing_o and_o out_o of_o regard_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o work_n that_o be_v perform_v out_o of_o hypocrisy_n custom_n formality_n compulsion_n or_o by_o chance_n may_v be_v a_o work_n good_a in_o itself_o but_o never_o find_v favour_n and_o reward_n with_o god_n unless_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conscience_n again_o for_o the_o end_v propose_v in_o all_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o a_o good_a end_n mend_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o bad_a action_n nor_o yet_o a_o bad_a end_n mar_v the_o goodness_n of_o any_o virtuous_a work_n both_o be_v mere_o accidental_a not_o essential_a to_o the_o action_n itself_o true_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o we_o do_v corrupt_v a_o good_a action_n by_o a_o bad_a meaning_n though_o as_o we_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o mar_v then_o than_o to_o make_v we_o can_v infuse_v any_o goodness_n into_o a_o vicious_a action_n by_o a_o virtuous_a intention_n but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o who_o get_v no_o benefit_n by_o such_o a_o work_n otherwise_o the_o action_n of_o a_o liberal_a man_n of_o a_o valiant_a man_n of_o a_o good_a commonwealth_n man_n though_o do_v for_o private_a respect_n of_o commodity_n or_o commendation_n may_v be_v in_o themselves_o as_o good_a and_o by_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o intention_n will_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a affection_n to_o virtue_n and_o sincere_a aim_n at_o public_a benefit_n so_o likewise_o all_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o the_o heathen_a though_o do_v for_o private_a and_o carnal_a end_n may_v be_v the_o same_o for_o goodness_n with_o those_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o christian_n with_o those_o spiritual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n only_o god_n accept_v not_o alike_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v to_o serve_v ourselves_o as_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o his_o honour_n as_o man_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n will_v do_v the_o same_o now_o then_o see_v the_o law_n command_v the_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o good_a and_o acceptable_a action_n that_o as_o we_o do_v 5._o all_o so_o we_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 what_o difference_n can_v be_v make_v between_o satan_n temptation_n and_o all_o the_o sacred_a suggestion_n of_o god_n word_n yea_o whether_o satan_n seducement_n to_o evil_a be_v not_o likely_a to_o prove_v always_o more_o powerful_a than_o god_n persuasion_n to_o goodness_n because_o in_o both_o case_n the_o work_n itself_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o our_o arbitrement_n and_o then_o satan_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n clear_o on_o his_o side_n so_o that_o by_o this_o arminian_n doctrine_n man_n conversion_n be_v even_o desperate_a see_v satan_n be_v as_o powerful_a and_o certain_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o pervert_v as_o god_n be_v to_o convert_v this_o blasphemous_a absurdity_n the_o arminian_n can_v shift_v their_o hand_n of_o though_o they_o strive_v in_o vain_a about_o it_o 3._o the_o old_a rule_n must_v here_o be_v remember_v passio_fw-la râ—cipitur_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la per_fw-la conditionem_fw-la agent_n be_v quam_fw-la 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
of_o that_o enmity_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o goodness_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o our_o 7._o nature_n we_o shall_v all_o universal_o and_o final_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o discretion_n whither_o or_o no_o we_o will_v receive_v it_o except_o our_o tongue_n be_v first_o bring_v unto_o a_o right_a temper_n purge_v from_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a humour_n that_o have_v overflow_v and_o infect_v they_o we_o shall_v distaste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o nothing_o will_v seem_v so_o unsavoury_a to_o our_o relish_n as_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n our_o distemper_a disorder_a and_o crooked_a disposition_n must_v be_v first_o rectify_v by_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n before_o we_o can_v possible_o take_v any_o true_a benefit_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v thus_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o second_o main_a conclusion_n stand_v good_a that_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o sanctification_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v because_o none_o of_o those_o other_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v they_o be_v sufficient_a but_o only_o the_o inward_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v not_o bestow_v on_o all_o because_o wheresoever_o it_o work_v it_o be_v always_o infallible_o effectual_a by_o no_o mean_n possible_o to_o be_v hinder_v which_o shall_v be_v further_o show_v in_o our_o three_o question_n touch_v the_o controversy_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o a_o scruple_n or_o two_o cast_v into_o our_o way_n by_o the_o adversary_n will_v be_v remove_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v never_o separate_v and_o for_o it_o they_o bring_v scripture_n and_o reason_n scripture_n 1._o esa._n 55._o 11._o the_o word_n that_o go_v out_o of_o my_o mouth_n shall_v not_o return_v unto_o i_o void_a but_o it_o shall_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v prosper_v in_o the_o thing_n whereto_o i_o send_v it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o place_n intend_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v unto_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o large_a sense_n we_o grant_v that_o at_o every_o sermon_n the_o prophet_n or_o preacher_n make_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o his_o word_n but_o how_o to_o make_v it_o powerful_a unto_o conversion_n in_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v nothing_o less_o it_o suffice_v that_o that_o be_v do_v in_o some_o only_a for_o who_o sake_n god_n chief_o send_v