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scripture_n apostle_n contain_v doctrine_n 2,322 5 6.1087 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09277 VindiciƦ gratiƦ. = A plea for grace More especially the grace of faith. Or, certain lectures as touching the nature and properties of grace and faith: wherein, amongst other matters of great use, the maine sinews of Arminius doctrine are cut asunder. Delivered by that late learned and godly man William Pemble, in Magdalen Hall in Oxford. Pemble, William, 1592?-1623.; Capel, Richard, 1586-1656. 1627 (1627) STC 19591; ESTC S114374 222,244 312

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affection_n that_o we_o may_v love_v and_o embrace_v the_o holiness_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v be_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v to_o us._n for_o present_o upon_o this_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v the_o glorious_a brightness_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o discern_v in_o they_o the_o apparent_a character_n of_o heavenly_a majesty_n as_o clear_o as_o a_o see_a man_n behold_v the_o sun_n also_o after_o this_o renew_n of_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n we_o find_v present_o that_o our_o soul_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o have_v a_o singular_a sympathy_n one_o towards_o another_o our_o love_n that_o we_o bear_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o word_n be_v strong_a &_o that_o command_n which_o the_o word_n have_v over_o we_o be_v most_o powerful_a &_o awful_a so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v as_o kind_o a_o relish_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o healthful_a stomach_n have_v of_o wholesome_a food_n by_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o evident_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v full_o ascertain_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o none_o but_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o so_o he_o men_o &_o holy_a mystery_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o still_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n eph._n 1._o 17._o so_o call_v in_o that_o place_n because_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o in_o vers_n 18._o that_o then_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a mystery_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n other_o inward_a and_o secret_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o acknowledge_v not_o in_o this_o business_n now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o circle_n as_o our_o adversary_n will_v drive_v we_o into_o but_o a_o plain_a &_o straight_a way_n how_o know_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n we_o answer_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o that_o wonderful_a light_n &_o excellency_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n shine_v in_o they_o here_o we_o will_v rest_v and_o go_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o see_v this_o light_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o heart_n to_o love_v this_o light_n if_o we_o be_v further_o urge_v how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o do_v indeed_o perceive_v such_o a_o light_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o how_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o another_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v therein_o to_o these_o question_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o former_a be_v idle_a just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v he_o that_o ga●_n than_o the_o sun_n how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o now_o see_v
he_o have_v rather_o enter_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o undermine_v the_o faith_n with_o heresy_n than_o at_o a_o open_a breach_n upon_o good_a manner_n ill_a manner_n find_v more_o resistance_n there_o be_v fear_n of_o law_n and_o rod_n of_o discipline_n to_o curb_v they_o they_o want_v their_o apology_n and_o colourable_a excuse_n &_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o reproof_n and_o hatred_n of_o moral_a honesty_n they_o come_v accompany_v with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n follow_v at_o the_o heel_n which_o hinder_v their_o appear_v and_o entertainment_n in_o public_a but_o heresy_n easy_o enter_v and_o quick_o spread_v abroad_o it_o find_v favourer_n enough_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o man_n common_a infirmity_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v novelty_n and_o take_v a_o pride_n to_o be_v singular_a it_o come_v arm_v with_o reason_n and_o such_o justification_n as_o it_o think_v it_o need_v not_o blush_v be_v paint_v over_o with_o the_o colour_n of_o truth_n last_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o fair_a the_o leader_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o authority_n and_o example_n speedy_o infect_v the_o rest_n with_o this_o weapon_n have_v the_o dragon_n make_v war_n with_o the_o woman_n raise_v up_o even_o of_o her_o own_o child_n such_o as_o have_v fight_v against_o she_o by_o damnable_a heresy_n against_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o part_n have_v be_v cut_v asunder_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o some_o again_o revive_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o field_n under_o new_a colour_n part_n though_o convict_a &_o condemn_v yet_o stand_v it_o out_o under_o the_o support_n of_o tyrannical_a violence_n &_o remain_v to_o this_o day_n in_o that_o augean_a stable_n that_o sink_v or_o common_a sewer_n of_o the_o romish_a synagogue_n whereto_o all_o heresy_n almost_o of_o former_a &_o latter_a time_n have_v make_v their_o confluence_n beside_o a_o new_a breed_n of_o heretical_a opinion_n not_o plain_o deny_v but_o by_o consequent_a overturning_a sursum_fw-la vorsum_fw-la the_o main_a article_n of_o christian_a belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o much_o the_o mo●e_n dangerous_a by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o easy_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o their_o damnable_a issue_n so_o as_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v no_o less_o perplex_v with_o strange_a dispute_n and_o difficulty_n than_o the_o grace_n itself_o be_v continual_o assault_v by_o fearful_a doubt_v and_o distrust_n whether_o it_o be_v man_n infelicity_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o stand_v he_o in_o most_o stead_n or_o the_o devil_n malice_n to_o lessen_v our_o comfort_n in_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n by_o confound_v our_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o so_o we_o may_v either_o dangerous_o err_v or_o discomfortable_o doubt_v touch_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o or_o writer_n misexplication_n of_o that_o excellent_a grace_n through_o their_o own_o weakness_n or_o want_n of_o faith_n sure_o i_o be_o if_o any_o point_n of_o divinity_n this_o touch_a faith_n be_v full_a of_o much_o obscurity_n and_o contention_n it_o be_v much_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o grace_n so_o divine_a and_o powerful_a and_o yet_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o man_n faith_n be_v not_o of_o all_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o writer_n all_o have_v not_o faith_n that_o write_v of_o it_o especial_o popish_a doctor_n who_o speak_v of_o faith_n but_o by_o imagination_n have_v profane_o censure_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v expound_v by_o protestant_n according_a to_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o a_o very_a fancy_n among_o who_o curious_a and_o metaphysical_a discourse_n of_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o want_v faith_n shall_v never_o find_v it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n may_v chance_v lose_v it_o at_o least_o the_o life_n and_o powerful_a practice_n of_o it_o whilst_o his_o head_n be_v entangle_v in_o subtle_a and_o nice_a speculation_n about_o it_o for_o ourselves_o let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n so_o to_o speak_v and_o judge_v of_o faith_n as_o that_o most_o precious_a grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n not_o exercise_v our_o wit_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o by_o contemplation_n be_v most_o empty_a and_o vain_a without_o the_o real_a inhabitation_n of_o it_o within_o our_o soul_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o weak_a and_o yet_o best_a endeavour_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n assistance_n to_o give_v you_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n in_o manifold_a precept_n and_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o with_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o learned_a have_v discover_v it_o to_o my_o poor_a understanding_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o must_v spend_v more_o time_n than_o at_o first_o i_o purpose_v to_o do_v because_o in_o this_o point_n some_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n be_v so_o enterwoven_v and_o link_v one_o with_o another_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o we_o shall_v not_o clear_o discern_v of_o any_o alone_a such_o be_v our_o vocation_n the_o forerunner_n and_o our_o justification_n the_o follower_n of_o our_o faith_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o general_n 1._o touch_v the_o antecedent_n of_o faith_n namely_o our_o conversion_n &_o vocation_n of_o which_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o generation_n and_o birth_n of_o faith_n 2._o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o wherein_o the_o be_v of_o that_o most_o heavenly_a virtue_n consist_v 3._o concern_v the_o consequent_n and_o concomitant_n of_o faith_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n as_o justification_n and_o ourselves_o as_o obedience_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v as_o of_o the_o benefit_n so_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n 4._o concern_v the_o opposite_n and_o enemy_n of_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o may_v arm_v we_o against_o they_o for_o the_o first_o namely_o our_o conversion_n the_o knowledge_n thereof_o will_v give_v we_o some_o light_n to_o find_v out_o how_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o which_o by_o divine_n be_v make_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o last_o terminus_n of_o our_o effectual_a vocation_n however_o a_o part_n it_o be_v and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o too_o of_o our_o first_o resurrection_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o supernatural_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o must_v distinct_o consider_v of_o the_o threefold_a difference_n of_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v in_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o do_v either_o help_v or_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o operation_n this_o difference_n be_v according_a to_o man_n triple_a estate_n 1._o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n man_n be_v create_v right_a or_o upright_o eccl._n 7._o 29._o and_o very_o good_a gen._n 1_o ult_n endow_v with_o such_o strength_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o part_n as_o do_v whole_o dispose_v they_o to_o all_o operation_n