that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a two_o book_n which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v now_o time_n that_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o second_o book_n we_o recapitulate_v &_o touch_v in_o few_o word_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o which_o in_o these_o two_o commonitorie_a book_n have_v be_v speak_v we_o say_v in_o the_o premise_n that_o this_o always_o have_v be_v and_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o custom_n of_o catholic_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v true_a faith_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n second_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o because_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v not_o as_o to_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n but_o because_o very_o many_o expound_v god_n word_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n do_v thereby_o bring_v forth_o and_o hatch_v up_o divers_a opinion_n and_o error_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n be_v direct_v according_a to_o the_o one_o only_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n understanding_n especial_o in_o those_o question_n upon_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n religion_n do_v depend_v likewise_o we_o say_v that_o in_o the_o church_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o consent_n both_o of_o universality_n and_o antiquity_n so_o that_o we_o be_v neither_o carry_v away_o from_o sound_a unity_n to_o schism_n nor_o yet_o cast_v headlong_o from_o antiquity_n of_o religion_n into_o the_o dangerous_a gulf_n of_o heretical_a novelty_n we_o say_v also_o that_o in_o antiquity_n we_o be_v diligent_o to_o observe_v and_o serious_o to_o consider_v two_o thing_n unto_o which_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v heretic_n must_v of_o necessity_n stand_v the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o have_v in_o old_a time_n be_v determine_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o authority_n of_o a_o general_a council_n the_o second_o be_v that_o if_o any_o new_a question_n do_v arise_v in_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o council_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v that_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n but_o yet_o of_o these_o only_a who_o in_o their_o time_n and_o place_n be_v approve_v master_n be_v such_o as_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o teach_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o consent_n to_o judge_v and_o take_v that_o without_o all_o sctuple_a to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o catholic_n religion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lest_o any_o man_n may_v think_v that_o we_o say_v this_o rather_o of_o presumption_n then_o of_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n we_o give_v a_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a council_n hold_v almost_o three_o year_n thence_o at_o ephesus_n a_o city_n in_o asia_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o right_n horourable_a consul_n bassus_n and_o antiochus_n in_o which_o disputation_n be_v have_v of_o constitute_v and_o set_v down_o rule_n of_o faith_n â—_o and_o least_o there_o may_v by_o chance_v some_o profane_a novelty_n creep_v in_o as_o happen_v at_o that_o perfidious_a meeting_n in_o ariminum_n this_o be_v repute_v and_o think_v the_o most_o catholic_n holy_a and_o best_a course_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n there_o present_a which_o be_v almost_o two_o hundred_o in_o number_n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o father_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o of_o who_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v martyr_n divers_a confessor_n &_o all_o to_o have_v live_v and_o die_v catholic_n priest_n that_o by_o their_o authority_n consent_n and_o verdict_n the_o old_a religion_n may_v be_v right_o and_o solemn_o confirm_v and_o blasphemous_a prophant_n novelty_n condemn_v which_o be_v so_o do_v worthy_o and_o just_o nestrius_n be_v judge_v to_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o old_a catholic_n religion_n and_o bless_a cyrill_n to_o have_v maintain_v holy_a and_o sacred_a antiquity_n and_o to_o the_o end_n nothing_o may_v be_v want_v which_o procure_v credit_n we_o put_v down_o also_o the_o name_n and_o number_n of_o these_o father_n although_o not_o remember_v their_o order_n according_a to_o who_o tonsent_n and_o uniform_a doctrine_n both_o the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v expound_v and_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n establish_v neither_o will_v it_o here_o be_v superfluous_a for_o memory_n sake_n to_o repeat_v they_o all_o once_o agam_fw-la these_o than_o be_v the_o name_n of_o they_o who_o work_n be_v cite_v in_o that_o council_n either_o as_o judge_n or_o else_o witness_n s._n peter_n bishop_n of_o alxandria_n a_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n and_o bless_a martyr_n s._n athanasius_n bishop_n of_o the_o same_o sea_n a_o most_o faithful_a teacher_n and_o famous_a confessout_n s._n theophilus_n bishop_n also_o of_o the_o same_o city_n a_o notable_a man_n for_o faith_n life_n and_o learning_n next_o after_o who_o succeed_v venerable_a cyrill_n who_o at_o this_o present_a do_v honour_v the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o that_o no_o man_n happy_o shall_v suspect_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o city_n or_o of_o one_o province_n to_o the_o former_a there_o be_v adjoin_v those_o two_o light_n of_o cappadocia_n saint_n gregory_n bishop_n and_o confessor_n of_o nazianzene_n &_o st._n basil_n bishop_n and_o confessor_n of_o cesaria_n and_o also_o another_o saint_n gregory_n nyssen_n worthy_a for_o his_o merit_n of_o faith_n conversation_n integrity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o such_o a_o brother_n as_o basil_n be_v and_o for_o proof_n that_o not_o only_o the_o greek_a &_o east_n church_n but_o also_o the_o latin_a and_o west_n be_v always_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n the_o letter_n of_o saint_n felix_n martyr_n and_o saint_n julie_n both_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o they_o write_v unto_o certain_a man_n be_v there_o read_v and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o head_n of_o the_o world_n but_o also_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v give_v testimony_n in_o that_o judgement_n from_o the_o south_n they_o have_v bless_v s._n cyprian_n from_o the_o north_n s_o ambrose_n bishop_n of_o milan_n these_o than_o be_v the_o holy_a father_n agree_v with_o that_o sacred_a number_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n as_o master_n counsellor_n witness_n and_o judge_n who_o doctrine_n the_o bless_a synod_n hold_v follow_v who_o counsel_n believe_v who_o testimony_n obey_v who_o judgement_n without_o spite_n without_o presumption_n &_o without_o favour_n pronounce_v and_o give_v sentence_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o albeit_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o father_n may_v have_v be_v set_v down_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a because_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o time_n shall_v be_v spend_v with_o multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o further_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o those_o ten_o do_v little_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n bishop_n after_o all_o this_o we_o set_v down_o the_o worthy_a sentence_n of_o cyrill_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a act_n of_o that_o council_n for_o when_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n capreolus_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v read_v who_o intend_v nothing_o else_o nothing_o else_o desire_v but_o that_o novelty_n may_v be_v overthrow_v and_o antiquity_n defend_v bishop_n cyril_n speak_v and_o give_v his_o definition_n in_o this_o sort_n for_o i_o have_v think_v good_a not_o to_o omit_v it_o here_o these_o than_o be_v his_o word_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o council_n and_o this_o