and_o foist_v in_o by_o some_o cunning_a fellow_n after_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v the_o like_a objection_n also_o he_o make_v against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o either_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o moses_n or_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o some_o cunning_a fellow_n who_o write_v of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n never_o do_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o law_n which_o he_o have_v publish_v or_o if_o he_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o his_o time_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o these_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v perfect_a as_o he_o leave_v they_o or_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a have_v many_o thing_n alter_v add_v &_o detract_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o keep_n of_o they_o and_o so_o also_o he_o object_v against_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v great_a absurdity_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o writing_n of_o cicero_n seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o heathen_a man_n whether_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o any_o such_o man_n or_o no_o because_o the_o next_o age_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o next_o ensue_a and_o so_o by_o tradition_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n they_o be_v come_v unto_o we_o so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o absurdity_n to_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o live_v in_o their_o several_a time_n see_v the_o church_n have_v receive_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o their_o successor_n to_o this_o day_n moreover_o the_o law_n publish_v by_o moses_n be_v not_o in_o secret_a or_o in_o a_o corner_n before_o some_o few_o witness_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o strange_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o god_n full_a of_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n of_o his_o law_n give_v be_v do_v and_o perform_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o thousand_o who_o make_v relation_n of_o they_o to_o their_o posterity_n and_o they_o to_o they_o to_o this_o day_n neither_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v corrupt_v alter_v or_o change_v see_v the_o lawgiver_n do_v straight_o charge_v all_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o add_v detract_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n upon_o pain_n of_o present_a death_n in_o this_o world_n and_o everlasting_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v who_o therefore_o will_v incur_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o fearful_a punishment_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o fruitless_a fantasy_n moreover_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v safe_o keep_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o after_o in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a and_o diverse_a authentical_a copy_n write_v out_o of_o it_o for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n which_o be_v every_o sabbaoth_v day_n read_v and_o expound_v in_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o so_o familiar_a be_v these_o writing_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v write_v in_o their_o house_n and_o upon_o their_o garment_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o falsify_v they_o but_o it_o will_v present_o be_v espy_v yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deprave_a or_o corrupt_a yet_o they_o may_v at_o first_o be_v invent_v by_o some_o more_o subtle_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o thrust_v upon_o man_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o age_n this_o man_n shall_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n how_o then_o can_v he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n how_o then_o can_v he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n what_o then_o can_v he_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n and_o so_o fain_o a_o relation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o go_v before_o why_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o king_n or_o else_o he_o can_v not_o have_v pen_v their_o history_n also_o but_o before_o this_o time_n there_o be_v many_o copy_n abroad_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o diverse_a nation_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o through_o their_o captivity_n where_o they_o as_o constant_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o own_o country_n beside_o if_o these_o writing_n have_v be_v feign_v in_o what_o age_n can_v they_o come_v to_o light_v but_o man_n diligent_o inquire_v into_o they_o as_o be_v matter_n import_v no_o less_o than_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o condemnation_n will_v have_v find_v they_o counterfeit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v pen_v in_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v who_o will_v have_v believe_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o assure_o know_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o certain_a truth_n if_o in_o a_o after_o age_n who_o will_v have_v straight_o subscribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n be_v assure_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n furthermore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v make_v mention_n of_o such_o a_o author_n if_o they_o have_v know_v he_o or_o if_o they_o have_v by_o some_o accident_n find_v they_o write_v in_o this_o form_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o have_v build_v their_o faith_n so_o firm_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o suffer_v all_o torment_n than_o be_v bring_v to_o deny_v any_o one_o part_n of_o they_o §_o sect._n 7_o last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n antiochus_n that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n perish_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o his_o tyranny_n and_o extreme_a cruelty_n whole_o abolish_v and_o these_o which_o we_o have_v afterward_o invent_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o grace_v their_o religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v so_o sotrish_o foolish_a that_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o common_a sense_n much_o less_o of_o any_o force_n of_o reason_n for_o see_v now_o there_o be_v extant_a almost_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n what_o mean_n can_v be_v invent_v by_o with_o and_o rage_v utter_o to_o suppress_v they_o especial_o see_v the_o jew_n make_v far_o more_o precious_a account_n of_o they_o than_o of_o their_o life_n so_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v even_o in_o this_o tyrant_n time_n cruel_a death_n beside_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v in_o his_o time_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o present_o after_o his_o death_n they_o be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n and_o reviue_v or_o how_o can_v other_o be_v put_v in_o their_o place_n see_v innumerable_a man_n live_v before_o and_o after_o his_o persecution_n who_o have_v the_o sight_n and_o peruse_n of_o the_o same_o book_n before_o they_o be_v suppress_v and_o afterward_o again_o when_o they_o come_v to_o light_v last_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v be_v utter_o deface_v in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o antiochus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o tempter_n purpose_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v now_o scatter_v far_o and_o wide_a and_o have_v their_o synagogue_n and_o school_n in_o sundry_a nation_n where_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n &_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o kingdom_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o in_o other_o place_n where_o he_o bear_v no_o sway_n neither_o be_v they_o now_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n alone_o but_o also_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a by_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n at_o the_o request_n of_o ptolomey_n philadelphus_n and_o the_o translation_n careful_o keep_v in_o his_o library_n long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o antiochus_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n inspire_v with_o his_o divine_a spirit_n confirm_v with_o so_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n to_o this_o which_o have_v
and_o perish_v though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o have_v make_v a_o flourish_a show_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat_n 13._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o take_v no_o less_o pain_n after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o devour_a and_o to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v it_o that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n than_o we_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o preparation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n when_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o as_o the_o careful_a husbandman_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o stir_v up_o his_o fallow_a ground_n and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o seed_n as_o also_o in_o the_o seed_n time_n in_o sow_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n thus_o prepare_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o harrowe_a it_o and_o cover_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n so_o though_o we_o take_v great_a pain_n in_o break_v up_o and_o prepare_v the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o also_o in_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o as_o careful_a after_o all_o this_o to_o cover_v and_o hide_v this_o seed_n in_o the_o furrow_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n it_o will_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n now_o the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v first_o serious_a mediation_n whereby_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o which_o it_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v according_a to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o turn_v over_o the_o bible_n to_o those_o proof_n which_o we_o remember_v allege_v as_o most_o principal_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o noble_a man_n of_o berea_n act_n 17.10.11_o who_o though_o with_o great_a readiness_n they_o receive_v that_o doctrine_n which_o paul_n have_v deliver_v yet_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o hard_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a with_o they_o or_o no._n second_o we_o must_v use_v holy_a and_o christian_a conference_n one_o with_o another_o about_o those_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v for_o hereby_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o one_o do_v not_o observe_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o other_o remember_v and_o repent_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o other_o help_v out_o in_o another_o point_n where_o his_o neighbourfaileth_n till_o at_o last_o they_o recall_v all_o the_o material_a point_n to_o their_o remembrance_n even_o as_o many_o meeting_n together_o at_o a_o feast_n do_v every_o one_o cast_v in_o his_o shot_n till_o the_o reckon_n be_v make_v so_o many_o join_v their_o head_n together_o for_o the_o recall_v of_o a_o sermon_n to_o mind_n one_o repeat_v a_o little_a and_o another_o as_o much_o more_o till_o at_o last_o all_o be_v repeat_v and_o second_o this_o benefit_n redound_v hereof_o that_o all_o which_o every_o one_o remember_v by_o this_o repetition_n be_v more_o sure_o imprint_v in_o his_o memory_n and_o be_v not_o afterward_o easy_o forget_v last_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o imprint_v thing_n in_o our_o memory_n never_o after_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o as_o we_o only_o true_o know_v that_o in_o christianity_n that_o which_o we_o practise_v so_o likewise_o that_o be_v only_o well_o remember_v which_o be_v well_o practise_v chap._n xxvii_o satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o repentance_n the_o tentation_n allure_a to_o defer_v repentance_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n fruitless_a and_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v be_v repel_v by_o the_o mean_v before_o speak_v of_o &_o if_o man_n by_o their_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n have_v learn_v thus_o much_o knowledge_n that_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o he_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n labour_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v better_a opportunity_n and_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o shall_v repent_v &_o turn_v unto_o god_n yet_o thou_o may_v defer_v thy_o repentance_n until_o thy_o old_a age_n or_o at_o least_o till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n for_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v more_o fit_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n then_o in_o the_o flourish_a prime_n of_o thy_o youth_n when_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o tedious_a and_o unpleasant_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n so_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a neither_o need_v thou_o to_o fear_v any_o in_o convenience_n which_o will_v come_v hereby_o for_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a that_o whensoever_o thou_o return_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v receive_v thou_o to_o mercy_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o whensoever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v blot_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v thou_o may_v repent_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o and_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o religious_a life_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n be_v past_a and_o old_a age_n draw_v on_o which_o be_v far_o more_o fit_a for_o these_o exercise_n for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o so_o to_o dote_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n to_o come_v as_o that_o thou_o shall_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o be_v present_a see_v thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o dangerous_a this_o tentation_n most_o dangerous_a against_o which_o tentation_n it_o behove_v every_o man_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o as_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o great_a multitude_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o too_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o when_o as_o satan_n can_v no_o long_o hoodwink_v their_o eye_n with_o the_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n but_o that_o they_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o harken_v unto_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o repentance_n than_o not_o withstand_v thus_o far_o he_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o delay_v their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n either_o until_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o till_o their_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o brief_o some_o weighty_a argument_n whereby_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v move_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o not_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentance_n motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o hastenour_n repentance_n but_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o first_o call_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o first_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o hasten_v of_o our_o conversion_n be_v god_n commandment_n whereby_o he_o injoin_v we_o speedy_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o end_n he_o have_v create_v and_o redeem_v we_o and_o do_v continual_a preserve_v us._n psal_n 95.7.8_o to_o day_n if_o you_o shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n so_o as_o he_o charge_v we_o not_o to_o resist_v his_o call_n no_o not_o till_o to_o morrow_n for_o if_o today_o we_o will_v not_o harken_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v to_o call_v we_o again_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o judgement_n so_o eccl._n 12.1_o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n approach_v wherein_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v their_o old_a age_n as_o afterward_o he_o expound_v himself_o and_o esa_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o matth._n 3.2_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n act._n 3.19_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v enjoin_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o matth._n 6.33_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o witting_o and_o wilful_o break_v god_n commandment_n let_v we_o offer_v unto_o he_o the_o
extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n we_o may_v go_v with_o elias_n forty_o day_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o one_o meal_n yet_o if_o we_o feed_v no_o often_o when_v the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o plentiful_a provision_n of_o the_o spiritual_a food_n our_o soul_n will_v be_v hunger-starve_v neither_o let_v our_o often_o receive_v of_o this_o heavenly_a nourishment_n cause_v we_o with_o the_o unthankful_a israelit_n to_o loathe_v it_o or_o like_o wayward_a child_n or_o impatient_a sick_a patient_n spit_v it_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n again_o for_o if_o our_o appetite_n be_v thus_o cloy_v through_o a_o surfeit_n of_o satiety_n sure_o we_o be_v to_o fear_v lest_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o cunning_a physician_n will_v prescribe_v we_o a_o long_a fast_o till_o we_o have_v recover_v our_o stomach_n as_o he_o threaten_v amos_n 8.11_o i_o will_v send_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n 8.11_o amos._n 8.11_o not_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n nor_o a_o thirst_n of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o north_n even_o to_o the_o east_n shall_v we_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o §_o sect._n 6_o last_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v often_o hear_v though_o we_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o yet_o be_v there_o many_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v continual_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o as_o great_a diligence_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hear_n be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v but_o also_o to_o practice_v not_o only_o to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n but_o also_o to_o reform_v our_o affection_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o but_o also_o to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v they_o not_o only_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v but_o also_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o do_v thereof_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n for_o our_o foot_n to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n but_o also_o a_o prick_n in_o our_o side_n to_o make_v we_o go_v in_o the_o way_n and_o a_o bridle_n in_o our_o mouth_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a to_o teach_v but_o to_o improve_v to_o correct_v and_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n 3.16_o 2._o tim._n 3.16_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n but_o for_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 14.3_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o come_v once_o or_o twice_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n 14.3_o 1._o cor._n 14.3_o but_o we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n desire_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n that_o we_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n 27.4_o psal_n 27.4_o to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o visit_v his_o temple_n psal_n 27.4_o for_o though_o our_o knowledge_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o sin_n hang_v on_o or_o any_o grace_n imperfect_a in_o we_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v continual_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o one_o and_o perfect_v of_o the_o other_o chap._n xix_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o god_n word_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o the_o second_o temptation_n which_o satan_n sugge_v into_o man_n mind_n temptation_n the_o temptation_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v move_v they_o