conformable_a to_o god_n will_n his_o understanding_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a before_o his_o translation_n have_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o his_o nature_n attribute_n and_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o the_o creature_n in_o their_o essence_n and_o quality_n his_o will_n embrace_v and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o god_n who_o adam_n know_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o happiness_n his_o affection_n and_o all_o inferior_a faculty_n obey_v without_o all_o resistance_n the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o sanctify_a will._n this_o universal_a holiness_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v that_o image_n of_o god_n or_o original_a justice_n wherein_o adam_n be_v create_v but_o continue_v not_o for_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o after_o his_o fall_n for_o a_o punishment_n of_o his_o wilful_a transgression_n god_n withdraw_v from_o adam_n this_o his_o image_n and_o strip_v he_o naked_a of_o that_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v before_o in_o all_o part_n qualify_v leave_v only_o here_o and_o there_o some_o few_o trace_n or_o line_n of_o that_o excellent_a character_n unblot_v out_o and_o now_o in_o place_n of_o original_a justice_n succeed_v original_a corruption_n be_v a_o universal_a depravation_n and_o disability_n of_o man_n whole_a nature_n to_o work_v well_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o first_o creation_n the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a erroneous_a confuse_a in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o natural_a stark_o blind_a in_o perceive_v spiritual_a thing_n the_o will_v froward_a &_o averse_a from_o affect_v or_o choose_v its_o chief_a good_a the_o affection_n and_o low_a faculty_n disorderly_a violent_a untameable_a and_o this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o image_n of_o satan_n to_o who_o adam_n
that_o be_v not_o before_o but_o a_o part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n nor_o yet_o a_o solitaty_a habit_n infuse_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o together_o with_o the_o actus_fw-la primi_fw-la or_o habit_n of_o all_o supernatural_a grace_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n that_o before_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o life_n nor_o sanctity_n in_o the_o soul_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o sanctity_n but_o there_o be_v other_o part_n too_o hope_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o these_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n till_o hope_v &_o charity_n be_v wrought_v in_o it_o all_o be_v part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n wrought_v together_o for_o as_o the_o corporal_a so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v not_o one_o distinct_a but_o omnes_fw-la actus_fw-la primi_fw-la of_o every_o faculty_n whereby_o it_o can_v work_v regular_o and_o though_o in_o the_o body_n some_o part_n may_v live_v alone_o and_o other_o be_v dead_a yet_o in_o our_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o all_o power_n be_v quicken_v and_o live_v together_o where_o the_o habit_n of_o one_o grace_n be_v there_o be_v all_o and_o as_o soon_o all_o as_o one_o every_o faculty_n be_v rectify_v as_o well_o as_o any_o and_o all_o the_o etc._n operation_n of_o each_o faculty_n tend_v to_o all_o its_o object_n renew_v as_o well_o as_o any_o one_o operation_n direct_v to_o some_o one_o object_n wherefore_o i_o see_v not_o under_o correction_n of_o quick_a eye_n how_o faith_n can_v be_v account_v the_o root_n whence_o spring_n all_o other_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o efficient_a 41._o cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n the_o only_a pipe_n through_o which_o the_o water_n of_o life_n flow_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o firstborn_a grace_n in_o our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n so_o much_o that_o before_o its_o actual_a operation_n there_o be_v no_o jot_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o sanctity_n in_o our_o heart_n many_o divine_a eulogy_n be_v give_v to_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o none_o such_o as_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o make_v it_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v before_o the_o act_n of_o believe_a and_o other_o grace_n wrought_v therein_o together_o with_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o divine_n that_o actual_a faith_n be_v never_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n till_o beside_o the_o supernatural_a illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_v be_v also_o change_v and_o free_v in_o part_n from_o its_o natural_a perverseness_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o embrace_v the_o promise_n now_o the_o do_v away_o of_o this_o ignorance_n and_o rebellion_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o be_v sweet_o and_o free_o incline_v to_o all_o heavenly_a thing_n 2._o to_o believe_v be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o man_n live_v by_o grace_n not_o dead_a in_o sin_n the_o soul_n therefore_o be_v first_o endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v this_o live_a action_n 3._o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o in_o our_o regeneration_n it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a first_o to_o have_v faith_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o other_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n no_o more_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o have_v some_o