epistle_n quoth_v he_o of_o the_o venerable_a and_o rel_v gious_a man_n capreolus_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n shall_v be_v ad_fw-la oyn_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o counsel_n act_n who_o opinion_n be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a for_o he_o desire_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a faith_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o new_a opinion_n superstuous_o inveme_v and_o impious_o spread_v abroad_o may_v be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v to_o which_o all_o the_o bishop_n with_o one_o consent_n cry_v out_o this_o we_o speak_v all_o this_o we_o teach_v all_o this_o we_o desire_v all_o what_o i_o beseech_v you_o say_v they_o all_o what_o desire_v they_o all_o sure_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o old_a time_n deliver_v may_v be_v still_o retain_v and_o that_o which_o be_v new_o invent_v may_v speedy_o be_v reject_v after_o that_o we_o have_v admire_v and_o high_o commend_v the_o great_a humility_n and_o holiness_n of_o that_o council_n in_o which_o be_v so_o many_o bishop_n almost_o the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o be_v metropolitan_n of_o such_o erudition_n of_o such_o learning_n that_o they_o be_v
five_o treatise_n viz._n the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n the_o verity_n of_o christian_a faith_n the_o felicity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n write_a by_o hierome_n savonarola_n the_o profit_n of_o believe_v by_o saint_n augustine_n s._n avgvstin_n book_n de_fw-fr cura_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la *_o âŽ_o *_o print_v anno_fw-la dom._n mdcli_o the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n write_a about_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n since_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n against_o the_o profane_a novelty_n of_o all_o heresy_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o a._n p._n very_o profitable_a for_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o remain_v free_a from_o all_o infection_n of_o false_a doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n more_o at_o large_a be_v declare_v *_o âŽ_o *_o print_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1651._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n zealous_a of_o truth_n and_o desirous_a of_o salvation_n a._n p._n wish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o present_v thou_o here_o gentle_a reader_n the_o ancient_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n native_a indeed_o of_o france_n but_o clothe_v in_o a_o english_a habit_n a_o book_n though_o little_a yet_o learned_a &_o no_o less_o profitable_a than_o pleasant_a of_o small_a volume_n if_o thou_o respect_v the_o quantity_n but_o of_o rare_a price_n if_o thou_o consider_v the_o quality_n the_o discourse_n be_v not_o of_o gather_v and_o scrape_v together_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n and_o put_v man_n in_o a_o dangerous_a state_n if_o we_o credit_v he_o who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a mat_n 13.22_o and_o 19.24_o it_o dispute_v not_o of_o attire_n nor_o of_o the_o art_n of_o pamper_v this_o corruptible_a carcase_n which_o bring_v that_o gay_a belly-god_n of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n luc._n 16._o to_o the_o furious_a flame_n and_o endless_a torment_n of_o hell_n fire_n it_o prosecute_v not_o wicked_a and_o wanton_a discourse_n which_o corrupt_v good_a manner_n be_v in_o very_a deed_n the_o bellows_n to_o kindle_v the_o coal_n of_o carnality_n the_o nurse_n of_o unchaste_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a bait_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n do_v daily_a angle_n and_o catch_v the_o unfortunate_a soul_n of_o man_n but_o it_o handle_v that_o which_o redound_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o soul_n create_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n how_o we_o may_v so_o govern_v this_o frail_a vessel_n of_o we_o in_o the_o tempestuous_a sea_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n that_o at_o last_o we_o may_v safe_o arrive_v at_o the_o port_n and_o barber_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n for_o if_o the_o first_o step_n to_o heaven_n be_v to_o believe_v aright_o and_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o salvation_n be_v faith_n as_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o truth_n at_o all_o then_o can_v this_o golden_a treatise_n but_o be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o love_n jesus_n christ_n and_o tender_a the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a pillar_n of_o fire_n that_o may_v guide_v we_o through_o the_o desert_n of_o this_o world_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n exod._n 13._o and_o that_o glitter_a star_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o new_a bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n mat._n 2._o but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v more_o plain_o and_o particular_o view_v the_o excellency_n and_o great_a necessity_n of_o this_o rare_a book_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o moses_n from_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n nebo_n contemplate_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n deut._n 34._o i_o will_v brief_o set_v down_o such_o motive_n as_o invite_v i_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o translate_n it_o for_o the_o self_n same_o as_o i_o very_o think_v can_v but_o in_o flame_n thou_o to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o it_o also_o three_o principal_a reason_n then_o especial_o move_v i_o the_o first_o be_v because_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a be_v write_v above_o eleven_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o it_o be_v compose_v three_o year_n after_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appeareth_z in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o book_n and_o as_o the_o author_n himself_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n so_o be_v his_o doctrine_n more_o ancient_a be_v the_o self_n same_o which_o flourish_v in_o his_o time_n and_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v never_o of_o any_o good_a man_n doubt_v of_o so_o it_o be_v also_o most_o apparent_a first_o by_o sound_a reason_n ground_v in_o god_n word_n because_o when_o any_o man_n write_v aught_o concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o control_v of_o any_o of_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n then_o general_o teach_v and_o receive_v otherwise_o those_o prestour_n and_o doctor_n which_o god_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v have_v give_v that_o we_o he_o not_o little_a one_o waver_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o doctrine_n ephes_n 4._o can_v never_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o will_v as_o the_o prophet_n admonish_v have_v cry_v out_o exalt_v their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n esa_n 58._o as_o we_o find_v in_o like_a case_n the_o licentious_a nicholaiâ—s_n note_v by_o s._n joâ—â—_n for_o their_o false_a doctrine_n apoc._n 2._o himoneus_n and_o philetus_n reprove_v by_o s._n paul_n for_o a_o error_n about_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o tim._n 2._o second_o because_o the_o author_n himself_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v the_o same_o in_o sert_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o many_o excellent_a holy_a and_o learned_a man_n which_o live_v in_o his_o day_n not_o only_o because_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o he_o have_v here_o write_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o ancestor_n and_o forefather_n both_o which_o he_o do_v be_v the_o very_a first_o entrance_n and_o general_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o towards_o the_o late_a end_n he_o so_o high_o commend_v the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v the_o parliament_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sure_o he_o never_o will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o what_o their_o