to_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n or_o though_o they_o do_v hear_v it_o to_o reject_v it_o through_o unbelief_n he_o thus_o frame_v what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o hear_v the_o scripture_n and_o what_o madness_n be_v it_o so_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v thou_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v god_n word_n or_o the_o subtle_a devise_n of_o man_n brain_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o such_o secret_a fault_n as_o other_o humane_a law_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v with_o temporal_a and_o outward_a punishment_n and_o reward_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o because_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n can_v no_o more_o than_o the_o lawgiver_n themselves_o either_o fore_n see_v prevent_v or_o punish_v any_o fault_n and_o offence_n which_o be_v not_o open_a and_o manifest_v why_o shall_v thou_o thereby_o be_v move_v to_o forsake_v thy_o delightful_a sin_n and_o to_o embrace_v unpleasant_a godliness_n to_o abandon_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o to_o undertake_v a_o austere_a and_o strict_a course_n of_o life_n see_v thou_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o false_a the_o word_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n scripture_n the_o answer_v that_o all_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o which_o temptation_n it_o behove_v every_o man_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o as_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n for_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o you_o shall_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o all_o carnal_a worldliness_n beastly_a epicurism_n and_o devilish_a atheism_n they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a rule_n of_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o refuse_v the_o evil_a the_o sceptre_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o rule_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v reject_v we_o give_v over_o ourselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o own_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n without_o which_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v take_v away_o they_o languish_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o fall_v into_o miserable_a death_n and_o destruction_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o beat_v back_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n which_o be_v pluck_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n we_o be_v easy_o vanquish_v and_o lead_v captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n §_o sect._n 2_o scripture_n reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n 1._o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o provide_v against_o this_o temptation_n let_v we_o propound_v some_o reason_n whereby_o gainsayer_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o god_n child_n persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o motion_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o antiquity_n thereof_o for_o whatsoever_o religion_n be_v most_o ancient_a that_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o the_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ancient_a and_o therefore_o god_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a for_o see_v man_n be_v create_v for_o god_n glory_n to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o can_v not_o perform_v acceptable_a worship_n and_o service_n unto_o god_n unless_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o therefore_o that_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v from_o the_o beginning_n reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o true_a religion_n whereby_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o consequent_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o all_o other_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a which_o be_v disagree_v and_o repugnant_a hereunto_o see_v god_n will_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o constant_a and_o immutable_a the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n namely_o that_o the_o religion_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ancient_a be_v of_o undoubted_a truth_n for_o it_o be_v within_o a_o few_o day_n as_o ancient_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o take_v it_o beginning_n from_o man_n creation_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n unto_o this_o day_n now_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v but_o new_a and_o upstart_n in_o comparison_n hereof_o take_v their_o beginning_n diverse_a thousand_o year_n since_o the_o creation_n yea_o even_o the_o god_n themselves_o which_o they_o worship_v which_o intruth_o be_v man_n like_o themselves_o
&_o meanness_n a_o overrule_a power_n in_o persuade_v without_o render_v reason_n or_o bring_v any_o argument_n beside_o absolute_a authority_n and_o a_o universal_a jurisdiction_n over_o all_o without_o difference_n or_o respect_n and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o secret_a thought_n as_o the_o outward_a action_n do_v manifest_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v stile_n why_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v in_o a_o simple_a lowly_a and_o plain_a stile_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v have_v excel_v all_o humane_a writing_n in_o conceit_n of_o wit_n and_o excellency_n of_o phrase_n and_o stile_n as_o far_o as_o god_n excel_v man_n whereas_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v pen_v after_o a_o most_o simple_a plain_n and_o unpolished_a manner_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o prince_n to_o play_v the_o orator_n when_o he_o set_v out_o a_o edict_n nor_o to_o use_v rhetorical_a figure_n and_o allure_a persuasion_n when_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o subject_n but_o rather_o peremptory_a commandment_n and_o plain_a phrase_n full_a of_o gravity_n and_o authority_n without_o all_o affectation_n and_o how_o much_o less_o shall_v the_o chief_a commander_n of_o king_n and_o subject_a use_v such_o a_o stile_n as_o savour_v any_o whit_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n see_v it_o better_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n plain_o to_o command_v than_o to_o persuade_v or_o allure_v with_o entice_a speech_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o also_o for_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o profundity_n of_o his_o wisdom_n can_v have_v write_v in_o such_o a_o lofty_a stile_n as_o will_v have_v fill_v even_o the_o most_o learned_a with_o admiration_n yet_o he_o use_v a_o simple_a easy_a stile_n fit_a for_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n as_o therefore_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n or_o else_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a can_v understand_v he_o so_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o speak_v aswell_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o the_o wise_a because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o these_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o vouchsafe_v as_o well_o milk_n to_o the_o babe_n as_o strong_a meat_n to_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o more_o ripe_a year_n in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n at_o which_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o one_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v with_o great_a facility_n understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o simple_a if_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o a_o lofty_a eloquent_a phrase_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o examine_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o true_a judgement_n they_o may_v find_v food_n therein_o contain_v fit_a for_o their_o own_o palate_n and_o taste_n for_o under_o this_o humility_n they_o shall_v discern_v more_o majesty_n under_o this_o simplicity_n more_o deep_a wisdom_n under_o this_o unpolished_a plainness_n more_o powerful_a persuasion_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o incline_v the_o affection_n than_o in_o all_o humane_a writing_n whatsoever_o three_o humane_a eloquence_n and_o witty_a sharp_a conceit_n be_v not_o only_o unfitting_a the_o grave_a majesty_n of_o our_o heavenly_a king_n but_o also_o needless_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o what_o be_v they_o but_o god_n truth_n and_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o beseem_a truth_n than_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n for_o what_o needs_o beauty_n the_o help_n of_o paint_v or_o a_o precious_a diamond_n much_o art_n to_o polish_v it_o see_v they_o be_v glorious_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o what_o need_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o in_o itself_o shine_v clear_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o chief_a brightness_n the_o goodly_a ornament_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n which_o will_v but_o darken_v the_o beam_n thereof_o or_o what_o need_v that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o divine_a any_o help_n from_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n judgement_n no_o no_o the_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o help_n of_o witty_a sophistry_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o tully_n oration_n whereby_o oft_o time_n a_o good_a cause_n be_v make_v bad_a and_o a_o bad_a one_o good_a right_a wrong_n and_o wrong_v right_a than_o for_o god_n divine_a truth_n which_o like_o the_o sun_n shine_v most_o glorious_o when_o it_o be_v bare_a &_o naked_a last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wisdom_n do_v manifest_v his_o power_n in_o weakness_n his_o majesty_n in_o baseness_n and_o his_o wisdom_n in_o foolishness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o weakness_n baseness_n and_o folly_n may_v serve_v as_o foil_n to_o make_v his_o power_n majesty_n and_o wisdom_n appear_v to_o we_o more_o glorious_a though_o in_o truth_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v infinite_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o their_o excellency_n but_o because_o we_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o inferior_a mean_n and_o nothing_o unto_o god_n therefore_o the_o lord_n choose_v weak_a and_o simple_a mean_n that_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v in_o they_o more_o manifest_a for_o example_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v pen_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o eloquent_a stile_n as_o will_v have_v ravish_v the_o reader_n with_o delight_n we_o will_v like_o fool_n have_v stand_v admire_v at_o the_o curious_a work_n of_o the_o casket_n and_o never_o open_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o precious_a jewel_n therein_o contain_v &_o have_v be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v have_v neglect_v the_o matter_n but_o when_o this_o treasure_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n when_o this_o beautiful_a feature_n be_v clothe_v in_o mean_a attire_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o humble_a and_o simple_a stile_n we_o leave_v shadow_n and_o behold_v the_o substance_n neither_o do_v we_o rest_v in_o the_o outward_a letter_n but_o search_v after_o the_o inward_a truth_n so_o also_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n use_v entice_a eloquence_n or_o affect_v humane_a learning_n man_n will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o have_v say_v that_o by_o the_o force_n thereof_o so_o many_o be_v draw_v or_o entice_v to_o embrace_v religion_n and_o to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o god_n service_n but_o when_o as_o in_o outward_a show_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o unpolished_a plainness_n and_o simple_a rudeness_n by_o which_o nevertheless_o the_o hearer_n understanding_n be_v more_o enlighten_v his_o will_n more_o powerful_o incline_v his_o affection_n more_o strong_o rule_v than_o by_o all_o the_o eloquent_a persuasion_n which_o wit_n and_o learning_n can_v invent_v they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v under_o this_o simplicity_n his_o power_n under_o this_o outward_a weakness_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o virtue_n and_o force_n not_o from_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o excellency_n of_o word_n but_o from_o the_o power_n and_o plain_a evidence_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o inditer_n of_o they_o §_o sect._n 4_o the_o ten_o reason_n reason_n the_o ten_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o content_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o many_o thing_n contain_v therein_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o so_o deep_a that_o man_n wisdom_n and_o reason_n can_v conceive_v they_o nor_o search_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n for_o example_n though_o all_o man_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n see_v this_o truth_n be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n in_o the_o
reason_n invent_v by_o man_n wit_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n experience_n god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n by_o our_o own_o feel_n and_o experience_n for_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n do_v also_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n sensible_o feel_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o wise_a god_n for_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v which_o before_o be_v blind_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n that_o their_o will_n be_v incline_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n which_o before_o be_v stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a that_o their_o heart_n be_v become_v soft_a and_o tender_a so_o as_o like_v the_o heart_n of_o josias_n it_o melt_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o before_o be_v obdurate_a and_o more_o hard_a than_o the_o adamant_n that_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o sear_v be_v now_o ready_a to_o check_v &_o control_v they_o when_o they_o commit_v any_o sin_n and_o to_o allow_v and_o approve_v all_o good_a action_n that_o their_o affection_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o new_a mould_n so_o that_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n now_o their_o love_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o whereas_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a in_o former_a time_n then_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n nothing_o more_o please_v then_o fin_n and_o the_o delight_n thereof_o now_o contrariwise_o nothing_o be_v more_o loathsome_a than_o sin_n nothing_o more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a than_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o when_o they_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o they_o only_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n preach_v they_o need_v no_o further_a persuasion_n nor_o other_o instructor_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a for_o their_o creation_n and_o generation_n and_o now_o only_o of_o power_n sufficient_a for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n 9_o joh._n 9_o as_o therefore_o the_o blind_a man_n reason_v with_o the_o pharisy_n john_n 9_o not_o with_o any_o far_o fetch_v reason_n but_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n as_o the_o pharisy_n accuse_v he_o but_o some_o great_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o so_o may_v we_o reason_n with_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n or_o man_n use_v this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o own_o experience_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvelous_a thing_n that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n be_v see_v they_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n which_o be_v blind_a from_o my_o birth_n incline_v my_o will_n to_o obedience_n which_o before_o be_v rebellious_a soften_v my_o heart_n and_o sanctify_a and_o quite_o change_v my_o affection_n so_o that_o i_o now_o love_v that_o good_a which_o before_o i_o hate_v and_o hate_v that_o evil_n which_o before_o i_o love_v and_o be_o delight_v with_o those_o holy_a exercise_n which_o heretofore_o do_v most_o displease_v i_o and_o be_o displease_v with_o those_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o filthy_a sin_n which_o in_o time_n past_a do_v most_o delight_v i_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o can_v have_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o inspied_a and_o indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v effectual_a by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v wrought_v in_o i_o such_o strange_a alteration_n chap._n xxii_o satan_n temptation_n suggest_v against_o the_o translation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o answer_v satan_n second_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n translate_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v that_o so_o they_o may_v never_o be_v effectual_o call_v now_o three_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n thereof_o than_o he_o will_v take_v exception_n against_o the_o translation_n suggest_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a language_n by_o man_n inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v unlearned_a the_o scripture_n may_v be_v corrupt_o translate_v alter_v from_o their_o first_o original_n and_o thing_n add_v and_o detract_v at_o the_o translator_n pleasure_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o not_o only_a professor_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o pagan_n infidel_n epicure_n and_o atheist_n who_o be_v even_o the_o very_a limb_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v skilful_a and_o learned_a in_o these_o language_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o translation_n be_v not_o near_o the_o original_n who_o can_v stop_v their_o mouth_n from_o inveigh_v against_o such_o falsehood_n who_o can_v restrain_v they_o from_o declaim_v against_o such_o corruption_n see_v they_o so_o hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o truth_n as_o that_o they_o wish_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n thereof_o and_o with_o extreme_a malice_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o persecute_v and_o murder_v to_o their_o uttermost_a power_n whosoever_o embrace_n and_o profess_v it_o moreover_o we_o know_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o more_o malicious_o malign_a christian_n and_o christianity_n than_o the_o turk_n and_o pagan_n do_v notwithstanding_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o can_v take_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o new_a three_o there_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n come_v many_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o opinion_n have_v but_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v some_o few_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o still_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o some_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n who_o have_v confute_v they_o and_o clear_v the_o text_n how_o therefore_o in_o such_o division_n and_o vehement_a discord_n shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v conceal_v how_o shall_v any_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o any_o principal_a place_n see_v there_o be_v such_o controversy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n about_o every_o letter_n and_o syllable_n last_o this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o martyr_n who_o have_v be_v excellent_o learn_v in_o the_o original_a tongue_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintain_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v they_o translate_v if_o they_o think_v they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v in_o the_o translation_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o translation_n exceed_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o translation_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o translation_n and_o therefore_o some_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o who_o will_v ground_v his_o faith_n upon_o any_o until_o he_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v diverse_a translation_n and_o one_o better_a than_o another_o yet_o even_o that_o which_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o imperfect_a be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o be_v there_o among_o they_o all_o many_o error_n which_o concern_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o come_v near_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v for_o all_o the_o translatour_n have_v labour_v to_o conform_v their_o translation_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o in_o all_o place_n deliver_v the_o proper_a sense_n yet_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o have_v fail_v it_o be_v rather_o in_o circumstance_n than_o in_o