other_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n or_o why_o we_o be_v more_o fit_a be_v unconvert_v to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o grace_n as_o of_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n unregenerate_a have_v no_o preparation_n at_o all_o to_o any_o grace_n be_v alike_o dispose_v to_o receive_v every_o one_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n on_o man_n part_n if_o any_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n which_o must_v work_v other_o grace_n be_v not_o receive_v till_o we_o do_v actual_o believe_v in_o so_o say_v he_o confute_v himself_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n incredulous_a to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o believer_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v convert_v be_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v unconvert_v to_o work_v his_o conversion_n now_o god_n that_o for_o christ_n sake_n give_v faith_n unto_o we_o when_o we_o have_v none_o without_o any_o predisposition_n in_o we_o to_o receive_v it_o can_v and_o do_v for_o the_o same_o christ_n sake_n give_v we_o all_o other_o grace_n as_o well_o at_o the_o same_o time_n 4._o it_o can_v well_o be_v show_v how_o faith_n produce_v all_o other_o virtue_n in_o we_o see_v that_o all_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v not_o acquire_v and_o one_o habit_n can_v produce_v another_o nor_o do_v one_o habit_n bring_v forth_o the_o operation_n of_o another_o it_o be_v true_a that_o faith_n lend_v a_o hand_n to_o help_v forward_o all_o gracious_a action_n and_o do_v much_o in_o their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n but_o it_o be_v like_a as_o the_o understanding_n guide_v the_o action_n of_o the_o will_n and_o inferior_a faculty_n or_o as_o prudence_n moderate_v the_o action_n of_o all_o other_o moral_a virtue_n which_o action_n notwithstanding_o come_v from_o their_o proper_a faculty_n and_o habit_n as_o their_o immediate_a principia_fw-la and_o fountain_n but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o at_o large_a when_o we_o come_v to_o show_v the_o dependence_n that_o obedience_n have_v upon_o faith_n against_o this_o may_v be_v object_v that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n gal._n 2._o 20._o that_o by_o faith_n christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n eph._n ob._n 3._o 17._o that_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n col._n 2._o 12._o that_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 7._o 38_o 39_o eph._n 1._o 13._o so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o life_n till_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n no_o be_v in_o he_o till_o we_o have_v faith_n to_o believe_v on_o he_o no_o sap_n from_o the_o vine_n no_o virtue_n from_o the_o body_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v as_o branch_n as_o member_n which_o union_n be_v by_o faith_n only_o no_o spirit_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v we_o life_n till_o we_o have_v faith_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o brief_a thus_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a life_n &_o sanctification_n but_o till_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v no_o participation_n nor_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o till_o we_o he_o believe_v we_o have_v in_o we_o no_o life_n at_o all_o &_o consequent_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o life_n and_o grace_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o a_o twofold_a sol._n union_n and_o communion_n we_o have_v with_o christ._n 1._o by_o the_o spirit_n on_o his_o part_n for_o christ_n as_o by_o his_o death_n he_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n unto_o 17._o the_o elect_a so_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o only_a efficient_a of_o life_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o regenerate_a to_o who_o whilst_o they_o be_v yet_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o grace_n so_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v believe_v christ_n send_v his_o spirit_n which_o breathe_v life_n into_o they_o changes_z and_o purify_v their_o nature_n by_o work_v all_o holy_a and_o rectify_a ability_n in_o every_o part_n now_o this_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n create_v of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n do_v most_o apparent_o precede_v not_o only_o the_o act_n of_o believe_a but_o the_o habit_n also_o for_o the_o habit_n itself_o be_v infuse_v by_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o ghost_n it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o before_o all_o faith_n we_o have_v and_o must_v have_v some_o participation_n with_o christ_n even_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v have_v faith_n but_o this_o union_n with_o he_o be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v that_o band_n whereby_o christ_n knit_v himself_o to_o we_o communicate_v all_o gracious_a and_o quicken_a virtue_n from_o himself_o to_o we_o and_o thereby_o make_v we_o live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n 2._o by_o our_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n when_o be_v quicken_v by_o infuse_a grace_n we_o actual_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n only_o and_o here_o we_o knit_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o all_o comfort_n by_o which_o unite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o christ_n we_o receive_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n from_o