it_o for_o other_o that_o be_v disobedient_a god_n have_v his_o work_n in_o they_o too_o namely_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o judgement_n though_o not_o of_o grace_n 2._o 3._o act._n 7._o 51._o you_o have_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n viz._n who_o virtue_n be_v show_v upon_o their_o heart_n in_o and_o together_o with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o that_o either_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n or_o when_o they_o hear_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v wilful_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o know_v these_o be_v just_o say_v to_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o resist_v his_o 24._o ordinance_n and_o his_o work_n enlighten_v their_o understanding_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n the_o jew_n have_v both_o and_o resist_v 10._o both_o but_o it_o can_v appear_v by_o this_o place_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o quicken_a virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v effectual_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jew_n unregenerate_a only_o they_o have_v the_o external_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o also_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o effect_n the_o spirit_n work_v ordinary_o in_o most_o but_o not_o universal_o in_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n 3._o heb._n 6._o 4._o 5._o and_o 10._o 26._o 29._o but_o these_o place_n as_o they_o touch_v only_o some_o of_o the_o unregenerate_a which_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n wrought_v upon_o not_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v so_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o appear_v upon_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o by_o that_o save_v and_o quicken_a power_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a cause_n of_o true_a sanctification_n but_o only_o a_o more_o special_a degree_n of_o a_o inferior_a grace_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o reason_n which_o they_o allege_v be_v thâ—se_a 1._o if_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o go_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n do_v not_o sincere_o mean_v that_o which_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o for_o outward_o by_o his_o word_n he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o who_o yet_o secret_o he_o will_v not_o have_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o if_o he_o will_v have_v they_o come_v why_o do_v he_o not_o give_v they_o that_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o which_o he_o know_v they_o can_v come_v as_o for_o example_n when_o by_o the_o word_n he_o call_v upon_o man_n and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o convert_v if_o he_o will_v this_o serious_o why_o do_v not_o god_n bestow_v on_o man_n all_o such_o help_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v require_v on_o his_o part_n inward_a as_o well_o as_o outward_a without_o which_o they_o can_v convert_v if_o he_o will_v it_o not_o serious_o why_o do_v he_o command_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v they_o can_v nay_o we_o know_v he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o do_v be_v not_o this_o dissemble_a to_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o mean_v another_o to_o will_v one_o thing_n in_o word_n another_o in_o secret_a intent_n answ._n none_o more_o damnable_a hypocrite_n than_o they_o that_o will_v accuse_v god_n of_o counterfeit_v he_o deal_v plain_o fair_o open_o speak_v as_o he_o mean_v and_o as_o it_o please_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v if_o he_o bid_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v well_o he_o will_v true_o have_v he_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v it_o his_o secret_a desire_n he_o shall_v continue_v in_o his_o wickedness_n when_o he_o open_o exhort_v he_o to_o come_v unto_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o double_a will_n in_o god_n 1._o voluntas_fw-la approbationis_fw-la of_o allowance_n god_n as_o he_o know_v so_o he_o like_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o intend_v never_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v 2_o voluntas_fw-la effectionâ—s_fw-la &_o â—â—tentionis_fw-la of_o performance_n when_o god_n intend_v that_o shall_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o he_o approve_v as_o good_a in_o itself_o now_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n god_n will_v it_o serious_o by_o way_n of_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n that_o the_o creature_n shall_v convert_v to_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o creator_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n true_o good_a and_o god_n just_o command_v it_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n can_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n perform_v it_o god_n do_v true_o approve_v and_o like_v well_o of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o will_n the_o conversion_n of_o all_o man_n effectual_o by_o way_n of_o full_a intention_n to_o work_v it_o in_o they_o if_o man_n can_v do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v his_o bind_a duty_n he_o shall_v well_o and_o good_a god_n will_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o god_n will_v not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o a_o man_n strength_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v he_o bind_v so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o fraud_n nor_o sancta_fw-la simulatio_fw-la or_o duplex_fw-la persona_fw-la in_o god_n as_o some_o impious_o at_o least_o imagine_v as_o if_o his_o word_n have_v a_o meaning_n contrary_n to_o his_o secret_a intent_n no_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n be_v sincere_a what_o he_o command_v he_o will_v to_o be_v do_v as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o good_a and_o on_o our_o part_n our_o pure_a due_a obedience_n to_o do_v it_o and_o his_o secret_a inient_fw-la of_o not_o give_v a_o man_n sufficient_a ability_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n cross_v not_o his_o approbation_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o they_o be_v blind_a that_o will_v not_o understand_v this_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o approve_v of_o a_o end_n as_o good_a another_o thing_n to_o will_v it_o with_o a_o purpose_n of_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o effect_v it_o god_n commandment_n or_o exhortation_n show_v what_o he_o approve_v and_o will_v to_o be_v do_v as_o good_a but_o his_o 20._o promise_n or_o threaten_n