substance_n in_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a truth_n than_o in_o the_o common_a and_o general_a and_o though_o in_o one_o place_n they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_a the_o truth_n as_o they_o shall_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o in_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v want_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o translation_n for_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v even_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o conform_v and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v their_o business_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o cloud_n the_o sun_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o that_o light_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o so_o glorious_o bright_a as_o when_o it_o shine_v in_o his_o full_a clearness_n so_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v see_v they_o shine_v in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o original_a language_n for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o painter_n express_v in_o his_o table_n with_o artificial_a colour_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o any_o man_n live_v can_v express_v that_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o divine_a glory_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o natural_a phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o translation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o glorious_a shine_a sun_n of_o god_n word_n though_o the_o brightness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_a and_o somewhat_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o another_o language_n for_o notwithstanding_o through_o it_o they_o shine_v and_o afford_v we_o such_o light_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o in_o the_o end_n to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n chap._n xxiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o objection_n which_o satan_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o also_o that_o satan_n by_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n seek_v to_o disgrace_v their_o ministry_n also_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v man_n neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v than_o he_o leave_v to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o seek_v by_o discredit_v the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o use_v all_o his_o skill_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o some_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o teach_v unto_o other_o show_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o desire_n of_o their_o neighbour_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o some_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o slander_n of_o all_o and_o a_o notable_a foundation_n whereupon_o he_o may_v build_v a_o most_o pernicious_a temptation_n be_v thou_o so_o foolish_a will_n he_o say_v as_o to_o think_v all_o gospel_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v that_o all_o truth_n come_v from_o their_o mouth_n &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n then_o that_o which_o they_o show_v unto_o thou_o why_o do_v but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o thoushalt_v find_v their_o life_n far_o dissonant_n from_o their_o word_n that_o while_o they_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stricktnes_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n while_o they_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n affect_v honour_n set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o riches_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v as_o voluptuous_a ambitious_a and_o covetous_a as_o any_o other_o and_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sin_n to_o appear_v unto_o thou_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o therefore_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o think_v as_o they_o speak_v or_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o the_o way_n so_o troublesome_a and_o hard_a to_o find_v as_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v thou_o see_v themselves_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o hear_n who_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v this_o truth_n which_o in_o their_o word_n they_o profess_v for_o what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v that_o it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o thou_o see_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v it_o in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v thou_o to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o persuade_v §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o so_o be_v weaken_v and_o hunger-starve_v for_o want_n of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n he_o may_v vanquish_v they_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o hoodwink_v with_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o ignorance_n he_o may_v lead_v they_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o to_o arm_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n first_o therefore_o imperfection_n minister_n subject_n to_o all_o human_a imperfection_n whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v because_o they_o do_v not_o as_o the_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o know_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o other_o man_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n angel_n in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o bring_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o perfection_n but_o as_o they_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n subject_a to_o all_o humane_a frailty_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o defile_v with_o original_a corruption_n so_o be_v they_o as_o prone_a as_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o actual_a transgression_n if_o the_o lord_n restrain_v they_o not_o neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n do_v endue_v man_n with_o sanctification_n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o than_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o study_n labour_n and_o industry_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n free_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o who_o he_o will_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o most_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v also_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n whereas_o our_o own_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o world_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o all_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o licentiousness_n what_o then_o do_v these_o man_n teach_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o for_o faith_n come_v not_o by_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v it_o tie_v to_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v as_o well_o yea_o and_o as_o often_o also_o upon_o the_o simple_a fisherman_n as_o upon_o the_o learned_a pharisee_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v such_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v as_o hard_o heart_a and_o full_a of_o infidelity_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sottish_a in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o infidelity_n move_v we_o to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o question_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o god_n forbid_v nay_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n though_o not_o persuade_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o though_o not_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n
not_o be_v effectual_a and_o sufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n which_o tentation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v not_o dream_v or_o imagine_v that_o to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a faith_n which_o be_v never_o assault_v with_o doubt_v nor_o shake_v with_o any_o tentation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o god_n child_n see_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v doubt_v and_o infidelity_n &_o these_o continual_o assault_n &_o fight_v one_o against_o another_o child_n that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n child_n again_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v it_o not_o in_o the_o like_a measure_n for_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o strong_a and_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o much_o knowledge_n and_o firm_o assent_v unto_o that_o which_o they_o know_v and_o be_v most_o certain_o persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n other_o be_v weak_a and_o endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o who_o have_v little_a knowledge_n weak_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n be_v yet_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1.17_o till_o at_o length_n they_o attain_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o now_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v first_o that_o this_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v notwithstanding_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o neither_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v to_o those_o only_o who_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n joh._n 1.12_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v to_o they_o prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n and_o john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v 3.18_o joh._n 3.18_o in_o which_o and_z such_o like_a place_n there_o be_v no_o measure_n of_o faith_n propound_v but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v indefinite_o to_o all_o that_o believe_v how_o small_a and_o weak_a soever_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o quantity_n and_o apprehension_n so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o quality_n it_o be_v true_a and_o lively_a §_o sect._n 2_o that_o a_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o lively_a faith_n faith_n that_o a_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o also_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o first_o diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o quantity_n of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o and_o annihilate_v the_o existence_n &_o true_a be_v thereof_o for_o example_n a_o small_a drop_n of_o water_n be_v as_o well_o and_o true_o water_n as_o the_o whole_a ocean_n a_o little_a spark_n be_v true_a fire_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o substance_n &_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mighty_a flame_n a_o little_a man_n be_v as_o true_o a_o man_n as_o a_o great_a giant_n and_o so_o a_o little_a faith_n be_v as_o well_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o a_o full_a persuasion_n neither_o do_v the_o small_a quantity_n take_v away_o the_o be_v nature_n and_o truth_n thereof_o second_o this_o also_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o many_o be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v who_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n &_o see_v his_o miracle_n believe_v &_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n &_o their_o saviour_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o exceed_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o nourish_v not_o this_o their_o ignorance_n but_o resolve_v to_o use_v all_o those_o good_a mean_n of_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n joh._n 4.39.41_o thus_o a_o certain_a ruler_n and_o all_o his_o household_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v 52._o joh._n 4.39.41_o ver_fw-la 52._o when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o cure_v the_o ruler_n son_n of_o his_o fever_n only_o with_o his_o word_n ver_fw-la 52._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o faith_n our_o saviour_n christ_n compare_v to_o a_o firm_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v be_v notwithstanding_o endue_v with_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o send_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o diverse_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o believe_v assent_n or_o be_v persuade_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o example_n howsoever_o they_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n 16.18_o mat._n 16.18_o yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o shall_v redeem_v mankind_n by_o his_o death_n for_o when_o he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n 9.45_o mat._n 20.18_o luk._n 9.45_o mat._n 20.18_o luk._n 9.45_o .._o so_o also_o they_o know_v not_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n as_o the_o evangelist_n show_v mar._n 9.32_o 9.32_o mar._n 9.32_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v thereof_o by_o the_o woman_n they_o think_v it_o a_o feign_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 24.11_o 10.37_o luk._n 24.11_o joh._n 13.38_o and_o 14.5_o act_n 1.6_o mar._n 10.37_o they_o be_v ignorant_a also_o of_o his_o ascension_n as_o appear_v joh._n 13.36_o and_o 14.5_o and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o they_o dream_v of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n and_o of_o worldly_a preferment_n which_o they_o be_v to_o have_v by_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 1.6_o mar._n 10.37_o by_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a faith_n yet_o their_o faith_n be_v exceed_v weak_a and_o small_a as_o also_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o that_o reprehension_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o they_o be_v in_o some_o appearance_n of_o danger_n 8.26_o mat._n 8.26_o matth._n 8.26_o wherefore_o be_v you_o fearful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o small_a yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_n 3.12_o that_o all_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o true_a faith_n phil._n 3.12_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v overcome_v of_o every_o tentation_n and_o never_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v see_v a_o weak_a and_o small_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a faith_n against_o which_o how_o weak_a in_o itself_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o for_o the_o weak_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a shall_v we_o find_v god_n power_n in_o sustain_v and_o preserve_v we_o the_o more_o that_o satan_n labour_v to_o winnow_v we_o in_o the_o sieve_n of_o his_o tentation_n the_o more_o effectual_o will_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o the_o feeble_a our_o faith_n be_v in_o apprehend_v christ_n the_o more_o powerful_a will_v his_o spirit_n be_v in_o apprehend_v we_o and_o in_o join_v we_o inseparable_o in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o he_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n but_o earnest_o labour_v after_o more_o perfection_n and_o to_o grow_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o
feel_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o as_o paul_n earnest_o desire_v this_o so_o also_o he_o attain_v unto_o it_o as_o himself_o profess_v galath_n 2.20_o thus_o say_v he_o i_o live_v 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o yet_o not_o i_o now_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o now_o this_o efficacy_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n which_o unit_v we_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o therefore_o usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o work_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o 8.11_o rom._n 8.11_o so_o rom._n 8.11_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n because_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o you_o §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o author_n of_o our_o vivification_n wrought_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o our_o vivification_n be_v wrought_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v follow_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dispel_v the_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o the_o beam_n of_o true_a save_a knowledge_n wherewith_o be_v enlighten_v we_o right_o judge_v that_o folly_n and_o madness_n in_o which_o we_o think_v former_o our_o chief_a wisdom_n consist_v and_o approve_v that_o as_o only_o wise_a which_o before_o we_o condemn_v as_o extreme_a foolishness_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1.17_o where_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o 1.17_o ephes_n 1.17_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v etc._n etc._n after_o the_o understanding_n be_v thus_o enlighten_v then_o also_o the_o will_n be_v change_v and_o whereas_o before_o regeneration_n it_o be_v corrupt_a perverse_a and_o rebellious_a now_o be_v sanctify_v it_o begin_v to_o hate_v and_o avoid_v that_o evil_n which_o in_o former_a time_n it_o love_v and_o embrace_v and_o to_o like_v and_o delight_v in_o that_o good_a which_o former_o it_o loathe_a and_o abhor_v so_o that_o the_o regenerate_a man_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o to_o will_v be_v present_a with_o he_o though_o he_o find_v no_o mean_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 7.18.22_o rom._n 7.18.22_o and_o that_o he_o be_v delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o inner_a man_n though_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n final_o the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o will_v reform_v there_o follow_v the_o renew_n of_o all_o the_o affection_n the_o thought_n imagination_n power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o last_o the_o internal_a part_n be_v quicken_v there_o ensue_v the_o renew_v of_o the_o body_n the_o outward_a action_n life_n and_o conversation_n §_o sect._n 6_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o our_o spiritual_a renew_n now_o as_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n instant_n that_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v not_o finish_v in_o a_o instant_n so_o this_o of_o vivification_n be_v not_o perfect_v and_o finish_v in_o a_o instant_n but_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o by_o degree_n neither_o do_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n receive_v any_o great_a measure_n thereof_o but_o only_o the_o first_o fruit_n which_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o little_a handful_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o large_a harvest_n of_o godliness_n which_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 8.23_o rom._n 8.23_o rom._n 8.23_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_o purge_v from_o all_o spot_v of_o sin_n 27_o ephe._n 5.26_o 27_o ephes_n 5.26_o 27._o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o our_o justification_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o adorn_v with_o christ_n perfect_a righteousness_n and_o not_o of_o our_o sanctification_n which_o be_v only_o begin_v in_o this_o life_n but_o not_o perfect_v till_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o it_o be_v notable_o set_v down_o 2._o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n 2._o cor._n 5.