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 into_o the_o world_n if_o so_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o be_v it_o give_v afterward_o at_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o infant_n and_o so_o not_o in_o all_o the_o heathen_a and_o at_o what_o year_n be_v it_o bestow_v and_o what_o if_o they_o die_v before_o that_o age_n all_o which_o quaeres_fw-la be_v inexplicable_a and_o draw_v into_o most_o vex_v and_o torture_v absurdity_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n give_v to_o indian_n american_n tartarian_n and_o other_o pagan_n when_o they_o that_o defend_v it_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o see_v it_o be_v neither_o any_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a knowledge_n i_o think_v none_o will_v be_v so_o senseless_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v some_o natural_a or_o supernatupower_v or_o ability_n for_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v not_o grace_n if_o supernatural_a it_o will_v be_v know_v to_o what_o purpose_n a_o supernatural_a ability_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o ignorant_a infidel_n to_o do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o 2._o let_v we_o come_v to_o experience_n and_o judge_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v possible_o appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o virginian_n and_o other_o american_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o southern_a unknown_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v at_o this_o day_n or_o ever_o have_v have_v before_o or_o since_o christ_n sufficient_a grace_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n what_o instance_n and_o example_n can_v be_v give_v in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o any_o one_o among_o these_o or_o other_o gentile_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n strange_a that_o what_o be_v ordinary_o bestow_v on_o all_o shall_v never_o take_v effect_n in_o any_o if_o it_o do_v take_v effect_n extraordinary_o in_o some_o how_o know_v they_o that_o if_o ordinary_o in_o many_o then_o farewell_n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n above_o the_o gentile_a of_o 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
be_o very_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o you_o may_v judge_v my_o discourse_n have_v have_v more_o philosophy_n than_o divinity_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o this_o place_n i_o confess_v it_o and_o crave_v your_o pardon_n for_o it_o only_o thus_o much_o let_v i_o say_v that_o i_o can_v not_o tell_v well_o how_o to_o avoid_v this_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o will_v clear_v our_o passage_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v you_o have_v then_o hear_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n what_o certainty_n in_o the_o assent_n give_v to_o it_o how_o it_o differ_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o knowledge_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o general_n and_o then_o i_o have_v do_v with_o it_o belief_n be_v at_o first_o define_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o thing_n know_v by_o revelation_n but_o now_o you_o be_v further_o to_o know_v that_o all_o assent_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o differ_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n assent_v unto_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o of_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n 1._o some_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o only_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o without_o any_o special_a relation_n to_o our_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n unto_o such_o thing_n whether_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n do_v yield_v that_o common_a assent_n and_o approbation_n whereby_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o ttuth_n and_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v this_o be_v call_v a_o bare_a assent_n or_o credulitas_fw-la belief_n in_o strict_a term_n when_o we_o only_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o go_v no_o further_o 2._o some_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o as_o true_a and_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o more_o special_o as_o contain_v some_o excellent_a truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o concern_v we_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o benefit_n that_o we_o shall_v get_v thereby_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o assent_n be_v with_o adherence_n affiance_n trust_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o thing_n reveal_v for_o as_o in_o general_a all_o truth_n and_o goodness_n draw_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o approbation_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v know_v so_o much_o more_o do_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o necessity_n wherein_o we_o may_v claim_v special_a interest_n and_o commodity_n unite_v our_o will_n and_o understanding_n in_o strong_a assent_n and_o adherence_n unto_o they_o this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v in_o strict_a term_n call_v faith_n or_o trust_n fides_n fiducia_n which_o imply_v much_o more_o than_o credulitas_fw-la belief_n fidere_fw-la in_o the_o property_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o degree_n beyond_o credere_fw-la import_v a_o assent_n with_o reliance_n and_o confidence_n now_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o assent_n be_v nothing_o but_o promise_n of_o some_o good_a hereafter_o to_o befall_v we_o and_o promise_n be_v never_o believe_v unless_o they_o be_v trust_v upon_o as_o a_o captive_n can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v he_o that_o promise_v to_o ransom_n he_o upon_o a_o