opinion_n be_v himself_o record_v for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o father_n inspire_v by_o god_n decree_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o the_o sacred_a antiquity_n of_o out_o forefather_n agree_v together_o be_v christ_n have_v hold_v and_o believe_v which_o sure_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n that_o what_o faith_n be_v by_o christ_n plant_v and_o his_o disciple_n preach_v be_v by_o they_o careful_o keep_v and_o maintain_v which_o thing_n be_v especial_o of_o we_o englishman_n to_o be_v note_v because_o the_o first_o four_o general_n counsel_n among_o which_o this_o of_o ephesus_n be_v one_o and_o the_o three_o in_o order_n be_v worthy_o allow_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1._o eliz._n wherefore_o move_v with_o such_o reason_n we_o may_v without_o all_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n not_o only_o read_v this_o book_n but_o also_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v it_o as_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o that_o time_n as_o the_o religion_n practise_v and_o reverence_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o faith_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o ephesine_n council_n &_o so_o consequent_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o then_o see_v we_o live_v in_o those_o day_n in_o which_o so_o many_o new_a sect_n and_o doctrine_n such_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n such_o superstitious_a and_o new-fangled_a devise_n fly_v up_o &_o down_o the_o world_n &_o see_v we_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o late_a time_n in_o which_o man_n shall_v heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o master_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n and_o shall_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o avert_v their_o ear_n from_o truth_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o fable_n 2_o tim._n 4._o in_o which_o they_o shall_v love_v pleasure_n more_o than_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o virtue_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3._o in_o which_o many_o scoffer_n shall_v come_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n whodevide_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o which_o many_o false_a christ_n &_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v &_o seduct_v many_o
by_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n page_n 32_o chap._n viii_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o god_n page_n 44_o chap._n ix_o christian_n faith_n prove_v true_a out_o of_o their_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n page_n 58_o chap._n x._o the_o same_o verity_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o exterior_a worship_n of_o christian_n page_n 67_o chap._n xi_o the_o same_o verity_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n page_n 77_o chap._n xii_o the_o same_o truth_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o extrinsecall_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n page_n 90_o chap._n xiii_o the_o same_o confirm_v by_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o by_o his_o power_n page_n 101_o chap._n xiiii_o the_o same_o conclude_v out_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 125_o chap._n xv._o the_o same_o verity_n confirm_v out_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n page_n 144_o chap._n xvi_o the_o same_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o christ_n all_o together_o page_n 161_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o the_o verity_n of_o faith_n by_o hierome_n savanocola_n of_o ferrara_n london_n print_v by_o r._n daniel_n 1651._o the_o preface_n have_v as_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a purpose_n treat_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o discuss_v those_o also_o which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o plain_o show_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v most_o true_a not_o only_o by_o natural_a motive_n but_o out_o of_o the_o very_a action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n christ_n jesus_n and_o because_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n do_v more_o enforce_v our_o under_o stand_v to_o assent_v than_o thing_n which_o be_v past_a for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o deny_v what_o we_o plain_o see_v before_o our_o eye_n then_o that_o which_o we_o receive_v at_o trust_n by_o tradition_n i_o shall_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o my_o proof_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v unquestionable_a unto_o all_o as_o be_v daily_o see_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v most_o apparent_a to_o sense_n itself_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o vice_n of_o evil_n christian_n who_o as_o such_o be_v sequester_v rather_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communication_n and_o mystical_a union_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o those_o good_a member_n of_o it_o which_o not_o only_o bear_v and_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o also_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o by_o their_o virtuous_a life_n and_o action_n this_o do_v i_o shall_v produce_v reason_n ground_v in_o those_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o general_o receive_v and_o allow_v of_o by_o all_o so_o that_o the_o latter_a shall_v manifest_o confirm_v the_o former_a the_o thing_n present_a those_o which_o be_v past_a but_o because_o the_o chief_a effect_n at_o which_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n aim_v be_v justice_n and_o a_o irreprehensible_a and_o unspotted_a life_n our_o saviour_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n ego_fw-la veni_fw-la ut_fw-la vitam_fw-la habeant_fw-la &_o abundantiùs_fw-la habeant_fw-la to_o this_o end_n i_o come_v that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o that_o they_o live_v more_o abundant_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a order_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o reason_n true_o ground_v in_o the_o virtuous_a life_n of_o good_a christian_n second_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o life_n and_o last_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o life_n wherein_o i_o shall_v comprise_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v daily_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n militant_a of_o christ_n the_o triumph_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o the_o verity_n of_o faith_n chap._n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o every_o one_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n by_o religion_n we_o understand_v a_o due_a worship_n exhibit_v unto_o almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o universal_a fountain_n source_n and_o moderator_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o every_o effect_n do_v exhibit_v a_o certain_a worship_n to_o its_o cause_n whilst_o convert_v its_o self_n unto_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v invocate_a it_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o subjection_n it_o strive_v to_o imitate_v and_o make_v itself_o like_a unto_o it_o which_o express_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a return_n of_o honour_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o perfect_v by_o it_o wherefore_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n of_o who_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o have_v goodness_n in_o it_o have_v their_o whole_a be_v and_o dependence_n most_o clear_a it_o be_v that_o in_o man_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o engraft_a and_o natural_a instinct_n to_o convert_v itself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o invoke_v and_o subject_v himself_o unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o uttermost_a to_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v perfect_v by_o he_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o to_o exhibit_v worship_n unto_o he_o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o worship_v his_o creator_n and_o