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n chap._n four_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o entice_v we_o to_o commit_v sin_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n sanctification_n of_o the_o kind_n of_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o indeavore_v to_o hinder_v our_o sanctification_n the_o right_a understanding_n whereof_o serve_v much_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o all_o contrary_a cavil_n and_o objection_n which_o be_v suggest_v into_o our_o mind_n by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n now_o have_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n propound_v satan_n temptation_n which_o he_o common_o use_v to_o hinder_v this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o answer_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n the_o temptation_n which_o satan_n sugge_v to_o hinder_v our_o progress_n in_o godliness_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o allurement_n to_o entice_v we_o to_o go_v aside_o out_o of_o the_o narrow_a path_n of_o holiness_n into_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n or_o discouragement_n to_o dishearten_v and_o weary_v we_o in_o travail_v this_o spiritual_a journey_n by_o the_o first_o he_o sweeten_v the_o bitter_a pill_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v pleasant_a to_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v greedy_o swallow_v it_o to_o our_o everlasting_a bane_n by_o the_o other_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v wholesome_a godliness_n loathsome_a and_o altogether_o unpleasant_a to_o our_o sensual_a taste_n those_o he_o common_o use_v before_o we_o have_v sin_v to_o cause_v we_o presumptuous_o to_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o these_o after_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o wound_v our_o conscience_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v move_v we_o desperate_o to_o surcease_v our_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n as_o be_v not_o only_o difficult_a but_o altogether_o impossible_a §_o sect._n 2_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o his_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n sin_n of_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o allure_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n he_o enforce_v by_o extenuate_v the_o sin_n unto_o which_o he_o allure_v we_o by_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o hide_v from_o we_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v against_o sin_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v why_o will_n he_o say_v make_v thou_o such_o scruple_n of_o commit_v this_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a unto_o thou_o see_v it_o be_v in_o it_o own_o nature_n but_o very_o small_a and_o almost_o no_o offence_n at_o all_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o great_a transgression_n which_o other_o have_v commit_v who_o notwithstanding_o be_v say_v even_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v most_o godly_a and_o righteous_a yea_o and_o high_o in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n why_o therefore_o shall_v thou_o who_o art_n far_o inferior_a unto_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o small_a straw_n see_v these_o great_a block_n can_v not_o hinder_v even_o the_o most_o religious_a from_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n consider_v also_o the_o common_a frailty_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o natural_a corruption_n of_o the_o best_a whereby_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v when_o the_o least_o occasion_n be_v offer_v into_o sin_n far_o great_a than_o this_o which_o so_o much_o please_v thou_o remember_v that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v a_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n nor_o free_v from_o that_o corruption_n which_o so_o fast_o cleave_v unto_o thou_o and_o therefore_o see_v thou_o must_v needs_o sin_n now_o sin_n when_o thereby_o thou_o may_v have_v pleasure_n or_o profit_n for_o do_v what_o thou_o can_v yet_o thou_o shall_v often_o fall_v and_o why_o will_v thou_o not_o rather_o be_v lead_v with_o delight_n then_o be_v draw_v with_o necessity_n consider_v likewise_o that_o thy_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o therefore_o still_o ready_a to_o pardon_v thy_o sin_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o know_v thy_o frail_a
this_o brutish_a might_n which_o a_o weak_a man_n may_v with_o policy_n defeat_v therefore_o he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o strong_a arm_a man_n 11.21_o luk._n 11.21_o luk._n 11.21_o who_o keep_v in_o peace_n all_o that_o he_o possess_v and_o lest_o we_o shall_v despise_v he_o because_o he_o be_v but_o one_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mighty_a prince_n not_o of_o one_o land_n or_o country_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n 12.31_o joh._n 12.31_o joh._n 12.31_o who_o therefore_o have_v infinite_a multitude_n at_o his_o commandment_n neither_o be_v there_o one_o of_o these_o prince_n alone_o but_o huge_a multitude_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v of_o they_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n say_v that_o we_o fight_v against_o principality_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o against_o power_n and_o against_o the_o worldly_a governor_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v call_v he_o the_o strong_a man_n satan_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v only_o one_o but_o it_o be_v partly_o to_o note_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n 25.41_o matth._n 25.41_o according_a to_o that_o matth._n 25.41_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o accurse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v call_v beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n 12.24_o matth._n 12.24_o matth._n 12.24_o and_o partly_o to_o intimate_v unto_o we_o their_o great_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n for_o though_o they_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n yet_o they_o combine_v themselves_o together_o as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o one_o in_o seek_v our_o destruction_n otherwise_o the_o scripture_n evident_o show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o alone_a 12.45_o matth._n 12.45_o but_o many_o to_o assault_v us._n matth._n 12.45_o one_o spirit_n take_v unto_o he_o seven_o more_o and_o they_o all_o enter_v into_o one_o man_n mark_n 16.9_o 8.30_o mark_n 16.9_o luk._n 8.30_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n have_v cast_v out_o of_o mary_n dalen_v seven_o that_o be_v many_o devil_n so_o luk._n 8.30_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o man_n possess_v with_o a_o whole_a legion_n that_o be_v with_o a_o huge_a multitude_n so_o that_o as_o our_o enemy_n be_v powerful_a in_o strength_n so_o be_v they_o in_o number_n numberless_a enough_o to_o beset_v we_o all_o on_o all_o side_n and_o in_o all_o place_n and_o therefore_o our_o fight_n must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a which_o danger_n the_o apostle_n aggravate_v by_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o as_o well_o able_a to_o assault_v we_o in_o the_o night_n as_o in_o the_o day_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o which_o sight_n of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o terrible_a when_o we_o can_v see_v our_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o can_v tell_v on_o which_o side_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o second_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o wrestle_v not_o with_o enemy_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n like_v unto_o ourselves_o but_o with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n which_o be_v most_o dangerous_a because_o be_v spirit_n they_o can_v with_o incredible_a swiftness_n pass_v from_o place_n to_o place_v which_o be_v far_o distant_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o fit_o take_v all_o advantage_n either_o in_o assault_v we_o at_o their_o pleasure_n or_o withdraw_v themselves_o when_o they_o find_v resistance_n be_v spirit_n they_o can_v lie_v secret_o in_o ambushment_n even_o in_o our_o bedchamber_n and_o so_o surprise_v we_o when_o they_o find_v we_o most_o reckless_a and_o secure_a for_o we_o can_v discover_v they_o before_o we_o feel_v their_o assault_n three_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v in_o high_a place_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o have_v get_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o upper_a ground_n and_o therefore_o the_o fight_n must_v be_v dangerous_a when_o our_o enemy_n fight_v against_o we_o from_o a_o high_a place_n or_o fort_n we_o stand_v so_o low_a that_o we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o reach_v he_o but_o because_o earthly_a thing_n can_v sufficient_o show_v the_o power_n of_o our_o enemy_n satan_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n 4.4_o 2._o cor._n 4.4_o 2._o cor._n 4.4_o to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a strength_n and_o humane_a resistance_n he_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n omnipotent_a that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o listen_v if_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o god_n divine_a power_n who_o alone_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o overrule_v by_o no_o superior_a §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o puissant_a power_n of_o this_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o though_o he_o be_v strong_a satan_n of_o the_o courage_n and_o audaciousnes_n of_o satan_n yet_o if_o withal_o he_o be_v a_o dastard_a and_o void_a of_o courage_n he_o be_v the_o less_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o as_o he_o be_v very_o strong_a so_o also_o he_o be_v exceed_o desperate_a and_o audacious_a for_o there_o be_v never_o man_n that_o live_v who_o he_o dare_v not_o encounter_v yea_o and_o that_o after_o by_o god_n assistance_n he_o have_v take_v many_o overthrow_n though_o david_n be_v a_o most_o holy_a man_n and_o according_a to_o god_n own_o hart_n yet_o he_o assault_v he_o and_o give_v he_o diverse_a foil_n by_o tempt_v he_o to_o adultery_n murder_n and_o in_o pride_n of_o heart_n to_o number_v the_o people_n though_o job_n be_v by_o god_n own_o testimony_n the_o just_a man_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a arm_a with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n yet_o satan_n dare_v encounter_v he_o as_o long_o as_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o he_o resist_v jehoshua_n the_o good_a high_a priest_n zach._n 3.1_o he_o buffet_v paul_n the_o choose_a vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n 3.1_o zach._n 3.1_o 2._o cor._n 12.7_o 12.7_o 2._o cor._n 12.7_o yea_o so_o venturous_a he_o be_v that_o he_o assault_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n when_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o free_a will_n and_o may_v if_o they_o will_v have_v resist_v his_o temptation_n nay_o so_o desperate_o audacious_a be_v this_o our_o enemy_n that_o he_o dare_v encounter_v our_o grand_a captain_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n able_a to_o destroy_v he_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o that_o not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n after_o he_o be_v shameful_o foil_v and_o overthrow_v yea_o so_o insolent_a and_o foolhardy_a he_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assault_v he_o here_o on_o earth_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o whereas_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o outward_a state_n he_o may_v have_v some_o hope_n of_o prevail_a but_o also_o he_o wage_v war_n against_o he_o in_o heaven_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o all_o glory_n power_n and_o maicstie_n when_o as_o he_o have_v no_o appearance_n of_o hope_n to_o prevail_v but_o be_v most_o sure_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o overthrow_n and_o this_o appear_v apoc._n 12.7_o 12.7_o apoc._n 12.7_o and_o there_o be_v a_o battle_n in_o heaven_n michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v against_o the_o dragon_n and_o the_o dragon_n fight_v and_o his_o angel_n but_o they_o prevail_v not_o etc._n etc._n where_o by_o michael_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v christ_n himself_o for_o he_o only_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o angel_n and_o this_o name_n signify_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n almighty_a can_v agree_v to_o no_o other_o but_o unto_o christ_n alone_o and_o by_o the_o dragon_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v satan_n as_o appeareth_z vers_n 9_o who_o fight_v against_o our_o saviour_n though_o he_o prevail_v not_o if_o therefore_o he_o dare_v encounter_v the_o most_o valiant_a soldier_n that_o ever_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n yea_o if_o he_o dare_v set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o then_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o he_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o set_v upon_o we_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a altogether_o unable_a in_o ourselves_o to_o make_v resistance_n see_v therefore_o our_o enemy_n be_v so_o puissant_a in_o strength_n so_o innumerable_a in_o multitude_n so_o dangerous_a and_o so_o audacious_a let_v we_o shake_v off_o all_o security_n and_o continual_o stand_v in_o readiness_n to_o endure_v the_o encounter_n for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o for_o we_o with_o secure_a worldling_n to_o contemn_v and_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o such_o enemy_n see_v every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v resist_v a_o huge_a multitude_n see_v we_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v to_o withstand_v those_o which_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a see_v we_o which_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n
from_o our_o own_o shadow_n yea_o from_o ourselves_o for_o we_o carry_v it_o in_o our_o own_o bosom_n how_o hard_o therefore_o be_v this_o enemy_n to_o be_v overcome_v how_o dangerous_a and_o irksome_a must_v this_o fight_v needs_o be_v wherein_o ourselves_o must_v be_v enemy_n to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o can_v obtain_v the_o victory_n unless_o we_o be_v overcome_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o life_n unless_o we_o mortify_v and_o kill_v our_o great_a part_n we_o can_v sustain_v ourselves_o but_o we_o nourish_v our_o enemy_n we_o can_v famish_v our_o enemy_n but_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v pine_v with_o hunger_n who_o will_v not_o think_v the_o estate_n of_o those_o citizen_n to_o be_v most_o dangerous_a who_o be_v besiege_v by_o foreign_a force_n harbour_v among_o they_o more_o traitor_n which_o be_v hourly_o in_o readiness_n to_o open_v the_o gate_n and_o betray_v the_o city_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n than_o true_a subject_n and_o loyal_a citizen_n to_o stand_v in_o their_o defence_n but_o this_o be_v our_o case_n we_o be_v besiege_v with_o foreign_a force_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o nourish_v in_o we_o secret_a traitor_n even_o the_o flesh_n with_o whole_a legion_n of_o the_o lust_n thereof_o which_o be_v continual_o ready_a to_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o our_o soul_n even_o our_o sense_n of_o see_v hear_v touch_v taste_v smell_a whereby_o whole_a troop_n of_o temptation_n enter_v and_o surprise_v us._n §_o sect._n 3_o weaken_v how_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v weaken_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v we_o most_o watchful_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o use_v such_o christian_a policy_n to_o withstand_v our_o enemy_n and_o prevent_v their_o treacherous_a attempt_n as_o true-hearted_a citizen_n will_v use_v in_o the_o like_a case_n who_o if_o they_o be_v besiege_v with_o foreign_a force_n and_o know_v that_o they_o harbour_v traitor_n who_o seek_v all_o opportunity_n of_o betray_v their_o city_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v strong_a enough_o lie_v hand_n on_o they_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n condemn_v and_o put_v they_o to_o death_n but_o if_o they_o find_v they_o too_o great_a and_o strong_a a_o party_n than_o they_o will_v use_v all_o good_a policy_n to_o make_v they_o weak_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o food_n and_o provision_n weapon_n armour_n and_o munition_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n wherein_o consist_v their_o chief_a strength_n and_o then_o they_o will_v set_v upon_o they_o be_v thus_o disable_v and_o proceed_v in_o the_o course_n of_o justice_n before_o mention_v so_o we_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n to_o have_v the_o city_n of_o our_o soul_n sack_v through_o the_o treacherousnes_n of_o our_o flesh_n must_v if_o we_o be_v strong_a enough_o and_o powerful_a through_o god_n spirit_n mortify_v kill_v and_o abolish_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o but_o if_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n weak_a and_o the_o flesh_n strong_a we_o be_v to_o disable_v it_o by_o fast_v and_o watchfulness_n in_o prayer_n by_o withdraw_v from_o it_o the_o food_n with_o which_o it_o be_v nourish_v that_o be_v voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a delight_n but_o especial_o be_v weak_a in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o enable_v to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.11_o 1._o pet._n 2.11_o which_o rebel_n and_o fight_v against_o our_o soul_n be_v assure_v by_o god_n merciful_a promise_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v and_o desire_v his_o spirit_n he_o will_v give_v it_o we_o 11.13_o luk._n 11.13_o luk._n 11.13_o and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o victory_n but_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o mortify_v and_o tame_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o we_o pamper_v they_o like_o epicure_n with_o all_o voluptuous_a delight_n 24.21_o pro._n 24.21_o we_o shall_v but_o strengthen_v our_o enemy_n to_o cut_v our_o own_o throat_n if_o we_o delicate_o bring_v up_o this_o servant_n which_o we_o shall_v use_v as_o a_o slave_n at_o length_n it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o as_o our_o son_n but_o a_o tyrannous_a lord_n and_o master_n which_o will_v bind_v we_o hand_n and_o foot_n in_o the_o fetter_n of_o sin_n and_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n what_o folly_n therefore_o be_v it_o to_o nourish_v and_o arm_v our_o enemy_n to_o our_o own_o destruction_n chap._n viii_o of_o satan_n policy_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v the_o second_o enemy_n that_o join_v with_o satan_n in_o work_v our_o destruction_n and_o thus_o much_o also_o concern_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o enemy_n power_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o strength_n either_o of_o himself_o or_o of_o his_o aide_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o second_o part_n which_o consist_v in_o his_o warlike_a policy_n and_o skill_n in_o employ_v this_o his_o strength_n to_o his_o best_a advantage_n if_o our_o enemy_n have_v great_a strength_n and_o yet_o want_v policy_n he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v resist_v and_o the_o soon_o vanquish_v for_o strength_n without_o wit_n be_v like_o a_o giant_n without_o eye_n but_o as_o our_o enemy_n be_v exceed_o strong_a so_o be_v he_o also_o no_o less_o subtle_a and_o politic_a in_o employ_v all_o his_o strength_n to_o his_o best_a advantage_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o strength_n he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o lion_n and_o a_o mighty_a dragon_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o subtlety_n and_o wiliness_n he_o be_v call_v a_o serpent_n yea_o a_o old_a serpent_n which_o be_v the_o subtle_a of_o beast_n have_v his_o craft_n redouble_v by_o his_o age_n and_o experience_n 12.9_o apoc._n 12.9_o apoc._n 12.9_o and_o hereof_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v unto_o we_o his_o great_a knowledge_n no_o marvel_v therefore_o though_o satan_n shall_v be_v a_o expert_a soldier_n see_v he_o be_v not_o only_o of_o wonderful_a strength_n but_o also_o of_o great_a knowledge_n by_o creation_n which_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o good_a thing_n it_o be_v much_o decrease_v by_o his_o fall_n yet_o in_o sleight_n and_o stratagem_n it_o be_v much_o increase_v by_o his_o long_a experience_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n even_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o wise_a that_o be_v by_o nature_n foolish_a and_o simple_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o satan_n who_o be_v by_o nature_n very_o politic_a be_v also_o a_o spirit_n and_o hereby_o fit_a to_o dive_v as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o with_o incredible_a swiftness_n to_o pass_v from_o place_n to_o place_n ready_a to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o all_o company_n secret_o and_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n quality_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o man_n against_o who_o he_o fight_v and_o though_o he_o can_v know_v our_o thought_n direct_o and_o certain_o for_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n yet_o he_o have_v such_o intelligence_n from_o our_o affection_n lust_n inclination_n and_o outward_a action_n that_o he_o can_v shrewd_o guess_v at_o they_o if_o he_o do_v but_o a_o while_o keep_v we_o company_n and_o see_v our_o disposition_n and_o conversation_n so_o that_o we_o can_v give_v satan_n the_o least_o advantage_n but_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v it_o and_o make_v use_v thereof_o to_o our_o overthrow_n we_o can_v lay_v no_o plot_n against_o he_o but_o he_o discern_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o prevent_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n our_o state_n be_v like_o the_o king_n of_o aram_n 2._o king_n 6.12_o 6.12_o 2._o king_n 6.12_o for_o satan_n our_o enemy_n know_v all_o our_o counsel_n and_o consultation_n which_o we_o take_v and_o hold_v in_o our_o most_o secret_a chamber_n §_o sect._n 2_o policy_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o satan_n policy_n be_v how_o we_o may_v defeat_v satan_n policy_n against_o which_o we_o must_v oppose_v no_o less_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o victory_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o be_v foolish_a by_o nature_n or_o wily_a to_o beguile_v ourselves_o that_o wisdom_n which_o we_o have_v natural_o be_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o 8.7_o rom._n 8.7_o and_o therefore_o more_o fit_a to_o betray_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n than_o to_o defend_v we_o from_o he_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o lord_n treasury_n of_o wisdom_n and_o there_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o spiritual_a save_a wisdom_n as_o shall_v be_v
grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v chastisement_n they_o serve_v for_o sharp_a eye-salue_n to_o clear_v our_o dim_a sight_n so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o serve_v for_o sour_a sauce_n to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o sweet_a sin_n and_o for_o fire_n and_o file_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v and_o scour_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o rust_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o be_v sharp_a prune_a knife_n to_o lop_v and_o trim_a we_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o godliness_n they_o be_v spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o hedge_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v sharp_a salve_n to_o draw_v out_o our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o bitter_a potion_n to_o cure_v our_o desperate_a disease_n they_o be_v that_o wormwood_n whereby_o the_o lord_n wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n who_o please_a delight_n we_o will_v ever_o suck_v without_o weariness_n if_o our_o mouth_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v rod_n wherewith_o be_v scourge_v we_o be_v make_v more_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o run_v headlong_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o see_v our_o momentany_a affliction_n do_v serve_v for_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o further_a of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o repute_v they_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o sign_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o he_o have_v over_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o i_o speak_v be_v true_a of_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n affliction_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n for_o thereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o but_o thy_o affliction_n will_v he_o say_v be_v far_o different_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o fear_n thy_o conscience_n be_v mortal_o sting_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o weight_n thereof_o overwhelm_v thou_o thou_o see_v thyself_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v already_o torment_v with_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n thy_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n with_o a_o amiable_a countenance_n frown_v upon_o thou_o like_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o thou_o taste_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a consolation_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o god_n spirit_n with_o which_o those_o that_o be_v god_n child_n be_v full_o replenish_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o abide_v all_o affliction_n but_o thy_o inward_a vexation_n be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n wherewith_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v eternal_o be_v burn_v to_o this_o temptation_n we_o must_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n hatred_n that_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n three-stringed_n whip_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentle_a rod_n of_o outward_a affliction_n for_o a_o sorrowful_a mind_n dry_v up_o the_o bone_n 18.14_o pro._n 17.12_o pro._n 18.14_o as_o it_o be_v pro._n 17.12_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o other_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prou._n 18.14_o nevertheless_o though_o these_o correction_n be_v more_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o also_o be_v the_o chastisement_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n inflict_v upon_o his_o child_n sometime_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o sometime_o for_o their_o trial_n or_o chastisement_n when_o more_o light_a correction_n will_v not_o reclaim_v they_o for_o first_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o quote_v be_v speak_v general_o of_o all_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n see_v they_o extend_v themselves_o also_o to_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n correct_v all_o alike_o but_o some_o he_o rebuke_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o go_v no_o further_a when_o as_o this_o reclaim_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o chastize_v they_o with_o gentle_a correction_n as_o with_o outward_a cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o he_o take_v his_o whip_n into_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o grievous_o scourge_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o sensible_o taste_v of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n 12.6_o reu._n 3.19_o heb._n 12.6_o and_o appehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v just_o incur_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o still_o remain_v their_o gracious_a father_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o destruction_n but_o their_o reformation_n neither_o need_v this_o deal_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v earthly_a parent_n take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o their_o child_n who_o they_o tender_o love_v for_o when_o they_o offen_n they_o they_o first_o seek_v their_o amendment_n by_o word_n and_o fatherly_a admonition_n and_o when_o this_o will_v do_v no_o good_a they_o proceed_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o a_o gentle_a manner_n do_v correct_v they_o and_o if_o this_o prevail_v not_o with_o they_o than_o they_o use_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a chastisement_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o will_v they_o disguise_v their_o fatherly_a affection_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o countenance_n all_o sign_n of_o love_n and_o assume_v terrible_a look_n and_o bitter_a frown_n yea_o they_o will_v sometime_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o reject_v they_o a_o while_n leave_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o endure_v all_o misery_n and_o whence_o proceed_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o from_o hatred_n but_o from_o love_n and_o tender_a care_n which_o they_o have_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o use_v the_o bridle_n of_o correction_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v into_o all_o licentiousness_n this_o cause_v they_o to_o pretend_v wrath_n in_o the_o countenance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o lewdness_n force_v to_o entertain_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n this_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v reclaim_v and_o retain_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o his_o disobedient_a child_n he_o use_v but_o his_o word_n if_o his_o word_n will_v suffice_v he_o go_v no_o further_a than_o gentle_a chastisement_n if_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o if_o he_o sharp_o scourge_v we_o yea_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o satan_n yet_o undoubted_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o that_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v over_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a and_o salvation_n he_o seek_v not_o our_o destruction_n but_o amendment_n he_o frown_v on_o we_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v look_v gracious_o on_o we_o for_o ever_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o while_n that_o like_o the_o prodigal_a
why_o do_v thou_o reject_v my_o soul_n 88.14_o psal_n 88.14_o and_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o 16._o thy_o indignation_n be_v go_v over_o i_o and_o thy_o fear_n have_v cut_v i_o off_o 77.8.9_o &_o 77.8.9_o the_o like_a complaint_n he_o take_v up_o psal_n 77.8.9.10_o neither_o have_v the_o prophet_n in_o these_o time_n always_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n but_o sometime_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o his_o pain_n do_v shut_v his_o mouth_n so_o as_o he_o can_v not_o confess_v his_o sin_n 32.3.4_o psal_n 32.3.4_o nor_o humble_v himself_o before_o his_o god_n though_o through_o the_o weight_n of_o affliction_n his_o bone_n be_v consume_v and_o he_o roar_v for_o grief_n all_o the_o day_n long_o as_o appear_v psalm_n 32.3.4_o so_o jeremie_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contemn_v 20.14.15.18_o jerem._n 20.14.15.18_o and_o himself_o who_o be_v god_n ambassador_n despise_v can_v not_o bear_v it_o but_o burst_v out_o into_o great_a impatiency_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o even_o the_o man_n that_o bring_v news_n thereof_o to_o his_o father_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o see_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n and_o that_o his_o day_n shall_v be_v consume_v with_o shame_n jerem._n 20.14_o 15.18_o if_o therefore_o we_o judge_v of_o job_n david_n and_o jeremie_n according_a to_o their_o outward_a behaviour_n and_o their_o own_o inward_a feel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o in_o the_o combat_n of_o temptation_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o void_a of_o faith_n impatience_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o assurance_n and_o hope_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n but_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o otherwise_o propound_v they_o unto_o we_o as_o pattern_n of_o patience_n and_o true_a godliness_n and_o themselves_o also_o at_o other_o time_n do_v show_v their_o singular_a faith_n patience_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v then_o this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n alone_o but_o the_o state_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n let_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o tempter_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o god_n child_n because_o we_o see_v not_o god_n grace_n so_o plain_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o trial_n but_o contrariwise_o bewray_v our_o impatiency_n and_o other_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o be_v true_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o infirmity_n labour_v and_o strive_v to_o reform_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o our_o state_n not_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o conflict_n but_o as_o it_o be_v or_o be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o combat_n be_v end_v §_o sect._n 10_o last_o the_o tempter_n object_v answer_v the_o objection_n out_o of_o eccles_n 9.1_o answer_v and_o have_v stir_v up_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o defend_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n love_n yet_o we_o must_v doubt_v thereof_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o allege_v that_o saying_n eccles_n 9.1_o which_o they_o read_v thus_o i_o have_v handle_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v curious_o understand_v just_o and_o wise_a man_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o a_o man_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o love_n or_o hatred_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v keep_v uncertain_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o if_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n do_v depend_v upon_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n we_o may_v well_o doubt_v nay_o i_o will_v say_v more_o we_o may_v just_o despair_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n and_o certain_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v hate_v and_o abhor_v of_o god_n for_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v deserve_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o as_o satan_n tempt_v our_o saviour_n and_o quote_v scripture_n for_o his_o purpose_n leave_v out_o that_o which_o make_v against_o he_o so_o here_o by_o his_o instrument_n assault_v his_o member_n he_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o make_v for_o he_o for_o neither_o in_o the_o hebrew_n which_o be_v the_o original_n nor_o in_o the_o greek_a translation_n be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n of_o our_o worthiness_n or_o unworthiness_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o be_v true_o translate_v in_o our_o bibles_n no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n of_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o and_o whereas_o they_o read_v the_o word_n follow_v thus_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v keep_v uncertain_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v they_o most_o gross_o deprave_v the_o text_n which_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v read_v as_o we_o have_v it_o translate_v all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o thus_o also_o do_v arias_n montanus_n one_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o themselves_o translate_v it_o neither_o will_v their_o corrupt_a translation_n stand_v with_o the_o sense_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o place_n for_o as_o he_o say_v no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o love_n so_o also_o that_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o hatred_n but_o this_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o so_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o the_o sodomite_n for_o their_o filthiness_n the_o canaanite_n for_o their_o idolatry_n julian_n for_o his_o apostasy_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v hate_v of_o god_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n witness_v the_o clean_a contrary_n and_o even_o they_o themselves_o do_v confess_v that_o they_o who_o desperate_o give_v over_o themselves_o into_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n anger_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n why_o therefore_o on_o the_o other_o side_n may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v true_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n see_v he_o have_v assure_v they_o hereof_o in_o his_o word_n nay_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 7._o their_o corrupt_a exposition_n be_v overthrow_v for_o there_o he_o bid_v we_o to_o eat_v our_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o to_o drink_v our_o wine_n with_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n for_o god_n now_o accept_v our_o work_n now_o though_o god_n do_v indeed_o accept_v ourworke_n yet_o we_o can_v not_o be_v move_v to_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o heart_n hereby_o unless_o also_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o acceptation_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v these_o word_n and_o show_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o 9.1_o the_o exposition_n of_o eccles_n 9.1_o there_o be_v two_o exposition_n give_v which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n for_o some_o understand_v these_o word_n not_o of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n but_o of_o man_n love_n towards_o those_o thing_n he_o desire_v and_o of_o his_o hatred_n towards_o those_o thing_n he_o fly_v and_o then_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n a_o man_n know_v not_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o love_v as_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n or_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o hate_v namely_o cross_n and_o affliction_n shall_v happen_v unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o dispose_v by_o his_o own_o power_n but_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o give_v these_o outward_a thing_n indifferent_o to_o all_o both_o just_a and_o unjust_a so_o that_o if_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v there_o be_v no_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o papist_n exposition_n second_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o yet_o it_o will_v make_v nothing_o for_o their_o purpose_n for_o then_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n no_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v love_v or_o hate_v of_o god_n by_o these_o common_a outward_a thing_n which_o happen_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o in_o respect_n whereof_o there_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o the_o pure_a and_o pollute_a to_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n and_o those_o that_o worship_v he_o not_o there_o be_v no_o judgement_n that_o can_v be_v give_v either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o outward_a state_n for_o sometime_o the_o just_a be_v poor_a the_o uniustrich_n the_o wicked_a advance_a to_o honour_n and_o the_o godly_a afflict_a and_o persecute_v for_o example_n esau_n enjoy_v his_o delight_n and_o plenty_n of_o all_o thing_n jacob_n like_o a_o poor_a pilgrim_n go_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n have_v no_o other_o riches_n but_o his_o clothes_n on_o his_o back_n and_o his_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n &_o when_o he_o be_v come_v among_o his_o