it_o be_v through_o want_n of_o something_o in_o themselves_o namely_o sanctify_a ability_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o as_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o word_n so_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n it_o suffice_v that_o god_n only_o command_v they_o if_o they_o can_v obey_v who_o fault_n be_v that_o but_o their_o own_o god_n command_n presuppose_v that_o strength_n to_o obey_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n if_o that_o through_o sin_n be_v make_v weak_a god_n be_v yet_o just_a in_o command_v and_o punish_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o second_o question_n by_o way_n of_o knowledge_n let_v we_o brief_o see_v what_o use_n we_o may_v make_v thereof_o to_o our_o practice_n it_o learn_v we_o a_o threefold_a lesson_n 1._o what_o our_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o same_o that_o in_o teachable_a scholar_n towards_o a_o most_o wise_a master_n or_o in_o sick_a patient_n towards_o the_o skilful_a physician_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v â—â—ld_a and_o every_o way_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o discretion_n of_o that_o our_o heavenly_a doctor_n we_o must_v remember_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o more_o than_o man_n in_o this_o business_n it_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o do_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o sacred_a ordinance_n when_o therefore_o we_o go_v to_o hear_v let_v we_o put_v on_o all_o holy_a humble_a obedient_a and_o tractable_a affection_n a_o proud_a disdainful_a self-conceited_a contentious_a mind_n be_v unâ—it_v for_o man_n instruction_n most_o opposite_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n teach_v who_o must_v needs_o scorn_v to_o be_v their_o master_n that_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v his_o scholar_n again_o a_o malicious_a unclean_a worldly_a voluptuous_a heart_n stand_v contradictory_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o this_o bless_a spirit_n those_o proud_a affection_n hinder_v we_o in_o know_v these_o impure_a lust_n in_o do_v our_o master_n will_n both_o together_o or_o each_o alone_o make_v the_o word_n utter_o unprofitable_a unto_o we_o 2._o what_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n be_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n this_o be_v threefold_a one_o respect_v the_o work_n two_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o for_o the_o work_n itself_o the_o nature_n and_o spiritual_a quality_n thereof_o shall_v teach_v they_o faithfulness_n to_o speak_v god_n word_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v speak_v which_o be_v oppose_v as_o to_o negligence_n and_o accause_v carelessness_n in_o the_o handle_n thereof_o contrary_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o majesty_n of_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o overmuch_a diligence_n &_o humane_a curiosity_n contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o save_a virtue_n thereof_o not_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v too_o diligent_a in_o do_v god_n work_v or_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o define_v precise_o what_o and_o how_o far_o humane_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divinity_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v apparent_a a_o singular_a fault_n there_o be_v in_o man_n preparation_n to_o this_o work_n who_o either_o intend_v not_o at_o all_o the_o save_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o think_v themselves_o must_v do_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o god_n spirit_n whence_o else_o or_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v so_o much_o of_o man_n be_v mingle_v with_o that_o of_o god_n why_o so_o much_o study_n to_o please_v man_n â—ares_n why_o so_o much_o care_n to_o win_v credit_n to_o their_o own_o person_n etc._n etc._n sure_a it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o admirable_a to_o any_o that_o will_v observe_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n stand_v as_o god_n ambassador_n speak_v as_o from_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o name_n to_o make_v a_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o his_o preach_n to_o bless_v his_o meditation_n that_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a in_o the_o hearer_n etc._n etc._n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o in_o his_o study_a preparation_n he_o seek_v for_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o preach_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o publish_v the_o word_n not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n wisdom_n in_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v a_o double_a duty_n 1._o if_o it_o succeed_v well_o thankful_a humility_n oppose_v to_o pride_n that_o 10._o when_o man_n be_v convert_v by_o his_o ministry_n he_o ascribe_v all_o to_o god_n nothing_o to_o himself_o who_o be_v but_o the_o saw_n in_o the_o workman_n hand_n etc._n etc._n 2._o if_o it_o succeed_v ill_a content_v patience_n oppose_v to_o repine_a thought_n as_o why_o shall_v not_o my_o ministry_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o another_o be_v let_v a_o minister_n remember_v he_o only_a sow_n the_o seed_n god_n must_v give_v it_o a_o body_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o be_v it_o himself_o but_o god_n who_o the_o people_n here_o cast_v off_o he_o may_v take_v comfort_n and_o shall_v have_v reward_n for_o his_o godly_a painâ—…_n in_o the_o conscionable_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n albeit_o god_n see_v it_o not_o good_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o