that_o this_o inclination_n can_v be_v superfluous_a or_o in_o vain_a we_o must_v of_o force_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n moreover_o see_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v to_o its_o cause_n and_o that_o he_o be_v rational_a as_o not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o other_o brute_n and_o irrational_a thing_n be_v which_o be_v natural_o carry_v away_o by_o their_o appetite_n but_o have_v a_o true_a dominion_n over_o his_o action_n he_o free_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o listen_v now_o if_o all_o man_n as_o natural_a reason_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o defective_a shall_v fall_v into_o so_o general_a and_o gross_a a_o error_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a and_o divine_a worship_n find_v among_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o deprive_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o divine_a care_n exercise_v towards_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o necessary_a and_o natural_a unto_o they_o see_v that_o this_o true_a divine_a worship_n be_v that_o by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o arrive_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o his_o last_o end_n but_o this_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o plain_o refute_v i_o add_v that_o every_o country_n and_o nation_n in_o every_o age_n both_o past_a and_o present_a have_v be_v though_o in_o divers_a way_n addict_v unto_o the_o divine_a worship_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v whole_o ingraft_v and_o natural_a unto_o man_n for_o that_o be_v natural_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v which_o agree_v unto_o all_o and_o at_o all_o time_n wherefore_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a divine_a worship_n find_v this_o natural_a inclination_n will_v be_v whole_o frustrate_a see_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n execute_v his_o providence_n more_o towards_o unreasonable_a creature_n then_o towards_o man_n last_o see_v that_o every_o cause_n infuse_v its_o perfection_n and_o goodness_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o may_v into_o its_o effect_n intend_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o attract_v it_o and_o make_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v capacity_n like_a unto_o itself_o almighty_a god_n be_v superlative_o good_a and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v questionless_a a_o special_a care_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o use_n he_o make_v all_o other_o inferior_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o man_n principal_o consist_v in_o the_o subject_n himself_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o the_o divine_a veneration_n in_o the_o which_o religion_n do_v chief_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n man_n have_v a_o capacity_n to_o exhibit_v veneration_n unto_o almighty_a god_n two_o way_n corporal_o and_o spiritual_o we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o he_o to_o wit_n interior_a and_o exterior_a interior_a be_v that_o which_o we_o perform_v by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n exterior_a be_v that_o which_o we_o
no_o less_o grievous_a but_o the_o same_o word_n will_v serve_v to_o confute_v it_o if_o in_o the_o three_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n at_o all_o go_v to_o then_o and_o hereafter_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o what_o do_v they_o object_v against_o the_o book_n which_o be_v call_v the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v good_a but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o well_o and_o right_o understand_v they_o but_o they_o themselves_o receive_v they_o not_o do_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o right_o understand_v by_o we_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v by_o the_o former_a defence_n or_o will_v they_o say_v that_o we_o right_o understand_v they_o but_o that_o the_o book_n be_v naught_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v their_o live_a adversary_n with_o who_o they_o be_v in_o debate_n and_o to_o accuse_v those_o that_o be_v former_o dead_a with_o who_o they_o have_v no_o contention_n nor_o strife_n very_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o work_n which_o those_o man_n leave_v to_o posterity_n be_v profitable_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v great_a and_o very_o holy_a man_n and_o that_o that_o law_n be_v make_v and_o publish_v by_o god_n will_n and_o command_v and_o although_o my_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n be_v but_o very_o little_a in_o book_n of_o that_o kind_n yet_o this_o i_o can_v easy_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a unto_o one_o that_o bear_v a_o equal_a and_o a_o impartial_a and_o not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o a_o refractory_a mind_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o when_o thou_o will_v afford_v i_o a_o attentive_a and_o a_o courteous_a hear_n and_o my_o own_o occasion_n will_v permit_v but_o now_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a for_o i_o howsoever_o that_o business_n go_v not_o to_o have_v be_v beguile_v nor_o deceive_v chap._n vi_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v first_o to_o be_v love_v before_o it_o can_v be_v learn_v o_o honoratus_n i_o call_v my_o own_o conscience_n and_o god_n who_o inhabit_v pure_a foul_n to_o witness_v that_o i_o judge_v and_o esteem_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o wise_a nothing_o more_o chaste_a nothing_o more_o religious_a than_o all_o those_o scripture_n be_v which_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v hold_v and_o embrace_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n i_o know_v thou_o admire_v to_o hear_v i_o talk_v thus_o for_o i_o can_v disguise_v nor_o dissemble_v the_o matter_n we_o have_v be_v exhort_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v far_o otherwise_o but_o true_o a_o rasher_n act_n can_v be_v commit_v rashness_n be_v a_o fault_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v addict_v be_v yet_o but_o child_n then_o to_o forsake_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o expositor_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o book_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o and_o can_v teach_v and_o deliver_v they_o to_o their_o disciple_n and_o to_o require_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o be_v constrain_v i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o cause_n have_v denounce_v a_o most_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a war_n against_o their_o author_n and_o compiler_n and_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v of_o those_o science_n wherein_o perhaps_o a_o reader_n may_v err_v without_o any_o heinous_a crime_n or_o offence_n who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o profound_a and_o obscure_a book_n of_o aristotle_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o his_o enemy_n or_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o learn_v the_o geometry_n of_o archimedes_n will_v take_v epicurus_n to_o be_v his_o master_n against_o which_o he_o dispute_v very_o stiff_o and_o eager_o and_o yet_o as_o i_o conceive_v he_o understand_v nothing_o thereof_o be_v those_o scripture_n of_o the_o law_n most_o plain_a and_o easy_a against_o which_o they_o proceed_v with_o violence_n in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n as_o though_o they_o be_v expose_v and_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n i_o think_v these_o man_n be_v like_a to_o that_o woman_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v laugh_v at_o and_o deride_v who_o be_v angry_a to_o hear_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o to_o have_v it_o recommend_v unto_o she_o by_o a_o certain_a manichean_a woman_n to_o be_v worship_v as_o she_o be_v religious_o simple_a start_v up_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o stamp_v often_o upon_o the_o place_n which_o the_o sun_n with_o his_o beam_n have_v enlighten_v through_o a_o window_n begin_v to_o cry_v