day_n unless_o he_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o which_o case_n we_o can_v distinguish_v between_o belief_n and_o trust_n itself_o fidem_fw-la and_o fiduciam_fw-la to_o make_v they_o two_o several_a act_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a thus_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o some_o such_o truth_n as_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a to_o i_o in_o particular_a they_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n consist_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o performance_n the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n consist_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v more_o or_o less_o excellent_a but_o now_o to_o trust_v fiduciam_fw-la ponere_fw-la fidem_fw-la habere_fw-la upon_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v for_o that_o often_o be_v know_v perfect_o enough_o but_o to_o bebeleeve_v the_o certainty_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o unto_o i_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o rich_a man_n promise_n to_o pay_v a_o poor_a man_n debt_n the_o poor_a man_n need_v not_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o he_o well_o know_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o what_o then_o must_v he_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o where_o in_o stand_v that_o in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n will_v certain_o do_v for_o he_o what_o he_o have_v say_v now_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o trust_v he_o so_o that_o belief_n and_o trust_n or_o affiance_n be_v here_o essential_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n thus_o much_o of_o faith_n or_o belief_n take_v in_o its_o 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 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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
our_o assent_n unto_o divine_a truth_n spring_n from_o these_o three_o fountain_n 1_o from_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n 2_o from_o the_o excellent_a greatness_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v 3_o from_o the_o manifest_a experiment_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o truth_n know_v unto_o us._n of_o these_o in_o order_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n whereon_o be_v build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n be_v the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o call_v this_o the_o chief_a ground_n because_o it_o be_v that_o whereunto_o final_o all_o our_o belief_n be_v resolve_v for_o ask_v the_o question_n wherefore_o do_v you_o firm_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o ●reed_n the_o answer_n be_v because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o answer_n be_v this_o because_o what_o ever_o god_n say_v istrue_v now_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n aswell_o know_v to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n it_o be_v grave_v deep_a upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o which_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o none_o can_v circumvent_v and_o over_o each_o he_o and_o again_o that_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o good_a holy_a and_o just_a that_o no_o ●ie_v can_v come_v of_o this_o truth_n as_o john_n speak_v john_n 2._o 21._o wisdom_n itself_o can_v be_v deceive_v truth_n itself_o can_v deceive_v and_o god_n be_v both_o wherefore_o none_o but_o a_o jesuite_n like_o beca●…_n who_o wit_n have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o lie_v and_o aequivocation_n under_o the_o father_n of_o ●ies_n will_v have_v affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n though_o they_o know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o reveal_v heavenly_a mystery_n unto_o they_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o evident_o whether_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v himself_o or_o will_v not_o deceive_v they_o aly_v surmise_n much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o serpent_n when_o he_o tempt_v the_o woman_n yea_o say_v he_o have_v god_n indeed_o say_v so_o yes_o the_o woman_n answer_v god_n have_v say_v so_o and_o we_o know_v it_o but_o satan_n reply_v be_v you_o sure_a that_o god_n speak_v true_a when_o he_o say_v it_o the_o devil_n then_o deny_v it_o and_o becanus_n stagger_v at_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n speak_v man_n can_v be_v evident_o certain_a whether_o he_o speak_v true_a or_o false_a but_o we_o reject_v with_o abomination_n such_o a_o suggestion_n to_o infidelity_n that_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n and_o shake_v the_o low_a foundation-stone_n in_o all_o that_o build_n we_o know_v and_o be_v evident_o assure_v that_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o he_o or_o of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o lie_n from_o this_o first_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n essential_a truth_n we_o draw_v another_o that_o whersoever_o any_o revelation_n be_v certain_o know_v or_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v full_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v whence_o all_o the_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v for_o themselves_o most_o certain_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o deliver_v though_o sometime_o they_o understand_v but_o dark_o 11._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v because_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n yea_o the_o devil_n themselves_o when_o they_o know_v as_o they_o do_v these_o revelation_n to_o be_v from_o god_n however_o they_o tempt_v man_n to_o distrust_n