bless_v in_o the_o effect_n as_o 〈◊〉_d can_v desire_v 3._o this_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o conversion_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v namely_o by_o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o by_o have_v and_o frequent_v the_o public_a ordinance_n silly_a wretch_n they_o be_v that_o so_o far_o misâ—ake_v themselves_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o think_v the_o go_n to_o church_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o sermon_n the_o remember_v and_o discourse_v â—f_n it_o the_o commend_v of_o the_o preacher_n outward_a reverence_n to_o his_o person_n and_o ministry_n some_o kind_n of_o reformation_n of_o manner_n wrought_v out_o of_o very_a shame_n not_o to_o follow_v such_o plain_a direction_n as_o they_o must_v needs_o confess_v to_o be_v good_a and_o other_o allow_v of_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n that_o think_v i_o say_v these_o thing_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o a_o sound_a conversion_n by_o the_o word_n let_v we_o not_o beguile_v ourselves_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o high_a consequence_n these_o thing_n be_v outward_a but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n be_v inward_a also_o upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o sanctification_n thereof_o with_o all_o sacred_a affection_n to_o holiness_n look_v then_o inward_o and_o try_v how_o we_o be_v affect_v in_o and_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n do_v we_o find_v a_o holy_a fear_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o when_o our_o sin_n be_v threaten_v be_v we_o willing_a to_o abide_v the_o surgeon_n hand_n upon_o our_o tender_a sore_n and_o though_o it_o be_v painful_a yet_o do_v hearty_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sharp_a stroke_n and_o deep_a cut_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o it_o pierce_v in_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n marrow_n and_o joint_n part_v we_o and_o our_o best_a belove_a sin_n do_v our_o heart_n secret_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a in_o hear_v those_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n publish_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v our_o soul_n bring_v under_o the_o powerful_a command_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n captivate_v all_o our_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o no_o command_n of_o a_o king_n arm_v with_o great_a terror_n can_v lay_v the_o like_a necessity_n of_o obedience_n upon_o our_o outward_a man_n as_o god_n injunction_n do_v upon_o our_o conscience_n have_v the_o word_n wrought_v in_o we_o a_o unfeigned_a hatred_n of_o that_o evil_n which_o we_o outward_o forsake_v a_o sincere_a love_n of_o that_o good_a which_o outward_o we_o practice_v can_v we_o true_o mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n when_o the_o word_n discover_v unto_o we_o the_o infinite_a corruption_n and_o loathsome_a uncleanness_n of_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o wish_v for_o nothing_o more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o we_o and_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o perfect_a holiness_n final_o do_v we_o love_v the_o word_n that_o have_v beget_v we_o prefer_v that_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o our_o appoint_a bodily_a food_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o we_o have_v a_o witness_n to_o our_o soul_n that_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v be_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n have_v make_v it_o his_o most_o bless_a instrument_n of_o our_o effectual_a conversion_n to_o god_n but_o if_o the_o case_n stand_v
then_o will_v some_o say_v if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o do_v of_o every_o good_a duty_n be_v unto_o such_o a_o one_o a_o occasion_n of_o sin_v he_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o do_v it_o because_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v all_o thing_n wherein_o he_o shall_v certain_o sin_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o inference_n be_v good_a if_o this_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o one_o sin_n do_v not_o draw_v he_o upon_o another_o sin_n that_o be_v worse_o but_o here_o see_v what_o a_o snare_n sin_n have_v lay_v to_o entrap_v a_o wicked_a man_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o turn_v he_o fall_v &_o be_v take_v if_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n he_o sin_n because_o he_o mingle_v it_o not_o with_o faith_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o word_n he_o sin_n because_o he_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n if_o he_o pray_v he_o sin_n because_o he_o pray_v not_o in_o faith_n if_o he_o pray_v not_o he_o sin_n and_o be_v accurse_v because_o he_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o shall_v he_o do_v then_o i_o answer_v he_o must_v do_v his_o duty_n what_o god_n command_v though_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o do_v of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n of_o two_o sin_n whereupon_o not_o god_n but_o himself_o have_v put_v himself_o inevitable_o to_o commit_v one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v choose_v the_o least_o rather_o sin_v in_o the_o manner_n in_o not_o do_v of_o it_o so_o well_o as_o he_o shall_v than_o â—ailing_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o quite_o neglect_v the_o duty_n itself_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a when_o god_n command_v a_o duty_n absolute_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o than_o to_o do_v it_o amiss_o because_o our_o disobedience_n be_v totall_n in_o not_o do_v but_o only_o partial_a in_o do_v it_o otherwise_o than_o we_o ought_v as_o for_o a_o man_n wilful_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v a_o foul_a fault_n than_o to_o hear_v it_o with_o a_o forgetful_a and_o disobedient_a heart_n though_o this_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n too_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a wherefore_o we_o may_v not_o pretend_v our_o