Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

First, There is a denial of a mans reason. Reason, as the candle of the Lord is not to be denied; ⟨p. 76⟩but reason, as it is a false light, as it pleads for Baal, the lording lust of the soul, as it plays the serpent, seducing from holy truths, as it sows pillows under presumptuous sinning, as it laughs at holiness and divine mysteries above its comprehension, is surely to be denied. We must become fools, that we may be wise, put out our lamp, that it may be lighted by the spirit, and crucify our why's and wherefores, that we may believe the Gospel. Abraham having Gods promise for a seed, considered not, Rom. 4.19. and staggered not, or (as in the original) discerned not, v. 20. he did not play the critic upon the dead body and dead womb, he laid by his discretion, that he might give glory to God by believing.

First, There is a denial of a mans reason. Reason, as the candle of the Lord is not to be denied; ⟨p. 76⟩but reason, as it is a false light, as it pleads for Baal, the lording lust of the soul, as it plays the serpent, seducing from holy truths, as it sows pillows under presumptuous sinning, as it laughs at holiness and divine mysteries above its comprehension, is surely to be denied. We must become fools, that we may be wise, put out our lamp, that it may be lighted by the spirit, and crucifie our why's and wherefores, that we may believe the Gospel. Abraham having Gods promise for a seed, considered not, Rom. 4.19. and staggered not, or (as in the original) discerned not, v. 20. he did not play the critick upon the dead body and dead womb, he laid by his discretion, that he might give glory to God by believing.

Secondly, There is a denial of a mans will. This is the forbidden fruit, and womb of concupiscence, unless this be renounced, there is no hope of resignation; our own will is a thing of Belial, and unless subdued by grace, will not take Christ's yoke: it is an inward Antichrist, and unless consumed by the divine spirit and brightness, will exalt it self above the will of God. Saul must have a light from heaven, and a fall to the earth, & a fit of trembling, or else he will not resign, and say, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?