out_o behold_v i_o contemn_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o sun_n and_o thy_o god_n that_o this_o be_v do_v altogether_o foolish_o and_o like_v unto_o a_o woman_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o do_v not_o those_o man_n seem_v to_o resemble_v she_o who_o cast_v forth_o violent_a speech_n and_o curse_n against_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o neither_o why_o they_o be_v write_v nor_o what_o manner_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v which_o seem_v as_o though_o they_o be_v low_a and_o contemptible_a but_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v they_o they_o be_v subtle_a and_o divine_a think_v to_o receive_v some_o benefit_n thereby_o because_o unskilful_a man_n do_v countenance_n and_o applaud_v they_o believe_v i_o whatsoever_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o scripture_n be_v high_a and_o divine_a there_o be_v truth_n altogether_o in_o they_o and_o most_o fit_a instruction_n both_o for_o the_o amend_v and_o reform_v man_n mind_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o so_o well_o digest_v and_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v from_o thence_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o himself_o if_o he_o come_v prepare_v to_o take_v it_o with_o such_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o true_a religion_n do_v require_v shall_v i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v this_o unto_o thou_o i_o must_v allege_v many_o reason_n and_o entertain_v thou_o with_o a_o long_a discourse_n for_o first_o i_o must_v perfwade_v thou_o not_o to_o hate_v the_o author_n themselves_o and_o then_o to_o love_v they_o and_o this_o i_o must_v effect_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n rather_o than_o by_o expound_v their_o opinion_n and_o their_o writing_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v hate_n virgil_n yea_o if_o we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o upon_o the_o commendation_n of_o our_o predecessor_n before_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o those_o innumerable_a question_n touch_v he_o wherewith_o grammarian_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v much_o perplex_v and_o trouble_v nor_o shall_v we_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v resolve_v those_o question_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o praise_n but_o we_o shall_v give_v countenance_n and_o show_v favour_n unto_o he_o who_o by_o those_o question_n will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o he_o err_v and_o dote_v but_o now_o when_o as_o many_o man_n do_v labour_n to_o expound_v they_o and_o that_o after_o divers_a manner_n and_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n they_o receive_v the_o chief_a commendation_n and_o applause_n by_o who_o exposition_n he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o better_a poet_n and_o he_o be_v conceive_v and_o believe_v even_o by_o those_o that_o understand_v he_o not_o not_o only_o to_o have_v commit_v no_o fault_n nor_o error_n but_o to_o have_v say_v nothing_o which_o do_v not_o deserve_v much_o glory_n and_o praise_v and_o therefore_o if_o a_o master_n fail_v but_o in_o a_o small_a question_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v we_o be_v rather_o angry_a and_o offend_v with_o he_o than_o we_o will_v conceive_v that_o by_o any_o fault_n commit_v by_o maro_n he_o be_v silent_a and_o dumb_a but_o if_o a_o master_n shall_v in_o his_o own_o defence_n affirm_v that_o so_o great_a a_o author_n have_v commit_v a_o fault_n he_o will_v loose_v so_o much_o credit_n and_o reputation_n thereby_o that_o his_o scholar_n will_v hardly_o continue_v with_o he_o even_o though_o he_o shall_v hire_v they_o with_o wage_n and_o reward_n how_o great_a a_o matter_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o give_v so_o much_o credit_n to_o those_o writer_n by_o who_o mouth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v speak_v as_o antiquity_n confirm_v by_o a_o long_a continuance_n do_v testify_v and_o declare_v but_o we_o forsooth_o being_n very_o wise_a young_a man_n and_o wonderful_a searcher_n of_o reason_n not_o have_v so_o much_o as_o peruse_v those_o book_n nor_o seek_v out_o master_n to_o expound_v they_o unto_o we_o nor_o somewhat_o accuse_v our_o own_o slowness_n herein_o nor_o hold_v they_o to_o have_v any_o judgement_n or_o understanding_n who_o affirm_v that_o those_o work_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v read_v keep_v and_o expound_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o that_o no_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o be_v move_v by_o their_o word_n who_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o offend_v with_o they_o by_o who_o we_o be_v enforce_v with_o a_o false_a promise_n of_o
thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o know_v nor_o understand_v we_o be_v vindicate_v and_o defend_v from_o the_o rashness_n and_o temerity_n of_o opinative_a man_n as_o for_o they_o that_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o we_o know_v they_o have_v only_a regard_n to_o the_o name_n of_o opinion_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o base_a and_o ignominious_a but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v consider_v attentive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n whither_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v a_o thing_n or_o whither_o be_v move_v by_o some_o authority_n he_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o he_o know_v not_o he_o shall_v certain_o shun_v and_o avoid_v the_o crime_n both_o of_o error_n inhumanity_n and_o pride_n observation_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o retractation_n and_o fourteen_o chapter_n will_v have_v those_o word_n the_o one_o which_o have_v already_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v most_o happy_a and_o most_o bless_a so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v most_o bless_a not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o that_o which_o we_o hope_v for_o and_o unto_o which_o we_o go_v by_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o who_o be_v there_o already_o whither_o we_o by_o seek_v and_o believe_v that_o be_v by_o embrace_v the_o way_n of_o faith_n do_v desire_n to_o arrive_v and_o again_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o word_n to_o understand_v great_a and_o worthy_a and_o divine_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a thing_n aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o eternal_a beatitude_n and_o upon_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n whither_o any_o thing_n be_v comprehend_v by_o certain_a reason_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o say_v be_v to_o understand_v or_o whither_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o common_a fame_n or_o write_v to_o be_v profitable_o believe_v by_o posterity_n and_o upon_o these_o that_o we_o understand_v we_o attribute_v it_o to_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v to_o authority_n he_o make_v this_o explication_n this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o in_o common_a discourse_n we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o say_v we_o know_v that_o which_o we_o believe_v by_o credible_a witness_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v proper_o we_o be_v only_o say_v to_o know_v that_o which_o we_o comprehend_v by_o firm_a reason_n of_o mind_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v with_o word_n more_o fit_a to_o be_v common_o use_v as_o the_o scripture_n also_o speak_v we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v both_o that_o which_o we_o perceive_v by_o our_o corporal_a sense_n and_o which_o we_o believe_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o credible_a witness_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o we_o understand_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o chap._n xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n if_o that_o which_o be_v not_o know_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o ask_v then_o how_o can_v child_n obey_v parent_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o