infirmity_n as_o a_o just_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n i_o can_v do_v it_o well_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o at_o all_o be_v no_o good_a collection_n unless_o i_o may_v be_v blameless_a in_o my_o omission_n of_o it_o which_o here_o i_o can_v be_v minister_n than_o be_v to_o urge_v upon_o all_o man_n indifferent_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o christian_a endeavour_n tend_v to_o their_o conversion_n and_o hearer_n be_v not_o to_o balk_v god_n command_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o own_o sinful_a disability_n god_n must_v be_v obey_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v go_v if_o we_o sin_v it_o be_v our_o fault_n beside_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o who_o know_v whether_o our_o diligence_n in_o do_v something_o may_v not_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o we_o than_o our_o sin_v in_o many_o thing_n may_v prove_v hurtful_a whilst_o god_n bestow_v grace_n upon_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n whereto_o in_o some_o sort_n we_o conform_v ourselves_o though_o with_o much_o sinfulness_n and_o infirmity_n this_o of_o our_o first_o position_n the_o second_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o the_o reprobate_n unregenerate_a in_o who_o these_o preparation_n to_o grace_n be_v wrought_v may_v and_o do_v wilful_o neglect_v they_o thereby_o procure_v their_o final_a obduration_n in_o sin_n the_o three_o be_v this_o 3._o that_o the_o elect_a unregenerate_a may_v and_o do_v for_o a_o time_n resist_v these_o preparation_n to_o conversion_n thereby_o deserve_v this_o final_a obduration_n but_o god_n by_o his_o special_a grace_n continue_v these_o beginning_n unto_o their_o perfect_a conversion_n i_o will_v handle_v both_o these_o position_n together_o contain_v the_o manner_n how_o far_o and_o by_o who_o those_o mean_n and_o preparation_n to_o conversion_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o make_v fruitless_a we_o affirm_v then_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n whether_o elect_a or_o reprobate_n to_o neglect_v and_o oppose_v those_o gracious_a mean_n whereby_o god_n call_v they_o unto_o conversion_n this_o be_v apparent_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o outward_a or_o inward_a mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o the_o outward_a in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n they_o may_v every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v neglect_v man_n have_v the_o command_n over_o their_o body_n to_o move_v they_o as_o they_o please_v and_o they_o may_v sit_v at_o home_n or_o travel_v abroad_o without_o worldly_a or_o wicked_a employment_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o church_n they_o may_v stop_v their_o ear_n talk_v with_o a_o companion_n read_v some_o book_n that_o please_v they_o while_o the_o minister_n be_v in_o speak_v they_o may_v set_v their_o thought_n a-work_o in_o their_o chest_n in_o the_o stew_n in_o their_o storehouse_n any_o where_o but_o where_o their_o body_n be_v about_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o sermon_n they_o may_v avoid_v the_o often_o use_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o make_v such_o shift_n as_o not_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n scarce_o once_o a_o year_n man_n may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v sleep_v or_o pray_v fast_o or_o surfeit_v of_o fullness_n read_v and_o study_v god_n word_n or_o man_n write_n again_o for_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n all_o unregenerate_a man_n oppose_v the_o light_n of_o their_o knowledge_n resist_v the_o check_n of_o conscience_n by_o presumptuous_a sin_n strive_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o almighty_n punishment_n they_o may_v stupefy_v all_o such_o motion_n of_o affection_n as_o tend_v to_o goodness_n by_o divert_v they_o upon_o vain_a delight_n these_o thing_n and_o more_o they_o may_v do_v yea_o and_o they_o do_v also_o though_o some_o more_o some_o less_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n thus_o ordinary_o call_v unto_o grace_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v ever_o so_o dutiful_o obedient_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n calling_n as_o to_o yield_v present_o without_o strive_v and_o much_o opposition_n no_o let_v the_o best_a man_n live_v who_o have_v well_o observe_v himself_o before_o and_o â—8_o after_o his_o sound_a conversion_n be_v bring_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o case_n and_o he_o will_v confess_v that_o in_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o god_n fair_o woo_v he_o to_o convert_v unto_o he_o he_o always_o be_v strange_o perverse_a careless_a scornful_a and_o froward_a in_o every_o motion_n of_o grace_n till_o god_n spirit_n have_v thorough_o wrought_v upon_o his_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o affirm_v that_o every_o one_o whatsoever_o do_v carry_v himself_o so_o stubborne_o against_o this_o preparatory_a grace_n of_o his_o conversion_n as_o that_o he_o deserve_v thereby_o to_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o left_a to_o final_a impenitency_n nor_o can_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n convert_v this_o man_n and_o not_o another_o 10._o quia_fw-la hic_fw-la novam_fw-la opponit_fw-la contumaciam_fw-la â—llâ—_n non_fw-la opponit_fw-la as_o the_o arminian_n false_o affirm_v for_o all_o be_v contumacious_a and_o rebellious_a against_o this_o grace_n of_o their_o vocation_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o both_o rebel_n god_n just_o forsake_v one_o in_o his_o rebellion_n and_o most_o mereiful_o follow_v the_o other_o with_o fresh_a supply_n of_o more_o powerful_a grace_n till_o he_o have_v heal_v his_o rebellion_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o return_v thus_o then_o both_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n resist_v but_o the_o elect_a for_o a_o time_n the_o reprobate_n final_o the_o difference_n be_v from_o god_n the_o reprobate_a neglect_n and_o cast_v off_o he_o 2d_o wherefore_o in_o justice_n he_o neglect_v and_o cast_v off_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o reprobate_a mind_n be_v so_o forsake_v their_o heart_n become_v as_o hard_o as_o the_o â—â—ather_n millstone_n their_o conscience_n scare_v their_o affection_n dead_a all_o sense_n of_o grace_n or_o sin_n wear_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o â—…all_a obstinacy_n against_o god_n fix_v therein_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v a_o â—…all_a resistency_n against_o grace_n namely_o in_o the_o reprobate_n oppose_v and_o wilful_o neglect_v all_o those_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n all_o those_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v invite_v and_o prepare_v to_o conversion_n of_o this_o rebellion_n do_v the_o scripture_n in_o every_o place_n complain_v and_o accuse_v the_o ungodly_a that_o when_o 17_o god_n bid_v they_o walk_v in_o the_o good_a