be_v not_o injustice_n in_o god_n to_o suffer_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o undergo_v that_o which_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o overcome_v but_o unspeakable_a mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o pay_v that_o debt_n which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v discharge_v and_o to_o suffer_v punishment_n for_o a_o time_n which_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v endure_v for_o ever_o by_o this_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n may_v just_o receive_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o christ_n free_o offer_v but_o see_v by_o the_o law_n of_o redemption_n there_o be_v require_v not_o only_o that_o the_o redeemer_n pay_v a_o price_n or_o ransom_n but_o also_o that_o he_o have_v right_a to_o that_o which_o he_o do_v redeem_v it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o right_a our_o saviour_n have_v over_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v pay_v this_o price_n for_o us._n i_o answer_v that_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n so_o also_o he_o have_v a_o twofold_a right_n unto_o we_o for_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o have_v the_o right_a of_o propriety_n &_o be_v our_o true_a owner_n he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o have_v right_a to_o redeem_v his_o own_o servant_n he_o be_v our_o king_n and_o therefore_o have_v right_a to_o redeem_v we_o who_o be_v his_o subject_n yea_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v more_o right_a than_o any_o lord_n or_o king_n to_o redeem_v we_o who_o be_v his_o creature_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n he_o be_v our_o kinsman_n flesh_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o our_o bone_n yea_o he_o be_v our_o brother_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n 2.11.12_o and_o joh._n 20.17_o 25.25_o heb._n 2.11_o 12._o joh._n 20.17_o levit._fw-la 25.25_o and_o therefore_o have_v also_o the_o right_n of_o propinquity_n which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o redemption_n levit._fw-la 25.25_o §_o sect._n 2_o second_o redemption_n that_o christ_n have_v offer_v a_o sufficient_a price_n for_o our_o redemption_n satan_n may_v object_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a price_n for_o our_o redemption_n for_o how_o can_v the_o death_n of_o one_o be_v a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a see_v every_o one_o by_o their_o innumerable_a sin_n have_v deserve_v innumerable_a death_n and_o how_o can_v the_o temporary_a and_o short_a punishment_n which_o christ_n endure_v 20.28_o act._n 20.28_o free_v we_o all_o that_o believe_v from_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n of_o hell_n fire_n see_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o proportion_n between_o the_o punishment_n which_o we_o deserve_v and_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o christ_n make_v and_o offer_v i_o answer_v that_o christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o we_o be_v not_o man_n only_o but_o god_n also_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o blood_n not_o that_o god_n have_v blood_n but_o because_o he_o that_o shed_v his_o blood_n be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o also_o god_n and_o therefore_o his_o short_a suffering_n be_v of_o more_o worth_n virtue_n and_o value_n than_o the_o everlasting_a suffering_n of_o all_o the_o world_n for_o they_o shall_v ever_o have_v suffer_v but_o can_v thereby_o never_o have_v satisfy_v because_o our_o sin_n deserve_v infinite_a punishment_n in_o that_o we_o have_v by_o they_o offend_v the_o infinite_a justice_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n which_o because_o finit_a creature_n can_v not_o bear_v god_n justice_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v infinite_a in_o time_n and_o everlasting_a see_v they_o can_v not_o be_v infinite_a in_o measure_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n though_o short_a in_o time_n yet_o be_v they_o infinite_a in_o value_n worth_n and_o merit_n because_o he_o be_v not_o man_n alone_o but_o god_n also_o and_o therefore_o at_o once_o he_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o 9.26_o heb._n 9.26_o &_o by_o his_o one_o oblation_n he_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o as_o it_o be_v heb._n 9.26_o 28._o as_o therefore_o adam_n sin_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v finit_a as_o proceed_v from_o a_o finit_a creature_n notwithstanding_o deserve_v infinite_a punishment_n because_o god_n who_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o offend_v be_v infinite_a so_o contrariwise_o christ_n suffering_n be_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n but_o yet_o of_o infinite_a merit_n and_o worth_n because_o he_o that_o suffer_v be_v not_o man_n alone_o but_o also_o god_n and_o therefore_o infinite_a §_o sect._n 3_o last_o believer_n that_o christ_n death_n and_o merit_n belong_v to_o every_o particular_a believer_n the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o christ_n death_n and_o merit_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o a_o sufficient_a price_n for_o our_o redemption_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o we_o neither_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_n he_o say_v that_o the_o death_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o yet_o what_o comfort_n can_v thou_o receive_v hereby_o see_v thou_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o thou_o or_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o thy_o redemption_n for_o either_o he_o have_v redeem_v all_o or_o but_o some_o only_o if_o all_o than_o some_o who_o be_v redeem_v may_v perish_v notwithstanding_o see_v the_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o child_n of_o destruction_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o great_a number_n but_o if_o he_o have_v redeem_v some_o only_a how_o can_v thou_o conclude_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o these_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v see_v out_o of_o mere_a particular_a proposition_n thou_o can_v not_o infer_v any_o sound_a consequence_n for_o example_n if_o thou_o do_v thus_o conclude_v some_o man_n be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n but_o i_o be_o a_o man_n therefore_o i_o be_o redeem_v thou_o may_v as_o well_o reason_n thus_o some_o man_n be_v king_n but_o i_o be_o a_o man_n therefore_o i_o be_o a_o king_n to_o this_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o though_o christ_n have_v only_o redeem_v some_o yet_o we_o may_v after_o a_o more_o sound_a manner_n conclude_v that_o we_o be_v in_o this_o number_n not_o use_v the_o help_n of_o satan_n absurd_a fallation_n but_o infer_v our_o conclusion_n out_o of_o general_a proposition_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n after_o this_o manner_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n those_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o will_v save_v for_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n and_o promise_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o may_n every_o faithful_a man_n say_v do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o redeem_v and_o shall_v eternal_o be_v save_v §_o sect._n 4_o but_o against_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o merit_n unto_o we_o the_o tempter_n urge_v diverse_a objection_n first_o 5.25.27_o satan_n temptation_n against_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n merit_n answer_v eph._n 5.25.27_o that_o christ_n only_o save_v and_o redeem_v his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o that_o this_o his_o church_n be_v glorious_a without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n holy_a and_o unblameable_a as_o it_o be_v ephes_n 5.25.27_o and_o therefore_o will_n he_o say_v what_o hope_v of_o redemption_n or_o salvation_n can_v thou_o have_v who_o be_v defile_v not_o only_o with_o original_a corruption_n but_o also_o with_o innumerable_a actual_a transgression_n to_o this_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o that_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n redeem_v and_o save_v be_v now_o already_o without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n but_o that_o he_o have_v by_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o redeem_v it_o that_o hereby_o he_o may_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o spot_n and_o may_v make_v it_o holy_a and_o without_o blame_n either_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n impute_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v do_v in_o this_o life_n or_o by_o free_v it_o altogether_o from_o corruption_n and_o the_o filthy_a spot_n of_o sin_n wherewith_o natural_o it_o be_v defile_v which_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n but_o shall_v not_o be_v perfect_v until_o the_o life_n to_o come_v second_o he_o object_v 1.14_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n no_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v col._n 1.14_o that_o if_o christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o thraldom_n of_o sin_n than_o we_o shall_v not_o still_o be_v overcome_v thereby_o nor_o so_o often_o will_v we_o will_v we_o transgress_v god_n commandment_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n first_o in_o regard_n that_o for_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n sake_n
fair_a volume_n of_o the_o creature_n so_o as_o none_o can_v behold_v they_o but_o he_o must_v needs_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n without_o any_o division_n of_o substance_n or_o confusion_n of_o person_n man_n reason_n can_v conceive_v though_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o much_o less_o can_v invent_v it_o see_v now_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o so_o that_o the_o world_n and_o the_o creature_n therein_o contain_v be_v create_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o teach_v we_o see_v they_o have_v a_o end_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o beginning_n a_o time_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o a_o time_n of_o generation_n also_o and_o as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o several_a part_n so_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a see_v also_o one_o effect_n bring_v we_o to_o his_o cause_n and_o that_o cause_n to_o a_o superior_a cause_n and_o that_o to_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o high_a and_o supreme_a cause_n which_o be_v god_n who_o have_v his_o be_v of_o himself_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n but_o that_o all_o this_o goodly_a order_n shall_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o confusion_n this_o light_n out_o of_o darkness_n that_o all_o these_o excellent_a creature_n shall_v be_v create_v of_o nothing_o by_o the_o alone_a word_n of_o their_o omnipotent_a creator_n it_o pass_v the_o conceit_n of_o humane_a reason_n &_o therefore_o his_o invention_n also_o so_o that_o we_o be_v wretched_a and_o full_a of_o misery_n not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o even_o our_o sense_n can_v teach_v we_o but_o how_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v out_o of_o this_o misery_n and_o attain_v unto_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v those_o duty_n we_o ought_v and_o leave_v those_o sin_n undo_v which_o we_o shall_v omit_v and_o by_o both_o offend_v god_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o check_n and_o fear_n which_o every_o one_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v sufficient_o teach_v we_o but_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n who_o we_o have_v offend_v as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n namely_o that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o man_n nature_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n that_o in_o this_o nature_n he_o shall_v for_o we_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o suffer_v affliction_n misery_n yea_o death_n itself_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n and_o procure_v his_o love_n to_o free_v we_o from_o everlasting_a death_n and_o damnation_n and_o to_o purchase_v for_o we_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o his_o obedience_n and_o merit_n shall_v become_v we_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o union_n whereby_o he_o become_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n which_o union_n be_v make_v principal_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o instrumental_o by_o faith_n do_v all_o seem_v strange_a yea_o absurd_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.14_o and_o if_o he_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v they_o when_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o how_o much_o less_o can_v he_o invent_v they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o or_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o in_o policy_n he_o will_v have_v devise_v such_o a_o religion_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o every_o worldly_a man_n seem_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a yea_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o against_o the_o hair_n than_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n than_o to_o reject_v our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o justification_n in_o christ_n death_n and_o obedience_n alone_o than_o to_o imagine_v that_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o great_a misery_n be_v the_o high_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n and_o that_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n make_v we_o unfit_a to_o enter_v into_o god_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o also_o flat_a contrary_n to_o natural_a wisdom_n it_o plain_o proove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n for_o then_o the_o effect_n will_v be_v like_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o savour_v of_o his_o hide_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n §_o sect._n 5_o the_o eluenth_fw-mi argument_n scripture_n the_o eleven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o prophecy_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o due_a time_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o that_o the_o promise_a seed_n christ_n jesus_n shall_v vanquish_v the_o devil_n that_o the_o posterity_n of_o cham_n shall_v be_v accurse_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n sarah_n when_o they_o be_v both_o old_a and_o she_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o childbearing_n that_o his_o posterity_n shall_v be_v bond_n man_n in_o egypt_n four_o hundred_o year_n foretell_v before_o he_o have_v isaac_n of_o who_o they_o come_v that_o judaes_n posterity_n who_o be_v but_o the_o four_o son_n shall_v have_v sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o he_o till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n shall_v excel_v the_o tribe_n of_o manasses_n that_o he_o who_o shall_v ree_fw-mi difie_v jericho_n after_o it_o be_v destroy_v 6.26_o josh_n 6.26_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n as_o appear_v josh_n 6.26_o which_o be_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o fulfil_v in_o hiel_n the_o bethelite_n 16.34_o 1._o king_n 16.34_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o king_n 16.34_o that_o josias_n by_o name_n shall_v destroy_v idolatry_n and_o the_o idolater_n and_o restore_v the_o true_a religion_n 23._o 1._o king_n 13.1.2_o 2._o king_n 22._o and_o 23._o foretell_v almost_o 300_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v 1._o king_n 13.1_o 2._o 2._o king_n 22._o and_o 23_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n and_o be_v set_v free_a by_o cyrus_n by_o name_n 44.26.27.28_o esa_n 44.26.27.28_o prophesy_v of_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o cyrus_n be_v bear_v esa_n 44.26_o 27_o 28._o and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n concern_v the_o take_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n and_o the_o time_n of_o seventie_o year_n limit_v for_o their_o abide_n there_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v they_o in_o his_o time_n the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n many_o of_o which_o we_o see_v fulfil_v in_o our_o time_n especial_o that_o concern_v the_o antichrist_n of_o rome_n his_o manner_n of_o come_v his_o increase_n his_o work_n seat_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n and_o which_o be_v so_o manifest_o and_o plain_o describe_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v a_o history_n and_o not_o a_o prophecy_n which_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o devise_v by_o man_n but_o pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o by_o his_o provident_a wise_a doom_n forsee_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o his_o wise_a providence_n rule_v all_o thing_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o here_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n politician_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o they_o mention_v and_o not_o forge_v in_o their_o name_n by_o some_o politician_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v write_v by_o any_o such_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o long_o before_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v forge_v
be_v say_v i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a writer_n who_o in_o their_o several_a time_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o most_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o we_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o a_o candle_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n which_o more_o sufficient_o show_v itself_o by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o infidel_n to_o confirm_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o infidelity_n and_o that_o noble_a learned_a and_o religious_a gentleman_n philip_n mornay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_fw-fr of_o christian_a religion_n have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o labour_n from_o who_o never_o waste_v candle_n i_o have_v borrow_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o my_o light_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o question_n chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v only_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n whereby_o all_o gainesaier_n may_v be_v convince_v who_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infallible_a truth_n but_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o opposer_n and_o for_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o atheist_n epicure_n and_o mere_a natural_n yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o all_o these_o be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o or_o to_o persuade_v he_o with_o full_a assurance_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v adjoin_v unto_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o do_v not_o only_o convince_v but_o also_o thorough_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o alone_a in_o itself_o be_v al-sufficient_a though_o we_o never_o hear_v any_o other_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n for_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o this_o truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a without_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n unsufficient_a that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v without_o this_o unsufficient_a hereby_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a in_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a nor_o many_o learned_a in_o the_o world_n do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o whereas_o if_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n or_o natural_a reason_n 11.25_o matth._n 11.25_o they_o who_o best_o conceive_v they_o will_v most_o easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o be_v reveal_v unto_o babe_n not_o by_o mean_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n neither_o can_v the_o natural_a man_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v enlighten_v with_o god_n spirit_n yet_o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o be_v never_o anoint_v with_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o glorious_a light_n appear_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o sunshine_n to_o those_o who_o want_v their_o sight_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o grope_v at_o noon_n day_n and_o as_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o who_o seneca_n speak_v be_v sudden_o in_o the_o night_n strike_v with_o blindness_n desire_v the_o next_o day_n to_o undraw_v the_o curtain_n and_o open_a the_o window_n that_o she_o may_v see_v whereas_o the_o cause_n of_o she_o not_o see_v be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n but_o want_v of_o eye_n so_o these_o man_n who_o be_v strike_v with_o natural_a blindness_n complain_v that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o clear_v by_o take_v away_o the_o cloud_n of_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o shadow_v it_o and_o by_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o this_o glorious_a light_n which_o always_o shine_v but_o in_o their_o blindness_n who_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n self_n love_n and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o every_o one_o have_v of_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o they_o will_v soon_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n want_v light_a than_o they_o eye_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o §_o sect._n 2_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v persuade_v other_o argument_n convince_v but_o not_o persuade_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n and_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o to_o a_o doubtful_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o deed_n they_o may_v with_o the_o two_o disciple_n which_o travail_v to_o emaus_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v have_v their_o heart_n burn_v and_o throb_v within_o they_o imagine_v that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o his_o eye_n be_v a_o little_a illuminate_v by_o our_o saviour_n discern_v man_n not_o as_o man_n but_o as_o move_a tree_n so_o they_o may_v in_o some_o confuse_a manner_n know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o christ_n have_v full_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v dispel_v their_o natural_a blindness_n they_o will_v never_o certain_o be_v persuade_v nor_o assure_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o any_o neither_o be_v it_o ground_v upon_o any_o natural_a reason_n or_o persuasion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o it_o deliver_v as_o appear_v ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o 1.11_o ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o and_o when_o we_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v certain_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 2.15_o god_n spirit_n full_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 2.15_o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n so_o 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o receive_v of_o he_o 2.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o verse_n 20._o 20._o verse_n 20._o but_o you_o have_v a_o ointment_n he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o you_o have_v know_v all_o thing_n where_o by_o he_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v a_o comforter_n unto_o we_o 7.13_o joh._n 16_o 7.13_o as_o it_o be_v john_n 16.7.13_o and_o in_o deed_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v indict_v and_o inspire_v or_o who_o can_v better_v judge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o witness_n nor_o any_o