and_o out_o of_o malice_n raise_v up_o lie_v and_o slander_n upon_o god_n truth_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v themselves_o clear_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n and_o do_v assent_v unto_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n the_o devil_n know_v well_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o alum_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n even_o whilst_o he_o persuade_v he_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lie_n and_o when_o he_o inspire_v the_o pharisy_n to_o call_v christ._n samaritan_n belzebub_n a_o possess_a daemoniacke_n a_o deceiver_n and_o all_o to_o nought_o even_o than_o himself_o can_v not_o but_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v that_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n mar._n 5._o 7._o but_o this_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o hell_n to_o sight_n against_o the_o light_n and_o furious_o to_o oppose_v what_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v truth_n well_o thus_o far_o then_o our_o faith_n go_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o again_o when_o we_o know_v evident_o that_o god_n say_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v it_o without_o further_a question_n but_o here_o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v all_o the_o doubt_n how_o know_v we_o infallible_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o 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touch_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o this_o have_v breed_v in_o the_o world_n those_o monstrous_a sin_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n wherewith_o this_o age_n be_v infect_v as_o much_o as_o any_o we_o have_v indeed_o praise_v be_v god_n the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v unto_o we_o plentiful_o but_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o man_n that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d walk_v exact_o by_o this_o rule_n make_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ground-plot_n of_o all_o his_o practice_n as_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o gal._n 6._o 16._o when_o they_o behold_v many_o strange_a accident_n in_o the_o world_n do_v they_o think_v you_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n search_v into_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n &_o thence_o conclude_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o zach._n 1._o 6._o as_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v determine_v to_o do_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o our_o own_o way_n &_o 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you_o will_v offer_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o love_v by_o the_o book_n they_o follow_v no_o such_o rule_n the_o good_a they_o onloy_v or_o the_o evil_n they_o escape_v they_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o compliment_n but_o be_v indeed_o behold_v to_o their_o wit_n friend_n and_o good_a fortune_n it_o be_v their_o direction_n they_o take_v &_o think_v of_o nothing_o further_o thus_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o way_n their_o eye_n be_v never_o towards_o heaven_n to_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o regard_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n their_o thought_n be_v etc._n never_o upon_o the_o word_n to_o observe_v how_o every_o prescription_n thereof_o have_v its_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la write_v under_o it_o in_o visibl●_n character_n of_o every_o day_n experience_n let_v we_o not_o my_o brethren_n walk_v as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a have_v our_o eye_n in_o our_o head_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o such_o occurrence_n 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thing_n past_a will_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o boldness_n &_o confident_a expectation_n of_o the_o like_a success_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o much_o touch_v the_o three_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v touch_v this_o assent_n or_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o it_o and_o those_o essential_a difference_n whereby_o save_v faith_n in_o god_n elect_n be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o other_o we_o have_v show_v you_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v by_o what_o essential_a difference_n they_o be_v distinguish_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o assent_n by_o which_o 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faith_n there_o be_v in_o falix_n who_o tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n dispute_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o he_o believe_v and_o like_o the_o devil_n tremble_v but_o faelix_fw-la be_v not_o temperate_a his_o wife_n drusilla_n 5._o be_v another_o man_n wife_n felix_n be_v unrighteous_a and_o covetous_a and_o look_v for_o a_o bribe_n and_o this_o like_v he_o not_o that_o paul_n shall_v come_v so_o close_o to_o he_o wherefore_o he_o have_v a_o shift_n and_o put_v he_o off_o in_o compliment_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o faelix_fw-la will_v take_v at_o leisure_n the_o same_o imperfect_a faith_n there_o be_v in_o king_n agrippa_n who_o hear_v paul_n apology_n can_v have_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v a_o christian_a have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o fashion_n with_o king_n at_o that_o time_n act_v 26._o 28._o so_o be_v the_o case_n with_o herod_n who_o hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o 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