mutual_a love_n and_o affection_n who_o they_o may_v believe_v not_o to_o be_v their_o parent_n for_o that_o who_o be_v their_o father_n it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o mother_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mother_n she_o often_o be_v not_o believe_v but_o midwife_n nurse_n and_o servant_n for_o if_o her_o child_n may_v be_v steal_v from_o she_o and_o another_o put_v in_o the_o place_n can_v she_o deceive_v be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o any_o doubt_n and_o stagger_v at_o all_o that_o which_o we_o confess_v we_o can_v know_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v so_o who_o see_v not_o but_o that_o piety_n the_o most_o holy_a tie_n and_o bond_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v violate_v and_o defile_v by_o a_o most_o proud_a wickedness_n and_o offence_n for_o who_o though_o he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n can_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o blame_n who_o do_v perform_v his_o oblige_a duty_n unto_o those_o who_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o parent_n although_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o will_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o have_v he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o man_n who_o will_v not_o love_v those_o which_o perhaps_o be_v his_o true_a parent_n for_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v love_v those_o that_o be_v false_a one_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o nothing_o at_o all_o remain_v safe_a and_o secure_a in_o humane_a society_n if_o once_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o can_v know_v nor_o understand_v but_o now_o hear_v that_o whereby_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o shall_v at_o the_o present_a more_o easy_o draw_v and_o persuade_v thou_o that_o see_v the_o question_n be_v concern_v religion_n that_o be_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n those_o be_v less_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o hearken_v unto_o who_o most_o ready_o promise_v reason_n do_v forbid_v and_o prohibit_v we_o to_o believe_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o all_o man_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o wise_a man_n i_o call_v not_o those_o wiseman_n here_o that_o be_v prudent_a ingenious_a and_o witty_a but_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o as_o firm_a and_o certain_a a_o knowledge_n both_o of_o divine_a and_o humane_a thing_n as_o man_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v and_o do_v lead_v their_o life_n and_o frame_v their_o manner_n conformable_a thereunto_o but_o as_o for_o other_o how_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a soever_o they_o be_v or_o whither_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v or_o dispraise_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o life_n i_o repute_v and_o account_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n which_o be_v so_o what_o man_n though_o but_o of_o a_o slender_a understanding_n do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o profitable_a for_o fool_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n and_o command_n of_o wise_a man_n then_o to_o frame_v and_o order_v their_o life_n according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o fancy_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o do_v it_o be_v a_o fault_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v by_o any_o mean_n right_o do_v which_o do_v not_o flow_v and_o proceed_v from_o right_a reason_n now_o right_a reason_n be_v virtue_n itself_o but_o among_o what_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v virtue_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n wherefore_o the_o wiseman_n only_o offend_v not_o but_o every_o fool_n offend_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o action_n wherein_o he_o do_v obey_v a_o wise_a man_n for_o such_o action_n do_v proceed_v from_o right_a reason_n nor_o be_v the_o fool_n to_o be_v accounr_v master_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o his_o own_o action_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n or_o servant_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v better_a for_o all_o man_n not_o to_o offend_v then_o to_o offend_v very_o all_o fool_n will_v live_v better_a if_o they_o can_v be_v servant_n to_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o this_o without_o doubt_n be_v fit_a and_o expedient_a in_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o in_o buy_v or_o till_v a_o field_n in_o marry_v a_o wife_n in_o the_o education_n and_o breed_n of_o child_n and_o final_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o private_a affair_n much_o more_o be_v it_o expedient_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o humane_a thing_n be_v both_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v then_o divine_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o excellent_a we_o sin_v so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_o and_o dangerous_o by_o how_o much_o we_o owe_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a honour_n reverence_n and_o respect_n wherefore_o thou_o see_v that_o from_o hence_o forth_o there_o remain_v nothing_o more_o for_o we_o to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v fool_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o good_a and_o a_o religious_a life_n to_o seek_v out_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n that_o by_o obey_v of_o they_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o feel_v the_o dominion_n of_o folly_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o at_o the_o length_n we_o may_v become_v wise_a man_n ourselves_o a_o observation_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o retraction_n and_o fourteen_o chapter_n advertise_v that_o his_o division_n of_o man_n into_o wise_a man_n and_o fool_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o man_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v
frequent_o to_o see_v they_o those_o thing_n be_v therefore_o most_o fit_o do_v that_o a_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o propagate_v by_o they_o profitable_a authority_n may_v be_v convert_v into_o custom_n themselves_o a_o observation_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n and_o 14._o chapter_n allege_v these_o word_n why_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n do_v now_o because_o they_o will_v not_o move_v unless_o they_o be_v wonderful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a they_o be_v not_o wonderful_a and_o expound_v they_o thus_o this_o i_o say_v because_o not_o so_o great_a nor_o all_o miracle_n be_v do_v now_o but_o not_o that_o none_o be_v also_o now_o do_v chap._n xvii_o the_o cousent_n of_o nation_n believe_v in_o christ_n all_o custom_n have_v such_o virtue_n power_n to_o win_v the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o we_o soon_o can_v condemn_v and_o detest_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v naught_o and_o wicked_a in_o they_o then_o forsake_v or_o change_v they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o most_o part_n come_v to_o pass_v when_o as_o our_o unlawful_a appetite_n and_o deseres_fw-la have_v get_v a_o dominion_n and_o predominancy_n over_o we_o do_v not_o thou_o think_v that_o great_a care_n have_v be_v take_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o not_o only_o divers_a most_o learned_a man_n do_v argue_v and_o contend_v that_o nothing_o that_o be_v earthly_a nothing_o that_o be_v fiery_a final_o nothing_o that_o be_v perceptible_a by_o the_o corporal_a sense_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v for_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o entreat_v and_o supplicate_v only_o by_o the_o understanding_n or_o intellectual_a power_n but_o also_o that_o the_o unskilful_a multitude_n of_o both_o sex_n do_v in_o so_o many_o and_o so_o divers_a nation_n both_o believe_v it_o and_o publish_v it_o that_o there_o be_v continency_n and_o forbearance_n of_o meat_n even_o to_o the_o most_o slender_a diet_n of_o bread_n and_o water_n and_o fasting_n