and_o all_o sanctify_a and_o save_v grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n himself_o find_v not_o the_o word_n which_o he_o deliver_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o grace_n in_o he_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v powerful_a in_o many_o of_o the_o hearer_n for_o these_o purpose_n because_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v not_o the_o assistance_n and_o inward_a cooperation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o he_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o merciful_o grant_v unto_o other_o see_v then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n which_o he_o make_v effectual_a to_o who_o he_o will_v by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o see_v those_o minister_n which_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a can_v at_o their_o pleasure_n infuse_v grace_n into_o their_o hearer_n for_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n 3.5_o 1._o cor._n 3.5_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o without_o god_n blessing_n see_v also_o those_o who_o be_v loose_a and_o vicious_a if_o they_o true_o preach_v the_o truth_n itself_o can_v by_o their_o badness_n hinder_v god_n ordinance_n but_o that_o come_n from_o their_o mouth_n it_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o though_o unto_o himself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v give_v life_n unto_o it_o in_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o and_o though_o he_o preach_v for_o glory_n or_o gain_v or_o for_o envy_n and_o strife_n yet_o we_o must_v with_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n 1.15.18_o phil._n 1.15.18_o and_o reap_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o to_o our_o eternal_a comfort_n last_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v it_o good_a to_o send_v ambassador_n of_o both_o sort_n sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a and_o oftentimes_o make_v the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n for_n a_o faithful_a and_o godly_a minister_n the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n but_o whole_o rest_v and_o rely_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n own_o ordinance_n give_v and_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o the_o whole_a glory_n and_o praise_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o his_o corruption_n who_o deliver_v it_o for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o refuse_v a_o comfortable_a ambassage_n from_o a_o gracious_a prince_n because_o we_o dislike_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o ambassador_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o scorn_v to_o receive_v a_o kind_a letter_n from_o a_o love_a father_n because_o the_o carrier_n do_v displease_v we_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o refuse_v a_o rich_a treasure_n because_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n which_o be_v frail_a and_o brittle_a what_o be_v it_o but_o like_o proud_a beggar_n to_o refuse_v the_o bountiful_a alm_n of_o a_o merciful_a prince_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o amner_n which_o be_v covetous_a and_o hard_a heart_a yea_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o cross_v our_o saviour_n christ_n express_a commandment_n who_o command_v all_o to_o hear_v even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n 23._o matth._n 23._o and_o to_o do_v after_o their_o word_n though_o not_o after_o their_o work_n in_o a_o word_n what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o to_o pin_n god_n ordinance_n upon_o man_n sleeve_n and_o to_o make_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o weak_a strength_n of_o frail_a flesh_n either_o to_o be_v make_v effectual_a by_o his_o worthiness_n or_o to_o be_v make_v vain_a and_o unprofitable_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n chap._n xxiiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o sundry_a opinion_n sect_n and_o religion_n answer_v and_o thus_o satan_n may_v be_v answer_v religion_n §._o sect._n 1._o satan_n temptation_n persuade_v we_o to_o profess_v no_o religion_n when_o he_o take_v occasion_n of_o discredit_v the_o gospel_n and_o hinder_v the_o course_n thereof_o by_o object_v the_o wickedness_n and_o worldly_a profaneness_n or_o the_o infirmity_n and_o frail_a weakness_n of_o the_o minister_n thereof_o but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v he_o leave_v their_o life_n and_o come_v to_o their_o doctrine_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v will_n he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a sect_n and_o contrary_a faction_n among_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n some_o papist_n some_o protestant_n some_o arian_n some_o anabaptist_n some_o pelagian_o some_o libertine_n some_o familist_n some_o donatist_n &_o many_o other_o who_o all_o cite_v and_o allege_v scripture_n for_o the_o defend_n of_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n &_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o truth_n among_o they_o how_o therefore_o can_v thou_o know_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v falsehood_n who_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n aright_o and_o who_o wrest_v and_o misconstrue_v they_o or_o if_o thou_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v religious_a what_o religion_n will_v thou_o profess_v in_o this_o great_a confusion_n to_o what_o church_n will_v thou_o adjoine_v thyself_o see_v one_o be_v contrary_a to_o another_o and_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a therefore_o keep_v thyself_o quiet_a and_o let_v all_o alone_a harken_v not_o to_o any_o of_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o over_o hasty_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v best_o stand_v with_o thy_o advantage_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v needs_o serve_v god_n follow_v thy_o own_o conscience_n have_v a_o good_a intention_n in_o that_o thou_o do_v and_o it_o be_v enough_o but_o profess_v not_o one_o religion_n more_o than_o another_o till_o thou_o see_v those_o who_o be_v learn_v agree_v among_o themselves_o for_o until_o then_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o thou_o profess_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v sect_n division_n 2.1_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o 1._o tim._n 4.1_o 2._o pet._n 2.1_o heresy_n &_o false_a teacher_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 11.19_o 1._o tim._n 4.1_o 2._o pet._n 2.1_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n both_o under_o the_o law_n &_o under_o the_o gospel_n may_v sufficient_o teach_v we_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v publish_v and_o preach_v there_o it_o be_v oppose_v by_o innumerable_a sectary_n and_o heretic_n which_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o impugn_v and_o discredit_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o satan_n can_v still_o keep_v we_o blindfould_v in_o ignorance_n and_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n till_o there_o be_v a_o general_a unity_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n without_o all_o opposition_n or_o gainsay_n than_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o desire_n for_o so_o shall_v we_o never_o join_v ourselves_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n nor_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n profess_v &_o practise_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o stir_v up_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n false_a prophet_n secraty_n and_o heretic_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v oppugn_v and_o contradict_v the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v sincere_o preach_v and_o make_v it_o fruitless_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o unbeliever_n see_v also_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o his_o church_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n which_o be_v assault_v and_o grievous_o vex_v not_o only_o with_o lion_n tiger_n and_o open_a enemy_n but_o also_o with_o fox_n and_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o secret_a enemy_n who_o under_o the_o show_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n seek_v to_o undermine_v and_o bring_v it_o to_o ruin_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o have_v forewarn_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o we_o 11.19_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o cor._n 11.19_o though_o therefore_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o heresy_n many_o false_a religion_n and_o but_o one_o truth_n
this_o must_v not_o make_v we_o to_o neglect_v all_o till_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a agreement_n for_o as_o well_o may_v be_v reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n with_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n grace_n &_o natural_a corruption_n truth_n and_o error_n as_o the_o true_a religion_n with_o those_o which_o be_v false_a or_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o other_o those_o who_o have_v important_a business_n abroad_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o refuse_v to_o travail_v because_o some_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o every_o turn_n in_o their_o journey_n because_o they_o will_v not_o err_v with_o other_o those_o that_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o live_v do_v not_o refuse_v all_o meat_n because_o some_o surfeit_n &_o die_v by_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v unwholesome_a but_o rather_o hereby_o they_o be_v make_v more_o wary_a in_o make_v good_a choice_n of_o such_o diet_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o health_n those_o also_o who_o be_v sick_a do_v not_o neglect_v all_o physic_n because_o there_o be_v many_o cozen_a impostor_n and_o unlearned_a empiric_n who_o kill_v in_o stead_n of_o cure_v but_o this_o make_v they_o with_o more_o circumspection_n to_o find_v out_o a_o skilful_a and_o learned_a physician_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o like_a practice_n in_o these_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o direct_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o heaven_n and_o many_o byway_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n let_v not_o this_o keep_v we_o from_o travayl_v this_o heavenly_a journey_n but_o rather_o move_v we_o with_o more_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n see_v also_o there_o be_v many_o which_o offer_v we_o poison_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o wholesome_a food_n and_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o learn_v with_o more_o care_n to_o make_v choice_n and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o but_o there_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v how_o those_o who_o be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a can_v judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n false_a §._o sect._n 2._o how_o the_o unlearned_a may_v discern_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a who_o teach_v the_o truth_n and_o who_o falsehood_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o one_o must_v labour_v to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n by_o study_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n this_o must_v be_v his_o light_n to_o guide_v he_o his_o counsellor_n to_o inform_v he_o his_o touchstone_n whereby_o he_o may_v discern_v the_o stubble_n and_o straw_n of_o man_n invention_n from_o the_o pure_a gold_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o with_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n 17._o i._o joh._n 4.1_o act._n 17._o to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o according_o either_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o be_v consonant_n with_o god_n word_n or_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o be_v dissonant_n thereunto_o yea_o will_n some_o say_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a course_n if_o those_o only_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v scripture_n to_o allege_v but_o see_v every_o heretic_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o quote_v scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v and_o defend_v of_o his_o heresy_n as_o the_o professor_n of_o god_n truth_n for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o all_o the_o question_n be_v who_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o good_a and_o who_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a and_o somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v wrest_v unto_o a_o wrong_a sense_n yet_o be_v there_o other_o clear_a end_n evident_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o all_o sect_n heresy_n and_o error_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v expound_v those_o place_n which_o be_v dark_a and_o ambiguous_a by_o those_o which_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o manifest_a for_o exmaple_n if_o we_o will_v know_v whether_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o no_o we_o must_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o god_n word_n not_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o place_n which_o seem_v any_o way_n hard_a and_o doubtful_a but_o of_o those_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n truth_n as_o light_v to_o darkness_n for_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v the_o clean_a contrary_n 2.10_o i_o be_o 3.2_o and_o 2.10_o namely_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o i_o be_o 3.2_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o i_o be_o 2.10_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o sin_v not_o 8.46_o 1._o king_n 8.46_o 1._o king_n 8.46_o that_o in_o god_n sight_n none_o that_o live_v can_v be_v justify_v 10._o psal_n 143.2_o luk._n 17_o 10._o psalm_n 143.2_o that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o merit_v nothing_o luk._n 17.10_o so_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n because_o they_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o apostle_n flat_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o this_o office_n but_o christ_n alone_o 2.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n where_o as_o they_o teach_v that_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a for_o some_o man_n at_o all_o time_n and_o some_o meat_n unlawful_a for_o all_o man_n at_o some_o time_n the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o this_o be_v erroneous_a and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 4.1.3.4_o 1._o tim._n 4.1.3.4_o and_o that_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1._o tim._n 4.1.3.4_o and_o that_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a for_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a 13.4_o heb._n 13.4_o heb._n 13.4_o that_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n every_o man_n must_v have_v his_o wife_n and_o every_o woman_n her_o own_o husband_n 1._o cor._n 7.2_o and_o that_o better_o it_o be_v to_o marry_v then_o to_o burn_v v._o 9_o 7.2_o 1._o cor._n 7.2_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v carnal_o and_o corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o earth_n matth._n 28.6_o 28.6_o matth._n 28.6_o that_o when_o he_o be_v take_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o 1.11_o act._n 1.11_o act._n 1.11_o that_o the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v he_o until_o the_o time_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v restore_v 3.21_o act_n 3.21_o act._n 3.21_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v make_v and_o worship_n image_n both_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n speak_v five_o word_n with_o his_o understanding_n that_o he_o may_v also_o instruct_v other_o 14.19_o 1._o cor._n 14.19_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o flat_o injoin_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o speak_v strange_a lauguage_n where_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n 1._o cor._n 14.19.27.28_o whereas_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v withhold_v from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o give_v only_o to_o the_o priest_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o institution_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v his_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n plain_o thereby_o infer_v that_o this_o sign_n and_o sacrament_n of_o his_o blood_n belong_v to_o as_o many_o as_o be_v redeem_v by_o it_o 26.28_o matth_n 26.28_o matth._n 26.28_o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o here_o the_o disciple_n be_v only_o
not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o spirit_n itself_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v but_o god_n who_o scarch_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o make_v request_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.26.27_o who_o therefore_o can_v doubt_v of_o obtain_v his_o suit_n even_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n see_v his_o suit_n be_v frame_v and_o indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v solicit_v and_o follow_v with_o great_a earnestness_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o our_o suit_n be_v wise_a just_a and_o frame_v by_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o most_o earnest_a manner_n solicit_v and_o further_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o we_o shall_v obtain_v it_o chap._n xxxvi_o other_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o every_o of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n creed_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v diverse_a other_o first_o the_o believe_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o we_o do_v daily_o confess_v and_o profess_v which_o be_v not_o leave_v unto_o our_o choice_n to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v but_o as_o we_o confess_v it_o with_o the_o mouth_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o grievous_o sin_n through_o infidelity_n which_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o damnable_a than_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o though_o our_o heinous_a and_o manifold_a sin_n shall_v make_v it_o seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o incredible_a yet_o let_v we_o set_v aside_o all_o impediment_n and_o break_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v very_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v a_o sin_n most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a which_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v let_v we_o careful_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v let_v we_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o in_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v §_o sect._n 2_o second_o the_o afflict_a soul_n labour_v under_o sin_n may_v receive_v no_o small_a assurance_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n 16._o 2._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n matth._n 16._o for_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o have_v power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v not_o as_o though_o they_o can_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o who_o they_o listen_v as_o the_o papi_v teach_v and_o practice_v for_o this_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n alone_o as_o even_o the_o pharisee_n well_o know_v whereof_o it_o be_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o forgive_v sin_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o affirm_v that_o he_o blaspheme_v for_o who_o say_v they_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n only_o but_o they_o have_v authority_n give_v they_o of_o god_n upon_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n certain_o to_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o estate_n give_v unto_o they_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o most_o certain_a for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o dare_v oppose_v himself_o and_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o his_o faithful_a ambassador_n who_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o discern_a of_o his_o state_n better_o than_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o this_o