scripture_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n purpose_n desire_v to_o obey_v their_o joy_n when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o their_o grief_n when_o they_o can_v not_o let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o every_o faithful_a soul_n not_o stand_v upon_o quarrelsome_a term_n of_o yield_v or_o refuse_v but_o whole_o submit_v itself_o and_o sue_v for_o obedience_n oh_o faith_n david_n that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v that_o i_o may_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n unite_v my_o heart_n unto_o 119._o thou_o that_o i_o may_v fear_v thy_o name_n incline_v my_o heart_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n with_o a_o thousand_o such_o prayer_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n show_v the_o firm_a resolution_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n only_o aim_v at_o obedience_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n pray_v the_o weak_a disciple_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n that_o new_a convert_n in_o both_o we_o see_v a_o earnest_a desire_n not_o a_o indifferent_a deliberation_n that_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v excellent_a psal._n 68_o 28._o lord_n confirm_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o more_o full_o cant._n 1._o 2._o draw_v i_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o here_o be_v no_o resistency_n no_o hang_n back_o or_o stand_v aloof_o off_o in_o a_o doubtful_a devise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o these_o virgin_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n have_v smell_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o precious_a ointment_n of_o christ_n grace_n pour_v out_o into_o their_o soul_n they_o love_v he_o he_o only_o he_o entire_o they_o will_v go_v they_o will_v run_v after_o he_o and_o whereas_o corruption_n clog_n they_o in_o their_o course_n they_o still_o show_v their_o readiness_n to_o come_v by_o their_o willingness_n to_o be_v draw_v and_o such_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o every_o regenerate_a man_n his_o obedience_n be_v his_o heart_n joy_n and_o desire_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o grieve_v he_o more_o than_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o his_o carnal_a will_n and_o unsanctified_a part_n against_o his_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a resolution_n as_o may_v appear_v for_o all_o by_o that_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherefore_o the_o regenerate_a will_n stand_v not_o neuter_n between_o sin_n and_o grace_n but_o take_v part_n with_o grace_n against_o sin_n in_o a_o constant_a resolvednesse_n to_o hold_v with_o god_n and_o goodness_n against_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o it_o willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o 5._o that_o live_v after_o the_o spirit_n savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o this_o be_v that_o most_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n will_n namely_o the_o take_v away_o of_o that_o resistency_n which_o our_o adversary_n so_o stiff_o and_o odious_o stand_v for_o against_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n they_o say_v that_o grace_n leave_v the_o will_n in_o indifferency_n so_o that_o it_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v we_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o sanctify_v our_o will_n be_v to_o determine_v and_o incline_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o only_o to_o obedience_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o power_n of_o resist_v or_o disobey_v which_o appear_v thus_o to_o disobey_v and_o not_o to_o believe_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a sinfulness_n that_o can_v be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o commit_v this_o act_n come_v not_o from_o power_n and_o strength_n but_o from_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n perfect_a strength_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o will_n to_o commit_v any_o sin_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o christ_n humanity_n to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v from_o weakness_n from_o corruption_n now_o in_o the_o sanctify_a will_n this_o corruption_n be_v in_o part_n do_v away_o by_o grace_n so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o the_o will_n be_v make_v spiritual_a it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v resist_v and_o be_v disobedient_a it_o do_v not_o because_o it_o can_v it_o can_v because_o it_o will_v not_o it_o will_v not_o because_o by_o this_o new_a infuse_a grace_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v make_v always_o will_a to_o obey_v but_o this_o point_n be_v clear_v by_o the_o late_a worthy_a bishop_n of_o salisbury_n the_o second_o conclusion_n be_v this_o 2._o that_o a_o man_n regenerate_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v be_v carnal_a do_v always_o resist_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v unwilling_a and_o backward_o to_o perform_v any_o holy_a action_n this_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 5._o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o again_o gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n in_o experience_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a