not_o for_o one_o day_n only_o but_o also_o continue_v for_o divers_a day_n together_o that_o there_o be_v chastity_n even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o marriage_n and_o issue_n that_o there_o be_v patience_n even_o to_o the_o contemn_v of_o cross_n and_o flame_n that_o there_o be_v liberality_n even_o to_o the_o distribution_n of_o patrimony_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o final_o so_o great_a a_o disesteem_v and_o contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o this_o world_n that_o even_o death_n itself_o be_v wish_v and_o desire_v few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v these_o thing_n few_o that_o do_v they_o well_o and_o prudent_o yet_o the_o people_n do_v approve_v they_o harken_v unto_o they_o and_o like_o they_o yea_o they_o love_v and_o affect_v they_o and_o not_o without_o some_o progress_n of_o their_o mind_n towards_o god_n and_o certain_a spark_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n they_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o imbecility_n that_o they_o can_v do_v these_o thing_n this_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o humanity_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o voyage_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o contumely_n cross_n blood_n and_o death_n of_o martyr_n by_o the_o laudable_a and_o excellent_a life_n of_o saint_n and_o by_o miracle_n do_v at_o convenient_a time_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n worthy_a of_o so_o great_a matter_n and_o virtue_n when_o as_o therefore_o we_o see_v so_o great_a help_n and_o affistance_n from_o god_n and_o so_o great_a fruit_n and_o entrease_v thereby_o shall_v we_o make_v any_o doubt_n or_o question_n at_o all_o of_o retire_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o church_n which_o even_o to_o the_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a by_o succession_n of_o bishop_n have_v obtain_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o principal_a authority_n heretic_n in_o vain_a bark_n round_o about_o it_o and_o be_v condemn_v partly_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o people_n themselves_o partly_o by_o the_o gravity_n of_o counsel_n partly_o also_o by_o the_o majesty_n and_o splendour_n of_o miracle_n unto_o which_o not_o to_o grant_v the_o chief_a place_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v either_o indeed_o a_o extreme_a impiety_n or_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o a_o dangerous_a arrogancy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o wisdom_n and_o salvation_n but_o when_o faith_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o reason_n what_o be_v it_o else_o to_o be_v ungraetfull_a unto_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n but_o to_o have_v a_o will_v to_o resist_v a_o authority_n which_o be_v gain_v and_o purchase_v with_o such_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o if_o every_o art_n and_o trade_n though_o but_o base_a and_o easy_a require_v a_o teacher_n or_o master_n that_o it_o may_v be_v learned_a and_o understand_v what_o great_a expression_n can_v there_o be_v of_o rash_a arrogancy_n and_o pride_n then_o both_o to_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o learn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n from_o their_o interpreter_n and_o yet_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o condemn_v the_o unknown_a chap._n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n wherefore_o if_o either_o reason_n or_o our_o discourse_n have_v any_o way_n move_v thou_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o true_a care_n of_o thyself_o as_o i_o believe_v thou_o have_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o hearken_v and_o give_v ear_n unto_o i_o and_o with_o a_o pious_a faith_n a_o cheerful_a hope_n and_o sincere_a charity_n to_o address_v thyself_o to_o good_a master_n of_o catholic_n christianity_n and_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n without_o cease_v and_o intermission_n by_o who_o only_a goodness_n we_o be_v make_v and_o create_v by_o who_o justice_n we_o be_v punish_v and_o chastise_v and_o by_o who_o clemency_n we_o be_v free_v and_o redeem_v by_o which_o mean_n thou_o shall_v neither_o want_v the_o instruction_n and_o disputation_n of_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_a nor_o book_n nor_o clear_a and_o quiet_a thought_n whereby_o thou_o may_v easy_o find_v that_o which_o thou_o seek_v and_o as_o for_o those_o verbal_a and_o wretched_a man_n for_o how_o can_v i_o speak_v more_o mild_o of_o they_o forsake_v they_o altogether_o who_o find_v out_o nothing_o but_o mischief_n and_o evil_a whilst_o they_o seek_v to_o much_o for_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o which_o question_n they_o stir_v up_o oftentimes_o their_o hearer_n to_o inquire_v and_o search_v but_o they_o teach_v they_o those_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o always_o to_o sleep_v then_o to_o watch_v and_o take_v great_a pain_n after_o that_o manner_n for_o they_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o a_o lethargy_n or_o drowsy_a evil_n and_o make_v they_o frantic_a between_o which_o discase_n whereas_o both_o be_v most_o common_o mortal_a yet_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o lethargy_n do_v die_v without_o trouble_v or_o molest_v other_o but_o the_o frautike_a man_n be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a unto_o many_o and_o unto_o those_o especial_o that_o seek_v to_o assist_v he_o for_o neither_o be_v god_n the_o author_n of_o evil_a nor_o have_v it_o ever_o repent_v he_o to_o have_v make_v any_o thing_n nor_o be_v he_o trouble_v with_o a_o storm_n of_o any_o commotion_n or_o stir_v of_o the_o mind_n nor_o be_v a_o particle_n or_o piece_n of_o earth_n his_o kingdom_n he_o neither_o approve_v nor_o command_v any_o heinous_a crime_n or_o offence_n he_o never_o lie_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n do_v move_v and_o trouble_v we_o when_o they_o do_v strong_o oppose_v they_o and_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o feign_v this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v a_o most_o absolute_a falsehood_n and_o untruth_n wherefore_o i_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v right_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v those_o thing_n what_o then_o have_v i_o learn_v what_o think_v thou_o but_o that_o when_o they_o reprove_v those_o thing_n the_o catholic_a doctrine_n be_v not_o reprehend_v so_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o learn_v among_o they_o i_o hold_v and_o retain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v false_a and_o untrue_a i_o refuse_v and_o reject_v but_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v also_o teach_v i_o many_o other_o thing_n whereunto_o those_o man_n be_v pale_a and_o without_o blood_n in_o their_o body_n both_o gross_a and_o heavy_a in_o their_o understanding_n can_v aspire_v namely_o that_o god_n have_v no_o body_n that_o no_o part_n of_o he_o