function_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o man_n estate_n better_o than_o they_o themselves_o for_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a discern_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor_fw-la 2.15.16_o and_o therefore_o if_o diverse_a of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n with_o one_o consent_n pronounce_v unto_o any_o penitent_a sinner_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o assure_v they_o after_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v unto_o they_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o forcible_a a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o &_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n than_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o satan_n or_o their_o timorous_a unbelieve_a flesh_n to_o move_v they_o to_o doubt_v thereof_o if_o our_o body_n be_v sick_a we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o skill_n and_o care_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o good_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v he_o be_v better_a able_a to_o discern_v of_o our_o estate_n than_o we_o ourselves_o and_o believe_v his_o judgement_n to_o be_v good_a we_o suffer_v he_o to_o apply_v such_o remedy_n as_o he_o think_v most_o fit_a why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o commit_v the_o discern_a of_o our_o estate_n to_o the_o physician_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o less_o careful_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n much_o more_o skilful_a for_o the_o other_o rule_n in_o some_o patient_n may_v fail_v he_o but_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n build_v be_v most_o infallible_a be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o believe_v their_o often_o approve_a judgement_n than_o our_o own_o timorous_a fantasy_n or_o satan_n testimony_n who_o be_v our_o malicious_a enemy_n §_o sect._n 3_o three_o the_o afflict_a soul_n may_v gather_v assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o the_o devil_n satan_n the_o 3._o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o satan_n for_o when_o there_o be_v any_o suggestion_n cast_v into_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o satan_n or_o of_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n both_o which_o come_v to_o one_o end_n but_o those_o motive_n and_o suggestion_n that_o god_n will_v not_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a that_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n that_o now_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n proceed_v not_o from_o god_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o namely_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o he_o always_o ready_a to_o receive_v we_o to_o grace_v when_o we_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o if_o we_o will_v earnest_o repent_v and_o in_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n sue_v for_o mercy_n he_o will_v make_v our_o scarlet_a sin_n as_o white_a as_o snow_n that_o it_o be_v never_o to_o late_a to_o turn_v unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o repent_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o remit_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o conscience_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o see_v these_o suggestion_n
yet_o all_o true_a faith_n and_o sufsicient_a for_o salvation_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o veil_a with_o much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n as_o even_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o and_o therefore_o our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a and_o but_o in_o part_n and_o often_o assault_v with_o much_o doubt_n that_o howsoever_o faith_n and_o doubt_v be_v oppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a part_n for_o we_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o these_o two_o with_o their_o several_a fruit_n do_v continual_o fight_v and_o strive_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o several_a fruit_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n howsoever_o they_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v nor_o so_o powerful_o work_v their_o several_a action_n when_o the_o adverse_a part_n prevail_v and_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o foil_n for_o example_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o assault_v by_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o sometime_o faith_n prevail_v and_o sometime_o it_o receive_v the_o foil_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n howsoever_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v it_o nor_o the_o action_n thereof_o yet_o it_o retain_v it_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n neither_o be_v it_o deprive_v of_o his_o firmness_n constancy_n and_o certainty_n howsoever_o they_o be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v &_o hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n like_o the_o fire_n under_o the_o ash_n or_o the_o sun_n under_o a_o cloud_n as_o before_o i_o have_v say_v though_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o we_o much_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o these_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a but_o temporary_a false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o this_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o spiritual_a and_o regenerate_a part_n but_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o it_o be_v assault_v and_o sometime_o foil_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o constant_a §_o sect._n 2_o second_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n ground_v on_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o some_o of_o god_n child_n answer_v he_o will_v suggest_v that_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v most_o certain_a &_o strong_a faith_n &_o in_o exceed_o great_a measure_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o continual_o most_o notable_a fruit_n thereof_o &_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o infirmity_n and_o doubt_v as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o this_o tentation_n be_v full_a of_o untruth_n and_o have_v no_o sound_a part_n in_o it_o for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o manifold_a doubt_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o innumerable_a infirmity_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o fit_n or_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o register_n of_o all_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o of_o their_o manifold_a fall_n but_o only_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o warning_n that_o we_o may_v more_o wary_o watch_v over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n also_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o that_o our_o case_n be_v common_a with_o god_n dear_a child_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o want_v look_v upon_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o above_o hope_v believe_v under_o hope_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o be_v sometime_o shake_v with_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v as_o when_o distrust_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o rest_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n he_o be_v content_a to_o take_v unto_o he_o hagar_n his_o maid_n and_o commit_v sin_n with_o she_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o devise_n he_o may_v make_v good_a god_n promise_v and_o obtain_v the_o bless_a seed_n as_o though_o god_n can_v not_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v unless_o he_o help_v he_o by_o such_o unlawful_a mean_n so_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o moses_n faith_n when_o he_o dishonour_v god_n before_o the_o people_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o word_n &_o by_o show_v his_o impatiency_n numb_a 20.10.11_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o david_n faith_n 11._o num_fw-la 20.10_o 11._o when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v that_o god_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o displeasure_n psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o or_o of_o job_n faith_n when_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o account_v god_n his_o enemy_n 77.8.9_o psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o who_o have_v set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o mark_n against_o which_o he_o shoot_v poison_v arrow_n or_o of_o jeremy_n when_o he_o likewise_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o bewray_v great_a impatiency_n 20._o jere._n 20._o jer._n 20._o or_o of_o jonas_n when_o he_o rebel_v against_o god_n commandment_n and_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o after_o his_o miraculous_a delivery_n he_o murmur_v and_o utter_v impatient_a speech_n even_o against_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o poor_a gourd_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n merciful_o and_o mild_o reprove_v he_o say_v do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a for_o the_o gourd_n he_o stubborne_o answer_v i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a unto_o the_o death_n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o or_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o flee_v away_o and_o forsake_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o worldly_a punishment_n and_o when_o after_o his_o death_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o woman_n report_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o until_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v see_v they_o last_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o diverse_a of_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o more_o plentiful_a fruit_n than_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n be_v no_o faith_n or_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absurd_a consequence_n the_o moon_n give_v much_o less_o light_a than_o the_o sun_n therefore_o it_o give_v no_o light_n at_o all_o one_o hand_n be_v far_o great_a than_o another_o therefore_o the_o lesser_a be_v not_o a_o true_a hand_n this_o man_n excel_v another_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o the_o diverse_a degree_n in_o the_o quantity_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v and_o existence_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o quality_n beside_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o example_n of_o most_o strong_a faith_n in_o some_o of_o god_n servant_n so_o have_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o who_o have_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o little_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v not_o utter_o discourage_v with_o the_o low_a for_o example_n as_o he_o have_v remember_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o believe_v above_o hope_n under_o hope_n so_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v his_o weak_a faith_n who_o cry_v i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n as_o he_o have_v mention_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o resolution_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o so_o he_o have_v express_v also_o the_o faith_n of_o nicodemus_n in_o knowledge_n weak_a and_o simple_a and_o in_o practice_n and_o profession_n cowardly_a and_o fearful_a as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o paul_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o
all_o the_o pain_n thou_o can_v thou_o be_v in_o one_o day_n carry_v further_a backward_o towards_o thy_o old_a conversation_n than_o thou_o can_v in_o many_o month_n get_v forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n discourage_v the_o weak_a christian_n with_o his_o false_a suggestion_n corruption_n that_o our_o sanctification_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o our_o corruption_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v hinder_v he_o from_o travail_v this_o way_n of_o holiness_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v imperfect_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o continual_o cleave_v to_o they_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manifold_a want_n and_o defect_n of_o their_o best_a action_n neither_o be_v we_o so_o wash_v in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n but_o that_o there_o remain_v in_o we_o some_o stain_n of_o that_o scarlet_a ingrained_a dye_n of_o our_o corruption_n we_o have_v not_o so_o clere_o escape_v out_o of_o our_o old_a captivity_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o we_o retain_v still_o some_o gall_n and_o bruise_n which_o make_v we_o to_o go_v halt_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n we_o have_v not_o so_o vanquish_v this_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o that_o still_o it_o will_v assault_v we_o yea_o and_o often_o foil_v we_o though_o it_o can_v subdue_v we_o we_o have_v indeed_o overcome_v these_o curse_a canaanites_n so_o that_o they_o can_v rule_v and_o reign_v in_o we_o as_o in_o former_a time_n but_o we_o have_v not_o utter_o expel_v they_o from_o dwell_v among_o we_o so_o that_o do_v we_o what_o we_o can_v yet_o still_o they_o will_v be_v as_o thorn_n in_o our_o side_n to_o vex_v and_o grieve_v us._n heretofore_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n like_o tyrannical_a lord_n do_v against_o all_o law_n and_o justice_n over-rule_v we_o but_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n assist_v we_o we_o have_v weaken_v their_o force_n and_o bring_v they_o under_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o still_o they_o will_v rebel_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o continual_o exercise_v we_o in_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n so_o that_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v not_o whole_o spirit_n as_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v whole_o flesh_n but_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o faction_n or_o part_n and_o always_o be_v at_o civil_a war_n within_o himself_o for_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o be_v regenerate_v he_o be_v holy_a pure_a and_o undefiled_a but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o be_v carnal_a he_o be_v sinful_a corrupt_a and_o full_a of_o all_o pollution_n as_o he_o be_v regenerate_v he_o whole_o love_v and_o embrace_v true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o abhor_v and_o flee_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n but_o as_o he_o be_v unregenerate_a he_o love_v sin_n and_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n thereof_o and_o loathe_v righteousness_n as_o irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a in_o the_o spiritual_a part_n he_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o have_v his_o conversation_n above_o he_o mind_v heavenly_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o carnal_a part_n he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n thereof_o so_o that_o his_o mind_n can_v as_o it_o will_v mount_v aloft_o in_o divine_a meditation_n in_o the_o spirit_n he_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n §_o sect._n 3_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o imagine_v that_o to_o be_v sanctify_v be_v to_o be_v whole_o purge_v from_o all_o corruption_n sanctification_n that_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o perfection_n in_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o full_a measure_n but_o to_o have_v the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n lessen_v and_o their_o power_n abate_v so_o that_o they_o can_v whole_o oversway_v we_o as_o in_o former_a time_n to_o have_v some_o holy_a desire_n and_o good_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o also_o we_o express_v in_o our_o action_n although_o in_o great_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n to_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o life_n expect_v the_o whole_a harvest_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v neither_o let_v we_o yield_v to_o satan_n suggest_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o sanctify_a because_o we_o have_v some_o relic_n of_o our_o old_a corruption_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n in_o our_o best_a action_n or_o that_o therefore_o our_o holiness_n which_o we_o have_v be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o that_o which_o we_o want_v so_o great_a and_o hardly_o come_v by_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v unto_o it_o see_v these_o suggestion_n be_v sufficient_o confute_v both_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o example_n of_o all_o god_n child_n for_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o that_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n 1.8_o jam._n 3.2_o 1._o joh._n 1.8_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o because_o we_o continual_o offend_v our_o saviour_n require_v that_o as_o we_o ask_v our_o daily_a bread_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v pray_v daily_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o apostle_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a fight_n in_o every_o christian_a 5.17_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n &_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n the_o one_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n the_o other_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o holy_a obedience_n moreover_o the_o example_n of_o god_n saint_n be_v pregnant_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o so_o perfect_o sanctify_v but_o there_o remain_v in_o they_o some_o relic_n of_o their_o natural_a corruption_n which_o also_o show_v themselves_o in_o actual_a sin_n and_o grievous_a transgression_n as_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n david_n peter_n and_o all_o other_o but_o most_o clear_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v this_o in_o his_o own_o person_n 7._o rom._n 7._o propound_v himself_o as_o a_o true_a pattern_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v for_o though_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n yet_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a force_n and_o violence_n of_o his_o inbred_a corruption_n rom._n 7_o for_o so_o great_a strength_n thereof_o remain_v in_o he_o that_o it_o force_v he_o to_o abuse_v the_o law_n of_o god_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o work_v in_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n and_o so_o in_o steed_n of_o kill_a sin_n do_v revive_v it_o in_o he_o vers_n 8_o 9_o that_o it_o make_v he_o to_o omit_v the_o good_a he_o will_v and_o to_o do_v the_o evil_a that_o he_o hate_v vers_fw-la 15.19_o that_o it_o rebel_v against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 23_o that_o he_o see_v no_o possible_a mean_n in_o himself_o to_o subdue_v utter_o these_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o seek_v for_o help_v elsewhere_o cry_v out_o wretehed_n man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n v._o 24._o §_o sect._n 4_o seeing_n therefore_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o god_n child_n diligence_n that_o our_o want_n and_o corruption_n shall_v not_o discourage_v we_o but_o redouble_v our_o care_n and_o diligence_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o sanctify_v or_o that_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o go_v forward_o in_o this_o work_n because_o of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o small_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o be_v stain_v also_o with_o manifold_a imperfection_n but_o rather_o let_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n redouble_v our_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o we_o may_v subdue_v they_o and_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o holiness_n let_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v ascend_v one_o step_n never_o rest_v strive_v till_o we_o have_v ascend_v a_o high_a until_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o the_o top_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o high_a step_n of_o true_a holiness_n according_a to_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n apoc._n 22.11_o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a let_v he_o be_v righteous_a still_o 22.11_o apoc._n 22.11_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a let_v he_o be_v holy_a still_o that_o be_v let_v he_o continue_v and_o daily_o increase_v in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n §_o sect._n 5_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v in_o these_o our_o holy_a endeavour_n us._n that_o our_o relic_n of_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v impute_v