even_o the_o best_a man_n in_o their_o best_a work_n and_o best_a temper_n do_v sensible_o feel_v many_o twinge_n of_o a_o froward_a heart_n cross_v and_o interrupt_v their_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n from_o which_o rebellion_n of_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n against_o the_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o sanctify_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o free_a but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v with_o the_o holy_a apostle_n when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a i_o be_o thus_o yoke_v 21._o that_o evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o in_o this_o opposition_n of_o two_o contrary_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n we_o have_v to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n cooperate_a grace_n in_o all_o holy_a action_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o first_o conversion_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o power_n only_o to_o do_v well_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o habitual_a grace_n and_o then_o shall_v leave_v we_o unto_o ourselves_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o shall_v never_o bring_v this_o power_n into_o act_n by_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o whereas_o we_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n and_o there_o remain_v in_o every_o faculty_n a_o corrupt_a inclination_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o a_o holy_a disposition_n to_o good_a do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n constant_o &_o powerful_o assist_v we_o in_o well_o do_v corruption_n will_v prevail_v against_o grace_n &_o lead_v we_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o our_o member_n not_o that_o corruption_n be_v strong_a than_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o god_n spirit_n shall_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o follow_v the_o sinful_a motion_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n than_o the_o sanctify_a inclination_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o adam_n will_n be_v only_o mutable_a but_o not_o as_o yet_o taint_v with_o any_o inward_a corruption_n nevertheless_o want_v the_o effectual_a assistance_n and_o support_v of_o god_n grace_n be_v so_o easy_o seduce_v by_o temptation_n much_o more_o our_o will_n that_o be_v holy_a but_o in_o part_n will_v quick_o be_v entice_v and_o draw_v away_o by_o the_o deceiveablenesse_n of_o inward_a concupiscence_n and_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n temptation_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o work_v mighty_o in_o we_o repress_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o aid_v we_o against_o all_o outward_a provocation_n to_o disobedience_n 2._o the_o true_a cause_n and_o root_n of_o that_o irregularity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v not_o that_o indifferency_n or_o freedom_n our_o adversary_n contend_v for_o whereby_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v at_o all_o time_n to_o choose_v whether_o he_o will_v do_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v that_o opposition_n which_o the_o flesh_n make_v against_o the_o spirit_n by_o reason_n whereof_o a_o regenerate_a man_n when_o by_o grace_n he_o constant_o desire_v to_o obey_v be_v by_o corruption_n hinder_v in_o the_o performance_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 19_o 20._o i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o i_o will_v but_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o that_o do_v i_o now_o if_o i_o do_v that_o i_o will_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o and_o again_o gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v whence_o it_o
not_o book-learned_a do_v conceive_v to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o must_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a because_o man_n be_v careless_a be_v the_o bible_n a_o hard_a book_n because_o common_a people_n understand_v it_o not_o in_o latin_a be_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o darksome_a and_o intricate_a because_o one_o man_n understand_v not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o another_o do_v or_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n perceive_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prophecy_n which_o the_o next_o age_n may_v clear_o understand_v these_o be_v weak_a inference_n and_o such_o as_o can_v overturn_v our_o first_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o all_o doctrine_n history_n prophecy_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o narration_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n thereof_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n bad_a and_o good_a for_o what_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v name_v that_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o understand_v i_o say_v not_o by_o a_o learned_a or_o godly_a but_o even_o by_o any_o man_n what_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v plain_o find_v out_o what_o text_n of_o doctrine_n whereof_o some_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v out_o may_v not_o all_o understand_v what_o one_o do_v yea_o take_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n life_n everlasting_a regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o obscure_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o narration_n any_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o common_a unto_o the_o unregenerate_a for_o charity_n though_o it_o can_v wish_v yet_o can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v able_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o to_o write_v or_o preach_v sound_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o man_n true_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n experience_n and_o reason_n make_v good_a the_o contrary_a that_o a_o singular_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o no_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v compatible_a who_o see_v not_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n abound_v