can_v be_v perceive_v by_o corporal_a eye_n that_o nothing_o of_o his_o substance_n and_o his_o nature_n be_v any_o way_n vioable_a or_o changeable_a or_o compound_v or_o frame_v which_o thing_n if_o thou_o grant_v i_o to_o be_v true_a as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o frame_v any_o other_o conceit_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o their_o subtle_a devise_n and_o shift_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrnow_v but_o how_o it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o cause_v nor_o do_v any_o evil_a and_o that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o have_v be_v any_o nature_n and_o substance_n which_o he_o have_v not_o either_o produce_v or_o make_v and_o yet_o that_o he_o free_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a be_v a_o thing_n approve_v upon_o so_o necessary_a reason_n and_o ground_n that_o no_o doubt_n at_o all_o can_v be_v make_v thereof_o especial_o by_o thou_o and_o such_o as_o thou_o be_v if_o so_o be_v that_o to_o their_o good_a wit_n they_o join_v piety_n and_o a_o certain_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o at_o all_o of_o so_o great_a matter_n can_v be_v conceive_v and_o understand_v and_o here_o be_v no_o report_n of_o great_a and_o large_a promise_n make_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o persian_a fable_n a_o tale_n more_o fit_a to_o be_v tell_v to_o child_n then_o to_o ingenious_a and_o witty_a man_n and_o as_o for_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o far_a other_o thing_n then_o the_o manichee_n do_v foolish_o imagine_v and_o conceive_v but_o because_o i_o have_v make_v a_o far_o long_a discourse_n than_o i_o think_v to_o have_v do_v let_v i_o here_o end_v this_o book_n wherein_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o begin_v to_o refute_v the_o manichee_n and_o impugn_v those_o toy_n nor_o to_o have_v expound_v any_o great_a matter_n of_o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n but_o that_o my_o only_a intent_n be_v to_o have_v root_v out_o of_o thou_o if_o i_o can_v the_o false_a opinion_n of_o true_a christian_n which_o have_v be_v malicious_o or_o unskilful_o insinuate_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o stir_v thou_o up_o to_o the_o learning_n of_o certain_a great_a and_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o i_o will_v put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o work_n and_o if_o it_o make_v thy_o mind_n more_o quiet_a and_o content_a i_o shall_v peradventure_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o serve_v thou_o in_o other_o thing_n finis_fw-la saint_n augustine_n care_n for_o the_o dead_a or_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr curâ_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la translate_v into_o english_a the_o second_o edition_n revise_v and_o correct_v print_v anno_fw-la dom._n mdcli_o aurelius_n augustin_n to_o paulin_n bishop_n concern_v care_n for_o the_o dead_a chap._n i._n i_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n your_o debtor_n venerable_a brother_n &_o fellow_n bishop_n paulinus_n keep_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o place_n where_o their_o body_n or_o relic_n be_v keep_v for_o the_o letter_n you_o send_v i_o by_o the_o servant_n of_o our_o most_o religious_a sister_n flora_n wherein_o you_o propound_v a_o question_n viz._n whither_o it_o profit_v any_o one_o after_o his_o decease_n to_o have_v his_o body_n bury_v at_o the_o memory_n of_o some_o saint_n for_o this_o it_o seem_v the_o above_z mention_v widow_n have_v inquire_v of_o you_o concern_v her_o son_n decease_v in_o those_o part_n to_o who_o you_o have_v return_v answer_n to_o her_o comfort_n signify_v withal_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v which_o with_o such_o maternal_a and_o pious_a affection_n she_o desire_v namely_o to_o have_v the_o corpse_n of_o the_o faithful_a youth_n cynegius_n depart_v put_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a confessor_n faelix_fw-la by_o occasion_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o you_o write_v also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o i_o by_o the_o same_o messenger_n intimate_v the_o question_n abovesaid_a and_o demand_v my_o opinion_n therein_o yet_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o you_o do_v not_o altogether_o conceal_v your_o own_o for_o you_o say_v the_o desire_n of_o those_o faithful_a religious_a mind_n which_o procure_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o you_o to_o be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n dead_a note_v this_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a can_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n so_o as_o that_o even_o thence_o we_o ought_v to_o conjecture_v that_o it_o be_v of_o some_o avail_n for_o a_o man_n after_o his_o death_n if_o by_o his_o faithful_a friend_n live_v such_o a_o place_n be_v provide_v for_o the_o interment_n of_o his_o body_n as_o may_v procure_v he_o the_o assistance_n or_o patronage_n of_o some_o saint_n but_o you_o say_v withal_o dead_a patronage_n of_o saint_n useful_a for_o the_o dead_a that_o although_o this_o be_v so_o yet_o you_o see_v not_o sufficient_o how_o the_o opinion_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o say_v we_o shall_v all_o stand_v at_o christ_n tribunal_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o body_n whither_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n for_o say_v you_o without_o all_o doubt_n this_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o shall_v profit_v we_o after_o death_n must_v be_v do_v before_o viz._n in_o our_o life_n therefore_o not_o then_o to_o be_v do_v when_o every_o one_o be_v to_o receive_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v already_o but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v resolve_v thus_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v procure_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o life_n which_o we_o lead_v here_o in_o the_o body_n that_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o shall_v do_v we_o good_a after_o we_o be_v depart_v and_o so_o it_o hold_v true_a still_o that_o according_a to_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n man_n receive_v purgatory_n saint_n august_n in_o his_o enchiridion_n ad_fw-la laurentium_fw-la chap._n 110._o assert_n these_o threefold_a sort_n of_o christian_n whereof_o the_o middle_a sort_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o help_n after_o this_o life_n which_o clear_o conclude_v purgatory_n yea_o when_o they_o receive_v benefit_n by_o what_o be_v do_v for_o they_o religious_o after_o their_o decease_n for_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o who_o the_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o will_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o all_o to_o wit_n either_o those_o who_o have_v live_v so_o ill_o that_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v holpen_v by_o they_o or_o those_o who_o have_v live_v so_o well_o they_o need_v not_o it_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o life_n which_o every_o one_o lead_v in_o this_o body_n that_o the_o thing_n religious_o do_v for_o they_o after_o the_o body_n do_v either_o profit_n or_o not_o profit_v at_o all_o for_o certain_o if_o no_o merit_n be_v acquire_v in_o this_o life_n by_o which_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v render_v profitable_a to_o a_o man_n after_o his_o death_n dead_a note_v the_o church_n use_v then_o a_o office_n of_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v then_o that_o be_v to_o say_v after_o he_o be_v dead_a in_o vain_a to_o seek_v it_o so_o we_o see_v neither_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o our_o own_o care_n of_o our_o decease_a friend_n be_v idle_a or_o vain_a and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o receive_v according_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whither_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n our_o lord_n himself_o render_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n for_o as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v procure_v by_o the_o life_n a_o man_n lead_v in_o the_o body_n that_o what_o be_v thus_o do_v for_o he_o shall_v profit_v he_o after_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a and_o to_o have_v say_v only_o thus_o much_o may_v i_o conceive_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o your_o demand_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o unworthy_a our_o consideration_n i_o shall_v crave_v your_o attention_n yet_o a_o little_a further_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o macchabee_n scripture_n macchabee_n allege_v for_o scripture_n that_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o dead_a and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o all_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o ancient_a scripture_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v clear_a for_o this_o custom_n be_v not_o light_o to_o be_v regard_v dead_a universal_a custom_n of_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a mass_n for_o the_o dead_a where_o in_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o priest_n make_v unto_o our_o lord_n god_n stand_v at_o his_o altar_n recommendation_n of_o the_o dead_a have_v its_o due_a