The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam

Ans. The cause of his error ⟨p. 53⟩was not because he could not discern, but because he did not bestow his mind upon it, and improve his wisdom: he had wisdom to discover Satan's sleights, had he kept his mind and thoughts to a consideration thereof. Let a mans eye be never so clear, yet if he consider not of the object, it may be hard by him, and he perceive it not: a friend stands by, and we know him not, because we look not settledly upon him: so though Adam was able to discern the deceits of Satan, yet his not attending made the devil put a cheat upon him.

Ans. The cause of his errour ⟨p. 53⟩was not because he could not discerne, but because he did not bestow his mind upon it, and improve his wisedome: he had wisedome to discover Satans sleights, had he kept his minde and thoughts to a consideration thereof. Let a mans eye be never so cleare, yet if he consider not of the object, it may bee hard by him, and he perceive it not: a friend stands by, and wee know him not, because wee look not settledly upon him: so though Adam was able to discern the deceits of Sathan, yet his not attending made the devill put a cheat upon him.

3. The perfection of Adams understanding consisted in this, that he could understand all things clearly, without ⟨p. 54⟩doubting. This is a weakness that we find. Many things we do not know; many things that we know, we mistake; and those things we mistake not, we see at peradventures. Look, what is the difference between the light of the sun and star-light: (In star-light, if a thing be subtle, or small, we doubt of it, but when the sun comes, we can perceive every thing undeniably:) such was the knowledge of Adam, whereby, as by the light of the sun, he could discern without staggering the things that were offered to his view. but a natural man walks in darkness, or at most but by the star-light of reason. The best Saint hath but twilight: we know in part,