in_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o destitute_a of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o knowledge_n he_o surpass_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o in_o malice_n far_o exceed_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v only_o a_o degree_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n unto_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o so_o essential_o link_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v where_o faith_n be_v not_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o teach_v whilst_o yet_o the_o heart_n remain_v froward_a unbroken_a and_o untractable_a the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a inclination_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n prefer_v they_o in_o our_o choice_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o gracious_a motion_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n powerful_o bind_v and_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o be_v offer_v unto_o it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o right_n and_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o unregenerate_a christian_a by_o the_o help_n of_o common_a illumination_n to_o go_v far_o i_o say_v by_o common_a illumination_n understand_v thereby_o that_o course_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n now_o usual_a in_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o art_n skill_n of_o language_n use_v of_o other_o man_n labour_n in_o their_o write_n and_o commentary_n conference_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o learned_a live_n and_o accustom_a painfulness_n in_o study_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o these_o mean_n a_o christian_a presuppose_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a writ_n may_v in_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneration_n prove_v excellent_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n he_o may_v understand_v all_o and_o every_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a belief_n all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o christian_a practice_n any_o sermon_n or_o treatise_n tend_v to_o holy_a instruction_n any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o dark_a and_o doubtfull_a interpretation_n yea_o in_o these_o thing_n many_o time_n sanctity_n go_v not_o so_o far_o as_o those_o common_a grace_n do_v and_o you_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o happy_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n nor_o sound_a determiner_n of_o controversy_n but_o that_o both_o of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n many_a time_n man_n of_o ungodly_a life_n and_o idolatrous_a profession_n have_v equal_v and_o exceed_v other_o in_o their_o commentary_n and_o treatise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o trial_n of_o every_o day_n show_v that_o many_o a_o wretched_a man_n and_o vile_a hypocrite_n may_v yet_o make_v so_o good_a a_o sermon_n even_o about_o the_o most_o spiritual_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o prayer_n that_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quick_a sight_n yet_o see_v he_o but_o a_o far_o off_o may_v deem_v he_o sound_v heart_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n to_o learn_v religion_n by_o rote_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v what_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o affect_v this_o of_o the_o first_o conclusion_n the_o next_o be_v this_o 2._o all_o history_n and_o prediction_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o most_o illuminate_v understanding_n by_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o by_o evidence_n of_o the_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v stand_v long_o in_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n in_o many_o precept_n and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n sense_n and_o reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o do_v but_o in_o matter_n historical_a and_o prophetical_a faith_n only_o bear_v sway_v for_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o go_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o from_o authority_n of_o scripture_n relation_n that_o the_o world_n be_v drown_v noah_n save_v in_o the_o ark_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o by_o the_o story_n so_o for_o prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n they_o be_v not_o evident_a till_o the_o event_n make_v they_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o papacy_n root_v out_o etc._n etc._n we_o know_v these_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o word_n foretell_v they_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o kind_n can_v our_o sense_n be_v inform_v or_o our_o understanding_n convince_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o revelation_n believe_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n principal_o be_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o make_v heb._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o where_o he_o use_v two_o word_n to_o express_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n not_o see_v the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hope_v for_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v of_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n and_o comprise_v all_o both_o past_a and_o to_o come_v thing_n hope_v for_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a both_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v always_o drown_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v unseen_a and_o possession_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o 3._o precept_n and_o discourse_n of_o dogmatic_a point_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o both_o to_o the_o regenerate_a &_o also_o the_o unregenerate_a this_o conclusion_n be_v of_o manifest_a truth_n as_o shall_v appear_v thus_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v doctrinal_a discourse_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o of_o matter_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o morality_n other_o of_o mystery_n peculiar_a to_o divinity_n